Sorry for taking so long for updating this chapter, but I'm still here so you don't need to worry that this fic will discontinue:)
For the reviewers of prologue chapter, I would like to thank SpadePirates4Eva, fangirl Irene, a, little-luke, EcstaticPetenshi, and last but not the least LordOfTheWest. Also thank you for all the people who liked this story.
I know many of you cried in the prologue of this story. Well, I can't blame you since I also cried while fixing my story in my mind :P (hahaha I made myself cry)
Putting them aside, here is the chapter 1. Enjoy!
Don't Hate Me
Chapter 1
Meeting in the Valentines Eve.
Everything started on one night, a blond boy stood still as he patiently listened to a endless blabbing of a certain girl who happened to be his employer's daughter. She is currently lying on her stomach on her bed and reading a girls' magazine.
"Tomorrow is Valentines' day, you know. A day that every girl is being excited about giving chocolates to their crush or having a date with their boyfriend. Poor me, I don't have a boyfriend to spend a day with. Though papa promised me dinner at a restaurant I wanted to go, I wish to have a proper date with a handsome looking man like one I met in Cemetery building before..."
Years ago his employer, Light Nostrad experienced a near bankruptcy and now he is no longer as powerful and rich like before, yet Kurapika continues to remain in his job because he couldn't find a new employer with a better social position that can help to attain his objectives in his life. Besides he doesn't need a lot of money.
"...Therefore Kurapika, you will come with me tomorrow. Not only as my bodyguard, you'll going to be my date for a day!"
Now Kurapika felt head ache. Worst of all, Neon is a kind of a girl who is so insistent, which means its difficult to get away once she decided.
And thus Kurapika ended up approving to be the girl's date for a day.
Kurapika sighed as he closed the door behind him. Though he need to prioritize collecting his clan's scarlet eyes, seems his priority tomorrow is to accompany Neon.
...Not that there's so much accomplishments he had done these past years.
"Kurapika"
He turned to the owner of voice. A short woman who is also working as a bodyguard like him, Senritsu.
"Senritsu" Kurapika greeted.
She walked beside Kurapika and they went together to their evening patrol. "You looks so tired, I bet it is because of boss?"
"Sort of, but I'm also irritated to myself that there's less accomplishments of my mission these past years. I only have single pair of crimson eyes and I'm not yet defeated all the Spiders. And worst of all, I couldn't remember most of my memories of last two years..."
That's right, Kurapika got a partial amnesia. When he woke up weeks ago, he found himself in the hospital bed. His friends: Gon, Killua, Leorio and Senritsu were there and worried for him, especially when they found out Kurapika's condition. As usual, Leorio is the one who over reacted and Killua is the one stopped him from being loud.
Senritsu smiled. "Don't worry Kurapika, I'm sure you could regain your memories little-by-little. Besides you just got out from hospital weeks ago, right?"
Kurapika chuckled "I couldn't remember the reason why I was in the hospital in the first place though, but thank you."
Senritsu looked up at her friend. "I hope you could regain your memories back, Kurapika."
"I'm also hoping the same." Kurapika nodded. "Oh, by the way, Leorio called me yesterday that he'll introduce me to his friend of doctor who is expert in handling cases like amnesia. If I could find a time, I am thinking of seeing that doctor."
"That's good to hear, but you don't need to rush things, take it easy. We'll always be here to support you, okay?"
Kurapika smiled "Okay."
Next day came faster than what he anticipated.
Kurapika strolled down the hall. Today, he is wearing white high collar, long sleeved button up shirt with cream-colored v-neck sleeveless wool shirt on top of it and paired with black slacks, socks and shoes, and not his tribal clothes since wearing them is improper in the occasion like 'date'. What he is wearing is simple yet elegant. Though he is not interested in the said occasion, it is better to comply with what Neon wants. Anyway, this is also a part of his job.
He went inside the huge living room and greeted by teasing whistle from non-other than his co-worker, Bashou.
Kurapika glared the man. "Don't do that, this is not funny."
Bashou chuckled "yeah, sorry. I know you didn't like how the things turned out, but really that girl is crazy to think up this idea of dating her father's employee for a day because she doesn't have a boyfriend."
Senritsu is sitting on couch in opposite side form one that Bashou is occupying. "Kurapika is young and has good looks so it can't be helped." She gave an apologetic smile. "By the way, Bashou and I will going with you. Bashou will be the driver and me for extra security. Only you need to worry how to handle Neon."
"-But that is the most tiring task so good luck to you." Bashou added. "I bet she will drag you anywhere she likes."
Kurapika sighed. "I'm certain that's what she will do. Maybe I should prepare myself."
Bashou laughed at Kurapika's comment. "You're right."
"Kurapika, I know she is sometimes demands too much but please take care of Neon. Give her what she wants and make her happy. I have my trust in you." Light Nostrad ordered Kurapika as he handed his cash card for the expenses of he and Neon's 'date'.
"Yes boss" Kurapika replied and watched his employee ride in his black Limousine and left the mansion to finish some of his business.
Neon happily bounced towards Kurapika and pulled his arm. She is wearing a powdered blue and white frilly one piece and boots. Her dress doesn't have a sleeves and skirt barely covering her tights. Causing her to expose unnecessary amount of skin. "Better we get going then, let's go!"
Indigo car pulled up before them. Kurapika opened the door and let Neon climb first on the backseat before closing it and following after her from other side of car. Passenger seat is occupied by Senritsu and Bashou on driver's seat.
"Where will be our first destination boss?" Bashou asked from driver's seat.
"To the theater of course! I have this romance movie that I really want to watch. It is popular among girls and good place to go in the Valentines." Neon declared with glee. Bashou nodded as he drove the car to their first destination.
As Kurapika expected, Neon just dragged him everywhere she wanted to go. Most of them are public date places where he could see some of ordinary couples also enjoying the once-a-year special occasion.
After watching the romance movie which Neon was clings to Kurapika for entire time, they had their lunch in some fancy restaurant. In the afternoon, they walked together in the park and ate ice creams. Kurapika thought his left arm will going to rip off anytime soon because Neon always cling to him and pulling him. The Kuruta hoped that this day will end as soon as possible.
Their next destination is the last place he currently wanted to go, the boutique. It was around late afternoon when Neon decided to conquer every single boutique she saw, saying she needs a better gown for the dinner tonight since the restaurant they will going is famous and one of the first-class restaurant in the York Shin.
Once Neon entered in a boutique, she picked every clothes she thinks cute and threw it to Bashou's arms. Few of them are actual gowns and others are different kinds of casual wear.
Kurapika was forced to sit on a bench near the dressing room as Neon went to try those clothes she picked. He sighed as he stretched his abused left arm, but his peace doesn't last long as Neon came out from the dressing room wearing a yellow green sleeveless dress top which decorated with white ribbons on each side and dirty brown shorts on bottom.
"What do you think Kurapika?" Neon asked as she made a few poses.
Kurapika looked at Neon. Just only by first sight, he could see that dress is too thin and shorts she is wearing exposing too much legs. He certainly couldn't say that they are decent clothes but he opposed of saying it to Neon because he knew she wouldn't like such comments so he settled with saying: "Cute...I think?"
Neon giggled. "It's cute right? But there's better dress than this one!" As she said it, she returned inside the dressing room with other clothes in her arms.
This actions repeated again and again. Neon continues to try different clothes and Kurapika is asked to give them at least one comment for each. In the end, Neon decided to buy some of clothes but no gowns. Seems none of gowns is satisfying enough for Neon to buy.
They went to another boutique and did the same thing all over again. Only filling up the back trunk of car.
At the nth boutique. Finally Neon decided to buy a sky-blue pencil gown. Decorated with large black belt and white scarf. Kurapika, Senritsu, Bashou sighed in relief. Kurapika thought he'll going to run out of his positive adjectives in his vocabulary other than his physical energy.
When they left the place, it is around past 8PM. The dinner is at 9PM and thank goodness that restaurant is today's last destination before heading home. Kurapika relaxed now that his one day duty as Neon's date will soon end after sending her safely to his employer at the restaurant.
Bashou drove the car at the front of the said restaurant. Kurapika is the first to get out of the car and opened the door for Neon. He extended a hand to Neon who gladly accepted as she carefully got out of the car. After closing the door, Bashou drove off the car to park it in a proper parking area, leaving the two behind.
"Your father must be already waiting for you inside." Kurapika said as he guided the girl inside the restaurant.
Kurapika left Neon's side for a while to go to the customers' counter. "The reservation for two in name of Light Nostrad?"
He waited as counter-girl checks the name from the list of reservation. While waiting, Kurapika heard the entrance door behind him opened then closed. Signaling someone entered the restaurant. At first he thought it is just Bashou and Senritsu who went to park the car into a parking lot a while ago, until Neon joyfully called his name.
"Kuroro-san!"
The name mentioned by Neon was unfamiliar to Kurapika. He turned to see where Neon is standing and saw a tall, raven haired man, wearing a black tuxedo. Seeing them familiarly chatting with each other, that man must be Neon's acquaintance and not a some kind of stranger.
He saw the man gave him a glance. Kurapika blinked but soon shrugged it off as the counter-girl called him, so he returned his attention to her.
"Confirmed your reservation sir. I will send you a host to guide you to your table, but before that there's a letter left in name of miss Neon Nostrad." She handed Kurapika a white letter envelope which is addressed to Neon. After accepting the letter, he walked back to Neon's side.
"So... are you two dating?"
At the sudden question he heard from the man, Kurapika almost lost his composure. He want to tell the man that IT will never be happening even the heaven and earth reversed.
On other hand, Neon just giggled in response. "Oh, you're such a joker! Of course not. He is just one of my father's employees."
"Glad that I was wrong since I don't think that you two are compatible to each other." The man smiled.
"You're right. Kurapika is too serious type of guy unlike you. I don't like a guy without a humor." Neon winked to Kuroro. "By the way Kurapika, he is Kuroro Lucifer. The man I met before in Cemetery building. I did tell you about that before right?" Neon introduced the man beside her.
'Kuroro Lucifer'... that certain name give him a familiar ring in his ears but Kurapika couldn't figure out where did he heard such name.
"Good evening and nice to meet you sir." Kurapika bowed.
"Nice to meet you too." He replied.
Neon placed her hands on her hips and asked Kurapika. "So Kurapika, is papa already here?"
Kurapika remembered the letter he received awhile ago. "I think that boss isn't here yet but I got a letter addressed to you."
Neon immediately took the letter from Kurapika's hand, opened the envelope and started reading the contents of the letter. While Neon reads the letter, Kurapika saw from the corner of his eyes that the man named Kuroro is staring him. He pretend to be not noticing the man's stare, but it really bothered him. There's something in those eyes that Kurapika couldn't understand. Why is he staring him? Kurapika couldn't take the man's stare and avoided his gaze.
After reading the letter, Neon's face changed to displeasure. "He promised me that he'll make sure to be here tonight but now he is breaking his promise again!"
He instantly understood who is that 'he' Neon talking about. "Is it from your father?" Kurapika stated the obvious.
"Yes, it is! He said he couldn't get out from his business and meet me here tonight." Neon pouted irritably, like an angry child would do. "I didn't waste hours of time to pick a perfect gown for me just to spend a dinner alone!"
Neon glared at Kurapika. "I have no choice, you Kurapika will be with me for-"
"If it doesn't bother you, I'll be your dinner companion." Kuroro interrupted with a smile.
Kurapika stared the man in front of him in wide eyes as the man finished his sentence. Somehow this man saved him from spending a dinner with this spoiled girl, or maybe he is just having a feeling towards Neon and that's why he want to spend a dinner with her? Whatever the reason is, he is thankful to the man.
"Then, shall we?" Kuroro offered his arm to Neon who gladly accepted and wrapped her right hand. The host guided them to their table and the two walked away.
At the outside of the restaurant, two people watched the scene from the other side of the glass door.
"Who's that guy?" Bashou asked the woman beside him. After they parked the car and returned to the entrance of the restaurant, he was suddenly pulled by Senritsu to hide behind the sign board of the restaurant and forced to be in Zetsu mode. When he looked inside the restaurant through the glass door, there is an unfamiliar guy who is with Neon and Kurapika.
Two stayed like this until Neon and the unknown guy left and leaving Kurapika behind.
Sensed it is okay, Senritsu removed her Zetsu mode and come out form where they are hiding. Bashou followed her and removed his Zetsu. He is confused to Senritsu's sudden action. "What was that?" He asked.
Senritsu looked at him. "It's nothing, just forget everything that you saw awhile ago."
Bashou scratched his head. "I couldn't understand you but anyway I will forget them if you say so."
"We should get inside too, Bashou." She walked ahead of him. She didn't give Bashou any explanation and left Bashou in confusion.
As bodyguards, Kurapika, Bashou and Senritsu watched their employer's daughter and her companion, the raven-haired man named Kuroro from a far. Neon and the man named Kuroro chatted. Senritsu glanced at Kurapika who has no idea that the man sitting in that table with Neon is the spider head he is looking for. He lost some of his memories of past two years, including those incidents with spiders. Kurapika remembered that he killed one of the spiders named Uvogin but the events after that is blurry to him. Therefore he doesn't know what spider head looks like. But Senritsu remained silent because she doesn't want Kurapika to act recklessly. Better he doesn't know that the raven-haired man is the spider head.
Minutes are passed and suddenly Kurapika spoke. "I'm leaving the place for awhile, just going to the washroom." And then he left.
In the washroom, Kurapika let out a sigh. He is really tired for the day but other than that, he remembered Kuroro's stare towards him earlier.
'That man... Kuroro was it? Why his gaze bothers me like this...?'
Kurapika ruffled his hair to shake off his thought. Then he almost jumped when the washroom door opened. He turned to see the man he was thinking of, Kuroro Lucifer.
"Ah, it's you sir Lucifer." Kurapika bowed a little for respect.
Kuroro shook his head. "Don't call ma 'sir' just Kuroro is fine." He walked towards Kurapika.
"Um... Okay then mister Kuroro, if you excuse me..."
Kurapika is about to leave but Kuroro immediately blocked his way. "Actually, I came here because I see that this is my only chance I could to talk to you privately Kurapika."
Kurapika blinked "What?"
"What I mean is..." Kuroro continues to move towards him. Kurapika stepped backwards. "I got closer to that girl not because I have an interest with that girl named Neon. From the beginning my sole intention is
You."
Kurapika's eyes widened. As the man stepped closer, he stepped backwards until Kurapika's back met the cold wall.
Now Kurapika is trapped, he only could do is to stare at Kuroro's eyes. Again Kurapika could see something in those eyes, an unknown emotions filling them up. Kuroro's face getting closer to his, inch-by-inch. Kurapika want to avert his eyes but he couldn't. He felt he is drowning into the abyss. Man's lips are just inches apart from his. In the end, Kurapika closed his own eyes to cut his vision.
He waited...
...but nothing came.
Slowly Kurapika opened his eyes again and saw Kuroro staring at him. Their faces are already distanced apart.
"There's a trash on your hair." Kuroro said as he held out the object for Kurapika to see.
"O-Oh, thank you." That's all Kurapika could say as he looked down to hide his blush from embarrassment behind his bangs. Kuroro shrugged in response and threw the trash behind him.
"There's lot of things that I want to discuss with you in private but in better place than here." He pointed the place. "And it's getting late so can we meet again tomorrow? Three in the afternoon at the coffee shop in the twenty-third street of York Shin, the one with red signage."
Kurapika nodded. "I think I could manage that, but what is it so important that you want to discuss with me in private?"
Kuroro didn't waste any time as he answered. "About scarlet eyes of Kuruta."
At hearing the scarlet eyes of his clan, Kurapika glared at the man in front of him. "Speaking out that thing to me means you know my true identity."
Without hesitation, Kurapika took his fighting position. Kuroro immediately backed away, holding his hands up.
"Calm down. I have no bad intention towards you. Actually the one who told me your identity is your friend, Killua Zoldick. If you can't believe me then you can just ask him directly."
'Killua did?" Kurapika thought ' If he knows Killua then maybe he is telling the truth? Anyway I'll going to decide to believe him or not when I actually speak to Killua.'
Kuroro lowered his hands as he saw blond relaxed his position.
"So, is it decided that we meet again in afternoon tomorrow?" Kuroro asked.
"It will depends on you telling the truth or not."
Kuroro nodded. His hand reached out to Kurapika and patted his head. "Alright. It's up to you then. I'll be waiting there in the cafe on the decided time." After saying that, Kuroro left the washroom. Leaving Kurapika alone.
Kurapika stayed in the place for some more minutes before he decided to return to his place. When he opened the door, he is greeted by Senritsu.
"Senritsu. What are you doing here in front of men's washroom?" Kurapika asked, raising his eye brow.
"I just worried about you since you taking too long time. Is everything okay?" Senritsu looked at Kurapika.
Kurapika cocked his head "Huh? Of course, everything is fine. Why are you asking that?"
She shook her head. "Hm, nothing. Let's just go back."
They together walked back their way. Senritsu stayed silent. She didn't tell him the truth that she is actually heard their conversation...
[To be continued…]