Hello! It's been a while since I've updated, so much school stuff to do but alas! The time has come to update!

Proper disclaimers apply to this fic; Hunter X Hunter belongs rightfully to Yoshihiro Togashi!

Thank you very much for the reviews and keep 'em coming!

I hope you guys enjoy the story :)

(EMINA'S POV: )

"Kurapica," he was still holding onto me, as if letting go would mean his life. It was silent outside. I think Senritsu let us have our privacy. The others are all asleep now and thankfully, Miss Neon already finished playing with her maids…sigh…she's really annoying sometimes. But she's my boss so I can't do anything.
"I killed him…" I heard Kurapica's voice. It wasn't his regular talking voice. It's more like a quivering sound. I stroked his hair gently. "I killed him and now my hands are soaked with his filthy blood!"

He was clutching the back of my overcoat so I slowly lifted his face and looked him squarely in the eyes. I know it's heavy for him; he is, in fact, a good hearted person…his heart's just tainted with revenge. I wonder if my heart's like that. I shook my head and looked at him again.

"You knew quite well that this is going to happen right?" I made my voice as gentle yet stern as possible. "The only thing we can do now is be strong," I pulled his face slowly towards me and kissed his forehead lightly. "And don't forget that I'm here to help. You're not the only one to shoulder our clan."

(KURAPICA'S POV):

I feel horrible! T-That…monster's blood reeks of rotten flesh! I can't take this! Just the sight and feel of his blood on me sickens me. I-…I just want to…

My thoughts were cut off when Emina lifted my head and looked me in the eyes.

"You knew quite well that this is going to happen right?"

I knew she was right. I made this vow and chose this path. I can't change it now. Not now that I've already done what I prepared for almost my entire life.

I didn't notice that my grasp on her was so tight until she pulled me towards her slowly and gave me a gentle kiss on the forehead. "…You're not the only one to shoulder our clan." She's right again. But I don't want her to get hurt!

"Emi…I…" I started but was stopped by her finger touching my lips.

"Shhh…I won't listen to your answer if it contains me not being able to fight the Brigade," she had a mischievous smile on her pretty face. I manage to squeeze out a small smile and nodded. "Alright, now you need to at least sleep Leader." She nudged me playfully making me lay down on the bed. Right, I was the leader now.

"I'll be leaving then; so you can have some peace," she started to stand up. Before I could think clearly, my body acted on its own. My hand shot out and grabbed hers. She spun around, seeming startled but her features softened in a matter of seconds.

"Please, stay." I don't care if I sound like I'm begging. I just don't want her to leave yet. I was expecting her to decline and yank her hand away from my grasp but to my surprise, she smiled and sat down on the side of the bed and kicked her boots off. If it's possible, my eyes would've popped out. She leaned on the headboard and without taking her hand away.

"Well, since Kiara's out and about, I guess I have time to assist the Leader," she giggled as she took off her overcoat; I guess it's for me since her coat's poking me on the cheek.

"I don't really feel sleepy…" I tried to keep my face from turning red.

"Well then, I'll just keep you company. Want to talk? It's been a while since we talked," her voice suddenly had a sad edge to it. Then I remembered the whole Amiko thing.

"Emina…about what you said earlier; you know, about me liking somebody. I don't," I sat up on a kneeling position so that I could look at her in the eyes.

"W-What are you talking about? You like Amiko…right?" she was clearly avoiding my eyes. I don't get it. Why is she so bothered by this thing about Amiko?

"I don't like her. I swear!" could it be?! Could I believe that…s-she likes me?! Baka! Don't get your hopes up.

"Really?"

"Really."

To my heart's joy, she smiled her rare smile at me. I don't want to exaggerate but that smile can erase all the burdens in my heart!

"Okay, I believe you."

"So…no more ignoring me?"

Just like a child, she shook her head and smiled again. "No more ignoring you. I promise."

"So," I sat up and leaned on the headboard as well. "I heard that you thought Senritsu was a girl." I grinned when I saw her face turn bright red. "T-That was a normal mistake that anyone can make!" she sounded so adorable when she's embarrassed.

"Right…you think Basho's a girl too?" I tried so hard not to chuckle! She stuck her tongue out, "You're having fun teasing me aren't 'ya?"

"Yep"

"Well stop it!"

"Why? I'm your Leader so now I can do anything to you."

"Hah!" she tried to look tough. "You can try as hard as you can but you can never make me do anything!"

"You're betting on that?" my grin widened.

"Yep, I'm positive."

"Not even for your recovering Leader?"

She then stared at me; studying my eyes. She must've seen my fake act…"Nope."

"You better hold onto that belief."

"Hah! What 'cha gonna do, do some bargains?" she seems very confident.

"Actually, I have something in mind. How about you massage me and say I give up."

(BACK TO YOUR/EMINA'S POV):

"I will never, I repeat never say give up to you!" I'm pretty confident that he's not gonna do anything! I mean, he was just depressed like a second ago! Where did the depressed Kurapica go?! I was lost in my determined thought when I suddenly found myself on my back with Kurapica grinning; hovering over me.

"Still not giving up?"

"W-What are you gonna do?!" My voice is a bit…shrill? But one thing's for sure, I know that my face is beat red!

"…nothing much…just this…" then I felt Kurapica's hands on my sides and he started tickling me…HARD! (A/N: did ya see that coming? *grins*)

…This is embarrassing but…let's just say I had small seizures while laughing wildly. "S-S-Stop…*laughs*…y-you won't succeed Kurapica!" despite my effort to sound threatening, all my threats were followed by wild laughter and giggles…I'm extremely ticklish alright!?

"S-Stop it Kurapica…I swear I'll…!"

"You'll what?" he continued tickling.

I can't even answer him! I heard someone laughing like a wild animal…I figured that was me.

"Give up already?" he was leaning near my ear; I could feel his body against mine and couldn't help but feel very ticklish even more.

"N-Never…I'll never give you what you want!"

Just as soon as I shouted that…the door burst open. Then there was a pause. No one moved.

"…E-Emina-san…Kurapica-kun…" I heard Senritsu's voice. He was cut off by Basho's voice, "Now, now…we shouldn't have barged in on their little 'activity'."

I'm gonna kill him.

With that, Basho chuckled and left the room.

….

….

"Kurapica," I felt my face heated up with both anger and embarrassment.

"Yes?" he said innocently.

"You were planning this weren't you?" I twitched and had my veins pulsing.

"What are you talking about?"

I twitched even more. "You're mean!"

(KURAPICA'S POV):

It's funny how things turned out. I did plan this out though it still was hilarious. Emina stomped out of the room, all red and adorable and shut the door with a slam. Guess I found her ticklish spot. I sighed and looked out the window; the job proceeds. The sky is tinted scarlet and all the hues of red…I took a deep breath.

I know this day would come. Now that it's here; I'll have to face it head on. No turning back now.

(BACK TO YOUR/EMINA'S POV):

Stupid Kurapica trying to embarrass me…stupid Basho making fun of me…annoying people! I can still feel my blush burning and sat down on the couch. I had my coat and boots back on so I feel warmer…no scratch that; it feels HOT! I shrugged off the coat and stared at the ceiling. I wonder why Kurapica did that. I guess our friendship is back on track. That made me happy inside.

"What's with that goofy smile? Did you and the blond boy finish your 'activity'?" I heard Basho's suggestive tone. What in the world is he talking about?!

"Excuse me?" I didn't know I was smiling unconsciously.

"We heard shouting in his room and then we heard 'Kurapica! Stop…!' so we figured you were in trouble…we came in…sorry about for ruining it."

"What in the world are you talking about? I'm confused! He was tickling me!"

"Right…"

"What else cold we do besides tickling?"

"…." (In Basho's mind he's thinking; "Damn! This girl is dense!")

Senritsu then came in the room and sat next to me. He seemed to be relaxed. "Don't mind Basho Emina-san. He's being silly."

"Oh…okay…" there's no point on arguing further. "So, have you heard anything about what we should do next? I mean, regarding Miss Neon." I asked them. Both shook their head. "I'm afraid the boss hasn't contacted us yet." Basho answered as he threw himself on the couch. I stared at them then averted my eyes towards the window. All the different shades of red are mixing…but the most dominant hue is Scarlet…how ironic.

"How about we all rest for now?" Senritsu suggested. I heard Kiara buzz by and no sooner; she was perched on the edge of the sofa. "That sounds good." I said nodding while adjusting my position.

"You sure you want to sleep here?" Basho interrupted me. I cocked my head. "You know you could always sleep in that room; next to Kurapica." He was grinning at me like an idiot. I don't know why but my face started burning again and I threw a kunai at him…which he dodged easily.

I barely slept a wink. As soon as I close my eyes I would either get interrupted by Miss Neon's whining or have someone throw something at me just for the heck of it. I hope Kurapica's resting though. He looks really whipped out! Either way, when I gave up trying to sleep, it was already 7 in the morning. I decided to check on Kurapica and to also ask for permission.

I stood up from the couch and stretched. Kiara chirped and I dug into my pockets to toss her some food. I know I only give her flower seeds from time to time; that's because I know that she likes to hunt for her own food. It's kind of interesting how she's still independent yet very loyal to me. SHE'S SO CUTE!

I knocked on Kurapica's door and heard him shuffling inside. The door opened slowly; it was dark inside.

"Hey Kurapica…you okay in there?"

I know it's a stupid question but what else can I ask? He didn't have to answer that question since just by looking at him; I can tell that he's not doing fine. He seems paler and had slight shadows under his eyes.

"Hey Emi, need anything?" he asked…a bit dryly. When I left him earlier, he probably had no choice but to think about the things he did. I didn't want to leave him now but I had to.

"Nothing really, though I wanted to ask permission if I could go out."

"If you must; then you can go. Just be careful 'kay?"

"'Kay…" before I could loose my courage, I took a step forward and gave him a light hug. "You need to rest more Kurapica…" I felt him nod but I knew that he wouldn't rest until he finishes his duty. I sighed and made my way out of the hotel.

It was so busy outside. The streets are full of people walking around chattering loudly despite it being so early in the morning. I guess the auction being near by is stirring up these people. I sighed and took a deep breath of the morning air…only to end up choking. "Feh…stupid pollution," I stared up at the skyscrapers near by and wondered if I could manage to jump from that altitude.

I was almost lost in my thought when Kiara woke me up by her chirping. I cocked my head. She seems to be trying to get my attention. I looked at her and immediately, I understood what she was saying. She was warning me since she saw danger coming. Before my unknown abductors could touch me, I took my katana out and swung it in their direction; missing them by centimeters. Missing them was really good since when I saw them, I couldn't have forgiven myself if I hurt them.

"Woah, chill out Emina," Kenji's voice sounded. "Is that your new greeting now?" Seiji's playful tone resounded in my ears. (If you don't remember them, refer to my past chapters )

I smiled at them goofily and put my sword back. "It's been so long guys!" I lunged at them and hugged them both very tightly.

"If I knew you're going to react this way, I wonder what you'd do if we didn't see each other for a year?" Seiji was grinning from ear to ear.

"How about a kiss Emi-chan?" Kenji pointed to his cheek.

"Why would I kiss you?" I stuck out my tongue. They're so goofy at times. Kenji shrugged, "Just hoping for a 'Welcome back' kiss," I rolled my eyes at him and punched him playfully. Kiara has settled down on my shoulder now and was very quiet; probably analyzing the twins.

"So what are you guys doing here?" I asked as we started walking towards nowhere.

"Well…we're here for the auction of course." Kenji said.

"You mean you have employers?"

"Nope. None at all," Seiji continued.

"S-So…you're here by yourselves?!"

"Yep!" both said in unison.

…wow…

"That's pretty amazing!" I grinned at them. "So what kind of item are you guys after?"

"Nothing specific really but if we can, we want that game…what's it called again?" Kenji turned to Seiji for answers. "Greed Island."

"Oh! That game? I have that game." I thought out loud. There was a pause then when I looked at them; they were staring at me like I was prey.

"You do!?"

"Where is it!?"

"What's so important about this game anyway? It didn't even work when I tried to turn it on!"

"You were supposed to use Nen. When did you try to play it?" Kenji asked. I found them looking so adorable with those determined expression on their faces.

"Well…now that you mentioned it, I tried to play it when I was 10. You're right. I didn't know about Nen."

"So you still have it?" They were practically bouncing.

I thought for a moment. "Yeah…I think I still have it. It's in my room somewhere back home. I really don't understand why it's so important but if you want, I can tell my parents to send it here."

Without warning, they glomped me and hugged me and all that stuff.

"W-W-What the…"

"You're such an awesome friend!" Kenji said while nuzzling his face on my cheek.

"That game's very valuable! How did you get it?" Seiji asked without letting go of me. Kiara was long gone even before they glomped me.

"Well…I remember my dad giving it to me. He said that it was from a friend. But now…I suspect that it was my real parents' doing…you know…since they're Hunters and all."

"Hmm…that's pretty cool."

"But don't tell them to send it. It's too valuable of an item to be handled in public mailing systems." Seiji said in my ear.

"Who said I'm gonna make them mail it via public mailing system?"

They stared at me.

"I can manage a helicopter," I grinned at them.

"AWESOME!" they shouted and was followed by yet another round of glomping.

"You know, if someone sees this, they would automatically think that you're molesting this cute little girl." a familiar voice said. All three of us looked up and saw…none other than Tatsuya-sama!

"Tatsuya-san!" I broke off the twins' strong brace around me and jumped up to hug Tatsuya-sama. "I missed you!"

He hugged me back, "I missed you too little girl."

"Hey! Don't call me little!"

"Aw! Look at that old man molesting that poor adorable little girl." Kenji mocked Tatsuya-sama.

"I know! Is he a pedophile?" Seiji agreed. They were leaning on each others' backs and they had a smirk plastered on their faces. I saw a vein pulse on Tatsuya-sama's head.

"Y-You two…" he was controlling his anger. I let go of him and the three started to have a wrestling match. You can see a cloud of smoke surrounding them.

Sigh…its so nice seeing them again.

"So where're the others?" I asked once they managed to settle down…and earned a couple of glares from the people passing by.

"Well…I heard Connor and Declan had jobs but they'll be here. So is Zach." Tatsuya explained.

"What're the twins' jobs?" I asked.

"They're assassins," Seiji said simply. "And they're after this person."

"Hmm…sounds very interesting. I can't wait to see them again!"

We went to a café since they said they didn't have to go anywhere right now. I guess I'm still not needed back…I haven't gotten any calls yet so it's fine. "So what's going on with your life Emina? Have any leads to who the killers are?" Tatsuya asked quietly while the twins left to get the foods. I nodded. "I'll make my next move soon. Wish me luck!"

He grinned. "Alright…but don't over do it 'kay?"

"Yosh!"

The rest of the day was spent with everyone goofing off. The twins tried to prank this poor couple. I have to admit, it was pretty funny.

Tatsuya ended up apologizing to the couple that was now drenched with a barrel of ketchup. Despite being teenagers, we seemed to be acting like kids. Seiji ran off to this popcorn stand and got a whole bucket full of popcorn…only to be thrown at us. He declared a popcorn fight. We ganged up on Tatsuya-san and threw pies at him.

At the end of the day, most of the food stores around the block were ruined.

It felt good! I wish Kurapica was here to enjoy this. We headed to the park to say our goodbyes for the day. Just before we reached the park though, I saw, in the corner of my eye, a wisp of long hazel locks. I shrugged it off…she couldn't be here can she?

"Today was really fun!" I said with a broad smile.

"It was. I'm glad you enjoyed it. You seem a bit…stressed out," Tatsuya said while ruffling my hair.

"You guys are awesome…well…thanks again. I need to head back now…" I looked up the now darkening sky.

"Us too…but here…" Kenji handed me a piece of paper containing their hotel room number. "You can come anytime you want."

"Thanks guys! You're all so nice," after giving them each a hug, I left for the night.

On my way, I noticed something odd. There seems to be a lot of people gathering in that corner near a building. My interest grew and I decided to see for myself. It was very noisy; with everyone shouting…or rather chanting!

"Hey! It's my turn!"

"That kid's not normal!"

"Woah, he beat that dude?! Unbelievable!"

I could hear those everywhere. I decided to check it out and pushed my way through. To my surprise, I caught sight of Gon, having his fist connected with a muscle built man, Killua, watching the match with his usual cat-like eyes, and Leorio, who was leaning towards the match; acting referee and yelling out what's happening to the contestants. Not surprisingly, Gon won. I grinned. I guess these guys are raising money for the auction. I decided to give it a try.

"I'm next!" I held up my money and approached the stand.

"Emi-chan!!" the three of them shouted like grade schoolers.

"Hey guys! It's been a while since I've seen ya!" I sat down across from Gon and held my hand out in position.

"I won't go easy on you Emi-chan…gomen."

"Don't be sorry! I don't want you to go easy on me."

I smiled at him and we grasp each other's hand. "Okay! On the count of three! 1…2…3...FIGHT!" Leorio shouted.

At first, I didn't think that Gon would be this strong, but once his grip tightened around my fist, I was a bit surprised. I grinned with a boost of energy (from turning her eyes crimson) I slammed Gon's hand on the table.

There was silence all around. I rubbed my hand. "Wow Gon-kun…you're very strong! My hand's gonna hurt for days," I said it with a goofy grin. It was true…his grip really is powerful! I looked up and saw the three of them looking at me with hanging jaws. "What?"

"Y-Y-…You just beat him."

"…I guess so…"

"Then that means you won the prize Emi-chan!" Gon said cheerfully.

"Er…well…I wasn't really planning on taking the prize, Gon-kun."

"Then why did you come here?" Killua asked as he raised his eyebrows.

"I'm on my way back to work when I noticed the hoard of people here and wanted to check it out. I'm trying to help you guys as well."

"Oh…well then, we'll be keeping the diamond!" Leorio said rather gratefully. I chuckled. He'll never change I guess.

"Yep, I won't take it." I stood up and shook hands with Gon.

"I'll see ya guys around then." I was on my way when I heard some whispering about how Gon and the others were all pricks and since I beat them, they're not that strong either. I also heard how the strangers want to punch them. I turned to their direction and glared at them with my crimson eyes.

"If you touch them, I'll make sure to make your life hell." With that, I made a silent command and no sooner, the group of muscle mans standing there started dancing the ballet. I chuckled and gave Gon, Killua and Leorio a two fingered salute and headed off.

As soon as I entered the hotel room, I dodged a flying pillow that was hurtling towards me. I stabbed it with my katana by reflex. Now the room was full of flying feathers. "What in the world is going on?" I asked as I put down the blade.

"Emina-chan, you're finally back!" I sighed as I recognized that voice.

"Do you need anything Miss Neon?"

"I want to go shopping! Can you come with me? Pretty please…with sugar candy and cherry on top?"

"You know I'm not the one to decide that Miss Neon," I glanced secretly at Basho and Senritsu…they were covered with fluffy boas…I guess they had to play dress-up.

"Aw…you're no fun! Hey! Speaking of fun…do you want to play dress-up with us? You're so adorable I want to dress you up!" She was literally pulling my coat off. I was twitching furiously but it's my job. "If I said yes, would you stop talking about shopping?" I asked.

"Hai! I won't ask you about shopping…for now!"

With a huge sigh I said the word that would make me regret my decision, "Fine…you can dress me up."

"YAY!"

And with that…I was dragged to her room.

10 minutes later, I was ushered out of her room and into the living room for everyone to see. "Your attention please!" Miss Neon announced. I really hate this outfit she's making me wear! I mean…not only is it not my color but it's also not my style!

"I give you the adorable Emina!" with a dramatic wave of her hand, I was pushed out of her room.

This outfit consisted of a sailor suit with pink as its theme color. It wasn't that bright of a pink but it was adorned with wings and a girly ribbon here and there. The edges of the pleated pink skirt was outlined with ruffles. The whole look was completed with knee-length white socks and pink shoes. Oh, and lets not forget the pink bow on my head; it's such a pretty sight that I could hurl. Notice my sarcasm there?

There was a loud gasp and a few whistles from our male audience and that just made my perfect day RUINED! I tried so hard not to go berserk and burn the dress. Then, to make things worst, I heard Kurapica's room's door open and no sooner, he was there…staring at me with wide eyes.

"What's the meaning of this?" He asked through his stern voice.

"Emi-chan agreed to play dress-up with me!" Miss Neon said cheerfully. I flashed a distress look at Kurapica, hoping that he got it.

"Alright well that's enough," Kurapica walked towards us and took me by the hand. "I need Emina to do some work for me. How about you play with Squala?" With that, Kurapica pulled me to his room, leaving Squala sweating cold sweat.

Unknown to Kurapica and Emina, Basho and Senritsu are currently snickering…and Miss Neon is trying to figure out why.

(KURAPICA'S POV):

I heard loud cheering outside…I wonder what's happening. I tried to ignore it. But that didn't work when I heard Miss Neon say, "…adorable Emina!" Then it was followed by practically howling and some inappropriate whistles. That ticked me off. I stood up and hurried out of my room only to find an adorable Emina…there, standing in front of everyone in the room. My first impulse is to pull her in my room so that no one can see her except me…and that I did.

Once inside my room…I stared at her.

"What?" she was trying to act normal but in truth…she was furious!

"…I didn't know you like to dress up as maids…"

"SHUT UP!"

I chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Hey…just chill! It looks good on you."

"Hn…I hate it. It's PINK!"

"…"

"Anyway…I'm taking it off."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Why?" she's so dense!

"Well…your clothes aren't here. So unless you want me to see you in nothing more than your underwear then be my guest."

She stuck her tongue out at me and sat on my bed. I chuckled lightly and sat next to her. "So how's your day out of the hotel?"

"Hmm…I saw the guys I stayed with back at the Celestial Tower!" she said. And for some odd reason, I had a very…sickening feeling in my chest. "Oh! By the way, I saw Gon and the others earlier too! It seems like they're raising money for the auction!" She smiled sweetly. I guess she likes the fact that those guys are trying hard.

"How about you Kurapica? Feeling any better?" She tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear; it didn't fail to make my heart beat faster.

"Well…just a bit. I received a call from Boss and he said that he's coming here. Probably tonight or early tomorrow…like 4 A.M…who knows."

"Hey Kurapica…" I looked at her and cocked my head. "Hai?"

"Tell me the truth…did you have any sleep?"

"…no…" What's with the sudden question?

"Then, do you want to sleep with me?"

My face burned violently and I tried hard not to stutter. I know she didn't mean anything other than just sleeping. "You know, Emina, saying those things can make people misunderstand."

"Eh? What other meanings do those words have?" I decided not to tell her.

"Nah…nothing much. But it's inappropriate for you to stay in my room for the whole night."

"Why's that? We're only sleeping…"

I had a sweat drop. Despite her intellect on other things…she's too dense on matters like these.

"Yeah…I guess your right. Then take off your shoes and let's sleep."

"Alright!" she kicked off her pink shoes, which made me laugh a bit at the sight of her wearing pink, and took of her petticoat. She then plopped herself down on the bed and pat the space next to her.

"Now! You will sleep!" she said rather happily. I sighed and lay down next to her. This girl trusts me too much that I worry sometimes.

Due to the a/c of the room, it's rather chilly so she pulled the blanket over us. No sooner did Emina hit the pillows, I heard her breath go steady and her body was still. I sighed as I leaned on my elbow to elevate myself and looked at her. She must've been up all night as well.

I couldn't suppress the urge to touch her. I lifted my hand and caressed her cheek. I don't know why but…somehow, my worries vanish whenever I'm with her. I don't want to ever loose her. I smiled and planted a kiss on her forehead. Just as I was about to move away, before I do something I might regret, she suddenly moved and to my surprise, she pulled my shirt towards her and moved herself towards me. She curled up in a ball near me and made a content sigh.

"Don't…leave…" I know she's sleep talking but I obeyed her either way. I smiled and decided that it wouldn't hurt if I take a short nap. Besides, my eyes feel heavy all of a sudden. Without hesitation, I laid my arms around her and closed my eyes.

Unknown to the two, there were four pairs of eyes watching them.

"Move over! I can't see what their doing!" Squala's voice was heard.

"They're not doing anything so shush!" Basho hissed back.

"Hey guys…I don't think its right to do this," Senritsu reasoned.

"Its fine…it's not like they're doing anything that's bad!" Rinsen said.

"Alright, that's it! You guys have gone too far!" Miss Neon whispered harshly as she pulled the guys away from the door and locked it.

TBC!

SOO!! How did you guys like that? I tried to concentrate on Kurapica and Emina so hopefully I succeeded. Hope you guys liked it! Tell me what you think! RXM PLEASE!