Chaining the Spider

8

Chrollo POV

Slowly, I began to regain consciousness from the cool air assaulting my skin. Goosebumps arose over my body, causing me to shiver. My body felt slightly numb, though I could tell I was regaining feeling in my feet.

I dared to attempt opening my eyelids. Reluctantly, my body abided to my wish. Squinting, my eyes try to adjust to the room that I am in. After blinking a couple times, I was able to examine my surroundings. 

I appear to be in a small room with thick concrete walls. There is no pictures hanging or any wall fixtures of the sort. The only splash of color in the drab room is Leorio, sitting on the ground fidgeting mindlessly wish his shoelace.  

Leorio's blue suit is a stark contrast to the dullness plaguing our environment. This man was clearly out of place here, though he seemed not to notice. Tying and untying his shoe, his mind seemed preoccupied with some other matter.

Staring at Leorio, my memory came rushing back. I remember kissing Kurapika's tender lips, I remember my sensitive skin in Kurapika's hands, I remember talking to Kurapika about the dark past of our lives, I remember my nen ability wearing off, and I remember Kurapika saying that he only touched me to fill the dark hole of vengeance in his heart.

Swallowing, I attempted to push those thoughts down. It did not help, they rose back like daggers, sharply inserting themselves into me. Unable to keep the peace within my mind, and wanting to escape my thoughts, I cleared my throat to get Leorio's attention. 

It worked. Leorio's head snapped up attentively. His eyes narrowed.

"So you're awake, huh?" Leorio stood up swiftly, stretching his limbs. 

He closed the space between us with a few steps from his long legs. Leorio looked down at me and smirked.

"I would say get up but seeing that you can't do that, I guess I can be a gentleman and help you with that."

If it hadn't been for Leorio saying that, I don't think I would have noticed the chains wrapped around my naked body. The metal dug into my pale skin in places that it should not have touched. I looked up at him, furious. 

"You could not have even dressed me after you drugged me?!" 

Leorio simply shrugged.

"First things first, I didn't drug you. That was actually Melody. She was trying to smooth things over in the car by taking you out of the equation. It worked, for the most part..."

"And my clothes?!" I roared.

"It was more practical to chain you up quickly before you woke." Leorio's voice rose at the end with amusement.

"More practical or more degrading?" I muttered.

Leorio's yanked the end of the chain leash up, forcing me to my feet. Stumbling, I struggled gain my balance. The chains were looser around my legs than my torso, even so, it was difficult to find my center of balance without my arms. Eventually, I found a happy medium that let me stand up straight.

I raised my head in victory, only to be met with Leorio's burning glare. Without a word, he walked towards a hallway and my chain leash tightened. Reluctantly, I followed close behind. 

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded.

Leorio snorted.

"Don't worry your beloved Kurapika approved of the room that you will be kept in so I'm sure you're going to love it as much as he loves you." Leorio attempted to keep his voice flat and monotone, but an underlying sadness was heard through his words.

"You're jealous of me." I exclaim.

Leorio continues onward in silence, ignoring my outburst. This only solidifies my assumption even further. Examining this overgrown man, I try to picture him with Kurapika. 

They would make a cute couple, no doubt. Kurapika is steady and firm while Leorio is brash yet sensitive. The two of them together would be a balanced pair. 

I can easily see Kurapika leaning his blond head in to give Leorio a loving kiss. Gon and Killua would be off in the distance setting something on fire while Kurapika and Leorio watch the flames cuddling each other. For some reason, this thought causes a sickening feeling deep within my stomach. I force the feeling back down with a swallow.

"If you truly want him you can have him." I find myself saying. 

Leorio does not respond to this, so I continue to drown out the silence with my spoken thoughts.

"You two would be a good match. Easy, uncomplicated, natural. That is how a relationship should be." 

Even though what I said was true, I felt deeply uneased by what I just admitted out loud. I could not quite put my finger on it, but the thought of Leorio and Kurapika becoming a loving couple in the near future gave me a sense of dread and defeat. 

We walk a few more paces when Leorio draws in a deep breath, relaxing his shoulders. Parting his lips, Leorio finally allowed himself to open up.

"I have tried to, in the past, hit on Kurapika. It never did work out that well... it either went over his head or he made the excuse of how he had to stay focused on his path for revenge."

Leorio suddenly stops walking, causing me to stop as well. I did not just stop solely because my entire body is wrapped in a chain that only he had the leash to. I also stopped because Leorio seemed very hesitant to whatever he was about to say.

"I find it very interesting... " Leorio carried a careful tone.

"That I am his best friend but he never even considered the thought of us getting together, despite my occasional pursuits. However, as soon as he got the chance to get with you, the one who murdered all of his family and friends, he took it without a second thought."

Clenching my jaw, I focused my eyes onto a square floor tile. Pretending to be captivated by anything other than this conversation was essential for avoiding the present danger which was Leorio's face. I knew, that if I looked him in the eye, I might display the feelings I have been trying so desperately to suppress. 

"You heard Kurapika yourself, he only got with me to revenge his clan. Kurapika clearly saw me as nothing more than a means to an end. Why would it be anything more than it is on the surface?"

My own words were like a knife to my chest. The memory I had been trying to suppress resurfaced and played on repeat in my head. Hands shaking, I drew in a shaky breath and attempted a laugh to lighten my mood.

Leorio studied me for a second, considering what to say to my statement.

"I think..." Leorio started off.

"Kurapika tells himself and others whatever he needs to in order to avoid his own true feelings."

Both of us looked at each other for a moment without saying anything. I finally saw Leorio for who he was, a caring sensitive guy looking out for his friend. Leorio slightly nodded to me, as if in a sign of respect and approval. 

"We should get going." Leorio turned away from me, tugging the chain gently.

After walking for a bit, we reached a metal door on the right hand side. Leorio opened the door with a key in his pocket. Inside, the room was full of black and red bedding, tables, chairs, rugs, and light fixtures. I was amazed.

"I love it." My eyes darted around the room, taking in every inch of it. It was perfect in every sense.

Leorio smiled. 

"Kurapika did the decorations. He seems to know what you like."

The sound of his name made my heart stop. I looked at the floor.

"Will I... will I see him again?" My heart fluttered with anxiety.

Leorio simply laughed. 

"We can arrange for that. Of course, with some supervision." Leorio gave me a coy look.

"Of course." I grinned.