❛ Look After You. Chrollo Lucilfer

xiii. you drive me insane

Chrollo's eyes scanned the letters contents, both pages, reading each word carefully to see if there was some sort of trickery in Gerard's invitation and personal message. Seeing that there was none, his eyes turned to look at Keiko who currently sat in the atelier's sofa with her arms crossed, her brows furrowed anxiously, as she sipped on her fifth blood bag of the night.

Chrollo folded the letter and set it aside, noting Keiko's growing agitation. He approached her and took a seat beside her on the sofa, his presence a calm contrast to her unease.

"Still worried?" he asked softly, observing her tense posture.

Keiko glanced at him, her eyes weary; "of course. I knew he would know that I was back, but I was hoping he wouldn't know I brought you along with me."

Chrollo's gaze remained unreadable as he absorbed her concern. "It's expected that Gerard would be aware of your return," he said, his tone calm and measured. "But the fact that he knows I'm with you could complicate things."

Keiko's eyes were filled with a mix of frustration and anxiety. "I hoped he wouldn't have that level of insight. Now he might be planning something we can't anticipate."

"Well, there's only one way we can figure out of his plans.." Chrollo trailed off as Keiko gasped in disbelief, getting his message.

Keiko's eyes widened, "You're seriously thinking of going?! Chrollo— the chances of you getting hurt are significant!"

Chrollo's expression was calm but resolute. "I'm aware of the risks, but avoiding this confrontation could be even more dangerous. If we want to stay ahead, we need to gather information firsthand."

"There has to be another way." Keiko clenched her fists, struggling with the decision.

Chrollo placed a reassuring hand on her free hand, "you and I both know that there is none, love. The reason that we came here in the first place was because of me, remember? So that I can remove this chain off my heart." He paused, "Do you trust me?"

"No." Keiko's gaze was unwavering, her voice firm. "Not when you currently have a death wish, no." She said flatly.

Chrollo rolled his eyes slightly, frustration tinged with amusement. "And do remind me who said just a day ago that the longer we wait, the higher the risks become?"

Keiko's frustration deepened, but she maintained her stance. "That was before I knew you were planning something this reckless. We need to find another way."

Chrollo's expression remained composed. "There is no time for alternatives if we are to stay ahead. I need you to trust my judgment and focus on how we can turn this situation to our advantage."

Keiko hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on her. Despite her reluctance, she knew that Chrollo's approach was often unyielding. "Fine," she said finally, "I know Gerard and his antics, I can hold myself pretty well when it comes to him. You, however," she paused to glare at Chrollo who stared at her with a satisfied smile on his face. "try not to get yourself killed."

"I've spent my fair share of time with Gerard, I've even gained some of mt favourite tricks from him. Try not to worry so much, love."

"You can be such a pain," Keiko groaned as she stood up from her spot, "come along now. I think I have a few suits displayed in my museum of ball gowns, and I'm choosing."