dear_mun | maskormenace

You realize that this isn't nearly as funny as you seem to think it is, right?

[But it totally is, Kurapika. Look at the facts! That world is one that is chock full of superheroes, several of which are using spider-related monikers!

And the Spider's head is there, too.

You're going to flip your shit, and it's going to be hilarious!]

It's because he's there that I'm even considering this.

[...you really suck at taking a joke.]

I'm not like you. I'm not amused by the fact that Gon and Killua are on their own in such a place. [He looks thoughtfully away, expression darkening.] They're strong, but they're also outnumbered and outmatched. Even if they've managed to gain plenty of allies, do you think it's reasonable to presume strangers to our world could compete with the likes of those the other side has gathered?

[OMG, Kurapikachu, do you think your presence is going to make that much of a difference, though?]

...It probably won't. I'm aware of that. But I can at least take care of one problem and even the playing field for my friends.

[One-track-minded as always, aren't you?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Don't misunderstand. That's not something Kurapika actually wants to do. After all, it'd make things difficult for him, too.

He's just gearing to get a straight, specific answer out of Chrollo. None of this "try" bunk. "Try" means there's wiggle room...and Chrollo's the sort of person to take advantage of that if it suits him. If there's going to be any kind of agreement, it needs to be based on a foundation that simply cannot be misunderstood. It needs to be ironclad.]

Then your word. If you really want your people left out of this...I expect my friends to be left out of it, too. Completely.

[Meaning all bets are off if Gon and Killua are harmed...even if all Chrollo does is give the order for someone else to go after them.]

I can give my word that I won't pursue them. I can give my word that, if they attack me, I will make an effort to repel them without serious or permanent injury.

I can't guarantee to sit there like a rock while they attack me. Nor can I take responsibility for accidents should they be that foolish.

[Kind of. Smirking.]

It's simple enough to accept the same terms on my end - leave my people be, unless you have no choice. That's acceptable. I can control them. Can you control yours?

[Dammit. DAMMIT! DAMMIT!!

Gon and Killua won't listen. Or, if they do, it will only be until they deem listening to no longer be in their best interest, never mind what Kurapika has to say about it.

They mean well, and often they make exceptional judgment calls, but this isn't their fight. And asking them to keep out of it no matter what happens...he might as well be pulling teeth.]

Then...nothing has changed.

[Should have known. Should have seen that coming.]

[For some reason, he's. Pretty amused by this. In fact, he just smiled.]

Oh, good, then I don't have to put in the effort of holding back.

[It's terrible. That feeling of being manipulated, of being made to dance to someone else's tune. And it's worse being wholly aware of the fact, not to mention being completely unable to put a stop to it.

The outrage he feels at those words...it trumps his fear, but only just barely.

And it takes everything he has to suppress the scream that wants to emerge, takes everything he has to tell himself, Breathe, be calm, pull yourself together.

Over and over and over again until he finally feels his composure returning. Slowly. Steadily.]

That isn't what I meant. There isn't...any reason for us to trust each other. But your proposal...if you're not saying it's been rescinded, then...I accept.

[What a shitty friend he is. Speaking of his companions as if they're his to control. But there's no other way right now, no other option available to him. It's this or...Chrollo completely unrestrained.

Kurapika's not sure he could stomach that for too long. The paranoia would crush him before the Spider ever had the chance to.]

[...it may be terrible to be made to dance, but it sure feels good to be the one holding the strings.]

Fine. That's three bargains in only a few weeks - I feel so accommodating.

But it's better this way. Your business is with me, in the end.

And yours with me.

maskormenace

your ideas of therapy are the worst.

or maybe the best

WRONG

or... RIGHT

OMG STOP.

literally never

two can play at that