Mask of Innocence

Disclaimers: Hunter X Hunter is still Togashi-sama's, nothing except the plot and writing is mine. No money is made in the making of this fanfic.
Notes: I'm going to start tackling different points in various HxH characters from now on. I like tampering with the minds and personas of often overlooked characters, so bear with me now, okay? =^.^=

Chapter 4 - Home

"Master Killua."

A man, about in his mid-30's and wearing the custom uniform of an elegant tuxedo and a regal posture, greeted them upon entering. Right after their meeting in that cafe, they've set off to go to Killua's house almost immediately. Gon was ecstatic, being able to step foot inside the Zoldick territory again, this time by Killua's side. Unlike their previous visit, he had no worries, because he trusted his friend enough to believe that he will be safe. He had also mentioned something about meeting Kanaria again.

Leorio marveled at how much faith the boy can give the other one. As he remembered, the last time they visited, they've encountered a lot of hardships, remembering how difficult it was just to even step foot in the said place. But in the whole duration of that little adventure, Gon had his mind set on meeting Killua, thus making him almost a bit too stubborn then, even if he was badly beaten by the various challenges the Zoldick territory has in store. He supposed that the two kids have had a great bond ever since the Hunter Exam, and it couldn't help but make him smile just by seeing it.

Ever since they boarded the train, Gon and Killua have been arguing about who will be able to open the most doors. Each of them has his own challenge to tell, his own little friendly insult to further set his "opponents" off. But upon arrival, the argument was finally over. By the time they've learned the concept of nen, strength was never again an issue for them. Gon and Leorio opened five doors, while both Killua and Kurapika opened four. Although settled, Killua still vehemently went against the result, saying that Gon had cheated because of various reasons that were too twisted and confusing to be repeated.

But nevertheless, they finally resolved their little fight and had walked through the main door arm in arm, though still insulting each other. The doctor watched all this with what seemed like a painful smile. Sure, he was happy for the two, but he couldn't help but feel a slight bit of jealousy with them. It was just that those two best friends were so at ease with the other, so comfortable, and know fully well that they have the right to annoy the other in any way they could just because they trust each other enough to know their limits.

It was inevitable that he glanced at the fourth member of their little group, taking a glimpse of that beautiful face. The same boy was supposed to be his best friend. At first, it was like that really, they were always together, always talking, even laughing together. But in due time, being the idiot that he was, he fell for the young man without even noticing it. And take note, young man. Heaven knows that he's not the type to notice his same gender, if asked actually, he was supposedly someone who runs around women like a pompous pervert.

But then again, those women he would run after would be categorized in all but one group. They were the ones he had no intention to get serious with, almost as if chasing women was a joke to him, a past time. But was his little I-fell-for-you spree with Kurapika the same? It couldn't be. Because if so, why is it that all he wanted was to just be there for him, unlike the girls whom he just wanted to go out with? Why is it that with Kurapika, he would be happy enough to just make him smile, or to just let him know that he's a friend who does not expect more than what Kurapika could give?

Sometimes, he even wondered if this shunning that Kurapika was giving him was a punishment from the gods.

Not that Kurapika's doing the shunning this time. As far as he was concerned, he has been avoiding long conversations with Kurapika ever since they stepped out of the ship. He didn't know why really, but for some reason, he couldn't stand being with him for more than three minutes. It wasn't because Kurapika's starting to get on his nerves, in fact, it was the other way around. He himself was getting on his own nerves. He couldn't concentrate properly with the other around, nor could he think straight. But for whatever reason, he didn't know still.

Was it because it was getting too painful?

"Master Leorio? Master Kurapika? Your rooms will be in the other hallway, please follow me."

Oh great. Why is that wherever they go, his room is always close to Kurapika's, if not at all shared? Does fate really hate him so much to make him go through similar bouts of torture over and over? Sure, the one during the Hunter Exam was his own choice, but that was different.

Leorio felt Kurapika's eyes on him, feeling the worry and anxiety even without looking. Honestly, it was tempting to turn around, to tell him that everything was okay and that he was just in a foul mood. But then again, if he sees that innocent smile again and sees the look of nothing but friendship in his eyes and the look of rejection in him if ever he would even dare to search for any sign of consent, he'll lose it.

And so, without even as much as a turn to acknowledge him, Leorio nodded to the servant to tell him that he'll be following him. They went in silence, the doctor trailing behind the servant while Kurapika stayed a bit farther. He thought he heard him sigh behind him before he finally settled his eyes on something else, probably the paintings that lined the walls.

A part of Leorio wanted to get angry at him, to cry out in front of his face that he was being an insensitive jerk, but another part of him screamed at himself, telling him that it's his fault. Whose fault was it really anyway?

They finally arrived in the first room. The guy said that it was going to be Leorio's, and that he can settle his things there if he wants to. Leorio nodded and thanked him, slowly entering the grand guestroom, but still too preoccupied to appreciate the size and the richness of it. He was about to turn around and close the door when his eyes suddenly met with Kurapika's, with still the familiar sign of worry, hidden in a look that was supposed to be a smile.

Kurapika spoke. "See you."

Leorio was silent. And closed the door.

He fell into a heap on the bed, for it was all he could do to protect himself lest he started hitting his head on a nearby wall for acting so badly. He decided that it was not Kurapika's fault. In fact, he was the victim here. He himself was the insensitive one who claims that he does not expect anything out of this whole mess but still feels disappointed when he actually gets what he expected: nothing. But then again, another minus point for him for saying that Kurapika was doing nothing. Because as far as he was concerned, Kurapika was one of the best friends he ever had in his life, together with his late one and Gon and Killua.

The guy deserved an apology.

He could only wish he'll be brave enough to actually pull it through.

* * * * *

"Is it even possible to reach a dead end in this place?!"

Illumi sighed and glanced back at his companion, who has been talking endlessly about how big and irritating the mansion was. The semi-dark, royal blue marble walls of the hallway did seem endless, and Hisoka also pointed out that their family had most probably stolen every piece of painting the world has to offer with their countless numbers.

"I wouldn't be caught dead living in this place. It would be good for a vacation spot, but to memorize this whole place is nearly impossible. I don't know how you weirdoes do it, but as far as I'm concerned, just being able to reach one end when you came from the other is utterly ridiculous."

Illumi rolled his eyes at the endless barrage of insults Hisoka was giving his house. Not that it really bothered him. It was just that there could be times that Hisoka would be so talkative. The magician would defend himself against it though, saying that Illumi was just saying that because the young assassin was just as talkative as a dead fish.

"Are you sure they fully intended to welcome me here? Looks like they're trying to make me dizzy or insane or--"

"Hisoka?"

"Yes?"

"Shut up."

A second of silence passed them both, but quickly ended when Hisoka stepped in place to walk beside Illumi. "Well it is annoying. Try asking a newcomer if you don't believe me. But then again, you people really don't accept visitors, do you?"

Illumi acknowledged the magician with all but a simple glance, before setting his eyes ahead again. He thought he heard Hisoka snort irately beside him, but he supposed he was used to the other man's constant ease in getting pissed off about something. In fact, he was used to a lot of Hisoka's habits. His habit of eating only what he wants and when he wants to, his constant killing sprees, even the guy's strong libido that seems to grow more and more stronger whenever they're in crowded places wherein any sexual activity would be limited. This certain habit would always have him end up in dark alleys and remote places just so the magician would satisfy his absurd interest in breaking the rules and not getting caught.

This last thought caused a small blush to creep up his cheeks. He had to shut his eyes and look away to keep these thoughts off, cursing himself for being careless enough to let them sink in. Or was it just because he was just spending too much time with this hentai beside him?

Hisoka seem to have seen the blush in the young assassin's face. This made him grin, a slightly diabolical one to add to that. Slender fingers slithered their way to the younger man's own, fighting against its momentary struggle beneath his ministrations. Of course, Hisoka had expected that glare that made his way towards him, but that wasn't enough to make him stop.

Unfortunately, there was one thing.

"Master Illumi?"

One thing Hisoka had learned, it was to never show any sign of affection in public whenever he's with Illumi. Sure, the boy can be quite submissive sometimes, but when he doesn't get what he wants when he's serious, it can be a real hell. Of course, that only increased the fun, but nevertheless, he didn't want to make his lover angry lest he really intends to be kicked out the next time he tries something that may ruin the young Zoldick.

Illumi gave him a warning glare before he nodded to the servant. Hisoka just shrugged, watching Illumi appreciatively behind his back before he followed him in one of the most glorious dining rooms he had ever come across in his life. But as soon as he laid eyes on the room, he caught sight of four familiar figures just seated on the long table, busy in their own talks.

Another grin. Well, guess this'll be more fun than he thought.

End of chapter 4