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]

[Oh, leave him to foot the bill when it's more than 20 bucks, he sees how it is.

For his part, Leorio is more or less content with how breakfast went. And now they're going to a park, right? This is so... well, it's about as typical first date material as it can be. Truth be told, he's still a little anxious about that, especially given that no one actually used the word date, but— He's getting back in the car like nothing is wrong! So. Everything's cool!]

You said the park's not far from here, right? [casual DATE TALK]

[dialtones]

No more than five minutes.

[This is definitely a date, but do either of them know for certain? Apparently not. Kurapika thinks it is, but then doubt settles in. It wasn't ever actually said, so does it really count? And the more he thinks of it as one, the more stiff he gets.

So he's trying not to think about it right now. (It's proving difficult.)]

Just take this main street for two lights, turn right and follow it down. It should be on the left.

[speeddial]

[This is the most uncertain date ever taken... Leorio hums and takes them back out onto the street, heading down... one light, two- He's quiet for once, because now he's really thinking about the date thing. He suggested it, so should he be the one to say something?

But Kurapika might get weird about it the way he did about the shirt compliment. But if he doesn't say something, is this just not going to be a date?? Is it just - going to the park for no reason?

No reason better than the one he had earlier in the morning, anyway. This is very frustrating and he makes it until the park is in view up ahead before he just goes for it. Suddenly, without preamble:]

This is a date, right? I mean, this- [he gestures between them again, like he did before when asking about Melody Knowing Everything] is us, dating.

[dialtones]

[The question gets him to look over in his surprise, eyes a little wider. Mostly, he's surprised that Leorio was brave enough to ask such a question. So he was looking for confirmation? It was good to know he wasn't the only one nervous and confused here.

On one side, it was relieving to hear that Leorio was considering it such, or at least wanting to. On the other, the decision for what felt like a large commitment was just placed in his lap. Friendship felt heavy enough, but this...

Was it the selfish answer to go with him not wanting to say no? Or was it selfish to push him away? He's overthinking even this.]

I-- [But after that hesitation, he looks away, not wanting Leorio to see his face as he decides which way to go.] I would say so. Wouldn't you?

[speeddial]

["I would say so." Kurapika... Leorio wonders if he'll ever talk about this stuff without being so... stiff. Still, an uptight yes is a yes, and he's relieved by that much. 'Dating' almost feels lackluster compared to the agreement to stay together they'd come to the other day, but-

It's good to put words to things, for sure. He's happy, as the uncertainty ebbs away. It's good.

They've reached the park by this point, but Leorio doesn't immediately leap out of the car this time after parking.]

Yeah, 'course I would. [Ah. Is that too casual. He's serious about this-!] I mean, yes— that's why I asked.

[save him from himself]

[dialtones]

[Somehow, Leorio's fumbles make Kurapika feel more at ease. Maybe it's because he can't nearly mess up as bad as this. Right?? He'll just forget about all those earlier times where he totally did.

For now, he actually chuckles.]

I didn't think you'd want to be involved with a mafia member. [They can sit in the car awkwardly at first, that's cool, apparently.]

[speeddial]

[Leorio's feeling most of the awkwardness right now, it seems... He grips the wheel self-consciously, even though he's not driving anymore. Kurapika!!]

Hey... You know it's- [god, he can't say this without it being sappy, he can feel it] It's different. Y'know, because it's you.

[dialtones]

...I understand. Thank you.

[Sappy, cheesy, but flattering. And he's not sure how to say 'dating was the furthest thing from my mind until you' so he'll leave it at that, instead. Undoing his seat-belt, he opens the car door to finally step out of it. You know, before they get too embarrassing in here.]

Come on.

[speeddial]

[That's stiff, too...! He follows Kurapika out of the car anyway, with nary a grumble or complaint. Progress.]

So... I guess we go for a walk now?

[If only they had smuggled out some pancakes to feed ducks. Why did he suggest a park??]

[dialtones]

[He's a stiff guy, what can he say!! Look, there are times when he's not stiff.]

Unless you can think of something else. [Walks are romantic and prone to hand holding Leorio, shut up. But really, Kurapika just thinks it's pretty and relaxing here, and he's not really sure what to do on a date to begin with, so...]

It's not often that I manage to get a few minutes to myself, but since I've been here, I have been able to take a couple of breaks. There's a nice spot in this park I enjoyed relaxing at.

[speeddial]

[Okay, name five!! But, ah, he latches right onto that last comment because it's way better than his "aimlessly walk back and forth" suggestion.]

Yeah? Okay, then that's our goal! [If Kurapika thinks it's relaxing, it has to be the most zen place in the entire city. Leorio is on board!]

Lead the way!

[dialtones]

[Ah, there's his energy again. Kurapika glances down to himself as they start walking, fixing his shirt. The shirt compliment is still being remembered... No matter how much he tries to push it aside.

As for the park, it's already pretty peaceful from the entrance. With plenty of greenery and flowering trees from each country in the world, it brags to be the most diverse park in the world. Despite that, the time of day has it pretty quiet. There's another couple or two walking or sitting on benches, some younger kids playing on the grass with their parents, and a few students studying or relaxing before their morning classes here and there.

As they walk, he reaches up to try and brush his fingers against the leaves of a tree blooming in pink flowers, but they just barely come up short. He lets his hands drop back down to his sides and looks to Leorio.]

I wasn't sure if you cared for parks.

[speeddial]

[Leorio takes in the scenery as they walk, glancing over at Kurapika more than a few times as well. Parks are... well, he barely has any time to go to parks, unlike those students they pass hanging around. Imagine lugging his textbooks out here to study- he'd be distracted by nice weather and get nothing done.

Still,] What, am I too city for the park?

[Honestly, he feels like he sort of is- there weren't exactly flourishing parks where he grew up, and once he set out on his own he gravitated to cities with no room to squeeze a patch of grass in between buildings and back alleys - that's where the money was. There's no money to be made strolling around a park.

But what he actually says is,] They're alright.

[dialtones]

So you are too 'city' then.

[He catches that 'alright' isn't the same as enjoying them, and that's fair enough. Most people don't hold the appreciation for them that he does. He feels like he owes Leorio something, after so long. No, not just owing-- he wants to show his trust in a way.

Revealing small things about himself is all he can manage to think of.]

They remind me a bit of home. Nothing could ever be like the trees where we lived, but sometimes it's nice to feel closer to that.

[speeddial]

[He can only shrug at that with a 'Well...' that trails off; so he is too city. There's nothing wrong with that! He's here now, and everything.

All the same, hearing Kurapika talk about his home is much more interesting than trying to say nice things about parks. Leorio looks sideways at him as they walk, thoughtfully; so maybe he's... Hunter googled Kurapika's clan once or twice, not in a weird way... Hearing it from him is way better.

Now, as long as he doesn't answer with something like "are we going to look at a tree," it'll be great.]

Hmm. You're better at this nature stuff than me, yeah. [Smooth. And since it feels like a good enough time and the further they walk, even less people seem to be around, he bumps the back of his hand into Kurapika's before reaching to take hold of it properly.]

Maybe you should get out more.

[dialtones]

[That's as subtle as holding hands can be, and still, Kurapika inwardly freaks out a bit. Calling it a date was one thing, but this is Definitely a date. People are going to see. Word might get around. What's he going to do then?? He can barely deal with this alone!!

But after a few seconds of his hand stilling in the surprise, he gives in, gripping Leorio's in return.]

...I don't have the time for things like that, unfortunately. [Leorio's seen his work. He should understand that, as much as he disapproves. He can't even blame those words, really. He does need to get out more.] But so long as you're here... I suppose I could try.

[speeddial]

[No, look, there are LESS people around! Maybe some birds will see, they're just birds. Leorio waited for this, for all of maybe ten minutes. He's trying, alright- he does understand, despite his misgivings.]

Like - regularly? [Maybe not super regularly, if Kurapika's no-fun "work every night except weekends" thing still holds, but somewhat.]

D'you think it'd be strange to ask Melody to cover for us?

[LIKE... today, but the first time doesn't count.]

[dialtones]

[The birds will know...]

As regularly as I could manage, perhaps...

[Hm, again it comes up, and this time he thinks he can't just shove it aside. He squeezes Leorio's hand again, a couple times in quick pulses before he lets it relax to a natural hold.]

To be honest, I'm not sure how much longer Nostrade can stay in control. He's been a complete mess since we went bankrupt from his daughter losing her nen. For the most part, I've been assuming control. But even then...

[He's losing it.]

[speeddial]

[Okay... First of all.

That answer had nothing to do with Melody. It takes a moment for him to process it, and even still - what?]

Wait, what? That old man's not-? [The old man is stupid and useless, is that what he's hearing, more or less? And Kurapika is—]

You're... [Stop walking, whoa, he needs a moment.] ... Really?

[dialtones]

[Look, there are some things he has to explain before asking co-workers to cover for him!! Like the fact that he's the boss behind the scenes, possibly soon to be full on boss. It's... Important. Ish.

He slows his steps to a stop when Leorio's shock sets in, and as much as he wants to look elsewhere, he'll keep his eyes on his for Leorio's benefit.]

Since shortly after our last run in with the Phantom Troupe. Yes. [He could go into detail about working up loyalty in the family to branch off on his own, or keeping Nostrade in the game long enough to feel comfortable with things, but-- he's not proud about this. Naturally.

And here they are just wanting to plan dates. Woops.]

[speeddial]

[It is a pretty heavy shock. Leorio already knew Kurapika had considerable authority with the other members, but he didn't realize how far up it really went. Part of him wanted to think that maybe Kurapika was a people person deep down, and these rude mafia guys were okay deep down, and he's suddenly acutely aware of how stupid and naive that was of him to even entertain as a possibility.

Well, here he is now, holding hands with a mafia boss. Basically boss? Enough.

...

He has no idea what he's supposed to say at this point. On the one hand, Kurapika is in this even deeper than he thought and that's not okay, but on the other—isn't being the boss at least a better position than being a nobody grunt? Maybe?

Aside from the fact that Leorio is here at all because other families are already trying to kill him, okay... God, he needs more time to process this.

He looks down at himself (who paid for this suit??? shit). All he can think of to say is, ridiculously,] So... trying to kick down his door was a waste of time, huh?

[dialtones]

[He's vaguely aware of how deep he is in this mess, but honestly, he doesn't realize how far out of his control it is. From here, it feels like he has plenty of control. The power over a family of mafia members, the understanding of various criminal networks and underground activities, direct routes to the scarlet eyes...

But he's got such a glaring weakness in his emotions.

He looks a little troubled even revealing this, so at least it's not like he's waiting expectantly for praise or anything.]

Did you try something like that? [Please Leorio no.] Half of the week he's in tears, begging for my help, and the other he's scolding me for knowing nothing. He's in no place to make any decisions and the others realize this.

[speeddial]

[From Leorio's point of view, he has a bunch of criminals and a crazy old man to keep in line, other criminals trying to kill him, and probably less of a clean break to get away from all of if when his goals are accomplished! Unfortunately (or fortunately, because this was a good day until just now and it isn't entirely spoiled yet), he's still a little dazed by the revelation. Too much to yell.

... About that, directly.]

I was worried! [Leorio yes.] Nobody told me he's a blubbering moron up in his secret private office!

[dialtones]

I didn't want to worry you any further than I had to.

[Apparently that didn't work, but hey, he was trying here. It's so much easier just to not deal with addressing these things, but how long is that going to work if they're like this?]

I can understand if you're upset. [And clearly he is, with that yelling.] I thought you should know sooner rather than later.

[speeddial]

[He makes a frustrated noise- right, trying not to worry him didn't work, good eye- but besides that he only stares at Kurapika like he has no idea what to do with himself now, brow furrowed. This lasts another couple seconds until he sighs heavily, rubbing his face with his free hand and thoughtlessly nearly knocking his glasses off in the process. Look at his distress, even the glasses suffer.

Give him - another moment.]

Let's go to your spot. [he says, to his palm. He drops his hand as he continues,] Gimme a couple minutes to think.