*Shades of Red*

by: WhiteGloves

Chapter 8

Romance Dawn!

*LeoPika Pairing/BL*

Yaoi Pairing!

Fluff and more fluff!

Kurapika inhaled a breath and then became aware of his surroundings. He could feel the sunlight boring on his face and felt the sudden light hearted feeling in his chest. Somehow, he didn't feel as heavy as yesterday…

This refreshing feeling…

Slowly, he opened his eyes. The world came back to his mind and remembered where he was. He was on the soft bed inside Leorio's room. He blinked his eyes painfully from the sun ray and then sighed softly.

That was a good dream… he thought in satisfaction as he slowly got up from the bed. Being kissed by Leorio and then feeling his warm embrace… a good dream… only, was it really just a dream?

He looked around the room and saw no trace of the man. His bed sheet was neatly folded away making Kurapika continue wondering if his dream really occurred.

Then Kurapika frowned.

No… that didn't feel like a dream at all…

He touched his lips and then his eyes went wide in realization.

No… it wasn't a dream!

His heart thumping, Kurapika slipped his feet on the floor and was on the verge of standing when the room door opened and the doctor in his usual white long sleeves polo entered the room. There was a brief moment wherein the two stared at each other for a full minute before Leorio closed the door quietly and went to the table where he placed his empty cup of coffee.

Kurapika stared as Leorio looked at him that made the blonde boy wonder if the doctor remembered anything at all… he did fell asleep halfway, didn't he?

And then the man gave a fresh smile with the events last night reflected on his eyes.

"Goodmorning, Kurapika."

Kurapika's lips formed a small smile as he stood up and joined Leorio on the table.

"Goodmorning."

The blonde boy didn't miss his message. It was all mutual. It made Kurapika happy. Since when was the last time he had connected to anyone without having to speak? Since when was the last time he trusted someone so deeply that both can tell what was on the mind of the other?

It was such a nice feeling… and to be with that person every day. Kurapika felt satisfied. Light was on his way again.

He looked up smiling at Leorio but then froze.

"Eh?"

For Leorio was looking at him so darkly it turned his good atmosphere upside down.

"W-what's the matter?"

Leorio looked as if he swallowed a bottle of bitter medicine.

"Did you have a good night sleep?" he asked hollowly, Kurapika inched away a little. "Did you?"

"Ha?" Kurapika could barely understand everything when Leorio gave out a long, disappointed sigh and muttered to himself—

"Such opportunity wasted… I can't believe I let it pass by like that easily…what an idiot."

Kurapika was about to ask what it was when everything became clear as Leorio looked away with a red face.

Then Kurapika understood and he blushed too.

He can't be thinking about 'that', right!? He argued to himself in embarrassment.

Then Leorio continued sulking and Kurapika understood even more. The man was remembering how he fell asleep halfway… with him… Kurapika's heart skipped a beat.

Somehow, the room felt too warm as Kurapika looked down the table.

"W-what are you talking about?" he managed to mutter, "it's… it's more important for you to rest… you big idiot."

Leorio snorted and sat down opposite Kurapika. He then put his right elbow on the table and continued sulking.

"You won't understand." He muttered effectively, "You're too innocent for that but it's something I've wanted for long."

Kurapika felt all his nerves electrifying him. He felt all his perspiration coming out at once. Leorio's eyes were boring at him. Since when did Leorio have this kind of power over him?

Kurapika gulped.

"Hehe…" he heard the man's tingling laugh that made the blonde boy shot a look up. He found Leorio grinning at him happily, "got you, didn't I?"

"Eh?"

"You're also thinking the same as I was, weren't you, Kurapika?"

Leorio continued grinning at the blonde boy, who at that time, has an annoyed nerved pounding at the side of his head.

"You bastard," Kurapika grinded his teeth as Leorio continued grinning, "taking me for a fool…"

"Hahaha…" Leorio's atmosphere went back to normal as he watched Kurapika slam his fist on the table.

"Don't joke around like that, you idiot!"

"But you look adorable."

"Adorable—you big dummy!"

"Don't get itchy to slap me now—I've just got a good humour out of it!"

"You're making fun of me all flustered like that!"

Leorio continued grinning and his smile only made Kurapika's heart eased. Then Kurapika remembered that it was one the most genuine smile Leorio has given for a long time. It was a refreshing smile… why didn't Kurapika notice it before?

Then he remembered Leorio's sleepless night and vowed never to let him go through it again.

Slowly, Kurapika calmed down, making the doctor blink at him.

"Huh? You're done already?"

"Don't get carried away," Kurapika said with a straight look at the man, "you simpleton."

Leorio blinked, and then smiled again this time with his eyes. Kurapika liked the effect of that. Why didn't he notice it before? His failure to notice Leorio's behaviour made the blonde boy suddenly disappointed of himself.

I want to learn more… about him…

"But you know… I was serious about what I just said," Leorio said in his deep, serious voice as his hand slowly reached Kurapika's hand, "about wanting you for a long time."

Kurapika's world swivelled a turn as his eyes fell in Leorio's deep eyes. His heart throbbed as well.

Leorio…

The man continued to gaze at him meaningfully, and then reached a gentle hand on his cheek.

"So beautiful…"

Kurapika didn't dare breathe.

Such intensity in the room… such warmth…

Then Leorio closed his eyes and the spell was gone as Kurapika came back to.

There was a knock on the door.

"Leorio?" came Mayu's voice, "The man from South Glen's waiting for you downstairs. He said today was his wife's supposed labour."

Kurapika watched as Leorio stood up and pat his head.

"I'll be gone for a day," the man told him quietly as he turned. Then he stopped long enough to look back at the blonde boy and said, "you can't escape me later."

Kurapika could only blink as Leorio went out of the door whistling. The door closed behind him but the blonde boy could hear their voices outside as their steps took them away.

"Mayu~"

"Huh? You're in a good mood…"

Kurapika exhaled a breath and grabbed the edges of the table as he stood up. He stared at the table, gasping and with a sweat drop at the side of his face.

He was again completely speechless by Leorio… the supposed smart him couldn't say a thing.

Falling in love… this is falling in love…

And what of tonight?

Kurapika could only bite his lower lip as he remembered Leorio's words.

'You won't escape me tonight.'

Kurapika stared blankly again. Somehow, he was getting that old bad vibe from Leorio again.

He gulped.

The doctor didn't return even that afternoon as Kurapika waited, rooted on the spot. He was only able to come out when Tristan knocked on his door shouting something about Mayu treating them to a meal downtown.

"She said she'll be waiting at the Point," said Tristan as they walked down the third floor. There, Kurapika spotted Ethan coming out of the door in tiptoe. The boy looked at them and grinned sheepishly as he ran downstairs.

"Grandma Maggy's invited me for lunch again!" he said brightly before racing down the stairs.

Maggy, if Kurapika recalls, was the old woman living with his old husband, Wilston. The couple has been going in and out of the building premises, visiting children, grand children, cousins and all other relatives outside, as Kurapika remember Leorio mentioned, but he's never seen them in person.

"Seems like they've just arrive," Tristan noted, walking down the ground floor toward the entrance, "I swear old Maggy and Wilst are taking old age as a joke. They're nice folks, those elders. Leorio's at wits end whenever he deals with those two plus Tobias haha… I'd never want to trade places with the doc."

Kurapika's eyes flickered gently, then he turned to his companion as they walked on the street.

"Do you say that because you think it's difficult?"

"Difficult? Don't be naïve, Kurapika! His job's the infinite meaning of hard! Even if I try to, I don't think I can do any of those things that he does… that's why I often say he's a god himself… but that'd be pulling it… but still, his shoes are too large to be fit in by just anyone… Imagine being asked for by people from the South? That's a doctor for you."

Kurapika looked up the sky and sighed.

"Yeah, you're right."

"He went to South looking cheerful though."

"Huh? What d'you mean?"

"Usually he'd go out of the building with that grim look whenever he has to do something outside his clinic. But this morning when I saw him he looked so cheery. Did something happen?"

Kurapika immediately avoided his eyes.

"I- I guess he just had a… good night sleep, that's all."

"Heh?" Tristan looked up in wonder, "so he's finally sleeping? What did you do? Knock the hell out of him?"

Kurapika was sweating as he laughed the joke off.

They met Mayu at the Point restaurant where Kurapika was greeted by everybody warmly.

"Look at them smother him," Mayu shook her head with a small smile as she watched the crowd around Kurapika, "you'd think we got a celebrity in town."

"You better tell them off or Leorio's not gonna be happy," Tristan muttered with an unusual sincerity that made Mayu who was standing beside him, look at the musician.

"You boys are awfully jealous, it's amusing." she remarked with a smile as she made her way and link her arm on Kurapika's, "Hai, hai… that's enough guys or the kid won't be able to finish his dessert!"

"Sorry about that," Tristan grinned at the blonde boy as they sat around a table and ordered up, "our people are easy to be moved."

"I don't mind," Kurapika answered honestly, "I like everyone around… they're all nice people."

Tristan and Mayu exchanged looks and then smiled.

As the food was served, Kurapika remembered Leorio's cup of coffee. Was it the man's only breakfast then? Should he prepare something before he comes home? What will he like from that long walk?

You won't escape me tonight.

Leorio's voice returned in Kurapika's ear, immobilizing him. He then made a face with his mouth twitching a little.

Somehow… it feels like Leorio won't bother for any food at all tonight…

The thought sent shivers down his spine.

"Aren't you going to eat, Kurapika?" Mayu asked the blonde boy, "you've been awfully quiet."

Kurapika stared up at her with a start, and then shook his head.

"Sorry," he said with a small smile, and meeting Mayu's eyes, he continued, "I just… remembered something..."

Tristan and Mayu exchanged looks and they watched Kurapika chomped on his steak aggressively.

"By the way," the boy went on as he looked up at them, "what's Leorio's route back to the apartment?"

A tall man with white sleeves rolled up to his elbows walked quietly in the orange painted ground with his shadow bringing up the rear. He was carrying a large bag where his precious equipments were kept; his coat was hanging limply on his arm and his hair a mess. He was walking with shoulders a little hunched from exhaustion, his glasses were a little askew but his pace was kept. He wanted to arrive home sooner and this motivation kept him from any stop.

His surrounding was full of trees and stones, the breeze cool and clear. Leorio straightened his back and appreciated the day as it is. He looked at his hand and was reminded that he helped brought another life in this world. And that child will grow up under these trees. What better surrounding for a child to grow! Leorio thought in satisfaction.

Then he continued walking, not intending to stop— until he arrived at the small bridge connecting his village to South Glen. He paused to stare at the red shade of the sky and the darkness that lay just beyond the horizon. It was already sunset when Leorio found his way toward his town.

But this was not the reason he stopped. It was because there, standing in the middle of the bridge, facing the sunset as if absorbed by its beauty, was a familiar silhouette of a guy with blonde hair.

Leorio's heart skipped a beat and eyes widened as he recognized the person. He then moved hurriedly and was able to reach the boy's back with only a few strides.

"Kurapika!"

Kurapika turned to him with apparent surprise.

"Oh…" was his only comment.

"Ha?" Leorio raised an eyebrow and walked a step closer to his friend, "damn… you surprised me. What are you doing here?"

Kurapika blinked, and then turned his eyes at the sunset.

"Ahh… I was waiting for you here… then I saw that…"

Leorio stared at the sky too and then sighed. He straightened up and the two stood side by side watching the sunset.

"Did you wait that long?"

"An hour and a half…"

Leorio nearly tripped on his own foot. "You—!?"

"It's okay." Kurapika said before the man could speak, "I wanted to wait for you."

At that, Leorio was kept shut. Somehow, Kurapika in good mood was making him feel both sheepish and excited. But why did it feel so normal? Kurapika waiting for him… the two of them together… the two of them sharing a kiss… it felt so normal it was scaring him.

As the cool breeze met them, Kurapika turned at his partner with a smile.

"Stopping to admire sunset… isn't bad…"

Leorio smirked and push his glasses back at the bridge of his nose.

"I agree," he said quietly and the two started walking together toward town. "Why were you waiting for me?"

"Do I really need a reason?"

Leorio paused, and then looked away. Kurapika tinkled a laugh a he saw Leorio's embarrassed expression.

"See? You're not the only one who can pull this sort of things." The blonde stated in a matter of fact voice as he continued smiling.

"Geez…" the man muttered as he realized it was Kurapika's retaliation to him for making him all flustered that morning.

"How's the baby?"

"Oh right—a baby boy, pounds as heavy as a gallon! You should have seen him—he was so healthy!"

Kurapika listened as Leorio went on… and then looked at the man's hands. Leorio's hand brings life, Kurapika reflected on with another smile. So without hesitation as if it was fate's will, he naturally entwined his hands to the man's.

Leorio paused to look at him, but then continued on with much vigour.

Both wished the day won't end but it wasn't so. The sun had finally sunk down and brought forth darkness in the land.

In that darkness, Kurapika stirred, but he wasn't afraid. Leorio was beside him.

They both lay in the darkness of the room, on the bed with clothes forgotten on the floor. Clothes were unnecessary for the two bodies against the cold night especially if both arms were securely wrapped at each other.

And that, too, seemed so natural to them that neither denied it any longer.

Kurapika snuggled comfortably on Leorio's shoulder, easing his heavy body that had been much used and sought the warmth of the next person beside him. He felt Leorio stir a little, and then felt the man slowly rise.

"Bathroom," the man whispered so closely on his ears that the blonde boy felt tickled. He breathed in satisfaction as Leorio's weight left the bed and heard the door of the bathroom open and then closed. Kurapika arched his body and pulled the warm blanket closely to him. He didn't realize how cold it was without his full clothes. He wished Leorio would hurry.

As he wondered dreamily if things actually happened according to what he remembers, Kurapika realized he was falling again into a sleepy state. To sleep heavily was expected, he thought grudgingly as he remembered Leorio and what they did a couple of hours ago. Then he smiled.

Ah… so be it already…

And just as he was on the last step of succumbing to sleep, Kurapika felt the edge of bed shift as a weight got added to it again. Somebody was moving about him and it made Kurapika wonder if Leorio was planning another attack.

Have to kick him… he decided seemingly amused.

Then he felt a hand touch his bare shoulder… cold clammy hands.

"So beautiful…" breathed a strange, unknown hoarse voice in the dark.

Kurapika shot his eyes open alertly—at the same time the guy or whoever was on top of him slammed a hand on his lips that rendered him speechless.

"HHHMMMP!" was all Kurapika could make and he felt his other hand shoved on his side, followed by something sharp pointed at his neck. Kurapika's eyes widened.

He saw his attacker in the dark. A man with cold, frenzy eyes. A man he had never seen his whole life was on top of him with a knife… and the man looked scary.

"So beautiful…" repeated the man in the same frenzy voice and Kurapika felt his clammy, cold hands slid down from his neck down to his chest, "even for a male… you're beautiful…"

Kurapika knew he could over power the man in no time but something was wrong with him. His hands won't listen, his mind won't even respond. He was frozen and couldn't move a muscle. He realized how terrified he was.

Help… help me!

Absolute darkness came to him as he felt the man touch his body… especially when the man leaned down and licked his cheeks—Kurapika's senses went all out.

No!

"Gyahhhh!"

Kurapika didn't know what happened but he was freed so suddenly. He knew the man was still on top of him, but something made the man stop his attack. The man was still looking at him—but fear was etched on the man's face.

"Y-you—!" the man hissed in fright and then— there was a loud howl followed by an angry shout and things went wild in the room. Things got smashed and broken and the next thing he knew— someone was shaking his shoulders.

"Kurapika! Kurapika!"

There was no respond.

"KURAPIKA!"

Something was making it hard for him to breathe, Kurapika realized. Then he realized somebody was embracing him so tightly it was making his whole body go numb.

"Snap out of it… I'm here!" said a very familiar voice, "Kurapika… don't be afraid … it's me… I'm here…"

Kurapika's eyes flickered back and he answered Leorio's warm embrace.

"Leorio!" Kurapika could barely contain himself as he sobbed his heart out to the man. Leorio gave out a sigh as he gathered Kurapika closely and felt the blonde boy's shaking body.

"It's alright…" he murmured, wrapping Kurapika in the blanket just as they heard shouts outside the door.

"Leorio!" it was Tristan pounding on the door, "Kurapika! What's going on there?!"

The door was forced open as Tristan threw himself in—then the light was clicked open.

"Close your eyes!" Leorio commanded and Kurapika obeyed him. "Calm yourself…"

"Leorio— what the hell—!?" Tristan cursed as he saw the mess, "this guy—?!"

"He attacked us…" Leorio's strange voice made Kurapika suddenly alert.

"Damn!" Tristan pulled the almost beaten down culprit on the floor, "Hey—you wake up! You've got loads of nerves attacking my friends like that!"

"Gah!" the stranger choked, "D-demon!"

"You'll get more than the demon's anger, you bastard!"

"R-red eyes!" the culprit went on crying, "d-demon!"

Leorio's heart pounded as Tristan's face showed puzzlement.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"S-stop it, Tristan…" he breathed in difficulty.

"Oh my god, Leorio—you're bleeding!" shouted Mayu's frantic voice.

Kurapika shot his eyes open. He saw Leorio struggling to stand with one hand at his bleeding corner of the body. It was a vital point. The blonde boy felt his hands go cold. Then he saw blood all over his blanket that made him even more frightened.

"L-Leorio?" he called in concern but then his eyes found two old folks standing by the doorway with Ethan. Maggy and Wilston. He saw them stare at him in disbelief. Saw their faces contorted in that similar idiosyncrasy whenever that side of his was shown—whenever his eyes would show the shades of red.

Even Mayu and Tristan were visibly shaken. Ethan looked too frightened to speak.

"D-Demon!" cried the old woman she ran to her husband with that fear reflected in her eyes.

It made Kurapika feel even hollow.

And then—just as he thought things couldn't get any worse, he saw Leorio's form slowly fall down Mayu's shoulder.

"Leorio!"

Kurapika's eyes found Leorio's pale face and knew he was in danger.

No… no!

Kurapika attempted to stand up, but he became aware of everyone's eyes on him.

All directly looking at his red eyes.

And Kurapika knew things wouldn't be the same again.

~Trouble trouble on their first night!~

Peaceful no more!

Thank You for still Keeping Up!

Curtains are almost closed!

*To Be Continued*

Thanks for Reading!