Still Doll

A Revised Contract

"I-It's just like what you said," the voice of a man from the other end of the line. "The boy handed in his resignation just now."

Smiling, he pressed the phone closer to his ear. "I see. How did it go?"

"I did just what you told me!" The voice was indignant yet frantic. "I went easy on him and approved the resignation. He's going back to his former boss and his other companion here is likely coming with him."

"When is he going to leave?"

"I said he can move out anytime as long as the necessary turnover is done so he won't think I wanted him out of my house as soon as bloody possible. I think he'll leave by tomorrow."

"As for my other instructions?"

"Yeah, yeah. I didn't forget it. Promised to sell the eyes exclusively to him for 2 billion each pair. He seemed relieved."

"Very well, I am glad. You're not a bad business partner, sir."

"Yeah, right. Whatever. Now, will you leave me alone?"

"Sure, sure. As promised, I'll spare your life as long as you abide to my requests."

"Don't come after the Kuruta, keep my mouth shut about Meniandro, keep my promise about the scarlet eyes and act as if this whole damned bullshit never happened. You have my word."

"You forgot not to tell anyone about his identity."

"Fine. His secret is safe with me. I'll move away from York Shin as soon as he leaves. I'll hand over the eyes as soon as the payment is made. Are we done here?"

"That is very nice of you. Yes, I also hope that this will be our last conversation. Be good, and so will I."

"Yeah, right."

"It is a pleasure doing business with you, Dmitri-san. Have a good night."

The man from the other end cut the line without another word. Slowly, the smile on Kuroro's face faded, suppressing a relieved sigh as he did so. He pocketed his phone with a lingering worry tugging at the back of his mind. Yes, that restless feeling in him that was pestering him for days had subsided, but it hadn't completely disappeared. He knew the boy would make a big deal out of this again, him meddling with his personal matters again, once he finds out but he figured he would rather face his anger than his bland submission.

This was everything Kuroro could do for him. The next steps were for Kurapika to take.

* * *

As soon as Kurapika fulfilled his promise to Mami and thanked Dmitri for his 'treat,' he shortly carried out the complete transfer of his duties to Mitsuhiko and later announced his resignation to his co-workers.

He was relieved that Senritsu decided to come along with him the next day, saying that she didn't think that staying with Dmitri would lead her closer to the Sonata of Darkness, the cursed musical score she was looking for. As Dmitri mentioned, he didn't raise any objection about their sudden resignation, and even thanked them for their service albeit only for a short while.

Kurapika soon contacted Nostrad to give him the good news, he and Senritsu talked over the phone to confirm her decision of working under him again. Nostrad instructed them to go to his hotel and meet up once they were done with Dmitri and were even invited for a dinner meeting of sort for further discussion about his business project.

Mitsuhiko and the other tried to get them into a one-last-drinking party before they leave, but Kurapika had to turn it down with a reason that it wasn't needed and guarding the boss was the utmost priority. Dmitri didn't see them out and just passed down his goodbye to Mitsuhiko. With words of thanks and grateful bows, Kurapika and Senritsu left the Dmitri household, both set to begin their new journey.