I hope that everyone is having a great week! Especially when Hunter x Hunter is coming briefly off of hiatus soon (January)! Thank you to all of my amazing reviewers: DAIrinchan, Mariyah, slyside, sugay, KuroKuraForever, and Chocoholic221B! Your support is always greatly appreciated and it gives me so much motivation to write!

ANNOUNCEMENT: I am now on AO3, so please go check out these stories under unreadable0!

I do not own Hunter x Hunter

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Chapter Eight


"Why did you kill the Second Prince?"

Such an obvious question. But, Kurapika wanted to hear it from the prince's own lips, and decided to throw any semblance of subtlety out the window. If his calculations were correct, then the prince would be more likely to respond to blunt questioning.

All he got in response was a faint hum of acknowledgement, and Kurapika attributed the prince's mellowed state to the fact that the man was currently running his hands languidly down the blond's back. While Kurapika was glad that he had such an advantageous effect on the murderer, he couldn't help but wish to be in literally any other situation than his current one. Feeling another frozen finger tracing patterns underneath his shirt, Kurapika tried his best not to think about the fact that the prince was probably thinking about the most flattering way to flay him alive.

Shuddering inwardly, Kurapika turned around in the other's death-like grip and looped his arms around Tserriednich's neck. Placing a coy smile at his lips, he peered up at the Fourth Prince expectantly from under his lashes. Immediately, the prince's eyes flickered up to his, eyes alight with a sort of twisted amusement.

"Why not? She was far too ugly," Tserriednich said, words leaving his lips in a lilting manner that made Kurapika's skin crawl. "Far too ugly when she was breathing, that is."

Stomach clenching, Kurapika forced himself to remain calm. This was familiar territory, he reassured himself. He could do this. There were a few ways to go about wheedling more information, he knew. There was the obvious one, and that was appealing to the man's overblown god-complex, as well using his physical influence to get the information he wanted, although that was a more dangerous and unfavorable option. Then there was a more subtle option: using a front of fear to encourage the other's sadistic mindset to continue.

After all, while a strong and untouchable facade was alluring, it was the sense of vulnerability that Tserriednich was most attracted to; getting the most fearless of people to submit to him.

Pretending to shift uncomfortably in the other's hold as if to escape, Kurapika set his trap into motion. As predicted, Tserriednich's hands moved to grip his hips roughly, jerking him back into his original position. A sickeningly-sweet voice echoed along the soft arch of his neck, and for a fleeting moment, Kurapika was afraid. But then he remembered the fear that his people must have felt when they had fallen at the hands of his unwitting betrayal, and Kurapika's panic stilled.

"What's wrong, my dear?" the other crooned, one hand moving up to cup his cheek in a mockery of a loving gesture. "What is it that makes you so distressed?" Manicured nails dug into his neck. "Is it the fact that I murdered my own darling sister with my own two hands? The fact that I plan to do so with everyone of my precious siblings? Or maybe is it the fact that I may plan the same for you?"

Kurapika let his breathing hitch, let his pulse quicken and flutter. A dark chuckle erupted from the prince.

"Are you terrified, pet?" Tserriednich asked, feigning innocence. "Are you not horrified of me?" The hand tightened threateningly at his throat when he didn't reply. "Are you not petrified by the atrocities I will commit? Are you stricken with terror that I might pick off your petty little charges?"

Playing the role of a wilting damsel perfectly, Kurapika struggled for breath shakily, swallowing thickly.

"I do not fear the inevitable," he said solemnly. "Be it that you kill them tomorrow or thirty years in the future, it is not of consequence to me."

"Oh?" Tserriednich sounded interested, and Kurapika drew him in with triumph.

"The queen has little liking of me, a sentiment that is reciprocated. She believes that I only wish to improve my standing by meeting with you."

"And are you?"

Glancing down at the ruby ring glinting on his finger, Kurapika replied, "I am doing what everyone is trying to do on this heaven-forsaken boat."

"What? Live?" the Fourth Prince sneered.

"No," Kurapika shot back. "That was never an option." Flinching inwardly, Kurapika realized that it was the truth. Tserriednich smiled, a slow, sharp thing that cut at Kurapika's mind.

"You might be useful after all."

Got him.


A couple days later...

By the time that the second prince fell dead over the course of three days, Kurapika knew that it was time to start the preparations for the next stage of his plan. Things had been going relatively well with Tserriednich, which pretty much meant that the prince hadn't decided to kill him just yet. The monstrous man was all too happy to pick off his siblings instead.

The Fourth Prince seemed to be targeting the middle princes first, not going to for the youngest, but not quite attacking his biggest competition just yet. It was an intimidation tactic, Kurapika understood. A lot of the middle princes were never in contention to get a grip on the throne, but their deaths would surely make the younger princes uncomfortable, which might drive them away all by itself.

And so, after making sure that Queen Oito was in a stable frame of mind, Kurapika excused himself. Heading to his private quarters, he made sure to retreat to the farthest corner so that he wouldn't be overheard. He retrieved his phone, which he was cleared to have on his person solely because of his position on the Zodiacs. Staring at the glaring screen with distaste, he tried not to look at the numerous texts and missed calls he had from Leorio.

Sighing out of a mixture of grudging fondness and exasperation, he shot the poor doctor a quick text, admonishing in tone.

I'm working, Leorio. I cannot pick up the phone nor contact you unless it's an absolute emergency.

Almost immediately, the doctor's contact popped up on his device. Declining the incoming call with a twinge of regret, Kurapika clicked out of the conversation before his phone could blow up any more. He had taken out his device for one purpose, and one purpose only.

Hesitating for moment, Kurapika made himself dial the number, no matter how much his fingers seemed to be unwilling to comply. The call only went two rings before it was picked up, and Kurapika almost wished that the call had never been accepted. Gritting his teeth, he brought the speaker to his ear.

"Why hello, my dear Kurta," a voice crooned from the phone. Kurapika didn't even bat an eye at the seductive tone. He had heard much worse over the past weeks, anyways.

"Hisoka," he acknowledged, albeit reulctantly. A laugh issued from the other end.

"And why is it that you are calling?" the clown asked, obviously enjoying the other's discomfort. "Not that I have any qualms about hearing your lovely voice again."

"Let's skip the pleasantries, shall we?" Kurapika suggested, although his tone left no room for argument. "I have an offer for you."

"Aww, you're no fun. And I can't help you. Not when you're trapped on some murder boat in the middle of the ocean," Hisoka informed him matter-of-factly.

"Don't try to fool me," Kurapika warned, "I knew that you were on this damned boat the moment you stepped foot on board."

"Why, that must be some high-clearance information," the clown joked. "Dare I attribute it to your new position, Rat?"

"It's temporary. I'm not here for small talk, Hisoka. Can you assist me or not?"

"But I'm busy," the other man protested childishly.

Kurapika raised a skeptical brow. "So I've heard. Did a number on the Spiders, did you?"

"All in good fun."

Yeah, if you mean death, Kurapika thought darkly. "You're wasting your time. They're not here."

"Ah, had a nice little chat with good ol' Lucilfer, did you?"

The Kurta did not rise to take his bait.

"Well, he's wrong. The glasses girl is a couple rooms away from me as we speak. Poor girl had to watch her nice little samurai friend die a couple months ago. I thought I'd come back for a quick follow-up check. Give Kuroro a bit of a scare." Hisoka's voice was alight with a sort of maniac glee, now, and Kurapika sighed.

"Look, if you cannot for some inane reason find the time to strike a deal with me, then I'm hanging up." This kind of thing always worked for the Fourth Prince, so Kurapika hoped that it would be the same with the murderous clown.

Sure enough, after a few seconds of silence, Hisoka spoke up again. "Sure, sure, whatever you require, sheesh." Kurapika grit his teeth. Dealing with the other man was always so nerve-wracking, although it really helped with his patience-building.

"What do you want in return?" Kurapika asked, tentatively.

"Ah, nothing this time. You already owe me too much, anyways."

"Do I?"

Hisoka chuckled, and Kurapika could almost see the smirk on his face. "More than you know. You're lucky that I disposed of Nobu for you. He was quite intent on offing you, if his malicious vendetta was any indication."

Pushing away the numerous questions that bubbled up, Kurapika swiftly changed the subject. "Let us discuss what I need from you, yes?"

"Oh?"


It wasn't until after the death of the Thirteenth Prince Marayam that Queen Oito started getting anxious.

The young prince had been attempting to escape the Succession War when Prince Benjamin's men had found them. It was over in seconds, and the bodyguards had the whole situation cleaned up before any of the King's guards even had a chance to investigate. The kill was claimed by the First Prince, and that was the end of it.

"That will not happen to us, will it?" the Queen asked, holding her daughter close to her chest. The information had been announced publicly at the most recent banquet, and Kurapika was starting to associate the parties with the onerous

"Of course not," Kurapika assured her gently. "I swear to you that I will get you and your child out of the Succession War safely."

"But my concern is that while we have a truce with the Fourth Prince, we possess no such alliance with Prince Benjamin or Prince Tubeppa," she revealed, expression worried.

"Our window of opportunity opens in approximately three days, your highness. We should be able to make it."

"What if we cannot? The higher princes have already started removing the lower ones," Queen Oito pointed out, looking down at her hands. "I'm just... worried." She glanced upwards. "I apologize. You are trying your best to get us out alive, and I am only bothering you with my concerns."

Kurapika smiled softly. "You are doing what you should be. Your child is your priority, as she should be, and it is my job that I ensure your happiness and safety."

The Queen nodded, but she still looked uncertain.

"If it will ease your conscience," Kurapika added gently, "then I will see what I can do to move up the next phase of the plan. Does that sound acceptable?"

"Thank you," she replied gratefully. Recomposing herself, she managed a brief ghost of smile. "Now, I do believe that the king is hosting another royal banquet tonight. Will the Fourth Prince be needing your services."

Services. What a delicate little word that implied so much. It disgusted him. "I believe so, unfortunately," he answered, grimacing. "And while I am in his line of sight, please try to keep your distance. He is under the impression that you do not approve of me."

"Ok." The queen nodded, seeming determined. "I'll do whatever I can to help."


See you tonight,

Fourth Prince Tserriednich

P.S. Wear something for me, will you?

Kurapika made a noise of displeasure. Will you? It sounded so perfectly pleasant, but they both knew that it was more of an order than a request. Shaking his head, he sifted through the clothes that he had packed, searching for something that would deem him "attractive" in the prince's eyes.

The outfit he had worn during the first encounter with him would be suitable, but Kurapika knew that he had to pull out all the stops if he wanted to sway Tserriednich into accelerating the plan. Finally, he managed to fish out a suit that would suffice. The blonde sighed. He had bought it a couple years ago to ease up a business deal for the Nostrades; just something that would distract the head of the family long enough to persuade him into forming a company-merger deal with him.

It had worked, and Kurapika had chucked the outfit into the back of his closet to collect dust.

But now... now, Kurapika would have to don on the ridiculous suit once again. It was sickening, the amount of extra attention he got when he dressed a certain way. From Tserriednich it was even worse, he was sure, because he was actually obligated to return any affections from the monstrous man.

He was stuck between the attentions of two monsters, Kurapika realized.

The Fourth Prince repulsed Kurapika, that he knew. The sensation of his icy fingers traveling down the column of his spine was something that he had tried to purge from his memory, and feeling the man's lips against his own might have been the most horrifying experience he'd ever had. He'd scrubbed his own lips raw after that instance, desperate to get any trace of the prince off of his mouth.

With Kuroro, however, Kurapika wasn't completely decided. The man had displayed signs of interest towards him, some of which that went a little further than simple lust, something that confused the blond greatly. It had never occurred to him that the Spider Head could ever hold true affections for anyone.

He understood what the primal, foolish part of himself wanted from Kuroro, but it was something that the rational part of his brain was wholly terrified of.

Kurapika supposed that if he lived through this final mission he'd have to sort through his feelings officially, but now was not the time.


Kuroro straightened his tie, before looking into the mirror and straightening it again.

He wasn't sure why he was so nervous; this would be his second banquet during his time as Royal Kakin Bodyguard. Perhaps it was the news that the final stage of whatever Kurapika was planning was about to come to fruition that had him on edge. Bill had walked into his quarters earlier that afternoon to deliver the report, and the other man had given him the 'don't fuck this up' look before walking out.

That must be it.

If Kurapika managed to pull his plan off, then he'd be able to collect his payment and return to his spiders. The he could... no, he would come back for Kurapika. If only to see him again, anyways.

"You ready to go?"

The dark-haired man spun around, catching sight of Kurapika standing by the door. The blond had been talking to Queen Oito, of course, and it wasn't until Kurapika turned around that he was able to see what he was wearing. Kuroro's mouth went dry.

The outfit wasn't scandalous, per se, but it was certainly more daring than the Kurta's normal attire. The suit was made of a snow-white cashmere, hugging the blond's soft curves and clinging to his lean frame. A paper-thin undershirt outlined Kurapika's physique, leaving just enough to imagination. The light color was attention-catching but not blinding, accentuating the pretty blush on the younger man's cheeks. A simple silk tie colored a dark red was tied loosely around Kurapika's collar, which had its top buttons popped open, looking moments away from slipping away to reveal the smooth skin underneath.

Kuroro forgot the simple concept of words for a brief moment.

"What is it?" Kurapika asked self-consciously. "Do you think that this will be enough to distract the Fourth Prince?"

It's damn well distracting me. "Of course," Kuroro replied smoothly, having regained the ability to speak. Once conversation had turned away from him, he tugged at his shirt collar, a tell-tale light flush crawling up his neck.

While part of him wanted to take the blond right then and there, the logical side of him knew that such an action, no matter how pleasing it would be, would only serve to worsen his relationship with the blond in the long run. Still, that didn't stop the foolish part of him from admiring how appealing Kurapika looked, something that the rest of him was painfully aware of.

Then, Kurapika flashed a brilliant smile at Prince Woble, who was laughing in Queen Oito's arms, and Kuroro's resolve twitched.

It's going to be a long night.


Added Notes

1) Um... so things get a little weird in the next chapter, but please hear me out when I say that Kurapika is being put under terrible situations, so he may have some weird ways to cope.

2) Kuroro's still kind of smitten. So that's that.

3) So now Hisoka's involved? What's to come of that?

4) Kurapika's plan will come into action around chapter ten-ish, I think. It all depends on whether or not I want to rewrite the next few chapters.

5) The tension between Kurapika and Kuroro is getting more intense, so what happens when it spirals out of control? (Stay tuned for the next chapter)

6) If anyone could beta this for me, that would be fantastic! I just need someone that can kind of proofread the chapters and give a no-go so that I'll be able to regulate my plot better. Please PM me or leave a review if you'd be interested!

ANOTHER IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Does anyone have any good story ideas? Have a really great plot that you want to see written for HxH? Please let me know!

As always, thank you for reading and please review!

unreadable0

P.S. follow me on tumblr unreadable0 if you're interested in some extra one-shots and shorts!

EDIT: to answer a lovely Anon's question:

Kurapika needed another person on-staff so that they'd have another person to trust while Kurapika was away. Think of Kuroro like a safe-guard. Bill and Kurapika were managing to cover bases by themselves diplomatically and strategically, but they needed an extra pair of hands to watch over Queen Oito while out favorite blond was away. Also, we don't get to see all of what happens in this story, so it's implied that Kuroro helps out with shifts and guarding the queen and the like. Thanks for asking!