Rise from the Ashes:
Chapter 8:
Chaos
November 30th, XX21 : Age 20 : Spider Mansion
If Kurapika had to describe the thieves' house in one word it would be chaotic. Nobunaga was in an argument with someone every five minutes. Phinks kept playing pranks on everyone, including him. Machi, who was growing more over-protective of her patient every minute, had barred off his room from said pranks after a rather unpleasant experience with a dozen or so garden spiders on his pillow. Unpleasant for him, rather disastrous for the spiders. Chrollo had laughed for ten minutes straight, causing Kurapika to throw said pillow at him and demand it be sanitized.
The other Spiders had enough sense to leave him alone. Though, the cellphone one named Shalnark seemed intent on becoming friends with him. Kortopi was one of his favorites. He was quiet but supplied good conversation when necessary. Similar to the other two girls. They were easily the saner of the bunch. Franklin usually argued with Nobunaga and Uvo - who was gigantic and annoying. Then there was Feitan. He was short and terrifying with a dark look in his eyes that made Kurapika feel like he was mentally skinning him alive. Wasn't Feitan the one who tortured people? What happened in his life that made him enjoy such things?
Kurapika was mostly stuck in his room, recovering, but Chrollo sometimes brought out the wheelchair, intent on not making the blond spend all his time cooped up in his fancy cage of a room. Blondie wasn't fond of the wheelchair, and he couldn't wait to get out of it, but it was either this or being carried by someone. The five seconds it took for Chrollo to move him to the chair was bad enough. Staying in bed wasn't an option either.
"Breakfast," Machi announced, walking in with a tray in her hands and a stoic disposition as usual. "Danchou asked me to bring this to you. He's a bit busy with the next heist." She handed him a red-bound, leather book. "He thought you might enjoy it."
He took it, inspecting the cover. It was in miraculously good condition, though it had clearly been leafed through quite a few times. In black letters were the title and author's name.
Chronicle of Lucifer
L.K. Demetrius
It took just the first paragraph for him to figure out who the author was.
"Bloody hell, he's an author too?" he asked as if the very thought was blasphemous.
Machi glanced at him while checking his injuries. "You figured that out quickly."
He shrugged. "I had my suspicions when I saw the title, but I figured it could be a coincidence. It was obvious once I read a bit. His writing voice is similar to how he talks in real life."
"Danchou said you'd react like this," she informed, done with her checkup. "It's loosely based on his own life. He wants you to pick out what's true and what's not."
A game? He considered burning it as an act of rebellion, but then remembered that one, he couldn't move without someone's help, and two, it was a book and Kurapika was physically incapable of damaging books.
He had nothing else to do.
"What happens if I can pick out what's true or not?"
"I don't know."
Never had someone told him they were clueless in such an emotionless manner.
"Your arm and legs are recovering well. I'll give it another week at this rate," Machi said, writing down a few things in her notebook. "You have a strangely rapid healing rate."
"It's a family thing."
"Do you mind if I take a few blood samples?" she asked, slipping out a clear syringe from her coat.
"Didn't you already get those?"
The blue-haired woman shrugged. "This is a different test."
"What? Are you looking for mutants?"
She didn't reply, which put his hypothesis in the 'maybe' category. Oh dear.
"Just get on with it," he relented. Machi circled around to his bad arm and let the needle slide in. The liquid life quickly filled the small glass chamber with red.
She inspected it carefully. "I've never seen such a vibrant shade of red in blood before," muttered the girl.
"Tell me if you find out that I am, in fact, an alien."
No reply satisfied his joke. Machi soon left, replaced by a cheerful blond man with a baby face that seemed awfully out of place paired with his muscular body.
"I brought Mario Kart!"
"Never heard of it." Or maybe he had and he just didn't remember. He was never much of a gamer.
Shalnark laughed. "Well, now you have. Scooch over, will ya?" The blonde took a seat beside him on the bed after slipping the disk into the Wii and tossing him a controller. Nevermind that Kurapika only had one good arm.
"So, how does this work?"
. . .
November 30th, XX21 : Age 20 : Spider's Mansion
Pairo came a bit later, once Shalnark and he finished a few rounds and the Spider Head felt it was alright. They'd made up, thankfully, but Chrollo only allowed them to speak face-to-face and the visits were sporadic. He suspected the twins might be keeping an eye on his boyfriend. It was probable that they knew Kurapika had been saved.
The man kissed him on the temple and whispered a greeting in his ear. Kurapika hadn't told him about the little incident with Chrollo when he'd woken up. After all, he had yet to understand what it meant to him. And if he didn't understand, he doubted Pairo would either.
"How are you feeling?" Pairo had asked, eying his legs, and not in the way people usually did.
Kurapika shrugged. "Not much different from your last visit." He leaned into him, placing his head on his shoulder, Pairo responded by wrapping an arm around his thin waist.
"I still can't believe you've been hiding this from me for so long," said the brunet, quietly, shifting to brush Kurapika's hair out of his eyes. "You're a fantastic actor, do you know that?"
"So I've been told," the blond responded, relishing in his warmth, even as his mind continued to stubbornly put forth the roguish face of his old captor/current ally who was clearly into him.
"Or perhaps you don't know him as well as you think," another, smugger, voice interrupted the two. Kurapika resisted the urge to roll his eyes, then thought better of it, and rolled them anyway. No need to suppress any urges around the man he loved and the man who could read him like a book anyway.
Pairo tightened his grip around his waist, as Chrollo came closer. Their eyes met, and Kurapika could see the intensity in their gazes. It wasn't a good kind of intensity either. More of the I'm-gonna-bloody-murder-you kind of intensity.
"If you're going to fight over me," Kurapika started, and their gazes fell back on him with the good sort of intensity this time, "at least do it subtly."
"Can't get anything past you," Chrollo reasoned. "So, there's no reason to act like we're not."
"Well, do it somewhere else. I had a near-death experience two weeks ago. I don't need another one by way of your stupidity."
Chrollo was the first to speak. "It's strange how much of a condescending prick you can be when you're insulting others."
"I wouldn't have to sound like a condescending prick if you hadn't forced me into this ridiculous love triangle."
"It wouldn't have to be a love triangle if you chose someone."
"I did choose someone!"
"You chose the wrong person."
They glared at each other for a few minutes. Well, Kurapika glared and Chrollo gave him a blank stare because he wasn't capable of glaring at Kurapika.
"Pairo."
"Yes, darling?" he asked, sweetly, though Kurapika knew he was trying hard not to laugh.
"Tell Chrollo that he may see himself out of my room," replied Kurapika, facing away from the focus of all his annoyance. He heard Pairo repeat his words. Chrollo said something vaguely sarcastic before leaving, and they were left in peace. He sighed, "that man will result in my dwindling sanity someday." Pairo pulled him closer. Warm and inviting, his embrace left Kurapika with a familiar sense of home. The home that Pairo had become a long time ago. The home he'd almost lost. It was easy for his mind to drift back to their reunion.
. . .
November 18th, XX21 : Age 20 : Spider's Mansion
He heard Pairo's voice before he actually came in, practically felt him linger at the door nervously, and more than ever cursed his inability to walk. Still, the blond said nothing, letting the other man come to his own conclusion. A few minutes later, he walked in cautiously. Kurapika placed the book back in its place on the wooden nightstand. As expected, as soon as Pairo's eyes swept over his injuries, the caution was replaced by what could only be called concern.
"Oh dear God, Kurapika," he whispered, moving to sit on the side of the bed.
Kurapika tried his hand at a smile. "Yeah, it's not as bad as it looks, though I admit I've had better days."
"I'm sorry," Pairo choked out, brushing the blond's cheek. "Kurapika. I'm so sorry."
Shrugging, he simply said, "I let my guard down. It's nobody's fault."
"It's kinda his fault!" Chrollo called from his office next door with perfect comedic timing. These walls were a lot thinner than Kurapika had expected. Probably because Chrollo's office was connected to his room. A fact he wasn't quite fond of but strangely made him feel safer.
"By that logic, it's your fault as well!" Kurapika shouted back. His lungs were perfectly functioning.
"I left you instructions and everything! If you had followed them, you wouldn't have gotten into this mess!"
"So, it's my fault?!"
"It's everyone's fault!" A pause. "Except mine."
Kurapika rolled his eyes at the man's childish antics. "Just go back to work-gah Pairo!"
He suddenly found himself in the brunet's warm embrace, the distinct scent of vanilla lingering on him, probably from another day of baking. His arms wrapped around him in such a way that his injuries were left untouched.
"I've missed you," he whispered, breath brushing his ear. "I've missed you so much."
"Yeah, can't say the same for you. I was asleep for most of that time," Kurapika replied, rubbing his back with his one good arm. Pairo kissed him on the cheek, then on his forehead, before claiming his lips. And shamefully, Kurapika recalled Chrollo's little invasion of personal space just two days ago. It was different back then. Exciting and passionate, far different from the warmth of Pairo. The steady, familiar Pairo whom he'd known since Middle School when the boy had approached with a friendly grin and a request despite his distant nature. Pairo had been one of the first people he'd opened up to, after Leorio, though it was difficult not to immediately open up to Leorio. Chrollo couldn't compare to Pairo's role in his life, so why did it feel like the other man was overshadowing him?
. . .
November 30th, XX21 : Age 20 : Spider's Mansion
Yeah, he still hadn't the answer to that question. Kurapika was no fool. He'd fallen in something with Chrollo. Love? Lust? Simple attraction? He wasn't sure. One thing was for certain, though. Kurapika wanted him to some extent. It was disgraceful. He hated the feeling. But it wasn't something he could deny. Chrollo claimed to love him, and he hadn't really done anything to have him doubt those words. He'd saved him, putting his entire organization in danger. Confusing. That was all this was.
"Alright, time to go," Machi said. The blond felt his spirits sink as Pairo withdrew his arm from around him. Warm lips brushed against his temple, and then he was gone. Machi gave him a stoic look, a cross between disinterest and curiosity. Like she wanted to ask him something but didn't care enough to, certain that she wouldn't care in a few minutes anyway.
Shizuku appeared behind her all of a sudden. "Danchou and Pairo have left the building. He's taking him back to town right now. We've got twenty minutes to set everything up."
Ah, yes. The birthday party he'd nearly forgot about. Which was strange since it had been his idea.
Machi lifted him into his wheelchair, being the surprisingly strong doctor she was, and rolled him out of his room. Pakunoda was waiting downstairs and she gave him a friendly smile as he came down.
"Do you think he suspects anything?" Kurapika asked.
Paku simply shrugged. "It's Chrollo Lucilfer. He always suspects something, though I doubt he actually has the whole thing figured out."
"Good. We have the cake?"
"Check."
"Snacks?"
"Check."
"Dinner?"
"Check. Trust me. We're all good on food."
"Presents?"
"One from each of us, and then another from Hisoka," Paku answered.
"Which was?"
Machi answered this time. "We don't know."
"You don't know? You're telling me Hisoka sent Chrollo a 'birthday present' and you don't know what it is?! It could be poison for all we know! Here, give it to me." Amateurs. They were clearly new to this whole birthday party business. He cleared his throat as the repercussions of his actions dawned on him. "Please."
Shalnark was the one who ended up delivering Hisoka's gift to his lap. It was medium sized and covered in sparkly gold wrapping paper. The box itself was simple and black with only the words LeClair written on it. He opened it only to be met with more wrapping paper and a handwritten note. The man had nice handwriting, he'd give him that.
For you. Feel free to take ideas for your eventual nightly escapades with that delicious blond of yours.
Sincerely,
Hisoka
P.S. I want details.
Kurapika crumpled up the letter in his one hand and tossed it into the waiting trashcan. He wasn't sure he wanted to know what this present was, or what he meant by 'nightly escapades'. It didn't sound like moonlit walks in the park.
He gingerly lifted up the wrapping paper, one look at the cover and all his unwanted questions were gifted with unwanted answers.
Webs of Love
At least the people on the front were more or less clothed.
He hoped Chrollo would throw it away because there was no way he would fall for a man with such strange tastes. But for now, Kurapika placed it back in the packaging with expert hands and left it up to the older man to decide.
"Heh," Shalnark started, "you'd be a pretty good thief, Kurapika."
"You take that back."
. . .
"Surprise!" Kurapika shouted as Chrollo walked through the door with a pensive look. Chrollo gave him a confused stare that could almost be called adorable.
"Happy Birthday, Danchou!" the Spiders lagged behind a bit in his opinion.
"Seems I'm officially closer to being thirty. Pretty soon, I'll get the privilege of calling myself old," he joked, finally catching up. The man walked forward, stopping near Kurapika and giving his friends an impressed grin. "Well done. I hadn't the slightest clue what was happening."
Shalnark spoke this time. "It was all thanks to Kurapika! He's almost as good at planning as you are, Danchou!" They truly jumped at every opportunity to call him that.
"I see," Chrollo said, stepping behind the sitting blond, his hand subtly brushing Kurapika's shoulder. "I suppose I should see what else you have planned for me."
. . .
Kurapika was already dozing off when Chrollo came to sit next to him. He would've missed him if he hadn't called his name.
"Tired already?" the man asked, maintaining a friendly distance, though his eyes told a different story.
"Parties have never really been my thing."
Chrollo gave him a small smile, before focusing back on the wine glass in his hand, the red liquid swirling around a bit with the elegant movement of his wrist. "Not too bad at planning them, however."
The blond yawned, almost moving his arms up to stretch before he remembered one of them was still healing. "We all pitched in. Your Spiders know some strange things about you."
"I suppose that's inevitable," Chrollo replied, watching as Nobunaga and Franklin got into yet another fight. "You look beautiful tonight."
Well, that was one way to change the subject.
"Thank you?"
"I can find us a few activities that might soothe your boredom," he added, suggestively.
"You're drunk, aren't you?"
"Yes." He eyed him longingly, before turning back to the party. Kurapika took this opportunity to snatch his glass away.
"How many glasses have you drunk?"
"Ten, I think." Stopped counting, you mean.
"How have you not passed out yet?"
Chrollo shrugged, too tipsy to think apparently. "I wanted to talk to you."
"That's not a valid answer," Kurapika replied, giving the man an unimpressed look as he took in his uncommonly less-than-perfect appearance. His hair had a wind-swept style to it, the first few buttons of his dress shirt unbuttoned to show off just a bit of that muscular chest. Even his cheeks were slightly reddened. It was so adorable and somehow inviting that it just served to make him even more confused! This man will be the death of him!
Chrollo suddenly leaned his head on his shoulder, humming happily. Kurapika did nothing but stiffen his spine even more.
"I want you, you know," Chrollo started, almost thoughtfully. Oh dear, here came the drunken confession. "It's been so long since I felt this way for someone, but." He took his hand. "I don't think it's going away, and if there's a chance for you to love me back, then I'll wait."
Aw, that was kind of sweet. Kurapika almost replied, but then he saw the man had gone limp against him. Pale fingers reached out to thread through midnight black hair. His eyes darted around the room to make sure no one was watching as he permitted himself this one act. Quietly, he leaned against the other man as well. Not soon after, both men had dozed off into a peaceful slumber.
. . .
He woke up again a few hours later, warm and secure and alone in his own bed. Hearing some footsteps next door, he assumed it was Chrollo getting some late night work done. That comforted him further as he sank into the mattress.
And then.
And then it started.
Flashbacks of fire and smoke and helplessness that kept him up at night. The panic rose and the blond tried to fend it off by hugging an arm to his chest as if that would help at all. His breathing slowed down again, though his heartbeat was still erratic. His fingers clutched the place right above his heart, fingers digging in. One, two, three, four, five, six. He counted in his head to calm down and drown out the memories.
And then it was over. And Kurapika went on pretending it hadn't happened at all.
. End of Chapter .
Next: Kurapika is attacked . . . again. And this time, Chrollo's there.
Question: What will Chrollo do?