Disclaimer: Me: Now, Kurapika and Kuroro... KISS!
Kurapika: What the hell are you saying?!
Kuroro: ...
Me: Oooppss... Sorry... I forgot I don't own you two... *awkward smile*
Summary: Tired of constantly being haunted by his past, Kurapika decides to follow his friends' advice of forgetting his revenge. He's contented anyway, having recovered almost half of his clan's eyes. It's time for him to rest and move on with his life. With his friends' help, he realized that there's no point in wasting his life on revenge and hatred. However, one man wants to deprive him of that peaceful life he so much wishes. What happens when Kuroro Lucifer returns from his 'exile' and tries to make the Kuruta's life a living hell?
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Chapter 20
Reflection
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Three days passed since the events in the Southern borders. The Spiders returned back to the city centre safely with a half-recovered Kuroro. Their leader woke up just after he was rehydrated enough thanks to Kurapika and Leorio's efforts. Before the Phoenix reinforcements caught up to them, they've already escaped from their Headquarters and used the wagon they prepared to head back.
Fortunately, the weather wasn't as harsh as it was a few weeks ago and so they were able to return fast without interruptions. As expected, the Council members were furious for the Spiders disobeying their orders, and demanded for their presence inside the Council building for them to receive their punishment.
That is how they ended up standing in front of the Council members, waiting for one of them to speak up. Kurapika went with them as well, to present some evidence to the old men. They noticed that Council Head Thea is absent, which is odd.
A few moments of silence later, one of the Council members, probably the one second to Thea, stood up, glaring down at the Spiders.
"In the absence of Kuroro Lucifer, we issued an order not to go back to the Southern border to rescue him." he started, his voice clearly mirroring his disappointment. "Pray tell why you disobeyed it when you know direct orders from the Council are absolute."
Shalnark was assigned to explain their situation and he was ready to do so, but Kurapika beat him to it. The blond stepped forward for the Council members to see him clearly. He's wearing his chains on his right hand, readying himself to show the evidence.
"It's all my plan, Sir." Kurapika started calmly. "I forced the Spiders to help me rescue Kuroro Lucifer."
One of the Council members scoffed. "Aren't you a Spider? Then you've disobeyed a direct order as well."
"I'm not a Spider." his voice was firm. "I don't have the Spider tattoo anywhere on my body. You're free to check if you doubt me."
There was a moment of silence again, before the first Council member spoke. "Let's say you're not a Spider and you forced the Ryodan to aid you. But they are powerful enough to resist you, young man. Why didn't they?" he asked. "They clearly did it willingly."
"Actually, they did resist me." Kurapika smirked knowingly. "However, I posses in me an ability that could kill the Spiders if they disobey me. The Sword of Oath."
The Council members suddenly started talking with each other, murmuring under their breaths after hearing what Kurapika said. Another Council member, this time a woman, stood up and spoke what's in her mind.
"I don't believe you." She stated. "Where is your evidence?"
Kurapika's smirk widened even more and he willed his eyes to turn scarlet. Then, he summoned his Judgement chain and held out his hand. "This is the Sword of Oath; my Judgement chain." he grinned when an idea came inside his head. "Would you like to try it out."
"T-try it out?" the woman Council member stuttered. "How does it work?"
"I can't fully explain. But here's what I can tell you, Miss." the Judgement chain suddenly floated when Kurapika controlled it with his nen. "I can use this chain to order you not to say another annoying word. If you do, it will kill you."
The Council members were enraged with his words. Threatening to kill a Council member is a great crime in Ryuusegai. Behind Kurapika, the Spiders were amazed on how he can use the proper words to make someone cower and shake with fear. His red eyes, which some superstitious Council members believed to come from the devil, added to the scary effect of his aura. Looks like his training with Kuroro paid off.
"So..." Kurapika's eyes glowed even brighter. "...would you like to try it out?"
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"Kurapika!" Gon yelled happily when he saw the Kuruta coming back from the Council building along with the Spiders that were called.
"Gon." the blond called out a approached the boy.
"Oi, Kurapika." Leorio called out grumpily. "Shouldn't you be escaping now before the Spider Head wakes up?" he asked.
Kurapika looked reluctant to answer and Killua noticed it.
"Let him do what he wants." the ex-assassin said casually. "Hisoka said the Spiders won't harm us. And since Gon trusts him, I'll trust him as well."
The blond can't help but smile at his friend's words. Gon and Leorio looked convinced. It is always Killua who can think rationally in situations like this. Kurapika had to admit that the silver-haired boy is much more mature than he is. Unlike him, Killua doesn't get easily overwhelmed by petty emotions in critical times.
"Kurapika." this time, it was Fritz who called him out. "Kuroro's awake. You might want to see him." he informed and the blond acknowledged it with a nod before heading upstairs.
"Really? Danchou's awake?" Nobunaga asked excitedly and attempted to follow the Kuruta. But before he could even take one step, both Machi and Shalnark pulled him back by his collar to stop him.
"Idiot! Read the situation first before acting!" Shalnark scolded the confused samurai.
"Oi! What's with you? I just want to see Danchou!"
Machi sighed. "And do you think you're the first person Danchou wants to see?"
"And what do you mean by that?" Nobunaga asked angrily when he got out of their grasps.
"It means Danchou might faint again if he sees your face." Phinx jokingly explained, earning an angry retort from the samurai.
Gon, Killua, and Leorio just watched surprisingly at how the Spider behaved. They bond like best of friends, just like the four of them. They fight over food, they joke with each other all the time, and then make up after a while.
Looks like they're starting to understand Kurapika's decision of staying little by little.
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Upon gently entering Kuroro's room, Kurapika found him sleeping again. He couldn't blame him. The man must have been very tired from the things he went through in the past week. Even after being tortured and forced to wait for his death for five days, he remained strong. Kurapika admired his will to remain alive. If he were an ordinary person, he would have already begged for his death.
Slowly, Kurapika made his way towards the small bedside table where Leorio put some medicine and water for the man. Kuroro contracted a small fever on the way that is why a basin of lukewarm water and a wet cloth to cool him down is present. He then sat down on a chair near the bed, gazing silently at the man.
On their way back, Kuroro never let his hand go even for a second. If he tried to untangle from him, his grip would unconsciously tighten, leaving the blond no choice but to let it be. After arriving here in the Spiders' building, Kuroro had been unconscious for three days, occasionally waking up every now and then and immediately go back to sleep. Thankfully, Machi provided some dextrose for him so that his body will not die from hunger.
Kurapika closed his eyes and sighed as he leaned back on his chair. He remembered how Kuroro looked like when he saw him inside that Steen stone room. He was horrified to the point that his mind went blank for a second. What he couldn't understand more is why he felt like crying. He had seen Kuroro in a bloody mess before. He had seen him pierced by an ink spike back in Heppner country, causing a large wound and almost unstoppable bleeding.
So why did he feel that way? Is it because of the fact that Kuroro was in that state because of him?
His chest tightened. What is this feeling?
"Why are you crying?"
Kurapika's eyes snapped open and he looked back at Kuroro. He found him in a sitting position, with his back leaning against the wooden headboard of his bed. His hair was messy and it covered his eyes, making it difficult for Kurapika to make eye contact.
"You're crying." he pointed out again, his voice hoarse and a bit croaky. Kurapika felt the warm fluid streaking down his cheeks and he quickly wiped them away.
"You should be lying down." the blond tried to change the subject as he stood up. "Go back to sleep."
Kuroro remained silent, but he suddenly grabbed Kurapika's hand when the blond was about to rinse the cloth, and pulled him towards the bed. Shocked, Kurapika landed with a soft thud on the bed and found himself beside him. The Spider Head weakly leaned against his shoulders, making the blond flush beet red.
"H-Hey, what are you-"
"Stay like this." Kuroro whispered, his warm breath sending shivers down the blond's spine. "Just for a while. Please."
Unable to say 'no' to his plea, Kurapika stayed still, letting the man rest on his shoulder while holding on to his hand. They stayed like that for a while, silently enjoying each other's company.
"I heard everything from Fritz." Kuroro suddenly spoke. "About what you did." Kurapika stayed silent, not knowing what else to say. This is kind of awkward for him. "Thank you."
"You saved me many times before. I ought to repa-" he stopped midway when Kuroro suddenly snake both arms around his lithe waist. He flushed even more, if that's even possible. "W-Wait-!"
"Why didn't you escape?" he cut Kurapika off. "You know that I will never let you go if I return. But you still saved me. Why?"
"I..." the blond is having trouble thinking. This is a strange development for him and he has no idea how to handle it.
"Well, I guess it doesn't matter." the Spider Head shrugged. "You're here. That's what matters now."
"Did your fever come back?" Maybe the reason he's acting this way is because his fever rose up again. Kurapika tried to reach for his forehead, but the man leaned away without letting his waist go.
Kuroro chuckled a little. "I'm fine now."
"Then let me go before I knock you out again."
But the man is not listening. "A moment ago, why were you crying?" he asked again his first question, making Kurapika flinch. "Were you crying for me?"
"N-No!" this time, the blond tried to wiggle himself out of his grip. "I'm not, so let go of me. Since you're talking this much, you must be well now. Let go!" but Kuroro tightened his hold even more.
"Kurapika." he gently called out. His voice seemed to affect the blond in some way because he stopped struggling almost immediately.
Kuroro knows what he's doing. His actions are not due to the fever because he feels perfectly fine. He has been holding himself back from touching him all this time. But now, he has nothing to worry about. Thea can no longer interfere because he will bring her down any time soon. For now, he wants to be with this person no matter what.
Maybe it's time for him to show Kurapika what he really is to him; what he really means in his life.
Kurapika went stiff when Kuroro's hand rose up and touched his cheek. He suddenly felt weak under this man's meaningful gaze. He was reminded of their fleeting moment back under the cliff, when Kuroro suddenly did what he never expected the man to do.
"Stay by my side." Kuroro whispered as he leaned forward, eyes solely looking at the most precious person in his life. "Forever." he didn't care whether he sounded sappy or too clichéd. Kuroro has no idea when it all started, but it doesn't matter. Nothing matters right now except for Kurapika.
He gently brushed his lips against Kurapika's, their heartbeats elevating. Kurapika's mind went hazy and almost blank, with only Kuroro's characteristic scent keeping him conscious. When the kiss went deeper, the blond gasp, feeling Kuroro's tongue intruding. Kuroro then pulled back, wanting to see whether Kurapika is adjusting with this sudden turn of events. When he saw how flushed his face is, he couldn't contain it any more.
As if energized, Kuroro pulled the blond closer to him and took his lips once more, more aggressive this time. With a little movement, he change their position, such that Kurapika is lying on the bed and with him hovering on top. Kurapika did not put up any resistance whatsoever. Instead, he even wound his arms around his neck and kissed Kuroro back.
His actions clearly say one thing; he reciprocates whatever Kuroro is feeling for him.
Just when he was about to take his shirt off, Kuroro suddenly felt a jolt of pain near his abdomen. He broke the kiss abruptly and groaned in pain. Noticing this, Kurapika quickly got up.
"See? You're not yet well." he tried to make his voice reprimanding, but the earlier contact made him breathless and dizzy.
"I'm fine." Kuroro stubbornly insisted while clutching his abdomen. The muscle soreness from all those whipping still hasn't disappeared completely despite the wounds already healed.
"I don't think so." Kurapika pushed him away gently and got out of the bed. "Lie down." he ordered and grabbed an ointment from the bedside table. Kuroro sighed and relented, lying down just as instructed. "Apply this on you. This should ease the pain."
Kuroro raised an eyebrow. "I'm the patient here. Do it for me."
"You're well enough to do it yourself, jerk."
"Your words contradict what you said a while ago." he smirked. He didn't know teasing his Kurapika could be this enjoyable and amusing.
Flushing, Kurapika sighed and uncapped the ointment. "Lift your shirt." the blond ordered while dipping two fingers into the cream. He then gently applied it to the part where Kuroro felt the pain. He's not a clumsy person by nature, but now is a different story.
"I'm surprised you're calm enough to do this even after I've kissed you." he said casually and Kurapika almost dropped the container. How could the man say such embarassing things like it's the most mundane thing in the world?
He was about to retort when they heard a couple of gentle knocks from the door.
"Kurapika? Is Danchou awake?" Shalnark's voice came and he opened the door, letting his head in to peek a little. "Oh, he is." then, he furrowed his eyebrows when he noticed the blond flushing. "Did I interrupt something?" he asked.
"No, you didn't." Kurapika stood up. "And your bastard leader is awake now." he then angrily stomped out of the room.
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When finally alone, Shalnark turned his attention to Kuroro. "What did you do this time, Danchou?"
Kuroro just smiled as he pulled down his shirt. "He's upset we weren't able to finish something we started." he casually explained and the Spider blushed lightly, thinking of some things that the two 'started but did not finish'. "What did you come here for, Shal?"
Shalnark coughed a little then occupied the seat Kurapika previously used. "The Council is in a disarray, Danchou. Council Head Thea has bee missing for several days now."
"That's only natural. She has been conspiring with the Phoenix the whole time so she had to run away before the Council members find out."
"She's the one who kidnapped you?!"
"And the first one to torture me." Kuroro sat up once again. "Anyway, the Council will find out sooner or later."
"There's another thing, Danchou. The Council wants you to act as the temporary Council Head in Thea's absence."
Kuroro's expression turned dark. "I won't accept it. Even if it's temporary."
"That's what I told them, but they insisted."
"The answer is still the same. I will not take over."
"All right. I'll deliver your reply." Shalnark said before standing up. "But they also mentioned that if you refuse, you should at least suggest someone who will take the position willingly."
Kuroro went quiet for a moment. Leaving the Council Head position empty will surely affect the way things run inside Ryuusegai. But no matter what the reason is, he will never become the Council Head even if it's just temporary. He knew how the minds of the Council members work. They will surely make a trap for him that will force him to stay on the position permanently.
Kuroro smiled when the image of a certain person entered his head. "I know just the right guy."
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3 days later...
"M-Me?" Fritz asked, pointing at himself.
"Who else suits the job of a Council Head? You're the only one I could think of." Kuroro explained.
It's a fine morning and everything seems to have returned to normal. Kuroro is now fully recovered and he went back to the usual things he does as the Spider Head. He was quite surprised to see Kurapika's friends staying inside his building, but he did not comment in it. It looks like those three are waiting for a chance to take back the blond with them
It's not like Kuroro is worried about Kurapika escaping. He's more careful of not hurting those three or else Kurapika will hate him for life. That is what he's more worried about.
But right now, he has another thing he should take care of.
"But why me?" Fritz asked again, trying to make out some sense from his friend's words. "I know that I've always liked the idea of being the Council Head but..."
"You're the only one I could trust, Fritz." Kuroro replied. "And besides, you should make yourself useful sometimes."
"Is that an insult, Kuroro?" the guy pouted childishly.
Ignoring it, the Spider Head explained further. "It's also a temporary job."
Fritz scratched his chin, thinking. "Are you sure about me being the Council Head? I mean, if I become one, I can order you around freely." he grinned mischievously.
"Oh god, no." Phinx silently muttered, horrified at the thought. The other Spiders shared the same sentiments with him.
"Try doing that and you can forget we even became friends." Kuroro warned him, also not comfortable with the image of Fritz giving him orders whenever he likes.
"Nah. Just kidding." the guy teased as he put an arm around Kuroro's shoulders. "And you just admitted that were friends."
Kuroro shrugged his arm off. "So, will you take it?" he asked again.
"Well, since you begged me to, I guess I just have to do it." Fritz replied, all high and mighty. "And the first order I'll give is for you guys to never call me by my real name. Ha! Sweet!"
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Kurapika sat alone on the building's rooftop where Fritz usually stays during his free time. The wind is not as fresh as the breeze from the ocean but also not as disgusting as what outsiders think. He wanted to be by himself to contemplate about what to do next now that Kuroro is back. The man said it himself that he will not let him go and to be honest, Kurapika doubt he'll go anywhere.
Just remembering what he and Kuroro did three days ago makes him flush unexpectedly. He did not feel disgusted at all. In fact, as embarrassing as it may sound, he enjoyed it.
He flushed again.
He has been unconsciously attracted with the man all this time. Kuroro has always been there by his side, protecting him and making sure he's safe. He came to his rescue many times before and even helped him in training his abilities. Kurapika always wondered what the man wanted from him ever since he kidnapped him from his house.
But it doesn't matter any more.
"What are you doing here?"
Kurapika turned to see who the intruder was and was not surprised to find Kuroro Lucifer leaning on the door of the rooftop's entrance. His arms are casually crossed above his chest, his hair dishevelled and not in a slick back style that makes look like his age. For a man of 28 years, he sure looks more like 20 because of his baby face.
"Nothing." Kurapika replied and went back to staring the surroundings.
"This city doesn't have a decent view." Kuroro said and walked towards where Kurapika is sitting.
"But the sky is nice."
"It is." the Spider Head sat down beside him.
The two became silent for a while, just enjoying the view the sky gives them. It's good that things finally went back to normal.
"Fritz will become the new Council Head." Kuroro broke the silence by giving him the good news.
"Good for him. He'll bully you to no end." Kurapika found the thought funny for he chuckled lightly.
Kuroro, upon hearing it, smiled. "That is if he's stupid enough to do that."
"Well, he is."
The Spider Head took a deep breath. "You're friends are still here." he pointed out and he noticed how Kurapika slightly tensed up.
"Of course they will still be here. They wanted me to escape with them."
"And you will?"
Kurapika scoffed. "No thank you. I won't risk losing them. This is much better than endangering their lives."
"Do you care for them that much?" he asked, but received no response. But he can see it in the blond's eyes. His friends are very precious to him. They were by his side in times when he should be. They helped him survive and moulded him into the person he is now.
Kuroro is somehow jealous. Those three got to witness how the reckless and hot-headed twelve-year old Kurapika turn into the mature and smart teen he is now.
And now that Thea is no longer around, the blond is safe. More so now that Fritz, who also cares a lot for him, is the temporary Council Head. Maybe in the future, the guy will even become the permanent Council Head. Maybe it's time for him to let him go, even though it is something he doesn't wish to do.
"You can go." Kuroro stated as calmly as possible, closing his eyes and refusing to meet Kurapika's. "Go back to your friends. Go back to the way you used to live."
The Kuruta was shocked with what he heard. "I... I can go?" Then what's the meaning of those things you asked from me? Didn't you ask me to stay by your side forever?
"That is, if you want to." the Spider Head replied. "Your abilities are no longer needed. The Spiders can do well without you." I want to keep you by my side, but at the same time, I have to stop being selfish. Kuroro always though that his insensitivity and selfish desires are the ones that truly hurt him. He wants to stop hurting him now.
Kurapika clenched his fists and bowed his head. "Fine." he then stood up. "Before the sun sets, I'll be gone." his voice was a little shaky, but he forced himself to be firm. "Goodbye then."
Kuroro forced a small smile when Kurapika hurriedly walked towards the door to go back to the common room.
When he was gone, the Spider Head chuckled and pushed back his hair, looking up to the bright blue sky; the colour of Kurapika's eyes. "I guess this is the end."
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"Those two never learn." Fritz whispered under his breath, clicking his tongue in disappointment. He has been silently observing those two from a well hidden place in the roof top and he heard most of the important parts of their conversation, including the one about him being stupid. "Maybe I should step in."
"And play matchmaker?" Shalnark asked. "I though you're in love Kurapika." he has been talking about what Fritz witnessed in the rooftop and he can't believe that after what his Danchou and Kurapika has been through together, they're still very clueless.
Fritz almost wanted to laugh. "Why would fall in love with my cute little brother? I only said that to make that dumb best friend of mine realize something. And it worked!" he then sighed. "Kuroro sure is something. Doesn't he realize that only him can make Kurapika happy?"
"Wow. You're just as sappy as Danchou is." Shalnark laughed, earning a glare from the new Council Head. "Anyway, shouldn't we do something?"
Fritz grinned a mischievous grin. "I know just what to do." he said as he rubbed his palms together, like a gangster thinking of his evil plans.
"Uh-oh." the Spider frowned. "What you're thinking can't be good."
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Author's Note: I'm so happy because my father came back from a far away place and he's here to celebrate new year with us! And because I'm very happy, I'm going to update again! I hope you all like this chapter. Kuroro is out of character, don't you think? I just don't know how to make this kind of Kuroro a sweet and caring lover. Please read and review! I love you guys!
Next: Fritz devises a sinister plan that would make Kuroro and Kurapika acknowledge that without each other's presence, things will never work out. Gon, Killua, and Leorio will play a part in this scheme so look forward to it!
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