Chapter 35 – She walks in beauty

''She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies,

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meets in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellow'd to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.'' ~ Lord Byron

I traversed the public hallway of the 300th floor leisurely; the walls throwing back the sound of my footsteps. There were two elevators in the 300th floor – the public one has a silver door while the private one had rose-gold.

The lift was taking a little longer than normal to come up. It must be because of the party in the 50th floor. As I stared impassively at my distorted reflection from the doors, I wondered what else could be waiting for me from the party.

Netero had mentioned that the ball was undoubtedly for me – Netero's apprentice. As far as I know, the old man doesn't have anyone else but myself as his apprentice. This meant one thing, of course.

Trouble.

People would want to test me. They'd be watching. If a public announcement was to be made, I'd end up attracting so many eyes towards every single thing I do and will do. It wouldn't take long for them to know about Gon as well.

A friendly fight may occur. That, or a full night of myself roaming the floor aimlessly, waiting for the time when I can leave. The latter sounded marvellous. The first sounded like reality.

And 10pm sounded like a good time for a little girl to go to bed.

If I was going to fight, it is highly likely that it would be someone from the Zodiacs. My lips tightened as I thought about Ging first. It is likely that they'd push a father-daughter spar. Ging doesn't look like a push-over and may refuse. That sounds good.

''Find me later if you want, Gin.''

I closed my eyes and threw away his invitation as trash. This night was going to be even more hellish. I needed to be prepared for a fight – physically and mentally. Not to mention his voice was sending painful shoots to my chest and the very thought of him made my stomach churn, my whole body to hurt and my mind be filled by my brother's smiling face.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered strength for the ball. The door finally opened and I stepped right into its simple and yet elegant interior. The walls of the lift were made of white lacquered glass with black borderlines between the panels.

I really don't understand Netero's obsession with white. For me, it was a cold colour. Cold and depressing. Heck, black is way livelier than white.

As expected, the little space was filled with a wide array of scents – the strongest being the perfumes of differing flavours. The heating was whirring softly from the ceiling and breathed down on me gently. But I still felt cold in the inside.

I wanted someone to hug me. Anyone… I wanted to touch and embrace Gon. To feel his warmth, hear his laugh…

I stiffened as I felt arms slip around my shoulders, hugging me from behind. I know these arms…

I turned slightly over my shoulder and saw nothing but endless black. My eyes shifted to the walls and from its translucent surface, I could just make out the silhouette of my brother's figure. Ah…

Eventually, my shoulder relaxed and I turned back around.

As the elevator continued its slow descent, I leaned my head back to its shoulder and stared blankly up the small and round LED lights decorating the lift's ceiling. Soon. Soon, I'll come back to Gon. Soon, I'll be home.

The 50th floor was different from the Chairman's 300th floor. As soon as the elevator opened, I was greeted by the sight of women and men parading the spacious floor in different coloured gowns, suits and costumes.

A group of classical chamber music ensemble played some music from one side of the floor. But none paid attention to their playing. They kept playing anyway.

A long white-clothed table of food and beverages was lined up at one end of the room and long-legged tables stood to accommodate some guests. People conversed in groups while a few were content in standing on their own.

One person particularly stood out to me the most. He wore a light blue turban-like cap on his head and a white long sleeved shirt and pants. On top of this, he wore a plain darker blue slip-on-head cloth that reaches down his knees without covering the sides of his legs. He donned a blue scarf round his neck and black crew boots on his feet.

It reminded me of my first outfit inspired by star wars. Sadly, that costume wasn't a very happy one. Now, it was happily buried in Zevil's Island.

He was leaning his back on one fat marbled pillar. Not far from him, the zodiacs stood, occupying two round tables. On another table, Netero was smiling at Pariston who was busy conversing with him one-sidedly.

Cheadle Yorkshire, the dog, was saying something to Ging. As if feeling my stare, the green-haired woman glanced over her shoulder. Her eyes widened before they smiled. I watched as she said something again to Ging before she approached me with a silent happy bounce in her steps.

With nowhere else to go, I decided to meet her half-way.

''Gin-san! Come, join us.''

I gave her a slight bow. ''Yes. Thank you.'' For a moment, we didn't move. With a smile, she turned around and with a wave, she motioned me to follow. I realised then that she was waiting for me to lead to where I wanted to go then.

But then, I had nowhere else to go.

The Zodiacs seem to stop their conversations and decided to just stare at us as we approach – or me, in particular. Cluck whispered something to Monkey who narrowed his eyes at me.

Cheadle was quiet for a moment as we walked together. I saw her hands fidget from the corner of my eyes. She seemed loss for words.

''So, what does being a Zodiac like, Cheadle-sama?''

Her eyes brightened, glad that I started the conversation. It was odd. I was 12 and this person before me was a grown woman. And yet, it didn't feel like that. There was innocence in her aura – or maybe it was kindness.

Because no zodiac will be completely innocent.

But the spark of patience and knowledge in her eyes reminded me of who she was and that she's older than me. However, compared to Netero, Hisoka and Pariston, I didn't feel like a weak child beside her.

Dangerous, I immediately thought. All Zodiacs are dangerous, possibly near or at Netero's level. But then again, I could take them down at night. Though I might die afterwards…

In the end, I concluded that it must be because of the way she stood – back tilted back, elbows bent and hands holding each other. And maybe because of her smile and the gentleness of her eyes. Furthermore, she seemed eager to get to know me more. She literally oozed curiosity.

I was Ging's daughter, after all.

And Netero's apprentice.

Judging from her outfit, glasses and the way she moved, I shamelessly stereotyped her as the brainy one, the know-it-all, the good girl, the kind girl, the one that trusts easily…

No, I thought. She can't trust me yet. She's the type that studies her opponents first, learn their history, the way they talk, their likes and dislikes... She's the one who befriends the potential. Or maybe she's just the nice one. She sees that no one was trying to welcome the young girl and so, she took the role. Because normally, that's how it's done.

''So… How do you like the party, Gin-san?'' She said, looking over her shoulder to me. She slowed her steps as if in attempt to have us shoulder to shoulder. With an enduring smile, I maintained a step behind her. Both for respect and caution.

What an awkward way of beginning a small talk though. And judging by the way her voice faltered and how her facial expression tightened, she knew this. But there was hope in there that I'd be polite enough to let the conversation go on.

I looked around, catching a number of people's eyes on me already. ''It's my first time… It's…'' I trailed off, searching for a better word. ''…grand.'' I looked down to the floor in slight embarrassment, silently reprimanding myself at my lame answer.

She chuckled but quickly stopped herself. I ignored the fact that we stopped in front of Ging who I can feel was watching me even though his eyes were closed. I placed a good 6 feet away from him.

''I'm sorry. You must think me rude.'' I shook my head no. I noticed the way her eyes flitted to my father's still form who had his arms crossed. A look of annoyance flashed in her eyes and her eyebrows curled a miniscule amount. Then, she smoothed her face in a blink. ''How long have you been training with the Chairman, Gin-san?''

After a little deliberating, I decided to not lie as much as I can. ''Just about 4 months, Cheadle-sama.'' She nodded, pursing her lips.

''You just started then…''

''Yes, Cheadle-sama.''

She grimaced. ''You don't have to call me Cheadle-sama. Cheadle's fine.'' I bowed but said nothing. ''Ah. So, what type of hunter are you, Gin-san?''

What is it that you want in this life, dear?

''…Ah. That's okay if you don't know it yet.'' She shook her head, hands raising as if in surrender.

''I don't have any.''

Cheadle looked a little out of words. I smiled at her. ''What about you, Cheadle-sama? What do you hunt for?''

''I'm a Virus hunter.'' She looked happier and proud when my eyes widened on their own. I vaguely noticed that I leaned towards her when I did. She did the same. ''I'm also a part of the Science division. Gehru and Cluck are, as well.''

''…You look for new ingredients to make medicines then, Cheadle-sama?''

She nodded. ''Hm-mm."

''That sounds wonderful.''

''Some hunters also have other occupations. Aside being a Virus Hunter, I'm also a doctor and a lawyer.'' She glanced at Ging. ''Ging here, he's an archaeological hunter.'' I nodded, glancing at my father a little. She looked constipated, jaw clenched. Her eyes firing in irritation when she glanced at Ging once again.

I smiled at her not-so-obvious attempts at having Ging and I talk. Cheadle's feet shifted, facing away. Before she could form any more ideas or leaving us alone, I decided to let the topic flow. ''What does Gehru-sama and Cluck-sama do?''

''Oh… Gehru is a Poison Hunter while Cluck is a botanical hunter.''

Humming, I admit that I was impressed. Being a lover of science and maths, I love topics appertaining to biology, chemistry and physics. ''I didn't know that there's a lot of choices.'' I said, lowering my head in thought.

''Of course there are! '' She looked around as if catching herself. She let the excited smile on her face dim a little. ''There's a lot of choices so there's always time for you to find what you want.''

Find something you want. Find it and don't look anywhere else.

''- Although there should be something that you want, Gin-chan!'' A loud voice pitched in. I heard his footsteps and then his shadow over my back. Cheadle's smiling face crumpled into a mix of extreme dislike and disgust. Her eyes threatened Pariston who stood a step behind me. I could see his smiling face even without looking.

On the other hand, Ging was still as silent as the pillar behind him, though I noticed how his whole form was neither relaxed nor tensed but ready. Pariston's heavy hands fell on my shoulders. Cheadle stiffened, hands fisting on her sides.

''Pariston.'' She growled. Pariston only hummed in response, hands shifting on my shoulders. He could easily crush them under his grip. But I could easily just disappear into my shadow form and re-appear before or as soon as he would.

''Ne, Gin-chan? What do you want for yourself?'' I turned my head slightly towards his grinning face.

I want to be free.

I want to go home.

I want to have peace.

''I want a husband,'' was what I ended up saying. He seem to stiffen in astonishment. Cheadle's jaw dropped while Ging seem to tense a little. Pariston's head pulled back slightly to look down on me. Then, his bright fake smile came back very soon.

''Eh? How cuuute! Do you have a type? Someone short and handsome as your dad here, perhaps?''

''Hm. That's difficult.'' I held my chin in thought, crossing one arm over my stomach and then propping the other on my hand.

''Difficult?''

''Short and handsome men like my dad have their own kind of appeal, indeed. But so do the tall ones. Dark hair, blond hair, brown hair, silver hair, no hair… Blue eyes, hazel eyes, gold eyes, green eyes, pink, blue… All the other colours from the spectrum are all very beautiful. When it comes to the build, of course, looking sickly and skinny isn't very desirable. But I find that it all comes down to style and the way the man wear himself.'' I smirked, remembering how taut Hanzo's muscles were. Biting my lips, I turned around, eyes scanning the room.

There was an awkward silence before someone coughed and suppressed their laughter (or tried). Butterflies fluttered inside my stomach as an idea completely became an objective.

There's bound to be some eyesomes here tonight. I might as well entertain myself. My inner devil cackled. ''My…my…'' I whispered to myself, spotting a very familiar figure of a man. He had a woman, clad in a revealing red dress on his arm. I clicked my tongue and looked down to my conservative dress.

Why the heck didn't I think this before? This dress concealed my weapons, yes, but damn, it's so freaking un-sexy.

Mr. Receptionist casually walked the floor with the one of the receptionist ladies from the ground floor. She looked very sexy tonight, indeed. Bitch's adamant on getting the D. Man… You go girl. But no shit, why wasn't I born earlier?!

''A-herm.'' I felt my face relaxed. I didn't notice myself pouting. I looked up innocently at the blonde. He had this knowing look on his face, a manic grin on his lips and an eyebrow up and teasing. ''Someone you know, Gin-chan?''

I smiled, a touch flirty. ''Oh yes, definitely.'' I turned around again and found Mr. Receptionist looking at our direction warily. I sighed and rolled my eyes when I found everyone else who were not staring at me, watching the poor handsome young man. Soon, the woman who smirked at me before, glanced towards us and pulled her date away. I felt a tinge of disappointment at his retreating form.

''So…you want to become a wife and a mom, Gin-chan? That's so cute!'' Pariston clapped his hand, bending down and cooing at me. ''I bet you'll be a wonderful wife, Gin-chan!''

I smirked and crossed my arms. ''Humph'' I scoffed, closing my eyes. ''I didn't say wife, did I?''

''Ehhhhh?!''

Smiling wickedly back up at the mischievously mad vice-president, ''…And I didn't say mention any children. And sadly, there are just so many men.'' I sighed and made a show of flicking my dark hair over my shoulder. My smile grew wilder as his eyes dilated, getting even more wicked than mine.

'' Fascinating, Gin-chan!''

Smiling innocently now, I took a step back. ''Excuse me, Pariston-san.'' I turned to Cheadle who has gone pale and was now watching me with wide, horrified eyes. ''Cheadle-sama, Father…'' I gave them a slight bow. ''I'll take leave for a moment.'' I said and before they can say anything else, I walked away.

''Pfft! Hahahaha!'' Cluck's guffaw pierced through the music. ''God! Hahahahaha! Your faces!''

I felt a wave of triumph and disappeared in the crowd.

''W-who…W-who the hell taught her all those things!''

The Dog stomped her feet then turned from Pariston to Ging, angrily. ''Ging! Why won't you talk to her?! Go talk to her! She…She…She's 12!''

''She can handle herself.''

''Handle herself?! Ging! You didn't even try talking to her! What's wrong with you! That's your daughter and now she's…she's gone!''

Pariston's wicked laughter cut in. She took a deep breath to try calm herself. She glared at the Rat. This guy…she thought, suspicious. He's planning something towards that girl.

Cheadle saw Ging's daughter's face in her mind. She was mysterious, alright. And very hard to read. Monkey claims she's mad but Cheadle wasn't too sure. She was obviously acting and hiding something. But as to what, she's not sure. She concluded that she's either playing serious or playing mad. The latter sounded more credible. But Cheadle couldn't help but notice how comfortable she was with Pariston.

''Pariston.''

''Calm down, Cheadle,'' was his smooth answer. ''Ging's daughter's just hunting, right now.''

She scowled, puzzled. ''Hunting for what?''

''FOR BOYS!'' She turned to Cluck who shouted from her table. Besides her, Gehru smirked, closing her eyes, while Piyon, as usual, was busy pressing buttons on her phone. Ox, the only guy at the table, shook his head. Cheadle closed her parted mouth as she remembered how Ging's daughter touched Nana.

She crossed her arms, hugging herself. ''My God…Who the hell taught her such things?'' She mumbled to herself. She hated seeing kids act so grown-up. She looked up when finally, Ging moved. She was disgusted when all he did was turn around and leisurely walk away. Cheadle remembered his daughter's carefully blank face and the detachment in her tone. She was like that until Pariston arrived and started corrupting the girl. ''Ging! Where are you going?!''

Can't you see Pariston's interest on her!

''There's nothing going on. Obviously wasted my time.'' He mumbled. ''Well, see you!''

''Y-you!''

''Come on, Ging! Don't go yet!'' Pariston walked past her and followed the man she never thought was actually a father. A bad father whose daughter was…rebelling. Yes, that's right, she thought. Gin didn't exude anything hostile at all. Sure, it was at first uncomfortable conversing with her, but she seemed like a good and polite girl.

Well, except when she found her letters on the table. Cheadle felt saddened by the girl's broken expression then. But she suddenly released such a cold aura that made the hairs on her skin freeze up.

A powerful Ren, she observed. That girl's not a weakling at all. The Chairman wouldn't have a weak apprentice, after all. But the confusing bit was when Ging's daughter suddenly cried, creating a new persona. The way her expression conspicuously changed – from murderous to innocent - was not subtle at all. In fact, Cheadle doesn't think Gin cared if her expression looked designed. Is it because it is, or because it isn't?

As horrifying as it sounds, she… she was awfully similar to Pariston. Now that man, obviously, is evil. I will not let him have his way, that Pariston!

However, the Chairman seemed to like this about him. With no doubt, that man was the one who placed all those letters on their table.

Gon and Gin – twins of Ging. Monkey had already aired his wish to test the apprentice. Gigante, the dragon was looking forward to it. Cluck seemed very entertained with the girl's wild streak. In short, Pariston got everyone very curious about the girl already.

She had guiltily took one of the many letters from the table and ignored Ging's presence beside her. What she got from it was an image of an affectionate, loving and sweet girl (who swears a little bit too much for a 12 year old).

However, the one she faced was someone whose actions looked contradictory. One moment she seemed like the serious prodigy that Cheadle imagined her to be, then the next, she acts like an innocent, naïve child, then the next thing she knows, the child acts like a woman – a woman.

Again, as horrifying as this sounds, so similar to Pariston.

She watched as Pariston followed the father, asking the archaeological hunter to stay for a bit more. ''We have more to do, Ging! Besides, the chairman has told us to stay throughout, yes?''

''I didn't agree to that.''

''I'm planning on asking Netero to spar with his apprentice!'' Cheadle jerked. She saw Ging stop as well. ''Everyone wants to be the one to test the apprentice. How about you?'' The Rat asked, smiling evilly.

With a click of his tongue, Ging trudged off and disappeared from the crowd.

Cheadle felt heavy. The girl might be good but she won't be that good to face any of the Zodiacs, especially a triple star hunter like Pariston. Ging obviously knows this. That man won't go yet, right? He would watch over his daughter… But much to her extreme irritation, Cheadle can't say for sure. Ging and Pariston…those two were unpredictably annoying.

Gin seems like a prideful person too, judging from the way she held herself up. Cheadle stifled a sigh. She'll meet more people stronger than her anyway. She needs to accept that there are people stronger than her. But still…

She's in her period.

That's going to be tough…

I sauntered and shouldered my way through the crowd while I was on the lookout for some hot men.

Ooh…Hottie at 1 o'clock! Yass… Look at that jawline! I wonder how he looks under that suit. Hm…Oh look! He has a friend! He's hot too! Yum…Wait. They're hugging. They're not gay, are they? No matter, they're both hot! Gggggoodness…So jealous…

I caught a flash of pink and red. I froze, head snapping to his direction.

What's he doing here?!

He wore his usual red vest above his white over-alls. A light purple turban hat sat on his peach-orange hair and he still had that quiver of arrows on his back. I trembled at my place, watching the young man as he held a small plate of chocolate frosted doughnuts.

What is he doing here?! He licked his fingers as he busily pondered about which food he wanted. As if sensing my stare, he glanced over his shoulder and then did a double take when his eyes caught me. With eyes wide, he tilted his head to the side. He looked down in a second as he deliberated. Then, he straightened up and walked towards me, a smile slowly gracing his face.

I took an instinctual step back and he faltered, eyebrows curling in confusion. ''Oi. Remember me? Pokkle.'' He pointed at himself. ''…Why d'ya look like you've seen a ghost?''

His dead face flashed in my head. The way the Chimeras feasted on his meat…Why is he here?

Without removing his eyes from mine, he placed the plate in his hand on the empty tray held by a passing waiter. I grew colder when he carefully walked closer to me. He scanned our surroundings. ''Where's your brother? You look sick.'' I felt his hands on my arms. He sighed. '' You lost? Want me to escort you back to your bro…''

I found myself gripping his fore-arms. The arms they'd tear apart, biting and munching and groaning at the taste of him while he stared on blankly. I shivered, knees weakening. I let myself rest on his chest, hearing his heart beat and feeling him breathe. ''Oy…''

I placed my hand on his beating heart. Alive. He's alive right now. His body hummed with energy and warmth. Not dead. ''…You okay, Gin? Gin?''

''…You remember me?''

He chuckled. ''Of course I do! You're the one who seduced Hanzo!'' I felt my face fell before my lips twitched up.

''…Really, that's what you remember?'' I weakly said. I blinked as the young man gently pushed me to stand on my feet again. ''Oh…I'm sorry. Didn't…I didn't…I don't know what happened there. Got a bit dizzy.''

He gazed at me, worried before he let himself smile. ''You sure you're okay now?''

I nodded, stopping myself from crying. A painful ache was slowly forming inside my chest. Ask him what he's doing. Ask him where he's going. Get his number. Thank him.

''…So, I'm guessing you're a hunter now? Wait…That came out wrong. Heh…I mean, you passed the second part of the hunters exam then? Found a teacher?'' He smiled.

''Yes.'' I nodded, my breath sounded a little hoarse. Probably due to the lump residing in my throat. ''Yes, I have. You, Pokkle-san?''

He nodded too, looking both relieved and proud. ''Are you experiencing any difficulties with it?'' he asked. I tilted my head to the side.

''Not really…'' taking note of his disappointed expression, I hid my smile. ''Did you?'' It got a little harder when he blushed.

''Guess no point lying…'' he mumbled before nodding his head and scratching cheek. ''I found it hard to master my Ren. But I'm better at it now. Just need to continue training, of course!''

I nodded, taking note to do the same as soon as possible. I looked down at our feet. When I looked up, he was staring at me, scrutinising.

''Something wrong?''

''You feel a little different.''

Raising my eyebrows, he smiled, a little shy. ''Sorry. I meant you look…uh…'' A pink dash appeared on the apples of his cheeks.

Finally getting it, I decided to tease him. ''Prettier?'' Sexier? Hotter?

He looked away. ''Ah…''

''Pokkle-san…''

''Hm?''

I offered him my palm. ''Please…May I have your number?'' His eyes widened, his cheeks growing pink.

''Ha?''

''Please? May I contact you again?''

''Uh… '' He searched my eyes and then, ''…Sure I guess. I think I have a pen right here…'' Biting his lip, he rooted for a pen from his pocket. I smiled at his uncertain expression. When he was done, I looked down at my palm and memorised his mobile number and email address. ''May I have yours as well?''

''I don't have any yet. But I'd contact you as soon as I get them.'' He nodded and we were enveloped in a brief and awkward silence where we both looked away from each other while we ponder for a topic to talk about. At the corner of my eyes, I saw a dark-blue figure dash and hid against a pillar. Not far from her, Ginta and Piyon were not even bothering to hide. Ginta waved at me heartily whilst Piyon only glanced at me before turning her attention back to the phone.

''Would you like to just walk around with me? Are you with anyone, Pokkle-san?'' He shook his head.

''Well… Not really. I was with my trainer but we already parted ways.'' He said and offered his arm.

I gave him one coquettish smile before accepting his slim arm, wrapping my hands around it and pressing it closer to my chest – the way I always do with my dear Gon. A thought cross my mind saying that I was cheating but that was absurd, right? I mean…Gon's not here so…It's okay.

Pokkle looked a little more taken aback. I wondered for a moment if he's pull away but then with a sigh, he forced himself to relax and let me hang onto his arm. ''Where do you want to go?''

''Oh…Just walk around.'' I pulled him and did just that. ''Maybe comment on how pretty the ballroom is…How grand. But then, there's too many white. Too much plainness, purity, cleanliness, whatever it is you think White is for…''

Picking up the question, Pokkle gently led me away to a less crowded area. Through the busy bodies, I saw a rather empty terrace. My escort seemed to have read my mind as our steps took on a more decisive stride.

''Yeah. You're right. Though I think white means danger.'' he nodded, pursing his lips as if he just noticed the setting.

''Danger?'' I never matched white as danger. Although, it can be, I guess.

''Easy to taint.'' He smiled. ''You need to be careful with white.'' He grinned sheepishly. ''Ha! Oh well, I just went here for the food, actually. And because I was somewhere close.''

''Ahh.''

''Something wrong, Gin? When you saw me…'' he chuckled. ''Did I look bad, or something?''

Maybe you did since I've seen you dead before.

Cluck, Ginta and Piyon, were still following. Looking up to Pokkle, I found him scouring our surroundings as discreetly as he can. A crease formed between his eyebrows. I smiled, he can sense them though he can't see them, I thought. That's good. Very good.

But not good enough.

''…So, what type of Hunter do you want to be, Pokkle-san?''

''Beast Hunter!''

''Ah… Interesting.'' I managed to say. He smiled in reply.

''How about you, Gin?''

''I don't know yet.''

''Ah… How about your likes, Gin? What do you want?'' I closed my eyes and relaxed as the cool air greeted my skin with a caress. I wanted to sit down. Looking around, I spotted a floral-gilt setee from the corner just beside the opened door. A hand fell on the small of my back and led me towards it.

I sighed, utterly grateful for the chair. I felt very uncomfortable between my legs. ''The night looks beautiful today.'' I commented airily, admiring how the dark blue sky was peppered with silver sparkling dots. At the other end of the veranda, there was a couple standing, talking privately with each other. They seem harmless but I kept a careful watch on them anyway.

Pokkle sighed and reclined on the back of the seat, propping his arms up on the sofa's frame then looked up at the sky. ''Yeah...'' he agreed. ''Beautiful.''

I smiled, feeling oddly happy at his comment. ''What about the night that you like, Pokkle-san?''

He hummed, glancing at me then up the sky once again. ''I guess it's the simplicity of it. I mean…The night's always been here like the day and yet, the night…the night holds a beauty that the day doesn't. It's like…it is…peace or rest after a day's work, for example. Then, the stars…'' he glanced at me again and I smiled encouragingly at him. With a rueful smile, he added, ''I guess for me, the night reminds us how small we are in this world. Just looking at those stars right there and the ever-changing moon, you realise it, don't you?'' I nodded. ''The night tells us and shows us what we miss in the day.''

''…Like…What?'' I tilted my head to the side curiously.

He turned to me once again, smiling boyishly. ''Hm…Like the fact that every day is hard work but at the end of it, you'll find rest.''

Smiling once more, I reached boldly to touch his face, totally invading his personal space. I ignored how he stiffened. ''I don't know.'' I whispered. He blinked, looking confused.

''Don't know what?''

''I don't know what I want…I want too many.'' I smiled as I felt the flower of pain and guilt blossom in my chest. The older guy reached out and patted my head gently.

Why do I torture myself like this?

''Hey…That's ok. You'll find it.'' He advised.

Knowing that there were people were watching, I gulped and wiped the tears that fell from my burning eyes. ''Thanks, Pokkle.'' He opened his mouth as if to say you're welcome. Quickly, I leaned in and stole his lips.

He gasped as I pulled back.

''…Thank you for your help from the exam, Pokkle. And right now.'' I smiled, smirking slowly at his frozen and pallid complexion. Eventually, he blinked, losing the haze covering his eyes. ''…Y-you…'' he tried to frown and look angry.

''Take care, Pokkle. I hope…I wish that you'll be fine. Be careful from those beasts you want to hunt. Thank you for the kiss too. I love them.'' With a small smile, I stood up, ignoring my heavy stomach and ambled away, glancing down at his contact details written on the palm of my hand.

AN: Gin loves kisses...and men. Ging and Gin are so close but so far away. Gin wants too many things that also contradict each other. You can't be strong if you want peace because you must always fight and train to test and improve your skills.