dumbshow | answer your god damn phone

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.

[Leorio makes a small noise of embarrassment almost immediately; he can hear the "whiny teenager" in Kurapika's tone and, wow, don't just— don't just say it so blatantly!! Can't a man worry in peace without being embarrassed over it? He folds his arms over his chest with a huff and looks studiously over at Melody while Kurapika goes on, just so he doesn't have to make eye contact...]

I'll talk to you! [Yeah, that's not a suggestion. There are a lot of hours to fill!!] And when the supplies get here I'll take a look at everyone else.

[This is it. This is his master plan. At least now he seems more relaxed, with some- not all- of the tension out of his system. As long as it's not going up to Nostrade, he'll try to shadow Kurapika and keep an eye on his condition - which also is probably obvious. He nods mostly to himself, then frowns like he's just remembered something.

Something really important, surely.]

Kurapika... I didn't exactly pack for a few days. [Can he get a toothbrush or- does the mafia even hand out toothbrushes? Or PJs??]

[...Oh. Kurapika blinks like he hadn't considered that (woops), and thinks on it. Well, none of his clothes would even sort of fit Leorio the giant... Actually, was anyone here that tall? He lets that hand fall down to his chin as another cough comes.]

There are the basics, but as far as clothes go... You'll have to go shop for them further into the city. I probably shouldn't leave when I'm like this, but I can give you the card.

[Not Nostrade's, but his own... How would he explain suit purchases?] But that could be dangerous, if this is really an attack. They'd see you as an ally.

[What a hassle, all for suits. And no comment on talking to him for a couple hours, but he did just attempt to send him out alone for suit shopping. So.]

I shouldn't leave you when you're like this!

[Ah— well, he's not taking that back. He hardly cares about the possibility that he'll be picked out as an ally - they don't even know if an attack is the real origin of what's happening here, after all - and besides. He's not going anywhere, end of story.]

Get someone else to do it. [they're not busy being the mafia] I didn't come all the way here to go shopping!

[What if he's trying on a jacket when Kurapika keels over unconscious and no one pays any attention and that's it, done? It's probably unlikely, but the fact that there's a chance—!]

[Cue some awkward staring at that first line. Calm down, Leorio. By the time he's finished, Kurapika can only blink slowly and breathe out another sigh. By now, who knows if those are genuine sighs or attempts at getting more oxygen! Either way, he's pulling out his phone. This time, he types a message.]

Honestly...

[You are such a child, he thinks, sending some poor lackey on a mission to get tall suits that actually fit. Kurapika surprisingly doesn't have to ask Leorio for his size in anything.]

There. [Happy?? Better hope he didn't tell them to bring ridiculous PJs or anything. But okay. He wanted to talk... And he could easily sit here and silence and wait for the various attempts at conversation to come out of Leorio's mouth, but instead, he'll ask what's been at the back of his mind this whole time.]

How are Gon and Killua?

[He's a grown up with grown up concerns, okay. He doesn't appear to be embarrassed by his outburst at all, seconds after getting embarrassed about something much less ridiculous. But he sits back, apparently satisfied, and not questioning Kurapika knowing his size because for all he knows, that message said "the tallest measurement you can find." Which, truthfully, is what he's told a few store clerks after they smiled uncertainly at him for long enough.

He'll wear stupid PJs, he'll wear stupid PJs and follow Kurapika around so he can suffer too. Buyer beware.]

Eh? [OH, the SONS why didn't you ask sooner] Better. Gon's out of the hospital— [Was that also on the internet? He's not used to being viral.] And Killua's acting like he's not over the damn moon about it.

[He rolls his eyes, but everything about it is very fond. Fond enough that he sounds more let down than angry when he adds,] You should've answered my calls when you heard about Gon.

[He looks visibly relieved at that, relaxing further in his chair as his eyes close. The scolding (if it can even be called that, with that tone) is unsurprising, but it's not that Kurapika reacts without guilt. There's plenty of it there on his face as his eyes open again and he fidgets with his own hair.]

I couldn't. I was in the middle of something... [Which sounds cold and dismissive as usual, but he adds a bit more this time.] Besides, I saw that you were there.

I wouldn't have been any help.

["In the middle of something"... fine. Leorio frowns, pointedly ignoring the fact that every time he hypes himself up to really give Kurapika a piece of his mind!! he - doesn't. He can't, almost, because it's Kurapika. Which probably has something to do with why he hasn't given up on calling.

But anyway.] You— you saw that video, huh? [He rubs his neck a little self-consciously; he didn't do anything in that election to get popularity, so it's strange. But it was a great punch and he'd do it again.]

Never mind- you should have visited! Gon would have appreciated it!

Of course. Everyone has seen it. [Duh.] I was glad. If you hadn't have punched him, I would have.

[But that would have been a little difficult, not being there. So it worked out. He calms himself before his eyes want to change at the mere thought of Gon's father, instead focusing on his guilt.

How does he explain this... Of all people, Leorio should be the one to understand. They've both lost their closest friend. The difference was that while Leorio could fight in the face of nearly losing another, Kurapika wouldn't be so strong. He might have fallen apart. He had to distance himself. He's trained and grown stronger physically, but he's been struggling with his emotions for a while now. Rage is either hard to hold onto or hard to let go of, and everything else is just a mess.]

If I'm being honest... I couldn't stand to think of Gon in that state, let alone see him. I chose selfishly to focus on the eyes of my brethren, instead, and leave them to you.

[That came out easier than he would have thought, he thinks between a couple more coughs.] I recovered a handful.

[Leorio chuckles at Kurapika's first comment, at least. That's what he figured- they could have both punched him at once! Next time, for sure.

He listens more somberly to the rest. Objectively, he still can't agree - but he can understand Kurapika's fear of losing Gon. But Kurapika is so focused, whereas Leorio always feels just a little too restless and idle if even the slightest thing is wrong.

Like right now. He fidgets, seemingly unable to decide whether he wants to lean on his elbow or tap his fingers on the arm of the chair. He'd never felt so useless in his life as when Gon was in trouble, and somehow that memory makes Kurapika's admission sit hollowly in his stomach. Leave them to him? And in the end, he yelled a bunch of strangers more than helping Gon, like he should have been doing—

Well, file that under more reasons he won't leave Kurapika alone now. The mention of eyes piques his interest and he waves off the subject of Gon with a small sigh, thank god they can kind of move on from that- Although now he's looking extra concerned about the new wave of coughing, go to bed!!]

Really? [is it in bad taste to ask "how many more," hmm] So— you're making progress.

You could say that. There are a large amount left, but they're more centralized now.

[He feels so close to locating them. So close... So close that Leorio might catch his eyes turning red even beneath those grey contacts. They can only hide it so well, after all. One of his hands death grips the other and he sits up, leaning forward over his legs now.]

I meant it when I said I've been busy.

Oh. [Oh. Leorio runs a hand through his hair and hums, unsure of what to say. He won't disagree with Kurapika's goals... but his methods could use some work, that's for sure. Revenge isn't something Leorio has a taste for on a deeper level than punching Ging for being a crappy dad, or something else like that. He's not even as good at staying dedicated to one thing and one thing only— the way he sees it, he'll be a doctor one day and if he has to drop everything for his friends a few times before then, that's fine.

Kurapika does the opposite and Leorio can see what it's doing to him, but who is he to ask for anything more than actually talking to him every now and then?]

Hey, stop that. [Freaking out. He can see the red from across the room.] You're already sick, don't make it worse. Just talk.

It's not that simple!

[He has to close his eyes, irritation lingering as he focuses, tries to calm himself down. There's just a lot on his mind. Leorio being in the same room does actually help... And maybe that's another large reason he hasn't been calling him for any spider or eye related business. He has to hold onto his rage, you know?

Or maybe he's just making excuses. Before he can say anymore, his phone buzzes and he lifts it to take a look.]

...They've already bought you some things. [Suit-things, that is. Sadly medical supplies were not close enough. His eyes now, though, are grey again.] Come with me and I'll give you a brief tour. They should be back by then and you can get things put away before we come back down here.

[Was that fair? He pushes himself up, ignoring the strange way the heat seems to drop from his face to his toes.]

We'll wake Melody at this rate.

[It really shouldn't be too complicated to calm down rage-murder feelings when the only people present are Leorio and Melody, okay- that's the definition of simple! Mercifully he's cut off by Kurapika's phone before he can find a way to articulate... that thought, and blinks in surprise. Where the hell are these guys, just waiting in the city to shop?]

Kurapika— [But so help him, he will get an entire conversation out of Kurapika eventually. He doesn't want a tour. That's the last thing on his mind, but he stands up again anyway, casting one last concerned look at Melody. If it's just going upstairs, she should be fine here.

And maybe he should stop making a scene in her room every three minutes, huh.]

Alright, alright. I get it! [but then pointing at him very seriously!!] You're not off the hook.

[He stands and follows, giving Leorio a pointed look right back at that pointing. In fact, he shoves that hand to the side as he brushes past.]

If there's something urgent you want to talk about, you haven't brought it up.

[So what's the problem?? They have been talking. Give him a break. He'll lead Leorio in a circle of this floor, entirely rooms with his new 'patients', and names them off before they head for the elevator.

By then, that heat that fell from his face earlier is back in full force. Is this the fever? He doesn't raise a hand to indicate he's feeling it because he doesn't want to deal with another hour lecture from the guy, but it's a little harder to focus.]

[They've been talking a bunch of things Leorio doesn't approve of, so-?? Obviously that's the problem. But what he says as he follows Kurapika out of the room is,] You keep blowing me off!!

[Fortunately, he remembers to keep his voice down out in the hall, and his side complaints taper off as he takes in the names and sickly faces of the other people whose lives he's semi-responsible for now.

No pressure. By the time they reach the elevator, the reminder that this sickness extends farther than the confines of Melody's room has mellowed him out a bit. He still has some kind of cure to think about...

How many floors is he supposed to know about, again?? He was mad during that part.]

What's upstairs?

[Again, no comment on blowing him off. But he does think about it as they walk. Okay, yes, he has been... But.]

Directly upstairs is an empty floor, right now. You can use it if you end up needing the space for some reason. It's the floor above that that has the offices that we turned into makeshift bedrooms.

[The elevator door closes and they skip the immediate floor up to head to that room floor. But, with that elevator door being closed--]

If you think I blew you off, talk about it in the room and at a normal volume.

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