❛ Look After You. Chrollo Lucilfer

xxi. you're all I have left

"Kei." Chrollo's voice cut through the stillness of the night, though it was unlikely to reach Keiko's ears. She was lost in her hunger and rage, her fangs deeply embedded in the neck of a mortal, draining every last droplet of life he had to spare.

Chrollo, seeing this, sighed and shook his head slightly. He knew better than to interrupt her feeding, yet the sight tugged at something within him— an uneasy mix of concern and resignation.

He was aware of the feelings she was consumed by at the moment— the intoxicating rush of power, the primal satisfaction of taking life. Yet, beneath it all, he knew the emptiness that would soon follow, the 'void' which she spoke of that always seemed to creep back in.

And so, he roughly grabbed her arm, dragging her away from the lifeless body with a force that was both commanding and protective. "Keiko," he murmured, his voice firm but edged with a rare softness. "That's enough."

"More," she hissed, ignoring Chrollo completely, her voice dripping with a hunger that hadn't yet been satisfied. Her eyes still locked on the body, the pull of her instincts was strong, but Chrollo's grip tightened, refusing to let her succumb any further.

"I refuse," Chrollo thought, his grip tightening on her arm. He could feel her resistance, but he pulled her away firmly, aware of the danger in letting her hunger consume her completely. His eyes were intense as he dragged her from the scene, quickly unlocking his car with a click of a button, determined to prevent her from falling into a deeper emptiness. "We both know that you've had enough."

The second they reached his car, in a flash, Chrollo found himself pinned against it by his neck. Keiko's eyes, wild and fierce, locked onto him with a dangerous glint that left no room for argument.

"What makes you think I won't just feed from you?" Keiko snarled, her voice laced with a dangerous edge as she held him against the car, her fangs visible and her breath hot against his skin.

"Do it then," Chrollo said, his voice steady despite the danger. He stared directly into her eyes, his expression a blend of calm determination and underlying concern. His posture remained relaxed, despite the intensity of the moment. He knew the risk he was taking, but his willingness to confront it head-on was a testament to his resolve to help her face her demons, even if it meant putting himself at risk. "Feed from me."

His words were supported by his actions as he tilted his neck slightly, presenting it to her as if to offer easier access. His calm demeanor and deliberate posture conveyed his willingness to endure this for her sake, even as he braced himself for whatever might come next.

This gesture bought Keiko a sense of disbelief. She stared at him, her fangs poised but her instincts momentarily halted. The sight of Chrollo calmly offering his neck, his eyes unwavering and serene, was at odds with her own frenzied hunger. His willingness to surrender himself so readily stirred a mix of confusion and hesitation within her, amplifying the internal struggle between her primal needs and the unexpected depth of his sacrifice.

"You're insane," she whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and incredulity. The sheer audacity of his offer left her momentarily speechless, her grip on his neck loosening as she grappled with the depth of his resolve and her very own emotions.

It was an unknown feeling to Keiko, this sense of someone genuinely caring for her. Pierre and Bianca were debatable, however they expressed pity more than they showed care. The vulnerability of the moment stirred something deep within her— a mixture of bewilderment and an unexpected longing. For someone who was used to solitude and distrust, the depth of his gesture was both disorienting and profoundly unsettling.