A/N: So I am back dear readers, after unfortunately a month long wait to finally have something to update with. But I come bearing two chapters to read. Currently, I have been having slowness in getting things done due being constantly busy in life along with my amassing medical issues, so it is quite possible that chapters could be coming in slower then I really would like them to.
Also I have been having trouble collaborating with my beta reader and consequently, due to the need to take care of her sick, bed bound father on top of working full time, it's just been difficult to make the time in getting my chapters looked over, so for now, this chapter and the next have not be beta read aside the sheer amount of times I have edited it, myself.
Summery: Kurapika finally confronts the one person who had been a constant presence in both his life and his dreams, finally coming to realize exactly what lies in the meaning regarding the true nature of his feelings.
He knew this would be a day he'd remember well. It had been a rather quiescent day, the tranquil air had made for wonderful pleasantries, and such was indulgent as the lack of fervor from the city's usual hustle and bustle made the place seem more subdued then it was considered quotidian, finding that for once, the atmosphere wasn't as stifling as it had been for him as of late.
For a few days Kurapika had taken time to pounder, spending nearly every waking moment possible thinking about his current situation, controverting over everything that he had been experiencing, down to the night when that projected dream he experienced, so vivid, so emotive and propelling, it had practically startled him, to receiving one thing that the blond never thought would become another of his greatest reasons for pushing him nearly past the breaking point. At the beginning of his excursion, his only intention was seeking out a form of desistance to all his predicaments and to form a sense of rapport with the one person of whom he had designated as the reason for all his suffering and misfortunes. It was in that very idea Kurapika held onto hope of driving away the remnants of his misery, even if the very aspect of the idea brought about a clear feeling of repugnance.
Still, Kurapika wasn't entirely assured with his current objective or that of his increasingly perplexing and incommodious situation. What had started out as something that was supposed to be relatively guileless, univocal, turned out to be more convoluted, deplorable and exasperating. What was worse was the fact that when the Kurta began this little impolitic excursion, he had only planned on confronting Chrollo Lucifer in hopes of detaining the man and interrogating him into finally and adjunctly getting what he had been so desperately seeking to fixing his shattered existence.
However, such wasn't what the blond had expected and now he found himself enwrapped in a game of a painful and enrooted war that Kurapika wasn't too keen or pleased to be participating in.
He snorted; just the idea of where this was potentially going, the very direction of whatever impellent force was attempting to rowel him in was enough to rouse a greater infusion of verdure and preservation. Although the clarity of his mother's words and the very etchings of his clan's indignation over all his inequitable actions which continued to ring loudly within his mind, the blond was still unable to find sanctity within their calls, their pleas. As much as it pained him that all their beckoning and prayers for him to concede from his estranged way of life and all his unethical choices, the immotile Kurta had settled on his denouement so long ago. Just the recent events that transpired in his life was the biggest driving spike needed to finally induce what should have happened so long ago.
There was no further need to bandy or harbor general discourse considering his stance in regards to the focal point of all his contention. Kurapika had concluded that he should have finished what he started back in Yorknew.
The longer he cogitated over the aspect of the new and enrooting mentality that was trying to implant itself in order to extrude his old way of life, his only way of life he had long since accepted and grown acclimatized to only made it that much more frustrating and agonizing. It wasn't something that Kurapika had been too ebullient or admissible on, even if there were points where certain prospects were indeed, tempting.
One thing that he was stringent on was the fact that for Kurapika, he had a hard time letting go of the fact that deep down, his heart was still scared from all he was forced to endure over the last seven years of his young life, making it rather difficult as well as complex, which caused the blond more skepticism then not when it came to fully deciding on actually changing his concurrent way of mind.
Such was to say he wasn't entirely opposed to the notion as the Kurta couldn't breathe, sleep or even eat lately without his mother's words unremittingly reiterating inside his mind. It was just the idealism of renouncing everything he's lived by in favor of seeking understanding and equanimity in his most intolerable adversary was enough to keep Kurapika from entirely embracing the idea.
As much as he wanted to, even though with how pressing the notion really was, he just couldn't seem to accede to it.
Was he really letting his own selfishness occlude his ability from actually moving forward with living in the present as opposed to his past?
No matter. There was just no way he could allow something so preposterous to actually occur or come to fruition. As much as the voices from beyond of his beloved clan - even that of his loving mother who had been privy to the head Spider's actions, even as genuine or legitimate as those acts may seem, had tried to dissuade him from his vengeful pursuits of the older man, for Kurapika, there was just too much of a odium left behind for the Kurta to simply ignore.
If only such enormities could be erased...
Never! Kurapika found himself breathing hard, his panting came in at a rapid, labored pace, eyes having long since gone wide, irises momentarily flashing scarlet before returning to their natal state. A sudden bout of nausea arose the bile to the back of his throat and the blond found himself nearly appalled by the very thought that he had nearly been swayed. Was his thought processes and mental acuity actually changing? Had his entire perspective really began to alter itself in favor of acceding in dispelling everything he held of value? That he held so dear?
The very inclination left the blond pell-mell and completely mortified that his creed was wavering, molding and conforming into an entirely new, diacritic mindset. The whole thing left him unsettled and apprehensive.
With unsteady hands, he proceeded in tying the straps of his cloak around his shoulders, situating it properly before the tips of those adept, lithe fingers brushed across something cold, absently tracing idle patterns along its smooth, chatoyant surface. For a moment his mind lulled as his thoughts began to drift, finding himself ideating once again over everything that had happened over the course of his little expenditure, each and every little detail now becoming the theorem behind his rationale. Now all his decisions, negative or positive were finally coming under full scrutiny.
Perhaps it was in that very moment when everything cohered in one instance of distinctness that left Kurapika rattled to the sense of the sudden stimulation he was being forced into.
He froze, body stilling as every part of him went completely numb, paralytic in time.
It was a premonition of the highest form; definitive, rudiment and unmitigated. Everything that had occurred up to this point had paved way for what he was experiencing, now. The predilection, the occurrences, just how every event that ensued, each and every carefully and meticulously laid out plan had incipiently led him to his current position. Whether or not such was methodically and deliberately concocted by his adversary or if it had been precogitated by fate herself, Kurapika could only surmise as such. The current knowledge however, only created a juncture that he found himself hesitantly deciding on.
For so long he had only been led to believe that for the better part of his life, that the majority of every experience he faced was all premeditated by his own hand, his own will. Never had it once occurred that he had been puppeteered by an outside source, regardless of exactly which one that was, the Kurta intended to find out.
Finding the capability to regain his awareness and focus, those dexterous digits swept one last time along the one cherished object which was now but a remnant of his origins and he finished tying the straps of the cloak. He grunted in chagrin knowing in great detail what he was about to do.
Stolidly, the young Kurta sighed in exaggeration, nimbly making a few last minute adjustments before turning to exit the room. However, he glanced back over his shoulder one last time, eyes landing on the vase with those ever present, lambent roses that retained their ample luster, almost illuminated by the morning rays of which had come to wash over them. He closed his eyes as he mustered all his nerve and exited the room, emerging into the commodious living room of the hotel he was staying at. Finding his way into the kitchen, he snatched up a cup of coffee to induce a much needed dosage of caffeine and a quick bite to eat before departing, the finality of his motions an acknowledgement in his meeting with what was surely imminent.
§§§§§§§
Although the city of Patalor was tremendous and vast, it didn't take Kurapika long to find his quarry, though this time, the boy kept a modicum amount of distance, having pulled the hood of his cloak up to obscure his face. He found a small niche beside the corner of a shop which had made as his vantage point, easily slipping into its concave opening that sustained in persevering his cover. This time, he had emphatically decided to stay within a different position, yet remain equidistant to the person he was targeting, taking into account all the other times when he wasted too much time trying to reach the man before the other was able to successfully give him the slip. Not this time, however. Kurapika had an intransigent amount of self-confidence in finally confronting the one person that he had unfortunately been dogging for so long now.
It had felt like such has been an eternity. For the extent of time that he had spent interlocked amid an encroaching battle of practical mental wit with the older man, Kurapika had finally conformed to the necessity of confronting and integrating the Spider's leader into to finally getting the closure he was so deserving of.
Perhaps it was supposed for why it had been so painstaking due to the indefinite amount of time he had spent there dealing with the intemperate and rising heat of the day, even though the mediocre amount of shading he had been lucky enough get while perilously remaining crunched within the alcove he had pushed himself into, helped in keeping him from actually overheating. He waited expectantly for the other man to leave the establishment he had taken residence up within as it appeared the raven-head was enjoying a rather late meal so the blond could finally make his move. Kurapika ground his teeth in frustration; just how easy the bastard made it in grating his nerves from standing around like a loafer had only successfully alienated the aggrieved Kurta.
The persistence paid off however, as during one beat of a moment when Kurapika had decisively looked away to gander at something which had stolen his attention and in that span of the time he had become distracted, his target had left his seat and ambled out of the building without so much as a missed beat. The abrupt connotation suddenly jarred the blond back to his current objective as he slipped from his hiding spot to glissade among the throng, managing to easily keep pace with the older man, passively waiting for the instant he deviated from the sea of innocents for the exact point of opportunity when the blond would finally be able to seize the moment and announce his presence. From there he would make it exactly known what he wanted from the raven-head.
§§§§§§§
Chrollo had always enjoyed theorizing. Speculating and contemplating over the changes in the world was a forte of his, which he had used in the past as a method to pass the time. However now, he was even more interested in the speculation over more recent events and how he had - and quite obviously, noticed that the one person which had been a constant intendance since this little junket began had for some odd reason, or for a more notoriously predictable reason, altered his positioning and changed his strategies. He could sense the presence of the blond as he was of course, still proximal to Chrollo's own location, though the biggest notion was the fact that the Kurta wasn't even remotely visible. Interesting. Generally the young hunter would have chosen his vantage point somewhere the older man would have easily espied him, since Chrollo had to admit, as impudent as the blond was, he never seemed to extract much practicality when it came to facilitating a solid and well calculated plan. But this time it seemed his precious Kurta decided to transpose things a bit, which had efficiently spurred the older man's attention.
The sensation of impatience and ardency was almost enough to practically innerve the raven-head - just feeling the rising tension oozing off the tempestuous Kurta had brought about a sense of regalement that Chrollo readily indulged in. For as long as he and the boy been partaking in this little game of theirs, not once had such earnestness and vehemence emanated from the blond with such a fanatical display before. It was so intense and regardless of wherever he was hiding, Chrollo couldn't help but sense it. The ponderosity of it the older man surmised had to be practically dripping from each and every pore, considering just how garroting the air was becoming.
He closed his eyes and a pleased grin formed across ample lips. So the boy was upping the ante eh? Chrollo hadn't anticipated such a change to happen within the Kurta this soon, but such had meant that all his predilections and incentives had begun to pay off.
Indeed, it appeared that everything was continuing to proceed forward as he had anticipated, though much more quickly and efficiently as the blond became more malleable and was falling readily into place as his mindset was more liken to Chrollo's own. Even if his methods were considered more unorthodox and radical, the blond was already beginning to accept espousing the conception of his own changing ideals, and was slowly becoming mollified. It seemed the boy was finally realizing the problems of his own indisposition and how it was staunching his ability to see the benefits of just letting go. The undertones of romantic desire still remained amid all the rage and clamor Kurapika outwardly projected within his elaborate façade, yet Chrollo hoped to ease all the reluctance by offering encouragement in seeking the prospect of forming an exordium within a much more enriching and prosperous life. Even if such was difficult to perceive, he did exhibit a fair amount of concern and empathy towards the boy's wellbeing.
As much as it had once been strange, even perplexing for him to find himself deviating from his normal cognition and ideology, now the formidable leader of the Geneiryodan was finding that his entire perspective was changing, as well as his outlook. The very same he was nurturing within the brooding young Kurta; he was doing so with himself and welcoming the facilitating changes within his own mindset.
Perhaps for Chrollo, even though it may still have been considered possible conjecture that the older man was finally allowing himself the admission to partake in an aspect of his life which he never really had.
One could say the raven-head was indulgent, and maybe so, but this new, uncharted territory was producing such dissimilar sensations that he was finding it rather inexplicably beneficial.
Efficaciously, Chrollo vacated from his seat within the small restaurant he had chosen to have a late meal at and slipped casually from the establishment and into the thinning wave of people milling through the streets. It wasn't long until he felt that conventional wave of pressure aerating around him and he was certain that like always, the blond had fallen in step behind him, practically emulating his every move, through the designation of energy had altered, and to one the raven-head was speculative on. The usual sensation of anger and contempt still edged the boy's emotions, but something else intermingled within the Sturm und Drang, one that even he didn't realize had been as prevalent as it was now.
This unexpected change in the Kurta's behavior had Chrollo wondering if the scrimmage he was dealing with had become so intensated that the youth was finally giving in, realizing that what he had been feeling, and the outcome from all his past experiences were convincing him into just letting go of everything in favor of a greater propriety. The thought intrigued the older man and he was debating on confirming his theories, but was more inclined to ascertain if his speculation was the case as opposed to just settling on mere conjecture. Finding the answer to satisfy his curiosity in retrospect was vital to his future decisions on his proceedings regarding his current stance with the blond.
One thing he had never taken seriously in the entirety of his life was the concept of having an affinity or proclivity towards any particular relationship. Sure he had his comrades, but this was entirely different. Now he was finding himself intent on trying to court the blond, the desire to earn his heart reigned strong.
This became all the more reason Chrollo was obstinate with his inclinations and why he was fixed in his decisions. Knowing for certain how successful his efforts were he realized garnered top priority.
It was at this point with his newest revelation he wondered if he should once again, take things to the next level. Now was the time for finding the perfect, opportune moment to enact, for he still had to be circumspect with his motives and actions, for one wrong move and all his efforts could end up being in vain.
Nonchalantly, the raven-haired man shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat, insouciantly turning down a much smaller street as he rebudgeted from the bustle and attention of the main street which was something considerably much more discreet. However, this time he had no intention on averting the blond, for it was at this moment he wanted to see what the young hunter intended to do.
§§§§§§§
For so long it felt as if he had been exhaustingly trailing the older man. The unbidden saunter the other had taken to only sparked Kurapika's ire that much more. As studiously he attempted to keep his emotions under control, such was hard when dealing with the fact that his quarry kept at a leisurely pace, seemingly content with practically dragging the blond around the pythonic city. Patalor was vast, enormous and easily would take days to circumnavigate, something that the Kurta wasn't keen on enduring. As much as he would have enjoyed partaking in the city's benefits and propoundments, he had to stick to his main objective, for the current state of affairs was becoming too convoluted and drawn out.
There was so much Kurapika had undergone since taking on this little venture and so many times the discomfited Kurta had been left to deal with the increasing burdens that were so abrupt, yet flawless when it came altering his current standpoint. The positions between them was shifting and it left Kurapika's mental acumen to follow in the process. As much as he had been tenaciously trying to retain hold on his own faculties, weary of any change that would alter his mindset enough to sway him from his chosen path along with the only way of thinking he had ever known, the very fear that he would eventually lose control of what he so desperately wanted to hold onto was in fact, coming to pass.
This very aspect practically unnerved him and Kurapika was already beginning to assume that he had already been deprived all his abilities that kept himself sane as he continued to descend further into delirium.
One of the most frightening aspects was the empirical aspect of being willing to embrace that very darkness.
Though for Kurapika, he was in too deep to turn back now, even with the prospect of the situation possibly continuing to alter his own mentality from the norm.
During his personal deliberation, the blond almost didn't notice that the raven-haired man had taken a subito down into a rather cloistered bystreet, which the young hunter had realized was prominently off the main road and away from the main promenade.
Without reservation, Kurapika increased his pace and rounded the same junction the other had, slipping into the thruway supinely, the motions however, caused him to experience déjà vu due to a prior encounter with Chrollo Lucifer where he was left facing the empty end of a blind alley. It was then he had found the troglodytic, jilted stone that was left amid the crud and filth.
It was in that moment when unconsciously his fingers had found said object, curling around it as he retrieved it from the satchel he carried in perpetuum. During the brief interlude, his eyes roved over the one thing that seemed to harbor an unearthly feel, always keeping him from growing too capricious and keeping him sated enough that he had lost his fettle. There was still a fair amount of mystery surrounding such a beautiful and remarkable stone, from its origins to exactly how as Kurapika had noticed it seemed to have an effect on him, his own subversive emotions instantly becoming lenitive when he held it. Even now, despite the squall he felt which was beginning to rise within his own intemperate mind had quickly dispersed the moment he came into contact with the stone.
Kurapika sighed, though slightly dejected by the continued farce he had to participate in - the fact that it was just becoming awkward, was leaving the blond feeling less than adequate . It had seemed far too long; how long has it been now? that he had become so enmeshed with the entire thing that it was now only furthering his skepticism in exactly what facilitated his priorities regarding this irrational excursion he so adamantly decided to get himself involved in. For this is what had the blond really questioning in regards to his own stability when make proper or wise decisions.
Or perhaps he had just allowed himself to once again, be so easily manipulated by his unbridled and injudicious hated that had done nothing but constantly lead him down a path of ultimate grief and misery.
It was the very same rationale that the phantasm of his own mother had felt so poignant towards and crucial in swaying his decisions from following the very path that she knew - or had always known would surely see him to his own demise.
Why was he finding it so difficult to accept change? Had he really become so closed off that he was inept in adapting anymore? Did his life really mean nothing? Or the wishes of his deceased brethren?
He had been constantly plagued. Even the voices that were relentless in their insurrection, in their stridency, had resumed their banter, the very tremor of their incessant prattling only furthered in agitating Kurapika. For days now, ever since his lucid vision, he had been hearing the onslaught of random murmurs inside his head.
It had gotten to the point that the blond had began to wonder if he was losing his mind and started going insane.
The sound of movement, of asymmetrical shuffling ahead of him had snapped his attention back to the present, having noticed that while he ambled inconscient within his own musings and reflections, that he had found himself standing within a large opening where crates, wooden boxes and other multifarious things were lining the cold, stone walls with no exit in sight. Again something niggled at the back of his mind despite the voices had dimmed to a simmering roar. The sound of shuffling continued and it drew his eyes towards the source, thought it was practically obscure, with what little light was present, but Kurapika was able to make out the silhouette of a figure standing amid some of the remaining sundries that had been discarded. Subduing his own incensed aura, he quickly and hastily shrouded himself with In, the lithe hunter then proceeded to crouch behind a cluster of boxes, letting his unfocused eyes to adjust to the low light in order to decipher exactly who was meandering around the area he was in.
His answer came in a cursory response when said figure had turned towards his general direction and those indefinite eyes flicked over to where he was positioned, and for a moment Kurapika felt every nerve within him seethe, yet he was unable to move, almost rheumatic just by that haunting gaze alone. What was worse was the fact that it appeared as if the older man had known he was there. The Kurta ground his teeth in vexation, cursing at himself for allowing the detestable man to encumber him and the vainglorious smile that soon followed upon his lips only enraged the hackneyed blond further.
Clutching his fists, Kurapika debated within himself for the span of a heartbeat with actually confronting his long time adversary before resolutely concluding that the time for pretexts was over and without hesitation, the blond stood, coming fully upright, those eyes meeting equally and coolly with the other man's own.
"Chrollo Lucifer." The hunter breathed, the lid upon his emotions just like the incessant voices which arose in clamor once again inside his head was starting to become difficult to control and could have easily burst at any given moment. "Didn't think I'd ever see you again."
The sound of his name being called so easily instigated a rather flatulent grin to crawl across the raven-head's lips, "Well if it isn't the ever pertinacious Kurta. I will say I could have said the same thing, but the fact being, I do believe you are the one who sought me out. Or am I not correct on this assumption?"
Kurapika stopped dead in his tracks, eyes practically growing wide from the immediate shock that hit him, jaw almost slacked and dropping open, "You... Knew?" How is that even possible? The blond had been particular and so methodic with his choices, even with his motives and acts and somehow the bastard had known all along he was being tailed?
"It's quite easy; in fact I will say I have always known you had been following me since before I left Ti'alma. Or I could say from practically day one." Instantly, the leader of the Geneiryoden had taken a few steps forward towards the flustered blond, and in response, Kurapika retroceded, expanding the gap between them once more. Damnit ! Those voices grew in pitch, and the Kurta tried to detrude them. Now wasn't the time for any redundant distractions as he was now face to face with the one person that had caused him so many problems and he didn't need extramural interferences.
A soft tinkling sound announced the materialization of his chains, the reverberation echoing off the walls of the extensive space they were in and Kurapika poised, looking the older man dead in the eye, "How?" The youth began slowly; the draw to his words amplified the fact that he was just as baffled as he was irked. "How could you have known?" However, the thunderous sound in the distance, along with the emergence and rise in those voices, and the dismay in the realization that he hadn't been as prudent as he thought had all weighed on his conscious, leaving him in pure astonishment with the lack of his abilities and skills. In retrospect, he had inevitably left himself wide open.
How could I have been so obtuse?
Chrollo snickered at the Kurta's bewilderment, taking note that obviously the young hunter really had no clue exactly how he had become so easily fooled or explicitly exposed, but one thing was clear, it was obvious the boy was still suffering within his own personal contention, the very same he had noticed had been slowly amassing the further the boy sunk into their little affair.
He took a few more steps towards the blond, his advancement equable, determinate, those unblinking eyes transfixed on the boy's own scintillating blues, and just how gorgeous they seemed, especially when they turned into that virulent scarlet, like the rubies he attributed them towards. Even though he had long since felt the pang of want and need harboring deep within his own heart, he still couldn't contravene the simple fact that he was beyond entranced by the gorgeous Kurta. He had long since admitted that those haunting eyes which shone so deep in their garnet hue looked much better attached to a living person, and one that was more beautiful than words could ever express.
As if on cue and in perfect unison to his motions, Kurapika had taken a few steps backwards again, his back coming closer to the implacable stone wall, and reflexively, the boy suddenly unleashed his aura, the active response incited his eyes to flash that indescribable scarlet.
"Well if you must know," Chrollo began, those steps continuing, both he and the young hunter ambulating with such precision it could have been considered daedal, like a balletic dance, though Kurapika made no bones about ensuring the distance between them remained equal as possible. However, he never realized just how limited his room was becoming as he was mere inches from the inauspicious stone, "You really allow yourself to be quite obvious. I must say though, for a brief moment that little guise of yours," The raven-head remarked, hand extending almost as if he wanted to reach out and run those digits over the boy's velvety cloak, "Almost worked. But that little mishap back in the desert city, that one momentary lapse was enough to easily and thoroughly blow your cover and give you away."
The sardonic expression that soon followed Chrollo's words caused Kurapika to become instantly stunned; the revelation was enough to force the knowledge of precisely where the boy's dissimulation was unfortunately laid bare. Just the notion that he was so easily found out did nothing but add to Kurapika's growing dismay.
"Damnit!" The blond imprecated, fists tightening and becoming almost white knuckled. "You knew all along and yet you led me to believe that I still had the upper hand? Then gave me a false pretense that I still had the chance of finishing what I started and to finally be free of this damnation that I have been eternally tormented with?!" The rage that undulated through the hunter's lithe body was enough to cause a disturbance in the air, suddenly afflicting the surrounding area as shards of brick and gypsum sprayed into a flurry around them, Kurapika's eyes suffusing crimson in its wake.
The older man took what was occurring before him in stride, the scene that Kurapika was presenting not only did it arride him, but just watching the brilliance that emanated off the radiant Kurta was enough to enamor Chrollo, his breath nearly taken away as he felt the ever present attraction only heightening between them, "What can I say," He whispered again and the temperate thief stepped forward, hands casually coming to rest within the pockets of his brunet hued coat, the thrumming of his footfalls amid Kurapika's whisking aura field generated dissonance, "I was rather enjoying the chase, not to mention," Chrollo paused, those eyes searching the blond's angelic visage, reveling in just how empyrean he looked, "I cannot help just how truly beautiful you really are."
Kurapika couldn't believe what he was hearing; the words caused an precipitating flush of shock to accentuate his countenance, jaw nearly hitting the ground as a result, "Wha-what?!" The Kurta stammered as he was finding himself in complete and utter incredulity, the bile rising up in the back of his throat at the very notion. Yet, something else writhed just beneath all the outward and ominous bedlam, something more persuading, appeasing... enticing. The very presence was enough to instill conflict that much more, even as the Kurta started to feel a budding attraction pulling from deep within when those heated scarlets started to bore subaqueously into Chrollo's own. It was that moment Kurapika found himself realizing just how magnificent they were, almost as if he could sense their gaze viewing down into his very soul. For a moment the boy seized, rived by just how gorgeous the older man actually was.
How had he never noticed this before?
No! He howled; the boy jarred himself back to his senses, shattering the beguiling hold that was thrust upon him, those irises flaring to their most relucent shade as elongated silver began to manifest, coils of metallic chains emerged around him, snapping around viperously and Kurapika's lips contorted into a malicious scowl, "There is no way I could ever love a monster like you!" The feral growl that proceeded enounced the Kurta's will to strike, those chains ready to finalize the job they should have so long ago.
"Kurapika... "
The hum was almost feather light, its call enough to startle the blond. However, the interlude was instantly abolished and Kurapika readied his Chain Jail, perfectly capable of using its savage potency to finally send the raven-haired man straight to purgatory.
"Kurapika... "
Again, it was like chimes on the wind and he heard his name called once more, its mellifluous sound captivating his attention; he knew that voice. It wasn't like the others that began to recently haunt him. The cognition of it…
"My son, please do not continue on like this."
That awareness, the stirring in his consciousness, the recurrence, it pricked at his senses and the familiarity bled into effectuation…
"You still have so much to live for, so much reason to carry on."
Kurapika stilled, almost statuesque, his chains continued to whip and churn around him, lashing about like virulent tendrils, the rattling orotund in their violent frenzy. Scarlet eyes burned with the fervor that had once ignited them, yet, they were twinged with the undertone of prehension, of sorrow. "Mother..." He uttered, tone impeded by his own dolor.
"Don't toss your life away for the sake of finding us justice, for there will be no peace for us if you were to only die."
Shock gripped his heart and a few tears had broken free from their confinement, falling down over his cheeks as they were accented in red. Right hand abstractedly lowered towards his side, those volatile chains mimicking the movement and slowly began to allay, though they remained evinced despite their rampancy had began to subside. "You've returned..."
"Only for the moment, but you must stop this. For your sake. For all our sakes. I just want you to live. Please. Move on, find your happiness."
For an ephemeral moment, that warmth he remembered from what again seemed so long ago washed over him and Kurapika found himself instantly surrendering, mind calming as his indignation receded and those genial fingers tenderly motioned over his cheeks, aiding him in the release he so desperately needed. The perfection, allure, the feeling of benevolence drew him beneath its welcoming blanket and for once, the Kurta felt at ease.
"Please."
Kurapika closed his eyes as he submersed himself into the placidly his mother was bequeathing him. "I will." He relented, capitulating to his mother's wishes, "I just want you to be proud of me."
"I will always be proud of you. That will never change. Now go and find your real purpose in life. Where you really belong, and remember, I will always love you."
Just as quickly as it had happened, such found its denouement and the visitant was gone, leaving the young hunter behind in the cold alleyway.
Though the spectacle hadn't gone unnoticed and Chrollo had tilted his head in inquisitiveness, noticing that there was an abrupt hesitation to the boy's unfiltered actions, his chains having since quelled in their aggression and came to rest around his feet. Though what struck the older man the most was the fact that for a few seconds, the blond seemed to be muttering to himself, one that Chrollo wasn't quite sure what the boy was speaking of. However, the contention seen in the other's eyes gave the time necessary to facilitate the raven-head's next move.
Even as Kurapika had been trying to contend with the throes of his own dissension, he had been mortally unaware of the sudden momentum forcing him astern until his back was shoved against the wall behind him and a firm hand had clinched his wrists, cogently pinning them above his head as a taunt body pressed intently against the blond's own lithe physique, "The hell... What do you think you are doing? Let me go!"
He couldn't believe it! How could he have been so imprudent? For one fugacious moment where he ultimately suffered a brief lapse in defenses, the damn bastard used it to his advantage. Now he was under siege, practically at the mercy of the very monster that he wished he could promptly and swiftly immolate. Kurapika ground his teeth as the older man's face was now mere inches from his own, the foray of his own personal space was enough to rise the bile to the back of his throat again at just the proximity the Kurta was to his most despised enemy. Unable to bear such an affront, Kurapika hastily turned his head, averting his gaze to keep from looking at those eyes that only seemed to weaken him. Though his demand was only met by reticence as fingers stolidly - but tepidly, cupped the boy's chin and drew his attention back towards Chrollo, "Look at me." He said sedately as he found himself once again fixed on those vibrant scarlet eyes.
Kurapika hissed as he was impelled to look at the man's face once again, the look in his eyes only smoldered, gaze judging and calculating, fulminating the older man's audacity to violate him as he had. Being this close to his enemy, feeling the stirring within as beneath the inner choler and indignation, were waves of something extraneous, strange, sensations that were becoming roused, and the closeness of their bodies only aggrandized these responses. Once again the Kurta was becoming aware of the physical pull he had experienced several times before, though the extremity such leverage had on him had been significantly elevated now that he was this close to the other.
"Why?!" He practically spat, the boy's effeminate frame twisting harshly within the older man's grasp, "Like I should ever give you the satisfaction of anything!" Chrollo inched closer, though just before speaking, he had noticed something glint from beneath the edges of Kurapika's garments, the sabulous cloak had long since raised up and off his shoulders, having exposed the one thing that Chrollo had to admit he was astounded to see.
"Because," Chrollo's voice was practically a purr, tips of his free hand had come to rest along the boy's right side and slowly began to glide upwards, "I want to look at you, I want to see into your eyes. Also because you have to admit," Further those digits crawled and Kurapika had to cinch an impinging groan that was threatening to break past his lips, though such parted as he merely gasped instead. The older man smiled at the elicited sound, "You have been feeling it, too. That very same pull I have, which has been incessantly drawing us together."
What the hell was he getting at? The Kurta was practically appalled that this murderer, the very entity that had brought about the extinction of an entire clan had the chutzpah to make such a ridiculous comparison. How he could have ever felt attracted to this horrible person was beyond any formation of words. "There is no way I could ever desire someone like you! After all you have done and you expect me to just abjure like that?" The nerve! Kurapika growled again, but it looked as if the Spider's leader was only fueled by his ongoing discomfiture.
Chrollo's hand continued its entrada as they caressed the Kurta's features through his clothing, each pass, touch, fondle, the way those digits delineated over the intermediate amount of muscles and sinews which resided beneath caused the young hunter to practically wither against him, tips steadily making their way up cast, but none too hurried as he was thoroughly enjoying watching the blond succumb to his advancements, "Are you so sure about that? Because your lies cannot betray what I see in your eyes. You may say you are not feeling any semblance of attraction, but," His unblinking, cinereal eyes fixed attentively to Kurapika's own and he was sure he felt the boy's beating heart flutter against his own chest, "I'd like to beg to differ." He would make the blond see for he was just in practical self-denial.
Regardless, if the young hunter believed him or not, his intent, his interests, all of them were nothing but genuine. There was nothing more than the desire to earn Kurapika's heart for the feared leader of the Geneirydon had never found himself ever wanting something this deep and in earnest, even though he was conditioned and accustomed to stealing whatever it was he wanted. But for now, as indurating as it may have sounded, Chrollo was content with just convincing the boy into admitting there was a physical attraction between them. The rest would come over time. His smile only broadened as digits finally slid over the golden, roped necklace with its clinquant ruby teardrops, "I see you are wearing this." He wasted no time enunciating on.
Kurapika couldn't believe what he was hearing. First, he lost his leverage, having found himself completely at the mercy of a virtual harbinger of death, then the allegations of there being some form of connectivity between them, down to averring there was an attraction - albeit it being physical, not only did it make him feel scandalized, but there was no way he was able to conventionalize himself allowing that man so close to him, down to touching him in an intimate way.
Still, amid it all monocracy, there was one undeniable fact, one that Kurapika had fought against so perilously was that even as inscrutable the notion seemed, he couldn't circumvent the actuality that he was indeed, feeling a draw towards the older man, or had been for quite some time, which was something the blond couldn't fathom or define.
"Why wouldn't I?" The blond retorted, eyes flashing dangerously, "And what would you know of it, anyway?" He already had a pretty good idea however, but to hear the concession straight from the man's mouth would only solidify his suspicions.
Though it was the only vindication Chrollo needed; he was enthralled by how much more emblazoned those contumacious eyes had gotten, as they were so stunning, which only served to bolster his drive. His assenting he had hoped would be enough to strike the blond with just how authentic his intentions are.
God he couldn't help but feel emasculated being this close to the prepossessing blond.
"Because," Chrollo's finger tips glossed over the surface of the golden adornment, lips hauntingly close to the boy's own, "Where do you think you got it from? Moreover, the reason you received it, anyway?" The raven-head smiled at the reaction such words earned, the blond's eyes going indescribably wide, as if he was suddenly hit by an epiphany, "There is a very particular reason it was given to you. Which I will assure you was done by genuine intent." Chrollo continued, but allowing his statement to sink in.
"You couldn't... Didn't... It's special to my people, which I am sure you stole... But, why?" Before Kurapika could speak any further, his elocution was cut off as the older man's lips suddenly crashed against his own. The shock at the adumbration caused his stomach to churn, a bitter taste rising from the back of his throat as he began to twitch against the older man, the urgency to break free apexing strong. The instant he tried to resist, those driving voices once again arose in demurral, the symphonic dissention annexed the blond, halting in his intransigence and all those sensations which he had been barraged by came back in a flood, weakening his mindset, yet, it was strangely placating. He found himself instantly growing lax, the feeling of those lips against his own, the taste of Chrollo, it was all unbeknownst to Kurapika, pleasing and he soon found himself returning the gesture. Before long he found himself kissing the older man back in earnest as his tongue prodded against his lips which the blond willingly accepted, his own instantly meeting the older man's appendage.
Something still caviled in the back of his mind, quipping at how wrong this was and that he was allowing himself to fraternize with the enemy. Though Kurapika suppressed the besieging litigant and banished that lone, forswearing voice into the furthest reaches of his consciousness, sole focus only on the current moment.
Even if he was still unsure how he managed to get himself tangled within something so dastardly and possibly controversial, for the moment, all he could react on was the growing conflagration that swept over him, slowly scorching and enveloping him, drawing him further into the ardent passion that soon began to replace the once gutless feeling. Kurapika couldn't rationalize; all ability to reason or contemplate had ebbed away, right along with his enmity. In a practical flash, all the emotions, all the proscribed feelings he had been so adamant to seal away had resurfaced, corresponding with the frenetic voices that chided and beckoned him, though the distant litany of his mother's own voice broke through the tumult, calling to him.
It was as melodious as ever, the carillon which vibrated through his very being and trembled on the wind, the concord it formed and the remembrance it brought about, every part of him simply gave way, those intercessions he so deeply memorized had so intently ceased any recessions he may had been having. His own body, even as rebellious as it could have been seen, easily melded into those passionate touches, hips languidly grinding against the older man's own. Chrollo was able to sense the same; the contention that the pretty blond was in a skirmish against seemed to dissipate, his body language suggested he had easily accepted what was happening, but moreover the boy seemed to be enjoying it. The way the younger man's hips began to slowly, yet intently gyrate against his own only furthered to suggest that his sweet angel had simply folded and Chrollo reciprocated as he ground back against the blond. The raven-head smiled in satisfaction against their shared lock, only pulling away from the Kurta long enough to draw in a few breaths before diving back in. His free hand had continued its trek to soon find itself winding within flaxen tresses, gently cupping the back of Kurapika's head, holding them firmly together.
Both of them soon became lost and abandoned within one another, and the time they spent interdigitated with the moment was another tick towards their combined undoing. Even Kurapika was realizing that he was no longer attempting to refute the older man, having embellished in the desire it was giving him, and for what had been so long devoid from his life was the sensation of feeling good. The notion of the entire situation being morally wrong was only repressed by the very declarations of his own mother and clan - his survival, prosperity and need to flourish, all were the very reasons for their own pertinacity in swaying the blond's stance, having sought to deviate the last Kurta from his volitional failure to thrive. Now, all that dissention bleed into elation, one Kurapika wasn't sure how he managed to falter into, but the feeling was something beyond comparison. Sure he wasn't used to it, but it was better in contrast to the pain and misery he had been dealing with.
It was like a dream. One built around vibrant, dynamic images, all were so lucid, so real, though as such it was actually being lived out, despite it felt like it was nothing more than a panoramic vision out of a fool's mind. Kurapika synthesized more into the sensation, as neoteric as the feelings were, having not been used to the caliber of what he was experiencing and folded without resistance. Both he and Chrollo were finding symmetry between them as the movement of their lips against one another fell into a near perfect unison.
For the capacious span of time they spent leisurely and wantonly enwrapped together, neither of them attempted to stop the other, the world having long since faded around them and the only thing either of them cared about was the rapture of the moment, both Chrollo and Kurapika only thinking about what could be derived from each other. It was like a treat, a grand reward, as both of them had never felt something so stimulating, commoving and invigorating, which left Kurapika innervated. All his nerves became strangely hypersensitive; even those fingertips as they caressed the back of his head tenderly only seemed to incite another soft moan to escape from the depths of his throat.
Once they separated, both of them flushed and panting heavily, it was then Chrollo realized just the exact magnitude regarding the weight of his own feelings towards Kurapika. As their eyes locked once more and beneath the half-lidded, lust glazed hues of the Kurta was the perforating view of scarlet, which caused the raven-head's breath to get nearly taken away. Just the awe inspiring and resplendent view of the boy's own eyes as ruby as ever caused Chrollo's own breath to hitch in his throat; never had the blond looked so angelic, so luminous, so beautiful, like a sensual butterfly caught within a shimmering web and the leader of the Geneiryodan found himself magnified by the Kurta's radiance.
"Damn you." Kurapika finally exhaled, still inebriated from the after effects of the intoxicating kiss and he could only see the faint grin cross over the older man's lips.
"You know you liked it." The sarcastic tone caused the blond to huff in recourse, but he couldn't rebuff the fact that the leader of the Spider was right. Even the taste of the older man lingered upon the blond's own lips, "Because it felt like you was getting awfully excited there, Kurapika." Chrollo leaned in to place a series of soft kisses along the blond's exposed neck, emphasizing the truth within the fact and causing Kurapika to gasp again, though this time, the raven-head trailed his lips all the way to the boy's ear before breathing huskily into it, "I could also say it seems very likely that you really want me as well."
Chrollo fell into reticence again, allowing time for the revelation to sink in, and his mouth continued to ghost over the shell of Kurapika's right ear, the sensation caused shivers to race up the blond's spine. He barely had time to register the fact that the older man had actually articulated his name, much less the sly remark about him being practically hung up and lusting after the raven-head, which was something again, he questioned if such was actually true. Could it have been possible that his own emotions were running awry, yet, he really had no inclination of putting a restrain upon? Kurapika was still bewildered by everything that had transpired, but he couldn't entirely repudiate the idea that perhaps, just perhaps everything the older man was saying and that the admissions of his own mother's words were ringing true. After all, it was foreign, unexplored territory and he still had to contend with the underlying hatred which nonetheless, crawled beneath the surface. As palpable as this new prospect seems, changing from who he was to who he could now become, and the simple fact that he still held some adversity to the man before him - but by God how lovely those eyes are and the skill of those lips, just how right they felt against his own, as much as the pull was upon him, Kurapika stillstruggled with his unrequiting morals.
Once again, Kurapika realized just how torn he was. But he wasn't about to allow that to stop him in progressing with exploring these new feelings and sensations.
Even as Chrollo's hand had slackened its hold on the blond's wrists and with no inclination of being threatened or possibly being threatened, he released his hold fully, though his own gaze remained firmly locked with those of the boy's own scarlets. There was no displeasure hinted within their depths, only genuine curiosity and desire. For seconds only stillness supervened between them, the sound of their breathing the only thing heard as they just look fixedly at one another before Kurapika abruptly and precipitously fisted the Spider leader's coat, drawing the older man close, "Perhaps you are right and I really do want you." Was the blond's only utterance before bringing Chrollo downward forcefully and seizing the older man's mouth with his own, riotously kissing the other as his tongue pushed adamantly against the raven-head's lips as it attempted to drive itself between. The very act caught Chrollo completely unawares as he wasn't expecting the Kurta to be so straightforward, yet instinctively his muscular arms encircled the blond's waist, pressing them both together as he reciprocated the act, kissing back eagerly.
Chrollo parted his own supple mounds, allowing the once timid boy to explore the inside of his cavern with alacrity, his own tongue darting out to dance and twine with Kurapika's, the sapidity between them made the Ryoden leader feel soused, his nostrils flaring as he drank in the redolence of the blond, such a blend of spice and floral only made the other that much more enticing. Though what solidified his reception of the idea were the proceeding gasps and soft moans that emanated from the boy and against their lock, the vibrations foretold of the sheer passion Kurapika must have been feeling. For Chrollo it was an incentive for him to deepen the kiss, his own chiseled physique leaning solidly against the Kurta's own lithe frame as he pressed the young hunter tighter against the wall. The blond reacted with tightening his own hold on the older man's coat, the execution caused the gap between them to close further and Kurapika could feel the Spider's heartbeat resounding against his own chest.
However, the struggle between them - the waging clash for dominance, both of them tussling against one another, Kurapika unrelenting in his onslaught, mouth aggressively working against the raven-head's own, and Chrollo pushing himself vivaciously against the Kurta, one knee slipping between the younger's legs and parting them, was primal, almost animalistic.
Kurapika was almost unable to control himself, part of him becoming lost amid the tempest and furor, the rudimentary functions within his instincts having since kicked in, letting him only become inconscient once again, the older man's guidance and interplay only staunching any potential reasoning there may have been. It was so facile for him despite his inexperience, and Chrollo's incentives didn't serve any further reason for either of them to consider stopping.
Until the need to breathe came once again and in reluctance, they severed their contact, Kurapika's chest straining as his lungs burned from lack of oxygen while Chrollo simply drew into the moment, his own breathing labored. Both were suffused in crimson from the squalling heat flowing around them. "Damn you." Kurapika reiterated again, still flabbergasted by what just happened, but reveling in the euphoric sensation it gave him.
"Wasn't expecting that," Chrollo countered, cutting off the Kurta before he had a chance to continue, "But it solidifies what I had said earlier." He continued in a coy tone, though he retained his proximity to the boy, "I knew damn well you wanted me." Yes, he definitely wished to push his luck and stance with the now imbalanced hunter.
The blond's eyes narrowed; he knew for certain the older man was pushing his luck, as this little fracas between them gave him the incentive to necessitate in usurping control between them. There was no way, Kurapika thought, he would allow the older man to retain power in their newly formed communion, even if it was bordering on physical or intimate. The idealism of retaining prepotency between them would ensure that he wouldn't ever find himself coming to heel at Chrollo's own potential exertion. The blond wouldn't put it past the Spider's leader to try and repress him, "What if I do?" Kurapika replied coolly, as his eyes were not transposing back to their normal blue state and remained scarlet, the lingering effects of their ardent kiss hanging in the back of his mind, "Doesn't mean I am giving you the satisfaction, nor control of the situation between us. Perhaps it was something we both enjoyed, but that doesn't change the fact that you have not won or earned my heart," Kurapika inclined up and his right hand came to firmly cup the older man's chin, his chains still present as they rattled in typify to the blond's current disposition. "Even if perhaps I am willing to explore this new venue due to your persistent efforts, but also at the behest of those who I deeply care about that implored me seek a different path in life and to give you a chance, at the current, you haven't proven yourself worthy yet of my love."
Kurapika released his hold on the older man's chin, though his intense gaze never wavered. Chrollo still was bemused by the young Kurta's words and those beautiful eyes only instilled his own dedication and obstinacy in his pursuits of the boy. He made significant progress in getting Kurapika this far and to the point where now he avowed his own attraction towards him and the fact that during the course of their little physical excursion, he managed to convince the blond into exploring a potential romantic relationship between them. No matter what it took, he would do what he must, because in the end, he wanted to earn the boy's full trust and his heart.
"Oh I don't doubt that," Chrollo began, his voice low and sultry, "But I am not giving up on you. I want you to be mine, and I will prove it to you however I must. I will show you, convince you that I am worth it in the long run. I understand what happened between us isn't exactly favorable and that our pasts are not exactly unsullied, but if it means demonstrating to you that I can be trusted, that being with me is both beneficial and rewarding, then I will." The last words spoken, Chrollo affirmed with sincerity and laced with candidness. He watched attentively for the blond's reactions to his proclamation.
To his relief, the next thing to release from the boy's mouth settled his growing concerns in having lost his chance with Kurapika stating he would consider his prospect. Though only if Chrollo could prove his worth to Kurapika through sheer diligence, perseverance and humility. He was so close, so very close to incorporating the young blond into his life and finally earning his love. Chrollo had come too far to see it surcease now.
"Well, then we shall see." Kurapika concluded interested to see where this would go and if the proclamations by his mother and of his clan stand correct. But moreover, he was inclined to see if the one person who had caused him so much misery and grief, who had turned his life completely everted and managed to allay his hate, who also caused him to feel attraction and desire, the very same person who was now standing before him in adamant pursuit of his own heart, would live up to Kurapika's standards and provide his value and worth.
If not, if it turns out to be a farce or a fool's errand, then he will return to his committal in finishing what he started and end the older man's life. Which deep down, he hoped such wouldn't come to pass, because as how hard it was for Kurapika to admit it, he wanted this to work and find something permissible and worthwhile between them. But ultimately, he was tired and just so sick of the dejection in his life. For so long he had only been miserable and wary, constantly in perpetual dissonance and never at peace. Lingering in the same state he had been in for so long had finally taken its toll.
If moving forward and finding happiness in his war torn life meant doing so with the one person he never would have considered giving a second look at, then he would take it into consideration and give him the chance. Not only would he do anything necessary in sake of himself and for that of his deceased kin, in the end, Kurapika had developed feelings for Chrollo, the very same he now wished to meliorate on and see grow, but no longer wanting to see abolished.
After Thoughts: From this point on, things will continue to progress at a steady pace as interaction between these two will increasingly become more direct as opposed to the latter of indirect in prior chapters.