Word beforehand

This is a series of small happenings, and a way for people reading Psycho Love to look deeper into the character relationship for Chrollo/Kurapika before the advent of PL (for anyone interested). Those already reading the story need no further explanation.

For those who are not, this is an AU set following the rules of this world. In this AU, the Kurta help out those who can't pay their medical bills, but also have to hide a big secret: through generations of experimenting, they have been able to cultivate their eyes to be far superior to those of a normal human's. Along the experimentation, an unusual red color also emerged, which they have to hide constantly. Although generally all of this is kept secret, people that find out about this, hunt them down. In order to protect themselves, after their 12th year, the children are taught to track potential threats next to receiving medical training - though not nearly as demanding as the Zoldyck upbringing.
Assassins are a very real thing in this world too, though, and it's become hard for a lot of the children to trust anyone outside of the family. Kurapika not being an exception.

That's the most important thing you need to know. This is not necessarily written to be a completely coherent story, even though of course I work up 'till the point where it meets Psycho Love. It's mostly cute situations, and serious conversations.

(And although this is basically my fluffy side, I do have to warn you that it gets dark towards the end)

Hope you will enjoy. *bows politely*

'Hey there.' I looked around a little surprised at the unknown voice. Since I was just doing some shopping after school for the family, I didn't exactly expect someone to address me. I looked around at the man after having loaded up the car.

'Can I help you?' Upbringing dictated that I be polite, even though I didn't really know what his agenda was. I'm not really free to have elaborate conversations with strangers, even though I'm 16 by now and they should trust me a little that I won't randomly spill the family secrets.

'Well, I was wondering if you needed it, but apparently you're doing alright.'

'I'm used to carrying this much, don't worry about it.' I smiled back at him. When he didn't respond immediately, I excused myself. 'I'll be off then.' The moment I turned around he decided to speak up though. I sighed a little.

'Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come over this impolite. I'm actually a new teacher at your school. I saw you in the hallway this afternoon and wanted to lend a hand.'

'What kind of subject do you teach? Maybe I'll see you in class.' My own courteousness was killing me. I leaned both my arms on the roof of the car and looked back at him. 'You're probably the youngest teacher at school now, aren't you?' We weren't exactly known for our revolutionary new systems or ways of thinking, and this mainly had to do with the average age of 50 of the staff.

'Hahaha, that's not really a question, is it. But since you asked so politely, I teach physics, and I'm 24. The name's Chrollo, Chrollo Lucilfer, pleasure to meet you.' I turned away from the car when he took a step closer and extended his hand to shake mine,

'Kurapika Kurta, 16, male, not legal yet.' He started laughing again when I mentioned that.

'You've had your share of uncomfortable situations, haven't you?' He let go of my hand. Next to being half the age of most teachers, he was also more polite and accommodating than the rest of them. I wonder why they hired someone like him.

'I know how I look, I always give warning.'

'Don't worry, I'm not coming on to you. I just wanted to meet your acquaintance. I'll not be seeing you in class though, your name wasn't on the list of students.'

'Well, then this is probably our last conversation.'

'How come?' For someone not coming on to me, he was acting really interested. If he had a history of sexual assault, he would never have been hired though. So there was a very slim chance that he was actually interested in just talking with me.

'Because you're a good-looking, 24 year old physics teacher, in a school full with fossils who call themselves teachers, and hormonal adolescents. I think you're going to need bodyguards.' He started laughing again when I mentioned that, and it elicited a huff from me as well. He didn't seem like a bad person, but that never said much, did it. I've learned otherwise.

'Thank you for the compliment, you're probably right. You didn't seem all that occupied with any of that when I saw you at school though. You come across more as someone who's bearing responsibility.' He leaned lightly against the car, and I decided to cut it off at that point.

'Is this going to be a long conversation? 'Cos my family's waiting for me to get home.' I looked back up in his eyes when he pushed away from the car again. You're strange. You're an anomaly in this neighborhood. Irritatingly enough, that made him interesting.

'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hold you.' He raised his hands in apology, and I took a breath before apologizing myself,

'No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come over as rude. But I really have to go now. Good luck tomorrow.'

'Thank you. And I hope this wasn't our last conversation.' He nodded politely and smiled. He's being genuine, isn't he? Something about me was interesting to him. It made me wary about him knowing our secret, but I didn't sense the usual malice or danger that came with that interest. You're very strange. I need to keep an eye open to you.

'Same here. I'll see you later.' I gave him a short wave before stepping back into the car, and got a wave back before driving off. Someone like you doesn't belong in this place, you'll be eaten alive by the staff. And if they don't, then it'll be by the students. If the dean really thinks you can handle all of that, then you have the power of persuasion. I need to watch out for someone like that.

Not counting any of that though, he had a pleasant air about him. At the very least, perhaps it's a possibility to have intelligent discussions with him. I would like to have that one of these days, outside of my family.