Borahae

“I don’t care!” The grip you had on the wheel was tight, your fingers hurting with the excess force you exerted. Your heart pounded in your chest, a mix of adrenaline and determination fueling your escape. “I- You don’t understand how long I’ve searched for you. I got everything planned out, the tickets ready to get out of here.”

“I don’t want to die!” Sydney yelled back, her voice breaking. As you glanced at her, you tried to imagine what she’d been through to warrant such words. Her eyes were haunted, shadows of past traumas flickering in their depths. What had she been through? What kind of horrors had she been forced to live through to make her terrified of leaving that hut? “He isn’t human. He’s killed a lot of people. I don’t want- I can’t have another person dying on me. Please bring me back.”

A short, humorless laugh shot from your throat, visibly shocking Sydney. It was a bitter sound, filled with a mix of disbelief and frustration. “Bring you back?” you echoed, shaking your head. “After everything I went through to find you, you want to go back to that hellhole?”

Sydney’s eyes filled with tears, her lower lip trembling. “You don’t understand,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the roar of the engine. “You’re putting us both in more danger. He’ll come after us. He’ll never stop.”

You took a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves. “I do understand,” you said softly, your grip on the wheel loosening slightly. “But we can’t live in fear forever. We have to try to escape, to find a way out of this nightmare. Trust me, Sydney. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“But-”

“I’m a hunter, don’t think I’ll go down so easily.” You stated confidently, hoping to transfer some of that readiness to do whatever was necessary over to your passenger. “We’ve got to try. If things go really bad, just tell him I forced you in the car.”

“You might be okay with that-” Her lips started wobbling. “but I’m not! How did you even find me?”

“I was hired by your father to find you. And I never leave any stones unturned.” The look you received from Sydney would’ve stroked your ego if you weren’t still drifting through forest roads, the gravel loud in the background. “I’ll tell you when we get to the motel I arranged. I’ve booked two rooms in literally six places, and we’ll go to one I didn’t make reservations for.”

“I can’t believe it...” Sydney suddenly said, her head leaning against the dashboard. From the corner of your eye you could see she was crying. “But I’m so happy to see another person.”

“I’m happy to see you as well.” You said, placing a firm hand on her shoulder for a mere moment before focusing back on driving, finally reaching the main road heading to the highway.  “Rest for now, a little at least. We have a long journey ahead.”

“I won’t be able to go back home.” Sydney remarked. “He probably knows where I live. The police also won’t be able to do a lot...”

“Don’t go spiraling on me.” You sternly said, looking in the rear view window to check whether anyone was following. The road was empty. “We’ll figure out a way. I have a lot of connections to law enforcement, so witness protection is definitely a possibility. There are more intense variants available for hunters, so I could arrange something like that.”

“Intense?”

“Disappearing. So much so that even I wouldn’t be able to find you.” 

“Oh...”

Your phone rang, startling you slightly as you navigated the treacherous forest path. You glanced at your passenger, whose anxiety was palpable.

“Could you grab my phone? It’s in the glove department,” you asked, keeping your voice steady despite the urgency of the situation.

She grabbed the phone wordlessly, her fingers trembling as she placed the small device in your extended hand. You opened the call and placed the phone against your ear, bracing yourself for the conversation. The voice of the boss was an unwelcome noise.

“Everything going according to plan?”

You nearly sneered. Did he need to shout? What if Sydney heard his voice and recognized it? You’d be in for a much less pleasant ride. You cast a quick glance at her, noting her tense posture and wide, fearful eyes. “Affirmative. The girl has been rescued, taking her to the airport.” You feigned a look at your watch, as if you needed the time. “We’ll make the flight, if barely.”

It was quiet for a while, the silence only broken by the rhythmic thump of the tires against the uneven ground. Then, a soft chuckle could be heard through the receiver. “Ah. You’re playing.” You didn’t agree with the term, but decided not to mention it, focusing instead on the road ahead. “Glad you’re having fun. Call me if anything changes. Oh, and Uvogin might want to have a word with you.”

That tactless brute was sloppy with anything but time, and held everyone to his strict standard, though usually it was just an excuse for banter. Considering you were two hours behind schedule, you doubted that would be the case this time. You sighed deeply, your frustration mounting. “Goin’ as fast as I can.”

“I like the new accent,” the boss added, his tone dripping with amusement.

And with that, he hung up, leaving you with the lingering tension of the call. You tossed the phone onto the passenger seat. Sydney looked at you, her eyes filled with questions she was too afraid to ask. You gave her a reassuring smile, hoping that would placate her for the time being. Even if she’d heard anything, she didn’t give any indication of it, and she didn’t seem like the type to be able to hold a very good poker face.

“Who was that?” She finally asked, having deliberated on the question for too long for your liking. “And I thought we were going to a motel, not an airport.”

“Pfft. You think I’d go up against the Phantom Troupe by myself?” Internally you just wanted her to drop the subject already. You were good at making up bullshit on the spot, but if she’d try to find holes in your reasoning, you were sure there’d be plenty. Ungrateful, to be saved by someone and then spend the entire car ride questioning their motives. “We’re meeting up with an ally of mine at the airport, there we’re taking a short flight to Knover. It’s already been arranged that we can walk right through security. From there we go to a motel. A plan hasn’t been made yet, from that point on, since we didn’t know what the situation would be right now. So far it’s been the best possible outcome, since we aren’t being noticeably chased and my ally has confirmed that the airport is also still a safe bet.” 

“...Okay.” She nodded. “I’m sorry, but I have to ask. You said you were hired by my father, right?”

“Hm? Yes?” 

“What is his name?”

Dear god. Would this woman ever stop?

“Your name is Syndey Callaghan, and he’s Patrick Callaghan.”

She remained silent, took a deep breath and looked out of the window. 

Good enough. Even if she was suspicious and would try to run when she thought the time was right, there wouldn’t be a right time. The car wouldn’t stop until their destination and you would rather eat glass than face the troupe after failing a fucking civilian escort mission. You had more pride than that. 

The rest of the trip the two of you spoke every now and then, you initiating most of the conversations out of boredom and Sydney responding as minimally as she could. 

The road began to smooth out, the dense trees giving way to the outskirts of the city. You could see the faint glow of streetlights in the distance, a sign that you were nearing the rendezvous point. Sydney’s tension seemed to ease slightly as the environment became more familiar, but her eyes remained wary, darting to the rearview mirror and back to the passing scenery.

“Almost there,” you muttered, more to yourself than to her. She didn’t respond, her gaze fixed firmly on the horizon.

Apparently, knowing her father's name had cleared you of all suspicion, though you only realized this when you drove up into the parking lot where Chrollo, Uvogin, Feitan, Machi, and Shizuku were waiting. The area was dimly lit, the cold glow of streetlights casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly in the night. Sydney recognized Chrollo and immediately grew white as a ghost, looking at you with so much betrayal you would’ve felt bad had she meant anything to you at all.

Good thing she didn’t.

You had barely stopped the car before Sydney shot out of the car, crying loudly while making a break for it. She took two steps before Shizuku knocked her out with a hit to the neck. You stepped out slowly and held out a hand to the other Spiders, calling out an amenable, “Hey.”

Uvogin didn’t appreciate your nonchalance, clearly, as he seemed ready to burst a vein. “Don’t just ‘hey’ us. You’re three hours late! We could’ve been done already, for fuck’s sake.”

“Traffic was dreadful,” you lied, deciding not to mention the two wrong turns you’d made when you’d gotten distracted talking to Sydney about her time at the shack. “Be happy I made it at all.”

He took a step forward, holding up his fist. “You—”

“Drop it, Uvo,” Machi berated. “We have to move quickly, don’t we? Don't fight right now.”

“Yeah, Uvo.” You agreed with a teasing smile on your face. “We have to be quick.”

“Bitch.”

“Don’t start.” You got a sharp look from Machi and Feitan both. With a small sigh, Machi looked at Chrollo, who to your surprise, was wearing a full on suit instead of his usual get-up. You tilted your head when you noticed his tattoo was also fully covered up, but you decided that he didn’t look bad dressed up. It suited him. “So? Are we good to go?”

Chrollo had been sifting through pages of his Bandit’s Secret, though he shut the book when he was addressed. He looked over all the members for a mere moment before he nodded. “Yes. The gala has already begun, but the girl’s parents aren’t there yet, so the delay doesn’t matter. Feitan and Shizuku, you two will take the girl and take her to the mansion. Her eyes should still work for scans, and it’d be best to keep her alive since there might be more biomedical tests, but if she proves too much of a liability, kill her. The main bodyguards, the hunters, will be handled by Uvo and Machi. They will undoubtedly be with the Callaghans today, but since security in the mansion is already bothersome, it will be important to not let them go back and reach the mansion before Feitan and Shizuku are done.”

You didn’t read the memo more than you needed to, so this was all new info, but you didn’t really care. You usually only found out what was being stolen when it was all done, though you could vaguely recall that this theft was of a disc with encrypted info relating to political targets, one that could be sold for quite a sum.

As Feitan and Shizuku lifted Sydney's limp body into a nearby van, you caught the faint smell of gasoline and wondered if they’d doused the entire vehicle in it. Ahh… that sounded fun. You leaned against the car, watching them work, your thoughts drifting to the evening ahead, though you didn’t know yet what your role would be this time.

Uvogin's frustration was still simmering. "Just don't screw up again," he growled.

You flashed him a confident grin. "Wouldn't dream of it, Uvo."

Chrollo's calm voice cut through the night air. "Let's move. The girl’s cry probably drew some people."

Feitan gave you a scathing glare. “Why didn’t you just knock out.”

“Conversation.” You shrugged. “I find long car rides boring, so might as well have someone to talk to.”

Feitan scoffed, the very notion probably outrageous to him. To wish to hear people speak about mundane things? “Stupid.”

“Fair enough.”

With the plan set in motion, the group quickly dispersed. You and Chrollo slipped into a sleek, unassuming sedan parked nearby, its tinted windows concealing your identities. As you navigated through the city's labyrinthine streets, you realized you’d still not really been told where the two of you were going, or even what the plan was for you and Chrollo.. The cityscape began to transform from the industrial outskirts to the opulent heart of the metropolis. Neon signs and skyscrapers gave way to grand, historic buildings adorned with intricate architecture.

Chrollo had insisted on driving, and you quickly found out why, an entire outfit ready for you in the backseat. With all the clumsiness associated with changing outfits in a backseat, you got dressed, remarking multiple times that it was rather difficult to get dressed into a full gown while seated. The boss merely chuckled and threw you a few boxes filled with jewels when you’d finally finished changing into the formal wear. 

The car came to a halt outside a lavishly decorated venue, its entrance flanked by uniformed doormen and valets attending to an array of luxury vehicles. You adjusted your attire, transforming from the rough-edged thief to the charming socialite you knew you could play.

“How did the trip go?” He asked you after he’d given away the car to the valet, the people at the entrance barely looking at the two of you as you entered. In the back of your mind, you wondered why there were no visible checks, but decided you didn’t care enough to ask Chrollo whether or not he’d managed to get an invite. 

“Splendid, splendid.” You smiled coquettishly to a man in an expensive suit walking past, resisting the urge to pocket the rolex on his wrist when he nearly bumped into you. “You left quite the impression.”

Chrollo laughed shortly. “I am sure. Hopefully it didn’t bother you?”

“Why would it?”

He gave you a look you had trouble interpreting, one that seemed like he’d been expecting more of a reaction. What kind, you couldn’t tell. 

“So, what now?” You asked, looking around the room with an inviting smile on your face. It’d been a while since you’d been in such company, but copying the rest felt easy. “You’ve yet to tell me what our purpose here is.”

“Nothing too grand, I assure you.” He held out a hand in your direction. “Let’s dance.’

The grand chandelier above cast a warm, golden glow over the opulent ballroom, its light reflecting off the polished marble floors. The air was filled with the soft strains of a waltz, played by a live orchestra, their music weaving through the conversations and laughter of elegantly dressed guests. The laughs and conversations audible underneath the thrum of the music screamed of wealth, mentions of business deals, vacation houses and complaints regarding the hors d'oeuvres.

You found yourself in the center of it all, dancing with Chrollo, internally wondering when he’d abscond to do whatever he was here to do. His hand rested firmly on your waist, guiding you gracefully across the floor, while your hand lay gently in his, fingers intertwined. The two of you moved in perfect harmony, following his movements childs’ play with how talented the man was at guiding, a silent conversation expressed through each step and turn.

“Are you certain her words didn’t bother you?” He repeated his earlier question. “I’d hate for your opinion of me to change.”

“Boss.” You didn’t use his name, but his title, trying to be as direct as possible. The fabric of your gown rustled softly as you moved, the silk gliding against your skin. “Are you asking me if I was jealous of a kidnapped girl? One who’s probably decapitated, if Feitan gets his way?”

He twirled you effortlessly, his eyes never leaving yours. “That does sound rather silly, doesn’t it?”

You met his gaze, trying to read the emotions behind his calm exterior. “You’re not saying no.”

“And neither are you.” His voice was smooth, almost teasing. Another couple dancing behind you was less graceful, and you felt the lace of another dress flutter against your skin for a moment. Silently your eyes moved across the room, but you couldn’t see the Callaghan’s. While the man would be able to blend in, the bleached blonde wife should be easier to spot.

“Well then let me be the one to break this impasse.” You swirled around him, your gown flaring out, the movement normally ending in a thrust of your palm, but now only gracefully falling into his hands again. It felt odd using such moves outside of combat, but it was a fun experience. “No, I am not jealous.”

Chrollo’s smile was subtle, a mere hint at the corners of his lips. The music swelled, and he pulled you closer, the dance becoming more intimate. The scent of his cologne mingled with the faint aroma of roses from the floral arrangements scattered around the room. You could feel the strength in his arms, the control in his every movement, as purposeful as a tropic bird dancing for a suitor.

“Does that disappoint you?”

“A bit.”

“Well, then let me be crude for a little bit.” Changing up the pace, you stepped forward and leaned close, pausing the dance to whisper secretively in his ear. “If you’re that desperate to repeat the song and dance from the last heist, you need only ask. I’m not classy enough to oppose getting fucked in a hotel bathroom.”

Chrollo pecked your cheek before tempting you back into the dance. “You have no appreciation for the subtle parts of seduction.”

The edges of your lips lifted. “Oh, don’t go shy on me now.” 

The final notes of the waltz lingered in the air as the dance came to a close. Chrollo dipped you low, his face inches from yours, and you smiled mischievously at the stereotypical ending. The applause of the audience accompanied your ascent. Chrollo clapped politely, and as you followed suit, you wondered if truly the entire reason for this ball had been to proposition you again. Surely not, since that would mean the two of you weren’t even participating in the job, but something felt off about him this evening. 

For now, the dance was over, and the next move was yours.

“Well boss, I don’t see the Callaghan’s.” He led you off the dance floor as you spoke, and handed you a flute of champagne. “Are you going to tell me what we’re doing here?” 

His eyes twinkled, and you were unsure whether it was because he was enjoying keeping you out of the loop, or whether you were being foolish by not already seeing the plan in motion. “Considering they got word two hours ago that their daughter has died, I think they’ve already gone home and met their end.”

You laughed. “Oh? So we’re here just to dance?”

“I already had the invites, and this job didn’t need us.” He shrugged and took a sip of champagne. “Is that so bad?”

While wearing the same charmed smile, you deliberated over it. You’d come all this way for a job, had been ready to be thrown into the chaos of battle, and now all that excitement felt rather silly. Initially you’d assumed you were just here to make sure the Callaghan’s didn’t leave for their mansion, though you now realized they’d probably already been underway when you’d arrived at the parking lot. Just for a dance or two, then. Just for a hook-up in a hotel after a drink too many.

“This seems unlike you,” you wondered, not sure how else to word it without being disrespectful. You’d been around enough of his plans to know he was immaculate, clever in a way few were, so for this entire evening to simmer down in what you considered to be rather mundane felt like it simply couldn’t be true. 

“Can’t I simply wish to spend another night with you?” He said, setting down his glass and motioning for you to do the same, inviting you to another dance.”I am rather fond of this.”

For a second you tensed, the sight of him nauseating you deeply. The way he’d spoken, the vulnerability in his voice, was unsettling.

No, you were just imagining things.

Despite how you and the troupe idolized him, saw him as more than just the boss, truly at the end of the day he was a man. And a man could get pent up, long for something he shouldn’t be begging for. The summer heat would get to anyone’s head at some point, even his. A weak moment, you reckoned, one that could be allowed.

Just this time.

As you danced, you noticed the way his hands rested on your waist, a subtle possessiveness in his touch. The music swirled around you, a haunting melody that matched the strange tension between you. You tried to relax, to let the rhythm of the dance take over, but the intensity of his gaze made it difficult.

The chandeliers above cast a soft glow, illuminating the elegant surroundings. Other couples danced around you, oblivious to the undercurrents of your conversation. His eyes never left yours, and you could see a flicker of something—desperation, perhaps?—in their depths.

You took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease. “You’re full of surprises tonight,” you said, your tone deceivingly light.

“Is that a bad thing?”