A/N: It's getting a little heated between our two boys. Warning: There is a bit of porn towards the end.

Summery: Things begin to escalate between Kurapika and Chrollo as the Spider head decides to put the blond to the test. Kurapika is torn with his emotions and begins to start doubting himself.


For what seemed like unfathomable minutes, he stared at the lit screen, its backdrop almost mocking as the message continued to reside across the front, though his gaze seemed to look right through the phone. Moments later he sighed, letting the light fade and the screen turned to black before setting it aside. Apprehension rolled heavily through the young man, though it was difficult not to feel a foreboding sense of dread. Still, he managed to suppress the bubbling nausea that rolled around in his gut and rose off the couch, sauntering into the connective bedroom where his two companions resided, disrupting their moment of antics once he slid through the doorway.

"So what's new, old man?" The boy with white hair questioned as he looked up from the game that was spread out between him and the boy across from him, "Any word from Kurapika?"

"Yeah. Apparently he managed to locate him. But he hasn't said much else aside that." The taller man, Leorio felt his shoulders slump; it was clear he was concerned. "Still cannot help but feel like something bad is going to happen. Even if we think Kurapika can handle himself."

"I agree with you," Dark, amber hued eyes adamantly regarded Leorio, yet the positive tone in the boy's voice instantly drew his attention, "But we have to keep believing that everything will work out." Gon reminded, his expression beheld nothing but ferocity and yet, the zeal was as strong as ever. He tended to be the one with the greatest and most faithful outlook of the four of them. There was something about the young boy who spent most of his life in the wood around animals with a penchant for nature and animals, yet the same was said when it came to defusing negative situations between people. Gon truly was a prodigy by his own right.

The boy arose from his placement upon the floor, facing their older friend with firm confidence, "We have to keep in mind that Kurapika is strong enough to handle this on his own! I believe he will be fine. Besides, isn't the leader's Nen still sealed by Kurapika's chains?"

For a moment they looked at each other, remembering that the blond had confirmed that his Judgment Chain hadn't differed and remained firmly intact. Luckily, that also confirmed the fact of which the rest of the Roydan had not managed to locate a Nen exorcist in order to expunge the chains of which were curled and bound around the Spider head's heart.

"Kurapika did mention that he could feel his chain was still in place, so I believe it's safe to say that is still the case." Killua inputted gaze landing on the other two in the small room with him, though his own confidence in the situation retained nearly the same level as Gon's. "That isn't to say the Roydan's leader isn't still dangerous, but at least that notion gives Kurapika an edge." Without access to his Nen, the head of the Spider would be at a severe disadvantage when came to a battle of skill. However, in a battle of whit, well that was an entirely different matter.

"That could mean Kurapika should be able to take him down without much a problem." Of course that still meant handling the situation in a judicious and concise manner, hopefully of which the young blond Kurta would be able to do without letting his temperament get the better of him.

Leorio thought for a minute, analyzing their current predicament and the options they had; so many pointed to a relative conclusive outcome, though it was the uncertainty that lend to debacle on whether to act or continue to wait and see how Kurapika faired on his own. The one thing that was of the highest concern was how easily the blond was goaded and exploited and aside his friends, one thing that easily exasperated him more than anything else was the mention of the Geneiryodan. Especially if that name was used in conjunction with any mention of his clan.

It was hard to be very confident knowing those facts, especially with the knowledge that Kurapika was temperamental to begin with.

"It does seem if that would be the most likely scenario, but the one thing I question is would Kurapika be able to maintain composure while under pressure?" It was a question that ran through Leorio's mind, as he was one of the most knowledgeable of the three of them regarding their blond friend's temperament. Granted they were all equally aware of how naturally hotheaded Kurapika was, but under the right conditions, he could easily be controlled. Knowing that, the tables could be turned and at a moment's notice.

The three of them pondered the new facts of which were presented to them as they decided on a current course of action. Between curiosity and concern, they stood at a crossroads, purely ambivalent between doing nothing and taking matters into their own hands, promise be damned.

"There is that chance. Since we know how treacherous and diabolical the Spider's leader can really be, we can't put it past him that he may try some sneaky or underhanded tactics to get at Kurapika. Or even really try and get beneath his skin." Killua's hand had come to rest upon his chin as he paused in thought, taking into deliberation that there are unforeseen circumstances that could potentially arise. Being a trained assassin for most of his young life, he knew to never leave any stone unturned and always be wary of any possible threats. To let one's guard down could spell instant death. "I wouldn't put it past the bastard to try something like that, but in reality, Kurapika has to know when to not let someone antagonize him. Doing so only shifts the tides in a delicate situation."

The seriousness of Killua's voice although elicited frowns from his two companions, the energy that wavered off of them seemed to emulate in a way that they all felt the same. "That makes sense." Gon finally said, ambivalence still heavy in his expression, though he was trying to keep the positive outlook that everything will turn out for the greater good, "So long as Kurapika can keep his cool I think he should have no problem keeping everything going in his favor."

Both Killua and Leorio turned to the young boy, realizing yet again, he had another good point. As always, Gon had the best rationale to counterbalance their little motley crew. "You may be right. Hopefully Kurapika knows that and doesn't allow the man to try and control his emotions, well then he shouldn't have a problem. It just worries me that the bastard will know how to push Kurapika's buttons and do anything to make him crack." Leorio added, though he tried not to show his skepticism.

A soft hum resonated between them, each quietly hoping that the Kurapika wouldn't falter, that he would do what it was necessary to ensure that in no way would the Geneiryodan leader ever be able to surpass him and that Kurapika would be strong enough mentally to withstand any assault the man could possibly try to use against him.

"Well, I suppose it's decided then. We continue to wait."

§§§§§§§

It had been a few days since he had began taking charge; diligently following his target, staying nearly glued to the man's every move as he went about his daily activities within the desert city. So far, the young man had witnessed nothing out of the ordinary, if you count spending the time either reading a book or sitting at the local tavern and drinking, the older man was confounding! Kurapika couldn't understand it, couldn't digest it. Everything about the man, the fact that he was acting so normal tended to infuriate the blond. He had to be up to something. Anything. It was hard to believe he was just taking leisurely strolls on a warm afternoon as if he was just any regular person going about their daily lives. He tugged irritably on the hood of his cloak and sighed heavily as he watched the Spider head just sitting at fountain in the city square as he casually drank a cup of coffee with a book in hand.

He spent the last hour he had sat there watching the man, the anxiety, the anticipation, just the very edge to his impatience that his target was going to enact, make a move or actually do something worth of the blond's attention only caused him to hiss – how much longer did he actually plan on sitting there?

For a bandit that was so indifferent, so caustic and far from impeccable, had slaughtered countless, pilfered anything not nailed down, watching him walk so casually among the general innocents as if this was simply a normal day for him only added to the blond's confusion and chagrin.

Unbelievable! It is as if it is nothing to him. Like it's so simple that he can meander as if he lacks a care in the world! How can he be so nonchalant about it? Like this is nothing but a game to him! It's just… Just so outlandish!

Kurapika couldn't abscond despite things were looking rather pointless; the Roydan leader was blatantly refusing to do anything even remotely questionable and his current actions were nothing but placid, but he didn't want to renitent, not after he had come so far and had placed so much of his time already into an effort to seek the truth. This man knew something about the nightmares which were plaguing him on a nightly basis and he wouldn't rescind until he knew for certain the answers he sought. Moreover, an added boon would be he could extract the revenge he had once started but failed to complete in favor of a binding deal to save his friends. Now that they were completely out of harm's way, he could settle his full focus on completing what he had started.

Unfortunately he had to bid his time. Even if that meant following this heartless, mass murderer for however long was necessary to achieve his goals. Going back now was no option, and he would see this through, even if it meant sacrificing his own pride to do so.

§§§§§§§

Chrollo sat poised at the rim of the basin of the fountain which sat at the heart of the city, causally indulging in an old book he had recently acquired that beheld his interest. The weather was actually pleasant for once, considering his location and that Ti'alma was practically surrounded by desert, but it was easy to discount the heat considering the air was rather dry. At best the lack of sand in the atmosphere made it at the very least, tolerable. Raising the mug that sat beside him he took a generous pull from the caffeinated liquid that swirled within before setting the cup aside to briefly set his gaze out over the flow of people as they strode past.

For days now he had been just ambling around the city – it wasn't something he was precisely keen on doing, but he knew he had a rather persistent shadow constantly tailing him and even though he was still practically waiting to make his general move, to give the little Kurta any reason to jump at him willy-nilly wasn't something he found of too high an interest.

In fact, he was having fun indirectly compelling the blond to dog him. The more and more he consternates the boy, watching the look of haggard disquietude cross his features with continued uncertainty, the easier it was becoming to wrap control around the situation. He wanted to keep Kurapika second guessing his own judgment. The more he toyed with the boy's emotions, the easier it would be for him to make the last surviving Kurta easily fall to his every whim.

Playing this game, watching his opponent as they begin to slowly lose their mind, it was enthralling. No matter what it took, he would bring the blond under his command, regardless of how long it would take. The youth was just too valuable to continue to allow running loose and sooner or later, he would find the sanctuary in the very thing he so desperately loathes. These beautiful eyes, the very same with so much vibrancy, so much luster that were constantly filled with disgust and yet life, would become one of the most valued treasures Chrollo had ever had. Those that he had proffered so ago had long since lost their appeal, having become dull and stagnant. But Kurapika's… Chrollo shuddered at the thought of just how magnificent they looked when at their brightest. Nothing was better than a pair of living rubies that he could permanently conserve and admire. He would nix the root of the problem, excavate every shred of will and dignity the boy had left until all that remained was a battered and broken soul he would personally nurture and mold. Slowly, ever so slowly he would liquidate all that hate from the blond that he resolutely held for the Geneiryodan and turn him into a powerful asset and if he was successful, perhaps, just perhaps he could find a further use for the boy besides just the benefit he could provide his gang. The Kurta was indeed, very beautiful.

Perhaps, Chrollo had thought, he could even make the boy into something of a potential lover. Though the abrupt notion of such a lavish, erotic idea brought a fugacious moment of shock, slight bewilderment on where such a thought had come from. But a miniscule pang of desire welled deep inside his gut and the very concept of such a prospect didn't seem entirely farfetched. Though clearly, he didn't understand why all of the sudden his mind had wandered to such a notion.

For now, he dismissed it. In the here and now, Chrollo was more focused on quelling the blond's rampage and laying siege to him before anything could get out of hand. Later he would focus on his random, errant emotions. Settling on his current objective, he closed the book that had come to rest in his lap and stowed it away within the pocket of his coat and lifted off the basin's rim. Discarding the plastic mug in a nearby receptacle, he decided it was time to put Kurapika to the test and see just how far and willing the blond would go.

Kurapika blinked and he slid around the corner of the dust colored building he had resided behind, taking note of the many stalls that lined the walls, yet none one was manned as most were out in the main promenade or in the city square. Snorting, he scanned the crowed as each passerby shuttled through the dust covered streets, those intent blue eyes retaining a semblance of hold on his quarry as the man had suddenly closed his book and arose from his perch on the statue's rim. About time. I was about to pass out from boredom standing here watching you do nothing. The blond clutched the edges of the cloak and pulled its silken fabric around him to conceal him better from view. He watched as the older man had started to shoulder his way through the waves of people and soon mix into the continuous flow. Breathing in deeply despite the arid composition of the air had strained his lungs for the last few days; he readied himself and ducked out into the street, following the leader of the Spider into the throng.

Following the older man's movements, he ducked into the alleyway after him, taking note of the faint scent of spice and cologne that lingered on the wind. That was something he hadn't noticed before.

Every aspect of the city was like a bloody labyrinth which made navigation excessively difficult. Pressing into another connecting alleyway he found himself exiting into a rather dank, poor and rundown section of the city. Cautiously he tread past the broken down carts and stalls, people in bedraggled clothing formed in small groups off to the sides, their eyes scrutinizing him as he slowly walked past despite his feelings of sympathy and pity for those less fortunate had excreted from him amply. As much as his heart went out to people, he knew there was nothing he could do and pressed on with his objective.

The amount of people that riddled the pathways made it difficult to tell which direction the man was going in; his energy signature was faint and almost non-existent. Holding a firm lock was proving to be difficult as the blond had noticed over the last few days he had been following the other. Pushing his way past a group of people who appeared to be loitering during a round of gossip, his eyes had landed across a brief flick of ebony as it rounded a corner into another alleyway, though it quickly disappeared from view. How tedious this was becoming. Kurapika was really finding it difficult to keep and maintain focus as he just simply felt that by some off chance, he was being led astray, as if he was being placed on a wild goose chase. He uttered a few unsavory colorful words and made another silent vow to his deceased kin that he would follow through with what he started. Letting those of who had been so unjustly ripped away deserved to find their own peace in the afterlife and thus as such, Kurapika would not yield.

Fires burned in makeshift braziers, offering what little light was available to him, though he had to use Gyo to enhance his eyes, giving him a sort of edge in the dim, caliginous pathways. The twinge of that spice and cologne wafted to his nose again and it captivated his senses, drawing him in as he followed the trail it seemed to have left behind. With uncertainty, he followed the convenient trail and slowly, gradually he shifted his way through the tattered and rundown area before reaching a section where light was filtering through.

The walls started to part and soon the area opened up slowly, almost cavernous as light was beginning to stream through, bathing the area in its life giving glow into a sort of ancient promenade, though it was easy to tell that wasn't exactly what it was.

It was a large area had once been a trading market. Old, broken down carts and dismantled stalls littered the area. There were even crates and boxes of many kinds along with wooden barrels that had been unceremoniously tossed about the area. At the far end was another alleyway that wound its way back into the main parts of the city.

The scent of the cologne started to fade as he entered and Kurapika moved through the area uneasily; something about the location struck a chord and unsettled him. A sharp wind blew through the area and jostled his cloak, causing it to billow around him, allowing the sand to bite at his skin. The pain was minute, but it left a few superficial cuts along what little exposed skin he had; a small trickle of blood slipped down his cheek.

What the hell is he doing? The area was vast and so far there was no sign of his quarry. Carefully he made his way into the center of the area, gaze intent and profusely scanning the area. It was almost as if the Spider's leader had suddenly vanished, but then his attention was instantly piqued when a strange, bemused laugh resounded through the area and off the walls.

"Who is there? Show yourself!" Kurapika's demand went unanswered as a still, nearly dead silence filled the area. Again that sense of foreboding gripped the blond's heart and he enhanced the Gyo within his eyes, using its revealing power to see if any Nen was involved and yet, nothing.

The young Kurta couldn't understand what exactly was transpiring. Something was wrong. Very, very wrong. Inch by inch he pressed forward, scanning the area with complete and indiscriminate scrutiny, knowing that somewhere there someone was behind the anomalies going on.

This time, he felt something cold, frigid, like ice across his back, up his spine and for a split second, fear nearly exploded in his mind. Abruptly, the blond turned with precision on his heal to face the area behind him, eyes fusing without conscious into their scarlet state. Another echoing laugh resounded, mocking, jeering and belittling him. Grinding his teeth, the blond materialized his silver chains, the metallic clinking making it prominently known as his patience was beginning to wane.

"I said who is there? Come out and face me!"

A hum greeted him, though nothing aide that made itself known, "I really didn't think you'd actually come all this way, Kurta."

The voice seemed to practically reverberate off the very walls in the massive area, keeping the blond from being able to tell exactly where it was originating. He turned left and right without thought, quickly and concisely surveying every inch of his environment as he persisted in locating the source of the voice.

"Who are you?" Kurapika demanded, though the prickling, cringing feeling of being watched caused a shiver to work its way down his spine. Whoever it was obviously had a vantage point. It bothered him since he knew they could see him but he couldn't in turn, see them.

"Well. I must say you are in no real position to make demands. Let's just say that I find it rather interesting for you to be this far out. If I was to wager a guess, you came here because you are after someone?" The voice continued to heckle, easily poking at the blond's buttons, as the aura around that lithe body infused and rose, the power and intensity becoming suffocating.

Whoever this, it seems they have a rather large amount of information on me. However I will not grant them the satisfaction.

"And why should I answer you? Coming from someone who prepositions from the shadows but in cowardice then expects concession, I don't think you are the one who should be questioning just who is in the appropriate position for making demands."

Evidently the young Kurta's patience was wearing thin. For a moment silence ensued before the voice answered, though this time the jovial, derisive tone was changed to a more sneering, outraged and dangerous upheaval. That snapping, cruel and bitter cold raked at his back once more, causing Kurapika to spin around once again to face absolutely nothing.

"You should really watch your tongue; it could very well land you in way more trouble then you really anticipated." For a second the voice faltered into reticence and Kurapika couldn't help but become more agitated, his chains now having extended into elegant, metallic coils like vipers as they snaked around the Kurta's body, ready to lash out at any given moment, "But I must say my dear Kurta, I am thoroughly intrigued by your persistence and diligence. Can't say I anticipated you coming all this way on a whim but I must admit I am impressed."

The words took moments to sink in before reality hit him nearly like a ton of bricks. The fury within his eyes appeared as if they were glowing, burning like furnaces as Kurapika suspected that his cover may have been blown and he knew. If such was the case, then all his careful planning would have been for naught and the blond would have to facilitate a change in plans. The chains felt his mood and were continuously whipping around him in volatile motion, the level of his own temperament becoming stronger then Kurapika was able to handle.

There was no other answer – he had to get himself under control. Regardless of exactly who the actual source of the voice was, he couldn't let them get to him, lest he would be to lose control.

I won't let you get to me. There is no way I will submit in any way. That is a bloody promise!

Eyes slipped close as he focused in wordless resolute, energy focusing in a collective, unified stance, each ounce poured into his chains as his aura still beckoned but the rage that was there before it quieted into the flow of an unobstructed river. When his vision returned to his surroundings, the confidence was clear upon Kurapika's visage. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I highly advise you to remember I am not one so easily manipulated, nor will I allow you to jockey me. Either you come here and face me or we are done here."

This time it was the mysterious person's turn to be shocked. Indubitably this was a shocking and twisted turn of events. The situation was undoubtedly turning into an impasse and weighing the options on whether to push one's luck this early in the game was certainly questionable. This just wasn't the time to take events to the next level, "It seems kitty has claws, hm? Currently, I do not think it is approbate to allow you any further knowledge then you already have. It's too fun watching as you spin your wheels and fluster so easily at the uncertainty you have generated for yourself. I find it rather amusing to watch you push yourself practically to your limits. No, I don't think I will reveal myself to you just yet. Perhaps when things have gotten more interesting, don't you think?"

Kurapika narrowed his eyes, obviously not pleased with the answer he received. Moments passed by and everything became dismal before stunting off into utter silence. The wavering scent of that cologne also completely faded and disappeared as if it hadn't ever been there in the first place. "Where are you? Come back here and stand before me you coward!" He looked around as he shifted around the area with determination to cinch off the person's escape before they could get out of the area, or at least find them before they could get too far. But by the time he was able to perform a thorough search of the area, whoever it had been was long gone. The conclusion only caused Kurapika's anger to resurface. "Goddamnit!" He hissed, not happy with how his situation had turned out. Not only had he lost sight of the Geneiryodan leader, he was intervened by someone unknown who seemed to know too much. Either he was being toyed with or there was someone else out here aside his quarry that had it out for him.

One way or the other he would find out.

§§§§§§§

He sat poised, concealed in shadows and watched bemusedly. Oh how simple it was to work up the young blond and watch him seethe. It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up. Chrollo smiled; even as he knew the boy was almost practically on the right trail, he was so easily thwarted. Throw the dog a bone and how quickly it's snatched up. However, he had thought better of the sharp and intuitive Kurta. But as he watched him there within his confliction with those chains winding and snapping around him, he was as radiant as ever. It left a pang in Chrollo's heart and for a few moments while he sat there and watched the situation unfurl, something crawled deep inside of him, something he didn't quite understand. He knew that there was still a bit of malicious intent that he held towards the blond, but something else so foreign laid just beneath his skin.

It rolled through his gut, low and electrified. The impulses briefly surged through him and he had a compulsion that he didn't realize was there before. As the boy moved around and threatened him, as his body poised with its prominence, from what curves and shapes Chrollo was able to see or make out through the cloak that covered him and about the splendid way he looked had brought a strange level of emotions fluctuating through him. For something so unknown to him caused his mind to settle a bit uneasy once again. Chrollo realized the same experience he was going through now was the same exact one he felt prior to this encounter and the pull that Kurapika was inadvertently having on him made him concerned. Yet by the same token, he was also enthralled. Was he experiencing… Attraction? Could it even be possible? It was unbelievable even to him. Yet, he couldn't totally dismiss the idea.

There was just something about the blond that for some reason was reeling him in. That body, the way he moved with such grace and accuracy, the golden crop of hair that splayed about his head like a halo and those fascinating rubies. Kurapika was oh so beautiful and Chrollo just couldn't help himself. It seemed anytime he was in close proximity to the Kurta his emotions ran rampant and awry.

For now, however, he decided he would let this continue to play out and see where it took him. If he was truly developing an attraction – albeit physical, then he would have to change the course of his plans. This was an entirely new development and as disconcerting as it seemed, he was implored enough to want to see exactly how far he could go with it. For the young blond to retain such a hold on him in that particular mannerism was definitely something he did not wish to let go unexplored. Perhaps there was something truly special about the boy after all.

An impish grin formed over Chrollo's lips as he had slipped away from the area to leave Kurapika with his vexation and he made his way back towards the business district of the city to find an inn with a room he could stay in for the night. He had a lot to ponder over.

§§§§§§

Grumbling, Kurapika threw what scant amount of his belongings that he came with upon the single chair that resided in the room aside the loveseat that sat adjacent from it. Untying the cloak from around his neck, he peeled it away and placed it on the bed and shook out what little sand had managed to get into his hair during his expedition. Disgusted, he sat on the edge of the single bed that sat in the center of the room and began removing his shoes. He needed a shower after all that. Everything ached. His muscles were tired and he was mentally exhausted. That little escapade proved to end up in failure and Kurapika was agitated with himself. Of all things he managed to lose sight of his target which only served to further his unprecedented self berating. How he could have been so foolish to allow himself to be so easily distracted to the point his focus was practically skewered he couldn't entirely understand.

Expelling a sigh, he ambled over to the bathroom and began disrobing, gingerly peeling off his dusty tabard and training suit, letting the articles pool on the tiled floor beneath his feet and he stepped into the tub, pulling the curtain to close off the area. Turning the knobs, he adjusted the temperature of the water and stepped beneath it.

Falling back against the cool tiling, he let the gentle caress of the warm water cascade over his sore and tired body, eyes falling closed as he enjoyed the lull the spray was giving him. Time seemed to ebb away as he stood there lost within his own thoughts, mulling over everything that happened as he tried to figure out exactly what went wrong and where. Groaning from the stiffness inside his right arm, he reached over and grabbed the shampoo then applied it, generously raking it through his hair and lathering it thoroughly. Then he reached over and picked up the soap and the shower puff – it was a something new he found while shopping one day, a blue thing made of mesh that was supposed to be good at exfoliating and cleansing. For a moment he eyed it and took note of the apparent girly nature of the object but decided to give it a shot, anyway. He upturned the soap and poured a fair amount upon the surface and started rolling it over his screaming shoulders, letting the surface of the puff glide along his skin, slowly coating his body in suds as he worked lower, down over his chest, abdomen and towards his bottom half.

When he reached his waist, going below his belly button his hand slipped a little too casually between his legs, the puff gliding over his groin, lingering hesitantly before stilling as a shudder abruptly raced through him. His eyes slipped closed without him realizing it, and the puff dropped from his hands as they trekked inward, dusting over his inner thighs, the sensation electing a moan to lift past his now parted lips. Images of a dark haired man with equally dark eyes flittered through his mind and he found his hand curling around himself, the pressure only adding to the strange, mounting sensations that was encapsulating him. Little by little his fingers slid along the length of his now growing need, mind becoming addled as those visions continued to play over and over in his head, the very same ones that were of the one person whom had stemmed all his animosity and dolor was now the image of fixation, his body now betraying him. Kurapika had lost all control and every action preformed was not of his own accord as his hand continued its unrestrained stroking, breathes quickening as heat began to pool in his groin. Another moan tore from his throat and he suffused crimson in embarrassment at himself, feeling downright besmirched, completely stupefied at how he could allow himself to be corrupted as he was.

Before he knew it, his body had tensed up, groin tightening as every ounce of electricity and calescence surged to the very center of his being and his head tossed back against the wall while his hand jerked roughly along himself one last time as those dark and gorgeous eyes bore down into his very soul. Stars exploded before his own eyes and thick ropes of warmth started to spill over his fingers, body trembling harshly and then his knees caved beneath him as he found himself collapsed at the bottom of the tub, breath coming in ragged pace.

It felt like he had lain there motionless for a long time before he mustered the strength to pull himself up so he could finish washing and get out of the tub. Wrapping up in one of the downy towels that the inn provided, he placed himself on the side of bed, staring practically absent and listless, not wanting to move. Kurapika was completely lost, his mind wallowing in near misery at what had just happened, fully shell-shocked and disgusted that he had actually let himself be sexually pleasured by the very thoughts of that man, the same one of which had caused him so much pain and grief to become the object of fantasy was appalling!

The magnitude of his current situation hit hard and heavy, and in horror he placed his face into his hands and just sobbed, unable to contend with the notion.

Once the stricken blond was able to gather his thoughts, he walked numbly over to his duffle bag and pulled out a change of clothes, slipping on a pair of blue boxers and a white t-shirt. In his current state, Kurapika figured the best thing for him now was to try and forget the burning, insufferable memories running through his mind and try to sleep.

Slipping beneath the sheets, he curled in on himself and slowly fell into a restless, fitful slumber.


Afterthoughts: Honestly, I really wanted to see what the dynamics would be like between PoV swaps and instituting the gradual change in emotions between unrelenting hatred to overtures of desire. I also had a lot of fun with this chapter during the 'mysterious' encounter. It was fun writing Chrollo's parts for that. Also how Kurapika 'deals' with his own emotional distress in the radical way he does.