The Angel of my Demise

by Kurapikunt

Summary:

"... Chrollo wanted his fill. He wanted to look until he was finally satisfied, examine the Kurta until he knew every scar, mole, crevice. He wanted to soothe the urge that's plagued him since Yorkshin; To possess a piece of art that has caught his eye, to look and admire until he would inevitably grow bored of it. Then, he would be able to throw him- throw Kurapika- away and get rid of this pesky intrigue that tickled corners of Chrollo's mind whenever he saw chains, or gems, or blood."

Chapter 1: Prologue: Insomnia

Golden fields, and a warm, peaceful breeze carrying the smell of summer on his skin. Kurapika watched the grain fields sway side to side, creating waves. He had never seen the ocean, but the blond struggled to imagine it could be something more beautiful than this. The outskirts of the Kurta village, deep within the Lukso province. Kurapika called it home.

“Kurapika,” A soft voice called for him from behind. He was so at peace, he nearly ignored it. But again his mother's voice called for him, more insistent. “Kurapika.” Her voice was sweet but scolding. Kurapika turned toward her, apologetic smile on his lips–


Kurapika awoke with a startle.

Ah, it had been a long time since he had had a good dream. He remembered none of it- But the feeling lingered. Remnants of it stuck with him as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and his vision adjusted to the darkness.

To his right, the curtains were pinned out of the way, giving him a clear view of the night sky. The silhouettes of trees swayed in the punishing breeze, and water speckled the clear panes. It was going to storm soon.

The blond slowly rose in bed and pushed the comforters down until they gathered at his feet. No matter how tired he felt, he knew he wouldn't be able to get any more proper rest. The moment he would wake up- for any reason- he would be awake until the sun would rise and set again the next day.

Was it only insomnia? Or..

The shadows of the Spiders he had killed lingered in his peripheral, ever-eternal, haunting him. Oftentimes, they were the cause of the dreams that woke Kurapika in the middle of the night, cursing him, ruining his rest. The tall woman and that monster of a man- Pakunoda and Uvogin. He could never forget their names, their silhouettes. Remembering them soured the calm he'd woken with.

Kurapika crawled out of bed on solid legs, settling his feet into slippers. A glance at the clock on the wall showed it was only just before 3 A.M. Not unusual for him.

Kurapika slipped into the restroom for a moment to himself. In the dark, he washed his face, trying to rid himself of some of the fatigue that seemed to never leave.

Flicking the light on made him squint to adjust to the yellow light. In the mirror he could see how all of this had affected him; Heavy bags beneath his eyes, a loss of fullness in his cheeks. How long had it been since he had properly looked at himself? He didn’t remember looking so sickly, so tired.. Hatred and determination both were truly tiring, he concluded. Though, he could hardly argue that’s what was driving him anymore.

It had been barely a week since he had felt it- the loosening of the Judgement Chain wrapped around the leader of the Spiders’ heart. Even now, Kurapika wasn't in the proper mental state to know the meaning behind it. He was ashamed to admit that even he didn't know the difference in sensation from the Judgement Chain taking a victim or it somehow being removed by a third party. The Judgement Chain was meant to tie down those who couldn't be expected to understand morality. The possibility of it failing was entirely possible, but.. Kurapika was too frightened to imagine it.

Was Chrollo Lucilfer alive or dead..? Kurapika inspected the state of his character for another moment. His bangs were starting to get long again.. He would have to get his hair cut soon.

The blond struggled to feel anything but confusion and emptiness when faced with either possibility regarding the state of the Spider Head. So, for now he would have to let himself follow Melody’s advice and live in the denial of not having to think about it. For now.

Kurapika forced himself to close his eyes. Deep breath in, then out. He filled his lungs again, then.. out.. He murmured a short prayer under his breath, asking for the strength he would need to make it another day.

Perhaps he would feel better after a much needed cup of fresh tea, another chapter or so of his newest purchase... And then a warm meal from the cafe near the Nostrade estate.

The cafe would open in an hour, and that was plenty of time to tidy up. He allowed himself some excitement at the idea of a small walk after getting breakfast, if the coming rain storm passed by fast enough.

Kurapika stepped into the hall and blindly settled a hand on the light switch, but then- He felt a presence.

It had just started to rain and there was the muffled pitter-patter of raindrops against the awning outside. The dark clouds had parted since Kurapika went to the restroom, just enough to let the moonlight reveal shadows that didn't belong.

There was a man, a silhouette, sitting calmly at the edge of his own bed.. This man was so blatantly obvious Kurapika nearly missed that there were others. Another one obvious within the far corner of the room, and a third at the door behind Kurapika- Blocking him from all exits.

The rumble of rain was all he could hear. Neither he nor these intruders dared make a sound for a long moment, air thick in his lungs. The moonlight faded as clouds gathered into a thick wall of darkness. Their eyes were adjusted to the darkness, but he had the advantage of knowing the territory. Instinct told him that he had no realistic chance- There was a strength he could sense from mere experience. It made the hairs on his neck rise in apprehension.

Through numbers alone, the obvious choice was to go for the doorway- Kurapika couldn't afford wallowing in doubt and trying to assess enemies in an ambush- so that’s what he chose.

He braced against the firm doorway of the restroom and whirled round, leg going high. His shin, strong and firm, made hard contact against this stranger's block, losing his slipper in the process. Even in the dark they seemed to have seen his movements and raised an arm to keep him from kicking them in the head. So apart from strong, they were fast.

He sensed it before he could see it- a hand went for his ankle to trap him but he moved back just in time. Kurapika latched to the upper door frame with a jump and kicked out with both legs, slamming two feet into a solid chest and hurling the intruder back. In an instant there was a heavy thump and groan, but the door stayed on its hinges. Damn.

Kurapika landed nimbly on his feet and spun on his heels. Even if it wasn't hopeful to win in a 3-on-1 against adversaries like this- their presence alone showed their strength- The most hope he had was to slow them down until he had better chances. The small knife concealed in his sleeve slipped into hand and he raised his arm back, ready to let the blade fly.

His arm stopped.

Sharp and tight, something held round his wrist and kept his arm in place, raised high beside his head. Kurapika resisted, tried to grab for whatever held him but restraints formed again on his right hand. Every move seemed to tighten something- like thread.

“If you keep moving, you'll get injured.” A calm voice in the darkness warned him. Kurapika went stiff. The voice, a woman's, added after, “The more you move, the more I'm tightening it. Don't blame me if you lose a limb and bleed out.”

Kurapika's chest heaved with heavy breaths and there, too, he could feel the thinnest of threads wrapped around him, threatening to slice through cloth and skin and into his ribcage. Too late to truly do him any good, Kurapika concentrated aura toward his eyes to see.

Thin strands of Nen filled the room like a spider's web, littering the space with traps. Kurapika realized as he saw them that no matter how he had chosen to move, he had been caught the moment he'd entered the hall. It would have been only a matter of time before he would render himself immobile without the intruders moving a muscle. Embarrassment and shame burned his cheeks at the fact he could have seen them- if only he were more level headed.

“You–..” He started, but a boyish voice groaned behind him. Kurapika jolted and went silent, the threads of nen threatening to pull tighter around his waist in consequence.

“Boss,” The young man behind him called in an almost-pathetic whine. It infuriated Kurapika how this stranger sounded almost playful. He never walked into eyesight, staying right behind the blond.

“Don't you think bringing me was overkill?” The one behind him protested, sounding like a child being dragged on an errand. “You and Machi could have handled it all on your own.” Fabric rustled like he was brushing himself off, “It just feels like you brought me just to get hit.”

“We all have our own jobs,” The woman answered. Kurapika wondered briefly if she was the ‘Boss’ the other was whining to but that didn't seem right. She was strong, but she paled in comparison to the one who stayed still; calmly seated and unmoving throughout this charade. She would be Machi, then. “Sometimes it's just your job to get hit.”

Their voices sounded familiar- tickling Kurapika's memories for faces he couldn't bring to mind. But what frustrated him more was the fact that here he was, right in the middle of the room and they didn't see him as a potential threat. It was insulting, more infuriating than how easily he had been caught in the first place.

“Excuse me,” Kurapika cut in, voice firm. Tone not at all polite as the words he spoke. “I won't be of any use as a hostage, but the Nostrade Family–”

“You're not a hostage. Nor do we care about the Nostrade Family.” A voice, calm and smooth, finally spoke up, interrupting Kurapika.

That voice, his voice, was what finally conjured a strong memory- crisp and clear. Kurapika could feel the hairs rise on the back of his neck, skin prickling. It was impossible to calm his own heart as it quickened with rage, his angry pulse reverberating into his ears. He didn't need to see Chrollo's face to know it was him. He recognized pieces of the man's silhouette as he stood from Kurapika's bed. Kurapika could feel the intense burn of his ill-contained rage and he knew from the painful ache- his eyes were red in an instant.

“You..!!” Kurapika's throat hurt with the force of his own growl. The sting of threads slicing into skin was nothing compared to his newfound determination- to stick his knife right into the face of that Troupe leader right where he stood. The woman- Machi- holding him back strained to tighten threads without injuring him further. He could already feel the heat of blood seeping down his sleeve.

Chrollo slipped a bookmark between parchment and shut the pages of a heavy book he seemed to have been reading this entire time. Kurapika's novel, he could tell from the moonlight. He’d been reading Kurapika's own book as he carried out a kidnapping. And he had put in his own bookmark, at a spot apart from Kurapika's own. The heaviness in the blond's stomach was enough to make him vomit.

“If I'm not a hostage,” Kurapika argued, pushing further. The woman let some threads slip. So the threat of taking a limb was a bluff. “Why aren't you killing me? You people have no qualms hurting others.”

“Shit- Shalnark, just stick him already! This guy's gonna kill himself.” She called out.

“R-Right!”

Kurapika didn't acknowledge their words. He was glaring into the abyss of Chrollo's eyes, daring him to answer. In them he could see his own, a pure and angry scarlet, reflecting back. The Spider had the gall to only chuckle at his taunting. “What? You can't tell?”

Kurapika snarled, ready to tell him off for that attitude- the utter cockiness- but only got to open his lips before the sharp end of a needle burned its way into his neck.

His vision went black.

Chapter 2: Chain-User

Summary:

I'm trying to update once a week when possible. I'm hoping you enjoy my feral ravings

Notes:

Chrollo POV

Those eyes that had been red hot with rage cooled at an alarming rate, the moment Shalnark managed to stick a needle into the Chain-User's neck. Blank and grey-ish blue, the blond's eyes absently stared into the distance, any personhood within them wiped clean. Chrollo lamented the loss of scarlet but, well.. Under the faint moonlight, the Leader couldn't help admiring this duller color.

Shalnark's manipulation ability was impenetrable- those stuck with the pin had never been able to will themselves out of its control- but Chrollo couldn't help wanting to take extra precautions. Under Chrollo's instruction, Machi tied the Kurta's arms behind his back in a secure restraint. His legs too, at the insistence of Shalnark after taking a very powerful kick to the chest, were tied at the ankles to hopefully limit more of his mobility. Just in case.

Chrollo hauled the youth over his shoulder with ease. It was half-amusing to do so much for someone that looked to have such a frail looking body. Chrollo mused to himself how this young man was capable of such impact with wrists and ankles so thin. Even over his shoulder, he hardly held any weight.

“Oh, Shalnark, Bring this,” Chrollo handed over the book he had been reading in the midst of their earlier fight. It was the Kurta's; A heavy academic book, now with Chrollo's own bookmark added in.

Shalnark gave it an inquisitive look, “What is it?” He read the cover, but that didn't seem to give any proper hints.

“A research study on the historical background of a society hidden in the Northern Azian Continent,” Chrollo replied. Shalnark's eyes prodded for an answer that made more sense.

“It’s the Chain User's,” Chrollo continued, “But it's one I haven't had the chance to read. Bring it along so I can finish it later. I can't hold it and him at the same time. Unless you want to carry him?”

Shalnark grimaced. He tucked the book beneath his arm without protest.

–

It took half a day’s time to get to their hideout, until Chrollo finally felt confident they would be able to get through this uninterrupted. They had started before dusk and now the sun sat high in the sky. Chrollo had wrapped the Kurta within his leather coat to shield him from the elements, and felt justified as the weather had transitioned from a downpour to high winds and now, finally, cold but sunny.

The distance was far from easy- even less so with a body over Chrollo's shoulder- but any closer to the Nostrade estate and it felt like a risk. The Chain-User had argued that he wasn't important enough to be used as a hostage, but it had only been a bluff. Chrollo knew from his own research how important this young man was. There were going to be people out looking for him, certainly.

An empty family barn, gutted and left to decay in the rural fields where it sat, was their chosen venue of this heist. With a caving in roof and various shattered windows, it was clear the place hadn't housed livestock in a long time. There was a small home on the same property in much better shape, though similarly abandoned, and it made out to be a decent place for sleep when needed. Overall, it was the perfect place to lay low when needed.

Power hadn't been connected to the property since the Troupe had found the place years ago. Because of that, candles gathered wherever it was convenient. Some within the barn had already been lit before Chrollo pushed the creaking doors open. Shizuku was seated on an old and ratty blanket on the ground, absently reading a book. Kalluto Zoldyck, the newest member, sat patiently perched on a windowsill closer to the door and away from the dust and hay. Chrollo walked in with Shalnark and Machi on his tail. Over his shoulder, the silent victim of their heist lay limp, cocooned within Chrollo's leather coat.

“Where's Phinks?” Chrollo glanced at the corners of the barn when he didn't sense the man nearby.

“He went out to get something to drink in the town a few miles away,” Shizuku answered casually, turning to a new page.

Machi let herself fall back across the most structurally sound bale of hay. “He knows he's supposed to be here by now, doesn't he?”

“He does,” Shizuku flipped to another page. “He'll get back soon, he said.”

Chrollo wondered how much she truly retained when reading so quickly as he lowered the blond across the clearing at the barn’s center. Chrollo’s leather jacket unraveled, revealing the Kurta still secure in his restraints. The jacket acted as a barrier between him and the harsh cold of the dirt floor just like it had shielded him on the entire trip here.

“We can start without Phinks.” He sighed, rolling his sore shoulder with a sigh.

“Oh, is that what we're here for?” Shizuku piped up, eyes lifted from her book to the young man on the floor. She closed the book without marking her spot. “Who is that?”

“You don't remember?” Shalnark sat himself in the clearing, right beside the Kurta. “This the Chain-User.”

Shizuku gave Shalnark a blank stare. Clearly, this wasn't ringing any bells.

Shalnark rolled his eyes. He multitasked, fiddling with his phone as he explained. “Capturing and killing Uvo, kidnapping the boss and using him as a hostage,” The Chain-User's eyes snapped open for the first time since his kidnapping. One of Shalnark's commands. “Killing Paku, seeking out the Spider's for revenge..” Shalnark carefully kept his tone level as he listed the many offenses, but it was a sore subject for everyone involved- apart from the newest member, Kalluto.

“Right..” Shizuku watched as the Kurta rose from the floor. The movement was quick and robotic, and he made no move to pull at Machi's threads holding him tight. Shalnark seemed to input a few more things into his phone before he was back on his feet.

“There. I toggled some of his settings and turned him off of standby.” Shalnark stepped back, “I uninhibited all of his personal boundaries I could find. But there might be things he's too cagey about to be willing to reveal, even under my ability.”

“Thanks, Shalnark. That should be enough for what I need.” Chrollo took Shalnark's place at the Chain-User’s side, kneeling beside him.

“Wait- What are we doing with the Chain-User?” Shizuku sat forward, curious. “I thought since he had done all that stuff, we would be killing him. Aren't we?”

“Boss is stealing the guy's ability.” Machi sat up to watch, no longer wanting to lounge with her eyes closed. Chrollo hadn’t told her explicitly, but he figured it was an obvious enough conclusion to make.

“Eh- but..” Shizuku lifted her gaze to Machi before looking back at the blond captive, silent and unmoving. She sounded almost disappointed as she made her argument. “Machi, isn't your ability almost the same thing? I thought we were just going to kill him and set an example.”

“That's what I said.” Shalnark butt in from his spot off to the side- the only one who had been privy to the goal of their heist before now. He tucked his phone into his pocket, unneeded for now. “But that's the Boss's decision. I can't convince him to just kill the guy instead.”

No, he couldn't. In fact, no one could. Not yet.

“Machi,” Chrollo summoned the Skill Hunter, but didn't open its pages, “Release his hands. We should get started.”

“What about Phinks?”

“He should be back soon,” Shizuku offered. She had moved onto Machi's seat with her, rather than sharing the floor with Chrollo and Kurapika.  

As if summoned with the third call of his name, the door of the barn creaked when opened. Phinks came in with various plastic bags in each fist, each full to the brim. He walked in and kicked the door closed behind him.

“Boss,” Phinks called out in greeting, and settled the bags beside the barn door. Chrollo could see a glimpse of what was inside some of them; It looked to be a stockpile of snacks and drinks.

“Were you getting something to eat while waiting for us to get here?” Chrollo's tone had no reason to be anything but casual. If Chrollo and the others had taken too long to get here, and there was no other way for rations without someone going out to get them then he could give some leniency to mandatory attendance.

“Yeah. I didn't know what we were meeting for but Shizu was on the border of hangry and this kid,” He gestured to Kalluto Zoldyck, who still sat patient and unmoving, “I could hear his stomach growling the whole time and I didn't wanna deal with whatever disaster was coming. Figured we needed strength for a heist, too.”

“I don't get hangry.” Shizuku interjected, the very same moment Kalluto Zoldyck refuted with a crisp and quiet, “Don't call me a child.” But both took the food and drink Phinks tossed their ways. Only after Phinks bothered divvying some food did he pay attention to the blond youth on the floor, hidden partly from view behind Chrollo beside him.

“Whoa, hey- Is that the Chain-User?” He stepped closer. Chrollo nodded his chin toward Machi and she finally released Kurapika's wrists as requested.

Past this point, Chrollo tuned out the banter. He busied himself with fulfilling the conditions of his Skill Hunter.

Kurapika's wrist was surprisingly delicate for the strength Chrollo remembered. Having been beaten by these fists before while in the back seat of a car.. He had remarked to himself then, too, that the Chain-User was decently powerful. Chrollo pressed the blond's palm against the red palm of the Skill Hunter, and that condition was fulfilled. Just some questions, then.

The Skill Hunter turned its own pages, until it landed on one that was blank. With the process started, a portrait of Kurapika appeared where there was nothing. Beneath it was space for information on his ability that Chrollo would soon learn.

Chrollo hadn't bothered paying any attention to the members behind him talking amongst each other, but once he had finally started the process, he noticed they'd quieted significantly. He could feel their eyes on him but his own stayed on Kurapika. Per Shalnark's orders, the young man would truthfully respond to any question posed to him.

The first few questions felt like a test run,

“What's your name?”

“Kurapika.”

“And your age?”

“Eighteen.”

“Where are you from?”

“The Kurta clan, in the Lukso Province.”

Chrollo hadn't planned to ask, but..
“Who am I?”

“Chrollo Lucilfer.” Kurapika's calm cracked under the sudden weight of disdain. “The leader of the Phantom Troupe, head of the Spider. The man who ordered and aided in the massacre of my clan, who I've been hunting- And I thought killed. Until today.”

Kurapika's features were twisted with suppressed anger- subdued by Shalnark's Nen ability. It was a first for someone to fight against the control so strongly. It could only mean the blond had incredible mental endurance. That, and that his hatred for the Phantom Troupe- Chrollo especially- was overflowing. Two facts that pleased said Troupe leader deeply.

A moment of Shalnark's fretting and cursing later and Kurapika's expression mellowed into the emptiness it'd had earlier. Shalnark was exasperated, “Boss.. No more questions about the Troupe- Please. This guy's resistance is crazy.”

Chrollo’s lips cracked a smile, but he relented. He'd given himself some fun, now it was time for the proper questioning he needed for this all to work out.

“All right.” Chrollo mentally readied himself. “What is your Hatsu?”

The blond was unable to hesitate in answering the question, “I conjure chains at my right hand.”

Chrollo nodded. Already, faint words wrote themselves onto the open page of the Skill Hunter. The more Chrollo knew, the more that would appear.

“They're not merely chains- are they?” Chrollo prodded carefully, remembering the incidents he had been witness to in the past. Setting conditions on someone, or imprisoning them; That was more than the ordinary conjurer would be capable of. And if he was right about Kurapika- and he knew he was- then the Kurta would have made the effort to have more up his sleeves than that. “What are the abilities of these chains you conjure?”

Kurapika raised his right hand, and though Chrollo knew that Shalnark had control, it was unsettling. His right hand was his knife- his weapon. And it pointed directly at Chrollo.

Chrollo listened, as Kurapika explained the intricacies of his abilities. Each finger was assigned a chain, and each chain its own ability. Chrollo quickly learned something as the Kurta spoke; This ability's sole purpose was apprehension, judgement and punishment. It was incredibly well-rounded and tailored to enact revenge. He didn't expect that a Kurta's scarlet eyes were the key to all of this being possible to begin with. If it were anyone else, they wouldn't have created a nearly-useful ability as this.

But perfect planning and a thought-out strategy weren't all that was needed when up against an opponent like the Spider Troupe; Power was necessary. And though he had enough for the Skill Hunter's condition, he had to ask:

“How were your chains strong enough to hold Uvo?”

“I placed a Judgement Chain on my own heart.” Kurapika answered. He lowered his hand, now placing it over the heart that beat within his thin rib-cage. “The condition is that I only use Chain Jail on members of the Spider Troupe, and I will die if I stray from my oath. It made my chains nearly unbreakable and strong enough to imprison the strongest member.”

Chrollo nodded. He wanted to ask more- so much more. But that was enough for now. Chrollo rose to his feet, Skill Hunter in hand, and turned to everyone behind him. Machi and Shalnark were the only ones with signs of discomfort on their faces. Phinks, Shizuku, and Kalluto- Their own faces were neutral. Either they didn't care or had trained their expressions.

“Machi. Thoughts?”

Machi startled slightly, her eyes on Kurapika until now. She looked up to Chrollo. “.. I don't know, Boss. I can get how these abilities are useful but.. Something tells me it's not worth taking them. We might as well just get rid of him if we don't want to deal with him trying to kill us anymore.”

Chrollo nodded in understanding. He turned his attention to Shalnark. Shalnark had a hand on his knee, one leg propped up and the other hanging from his seat. “You already know what I'm gonna say,” he said matter-of-factly, looking Chrollo in the eyes, “We should kill him, then we'll never have to think about the Chain-User ever again. I don't care that his ability is useful or whatever.”

Chrollo nodded. Before he could speak, Phinks raised his hand.

“I don't care what we do with him.” He offered. “Whether we kill him or torture him for days or whatever. I’m confident he can't kill the Spider on his own and if you're stealing his ability then I'm even more sure. It's not like he'll be able to do anything with Nen anymore.”

Reluctantly, Machi and Shalnark didn't argue Phinks’s point. They had nothing to refute it with, and stayed silent with pinched faces. Shizuku only nodded in agreement. Chrollo glanced toward Kalluto Zoldyck but the young boy said nothing. Chrollo figured now, he would have the opportunity to speak.

“.. I'm going to keep him alive. For now.”

Machi and Shalnark were already on their feet. Chrollo lifted his left hand to silence their protest, and obediently, they shut their mouths. For a moment.

“Boss,” Machi had an intense frown on her face. More intense than usual, “You can't be serious. Why'd you ask us for our opinions, then?”

“Because I wanted to know if you two could keep me in check.” Chrollo lowered his hand, still holding the Skill Hunter in the other; He technically had one more condition to fulfill before the chains were his. “When I say ‘for now’, it's because I plan to kill him. Soon. But there's something that I have to do first before it can happen.”

“What is it?” Shalnark questioned, arms crossed. His expression was mixed, wavering between confusion and upset. “Did you want to take his eyes?”

“Well..” Chrollo hesitated for a moment, hand on his chin. He had a very good reason, of course. Simply put, Chrollo wanted his fill. He wanted to look until he was finally satisfied, examine the Kurta until he knew every scar, mole, crevice. He wanted to soothe the urge that's plagued him since Yorkshin; To possess a piece of art that has caught his eye, to look and admire until he would inevitably grow bored of it. Then, he would be able to throw him- throw Kurapika- away and get rid of this pesky intrigue that tickled corners of Chrollo's mind whenever he saw chains, or gems, or blood.

Did that explain why he wanted to steal the Kurta's Nen ability? Well, when you want to hold an angel of death captive.. You obviously have to clip its wings.

But how could he explain that to them without sounding like he had gone off the deep end? He didn't want to lie, he had no reason to; The Spiders were loyal to him and never truly questioned his decisions. Even now he knew they would drop it if he just told them to, albeit they would be upset. Was it just pride that held him back from admitting it all? It must be.

“The reason for it is personal, really.” Chrollo could only formulate a half-truth, omitting what he didn't want to say. “But that’s why I'm trusting you with knowing this. Shal, you and Machi are my best secret-keepers, you know things about the others and myself that you've never revealed. And Phinks, Shizuku.. You two don't even have loyalty to me. It's to the Spider as a whole. I know that if I tell you not to reveal anything, you'll listen. It doesn't matter why. I want you all to make sure that I keep my word to kill him after I'm done with my business.”

Kalluto's wooden sandals brushed through the scatterings of hay on the barn floor. This was his first time speaking throughout the entire discussion. “Boss. Why did you call me here? I don't have anything to offer or an attachment to this incident with the previous member..”

This is the member that had joined the Troupe while Chrollo was incapacitated. Unable to contact any of the members directly and relying only on Hisoka's recounts of events; he hadn't gotten a proper idea of the new member of the Spider Troupe, not fully.

Chrollo gave the boy an easy gaze, “We've never gained a member without my explicit say, before. I wanted to see you for myself.” And he truly didn't mind what he saw. Kalluto Zoldyck was young, but strong, and had potential. “You just keep the same orders to mind that they've gotten. Don't tell other members what happened during this meeting, not yet. If they ask- which they won't- don't mention it. Easy enough.”

Shizuku stood to her feet and brushed off the hay that stuck to her clothes. “Then.. Are we done? We're only here to watch and then keep your secrets, right?”

“Almost.” Chrollo turned his gaze toward the Kurta seated on the ground. “There's just a few precautions we have to take and then I’ll be letting you go.”

Chapter 3: Agreement

Kurapika's personal quarters were a mess. There was clear evidence of a fight; Furniture displaced, clothes strewn about, the front door loose on its joints, and worst of all- A small pool of blood on the floor, dried into the carpet. The large windows of the bedroom were left open and letting the harsh winds from outside whip the curtains into a frenzy. Heavy rains stained everything beside the window dull and soaking wet. Melody listened carefully for any sign of life within the room, but there was nothing past the rumbling of rain.

“.. Kurapika?”

Melody pulled out her phone with trembling hands. There were no messages from her colleague saying where he might have gone- of course not. Though she had hoped that was the case and the disarray was something else entirely, she knew it wasn’t the case. Traces of hostility still lingered in the air, creating an unsettling atmosphere that would make anyone hesitate in entering. Melody scanned the bathroom as she placed the phone at her ear.

Further in the room, on the bedside table, Kurapika's phone buzzed. Melody heard it instantly, finding it still plugged in. Still charging. She pulled the device from its cord and saw there were no hints on the lockscreen of a message calling Kurapika to action, something that would have lured him from his room in the middle of the night. 

She stepped out of Kurapika's room and into the hall, leaving the scene mostly untouched. A tall man at the end of the hall caught her eyes. 

“Basho!” Melody's voice cracked under stress. Basho's expression quickly went pinched with concern; She rarely got so loud,  “Basho, Tell the boss.. Kurapika- I think Kurapika's been kidnapped!”

—---------------------------------

Kurapika had never been placed under a spell like this; his awareness stolen and his consciousness disappearing, not unlike being knocked out and yet.. nothing like it at the same time. It all happened in an instant for him. One moment he was at the Nostrade residence, in his own room, apprehended by three strangers- No, three Spiders- and now.. He was opening his eyes to a foreign room and… A figure at his side.

Kurapika was on some sort of bed, made up with blankets and pillows at his back. Chrollo Lucilfer sat beside the bed in a wooden chair, leaning forward. In his hand was a small pin with a strange base- but as hard as Kurapika tried to focus on it, it quickly dissipated. A Nen technique of some kind. The man sat back in his chair as Kurapika took in his surroundings. Exposed red brick walls, low ceilings and no windows.. A basement? There were several pieces of furniture around the sizable room that brought him to the conclusion this was a secluded living space, like a shelter.

“You're awake.” Chrollo spoke, after a moment of long silence. Like he was giving Kurapika time to adjust to the sudden change of scenery. The blond didn't appreciate the courtesy.

Kurapika sat up fully, and felt no restraints. Nothing visible and- he focused with gyo- nothing hidden. Was he not even worth trying to hold back? Was it blatant confidence or just.. an insult? There had been a heat simmering low in Kurapika’s chest, an anger he had been reigning in since what felt like the beginning of time. So carefully, he was trying to smother the flames and prevent himself from boiling over. But just this.. Just this had him overwhelmed. Assault, being kidnapped and brought to what only seems like a prison cell underground. How else was he supposed to feel other than like a caged animal? The pounding in his chest was overpowering, filling his senses

Situations like this required a level head and a proper assessment of the risks before going in with a method of attack. If one acted irrationally, they would be risking their life and any possible chances of escape. If someone was willing to kidnap you, you could very well lose your life trying to fight back. Kurapika, currently, had neither a level head nor did he care anymore for trying to live another day. A level head wouldn't have let him lunge toward Chrollo and twist a fist into his collar, toppling him and his chair to the floor. Thinking rationally could have deprived him of the very satisfying crack as his punch landed on Chrollo's left cheek. Far as the blond was concerned, it seemed rage and fear were the perfect alternative.

Kurapika raised his fist for another and Chrollo caught it before it could hit, effortlessly cupping it in just one hand. Kurapika tried to fight the grip, yank his hand away, but the man tightened his grasp.

“Haven't we gone through something like this before?”

“Shut up!” Kurapika demanded awkwardly. Another hand appeared at his calf, cupping behind his knee and trapping him in place. He tried to resist but he had no leverage to get away. His chest heaved with all of his pent-up rage, adrenaline buzzing under his skin. “Tell me where you've taken me! Tell me why!”

“I'm glad to see you're just as angry as ever.” Chrollo spoke calmly, ignoring Kurapika's questions. He looked as if none of it affected him. Even with the bruise developing on his cheekbone. “.. You lose all rationality just seeing me.”

Kurapika hesitated. The man was right- Kurapika’s reasoning was down the drain. But that hesitation was what the Spider had wanted. Suddenly, their roles were reversed.

Kurapika’s head was swimming, getting slammed into the concrete floor of the basement. A strong hand pinned both wrists high above his head, straining the muscles and depriving him of the leverage he needed to break free. Weight settled heavy on Kurapika's hips and glued his lower half to the chilled concrete. The man spared no mercy in stretching Kurapika thin, exposing him in his trap. 

Chrollo Lucilfer had him caged down in an instant.

“I'm not going to answer questions you can figure out on your own. I'll tell you what you want. Just ask the right questions. You're smarter than this,” He prodded, dark eyes like obsidian. They bore into Kurapika and made his skin prickle. “You just have to ask the right questions.”

 “Wha-” Kurapika scoffed. 

“I won't give you any more hints.” A smirk pulled at the Spider's lips.

Kurapika had to close his eyes to cool the fiery anger in the back of his throat. A deep breath in, and out. His heart continued to race but his heaving chest slowly calmed. Oh, he would have to pray after this to clear his mind, surely. It took ages to pry his eyes open again. The Troupe Leader still held that infuriating smirk, and Kurapika did his damndest not to get swept away again so quickly.

“Fine.” Kurapika spoke through grit teeth, biting the inside of his cheek. “You brought me here for a reason. What is it?”  

Chrollo's smirk widened ever-so-slightly. Kurapika responded with a glare, and he had the nerve to chuckle. “It's simple. I want you to listen to what I have to say. Whether you stay or go after that is technically up to you.”

Kurapika was dumbfounded. His lips opened with the words ready on his tongue, and Chrollo interrupted with the answer to the question he was just about to ask. “There's something I have that might make you want to stay. You haven't noticed, yet? It's yours after all.”

A sick and naive hope pulled at Kurapika’s heart for only half a second. No- he wasn't foolish enough to think he was being bribed with a pair of Scarlet Eyes. But the blond could think of few things in his own possession that could be stolen. His ears still held the weight of his jewelry, and he saw nothing on Chrollo's person that was his to begin with. Only after a moment did he realize. He tightened his fists and his heart dropped to his stomach. The Spider's black eyes twinkled like a dazzling mirror, delighted, “You finally figured it out.” It wasn't a question. 

“My chains..” Kurapika mumbled numbly.The heavy metal that circled each finger on his right hand, his security, his lifeline. He hadn't noticed before because of the shock of their encounter and his kidnapping didn't let him conjure them. Mental instability was the crutch of a Nen user. But now even as he tried mustering their cold form, nothing appeared. Kurapika realized now he was incredibly overpowered. Not even one percent of a fighting chance. 

“Have you calmed down, now?” Chrollo had lost some of his amusement, adjusting to Kurapika's shock. At least when he was faced with mockery, Kurapika could respond with rage. But his own kidnapper showing a somber face to a situation he himself caused.. It was oddly chilling. Chrollo pulled back his hand, taking with it the warmth Kurapika hadn't realized was there until his skin grew cold. The man lifted to his feet and Kurapika's eyes followed, lost. He couldn't calculate a way out of this. He barely managed the dignity to sit up.

“I can give them back.” Kurapika focused on what wasn't said. Chrollo didn't revel in the emotional toll it had taken on Kurapika like the average villain would. He had taken Kurapika's efforts- the cultivation of his efforts and rage and convictions- and used it merely as a bargaining chip. Did he even care how patronizing it felt to have something so meaningful taken away for such a petty reason? “But only after you do something for me, first.”

“I'm not going to become a member of the troupe.” Kurapika immediately interjected, speaking faster than he could comprehend. He didn't know which part of his protest was so funny, but the Spider's lips quirked in amusement again. The blond glared again. A repetitive cycle.

“I won't lie, that was a thought of mine…” Chrollo sat back in his seat, arms resting crossed over his chest, “But you would kill yourself if you were forced into a situation like that.”
… He was right. Kurapika wouldn't hesitate taking his own life if he were given the choice between death or being branded with the spider tattoo. He didn't honor the Troupe Leader the satisfaction of being told so, though.

“Then what is it? What you want me to listen to.” Kurapika cut their roundabout chatting short. 

The thief let out a brief sigh, like he was disappointed. In what, Kurapika didn't care. Chrollo turned in his seat to face the small dining table beside him. Opposite of him was another chair identical to his own. He tapped the table and gestured with a nod to the seat across from him. “Sit. And I'll tell you.”

Kurapika hesitated in joining him.. but only for a moment.

Sitting across from the leader of the Phantom Troupe was odd in a way Kurapika found difficult to describe. Unsettling seemed right but only at first. The man's dark eyes were striking and devoid of emotion. They watched Kurapika's every move, flitting quickly to each muscle, until the blond settled despite his discomfort. Surreal was more accurate, perhaps. Like this wasn't reality, but a nightmare instead. Whether it was better or worse than the nightmares Kurapika usually suffered through… He had no answer for that, yet.

“A contract with conditions.” Chrollo's voice startled Kurapika from his running thoughts. He gathered himself enough to focus. The Spider had gone from leaning back in his chair to sitting forward, elbows resting on the table and hands at his lips, obscuring his face. 

Kurapika took it in, “.. What?”

“Did I say it wrong, somehow?” Chrollo didn't repeat himself. “You're the one who said it to me first. Though.. you wouldn't remember, I suppose.”

During the period he was unconscious, Kurapika was sure. Something important had happened in his gap of memory. A sick worry turned his stomach when he tried to think of what it could have been. Though he already had vague ideas, “It was while you were taking my ability from me, wasn't it? You must have asked me about it to fulfill some of the conditions needed to steal it.” He concluded. 

Kurapika could see a glimpse of Chrollo's lip twitch before the man tamed his expression again. It was a wordless approval, that Kurapika was correct. 

Chrollo continued, “We think alike; the way we process information and devise plans. It's no wonder you were able to catch me once before. When you described to me the ways of your chains, I came to that conclusion.”

Kurapika prickled at that. He could feel his hairs stand on end. The man was right, but Kurapika refused to think about it. Their encounter in Yorkshin, how it felt like a race of wits where they were neck and neck, surpassing each other just barely every time– Kurapika's fists clenched in the thin cotton of his pants. 

“Is this what you wanted me to listen to?” He carefully made his voice cold, “Your useless chatter?”

The thief closed his eyes, pressing his hands to his lips. Not exactly the response he expected but he couldn't argue he was pleased the Spider shut up, if only briefly.

“No, you're right. This isn't what I wanted you to listen to, so I'll stop wasting time.” His fingers intertwined, Chrollo rested his chin on his hands. “I want to enter into a contract with you.

“For the next three months, I want you here. And that's the only end of the contract that you have to fulfill.” Kurapika immediately rose to protest and Chrollo held up a hand, “Before you speak, let me finish. Because I think this will be mutually beneficial.”

… 

It made the blond huff, eyes thin with wariness. But he reluctantly sat back in his seat with arms folded protectively over his chest. He felt he was already giving too much leeway, but without his chains.. 

Seeing Kurapika's compliance let Chrollo continue. “While you're here, I'll commit to two conditions the entire time,” He held up his right hand, index raised, “First is that I am not allowed to kill anyone during this time. That protects you, and whoever you hold dear that you worry would get tied up in this. Regardless of the situation, I'll hold back. Depending on the circumstances it might even kill me; Which I know you would enjoy.”

His middle finger joined his index, pointing up, “The second condition is I will not tie you down, nor will I directly cause any harm. That means causing physical fights, starving you, and especially drawing blood are prohibited. It doesn't mean I'm not allowed to defend myself, but if you somehow manage a hit on me, I can't return it.”

Kurapika was silent. He carefully ruminated on every word. Was this truly a mutual benefit? The conditions laid out left two things obviously in the open; Chrollo was the only one held back, allowing Kurapika explicit permission to whatever he wanted as long as he was within the boundary of wherever they were right now, and.. What Chrollo yielded in return was unsaid. Avoided. 

“.. What is it that you get out of this?”

Chrollo tapped his fingers in what Kurapika could only think was consideration. It was a predictable question, but the man took his time in thinking of how to respond. Or perhaps he was trying to create suspense. The longer he took, the deeper Kurapika’s frown. Finally, when he had a response, it wasn't what Kurapika was expecting,

“I told you earlier that I won't answer questions you can learn the answer to yourself.. You can consider that another thing you can figure out on your own. You just have to be observant.”

The blond's brows knit with frustration, but his pride held him back from pushing further. Was it that obvious? He felt the intensity of Chrollo's eyes on his face and it was bringing an unpleasant heat to his cheeks. Again, like he was beneath a magnifying glass, he felt every movement was watched and analyzed. Pursing his lips drew Chrollo's gaze down, for longer than felt necessary. Kurapika didn't want to be looked at anymore. He dismissed the cryptic answer and turned his head.

“After the three months, then I'll be free to go as if nothing happened? And my chains?” Kurapika could still feel that uncomfortable heat. In his peripheral, Chrollo's eyes were on him. The blond crossed his arms over his chest in attempt at keeping some of himself hidden away from that prying view.

“Your chains will go back to you. You'll be free to leave and go wherever you want.” 

Weighing the pros and cons proved to be difficult, not because Kurapika couldn't keep track of the variables but because suspicion was a persistent afterthought. His incentive to go through with it was only that he could get his Hatsu back, so that succeeding in killing those involved in the Kurta massacre was still a possibility. Was it worth staying in the presence of the leader of said killers for three months? Technically, yes, because Kurapika had promised to abandon all pride and even endure torture in order to enact revenge. But at the same time.. How could he? Was it truly so simple of a contract? What about his life outside of this; The Nostrade family and his fellow bodyguards could possibly manage without him.. He realized that with only a few letters from Gon and Killua a year, and a call every once in a while from Leorio, there wasn't much in his personal life he would be losing. Even without his chains, this was a chance at the Spider's head. No matter how cautious of a man Chrollo was, humans had to let their guard down. 

Kurapika finally lifted his gaze to meet Chrollo's. The man had been silent and unmoving while the blond deliberated, giving him the space and time to think. 

“If you've stolen my ability from me, that means you can use it. Doesn't it?” Kurapika questioned.

“It does.”

“Then I'll go through with this on the condition that you prove to me you won't go back on your word. First of all I want it written down. Do you have paper and a pen?”

Chrollo seemed to have thought of this ahead of time. From the pockets of his slacks, he pulled a folded piece of paper and a pen. He flattened the paper across the small table’s surface and smoothed the creases enough that it was visible for both of them. 

Unprompted, he began writing the details of the contract as he had spoken of them earlier. To Kurapika's surprise, his handwriting was neat and easy to read. Even from his seat, viewing it upside down, the characters were clear and simple. As he wrote, Kurapika would interject with clarifying questions- ‘What are the boundaries of where you want me to stay?’ and Chrollo would give the answer, making sure to write it down as he spoke- ‘This home is on a secluded plot of land, I'll show you the edges of that property later. But you can only go where I give you permission.’ Chrollo kept track of the words on his page even as he answered other questions. And he seemed to have an answer planned for everything; The other Spiders weren't allowed to get involved throughout the duration of this contract unless Kurapika gave consent, and Chrollo's inability to kill extended to telling someone to kill on his behalf or manipulating another into doing it. With the details of the contract complete, Chrollo moved onto the conditions. 

Kurapika had grown silent with most of his curiosities fulfilled until now, “.. What if I want to add an additional condition that you have to abide by?” 

Chrollo paused, between writing the first and second on the page. “What do you think you would want to add? Did you have anything?”

The young man shook his head. Truly, he had nothing right now. “I mean in the future. After we sign this contract, what if I learn there should be more restrictions placed between us?”

Chrollo relaxed, and continued with his writings of the second condition. “.. If you want to add a strict condition I have to abide by, then I’ll counter with a condition of my own. If you accept what I counter with, then we amend the agreement. But if you disagree, then you can't add it.” He finished the second condition of his own on the page of paper, and lifted his gaze, “Do you find that acceptable?”

It was reasonable, and Kurapika didn't find himself surprised. Chrollo Lucilfer had considered every detail Kurapika could consider questioning. At this point, he couldn't help wonder if all of this was just one big distraction. To keep Kurapika away from something else The Phantom Troupe could be planning. He didn’t know. But he refused to be oblivious- he would learn if there was something happening. Kurapika nodded in agreement and Chrollo seemed to find that satisfactory. 

“Is a written contract all you wanted?” Chrollo lowered the pen, setting it beside the paper. Obviously, it wasn't, and from the man's tone he seemed to know that. But he asked anyway.

“No,” Kurapika dignified his teasing with a response. “I want to see you use my Nen and place the conditions of this contract on your heart with the Judgement Chain.”

Chapter 4: Consequence

Notes:

I didn't realize how long it had been since my last posting!! So sorry

Chrollo sat in bed, eyes skimming over the words of his book, but he was taking none of it in. The sun was rising, painting his bedroom in warmth as it came in through the window. It seemed that everything- kidnapping, transport, and all of the other heavy duty work.. It had taken nearly an entire 24 hours. The man was tired but his mind was buzzing, so he hoped that reading would help, but.. It didn't seem to be working.

With a sigh, Chrollo closed the book. Between the pages sat both his and the Kurta's bookmarks. The book he had stolen just the morning before. Just an absent reminder had Kurapika in his mind again..

“I want to see you use my Nen and place the conditions of this contract on your heart with the Judgement Chain.” Kurapika spoke bluntly, making no effort in hiding his intentions.

Chrollo could feel a smile pulling at his lips, but he held back.

The Judgement Chain- As Kurapika had explained in his trance- had the limitation of only being able to place two conditions on someone at a time. Chrollo could very well place a chain on his own heart specifying he was not allowed to kill anyone or harm Kurapika, but then there wouldn't be room for anything else down the line. But with a written contract, Chrollo could place the limitation on himself to ‘follow the contract as written’ and as long as the paper existed, they could theoretically write as many conditions they wanted. Kurapika had already made sure that more rules could be added before suggesting the chain in the first place, and if Chrollo went back on his word now it would be reason for dispute and Kurapika would have the upper hand down the line.

“Well?” The blond demanded. “If you don’t agree, I'm not accepting any of this. I'll find another way to get my Hatsu back and–”

“I'll do it,” Chrollo raised a hand, urging Kurapika to stop before he got ahead of himself. The young man quieted with a displeased pout. How cute.. “But if we're putting my life on the line, then I want you to face the same consequence if you try to break this early.”

Kurapika’s thin brows pinched a crease in his forehead. Chrollo beat him to his predictable protests, “Like you said, you'll try and find a way to kill me even without your chains. If you decide you don't like this and want to run away, what's stopping you? If you're not satisfied with just the piece of paper holding me back, then I can feel the same way, can't I?”

As Chrollo expected, he was met with silence. Kurapika’s need for putting Chrollo's life on the line would endanger himself as well. But when their eyes met again, Chrollo saw the conviction he was hoping for.

Chrollo chuckled to himself at the memory.

Chrollo brought a hand to his chest, pressing tenderly above his heart. The Judgement Chain didn't cause damage when set, but it was an unsettling feeling. Like a fist gently cupping his still-beating heart- which wasn't too off from the truth.

He had only recently been able to get rid of the curse placed on him a year ago.. and of all things, he had placed another one on him just for the sake of having Kurapika in his possession.

For three months, Chrollo reminded himself. Ninety days. More than enough time to admire a piece of artwork before getting rid of it.

—

The next day, Kurapika came down with an intense fever.

Chrollo had never seen someone come down with a sickness so suddenly. The night before, he had left Kurapika alone in arguably good shape. Now, though, the young man was shivering and weak beneath the covers. Chrollo couldn't help wonder if he was the cause of the blond's sudden ailment- no, he knew he had significantly contributed.. But it couldn't have been the only thing. His golden hair was overgrown enough to reach his shoulders, nails nibbled down to the skin. His cheeks, too, had lost some of the fullness Chrollo remembered in his dreams. Kurapika seemed to be under immense stress before this kidnapping. He may have been on the verge of falling ill at any moment.

Chrollo came down three times a day for the first two days of Kurapika's sickness. The blond was practically bedridden, asleep a majority of the time. The few times he was awake he would reject any form of help, whether it was food or medicine. Chrollo couldn't even take his temperature properly, because the weakling would put up a fight and argue Chrollo was breaking the contract already. Somehow, only when defying Chrollo did he have the energy for anything.

On the third day, Kurapika's breakfast was left uneaten once again. Making meals for two to have half of it go to waste was frustrating to say the least, but cooking for two also meant that the food Chrollo had rationed was depleting faster than expected. Unless the kid was really stubborn enough to die from a fever, Chrollo realized he would need more supplies so two people could live in one home for three months.

Kurapika had been sleeping through the days, so Chrollo didn't bother letting the blond know he was leaving. There was a nearby town that the cottage sat on the outskirts of, only an hour on foot and even less if Chrollo decided it was worth the sprint. During the Phantom Troupe's down periods, and when Chrollo wasn't travelling the world on his own, he would go once a week to this town to stock up on necessities. The cottage is where he spent his time plotting his next moves and taking advantage of the peace to read a novel or admire pieces he was fond of before selling them off.

The property and home itself was something.. inherited quite a few years back. The original owner had been some older woman past her prime, of whom he'd learned little more than her name- not that he could remember. Chrollo had only stumbled across the place while searching for a particular antique; a vase conveniently on display in her home. One thing led to another and Chrollo had taken care of her with little effort. Some minor refurbishing, and it was a convenient location for staying hidden.

From an old and unkempt dirt road to gravel, then pavement, Chrollo made his way into town. The trees thinned as he left the forest and reached the suburban perimeter, and soon to the more bustling center of town. It wasn't large, just big enough not to be called a village anymore, but that was an advantage; Chrollo hardly had to worry about the dangers of the underworld leaking into his daily routines and ruining his cover. Even news of big events were nothing more than murmurs in this town. People here had more pressing matters to attend to than gossip from the big city, and they would never imagine an outlaw shopping the same streets as them.

At the local market, Chrollo's first stop was the produce stand. An old woman by the name of Kuwa ran the stand, and she seemed to have a fondness for Chrollo. Enthusiastic and social, she could make conversation with anyone and remember just about any face. Her eyes were on him before he had even fully approached,

“Kris!” Kuwa called for him over the bustling of her other patrons. As he stepped up, she was tying a bundle of asparagus for someone else. “Back in town already? You were hardly gone a month this time.”

“Kuwa.!” He responded in kind, pouring as much of that demure sweetness he could muster. “I just got homesick is all. You know you're too good to me.”

‘Kris’ was the name Chrollo had taken on in town. His persona with a youthful smile, blessed with a hefty inheritance from his wealthy grandparents to give him the money to travel and live a peaceful life in the countryside; It had come to him easily when he was first asked about himself in casual conversation, so it's what he had decided to grow on since.

Setting his empty basket on the stall's counter top, Kuwa was immediately putting a hefty jar of fruit jam in there. “You sure do love the sweet-talking, don't you?”

“I can't help it,” Chrollo started, keeping that easy smile. ‘Kris' always meant well, “You and everyone else treat me so well. I can't help seeing you as my own grandma, you know?”

That had Kuwa's cheeks flushing just slightly. The old woman very obviously added a few extra greens to his usual order without him asking- Chrollo acted as if he couldn't see it.

“If you really want to see me as your grandma,” She started, bringing up a topic Chrollo was all too familiar with, “You should consider arranging that date with my granddaughter! You met her before, she helps me out at the stand all the time- She's charmed!”

‘Kris’ had to give her an apologetic smile. He was the type to feel bad turning down yet another proposal from Kuwa, even if for the umpteenth time. “Didn't you tell me before she's just turned 20? Wouldn't you be worried about her dating someone so much older than her?” Not that Chrollo actually had much say- with his current object of infatuation.

“Oh come now, that's hardly a reason. You're so young!” Kuwa brushed off his excuse. “You don't have a flame in your heart already, do you? Not that young girl at the bakery down the street?”

Chrollo vaguely remembered the girl Kuwa was talking about. Another young woman, slightly older than Kuwa's own granddaughter. She too seemed to have a sort of liking for Kris, always giving him an extra loaf when there was a chance. Still, when he compared their looks to the Kurta.. They both fell short considerably. To him it was obvious, but people were nothing in comparison to works of art. More of an object than person to him, the blond outweighed anything else with sheer value alone.

“I don’t.” ‘Kris’ reassured her with an easy tone. By now, his basket was considerably full with his usual. He should wrap up this conversation and get out of here or he wouldn't be able to leave her stall until sundown. It had happened before.

“Actually, I was out of town to meet with some friends,” He started, changing the subject, “It's a bit spontaneous, but I have an acquaintance staying with me for the time being. Until the holidays, it looks like.” If Kurapika had heard them being called acquaintances, he was certain the blond would have a fit. Not that he had the capacity to complain right now.

“A friend, you say?” Kuwa hummed.  “That's a first, isn't it! Now don't worry, I won't have you and your friend starving. Here, let me give you some extra.”

A little more idle chatter, some more food piled into his bag for the walk home. When Chrollo brought out his money to pay, Kuwa very pointedly took only a third of what he was meaning to offer. She gave him a look, a knowing and confident smile, “It's a future family discount! Now go on with the rest of your chores, you must have got a lot more to go and pick up before heading home.”

Chrollo was fortunate enough to have the good looks and social skills he did, and he knew it. Charming the baker's daughter, chatting idly with the fisherman’s wife- he weaved through the market until his basket was full and the bag over his shoulder hung heavy with hardly a Jenny spent. He wasn't hurting for money, but a thief didn’t believe in paying fair for anything. The people of this small town were good-hearted, naively seeing the good in someone’s heart even when it wasn't there. And Chrollo took advantage of that. With everything he needed and the sun falling lower in the sky, Chrollo decided it was best now to return home. Everything he had, he conveniently stored in the Fun Fun Cloth when he was certain no one would see.

By the time he got back the sun was nearly setting. It was the late months of autumn and the days were growing shorter, but it still meant he had been gone for quite a while. He had missed lunch- the blond too, technically, though he had been refusing meals- so now was as good a time to eat as any. He whipped up something small and quick, simple vegetable soup and toasted bread, and headed downstairs to the basement.

Chrollo had already noticed something amiss before he had the chance to turn the lights back on- Not that he intended to keep Kurapika in darkness, they were only off to let the young man sleep. When the bulbs flickered to life again, he saw immediately.

Kurapika laid seemingly unconscious on the hard floor of the basement, his blankets loosely tangled round his ankle where he must have tripped. One of the dining chairs was toppled at his side. The boy must have gotten up for something, tripped and tried to catch himself on the chair before ultimately falling to the floor.

Chrollo set their food to the side and inspected for wounds. Kurapika was unresponsive to the initial gentle prodding- checking his temperature, his pulse- Even as he rolled the blond onto his back, he didn't squirm. There was a sour, unpleasant smell in the air which Chrollo quickly realized was coming from the young man. Of course, for three days and nights, Kurapika had been shivering through a feverish sweat, swaddled in layers of blankets and hardly moving a muscle.

At this point, his sense of urgency was quickly overriding this petty, boring game they had been playing the past few days. Chrollo no longer felt the need to waste his time accommodating Kurapika's distaste at being touched, some serious intervention was needed here. Kurapika needed a bath, food, and medicine.

Meals ignored for now, Chrollo gently lifted Kurapika with arms beneath his thighs and back. Kurapika’s expression twisted just slightly at the disturbance but quickly settled.

There was a bathroom connected to the basement's living area, courtesy of the previous owner and fully renovated when Chrollo had ‘inherited’ it. The attached room was complete with all of the basics, including a large claw foot bathtub that sat parallel to the far wall. After gently resting Kurapika across the tile floor,  Chrollo started the water to bring it to an adequate heat.

Chrollo wasn't in the habit of providing hospitality like this- Only after a few moments of silence and staring did he remember that to give Kurapika a cleansing bath- he would have to be the one to undress the teen.

He knelt at the blond's side, and worked first at disrobing him of his top. Chrollo roughly recognized the patterning on the clothing; a white, comfortable cotton tunic with accents of a dusky green- almost teal- around the collar. He had seen a glimpse of it, he remembered. Beneath the Kurta's traditional robes, he wore these clothes. Whether it was proper to wear these for sleep as well, Chrollo didn't know, but it seemed that it was what he had been wearing when he was captured a few days ago. He would have to get these washed before letting the blond put them back on.

With the teen so stiff from shivering, it felt more similar to undressing a doll than a person, but eventually Chrollo managed to pull the tunic over his head and toss it to the side before continuing. A thin, black tank top next. That came off more easily with larger arm holes and soon joined the growing pile of clothes.

Pale scars stopped Chrollo's wandering eyes. He didn't know why he had expected the expanse of Kurapika’s golden skin to be smooth and unmarked, but he was pleasantly surprised to see a history of battle and hardship etched into Kurapika's skin. Some were old, some newer. All of them tempted him. The man dusted his fingertips against one, a jagged beauty on his stomach that must have come from his childhood- an accident, perhaps?- and then to the side, a slice so thin and clean.. A blade that nicked the hip. He could feel lean muscle shudder as his fingertips warmed Kurapika's chilled skin. The young man was skinny- muscles strained from keeping him strong with so little proper care.

How could he admire Kurapika's beauty to the fullest when the Kurta was nearly skin and bones? Chrollo sighed, as if it were a personal attack on him.

The tub was close to full with warm water. Chrollo twisted the bronze handle to stop the flow. With little delicacy, he finished disrobing Kurapika and tossing aside the remaining clothes. The man couldn't resist the temptation to take a look; Beneath the soft and golden hairs between Kurapika's legs- No one could blame him for sneaking a glance, while the blond was defenseless and- .. Oh?

Oh, so that was the situation?

If the blond hadn’t been squirming and shivering from the heat of his fever, Chrollo would have taken advantage for a closer look; But he had had enough of enjoying Kurapika’s helplessness. Anchored under the back and knees again, he picked the blond up. This time, Kurapika stirred.

It was a small grunt first, eyes squeezing shut as Chrollo carried him to the tub where the water gently steamed. When he opened them his gaze flitted about the room, lacking focus, before landing on Chrollo's face. Chrollo looked back at him, pausing just at the edge of the tub.

“.. Pairo?” Kurapika's voice croaked. His tone was dreamy and dazed, half-asleep. It was Chrollo's first time seeing the young man so at peace, and he struggled to determine if it was as beautiful as the fury he was familiar with. There was a smile on the blond's lips, drawing Chrollo's eyes down. They were cracked, scabbed over where Kurapika would nibble at them. Did he bite at them when he was nervous, Chrollo wondered, or absently when he had nothing to do? How soft were they, how would they feel against his own? Kurapika's gentle hand on his cheek startled Chrollo from his thoughts before they could go off on a further tangent.  “.. You've grown up, Pairo.”

Chrollo didn't know who Pairo was, nor did he particularly care. Kurapika's hand pulled him closer, and he leaned with it. He didn't know why- there was nothing rational to explain his compliance. But he craned his neck, letting himself inch closer and closer. Their foreheads met with a soft press and he could feel the warmth of the blond's fever seeping through his golden bangs, warming his own skin. Kurapika's eyes had fluttered closed but Chrollo's stayed open, focusing diligently on his every pore, mapping the finite details of his face.

“I missed you,” The blond murmured it quietly, his breath tickling against Chrollo's chin. Carefully, Chrollo stayed silent. When Kurapika opened his eyes again, they seemed to focus more clearly as they met Chrollo's stare.

“Wha-!”

That seemed to break the spell- and Kurapika’s eyes lit up with clarity. The blond reared back dramatically, and it all went downhill from there. It seemed his natural reaction to an almost-kiss from Chrollo was fleeing his arms and gaining distance between them- both understandable and smart- but instead of solid ground there was only a bathtub, full to the brim with steaming water intended for a relaxing bath. There was nowhere to go but down, and the teen flailed as he gracelessly fell into the bath water unprepared.

 

Chapter 5: Warmth

Warm water filled Kurapika’s throat and lungs and had the young man sputtering for air. Hands flailed briefly before landing on the porcelain edges of the bathtub, and he finally brought his head above water to gasp and cough. Kurapika- offended, wet, and confused- glared up at the very obvious adversary standing at the tub's side. Chrollo had the cheekiest smirk dancing on his lips, and he just barely tried hiding it when Kurapika’s eyes narrowed.

 

“You bastard-” Kurapika’s angry chastising was interrupted with hoarse coughing. He'd taken in some water just now, when he had fallen in; it made his sinuses burn with discomfort even as he tried to clear his lungs and it was bringing frustrated tears to his eyes. Falling in was actually a part of the problem here. And the culprit of this problem only stood there, calmly as if this was hardly an issue.

 

“I don't know why you're not dead already,” The young man fought through the persistent urge to cough again, even as it tickled his throat, “You violated the rules of our contract, you just threw me in here and-” His accusation cut off with a sudden, rough sneeze. And that was finally the last of it. Some peace for his burning sinuses.

 

“I didn't do all of this,” Chrollo took advantage of the calm to speak up, “I didn't make you break out of my arms so violently.” Kurapika heard him closer, suddenly; when he looked he saw the man had crouched to Kurapika’s level in the tub. “As much as I enjoy your emotional outbursts, you have to realize you're the one at fault here.”

 

That had Kurapika fuming all over again. He rose from the water to his feet. “How dare you!”

 

“Kurapika-” Chrollo gazed up at him, still crouched at the floor. The blond didn't give him time for another word. 

 

“You think you can say that anything is my fault after all you've done? To me, to the world? If anything- you should be realizing all of the rage, and confusion– everything ,” Kurapika’s voice trembled with a vulnerability he didn't want to expose, but it was difficult to stop it once it had started. Surely Kurapika was frustrated with the situation at hand but that wasn't enough, it wasn't enough for that to be the only thing Kurapika addressed. Chrollo's mouth opened, Kurapika cut him off, “As far as I'm concerned, everything wrong in my world is because of you, so you don't get to put the blame for anything on me!”

 

The Spider's mouth was agape, ever so slightly, and Kurapika felt pride swell in his chest that he’d put such a dumbfounded expression on the man's face. He doubted this would do any good; who could talk a mass murderer and thief out of his natural habits so easily? If at all. But it was good to see him take pause. See? He wasn’t so impressive knelt there on the floor like that, the sight itself was making him light in the chest and-

 

Wait, no. That's not what was supposed to happen. Neither was his loss of focus; his vision trembled in a way that was sickening and he noticed too late that his balance was leaving him next- 

 

The entire world disappeared on him as gravity took its hold, his feet falling out from beneath him. He expected the painful hit of porcelain on his jaw any moment, but instead he came to with a solid wall of warmth propping him up. Arms around him, caging him in against the Spider's body, making Kurapika all too aware of the strong musculature he was suddenly nuzzled up against. It was impossible not to remember Chrollo's physique when pressed so close- something he had strictly paid attention to for the sake of assessing the man's strength.. But now, though his mind was solidly aware of who he was leaning on, his heart skipped a beat out of horrific snow of utter betrayal.

 

Kurapika wanted to push himself away. He tried, and his muscles trembled with the effort of pushing at Chrollo's chest, but he couldn't get away. The humility of being so weak didn’t stop him from continuing to try. “Let… Let me go!” He growled, weakly, but his lack of strength downplayed any authority he had in his voice.

 

“Should I?” Chrollo's voice was shockingly close- it startled Kurapika, hearing it right in his ear. It made his skin prickle with goosebumps, stiff down to his core. 

 

“Obviously!” Again- Kurapika was betrayed with the slightest trembling in his voice. 

 

“And would you even have the strength to stand on your own?”

 

Shame made him bite his lip. Chrollo didn't bother waiting for Kurapika's answer, instead he continued on his own tangent, “Do you know that you've been bedridden for three days? No food or medicine, you've refused it all. Just a raging fever slowly bringing you to the brink of death.” Chrollo reminded Kurapika of his foolishness with a stern, solid voice. Kurapika didn't need him of all people to be the one telling him he was irresponsible, but somehow it still stung. “I've been doing my part, trying to get you to take something, but your petty childishness has gotten you to this point and now you're vulnerable.”

 

That remark was enough to bring Kurapika some clarity. As much as he loathed to admit it, Chrollo Lucilfer was correct in scolding him for the behavior he'd had. Kurapika had let himself fall into weakness, and that had caused him only more harm, keeping him from recovering. Even now, as he was held up, he could feel the weakness in his knees and how they wouldn't be able to keep him standing on their own.

 

“.. Fine,” He had stopped trying to push away- though he was still uncomfortable being so close.. “Enough of this, I understand what you're saying. So let me go.”

 

Silence. Chrollo's arms stayed around Kurapika, enveloping his smaller frame easily. They both knew the blond couldn't fight his way out of the man's hold in his current state. Was Chrollo really going to make Kurapika try again regardless?

 

Kurapika's voice grew with an edge of impatience, “Hey, I told you already, I understand-”

 

Chrollo's right hand made a suspicious movement down, along the curve of Kurapika's exposed spine, and it made the breath hitch in the back of the blond's throat. No, he wasn't.. Kurapika reasoned internally, but Chrollo's wandering hand only went further. It was far from innocent- a purposeful descent as his fingertips tickled over the swell of Kurapika's behind. 

 

“You're weaker than the last time we met, aren't you?” Chrollo's voice was shockingly casual, as if ignorant of his fondling hands. Kurapika could nearly feel a blood vessel threatening to burst. “How do you expect to kill me and the troupe with such a thin body?”

 

The Spider's hand threatened going further and Kurapika's tolerance for nonsense snapped- His palm met Chrollo's cheek with a harsh, determined slap. He didn't know how he'd mustered the strength for it when he was struggling to even stand on his own two feet, but his hand throbbed with a sting. Chrollo hadn’t fought the slap- he'd accepted it, head turned to the side from the force. Blood beaded at the split in his lip. 

 

Adrenaline and bewilderment had Kurapika shaken, and he renewed his efforts to get out of Chrollo's hold. Wordlessly, the man let his body slip away, and Kurapika pressed his back to the bathroom's tile wall to keep himself standing. It was cold enough to rattle his bones with a shiver, but it was preferable to the Spider's support. He eyed Chrollo with a mix of emotions; anger, confusion, suspicion. When Chrollo's eyes turned to him, meeting his own, he could feel the hairs on his neck stand on end. 

 

His easy smile had Kurapika's words stuck in his throat.

 

The blond expected another assault, being pinned and violated further and though he was weak, he was ready to fight for his life against it. To him, Chrollo radiated danger, he scolded himself for letting this go so far, for agreeing to this entire set up because of course the Spider was going to take advantage of him in some way–

 

“Our food has probably grown cold,” Were the first words from Chrollo's lips. Kurapika didn't know how to respond to that.

 

“.. What?”

 

“When I found you collapsed, I was bringing dinner down. It's probably gotten too cold to eat by now.” Chrollo stepped away from the tub, turning his back. He pulled a bath towel from a cupboard and draped it over the rack on the wall. “When you're done in the bath, you're going to be hungry, aren't you?” Kurapika's brows furrowed as he watched, refusing to let his guard down no matter how much he wanted to rest his body. Was the man planning on acting as if this hadn't even happened?

 

“.. These kinds of tricks aren't going to work on me,” Kurapika dug in his heels, not letting the issue slip away so easily. Whatever ridiculous plan he was certain Chrollo had, he wanted to nip it in the bud. “I'm not so weak willed that you can wear me down. I'm committed to my revenge, and I will kill you, eventually.” Kurapika knew Chrollo would realize he wasn't talking only about the incident in the bath. He was talking about anything Chrollo had in store, anything he would think of during the time of their contract. Anything he could have planned in advance.

 

Chrollo  paused at the bathroom door, hand on the knob and ready to leave. His expression was unnervingly pleasant, an easy smirk on his lips as if he'd heard exactly what he wanted. “So be it,” He turned the knob, letting himself out. 

 

“Oh,” Kurapika stiffened as the door cracked open again. Chrollo's voice came from the other side, but he remained unseen, “I'll leave some clothes for you outside of the bathroom door. Don't take too long, I'll warm the food and wait for you out here.”

 

The door closed again, and Kurapika's weak muscles burned as he waited another 5 seconds… 10 seconds… to make certain Chrollo was gone. Finally, the blond let himself relax.

 

He eased into the warm water and savored the soothing heat, feeling it ease the stiffness in his muscles and joints. Lying sick in bed for days had him on the verge of developing bed sores but he could already feel some of his strength returning to him with a taste of proper relief. From his perspective in the bathtub, he could see there were plenty of toiletries. It was an eclectic collection of things, older and newer bottles, nothing full, but everything usable. Shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, even lotions and bubble baths. As Kurapika lathered soap into his hair, breathing in the light and floral fragrance, he pondered his next moves. 

 

How to make the most of his time here, and make up for the days he'd been sick. 

 

Out of spite alone, Kurapika took the time to be thorough during his bath. He washed and rinsed his hair, scrubbed the dirt and sweat from his skin, all the while enjoying the heat of the warm water. Every time he remembered Chrollo's request- not to take too long in the bath- he would add some more hot water with the tap just to extend the inevitable time it would take the water to cool. When he once more felt pleasantly clean for the first time in days, he let himself lounge and get lost in thought until finally the water grew much too cold to justify staying any longer.

 

 He hadn't once been disturbed since Chrollo had left, but when he peeked into the hall he found a set of clothes folded neatly on the floor beside the door frame. They were simple clothes,  plain and thin cotton meant for sleep and lounging, and they were too big for him by just a size. After drying his hair he got dressed, tied the waistband of the pants to keep them from slipping down his hip, and stepped out of the bathroom into the short hall. 

 

The layout of the basement ‘suite’ was simple; Starting from the other end of the room there was a single person bed tucked into the corner and a closet built into the wall at the foot of it. Beside the bed on its right side was what could be seen as a dining area- two chairs sharing a small circular table, that's where Kurapika and Chrollo had created and signed the contract they were now locked into. The short hall that led to the bathroom door was only a few steps from the dining table, where Kurapika noticed Chrollo was sitting patiently with what looked to be a small journal in his hands, eyes skimming across the pages. Belatedly, the fragrant scent of something savory, herbal, reached Kurapika's nose and had his mouth watering. Though his fever was still there, he could feel the appetite he had been lacking quickly returning with a vengeance that made his empty stomach growl. Chrollo's gaze lifted as Kurapika approached to pull out his own chair. The split in his lip Kurapika had made was still red.

 

“You found the clothes.”

 

Kurapika's eyes flickered toward Chrollo, briefly meeting his stare, but felt no need responding to the observation. The man didn't press.

 

The soup was still warm, and the bread toasted. Kurapika didn't expect it, with how long he had taken in the bath, but.. if Chrollo had anticipated his defiance, it made sense. Overall it was a pleasant meal that was gentle on the stomach and Kurapika was grateful for the soothing heat down his throat. Though he was starved, the blond knew not to gorge himself and risk losing everything in his stomach so he took it in slow and small mouthfuls. Chrollo seemed to match his pace but not for the same reason; He was reading through more of the small journal he hadn't put away yet, clearly too interested to be putting it away. Kurapika felt envious that the Spider had something to read to pass the time while he didn't. What was the point to Chrollo even eating down here, he wondered.

 

Regardless, he was grateful for silence rather than the alternative-

 

“Is it good?”

 

Internally, Kurapika sighed. He'd spoken too soon..

 

When he looked up again, Chrollo's unsettling gaze was on him, expectant. He had put the journal away and his eyes stayed solely on Kurapika. The blond didn't want to answer, he didn't see much of a need for it. Whether he liked it or not, he was eating it because he needed the strength. But Chrollo seemed unwilling to let it go. So Kurapika shrugged, unwilling to confirm or deny.

 

In response, Chrollo's expression softened just the slightest. It was only in the minute details; His lips curled at the corners, eyes twinkled with something- amusement, maybe. Kurapika hated it. Everything he did or didn't do, it brought Chrollo some kind of entertainment, somehow. Even his defiance.

 

“Would it hurt to respond to a question from me?” The words were near aggressive, but his tone was light. Playful. He didn't mean it in the slightest.

 

The blond returned his attention to his meal, “Yes.”

 

He couldn't see Chrollo's expression, but by the sound of his chuckle, he could guess he was smiling more openly now. Kurapika refused to look.

 

“Will you have the strength to walk around tomorrow?” Chrollo changed the subject. 

 

Kurapika gave it some consideration. Soon after waking up he had felt considerably weak, having difficulty properly focusing, but now that he had proper time to gain his senses he concentrated on his body. With proper medicine and rest.. He could power through it enough.

 

“I’ll be fine.” 

 

Chrollo let the silence take over, giving Kurapika the peace he needed to finish his meal with a settled stomach. Chrollo also finished, and quickly gathered the dishes. 

 

“I'll wake you in the morning with breakfast,” The dishes gently clacked together as he stacked them, putting them on the tray he had used to bring them into the basement, “Just sleep until then.”

 

With the weight of food warming his stomach, Kurapika could feel the fatigue that persisted make his eyelids grow heavy. He had no protests for Chrollo's proposition, so he said nothing at all. Chrollo opened the door to the basement suite, a large and wooden door that creaked as it moved, and left the blond to his own devices for the night.