Wrapped up in a snug black coat, Kurapika slipped on some gloves and a hat and made his way out the front door. It was a wild experience for him, seeing everything so vividly. It was when he entered a small hallway that led towards an elevator that he realized that he was right about Leorio living in a penthouse.
He did his best to appear as if he knew exactly what he was doing and where he was, even though that wasn't the case. But he thought he'd give it a go.
He pressed the button for the first floor as soon as the elevator opened, doing exactly what Leorio had said. He'd gone on ahead to start the car, leaving him to grab some things from the coat closet. He figured that Leorio would at least need his wallet, so he grabbed that, too, before he left. It probably had his driver's license in it, and on the off chance they got pulled over, he didn't want to be the reason that Leorio got stuck with a fine. But he had to admit, the idea of seeing Leorio drive was exciting- just imagining him behind the wheel, gripping the wheel hard, eyes alert and straight forward, driving the car with such dominance...
It sent goosebumps racing up his skin, and he shuddered outwardly. Such thoughts... It was ridiculous. He barely knew anything about the guy, yet... he seemed like the type of person to take every obstacle head on and manipulate it for its usefulness. A car being the prime example.
So when he reached the lobby floor, he was adjusting his hat, furiously trying to keep down the blush he felt rising to his cheeks. He was getting worked up over this for no reason... first of all, Leorio was a guy. Second of all, he was involved in the underworld, living and mingling with the life of crime. Third of all... just because he'd saved Kurapika's life didn't mean that he wasn't a danger to Kurapika's well-being. Kurapika wanted to run back home and curl up in his bed and forget this had happened... but grief struck him at the thought. His parents... dead... His loving sisters, gone... and him, all alone...
He gnawed on his bottom lip, uncertain of how to handle his emotions. It was already a rollercoaster, but now that his family was dead and he was in a completely different environment, he didn't know what to think, let alone what to do with himself. His father's company hadn't officially been passed onto him yet, so the chances of it still having its foundations and investors significantly plummeted. Especially so, because of the shooting... Even if the company did fall to him, he'd have to shut it down. The business world was much too dangerous as it was, and it wasn't as if the idea of running the company was appealing...
But what did he want to do? If not run the company like his father had planned before he died, then what? What was his childhood dreams? Did he even have any?
His lips pursed into a tight frown, and he heaved a sigh.
"Have a good day!" the clerk from the counter called, and when Kurapika looked up and over his shoulder, he waved back nervously. But the distraction had caused him to bump into someone.
"Oh, I'm so sorry-"
"Ah, that's okay. You took a bit longer than I expected. I was going to go up and get you."
Kurapika glanced up, a little dizzy when he realized that Leorio's chest, as hard as it was, disoriented him. Only the more reason to think he's hot.
...
Wait... did he just...
...
"You look like a bus ran you over... are you sure you're alright? Here- let me take your temperature."
Kurapika side-stepped the man and swallowed thickly. He was blushing hard, but he was thankful that they were already half way outside so that he could blame it on the chill.
"N-no, really, I'm okay." Kurapika insisted, putting up a hand. He couldn't meet Leorio's eyes, and for good reason, too. If he met those kind brown eyes, he might let it slip that he thought something really... inappropriate. He didn't mean to, of course, but the fact that he had still had him blushing up a storm like no other was a pretty good indicator that he should get this moving along before something else happened. "Let's go, I wanna go."
Leorio was silent for a few minutes, but he softly agreed after little hesitation. He waved to the door man and ushered Kurapika out the front doors. What drove Kurapika absolutely crazy was the way the other slipped his palm against the small of his back- as if to insist that he needed assistance, or simply because he felt like he was helping. And maybe he was, that hand was a very warm, comforting touch even through the black trench coat. It was slightly distracting, which made it necessary for Leorio to help steer him in the right direction when he drifted. Not that he knew where he was going anyway. All he could think about was Leorio's touch, how familiar it was, and how he felt so safe whenever they came into contact.
But the strangest thing, he realized, was that Leorio seemed to know his body pretty well. Despite how short he was, and how well the trench coat hid his figure, Leorio knew exactly where to press. He wanted to play it off like it was because Leorio had been taking care of him because of the wounds he received, but it was too unusual. Perhaps it was because, combined with his experience as a doctor, and the time they spent together, he was able to accurately... guess? Approximate?
"You take the passenger seat, okay? It has heated seats, and you're probably freezing." Leorio whispered, letting his hand fall.
Kurapika was slightly disappointed that he was no longer being touched, but the curious thing was the shivers that followed that whisper. The man hadn't spoken directly into his ear, nor had he really been close enough to feel his breath- but perhaps it was his voice that set him off. He shivered again and held his breath.
Yep.
Just thinking of that deep tone, so calm and careful, so considerate and warm, had him swooning. He almost forgot to get into the car.
"You sure you're alright, Kurapika?"
Despite the coat and the heated seat, Kurapika shivered again anyway, looking down with a blush on his face -still- because he'd been right. Leorio's voice was definitely soft and velvety, but as Leorio cranked up the heater, he'd rather sweat to death than ever reveal that fact.
"I take it you're cold," Leorio chuckled, "I'll make sure it's extra warm in here next time. I'm sorry."
"Oh, that's okay..." Kurapika responded softly, tucking his face into the coat. It smelled so much of Leorio that it was almost intoxicating. He could almost think about falling asleep with it on- he probably could. "You don't have to do that, really."
Leorio reversed the engine, and pulled out of the parking space, one hand gripping the steering wheel and the other gripping the gear shift. Kurapika couldn't help but peek at the other, hiding in the coat all the while to make sure Leorio couldn't catch him staring. Those muscles rippled perfectly with each motion of the wheel and the demanding thrusts from gear to gear. The car was a manual- something he didn't expect Leorio to have what with his fancy penthouse, but he guessed everyone had their preference. He certainly didn't mind, after all, he was able to witness such a... thrilling thing. Watching Leorio drive was probably the equivalent to watching porn- and god was it turning him on.
He tried hard not to think too much of it, but by the time they arrived at the cafe, he was already scrambling to hide his significant arousal. He tried to think of more disturbing things to make it go away- he'd never in his life had this problem before.
He squeezed his eyes shut as Leorio parked and exited the vehicle. Knowing he was coming around to the passenger door to let him out, he bundled himself up in his coat and gave himself a small pep talk.
"Okay, you got this. Think of dead puppies- no! no, think of your grandma. Come on-" He rubbed at his crotch, "Oh my god, come on. Saggy tits- your dad's stomach flab."
He bit his lip but blushed as the passenger door flew open. He tucked his hand inside the coat pocket, praying to God that Leorio didn't see. If he did, he didn't comment.
"Let me check your temperature one more time." Leorio insisted, getting on one knee.
Kurapika couldn't stand the sight. He was too beautiful, black locks of hair pushed up and messy, his perfect jaw a perfect feature to show off. He didn't know if he was doing it on purpose or not, but he needed to knock that shit off before he jizzed every where.
He flinched when Leorio's palm connected to his forehead, clearly not having paid much attention- and causing the older man to apologize.
"Mm... you don't feel hot... but that could still change- maybe we should go back."
"No- no, I'm alright." Kurapika insisted, swallowing as those pretty brown orbs met his own. They almost looked like a soft hazel in the sunlight... FUCK. SHUT UP. "We need to go inside anyway- everyone is there, aren't they? You were telling me before about how Killua was a stickler for timing... If we were late or if we changed plans, it might not make him too happy."
"That's... you're not wrong..."
"So we have to go inside."
"Well, you don't have to," Leorio sighed, letting his hand fall back down. He pushed himself back up into a standing position. "But you're right. It would be in your best interest to go inside."
Kurapika crawled out of the car just in time to have Leorio hand him a folder and push the passenger door shut. "You'll have more time to review inside when you talk to the members- we still have to get through semi-introductions first before anything can really happen."
"Semi-introductions?" Kurapika asked, looking up at the man.
"introductions, mostly. It'll be a quick name-face kind of thing, but you won't be given their full name for safety's sake. It's a rule that makes sense to me, but I'm still uncertain as to why they think it necessary when you're obviously not a threat. I mean, you're with me, and... to my understanding, you don't have anyone."
Kurapika winced at that but fell silent all the same. Now was not the time to take such words to heart when they didn't bother him before. Maybe... what bothered him was this idea that he was all alone. He didn't exactly like his family too much, but they were always the people he came home to, and he didn't have friends. Maybe what also bothered him was how Leorio acted like he was on his side, yet still chose to make known the fact that he was all alone.
The man's palm once more came to rest on his lower back, and he squeaked, clutching the manila folder and using it to hide his face as they approached the little cafe. Leorio didn't comment on it; the only thing he said to him was: "Brace yourself" before they entered.
The bell chimed, announcing their arrival, and what frightened Kurapika more than anything was the fact that he didn't have a moment to grasp the situation- he wasn't given a moment to be the deer in the headlights, caught in the act. He didn't have any time to brace himself at all, and Leorio pushing him to go forward at a steady, even pace like they hadn't even entered in the first place certainly wasn't helping the situation.
All eyes were on them as they strode across the floor and towards a particular corner of the cafe. He knew they were going to sit in a booth, but he didn't think the booth would be so out in the open- so obviously devoid of activity. The booth Leorio was taking him to didn't have a single person near it. Everyone seemed to avoid it like the plague; even those few people who had thought this a regular cafe and had stopped for the wifi avoided the corner. Maybe this cafe was an ordinary cafe- maybe this cafe was just... 'owned' by the gang with regular people working it?
His mouth went dry, and Leorio wasted no time in sitting him down and scooting in beside him. He mostly ignored the stares, seemingly unphased by it all. Instead, Leorio was turning his body towards him, opening the folder.
"Review the top four people you've chosen for this Class A mission. Remember last night? we reviewed this. Do you remember the classes of the missions? Kurapika, look at me please. Don't pay attention to them quite yet."
Kurapika tore his gaze from the onlookers only to meet eyes with the most attractive man in the room. For that, he swallowed hard.
"Y-yes, I remember."
"Recite it for me, please."
Kurapika took a breath, biting his bottom lip as his body wracked itself with nerves. "Class D is the lowest class- the one that new members usually go on. It's more of a scouting kind of mission that doesn't involve heavy machinery. Class C is a little more dangerous, but a step up from Class D. Members in the process of gaining experience take those missions with members prepared for Class A missions. Class B missions are trickier, requiring more machinery, scouting, and being on call. If you're doing a Class B mission, you have to go in knowing you're going to kill at least a few people. Most of these missions are support missions for other members doing Class A missions. Class A is... it's..."
"You're doing good so far- I'll correct when you're done. What's Class A?"
"The most dangerous one. These missions are assassinations and raids. These missions involve going into enemy territory fully loaded with backup on standby. Um... Class A is usually when you get information from torture right?"
Leorio tilted his head from side to side a few times and then shrugged. "I suppose; you're not wrong, but you did get Class B and A a little mixed up. Class B is for assassinations because they're simple. Usually, they involve snipers and not a lot of close combat. Class A has a lot of scouting, but it's a lot more dangerous because you're right- it is enemy territory- but it's also close combat. Fully loaded in weapons is correct, too, because you never know when you might need your knife. But do you remember what I said about Class A? In particular when you're selecting possible candidates?"
"Um... they have to be strong and experienced?"
Leorio breathed out a tiny scoff and smiled, "Well, yes, but what in particular?"
"Uh... wasn't... it just that?"
Leorio shook his head, and held up a finger. "When choosing candidates for Class A you must also consider their mental strength. Just as the gang can torture a captured enemy, so too can you get captured. You have to make sure that the person you choose- if captured, could withstand a mass amount of torture without giving anything up. Now, here's where I disagree. I'd say that a man can only take so much, and no information is so valuable that you must sacrifice your life in order to give it. However, with this group of people, they truly believe that any information they give away is punishable by death, so it wouldn't matter whether they give it or not. The best part is to die noble rather than sell out your family, but nothing is really punishable by death unless you go on a killing spree and try to kill everyone in the group. That's not easy by itself, so Class A usually has to be on their toes about getting too violent..."
Kurapika, looking a little uneasy from the talk, found himself reaching out for Leorio for some kind of reassurance. It wasn't until Leorio was grasping his hand in his lap that he realized just what he had done- and how weak he really was.
He ducked his head, tempted to say 'sorry', but Leorio had squeezed his hand, reminding him not to show any sign of weakness.
"Okay, you got the Class part out of the way. Now, what about member class? Do you remember that? I know you were on the verge of falling asleep last night when we talked about this, so it's okay if you don't remember." Leorio assured- but really, just the tone was helping. He wasn't boring- and even though he'd been tired, he hadn't forgotten.
"I think it's at the opposite end of the alphabet, right? Class W, X, Y, and Z?"
Leorio chuckled, "No, that's the weapons classification. I mentioned it in passing, we didn't really talk about that. There isn't really a need to. Try again."
"Um... A, B, C, D?" Kurapika tried again, trying to wrack his brain. He thought he remembered...
Leorio shook his head. "Try one, two, three, and four. You had the right amount of letters, but we're talking numbers in this case. By itself."
"Oh... I forgot." Kurapika said, lightly blushing. "I thought you said something about being paired to a letter?"
"For the mission class, yes." Leorio mused. "Are you sure you were listening?"
Kurapika squeaked, and looked back at the open folder. "I WAS."
"No need to shout." Leorio laughed. "Do you want me to refresh your memory?"
After a few moments pause, Kurapika glanced back up at the other and nodded slowly. "If... if that's okay."
Leorio squeezed his hand. "Of course it's okay."
Weird... he'd almost forgotten that Leorio was holding his hand. Was he just that comfortable with the man's touch? It was warm, and his palm was soft. So was his thigh, actually. His thigh was warm, and every time he shifted in his seat, his hairs would stand on end because he could just feel the power within them. It was such an odd sensation- but even more odd to be thinking those things. He quickly shook the thought from his mind, trying not to pay attention to the touch that Leorio had distracted him with.
"The first class is exactly what it sounds like. They're the beginners. The ones who train all day at base to grasp a sort of fighting skill. They learn the basics by the fourth class, the best class. These first classes are usually newer members of the gang that either joined or got old enough to train. Remember Biscuit? she's one of the younger kids that had joined before she could start training. Her mother joined, but... well... I won't go there because it's not my story to tell. Anyway- the second class is really the exploration class. It's not typically called that, but it's essentially what it does. The fourth class picks out certain trainees with potential and hones in on their skills. For example: Prior to my departure, I singled out a kid with a particular knack for helping people who got hurt. They replaced me when I left, but I was able to take them under my wing for the more simple procedures. Anything that's more critical and more time-sensitive and difficult still falls to me... but other than that, my apprentice has done fairly well. They've gone under other teachers but until I return or die her training won't really be complete because she hasn't learned everything there is to know from me yet."
"Ah- who was that?" Kurapika asked, eyes sparking with interest at the mere mention of Leorio's past. It wasn't a lot, but what he was given a glimpse of had made him excited, and definitely a lot less scared.
"It... doesn't particularly matter... you won't be seeing them- and if anything happens to you, God forbid, I'll be the one to get to you first. I don't care what anyone else says."
Kurapika didn't know whether to take that as a compliment or as a... a what? it certainly wasn't an offensive comment. Maybe the proper term was to... read into it? How could he not... God forbid anything happen to him... that was- but then Leorio's way of saying that he didn't care what anyone else thought about who got to him first... that he would...
His cheeks were dusted a light pink, but Leorio carried on as if he hadn't just said that.
"Focus, now; after second class for specific training comes third class. It's the intermediate and advanced level of training. This class is the class that gets to go out onto the field as an aid. They observe, help, and even participate in missions. Third class is all action both in a classroom sense and a physical one, and mostly get picked for the lower end of missions class. It isn't until you're almost ready to get into the fourth class that you get to take B missions. The fourth and final class is all advanced. They're the ones that get A Class missions, and they get to watch the first and second classes. Really, when you reach the fourth class, you can do whatever you want as long as it's beneficial to the whole group- and to the leader. The leader sometimes gets odd requests that get allowed from time to time when it has nothing to do with the gang. Sometimes it's for self-reflection and to benefit the group by honing in on their own skill, but for the most part, it has to be beneficial."
"So... First class is newbies training, second class is singled out training, third class is intermediate and advanced, and the fourth is the best of the best and the teachers?" Kurapika summed up, trying to look like he'd at least been paying attention when really, this whole time, he was staring at Leorio's lips like a fucking star-struck girl who quite literally got shot with Cupid's bow and arrow.
Leorio smiled at that and nodded. "Alright- that's good. Now, who were the four people we were reviewing for this particular Class A mission? Do you remember?"
"Um... yes? Biscuit, Kite, Knov, and I think... it was Pokkle?"
"Yes, good. Do you remember why?"
Kurapika nodded his head upon reflection, and Leorio took a deep breath. "So long as you have strong reasons, the members can't do much. If you can present your reason, there's no use in refuting it and going to the leader to waste his time if they're valid reasons. Good. You review the list of people and I'll get us something to drink. What would you like?"
Kurapika looked up, a little surprised. "Um... coffee... coffee would be great... this morning..."
Leorio smiled and winked. "I'm on it."
Kurapika turned back to the documents splayed out in front of him, almost too aware of the menacing stares flashed his way. He was almost distracted by them, but when he heard his name, he looked up. It was Leorio, and he was frowning.
"Ah, sorry... I don't think I can get you that coffee. I think I left my wallet- ha... haha, you have it." He reacted, watching Kurapika pull out the black leather wallet from the trench coat pocket with a smile on his face. Leorio couldn't help but smile, too, at how Kurapika displayed his emotions. He often showed how he felt without realizing... he'd never really fit into the mission lifestyle.
"I do- I was looking through the coat closet and I was thinking that maybe you might need it if you wanted to, I don't know, buy a drink for yourself. Or if you needed to show an officer your license with how you drive so recklessly." Kurapika mused.
"I don't drive recklessly- I'm careful. I go the speed limit." Leorio snorted, swiping the wallet from small, pale fingers. He looked more amused than offended, and that was a great relief for the blonde. "Go get those drinks, then." He said, finding it within himself to order the poor man around. It worked, and the other didn't seem the least bit bothered, merely turning from him with an amused grin on his face that said 'I'm on it'.
Kurapika looked after him fondly, head resting in his palm as he leaned on the table. God- he almost forgot that people were staring at him still. What would they say if they saw the 'enemy' fawning over their special doctor? No- it wasn't because Leorio had saved his life that made him feel this way- okay, maybe a little, but when he'd been reminded who Leorio was in relation to his father's company, he vaguely remembered seeing him one day. He was bringing in boxes of... stuff for his dad, and they'd met eyes. He remembered that because he looked away from him that very second. He thought he was handsome, but casually so, because he had convinced himself that he liked this one girl associated with the company... but now that he was really thinking on it, he might have really liked him back then, too. He'd been so nervous to meet eyes- to be seen as weird- but then when he looked up and saw that he'd vanished, he found himself a little bit sad that he didn't get to look at him at least once more.
Wait... what was he saying? He liked Leorio?
...
Well... by now, there was no use in denying it. If he realized he'd liked him back then, he shouldn't be so surprised at the way he'd been acting around the other. He was tall, handsome, and his body was amazing. Well, that and he also looked amazing when he wore his office glasses. He could almost imagine sitting on his desk like he had before, Leorio scooting between his legs, palms on his thighs as they talked... he could almost imagine himself laughing at whatever the other said, casually wrapping his arms around the man's neck and kissing him. His face went pink as he imagined what Leorio would do if that happened- if they kissed, if he'd be any good or if he'd refuse and tell him he was in a relationship with someone... Or maybe he'd deepen the kiss. Maybe he'd stand up and push him back on the desk and-
"Here's your coffee; I didn't know if you wanted it black or not, so I got you a caramel latte."
"GAH."
"Woah- you okay? Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
Kurapika scooted all the way over in the booth, almost mortified at what he'd been thinking. To suddenly admit to liking the other, and to suddenly be having those thoughts... and to not be bothered by them, either...
"I startled you, didn't I? Are you okay?"
Kurapika was a blushing mess, but he accepted the latte and huddled against the wall, the file just out of reach. "Y-yeah, I'm good. Sorry, I was just, um, thinking."
"Thinking? About what?"
"Um... uh, the... the case? Mission! I was thinking about the mission. About who should, um, go on the Class A mission that's really important and scary, and I don't think I can really decide-"
"Calm down, now. It's okay. Take a deep breath- have some coffee. Maybe you're not entirely awake yet. You need to be alert when you're interacting with these people, Kurapika."
Kurapika swallowed thickly, realizing that his name falling from those lips made his body tingly.
God, what was with him? He only just admitted to himself that he liked the man, but he wasn't sure if that was grounds for an assault. He didn't want to think about the way Leorio looked or how he sounded, he didn't want to think about what it would be like if the other touched him or held his hand. He didn't want those sinful flashes of Leorio doing things to him. He certainly didn't need the man to say his name in such a way.
"Sorry- sorry, I'm calm." He collected himself, taking a sip of the warm coffee. It was good- sweet, just the way he liked it. Normally he wanted tea, but he thought that ordering tea in a coffee shop might be just a little bit... weird. He was thankful, though, that Leorio had been careful in his selection, and had chosen something relatively sweet. He wondered if Leorio had picked up on it, or if he'd just guessed. Either way, he was damn accurate.
"Are you sure? Do you need a few more minutes or do you want to start with the introductions?" Leorio proposed, turning to him. He lightly ran his finger along his cheek, and though it was meant as a calming gesture, Kurapika's cheeks immediately flushed, and his heart beat became rather erratic. He didn't need this if he was supposed to remain calm, but how could he, if the one person taking care of him and protecting him from these people was the same person he really liked?
"Y-yeah... no, I think... I think I'm ready." Kurapika murmured, trying to turn away. He really wanted the touch to last, to have Leorio insist on touching him again like he did when he tried to take his temperature. Like he did when he was addressing his wounds. But, unlike he'd hoped, the man was pulling away and nodding.
"Okay, I'm going to talk to Killua real quick; you should be fine here, and if anyone approaches you, it would be best to ignore them until Killua has them lined up. They'll be mingling in the back while you interview people one by one after the introductions."
"I-interview? Okay...?"
Leorio stood, ruffling his hair before he flashed him a smile. A smile that Kurapika could probably die happy with if he'd been able to frame it.
So, instead of registering that Leorio had abandoned him for the moment, he took to hugging himself and memorizing that smile like it was his last chance at life. It was almost a wonder that no one approached him in that time frame. Maybe it was because he was so starry-eyed and lost that no one found it worth it to approach him. In either case, he sipped his latte leisurely, staring at the wall so as to remember everything about that smile. About the way those teeth flashed, those broad, muscular arms rested low on those equally impressive hips. He couldn't help but admire all of him- not just his smile. Though his eyes were alight with kindness, his figure was taut and well-built, impressive for a man who called himself a doctor rather than a foot-soldier.
But it didn't take him long; Leorio had only been gone for a few moments, and Kurapika was almost sad when the man pulled him out of his thoughts. But he wasn't too sad- he got to see the real thing. The only difference, maybe, was that a grumpy Killua was standing next to him, and it almost freaked him out.
"H-hi, Killua." Kurapika stuttered, immediately turning to the folder. He didn't know if he should try to look busy or like he was interested in the process- he certainly didn't want to offend or make him angry- but he thought that looking busy would be a considerably more meaningful gesture than to sit around staring at Leorio like some love-struck maiden. Which was weird to think about, since technically, he really had been staring at him.
"Yeah, hi. You got your shit figured out yet? You two have been taking forever. I don't like standing around with my thumb up my ass, so it would do you well to remember that for the next time."
"Calm down, Killua. We've only been here for ten minutes. You could have been talking to the others about what's going on."
"I already did that, you dumb fuck. Last night." Killua growled. "I stood in line to get coffee, but other than being everyone's bitch, my day depends on you two. I'll get everyone lined up for the short introduction, so you better have your shit together."
"I do, I promise." Kurapika got out, trying to fall into a formal pattern. With Killua, he was unpredictable. One minute he was an asshole, and the next he didn't seem to care too much.
"You're fine. We're fine. Just go get them." Leorio snorted, apparently brave enough to pat the beast on his head. He got snapped at for it, but he wasn't phased. Kurapika watched in awe, amazed at Leorio's bravery, but more amazed that Killua didn't take his hand off.
As Killua moved away to rally the troops, Kurapika stiffened in his chair, but he did feel a little better when Leorio slid into the seat next to him. It was more comforting to have him as a barrier between him and the others; in truth, he was actually terrified. He didn't want to be killed, and Killua had certainly scared him with that fact enough as it was.
"You'll be fine." Leorio whispered, reaching down to clasp his hand. "Take a deep breath. Your only task is to get to know each member's strengths by what you can sense about their character, and what it says about their skills in the chart that you have in front of you. Those skills will be useful to sort them into missions. After the introduction, you'll have a brief five or ten minutes to talk to each member that's here today, and then once you talk to them, you can make your judgement and tell them what missions they will be taking- if any at all, since there are more candidates here than need be."
Kurapika took Leorio's hand the second their fingers touched, taking it willingly, and holding it firmly for comfort. He swallowed thickly, worried. "Are you sure it's going to be okay? They don't even know me, and I'm the enemy, aren't I? Wouldn't they object or get mad at me for ordering them around?"
Leorio shrugged. "Maybe, if you said something they thought was unfair. They're not delinquents, they're not animals- they're reasonable people, you just have to be careful sometimes like you do with most people," he explained, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.
That... wasn't very reassuring. The touch was, sure, but if it weren't for Leorio being next to him right now, he'd be flying out the front door screaming that he'd changed his mind about all of this. Granted, that wouldn't get him very far and he shuddered at the consequences, but it couldn't be helped. All this danger was getting to his head, and Leorio was the only one who was able to keep him sane at the moment.
"Ready?" Killua called, motioning him over from the center of the shop. There was no line anymore, Kurapika had noticed. No line, no extra people- they seemed to have all fled the shop. Even the baristas had left the room.
He swallowed, and before he realized, Leorio was yanking him to his feet, and urging him forward.
He gasped in shock, not really sure why he'd been so positive that one by one he would be approached and introduced to a new member. He didn't know why he'd expect things to be so easy...
"I'm here" Leorio whispered into his ear, crushing Kurapika's hip into his.
The blush that spread across his face was surely noticed by all- how could it not? With Leorio whispering in his ear like that, their bodies touching, making him go crazy at a time like this...
He lowered his head to regain his composure, but when he finally did look up, he found himself at the beginning of a line. And staring into the eyes of a young blond-haired girl with curious colored eyes. A pink- or are they red?
The girl smiled at him, appearing confident, hands on her tiny hips and her chin held high. She didn't seem... scary at all. But he doubted that everyone was like this.
"I'm Biscuit." She introduced, offering a smile.
But she barely had time to even blink before Leorio was pushing him towards the right to continue on down the line.
"Wing."
"Eeta!"
"Elena"
"Ponzu"
"Kastro"
"Cocco!"
"... I'm Palm."
Way too fast. This was way too fast- he couldn't keep up. Who was he introduced to seconds ago? those white-haired girls... they looked like twins- and so young!
"I'm Hisoka, not that it matters."
"Zushi."
Kurapika's fingers suffocated Leorio's hold as he ground to a halt as he came face to face with the last three in line. These three... had been in the alley beside the coffee shop the other day. He did remember that.
He swallowed, feeling his frame shiver slightly even after Leorio wrapped his arm around his waist.
"Pathetic; are you really fucking scared right now?"
"Pokkle, he should be. He's the enemy, you moron."
The same mysterious man he'd seen practically scale the alley wall- the one who was lean, fast, and wore a mask to cover his face-
"I'm Pokkle, but you knew that already."
He did know this, and the two beside him were the other two members that had cornered him before.
"Knov and Morel- I know that, too." He whispered.
He felt Leorio's thumb massage into his hip, and he looked up because it seemed like a frantic gesture. And he was right. Leorio's brows were narrowed and his posture was such that it looked like he might literally yank him off the ground and run...
"You've met, then," Leorio spoke dangerously, almost like he was mad. Was he mad? He might be mad. But why was he mad?
"Yes, with me. We had a little chat in the alley when you were patching up Pairo in the back room of the bistro. Don't worry, they didn't hurt him." Killua snickered from behind them. "I was there."
Kurapika stepped into Leorio as hard as he could- as if it would get Killua further away from him.
"You said as long as they didn't kill me, that wasn't your problem." Kurapika hissed angrily, remembering the bits and pieces of his time spent at the coffee shop. Granted, it hadn't been as clear as he would have liked it to be, but he was certain that his memories weren't wrong. Not when they were as scary as they were.
"I'm not gonna deny that- Leorio is already watching you anyway, so if you did get hurt, you'd be in good hands." Killua countered calmly.
"That's not the point! You're supposed to protect me!"
A ripple of confusion followed down the line when the words left his mouth, and that made Kurapika halt. Did he say something wrong?
Killua crossed his arms and tapped his foot on the ground irritably. "Thanks for shouting that out to everyone. I didn't exactly want everyone to know that I'm supposed to protect your clumsy ass when my efforts could be spent elsewhere, but I guess it can't be helped. That's more shit I'll have to deal with." He opened his eyes and glared at the blonde. "Thanks for sticking my neck out there for me. I hope you know that I fucking hate you."
Kurapika winced, but did not back away. He had surprised himself. He thought that being told he was hated would have made him feel bad, but it didn't. He felt nothing. Even Leorio seemed surprised, having moved to wrap his arms around his waist from behind. He supposed it was a gesture to help him face Killua, but seeing as the gesture was not needed, his hands fell away, and resumed their normal posture- one arm around his waist.
Kurapika's mind was getting only slightly fuzzy from the activity beside him. It was like Leorio needed to touch him everywhere, and when he couldn't make up his mind when it came to settling his hands in one spot, he almost spoke up to say something.
"Kil, I just want to go home," Zushi whispered. "Pairo is still there- and I want to see him."
Killua shot both Leorio and Kurapika a glare, holding his hand over his face before dragging it down. "Alright. Let's get this over with, then. Biscuit first."
Leorio tugged his hip back in the direction of the booth before Kurapika had a chance to retort. With a retort on his lips, he found himself grateful for the man's actions. Had he not pulled him away, he might have said something he would regret.
"That bastard," Leorio growled under his breath as they sat down. "He put you in danger when I wasn't looking..."
Kurapika looked up, eyebrows quirking because he didn't quite understand why Leorio was so angry. Or irritated- one of the two. "It's... alright? I didn't get hurt or anything..." Kurapika murmured, taking to Leorio's arm when he expressed his discontent.
"That isn't the point. Pokkle in particular... is violent. He's fine when it comes to other members of the gang, but when it comes to outsiders, he has this tendency to torture. Knov likes to watch, and Morel is so intimidating that usually people are on their knees before he has a chance to do anything. I don't trust them with you- not if you're alone."
Kurapika glanced up, swallowing his heart as he felt Leorio lean into him.
What was up with him? So suddenly?
"I'm fine..."
"You were on morphine- you weren't safe. I shouldn't have brought you."
...
"Ahem."
Kurapika and Leorio looked up in time to see Biscuit waiting patiently, but oh-so-gently reminding them that Kurapika had a duty.
"We'll talk about this later," Leorio mumbled, motioning for the girl to take a seat.
"It's fine, Leorio. Nothing happened, and everything is fine."
"It's not-"
"-Um, should I just talk and let you listen?" Biscuit interrupted, laughing a little. "Leorio, I've never seen you so lively over something so little." she mused.
Leorio ceased his arguing and looked away. When he leaned back and crossed his arms, Kurapika knew that he was actually, quite honestly, serious. About him.
He frowned, thinking that maybe he should have been more considerate... maybe he shouldn't press...
"I'm Biscuit- Biscuit Krueger. It's what most people call me, anyway. And you're that Kurapika guy, right?"
Kurapika turned his attention to the girl, frown still on his face. He nodded at her, making an effort to be a little more friendly since she was showing the same for him- but for some reason, with Leorio's bad mood, he found it a little harder than usual to shake it all off.
"I am. I don't quite understand why you all want to kill me, or why I'm doing this for you if you guys want me away from you so badly..." He mumbled.
Biscuit simply shrugged her shoulders. "Beats me- no one tells me anything," she smiled, "If Leorio likes you just fine, then I'm not sure why every one else is throwing a fit. You know he's picky with-"
"Biscuit," Leorio spoke up, not bothering to look at her. "People are in line. Say what you need to say so we can leave faster."
The poor girl winced at his words and immediately apologized. Kurapika was a little taken aback by her abrupt personality change, especially with how seemingly un-harsh Leorio was being. Was a simple word from a superior really that effective?
"I'm Biscuit, and I'm sixteen. This is my first time being here, signing up for missions and stuff," She quickly explained. He had to admit, when she switched personas, she hadn't blinked. She was just... staring at him. Into his eyes. It was actually intimidating. "I'm a pretty good shot from the roof top- I was best in my class. I'm here today to see if my sniper skills can be put to the test with a little bit of assistance from a fourth ranking member, like Knov, Morel, or Pokkle. Adding to my file, I'm also really adaptable. If a situation demands it, I wont crack under pressure and can take a shot all on my own. I've only been on support missions before- which aren't like these meetings at all. Usually Killua is the one telling me to scout or follow another team as back up. Most of those times I'm not too useful, but I'm sure this time, If I have a mission that can back me, I'll be fine."
Kurapika listened- or tried to. She talked really fast... She was indeed calm like she had said. Definitely adaptable.
He looked down, ruffling through the documents from the manila folder. The sheets of paper that described in lesser terms what each mission's basic goal was.
He glanced at Leorio, who remained still, neither looking at him nor Biscuit, but sipping his coffee instead.
He picked up one of the missions that detailed only a little of what difficulties would be required. This particular one he'd set aside for someone like Morel or Hisoka, but because there seemed to be a vantage point... Because Biscuit was a sniper- and from what he'd heard from Leorio, particularly skilled... he decided against assigning her one of the missions he'd picked for her of a lower class (perhaps he'd done that because of her age... but he definitely was beginning to realize that it might be something that someone else could do). Instead, he picked up a class B mission. An assassination mission.
He glanced at Leorio one last time, hoping that he'd see what he was about to do, wishing he'd had Leorio's advice... but he didn't look.
He took a deep breath before marking her name off on his slip of paper and handing it over.
"This is the mission I want to give you. Because I've heard so highly of your skill, I believe you can do it. Normally someone should go with you- but it's an assassination, and missions like that... I think they're best done alone so that you only have to worry about yourself rather than the situation and another person."
Leorio almost spit out his coffee, coughing a little, while Biscuit snatched the piece of paper from his hands and read the lines he himself had already read a billion times.
"What! No way!" She exclaimed happily.
"No." Leorio hissed, reaching forward. He tried to snatch the paper from her hand, but to no avail.
Kurapika, feeling like a miserable failure at this point, shrunk away from the doctor. He didn't mean any harm...
"I can do this! I can't wait!" she screeched, jumping up from her seat.
"Biscuit, if you accept this mission, you'll get yourself killed." Leorio warned, palm slapping down onto the table. All eyes turned to them because of this, and Killua stepped forward.
Biscuit paused her celebration and pursed her lips. "Party pooper- if you take this away from me, I'm gonna yell."
Killua wrenched it from her hands anyway, tearing the corner of the paper in the process. "Yell away. Let me see what this is."
He only glanced over it for a moment before wadding it up in his hands and tossing it at Kurapika. "No way in hell. Pick another one." He hissed. "I'm not gonna let you kill every damn member of this group."
Kurapika shook in his seat, recognizing that face. That face of anger and frustration. He'd encountered Killua like this before, but on very different terms. And he'd also been high on morphine, according to Leorio.
But somehow, he still wished he'd been on morphine. Anything to prevent him from opening his stupid mouth.
"Killua," he said boldly, finding some sort of resolve within him to look the murderer in the eye. Perhaps it was cold hard wit, or perhaps it was Leorio beside him, tensing and preparing for a fight. Because Kurapika could clearly see the snarling faces of some not so happy people behind the white-haired devil. "Forgive me for being frank, but you did assign this task to me. The mission I gave her has a building advantage. It would be easier for a sniper to take action than a hand-to-hand combat. Both you and Leorio spoke highly of her in that regard... I'd assume that it wouldn't be too difficult, especially if she's by herself. If she's been on support missions before, that indicates that she knows the routines and emergency back up plans. Her skill will assure that it'll be done quickly, and if she's by herself, she can get out faster. Because she's female, she'll have a greater chance of slipping through unnoticed, too."
What.
What the fuck just came out of his mouth?
Was that... sass? Or was that actually honest to god rationality?
Did he just stand up for himself? Did he literally just tell someone who wanted to murder him that he's sticking with his decision and that he doesn't intend to change his mind?
Silence followed his words, and he went rigid. He looked around at the faces of the members that stood behind Killua, and they were all filled with confused, pondering gazes. His words, evidently, sparked a thought process, turning many of the menacing glares into stunned confusion.
"She's the only sniper here-" He tried to continue, feeling like the following silence wasn't quite enough to persuade them.
Leorio's palm slipped onto his shoulder, and he shut right up. Fear coursed through him as he began to realize the weight of what he'd done. God- he couldn't even look at Leorio. Was he disappointed? Was he angry? Surely he wasn't going to hurt him... but he had to be angry. Cross. He'd spoken out of turn and he was sure of it- he'd embarrassed Leorio straight up. After standing up for him countless times, fighting against Killua to keep him alive... he'd just made him look like a fool.
"You... do make a convincing argument." Killua said at last, taking a step back and crossing his arms.
Grey eyes magnetized towards the white-haired brute, pulse spiking out of control because he couldn't believe his ears. He made his point? He wasn't angry? He could have sworn Killua was going to rip him to shreds, but his eyes told a different story. An electric blue, angry and cross now wavered and washed, almost saddened and - was that fear?
"I told you! I told you I can do it!" Biscuit exclaimed, breaking the atmosphere, which had been tense until her light voice penetrated every ear.
The hand on his shoulder was now light, Leorio's thumb rubbing down the length of his shoulder. It felt like an assuring touch, but when he looked up at Leorio, he was looking elsewhere.
His lips twitched into a tight line, and he looked back down at the folder before him. He was displeased... wasn't he? Ashamed that he'd risked his reputation like that. He had to be.
"Well, let's move along. Who's next?" Killua spoke sharply.
In the end, there were far more people that didn't get a mission than people who did. Much to his surprise, those who didn't get a mission seemed angry, like it was the worst thing in the world to hear. But, in all fairness, Leorio had been right. There were far more people than there were missions to be given. Besides Ponzu, Biscuit, Hisoka and Pokkle, everyone else seemed despondent, sulking back to their respective places and tables to chatter about one thing or another.
Only when Kurapika was closing a semi-empty folder did he find the courage to look at Leorio again.
But when he did, his heart leapt in his throat, and he went rigid- because the unbelievable, remarkable doctor everyone looked up to, was looking at him. Him. His lips were curled in a soft smile, face lax and eyes all over him like he was the only person in the room.
Kurapika's face flushed, biting his bottom lip because he was just so nervous that the only thing he could think about moving was his mouth. He looked so... different? Happy, actually... It was weird. After he'd nearly screwed everything up, Leorio was looking at him like he'd done everything right. But he couldn't have... Unless Leorio wasn't truly upset about what happened?
"You did well today." He whispered softly, lifting his handsome jaw just to show Kurapika how proud he truly was. The blonde flinched only slightly, too captivated by Leorio's expression to realize that he'd lifted his hand, and had brushed the back of his fingers ever so lightly down his cheek.
If it were possible for Kurapika's cheeks to get any redder, he would have looked like a tomato. Being touched so casually, so gently like that was... it made his heart skip. And remembering his newfound feelings for Leorio, he couldn't help but feel inclined to slightly lean into the touch when he realized what the elder was doing.
"We'll talk more in the car." The elder added, dropping his finger. Much to Kurapika's disappointment.
Leorio seemed so calm. So collected. Maybe it was because he was used to this kind of situation and these people that it didn't really bother him or feel out of the ordinary. Kurapika had to wonder if... if Leorio missed all of it. The missions, being around these people...
He recalled Killua saying once before in the alley, perhaps he'd heard wrong, but... Leorio had disagreed with the way situations were handled- and he knew that part was true, at least, because Leorio had confirmed it himself when he had been explaining the missions... but there was another part that Kurapika had recalled that bugged him. About that one person that Leorio couldn't save. According to Killua, there was only one person in the doctor's career that he just could not save. He couldn't recall the name of that person, but Killua had told him that Leorio had been upset about it. Had beaten himself up over it every day he went on through life. If he had just been more prepared... something like that.
He sat back as Leorio's head turned to converse with someone. He'd grown tired and with his mind so preoccupied, he didn't really care who it was; but even still, the thoughts running through his mind were nagging at him. He couldn't help but let Leorio's voice fall into the background, a gentle hum of a sound that eased his mind and allowed him to continue thinking with ease. Leorio seemed so calm, so collected and assuring to him, but because of that experience... with that one girl he couldn't save- no matter what he did...
Did Leorio feel inclined to save his life because he could not bear thinking that he could have done something? Was that why he was being so careful and gentle with him? Was that why he was going out of his way to protect him? Because he couldn't watch another person die right before his eyes like that other person?
"Kurapika, we should get going," Leorio said abruptly, pulling him from his thoughts. That voice never ceased to distract him. To get him riled up and confused.
But as the elder grasped his hand, he sensed a type of urgency. He recognized Leorio's changed demeanor, but he didn't quite understand why. Killua, too, was on alert when he realized that it had indeed been the white-haired male that had approached Leorio in the first place.
"Why?" Kurapika piped up, speaking softly just in case.
He did not realize in time that the entire cafe had grown eerily quiet, that the air was tense, and every single person who resided within the walls of the small building had their eyes trained in two different directions. Half of them looked directly, unwaveringly, and challengingly in his direction.
The other half...
Trained on three new comers at the front door.