A/N: Audley Moore: thanks for such a detailed review of my story. And yes, it's true that in the world of HxH, if she has no power at all, she won't last a day to tell her story.

And other than her supernatural power and wit, she's a totally normal girl. I'm not sure if it'll suit everyone's taste but as we go into later chapters, you may realize that despite having real power, she lacks self-esteem and she has her own insecurities.

Again, thank you so much for encouraging me. I'm so touched.

Thanks, everyone for supporting me!

"Our need for togetherness exists alongside our need for separateness."

-Esther Perel-

CHAPTER 12: AN UNEXPECTED FRIEND

Kurapika shut the bathroom door and stepped into his hotel bedroom. Not wanting to stay in his pitiful state any longer, he took a good, long shower and changed out of his tattering fighting clothes.

The lavender aroma of the hotel room mixed with a faint flowery fragrance from the person lying on his bed instantly calmed his senses.

He perched on the side of the bed, watching the girl sleeping peacefully. She had fallen asleep while hugging and consoling him earlier. He did consider carrying her back to her room. Of course, he immediately dismissed the idea since he remembered having arranged for her to share the room with the other Nostrade females for surveillance purposes. It would look quite scandalous to others if she's with a man at this hour. After some deliberation, he let her rest on his bed while he occupied the armchair.

She stirred in her sleep and unconsciously shifted over to his side, revealing her tranquil petit face. It must have been a really exhausting day for her, too.

He felt a flood of guilt.

He had been doing nothing but distrusting her, alienating her, and even hurting her. But never did she complain. She kept insisting on filling the gap between them.

She had been nothing but incredibly patient to him.

Why? For someone like me?

If anything, Kurapika was no fool. Even without the help of his "dowsing chain", he could tell if someone hid impure intentions.

It was not that he didn't see the unmistakable sincerity in her.

He was just afraid.

He was afraid of softening up to her. He was scared that she might bring down the wall that he built up all these years. He was afraid she'd invade his deepest feelings and rendered him vulnerable.

He was afraid to care. Getting close to someone like her could be an obstacle to his plan. The two of them were practically in no position for any kind of attachment. They should not even be acquaintances. Having the life purposes that he set for himself, he can't have the luxury of trusting anyone blindly.

So he did the only thing that made sense to him: treat her callously, for both of their sakes. In a stubborn, implacable belief that it would drive her away. Like it had with everybody else.

But she did not turn away nor was she discouraged. Not like everyone else!

Clandestia was like a puzzle, full of unanticipated pieces.

It was almost uncanny how she always managed to find just the right words that he needed to hear.

She already occupied his mind and there was no turning back now.

Clandestia slowly regained her consciousness.

Her violet eyes immediately met an unfamiliar ceiling.

She sat up and was graced by the sight of a beautiful young man holding a book, sitting on the armchair by the windows.

She was instantly struck with awe. It was quite a riddle how he still managed to look dazzling in such a simple get-up: a plain T-shirt and a pair of dull sweatpants. Apparently, he just came out of a shower. His vaguely damn hair was partially pulled back behind his ear, accentuating his blue-grey eyes and chiseled face.

Then there was something definitely enticing about the way he immersed himself in the book in his hand. Long, slender fingers were skimming the pages like a pianist hovering on the keyboard while his brows slightly knitted in concentration.

Her memories temporarily felt hazy. How did she get into his bed?

Feeling her movement, Kurapika promptly shifted his gaze at her.

"You're awake." He spoke.

And she was immediately snapped out of her trance.

Memories of the incident that happened a few hours ago came rushing back to her.

Right. She came here to console him. He tried to send her away but she kept clinging to him like a persistent pest. She even cried a lot and hugged him. Somehow, she passed out in the process. In other words, she was annoying as hell. And now… she occupied his bed!

Her cheeks instantly turned a shade of pink. "Sorry. I... didn't mean to take your bed the whole night."

"You must be so tired after all that! Gosh, how could I! And you shouldn't have let me!" She dropped her face into her palms, wanting to disappear into a hole.

Kurapika's eyes slightly widened at her bashful reaction. Soon the corners of his mouth raised up in amusement.

For some reason, she was … unexpectedly cute.

Wasn't she the one that always teased him, held his hands, patted his head, and even hugged him? And here she was, getting worked up over such a trivial matter.

The blond Kurta felt a little mischievous, wanting to get even with her.

"So... I wasn't supposed to let you occupy my only bed?" He asked jestingly. "Are you implying that I should have joined you in there?" He motioned towards the bed.

Clandestia eyes were wide as saucers. Her jaw dropped ungracefully in utter disbelief.

Did she mishear that?

Was this another dream? Ok, maybe she was hallucinating.

No. No. The cold, distant Kurapika was definitely teasing her!

"What?!" She squealed, almost sounding foolish. Jesus, it must be raining cats and dogs now, she thought.

And she scowled at him. "What have you done to the real Kurapika, you imposter?" She squinted her eyes dubiously.

As if on cue, they both burst into laughter.

It'd been so long since Kurapika last had a hearty laugh with someone.

He must admit that it was a really pleasant feeling.

It felt like all his dreadful emotions from the previous night had diminished a little.