I didnât have that much time this week, but I managed to write something? Originally for the Candles prompt but it has a bit of other stuff :)
When had the sky become so dark?
Kurapika looked up at the ominous storm clouds. Rain fell onto his eyes, a few drops landing into his eye. He blinked and wiped his face in annoyance. He felt restless, hungry, and lost. Mostly lost.
The splattering of the rain on the forest ground had become comforting to his ears, although his damp clothes didnât feel so good. He grimaced as he stepped into a soggy patch of wet leaves and mud. It was getting increasingly more difficult to find his way through the woods.
âIt doesnât seem like the rain is going to stop soon,â he spoke aloud, looking up at the sky again.
His shoes made some squishing noises as he maneuvered around in the mud. Leaning against a tree, he closed his eyes briefly. A familiar warmth encircled his right hand, and Kurapika felt safe for a second. The dowsing chain dangled in front of him, swaying back and forth gently. Kurapika moved his arm to the side, and the chain continued to swing. The chains disappeared and Kurapika was overwashed with frustration. Why werenât his chains working? Senritsu would be worried dead by now, although his happy-go-lucky boss wouldnât care at all. Even if he died, he doubted the brat would be the slightest bit concerned. Kurapika scowled. The spoiled girl was always getting him in some kind of trouble with her whims. He was never going camping again.
Fuming quietly, Kurapika trudged on again.
Kurapika was soaked. His thin T-shirt clung to his wet skin. The rain was falling even harder now, the sound almost deafening to his ears. Am I just aimlessly wandering around in circles? I canât tell anything apart. Perhaps I should find shelter and continue on in the morning, he thought, his mind now focused on finding a refuge from the rain.
He could barely see anything, just vague shapes swimming in front of his eyes. Suddenly the ground in front of him was illuminated with a blinding flash of white, and Kurapika blinked rapidly from the change of light. Lighting was flashing across the clouds. However short it lasted, it helped the blonde see a path in the dark.
The lightning flashed through the woods once again, and Kurapika spotted a silhouette in the rain. Were his eyes deceiving him? Kurapika stumbled towards the shadowy figure.
Kurapikaâs eyes were blazing scarlet, an eerie sight in the dim forest. His heart was pounding loudly, Kurta blood rushing through his body hot and fast. He clenched his fists, chains appearing immediately.
The man was wearing casual clothes, black jeans and a fur-lined coat. His hair was down with wet bangs plastered over his forehead. The most prominent feature were his deep, probing eyes, staring right back at Kurapika.
This canât be real. Heâs not supposed to be here! Is this just an illusion? Kurapika stood frozen in place, adrenaline pumping through his body. And yet the man before him looked so tangible, so real.
The figure finally spoke, stepping closer. He had an air of confidence about him, his movements fluid and natural.
Kurapikaâs scarlet eyes glowed even brighter and his legs remembered to move. He lunged at the Spider, chain jail twisting into a deadly arc. However, the attack struck nothing. Kuroro had vanished.
Kurapika was alone in the rain again. His heart was still beating loudly, but the red in his eyes was fading quickly. The burst of anger had taken some of energy out of him. He felt even more cold and miserable now.
Icy-cold water was seeping into his shoes, and his toes were almost numb with cold. Kurapika walked noiselessly in the pitch black forest. The rain had died down a little, but the temperature had dropped drastically and Kurapika was freezing. Rain droplets rolled down his face, dripping from his hair into his eyes.
Kurapikaâs legs were frozen stiff and his joints were aching. Perhaps I should really rest now⌠he thought, barely keeping himself from collapsing on the ground as he sat down beneath a tree. The blonde leaned his head back against the wet bark, closing his eyes. His arms were wrapped around his body, trying to preserve some warmth. Kurapika felt very lethargic, the beginnings of a headache forming. His vision blurred and it felt like he was staring into a dark abyss when he opened his eyes again. It doesnât hurt to sleep a bit⌠Kurapika closed his eyes again, surrendering to the awaiting darkness. Â
Kurapikaâs eyelids fluttered open again, and he blearily took in his surroundings. It had stopped raining, but Kurapika could still feel a feather light drizzle on his arms. The whole peacefulness of everything was making him drowsy again.
âH-have toâŚ. stay⌠awake..â the Kurta murmured, trying to open his eyes wide in an effort not to close them. He lifted his hands up to his neck, futilely trying to warm them up.
Nen! he suddenly thought, and with a bit effort he was enshrouded in a golden aura. It did help a bit with the coldness problem, although it was still chilly. Kurapika could feel the warmth flow slowly throughout his body, a tingling feeling spreading in his numb fingers and toes.
It was getting hard to maintain the steady ten shroud. Kurapika felt even more drained than before, but considerably warmer. It should be safe to remove it for a while, Kurapika thought, carefully withdrawing his aura. Immediately, he was hit with an incredible loss of power. The cold was speeding up his energy loss. Exactly then, fate decided to blow a gust of frosty wind directly at him, making his life even more shitty. Kurapika curled up into a small ball, trying to shield himself from the relentless forces of nature. The blonde saw a single white snowflake gently float down from the sky as he drifted off.
Kurapika was drifting in and out of consciousness. There was something wet and cold on his hair with a fluffy, starchy texture.
There were some blueish-white patches rapidly piling up beside him. If it were even possible, Kurapika felt even colder than before. His lips curved into a bitter smile. It was almost amusing the simple way he was going to die. He had killed two members of the most notorious criminal gang in the world and left the leader practically defenseless (for a while at least). He had risen through the ranks of the underworld community, his name often whispered among the mafia. He still had so much left to do, collect the rest of the Scarlet eyes, take revenge on the Troupe, maybe even take a break and hang out with his friends.
I donât want it to end here⌠Gon, Killua, LeorioâŚ.
The hallucinations began. It started with warm, bright memories of happy times. Then all Kurapika could see was red. His clanâs bodies covered with scarlet blood, his motherâs fair hair dripping with red, the sky itself with an ominous red tint. Kurapika forgot how to breathe, and his chains were choking him, a clash of silver in all the red. It felt like he was falling, but there was nowhere to fall down to. He cried out as he saw Uvoginâs lifeless body half buried in the dirt and Kuroroâs dark eyes staring balefully at him.
Kurapika didnât know how much time passed, but it felt like an eternal struggle as he faded in and out of consciousness. This shouldnât be happening! I canât die here, and in such a stupid manner! Kurapika gritted his teeth, trying to pull himself together. Before his eyes appeared a blurry dark shape. His vision cleared and there was a man leaning over him.
Not him again! Kurapika groaned, turning his head to the side so he wouldnât have to look at Kuroro. The situation was so embarrassing with Kurapika being almost completely immobile.
The Spider knelt down until his face was just inches from Kurapika. Kurapikaâs eyes flitted quickly to meet Kuroroâs and he looked away again. The dark-haired man shifted again, this time putting his hands on Kurapikaâs shoulders. The blonde shuddered, eyes snapping back to watch Kuroro carefully.
Kurapika could feel the warmth of Kuroroâs hands through his wet shirt. His touch was light but it felt secure and safe âŚSafe?
âGet away from me,â Kurapika growled feebly. His arms were shaking, but he tried to push Kuroroâs hands away from his body. The man wasnât budging and Kurapikaâs annoyance resurfaced. Â
âYouâre going to die,â Kuroro stated simply.
Kurapika wanted desperately to reply, but his eyes were closing again, a wave of drowsiness washing over him. Weakly, he tried to shove Kuroro away again as he went out of consciousness.
It didnât turn out to be such a bad day after all. Well, he did get lost in the woods, but he had found some company. Not the ideal company, as the boy who was passed out beside him wanted to kill him. Kuroro studied the pale face again. The Kurta looked so young and vulnerable in his position, like a little porcelain doll. His delicate features looked fairy-like, complete with pale golden hair and frost-covered eyelashes. Kurapika himself was a work of art, but the most special part of him was resting beneath his eyelids.
Kuroro took Kurapika into his arms, carrying him bridal-style. The blondeâs body was stiff and frozen. He had never seen the strong-willed teen in such a fragile way. Kuroro thought about the Scarlet eyes heâd just seen. The red was slow to react this time, slowly bleeding into his chocolate brown eyes.
I would like to see them again, Kuroro thought, walking to the direction of his shelter with the Kurta cradled against him. A cave was just some 50 meters away.
Kuroro squeezed through the uncomfortably small entrance of the cave, pushing Kurapika in first. The boy lay on the floor limply. Kuroro pulled himself over to him.
âYouâre lucky. I donât think I could ever bring myself to kill you,â Kuroro whispered to Kurapika as he brushed some snow off the blonde hair. He examined Kurapikaâs right hand, fingers touching the wrist where the chains would be. The hand was so small and delicate, like the rest of him. He wondered how the kid had the strength to do anything. Was he just running on spite and anger?
Suddenly the blonde made a little noise, shivering slightly. There came another plaintive cry, but louder this time. Kuroro lifted the Kurta into his lap, resting the soft blonde head against his chest and wrapping his arms around the slender boy in an effort to warm him up.
Nightmares? Hallucinations? Kuroro mused. Here was another side of Kurapika. The one that was weak and needy for support. The traumatized part of him that he wouldnât let anyone see.
Kuroro leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes in preparation for a nap. Kurapika made another small noise. Kuroro sighed, adjusting his position so that his chin was resting on top of Kurapikaâs head. He caught a trace of Kurapikaâs scent. He smelled subtly of pine needles but there was also a floral hint to it, like wild roses. Kuroro didnât know what it was, but Kurapika smelled good. He closed eyes in content, also drifting off to sleep. If it were just a bit warmer, everything would be perfect.
Kurapika woke up feeling considerably warmer. The second thing he registered was that he was nestled up against something solid and hard.
Kurapika froze. It was Kuroroâs voice, coming from right above him.
Ah. He was sleeping with the man who killed his family.
The loosely entwined hands behind his back gripped his shirt suddenly.
âYour shirt is still damp,â Kuroro said, and Kurapika squirmed in his arms to gaze up at the Spider. There was a concerned frown on his face.
Kurapika was confused, but his anger rose along with his frustration. âWhat are you, my mother?â he snapped at the man. âWhat did you do to me?â
Kuroro blinked at the outburst. âRelax. I didnât do anything to you. You were almost dead when I reached you, so I took you to this cave. And well, I had to keep you warm some way. Think of this as a symbiotic relationship. Weâre helping each other out by sharing body heat. I donât want to this either, but itâs for survival.â
   At Kurapikaâs thoughtful scowl, he added, âAlthough itâs actually more like a parasitic relationship because youâre taking all the warmth and not giving me anything in return.â
   Kurapika let himself be pulled in closer, fighting against his instinct to kick Kuroro and run away. Iâm doing this for survival. Nothing else. Iâm going to live, and then after all this ends Iâll go beat up the bastard. His entire body stiffened as Kuroro ran a hand down his back.
   âWhat are you-â
   âShhhhhhh,â Kuroro coaxed. âJust rest.â
   The stroking continued along with Kuroroâs calm, soothing voice and Kurapikaâs tense muscles gradually eased. He was feeling a bit sleepy again. His last thought before he fell asleep was that Kuroro smelled awfully good and no, he didnât like it at all.
Kuroro died a little inside.
He didnât quite expect it to turn out like this. The boy was like a toxic, addictive drug.
The more he stayed around the Kurta, the more he found himself falling for him. He liked the more docile side of Kurapika. He looked so sweet and innocent. The other side appealed to him too. He fit the traits of someone he would recruit into the Troupe, strong, clever and quick to act.
Time to take care of his clothes⌠Kuroro carefully extracted himself from their embrace and stared at the boy sleeping on the floor. With quick, precise movements he lifted Kurapikaâs arms above his head and pulled his shirt off. Kuroro had seen enough shirtless men to last him a lifetime; he was certainly not going to ogle over Kurapikaâs milky, flawless skin.
After a brief internal struggle, Kuroro decided it would be best for the blonde if his soaked pants were also removed. They were made of thicker material than the shirt and would dry slower. The pants slid off Kurapikaâs narrow hips easily despite the wetness. The blonde exhaled sharply through his nose and Kuroro froze. Kurapika didnât wake up and after a few seconds, he discreetly touched Kurapikaâs boxers. At least his underwear was dry, but even if they were wet Kuroro wouldnât have removed them. He got a chill thinking about how angry the Kurta would be if he did take them off.
Kuroro examined Kurapikaâs body. He had a slight build but well-defined, lean muscles. It was obvious he had gone through rigorous physical training before.
It looks like heâs getting cold again, Kuroro thought as he saw the blonde shift uncomfortably in his sleep.
âOh, my coat.â Kuroro shrugged off his jacket, draping it over Kurapikaâs shoulders. Instinctively, the boy curled up, snuggling into the fluffy linen of the coat.
It felt even better than before. Kurapika woke up wrapped in some kind of warm, thick blanket. Maybe if I fall asleep again Iâll wake up in a nice hotel room, Kurapika thought, not wanting to move. His hands went up to touch the blanket, finding out that it was actually a coat. It was black with a fur lining. Kuroroâs coat.
Kurapika jolted up with the realization. The moment the coat started to slip off his shoulders Kurapikaâs eyes went wide. Where⌠did his own clothes go?
He looked around in bewilderment to find Kuroro sitting a few feet away.
âKuroro! What is the meaning of this?!â he called out to the Spider.
The man turned, meeting Kurapikaâs angry red eyes.
Kurapika seethed as he caught a glimmer of amusement in Kuroroâs dark eyes.
âYour clothes were wet so I removed them. Itâs probably one of the reasons why you were so cold. Theyâre over there.â Kuroro gestured to a corner of the cave, where the small pile of clothing lay.
Kurapika narrowed his eyes at him, but his face was heating up uncontrollably. The way he said that, so nonchalantly! Does he know anything about privacy?
His attention was turned towards the objects in Kuroroâs hands.
âCandlesticks?â he asked aloud.
âMmhm, Iâm trying to get some light in here,â Kuroro replied, reaching into his pocket and taking out a box of matches. Kurapika raised his eyebrows, he didnât think Kuroro was the type of person to carry around so much stuff.
Kuroro attempted to strike the match, but the small flicker of flame he produced died out quickly. The tip of the match quickly charred and turned black.
âItâs a bit damp,â Kuroro remarked, throwing the match away and fishing out another one. Kurapika scoffed, a smile forming on his lips despite himself. Apparently there were things even the great Phantom Troupe leader couldnât do.
Kurapika watched as Kuroro failed again. He thought back to the time where he was freezing to death in the forest. He had tried using nen to warm him up. Oh right. Maybe that could work in this case too?
âTry using your nen,â Kurapika suggested, the words leaving his mouth before he could stop them. Damn it, why was he trying to help out his enemy?
Kuroro looked at him with a surprised expression on his face. There was a pause and then Kurapika could feel an aura emanating from Kuroro. The energy rushed to his hand and shot out, a spark connecting the tip of his finger to the match. A small flame burst out, burning bright and steadily.
Kuroro turned to Kurapika again, this time with a wide grin on his face. He lit the candle with the fire from the match, setting a soft glow to the dark cave walls. Setting a few more on the floor, he continued lighting them. Meanwhile Kurapika crawled over to where his clothes were. The moment he reached out for them, Kuroro was in front of him in a flash, snatching the clothes away. Kurapika made an indignant little noise, glaring at the man.
âTheyâre not dry yet. Youâll freeze up again,â Kuroro stated simply.
Kurapika willed his eyes to blaze up even brighter. He knew the eerie effect it had in the dark.
âI donât care. I want to get out of here.â
âYou know youâre stuck here with me for a long while, unless you want to die. We might as well get along for now,â Kuroro replied.
âIâd much rather die,â Kurapika snarled.
He tried to stand up but Kuroro abruptly shoved him down to the ground.
âIâm not letting you,â he said sternly, hovering over the blonde.
âYouâre too weak to even stand up,â Kuroro laughed at him, malice in his voice. His eyes were serious, deadly. Kurapika just then realized how dangerous the Spider was. He could kill him in an instant, do anything to him. Kuroro let go of Kurapika roughly, moving closer to the candlelight again. There was an awkward silence, Kuroro staring intensely at the fire and Kurapika glowering at him.
I donât want to go on forever like this, just glaring daggers at each other, Kuroro thought, enveloping himself in his nen again. Kurapika fidgeted. Kuroro glanced at him momentarily, the Kurtaâs eyes were still red and he was studying Kuroro cautiously. Banditâs Secret appeared in his hand and Kurapika became still, ready to spring up at a momentâs notice. He flipped through the pages slowly, savoring Kurapikaâs full attention on him. He finally found what he was looking for and took out a book from within the Fun Fun Cloth. Kurapika stood as taut as a bow string.
Kuroroâs nen faded and Banditâs Secret disappeared. Kurapika was still alert, but visibly more relaxed. He looked more curious now, tilting his head to the side to look at the book Kuroro took out. The Spider placed the book close to the light and quickly found a chapter that interested him. Kuroro started reading to pass the time, ignoring Kurapikaâs watchful presence.
It had been maybe about 20 minutes when Kurapika spoke up.
âDo you really carry candles around with you all the time?â
There was a pause and then Kuroroâs deep laughter filled the cave.
âIs that really the first question youâre asking me?â Kuroro chuckled, finding the boy very endearing. The Kurta looked slightly miffed but didnât snap at him. Kuroro took that as a good sign that Kurapika was warming up to him. After all, he had just initiated conversation.
âYes I do, to answer your question,â Kuroro replied.
Banditâs Secret materialized in his hand again and he pulled out a second book.
âI also carry two books on me at all times, just in case thereâs someone with me,â he informed the blonde.
Kurapika meticulously looked over the other book from a distance. He looked a bit skeptical as his eyes flickered to Kuroroâs face. His eyes werenât scarlet anymore; they were back to a warm, soft brown.
âThatâs a lie, you selfish piece of shit. You only carry another one just in case you finish the first and get bored,â Kurapika said finally.
Kuroro laughed even louder this time. Kurapika saw right through him. He really could read Kuroro well. Kuroroâs eyes met Kurapikaâs again. Was it just his imagination, or was there a hint of a smirk on the Kurtaâs face?
âSo do you want to read it or not?â
Kurapika stayed quiet for a while. Kuroro could hear his own heart beat loudly, his pace rapidly quickening. In one swift movement, the blonde was next to him, gently taking the book from his hand. He turned the book around in his elegant hands, examining the cover and contents. Kurapika seemed satisfied and he flipped to the first page, already engrossed in reading. Upon noticing that Kuroro was still watching him, he looked up from the book.
âDonât get me wrong. Iâm only doing this because I have nothing better to do,â Kurapika explained.
This time it was Kuroro who closed his eyes, smirking lightly. He could read all of the Kurtaâs thoughts perfectly too. They continued reading their books in silence. The candlelight flickered, sending shadows flitting across the walls. The only sound was the comforting crackle of pages as they were turned. Kuroro caught sight of Kurapika, his breath catching in his throat. Kurapikaâs doll-like face was lit up by the warm glow of the candlelight, making him appear healthy and well, the complete opposite of what he was like just a few hours ago. There was a perpetual thoughtful look on his face, like he was always considering something. Soft blonde hair shone like gold in the light. Kuroro wanted to stay there forever looking at his treasure. He realized he was staring at him for too long and looked down at his book again.
The book was very interesting, Kurapika decided.
And it wasnât that bad of a day either, he thought as he turned another page. He could feel the Spider looking at him, and the feeling sent a thrill up his spine. No, that wasnât supposed to happen. Then yet again, none of this was supposed to happen. When Kuroro was immersed in his book again, Kurapika curiously looked up.
Oops, a mistake. He regretted that.
In the lighting, the man looked younger and his features seemed softer. Kurapika had a sudden urge to touch Kuroroâs silky-looking raven hair. He was, literally, seeing the Spider in a new light. Kurapika had thought about it for a long time. Why had Kuroro saved him? Why was he acting so⌠nice? Some secret motive of his? There were several complicated theories he had about the matter, but in the end, he listened to his intuition. Maybe, there was just something special between the two of them, an undeniable attraction. Kurapika was conflicted on what to think, damn it, the man had killed his clan. But of course if that never happened, Kurapika wouldnât be here today, feeling warm and strangely happy.
Nevermind, he thought, switching to the book again. I donât regret anything.
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