answer your god damn phone

[dialtones]

[How many calls had he missed from Leorio alone?

Honestly, he preferred not to look at the number. It was wrong, but this wasn't something he could pull any of them into. He'd been wrapped up in his own little world, paying attention to the news enough when it related to his work and his end goal, and while he could have gone to the elections or even to visit Gon (his comrades had, after all), he decided against it. Visiting would have just opened up a whole can of other problems.

Maybe it went against what he'd been thinking before, but he had matured a bit since then. With the Spider desperately working to repair itself, and plenty of its members still on the move, Kurapika had to consider how to handle them-- but he was also sitting right on top of the location of the eyes of his brethren. He had to work up to it, and well... That's what he'd done.

There were a large amount of them recovered (he had to deal with a lot of people to get this collection) and given funerals, but it wasn't enough until he had every last set. There were still leads to follow, and so he continued to climb and gain Nostrade's trust.

Trust, though, is what leads him to pulling his cell phone out now. A strange illness was breaking out in the Nostrade organization, and it was worrying Nostrade himself. A few of his workers had already died, and panic was growing. He demanded that Kurapika find him someone to find out what was going on, but to be sure it was someone they could 'trust', because this could very well be an attack on them.

A doctor that he could trust? His first thought was that there was none. But after just a moment's more hesitation, he gives in and speaks his understanding clearly to Nostrade, hitting the call button on his phone and stepping away. His opposite hand curls at his elbow as he waits. This is pulling him in, but if it's just Leorio... It'll be easier to keep him in the dark about a lot of what he's been doing.

He'll use that to justify this selfish decision.]

Leorio?

Comments

[speeddial]

[so his kick radar is working...]

[It's not that Kurapika isn't right to an extent—Leorio is furious with him for never answering his phone and leaving them all (mostly him, to be honest) wondering what he's doing and if he's even okay. That's hard to make up for.

But it's not impossible. He lifts both hands to rub his temples, annoyed. There's a lengthy pause while he collects his thoughts, then he hits the bed with his fist as he figures it out, the most eloquent answer ever given-]

Of course not, you moron!!

["Of course not"—like nothing else could be as obvious. Kurapika is, in fact, stuck with him.]

[dialtones]

[His yelling is never a surprise, and usually the things he yells aren't all that surprising either, but somehow this... This is something he doesn't understand at all.

His reasoning is pretty selfish. He thinks they'd get in the way of his goal, in one way or another. He'd go back to them afterwards but that doesn't seem fair... And so why on earth was this guy putting up with it.

Kurapika tries to focus and blink his clear surprise off his face, but it's not that easy. Instead, he just looks a little clueless for a few seconds. He's no expert at expressing how he appreciates that out of Leorio, so instead, he says something a little more unfortunate, face turning more into his pillow.]

You're as hopeless as ever.

[speeddial]

[It's something Leorio has asked himself before - why he puts up with Kurapika's bad friendship habits. Of course in all this time, there are have been moments he's wondered why he keeps calling, keeps trying, but he's never managed to actually stop. Doing it over and over again is maddening, make no mistake, but Leorio would do it for any of them and- and especially Kurapika. Gon and Killua have each other, but Kurapika has made it clear time and time again how thoroughly alone he is. He didn't ask Melody to look after him for no reason, after all—

But damn it, the guy is infuriating. Leorio scoffs loudly, nudging him with his knee... and then again. And again.]

Speak for yourself! I didn't come here here for me.

[Oh, that's embarrassing... his gaze slides off to look at the very interesting floor, after that.]

[dialtones]

[All this time apart from them convincing himself that it was better, more efficient, safer, stronger-- but he wouldn't trade this dumb moment for the world. The first small smile in ages slides onto his expression after that comment, despite those nudges... And soon enough he's flipping over slowly onto his back again.]

I know. [He jabs at Leorio's leg with his foot, and even if he's been coughing between things with a possible deadly cough, he's able to manage a small laugh. He hasn't felt this at ease in so long... How was it that Leorio managed to bring that?

To detract from his feelings, though, he's just going to tease a little.]

You're pretty predictable.

[speeddial]

[It's been months since he's seen Kurapika wearing any expression besides rage or cold indifference, but Leorio doesn't miss a beat. The mature response here is to reach down and push Kurapika's foot away with a hmph, and that's exactly what he does.]

At least make it "reliable"...

[dialtones]

[That earns a continued chuckle and a persistent push of his foot right back into that hand. It's a nice moment for a good few seconds before Kurapika's phone rings.

His smile fades that quickly. Sitting up, he answers, and it's as official as always. It lasts a short twenty seconds before he pulls it away and hangs up, looking to Leorio.]

Everything managed to show up at once. They'll cart the supplies down from the roof, and they'll be taking your clothes to your room. That's the one right across from here.

[speeddial]

[For that quiet moment, it's almost as if they're somewhere else entirely; no mafia, no sickness. When Kurapika's phone call interrupts, Leorio's more disappointed than he expected.

Thanks a lot, mafia cronies. He scratches his cheek, not sure if he's actually being dismissed this time, hmm.]

Right. [beat] I know you're going to do it anyway, but you can walk by yourself now, right?

[dialtones]

Yes, of course.

[Of course, he says, as if he hadn't just fallen into him down the hallway. He shifts, his feet dangling off the side first before he steps down and stands. A little wobbly at first, but he straightens out.]

I'll have to be careful. When we first started noticing the more serious symptoms, it began with things failing out of nowhere like this. I'll have to make sure if it happens again, it's not too noticeable.

[How the hell. Is he going to manage that. We just don't know.]

The ten minutes are up. [He adds, noting that disappointed look as he watches Leorio.] Are you going to head back down?

[speeddial]

[Leorio sighs, getting to his feet and rolling his shoulders like this has all been an ordinary sidetrack. He has to pretend Kurapika isn't sick once they leave the room, doesn't he, so he'll have to put a stopper on his concern now.

This part of the plan is still bullshit, for the record. The look he gives Kurapika makes it pretty clear what he thinks, again...]

Melody still needs that IV drip. [so, yeah, but also] If something happens again, tell me first! Then you can do whatever you want!

[WITHIN REASON he's got his eye on you]

[dialtones]

[He knows it must be hard. Leorio has a kind heart. And while he thinks his words aren't really enough, he's doubting his own solid thoughts from before now that Leorio is in the picture again. All that effort from one side... It's not fair, and if he's going to be bothering him anyway, it's the least he can do.

And so, he raises a hand and places it softly against Leorio's arm, letting it linger there as he gives him an appreciative look.]

Thank you, Leorio. It means a lot.

[So he had time for it after all. His hand lasts there a second too long, and then it brushes away as he heads for the door. At least his steps seem to be fine, for now. His face just looks no better, and he's trying his best to stifle the coughs.]

Let's use the stairs so they can manage the elevators.

[speeddial]

[That takes the wind out of his sails pretty quickly. When Kurapika doesn't snap back at him it's kind of jarring, bringing Leorio back again to the seriousness of the situation. He can't think of anything to say and only nods, a little wide-eyed as Kurapika moves past him.

Abruptly and involuntarily he thinks that his time here might wind up being the last he'll ever spend with Kurapika, and the spot where Kurapika touched his arm seems to throb. He swallows thick with emotion and then recovers, catching up in two long strides to head back into the hall.]

Sure, sure. [That's actually really dumb, taking the stairs mere minutes after collapsing in the hall, but he'll just be alert...]

DOES THIS WORK I couldn't think of a good prompt just a summary

[dialtones]

[Considering how there is literally no suggestion of an angle to approach from, things go pretty smoothly for the first day or so. There are no deaths, Kurapika does a good job of hiding his own illness and communicating with Nostrade, and Melody manages to wake and drink some water on her own. That becomes crucial in discovering just what sort of a problem they're dealing with, and from there, it's centered in on how to fix it.

At this point, though, they're down to the wire. Kurapika, who usually liked to linger in the rooms of Leorio's work, had to excuse himself an hour ago for no clear reason-- at least not to anyone other than Leorio and himself. He was worsening. The fever was out of control, and so he dressed in lighter suits and kept his jacket off. He was eating less and less and there was one incident where he collapsed while dealing with Nostrade over the phone, but careful words had explained that away.

So while Leorio was back in the room with Melody, finding a way to fix this, Kurapika was in the bathroom, back against the door of a stall and coughing violently into a towel to try and keep it quiet. Good times.]

wow gross

[speeddial]

[By all accounts, Kurapika should have been reduced to Melody's worst state a day ago. He has all the symptoms and Leorio isn't sure if it's a sign of a stronger constitution or dangerously forcing himself to keep going that keeps Kurapika on his feet. It's probably both, which doesn't help Leorio much - remembering to ignore it when Kurapika has to leave the room is tougher than he imagined.

Melody, for her part, is a welcome distraction. Once she's awake and strong enough to just be aware of her surroundings - which is a marked improvement, despite what it is - it's like all she has to do is fix Leorio with a knowing look to bring him back to what he's supposed to be doing. He chatters nonsense to her while he works, another distraction until the time limit on Kurapika's absence is passed. (The time limit he picked himself and did not mention aloud, but.) Then he can't help but stomp down to the bathroom and call his name out as he pushes the door open (very subtle).

That cough keeps getting worse. He leans against the sink counter and waits for... a pause.

Again,] Kurapika?

uM UR GROSS

[dialtones]

[It's probably more of the forcing himself bit, but he likes to think he can handle it more, too. Of course, this forced handling more has also brought his coughs to the point of coughing up blood, he notices. Hm.

After that last fit, he'll fold up the towel a bit, belatedly responding to Leorio's words.]

How's Melody?

[He goes all out in his stubbornness. Waiting a few more seconds to be sure he's rid of the coughing and it's just the nausea and fever he has to deal with, he opens the stall door and steps towards the sink, gripping it for support once he's there.]

i'm not coughing up FLUIDS!!

[speeddial]

Still awake. She still has a fever, but it went down a little.

[Which is a plus, all things considered - his regimen of painkillers used to stall for time has done that much. But Leorio doesn't want to play everything-is-alright when it's just the two of them, crossing his arms and tapping a foot impatiently.

Just take a nap, Kurapika, do it for him.]

Are you coming back to see her?

i mean, that's true

[dialtones]

Yeah.

[He wants to see her. That's a good sign, though. Things seem to be improving. And on top of that--]

You're still okay? [He'll clutch his little hand towel a little tighter as he looks to his friend.]

grody

[speeddial]

I'm fine. [Which was excusable at first, but now that it's been days it's a little more strange. Not everyone staying in the building got sick, though— maybe they should revisit the possibility that this was an attack of some kind that missed everyone who wasn't there in the moment.

Still, he feels just fine. Tired, but fine.

He will even get the door and stand there looking at Kurapika expectantly. Let's not hang out in the bathroom for even longer.]

415 more comments until a smooch

[dialtones]

[Kurapika is wondering the same thing. How could Leorio still be okay after this long? Not that it's bad news. It could have been an attack of poison, but then why would they all react to it at separate times? Was Leorio immune? Or just lucky?

Either way, he's thankful.

Towel in hand, he lets go of the counter for now and steps slowly after Leorio.]

I told you not to check on me. [He adds in belated scolding, just before they start heading down the hall again. It's not angry, though.]

slow and steady.....

[speeddial]

[Maybe he's too tall for it to reach, who can say.

He rolls his eyes with an audible grumble at the very rude (!!) scolding, already slouching back to Melody's room.]

Ahh, c'mon, nobody's around- What's the big deal? Better me than somebody else, right?

[dialtones]

[LOOK, do YOU want to get blood coughed in your face, sir??? No??? Then keep your tall self in the other room.]

Anyone could go looking for you and wonder where you've gone. It will only lead to suspicions when we keep disappearing together.

[He's so paranoid, listen to this bullshit. Really, it just damages his pride.]

Does it feel like the solution is any closer?

[speeddial]

[Good luck reaching his face!!!

Don't make it sound like a secret affair... He's not even going to comment on that part.]

It's tough to tell. If Melody gets a little better, that should help...

[She might actually talk to him unlike SOME sick people.]

sighs look at all this dumb bullshitting that says nothing

[dialtones]

[But it is a secret affair. Face the facts!!]

If we compare her to the earlier cases, she's certainly holding out longer than expected. I counted out the days and she should have passed yesterday, on average. Instead, isn't she doing a little better?

[He's holding onto hope-- or dragging hope out by its teeth, but details.] I've been thinking on it. Her expertise in nen is much higher than the ones who didn't fair so well, but when I've observed her with gyo, there's no sign of any changes in her aura. It could just be coincidence, but in comparison, my own symptoms seem easier to deal with than the others, as well...

['Easier to deal with' is apparently coughing up blood and falling over himself in the hallway, but sure.] And somehow, despite direct exposure, you haven't caught it at all.

ah now it's nen flu, how shonen

[speeddial]

[It will be in 410 comments!!

Leorio falters at this explanation- nen isn't his forte at all, so if the illness really has something to do with nen then he'll need Kurapika not falling over in hallways more than ever. But it's true that Melody's condition has improved even if only slightly, and Kurapika is somehow still not bedridden (although he should be, little punk).]

What, now I'm better at nen than you? [should he... punch the illness....

But really, if nen has something to do with it and he isn't sick, then- He feels like a moron having to ask this, but whatever!!]

Can you poison... nen?

GOD IT'S NEN POISON SHONEN FLU KILL ME STOP THIS TRAIN

[dialtones]

I didn't say that.

[Let's not get out of hand here. He's still thinking, and it's all aloud, even as they step through the door to Melody's room again. Thankfully there's no one else to get in the way of his loud thought process right now.]

Poison... Hypothetically, it could be possible, if that were someone's specific ability... But just knowing it's a type of 'poison' wouldn't be much help either. Unless...

[Give his big nerd brain a minute here, he's trying to piece all the different parts together to triangulate more exact reasoning.]

For something to fit the bill, it would have had to have hit all of those who were affected and no one else, so there'd have to be a time when we were all together with none of the others present. The timing of showing symptoms and facing them seems to relate directly to nen usage-- [And... alright, he's skipping some of his thinking in the out loud parts. He's on such a roll here it might look like he's overheating. So close, but he doesn't quite have it yet, come on!]

By either increasing the parts of our own nen to toxic levels, or introducing a foreign, toxic element that's too small to detect... Which is more likely? Which is less noticeable?

i'm in awe it's like a real hxh arc

[speeddial]

[Wow, ice cold. Grumble grumble don't say things like that so quickly. Leorio crosses the room to check on Melody again while Kurapika thinks aloud. It's really, really fortunate that Kurapika isn't too sick to think all of this through, because he'd never be able to... and he's missed all the important context.

Like,] You said her aura hasn't changed. And wouldn't it be trickier to interfere with different auras at once?

[So... option 2?? Is he right?? Come on, special nen genius, solve the puzzle.]