Author's Notes: Hello again dear readers, I have come much sooner this time with another update. Since things have significantly improved on my end, processing this chapter didn't take as long as the prior one did, and although it's not as lengthy, getting it finished in a relatively short amount of time was easier than it had been in a good while. Hopefully, from here on out, updates will come in more frequently than they have in the past.
And, last but not least, another big thank you to SweetsDreamer for her time in betaing this chapter. :3 ❤️❤️
Summary: Kurapika and Chrollo begin preparations for their quest to retrieve the next pair of Scarlet Eyes. Though leaving the city of Cysteria proves to be more complicated than either anticipated.
It wasn't even the early morning hours when Kurapika found himself standing beneath the warm spray of the shower. The room was practically quiet save for the slight echo of the water resounding within the basin, and for the longest, he had remained there while his thoughts wandered over recent events.
He was still having a hard time contending with how he had reacted towards Corthoes. Kurapika realized he had lost every ounce of composure not only when the man tried to manipulate them, but especially after learning what he planned to do with the Scarlet Eyes.
Truthfully, it wasn't the first time he had broken down and allowed his violent instincts to show, but the fact that it kept happening is what perturbed Kurapika the most.
All of it went against his morals, which left the young Kurta more than just confused. There was no denying that people taking advantage of his clan's unfortunate circumstance angered him to no end. Still, Kurapika also knew that combating injustice with injustice was not a path he wanted to take. His hands clenched into fists.
Sometimes, Kurapika hated the way things were and how his past continued to haunt him. Although his clan - even his mother - had reassured him of their acceptance and peace with how they ended up, he still found it hard to escape his pain. Kurapika knew they wanted him to move on, but contending in any regard had proven harder than anticipated.
Once he retrieved all the eyes and buried them back home is when he would attempt to find salvation.
Kurapika just hoped his clan could forgive him.
It was the least he could do, for they deserved that much.
The resonating sound of the spray and his wayward thoughts had left Kurapika oblivious to his surroundings, and he was vaguely aware of the two arms that came slowly around him. It wasn't until he felt something firm against his back and warm breath on his ear that Kurapika came back to his senses.
"You had been in here for quite some time, and I started to grow concerned." A voice whispered to him before trailing kisses along his shoulder and neck. The sensation was calming.
Kurapika instantly leaned back against the body that was pressed flush to his and sighed. "Forgive me," he spoke quietly and closed his eyes, "I just needed some time to think."
Carefully, the arms around him tightened as the feeling of warm lips came to a stop just beside his ear. "Are you still upset by what happened yesterday, love?" Chrollo breathed quietly before taking Kurapika's earlobe between his teeth. "You haven't been exactly the same since we got back."
There was a pause as Kurapika contemplated how to answer his lover's question, but the attention Chrollo was giving him also served as a distraction. "It's not something I can just simply get over. I have been through so much and done many things, but killing was never an aspect on my agenda." Kurapika responded, his tone unwavering.
It was then Chrollo pulled away from the younger man so he could turn the blond around to face him. One of his hands slid beneath his chin while the other gripped his shoulder gently. "Kurapika," he muttered, "there isn't anything else you could have done. Granted, you reacted on pure instinct, but there was no other choice. The eyes had to be retrieved, no matter the cost."
"The eyes had to be retrieved, no matter the cost." Chrollo's words seemed to reiterate in Kurapika's mind, and for him, it was a painful reality. It was a thorough reminder of the staunch commitment he made so long ago.
"Yes, I am well aware," Kurapika responded, and he locked eyes with Chrollo, "since in the end, the goal was still achieved. I suppose the result was just a factor I never really considered."
The confirmation to his own statement caused a brief look of shock to cross over Chrollo's features, but it dissipated soon after. "Whether or not you expected that type of outcome, there are always elements you need to consider in any regard. Not doing so will leave you unprepared and at a disadvantage."
Chrollo utilized the moment following his comment to comb his fingers through Kurapika's sodden locks. The water as it fell over the younger man's skin made him look radiant. He could see tribulation in those blue eyes, and the effect it had on him was startling. Chrollo knew what challenges would be entailed by allowing Kurapika not only to join the Genei Ryodan but to also remain with him. There was no denying just how much he loved Kurapika, and because of that, Chrollo decided to do whatever was necessary to help his lover adapt to the new changes.
"That," Kurapika vocalized as he leaned into Chrollo's hand, "is one aspect I had made a definitive point to keep at the forefront." He breathed before continuing. "For the longest, I had to make my way in this cruel world, and I am no stranger to the darkness it holds. There are many things I've done, which I regret, but I still try and adhere to my convictions. Differing from that will be the hardest thing for me to do."
Despite everything that happened in his life, and because of his relationship with Chrollo, the ways he was used to would eventually become improbable. Kurapika realized that sooner or later, he would have to acclimate to a completely different lifestyle, and one that was the polar opposite of what he initially wanted to have.
He had always been on the side of justice, but was now straying down a path of iniquity and Kurapika wasn't about to stop it.
"I see," Chrollo responded and trailed a finger down over Kurapika's bare chest. "At least you understand the risks involved. It was a concern I had when I accepted your request, but you seem receptive to the idea." He stopped just above his lover's abdomen, and Chrollo grinned deviously. "Just don't forget that I am here to help you every step of the way. We'll go at your pace if need be." A breathy purr exited Chrollo's throat, and he stooped down to draw his lips and tongue provocatively over Kurapika's neck.
Kurapika shivered, and he hummed in pleasure as he tilted his head angular. The act caused him to feel slightly weak in the knees. Every time Chrollo touched him, Kurapika couldn't help how pleasing it was. It always made him crave for more.
"Of course I'm amenable," he grumbled playfully and curled his arms around Chrollo's shoulders. "I didn't say I wouldn't change, just that it won't be easy." It was strange hearing the confession exit his mouth, but Kurapika had since accepted the fact that sacrifices would need to be made if he was to move forward. "So long as you are with me, there isn't anything I can't do."
Chrollo raised an eyebrow thoughtfully, but he continued to grin anyway. "Didn't think you would ever say that." He trembled slightly when Kurapika embraced him, and without delay, Chrollo wound his own arms around the younger man. There was something about Kurapika's delicate appearing features that he always adored. "It's good to know."
"Jackass," Kurapika teased and leaned in to kiss Chrollo. "Would you even doubt otherwise?"
The younger man's assertiveness never ceased to amaze him, and Chrollo readily accepted the kiss. He then pulled back to look at his lover. "Never," Chrollo intoned and pulled Kurapika entirely against him. For a moment, he debated on keeping Kurapika in the shower for a little while but decided against it as they really had to leave soon. After what happened with Corthoes, it was best to not remain in Cysteria for too long. Chrollo exhaled. "We should probably finish," he added reluctantly and reached for the soap and shampoo bottles. "There is still much for us to do."
With a nod, Kurapika let go of Chrollo and turned around once more so his lover could start by washing his hair. For the remainder of their time bathing, they simply enjoyed the momentary peace and the presence of each other's company.
After the last of his things had been packed (minus the dress which he promptly disposed of), and secured within Fun Fun cloth, Kurapika decided to take a brief rest on one of the two plush chairs in the room while enjoying a cup of warm coffee. The infusion of caffeine, along with the mild flavor of the liquid, had aided in soothing his wracked nerves. If anything, it helped take his mind off things, even if temporarily.
"So, any idea on where we are supposed to go next?" Kurapika questioned.
Chrollo paused just before he could take a sip from his own mug, and he looked at the younger man. "Indeed." He began while watching Kurapika intently. "Shalnark has already tracked down someone not too far from here who has two pairs actually."
The aspect that he located someone with not only one, but two pairs of Scarlet Eyes seemed to pique Kurapika's interest. His expression went from curious to utter bewilderment. "Two?!" Kurapika blurted out. "Are you sure?"
His lover's enthusiasm made Chrollo grin, and he took a draw from his coffee. "Quite." After that, he let the cup come to rest on his lap. "From the information I received, the person with the eyes is a small-time bank owner called Lucas Pembroke. Apparently, he's been planning to sell one of the two pairs he has at the auction in Yorknew later this year. The reason he wants to auction them, however, is unknown."
There was a brief lapse of speech between them, and Chrollo couldn't help but speculate over Lucas's motive for auctioning off the eyes. The man was considerably wealthy, ran his own bank, and had a decent foothold in the current stock market. Unless the man was seeking a way to establish a reputation for himself, Chrollo couldn't pinpoint why the man would be so quick to participate in one of the world's biggest auctions.
Unless he was facing down possible bankruptcy? The impellent need for money could force anyone into complete desperation. It was something he had known all too well. Especially with how far it could drive someone.
"Well, that only heightens the urgency," Kurapika responded, his attention returning to the coffee swirling in his cup, "in retrieving both pairs. It's the first time we've found more than one set of eyes at any given location thus far."
Contemplation worked its way across Kurapika's visage at the notion, and he quietly debated on exactly how they were going to accomplish getting both pairs of eyes. During their travels, only one was ever found at each location. But this time, they had a shot at recovering two. Kurapika hoped this time, things would go over smoother than it did with Corthoes.
It wasn't quite a factor that Chrollo expected either. The Scarlet Eyes were a rarity on their own, and acquiring even one pair wasn't something most people could afford. Someone possessing two was incredible.
Chrollo knew just how valuable the eyes would be when he and his Spiders extracted them. The beauty they hold is on a level all their own, and it didn't surprise him with just how many people in both the underworld and in regular society wanted to own a pair.
It was one aspect Chrollo retained in the back of his mind when he initially decided on taking them. The events of that day still lingered in his memories, but he also knew that to bring Kurapika peace, the eyes needed to be recollected and returned to their origins.
No matter what, Chrollo would keep his vow to make things right. At least, in Kurapika's case.
"I couldn't agree more." He confirmed and decisively finished off his coffee before setting the mug aside. "However, there are still four months until the auction happens, yet, the chance of Lucas getting the eyes authenticated, and then locked in with the other merchandise remains high. We should acquire both pairs before anyone becomes aware that he has them."
For a moment, the importance of their upcoming mission caused Kurapika to twitch with a pang of anxiety, but he quickly reposed himself. Getting hasty or reckless would only prove to be adverse as he remembered from last time.
The situation they faced was no less imperative, but he and Chrollo needed a plan and one that was followed assiduously.
Kurapika pursed his lips into a razor-thin line.
"That means there is no room for error. Either he gives the eyes up willingly, or we have to take them by force."
As the words left his lips, Kurapika knew precisely where this was going. It would be another instance of where his integrity would be put to the test. Kurapika sighed.
His apprehension was something else that Chrollo readily picked up on as his lover made no attempt to conceal it. The fact that Kurapika was going to be facing his own morality again and so soon made him feel sorry for the younger man, but it was an aspect he would have to deal with eventually. Chrollo just hoped that Kurapika would be able to keep it together this time around.
"It seems to be the case." He commented emphatically while looking contemplative. "Otherwise, it could end up complicating matters even more."
There was a considerable pause between them, and Kurapika utilized the time to ponder their situation and weigh their options. He remembered the last time when a pair of Scarlet Eyes turned up at the Yorknew auction, and just how much trouble it caused, mainly because at that point, he was still in opposition with the Genei Ryodan. Now, he faced the same dilemma, just without the aspect of fighting a bunch of S class criminals in the process. At least, Chrollo was on his side.
Still, it didn't make the situation any less problematic.
"Alright then, it's probably best to get moving," Kurapika remarked and finished off the remainder of his coffee. He then set the mug down on the small table beside him. "Where exactly are we headed?"
Hearing Kurapika's sudden enthusiasm quickly caused a grin to replace his frown, and Chrollo leaned back against the table. "It's a small town called Dalry just east of here. The place is known particularly for its food and tourism, but aside from that, it's not heavily populated. From my understanding, Lucas Pembroke runs the only bank located there."
Once the details of their next mission crossed his mind, Chrollo couldn't help the excitement he felt. While the notion of robbing a bank wasn't at the forefront of his plans, he still considered the idea. Like he did at Corthoes's shop, Chrollo wasn't above taking a few souvenirs as he called it, once their objective was completed.
Experiencing that kind of thrill was something he lived for, and while Chrollo was certain Kurapika wouldn't approve, he figured that given enough of a nudge, his lover would find the same pleasure he did.
Sooner or later, Kurapika could convert into the perfect thief. He already chose that type of path by deciding to join the Genei Ryodan.
"Right," Kurapika uttered and wasted not another minute in preparing to leave. "I assume the plan is basically to persuade the man into handing them over and if not we're going to-"
"Steal them." Chrollo finished for his lover, and his expression became critical. "Which I am beginning to think is a better recourse at this point. Considering how the situation with Corthoes went, there is a good chance Lucas won't be so quick to cooperate, either."
Instantly, Kurapika's demeanor changed, and the younger man looked like he had swallowed a lemon. Chrollo knew how particularly difficult it was for his lover to collect the eyes, and each time, they encountered greater challenges than before. Still, there was no room for equivocation. If Kurapika hoped to complete his goal, then he couldn't falter. Not now.
Expecting the unexpected and adapting was the only way to succeed.
"I already figured you were going to say that," Kurapika rose from his seat and went to retrieve his cloak from off the bed. "And while I am not keen on that particular aspect, the importance of the eyes outweighs the need for anything else." He added, then slung the dusty brown article over his shoulders and fastened it.
The whole time, Kurapika avoided his lover's gaze. It was easy to tell Chrollo was still inquisitive regardless that he practically acceded to the idea. Considering his indisposition regarding his moral code, Kurapika knew that Chrollo would probably remark about his sudden change of heart. Not that he was entirely conceding to the prospect of stealing, but it was different when it came down to achieving his goal.
After what happened with Corthoes and even back in Mirie, where he inadvertently filched a pair of eyes from the museum there, stealing was an unavoidable facet. He had already committed criminal acts in the past when collecting the Scarlet Eyes.
Coming to terms with that fact was something he needed to do.
As Kurapika tried to keep his eyes averted, Chrollo was unable to hide his curiosity. After his lover's stalwart attitude towards anything remotely illegal, it was odd to hear the Kurta's shocking revelation. Chrollo not once expected the younger man to relent so quickly, or so soon. Witnessing it now left him more than impressed.
"Didn't think you would say something like that, much less agree to it," Chrollo began, and he watched Kurapika with keen interest. There was a critical expression on his features, and Chrollo knew that his lover meant what he said. "What incited such a response?" He added.
Kurapika halted in his movements and turned from fussing with the cloak to look at Chrollo. "Because," he muttered while staring directly into the older man's stormy grey eyes, "I will do what I must to obtain the eyes of my clan. Not that I care to partake in criminal activities, but I won't stop at anything to see my objective completed." Kurapika then trailed off, and for a moment, he and Chrollo just watched each other as they both processed what was said. For Kurapika, however, it was another declaration of the vow he made long ago.
"I see," Chrollo said emphatically before amusement replaced his stoic expression. "Well then, I trust there will be no further issues with any of our upcoming missions?" He asked as a smirk made its way over his lips.
It was still hard to believe just how malleable Kurapika was becoming, more so after realizing what conditions they may face as they continue their search for the Scarlet Eyes. Chrollo figured that given enough chances, his lover's current attitude would eventually become a permanent one. Kurapika still had to prove his unwavering loyalty and worth to the rest of the Genei Ryodan, but also show them he can integrate into their way of life as well.
What he professed only moments ago was a step in the right direction.
"You have nothing to be concerned about," Kurapika quickly affirmed, "for I don't plan to let anything interfere with our objectives. This includes my emotions." He then turned away from Chrollo long enough to pull the hood of the cloak up over his head before letting his gaze fall back on his lover.
The whole time Chrollo stood there watching him. Seeing Kurapika so enthusiastic and determined left him feeling pleased. The Kurta hadn't lost his fire after all.
"Good." He responded and picked up his coat before shrugging it on. Chrollo enjoyed wearing it as the jacket was a significant part of his attire. Yet, the memory of the few times where he allowed Kurapika to don the coat made him yearn to view his lover with it on once more. Despite how pleasing the vision was, Chrollo cast the thought aside. "We should probably get moving." He added then glanced at Kurapika one last time. "The trek from here will take hours."
For a second, Kurapika thought he saw a temporary flash of amusement cross over Chrollo's visage, but it was instantly gone, and the blond raised an eyebrow. Though he refrained from commenting, Kurapika merely nodded in response to his lover's statement. Without hesitation, he tugged the cloak around him and headed for the door. "Whenever you're ready then," Kurapika muttered and waited for Chrollo.
"Alright." He stepped forward and pulled the door open then gestured for Kurapika to exit first. "After you," Chrollo smirked and slightly bowed.
The action made Kurapika huff, yet, he walked out while refraining from speaking merely to keep from appeasing the older man. Naturally, Chrollo loved needling him from time to time, and whether or not it was to lighten the mood or just to irritate him, Kurapika saw no need to escalate it.
After Chrollo followed him out, they both left in silence as they pondered their next move.
When they both reached the lobby, the sound of commotion rose instantly. There was a small crowd milling about the room, and judging from the excess chatter, it was clear something serious must have taken place.
Chrollo was the one to enter the area first, his appearance casual enough not to draw much attention, and as he got closer to them, it didn't take long for him to figure out exactly what the people were talking about. He instantly recognized the mention of a local merchant that presumably was assaulted the night before, and news of it had begun to spread around Cysteria, causing the locals to start gossiping about it.
That fact was something Chrollo had expected to become widely known rather quickly considering how prominent Corthoes was. He anticipated that it would cause a bit of commotion, but from what people were saying, it seemed to have also incited underlying panic as well.
He made his way back to where Kurapika waited, and the younger man seeming eager to know what all the fuss was about. "Well, it appears that word of what happened with Corthoes has made its way around the city," Chrollo commented impassively, though he continued to keep a watch on the crowd. "The locals are worried about it. Some are even claiming that violence is a pretty rare occurrence in Cysteria."
Even for Kurapika, hearing the account of so little crime happening where they were caused shock to crawl over his features. It was seldom for him to find a place where criminal activity was virtually low. Kurapika supposed that Cysteria had a good enough system in place that most never saw a need to be enticed by anything illegal.
Which still sounded far fetched even to him. There wasn't a place he knew of that didn't have problems with individuals living on the opposite side of the law, especially in big cities. But despite the strangeness of it, Kurapika merely kept quiet on his suspicions.
The real concern was how much people knew about the incident, and if anyone could connect them to it.
"That's not surprising," Kurapika spoke in a low tone while making sure no one could overhear them, "considering that man's reputation." He paused a moment before turning to where most of the crowd was positioned. "Corthoes must have earned a lot of favor regardless of his iniquitous behavior." After careful observation, Kurapika practically understood why gossip was so prevalent in Cysteria. Although high profile events were uncommon, the number of impertinent people was not. Places where people liked to talk, rumors, and gossip always spread.
The situation was no different here.
Whether or not that was the case, Chrollo wasn't about to hang around and find out. They already had enough problems with how much attention the situation created, and now there seemed to be an active search for the assailants. Not that he wasn't used to continually evading capture. Cops. Mafia. Hunters. It was all the same. Both he and Kurapika had already left a trail of destruction in their wake, which invoked notoriety on its own, and it didn't include what he earned just from being the leader of the Genei Ryodan.
Perhaps there was a thrill in creating such pandemonium and hysteria, but considering their current state and how far they had come, Chrollo wasn't about to give up now.
He took into consideration what Kurapika said, and the fact that people enjoyed gossip when the stories were extremely interesting or scandalous. Regardless if there was any chance that either of them could be connected to what happened with Chorthes, being cautious was still necessary. They needed to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
"That may be so," Chrollo remarked and shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat, "considering how much of a stir it caused, however, it's in our best interest to keep a low profile. The last thing either of us needs is any more trouble." He made sure no one was looking in their direction before he summoned Skill Hunter and temporarily retrieved Fun Fun Cloth. From it, Chrollo extracted the headwrap he kept with him for circumstances such as this and used it to conceal his forehead tattoo. After that, he made the book vanish once more.
Chrollo's eyes then landed on Kurapika again.
Almost as if he understood what his lover was conveying, Kurapika tugged the hood of his cloak down just a little more to ensure that his face was completely obscured. "Well, how do you propose we get out of here without possibly being noticed?" He questioned. There was a slight sound annoyance in his tone of voice.
"Easy," Chrollo began, and there was a faint smile to his lips. "There are only a few hours until dusk. We will stay here until the crowds die off and then leave. I suggest we wait until reaching the outskirts of the city before seeking any kind of transportation."
Kurapika frowned as he watched Chrollo from beneath the brim of his hood. The thought of sticking around for even a little while longer made him growl in frustration, and he tugged irritably at his cloak. It was bad enough that someone may realize who they were and link them back to what happened with Corthoes, but the idea of staying for even a moment longer only made things worse.
Hopefully, no one figured that out before they had a chance to leave Cysteria.
The blond hissed between his teeth. "Just great," Kurapika shook his head and gazed quickly over towards the small crowd of people once more, "I hope this doesn't actually backfire." He muttered.
His lover's pessimism made him slightly amused as Kurapika tended to have a negative outlook for almost everything. Despite the need to always be prepared, the younger man instantly assumed the worst. Half the time, Chrollo wondered if Kurapika forgot just how resourceful and dexterous he actually was.
"You worry too much," Chrollo teased, but he kept his tone from being too presumptuous. "If we stay out of sight for as long as possible, I am sure no one will bother us. Getting flustered or acting abnormally will surely make ourselves stand out."
Skepticism flashed behind Kurapika's eyes regardless of what Chrollo said, yet, there was some truth behind the words. "I hope you're right on this one," He responded curtly and crossed his arms, "as the last thing I care to deal with is an angry mob chasing us or worse." Kurapika trailed off when he felt Chrollo's hand come to rest firmly on his shoulder, and he resisted the urge to chide the older man for his ridiculous nonchalance. It didn't take Kurapika long to realize that he was allowing himself to get stressed out too quickly.
"It will be fine," Chrollo reaffirmed and briefly tightened his grip on the Kurta. Sometimes it was a wonder that his lover didn't find himself in more difficult positions than not. Chrollo had always mused on how Kurapika ever managed before he came along to keep the younger man glued. "Try to not think about it. We need to act casual as to ward off suspicion."
While it was still hard to believe that there was no possible way for their disposition to get any worse, Kurapika knew that arguing with his lover was futile. Not that he felt Chrollo was inept or foolish, quite to the contrary, as the man was far from irrational. Then again, there were instances where his lover did make selfish decisions.
In spite of all that, Kurapika couldn't find any further reason to continue the debate. "Alright," he sighed and turned his back towards the lobby, "I will trust your judgment with this one as well." Kurapika couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right, but like every other time he entrusted things to Chrollo, the man hadn't been wrong. Now was probably no different.
"It's settled then," Chrollo intoned and grinned propitiously. At least Kurapika didn't try to push the envelope. His lover had a tendency to do just that. "Best to make yourself comfortable for a while. Perhaps we can wait at the library I saw just a few blocks away from here."
The mention of a library instantly piqued Kurapika's attention, and a smile nearly split his face. "Are you sure we can reach it without any real risk?" He asked while remaining optimistic.
Knowing his lover's mutual affection for books made Chrollo grin even more. Although they were opposites in many ways, there was also a lot they shared in common that made them just as much alike. The very notion pleased Chrollo no matter how many times he thought about it. "So long as you keep yourself calm, I don't see a problem."
Nodding, Kurapika took one last moment to ensure the hood of his cloak was down far enough, and he awaited for Chrollo to lead the way. Without speaking further, they left the hotel quietly, both of them grateful that no one paid them any mind.
Dusk had come quicker than expected, and a layer of darkness soon descended upon the city. Lights in many forms came alive as the streets were beginning to illuminate, even the fronts of shops seemed to glow bright with their flashing signs and exotic displays.
Even the statues and trees that were spread throughout the concrete jungle were housed in lights of many colors, ones that paved the way to be viewed within wonderous luminescence.
As splendid as Cysteria became during the night, it proved to be inconvenient for them as both Chrollo and Kurapika continued to make their way through the winding city streets. It had taken them hours by car just to reach the hotel, and traveling on foot was proving to take even longer.
What made the situation harder was the fact it seemed there was more activity from the local nightlife. Since it was dark, staying concealed was much easier, but it also meant they had more people to avoid.
Several times both of them had nearly run into some type of law enforcement, whether it was street cops, patrol cars, or the rare officer on horseback. Each time, it made Chrollo worry as he was unsure if they were the ones being searched for. It was best to avoid detection on any account.
It took them a long time to reach the city's limits, but when it finally came into view along with the surrounding countryside, Chrollo felt a bit of weight being lifted off his shoulders.
"I can see the border to Cysteria," Kurapika uttered from beside him, and it even appeared that his lover was finding some relief with being so close to freedom. Although this type of outcome was an unfortunate consequence of hunting down the Scarlet Eyes, Chrollo didn't let it bother him. Since he was a highly wanted criminal with an enormous bounty on his head, dealing with always being on the run was rather easy.
To a fault, Chrollo was used to physically going into hiding, but he had also learned how to hide in plain sight as well. However, he wanted to keep things less complicated and not make themselves too conspicuous.
"It's not much further." He responded but kept his attention forward. Chrollo could pick up on Kurapika's emotions without even looking at the younger man. Since they shared a strong connection with one another, he was able to perceive that much. "We should reach it in half an hour, or less. Until then, just keep your head down and continue to act normal."
They both fell into silence once more, and Chrollo almost found it strange that his lover was so quiet. Usually, the younger man was either being inquisitive about something or kicking up a fuss, but so far, he had been acting relatively compliant. To him, it was something he wasn't used to as Kurapika was generally feisty.
Well, he was still feisty, regardless. That much was a given. Kurapika hadn't lost his temper or his fiery spirit, it was just that he acting more mellow than he had in a good while, which surprised Chrollo. Still, the silence between them was also a welcomed aspect. Like he was sure it was for Kurapika, it gave him time to think, especially with planning their next mission.
Soon, the edge of the city came within reach, and Chrollo was grateful to see the copious amount of trees that lay just beyond. If they ended up making the trek to Dalry on foot, then so be it. Perhaps they were both used to creature comforts, but sleeping beneath a canopy of trees wasn't hard to do, either. He figured it would be even easier for Kurapika, considering the way his clan lived. At times, he wondered if his lover had spent many nights beneath the stars after they were gone. How his precious blond survived all that time-
No. Chrollo hated to think about that. It only served to remind him that he was the reason for Kurapika's predicament, and all the pain and duress his lover had suffered was done because of his own hands. All that mattered was rectifying what he could with Kurapika so they would be able to move forward while giving the younger man every reason to continue living. Kurapika was way too precious for him to let anything else happen.
The only other objective Chrollo had aside making his amends and helping Kurapika regather all the Scarlet Eyes was keeping the blond in his life.
Whatever it took, he would see those two obligations fulfilled.
Chrollo kept his hands in the pockets of his coat, although he wouldn't have been surprised if Kurapika wanted to hold his hand. He cast glances toward his lover every so often, but the Kurta kept his eyes cast forward, appearing lost within his own thoughts. With a sigh, Chrollo resumed watching the pavement before him when the sound of approaching footsteps drew his attention.
"Stop right there!" A voice demanded, and Chrollo looked over his shoulder to notice a few street cops moving in their direction. Kurapika had come to an abrupt stop beside him.
"Seems we got company," Chrollo stated casually and faced Kurapika. "Do your best not to raise suspicion and let me do the talking this time." He furthered as the officers came up to them.
Even though Kurapika appeared slightly miffed at being asked to refrain from talking, he nodded then tugged irritably at his cloak. "Alright," Kurapika whispered curtly before saying nothing more. A few seconds later, two policemen came to a stop in front of them.
"Good evening, officers. What can I help you with?" Chrollo addressed them with all the charm he could while trying to sound pleasant. The last thing either of them needed was for the cops to think something was wrong.
"Well," one of them began, his voice gruff, "a local shop owner by the name of Corthoes el'Basa was attacked recently in his store, and nearly beaten to death. His assailants were described as two men. One is tall with dark hair while the other is short and looks feminine." The man paused and gazed at Kurapika skeptically before continuing. "We are stopping anyone who matches his description, and you two seem to fit the profile."
Chrollo stiffened almost immediately, and he could sense Kurapika do the same, but he dared not let even the tiniest waver in his composure show. "That is most unfortunate," he replied, though he tried to sound sympathetic, "as whoever would do such a thing much be an unruly brute." Chrollo furthered as he observed the cops intently. "However, my companion and I have not been in Cysteria long, and we were planning on leaving tomorrow to return home."
The cop who addressed him stroked his chin inquisitively before crossing his arms. "You say the both of you have not been in the city long and plan on leaving the next day, yet you're now standing at the border and appear to be leaving. How long have you actually been in Cysteria?"
It was easy to tell the officers were more than just cautious, but he had to make them believe that he and Kurapika were merely tourists. "We both arrived just early yesterday. My partner and I are taking a trip cross country, and this fine city was our last stop before going back to Zaban city."
Both officers looked skeptical, and the one who had been questioning him had cocked an eyebrow as a result. Chrollo nearly thought that both of them would have gotten arrested on the spot. "So, you and your companion are from Zaban City, is it? We will have to investigate your claim. May we please have your names, and can you verify where you were yesterday?"
Chrollo smiled, then cleared his throat. The reaction he had been given made him briefly concerned, - especially the request for their names - but he was pretty confident he could convince them that he and Kurapika had no connection to Corthoes whatsoever. Otherwise, they would have more than just the Mafia and a cult looking for them. At least the Hunters Association had backed off.
He was grateful that his lover had remained silent and decisively thought of fake names to give the officers.
"Why, yes." He responded and continued to sound innocent. "My name is Quwrof Wrlccywrlir, and my partner is Curarpikt Atruk. After checking in yesterday, both of us were in our hotel room until noon, where we decided to take a short tour of the city. From there, we spent a few hours walking around before deciding to have lunch at the cafe just up the street from here. Then, around six pm, we returned to our hotel room to have dinner and retired for the night."
"Is that so?" The other officer who had been mostly silent finally spoke up. Chrollo wondered how much more they were going to press him for information. "It was around six that evening when Mr. el'Basa claimed he was attacked, so we might have to collaborate your alibi just to be sure." The man then stopped before looking Chrollo straight in the eye, and despite how nerve-wracking the situation was, he continued to smile calmly. "Until then, we would like you to remain in Cysteria as we may need you for further questioning. What hotel is it you both are staying at?"
There seemed to be no end with how far the cops were willing to go. The more they pressed, the more uneasy it made Chrollo feel. Unconsciously, his hand itched to take hold of his Benz knife and make short work of the two men, but Chrollo knew that dispatching two cops right out in the open would only bode more unwanted trouble for them. He resisted.
Instead, Chrollo decided to give them the name of the hotel they were staying at. Once the officers learned that no one had checked in under the names he provided, it would end with an all-out search for them.
Getting out of the city had become a top priority. He and Kurapika needed to put some distance between them and Cysteria.
"We've been staying at the Golden Lion. I'm sure the hotel staff can confirm our patronage." Chrollo supplied.
The two officers exchanged looks with each other before one of them jotted down all the information they received. When done, the cop who had primarily done the talking addressed him once more. "Thank you for your time. We will contact you in a few days for a follow-up. Have a good night."
Following his statement, both men turned and walked away. Chrollo stood there watching them until they were entirely out of sight. His attention then landed on Kurapika. "We should leave quickly," Chrollo said, his voice firm and commanding. "Once they check with the hotel using the false names I provided, they will know something is up. We need to put some distance between the city and us before that happens."
Kurapika frowned and looked up at Chrollo from beneath the hood of his cloak. "While I won't disagree that we need to get as far away from here is possible, how can we be certain the authorities won't find us later on?" He asked, skeptically.
His lover's concerns were something that Chrollo knew were justified as the younger man had every right to feel the way he did. One thing he had anticipated was there being a city-wide search. What he hadn't expected was them getting stopped while they were trying to leave.
There definitely was cause for alarm. If either of them were linked back to the scene, it could end up being disastrous.
On the bright side, the cops had little to go on to really consider pursuing them once they were long out of the city. Hopefully, it would be enough.
"Basically," Chrollo began, and he continued glancing in the direction the officers headed in, "they only have a vague description of who attacked Corthoes and have no real place of origin to track the culprits back to. With so little information and not enough evidence to arrest anyone, I doubt they will be able to track us once we leave."
At first, the notion sounded preposterous and that Chrollo was overly optimistic, but then Kurapika took another moment to consider the details, and the more he thought about it, the less absurd it seemed.
Putting it in that perspective made the outcome seem less dire, but Kurapika couldn't help but feel wary. There were a lot of factors in play, and because of that, the chances of something going wrong was still possible, but he attempted to remain positive nonetheless. If everything went as Chrollo predicted, then nothing would come of their current situation. Kurapika expelled a breath.
"Hopefully, you are right," he responded and broke eye contact with his lover to gaze over his shoulder, "and there is no chance of them tracking us once we are long gone. At least it should be difficult, if not impossible, to figure out who we really are."
Being able to stay one step ahead of the law was a skill the Genei Ryodan had adapted since they were able to elude capture for so long. Since his lover was their leader, he had to believe that Chrollo would keep them safe. It was hard suppressing his worries, but he had made it this far, and with the older man's help.
He felt an odd pang of excitement that caught him literally unawares, and Kurapika blinked, but the idea gave him the semblance of a rush.
How or why he felt that way left him with a brief sensation of ambiguity as he ended up caught between confusion and elation. Yet, the need for excitement won out, and Kurapika didn't feel hesitant anymore.
"Don't concern yourself," Chrollo reached over to gently stroke Kurapika's cheek from beneath his hood. "You know me. I haven't been captured by anyone," he paused and grinned, "except by you, and even then, no one else has been skilled enough to do it again. There is little to no chance of the authorities managing to reel us in." That said, Chrollo pulled his hand away and gave Kurapika's cloak a tug. "We should get moving." He added and nodded his head in the direction of the city's edge.
"You really are presumptuous," Kurapika retorted, yet his voice was soft and quiet, "but I trust you. If you weren't proficient, there is no way you would have managed to have survived this long." Then he leaned in close, his lips peeling back into an impish smirk. "And the only reason why I was able to capture you back then was because you were arrogant at the time and let your guard down." Kurapika finished and winked coquettishly before turning in the opposite direction.
For a split second, Chrollo appeared surprised. He hadn't expected his lover to have become so playful at such a strange time, but the fact that Kurapika was continuing to lighten up pleased him. "Touché." He responded, quite impressed by Kurapika's wit. "I can't argue with you there, babe." And without further delay, he fell beside the younger man as they continued their trek out of Cysteria.
They had continued trekking on foot long into the night while navigating the countryside around Cysteria before the city faded on the horizon. When the moon had reached its pinnacle in the sky, Chrollo felt it was time for them to stop and rest, opting to camp for the night. After he managed to get a decent fire going, the raven-head sat on a log while gazing into its crackling flames and ruminated over everything that transpired recently. It wasn't until he felt warmth bloom at his side that he returned from his wayward thoughts.
"It's a bit cold out," Kurapika vocalized and leaned against him. The blond's weight felt nice.
Without thought, he snaked an arm around his lover's waist. "Yes, it is," Chrollo responded and turned to face Kurapika, "It tends to happen in Yorbia at night." Once he finished speaking, he pulled the younger man tight to him. "But I can guarantee that you won't freeze," Chrollo jested.
Kurapika scoffed and punched him in the shoulder before smiling. "I don't doubt that you would." He teased and proceeded to take a few bites of the rations Chrollo had prepared for them before leaving their hotel room back in Cysteria. It wasn't anything lavish, but the stuff was filling. "At least the fire will help with that."
It wasn't hard for him to pick up the sarcasm in Kurapika's tone of voice, nor just how amused he was as the younger man's taunting grin made that aspect pretty evident. Chrollo was thoroughly enjoying this different side of his lover. "You know me so well," he hummed and leaned down to kiss the top of Kurapika's head. Not only was he cute when acting playful, but also with just how energetic he was. "Nothing ever evades your perception, does it?" Chrollo added coyly.
He took the last few bites of his food before giving the older man a sly smile. "You're quite predictable, you know that darling?" Kurapika spoke amusingly. There were some moments where Chrollo was beyond practical, even pretentious, but regardless of his eccentric characteristics, it didn't stop Kurapika from loving him.
The same was said even when Chrollo exhibited selfish and possessive tendencies or where the older man drove him absolutely nuts. Still, one thing was certain - Kurapika wouldn't have it any other way.
"Oh?" Chrollo responded and raised an eyebrow at the blond. His lover's claims didn't strike him as odd in the least. In fact, he figured that Kurapika had managed to read him quite well, considering the length of time they had spent together thus far. How canny Kurapika was behaving is what captivated his attention. "I suppose that only further proves how well we know one another." He furthered before burying his nose amid Kurapika's silken locks.
Chrollo then closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensation between them. The younger man's scent hit his nose, and the aroma was nothing short of divine. Not once had his lover ever smelled of anything other than pleasant, and it was hard to tear himself away from just how relaxing it was.
Moving was something he didn't want to do.
"Isn't that obvious?" Kurapika's voice called to him suddenly, and the statement was almost like a rude awakening. Perhaps the Kurta had been aware of it all this time, and Chrollo hadn't realized it before now. The older man supposed that he genuinely didn't give his lover enough credit. Kurapika really was astute and in many ways.
The edges of his lips only curled up at Kurapika's declaration. "Quite." He answered slowly. "I only wanted to make sure you were aware of that fact, love."
Something hard contacted his leg, and Chrollo realized that Kurapika had punched him again before that lithe hand came to rest on his knee. It seemed that his lover enjoyed hitting him when expressing slight annoyance, but it wasn't like he minded. The fact that Kurapika accepted him was enough to endure anything the Kurta threw at him.
Besides, Kurapika was still cute when he got dismayed.
Yet, it was as if Kurapika had immediately picked up on his thoughts when the younger man gave his knee a rough squeeze. "You really are impossible," Kurapika uttered and nuzzled beneath his chin. It was amazing just how whimsical his lover actually was. His capricious nature always made things interesting. "No wonder why it's easy to pick up on your perfunctory habits."
Damn it. Kurapika had him again. His lover's accuracy was alarming. Chrollo knew that he tended to be a creature of habit, but he didn't think it was that discernible. Oh well. Nothing got past Kurapika's intuition.
"How astute," Chrollo teased, and he dipped a fraction to lay a quick kiss to those plush lips. "This is why you will make an excellent Spider." He continued, though Chrollo couldn't keep the satisfaction he felt out of his voice.
In the beginning, he had been worried about Kurapika being able to adapt, but it seemed that he was coming along quite well. The thought of him eventually converting over entirely nearly made Chrollo giddy with excitement, and it was hard to contain how gratifying it was.
"Naturally I am," Kurapika countered as he leaned a little more forcefully against Chrollo, "but don't you go and get too cocky. You know exactly where that will lead you." He purred then pushed himself up to deliver a few nips along Chrollo's jawline before tugging on the older man's ear. "But don't worry my sweet, I plan to prove my capabilities one way or another."
Kurapika gave his lover's ear a few more tugs for good measure before stopping to look into Chrollo's eyes. Their smoldering grey depths were as captivating and alluring as ever. One thing Kurapika found was he had an attraction towards those eyes just like Chrollo did for his. He didn't quite understand it, but there was something about their color and the way this lover looked at him that made those eyes not only fascinating but gorgeous and comforting as well.
Once he was able to tear away from their compelling depths, Kurapika reached over to pick up the cup of tea he prepared earlier to distract himself. The cup was light between his fingers, and he took a few draws from its contents as he watched Chrollo from over the rim.
"Oh, I am definitely not worried," Chrollo said as he observed Kurapika while attempting to feign innocence. Everything his lover did was nothing short of amusing. "I really do not have any reservations about your skills, angel. I know for certain you will be an excellent addition to my group."
Really now? So, not only was Chrollo impudent, but also ambitious. The idea didn't catch Kurapika unawares as he expected it, but considering that his lover continued to house such a demeanor is what made him shake his head. Kurapika momentarily closed his eyes and took another sip of tea. "Someone is audacious." He mocked and put the cup down. "I see you already have everything planned out." Kurapika grinned then nudged Chrollo's shoulder with his.
"I only speak the truth." The light which reflected off of Chrollo's eyes and skin gave the older man an ethereal look, and it made him even more striking than before. When his lover turned to face him, Kurapika felt his breath hitch in his throat. "You should know that by now."
Right as always. Indeed, Chrollo had a way with words, but he was also honest and genuine. Kurapika had always been aware there was no refuting Chrollo when he was like this, yet there was no reason even to try. The grin on his visage only broadened.
"Yeah yeah. Don't have to tell me twice." Kurapika whispered, then laid his head on Chrollo's shoulder. "I've known that aspect for quite a long time."
Hearing the confession made the grin on Chrollo's lips freeze in place. Kurapika was always adorable when backed into a corner. "Yes, of course, you have."
There was a considerable pause between them, and Chrollo took the opportunity to just indulge in the time spent together. He most certainly was enjoying not only Kurapika's company but also his spontaneous, rascally attitude. The combined warmth of their bodies was a relaxing, welcoming sensation. It made Chrollo sigh contentedly.
After a while, he rose and began preparing a place for them to lie down together. It had been hours since they stopped walking, and both of them needed rest. "We should get some sleep. There is still a long trek ahead of us before we reach Dalry. If luck holds, we should get there by later afternoon tomorrow."
Chrollo offered his hand for Kurapika to take while adamantly watching the blond. At least there weren't prominent bags beneath his lover's eyes like there was when they first met back in Ti'alma. It seemed Kurapika was no longer plagued by those terrible nightmares that had initially and inadvertently drove the younger man after him.
He was grateful for that nevertheless.
Seconds later, Kurapika's fingers grasped his own. "Alright." He responded and rose to stand beside Chrollo. "I definitely could use the rest. It feels like I've been walking for days. I'll just be glad once we've retrieved the rest of the Scarlet Eyes." Kurapika concluded and attempted to stifle a yawn, but was unsuccessful.
There was no mistaking it; they were both considerably worn down and had endured a lot over the last several months. It had been rough, and the road ahead of them was long and grueling. They still had many more pairs of eyes to find, and it would be a while before their mission would be completed, but once it was all said and done, maybe he and Kurapika could settle down for a while.
Such a notion was not only beautiful but also tempting. However, for Chrollo, it also seemed like the idea was farfetched. He wasn't sure if Kurapika felt the same way, but in the back of his mind, he was hopeful.
"All the more reason for us to rest," Chrollo reiterated and pulled Kurapika towards him. He led the blond to the makeshift bed he made, where he guided the younger man to lie down. Once Kurapika was settled, he laid down behind his lover and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Not to mention, I can't have your natural beauty ruined by constant sleep deprivation." He furthered, this time a little more smugly.
Kurapika grunted but found a comfortable niche against Chrollo regardless. His lover's chest felt warm, yet, good against his back, and he could feel Chrollo breathing. The sensation alone was practically soothing. "Damn jackass," Kurapika murmured as his legs tangled around Chrollo's own. He then felt something being pulled over him and realized Chrollo had covered them with a blanket.
"You know it, babe," Chrollo whispered against the blond's ear before kissing the back of his neck. "Now, sleep." He hushed and closed his eyes.
Feeling Chrollo's breath over his skin made it prickle, especially when his lover's lips came into contact with it, and all Kurapika could do was sigh in contentment. He spoke no further and let himself ease off as the sound of Chrollo's breathing, and the rhythm of their unified hearts eventually lulled him into a peaceful slumber.
The next morning Kurapika was awoken to Chrollo squeezing his shoulder while calling his name. Even the sun's rays as the beams that managed to poke through the trees had jarred him back to consciousness. Kurapika lifted up as he attempted to draw himself from his groggy state.
"Good, you're up." He heard Chrollo say, and Kurapika merely groaned in response. One thing he hated was getting up so damn early.
"Yeah, I'm up, I'm up," Kurapika yawned then rubbed irritably at his still closed eyes. "Thanks to you."
A grin nearly split Chrollo's face, and Kurapika rolled his eyes as a result. "If I hadn't woken you up, it's more than likely you would have slept the rest of the day." He teased and drew Kurapika close to him. There was a brief look of shock on the younger man's features, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come. "Besides, I want my morning kiss."
Immediately, Kurapika's jaw dropped at Chrollo's statement, and he made a tsking sound following it. How pretentious. His lover sure was needy. "How about coffee first?" Kurapika remarked as he was certain Chrollo had something in FunFun cloth that could produce the cup of caffeine he needed.
"Actually, I would prefer my kiss first." The older man rebutted, and his grin became toothy. He knew it was rather dastardly of him to demand such a thing, but in truth, Chrollo just couldn't help himself.
The expression on Kurapika's face distorted as it grew darker. One of his eyes twitched. "Damn it, Chrollo. What is with you?" He questioned and crossed his arms. "Aren't you ever satisfied with what I give you already?"
It was entertaining watching his precious Kurta get flustered, and Chrollo tilted his head questioningly. "Me? Oh, why would you ask such a thing?" Again, he toed the line and attempted to push his luck by prodding his lover's demure. Even if it was only a little.
Kurapika frowned and extracted himself from their temporary bed. "Because," he stated coarsely and went to fetch his cloak, "I know you and the games you like to play." Once it was around his shoulders, Kurapika fastened it with a huff.
This time Chrollo was unable to contain his laughter, and his lips peeled back so far that his mouth nearly swallowed his ears. "I only play them because you make it so entertaining." He took hold of Kurapika's chin after that and gazed into his lover's dazzling blue pools. "Now babe, how about that kiss? Chrollo hummed.
Slowly, Kurapika's lips formed into a thin line before he breathed out sharply. It seemed his lover wasn't going to relent no matter how many times he fought back. Kurapika shook his head in disbelief before focusing entirely on Chrollo.
"You insufferable ass." He clicked his tongue before cupping both of his lover's cheeks while reaching up. Kurapika then pressed his lips against Chrollo's own as he kissed the older man softly. Before pulling away, Kurapika gently bit his lip while tugging on it.
The sudden but slightly rough sensation made Chrollo purr, and he stroked his fingers along Kurapika's jaw before standing back. "Perfect." He uttered as the younger man rolled his eyes.
Not long afterward, Kurapika was finishing the instant coffee Chrollo had made - although it was slightly weak and tasted like shit - while the older man began clearing away their campsite. Then, Chrollo downed his own cup of the horrible stuff, and they were finally moving once more.
Most of the day went by rather quickly as they traveled, the majority of the time was spent in silence save for the few points where they engaged in lighthearted conversation. When the light of the day started to wane, the town of Dalry came into view. It only took them until the first stars appeared in the sky before they were crossing over its borders.
The place was small, unlike other towns they had been to, and it seemed more quaint than most. It had that friendly, close-knit feel like Winden and what few people they encountered while navigating the partially empty streets were more than accommodating. Nothing about Dalry was anything like Cysteria.
Even the town itself was relatively unadorned. It wasn't intricate or flashy like some places they visited, and it had a very modest air. Most of the streets were ordinary and paved in stone while the shops weren't lavish or filled with highly expensive items. Several cars had driven past, and nothing about any of them was remotely fancy.
Although Dalry didn't appear to have anything of real interest or value - aside from the Scarlet Eyes - the peaceful atmosphere still made it alluring. To Chrollo, the place had its own unique charm.
It took them about an hour of searching to locate decent accommodations.
Once they were checked in and conveniently inside the room assigned to them, Chrollo turned to Kurapika. "How about dinner?" He questioned eagerly.
There was a pause as Kurapika stopped rummaging through his suitcase, and he looked at the older man. "Sure. Why not?" The Kurta hummed and rose. "Honestly, I am quite famished. Those rations only went so far, and a decent meal sounds good about now."
Chrollo grinned pleasantly and reached over to brush aside Kurapika's bangs. His lover had such silky, beautiful skin, which only made his blue eyes look even more vibrant and refined. "Alright." Chrollo purred softly. "Why don't you go take a shower and then get ready. I'll take one after you're done." He finalized and went to go look through his own belongings.
With a nod, Kurapika picked out a change of clothes then quietly stepped into the bathroom alone. The door closed behind him with a resounding click.
It was well into the night, and the moonlight had filtered through the curtains as it bathed the room in its pearlescent glow. Long shadows were cast along the floor as they seemed to stretch into oblivion, their presence giving the place a slightly eerie feel.
Yet, there was a tranquil quiet as the only sound heard was Kurapika's soft breathing while he slept. Chrollo cast a few loving glances toward the blond as he lay pressed against his side while the younger man's head rested comfortably against his bare chest. Gently, he carded his fingers through Kurapika's soft and silky tresses, the serenity of the moment tugging pleasantly at his heart.
Although Chrollo was finding it difficult to sleep, he couldn't help but enjoy how peaceful Kurapika looked while in that state. He reached over with his free hand to pick up the glass of wine he kept there, the smooth taste of the alcohol relaxed him just like the sound of Kurapika's breathing.
There was so much ahead of them, and planning for it all would prove to be quite arduous, yet Chrollo wasn't renitent to the challenge. Quite to the contrary, it was something he looked forward to, even if all he really wanted was a break.
Only one thing mattered to him aside completing their mission, and that was taking care of Kurapika. Not as if his lover was inept at handling himself, but Chrollo was unable to spurn the strong urge he felt to protect the young Kurta. It was a decisive lure that had gripped him so long ago, and perhaps he was acting more on instinct than not, yet one thing has remained the same, and that was the insurmountable possessiveness he had in regards to Kurapika.
Not that he saw the blond as an object, far from it. Kurapika was an individual who was very real to him, but the younger man was also a treasure of unfathomable value and was special beyond measure. There was a love they shared that only he and Kurapika could understand. Chrollo simply couldn't allow anyone to touch him as no matter how it was perceived, Kurapika was his and his alone. Nothing would alter that fact.
He took another sip from his glass and set it aside. Then his fingers traveled towards the book that lay propped in his lap. Letting himself deviate from what was really important was another aspect he had to consider as losing sight of that now would only set things back.
The hand that was stroking Kurapika's hair had stilled and then began to travel slowly over the younger man's naked frame. Chrollo gently traced the outlines and contours of that slender body before his arm came around his lover's waist. He wouldn't let Kurapika down, no matter the consequences. That was a vow he intended to keep.
They would track down every last pair of Scarlet Eyes, get Kurapika fully integrated into the Spider, and move forward with their life together. He needed Kurapika just like Kurapika needed him and was ready to do whatever it took to see that happen.
Chrollo held no reservations otherwise.
Despite his thoughts, Chrollo continued to remain awake while reading and enjoying Kurapika's warmth until he, too, slipped under the blanket of dreams.
After Thoughts: This chapter was especially fun to write as I finally got to really dig deeper into Kurapika's psyche and how he is contending with the fact of what happened with Corthoes and the simple notion of how it's a shadow of what life in the Genei Ryodan is like. Of course, our poor blondie is still contested with himself on just how to deal with it and the fact that it's an inevitable facet of what kind of challenges he will face as he continues his relationship with Chrollo and seeks to become a Spider himself.
It's here we begin to see his descent into the darker side of himself that Kurapika fought for so long to keep suppressed, and we will see these kinds of things continue to develop in subsequent chapters.