Waking up wasn't always easy. In the past, he probably would have batted at the shades next to the window to block out the sunlight that filtered into the room, but here- here in this spacious room- he wasn't even close to it. Drapes shielded the window in his own room back home, blackening out the world so he wouldn't have to deal with it- but right now...
He didn't have that luxury. He wasn't home- he was somewhere else. Somewhere nice that smelled vaguely like musky autumn. There were no drapes or blinds; the window- a floor to ceiling- was just too massive for them. He didn't have anything like this at his own house, despite it's massive size. Kurapika sat up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes a little. He noticed, of course, that he was alone. He didn't know if he had dreamed Leorio's presence last night, but if he had, what a dream it was. Being held so closely like that- no, it couldn't have been a dream... but something so sentimental, something so comforting and careful- things he hadn't had as a child- must have been dreamed.
He noticed, too, how brightly the sun reflected off the white walls of the room. The morning sun was apathetic, but something about it felt endearing. A wall made up entirely of glass showed off the perfect view of the countryside Leorio had. The bed he was on, too, far exceeded that of a king's size- like it was built entirely for him. Maybe Leorio had made it, or maybe he had a custom-fit one that lined the wall. He was unsure, but the more he looked around, from the high ceilings to the massive bedroom he found himself in, he was beginning to realize that this wasn't an apartment at all. This wasn't even close. This was... this was a penthouse. An expensive penthouse, at that. He thought, perhaps, that penthouses were usually on the top floor- the very very top floor... but wasn't he on the bottom floor? Or was that just an illusion, too?
He didn't know how he could mistake a penthouse for a small apartment- he'd been so sure, especially with the fire escapes lining up the wall outside...
But perhaps he was hallucinating. It wasn't every day he got shot... But it wasn't every day that he found himself mistaking a massive complex for an apartment, either.
Still, the morning light, even though it had rudely awakened him, was still somewhat warm and welcoming. He didn't know why though.
No, he knew exactly what the reason was for this feeling. This thrill- this joy in his chest... Knowing that he was alive and well- especially after surviving what he had; especially after being told that his life was in jeopardy, was a fact he hadn't realized until only just seconds ago. It was steadily being pieced back together in his mind, like he was finally waking to the real world. Everything was so vivid, so colorful, so... extravagant. He looked up at the window and let the truth of his situation strike him for the very first time as his reality hit him- especially yesterday.
He only had three months to live- and it was all thanks to Leorio that he even had that much at all.
Not only that, but his entire life, though small, seemed to flash before his eyes. His accomplishments, though few, and his hardships, in a plethora. Who he was suddenly seemed to shift into place- it was as if he had been stripped bare, at his most vulnerable as he'd fallen under the influence of antibiotics. He recollected, to some extent, how he'd tried to carry himself when he first met the man- and suffice to say he was absolutely mortified by what he remembered. He hadn't properly told the other just who he was- they still barely knew each other, and the fact that Leorio had saved his life shouldn't have made such a difference... except that it did. A part of him knew that he could trust the man- otherwise why would he go through all the trouble to save his sorry ass? But still, that didn't help him understand why this prickle of awareness surged through his skin, as if sensing the close vicinity of the other.
Leorio was here in the house somewhere- he could feel it- but where was a different story. He'd have to find out.
Carefully slipping from the bed, Kurapika stepped toward the window. He was careful not to touch the glass- he didn't want to accidentally leave smudges. It looked like it was clean, well-kept, and by the looks of the rest of the spacious room, rather... new. Perhaps that was bad judgement on his part- but someone like Leorio didn't seem like the type of person to move around. If this place was new, then there had to be a reason for his departure. Killua had said just the day before that he'd been gone for about two years now... maybe it was because Leorio didn't have a lot of stuff that made it seem like it was new. Maybe it was because there was no clutter and everything sparkled- who really knew.
It was unnecessarily spacious- especially for one person... but perhaps that was too presumptuous of him. He did feel like he was looking around for the very first time, though. Everything seemed crystal clear; he could only assume that he was on autopilot the whole time he'; been awake, though thankfully retraining most of what had transpired. Medicine did tend to do that to him... and with morphine at the helm, he wasn't so sure that he could properly tell anything. As far as he knew, the world was a completely different place.
His soft grey eyes flickered about the room. The scenery- of the countryside, of the mountains, of the distant peaks and spectacular view of the sky, did little to sate his curiosity. It was beautiful, and surely if he'd been in the mood, breath-taking, too. The trees in the distance were bare, but what remained on the trees were red and golden in color, expressing exactly what he'd smelt- autumn. But he knew that it wouldn't last for much longer. They were nearing the end of the season, and it wouldn't be long before snow would litter the ground. He knew he hadn't wandered too far from the corporate building his father had labeled as his empire, though- scenery aside. He couldn't be more than five miles away, so the idea of being in the middle of nowhere seemed highly unlikely, especially with their short trip to that cafe that Killua had taken them to the other day. While the countryside was pretty, he believed that he wasn't seeing everything. That, while he had a great view of the mountains, Leorio also had a great view of the city in which they both dwell.
His fingers grazed the red oak that took the shape of Leorio's dresser. It was a pretty red, one that wasn't exactly bold, but catered to the warmth the room tried to convey. With the cream colored bed, the same red oak frame, the splash of burgundy from the duvet was a steady build. Over all, even though the walls were bare, Leorio had good taste. The room itself was pulled together neatly, giving it that crisp, refreshing sort of feel. He wondered if the rest of the house was like that. He wondered if the rest of the house was just as unnecessarily spacious.
Kurapika didn't bother to fix the bed as he silently turned the knob, but as he exited the room and into the hallway, he did feel just a little bit bad for not doing so.
The hallway wasn't much, either, but he could definitely tell that Leorio had made more of an effort to make things look... homey.
His own house certainly didn't feel like that. At most, it felt like walking into an empty house that no one lived in. The refrigerator was never stocked, but rather, food was kept in the garage, and not a single family photo hung on the walls.
Here, it was different. Here, though no photos lined the walls, art did. Art of all kinds, though it wasn't overwhelming. They were little things that were cool to look at; he had to wonder if Leorio ever just stopped in the hall just to look at it. Perhaps he already did that when he was thinking about buying it, but then again, he might not have bought the pieces if he lost interest in it.
Speaking of Leorio, though, where on earth was he? He vaguely remembered being told that Leorio and Killua would be supervising him, but he didn't hear anything at all.
He made his way down the hall, and peeked into the open space.
His mouth dropped.
Not a soul was in sight, but that didn't stop him from running to the windows in pure amazement. The view, here was absolutely amazing. The overlook of the city was breath-taking. Just like the mountains- but what finally spurred his amazement was the seeming 360 view from the apartment. Indeed Leorio was above everything. How he hadn't registered the height in the first place was beyond him. He'd even stepped outside and he hadn't noticed! The morphine must have really done a number on him...
He felt like a little kid gazing out at the biggest, busiest city known to man. Everything he saw screamed 'downtown'; there simply wasn't anything to compare the scenery to. His family lived out in the countryside- not too far from the edge of the city, but it didn't have a view like this. His house wasn't exactly... as tall as Leorio's. This penthouse was phenomenal. Kurapika bet that he could fit so many people in this house and still have a place to sleep at night.
This man was rich. Rich beyond belief, and he'd later realize the little alarm bells going off in his head. The alarm bells that rung... because Leorio, he briefly remembered, didn't have a doctor's license, and claimed to not have the funds to get one.
Brushing blonde locks from his face, he peered down at the city, a massive grin on his face. He barely felt the height at all, and all of these floor to ceiling windows that surrounded him sent thrills down his spine.
These windows allowed the morning glow to shed light on his surroundings- no lights were needed, but there was some, even though they were seldom used.
He stood in the living room. So many couches filled the area that it was a wonder how he could afford them all. Some were made of dark leather, and some were cream colored and made of the softest, plush material he'd ever felt. His fingers danced across the edge of the two coffee tables. He hadn't known that someone could live this way all by themselves. He had to wonder what kind of person Leorio was.
He had a fireplace, too, and a few flat-screens.
Off to the side, he could see the glimmer of metal out of the corner of his eye, and when he looked, he found it to be the kitchen. It was an open space, a space that included an island counter and several bar stools. Hanging lights completed the sleek look, and the windows, surprisingly not floor to ceiling, presented a nice outlook for the small table just below it. The chairs and table were made of that same red oak he'd seen in Leorio's bedroom. He could only guess that one seat was used for morning coffee- and from the several books set to the side- reading, too.
The dining room wasn't that much different than the kitchen. There were no walls separating the living room, the kitchen, or the dining room and what made up most of the space was a long table, made up of the same red oak, stretching across the room. More than enough chairs surrounded it. He wasn't sure if Leorio often ate with guests, but ten chairs surrounding that massive table seemed rather unnecessary, unless he often had company. This seemed far too big of a house for one person. The table, as smooth as it was pretty, expressed the overarching theme of this house- which, overwhelmingly, felt more and more like a cabin. He didn't know how Leorio was able to pull off such a complicated look, but it worked. Surprisingly.
But these weren't the only rooms. Besides the hallway he'd come from- and the many rooms he hadn't yet explored- there was another short hallway that led to a single room. The door wasn't any different from the other rooms, but the fact that it was the only door with a hallway of it's own was a little interesting. It couldn't be a bathroom. He distinctly remembered going right across the hallway to shower.
Regardless of what he thought of the room, he approached. Innocent intentions or not, if he had known what was inside, he would have at least knocked...
He grasped the handle, and turned it.
As he stepped inside, he couldn't stop the gasp from escaping his lips. Row after row of books lined the walls- and the floor to ceiling windows shed light into the space. This space was in the shape of a horseshoe- except bigger... and more rounded. Windows lined an entire wall to his left, and bookshelves with neatly lined books made up the rest. There wasn't an empty space to be seen- except, of course, when he peered around the opposite corner. No windows were to be found, but several lamps and a desk were spotted- along with the man he'd been searching for.
Pushing back on the computer chair, Leorio swiveled, and took his glasses off at the sound of his entrance.
It was in that moment that Kurapika once more felt the impact of Leorio's looks. His chest tightened at the sight. His eyes, such a vivid color like he'd never seen before. Most would be in awe of blue or green eyes, but if only they could see this man. His eyes weren't just brown- you could practically feel the texture and weight. His eyes didn't have a class. Perhaps a soft hazelnut with a swish of that type of silky rich chocolate. Those lips, too, twitched ever so slightly, as if he'd gotten distracted. For Kurapika, it was like he was seeing him for the first time all over again. He was so spactacularly overwhelmed by his beauty- how that handsome jaw was slightly curved and set. He barely registered his current expression until it was too late.
His brows were furrowed, as if he were in deep thought, and Kurapika felt a twinge of regret for entering into his space. This looked like... a library. A library with a panoramic view. It was bigger than anything he'd ever seen before, and it had every book known to man. It had to- he'd never seen such a place in a home- especially in a penthouse, but when he approached, he could tell that this space was modified to be more of an office with an attached Library as his personal data base.
"Hey, you're finally up." Leorio welcomed as Kurapika came hesitantly near, voice raspy, eyes a little hooded. It didn't look like he had slept all that well, and he wondered if that had been his fault.
"Sorry- I didn't know you were in here. I was just-"
"Exploring. I bet you were." Leorio interrupted, smiling warmly. "How are you feeling? Better?" He asked, standing, pushing away from his desk. From what he could see, Leorio had three books splayed out, a pad and pen, and a laptop. He wondered if he was doing something important; he wondered if maybe he shouldn't have distracted him. Although, he also wondered if distracting Leorio was exactly the thing to do right now. He looked like he'd been working all night, but he couldn't tell. He certainly looked like he welcomed the distraction.
"Better, yeah..." Kurapika murmured. "But... I'm also really confused about a lot of things." he admitted softly.
"Confused? Ah... yes, I figured you might be. A lot happened since the day we met; now, I don't have all of the answers, but I can do my best to explain if you want." Leorio offered, patting an empty space on his desk. "Of course, that depends on what you're confused about and what you've already figured out."
Mindlessly, as if his body were responding before his brain could process what he was doing, Kurapika approached Leorio's desk, pushed up, and sat himself in the space Leorio had indicated, letting his legs fall limp. His side stung a little, but he did his best to ignore it; after all, he was feeling much better than he had in days.
"I'm confused about everything." Kurapika said bluntly, folding his hands neatly into his lap. "But, I assume that's because you finally stopped giving me morphine, right? Everything was a bit hazy... until today."
Leorio sat down once more and swiveled his desk chair, crossing his legs in the process. Despite practically sitting between Kurapika's legs, he looked like he paid it no mind. "Yeah- I thought it'd be best. The swelling in your side has gone down considerably, and for once, you didn't look pained while you slept."
He crossed his arms, providing Kurapika with his full attention, leaning back in his chair. He begun to speak before Kurapika could even think about asking how he might know what he'd look like in his sleep.
"Ask away- pick a starting point, and I'll do my best to fill you in. I won't have the answers to everything, I'm sure... but I certainly know a great deal." He murmured.
Both found each other's gaze, and there came a small moment where neither talked, just simply stared. It was quite mesmerizing. The way Leorio looked at him like he was genuinely interested in what he had to say, despite his obvious fatigue. Kurapika couldn't help how he was caught up in that intense brown gaze. He looked so focused, so trained, as if it were important that he keep looking at him.
A faint dusting of pink hit his cheeks, and he blinked, trying to break their eye contact.
To no avail, Leorio's gaze remained trained on him, waiting for his questions.
Kurapika's fingers twisted together in his lap, and he bit his lip.
"W-well..." He stuttered, trying to think of a simple question. Everything was confusing. Despite being under the influences of morphine, there were some things he understood... a little. For one, he knew Leorio had saved his life. Another, was that Killua... was linked to Leorio. Leorio was a doctor in practice, and from what he recalled, he was impressive in skill. But the fact remained, since Kurapika was Killua's target, why was he here? Why was he safe? Why was he alive?
"...Am I your enemy?" He asked, for lack of a better word. He hoped not, but since Killua and Leorio were obviously on the same side... that was a difficult thing to sort through and confirm.
Leorio's breathing hitched just a little at the question- almost as if he were startled by it, but he shook his head immediately. "No, absolutely not. I have no reason to dislike you, and as I recall- I saved your life." He responded calmly. His fingers laced and sat uniformly in his lap- almost as if he were a therapist and Kurapika was his patient. "If we were enemies, I wouldn't have gone through so much trouble to help keep you alive and comfortable."
"But you're friends with Killua?" He asked gently, eyebrows drawn in concern.
"...Well, I suppose... Yes." He answered, this time rather cautiously. His eyes never strayed from his. "But what does Killua have to do with me saving your life?"
"From what I recall, Killua wants to kill me. Is that right?" Kurapika persisted.
A nervous swallow preceded a small 'Yes.'
Kurapika gripped the edge of that same colored wood he'd seen throughout the house. He licked his lips nervously, a little intimidated by how Leorio was still trained on him, answering his questions directly.
"Isn't... Isn't that reason enough to want to kill me? If he's your friend?"
"...You're not asking me why he wants to kill you at all." Leorio whispered, "Do you know why or did you not get to that part yet? Regardless if he's my friend or not, I don't think my association with Killua should have anything to do with how I live my own life."
Surprised by Leorio's question- especially when Kurapika was the one doing the questioning, he shook his head. Part of him would remember how he evaded his question- and so easily- for a long time. "I asked Killua the other day and he told me that he wouldn't dare tell me. Since you're his friend, I can only assume you won't tell me either."
Leorio shrugged, lips twisting and eyebrows cinching as he answered with a valid argument. "I suppose... but it depends." He said coolly.
Sitting back, he gestured for him to continue as he answered his previous question. "Killua and I don't share the same goals, and don't share the same outlook on life. Just because we're friends doesn't mean I agree with everything he says and does."
Kurapika thought about that for a moment. He recalled, hazily, what Killua had told him the other day. How Leorio left because he didn't agree with 'how things were run'. 'Their boss', as Killua had expressed, had a set way of doing things, and he wasn't so easily deterred. All Kurapika could guess was that whoever this boss person was, despite calling Leorio a friend, seemed like a really shitty person. If the boss was going to make a friend leave just because they didn't see everything from their perspective... that was pretty damn shitty indeed.
But the question remained- what was that all about? Who was he? What kind of establishment was this boss person running?
"Is there an establishment? How do you know of Killua?" Kurapika asked without really thinking. It was a legitimate question, but perhaps if he had thought about it, he might have worded it differently.
Leorio stiffened in his chair- Kurapika could clearly see it. He could also visibly see how Leorio's fine jaw set rigid, and his arms and legs crossed as if he was closing himself off. To Kurapika, at least, it looked like Leorio didn't want to answer that question- as if he struck a nerve in the doctor.
"Killua? what about him?" Leorio drawled instead, dancing around the question.
"A group- is he in some sort of a gang? Some sort of... black market... type...dealing? Or is it like, a corporation? What's the affiliation between you two?"
Leorio sat, tight-lipped for the longest time after he'd asked that question. Kurapika couldn't help but wonder if what he said was even remotely offensive, since Leorio had been involved.
"Okay," Kurapika said, holding up his hand as he decided to give in. "You don't have to answer that if you don't want to-"
"Yes." Leorio cut him off, taking him a little by surprise. "It's a gang. Of sorts- underworld dealings and the like. It isn't a corporation, but if you've ever seen shows with hit-men and... territories... that's what it is." Leorio licked his lips, and sat forward, elbows resting on his knees with his head in his hands. "But I bet that's a little confusing for you to understand, isn't it..."
Kurapika shrugged. "I haven't watched television- only at events when my father was being presented on the big screen. I didn't have that type of luxury as a child." He said dryly.
Leorio patted his leg in what Kurapika could only assume to be a sentimental gesture of pity.
"Well- I suppose you could compare the situation to a family of animals. They always stick together, take care of one another, and if someone or a group offend even one of them, they all get together and fight them. It's all domestic bullshit that I hate- When I decided to be apart of that family, I hadn't thought it would involve blood shed. In the beginning, it was just a group of kids fighting to survive in a harsh reality, keeping each other afloat during hard times, but... it evolved into something vastly complex. Now, it's all about gaining territory and ruling the underworld through brute force and negotiation. If you've ever read The Host by Stephanie Meyer, it's kind of like that- except the alien race are real people who have other, darker goals."
Kurapika blinked, trying to recall the book. He'd read a lot of books in his time- so many that it was hard to recall at first, but when he recalled the title and the tale, he suddenly understood.
"So, you're saying that, in the underworld, it's about war? It's about surviving and fighting back, taking control and getting back what's rightfully theirs? Is that what you mean?"
Leorio nodded in confirmation.
"But... What has any of that got to do with me? I don't quite understand." Kurapika murmured.
"Well, I suppose it's all relative..." Leorio responded, brows furrowed in contemplation. "I was never given the specifics as to why they want you dead rather than alive, but I do know their morality, and I suppose I do understand a little." When he glanced up, his lips were twisted, almost as if it was hard for him to even explain. Kurapika listened quietly in hopes that Leorio would indeed explain. He needed it. He needed to understand why he was being targeted when he did nothing wrong.
"Their morality, I suppose," Leorio began slowly, "Is more of 'if they're capable of being dangerous, they're capable of threatening what we have; therefore, execution is necessary.' That's the best way I can describe it- but I'm not positive that's the reason why you're being targeted. I just don't know. If it were because of their motto, your background would certainly fit. Your father creates technologies through intellect and perseverance. Since you're set to inherit the company, you'd have other minds that could equip you with the tools necessary to create other monstrosity and chaos." Leorio explained. "You said your father built the scope that Killua and the others had found, right? If that's true, then your family has given the underworld a very dangerous weapon. If it's in the wrong hands, it could easily kill many innocent. There's a lot of treachery, back stabbing, and pain in this world. The underworld is a place with no rules and no standards. You can get killed on the streets easily if you wander a centimeter into another group's territory. It's scary stuff- and that's part of the reason why I left. But my point- whether they're after you because of potential danger or something else entirely... is something you'll have to ask Killua when we see him later."
Kurapika's hand settled over Leorio's palm. Neither had realized Leorio had left his hand on his thigh until Kurapika had dropped his hands. Leorio seemed too lost in thought to feel the touch, but Kurapika was rather distracted by it. Of course he was paying attention to everything the good doctor was saying, but that hand was warm and solid, and it sent shivers up his spine. It made him sit tall and rigid, but if Leorio had noticed, he didn't say so.
His thumb dared to brush against those warm knuckles in reassurance. He had no idea what he was doing, but if it comforted Leorio, that was all that mattered. "Have you been targeted before?" Kurapika asked softly, leaning in a little.
Leorio's gaze met Kurapika's, and then looked away again. "A few times- but not to be killed." He murmured. "I've been fought over like property before, because of my skill... I was never left alone. That was why, when I left, everyone wanted to make sure I was safe and out of harms way. While they're still my friends, I still help them when I can, and they still check in on me to make sure I'm alive and well. I'm not confined here, but I do feel safe in here."
Kurapika's lips pursed, and he scooped up his hand, holding that heavy, broad palm in both of his hands. This time Leorio took notice, but he didn't move away or pull back.
"So, you haven't really been outside all that much, huh... Is that why you're afraid to get your doctor's license?" He whispered. "I know you have access to a lot of money- you wouldn't be living here if you didn't..."
Leorio shrugged his shoulders, avoiding his gaze. "Sure, I suppose..." he murmured back. "But being a doctor requires a lot of energy. I'd be on call every day, spending long hours in the E.R. I wouldn't be available when everyone else needs me the most. I promised I wouldn't let any of them die, but if I'm away at a hospital doing some menial task like checking in on patients when nurses could do that while a friend of mine lay bleeding, needing help, I'll never forgive myself. That already happened once, and I refuse to let it happen again."
They both fell silent for the same reason. Though Leorio wasn't aware that he knew about the girl and what had happened, he seemed to want to elaborate, yet he was also hesitant.
Kurapika hopped down from the desk, letting go of Leorio's hand in favor of wrapping his arms around his neck to pull him into a hug. Even sitting, Leorio was tall enough for Kurapika to not have to bend down much. His face tucked into Leorio's neck, and he closed his eyes. A part of him relished the touch and the cologne that his nose was graced with. Another part wanted to be able to comfort the man without such ridiculous thoughts. The last part of him shivered with delight as those strong arms came to wrap around his body and pull him into his lap.
The fact that he seemed needy enough to be okay with that was one thing, but to continue by burrowing his face into his shoulder was another. Kurapika didn't know what to make of the situation, but he knew that, for now, this was as close as he would ever get to holding him this way. For some reason, he wanted more- but more of what? More touches? Of course Leorio was sexy as sin, fit as hell, and smelled like heaven, but they'd only just met. The attraction was ridiculous, just the mere touch was electrifying- but what could he possibly gain from that? What could he possibly do with that?
"Did Killua tell you that story, too?" Leorio whispered, fingers digging into his blonde hair. He tentatively stroked the strands for comfort.
Kurapika couldn't bring himself to lie about it- especially when he had no real reason to.
"Yeah... Yeah, he did. I'm sorry." He whispered, silently relishing those fingers. His own grip tightened fractionally around the elder. "But... Every good doctor has lost at least one patient, right? But you know what- not every doctor has only lost one. Many have lost more- and the fact that you've been doing this for so long with this kind of talent... You're very gifted. You saved my life, after all."
He heard Leorio chuckle, and then sigh. "Yeah... I guess I did, didn't I?"
Kurapika smiled into the man's neck, and pulled back a little to peer into those softened eyes.
"Thank you- really. Without you, I'd be dead." He whispered.
Leorio offered a smile, and then patted his hip, signaling their embrace was over.
"Do you have anymore questions?" He asked as Kurapika clambered off his lap. The other resumed his spot on Leorio's desk, hopping up with a small smile on his face.
"Yeah- I was a little bit... Confused. Killua said he had a job for me? Do you know what that means?"
Leorio nodded slowly. "Actually- Killua came in earlier. He gave me a list of instructions. Apparently you're to organize parties and send them off on certain missions- but what I was concerned about was that with that type of responsibility, you have to know the people you're sending."
Kurapika's brow raised in question, but he began to understand as the elder continued.
"And, I spoke to him briefly about this, but talking turned into a sort of... future meeting. It seems, in order to do your job, you'll have to know the people you're sending out- and in order to know them, you'll have to meet them."
Kurapika sat up straight, head tilted just slightly, blonde bangs shifting into his eyes as he peered down at Leorio. Curious... a meeting, then. That was sure to mean that he was supposed to-
"I'm to take you back to the cafe in two hours."
A soft groan wafted through pretty lips, and Kurapika couldn't help but let his head fall backward, dramatically.
"It won't be that terrible- I'm sure once you get to know the lot of them, it won't be so bad."
"They'll be taking orders from someone the leader wants killed- isn't that reason enough to hate me?"
Leorio's lips pursed and twisted slightly. "You haven't... done anything yet..."
"But by what you said, I've given them reason enough to hate me just by existing- by being the son of a business man."
Leorio grumbled deep within his throat; it was a major turn on that brought hungry flashes of Leorio ripping off his clothes and pile-driving into him without any mercy. It was so hot, in fact, that Kurapika had to look away for a moment just to prevent himself from falling off the desk.
"Are you okay? You don't look so good..." Leorio immediately noted. What a coincidence. No- in fact, he was definitely not okay. If Leorio accidentally said anything that could be taken out of context, he'd be begging, and not just in his mind.
"F-Fine-" He squeaked out, slapping his hand over his face. He kept the other one on the desk for balance, and he didn't dare move an inch until he heard Leorio's resignation. He almost sighed in relief when he did hear it- honestly- because his mind was far too deep in the gutter for any sort of accidental slip up.
"Tell me," Kurapika spoke, clearing his throat. He still refused to lower his hand, but he did want to distract Leorio from what just happened. "How... how did you come to know Killua? How did you come to be involved in this sort of thing? If you wanted to be a doctor... you could have easily done that, right?"
Had Kurapika been looking, he would have seen a flash of pain in the doctor's eyes, and he would have also seen the subtle twitch of his lips as he contemplated even explaining it at all.
After a few seconds of silence, Kurapika lowered his hand, blushed cheeks calming. Their eyes locked, but it was the curve of the man's brow and the way Leorio's eyes seemed to search his own that had him frozen in place, that kept him still instead of looking away.
"You... You don't have to..." Kurapika said mindlessly. His concern, the next second, overwhelmed him as he leaned forward to rest his own palm on the Leorio's knee. Not a twitch had inspired the man, but those chocolate brown orbs fluttered closed the next second, followed by the deepest breath he'd ever seen him take, like he was preparing to do something extremely difficult. Maybe it was.
Kurapika was so intrigued and worried about the doctor that, had he fallen from the edge of the desk, he'd fall straight into the other's lap without regret.
"You're aware that explaining that... would take time... correct?" He whispered, "I'd have to go back at least... twenty years."
"If it's okay with you, I'd like to hear it. I bet you don't tell the story very often."
"I've never told it." Leorio corrected silently.
"Never? Not even once to a curious... friend?"
"You'd be my only curious friend."
Kurapika's eyebrows drew, and a small smile graced his lips. On the one hand, he felt just a little bit sad for him- that no one had cared enough to actually ask him before... Yet, at the same time, to be considered a friend...
"Alright, alright. It's boring." Leorio caved, patting the hand on his knee. "I hope you don't mind."
Kurapika shook his head fiercely, scooting as closely as he could to the edge of the desk. "If it's okay, I'd love to know more about you. Even though I remember you a little from my dad's company, I don't really know you yet."
"Fair enough." Leorio murmured, softly smiling.
"Okay," He sat back, cupping Kurapika's hand mindlessly in his own. Kurapika hardly felt it at all, he was so focused on hearing Leorio speak that the touch practically didn't exist.
"When I was young, I think about the age of eight, I was as alone as I felt," He began softly, tucking black strands behind his ears and running his fingers through it like he was completely stressed just mentioning it. Even for a man as well put together as he, there was no denying the instant pressure that seemed to overwhelm him into speaking.
"I was involved in an accident-"
A car accident?
"- and before I could think too hard about what was happening to me, I was cast out into the open. I didn't really have a family to begin with, but that didn't help my situation. Gon Freecs was one of the first people I met. He took me by the hand, led me to a safe place where I had a say, where I could make a difference..." He ran his fingers through his hair once more, and sighed softly in remembered sorrow.
"He didn't particularly treat me like I was lost; he treated me with respect. So, we found a place outside together, toured, had a secret base and all that dumb kid stuff- but when he told me his story, we decided that we both needed an escape. A place where we felt safe, where we felt strong... You can understand that, right? Well, while we were wandering around, we ran into Killua..."
Kurapika had sunk to the floor, gaze completely trained on Leorio as he spoke of his adventures. Though not as detailed as he had hoped, it was something. He could tell at least that these words were carefully thought out, each word conscious and careful, as if one wrong move would send him into a spiral of despair and pain. He didn't want to see such a thing on his handsome face- it was unbecoming, and a part of him thought to himself that it might be completely unnatural.
"Killua was my test- my very first patient- My challenge to see if I could really make it in the world as a doctor, a healer... a friend..."
Oh. Oh. Killua? Really? Wait a minute- how did they meet? What was going on? What happened to them? Who was Gon, and where was he now? Kurapika had so many questions he barely had time to comprehend them all. He wanted to ask, but he didn't know how. Leorio looked like he was reminiscing a sensitive subject, and he felt bad for even asking just because of that look on the man's face. It looked so pained and twisted that he felt like he had to do something- anything- to get his mind off of it.
"Killua, he... I just- he came at me the first time, and it was just... Gon tried to pull him off of me, and he didn't want to be touched or helped... He told me so many things that I could relate to-"
Kurapika got up off of his feet, hand slipping up his arm. "Don't- it's okay," he insisted softly, "I didn't mean..."
His other hand met his other shoulder, and he leaned down just a little to murmur reassurances into the man's ear. "You're okay- forget I asked, okay?" His thumbs dug into the space between his shoulder blades and the slope of his neck.
A soft moan drifted between the man's lips, his head knocking back from the foreign sensation that felt oh-so-good on his tense shoulders. Those small, slender fingers dug in just the right places to unfurl the bundles of nerves that set him on edge- Kurapika was skilled, and while Leorio drawled on how it was exactly that Kurapika was so good at this, the blonde watched him closely with a curious gaze.
The way his eyes fluttered closed, the way his lips parted, shoulders released under his careful touch- it was riveting, really. Those dark locks fluttered about his shoulders as his neck craned and his body pressed into his touch. It made him wonder if it was a touch that was appreciated, or if it was awkward but too good to pass up? Was it even okay? He hadn't done this before, at all, actually, but Leorio seemed to be enjoying himself.
"I'm sorry," Kurapika continued lightly, "I had no right to ask so frankly, especially when this is the first time we're really talking while I have a clear head. We haven't known each other long, so I really don't expect you to give me your entire life story."
Leorio peeked open his eye, staring up at the blonde upside down. "I promised you that you'd get a fair answer..." He murmured quietly, pausing for a second to moan when Kurapika worked a particular bundle of nerves. "To explain my relationship to Killua and tell you about the people I'm involved with... it's sort of entwined with my life. Ever since the accident- in short- Gon and Killua and I created this safe place for us to go. One thing lead to another- and we had an entire family to take care of, feed, lead... It was never about territory and conquering at first, but much of that domination went straight to Gon's head, and this is what they've become."
Kurapika nodded slowly, working out the last knot he could find before he let his hands rest on the other's shoulders. "So they're your family... and that was why you didn't want to leave them. You meant that literally," He whispered. "Leaving them all must have been so hard- and all you wanted to do was take care of them. Is that why you wanted to become a doctor?"
Leorio's hand came up to rest against one of Kurapika's hands, smoothing it with his thumb as he nodded slowly. "I suppose that was the larger reason why I wanted to, but over time, I found myself wishing I'd known my original family better. Had taken the time to understand them and spend time with them before they died- and a part of me blames myself for their deaths. If I had known the skills I do today, I would have saved their lives... and if I'd told them to wait until the next day to leave..."
Kurapika shook his head, brows furrowing in concern. "No, Leorio... no..." He murmured. "Their death isn't your fault. I know you know that- but if you'd just think for a moment that their deaths have shaped you into who you are today. Without their deaths, this family of yours wouldn't exist. You wouldn't be here- I'd be dead..."
A soft sigh escaped Leorio, and he swiveled around. His dark brown gaze softened, and he smiled up at him. "I do realize that, but sometimes I wonder," He explained gently. He took Kurapika's hands in his, rubbing them gently before letting them fall away. A moment of silence passed between them, Leorio taking a second just to clear his head, and Kurapika smart enough not to say anything while Leorio calmed down.
Leorio didn't seem like the type of person to get riled up so easily- always level headed... at least that's what he remembered of him through the haze of his memories.
"Well... what about you?" Leorio started softly.
"Wait... what?"
"Yeah- What about you? How did you... become you?"
Taken aback by the question, Kurapika raised a brow. "Me? Are you serious? Don't you work with my dad?"
...
Leorio hesitated for a moment, and cleared his throat. He glanced down for a moment, "Yeah... yeah I did."
Kurapika felt his own slip up the second the words fell, and he immediately pushed down that searing pain in his chest by blocking the reality of it all completely- at least for the moment.
"Well," Kurapika stumbled, "I mean- uh- there's not really much about me that's of interest. What is there to tell, really? My dad was in charge of the company, my mom was... my mom? she wanted girls to dote on, so I mean... All I did was study what my dad gave me, went to school because I had to, and... Somewhere along the line my dad told me I was going to take over his company, so I didn't... really have a say..."
"You never wanted to take over the company?" Leorio asked, taking hold of one of his hands. It was still obvious- at least to Leorio- that Kurapika was still shaken up by his slight correction. He didn't mean to upset him, but it seemed that he had done so anyway.
"I- no- I mean... I don't know..." Kurapika lowered his head, a small dash of red smudging his cheeks as shame washed over him. "I... I mean, I don't really know much about my father's company in the first place. All I know is that he makes certain technological advances, but to me they're just... random. To me, it's like he picks an area of focus and just... turns it into something else? I don't know. I know the mechanics of what he did- not the why. Certainly not the ideas behind them. He wanted me to know accounting stuff to 'breathe life' into the company..."
Leorio raised a brow, "So... you don't really know what your father does, then?"
"Not particularly, no."
Leorio's lips pursed, and he held the tips of his fingers fractionally tighter- and it was then that Kurapika realized that he was still standing. He was hesitant to move, but with Leorio hunched over, contemplating something, he wasn't sure if that was a good idea.
"I... don't know if it matters much now, what with his death, but... would you like to know?"
Kurapika was silent for a few moments, the realization of his father's death was still noticeably absent. Either he had heard and it didn't phase him, or he hadn't quite registered it yet.
"He was just... an inventor. There wasn't anything special about that, as far as I know. He took in clients, built whatever it was that they wanted, and then mass produced it and shared profit with the client who had the idea."
Leorio's lips thinned, and a soft grunt fled his lips. He squeezed his hand a little and then released it. Standing, he carefully tucked his arms behind his back. "Not quite- How your father made his millions was by catering to the underworld. He was a man with power and the means to be productive in a way that could destroy the entire underworld for good. That was why I was a supplier- because I gave your father parts and labor forces to make his works possible. We didn't go after him because he posed as a necessity to us- but what everyone is trying to figure out, and why the underworld is in such a flurry, is not only is their major market gone, but also... we have no idea who your father's last client was- and we have no idea who assassinated him."
Kurapika grit his teeth, realizing that the more Leorio brought up his family, the harder he fought to suppress the impending emotional storm brewing within him. He didn't want to face it. Not yet. He hadn't needed them to begin with- they were nothing but horrible to him- they just... took a vacation. Left him behind because that was something his mother would do. She didn't love him. She didn't care- and neither did his father.
"I suppose that's what everyone is trying to figure out right now. That's probably why Killua agreed to erase the target on your head for a time. They're so busy trying to figure out how to cope with a significant loss and how to substitute it with something else that they don't have the time to deal with you," Leorio continued.
Kurapika crossed his arms, eyes lidded with irritation- a default, more or less.
"Yes, because being dealt with is exactly what I was hoping to get out of my life."
Leorio stood, shrugged, and sighed. "Well, it's the situation. I don't like it either, but it's how it turned out. At least you have some time to make amends or become... useful? I guess?"
Rolling pretty grey eyes, Kurapika snorted. "Useful? Useful how? I was hardly useful being a son, let alone a brother."
Leorio pursed his lips, but offered his hand. "Hey- at least you're alive. I'd say the fact that you were able to survive an assassination is a feat in of itself, wouldn't you say?" He turned, and nodded ahead of him. "Let's get some breakfast; you haven't had a decent meal in a while."
Kurapika tucked his hands into his pockets, and wordlessly followed the elder, submitting to his words. At the very mention of food, his stomach was twisting and growling, and there was nothing he could do to stop it unless he filled it with something- like food.
Taking a seat at the small corner coffee table, Kurapika flipped one leg over the other, and used his elbows to prop his head up. He was beginning to feel the effects of the condition of his body wearing on him. He was feeling sluggish, even when Leorio's palm brushed the small of his back to keep him walking towards the kitchen on the way over.
"Tea? Coffee?" Leorio offered, placing his palm on the table.
Kurapika didn't look up, but he did admire how large his palm was. His nails were neatly trimmed and well-kept - just like his hair, as the elder leaned down to peer at his face.
"Coffee it is, then." Leorio mused, withdrawing, and turning toward the stove. "I hope you know I only have Folgers- is that alright?"
"Mmm."
"Lively, aren't you." Leorio laughed, "Or is it that you're just tired? this is the first day I haven't given you any morphine, after all."
So it was true. Leorio had been doping him up for... how long? Too long. He had barely known who he was, what he was doing, or where he was. He remembered only vague things, as if they had surfaced because of their importance. He remembered Killua clearly enough- he was a threat to his life, but... what did it really matter anymore?
He... he was all alone... wasn't he. Not that he really felt loved or sheltered by his own family when they were alive, but... still. They had been his home- his place to go back to if he wasn't feeling well. His own room, though often used as his family's closet, was still a place he could hide and shut out the rest of the world. But how long had it been since they died? Did everyone assume he was dead, too? And what of the house and everything in it? Had he been gone so long that his home was repossessed? What of the company? surely... if it was such an important industry...
"Sugar?"
Kurapika blinked, and looked up. "Mm? What?"
A cup of steaming black liquid was set in front of him, and a firm hand clasped his left shoulder. He stiffened, but when that hand relaxed and rubbed his shoulder, he loosened.
"I don't have any creamer- I usually like my coffee as plain as it comes, but I do have some sugar if you'd like."
"Oh- yes please, thank you." Kurapika murmured, dazed with how Leorio had so easily pulled him from his thoughts. Whenever he went off on a tangent in his own mind, it was always difficult to pull him out of his thoughts- even his parents and his sisters had trouble getting through to him. Leorio, however, didn't seem to have that problem.
"Are you okay? You look a bit pale. Would you like some water instead?" Leorio asked, rubbing his back.
"Mm... no, I'm alright. Sorry." He mumbled, "It's just a little... weird. I haven't been able to think this clearly in a while. It's... a lot to process."
"Everything starting to come back to you, now?" Leorio asked, withdrawing his hand. Kurapika was a little disappointed, missing that warm, rough palm that treated him so delicately- but having him sit across from him, eyes trained on his every move like Kurapika was the most interesting thing to look at was... a bit embarrassing, but well worth it.
His face flushed a little, and he poured the sugar the other had set down for him into his cup. After he'd stirred and tasted until he was satisfied, he had nothing else to look at but the scenery of the city. It was morning, and everyone outside was in a hustle and bustle; for once, he could clearly see his location on the outskirts of town. Apparently, he'd wandered much further than he originally needed to, but he supposed that the driving factor was the 'assassins' that scared him so much. He didn't know he could make it from the center of the city to the edge with the wounds that he had. He distinctly remembered the adrenaline, and the rapid, incessant beats of his heart.
He remembered tasting copper on his tongue, and the chill of the outside. He hadn't realized it then, but the first snowfall of the evening had been on that day- white wisps falling, but not quite piling up... but now, it was practically a blizzard outside, snow piling on trees and spilling onto the ground. Snow littered the city streets, lamp posts bright to allow drivers to get safely from one place to another.
Somehow, it reminded him of when he was a child, watching snow fall from the sky for the very first time. He vaguely remembered his mother telling him it was snow and that he should stay quiet because of guests, but he was so ensnared by the beauty of it, and the crisp, clean air that surrounded the puffy clouds of snow on the ground, that it became his favorite season.
"Kurapika?"
"Mm, yeah, sorry," Kurapika apologized, cupping the handle of his drink and raising it to his lips. The liquid filled his belly, heat gathering in the pit of his stomach and working its way through his limbs. He hadn't realized, but he'd sunken into the chair, closed his eyes, and breathed a sigh of contentedness. "Winter is my favorite time of year- did you know that?" He whispered softly, taking another sip.
"Is it?"
"It is. The snow that does fall is always new and innocent- puffy like a cloud and brand new straight from the sky, and over time, it compacts and hardens on the ground to cushion every step you take. It becomes apart of the scenery, and is admired by all, treasured, even, and then melts into the water that we all need. Snow is... useful as it is admired. It's the only thing, I think, that can be so many things at once, and still be useful even after it melts..."
Leorio sat forward, gazing at him in a sort of awed befuddlement. "Does the snowfall mean that much to you?" he asked softly. "It's nothing more than frozen distilled water reflecting the light, piling up on the ground. It's just... rain, but because the earth has tilted away from the sun, the atmosphere becomes much colder, and the temperature drop and the pressure from such altitudes freezes it."
"You mean, it's just snow." Kurapika corrected gently. Sitting up, those grey eyes settled onto Leorio's darker ones. "Are you always so... technical?"
"Technical?" Leorio asked, looking down at himself. "Uh... do I sound like that? I'm sorry."
Kurapika's lips twisted, watching the other- the supposed 'doctor'- squirm at his comment. He didn't ask it to be rude, he was genuinely curious- but the way he reacted pulled an apology from his lips. "Sorry, I was just wondering. You're trying to be a professional, and with all those books you read for company, I guess it's hard to switch gears."
Leorio shrugged, "I don't get a lot of company here... it's possible. But I've always preferred solitude. I like books."
A small smile made its way onto Kurapika's face, and he hummed. "I know- you have a library for an office."
Leorio hummed, a wider smile on his face. "Just the way I like it," he mused. "But you know-" he stood, "- it reminds me. Killua gave me some of the mission statements along with a list of people with certain skill sets that usually take these kinds of missions. He's left it up to you, but I figured it would be beneficial to review the missions and understand what they are before you jump in."
Smiling no more, a groan wafted from Kurapika's parted lips, and his head fell against the oak of the table top. "Why am I doing this again?" He whined.
Leorio stood, emptying his cup of coffee into the sink, while shuffling towards the living room. "Because its part of the agreement."
"What agreement." Kurapika groaned. He knew, vaguely- remembering Killua pointing that gun at him and something about saving someone... and also the tid bit about dying and doing domestic work... but he still didn't get it.
"Don't you remember?" Leorio asked, popping his head back into the kitchen. "Killua wanted you dead, so I forced him to give me his word that he'd protect you and watch over you temporarily until I can figure something out. I don't want you dead- but I certainly don't want you to have to do this kind of thing forever unless you want to."
Kurapika was silent for a moment, finding that it was a valid reason, and distinctly remembering that the only reason Killua had even agreed was because Leorio needed to save someone who'd gotten shot. But he was still mildly confused.
"Why do you even want to help me?" Kurapika questioned, "I know you saved me, and I'm sure I could find some way to survive under a different name... or something... so why go through all of this trouble? You don't even know me."
Leorio raised a brow, "I won't let someone die needlessly. Honestly- You haven't done anything wrong. I left for a reason- so I'll stand by you." When the rest of him was revealed, in his hand was a small folder, and he carefully set it down in front of Kurapika. "Besides, You just lost your entire family. Where could you go?"
Kurapika fell silent, eyes falling to the folder, no longer intent on staring at Leorio's face. He hated that he was right. He hated that he hadn't realized it sooner- that he'd be a burden to Leorio before too long, and it wasn't like he could go on living there, anyway. If he ever escaped from these people, he wouldn't have any money. In his parents will, he assumed that both of them had detailed their belongings and their earnings to his sisters- both of which, though kind, were spoiled rotten. He, at most, would be living on the streets...
So it was almost like, had he been faced with death, it would be the better option. He didn't want to suffer, as he was sure he would.
"Nowhere," Kurapika answered solemnly, "But I won't be a burden to you." Reaching for the folders, he lifted the corner, only to have the other's palm rest over his, pausing his ministrations.
"Nonsense. It's nice to have someone here, and someone to care for. It's only been about a year for me, but it feels like an eternity ago. You're absolutely not a burden- you're helping me just by being here."
Kurapika's lips twisted in a sort of frown, unsure if Leorio's words were true or fake in an effort to comfort him. For the moment, he chose to ignore his words, but at the touch, he shivered from the touch. Clearing his throat, he grabbed up the folder; even though it pained him to do so, he allowed his hand to slip free of Leorio's grasp. His touch was the only kind one he'd felt in such a long time, that it was almost surreal. Breaking the hold was a physical act rather than a mental one. Had he allowed himself to think about it, he probably wouldn't have pulled away, and allowed the other to entice him with his kind words.
"Let's.. Let's look at the missions. They're missions right? Tell me what they're about." Kurapika said, trying to steer the conversation as he opened the folder.
When Kurapika looked up, Leorio's lips had thinned into a tight line; he almost looked like he wanted to say something, but he seemed to be biting his tongue. Was it his training that had made him hold back, or was it because Leorio genuinely didn't want to say anything because it would make him mad?
But Leorio sighed heavily, and plucked the folder from Kurapika's grasp. "The missions are simplified for you to understand. Killua typed them up for you, but he left out important details that you should know about. I do believe that Killua did that to protect all of them just in case you decide to tattle. Or- that's what he told me when he was here a few hours ago when you were still asleep."
Kurapika rolled his eyes, and balled his hands into a fist. He really wasn't a threat- he hadn't done anything wrong. Leorio said he hadn't done anything yet, but what was that supposed to mean? Growing up, he couldn't hurt a fly for fear of getting in trouble with his parents. It was the same principle now- except instead of being afraid of his parents, he was rather fearful of this group. Killua had demonstrated just a fraction of his ability when he'd tried to kill him before when he was doped up on whatever anesthetic Leorio had him on. If it hadn't been for the other, he'd probably be dead. But that was just Killua's power with a hand gun. He was intimidated to know that his intellect, his physical strength, and his quick wit hadn't been taken into account at all. He couldn't estimate Killua's ability at all, and he was afraid that one day, if he wasn't careful, he might have to.
"Don't be too worried about that, though," Leorio interjected, once again easily pulling him from his thoughts. "The mission statements are here, and they give a base goal and purpose for actually going onto the mission. There's a lot more here than meets the eye. I'd be willing to bet that Killua knew you might not pick up on it so easily, but also took into account that because I'm here helping you, that he had to be just vague enough so that he wouldn't be giving too much away. I can teach you to read into it if you'd like. Teach you how to read deeper into the meanings of these statements..."
Kurapika slowly nodded. "That makes sense. He didn't seem too keen on keeping an eye on me. He said, didn't he, that he'd rather me be dead so he wouldn't have to watch over me like a kid."
"He did."
"Well, then, I think it might be a good idea to go over them, that way... that way you won't always have to sit down with me and figure it out."
Leorio shrugged, "Fair enough... but that aside, there's profiles here, too. Profiles of the candidates for all of these missions. It lists their name, their skill sets, their ranks and their achievements. Maybe other things, too, but I'm not sure. Let's look."
Picking up a particular profile, Kurapika scanned the document, and was surprised that no description of the person or any kind of identification for who this person could be was on the sheet.
"Who'd you pick up? Let me see."
Kurapika handed the slip of paper over to the other, but he smiled when he saw Leorio's eyes light up. He could see it, how they sparkled. Did Leorio... like this person?
"Biscuit Krueger," he smiled, "I'm proud of her. She finally made it onto the list."
"Biscuit?" Kurapika asked warily, wanting to know more, and why Leorio got that look in his eyes, but not wanting to be too obvious. Why was this so important anyway? It wasn't like he should be interested in Leorio's love life. It wasn't like he'd change anything. It wasn't even like he liked Leorio or anything.
"It doesn't list her age on here, but she's actually the youngest member in this pool of candidates. She's only sixteen, but she's phenomenal with a scope. Because she's so young, the leader of our group hadn't put her as an official team member for an operation before. She's mainly used as backup when need be, and another set of hands when they're needed... so I'm proud of her for finally making it onto the roster. She's very nice- you'd like her." Leorio explained, smiling as he handed the paper back to him.
Kurapika grasped it, and glanced down at the paper again. Indeed, under the 'qualifications' section, was the word 'sniper' and the word 'support'. Interesting- did these people base their qualifications only one what they've done? Were they really focused on expanding just one part of themselves and not trying to see if they'd be even better in another field?
"Who else is in the pile?" Leorio asked, leaning forward onto the table with his forearms. He looked intrigued by all of this, but Leorio could still see how light and excited Leorio's eyes had gotten.
Perhaps... perhaps he really did miss them all.
He pulled out the stack from underneath the mission statements and listed off some of the unfamiliar names.
"Hanzo, Zushi... Knov and Wing."
"Is that all?"
Kurapika shook his head. "No, but those are the only ones that are bolded."
Intrigued, Leorio took the stack from him, eyebrows furrowing as he went through each each every one of them. "Oh- no." He said, relaxing a little. "They're just mixed up. The bolded names are the newer members that were able to get onto the list for these specific missions. If anything, they're bolded because they're recommendations. People Killua wants you to look more closely at in case they meet specific criteria for the missions."
Kurapika slowly nodded, finding that it made more sense when Leorio explained it that way. "If that's the case, can we go over the names and qualifications for each? Maybe get a sense of each's experiences before we look at the missions? I want to see if there's anything that could stand out to me when I go over the choices."
"Fair enough," Leorio agreed, clearing his throat. "So- let's start with Biscuit, since she's the first one you looked at, okay?"
After about three hours of submersing himself in this new world, Kurapika was exhausted, but he had a clearer grasp on what was going on. It was tiring, but it made far more sense now than it had three hours ago.
He realized that it wasn't just a give and take world that Leorio was living in- that this sort of underworld-like life they've lived has been completely entwined with survival. Everything they've done up until now has been about survival. Threats that oppose them or try to knock them down mean that they have to rise to the challenge and succeed those threats completely. As of now- the point of these missions- are missions they've adapted to in order to prevent any attack on them. Everything being done was being done in defense, not offense. Even if they were vicious and attacked, they were doing so before the other party could try to dominate. They were dominating so that others wouldn't rise up against them and see them as weak.
It made sense- complete sense- especially when Leorio explained that these people had banded together, had brought members in to protect them and to take care of them like a family. A family formed by bond, and not by blood... Even if there were a few younger ones around the main house that had been born into that world by parents who had found shelter within the main house. It was a small community that deemed itself a family. Leorio had made it very clear to him that the leader wasn't just that- he was a peacemaker as well as a conqueror. He was apart of the community, and participated just as much, but because he knew more than anyone else of the outside world, he was deemed the decision-maker for all, and Killua (from what Kurapika understood) had the privilege of standing beside him, helping him make those decisions.
And these particular decisions came in the form of missions. Even if he didn't completely understand what they were about, he now understood that life is a treasured aspect of this group- and that threats were to be conquered before they could become the threats they feared.
Which would definitely explain why they wanted to eliminate him so badly- and why it was huge deal for Killua to take on the responsibility of protecting him while simultaneously keeping an eye on him. He was trying to protect both sides of the equation at the same time- and Kurapika couldn't help but feel bad for him because of that. If he were in Killua's place, he wouldn't be able to handle the stress. Especially with where they were going now.
Leorio, beside him, fashioned his trench coat around his waist, and slid a black hat onto his head.
"It's snowing outside. I have a few coats in the closet beside you. Grab a hat, and two pairs of gloves. I'll go down and start the car, so come down when you're ready, okay?"
Nodding, Kurapika opened the closet, and retrieved one of the coats. It was black, it was big, and it smelled exactly like Leorio. But he couldn't let his enticing smell distract him- he was on a mission of his own.
It was at this time that Killua had requested his presence at the cafe- where all the candidates for these missions would be. He didn't know if the meeting part would go over quite well- or the 'getting orders from an enemy' would go over well either... but if he was with Leorio, he would be okay. The only thing he was worried about at this point- would be whether he'd send off these people to their deaths.