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

[dialtones]

I know. [At that, he does look extremely guilty. THE SONS...] But at least in the meantime, they have each other.

[He doesn't realize how close to an earlier thought from Leorio that is, and he doesn't realize the implications that come out with that. It doesn't matter. His hands slide down Leorio's back slightly (he can only hug effort for so long), but he doesn't pull back, at least.

He does, however, shoot whatever part of Leorio he can view right now a mildly offended look.]

How many times are you going to tell me to shut up tonight? [After all those calls, he thought he'd want to talk.]

[speeddial]

[Ah- that gives him pause, but he won't get into it right now. Save that for a time he's not tearing up fresh every 30 seconds...]

Well, it isn't working yet, so I'll have to keep at it! [So THERE. He'll want to talk later, but since he clearly directs all the conversations Kurapika artfully pirouettes away from like a child avoiding doing his chores, it's not going to happen right now... He's tired. Heavy nen usage tiring a person out is something he vaguely recalls hearing about, and after what he just did, it would make sense. As the adrenaline wears off, too, tiredness whacks him in the face.]

I don't think you know how to shut up. [He considers and then moves, scooting closer to the wall to lean his tired head there and thoughtlessly dragging Kurapika with him - this hug isn't over.] I think if you stop talking, your brain shuts down.

[but how obvious is it that he's tired, in all honesty...]

You should get that looked at.

[dialtones]

[The scoot is certainly noticeable, but just as Leorio is tired, Kurapika is wiped out. He hasn't slept much the past few days (or weeks?) and he'd just had some sort of poison nen removal procedure performed.

He finds that he doesn't have the strength to complain about it, using gravity as an excuse to lean in the hug (which his arms are still barely holding onto, by the way, this is a really long hug...), eyes closing as he registers those comments.

He lifts a hand and slaps it against Leorio's chest in retort.]

You're the one speaking nonsense now. [So why don't YOU shut up, is what he's saying. He'll keep that hand there and his eyes closed, taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Even like this... it's comfortable. He'll end up embarrassed about this in the morning, but right now, he can't even keep his eyes open, let alone speak about moving.

Fine, he'll shut up, he thinks, and stays like that. It's a reason to give in to tiredness, and he does just that, almost instantly drifting away to sleep, regardless of if Leorio keeps trying to talk.]

[speeddial]

[This is Leorio's victory... Kurapika is shutting up. He scoffs at the half-hearted slap, equally half-hearted as he is also half asleep. He definitely says something like "no, you are" before he gives up and appreciates the quiet. No death coughing, no Kurapika speeches—this is a miracle.

He doesn't manage to stay awake much longer than Kurapika, nodding off with his head against the wall. At some point in the rest of the night he definitely tips ungracefully over sideways and his glasses are going to leave an imprint of frames on his head for the next day, but for the first time in days it's an undisturbed sleep for them both.

Ruined, naturally, by Kurapika's way-too-early phone alarm going off, which both startles Leorio into consciousness and gets him to whack his head against the wall. Good morning already. It takes him a moment to wake up properly and another to remember he may have neglected to fall asleep in his own bed.

Ah.

Perhaps if he stays still (now, after beaning himself like a scrub), Kurapika won't smother him with a pillow.]

[dialtones]

[Undisturbed and enjoyable, at least in Kurapika's case. Sleep was so hard to get in this business, and even when he managed to, he's usually too stressed from it to actually sleep deeply. There's those occasional nightmares about the Spider, too.

This one, though, was warm, relaxing, and didn't feel too short at all. So when the alarm goes off at its usual time, there's no jolt from him. He doesn't even register the slam of someone's head against a wall or the movement next to him. There's a small noise as he contemplates neglecting to get up, but he's never so irresponsible, so it only takes a couple more moments to sit up and reach sloppily for the table nearby and shut it off.

His eyes only just opening, he recognizes something off and turns slowly to face behind him on the bed.



It's still the morning, and even if he's an early riser, it takes a few moments to register who he's blinking sleepily at. Slowly, it hits in, and a shocked and embarrassed expression settles onto his face.]

L-leorio?! [He's going to grip the pillow next to him and throw it at Leorio's face, now, thanks.] What are you still doing here?! [And come to think of it, when did he fall asleep, actually... Oh my god, he's so embarrassed.]

[speeddial]

[Right in the face, good morning to you too, sunshine. Leorio sputters indignantly and throws the pillow right back, hurriedly pushing himself up to a sitting position before he's whacked again.]

Hey, quit it— I don't know!! [Leorio has chosen yelling to quell his embarrassment.] You fell asleep on me!

[This isn't his fault, see??]

[dialtones]

You--!!

[Fell asleep under him? No, wait--] You--! [Hugged him! That was it! Hugged him for like ever and wouldn't let go! And it's not even that Kurapika minded that, or minded this. There's a strange fondness in his chest that he's trying to beat down because all it's doing is adding to the embarrassment.

Clutching the pillow in his frustration for all that time, he finally tosses it aside and stands up in a huff. He stops at the mirror, checking that his earring is still on (it is), and then going through some of his things to find his contact solution. Ah, he left them in too long again, where was it...]

Nevermind. Just let me get dressed and go do that yourself. [Please, this PJ thing, it's embarrassing. Everything is embarrassing and he's actually 14. He does pause, though, when his contacts are out and in some solution, to look back over to Leorio.

Honestly... When the fiery embarrassment does start fading, it's a little funny. And he recalls the more important events last night. The illness, the words, the cure, and the tears. For a brief moment, anger wipes from his face completely, and he actually looks pleased.

But he's quick to turn his attention back to his mirror set-up.]

Nevermind. Just go get dressed so I can as well. [A pause.] You have to save everyone else, after all.

[speeddial]

[Um, only Leorio gets to yell here, sit down Kurapika.]

Kurapika, you-!! [Are seriously harshing his morning yell, here. Leorio's fumbled his way off the bed and onto his feet while Kurapika acts like a little wimp in the corner, and he's ready to get into it when Kurapika gives him that look and, oh... never mind. It's like someone popped a balloon and his agitation just wheezed out and left him standing there, not angry, kind of- okay?

He scratches his cheek, only a moment later remembering to awkwardly stick his glasses back into place, oops.]

Uh- sure. I'll meet you... [here?? the elevator?? downstairs?? which one is the least lame, why does he care] I'll meet you.

[And he's stealthily going back to his own room now, finally...]

[dialtones]

[It's like he's acknowledging all of these things and what they lead to, but he refuses to register what it means. It's right there, but he's stubborn, staring into the mirror for a good minute before he moves to get changed. Today, he doesn't need to wear a suit, so he puts on his old outfit just because.

From there, it's his contacts, making the chains appear on his right hand, and stepping out that door. He hasn't heard Leorio come out yet, so he knocks on his door first, light and patient. If he doesn't do this, who knows where Leorio would try to 'meet him'.]

Are you ready?

[speeddial]

[Leorio dresses without thinking about it- he's put a suit on every day for the past who knows how many years, it's automatic- and yet still isn't ready when Kurapika knocks on his door.

There's no deep or meaningful reason for this, exactly. His glasses are bent just enough to sit crookedly and it's super annoying, that's all. He's still fussing with them when he opens the door, pausing to raise an eyebrow at the outfit. But he's doing it with an embarrassing grin...]

Feeling nostalgic? [nerrrrd he got you]

[dialtones]

[Ah, and that relatively peaceful look he'd had on his face is gone in an instant. Really, does he have to be so rude?? Hiding his embarrassment with irritation, he gives him a Look, all while moving to his tiptoes to reach up for those glasses.

That still doesn't work, so he yanks down on his tie a bit so he can properly take them off.]

They're more comfortable. They're also from my clan. [So shut up, punk, before he hits you!! That tie tug was pretty harsh to make up for it, though, so he's satisfied for now.

With a few careful tweaks to the glasses, he offers them back.]

[speeddial]

[What, what did he say??]

Oof—hey! [That's around his neck, is Kurapika really trying to kill him this early in the day?? He grumbles as he snatches his glasses back and puts them on. ... Oh, they're fixed.

Well, NO thank you, so there.]

I wasn't trying to start something. [grumble mumble, he's turning to head for the elevator now, rude.] It's better than watching you march around in a suit.

[dialtones]

What's wrong with a suit? You wear them.

[The tone comes across as offended, and that's because... well, he kind of is. What's Leorio trying to say? That he's not fit to wearing clothing for someone in charge? Or higher up? He can't help but automatically hear it as an insult.

When they enter the elevator, he hits the bottom floor for them.]

[speeddial]

[Don't say "it doesn't suit you," do not say it— Leorio frowns; what did he say now? He feels like he's been batting a zero game since waking up, and it's been maybe ten minutes. How long is this day going to be?

He doesn't say anything at first, and it's not until the floor indicator lights in the elevator blink helpfully to tell them they've passed that spare floor that he gives in. Whatever, Kurapika asked for it-] Maybe I'm feeling nostalgic.

[dialtones]

[The silence is more irritating, but by the time that answer comes, Kurapika can only blink. He looks up and over to Leorio.]

You're always feeling nostalgic. [Or at least he seems that way... He's that type of person. That's the impression he got.]

[speeddial]

[Can he not win today?? This is the second time Kurapika's made him sputter in futile defense of his dignity.]

I'm not!! I'm definitely not!

[dialtones]

Oh, really?

[Ah, victory. This actually does make him nostalgic, though. From the fight upon waking up to Leorio being flustered now, Kurapika lets it sit in silence for a few more floors before he lets a smile break through. It's small, but noticeable.]

With all of your voicemails, I thought I heard a lot of talk about the past. It seemed pretty nostalgic to me. [Implying that he's listened to every one, yes indeed. In good timing, the elevator door opens, and Kurapika moves to step out.]

[speeddial]

[This is rude...]

My— [Oh, shit, the voicemails- they seemed like a great idea when he was leaving them, but it never actually occurred to him that one day he'd have to confront the fact that Kurapika heard them. He looks away as they leave the elevator, thoroughly embarrassed.

... But. Oh.] You listened to them?

[dialtones]

[It's funny to him that Leorio would leave all of those messages without expecting anyone to listen. And well, for a while, he didn't. But with their persistence, Kurapika got to a point where he went back and listened to them. The concern, the anger, the sadness, even the drunken nonsense. All of it made him feel a little less lonely, even if he felt he couldn't actually pick up the phone.]

You should really keep your phone away if you're drinking to the point of getting drunk.

[That's easier than saying 'yes' and easier than explaining all of his other thoughts, too.]

[speeddial]

[Okay, he remembers that one.]

Ahh, that was one time...

[Still, it's surprising that Kurapika didn't just delete his messages in his effort to cut himself off from the rest of them. Leorio isn't sure how to respond; it would be easy to fall back on "So why didn't you pick up?" but at the same time, something about it tugs at his heartstrings in a way he wasn't expecting. It's sad, and at the same time...

Maybe he should make sure he has all the pieces here in the correct order. Before he punches Kurapika in the face, or- or whatever.]

Well, I wouldn't have to be like that if I had some new material!!

[Besides this death cough. He'd honestly like to forget most of that.]

[dialtones]

You have medical school.

[It comes suddenly, and heavy with... something.] You all have your own goals and I have mine. If I answered your calls any of those times and you knew what was going on, you would have put your own goals on hold.

[He's been facing a lot of danger. Sure, he's gotten every owner of the eyes to give them up without actually killing them, but that takes dedication. Hunting them down and getting them alone is dangerous, too. A lot of these people were rich and had bodyguards.

There were questionable actions and darker parts of himself that they probably wouldn't want to see.]

I don't want to interrupt you any more than I already have.

[He pushes the door open to Melody's room right after that, stepping inside and over to her side.]

[speeddial]

[Maddeningly, the first thing that comes to mind is so what? So they have different goals and Kurapika's are more dangerous - what does that matter? He's here now, isn't he, and-

Isn't that supposed to count for something?]

I'm not becoming a doctor for myself. [It's only getting there that he has to do for himself, because friends can't exactly take his exams for him. He's never intended to become a doctor for himself, which seems like an important distinction to make between his goals and Kurapika's.

And besides, he's pretty sure his Hunter License could get him in an out of medical school on his own schedule indefinitely, even if the board wouldn't be too pleased with him. Still, that's not the point.]

And I already told you, I didn't come all the way here for me, either. What's so damn hard about that for you to get, Kurapika? I'm here.

[Because he wants to be, because he'd rather be here than spinning in his desk chair for hours and wondering, rather be here than repeating all the other dumb shit he does with his time— But he just frowns and goes to check on Melody's condition before he gets to work with nen.]

[dialtones]

[At first, Kurapika is quiet. He's not doing a thing for himself, and that's the whole point. What did he have to do to get him to start? He lingers between the doorway and Leorio as he does the checkup, his fingers slowly curling at his sides.]

How long are you willing to stay here for me?

[The question comes out of nowhere, probably, but it sounds pretty emotional. Kurapika was an emotional guy, no matter how he tried to conceal it.]

Why can't you do something for yourself!

[speeddial]

[It's really fortunate that Melody is asleep right now, because they're already making a scene. Leorio can't help but wonder what it will take for Kurapika to accept that even if he has his own goals, the people he cares about are always going to come first. He'll drop everything for them at any time, and it's not hurting him to do it. Honestly, it's more for himself than he admits, but- it's mostly for them!!

Does he have to actually say it? Damn.]

Why does it matter so much? Can't you just shut up and appreciate that someone cares about you when you don't care about yourself?!

[Wow, Melody's bedspread is fascinating this morning, he's going to stare at it intently while he shoves his foot in his mouth.]

[dialtones]

Idiot!

[A stronger outburst from Kurapika shades any reaction of surprise he might have had to those comments otherwise. One of his feet stomps down as his arms go rigid at his sides. All morning-- no, the entire time Leorio has been here, it's been all sorts of emotions! He knows they get in the way, that it's a weakness and it's no good, but something bubbling beneath the surface begs to come out without him even realizing what it is.]

Are you daft?! Listen to yourself! I'm trying to tell you the same thing!

[If Leorio cares for his own well-being, he hasn't really seen it. Joking selfishness over money, all actually for a selfless cause. Flying over here, putting up with him never answering the phone, saving him, doing all of this...]