Still Doll

A Sick Realization

"No, Kurapika. Today's your off. You worked more than enough. Senritsu's right, you need a break. No more discussion."

His life was playing him an awful joke, Kurapika thought as Lurix Dmitri ordered him to have a day-off right after the night of his gathering. It was true that he was tired. But in all honesty, he would rather drown himself in his work than to laze around with the lurid memories now reeling in his mind. His work never failed to make him forget those two forsaken nights between him and that Kuroro Lucifer; and he preferred it that way. It could not be helped, however; it was his boss' call so he had little choice in the matter. Besides, his body was begging for the rest his mind wanted to deny.

After his conversation with Dmitri, Kurapika decided to spend the rest of the day enjoying the rest of his book. Lying comfortably on his bed with his back against the headboard, he found himself distracted. Half of his mind focused on his book while the other half was thinking about the one-sided recommendation that Dmitri had offered, him being a second-in-command in the wider Mafia community.

Truth be told, he was not considering the offer, as he felt he could easily get the position once he felt ready for it. Besides, there was another, more disturbing thought taking the forefront in the chaotic mess that had become his thoughts

He had deleted the message that Kuroro Lucifer sent him last night as he couldn't stand the thought of it, let alone saving it in his phone's inbox. However, he was unable to erase it from his mind. Caged within his own restless brain and weighted heart, he could find no way to move forward except to decide whether or not to reply.

By the time he had finished his dinner he had managed to spend most of his free time dozing in a dreamless state aided by the peaceful weather and calm quiet found within the solitude of the manor. When he was not succumbing to his body's need for rest he could be found in a small study amidst the books there.

As night fell once more he found his eyes blurry from the strain of constant reading. He returned the two latest leather-bound texts he had read to their places on the shelving.

... The attempts to escape his grumbling thoughts proved futile as Kurapika mused unintentionally. It had proven to be useless to try and run away from the situation, anyway.

The blond wondered if he could find sleep as easily now that his body, at least, had recuperated. He felt much better as his frazzled nerves finally calmed; if only a sleep free from nightmares could heal him entirely, including his heart and mind.

After some moments of staring at nothing in particular, Kurapika stopped racking his brain and roughly closed his current book before grudgingly returning it to their proper places on the shelving.

Seriously, having an extra 'part-time' sideline on his day-off? How mad.

"Okay fine," Kurapika mumbled while reaching for his phone. He typed something on it then waited. In a dreadfully short amount of time, the expected reply sounded on his phone.

'Finally. Tonight's good. But I'll be a bit late. Just go to the apartment first. Not sure what time I'd arrive, but I'll definitely be there. See you later.'

Scorning, Kurapika balled his fist on his phone.

"God, how did I get myself into this!?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

His footsteps echoed audibly through the deserted hallway as the Kuruta reached the condo unit. It was around nine and Kurapika found himself frowning while looking at the apartment's door. The man said he would be late so he let an hour or so to pass before going to the place. He didn't like the idea of him waiting for the guy alone inside the demented place; however, he didn't want to draw attention from anyone if he left the manor late night either. Not to mention that once Kuroro arrived, they would do it and he would leave right after. The earlier he settled the matter, the better.