The Light In Your Eyes

by Maddylovesyou

A light that is so precious. A light that brings hope and can change any situation from dire to okay. A light that one would kill for. Killua would certainly kill for him.

8. Chapter 8

Breathe in...breathe out...breathe in...breathe out.

Kurapika has to keep repeating this in his head like a mantra, keeping his mind off of his friends, keeping his mind off of his rage. He has to keep a level head. He can't go charging in there blindly. No mater how angry he is, no matter how much he wants to go crazy, he has to keep himself under control. Kurapika understands himself. He knows he's not just angry. He's panicked. He's afraid not for himself but for Leorio, Gon and Killua. Seeing that boy hanging by a chain wrapped around his neck filled him with so much dread. It was like seeing him for the first time. His nightmares are nothing compared to the true face of his sin. The boy's face that smirked at him less than a week ago was nothing but a rotted mess, his mouth hanging open from his last moment, trying to get air while Kurapika crushed his wind pipe. The boy's hand that had punched him was limp and cold, hanging by his sides as he swung, the chain making a creaking in the small space.

Kurapika was forced to see that boy again in the rock. He was forced to get another look at the person he had killed. He was young...a little older than Gon and Killua. Kurapika had lost himself and murdered him. He sinned. He knew it then, burying that boy, that it would come back to haunt him. If it was only haunting him, then it would be fine. Kurapika could accept his fate but he will not accept his friends suffering for his mistakes. He will not just stand by and let the spiders or the circus troope hurt them. Leorio set this up to be fun and relaxing. He wanted a vacation but of course Kurapika had to bring his darkness, he had to ruin it...

So now he's going to fix it.

Kurapika runs through the forest that they had found the rock in, his gray eyes shinning, tinted red, his chains out on his hand. He's keeping as quiet as he can, all his senses on high alert. They shouldn't be expecting this. The circus will be expecting Gon but not him. Gon was the one suppose to go in the rock, not him. If he can catch the leader off guard, he'll be able to pull him off to the side and fight him alone. Fighting this crazed leader is one thing, fighting him and the entire circus is another. It would not end well for him. It might not end well with him just fighting the leader.

And in the back of his mind he knows. He knows from this growing feeling in his stomach, the way he's starting to sweat, and how his heart is beating so fast in his chest. They already know he's here. He can sense it, someone watching him just like he sensed when they came to this forest the first time. He should back off. There's no sneaking up on them. But he can't. In a couple of hours Gon will leave to go to the end of the beach. When he sees no one there he'll be confused. It'll only be a matter of time before he figures out I gave him the wrong address. Then he'll go back and tell Leorio and Killua, and then they'll all come searching for me. That won't do any good.

But if I go back...I won't be able to stop Gon from coming here. I don't trust this leader. I don't trust anything about this. I have to neutralize him. I have to get rid of the threat here and now.

I have to find answers. How did the leader know about that boy? How did he get him here in such a short time? How did he kill all those people? How did he know where Gon was staying? How did he melt all those people in such a short amount of time? Yet he had the time to also take off all their clothes and separate their belongings?

It's insane. It seems impossible but the leader did it. Kurapika grinds his teeth, thinking about inside that rock. It was meant to anger Gon. It was meant to scare him but it had Kurapika's nightmares in it as well. The leader wants to take everything away from Gon. It's not just about killing him. He wants to destroy everyone of his friends. The white fox must have been very important to him. He's lost his mind because of it.

Kurapika needs to stop him before he can hurt anyone. He doesn't have much time.

The blonde stops running, taking deep breathes, trying to calm himself down. He breathes in through his nose and out through his mouth, leaning against a large tree. This forest is unsettling. He can feel someone watching him but he can't sense anyone around him. There's no one here. The note in the rock had said they would be waiting in the middle of the forest...If they're really there then I'm only a few yards away. I should be able to sense them. Are they all using zetsu? Why Are they hiding? Is there a trap laid out for Gon once he walks into the open field? Kurapika evens out his breathing as he walks carefully towards the field, he gets behind a tree, glancing into the field. It's empty. There's no circus trucks. No one's here. Kurapika bites his lip nervously, a ringing in his ear as he tries to listen for any sound of movement. He glances around the forest before looking back at the field. He tenses.

There standing in the field is a dark shadow. Kurapika knows it's a man and he knows as soon as he sees the mask on the man's face that this is the leader. He just appeared out of thin air!

"You're not Gon." The leader speaks, his voice silky like honey. He takes a step closer. "I believe your name was...ah yes, Kurapika. Come, come. Don't be shy. Come on down. Boy do we have a show for you tonight." the leader does a bow. All of a sudden a large white sheet can be seen behind the leader, it falls off, revealing the circus truck and with it all the circus members just standing there, their expressions blank except for one who's shoulders are shaking. Kurapika's eyes widen in surprise. How did they do that? They were able to hide the whole circus from my view and my en? Kurapika watches as the white sheet slowly goes back into a woman with black curly hair, she does a little twirl and the sheet is gone.

"Ta-da!" The leader chuckles oddly. "I can see you're impressed. She's lovely don't you agree? Tell him your story love, go ahead. Come closer Kurapika. We only want to entertain you!"

"Yes, it's your own private show. We're delighted to have the last of the kurta here to watch." The black haired woman smirks, getting Kurapika's eyes to flash red with rage. He grips his fist. There's no going back now. He steps out of the shadows and into the feild.

"I'm not interested in your show. Tell me, are you working with the phantom troope?" Kurapika keeps his eyes locked on the leader. The mask that once was a smiling face is now a frowning face with a tear carved under the eye. The blonde keeps on high alert, watching the other circus members for any sudden movements.

"My dear boy we're our own troope. Spiders are nasty things. I'm not interested in working with thieves." The leader glances over at the black haired woman. "It's not nice to interrupt us. We're in the middle of putting on a show for you. Continue, pet."

"You see, when I was a little girl I was afraid to sleep alone in the dark. I was always scared of monsters but I felt the safest under my blanket. As I grew older and I grew to under stand that daddy hitting mommy wasn't normal, and that mommy hitting me wasn't right I began to hide under my blanket more and more. But a real blanket can only do so much. Mommy was still able to find me. Oh could she pack a punch." The black haired girl giggles, those blue eyes getting out of focused, they shake in their sockets. "So I made a blanket that I could truly hide under with my nen! When i'm under it no one can sense me or see me. No one can hurt me either. I become invisible and anyone under my blanket is safe with me. I'll always keep my family safe. My real family. The leader is so kind. He came to my town and he ripped my parents throats out. He turned them into liquid." She smiles brightly.

"Aw that's a touching story isn't it? Makes you appreciate her power more." the leader makes a sniffling sound.

They're insane. All of them. It's not just the leader, its the whole circus. Kurapika is tense, his heart beating too fast in his chest. Should I make the first move? Or should I try to talk this out? It's impossible! They're all crazy!

"The leader is so nice...and your friend hurt him. He hurt our family!" Her eyes turn dark, she screams, high pitched and screeching. It hurts the blonde's ears but he doesn't back down. He gets ready for her, getting in a stance only for the leader to wave her off.

"Now, now no need to get nasty. You can go back with the others." The leader stares at Kurapika, or at least he thinks so. The mask doesn't look like it has any place for him to see. But he can feel the leader's eyes on him. The black haired woman backs off, pouting before she joins the others. "I don't have anything against you Kurapika. Just your friend. You understand don't you? He took one of my family members so now I have to destroy all of his, it's only fair." He sighs like it's hard on him or something. Kurapika feels a growl in the back of his throat.

"Gon is innocent! He hasn't done anything to you or your 'family'! I came here to tell you this and to stop you if you don't listen. Gon was with us the whole time last night. He couldn't have been at your circus."

"But we all saw him with our own eyes." The leader sighs. "Are you saying we're lying?"

"No, i'm saying you've been tricked somehow. Gon wouldn't steal the fox!-"

"How can you speak for him? What is this anyway? Why isn't Gon here? Is he too much of coward to show his face? I believe this proves that he's guilty." The leader's voice turns dark, that silkiness fading away. "He sent you to go for him? My, he must not care for you at all. But I guess I understand. You're a murderer after all." Kurapika feels himself freeze when the leader takes a step forward and with his next words. "His name was Sam. Did you know that? The boy you killed, his name was Sam."

"Stop." Kurapika's breathing becomes uneven, his blood turning cold.

"Sam enjoyed simple things. He was born in Meteor city, the city of trash. He always looked up to the phantom troope, they came from the same trash hole as him and yet they were so powerful. They made it in the world. He trained hard to become stronger, wanting to be one of them. So you can imagine how happy he was when he appealed to the troope, and they gave him a job!"

"Shut up!" Kurapika screams, his eyes turning red and his sight turning white. "I don't want to hear this! How do you know all this? Answer me!" Kurapika takes a step forward, his voice a roar. He doesn't want to know the boy's name. He doesn't want to know about the life he took. Stop it. Stop it now!

He's losing it.

"I know all about poor unfortunate souls. I collect them after all and give them a family to call their own. I couldn't help this one though. No. He was happy to take the job from the troope. It seemed simple enough. Find your location and inform the troope. And imagine his luck! Right in the town where he travels to for medicine for his sick sister, he found you. He got cocky though. He made his final mistake by confronting you. He certainly didn't think he was gong to die. Tell me Kurapika, what did you do with that medicine? That was on his body? Poor thing. His sister is dying right now, she'll be dead by tomorrow."

"Enough!" Kurapika charges towards the leader, losing all his sense. All he sees is red. He wants him to shut up. He wants him to be quiet. He wants to end him. He shoots his pinky chain towards the man, aiming for his heart only for the leader to disappear.

"I bet she's wondering. Where's my brother? Is he okay? She's worried and sick. Dying alone in a pile of trash. Not knowing that her brother was buried in the ground like a dead animal." the leader reappears behind him. Kurapika roars, swinging, focusing his nen into his fist, wanting to punch him and crush his ribs so he'll just shut up. The leader jumps back with ease, gracefully dodging him.

"Stop it!" Kurapika's voice cracks, his red eyes starting to get watery. His vision is getting blurred, the leader becoming a black blob. "Stop...I don't want to hear anymore. I don't need to know this...this isn't why I came...I-"

"It hurts doesn't it? You shouldn't keep it hidden. You'll make your mind into a living hell. I can see you're already falling apart." The leader chuckles. "You want to know don't you? How I know all this? How I knew about Sam? How I found him? How I knew about Gon? How I killed all those people? There's so many questions and not enough time in the world. If I just told you all my secrets then it would be no fun."

"Stop playing these games." Kurapika tries to calm himself down, but he feels sick to his stomach. His face is pale and his clothing has become sticky with sweat. "Why aren't you attacking? I'm right where you want me. I'm out numbered. I'm obviously in trouble." He really is. No one's even made a move against him but with how he's losing himself right now he'll do something stupid and end up getting himself killed.

"I could kill you but I don't want to. I want you to slowly rot from the inside out. That will hurt Gon more, to see his friend slowly wilt away until there's nothing but a crazed, rage driven man. A husk of what you use to be-"

Kurapika takes the time from him talking to move, appearing in front of him in a second. He punches the man, his fist connecting with his face, he feels the mask break under the blow. Kurapika's expecting the man to fall but he's only scooted back a couple of feet. Soon enough Kurapika is surround by angry troope members. Kurapika surrounds his body in nen to protect himself. When he punched the leader it felt like he was hitting rock.

"Stop. Don't hurt him. We're here to entertain that's all. He's just impatient. He wants to know my tricks." The leader's voice is silky again. He looks up, the mask is cracked but not broken. The troope members slowly back off. Kurapika glares darkly at this man, while he analyzes his situation and tries to think of a way he can attack him. He's a bit limited with what he can do since this man isn't a spider but he still has his ring finger chain. The leader has already made his eyes red so he's been in emperor time, his power as high as it can go. I'll have to kill him quickly. "Don't attack yet. If you do how will I tell you my tricks?" the leader put his hands up. "Though i'm very interested in seeing what you can do, I don't feel like fighting you. Fighting you would mean killing you."

"Don't think it will be that easy." Kurapika growls, his aura growing, The blonde jumps towards the leader and this time, when he dodges, Kurapika sends his ring finger chain out, hitting him hard in the stomach. This time the leader is knocked into the air, he makes a coughing sound. I've done damage. Keep hitting him! Now's my chance! Kurapika sends his pinky chain out, when the leader's able to dodge it again, Kurapika growls, jumping after him. "I'll kill you here and you won't lay a finger on Gon!-"

"Is that all you do? Kill?" The leader laughs. "It's poor Sam all over again-"

"I said shut up!" Kurapika roars, his chain going out to attack him again, only for the leader to jump towards him, dodging the chain in the process. Kurapika builds his aura around his stomach right before the leader punches him hard in his belly. Even with his nen protecting him, the air is knocked right out of the blonde. He grinds his teeth, his feet digging into the ground as he skids back from the force. Stop getting caught up in your anger. Calm down and think straight. Don't let him get to you... Kurapika coughs, specks of blood coming out of his lips. I've taken damage even though I was able to protect myself. He's strong. Really strong.

"Oh dear you're going to make me get nasty." the leader sighs before he grabs his mask. "I want to show you something Kurapika. I want you to see my sorrow. I want you to feel it with me." the leader takes off his mask. Kurapika's eyes widen, his breath catching in his throat. The leader...this man...his eyes are a bright golden color, his pupils silts. His lips are curled in a smile. Kurapika's blood runs cold, goosebumps covering his arms. Those eyes...those eyes have him frozen. Literally. Kurapika can't move. His eyes have turned back to normal and he's gone into zetsu without doing anything. His chains are gone. He can't do anything but stare into those horrible eyes that seem like they're look through him, looking into his soul, looking into everything that makes him up. He can see it all.

Kurapika is stuck. He's trapped. Now he understands. This is how he was able to kill all those people. By taking off his mask, anyone who looked at his eyes, they became frozen. And of course, all eyes were on the stage after the white fox had been stolen. That's why there was no calls. No one was able to move. All the hunters were forced into zetsu. They couldn't even defend themselves.

"now that I have your undivided attention." The leader chuckles, those golden eyes lighting up with dark intent. "My eyes can see everything. Once I latch on to a target I can track them from the ends of the earth but this isn't how I knew all about you. No. I have my dear friend to thank." The leader makes a jester, not looking away from Kurapika. The blonde tenses when an older woman comes into his line of vision...That's! That's the old woman that took Gon and Leorio's fortune! Kurapika's face gets red with anger. I forgot about her!

"Once she touched your friends she knew everything about them. She told me she couldn't see all of Gon's future though. But with her help I know where he is and everything about him up to this point. I also know he was planning on stealing the Fox if he thought it was unhappy here. Now I know what you're thinking. How did I find out about Sam? Well you see, my friend here has a particular power. As long as the people she's examined are within her range, anyone they touch she can see their past and future as well. Leorio was the one who touched you, and gave it all away. I saw what you did. I won't tell you how I got to Sam though, that's a secret." He chuckles. "But I brought the poor soul back and she touched him. I learned all about Sam. You see I adore learning about you humans. So I adore her power. You've been such a big help in this. I can't thank you enough."

"My debt is to you boss. Don't thank me when you've done so much for this old woman." the older woman smiles, those eyes lighting up at the complement.

This whole time it was the older woman. If they hadn't stopped to get their fortunes taken, the leader wouldn't have been able to do all of this. In a way Kurapika's relieved that the leader didn't do this all by himself. He had help from all the troope remembers. He's sure the rest of the troope got to cleaning up the place while the leader dealt with taking care of all the people.

"If you can see the future then you know Gon didn't take the fox! Tell him that!" Kurapika shouts at the older woman, not able to move, it's the only thing he can do.

"But I don't know. I could only see his future in bits and pieces before I couldn't see anything. So I have no proof of his innocence or his guilt. But we all saw him-"

"Someone is trying to frame Gon! You don't understand, you're wasting your time and resources doing this! The true criminal is out there! If Gon had stolen the fox he wouldn't still be here, he would be trying to escape-"

"Where is the little Gon? I wonder." the leader hums, licking his lips.

"Kurapika told him the wrong address." The old woman looks at the leader but he doesn't look at her. "It was written in his fate."

"So that's why he didn't show up. That's rude. Where did he tell him to go?"

"Stop it!" Kurapika shouts but he can't move. He can't do anything but watch in horror as this unravels.

"To the end of the beach. He told him to leave at 11. Kurapika came to try to get some answers out of you and kill you if he must to protect his friends." The older woman just keeps talking.

"It's around 11 now. He's probably on the way. Hey Sid, don't you have his number?"

"yeah I got it right here." The man named Sid throws his phone at the leader, the man catching it with ease. "I got it from Danial. He's still a little freaked out..." He looks over at the man who's shaking, his fist gripped at his sides.

"It's understandable." The leader starts to dial the number.

"Stop! I'm telling you he had nothing to do with it! He's innocent!-"

"Don't make me lose my temper." The leader smiles sweetly. "You see, when I lose my temper things get a bit messy. I know what you were thinking. My eyes froze everyone. That could have happened but I wouldn't have been able to freeze everyone. Some of the audience was behind me. No. I just lost my temper. I didn't want to see their horrified faces anymore. Our shows are suppose to be great. What happened last night wasn't great at all! SO I made them disappear." he whispers the last part, grinning to himself. "Take care of him. Gag him and tie him up. Don't let him speak while i'm on the phone. That would be awfully rude."

Kurapika can't struggle, can't even look away from this man as he calls Gon. He can't fight the circus troope as they put duck tape over his mouth and tie his arms behind his back. He can't do anything but stand there as this man starts talking to Gon, letting him know where they truly are. Then he hangs up, and Kurapika knows...

Gon's on his way. The leader has him. He would have had him either way. Soon Gon will be here and who knows what this man will try to do to him. He's crazed and evil. Those golden eyes say it all. He's not human. He's a monster. He won't listen to him, he's not going to listen to Gon either.

I wasn't able to do anything. I lost myself and blew everything. I'm sorry Gon...I've failed you. And Leorio, i've made this vacation even worse. Because even if Kurapika makes it out of here...He knows he's not leaving unscathed. The face of his nightmares and guilt and rage and pain has a name now.
And his name is Sam.

---

"Thank you!" Gon pulls out all the jenny he has in his pocket and just throws it in the front seat, not caring about math right now. He needs to hurry up and get in that forest! Gon busts out of the cab while it's still moving and starts running as fast as he can across the field that the circus use to be in. Gon glares ahead of him, it's pitch black out with no stars in the sky, only the moon is left, like a bright smile in the darkness. There's no wind, all is still, nothing but the sound of his shoes against the soil breaking the silence.

Gon's heart is beating fast but steady, his amber eyes bright as he runs with his arms swinging by his side. Even though it's so dark out Gon can see pretty well. Years of running around in the dark, playing in the forest has gotten his eyes adjusted to being in the dark. His eyes aren't super but he can see decently when there's no light. If he can't rely on his eyes, he still has his nose. He can still smell that strange smell of the black liquid.

Gon grips his fists as he runs into the forest, his eyebrows scrunched in concentration as he weaves his way through trees, listening and sniffing for anything suspicious. He's not really worried about finding them though. He has a feeling if he keeps going straight he'll come across the circus soon enough, and the leader with it.

I'm almost there. You better not have done anything to Kurapika. Gon glares, his body stiffening when he sees an opening up ahead. He doesn't try to hide. He doesn't do anything like that. He runs right out into the opening, stopping in the middle. He glances around, not seeing anyone. He holds out his arms. "I'm here mr. leader! Come out! Show yourself! I came like you asked." Gon shouts, looking around, still holding out his arms to show he's not looking for a fight. Not yet. If he hurt Kurapika then that's another story.

"So you did." Gon blinks when he hears that silky voice behind him. He didn't sense a presence or hear any foot steps. Gon turns around only for his eyes to widen in wonder when The leader stands behind him with a frowning mask that is cracked on the forehead. What's gotten his mouth to open is that the circus trucks are behind the leader and the circus members.

"Wow how did you do that!" Gon loss track of his train of thought, looking at the 20 people who weren't there before. I walked over that way and I didn't feel anything! They just appeared out of nowhere!

"Magic." The leader chuckles, moving his fingers around. "My, you're excited easily. Of course your friend was impressed as well."

The leader mentioning his friend snaps Gon out of it and he looks around the circus group, not seeing the blonde. "Where is he? You said one of my friends is here?" Gon glares at this leader, taking a step forward.

"Yes, he's here." The leader sounds like he's smiling. "But I won't tell you where he is till you tell me where Clover is."

"I don't know where Clover is. I didn't steal her. I was with my friends the whole time, Kurapika can tell you and be witness.-"

"He could just lie to cover your skin. He's your friend after all."

"I didn't steal Clover." Gon grips his fist, staring at the leader's mask, kind of wishing he could see his face. Gon doesn't even know if he can look at him through the mask. "I swear on my life that I didn't steal her. Even if you don't believe me, Don't bring my friends into this. They had nothing to do with this. This is between me and you."

"But you see Gon, You took one of my family members away and damaged another. I think it's only fair I take away the ones you care for in response." The leader sighs before he chuckles oddly. "You seem pretty confident in your innocence. Your friend was too." The leader digs into his pocket, pulling out something from his pocket. "You left this yesterday while making your get away."

Gon walks till he's right in front of the leader, looking at what he's holding in his hand. It's a book, the title in another language. Gon's eyebrows furrow as he looks up at the leader, this man towers over him a couple of inches. "This isn't mine. I don't even know this language."

"Is that so? So you wouldn't mind me burning it would you?" The leader hums, opening the book, gripping the two sides like he's going to rip it.

"I don't care what you do with the book. It's not mine. And I wasn't at the circus yesterday and I didn't steal Clover."

"Did you, or did you not plan with Killua to steal the white fox if you thought she wasn't treated right?" The leader takes a step closer.

Gon's eyebrows scrunch but he doesn't back down. "That's true. I did plan that but I found out when I got up to Clover that she was happy with the circus and she cared for the man taking care of her. I wouldn't take her away from where she was happy." Gon looks at the leader determined. "I came here to prove my innocence but to also join in on the search for Clover. I want to help you stop this guy but..." Gon glares darkly. "If you've hurt Kurapika i'll be angry. I know you care for this circus but what you did was wrong. Those people had nothing to do with Clover's disappearance and you killed them all." Gon growls, thinking of the upset people on the news.

"Perhaps." The leader is quiet for a moment. "You know what I love most? I love to entertain I love my circus and collecting these poor souls that have no one to turn to. I make them impressive. Impressive enough that they can make hundreds of people 'awe' and 'oh'. Our shows are meant to be happy and fun for the audience and us. If the audience is happy, i'm happy. But you see, during my precious show a member of my family was ripped from my grasps. The audience saw it. They all saw the show fall apart. I lost it. I must say I just became so angry that I let go. Once I let go it's too late. I put them out of their misery really, I wish I had their fate and didn't have to witness what the lost has done to us."

"Clover isn't gone for good. We can find her together. I don't have her. You have to know that now." Gon takes a step closer. "Where is Kurapika? Give him back."

"...I know that you do not know where Clover is." The leader snaps his fingers. Gon's eyes light up when Kurapika appears with a girl with black hair, she's holding a white sheet in her hand. Gon's eyes narrow when he sees how Kurapika's tied up, his pupils constricted, and his face pale. "Let him go."

Gon relaxes slightly when this woman takes off the duck tape and the rope. Only to tense up again when Kurapika stands still, not making a move.

"Kurapika are you okay?" Gon runs over to him, looking him over for any wounds. There's some blood at the corner of his mouth but other then that he seems to be fine. "Why did you come here? Why did you give me the wrong address?" Gon frowns when Kurapika's gaze drops.

"I thought..." He trials off. "I thought I could take care of it myself. I wanted to fix it but I was wrong."

"What do you mean?" Gon gets in front of Kurapika. Kurapika's not moving his head at all.

"Don't lower your guard Gon!" Kurapika warns just as the leader appears next to them. Gon doesn't back off though. He keeps in front of Kurapika. The reason? Because Kurapika didn't move. Kurapika saw the leader coming but he didn't move. Something's wrong.

"Kurapika...why aren't you moving?" Gon gets in a stance in front of Kurapika, glaring at the leader.

"He can't move. Not yet. I apologize but he was being nasty to me. I had to keep him still! He came for answers and I gave him answers and more! I aim to please. I'm an entertainer as i've said. But don't worry. He'll be able to move again by tomorrow." The leader grabs a hold of his mask.

"Gon don't look him in the eyes!" Kurapika glares at this man. "Or you'll be frozen!"

"Got it." Gon looks down at the leaders feet, being prepared. "You said you know I don't know where Clover is so why are you acting like you're going to attack?"

"I'm not going to attack. It seems you're telling the truth. You weren't the one that stole Clover from us." The leader looks away at an older woman who takes a step forward. Gon's eyes widen, that's the woman who took my fortune!

"Yes. Now that he's in range I can see his past once again. He was at the chocolate factory with his friends. He's innocent."

"You heard her. I've made a most embarrassing mistake. But I still have a strong dislike for you. The thief had your face so they knew who you are. I can't help to think that this is your fault still in some way." The leader sighs. " So i'll take you up on your offer of help. You don't really have much of a choice. My curse is already on you and it won't be lifted till Clover is returned. I can't lift it or I would die. Silly me." the leader chuckles oddly.

"Curse?" Gon looks at him seriously but he can't help feeling confused.

"Yes, Curse. Don't worry it's slow acting. It's meant to be long and torturous. You have plenty of time to find Clover before you're destroyed." The leader sounds like he's smiling. "It's a happy ending for everyone!"

"Now wait a minute! Gon is innocent and you're going to make him search for Clover by himself? Why would you put such a curse on Gon without knowing of his innocence first?!" Kurapika growls, still not able to move.

"Because I was sure it was him. I made a mistake. It happens." The leader shrugs his shoulders. "He's not doing it alone. I'll help how I can but we need to get moving. We're wanted on this island as you know. I did just kill a bunch of people." He laughs. "We're going to look back on this day and have a good laugh once you bring Clover to me. If you don't well you'll be dead probably. I'm not sure. But like I said, don't even worry about it. It's going to be fine." The leader waves him off.

"You...!" Kurapika snarls, his face red.

"I'll find Clover. Don't you worry." Gon doesn't respond with anger. No he responses with determination. "I'll find her before I even feel this curse."

"...I like your spunk." The leader coos in a silky voice. "I'll contact you once I have a lead. We'll work hard. We aim to please. I'd do more if I liked you. But I can't stand the sight of your face. Who ever has truly done this will feel the fires of hell." The leader's silky voices turns dark and warped. The circus members tensing before he lightens up. "This may be your first clue." The leader hands Gon that book that's written in a different language.

"I'll get started right away." Gon looks at this leader seriously. Though for some reason he doesn't feel like they've accomplished much. The leader says that he knows Gon hasn't stolen Clover but he still doesn't' like him because he has the face of the thief and he thinks the thief knows Gon. Not only that but this leader has already cursed him. Gon doesn't feel any different though. Of course Gon was already planning on helping to find Clover, he wasn't expecting it to be a thing he has to do but it doesn't matter. He was going to anyway. The leader also doesn't feel any guilt for all those people he just killed and there's a lot of things that Gon doesn't understand.

"Good boy." The leader sounds like he's smiling before he glances over at one of the circus members. "It's time to leave. We've entrained this island more than enough." the leader turns to look at them. "Our last act..." The leader snaps his fingers.

Then they're all gone. No trace left of them.

"How did they do that?" Gon can't help to still be impressed, despite what just happened.

"Gon..." Kurapika's somber voice gets the raven haired male to look back at Kurapika, he's frowning. You're worried aren't you?

"It's going to be fine Kurapika. I told you I would prove my innocence! Now I just have to find Clover like I was planning on doing from the start!" Gon gives him a bright smile. Kurapika stares at him, that frown still there.

"...Forgive me. I shouldn't have lied to you. I just...had to find answers. I thought the spiders were involved I just..." He keeps trailing off, those gray eyes lowering. He looks so tired. His face pale.

The spiders? Gon didn't even think of that possibility. But of course Kurapika would. Gon frowns. Is he still chasing after them? "Ne it's okay Kurapika. I'm just glad you're okay."

"I could have ruined everything. Because of me, the leader could have tried to kill you because you didn't come alone. If he didn't have the fortune lady...I could have caused some serious damage coming here." Kurapika locks eyes with Gon.

"but everything turned out okay so it's fine. Don't put yourself down Kurapika." Gon smiles at his friend, putting a hand on his shoulder. " When we get back you're going to go right to sleep! And get some rest. He said you'll be moving again by tomorrow. Everything's going to be fine." Gon grins, wanting to lighten up Kurapika's mood. There's something different about the blonde. A quiet sadness about him. He's probably worried about the curse and finding clover. "We'll find her."

"...Yes." Kurapika can't nod his head but Gon pictures he would have done that. He keeps his eyes forward, those gray orbs not looking as dull.

"Let's head back." Gon smiles, wrapping his arm around Kurapika's waist to throw him over his shoulder, his body stays stiff like a board, making it hard to carry him normally. He keeps his legs out straight so Gon has to wrap his arm around his thighs, trying to balance him on his shoulder. "Does this hurt?"

"I'm fine." Kurapika sighs. "This is embarrassing really. I hope Leorio's asleep already."

"Nah." Gon chuckles. "I have a feeling Killua and Leorio are both up waiting for us! Wait did you tell Leorio you were going out?"

"...No." Kurapika sounds concerned. "I was hoping he just figured I went out some place."

"So he's probably up waiting for you, worrying!" Gon chuckles as he walks back the way he came.

"...What are we going to tell them?" Kurapika speaks after awhile of silence.

"Hm? What do you mean?" Gon glances over his shoulder. "Aren't we going to tell them what happened?" Gon sees this look flash through Kurapika's eye as he looks forward, his lips going in a tight line.

"Forgive me Gon but I-"

"You don't want them to worry either huh?" Gon smiles to himself. If Kurapika could move he'd look at him in surprise. At least that's what Gon pictures. "I won't tell them about the curse on me." Gon grins. "They don't have to know. We'll tell them I proved my innocence and that I want to start looking for Clover. That's not a lie either. The curse isn't something they need to know." I don't want to worry Killua. Especially when it's something he can't change.

Kurapika lets out the breath he was holding. "...It's just that Leorio has planned this vacation out. I know he'll feel bad about all of this."

"And then he won't be able to enjoy going at the beach tomorrow and neither will Killua. I'm right with you Kurapika." Gon smiles to himself. Actually i'm relieved you feel the same way Kurapika.

Gon carries Kurapika on his back in calm silence, the stillness not bothering him anymore. Kurapika is fine. He proved his innocence and now he's going to find Clover. Everything is as It should be. Kurapika will be normal in the morning and then they'll go to the beach. Gon grips the book in his hand that the leader gave him. We'll figure this out as we go.

Is it strange, even though he's cursed and that he could be destroyed that he feels so much more excited about finding Clover? As Killua has called him many times...Gon chuckles to himself.

Maybe I am weird.

---

"Stop." Killua breaks the silence, his purple orbs narrow as he sees they're nearing the end of beach. The cab screeches to a halt. Killua gets out of the car, leaving Leorio to pay. He can hear him grumble about it but the ex-assassin is focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately En has never been his strong point so he has to rely on all his other senses to try to paint a picture of their situation.

But what he wasn't expecting is not being able to sense anyone. There's no one on the beach. Not that he can see. Killua reaches into his back pack, pulling out binoculars. He looks through them, searching the beach for Gon and the circus.

"Man that guy wanted a lot." Leorio grunts, standing by Killua's side as the cab drives away.

"Something's wrong. Gon's not here." Killua's stomach twists. This is where I told him to go! But I don't even see the circus? Am I too late? Killua throws the binoculars off to the side before he takes off running towards the end of the beach, his purple eyes narrowed, taking in as much light as he can to see in the darkness.

He can hear Leorio shout something at him but in seconds he's way closer then he was suppose to get, and soon enough he's right out in the open, standing on the beach where Gon should be standing. But there's no one here. Killua looks around the sand, looking for any abnormal indents, any signs of a fight, any blood.

There's nothing here.

"Gon never came here." Killua's eyes light with realization just as Leorio catches up to him panting slightly.

"What? Isn't this where he was suppose to go?" Leorio glances around, seeming to see just what Killua's seeing. Nothing has taken place here.

"According to Kurapika-" Killua thinks of the last moment he talked with the blonde. That silent resolve in his eyes. Killua was too focused on Gon and his well being to notice it then. Did he give Gon the wrong address? And go off to face the circus alone? Killua grips his fists. Then where's Gon now? Is he aware of this? Or did he get confuse and decide to head back to the hotel to ask Kurapika about it-

Killua's eyes widen once again with realization. If Gon already headed back before we got here, he's going to beat us to the hotel! He'll know I tried to follow him! "Leorio we're going back to the hotel! Call the cab back!"

"What? But we don't know where Gon or Kurapika are! We have to find them first!-"

"I think Kurapika gave Gon the wrong address." Killua starts calling for a cab himself. "Obviously the circus isn't here. Gon saw this and probably got confused. What would he do? He would go back to the hotel to ask Kurapika. I bet he tried calling him first but since he hasn't been answering his phone, Gon would just go back to him. Gon doesn't know Kurapika isn't at the hotel."

"Why would Kurapika tell Gon the wrong address?...To protect him?" Leorio's eyebrows furrow. "But I thought we all agreed that it was best for Gon to go so it didn't look bad on him. Why would Kurapika lie to him?-"

"Because Gon wouldn't have listen if Kurapika told him not to go, that it's too dangerous." Killua grinds his teeth. "Instead he encouraged him to go while giving false information."

"But the leader is only going to be angry and come after Gon! Isn't' that what he said-"

"The leader can't come after Gon if he's dead." Killua's eyes get dark. It seems Kurapika and I do have a lot of things in common. The same thought had crossed my mind. Disable the threat. Get rid of it. But I couldn't have pulled it off. Gon would know I was trying to get in the way. So instead I decided to be support. Kurapika on the other hand...He did what I couldn't. Just like me, he loves Gon...

Killua wants to puke. He feels his blood turn cold and his hands start to shake by his sides. He doesn't like it. He doesn't like it at all. He feels that fear again. A deep fear of losing Gon to someone else, to Kurapika. It's not like I didn't already know Kurapika's feelings. It's fine. It's okay. Gon just sees him as a friend. Keep calm...

But what if Gon sees him as more? What if when Kurapika confesses Gon realizes he's liked him all along? Killua bites the inside of his cheek. Stop! I can't think about this now! I have to focus on getting back to the hotel before Gon does!

"You mean..." Leorio's tone of voice snaps Killua out of his thoughts. He glances over at the older male, noticing a change in the atmosphere. The doctor is looking forward, a deep frown on his lips. "You think Kurapika went off to face the circus by himself?"

"...It's just a theory. Kurapika knows more about the situation than any of us because he was the only one who read the messages and went into the rock." It should have been me.

"Damn it Kurapika!" Leorio growls, kicking the sand, his face getting red. "Why'd he have to go and do something so stupid?! If he wanted to fight the circus he should of just told us! We could have all went together! Why'd he have to go off alone? He always does this. Fighting all these things like he doesn't have us! Like he doesn't have me!-" Leorio stops his rant, panting heavily before glancing off to the side. "We don't even know where he is because he didn't give us the real address! What if we never find him? What if the circus..." Leorio trails off, biting his lip. "No I won't think about that. Lets go get Gon and find Kurapika." Leorio is the first to get in the cab when it comes, Killua right behind him. Leorio's eyes are glossy and though he appears calm, Killua knows that's not the case. "Drive as fast as you can. Run every stop light and get us back to the honeymooners hotel! If you do, i'll pay you 50,000 jenny!"

"Honeymooners hotel?!" Killua shouts, looking at Leorio with wide eyes right before the driver steps on the gas, zooming down the road as fast as he can.

"Damn this was suppose to be relaxing. This was suppose to be good for all of us. It was suppose to be good for him." Leorio mumbles to himself,glaring down at the suitcase in his lap. "Why do you have to...hide everything from me?"

Killua looks out of the window, letting what Leorio said slide for now. Obviously the older man is thinking deeply to himself. He's speaking his thoughts as Killua observed back in the hunter exam when Leorio kept mumbling what he was thinking about trying right in front of the lady he was against. He'll ask about what he meant by 'honeymooners hotel' later.

Killua's heart thuds slowly in his chest. He lost sight of Gon. He thought he was close enough behind to not lose him but he was wrong. He miscalculated everything. Gon will be angry with him once he finds out he was following him. Maybe I could play it off? Say I was talking a late walk. No...That' won't work. Gon would be more annoyed with him if he lied.

I just...don't like when you leave me behind. I want to always be insight of you.

Even with the cab driver going as fast as he can with running red lights and stops signs the ride to the hotel seems like it goes on forever. Both males tense and ready to run and see Gon. As soon as the cab stops once again Killua runs out first and into the hotel. He runs up the stairs and doesn't stop till he's standing in front of their room. Killua takes a deep breath, composes himself before opening up the door.

"Gon are you back?-" Killua stops when he takes in the room. And how empty it is. Gon's not here. Nothings' been moved. He hasn't been here since he left. Killua's stomach twist again, worry making his mouth go dry.

"Kurapika's not back yet and Gon's not in our room." Leorio comes in soon after, a deep frown on his face.

"But I thought..." Killua trials off, trying to get his thoughts back together. Why didn't Gon come back to the hotel? He obviously saw that the end of the beach wasn't where he was suppose to go so why didn't he come back to get more information or to question Kurapika?...Unless something has happened? An unseen component that I couldn't have taken into account. "...He would be here." Killua's mouth feels dry.

"What should we do?" Leorio is panicked. "Do you think the circus already attacked Gon somehow? What about Kurapika? We don't know where they are! Damn it I knew Kurapika was acting strange, I should have never left him! I shouldn't have let him have his space. That's all I do. Give him space, and look what happens!" Leorio fums, his teeth grinding.

"Calm down. You getting angry isn't changing the situation." Killua states, keeping his own feelings in check. What is the next course of action? Killua's eyes widen when he thinks of where this all started. Kurapika only knew where to go because of the messages in the rock. The rock! "Leorio lets go to that forest again with the rock Kurapika went into! We can find out where the circus wanted Gon to meet with them and I bet that's where we'll find Kurapika!" If Gon couldn't get a hold of Kurapika would he have gone to the rock to see for himself where he should be? Or did something else happen? Either way, Killua has a feeling that Gon wouldn't have given up so easily on seeing the circus tonight. And where the circus is...Gon is.

Killua's can feel his anxiety raising though his body doesn't show it. Gon you told me to wait here for you...but I just can't. I want to be there to protect you and watch you fight. I don't like thinking that...

You may not need me.

"Right! The rock has all the answers!" Leorio's eyes widen. "Come on Killua we have to go right away!" Leorio stops having his panic attack to turn on his heel. He runs out of the room and down the stairs, Killua right by his side.

If Kurapika went to take care of the leader and failed...when Gon comes to meet him he'll be even more aggressive because of it! He'll think it's Gon's fault! So many scenarios are flooding Killua's mind. The ex-assassin closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Gon's strong. He'll be fine. He's crazy like that. Even in the worse scenario he's able to turn the tables. He thinks on his feet. He's one of a kind. He will be okay. It'll be alright.

I'm coming. Just wait a little longer.

---

Killua's getting tired of driving in a cab. He's already feeling sick to his stomach and getting in a cab, back and forth isn't helping the headache that's growing. At least Leorio's stopped mumbling to himself. He sits quietly, looking out the window. This whole endeavor has been very costly. Not that Killua cares about money but he can already see that if they want to stay here for a whole month they're going to have to get a job somewhere.

Killua's heart rate increases when he sees the forest come into view. The closer the cab gets the more his muscles tense up. He's ready to run and see what that rock has to say. He's ready to find Gon. Killua can't stop the gnawing feeling that something's gone terribly wrong. If Gon's hurt...Killua digs his fingers into the seats, his nails hardening and sharping. Killua will end all of this by ripping the leader's heart out.

Leorio pays the cab driver before they get out, both males exchanging a look before they take off. It's late at night with no sound at all. Unsettling. The moon looks like it's grinning at them, smiling up from the sky as if it's laughing at them and their situation. Just as Killua is about to enter the forest, his eyes narrowed, trying to see in the darkness-

Gon runs out of the forest, carrying Kurapika on his back. Killua is frozen when his purple eyes met those amber orbs. Gon's eyes light up at seeing him. "Killua!" he smiles brightly.

"Gon!" Killua can't help to shout his name, his heart lifting at seeing the other boy. He's okay. He's not injured either.

"What are you doing here?" Gon smiles before it falls. He blinks tilting his head. "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to wait for me at the hotel? Did I take too long? I lost track of time." Gon frowns trying to look at an invisible watch he doesn't have.

"Kurapika! Are you alright? Is he injured?" Leorio breaks into the conversation, pointing at the blonde that's over Gon's shoulder who's stiff as a board.

"I'm fine Leorio." Kurapika answers to both the male's surprise. They thought he was unconscious. "I just underestimated the enemy and made some careless mistakes."

"Why is he straight like that?" Leorio's frown deepens when Gon places Killua down, the blonde not moving an inch. "are you paralyzed?"

"I'm frozen for the moment. It will ware off by the morning." Kurapika closes his eyes.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Leorio shouts, getting in Kurapika's face. Killua and Gon watching from the sidelines. That's fine. I'd rather not answer Gon right now. Maybe he'll get distracted and forget. That's wishful thinking. "You could have gotten yourself killed! Why'd you go off to fight the circus alone?!-"

"Because it didn't concern you. I didn't know the leader's abilities. I wasn't going to drag you into a fight that I wasn't sure of myself. I knew it was a risk but I didn't want to drag you into it-"

"What do you mean it didn't concern me? Gon's my friend too! We were all concerned about it! If you wanted to fight the circus you should have just told us and we would have all went and kicked some ass together-"

"But Gon didn't want that. Gon just wanted to prove his innocence. If I told you all, Gon would find out and tell us not to go. I wouldn't have been able to sneak off like I did. Because of my actions I learned a lot about the circus. Gon has already forgiven me for my actions so don't scold me Leorio."

"Tsk." Leorio looks away from the blonde.

"How did you guys know where to find us?"Gon changes the subject, looking at Killua.

"We didn't. We were just heading here to go into the rock to find where the message said to meet at." Killua sees something flash through Kurapika's eyes. "So what happened Gon? Did the leader believe you?" Killua takes in his friend. There's been no damage and no signs of a struggle on him. He didn't have to fight.

"Let's talk about it back at the hotel. I think we should get Kurapika in bed, he should get some rest." Gon looks at the blonde in concern. Killua's mouth turns sour. Stop. Gon's just concerned for a friend. Stop this nonsense.

"I'm fine really-"

"Like hell you are! You can't even move right now!" Leorio snaps before he picks Kurapika up, holding him against his chest. "Like Gon said you need to get into bed and sleep. Gon can tell us what happened."

"I don't want to sleep." Kurapika states quietly as the older male carries him off, Gon and Killua following behind.

"...So did you go with Leorio when you realized that Kurapika was missing?" Gon looks over at his friend.

"Yeah. Since Kurapika had gone I thought the situation had changed. If Kurapika can go to help you than I can to." Killua puts his hands into his pockets, not looking at his best friend. "I couldn't just wait around after that." I couldn't wait around before then.

"That makes sense. I was pretty worried myself when the leader called me and said he had Kurapika." Gon scratches his cheek. " I was really ready for a fight then but it never came."

Worried...concerned...for Kurapika. That's normal. That's fine. At least Gon isn't angry with them coming.But he doesn't know I was planning to follow him before I knew Kurapika was missing. He's be irritated so he won't tell him.

"So that's how you knew Kurapika gave you the wrong address. The leader contacted you." Killua mumbles as they get into the cab when it comes. It's an awkward arrangement. They have to lay Kurapika over all three of their laps. Kurapika's upper body lays on Leorio, his middle on Gon and his legs on Killua. The ex-assassin ignores the urge to just push him off. "I was worried that Kurapika messed everything up and the leader was going to not believe you and attack you." Killua puts stress on Kurapika's name. If it bothered the blonde, Killua can't tell. He's frozen after all.

"I told the leader I came on my own accord but it's true. I could have messed everything up. If not for the older woman, The leader wouldn't have known where Gon was and would have done something drastic." Kurapika answers, not looking at him.

Killua feels his blood pressure start to rise. Just as he thought. It could have gone really bad.

"The older woman?" Leorio questions, looking down at him.

"Yes. I found out how the leader knew so much about us. Like where Gon is staying and things like that." Kurapika's eyes shift. "Remember that older woman that told your fortunes?" Both Gon's and Leorio's eyes light in recognition. "Well apparently once she touches someone like that, once they're in range she can see their past and future again. That's how she knew all that information on us. Then she gave the information to the leader."

"The older lady didn't take your fortune though?" Leorio raises an eyebrow. "So how would she know that you told Gon a fake address?"

"Because in range, anyone who's shes given a fortune to has the ability to pass it on. Whoever they touch she can read into. you touched me and passed it on to me at the circus. Which is good. I'm glad, she became useful in the end." Those eyes of his seem strange though.

"Damn I forgot all about that old lady." Leorio grumbles.

"It was good that she was there though." Gon smiles when Killua looks over at him. "The leader wouldn't believe me no matter how many times I said I didn't steal Clover. That old woman could read into my past and she saw I was telling the truth. I didn't come to the circus. That's the only reason why the leader believed me."

"So you were able to prove your innocence in the end." Killua relaxes, not understanding why he was so on edge.

"Yup! And I told the leader that I'll start looking for Clover! I have our first clue right here." Gon holds out a red book. Killua raises his eyebrow, taking it from Gon. It's written in another language.

"Have no clue what this says." Killua examines the book at different angles.

"I can read it." Kurapika says but his voice is lased with exhaustion. "But not tonight."

"Yeah we can start the hunt tomorrow after we've gone to the beach!" Gon smiles at his friends. "I feel bad we had to miss out on such a pretty day today but hopefully tomorrow is just as good! I want to swim with you Killua." Gon beams, those amber eyes so bright.

All the dread, all the worry, all the uncertainly fades away. Those amber eyes bringing him back, warming him to his core. Killua can't help to smile. Of course Gon was able to prove his innocence. Of course Gon would want to find Clover. Nothing's changed. Gon wants to spend time with him.

"We can make a sand castle and I can bury you. Oh! And we can fish, and we can collect shells together and find those sand crabs and-" Gon goes on and on excitedly, talking about all the things they can do together tomorrow. Killua listens to him, his chest feeling lighter and lighter, in till he laughs. It's a soft chuckle.

"Yeah...that sounds Good." That's all he can say. He thought when he found Gon that his friend might get angry with him. He thought that Gon might be a little injured or something had gone terribly wrong. He thought that the night was going to be tense and dark...but no. Gon's light has once again surprised him. Everything's fine. It's not tense. It's light and warm. The vacation is back on.

"We'll go if Kurapika's feeling up to it tomorrow." Leorio was smiling at Gon only for the smile to turn when he looks down at the blonde.

"I'll be fine." Kurapika says, a smile coming to his lips. "This is our vacation."

The cab finally comes to a stop in front of their hotel. Leorio once again paying the man before he opens the door. With help from Gon and Killua they push Kurapika out gently with Leorio there to lift him up again, carrying him.

There's kind of a warm homely feel between them as they walk up the stairs to get to their rooms. At least Killua feels warm, with Gon right by his side once again. He wants to reach and grab his hand...It's okay to do that right? He said it was. Killua's fingers twitch but...

He keeps his hands at his side.

---

"Ah i'm glad to be back." Gon sighs happily as he jumps on the bed, landing on his back. The boy sinking into the bed. He yawns, stretching his arms above his head, lifting up his shirt in the process, showing off those tan abs of his. Killua steals a glance before he stretches himself. He feels exhausted too. It's been a long day.

"Lets get some sleep." Killua turns his back to Gon as he takes off his pants, leaving him in his boxers. He leaves his shirt on as he walks towards the light switch, trying not to watch as Gon struggles to take off his pants while laying down. Gon is wiggling his hips, his tongue sticking out in concentration. Too cute. After a moment he's able to get his pants off, exposing those sun-kissed thighs of his. If Killua gets caught staring that'll be awkward. He can feel his mouth water sightly. It's getting harder to hide his want.

Killua turns off the lights, knowing that's not going to hinder him from seeing his best friend. Some times he curses being able to see in the dark well. Killua walks over to the bed slowly, watching as Gon sits up to take off his shirt, exposing more of his kissable skin that's sculpted with muscle. Killua can hear his heart beating in his ears as he crawls into bed, getting in next to Gon as the other male gets under the covers with him.

Killua turns his back to Gon but he can feel his friend's eyes on his back. Killua flushes thinking of this morning. He had been pretending to be asleep. He awoke with Gon touching him gently on the back and on his arm. The feeling enough made him all hot and bothered. For some reason Killua really liked that Gon was touching him when he thought he was asleep. It got him really excited. Again another thing that Killua has discovered because of Gon. Thinking of this morning also makes him think of how Gon got sick...his stomach was hurting and Killua's sure he hurt him more by stepping on him. Killua frowns.

"You haven't felt that pain in your stomach today have you? Other than this morning?" Killua stares off into the darkness, waiting for Gon to respond. The other male shifts behind him.

"No it was just this morning."

"Okay." Killua closes his eyes. That's good to hear.

"Hey Killua can you face me?" The ex-assassin tenses at the request but he turns around anyway, his heart beating faster and his breath catching when Gon's face Is so close to his own. Gon had moved till he was right behind him. Gon smiles brightly. "That's better."

"What do you mean?" Killua licks his lips that have gotten dry. He wants to get closer. Gon's warmth is right next to him but it's not enough. He wants to touch him.

"I like being able to see your face. It helps me sleep better." Gon smiles softly, his eyes half lidded from being tired. "And I get to wake up to your face."

"Ah." Killua feels his face get red. His feet shift under the blanket and his heart thuds softly in his chest. "I-Idiot." It's all he can say. He forces the words out before he'll make the mistake of forcing himself on his best friend. This feels too intimate. It's like Gon's teasing him.

Gon just smiles at him, not at all offended. Killua glances away, those eyes too bright for him right now. His heart is pounding so hard.

"Hey Killua?"

"hmm?"

"Could you take off your shirt?" Gon says innocently.

"...W-What? Why?" Killua tenses when what Gon said sunk in, his face getting hotter. He keeps himself still, bracing himself.

"Because it's comfier without a shirt on." Gon grins sheepishly. is it me or does his face seem a bit darker? "And I want to touch your skin. You feel different than me. Very soft."

Is this one of his dreams? One of his fantasies? Killua bites his lip. He should tell him no. He should call him weird and turn his back to him. But Killua's frozen. Gon wants to touch me. Killua knows his friend is curious. He can see it in those amber eyes. This isn't sexual. Killua's bangs cover his eyes, trying to hide how flushed he is as he sits up in bed and takes off his shirt. He feels Gon's eyes on him, making him feel exposed. Gon's seen him plenty of times without a shirt on so why does he feel nervous now?

Killua lays back down, the soft chilled sheets feeling wonderful on his warm body. Killua can hear his heart beating quickly. He tries to calm himself down but he can already feel the heat starting to pool downward. This isn't sexual. so-

Killua tenses when he feels Gon's fingers on his chest. He closes his eyes tightly, keeping his breathing in check as Gon feels over his shoulders, runs his fingers down his arm and back up again. Gon's hands are rough but the way he's touching me is so gentle...It makes Killua's heart flutter in his chest. Every touch Gon gives him, his body reacts to. He's getting warm, every place his fingers touched tingle in the most pleasant way. This can't be real. It's too good.

"Wow Killua your skin is so smooth!" Gon's praise gets Killua to bite his lip, still not looking at Gon. His body shivers at his touch, becomes puddy under his voice. Maybe I really am a masochist. He can feel his arousal twitch in his boxers. He feels ashamed that he got this excited so quickly but Gon keeps touching him.

Gon's fingers start to go lower. He's touching his stomach now, his fingers going in the crease of his abs. Killua shuts his eyes tight, his dirty mind playing tricks on him. He can picture it in his head Gon goes lower and lower till he touches his problem...

"Let me fix this for you Killua."

"Hey Killua are you okay? You started to get sweaty." Gon's voice makes his eyes snap open. He feels too hot, too warm. Gon is look at him with concern before he frowns. "Do you not like it? It's probably strange for me to do."

"No it's fine." Killua keeps his voice in check. "But maybe... I want to touch you too." The ex-assassin's eyes widen. The tone of voice that came from his lips was obviously flirty, his voice got deeper with his arousal. Killua winces, waiting for Gon to look at him strangely only for Gon to beam.

"Sure! If you let me touch you then you can touch me too! I'm not going to be as soft as you though Killua." Gon smiles with such innocence...

I need to stop. Leave. Go in the bathroom. Take care of this. Don't' touch him. Don't do it! "Like I care idiot." Killua moves closer, ignoring his inner voice that's screaming at him. I'm taking advantage of Gon. I need to stop this...Killua reaches out, his hands a little shaky as he lays his hand flat on Gon's bare chest. Any resolve Killua had crumbles. I'm not that strong. I want to touch him. If Gon says it's okay... Killua feels all over Gon's chest slowly, his eyes trained on his hand but every once in awhile he'll steal glances of Gon's expression to make sure he doesn't look uncomfortable. Gon's smile hasn't left his face.

Killua touches Gon's abs with the pads of his fingers, feeling the defined muscle there before he travels up, enjoying the feeling of Gon's skin. "I don't know. I think you're pretty soft. Soft but firm." Killua feels sick at himself. His voice is too husky. Gon's chest raises and falls a bit faster. He shivers when his finger goes over his left nipple. Killua's senses pick up on that quickly. Killua bites his lip. Forcing himself to not touch his nipple again. Gon's staying still but his body seems warmer. I should stop. I'm touching him more than he touched me. I'm getting off on this. Stop it.

Killua runs his fingers up Gon's neck, feeling the pulse there before he goes back down and around to feel on his shoulders. Wide and firm. Killua goes back and lightly touches the skin of Gon's neck, his eyes becoming half lidded when he sees the boy shiver under his touch, his face flushed. He's feeling too hot himself and his boxers way too tight.

"K-Killua." Gon saying his name only edges the teenager on. "That feels good."

"Here?" Killua feels up Gon's neck again, inching closer. He licks his lips. I want to make you feel better. Killua puts his head next to Gon's, his lips inches from the delicate skin of his neck. Stop. Killua places a gentle kiss on Gon's neck, his erection throbbing when Gon makes a cute noise of surprise.

"Was that a good night kiss?" Gon's innocence should snap him out of it but sickly, it only turns him on more.

"Mmhmm." Killua is getting lost in this feeling. Lost in the feel of Gon's skin, lost in his scent, lost In the darkness. This isn't right! Stop! Killua kisses Gon's neck again, this time taking the skin in his mouth and nibbling on it. Gon shifts next to him, closing his eyes, his eyebrows furrowed. Killua pulls on the skin with his teeth, his body shivering when Gon makes a sound, a cute little groan. You're mine Gon. I want to make you scream. I want to make you feel really good. Kurapika can't have you! Killua bites down a little bit harder then he meant to.

"Ow!" Gon's body tensing and his exclamation of pain is what snaps Killua out of it. The ex-assassin quickly backs off of Gon, his face going pale with horror. "You bit me." Gon touches his neck, frowning at Killua.

"I-I'm sorry Gon, I didn't m-mean to." Killua feels panicked when he tastes blood in his mouth. What have I done? Killua gets out of bed, running over to turn on the light switch. The realization of his actions and the fact he just hurt Gon, destroys his arousal, leaving him nothing but sickness. Killua rushes over to see the damage he's done.

Gon is sitting up in bed, looking owl eyed. His face is a dark red as he feels on his neck. Killua wants to run away. How could I do that? I completely just...I took advantage of him. I ended up hurting him. Killua waits for Gon to glare at him or to call him a freak. He waits and knows he deserves it.

"Ne it's okay Killua." Gon locks eyes with him. "I was just a little surprised is all. It's not bad see?" Gon takes his hand off his neck. There's a little speck of blood from where his canines dug in a bit too much.

"Gon I just bit you. How are you not angry?" Killua tries to keep his voice in check. You have to punish me. If you act like it's alright...Then how will I stop myself?

"Because I know you didn't mean to hurt me and it felt really good up till that point." Gon smiles. "Killua was making me feel nice."

The ex-assassin feels his face get warm, he looks away from him, his heart pounding too hard in his chest. You don't deserve to have these feelings towards him. How can you be happy right now? You made Gon bleed. You took advantage of him. Yet you're happy that you made him feel good?

"Don't feel bad Killua." Gon frowns when he sees Killua's eyes get duller.

"I hurt you." I took advantage of you. I don't deserve you.

"Killua come over here." Gon's voice sounds firm with resolve. Killua walks towards his friend, still not looking at him, feeling too ashamed at himself at the moment. Killua gets into bed when Gon motions him to but he turns his back to him, not able to look at him. He tenses up, waiting for Gon to scold him or tell him he doesn't want to share a room with him anymore, or yell at him-

Killua gasps when he feels a soft pressure on his neck. Everything seems to stop for the ex-assassin. Gon's kissing him. He's kissing his neck. "W-What are you doing?!" Killua tries to keep his breathing in cheek.

"Returning the good night kiss." Gon sounds like he's smiling and then...his lips are back on his neck. Killua's losing his mind. He was feeling so cold and sick just a moment ago and now he's all hot and bothered. Gon's lips are so soft, the feeling of them on his neck is heaven. Gon's gentle at first, experimentally sucking at his skin, giving it a soft nibble here and there. Killua's already aroused once again. This time it burns him. He wants more. Killua bites his lip as Gon continues to kiss him. This is torture. He'd rather be beaten any day of the week than this. "This is gong to hurt a little." Gon whispers against his ear. Killua has to cover his mouth before he moans, his boxers feeling a little wet from the precum. Killua body tenses up with anticipation, knowing what Gon's doing now.

He's making them even.

Gon's teeth sink into Killua's neck. The ex-assassin squeezes his eyes tight, the pain Gon's giving him sets him off. Killua arches his back slightly, choking back the moan that had wanted to come from his lips. Intense pleasure coursing through his body. Killua's boxers now wet. Killua's vision gets hazy for a moment, his neck throbbing from where Gon bit him. He's bleeding, Killua's sure of that now. His face is flushed and his eyes wide at realizing what just happened...

I just came from Gon biting me! What the hell? Killua shuts his eyes tight, breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath.

"There, now we're even. You don't have to feel bad about biting me. Are you okay?' Gon's concern makes Killua feel warm and sick at the same time.

"I'm fine. It didn't hurt." It felt good. What am I some creep who likes stuff like this?

"Okay good. I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be back." Gon gets up and quickly makes his way into the bathroom, leaving Killua there with his boxers wet and his neck bleeding.

How the hell did it turn out like this? It was innocent enough, Gon just wanted to touch me...Then I turned it into so much more. I was really getting off... all it took was Gon biting me to send me over the edge. Killua's face scrunches up in disgust at the feeling of his boxers filled with his cum. Killua quickly gets out of bed, taking off the boxers. He uses the clean side to wipe his privates clean before he takes the shirt he had tossed on the floor from Gon's request and wraps the boxers in the shirt to hide it away.

Killua glances at the bathroom door. He can hear the shower running. Good. Killua digs into his dresser pulling out a pair of clean boxers before he puts them on. The ex-assassin catches his breath, sitting on the bed, his eyes half lidded from the after glow and his heart beating slowly. He reaches up, feeling the indent of Gon's teeth in the flesh of his neck. Killua was in the wrong. Everything he did back there was wrong. He took advantage of Gon's innocence. He gave Gon the wrong Idea of what he did with him, kissing him on the neck, calling it a good night kiss. Despite the guilt he feels, the disgust he feels towards himself he can't help to feel...happy. Gon marked him. And he marked Gon. The raven haired male doesn't' understand what they just did and it didn't mean the same thing to him as it did to Killua but that's okay. Killua was in heaven. Being able to touch his friend like that, and to kiss his neck. Then for Gon to touch him and feel him bite his neck.

It was orgasmic.

I didn't mean to bite him though. Killua puts his fingers to his lips, the guilt starting to outweigh the glow of being satisfied. Killua gets back in bed, throwing the blanket over his head like a child who knows they've done something wrong. He curls up into a ball, squeezing his eyes tight. What if I had lost it? What if I kept going? Gon has too much power over my body...just by his touch, and his voice alone I was able to reach my peak. Maybe it's because Gon didn't know what he was doing. Maybe because Killua thought of it as a type of punishment. Maybe it was just because it was Gon and he was doing it that made him lose it so quickly.

No more touching. No more trying to get more out of this friendship while hiding his true intentions. No more. He's going to have to put his foot down...because if he doesn't'...

He won't be able to hold back anymore.

---

"I feel so much better." Gon hums happily, sitting in the tub with warm water pouring down on his head and dripping down his body. He pants, his eyes closed, enjoying the feeling that comes after he gets rid of that white stuff. Gon was pretty happy to get to do this again. That's twice today! Twice he got to feel really good. All because of Killua.

Gon turns off the water, sighing to himself. He once again thought about Killua while taking care of his problem. It felt amazing too. Gon's sure he got hard when Killua started to touch him. He was feeling sick before that. When Killua got in bed with him and curled away, his back towards him, It made Gon think of this morning but it he also had this longing to be closer to him and to see his face. When Killua turned towards him, Gon's chest felt tight and he felt his heart skip. Killua really is something. The way he looks with his white locks spread around him, those purple eyes how they shine and sparkle in the dark is incredible.

Gon wanted to touch him. So that's what he did. He asked Killua to take off his shirt, that way if Killua didn't want him touching him he would say so and not take off his shirt, if he was okay with it he wouldn't mind. Gon's happy he didn't mind. The raven haired male loved touching Killua's soft skin and feeling his muscles. The more he touched, the sicker he felt.

But then Killua wanted to touch him. Gon's stomach flipped when he said that. Feeling Killua's hands on him was different but not unwelcome. Killlua's never been a touchy feelly person. He was touching in spots that felt good and soon enough the heat pooled down below. Killua's voice sounded different too and it was effecting him. Killua's voice was deeper and there was this look in his eye that made him feel all hot.

Gon was surprised when Killua started kissing his neck. He'd never felt the sensation before, he's never been kissed there. It started off soft, Killua giving him butterfly kisses that had the raven haired male close to giggling only for the kisses to get deeper. The more Killua sucked the better it felt and the more he felt his problem get bigger. Gon really liked Killua kissing his neck. It felt really good. But then Killua started to get a bit more rough with his kisses till he bit down hard.

Gon feels where Killua had bitten him as he gets out of the tub, feeling tired but his muscles relaxed. IT wasn't that bad...I was just surprised. I'd never seen a good night kiss like that. It made me sick giving it back to Killua. He could smell Killua's hair and feel how smooth his skin is with his tongue.

"I really think i'm making this sickness worse." Gon rubs the back of his head, smiling sheepishly at himself in the mirror. I need to talk to Leorio before I do anything else. I should try not to make myself sick tomorrow. Take a break till I know what I'm doing.

Gon puts his boxers back on before he walks out of the bathroom. Killua's already back in bed, under the covers, a lump in the sheets. Gon chuckles, feeling warm and happy. Gon crawls back in bed with Killua, and though he wants to wrap his arms around him he stops himself. He just shoots closer to his friend, wanting to be close but trying not to make himself sick.

Killua moves away from him. Gon frowns and shoots closer. Killua moves away. "Gon i'm trying to get some sleep I need my space." Killua grunts, keeping his back turned to him.

"Oh." Gon looks down a moment before turning his back to Killua. I wanted to cuddle up next to him but I guess this is for the best. The closer I am the more chances I'll get sick. But...Gon gets under the covers, feeling kind of hurt at the same time. His heart doesn't flutter anymore but it tenses up. Is this still the sickness? A not so nice version of it?

Maybe Killua's mad I bit him. I just wanted us to be equal though, so he wouldn't feel bad... Gon closes his eyes, trying to fall asleep. Even though he was tired a moment ago now he's wide awake. "Killua?"

"Hmm? The ex-assassin sounds annoyed.

"You're not mad at me are you?"

"No Gon. I'm just trying to get some sleep."

"It's just that...you've never needed space away from me before."

"Don't worry about it idiot." Killua grumbles under his breath.

"Is it because of the good night kiss? I just wanted us to be equal and-"

"Gon. Go to sleep." Killua snaps. Gon tenses at the tone of his voice, his eyebrows furrowing. He glares off into the night, definably not going to sleep now.

"No." Gon states stubbornly. "Not until you tell me what's wrong."

"Nothings' wrong except that I want to go to sleep and you are keeping me up-"

"You're lying Killua. I know you are." Gon glares in the darkness. "Why can't you tell me?...We're friends. If I've done something to upset you then I want you to tell me."

"You haven't done anything Gon." Killua's voice raises. " Just go to sleep and leave me alone!"

Gon flinches but that stubborn look hasn't left him. "You don't tell me to leave you alone unless your mad-"

"Gon if you want to help me right now just be quiet and go to sleep."

"But I want you to tell me what's wrong-"

"You selfish child! Maybe I don't want to tell you what's wrong!" Killua growls. "I told you I want to go to sleep, how many times do I have to say it before it goes through that empty head of yours?"

Gon tenses at what Killua says last. He called him a child and he called his head empty. Gon feels a pain in his chest from Killua's words. The other boy's opinion means a lot to him. Hearing Killua call him a child and stupid so meanly is different when he jokes about it. Killua really thinks that about him.

Despite being hurt by it Gon's eyes light up with a determined fire. He bites his lip. "Maybe I am a child and empty headed but I just want to know why my friend is upset." Gon glares forward before he closes his eyes, knowing he's not going to be able to go to sleep. That hurt.

Killua lays behind him, his breathing is uneven. Gon's waiting for him to say something but he doesn't. There's a long moment of tense silence between them before he hears Killua's voice soft and faint.

"...I didn't mean it. I just want to go to sleep. It's been a long day."

"...Will you tell me why you're upset?" Gon looks back at Killua.

"...I don't think we should touch like that anymore." Killua doesn't look at him.

"so me touching you is what upset you?" Gon frowns.

Killua doesn't respond.

"...I won't do it again if it upsets you. That's all you had to say Killua. You can be honest with me." Gon smiles but it doesn't feel as big as it usually does. He digs into the blanket, his heart thudding slowly in his chest. I thought it had something to do with the touching...but I was kind of hoping that wasn't it. It will be hard to learn more about this sickness if I can't touch Killua. That makes me the most sick. But I don't want to make Killua uncomfortable.

Still, Gon can't help to feel disappointed. And a little confused. Killua wanted to touch him just a moment ago...maybe he didn't like it? Or maybe it has something to do with him biting me?...Maybe Killua thought it was weird.

Gon frowns to himself, trying to fall asleep. Is it weird that I still want to touch you Killua? Thinking that I can't touch you like we just did makes me feel bad. Disappointed. Maybe it's just this sickness I have but I think I've always wanted to be close to you and the small touches we shared I treasured.

I guess I really am weird.

---

"Are you in pain or anything?"Leorio asks after he lays Kurapika down gently in bed, those brown orbs looking him over.

"No i'm okay Leorio." Kurapika tires to give him a smile, his heart calming down now that he's away from the leader and alone with Leorio. He tries to keep his mind clear. He tries not to think of Sam. He tries not to think of the curse. He keeps his gray eyes on Leorio, wanting to focus only on him.

"I'm going to check you over." Leorio places his suit case on the bed, opening it up before he takes of Kurapika's shoes for him. "Try to move your toes."

Kurapika's eyebrows furrow as he tries to move his toes but nothing happens. He still can't move. "I can't."

"Okay." Leorio pulls off Kurapika's slash, putting it on the bed before he takes off his white long sleeved shirt.

"W-Wait Leorio-" Kurapika tries to stop him but he can't move. He can't do anything. Leorio's eyes widen when he takes in how Kurapika's stomach is bruised a deep purple.

"Damn it Kurapika you said you weren't hurt." Leorio growls as he gently touches his stomach, the blonde wincing. Leorio's glare softens. "I'm just going to feel around, make sure the damage isn't serious." Leorio starts touching Kurapika on his stomach lightly. The blonde keeps his face from wincing as Leorio touches over him. He feels his chest tighten from Leorio being so gentle with him.

"There's no broken bones. I'm guessing the leader did this to you?"

"Yes. He was very strong." Kurapika closes his eyes, taking in those hands that are touching him so carefully.

"How was he able to paralyze you?" Leorio pulls out pain meds from his suitcase. He takes out a couple of pills before sitting Kurapika up, giving him two pills to swallow.

"He has an ability with his eyes. Those eyes he has...they were golden, the eyes of a snake or some kind of reptile. Just one look and I was frozen. It's like he had the eyes of Medusa." Kurapika's voice becomes distant as he thinks of those eyes and that taunting voice.

"At least you won't have to deal with him again." Leorio locks eyes with Kurapika's. "Right? Gon proved his innocence so...The leader won't try anything."

"...Yes. Gon just wants to return Clover to him. Then we'll be free of the circus for good." At least I hope so. "Let's not talk about the circus anymore." Kurapika closes his eyes, not wanting to see his nightmare again.

"Alright. Then you should get some rest Kurapika." Leorio turns off the light before he joins Kurapika in bed. He pulls the blanket over the blonde, tucking him in. "Comfy."

"Yeah...thank you Leorio." Kurapika smiles at his friend, feeling his chest tighten. I don't want to think of the bad. I don't want to think of my sin. "Tomorrow will be fun." I just want to be in this moment with you.

"It will but don't push yourself. If you feel bad we can do it another day. That bruise is something fierce." Leorio's pretty close to him.

"I'll be fine."

"...Why do you always do this Kurapika?"

"Huh?" Kurapika wishes he could turn his head to look at his friend but he's stuck with staring at the ceiling.

"You always go off and do things on your own. I'm right here to help you. Every time you go off on your own you end up getting hurt somehow. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders Kurapika. I can help with the load." Leorio touches him on the shoulder.

"...Leorio." Kurapika closes his eyes.

"You have me you know..." Leorio's voice trails off, a difference in his tone. A longing in it.

"I know." I just didn't want you to get hurt on your vacation. "I'm going to go to bed. I'm...exhausted." Kurapika doesn't want to think anymore. Soon Leorio's breathing and softness of the bed lures him right to sleep.

Kurapika's dreams are filled with yellow eyes and images of a rotted purple face. That face that use to belong to a boy named Sam.