dumbshow | answer your god damn phone

[While every other member up there tenses at Leorio's long strides forward, Kurapika raises a hand to ease them. He'd already told them, before Leorio had arrived. This was a friend. A trusted comrade who would never betray them. And he'd know if it wasn't him or if he was being controlled right away.

He already knows, and despite his tired face, the corner of his lips twitches and he almost hints at a smile. Almost. He covers his mouth with his hand for a small cough and nods for Leorio to follow.]

Come on.

[As they step towards the stairs, the rest of them stay behind on the roof to survey the airship and wrap things up. Meanwhile, on the top floor, he leads them to the elevator.]

A handful of the workers here have come down with an illness no one can recognize. [Right to the point, finally, after that long flight. He doesn't look at Leorio as he walks, too focused ahead for now.] At first, we thought it was a normal flu. It started the same, but just the other week, one of our workers died.

Since then, four more have passed, and it's been spreading even with our best efforts to keep it contained. [Now, he looks to Leorio, his first regretful expression making its way onto his face.]

I'm sorry that I couldn't let you know of the danger ahead of time. There's a good chance that you could catch it, as well. If you're worried, I can arrange to have you sent back immediately...

[Leorio looks at Kurapika almost the entire time they walk. He can't help it, after all that time spent having his calls ignored, to suddenly be walking alongside him now- Why wouldn't he? He wants to suss out the things Kurapika won't tell him or anyone, pinpoint what things are different about him and what stayed the same, wonder exactly how long Kurapika has looked so tired and if anyone here has even noticed—

Died?

Leorio blinks abruptly back into the conversation and listens with more focus. They need a doctor? But he isn't- not yet- This isn't good. He has nothing to do with the Nostrade family, he doesn't want anything to do with the Nostrade family and if Kurapika tries to put him back on that airship than Leorio will drag him aboard too— but if people are dying, then... he has to do something. This isn't the kind of "someone else's problem" he can ignore with a clear conscience - damn.

First, though, he scoffs and waves his free hand carelessly.] Don't be an idiot. I'm already here, aren't I? And you're already trying to get rid of me.

[For the most part he manages to keep his voice casual, save for a falter at the end that he'll pretend didn't happen. He looks Kurapika full in the face then, brow creased in concern. He'll have time to be angry later-] Are you sure you're okay? You look pretty terrible, y'know.

No, I'm not. [It was just an honest concern, but he doesn't underline that part.] I'm the one who called you here, aren't I?

[That should have been enough of a sign. But Leorio's clueless as usual. There are shadows under his eyes and lines on his face and the only thing that's not a mess on him right now is his suit. He lets those worried comments register for a few seconds before he completes his first though, and even that is spoken in a soft volume.]

You're the only one I can rely on right now.

[So, he's being selfish here. He wants him to stay.

The elevator door opens, and he walks in, waiting for Leorio to follow before the doors close and he hits the lowest floor of the building. Right, though--]

I just haven't been able to sleep much since this started to happen. And-- [He pauses, searching for a way to word this lightly. There is none.] Melody is one of the ones who are sick.

[So maybe he's a little worried. That's all.]

[That's—much more than Leorio can say he was expecting. It's all things he would have inferred, sooner or later (he tells himself, anyway), and having Kurapika actually say them only drives home exactly how bad things are here. Leorio isn't sure how to respond; it feels a little cheap to tell him he can always rely on him and should do it more often, given the circumstances, so- he doesn't respond, following him into the elevator in thoughtful silence. Kurapika is tired but he isn't near death, and that's going to concern him just a little more than the sick family members until he can see them.

That is until the rest hits him like a punch to the gut; Melody? He barely knows her, but in the short time they were both with her last she managed to convince him someone in this shady business might be okay. More than okay. If anyone were to notice Kurapika's sorry state it would be her—

Leorio looks down and away, gritting his teeth. It's only for a second, before he resolves to put aside the feelings of being profoundly not the right man for this job and looks at Kurapika again with renewed determination.]

I'll help. I'll do anything I can. Kurapika— [He puts a hand on Kurapika's shoulder and squeezes, a little too hard- there are too many emotions threatening to spill out of him right now to say what he wants to say so he hopes this will get his point across, You're not alone.

And he's totally not going to cry. Not right now.]

[I don't want to lose another friend.

With that thought, his hands curl tightly at his sides as he stares holes in the buttons lighting their way down in the elevator. But Leorio's words pull him out of his own thoughts. After that squeeze to his shoulder, he turns his head, watching in silent surprise. No, maybe not surprise... wonder?

Looking more determined again, even though his worry, he nods firmly. No words necessary for that, right? He knows Leorio must understand the way he's feeling. And to put this weight on him is really too much, but... They were friends, after all. No matter how much he tried to put that out of the way and worry about it, fear for it, shelter it-- it was true. And he was lucky.

The elevator bell chimes and the doors slide open just as Kurapika covers another single cough with his hand (it's more like clearing his throat, a quick motion), and then he motions for Leorio to follow him again.]

Right now, Nostrade is staying on his own at the top floor. Staff has limited access, and we've made makeshift rooms for those of us staying here for our mission right now.

Currently, we're using this floor for the ill. They're kept away from the elevators.

[Turning in place once they're a good few feet outside of the elevator, Kurapika faces Leorio directly. His eyes still have that determination, and he looks to his friend for some sort of direction. He's relying on him. He's not just asking this weight of him, he's putting his faith in him. It's the least he can do.

The goal is clear without him having to say it. And so, all that's left is for him to move onto the first step.]

What do you want to do first?

[The moment's cut short by the elevator stopping but Leorio follows without another comment about it. He doesn't really... care what the man Nostrade himself is doing, if he's being completely honest; if he's not sick, he's not someone Leorio is here to see. It's not a confrontation he wants to have right now, anyway, him against the slimeball in charge of putting Kurapika through all of this.

He might say something they all regret.]

How many people are sick? [Not a question he needs immediately answered, but just to know what he's up against- looking down the hall like it has an answer for him before Kurapika's sudden stop grabs his attention again.

He blinks after a few seconds and feels like he can glance away from Kurapika's serious gaze without being caught in it again- no pressure, right? He can do this. This is the reason he became a Hunter in the first place, to be someone who can make a difference in situations like this— and if he tells himself he's become that person already, it might even work.

So, then. First,] Take me to Melody.

Right now, there are 9 confirmed. Melody is the only one who has worked directly with Nostrade that's come down with it.

[Naturally, that's what flipped him over. Kurapika has his own angry thoughts on the man, who was yelling and panicking and saying such cruel things about the girl who'd helped him so many times. Just because death was so close to himself...

Still, in a way, it's good. It meant that they were able to call someone for help sooner than later. Unlike when the first couple fell ill and Nostrade waved it off. It's just unfortunate that Leorio had to be pulled into all of this.]

Right... This way.

[As they walk towards her place, Kurapika decides to list the symptoms more specifically. It starts with a cough that gets steadily more violent, followed by a fever and nausea, weakness, loss of appetite or the ability to hold food. The ones who have died lasted about a week and a half.

He pauses at the door to Melody's room. They don't really have anything to prevent it from spreading. He wants nothing more than to find a cure for Melody, but if Leorio were to become ill as well...

His hand tightens around the doorknob and he pushes forward despite the few second delay, face darkening at the sight of Melody asleep in bed. Her breathing was ragged, and she looked worse than the last time he had managed to visit her.]

[It sounds for all intents and purposes like a common flu, which only strains Leorio's nerves more. If something about the symptoms sounded out of the ordinary, that'd be a place to start, but a sickness that sounds like another and then kill its victims after a week? That's—not much to go on.

There's a lot riding on this, a lot of responsibilities and circumstances stacked very much against them both. Leorio frowns at Melody's door, mind racing as he thinks of what other illnesses match Kurapika's description and if any have unique symptoms to look for. Only a handful of people are sick or have passed already, but they could all already have whatever it is. Kurapika could— and he could soon, walking into the thick of it like this—

Well, he'll worry about that later, too. He touches Kurapika's shoulder briefly again before moving past him into the room. Whatever hesitations he had on the airship or on the way to this room are gone; he's (mostly) a doctor, Kurapika is his friend and Melody is important to Kurapika, and he might have come equipped with the most basic of supplies but hell if he doesn't try.

Still, as he looks down at the sleeping Melody, "good" isn't the word that comes to mind. A moment later he puts his briefcase down on the end of the bed and tugs a pair of gloves out of it. Might as well start with a general examination, he'll take her temperature...]

Uh— [Over his shoulder; somehow, Kurapika standing there watching doesn't seem like the best thing for him to do.] I won't kick you out, but at least sit down somewhere.

[For a brief moment, his mouth twitches like he's going to say something cold, but it flattens shortly after and he turns to one of the chairs in the room. Taking a seat, he lets out a smooth sigh, hands curling fingers together as he leans forward over his knees.

Sitting. Right, that's all he can do right now. Well, mostly.]

If there's any equipment you think you'd need, we can probably arrange for it to be brought in. [So that's good, right? Nostrade isn't going to stop at anything to find out what's going on and keep it from him.] The only other thing I can tell you is that Nostrade is worried he's being attacked.

[Not very helpful. It's driving him crazy, though, having to sit here and watch people like Melody growing sick and being unable to do anything. He's not even sure what Leorio is capable of in tense situations like this. He had seen that notorious punch on tv and that's about it. But still, even that was a sign that he'd been working hard...

He'll just sit in this chair and stare very intensely as Leorio works. Sorry bud.]

[Leorio hums his acknowledgement, turning back to Melody and his briefcase. When he has a better idea of what's going on here, then— of course he'll let Kurapika "arrange" it. He'll bleed Nostrade's bank accounts dry if it will stop people from dying here.]

Might be. He's a criminal. [Darkly, as he gets to work. Not only is Nostrade a criminal, but apparently also a coward hiding away while his people flounder and die below him. That's a real winner. It's difficult to say which aspect of the man he's never met Leorio is the most disgusted with at the moment - there are just so many.

Nostrade can wait; he thinks instead about the possibility that someone has attacked the family as he works. Temperature first, although it's obvious by looking that she has a fever... If this is an attack, then there's also the possibility that it's some kind of poison (or nen? Can nen do that? Maybe he should have gotten a better nen teacher), which at least means it can be disposed of at the source...

Cloud of uncertainty overhead aside, his checkup on Melody goes as well as it can given she's unconscious. His studying hasn't been shoddy at all, and it shows in the way he moves; even his occasional frustrated grumble reflects on the nature of the situation and not a lack of ability to do this seriously.

Eventually he straightens up and looks back at Kurapika, brow creased. He's not a miracle worker, there's no magic diagnosis and cure this soon, but he's at least got a better understanding of her symptoms and one more to add-] She's dehydrated.

[and his IV drips are in his other briefcase]

She hasn't been able to eat anything for a while now. Drinking... she tries her best.

[Dehydrated... It does make sense. There's another short cough shielded by his hand as he pushes himself up from the chair. So shortly after sitting down, too! Ignoring Leorio's earlier concern, he steps up until their shoulders brush and he can look at his newer friend more closely.

Damn it... He knows they're criminals. It's why he didn't say anything in response, but he's here for a reason, just as she is. It can't be helped... As much as he hates this man he's working for, he has to be patient. That's what he keeps telling himself.

But seeing her here, like this? His fingers clench tighter at his sides until his knuckles are white, and there's plenty of emotion on his face. It's not something he allows around anyone else here, but it's just Leorio. It's okay with Leorio.]

Dehydrated. [He repeats it again.]

[Did he not say sit down? He's pretty sure he said sit down. But at the same time he's about to tell him to sit back down, something clicks into place and he pauses. Has Kurapika been coughing this whole time?

Dread like ice water falls over him and Leorio suddenly has to drag his focus back to Melody when it's trying very hard to be in two places at once. It doesn't work as well as he tries to make it, and worry settles in the pit of his stomach more heavily than before. He nods, keeping his voice controlled.]

If she can't drink on her own, she needs a drip. [A glance; this is taking its toll on Kurapika, and if Leorio could he would make him sit down and deal with the arrangements himself—he's never yelled at the mafia before, but there's a first time for everything. But he knows Kurapika too well to expect him to consider his own well-being above that of one of the few people he values, so he'll put him to work gathering supplies instead.

Sort of. He wonders how long he can get away with trying to keep Kurapika as removed from shoving his nose in it as possible. It's worth a shot.

As close as they're standing right now it takes only a small movement to nudge his elbow against Kurapika's arm, a gesture meant to keep Kurapika here and not receding into too much emotion.] Can you get me one? Or a dozen, while we're at it— for the whole crew.

A dozen...

[For the whole crew. The nudge makes his whole body wobble slightly, giving no resistance to it as he considers the words. Right. They'd have to be prepared with a few extras, too. Leorio won't have much luck here in removing Kurapika completely. He's able to achieve these errands easily, as shown by the way he flips his phone out, again.

Funny. He's getting plenty of use out of it, to the point where missing calls was seeming more and more unrealistic.]

Yes...

[He hits a name in the contact list and places the phone to his ear, taking a few steps away so he can complete the request. He'll have someone else get them here. It's a very short call, maybe about forty seconds, and he nearly hangs up before he hesitates and looks over his shoulder, one hand covering the mouth piece of the phone.]

Is there anything else you think you'll be needing?

[You know, while he's doing this.]

[Sit back down then—jeez.

That said, the passive confirmation that his calls go totally ignored is just great. Maybe if Kurapika had picked up a week ago and Leorio hadn't been spending all his time sleeping on his desk and complaining to himself about textbooks- he sighs, then holds up a hand to signal for Kurapika to give him a minute. This might be a shoddy list, but he'll just have to trust Kurapika's people to get good materials.

"Trust." Well, he trusts Kurapika, if not his mystery contacts.]

Ahh, you didn't even give me a chance to think about it. Besides those... [He thinks a moment more and then he'll tick them off on his fingers: more needles, obviously, plus syringes and painkillers- more gloves- it's a short list, but given all the nothing they know about this illness, it's to be expected.

Just buy him a hospital, come on.]

[Leorio he is not going to be your sugar daddy with Nostrade's money.

But... If it's of any consolation, the tone he's taking with his contact over the phone is far from friendly. He speaks the orders firmly, gives clear deadlines, specifies that only the best of the supplies should be brought and finishes with a threat that any failure on this part will be taken out on them personally.

With that said, he ends the call, staring at the screen for a whole minute afterwards before he pockets it and sighs again, tailed by another short cough.]

They won't get here immediately, but they'll be on their way shortly. We should have everything by tomorrow. [He just hopes that will be fast enough, and that comes across in his tone as he trails off. Still not sitting, he walks back to the side of the bed, scanning Melody.

She's really knocked out. Probably too exhausted to be awake.]

We won't just be racing against this illness. Nostrade is already losing his patience in a panic. I have to keep talking to him and giving him updates.

[His fingertips rest at the edge of the bed, pressing down and then pulling back as he looks up to Leorio once more.] But I can handle that regardless of what you need to do. I'll keep him out of your way, so... You can just do what you can. I know it's not easy.

[why NOT]

[Still, the way Kurapika talks to his- underling?- isn't much of a comfort. It might be, under different circumstances, were he not watching Kurapika fray his nerves and spread himself too thin. Leorio needs a really specific set of conditions to enjoy other people getting, uh, threatened. This...

No, it's really not a comfort at all.

He frowns, then decides that he's going to sit if Kurapika won't and does so, flopping gracelessly into a chair. This feels like the start of a long night. He's quiet for a beat before straightening up from his slouch a little and peeling off the gloves, still frowning.]

What's that bastard going to do? Leave? That'd be better than what he's doing now, if you ask me! [Or maybe he'll stop shittalking the mafia boss before someone else hears... maybe. Another comment sits on his tongue, a protest against all of Kurapika's half-apologies for getting him involved with this, but he can't figure out a way to word it without calling him a moron.

Time and place. Instead he switches gears entirely to the other thing that's bothering him now, with a vain hope that he won't be brushed off:] You keep coughing. Come over here and let me look at you.

Keep your voice down before somebody hears you.

[He doesn't mind snapping that out for that exact worry. He doesn't need any more tension with Nostrade, especially not when it comes to doubting his faith in him as someone immediately below him. He's been using that and he intends to keep doing so until he runs out of uses.

His irritation is cut short by Leorio's sudden comment, though, and Kurapika blinks in shock and disbelief. One of his hands raises to his throat as if that would check if he's really been coughing this whole time.]

What?

[He never noticed-- But that would mean-- He takes a couple of hesitant steps closer, hands dropping to his side. For just this portion, at least, he'll cooperate. For curiosity and concern.]

You're sure? I said I was tired, so it could just be that... [Because... being tired makes you cough??? Look, he's desperate here.]

[Grumble mumble just wait until he's - at home again or something, the rude things he'll say about Nostrade on Kurapika's voicemail—which all sounded like a great idea until he actually thought about it, now it feels a little pathetic.

Pretend he didn't even talk shit. He gives Kurapika a look, eyebrow raised like he can't believe what Kurapika just said. "The smart one" privileges revoked officially.]

Being tired doesn't make you cough, Kurapika. [Sigh. He drums his fingers impatiently on his knee, not sure he wants to go through with this now. He has to, certainly, but if Kurapika's sick and only days away from winding up like Melody, wasting away— The thought gets a rough noise of frustration out of him as he scoots forward to the edge of his seat for the least professional examination of his not-career.]

Just hold still. [Which is all the warning he gives before reaching out for- Kurapika's face. Let him do this without getting all weird, he just wants Kurapika to look up so he can feel for swollen lymph nodes and try not to panic.]

W-what are you--!

[Okay, so he knows what he's doing, but that doesn't make this any less weird. Actually, if it were anyone but Leorio, Kurapika would probably take this calmly. Instead, his cheeks heat up the slightest and his hands reflexively raise to grip at Leorio's wrists. He forces himself not to tug them off, and so he ends up just keeping them there awkwardly as his expression twists into discomfort and embarrassment.

Really, in the middle of Melody's room like this...! Couldn't they have at least gone out into the hallway? And what if someone walked in?

While Kurapika was struggling with his pride, though, Leorio would likely notice the fever he's sporting pretty immediately. Even without his newly flushed face, his skin was hot to the touch, and all signs pointed to an early stage of whatever was going around. Day 2... no, 3?

After it's been long enough to expect an answer (so, 30 seconds?), Kurapika's mouth curls even further downwards as he stares expectantly at Leorio. His fingers twitch before he grips a little more at his wrists.]

Well?

[Hold still! He just said to hold still! Leorio pauses for a second when Kurapika grabs his wrists, just to make sure he's not about to be thrown across the room - and when he's not, he continues what he intended to do. Examining his lymph nodes isn't a complicated process, just a few fingertip presses up close to the corners of his jaw, but Kurapika made it weird and for a moment Leorio has to pretend he's someone else.

The heat coming off Kurapika makes Leorio's mind grind briefly to a halt. This is exactly what he was hoping he wouldn't discover, but there's no mistaking a fever- a high fever- and it's probably only due to Kurapika's inability to slow down that Leorio didn't notice it earlier just by looking at him. His throat feels tight, and he has to take a deep breath through his nose before he can answer.]

You have a fever, idiot!! [He removes his hands only to put them on Kurapika's shoulders and shake him. And just after he was told to quiet down before everyone on the floor can hear him-] Why aren't you in bed?!

[Oh my god. His own hands release and move out of the way just in time to be shaken like that, and that makes his whole face scrunch in annoyance. Yelling...! Always yelling!]

I don't have time to be in bed!

[In return, he sternly speaks back (it's nearly a yell himself, really), raising both of his arms to knock Leorio's off of his shoulders. Please.]

And like I told you before, keep your voice down! If this gets out, it'll only be harder to get things fixed! [Looking determined and angry, he leans forward, jabbing a finger at Leorio's chest. Even when he's the one looking up from a lower position, he sure doesn't lack confidence.]

Don't be an idiot. If Nostrade finds out I'm unwell, his panic will go out of control. Focus on Melody and the others, and we'll go from there once things start looking better.

[He says 'once' but he really means 'if'... And all that talking just earns another cough out of him, into a hand. This time, he's aware, and his expression falls a little before he backs away from Leorio and turns on his heels.]

Now go wash your hands.

[If Kurapika weren't sick—this would be the moment Leorio punched him in the face. He can't fathom the logic behind the words out of Kurapika's mouth and it makes him angry; angry that Kurapika won't take care of himself, angry that he might not be able to do anything about this, angry that Kurapika is taking this seriously but in the complete opposite direction. He's furious, and only the fact that Kurapika is the one who can pull strings to get them what they need gets him not to start shouting again.

Because, really. Leorio thinks he's earned it. He grinds his teeth and balls his fists at his sides, forcing himself to calm down to a dull ember of emotion rather than an explosion. It half-works - he's just loud naturally, that's a shame - but he manages. There's still anger in his words, but tempered and serious.]

No. [Not- like, he'll wash his hands, but in a minute.] I'm not going to ignore you and pretend you'll stop being sick on your own. Don't ask me to do that. I'll do what I can for Melody and the rest and you, but if you—

[He finds he can't say it, and hangs his head. God damn it, Kurapika.]

I'm your friend, damn it, not one of your little minions on the phone! [A beat, fuming, not shouting. But fine,] Where's the bathroom?

[While Leorio continues, Kurapika stays off to the side, back half to him and arms crossed low over his chest. It hurts, honestly, having these friends that he doesn't deserve. He's torn between appreciating them, selfishly staying with them and separating himself from them, keeping them out of his own vengeful business. It was pretty recently that they scolded him for the same thing, but this wasn't an easy decision.

This time, he'd reached out, and already he was wondering if he should be regretting it. Leorio was rightfully concerned, but he seemed hurt, too. His calling was out of hand and Kurapika didn't understand how he hadn't given up other than that's just the type of guy he is. But just seeing his attitude towards what he's doing here... How could he have asked for his help any sooner?

The words 'I'm your friend' linger, but he doesn't react to them outwardly.]

Outside and two doors to the left.

[Without turning, he says that, and it's painfully businesslike. He needs to think on this, he thinks, eyes landing on Melody's sleeping form. He remembers the time she asked him as his phone rang into voicemail why he wouldn't pick up even though he wanted to.

He can't possibly explain himself. Not to Melody, and certainly not to Leorio. But he'll wait here for him to return, anyway.]

[Maddeningly, that's what Leorio expected. Kurapika has hardly ever been open, and as much as he wanted something more than a curt statement, he can't say he's surprised. He said what he wanted to say, and tries to tell himself that's good enough for now.

It doesn't make the dismissal sting any less.

He doesn't say another word as he strides out of the room, quicker than necessary; if he doesn't put a few yards between himself and Kurapika right now he really will just deck him. In the bathroom he mutters a few choice curses to himself as he runs water over his hands. It takes him a solid few minutes more than it should just to wash his hands, but he won't give an excuse or pretend he isn't actively sulking in the bathroom to calm down. (Okay maybe he wouldn't use the word "sulking.")

In the end, though, all he can do is sigh at his reflection in the mirror and make his way back down the hall to Melody's room. He stands in the doorway for a moment, hands shoved in his pockets more casually than he feels and a heaviness in his gaze that suggests he might say something else— but, nope. He looks off to the side with a tch and crosses back to the chair to sit again.

For a few merciful seconds, he's quiet-]

I mean it, you know. [which part every part] But I won't do anything to tip off Nostrade— so stop getting mad at me for trying to help!

[It's good for the both of them, those few minutes. Kurapika felt he needed it as well, and so when Leorio enters again and sits down, he can, too. Of course, it's on the other side of the room. He doesn't like the thought of Leorio lingering in here for too long, but the truth is, he's not sure how it spreads, and he's going to have to be in here eventually to help out.

With a sigh like he's having to comfort a whiny teenager, Kurapika slouches backwards a bit.]

I'm not mad at you.

[He'd thought that was clear. But, his intentions were never very clear to anyone other than Melody, it seemed. He does seem to relent, though, after that. In a gentler voice, he goes on.] You just need to understand. By thinking about Nostrade, I'm thinking about everyone who's sick here and I'm thinking about you. One wrong move could put a stop on the whole thing.

[He's so tired, he'd love nothing more than to find his bed and rest, but he's got a lot to look out for, here.] You have access without interference to this whole floor and two above it. The second floor up is where our 'rooms' are located for now. [Nostrade doesn't want them any higher up or closer to himself, but he decides it's not necessary to note that. It's probably obvious. He brings a hand to his head, rubbing at his temple for a bit.]

It might be another couple of hours before you can do anything here.

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