Chapter Text
The room was quiet. He could only hear the owls hooting from the outside. It's been four days since Kurapika had gotten any sleep. Every time he tried to close his eyes and doze off, a thought about the Spiders infiltrated his head. He had become obsessed with them, more than ever before. Every day, hour, and second was spent thinking about them. He felt intense bubbling hatred towards them. After all, they killed his family and stole their family heirlooms and even more gut-wrenching, they had ripped the eyes of his family out. His family has scarlet bright eyes that were sacred and were worth millions of jenny. He'd become an orphan with no home because of them. He had no idea why they spared him, but they were going to regret it.
But there was only one time the Phantom Troupe wasn't in his head, and that was when he was thinking about his past lover. He thought of him rarely, but when he did, it cut deep. It would linger in his mind for weeks then the thought would disappear. Thinking of him didn't calm him down in the slightest, but it was better than thinking about the murderers of his beloved clan. To him, the Phantom Troupe was more important than anything. That's why he rarely thought about him. He won't deny that he loved him but he doesn't want him in his life again. Well, that's what he wanted to believe.
-
It was Leorio's first year being a doctor. A surgeon, specifically. He worked on countless patients. Leorio worked at a high-class hospital but did most patients' surgeries for free. Especially the poor ones. The ones that had no money, the ones whose parents worked day and night trying to pay off their treatments. He found joy in that. It was his reason for becoming a doctor after all.
"Good night guys. I'm going to head in for the day." Leorio lazily waved goodbye to his co-workers and headed outside the building.
Although he loves his job, it'd taken a huge toll on him. When he finished work, he would go home and immediately lie on the sofa. He wouldn't eat, shower, or change. Just jump on the couch and doze off. The days he didn't have to go to work in the morning, he went to a local bar. He'd finish work and immediately go to the bar in his scrubs. Sure, he looked a little funny but that didn't stop countless women and men from hitting on him. He would turn them down, insisting he was focusing on his job, but in rare cases, he would play along. He would flirt a little. Just enough that they would want him to spend the night at their place. He would wake up in a daze, clothes in someone else's bed, and then leave.
He didn't feel bad for his one night stands, after all, who tries to start a meaningful connection at a bar? It was one of those nights. Leorio didn't have work the next day, so he went in his car and instantly went to a bar.
He sat down at a bar counter and waited for a bartender to come. "The usual," Leorio said, not even bothering to look at him. He came a lot as of recently. All the bartenders remember his face and his order.
"Another hard day?" Zepile asks Leorio, sliding his drink down towards him.
"You bet." Leorio chuckles for a moment, then takes a sip from his glass. "These past days have just been straight shit!" He says loudly enough that a few people turn over to look at him. He sheepishly looks down after causing some attention.
"You can say that again. Earlier, there were some teens with the worst fake I.D's tried to gaslight me into thinking they were legit." Zepile pinched the skin between his eyebrows.
Leorio smirked, taking another sip from his cup. "When are you going to quit this job? Didn't you say you wanted to become a merchant or something?" Leorio sighed.
"You know I'm just trying to earn some cash so I can open up my own store." He grabs a glass and makes another drink for another customer.
"Don't we all need money. This world is built off of stupid geni." Leorio scoffs, this time taking a large gulp of alcohol.
Despite Leorio becoming a surgeon with a high salary, he still felt the need for more money. He wanted to open a hospital that gives people treatments for free. People shouldn't get to live or be happy based on whether they have money or not. Leorio had strong morals that no one could shatter or change. That was one of his strongest qualities. Even he knew that.
"I gotta go do my shitty job. Enjoy your drink." Zepile patted Leorio sternly on his back and disappeared.
He grins, turning to the left of him, noticing that Zepile made him another drink on the house. Leorio had known Zepile since before his college days (through Killua and Gon). They even went to the same college. Sadly, Zepile had to drop out because surprise, he fell into debt. Leorio had recommended him for a job at his favorite bar and that's how he started working here. Working as a bartender for the past 2 years.
Just as Leorio was about to take a sip of his drink, a man approached him.
"I was wondering if I could buy the handsome man in front of me a drink?" A soft, light voice asked the tall, tanned man.
"Not interested-" Leorio looked up at him and immediately paused. It was a man with blonde hair and soft, catlike eyes. He was short and slim. He looked exactly like his ex. "Actually, how about I buy you a drink?" Leorio straightened his voice and fixed his posture.
"Sure, was I so beautiful you changed your mind?" The man sat beside him, asking the bartender for some vodka.
"Yeah." Leorio blurted out. He hadn't noticed he had said it out loud.
The man just smiled softly and took a sip from the drink that Leorio had just bought.
This was one of those nights. The night that Leorio hooks up with a random person from his bar. He'd only do this to people who had a similar aura or look as someone he loved. Though he didn't acknowledge this himself. This man was like an exact duplicate of his past lover. He even had a similar smile.
The more they talked, the less like Kurapika he was. His humour was completely different, his taste in music, his attitude. Leorio almost felt like he regretted talking to this man. He wasn't annoying but he wasn't at all like he thought. The only thing compelling Leorio to stay talking with him was how he looked. It was like he was looking at his twin. The only difference between looks was that Kurapika's eyes were different. His eyes had a soul. This man's eyes have a soul, but it's not the same. Not the same hurting, but loving soul.
"Hey, are you listening?" The blonde-haired look-alike tapped Leorio on the shoulder.
That made him jump up in shock. "I'm sorry, I think I have to go." Leorio pulled out some money from his wallet and set it beside him. "For the drinks." He was getting ready to walk off before the man called out to him.
"Did I do something wrong?" The man stood up and grabbed his arm.
Leorio released himself from the man's grasp and sighed. "No, you didn't. I just can't. You look too much like him." He continued to walk off, exiting the bar and entering his car.
"This is too much." He exhaled, turning on some music to calm down.
He never acted like this before when he saw someone who looked like Kurapika. So why now? He decided to just sit and think for a moment, concluding it's too dangerous to start driving again. The alcohol and what just happened played a part in his decision.
-
Kurapika began to search on his computer for the past cases of famous, rich families that had been tragically murdered recently.
"The Pines family in a brutal massacre suspected to be caused by the Phantom Troupe, causing the death of 5 adults and 3 children." Kurapika clicked on the link, looking through the pictures of the case. One picture showed the adults in body bags, another showed a symbol. It was an upside-down spider hanging on a web. The Phantom Troupe loved to mark the places they killed with the sickening logo. It made Kurapika's skin crawl. He wanted to throw up. God, how he hated them. His eyes turn a bright scarlet, though hidden by his brown contacts.
He clicked on the next picture and saw the bodies outside the bags. They were murdered in the worst possible ways. One of them had their jaw forcefully ripped open. It dangled, barely attached to the rest on their face. Then he looked down. The person's chest had multiple stab wounds. The wounds were small but all over. Looked like a small knife, no, a screwdriver. Surprisingly, the Phantom Troupe had some good in them because the kids were always shot straight in the head, nothing else. Possibly using a certain nen technique. They had painless deaths. The maids and butlers usually got to live usually unharmed. If a butler or maid died, it was always reported that the workers had a "strong bond" with the family. He assumes they fought to protect them. He would do the same for Neon.
Kurapika was a bodyguard for the Nostrade family. A rich family that had underground connections with the black market. He had to protect Mr. Nostrades' daughter, Neon, from outsiders and also the Troupe if they came for his family next. Kurapika had found this the perfect job. He could find his family's eye because the Nostrades had connections to the underground and he might get lucky and the rest of the Spiders might come to him directly.
He checked his watch. "4:30". Oh shit he had stayed up all night. "4:30." That number replayed in his head, but he could not figure out why that number had stood out. Suddenly, the dots clicked in his mind.
"Leorio..." He whispered as a slight blush came upon his cheeks. He put the palm of his hand on his face and let out a soft groan. Again, he has thought about the tall, tan man with glasses. "Get it together, Kurapika. After all these years that man is still in your mind!" He decided to close his laptop and head to his bed.
After minutes of tossing and turning he couldn't get Leorio out of his mind. Now this man will be in his thoughts for weeks to come. Not now. Not when another auction is being held. Not when he would have the chance to find the Phantom Troupe again. After all, he still had only eliminated Uvogin and unknowingly was the reason for Pakunoda's death as well.
One time, he came close to killing Shizuku, but Feitan stepped in last minute to save her. At least he knew about two more people's nen abilities.
Kurapika tried to think about something else. But no matter how hard he tried, it was about him or the Troupe. And he'd rather think about Leorio than the Spiders at this moment. He would never say that out loud.
-
The next day, Leorio was home and on the couch. He didn't remember how he got here or why he was so tired. The only thing he remembered was someone who looked like Kurapika. He only remembered that man's face, not even what he was talking about. Sad but true.
As he positioned himself up he groaned in agonizing pain. His body hurt in every way, and it even hurt to breathe. Thank God I don't have work today. he thought. He spotted a bottle of Tylenol pills across from him and popped one in his mouth. He grabbed and bottle of water and drank some. Hopefully, that will help him with the excruciating pain.
A notification buzzed from his phone, and he looked down at it.
'12:40' Co-worker: Hey, can you come into work today? They said they need the best doctor.
Leorio did not want to come to work today. He really didn't want to. He scrolled down to the next text.
'12:53' Co-worker: They're willing to pay whatever price.
Even his coworkers know his obsession with money. His greed cannot even be hidden when he tries to stay professional. Maybe he let it slip too many times? After all, he is a talkative guy.
' 1:20' Leorio Paradinight (You): Alright, I'll be there soon.
Leorio puts down his phone. "I guess I'll shower and head over there."
-
Kurapika rushed over with Melody by his side to check on Neon.
"I can't believe this happened!" Kurapika said, blaming himself.
"It's not your fault, Kurapika. You were asleep, and there's nothing we can do now except be there for her."
Melody always knew how to calm Kurapika down.
"You're right." Kurapika gives a half smile, though still pondering on what he could have done to avoid this.
Melody can still hear his heart beating fast but decides to stay quiet, worrying that prying would escalate the situation. Melody can also hear a bit of love in his heart. This was rare, but she also decided not to speak on that, too.
"Neon, are you alright?" Kurapika looks down at her with a concerned look. Although Neon could act like a spoiled brat, Kurapika still felt parental towards her.
"Yes, but I would have been better if those stupid people hadn't tried to kidnap me! They kept claiming they were trying to become the new spiders!" Neon huffed. "As if! It was just a bunch of nerdy kids in black clothing."
The word 'spider'. It made Kurapika's blood boil. Melody could feel the rage whispered, "Not now, Kurapika."
Kurapika's rage had died down.
Just a little.
"A doctor is coming right away. He's the best at this hospital." A nurse said to Neon's bodyguards.
Kurapika shook his head in understanding and sat in a chair next to Neon. He looked around and saw tubes all around Neon. Her neck was bruised as if she'd been choked, and her arm was so flipped around, broken. "Nurse, can you tell me what happened to her?" Kurapika clenched his jaw in anger but tried not to let it show. He didn't do a good job, though, because he's bad at hiding his emotions.
"Her lung was punctured and collapsed, so she was losing a lot of oxygen. Otherwise known as a pneumothorax. She is on an oxygen tank, as you can see. She was choked and was left with slight bruising, but it luckily didn't cause any internal damage." The nurse explained gently and slowly.
Kurapika's anger slowly settled down. "How long will the surgery take?"
"Oh, not long at all. I estimate 3 hours." The nurse smiles. "But she might have to stay in the hospital for a couple more days. "Just to make sure she's doing alright."
Kurapika sighs, happy that Neon will be okay. Slightly annoyed that the doctor is taking a long time getting over here. He doesn't feel comfortable leaving Neon's side, though, staring at her intensely. She's asleep, probably exhausted. He looks over at Melody. She's had a saddened face looking at Melody. She obviously feels some type of guilt, even though she didn't say it out loud. At least he's not the only one who's worried. He lets out another soft smile.
-
"I can't believe they called me to work right now. On my day fucking off!" Leorio screamed, slamming his car door, driving off. "Let me pick up some coffee before I screw up the surgery." He goes to the nearest coffee shop and orders and black coffee. He doesn't like the taste, but it definitely wakes him up every time. He continues driving to the hospital. He steps out of his car into the hospital.
"What room?" He asked the clerk.
"Room 403." The clerk said, smacking her gum, not even looking up at him.
Rude.
He walked towards the room, barging in. "Sorry, I'm late. Had to come in on short notice." He snaps on the gloves and takes a look at the blue-haired woman. "Yeah, this will take about 3 hours." He sighs. "If you guys want to stay here and watch, be my guest. But don't get mad if you get bored." He turns, grabbing and resanitizing the medical tools, not even noticing Kurapika nor Melody.
-
Kurapika notices Leorio as soon as he walks into the room. His heart instantly drops, hoping Leorio doesn't notice him. To his surprise, the universe is on his side for once, and Leorio zooms right past him as if he weren't even there. It doesn't seem intentional, though.
"Sorry, I'm late. Had to come in on short notice." Leorio says.
He didn't react, so I guess he really didn't see me. Kurapika thought. He didn't know if he was relieved or a bit disappointed.
"Yeah, this will take about 3 hours but her arm we'll have to work on another day."
That snapped him back into reality. Focus on Neon and not him.
He thought that, but he caught his eyes following Leorio. He stares at his eyes and catches himself blushing, but tries to control it before Melody can bring it up later in a conversation.
"If you guys want to stay here and watch, be my guest. But don't get mad if you get bored."
So he did notice. His senses had gotten sharper. Kurapika noted.
Yes, to Kurapika's surprise, Leorio had changed. It had been four years after all. He'd gotten taller, and his hair was cut shorter. Was it because he became a surgeon?
-
"So I guess you guys are staying. You guys must really care about her." Leorio stated, smiling at the thought. "At least let me get a good look at the people who will be watching my performance." He chuckled, cracking a joke.
"Kurapika?" Leorio turned frozen, almost dropping his equipment. He couldn't form any new words and just stood.
Kurapika's eyes lit up for just a second when Leorio called his name, and then he quickly looked away.
"I'm going to head outside." Kurapika swiftly stood up and exited the room.
"Wait!" Leorio tries to follow him, but his legs freeze. Oh right. He almost forgot. He's trying to help this girl. He's trying to heal this girl.
"Later. Let's get you back to health!" Leorio tries to cheer himself back up. "You're going to want to count from 1-10 backwards, okay?"
Neon nodded and started. Leorio put a gas mask on her as she drifted off into a deep sleep.
"My day is absolutely fucked." He whispered.