Sorry, this chapter is a little lengthy as well, hehe . . . I wouldn't want to keep breaking chapters up into parts, but I also don't want to overload you all with super-long chapters XP Hope you still enjoy, though :)

Chapter 9

Killua was far too tense as he waited outside Kurapika's apartment. There was no way in hell he was going to accept the blond's cryptic message and do nothing, especially not after what Gon told him about the library. When he'd arrived at Kurapika's building, he'd sensed no presence inside apartment 109. So he stayed and waited, figuring Kurapika would have to come home eventually.

He couldn't describe the panic and urgency that raced through his blood when he'd received the blond's text: "No. I don't want to hurt you" . . . Killua had walked right out the front door of Bisky's cabin, without caring that the woman herself silently watched him leave. Any other time, he would have questioned just why Bisky obviously let him go, but the nightmare of Kurapika turning up dead overshadowed every other possible thought.

What if Kurapika really was responsible for the library?

Before he could entertain that idea any further, a shrill cry of static sliced through his temples and nearly brought Killua to his knees. Holding his head with his eyes squeezed shut, Killua quietly waited out the pain, as he had already done countless times before. When he was able to open his eyes again, dizziness blurred his vision and he leaned against the wall behind him, his spread palms helping him to stand his ground. Strangely enough, it was a powerful feeling akin to the effects of blood loss.

But why?

Killua's equilibrium evened out after a few more minutes and the static had quieted back to its usual drone. With a brief shake of his head, he stood normally, but not without noticing slivers of translucent glass at his feet. Great, more combusting light bulbs . . .

And if Gon was right, Killua wasn't the only one destroying Yorknew.

The sun was high overhead when Killua finally sensed Kurapika's aura heading up the metal stairs. Relief was his initial reaction, but it was short-lived and quickly replaced with the bottom of his world falling out.

The blond's aura was barely detectible, and he was being carried by an older man, whose aura Killua didn't recognize.

Killua's claws were out in a heartbeat. His immediate instinct was to accost this man on the stairs, but what if he dropped Kurapika in the process? The Kuruta's aura was so very weak . . . The fall would most likely cause serious damage. Activating his Zetsu and holding himself back until the man was at least off the stairs, Killua darted up to him and then revealed his aura.

"What have you done to Kurapika?" Killua growled lowly, his claws poised at the man's throat.

A middle-aged man with tanned skin and short brown hair tightened his hold on the blond while freezing in place, blurting out, "Nothing."

"What is he to you?"

"He's my student. I taught him Nen about five years ago."

One silver eyebrow quirked, but Killua did not take his claws away. Just seeing how limp and lifeless Kurapika looked as he hung in the older man's arms . . . It was infuriating. "Your name?"

Dark, nervous-looking eyes darted around, as if the man thought someone else might be watching them, before he answered, "Mizuken. How do you know Kurapika?"

"That shouldn't be your main concern right now." Anger and worry yanked at something in the middle of Killua's chest. He thought about slicing through the man's neck and taking Kurapika away from him.

"Do I get to know your name?" Came a slightly frustrated question. Mizuken and Killua exchanged obvious looks of distrust before Killua ignored him again.

Pressing a single claw of his stiffened hand to the man's neck, Killua allowed a bead of blood to bubble on tanned skin. Mizuken swallowed thickly, and Killua could swear he heard the man's frantic pulse and felt the way his blood raced. "What happened to him? You have three seconds to tell me."

"He can't control his abilities, and they wore him out. That's really all I know." Mizuken said in a rush without daring to move. "I've been studying Nen my whole life. And I've never seen something like this before."

Killua gave a low hum in his throat, feeling satisfied with the answer for now. He withdrew his claws from Mizuken, and switched his gaze from the older man to the blond in his arms.

"Are you going to tell me your name or not?" Mizuken almost demanded once the immediate threat of Killua's claws was removed.

After studying the clammy pallor of Kurapika's skin and feeling another flare of anger, Killua turned away and said. "We need to get him inside. He keeps his apartment key in the front right pocket of his jeans."

The look of surprise on Mizuken's face when they found the key right where Killua said it was, was admittedly priceless. Killua's eyes darted up and down the man's form once more, still unsure if he was reliable, before they let themselves in.

As they entered the little apartment, a sudden spike of emotion told Killua he didn't appreciate the way Mizuken was holding Kurapika. Easily taking the blond into his own arms despite Mizuken's dumbstruck look, Killua headed to Kurapika's bedroom without a second thought.

Laying him down on the bed as gently as possible, Killua cursed under his breath and hissed, "He's freezing." A surge of rage welled in his chest at the man who brought Kurapika here. How could Mizuken let him get like this?

Bundling the Kuruta in the blankets on his once neatly-made bed, Killua settled a scrutinizing gaze on the older man. "How did this happen?"

Awkwardly entering his student's bedroom, Mizuken looked everywhere but at Killua as he said, "I'm not entirely sure what's wrong. But, he wants me to help him, and I'll do everything in my power to try."

"What are the symptoms?"

Mizuken seemed to anxiously clear his throat before answering. "His chains have been conjuring themselves, and seem to act on their own free will. Once they take control, they apparently do a great deal of damage. And he's powerless to stop them."

This information made Killua pause. It almost would have shocked him had he not been practically expecting it. So Gon was right; they were both having trouble controlling their abilities. Even though the results were on a much different scale from each other, the principle was still the same. But, why were the consequences so much more severe for Kurapika? Was Mizuken possibly to blame? "What you're saying doesn't explain why I can barely sense his Nen. If you have anything to do with this-"

"Will you calm down? Getting angry won't help anyone." Mizuken finally snapped with a scowl. "And as for his Nen, I only have a guess. I figure that in order for his chains to act on their own, they're drawing energy from him and draining him."

That seemed acceptable. Killua could see how conjured items could use more Nen than something like his lightening; which was only transmuted Hatsu and not meant to take a completely tangible form. Taking one last look at Kurapika's Nen master, Killua decided he'd gotten all the useful information he could from the man and said, "I can take care of him from here."

Mizuken sent Killua a piercing, almost-glare. "You're being awfully secretive. Not giving your name or saying how you know my student. How can I be sure you're trustworthy?"

"How dare you . . ." Killua bowed his head, feeling himself bristle with rage. "How dare you assume I'll harm him once you leave. If he'd stayed with you, I don't even want to think about what would have happened." Killua faced a stunned-looking Mizuken once he looked back up. "You're his teacher, and he trusts you. I can't help that . . . but I swear, if you don't protect him . . . You'll pay with your life." Killua turned his attention back to Kurapika, hoping that Mizuken would eventually take the hint.

"I doubt you care, but my number is in his phone if anything happens." Another distrusting, icy blue gaze was shot Mizuken's way before the Nen master silently let himself out.

Killua exhaled in relief as he saw the color coming back into the blond's face. His breathing was also evening out. Good; Kurapika was making a fairly quick recovery.

Guilt and fear ate at Killua's insides. If only he had known about what was happening earlier . . . But regardless, what could he have done? He was a victim himself. He hardly had a clue how to get himself under control; how could he help Kurapika?

Frustration crawled down Killua's throat and settled with the guilt and worry in his stomach. He couldn't help but ask himself why. Why was this happening to the both of them? He studied the blond's sleeping face, trying to ignore how tired he suddenly felt. There was so much information to take in and process . . . how could Killua hope to understand it all?

Without thinking, Killua reached down to smooth back a few errant strands of Kurapika's blond hair. Within that brief moment of contact, shock darted down his spine and the inability to breathe flooded his lungs. His pulse hammered in his ears as something strong and numbing flowed through his blood. Although Killua knew painkillers had no effect on him; that was the only thing he could compare the sensation to. It was as if he'd been injected with morphine.

And then, Killua felt the constant, restless buzz of static in his head settle . . . and go quiet.

Silence. Nothing. No sound, not even the tiniest buzz. For the first time in two weeks, Killua's mind was completely silent and static-free. And before he could form another thought, a sudden exhaustion pulled him straight to the mattress beneath him.

Kurapika woke in his own apartment. He found himself feeling warm and well-rested, which was rare for him nowadays. Instead of immediately sitting up, he lingered in bed a while longer with his eyes closed.

The last thing he could remember was driving back to the city in Mizuken's car, and feeling extraordinarily tired and dizzy. It stood to reason that his teacher left him at his apartment to rest until tomorrow. At least he was home and safe for now . . .

As Kurapika took a deep breath and turned his face into his blankets, he caught a foreign scent on the fabric that nearly made him jump; the light, yet heady smell of soap and something metallic. He knew this scent far too well . . .

Kurapika's heart was in his throat as he realized who was sleeping beside him.

"Killua." He breathed without being able to help himself, and blue eyes snapped open. Killua had been on his side, facing Kurapika as he slept near the edge of the bed. They both stared wordlessly at each other until Killua gently reached out to rest the backs of his fingers against Kurapika's cheek.

"How are you feeling?" came a soft, concerned voice.

"You shouldn't be here. I could hurt you." Kurapika quietly warned, trying to back away from the younger man's touch.

Killua didn't move away, nor did he try to keep Kurapika in place. He just continued to stare deep into panicked hazel eyes. "The library . . . that was you, wasn't it?"

"It was an accident. I swear I would never . . ." Kurapika whispered, his throat sounding suddenly raspy.

"Don't worry. You're safe now." One of Killua's arms encircled him and pulled him close as they continued to lay together. Kurapika's head was pressed gently to Killua's chest, and the younger man then laid his chin atop the blond's head. "When that man carried your lifeless body up here, I couldn't think . . . I nearly killed him."

Kurapika was surprised by the touch at first, but then he curled into Killua's embrace, breathing in his scent and feeling oddly protected. Even the fact that Killua almost murdered his Nen master didn't bother him as much as it should have. "You were waiting for me?"

"Of course. I wasn't going to take that cryptic message you sent me laying down." Killua admitted. "And after Gon told me about the library, I figured there was some kind of connection."

"So Gon knows, too . . ." Kurapika mumbled with a small amount of shame in his voice.

"From what I understand, it was kind of a big deal." A dry chuckle reverberated in Killua's throat. Kurapika felt the younger man breathe deeply against his hair before he murmured, "Is it bad that I find your power sexy?"

Kurapika immediately opened his mouth to protest, but the words died on his tongue as he felt a familiar hardness against one of his thighs. As quickly as he felt it, it was taken away, and Killua sat on the edge of the bed with his back turned to the blond. "That was uncalled for. I'm sorry."

"It's alright-"

"No, it's not. You're scared, and here I am making shameless advances."

Silence settled thickly between them. What would Killua say if Kurapika told him his advances weren't as unwelcome as he thought? Of course, Kurapika had been afraid that there would be more chaos where his aura was concerned; but for some strange reason, now it was tame. He even stopped hearing the incessant static in his head. Ever since he woke up, Kurapika noticed all the stress and pressure from the weeks before were gone, and he felt normal; so very in control once more.

But why now? For nearly two weeks, his grip on his aura had been slipping. He was becoming a threat to the public, and to himself. It was endangering his life . . . up until now, that was. All his problems seemed to vanish without a trace in less than a day. But, there was one detail that Kurapika was overlooking. Although, his idea did seem farfetched . . .

Did it have anything to do with Killua's presence?

Speaking out of deductive reasoning, this made sense. Kurapika had already caught himself imitating the younger man multiple times; it wasn't a stretch of the imagination to assume Killua was affecting other things in his life . . . But his Nen? Really?

Drawing from what Kurapika knew of Nen, Killua couldn't have been causing this. It was such a bizarre notion: one person's life energy being directly affected by the presence of another. Each individual's Nen is separate and unique; they just weren't made to mix.

But that didn't explain how Kurapika's aura became so docile practically overnight.

And Killua seemed to be the only known variable that had any effect. Or maybe the whole thing was all just a huge coincidence. Kurapika didn't have enough information to be completely sure . . .

The blond found himself sitting up to reach out and touch Killua's shoulder. The younger man didn't react for a few long moments, but eventually he turned his head a fraction. One sharp blue eye studied Kurapika. "Have you eaten at all today? I can order something."

Although he expected the subject change, Kurapika gave a soft frown. "You don't have to spend money."

"Oh, please. I have enough of the stuff." Killua rolled his eyes good-naturedly with a grin. "Just think of it as the beginning of me repaying you."

Killua's crooked smile caused a pang in Kurapika's heart, and before he knew it heat had spread on his face. Killua was at Kurapika's side in an instant and feeling his forehead, his own features creased with worry. "Don't tell me you have a fever. That damn teacher of yours . . ."

Having Killua so close again made the blond's heart palpitate and his chest tighten. Kurapika wanted to lean into the palm on his forehead, but he resisted. "Killua, I'm fine. And, I suppose I should ask . . . You met Mizuken?"

Killua's eyes narrowed at the mention of the man. "I don't like him. He's irresponsible."

Pushing Killua's hand away from him, Kurapika responded with a disapproving look, "How can you say that? You barely know him."

Killua gave a rather haughty 'tch' before retorting, "I don't have to know him to think how he handled you was irresponsible."

Kurapika felt his eyes narrow at this. "Handled me?"

"You were unconscious when he brought you here. Your Nen was practically nonexistent. I almost took you to a hospital to have you looked at." Killua paused, seeming to rethink his statement. "But maybe all you needed was rest . . . You feel perfectly normal now."

"I feel fine, and I'd rather not go to a hospital. Besides, the closest one is supposedly where . . ." Kurapika trailed off, awkwardly meeting Killua's gaze.

Killua lightly tugged on his hair as he looked away with an uncomfortable expression. "Well, he would have helped me chew Mizuken out, at least."

"Don't give my Nen master such a hard time." Kurapika lightly chastised, grateful that they were steering away from the topic of the man Leorio tried to set him up with. "I'm feeling better now, aren't I?"

Giving the blond a hard look, Killua fought the urge to roll his eyes, "Yeah, for now. But you don't know if this will happen again."

"You're right." Kurapika folded his hands in his lap, staring down at them morosely. "Everything feels calm now, but my aura could act up again at any time, for all I know . . . Are you sure you even want to be here? With me being so unstable?"

With a slight turn of his head, Killua raised an unconvinced eyebrow. "So, you're telling me you want me to leave you to suffer by yourself?"

"I don't want to put you in any danger."

"Do you remember who I've been hanging out with for the past six years?"

"Someone who could bind you, force you into Zetsu, and kill you?" Feeling the slightest bit of self-loathing, Kurapika couldn't bring himself to look Killua in the eye anymore. "I didn't think so."

"You don't have to be like that . . . I'd like to think I might be just a bit faster than your chains." Killua irritably added.

"Speed only gets you so far, Killua." Kurapika quietly countered.

Killua leaned an elbow on one knee and admitted, "It would hurt you and I would hate doing it, but if worse came to worse, I could knock you out with Lightening Palm."

Kurapika crossly tucked a bit of hair behind his ear. "Why do you insist on arguing with me?"

"I'm not sure . . ."

After Killua trailed off, a sudden thought occurred to Kurapika. It nearly had him blushing in embarrassment and he hastily turned to Killua. "Does Mizuken know?"

"About what?"

"About us."

Killua scoffed. "Don't say it like that, it's weird."

"You and I, then." Kurapika impatiently rolled his eyes. "Does he know?"

Killua responded with a slow shake of his head. "What makes you think I would tell him?"

"I just want to be sure."

Kurapika couldn't think of anything to proceed that topic with, so he remained silent. It was then that he heard the soft patter of rain outside his bedroom window. In retrospect, it had looked rather cloudy that morning. Of course it had to rain-

Kurapika was taken by surprise with a kiss. He leaned into it immediately, finding that he sorely missed the sweet, metallic flavor of Killua's lips. The blond was the first to open his mouth and sweep his tongue across Killua's bottom lip. Just as Kurapika felt Killua's mouth respond, the younger male pulled away.

With the tiniest whine of disappointment, the Kuruta opened his eyes to find Killua looking cautious and guarded. "On second thought, maybe it's not the greatest idea for me to stay with you. I mean, after what happened, I feel like you should be resting. And if I stay here, we might . . ."

"Will you stop that?" Kurapika averted his gaze, fidgeting with an earring as frustration crept into his chest, "Did I say "no" or "stop"? Don't make decisions for me like you know what I'm thinking."

"Ok," Killua conceded as he tried to look Kurapika in the eye. "Tell me how you're feeling. Honestly. If you're absolutely sure you're going to be ok with this, then I'll stay. If not, I'll leave."

Another stretch of time drug on, with Killua staring at Kurapika and the latter staring down at mussed bed sheets. The subdued sound of rain continued on in the background, a strangely fitting ambience to the stale silence between them.

"I wouldn't make you go out in the rain like that." The blond eventually spoke, still not looking up. Something primeval and instinctual, deep within the recesses of his mind, told him that he wanted Killua to stay. But why, when he had been so vehemently protesting it not moments ago? Overwhelming warmth had taken hold of Kurapika's heart as crimson flooded his face. He felt the need to shake his head, as if to physically rid himself of unwanted thoughts.

Kurapika didn't understand himself anymore. For so many years his goal and purpose were clear: defeat the Spiders and reclaim his peoples' eyes. And nearing the end of that goal had already been disorienting enough without throwing any more obstacles in the way. But now, when he thought all his troubles were almost over, Kurapika was facing one of the most confusing challenges he'd ever been presented with.

And that challenge was named Killua Zoldyck.

Just the younger male's presence, and the way his clear blue eyes could see right through him . . . they were enough to drive Kurapika mad with both insanity and passion. Why was he letting one person do this to him? He was supposed to be an impenetrable force; untouchable and more than strong enough to complete his goal. He was three pairs of eyes away from being able to bury his past for good. And yet, here he was melting and becoming vulnerable under that piercing, searching blue gaze.

And even stranger still, Kurapika had to force himself to see the wrong in that.

Uncertainty crossed Killua's features again. He glanced out the window at the light rainfall for a few moments, before looking back at Kurapika. His eyebrows knitted together as he seemed to fight with himself.

Kurapika hated how suddenly ashamed Killua looked. Without being able to help himself, he said, "I'm not sure why, but right now I feel as if I never lost control in the first place. And there was this . . . sound in my head. Like static. I've been hearing it for weeks, and it seemed to be associated with everything. But for some reason, now . . . it's gone, as well."

Disbelief was thrown into the vast mix of emotions in Killua's eyes. The younger man opened his mouth, taking a deep breath and looking ready to admit something, before simply sighing and looking away. What he wanted to say, Kurapika could barely hazard a guess. But what he did know what that Killua was seconds away from walking out the front door. And for reasons he still didn't completely understand, he could barely fathom the younger man leaving now.

"Please stay with me." Kurapika heard himself implore before he even thought about it.

"I don't think it's a good idea." A silver head gave the tiniest shake.

"Killua, please."

"I just . . . Things are really complicated right now. I don't know . . . I'm just confused." Killua's frown deepened, but Kurapika could see his walls starting to crumble.

"About what? I thought things between us were simple."

Although the movement was faint, Kurapika saw Killua flinch at the word "us" just before he turned away to stare at the hardwood floor in front of him. "It's not about that. It's just . . . I'd rather not talk about it. Is that ok?"

The nature of their agreement came flooding back to Kurapika all at once as he watched Killua react so negatively to such a simple statement. He refused to let the anguish it brought reach his eyes. He had to provide some sort of distraction, for the both of them.

"We don't have to talk about anything." Kurapika reassured, his voice coming out sultrier than he'd intended. He could have sworn he heard Killua's breathing quicken as he got to his knees and crawled across the bed. Wrapping his arms around Killua's shoulders from behind, he pressed a kiss to the younger man's neck, "You won't disappear if I go shower, will you?"

Killua's already rigid form stiffened further. "I don't know . . ."

"Then I'll just have to take you with me." Kurapika had to stifle a laugh when he felt Killua's whole body react to his statement with a tiny jolt. "You act like you've never seen me naked before."

A spectacular blush colored Killua's face and neck as he mumbled, "I technically haven't. Not completely, anyway . . ."

"We should change that now." The bold suggestion was whispered in Killua's ear.

And Killua in turn was reduced to a completely red, stuttering mess. His wide blue eyes were glued to the floor, and for a moment he looked so much younger than he really was. Kurapika thought it was adorable; Killua obviously wasn't accustomed to the blond taking control.

Kurapika couldn't name the last time he'd been this pleased with his handiwork where the younger man was concerned. He got off the bed to stand before Killua, a hand outstretched towards him. "Just follow my lead." Kurapika coaxed with what he hoped was an enticing smirk.

Killua still seemed unable to look up. "I, um . . ."

Trying a different approach, Kurapika got down on his knees in front of Killua, stroking a firm, slender thigh as he purred, "What happened to the Killua that did what he wanted with me? The one that was so eager to have me?"

Complete silence was Killua's response.

"Don't you want to take me again? To have me moaning and screaming beneath you . . . begging you to fuck me harder . . ."

Killua had lowered his head at that point, his silver bangs hiding his eyes from view.

Kurapika suddenly feared he went too far. Swallowing the lump that formed in his throat, he began, "Killua, I-"

In one of the fastest fluid movements he'd ever experienced, Killua had lifted Kurapika off the floor and was holding him effortlessly in his arms, the blond's legs spread and flanking each side of Killua's waist. Resting his spinning head one of the younger male's shoulders, Kurapika closed his eyes and caught his breath.

"This is one of the dumbest things I've ever done."

Before Kurapika could ask what that meant, Killua was greedily claiming his lips.

Outright moaning against the younger man's mouth, Kurapika arched his back as blood pooled in his abdomen. Open-mouthed and desperate, the two men kissed and clawed at each other's clothes. Killua had pressed the blond against the nearest wall to free one of his hands, deftly working the button and zipper of the older male's jeans open. Kurapika curled his fingers under the hem of Killua's tank top, lifting it up while feeling firm muscles beneath smooth, pale skin.

Gods, he'd missed this . . .

Kurapika gave a muffled yelp around Killua's tongue when the hand that still supported him slipped into the back of his jeans and squeezed his behind. He promptly broke the kiss, panting out, "Wait . . . I should shower. I was training this morn-"

Killua kissed him deeply before countering, "It doesn't matter to me."

"But I'd rather be cle-!" Kurapika's words trailed off into a rather undignified squeak as Killua's other hand caressed his erection through his boxers.

"We're about to get dirty anyway . . . what's the big deal?" Killua laughed, his voice far too low for Kurapika to stay focused. The younger man easily worked the blond's jeans and boxers off as he continued to fondle his ass.

Kurapika pushed his hips into the rough way Killua was gripping him, a pleased whine escaping his throat. "I want you, but . . ." he murmured, unsure if he even wanted to finish his sentence. Killua saved him the trouble by pulling him in for another demanding kiss.

Shivering at the sound of Killua undoing his own pants, Kurapika keened at the sensation of a hot erection pressing against his bare skin. The younger male seemed to take his time in sneaking his free hand under Kurapika's shirt, feeling his torso in a deliberately torturous way. Killua's fingertips glided and danced over Kurapika's skin, leaving a prickling trail of heat that only stoked the throbbing between his legs. Killua then splayed his palm flat against the blond's stomach before sliding it lower, and lower . . . Kurapika pushed himself into Killua's hand, wanting and craving what would come next. Just a bit lower . . .

Killua abruptly changed course, his hand traveling back upwards. Kurapika nearly whined in frustration, throwing his head back against the wall he was pinned to. He paid the resulting ache no mind as he locked gazes with Killua. "How can you take your time like this?"

What was left of Kurapika's last shred of sense was thrown into disarray at the enigmatic mischief sparkling in lust-blown blue eyes. "It's barely two in the afternoon. And considering that we were both supposed to be training today, we wouldn't make other plans. Which means . . ." An eager mouth leaned in to gently suck at Kurapika's earlobe, a slightly pointed tongue poking out to play with a ruby earring. "We have all day. And I plan on taking my time with you."

A jolt of lust shot all the way down to Kurapika's cock, blinding him from the fact that he didn't appreciate Killua being sexual with his earrings. Rocking his hips against the male that held him, Kurapika moaned at the resulting friction. The pulsing shaft that had been resting under his backside was now sliding against the sensitive flesh of his entrance. Wetly slipping up and down but never prodding, never entering. It was maddening.

Kurapika found himself desperately squirming in Killua's arms. He couldn't help the way his breathing hitched. His whole body felt too hot, and even the light cotton shirt he still wore bothered him. His erection throbbed and his insides convulsed in impatience.

They were going so slow . . .

"I need you . . ." Kurapika could feel his eyes burn as he wrapped his arms around Killua's neck. "I've needed you for so long . . ."

Insistent lips took hold of Kurapika's and kissed the breath out of him, their tongues tangling deliciously. With a muffled growl, Killua rolled his hips harder against the blond. Kurapika tightened his legs around Killua, loving the way his muscled torso felt between them.

A sudden thought occurred to the blond and he panted against Killua's lips, "I . . . I bought new lubricant. It's in the top drawer, just like last time."

"What happened to taking our time, hm?" Killua's hot breath washed over Kurapika's face as he spoke, ceasing the movement of his hips.

"I never agreed to that." Kurapika felt his dripping erection sticking to his shirt, along with disappointment, when Killua stopped moving. "Please, Killua . . . Hurry up and take me . . ."

The blond clearly felt Killua shiver when he called his name, and yet his kiss-flushed lips formed a slight frown. "Can we not use our names when we do this? From now on?" his low, rumbling tone made Kurapika tremble with anticipation.

Killua could have asked him to jump off a cliff in that moment, and he would say yes.

"Of course that's fine, just please hurry." The words spilled from Kurapika's mouth before he even thought about stopping himself.

"God, those eyes of yours . . ." Killua pressed heated kisses to Kurapika's jawline and pulled a gasp from him for more than one reason. The wet tip of Killua's cock started prodding his opening, but the second Kurapika felt it, the sensation abandoned him. Before he could voice any objection, Killua kissed his forehead. "Can you hold on for just a little longer?"

Kurapika tried to focus his gaze on the younger male. "W-Why?" he stuttered, slowly losing control of his voice.

Kurapika felt himself being lifted from the wall and then carried across the room as Killua gave a low snicker. "Do you really want me to go in dry?"

A bit of sense returned to Kurapika's desire-addled mind, and he found himself wrinkling his nose at such an idea. "Just hurry or I'll do it myself."

Another quiet, amused laugh rose from Killua's throat as he set Kurapika down on the bed. The blond rested on his side, laying his spinning head on a pillow. He watched Killua intently, feeling the heat in his eyes and body rise even more, if that was possible. Though Kurapika wasn't quite sure how, Killua had already retrieved the bottle and was squeezing a generous amount of the liquid onto his fingers.

"You don't have to prepare me. I'll be fine." Kurapika did not recognize the breathy, high-pitched tone of the voice that left him.

"You know I don't like the thought of hurting you." With Killua's affirmation, Kurapika turned onto his back, lifting and spreading his legs to give the younger male better access to his body. His forgotten erection twitched and a strangled, restless noise of longing reverberated in his throat.

"If you don't do something soon, I might . . ." Kurapika had no idea how he could finish that sentence. He felt so desperately needy. He couldn't control his breathing or how his voice sounded. He was unbelievably dizzy and his blood thundered in his ears. The hardness between his legs was so hot and overpowering. He'd lost all sense and worse yet, he didn't care. All he knew was that he needed Killua to satisfy him, right here and now. "Killu-"

He was interrupted by sharp teeth that lightly tugged on his bottom lip. Killua was now situated between the blond's legs and looming over him. As the younger man's bare thighs brushed his own, Kurapika realized with a thrill that they were both half-naked. After releasing his lip, Killua's deep, hungry voice shook with desperation in his ear as he purred, "You think I don't want to have you? To take you while you scream and come undone beneath me?" A feral sound rumbled low in Killua's chest. "Fuck going slow . . . I need you now."

The younger male's erection, now slick with lubricant, was eagerly rubbing against Kurapika's entrance. The blond jumped only a little at the initial sensation, but soon he pressed himself back against the heated organ and moaned loudly. "Please! Don't hold back . . . I'm ready for you." He held in another call of Killua's name and took a deep breath to relax his muscles.

The lust glazing Killua's eyes was overshadowed for the briefest second by a look that said if you're sure. But the passion soon returned full force; and in one swift movement, Killua was buried deep inside him.

Kurapika couldn't breathe as the cock in his body stretched him and pulsed. Mentally, he had retracted and panicked at the sensation of being too full; but physically, his body simply let Killua in without any resistance. Once he caught his breath again, the panic waned and he ran his hands up and down Killua's toned forearms. Looking up, he witnessed the beautiful sight of Killua's head thrown back in pleasure, his chest heaving and throat moving as he panted.

"A-Are you . . . alright?" the words barely made it past Killua's lips. "Fuck . . . you feel so good . . ."

They weren't even moving yet, and the both of them were already falling apart. Kurapika couldn't deny the sense of completion that flooded him as their hips met, but now he wanted so much more. He purposefully clenched his muscles around Killua, half to entice him into moving and half to watch his reaction. The result was rewarding, to say the least.

Killua instantly fell forward, his head resting on one of Kurapika's shoulders and his mouth agape. Small, lascivious sounds escaped him with each ragged breath. His hips were trembling; and suddenly, the blond wondered how much self-control Killua really had. Kurapika tightened his muscles again, enjoying the heady sense of power he felt as Killua cried out softly.

"Oh god . . . I'm sorry . . . I need to move!" When Killua pulled his hips back and quickly snapped them forward, Kurapika keened at the feeling of being entered again.

Enjoying every thrust of the frantic pace Killua set, Kurapika could only encourage him. He clutched Killua's strong arms and shouted out his approval again and again, "Yes! Please, deeper. Harder . . . Oh! Oh yes, there!"

The headboard of the bed rocked loudly into the wall behind it, and the mattress protested the force of Killua's thrusts. And Kurapika couldn't give a damn about his neighbors hearing it. He screamed in bliss as Killua abused his prostate. What he wouldn't give to call Killua's name just one more time . . . He settled for incoherently babbling as they panted and moved together.

Killua was clinging to Kurapika, his eyes closed and his lips slightly parted. The blond admired the light pink blush on the younger male's face and the slight stickiness of sweat on his soft, pale skin. Killua had stayed mostly quiet, except for harsh breathing and a low groan of, "Oh baby, you're so tight . . ."

A particularly rough thrust had Kurapika threatening to climax. Regardless of the way stars exploded behind his eyelids and the way his body burned with need, he gripped Killua's shoulders and breathlessly warned, "Oh! Ki- we should slow down . . . Please, I might come . . ."

"It's ok. Just let it go . . ." Killua redoubled his efforts; and the wet, slick sounds of their bodies connecting ate away at Kurapika's rationality. He was so close, and Killua had never once touched his erection . . .

A scream tore itself from Kurapika's throat, and he came so hard his head was spinning. The light behind his closed eyes blinded him and for a moment, all he could do was feel and relish the sensation of Killua still forcing himself into his body. The younger man went faster and harder, working himself to completion. Kurapika gave a low moan; the feeling of Killua still moving within him post-orgasm was arousing in its own interesting way. He almost had another full erection by the time Killua gave a loud gasp.

"That's it, come for me . . ." Kurapika ran his hands up and down the younger man's back, urging him on. It was exciting to feel Killua harden further, and the flesh became so much hotter just before he let out a long, low moan. Kurapika moaned in kind when he felt Killua tightly holding his hips and filling him with his release.

"He's gone again, isn't he?"

Bisky couldn't ignore the look of pain on Gon's face. She marked the page of the book she was reading and set it down to look her student in the eye. "Killua is in a very delicate state. And I don't know how reassuring this will be to you, but he needs this time away right now."

"Do you even know where he is?" Bisky could tell Gon was holding himself back and trying not to take his irritation out on her.

"No. Not explicitly."

"Then why are you acting like you know what's going on?"

"Gon-"

"Why is it that Killua doesn't even tell me anything anymore? He's quiet around me now, always avoiding me and looking so fucking guilty!" Gon paced like a caged panther, and Bisky found herself helplessly watching him. "I try to tell to him I'm here for him, and then he says everything's fine and that he's fine. I know he's not fine, Bisky . . . but I don't know how to help him!" Gon resigned himself to sitting on the opposite end of the sofa Bisky was curled up on, folding his hands together in front of his mouth as bright amber eyes stared at the floor in thought.

Bisky had noticed the change in Gon and Killua's dynamic immediately, when she'd first arrived in the city. They were less comfortable with physical contact now, and always had about a person's worth of space or more between them. Their conversations seemed more guarded and censored, especially on Gon's end; there were times when he seemed to walk on egg shells around Killua. They even joked and teased each other less; well, there were rare times when Gon would tease Killua, but Killua just seemed to half-heartedly laugh it off and then keep his usual emotional distance.

At first, Bisky just chalked it up to the two boys having another tiff again, with her being unfortunate enough to have arrived in the middle of one. She learned those little fights of theirs were more common than she thought when she'd started training them on Greed Island so long ago.

But when the tension didn't stop, and when Killua discreetly requested a regimen separate from Gon's, it was clear that something was very wrong between them. And Bisky didn't have the heart to ask what it was.

She had to admit that the saddest thing about all this was the way the boys would look at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking. During the short breaks they would take for water or rest, Gon would diligently stare at Killua, as if constantly looking at him would keep him from disappearing. And the few times Killua glanced in Gon's direction, a pain Bisky never thought she'd witness from him streaked across his blue irises before he looked away.

She would have never thought their relationship would end up this way. The two were always so inseparable and simply, unconditionally there for each other. It made her wonder what exactly happened. Was it really so grave and serious?

Of course Bisky wanted to pick and pry and find out what exactly went wrong in this once-perfect friendship, but she also had enough respect for Gon and Killua to leave them to sorting things out on their own. But what happened between them to cause the obvious, almost-palpable rift that even Bisky felt?

But then again, part of it must have been what was in Killua's aura. And that was a whole other problem altogether . . .

Turning her attention back to Gon, Bisky said as gently as she could, "I know you care and that you want to help your friend . . . but this is Killua's battle. He has to do this on his own."

"I knew it." Dark, piercing eyes turned themselves on Bisky. "You know something . . . Why won't you help him?"

"You're not the only one he's rejecting. He won't talk to me, either." Bisky answered matter-of-factly.

"And now he's run away again!" Throwing his arms up in the air, Gon continued pacing, "Isn't there anything we can do?"

"Short of holding him down and making him listen? Of course not." Bisky took a brief moment to right herself. Unbridling her own irritation in front of Gon was not making things any better. Rising from her seat to stand next to her student, Bisky placed a small, gentle hand on Gon's arm to stop his pacing. "He has to get through this on his own. And when he's ready for help, we'll be here."

Gon nodded silently, though even Bisky could see he wasn't convinced.