"He started it!"

"No, he started it!"

"Shut your FUCKING mouth, you HEATHEN."

"HEATHEN?! IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL FRIENDS NOWADAYS?"

"No, that's what I call people who commit a CRIME!"

"Sharing is not a CRIME, Killua!"

"IT IS WHEN YOU DECIDE TO DO IT FOR ME."

With Leorio wedged between two brooding, upset males, no one else seemed inclined to jump in to stop the chaos. Even when confronted by the very man who brought them all together, it seemed nothing could stop this fight. Leorio could do little else than keep both parties from clashing, and helplessly looked on at Kurapika as if he had instantly regretted acting at all. Not that Kurapika blamed him, but it seemed to be a quirk of the doctor's- to jump in whenever there was trouble.

"That's enough, the two of you. Separate this instant." The foreign male demanded, entering more definitively and smoothing down his crinkled suit.

What do you know—the two did just that.

Not that this relieved the tension in the room; much to the contrary, it seemed only to increase it.

"Must you two, of all people, bicker like mad men? Over what this time, Cheetos?"

"THAT WAS ONCE!" Killua cried, whirling on the man, blood pouring from his nose.

"Over Cheetos or over food, Killua."

Silence followed the clarification, and Kurapika couldn't help but hide a snicker behind his hand. For some reason, it was difficult to imagine Killua being frustrated with anyone unless it was a serious matter. Until Biscuit revealed what Killua could truly be like, he hadn't thought it possible for him to even show any kind of emotion at all. That was wrong, though—it seemed rage was his thing. He could definitely see Biscuit and Killua arguing, now, over something completely meaningless.

But when Leorio side-stepped toward him, he cleared his throat. Leorio's mere presence was enough to calm him, and his proximity enough to make his heart act erratically. He had to wonder—and worry—if it was always going to be like this. Leorio had just admitted to him not a few moments prior, in a janitorial closet no less, that he liked him. Had acknowledged that they both liked each other, actually. He wasn't entirely sure if this meant that they were now together, or if it meant something else... but if given the chance, he'd definitely want to be with him.

Kurapika brushed his fingers over his lips in remembrance of their kiss, swearing that his bottom lip still tingled from the contact; though, he didn't have much time to dwell on that. When Leorio's hand encircled his wrist, his stomach flipped and the floor suddenly became more interesting than anything else.

"Go upstairs and wait for me, then. I can hardly deal with your skirmishes as it is." The foreign man spoke, this time his voice rousing him from his thoughts.

Looking up, he saw Killua wiping the blood from his nose and cupping his cheek. He didn't say a word, but with the way he stomped off towards the staircase, Kurapika instantly knew that he was pouting.

"As for you, Pokkle, get one of these nurses to see to your injuries. The next time I have to separate the two of you because of a chex mix bag will be the last time you ever see each other—is that clear?"

Head down and silent, Pokkle did as spoken, wordlessly turning and grabbing the nearest nurse by the sleeve and dragging her away. She protested immediately, but when Pokkle didn't hesitate or let go, she gave in and followed.

"Now," the man spoke, hands on his hips and chin lifted high and authoritative, "Leorio—come here."

Kurapika tensed, but only because Leorio's grip on him tightened to a degree that was particularly painful. He tried to paw at his hand to bring attention to it, not wanting to interrupt, but all he got was dragged with him. Disdainfully, he followed.

"Gon," Leorio addressed—rather formally, Kurapika noticed.

Gon, as it turned out, was a rather short man. Not too terribly short, but an inch or two shorter than Leorio. Definitely shorter than Kurapika. This was the head of such an establishment? A short, kind-eyed person who carried himself with an air of importance that he also bestowed upon anyone he acknowledged? If that wasn't power, Kurapika didn't know what was. He swallowed thickly because of it, and slipped behind Leorio to observe (despite Leorio's tight grip).

"I see you're well, that's good," Gon spoke warmly. "How have you been?"

Leorio met Gon's gaze evenly, but his grip didn't lessen. It was really starting to get painful.

Kurapika flexed his fingers, feeling them tingle with the beginning sensation of numbness. If Leorio didn't let go or at least loosen his grip, he'd have to speak up- and if this was the leader of these people, a leader that wanted him dead, he really didn't want to do that.

"Well, considering. I took up a few side jobs since I left this place, but largely nothing vastly has changed."

Gon raised a brow, and with obvious interest, peered around Leorio's shoulder to eye him. It was a little unnerving, and Kurapika didn't know how else to respond other than to offer a small wave.

"Nothing vast?" Gon mused, returning his gaze to Leorio, "Is this why you're holding onto your friend, here, afraid that he'll wander off?"

Leorio looked over his shoulder back at him, and Kurapika winced when he rotated his grip. He didn't speak up, but a small breath left him. If Leorio kept holding his wrist like this, it was either going to bruise or break. He wasn't sure which at this point. He covered Leorio's grasp with his other hand, trying to plead for him to understand, and it seemed to work.

Either by Gon's words or by his own plea he wasn't quite positive, but the grasp did loosen and Kurapika was able to slip free. He rubbed the area with a tiny hiss, not minding Gon and Leorio's conversation as it picked back up again. The only snippet that brought him back was the subtle shift of topic—from Leorio's life to Kurapika's involvement.

"So he's living with you—that's wonderful. I'm glad you've found a friend." Gon smiled warmly. "How long has it been since he began living with you?"

Kurapika glanced around, stiffening when he realized the crowd of people was still present. If anything, it seemed that they were more interested in this conversation than they were in Killua and Pokkle's fight.

"A few weeks now." Was only the curt response.

"How'd you meet?"

A stuttering "In passing" left his mouth before he cleared his throat and provided a steadier answer. It was increasingly clear to Kurapika that this Gon person was very... intimidating. Especially intimidating to Leorio. "He was passing my apartment complex and it was clear that he needed some assistance. I was already outside, so... I figured I'd give him a hand. One thing lead to another, and, well, here we are."

Gon raised a brow. "So you mean to say he was homeless?"

"No—no. We talked about a lot of things, and in that time frame, I opened my home to him if he ever wanted a place."

"A special friend, then. I see." Gon concluded softly.

When Leorio nodded stiffly, Gon took a few steps forward and attempted to pass Leorio—but Leorio surprised himself (and Kurapika) by side-stepping in front of Gon so that he couldn't.

"We were just leaving." Leorio said abruptly.

Gon's lips twitched at the action, and Kurapika tensed because the air seemed to grow thicker. It was suffocating; even the crowd of people seemed to lean forward in anticipation. But instead of a fight ensuing like Kurapika had first feared, Gon did nothing.

Literally nothing.

Instead of addressing the matter, he tilted his head once again to peer around Leorio's body to view Kurapika.

"What's your name, if I might ask?" Gon inquired easily.

He glanced up at Leorio, and when Leorio turned his head around in panic, he shook his head a little.

But, ignoring that warning that he probably should have taken, Kurapika answered honestly. "My name?" he echoed softly, "It's Kurapika."

He looked on past Leorio, who stiffened again at his words, and saw Gon give no visible reaction- but he did notice a small twinkle of interest in his eyes. "I see," was the only response he got, though.

Gon turned to Leorio and nodded to the left. "I'd like to greet Mr. Kurapika properly, if you wouldn't mind, Leorio. Seeing as he's new here, it's only polite."

"With all due respect," Leorio added instantly, "I'd rather we save the introductions for another day. You've quite a busy schedule as it is, and on top of that, you now have to deal with Killua's spats. If it's all the same to you, I'd appreciate safe passage to the door so that we can leave quietly."

Gon only stared at Leorio, and Kurapika felt a spike of fear race through him. Was it so wise to speak out against someone if one feared him? And he felt as though that name should have been familiar—Gon... it sounded important.

With their silent stare down, Kurapika decided to take action himself. And, ever so gently, stepped out from behind Leorio, and lightly encouraged him to the side. He tried to reassure Leorio with a nod, trying to convey that he was sure everything would be alright.

But that mask slipped right off his face when he came face to face with Gon. Being in front of him was an entirely different story than listening from behind a wall of protection. Kurapika put on a brave face anyway, and held out his hand. It was surprisingly easy to summon back his business greetings and persona from the many formal business gatherings his father had drug him to.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Kurapika. Kurapika Kurta. I apologize for my state of undress- please forgive my intrusion, I had only wished to see Leorio better again."

Gon held out his hand and clasped his own. It was firm, and there was something... not quite right about the way he held his hand. It was not only firm, but it was also tight. Not tight like he'd be tense, but tight like... like there was something wrong.

"I see, now," Gon replied simply, "My name is Gon Freecs. I own this place, and all these people you've seen and interacted with are under my direction. Your intrusion is forgiven—but I must beg the question, Kurapika Kurta, why you dare trespass on enemy territory where you know you're wanted."

His response was cold and callous—and had he the head space to chance a glance at Leorio, he would have seen the man take a step forward, ready to fight on his behalf. As it was, he was struggling to maintain his composure; their hands were still locked in a less than friendly hold.

"It was never my intention to come," Kurapika replied swiftly, leveling with the short man as best as he could. He guessed he had many years of experience and his father to thank for keeping it together when he really just wanted to run. "When Leorio was hurt, I didn't know what to do. I wanted to get him out of there where he'd be safer, but Killua followed me, shoved us both in a car, and drove like a mad man to get here. If it helps, I was so focused on trying to stop the bleeding and keep Leorio from sliding off the chair that I wasn't able to see where exactly we were heading. I have not the faintest idea where I am."

This didn't seem to help matters; in fact, Gon's fake smile seemed to only become more obvious to him. He definitely felt it in the way his hand was being squeezed tighter.

"Yet, instead of fleeing, you chose to worm right on in through the front doors."

It was with these words that Kurapika realized that perhaps formality wasn't the best way to approach this situation. Gon was the one that had ordered him killed- and here they were, face to face. It was a wonder how Gon didn't pull out a hidden gun somewhere on his person and shoot him in the face with it.

He gulped, then quickly snatched his hand away.

"I think you've met him well enough," Leorio bit out, approaching quickly, "May we go now?"

Gon gave him a hard look, "You dare to fraternize with the enemy and seek out our help?" He muttered lowly, "You're a friend—an exception, at that—and though you're no longer permitted to freely come and go as you please, you've always been a loyal and noble ally. Yet, here I see, you let this rat infest your nest at the first chance?" Gon's piercing brown eyes gazed unwavering up at Leorio, and Kurapika couldn't help but wince when Gon followed up by saying: "If this is the trouble you've got yourself into—by choice, I might add—then you're no friend of ours, and you're certainly no friend of mine."

"That's not fair." Kurapika immediately cut in, grasping Leorio's arm. "From what I've heard, he refuses to pursue a medical career because he knows he'd be too busy to be available for you guys when you need him." He swallowed back his fear—but only for Leorio's sake, and perhaps what got him through it all was the fact that he was looking at Leorio—not Gon. "He's done everything he possibly can for you, and more. I was left with nothing, I had no direction in mind, and out of the kindness of his heart, he gave me back the chance to live again. My presence and my recovery should not have anything to do with his loyalty. As far as I'm concerned, the empire my father built and everything I've ever had has been destroyed. I have nothing, and everyone believes I'm dead anyway. What use is a dead man with no contacts, no money, and no friends?"

This time, with a little courage and Leorio's softened gaze, he grew bold enough to turn to Gon, who seemed stirred by his response.

"Leorio is a good man—a kind man. I've seen only a little of what he's been able to do, and what he's done for you, and I can assure you that there isn't a need to question his loyalty in any way."

Gon was taken aback by his words. Nonetheless, the man seemed composed.

"And what of your loyalty? I cannot vouch that you tell the truth. Your empire still stands; I've not heard any news of it."

A small cleared throat in the crowd drew his attention and with it, Leorio and Kurapika's.

"'Tis true, Master Gon, the uproar from our northern border was from a slaughter. They say that Kurta Enterprises has fallen; that the bodies within are all that of the Kurta family and their comrades. It, supposedly, was a banquet get together for the unveiling of a new piece of technology. The piece, we believe, is the scope that Zushi and Pairo got in trouble over."

The man who spoke up was big and bulky; he didn't look all that nice, in face he looked a little...broad. He certainly looked familiar, and it took him a moment to realize that this man was with a few other men that Killua had introduced him to the first time he'd went to the cafe.

"Morel," Gon said slowly, "Is there a source to back up that information?"

"Yes, sir. The entire Kurta family was assassinated—well, except for Kurapika, it would seem. I wasn't aware that anything had happened until Master Killua brought the news to my attention and asked me to investigate."

"And how did he know?" Gon pressed.

Morel shot Kurapika and Leorio a look, one of knowing innocence, and nodded his head slowly. "Kurapika was terribly wounded and had somehow stumbled toward Leorio's penthouse. There, Leorio was able to care for him and weed out some details, then informed Master Killua of the situation. It's all true, Master Gon. There is nothing left of their business nor their comrades."

Gon fell silent for a moment, and when Leorio didn't move, Kurapika wasn't quite sure what to do. Should he try to dismiss himself and leave with Leorio in tow? Should he suggest they move this conversation somewhere private with no prying eyes?

"Perhaps, that is noteworthy... but it doesn't change my verdict. Unfortunately, it still stands, Mr. Kurta, that you will be executed without further delay." Gon didn't waste a second, snapping his fingers for his men to move forward—which only a few did—but Leorio instantly protested. Loudly. It commanded silence in its wake.

"You can't—Kurapika is under the direct protection of Master Killua for the three months I bargained for. He gave his word he would not be harmed."

After a moment, the stirrings of shock rippled through the small crowd; even Gon seemed to be surprised. He even took a step backward.

"His word? You're positive?"

"You can ask him yourself. He walks a free man for the three months he's been given," Leorio insisted. "I will not have a life I worked so hard to save taken just so easily as he almost was. You must understand this."

Gon stood, lips forming a tight line, fingers brushing over his chin in thought. He didn't look angry, much to Kurapika's surprise.

Bemused? Intrigued? There was a certain gleam in his eye that made him wonder...

"I suppose I will have to, and I do suppose that is why Killua asked for the assignment log for the month. How was it I was not aware of this?" Gon asked slowly.

"Most people didn't know, Sir," Morel called out again, "Only those ready fit for missions for this month were aware, and all were sent packing today. Master Killua thought it fit to introduce assignments to Kurapika, only on the basis of judgement and perspective. All was supervised, but many who were there saw reason in the decisions he made and, if I might be so bold to suggest, respected him a little for some bold calls that even Master Killua couldn't argue with."

"I see," Gon murmured, "Then, if that's the case... I have no choice but to let you roam free for the next three months. Rest assured—you will be executed in due time." Gon said that last part with a pointed look, and for some reason, even though the words that left his lips were heavy, Kurapika didn't feel it. It was as though Gon didn't actually mean it, but perhaps he did, because Leorio stiffened right up and grabbed at his hand.

"Then we shall take our leave of this place." Leorio nodded stiffly.

Gon shrugged. "If that is what you wish; this is Killua's problem. Had I been the one in charge of that agreement, I would have made him remain here."

He turned to pass, and Kurapika slinked toward Leorio, leaning into him a little because he was his only real source of protection. And care, he supposed.

But as Gon walked past, Kurapika felt a small tug on his coat. When he turned, he stopped and swallowed thickly. Gon had stopped and had looked right at him; his hands tucked into his pockets and he lifted his chin. It was like watching an animal go off to slaughter, and he outwardly shivered because of it.

Leorio tugged on his hand and gestured toward the door, but Kurapika felt brave enough to say one last thing before they actually left. While his future murderer stood in front of him so civilly.

"I'm terrified of you," Kurapika spoke softly, "I've been told many different things about how my life is going to change—about how little a time I have left and how it's not worth much. And I agree—I'm not sure I'll amount to much, but I wanted to tell you this anyway. I have nothing, and even if I wanted any part of my life back, I wouldn't take it. I was never happy, not even once. Kurta Enterprises was developed and run by my father, who's only wish was to be rich and successful and popular—and because he was growing too old, he wanted another Kurta to take over so that his legacy would last. I only had two sisters, and that wasn't enough for him. It had to be me, even if I didn't want it. Even if it was the last thing on earth that could keep me alive, I still wouldn't take it. My father and my mother were both manipulative and abusive, and I don't think anybody like that should ever be immortalized if all they were after was fame and fortune. Not for reasons such as that." Kurapika looked Gon in the eye, and with a final nod he added: "I am not my father, nor will I ever be. I know nothing, I've been taught nothing, and as much as it haunts me, I think my life is finally starting to turn around in the wake of all this. I'm starting to feel like I belong somewhere—that I'm apart of something, even if I'm not sure what that is yet. And while I know that you want me dead for reasons I don't understand, I would rather die my own person knowing that I've done what I wanted, rather than to die feeling like there was no point in being born in the first place."

Leorio tugged on his hand again, and this time he really turned to leave. The fact that he saw something click within Gon was enough for him; he might not be able to persuade him to let him live, but at least Gon would know his true intentions and how he really felt. Even if he didn't wholly understand what all of this was about or what new life he would lead for the next three months, he was still curious as to what it would bring. What new adventures would await him. What kind of people he'd meet, and what kind of person he'd eventually become.


"That was brave, what you said back there." Leorio murmured, pulling out his set of keys as they took the elevator to the top floor—directly to his penthouse.

"Not really..." Kurapika murmured, looking down at his feet. "I just wanted him to know the truth and to know how I feel."

Leorio turned to look at him, but Kurapika studied his feet with some vague interest. He didn't really feel like talking more about the man, nor did he really want to discuss the subject of his future death. Just knowing that he was going to be executed in three months time was enough to give him shivers. It was damn near enough to make him want to plop onto the floor and forget about the world because there really was no point.

But if he really did feel that strongly as he said he did about wanting to be his own person for a change, then he was determined to prove that. More than anything, he wanted to prove his own worth to himself. All his life he'd been ignored and estranged from his family—up until his father needed him. When his father decided it was time for an heir, he'd since been groomed to take it over. Even then, it was terrible. Outside of work his father didn't say a word to him, but his mother never changed. She'd always made it a point to ignore him and to openly spoil his sisters just to show him how meaningless he was to her. It hurt every time, and it certainly didn't help that his sisters were shameless of it. Or, at least, they were too stupid to notice what was really going on.

Was it bad he didn't feel any remorse for any of them? He loved his sisters, but he was never attached to them. He was never allowed to play with them or share their things—what was theirs was clearly not his, as his mother so harshly yelled at him for. He'd always found himself outside by that stupid tree, hopelessly trying to climb up it just to focus on something else. He'd often try to climb to the top so that he could look past their big house and their yard—to 'fly' away from that desolate, cruel place and beyond to somewhere interesting. Somewhere he might fit in and be happy.

But the maids and babysitters were always on him about doing that. How he could slip, fall, maybe even break his neck and die. Was it so cruel that he told each of them that he wouldn't mind that? That, perhaps, if it really did happen, he'd get a scrap of some attention from any one of his family members? Their silence was heavy, and it always startled him when he realized that their silence was not because he was right, but because they pitied him because they knew even that would not draw anyone's attention. At best, he'd get a lecture from his mother and sent away like a dog for how useless he would have become. The thought was sad, really, and more than anything he'd wanted out of there.

And now, he'd finally gotten his wish. He was finally free. Free of their judgement and their ill will. Their ignoring him was now not on purpose, but because they were dead and could not talk even if they wanted to. All he had wanted was love. Was to belong. All he wanted was a family that included him, played with him, even doted on him a bit. A mother who would shed tears if anything bad were to happen to him, and a father that was proud of him for something he could do himself—like climbing that tree.

That day, when he'd fallen from that stupid tree and his mother had taken the neighbor girl home, he'd run into his father when climbing up the stairs. The man nearly knocked him out with how hard the door had swung open; the sharp 'get in here' still echoed in his ears. Told he was disappointed in him was no surprise, but to have a rag tossed in his face and told to take care of himself and his wounds while he went to work was even harsher.

"Kurapika—hey? Get out of the elevator, we're here."

Blinking, Kurapika looked up in surprise, seeing the elevator doors wide open and Leorio's arm wrapped around the edges and motioning for him to follow.

"S-sorry, I was distracted." He stuttered, hurrying past the threshold. Once safe on the other side, Leorio withdrew his arm and the doors slid closed quickly. No doubt to pick up other residents and take them to their homes.

Leorio ruffled his hair when he walked past, keys jingling as he pulled them out to unlock the door to his penthouse. "It's alright. If it's what Gon said to you, don't let it bother you too much. I was a little surprised he didn't have anything more to say after you said that. I think what you said might have struck a cord within him. He's an unpredictable man. He can be scary at times, and he's very intimidating... he's certainly powerful, and he's got a lot of enemies." He swung the door open and gestured inside. "You'd never guess, but Gon is actually the same age as me. One year younger than Killua."

When Kurapika stepped into Leorio's home, he looked back at the man in surprise. "Really? I thought Gon would be a little younger. Killua too; so they're just short, then?"

Leorio chuckled, closing and locking the door behind him. "I mean, yes; don't let either of them catch you saying that. And, speak for yourself—you're pretty short."

"Hey!"

Laughing, Leorio threw his hands up in surrender and grinned. "You are short, and be grateful for it. Imagine how easy it would be for you to feign innocence as a child."

"But I'm not a child, I'm 24!"

"Could have fooled me." Leorio laughed, making his way over to the sofa. "I'm 28, and the first time I met you, I wasn't so sure you were ready to actually take over until I found out that you were past the age of 18. Past 20, actually."

Kurapika snorted, stomping over to the man for dramatic effect before adding: "You want me to be a child so bad? I can BE a CHILD—"

Leorio clutched his stomach, a loud laugh leaving him, and he threw his hands out to him to yank him down onto the seat. "Okay, okay—I give. Please, my stomach hurts from laughing—"

"—You asked for it."

"I did. I walked right into it—and though I'm not sorry, I really think I should stop laughing, I feel like my stitches are going to come loose."

"Loose?"

Kurapika's smile slid off his face, and he turned on the couch to face him with worry growing within him. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to. Are you okay?"

Leorio waved it off and rolled his eyes. "I'm fine—I'm fine, see?" He lifted his shirt a bit, showing off the white medical patches, but all Kurapika did was look away, face completely red.

"I get it. I get it, as long as you're okay."

Leorio lowered his shirt and grinned, "You're blushing—what, was that too much for you?"

Kurapika turned to shoot him a death glare. "You're really treading on dangerous ground right now? Is that what you're choosing to spend your time doing?"

"Dangerous ground?" Leorio laughed with a huff, "You oggling my body is dangerous ground?"

"I wasn't OGGLING!"

"You totally were, don't deny it."

"I WAS NOT!"

Leorio couldn't contain the laugh that slipped through his lips, and he leaned forward to kiss his red cheeks. "I'm teasing you, it's okay." He said, voice brimming with amusement. "Allow an old man to tease and flirt, why don't you."

Kurapika tried not to flinch or pull away with how close Leorio was, but it was difficult. He tightened his hands into fists in his lap and he sat rigid. "Old man? I hardly think you're old... which brings me to another point—I think Mito has a thing for you."

Talk about a conversation changer. He shifted the focus from himself onto Mito, and it was effortless. At least the one good thing about Mito was that he could use her to deflect and turn this discussion around. If Leorio really was a flirt, then he shouldn't be surprised that every girl in the mansion was in love with him for some reason or another.

"I heard you were a hopeless flirt and would get everyone riled up. And poor Mito has a thing for you, you know. I saw it myself."

Leorio reeled back, brows raised in surprise. "Really? You don't say." He closed his eyes and shook his head, "Could have fooled me. She's the last person on the planet I would have ever expected."

Kurapika raised a brow. "Why am I suddenly sensing sarcasm in your words?"

Leorio looked at him pointedly, then let his head fall back into the cushions with a groan. "Ugh, sorry. She was my apprentice, I spent every waking moment around that girl. She's been learning from me since she was nine years old. She'd always follow me around with little heart-bubbles popping out of her forehead and out her damn ears. At first I thought she just idolized me, which would have been fine, but I think she saw the way I used to be around women. Nothing romantic, just so you know—just harmless flirting and teasing, which got me into a lot more trouble than I care to admit. But when she was sixteen, she was convinced she was in love with me. She was always telling me weird crap about the way I looked and it freaked me out. I told Gon about it, but the only advice he had for me was to set her straight and make it clear that nothing was going anywhere."

Kurapika quirked a brow. "And you did, didn't you?"

Leorio raised his head and grimaced. "Not really. I wish I had, but I didn't. Not when I should have. In my carelessness, she drove me absolutely insane. I thought that if I kissed her she would understand how weird it was to be with someone so much older. I regret even thinking about that as a solution even to this day—and trust me, nothing happened beyond that, I swear. A couple years later of awkward tension and silence passed, and then she began to insist that she didn't feel that it was wrong. That she wanted to be with me- and that was when I threatened her to stay away from me. That I didn't want anything to do with her. Not long after that happened I was formally dismissed from the family and cast out to live on my own in this penthouse that Gon provided for me. Mito hasn't spoken to me since."

Kurapika was silent after that, trying to process the information. He wasn't asking for an entire explanation, but the fact that Leorio had spoken at all about it had surprised him.

Leorio pulled him from his thoughts by shifting closer to him and taking up his hand. "Nothing happened, I promise. She was my apprentice, and I'd rather leave it in the past where it belongs, but I know she'd never tell you what actually happened. I figured you should know the story before anyone tried to manipulate it."

"Like Killua?"

"Like Killua." Leorio grumbled irritably, "He's such a..." He bit his lip to keep himself from saying any more and settled back into the couch. "You were the first person—the only person, I'll admit—that caught my eye. I've never been one for dating or being in love or anything like that. As far as I was concerned, I was married to my work and I was going to let it be that. I was perfectly content that way, don't get me wrong, but when I saw you at the meetings, I couldn't stop looking at you."

He flashed a small smile his way, "And when I saw you in the alley, I didn't recognize you. When you got closer and collapsed, I realized who you were, and the first thing I did was take you up to the living room and fix you up as best as I could. Earlier I said I had an office with supplies better equipped for treating your injuries, but really I just meant that I had an entire hospital back at the mansion that could have helped you so much better. Had I the means to take you there for proper care, I would have. But, while you were in and out of consciousness, you kept grabbing at my shirt and not letting go. I wasn't sure if you thought I was someone else or if you were dreaming, but... I found I couldn't ignore it."

Leorio shifted again, bringing up his legs and wincing a little from the pain of stretching his wounds. Kurapika made a move forward to assist him, worried that he'd tear open the stitches he had, but his hands were caught in the process. From there, he was caught up in the way Leorio looked at him.

"It's not so easy for me to admit that I like you—initially, I first kissed you because I thought it would get it out of my system. That it was just attraction, but afterward I felt ashamed for it because it was an extremely personal act, and at the time, very one-sided. Had you awoken, I wouldn't know what I would have done. Much to my surprise, kissing you was what did me in. It felt right to do it, and it unnerved me. I never thought I was capable of wanting to be with somebody; especially in my line of work."

Kurapika didn't know what to say to all of this, but his chest did stir with hope and dare he admit even appreciation. Was he right to think that all the times he'd been looking at Leorio behind his back, Leorio was doing the same thing to him? He shivered at the thought, and without realizing it, had shifted closer to the doctor. In the janitor's closet back at the mansion, Leorio had admitted first that he liked him—had taken the information from Killua about Kurapika having kissed him, and used it to imply that, since they both liked each other they should kiss.

And truly, this was exactly what Kurapika had been hoping for. Perhaps not in the way that it had first gone about, but the end result was all that mattered, right?

"I feel bad for admitting this, but... I didn't really know who you were when we first met..." Kurapika admitted sadly, but Leorio shook his head, and assured him that it was alright. That he didn't expect him to notice him since he'd looked on from afar.

This made Kurapika's cheeks blush right up, and if Leorio wasn't holding Kurapika's hands, he'd probably hide his face in them. This was totally embarrassing! He was liked? For that long? It somehow didn't even make sense, but it made his heart flutter in his chest. He wondered, had both of their lifestyles been different, would they have been together? It was interesting- and certainly relaxing- to think that in a different life, Leorio might have asked him out. That, maybe, Leorio would have bought him chocolate or junk food and they would have gone somewhere to watch a movie. Like a date? Like a date. They would have gone on a date. Many dates...

"Kurapika, are you okay?" Leorio inquired.

Kurapika shook himself free of the fantasy, though a little sad to see it go. "Yes, fine, I was just thinking."

"Thinking? What about?"

Kurapika's lips twitched, wondering how to answer that. He thought it might be a little weird to admit he'd thought about corny dates and them kissing and hanging out... so instead of complicating the answer, he gathered his courage to push upward and, with the assurance that Leorio liked him too, kissed him.

Leorio breathed out in surprise, but wasted no time in easing into the kiss and pulling him closer.

Kurapika's trembling body, small in comparison to Leorio's, fought to remain as tall as he could. In effect, Kurapika's hands wound their way around his neck for security, not wanting to fall off him. Everything else just sort of... pushed up into the older male's body.

He felt Leorio smile into their attachment, and Kurapika felt like he'd burst into a million pieces.

Leorio was the one to break the kiss, commenting: "Is this really what you were thinking about this whole time?"

Kurapika found it within himself to laugh, and a small smile crept onto his face. With a shrug, he guided Leorio's mouth back onto his own, finding that he enjoyed the sensation a lot more than he cared to admit at the moment. His lips were warm, and his own lips tingled from the contact. He only shifted further onto him when their mouths opened, tongues tangling in the most blissful way. It was making Kurapika feel light-headed, and before he realized it, he'd found himself straddling Leorio. It was only because it was the perfect position to better kiss him, and if Leorio noticed his shyness or awareness of it, he didn't show it.

Because, despite Kurapika pulling away from the kiss to catch his breath, Leorio found it suitable to press soft kisses to his jaw.

Kurapika's face was aflame, feeling more and more self-conscious when Leorio's heavy hands crawled up to rest over his sides. As if to hold him in place.

He shivered, and though unsure of where this was going, he turned and tugged lightly on the doctor's hair. He, for the most part, seemed lost in the act—nibbling at his neck and nosing his hot flesh. It was driving Kurapika insane—it even drew hot breaths from him because he didn't know what to do with himself. It was all too much. To be near Leorio, to touch him and to smell him like this was like his earlier fantasy. But to feel his teeth nipping and his tongue trailing up the expanse of his throat was so new to him that reality was knocking on the door.

He felt those hands tighten on his hips, and a small groan left him- but not from how tight he was holding. In his surprise—and utter horror—it was to stop his hips from rolling around. It would seem that this alone was enough to excite him in other ways.

His embarrassment captured him, and he urged Leorio to pull away- to stop, because he didn't know what to do. He buried his face into Leorio's neck only having gained a rough groan from the man who seemed all to eager and invested in sampling him. He could feel those warm fingers wander up the small of his back, pausing at the base of his shoulder blades. His mouth roamed from the side of his neck to the front, lightly sucking on his Adam's apple. He had to wonder if he was doing it just to make him crazy- because if it wasn't obvious when he was rolling his hips around, he sure was hard from that.

"L-Leorio, please," He whimpered, giving the male's hair a gentle tug. "We should stop—please..."

In almost a sad hum, Kurapika thought he heard, Leorio obediently kissed up his throat, and pressed a gentle tap of a kiss to his lips before sitting back. The man didn't seem at all winded, but he certainly did look him up and down with an interest he'd never seen. Perhaps that was his mind playing tricks on him. It had felt way too good, and Kurapika was intimidated by anything that would happen afterward.

He'd never been in a relationship before. He'd never been kissed or touched—let alone looked at by someone who wanted him. And it really was obvious—he did know that Leorio wanted him, if those heavy hands were a clue as they slid back down to rest evenly on his hips.

Kurapika swallowed thickly, an apology immediately falling from his lips. "I'm so sorry—I don't know what came over me."

He thought maybe Leorio would just awkwardly clear his throat and set him off to the side and accept the apology. Maybe go hide in the library or his room or something to give him some space. Much to his surprise, that wasn't what happened at all.

Leorio dared to scoot him closer in his lap, their bodies now flush against one another. Kurapika's cheeks flared pink, and Leorio dared to smile. "You've done nothing wrong—I should be the one to apologize. I was only kissing you, but I should have stopped to consider how far you wanted that to go. If you'd still permit me, I'd very much like to kiss you again."

Kurapika nearly died from that. How was this man so intent on kissing him? They'd only really kissed for the first time earlier that day, but he was starting to act like this was a natural occurrence. Not even four hours had passed since then! It wasn't even that late in the day! But, he did have to admit, the idea of kissing Leorio again was certainly appealing. They'd only kissed a few times, and yet each time seemed like the very first. He wasn't entirely sure what it was, but being around Leorio and next to him, kissing him and letting himself go like he'd just done... it was scary, yet oddly satisfying. As if he were letting apart of himself relax and have something that was only his own. His first experience that his parents weren't breathing down his neck over.

And for the first time, it would be his decision to make. How far he was willing to go with this—how far Leorio was willing to take it. He was sure, with time, in any natural relationship, they'd have sex... perhaps not now. But wasn't it a requirement after a time? If two people were in a relationship like this one, wouldn't it eventually come time for that to happen? He'd not learned much in this department... His mother always told him he was worthless, that he shouldn't fill his head with such nonsense as fantasy and flying away from his problems... let alone what a relationship was. He bet, if he were to ask her now, she'd say something awful like he's just using you for your body or he's not interested in you, not really. Your personality is so dry he'd probably just want to fuck you then leave you... or some worthless bullshit like that.

And it was bullshit. She always talked out her ass—and he'd realized that when he'd become and adult. When he started shadowing his father at work to get a sense of personality and what people were like, and when he chose to watch his own family out of curiosity, he'd come to realize that his mother was the kind of person that would talk down her nose to anyone as if she were God—even her own son. It was positively infuriating, and he knew that, once he started to ignore her and not care about what nonsense she said, it would only infuriate her.

But he was still a little worried about all those things he wished he had learned from his parents. About life, about relationships... what they truly thought. How they'd met and if they had fallen in love... or, knowing them, if they had found it suitable to forge bonds for the sake of social standing.

Kurapika was only momentarily dazzled by the insecurity he had about where this... thing with Leorio would go, but he felt safe. He felt, despite what his parents would think, that he could trust Leorio with wherever this was to go.

And he supposed, the troubling look on his own face was enough to have Leorio call off the whole thing. "Perhaps another time. I don't wish to overwhelm you." Leorio explained quickly. "I really am sorry if I took it too far. We can watch a movie if you'd prefer—I need to get dinner started anyway. Did you have any requests?"

Kurapika looked up at the man, smiling and lightly chuckling. "No. No, It's okay. I was thinking, is all. Just about what my family would say about this. I don't think they ever thought anybody would like someone like me."

"...someone like you?" Leorio asked, eyebrow quirked. "I didn't know your father outside of work, and I certainly didn't know the rest of your family, but that's a little harsh, don't you think?"

Kurapika shook his head and sighed. "For them? not in the least. If you knew what they were actually like, you'd probably want to live on the opposite side of the planet."

"That bad, huh?" Leorio chuckled.

A small smile was brought to Kurapika's face, and his hands slid down the front of Leorio's chest. "The worst. You have no idea."

Leorio hummed, "Surely there must be some positive?"

A shake of his head was the only answer he gave to that. "As for dinner, I think anything will be fine. I don't particularly have a fondness for seafood, but if you make me a pasta dish, you'd earn points pretty quick."

"Pasta it is then," Leorio said quickly, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Though, if I made a shrimp pasta dish I wonder what would happen."

With a shrug, Kurapika laughed and said "It's your funeral. You can plan it however you want."

Leorio smiled, then patted Kurapika's leg. "Well, best to get started then. I don't have any shrimp in the house anyway- guess we both lucked out this time, huh."

Before Kurapika moved off of the man, he caught him by his arm and kissed his lips softly. Only then did he remove himself from Leorio- and to his surprise, Leorio sat unmoving, but looking at him in question. Before Kurapika could speak up or say anything, Leorio leaned forward to kiss him back just as gently and just as swiftly. "For a second there, I really thought you didn't want to kiss me."

"N-no, of course I want to kiss you," Kurapika stuttered, glancing down at his lap, "I just... you know... don't know how any of this works. I like kissing you, and I like being around you. But Leorio, I've never been in a situation like this one. What am I supposed to do? Do I do anything?"

A small breath left Leorio, and the doctor scooted a little closer to pull him to his side. "No, you don't have to do anything. Nobody is forcing you to do or say anything, and nobody will tell you how to feel—all I ask of you is to be yourself in all of this. If something I do makes you uncomfortable all you need to do is say something about it so that I don't do it anymore. It goes both ways—if you happen to do or say something that makes me uncomfortable, I'll tell you about it. If you want to kiss me, then kiss me. If you want to be next to me or hold my hand or if you want spaghetti just tell me. We're dating, and it's okay to ask questions and speak up."

"Wait... we're dating?" Kurapika asked, looking up at the man with a bewildered expression.

Leorio quirked an eyebrow, "You didn't get that?"

"N-no, you never asked! Wait—when did this happen again?"

"... you're joking, right?"

Kurapika stood, defiantly with his hands on his hips. "No! I mean, it's not that big of a deal I'd love to date you, but I don't recall you ever asking!" He exclaimed, matter-of-factly.

Leorio stood up too, reaching out to cup Kurapika's cheek in his palm. "In the hospital, when I pulled you into the custodian's room—but if you want a direct question: Kurapika, will you date me? Be my boyfriend?" He laughed.

Kurapika laughed, "You're serious? oh my god- what even-"

"Will you? I want you to be my boyfriend. I want to kiss you and watch movies and read books with you. I'll even slave away in the kitchen for you if that's what it takes—"

"No don't do that! what's—"

"I don't hear a yes—obviously if you just want to be friends we can't kiss or do any of that stuff. I'd have to accept it if you only want to be friends, but being together has many perks, I assure you—"

Kurapika fell into a fit of laughter at the absurd way Leorio was beginning to talk. Waving his hands dramatically in the air and gesturing between them—and then gesturing to the kitchen. Kurapika couldn't stand it, the way Leorio seemed so adamant about him saying yes. Leorio had already assumed they were dating, but it made him feel a little better when the doctor went out of his way to ask and declare that they should be together for all these reasons. It was so... nice. It was nice that Leorio wanted him that way.

So Kurapika stood on his tip toes and kissed the man who's tangent had gone on for far too long. A smile playing on his lips, he once again wrapped his arms around the older man's neck. Once he fell silent, he whispered his answer onto his lips. "Yes, of course. Of course I'd love to be your boyfriend."

That alone seemed to be enough for Leorio, because in the next second he was grabbing his hips and hoisting him up in the air. A startled gasp left him as he was twirled around in a circle- in a very dramatic style. Like a Disney princess, he laughed dryly.

When he was set back on the floor, Leorio kissed him again for good measure and hugged him hard. "That makes me happy. Thank you."

Kurapika rolled his eyes, but gave in to the hug. He found a sort of contentment with how long the hug actually lasted. It was enough for him to settle his own erratic heartbeat and calm himself with the familiar scent of what Kurapika could only assume was the older male's cologne.

"Well—should we make dinner together then? Make that the first thing we do as a couple?" Leorio grinned.

"I thought the first thing we did was kiss and hug...?"

"We can do that again if you want."

Kurapika choked on a laugh and pulled away, but reached out to grab the man's hand anyway. "You can kiss me in the kitchen when we're making a pasta—which will have cheese in it, by the way."

Leorio, as quite the gentleman, playfully bowed and swept out his other arm. "Yes, of course, it will be prepared in a manner that you will find perfect." He stood with a wink.

Together they made it into the kitchen, and because it was smaller than what Kurapika assumed a normal kitchen was supposed to look like (with the side table that certainly took up quite a bit of space, too), they both bumped into each other trying to get the pots, pans, and ingredients ready to cook.

Though the kitchen was small, Kurapika was beginning to take a liking to it. He loved the small table that took up space—it was an intimate area, he believed, with only two chairs on either end and right next to the floor to ceiling windows that Leorio happened to have everywhere else, too. With the sun slowly dipping below the horizon, he took a second to watch it fall. It basked the trees and hills, the city and it's patrons in a pink and orange glow. When they finally got around to eating, Kurapika knew the stars would be out, and the only light they'd have would be the stove light to provide them at least a little light to see what they were eating.

He felt Leorio's hand brush his hip, and he turned with a smile on his face.

"The sunset is pretty tonight," Leorio commented, practically reading his thoughts. "would you like to watch it a bit before we cook?"

Kurapika shrugged, but didn't say a word. He didn't turn either, absorbed in the lights that danced across the ground below, the shadows a consistent companion to the oranges and pinks. He felt Leorio step behind him and wrap his arms around him, and for that he closed his eyes. He couldn't help but relish the sensation. Kissing him, touching him, being like this- all things that he wanted from the very start. Oh how he wished he'd been hugged like this as a child. Felt this kind of love from his parents. That he was wanted and cherished, needed, maybe. Feeling this way definitely filled a hole in his heart he never realized was there. He felt himself grow lighter; he felt his breath leave him and come back just a bit easier than it had been. He felt safe. He felt wanted.

His hands reached up to cover Leorio's arms, which were strong and solid against him—almost like he didn't want to let go. And though it had been an interesting and rocky ride to find one another—knowing and not knowing whether feelings were mutual—Kurapika wouldn't change anything. If he had to trade the lives of his family and the business his father created for a love like this, he'd do it a thousand times over again. His family might not have deserved to die, but he knew damn well that he deserved to be happy—and because there was no going back now, he was ready to embrace this and move on.

He looked up at Leorio, head propped against his chest, and when Leorio looked back down at him, he felt the stirrings of a feeling he could only assume was 'love'. If indeed he did feel that way, then he didn't want to go another minute without being by his side.

Leorio bent down a little and pressed his lips against his, and he happily accepted, twisting in his arms to face the doctor. But Leorio broke the kiss, jerking backward with a small hiss. "Ouch—something sharp poked my leg."

Kurapika blinked, but withdrew with furrowed brows. "Poked you?" Kurapika clarified.

Leorio nodded, brushing down the left side of his leg. "Something in your pocket—it's sharp."

"My pocket? I don't have anything in my pockets." Kurapika emptied both pockets for emphasis, but when he did, something fell out of his left pocket. He bent down, grabbing up what looked like a card. When he stood, he flipped it over and over, looking at both sides before offering it to Leorio.

"I don't know what it is." Kurapika murmured, "I've never seen this before."

Leorio took it from him and looked it over. "It kind of looks like a business card." Leorio murmured, "There's no name or reason for it, but there is a number on it."

Kurapika lifted a brow, "What else does it say? I didn't read it."

"It just says to call the number..." Leorio murmured, lips twisting. "I wonder who it is."

"I don't remember ever having that in my pocket..." Kurapika murmured, "Maybe it's old? but I could have sworn you just washed these before we went to the cafe. You checked the pockets before you washed them right?"

Leorio flipped the card over and over again, seeming to be deep in thought. "You know... it could be sleight of hand. I thought I saw, earlier, Gon touch you. Perhaps he slipped it in your pocket? But I have no idea why he'd do that. Killua, maybe, but not Gon."

Kurapika reached out to take the card, brows furrowing. "Well... maybe we should call?"

Leorio shrugged, "Up to you. Since it's getting pretty late, I think it would be better to do it tomorrow."

"You think?" Kurapika asked innocently, then with a sigh set it on the counter. "Maybe you're right. I don't want to call without you there, though- perhaps tomorrow morning after breakfast?"

Leorio nodded, "Sounds like a plan—for now, I bet you're starving. Would you like to help me cook the chicken? Chicken Alfredo actually sounds pretty good right now." he admitted with a chuckle.

Kurapika nodded, eagerly grabbing up the pan. "Fire it up!"