❛ Look After You. Chrollo Lucilfer

xx. forgiveness

"You believed Bianca so easily, why is that? For all you know, she could be lying." Chrollo questioned as he steered the wheel, driving through Barcelona's streets once again with Keiko right beside him. The atmosphere wasn't as light as it once was, for Keiko had been tense and had clear anger— or perhaps anxiety, radiating off of her body.

She released a sigh before answering Chrollo's question, as if to release all the tension she unknowingly built up within herself. "She doesn't have a reason to. I know full well of the risks, but I trust that woman as much as I trust Pierre and myself."

Chrollo hummed, "and if it turns out to be a trap?"

"Then it is what it is. I'd end up angry, of course, betrayal is something I find I don't take lightly. However, I doubt I'd be able to stay mad at her for long, I owe her more than she would if this ended up to be a trap."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"I took away what mattered to a mortal like her most, her humanity."

"You're saying that you're the one that turned her into a vampire?" Chrollo raised a brow, his interest piqued. He genuinely never imagined Keiko inflicting pain on someone like Bianca, especially after witnessing their bond firsthand.

Although Keiko seemed to not be affected, only staring straight ahead at the road as she clenched her fists, dreading their destination. "Yes, and I certainly have no regrets about it. She was on her deathbed, and I couldn't just let her die, especially since I bare the power to provide immortality to those I wish to give."

"I can only imagine the anger she felt," Chrollo chuckled as he turned the steering wheel, making a sharp turn.

"I never mentioned that she was angry at me," Keiko murmured before turning to glance at the male who's expression remained indifferent. "You're basically implying that it is how you would feel if you were to lose your humanity."

"Of course not, in fact the gift of immortality would be a blessing on my part." He started, "however, knowing my species, emotions are often heightened when caused by those we care about, betrayal from a loved one cuts deeper."

Keiko sighed, her voice tinged with reflection. "Immortality is both a blessing and a curse. You see everything, experience the world in ways others can only dream of, but the cost.. it's steep. Time moves on, people fade, and what remains is an endless cycle of loss." She paused, her gaze distant, revealing the faint glint of her fangs as she spoke, a subtle reminder of her nature. "You learn to detach, to build walls, because if you don't, the weight of it all would drive you mad. Especially when a vampire,"

Her fists clenched again, a fresh wave of anger surfacing. "And I can only wonder how my brother must have felt while going through such trials."

Chrollo glanced at her, a hint of skepticism in his eyes. "You're assuming that he's a vampire?"

Keiko's gaze was thoughtful, almost distant. "Well, after hearing Bianca's statement, I can begin to think so."

Chrollo raised an eyebrow. "And you really believe Gerard will provide you with answers?"

Keiko's expression hardened as Gerard's mansion came into view, the lights still apparently on, guards still out on duty, as if they we're expecting her visit. "If anyone has answers, it would be him."