"This is Killua- Killua Zoldyck."
Perched neatly on the couch, hot cup of tea in his frail hands, Kurapika stared down that male. Once a man that was ready and willing to kill them both, was now someone who was invited to take a seat, and respectfully told to listen as another hot cup of tea found its way into his hands. Kurapika noticed that the tapping of his fingers and hard line of his jaw, just how awkward he seemed to be feeling.
Understandable, of course. Drinking tea with someone he'd wanted to shoot was ought to do that to a person.
"I'm not about to give my life story to my enemy- and don't get me wrong, kid, you are my enemy... But there's something important I must discuss with Leorio."
That man, the man that had crushed his own body to his just ten minutes prior to protect him, took a seat next to him. He couldn't help but notice just how close Leorio chose to sit, and how he seemed guarded, ready to move even with his own cup of tea in hand.
"And I'm right here, Killua. You never just drop by- what is it?"
Killua set the tea aside; sipped only once, where it steamed from at it's place on the coffee table. Killua's form shifted, pale elbows coming to rest on his thighs, just above his knee caps. His eyes conveyed his seriousness, and despite only taking a single drink from his own cup, Kurapika set his tea aside, too.
"It's Pairo."
Kurapika turned his attention to Leorio, trying to gauge a reaction. Any reaction. The only one he got, though, was Leorio's lips forming an 'o' and the steady whisper of breath that blew on his tea to cool it. But he did speak.
"Did he shoot himself again?" Leorio said, rather nonchalantly, as if it were of little importance to him. Kurapika didn't want to make assumptions, but what he felt was that it wasn't that Leorio didn't care, but rather... that it happened often?
"Of sorts," Killua admitted, "But to be fair, Knov found something new. It was this... scope-looking thing. I've never seen it before, and the majority of the others didn't know what it was either. He gave it to Pairo to test it out- to see what it did. Pairo was able to attach it to the Mil-hash, and he asked Zushi to help. Pairo looked through that scope, measured from latitude and longitude, and fired. When he got up to check the target he'd been aiming at, he told Zushi to look through the scope and see if he'd made a hit anywhere. According to Knov, Zushi has this need to keep his finger on the trigger while he handles guns... so when Pairo reached the target, he shouted to see if Zushi saw anything, and he got a little trigger happy..."
Another soft whistle of a blow sounded from Leorio. "So it wasn't really Pairo's fault this time, then."
"No... but in Zushi's defense, Pairo could have asked anyone more skilled and more careful for help. He actually didn't need the help at all. He could have done it himself."
Leorio finally took a sip, and he sat back. "How far was the target? I'd assume that Pairo was a little intimidated due to what happened last time."
Killua's lips pursed. "It was further away than anything you've seen before. This scope- it's a remarkable piece of technology. It didn't have a brand name on it, but everyone's been on their toes trying to figure out what genius came up with such a thing. This thing... it isn't like a normal scope. This scope can be a deadly tool for a sniper. It calibrates to the gun it's connected to, and it tells you how far you can shoot at what stance..."
Kurapika immediately tensed and scooted just a little closer to Leorio. He'd been listening- there were many scopes out there- but he didn't know of a single one that calibrated itself to the type of gun used... except the one his father invented.
"I see- I'll have to take a look at Pairo, then. Since you're in no hurry, I would assume that it's not a fatal wound."
Killua's mouth opened, ready to reply- if Kurapika hadn't stood up, clasping Leorio's hand, he was sure that Killua probably would have said yes.
"I did. My family did- I... we created that scope. We were going to introduce it and then mass produce it during that party a few days ago..." He squeezed Leorio's hand, shame and embarrassment flushing his face. "I don't know how it got into the public's hands... it hasn't been mass produced, and it's a dangerous weapon that I told my father not to make, but he didn't listen. The stubborn fool..." He cursed softly.
At his sudden stand, both Leorio and Killua were on their feet, Killua's fingers twitching over the gun tucked into his pants, and Leorio with his arm outstretched, ready to protect him.
A small noise of surprise escaped him, and Kurapika quickly found himself behind Leorio, clutching the back of his shirt for dear life. He wasn't used to sudden movements; he wasn't used to danger. He felt small and stupid. All pride he had carried while sauntering about, his prestigious nature and the way he presented himself... it was falling away. Crumbling to bits. There was so much more about the world that he just didn't know, and business wasn't everything. All of this talk about guns, scopes, and doctoring... It was making him just a bit nauseous.
"Sorry- I didn't mean to... to..."
"You're okay, Kurapika. Just be careful. People like Killua... I'm sure you feel it- how on edge he is? How cautious he is?" Kurapika nodded stiffly from behind, even though Leorio couldn't see. Leorio was watching Killua too intently. "I don't know if you've also noticed, but he also hasn't turned his back to the door once. Do you remember how he was sitting? He was on the edge of the cushion, legs uncrossed, facing in the general direction of the only exit. He was also slightly shifted to the left- that way he could easily get to his weapon if he needed to."
Kurapika was taking it in, but he also didn't know why Leorio was telling him this. It was obvious in Killua's flickering blue eyes that his impatience was growing. His fingers were still twitching.
...
"Pairo." Kurapika murmured softly, turning his attention towards Killua and relaxing his grip on Leorio. The man he hid behind tensed as he slipped out of the protective shield he provided, but he brushed Leorio's arm to calm him and to reassure him. It was odd having someone suddenly so protective of him- he was still a stranger, still in a place he'd barely looked around, and facing a total stranger that Leorio seemed to know very well.
"What about Pairo?" Leorio asked gently, gaze unwavering, never leaving Killua's even though his posture relaxed a little.
"You should go see him. Go look at him. Pairo is the reason why Killua is here, right?" he asked, searching Killua's gaze.
The hesitant nod from the other confirmed what everyone already knew, but he guessed that this Pairo person was important to him. Gently, ever so cautiously, Kurapika nudged Leorio in Killua's general direction. "Go, then. You said yourself that if he's here, it must be important, right?" he asked gently. "If you go now, I'm sure it would lessen Pairo's suffering. The sooner he's looked at... the better."
Leorio's eyes fluttered shut, and a small breathy laugh escaped him, "I guess you could say I said that... in so many words. I'm surprised that you still seem level-headed. I wonder if you actually are... seeing as how Killua still intends to kill you."
Kurapika blinked, lips twisting. "I... I don't want to die of course, and I have this feeling that if you leave me here all alone that Killua will come for me, but... Pairo's life matters, doesn't it? Pairo probably has family, right? He has an important job, right?"
"He does." Killua immediately answered, "Which is why we must leave with haste. As you said, Leorio, he isn't in a critical condition, but it very well could become one if we don't hurry."
Leorio exhaled harshly, raking long fingers through the front of his hair to the back and glanced from Kurapika's innocent eyes that so gently encouraged him, to Killua's, which indeed expressed his urgency. "I'll... I'll get my stuff- but only if Kurapika comes with me."
"What?" Killua exclaimed, lips drawn back in a snarl. "He can't come!"
"He needs to- and I need your word that no one will harm him- if I'm to save Pairo."
"Leorio!" Kurapika exclaimed, "That isn't necessary! I'll... I'll get away somehow. I'll find someone-"
"That's not good enough, Kurapika," Leorio spoke sharply, "Killua is ready and able to track you down if it's necessary. You don't know what kind of person he is- you don't know what everyone around him and G-"
A hand grasped Leorio's throat in a matter of seconds; Killua's lips parted in a threatening hiss, a growl like none Kurapika had heard before. For a moment, Kurapika was worried that Killua would take his life right then and there. If Pairo really needed help, then there was always the hospital... unless he couldn't. Unless hospitals would ask questions...
"Don't. Not here." Killua hissed through clenched teeth. There was something menacing in his eyes; a look that screamed silence. A look that begged, of sorts, not to finish that sentence. While it had Kurapika curious, he felt the need to respect Killua's wishes. He tugged on Leorio's sleeve worriedly.
"Okay, Mr. Zoldyck- I... I think he gets it." Kurapika whispered hurriedly, respectfully, not wanting to irritate the other further, just in case he really did try to hurt Leorio.
Killua's gaze flicked from Leorio to him in seconds, and while they stared at each other for what seemed like minutes, his grasp loosened, and a coughing Leorio doubled over. Kurapika's fingers trailed along that hard yet smooth back, rubbing, massaging to ease Leorio's fit. Grey eyes worried over the man, his free hand wandering to his throat, brushing it softly. "Hey- are you okay?" he asked.
"He should be fine," Killua grumbled, "I didn't squeeze so hard that I'd break his windpipe, though I can't deny that I was close to it..."
Kurapika's eyes darkened just a little, hardening as he saw Killua take a carefree sort of stance. Arms crossed, lips twisted in a small frown, eyes flickering with urgency. "Come on, hurry up. We don't have all day for you to dawdle. Get your shit."
"Hey... You nearly killed him. You could at least give him a break. It's because of you that he's like this... if you hadn't done that, then maybe-"
"Kurapika, it's okay." Leorio rasped, tousling his hair from behind.
That action, those words, had him realizing how he was standing. How he'd positioned himself in front of Leorio while he was doubled over. How he watched Killua's every movement like a hawk. It was almost as if he were daring Killua to try to come near- to see what would happen if he got within range...
"I want you word, first." Leorio rasped, peering over Kurapika's shoulder from his bent position. "Promise me- give me your word that no harm will befall Kurapika while I'm healing Pairo or any time afterward."
Killua hissed at his words, hating what it meant for him. For him, Leorio well knew, his word was his bond. His word was his lifeline. His vow was... everything to him. If he ever went back on it, Leorio was sure that things would not end up well. Especially for the people he was involved with.
"No- no, I can't promise anything like that."
"Then I can't heal Pairo. Leave."
A harsh breath escaped a very frustrated Killua, his fingers raking through that cloudy hair, tugging on the strands so hard that Kurapika swore that he'd go bald from something like that.
"Fuck... Fine. I give you my word that no one will harm Kurapika while you heal Pairo- I just... I can't promise that I'll never touch him afterward. That's a heavy bargain you've got there. All I can promise you... at maximum... given the jobs we have lined up and the busy schedule we all have... is three months. But that's maximum, and I can't promise you an exact date- it's more of a rough estimate... is that good enough? If I promise you protection from now through the next three months-?"
"That'll have to do." Leorio brightened. He straightened from his position behind Kurapika, and all the blonde could really think was how generous that time frame was. If Leorio trusted his word, then it was good enough for him. It wasn't like he had anyone that would miss him if he died, and he certainly didn't have anything going for him at the moment... but even so. Leorio wanted him alive, and that was something, right?
Pairo must be someone very important if Killua was willing to give up all of his free time for the next three months. It made him wonder if he was going to keep that promise, after all, if he was willing to kill Leorio, then what chances did he have?
"Ready?" Killua asked, turning towards the door. "We have to go. Quickly. I was supposed to rendezvous with Morel and Knov at the usual place about a half an hour ago- with you."
"I see- That does put a damper on things, doesn't it." Leorio responded, pushing past Kurapika with a few black bags.
Leorio, it would seem, had gathered his things right after Kurapika had been promised a safe return. He didn't seem like someone who'd stall- especially in a situation like this- but Kurapika didn't think he'd have a to-go bag... Nor did he think that Leorio would rush to get his things while Killua was talking. Again, Pairo must be someone special to them if they were both in such a hurry...
But they sure did seem to butt heads a lot.
Rushing around, though, meant that, for a few moments, Kurapika had been in the room with Killua all alone. Not that he was too particularly worried, but he did have to wonder how strong a promise from Killua could be. He had his doubts- after all, didn't he say that he was the target? That he was the enemy? Protecting an enemy didn't usually go well... did it? But the type of promise that Leorio had made- that no one was to touch him- meant the entire world couldn't touch him. At least not for the next three months. But that was ridiculous- that would be similar to making a man who wanted to kill him be his own personal body guard. It was kind of... scary. Depressing, really, since he would be followed by a man who so desperately wanted to kill him. It made him wonder how long he'd last.
Swallowing thickly, Kurapika forced himself to relax as he followed Leorio. He wanted to stick close... but more so, since he realized they were taking a car. Killua's car.
It was a sleek black BMW, an easy car to maneuver through traffic- an excellent choice to go unnoticed if they were ever sneaking around- which he was sure that he did plenty of. There were plenty of nice looking cars in the area, so choosing one that fit the city style was... smart. Especially if these people worked in the underworld. It was interesting... how quickly he was becoming involved. He didn't want to be- but he was a target. Regardless if he knew the workings of the underworld, he'd still be in danger. Perhaps the three months he'd been given was advantageous after all. It would give him time to freely observe and analyze how things worked without fear of dying.
Well, maybe only a little since he didn't know what it was like to have Killua's word quite yet- but the nervous glances he shot Leorio earlier had told him how uncomfortable he was. How uncomfortable he would be, really, since he might have to actively participate and help. Leorio's calm, cool gaze was enough to reassure him, though.
It wasn't like he wanted to immediately trust Leorio- especially since he was a random person he'd stumbled upon in a time of great need... but when he stepped back to look at his own situation, he found himself asking why not. Why not trust Leorio? Because he had no one else. There wasn't a single relative out there- everyone was deceased. He was the sole survivor- the last Kurta.
It made him shiver.
The thought of being the last of his line... it was almost surreal. He barely registered climbing into the back of the vehicle, shifting uncomfortably on the squeaky leather seat. He barely registered Leorio's voice, and the gentle hand sifting through his blonde locks as he stared blankly at the back of the front passenger seat.
All he could think about the whole way there was how sad he was. How, after everything- after just a few days of recovery- he was out and about again... but all alone. Leorio was the one that was caring for him right now, and even though he was an adult in his own right, he felt this sense of dependence. The need to look up to someone- whether it be for praise, advice, wisdom, or protection.
He supposed Leorio was that person. Of sorts. But, then, Leorio probably didn't think he would be taking care of him for an extended period of time. How involved they would be would depend upon interaction. For all he knew, during the three months, he'd be shoved off into his own home with Killua occasionally checking in on him. How sad would that be for him, all alone in a house that belonged to his parents and not him... A home that held the belongings of his dead family.
The tree out back... just a memory, as it always had been, but irreplaceable. His parents were dead, and they had died before he could ever believe in himself. Before he even had a chance to be his own person, be someone his family was proud of...
He didn't understand. He still didn't, after all these years, why his family never praised him or looked at him with any sort of affections. For his birthday, he received a pat on the head and a simple 'happy birthday'. For Christmas, he got a 'Merry Christmas' and a tool or two to help him work or help his mother with a future task. It was his sisters that were lavished with gifts. They were encouraged to play, told over and over that they were loved and cherished, that they would be protected no matter what... and that they were proud of them.
He loved his sisters- he really did- but that didn't stop him from envying them. Every time they did what his father or mother had asked of them, they would be told 'good job' and 'have some ice cream'. To him, it was always 'you could have done a better job' and 'next time try harder'- there wasn't a single time he could recall that he had ever been appreciated. That he'd ever been congratulated or hugged or rewarded.
How sad was it that his mother had hired a nanny to raise him? How sad was it that she was more of a mom to him than his mother- and entire family put together- ever was? How sad was it that his mother chose to raise his sisters by herself when his nanny had asked if the children needed raising?
How sad was it that-
"Kurapika."
Blinking, pulled from his thoughts, his gaze lifted. His lips were thinned, eyebrows drawn tightly as he stared down that passenger seat. Leorio, whom had called out to him, had probably thought it was an odd expression.
"Are you okay?"
What a question. Was he okay? After all these years of neglect, did it look like he was okay? He didn't feel okay. He wanted to vomit, but that was nothing new.
"I'm fine." Kurapika replied, rather curtly, but he couldn't bear to touch on the subject. He was an adult, and he should get over it. Wallowing in the past was something that his father never did, and if he were still alive, he'd probably tell him to get his act together and be a man. To deal with current problems, because nothing about the past could be changed. Yeah, that was what he would say.
"Are you absolutely sure? You look pale... do you have a fever again?" Leorio asked, leaning in. Concern for him was evident in his gaze and the way his eyebrows slanted. The feel of his heavy palm against his forehead was brief, but when the man pulled back, he shook his head. "No fever..." He commented softly.
"Honest- I'm alright. I'm just thinking. I'm sorry to bother you." Kurapika commented quietly. He shifted away from the man in effect, and rest his elbow against the window, catching his head with his palm. He gazed mindlessly out the window, and though he was well aware that Leorio was watching him, the fact that he didn't say anything after that just affirmed how alone he was.
It had taken him some time, but at the age of eight he had figured out that the phrase 'are you alright' was just as general as the terms 'How are you', 'Good Morning' and 'Have a good day'. At one time, those words from mere strangers had given him comfort. Had enforced the idea that many people knew who he was and cared about him.
But that wasn't so- all they really cared about was his father and the work that he had done. They knew him by default, and had also- one lady had expressed- told him that whoever approached him was probably trying to gain his father's favor anyhow. The nicer people were to the family, the more respected they were, the more the people would get in return. Their wishes and requests would be answered, and their community would flourish after a small donation to keep the towns happy.
Mere words... meant nothing to him anymore.
The squealing of tires and the sudden jerk of the car coming to a halt pried him from his thoughts once again, and in a blur, Leorio was encouraging him out of the door with haste. He stumbled a little to get out- practically fell onto the asphalt, really, trying to get out of the man's way, but his elbow was caught.
By Killua.
He was steered towards the sidewalk and then released next to Leorio. "The cafe?" He inquired.
Killua locked the BMW with a small nod, and Leorio encouraged him to follow him. "It's right here. You might want to stay out front-"
"No- not the front. Not in the main hall. Not yet. I'll take him to Pockle, Knov, and Morel while you work on Pairo. The people there need an explanation for Kurapika's presence, and they most certainly need to know why he's not dead yet." Killua grumbled.
Kurapika did not like that. He didn't like the idea of being so far away from Leorio at all- amongst total strangers who could deceive him, torture him, or kill him if they wanted. At the moment, he didn't much believe in the whole 'promise' thing. That had gone out the window long ago with his father and mother. The promises they'd made him when he was younger had made him happy until they were never fulfilled. He'd lost all faith in them so many times, but because they were his parents, he kept forgiving them.
What could a child do, after all, when his parents begged forgiveness? They were the ones that fed him, clothed him, accepted him into the family even if he wasn't raised by them from infancy to childhood. They'd lied to him plenty of times, coerced him into doing things for them with lies and threats... sometimes promises of a reward, but mostly, he was just lied to a lot.
Crazy how he still loved them, even to this day. Crazy how he had fished for their praise until the day they died.
"Remember your word, Killua. No one hurts him. No ill will befalls him. Not for three whole months." Leorio reminded. He didn't have to remind him, but Killua nodded anyway and waved it off. "Go to the back. He's on the floor probably bleeding all over the carpet."
Grimacing, Leorio nodded. "Have fun, then. I'll be a few hours- if what you told me was fact, then that means I'll have to do... Surgery. Of some sorts. Depending on how deep the wound is, it might be even longer. If you get tired of him, bring him back. It might benefit me to have him at my side as an assistant."
Killua's eyes narrowed, and he shook his head. "It's solo for you, always. Why would you want him back there if he's only going to distract you? You tend to talk to fill the silence if there's someone there."
Leorio shrugged. "So what? I either talk to someone unconscious, or I talk to someone awake. There's not much of a difference there."
Kurapika's lips thinned, and he backed away a little. "Leorio- it's okay. If they get tired of me, then I'll just find something else to do. I'll just be in your way, then."
"I'll teach you."
"That's enough- Leorio, go. Please. I've got him."
With one long, promising glance, Leorio assured Kurapika and turned away. It was as if Leorio was almost hesitant to let him out of his sight, but the way he seemed to force himself to turn his back on him told him that he wouldn't be turning around again or changing his mind. While Leorio did his job, it was only proper to stay out of his way. He could do that with Killua.
He felt Killua's hand press against the small of his back, guiding him away from the front door to the cafe, away from the man who'd entered; away from the man who had rescued him and saved his life with his hands.
And speaking of hands- Killua's was smaller by far, definitely rougher and tougher. The way he pushed him forward wasn't as hard so much as it was persistent. He barely had the breath to ask where they were going, let alone express his own concern. What was he to think? Leading him into the alley beside the cafe wasn't exactly assuring. To him, it looked like Killua was leading him to a dead end where a gang of thugs could have their way with him. It was a little spooky.
Before they reached the end of the alley, Killua called out, and crushed his hip to his. Weird... compared to Leorio, it just felt really weird. Though... he supposed it could be because he was shorter and looked younger.
"Pockle. Knov. Morel." Killua demanded firmly. "It's important. Come out."
Kurapika didn't like this at all. He was certain that, since even Kurapika was bigger, if the three that he'd called out to were as big or bigger, then they'd probably ambush Killua to get to him... He swallowed thickly, and tried to take a step back, but Killua's firm grip wouldn't allow that. His fingernails embedded into his side; it hurt, but not so much to bring him to his knees.
"Killua? What's this about..." a voice murmured, peeking out from the shadows.
Kurapika nearly jumped at their appearance, dare he say even shifting a little closer to Killua because of it. He could feel the smug aura building within the male, and he huffed. Disgusting. Rude. He was a creature, not a man. That was the only explanation. Especially when he saw the three figures fully emerge and bow their heads in respect.
Killua introduced them, pointing out each member and addressing them, and in turn, introducing him as 'the target', and not by his name. He hated that.
Morel, for one, was bigger than them all, and it startled him how deeply he seemed to respect Killua. Even more so when they didn't make a move or protest as Killua explained the last two hours away.
"Boss isn't going to be happy about that." Pockle murmured, crossing his thin arms. Knov adjusted his glasses, and drew his thin body up. Kurapika thought, briefly, that he'd seen Knov somewhere before- perhaps at a meeting or something, since he did dress and present himself like a businessman. Morel was the only one who seemed casual enough to be considered an actual innocent bystander.
Pockle was an interesting character, though. He didn't dress casually, nor did he dress professionally. He dressed like a hunter- sort of like Killua- except, he looked like he was about to head out on a mission. He dressed all in black, elbow pads and knee pads present, gun slung over his back. He had on dark cargo pants; he didn't want to know what those pockets concealed, but he did see a small hand gun peeking out from underneath his sweatshirt. His hair was stuffed into that hat; he couldn't tell the color. The only thing he could really see was his face- and especially those eyes. Narrow and calculating.
He'd be damned if he wasn't a hunter. With a sharp eye and a gun on hand, any animal would easily fall prey to his skill.
But, he supposed, if he was involved with Killua, that it wasn't just animals being hunted... or rather, Pockle had a very broad definition of animal. The thought alone was scary- animal hunting, or human hunting was a thin line to tread. If he wasn't careful- which he was sure he had to be- he'd get caught. He did not want to get caught up with Pockle.
"No, he won't. Especially when he learns that I'll have to spend the next three months protecting this brat. After that, then we can kill him, though, so it's not like it will bother me too much... what bothers me is that I'm wasting my time trying to protect him from everything."
Kurapika snorted so loud that he had to cover his own mouth. He'd snorted in his head, but apparently it just... decided to become verbal, too. "You know I'm right here, right? You talk about me as if I'm invisible or something." He couldn't resist adding. Especially when such a noise gained all four party's attention.
"You might as well be." Pockle commented, "You only have three months left to live, but your family died in that mass shooting downtown, right? Do you even have anyone to go back to?"
Kurapika's lips thinned, eyes narrowing, as if daring him to keep going. Daring him to keep insulting him.
"I thought so. I don't know why you even bothered trying to gain an extra three months if you're just going to die anyway. Do you have unfinished business or something?"
Before Kurapika could even make a move- though he couldn't have even if he had tried- someone else took the stand. Killua's grip was too tight to escape from, so even if he decided to throw himself at the other, he probably would end up bleeding.
"Enough, Pockle. What's done is done." Morel confronted, hand grasping his small shoulder. "It's none of our business what he has left to do- the question is why he's still alive. If his family was murdered, that means that he was either left alive for a reason, that he purposefully killed his family himself, or it was that somehow he'd escaped unnoticed. I think it's highly unlikely that he'd kill his family- especially with the way he's bristling up like that. And- if he killed his family, do you think he'd purposefully ask them to try to fatally wound him in the process? If he wanted to make it look like he was innocent when he was really guilty, don't you think he would have been shot in safer areas?"
Pockle shrugged Morel's hand off his shoulder and shook his head. "That's beside the point. He's a dead man anyway."
"No, Pockle, you're not understanding." Knov stepped in. "Since it's unlikely that he's the killer, that means he was either left alive or he somehow escaped. It means that he's either being watched, or he's being hunted. If he wasn't killed in that room, they'll know. He's still in danger, and by associating with us, so will we."
Pockle's lips drew back in a snarl, and he threw his hands in the air. "Fuck this! Killua, is there a way to fix this?"
The fingers on his back dropped, and an audible sigh fled small lips. "Well, I suppose... but it'd really be more work than it should be, and because of our trips and schedules, it'd be impossible. The easiest thing to do would be to take him to base and hide him there, but the problem is that he'll know people, and he'll know the exact location from which we operate. Within those three months, he'll able to contact whoever he wants and upset the peace treaties we've made with others. I don't think there's another option unless Leorio is willing to keep watch over him. Either way, we'll just have to deal with it."
All three of the new comers lowered their heads, arms crossed, thinking. If there was another solution, the three would definitely think of one.
"What will we do to keep him busy? So he doesn't contact anyone and report us? He can still call the police-"
"Who says I will?" Kurapika hissed. He was a little tired of all this talk- especially when they were acting as if he weren't there. "You know that my family is dead, what reason would I have to destroy your life?"
"Scenario: You may try to rebuild your father's company. Make it what it was but better- with our ties and connections, that could be a big achievement." Killua spoke, though calm, there was something about the way that he said it that had him shivering. His tone was icy, edgy, and definitely dangerous.
"I have no reason to. I didn't agree with my father's type of business." Kurapika retorted.
Shifting from one foot to the other uncomfortably, Kurapika sighed. "Is there anything I can do to express how much of a threat I'm actually not?" He groaned. "I don't stand to gain anything. My family is dead, and I don't know my father's contacts very well. For all intents and purposes, I could very well decide to live on a fucking farm in the middle of no where."
Pockle growled softly, but Kurapika paid him no mind. If he was willing to cooperate and do whatever it was that they wanted, he didn't see any problem. Perhaps, maybe, if he could express how useful he really was, then in three months time, they might not kill him. If he found some way to be better off alive than dead...
"Well," Morel began, scratching the back of his neck. He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. He glanced at Knov, who also mirrored his actions.
"What if... What if he went on the dangerous jobs? What if we used him as bait? You know... get Cargo we need. If he dies, it's not our problem, right?"
"Wrong." Killua interjected, teeth clenched. "I have to protect him for three months, remember? If he goes on a job, I have to go with him, and that'll be more work on my end. I have so much I have to do already."
Knov hummed, crossing his arms over his thin frame, lips pursed, jaw set. "Messenger? What if he did menial tasks under Leorio's supervision? Paperwork?"
"He could easily get access to information] to use against us that way." Pockle objected.
"Not necessarily. If we give him part of the boss' job, he should be fine, right? Organization, intake, location... Since locations often change, he won't necessarily know who we're dealing with. If we brush him up on usual routines and groups- as long as he knows skill set and ability, he should be able to send us off on missions. The boss always hates doing that. That, and he's always irritable without his coffee- so there's that. Maybe he could be our little Errand Boy?" Morel suggested. "If Leorio's house becomes the place of supervision, we could come and go as we please, and if something needs to be sent to base, then one of us or someone else could pick it up?"
Killua slowly nodded at that, finger resting on his chin thoughtfully. His blue eyes expressed a thousand different emotions in the moment, each emotion flickering to the next with a single twitch or blink. It was interesting to watch, but Kurapika immediately looked away when Killua's gaze came to rest on him.
"Think you can do that, kid?"
Blinking, twiddling with his own fingers, Kurapika nodded. "I suppose... if it helps ease you..."
Pockle clapped once, immediately, palms pressing against palms. "Well, that's settled, then. I'll go tell the boss what we've decided. Hopefully he won't kill me in the process."
Morel snorted. "Pockle, if he tried to kill any of us, he wouldn't be able to. Especially you- you're a slippery son of a bitch, you know that."
The man's eyes gleamed at the compliment, though Kurapika could hardly call it that. All he saw of Pockle was his eyes; he didn't know how he could move so quickly with so much weight- especially with that gun slung over his shoulder like it was.
"Give him my report, too." Killua said quickly, pulling a folded piece of paper. The second he held it out, it was snatched from his hand. Pockle practically bolted from his position, passing all of them in one swift movement. Awkwardly, even within his own mind, the only way he could explain how quick and nimble on his feet Pockle was, was to compare him to a ninja. It was a stupid thought that had him blushing a little. He wasn't a kid anymore, so why was he just a little bit impressed?
"For now, then, you'll stay with Leorio." Killua said, turning to him, breaking him from his thoughts. He shoved those small hands into his pockets. "For the majority of the three months when I can't be around as often, Leorio will keep watch over you, and I'll station a few people outside his apartment just to make sure everything is going smoothly. I can't say that I'll be the one watching you all the time- I do have a job of my own- but for the majority of the time, I should be able to keep tabs on you. As long as you don't go wandering about, I don't think you should have any real problems. Just stick to the jobs that we give you, and if we need you, we'll call Leorio."
Kurapika nodded in acknowledgement, and Killua turned back to the two remaining men he'd called upon.
"I've got the cafe situation from here. You two should report to the boss and then come back. Ask him what we should do about the scope, too, because I'm sure he'd like to know how Pairo ended up the way he did. As much as I hate to tell him, he needs to know that we had to call on Leorio again."
Both nodded, and with a less impressive exit, they, too, were gone from sight. When they were alone again, Killua propped his back against the concrete wall and sighed, hands still in his pockets. His stature, though still guarded, looked weary, as if all he wanted to do was go home.
...
Did he have a home? Or did he live at their base? Where did they eat? How did Killua live?
All these questions came flooding into his mind in an instant, and he wanted to ask so badly, but based upon Killua's earlier concern about knowing too much, he thought better. Instead, he was a little curious about Leorio. Why was it a bad thing to call upon the man? Clearly everyone knew him. He was involved- and based on their opinion of him, he must be a damn good one, too. He would know, too, he supposed, having come back from the brink of death.
"Why... Why is it such a big deal to ask Leorio for help?" He asked cautiously. "I can understand why you wouldn't want to go to the hospital for help, but you must have a doctor of your own right? Or does this kind of thing not happen very often?"
Killua's eyes, which had slipped shut in the moments of silence he was given, fluttered open again at the question. A soft sigh hummed in his throat, and for just a moment, Kurapika felt bad about asking. He could easily ask Leorio... but then, he assumed, parts would be left out. Perhaps Leorio didn't know why, either.
"Leorio was our doctor." Killua said grimly, "I would still like to think he is our doctor, surgeon, friend, and the like, but the boss let him go. It was out of my hands. Don't get me wrong- we all like the guy just fine, and we all still go to him for help sometimes, but the boss has been scouring the area for another good doctor to take his place. He won't give up on the idea that maybe he can find someone better than Leorio- but I don't think so. I've never seen anyone damn near as skilled as he is. He's probably almost finished with Pairo. I've seen that man resurrect half or more of the members back at base. I don't think any doctor tries as hard as he does. As long as we've known him, there was only one loss. Though... for that one we don't blame him- but he still blames himself. That's why he brings everything with him now. That's why he hides various medications and as much of it as he can, because he swore that if he just had the proper tools and the proper medication, that person would have lived. But it wasn't his fault, really. He had everything he needed right in front of him, the poor thing was just... too far gone."
Kurapika's lips thinned, and he glanced at the ground. He couldn't help but feel bad for the guy- maybe that was why he tried so hard to save him. Maybe... Maybe that was why, even if he knew he was a target, he couldn't let another person die in front of his eyes again. That much he could understand. But one question was nagging him- a part that didn't resonate within him very well.
"If... If he was so amazing and impressive, saving you all like he did even with that one loss... that couldn't have been the reason he was let go, right?"
Killua's eyes flashed a bright blue in the dark alley, but it held no murderous intent. Killua was, to say, simply surprised at the question.
"How perceptive of you." Killua grumbled. "No- you're right. He wasn't let go because of that loss. Komugi was a goner anyway because she'd been shot in the heart. There's nothing any of us could have done. Komugi had asked to be made comfortable so she could go in peace, but Leorio didn't give her that because he wanted to save her. She was a good friend of his, but that was in the first few months of knowing him. After that, he was avidly taking care of all of us."
"So, why was he let go?" Kurapika pressed, fingers lacing in front of him.
"He was let go because he didn't agree with some of the boss' decisions. The missions we do are dangerous enough as it is, but going in blind and without any protection was something Leorio objected to. I object to it, too, but because of my position and relation, I was told to stand down. Leorio became an outcast, and told never to associate with us. But the boss knew that it was a bit much, considering we all returned wounded in some aspect. We see him every now and then, and Leorio does his best to teach us what to do in an emergency. That's the only thing he can do; he slips some pain meds into our pockets every now and then with a few other things just to make sure we make it out alive. We all know him very well- he's a good friend of ours- but I think to some extent, he misses being with us."
Kurapika's brows furrowed, and for all the world, he just wanted to hug the poor man.
"How long has it been since he was last with you?"
Silence followed his question, but that was only because Killua pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He pulled one out, lit it, and inhaled deeply. It was only after a few drags that he responded, offering Kurapika one. He politely declined.
"Two and a half years." Killua responded softly, blowing that cloud of smoke in the opposite direction.
A wave of sadness washed over him like a tidal wave. He didn't think it was possible to feel bad for someone who wanted to kill him. Leorio probably wanted to kill him, too, for the same reason Killua did- and he'd only been saved because he couldn't stand the idea of not being able to save someone in need. Even if he was the target, Leorio probably didn't want to face another death by the hands of someone else.
"Have you tried convincing your boss to bring him back?" Kurapika asked softly. "If anything... you guys are his home... right? If you're his friends, you guys must all mean a lot to him. Doesn't your boss know that?"
"Of course he does, he's not cruel." Killua said curtly, flicking the end of his cigarette. Ashes fell as he continued. "Leorio was told to leave and never to come back because there was a point where one's objections could be spread and supported. If he didn't let him go, it could have caused a riot. Leorio knew that, even if he was speaking his mind. Even if the boss wanted him back, there's no way Leorio would. He knew what he was getting into when he said it, and he knew what would happen. But I get why he did- he was just concerned for us. He loved all of us- and you're right, we are his family... which is why we haven't abandoned him. He'll always be our friend. He'll always be the boss' friend, too."
"Do you... do you protect him? Even though he's so far away?"
Killua shook his head. "He can protect himself. He's a big boy. He's not a Pairo, I can say that much. He's very careful, and he has the skills necessary to keep himself alive. Once you're family, you're always family- skills included."
A good philosophy. Kurapika wanted to see what Killua's family was like- because, it would seem, that this group was more of a family than anything. But... he had to wonder about their real families. Were they adopted into the group as a whole, too?
"What about-"
"Listen, I'd love to answer all of your questions, but if you want to know more, ask Leorio. He's not bound by rules anymore, and he can certainly try to protect you from us if he really wants to. I'm bound by our law not to share information with the enemy- and just because we're talking here doesn't make us friends at all. Got it? There's only so much I can tell you."
"Can you tell me why you want to kill me, at least?"
"No. That's one of the things I can't."
"Why, though. I'm innocent, I swear. How can you kill an innocent man?"
"Who says you're innocent?" Killua hissed, demeanor quickly flipping upside down. From relaxed and calm to hostile and aggressive in a manner of seconds, Kurapika flinched.
"No, really, I haven't committed one crime. The only thing I've done is made speeches and stay inside. I don't handle or do anything at all- if you're mad at someone, it should be my mother and father, not me."
Killua's eyes narrowed dangerously, his fingers lashing out to grip his arm tightly. The cigarette fell from his fingers, and he squished it under his foot, dragging it around without even glancing downward.
"You listen here, kid," Killua growled, "I may be obligated to watch you for the next three months, and I may not like it, but I gave Leorio my word that I would. I'm not inclined to explain myself unless the boss wants me to, alright? If you knew why I was going to kill you, you would deny, and the rest of us would waste precious time trying to figure out if you were innocent rather than getting more important things done. Do you understand? If the boss says you're dangerous, then you are. It doesn't necessarily have to be something that you've done, but rather, what you're capable of doing. There's so much that can make a person dangerous, so don't you dare tell me you're an innocent man when you damn well know you aren't." He hissed.
Kurapika tried to wrench his arm from Killua's grasp, but it was too tight. It was starting to hurt a little, in fact...
"Let- let go. It hurts." Kurapika said softly, using his other fingers to try to pry him away from his arm.
Killua squeezed his arm even tighter, wrenching a cry from his lips, before he fully let go, and propped himself back against the wall. "Watch yourself." Killua commented, pulling out another cigarette. "Otherwise, you may not live a full three months."
Kurapika cupped his arm, pulling it to his chest. It throbbed even without touching it. He was sure that later on it would bruise.
"I'm... I'm going inside. I think coffee sounds nice right about now."
Killua's fingers gestured towards the main street, spreading, as if giving permission. His fingers then came to grab the cigarette between his pale lips; once removed, a billowing cloud of smoke escaped his mouth.
"Several others are inside. If they don't recognize you, then you won't have problems. I'm sure that they won't do anything if they don't want to blow their cover- it is just a regular cafe- but if you get into trouble it's not my fault."
Kurapika took a few more steps back. "They can't hurt me, though..."
Killua practically choked- but before Kurapika could even think about being concerned, he discovered that he was laughing. Really laughing. How rude.
"You're an ignorant fool, you know that. They can hurt you all they want- I'll even let them- so long as you're not in mortal danger. If you bust your own nose thinking I'm going to stop them, then it's your own damn fault. I'm not about to stop a fight. All I agreed to was protecting you from danger. I wouldn't consider my own friends a threat unless they pull out a gun or a knife."
"But what if they beat me to death!" Kurapika exclaimed.
"You've got to be kidding me." Killua exhaled harshly. He ran his fingers through his white hair and shook his head. Pointing his cigarette at him, he took a few steps toward him. "Really? You don't know how to defend yourself? How old are you?"
Kurapika swallowed, looking away in embarrassment. It wasn't really his fault. He never got into physical fights, and his parents never taught him or encouraged him to learn anything like that. He wasn't street smart by any means- he didn't have to be. His family was wealthy, and getting wealthier with every passing year. It wasn't his fault that he didn't know any better. But he did look pretty pathetic, now that he was confronted with that possibility.
Shaking his head, he backed away some more, and then fully turned his back to the man.
"Fine then, I guess I'll just sit on the curb."
"What, and get beat up there instead? In public?"
Kurapika's fists clenched. "Then I'll wait in the car."
A chuckle. "Not unless you want a swarm of people outside it. No one stays in my car after I've gone. Unless you want to get dragged out of it and get pummeled in the street instead of the sidewalk, that wouldn't be a good idea either."
Kurapika turned, letting out an exasperated, irritated noise. "Where the hell can I wait for Leorio to be done then?" He hissed.
With a smug grin, Killua took another long drag on his cigarette. "Anywhere you like."
In the end, Kurapika made up his mind. Rather than chancing his life on the curb or inside the devil's car, he decided to take his chances inside the cafe. If what Killua said was true, then it was just a regular cafe like the next one. Maybe it wasn't filled all the way with Killua's friends, but if there were any, they had no real reason to attack him. After all, if he remembered correctly, it wasn't until after Killua had introduced him to Knov, Morel, and Pockle that the three got defensive- so if he was right about the others not knowing what he looked like, then for all intents and purposes, he was a regular citizen walking into a coffee shop to order coffee.
It had to be the safest of choice.
He had ordered a regular mocha, chose a window seat, and waited patiently for Leorio to return. Unfortunately, it took up the majority of the day.
On his third mocha, staring out the same window, the sun was setting, basking the rest of the sky in colors he'd never seen before. An orange tint with a dash violet and hot pink... Such bold colors on that never-ending canvas known as the sky...
He was successfully distracted by it's beauty- so much so that he was startled when he felt a palm on his right shoulder. He jumped.
"Were you in here this whole time?" Leorio asked softly, thumb running across his shoulder. It was a comforting gesture that set him immediately at ease. Whether it was because he was a doctor or because he was just being himself, Kurapika had himself convinced that Leorio was being overly cautious and careful around him.
"It's getting pretty late," He continued quietly, "The shop is emptying and getting ready to close. Killua is waiting in the car to take us back home. It's getting darker..."
Kurapika glanced upward, meeting that kind brown gaze with a small smile.
Business partner or not, doctor or almost-doctor-working-for-a-gang, Leorio was far kinder than he'd noticed. Granted, he'd never met him, but he had a feeling that if he had met him a long time ago, he would still be as kind-hearted as he was right now.
"You're tired aren't you." Kurapika whispered softly, smiling right back just as gently, because he couldn't help it.
"So are you." Leorio shot back with an all-knowing glance.
He was. Kurapika hadn't noticed it before, but he was indeed tired. Not half as tired as Leorio must be, though. If what Killua said about Leorio was true, then he put his all into healing Pairo.
"How is he?" Kurapika asked, evading telling Leorio how right he was.
"Fine. Better than he was. He should recover in a few weeks time, maybe even earlier. You'd be surprised at how quickly that kid heals." He smiled.
Offering his big, warm palm, face up, Kurapika took it.
They were both tired; it was evident in the way they moved so sluggishly. Heads turned as they walked out together; Kurapika thought he heard small whispers, but he ignored him. If he was with Leorio, he felt safe. When Killua was around, no doubt he would be on edge... but he still felt that little nudging of assurance. That little voice that told him that he was being protected despite being practically antagonized by the short man.
Leorio was the first to get into the back seat of Killua's black BMW, but as soon as Kurapika slid in and closed the door, his head met Leorio's strained shoulder, and his eyes fell closed in an instant. He didn't think it was possible to be so exhausted- especially when he didn't do anything most of the day except drink mochas...
Perhaps it was the sugar, or perhaps it was because his body wasn't used to moving around so much so soon after what had happened; he just didn't know. What he did know, though, was that somewhere along the way, he'd fallen asleep just like that. He hadn't buckled or really try to get in a comfortable position at all- he simply fell asleep the second he sat down next to the kind man.
Next thing he knew, he felt warm palms wrapped around his small frame, and the comfort of that strong chest against his cheek. Carried. He was being carried.
"I won't stay tonight- I'm sure you'll watch him just fine. I'll be back tomorrow morning at seven."
A simple nod must have been mustered from the enormous man, because he didn't hear a single word. Perhaps it was because Leorio was afraid of waking him up. Too late for that.
But he liked being carried.
A lot, actually...
The only time he could ever recall being carried was by his nanny so very long ago when he was merely an infant. He was sure his mother held him at one point, too, but he didn't know for sure. He'd never know, now that she was gone for good...
His face pressed harder into that strong chest, trying to rid himself of the thoughts that began to swarm him, but if Leorio noticed, he didn't say anything about it.
"I think... you deserve a good night's sleep tonight." The man whispered. He didn't dare open his eyes, but he did hear a door creak open. He could only assume he was going to return to the same bed he'd been sleeping on. He was right, of course, but the bedsheets felt clean, as if he'd changed them. Though, somewhere in his muddled up brain, he couldn't recall when. It smelled fresh from the laundry as he was set down, but more importantly, it smelled like Leorio.
"Kurapika- hey, can you wake up for me?" Leorio whispered. He went so far as to run his fingers through his hair.
Even though Kurapika was already awake, he dared to pretend he hadn't heard. The sensation- a touch so foreign to him- felt so nice, even if it was from someone he'd formally met only a few days ago. It was something he was never given as a child, so he tried to forgive himself for this moment of selfishness, telling himself, reassuringly, that he deserved a few seconds ago before he roused.
"Kurapika..." His name was echoed quietly, fingers shifting through his hair again. It made him shiver. That warm palm against his head was nothing like his mother's- or his father's- but all the same, it was like he was earning pieces of his childhood that his parents had forbidden him so long ago.
When that warm hand finally fell away, Kurapika knew it was time to rouse himself before Leorio got irritated. He didn't want that at all- but then, he'd never really seen the man irritated before. When he did- he was sure he would- it would certainly be an interesting sight.
"There you are." He was greeted warmly as his grey eyes fluttered open. "I was starting to think you'd really went out like a light. You did for a while in the car- I know that." he mused softly. "Two minutes, okay? I want to let you change. You've been wearing those clothes for a few days, and even though they're mine, I want you to wear something else so that I can wash them, okay? You won't always have to wear my clothes if you don't want to; we can always swing by your house later, but I figured you'd be the most comfortable wearing them because they're big and made of cotton. They're warmer that way."
Kurapika rubbed his eyes sleepily, noting how exhausted Leorio looked, too. Poor guy. Looking after him like this when he was clearly tired... it would have been fine to leave him on the couch and let him sleep there...
Which, if he wasn't wrong, was where Leorio was sleeping for the past few days that he'd been injured. He felt a little bad taking up his personal space- he hadn't really even looked around or appreciated the place, yet. He hadn't really explored- he'd been confined to his bed until today. But unluckily for him, he hadn't gotten a chance to explore then, either. He was immediately swept up in Killua's presence and the need to see an injured Pairo who could probably die if he wasn't looked at.
Perhaps tomorrow, though... tomorrow he could look around and explore. Maybe Leorio would let him do that. Maybe he'd even give him a personal tour of the house- er... apartment.
"Ah- where do you want me to put the clothes, then?" He asked softly, wanting to take care of it quickly- but more for Leorio's sake than for his. "Why don't I take the couch tonight? You had to have been sleeping there this whole time; You're exhausted and you deserve-"
"No, that's quite alright. You're not fully healed yet. I'm just glad you didn't get into any fights, because-" Leorio dared lift the hem of his shirt to expose his pale skin. Kurapika blushed and tried his best not to reveal his face to the man who was currently examining his torso. "-You could have easily torn the stitches in your side. If you weren't careful like you had been, you could easily be on the couch right now, unconscious while I put you back together again."
Kurapika winced a little, even though Leorio's tone was light and teasing. "Sorry." He whispered.
Leorio looked up, smiling, and shook his head. "Hey- no, you're fine. You didn't do anything wrong. I commend you on being careful, but the stress of moving around so much and suddenly being active again is probably what made you so tired today. It's probably why you knocked out in the car. That, and all the sugar you were drinking."
"And caffeine." Kurapika added with a yawn.
"And the caffeine." Leorio repeated.
He took a step back, letting Kurapika sit up, hand cautiously ready to support him if it was too much movement to handle. But he got up just fine- it stung a little, but it didn't hurt.
"My dresser is right in front of you. I'll wait out in the hallway. You just put the clothes on the bed while you change, and after you're done let me know and I'll grab them. I changed the sheets already this morning after you got up today, so you should be fine. Tomorrow, I think it might benefit you to shower instead of bathe. Try not to move too much when you do. The shower head doesn't give a very hard stream, so it should be fine."
Nodding sleepily in acknowledgement, he began undressing. He didn't realize Leorio was still in the room- but he blamed that on how tired he was. He didn't really care at the moment- but Leorio was gone before he finished taking off his shirt. He didn't want to waste the man's time anyway, so he made quick work of taking all of his clothes off- including the underwear that he'd generously spared.
He felt a little bad about taking up his space, wearing his clothes, and using his house. He wasn't a freeloader, and he didn't want to be... but he'd have to be for a little while. He knew he'd be a freeloader for the next three months, too, so within that time he'd have to try to find a way to pay him back for his generosity. But... it was a little sad that he'd only have three months to do so.
He quickly shook that depressing thought from his head, and grabbed a grey t-shirt from the middle drawer, some grey sweat-pants to match, and some underwear. Once on, he opened the door, and invited Leorio back in. All he did, though, was grab the clothes, and encourage him into the bed.
"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
When the light was flicked off and the door shut behind him, Kurapika- whom was exhausted beyond measure- paid Leorio's abrupt behavior no mind, and pulled back the covers to climb into the plush bed. It was warm and welcoming, unlike how the outside had been. It hadn't been so chilly to notice it, but after having been in a warm vehicle and pulled out of it, it was just a little bit uncomfortable. Only a little, though, because Leorio could practically be labeled as a space heater. No one was that warm- no one in the whole fucking world, and yet here he was, in this house, probably without a heater because you know what? He probably didn't need one. With that kind of build, no one would need one.
He felt clean when he finally wiggled down into the sheets of the King sized bed. Though he hadn't taken a shower, everything smelled clean, and his limbs instantly relaxed. He had a feeling that once he closed his eyes, he would be out the whole night. Which usually never happened, but there was always this hope that he'd get that good night's rest.
Unfortunately for him, though, he'd only gotten a good few hours. Kurapika tossed and turned uncomfortably at three am in the Leorio's bed was comfortable enough, there was something preventing him from reaching that level of unconsciousness again. That level of sleep where he didn't have to worry about his real limbs or his real heart beating in his chest. That type of sleep that allowed him to move freely in spirit, uninjured by such a trifle as a gun.
Somewhere in the night, he'd made a sound. He was sure of it- that he'd called out to his family. To someone who would listen. He was sure that he'd done so- because his throat tightened, and his eyes burned, as if he'd been trying to his hardest not to cry. He had to have made some sound, because he didn't want to be alone. He really didn't, despite how Leorio had exited earlier, because being alone brought back memories. Terrible memories and painful ones that he didn't want to touch. Being alone... also reminded him how very dead his family was.
He supposed the members of his family that he missed the most were his sisters. They were always doted on by his mother, and presented with gifts by his father, but they'd always shared with him. They always included him in whatever treats they received, even if their parents disagreed with it. He was proud of them, even if they were younger than him by several years. He remembered them climbing on him, begging him to read them a story, watch a movie with them, or introduce them to some of his friends. He didn't have many friends at all, but if he considered anyone a friend, his sisters would be the only ones.
He found himself burying his face into the pillow on the edge of the bed, wrapping the thick duvet around his body. He wanted to shield himself from the world. He wanted to hide for the rest of his life. There was nothing now that was driving him to keep going. His family was all gone, even those he didn't particularly mind. He was all alone in this savage, cruel world. No business associate of his father's would take him in or call him family- his father was a rich snob that used people for money and for benefits. Who would want the son of a man like that? He'd fought his way to the top of the industry ladder, and he'd succeeded through drastic means.
Pastel lips parted, taking in a particularly shaky breath.
Composure was quickly escaping him, and somehow, he had to wonder if Leorio was giving him morphine in such a heavy dosage... to distract himself from these thoughts. Thoughts that screamed in his head, echoing how useless and worthless he was. How, after all the years of being treated like trash, he wasn't treated like anything at all. He had no goals, and he had no plans. His future, as far as he'd known them to be, had completely been wiped out from underneath him. All his work, all his life that had been dedicated toward making his father and mother proud of him... had gone right out that window with him when he was trying to escape from his shooter.
He muffled a soft cry, but froze when he heard a soft tap from the other side of the bedroom door. It opened after a few seconds, and lights from the hallway spilled into the room.
"Kurapika? I heard you call my name... I wasn't sure if you were dreaming or if you actually wanted me..."
Kurapika sat up immediately, stunned just a little that he had called for Leorio, and no one else. Perhaps... Perhaps it was because he was being so kind to him during this time...
"I... I don't want to be alone." Kurapika whispered, hiding his face in his hands. "I'm... starting to remember... bits and pieces of thoughts that I'd had of my past. Of Lily and Reina... Of times that I shared with them when my parents were expecting more of me... Leorio, I miss them..."
Leorio breathed a soft sigh, and it wasn't until the bed shifted slightly that Kurapika raised his head. His soft grey eyes, like rose quartz, glimmered in the soft moonlight that slipped into the room through the window.
"Then I'll stay the night in here. I know what it's like to lose your family in one day... if you'd permit me..."
He scooted closer to the younger, pulling the blankets up and over his feet, and over his torso. He offered his hand, and reassured him with those eyes. Eyes that conveyed a thousand words. Not a single word was pity.
Comfort. He was trying to comfort him.
His hand slipped into his, holding it, squeezing it just a little as he was pulled closely, and propped against his chest. The elder fixed the blankets, and ran his fingers through his blonde hair, caressing each lock with a gentility that he wasn't used to. It felt nice.
Leorio's arms fit the curve of his spine, and the soothing motions of his fingers in his hair didn't cease. The smell of Leorio beneath him, the steady breaths that he took, and the constant movements relaxed his body in a way he wasn't sure he'd ever get to. This type of relaxation... this type of comfort...
It felt like he was home. Really home- like, after all the years that he'd lived with his family, he hadn't really been home until this moment in time.
Kurapika shifted into his hold, cheek resting on that soothing chest. He could hear his heart beating even underneath his shirt, and he sighed softly at how steady it was. How reassuring...
"Try to get some sleep, Kurapika. I know it's been difficult for you these last few days, but don't worry... You're alive, you're still living, and you'll build a new life that you're proud of. I know it. You seem like that kind of person..."
Eyes fluttering, fingers digging into that shirt, Kurapika felt himself slipping into slumber. With Leorio so close, assuring him, calming him, he couldn't help it. With a soft 'thank you', Kurapika easily slipped into slumber.
Had he tried to stay awake any longer, he might have felt those lips against his head.