❛ Look After You. Chrollo Lucilfer

iv. gallery

Chrollo found himself standing in one of the most famous art galleries all over the world, one in YorkNew City, and there was one painting that seemed to capture his attention like a deer caught in headlights.

No matter how much his head was telling him to look at the rest of the paintings that were made throughout history, his heart fought back and screamed for him to stay. And the heart wants what it wants.

Picasso's 'The Old Guitarist', an elderly improverished, emaciated guitarist sitting on the ground, hunched over his instrument. His gaunt figure and tattered clothing emphasize his poverty and vulnerability.

This was one of Chrollo's favoured arts, and no matter how many times he's witnessed the piece, he remained spellbound, as if frozen in place by its sheer magnificence.

"The depiction of the elderly man, frail and worn, evokes a deep sense of empathy," a familiar voice interjected from Chrollo's side. He turned sharply to find her there—Keiko Rei. The woman he had desperately tried to forget, knowing his.. obsession with her would greatly disrupt his plans. The shared intimacy of that night made it nearly impossible for him to erase her from his thoughts. "His thin, frail appearance and the way he holds himself make it easy to sense his deep loneliness and pain. The painting's powerful emotions make his struggles feel real, prompting viewers to think about the tough realities of poverty and aging."

Keiko decided to contie after a moment's pause, seeing that the male beside her was too stunned to speak. "The multiple shades of blues create a somber atmosphere for the elder's solation. The absence of warmth and vibrant color reinforces the feeling of being alone and disconnected from society. The hues of blue intensify the viewer's understanding of his loneliness."

"But yet, despite the old man's evident suffering, the presence of the guitar suggests a glimmer of hope or solace. The instrument, cradled in his arms, represents a small source of comfort and the human capacity to find moments of solace even in dire circumstances." Chrollo interrupted, returning his gaze back onto the artwork. From his peripheral vision, he could see the slight smile that Keiko had painting her face.

And so, he continued; "Overall, 'The Old Guitarist' tells a deep story by capturing the essence of human suffering, offering the harsh truth on the fragility and resilience of the human spirit." He ended, earning him a few quiet claps from his companion that stood beside him.

He now turned his head to look at her, an indescribable look on his face. "I never would have guessed that you were into art."

Her eyes met his, and he felt breathless. She looked absolutely stunning. Keiko Rei wore a long and sleevless black dress that reached her knees from the back but only the top of her thigh from the front. The squared neckline was adorned with a beautiful ruby necklace that accentuated the color of her eyes. He couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and admiration, utterly captivated by her presence.

Keiko smiled, "you never asked." Before her eyes decided to scan his appearance from top to bottom. This was the complete opposite of the man she had met between two buildings. Infront of her, was a man that screamed attention, despite having not done a single thing that made it seem like he wanted it.

And she especially took notice of the lack of vervain that used to reek all over him.

Beneath the surface of his coat, a flowing black garment adorned with intricate symbols, was his build that was lean but undeniably strong, a testament to countless battles fought. His form was not bulky, but was perfectly proportioned—every muscle and vein spoke of precision and agility.

His hair was neatly gelled back, and the bandaid that were wrapped around his forehead was no longer present, and in its place a symbol of a cross. His earrings were still intact, the same turquoise orbs that continued to shine as the light reflected it.

Chrollo raised a brow, "you never gave me the chance." He argued, "you were gone the second I awoke."

Keiko sighed, "I had errands to run, unfortunately. Although I certainly would've loved getting a warm cup of coffee with you at eight in the morning wearing only nothing but our bathrobes, problems just seem to follow me wherever I go." She cleared her throat, "I needed to fix it."

"And it seems that fate brought us together once again." Chrollo spoke, referring to the note she left him before leaving.

Keiko only chuckled, "as if it never wanted us seperate in the first place. Well, maybe it's momentarily. I wouldn't be surprised."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Chrollo questioned.

"Do you really think that the universe will allow us be together?" It was more of a question than an answer, but it still provided Chrollo an answer to his question.

He paused, as if contemplating the weight of his next words. After a moment, he turned to her, gently urging her to face him as well. His eyes, filled with nothing but an empty void, met hers. "Even if it meant battling the universe itself to be with you, I would do it without hesitation, and I would gladly do so all over again. Without so much as a second thought." Though his eyes were filled with nothing, his words spoke otherwise.

"There's a saying," Keiko smiled softly, "though the words hold great meaning, look into their eyes when in doubt. They never lie."

Chrollo chuckled, sending a shiver down the girl's spine due to their close proximity. "I've known you only for two days, and you expect me to love you already?"

"After living for five hundred years, I had to raise my standards," Keiko said with a hint of pride. She turned her entire body to face him, placing her hand over his heart, her touch deliberate and intimate. "I've had kings on their knees, surrendering their entire fortunes just for a glimpse of my favor. So tell me, how exactly do you compare to that—Mr.?"

"Chrollo. Chrollo Lucilfer."

At the sound of his name, a glimmer of amusement danced in Keiko's eyes. "The devil himself," she said with a teasing smile, her voice rich with both intrigue and challenge. She gave his chest a gentle pat, as if acknowledging his audacity. With a final, lingering glance, she turned on her heels and walked away, her movements seductive, as if daring Chrollo to stop her in her tracks.