Chapter 1: Our paths cross
Notes:
There's still nen and and the eyes btw. I didn't really want to tag it as an au but I didn't want to tag it as a divergence. If there are any mistakes (spelling/ grammar) let me know :)!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The room was quiet. He could only hear the owls hooting from the outside. It's been four days since Kurapika had gotten any sleep. Every time he tried to close his eyes and doze off, a thought about the Spiders infiltrated his head. He had become obsessed with them, more than ever before. Every day, hour, and second was spent thinking about them. He felt intense bubbling hatred towards them. After all, they killed his family and stole their family heirlooms and even more gut-wrenching, they had ripped the eyes of his family out. His family has scarlet bright eyes that were sacred and were worth millions of jenny. He'd become an orphan with no home because of them. He had no idea why they spared him, but they were going to regret it.
But there was only one time the Phantom Troupe wasn't in his head, and that was when he was thinking about his past lover. He thought of him rarely, but when he did, it cut deep. It would linger in his mind for weeks then the thought would disappear. Thinking of him didn't calm him down in the slightest, but it was better than thinking about the murderers of his beloved clan. To him, the Phantom Troupe was more important than anything. That's why he rarely thought about him. He won't deny that he loved him but he doesn't want him in his life again. Well, that's what he wanted to believe.
-
It was Leorio's first year being a doctor. A surgeon, specifically. He worked on countless patients. Leorio worked at a high-class hospital but did most patients' surgeries for free. Especially the poor ones. The ones that had no money, the ones whose parents worked day and night trying to pay off their treatments. He found joy in that. It was his reason for becoming a doctor after all.
"Good night guys. I'm going to head in for the day." Leorio lazily waved goodbye to his co-workers and headed outside the building.
Although he loves his job, it'd taken a huge toll on him. When he finished work, he would go home and immediately lie on the sofa. He wouldn't eat, shower, or change. Just jump on the couch and doze off. The days he didn't have to go to work in the morning, he went to a local bar. He'd finish work and immediately go to the bar in his scrubs. Sure, he looked a little funny but that didn't stop countless women and men from hitting on him. He would turn them down, insisting he was focusing on his job, but in rare cases, he would play along. He would flirt a little. Just enough that they would want him to spend the night at their place. He would wake up in a daze, clothes in someone else's bed, and then leave.
He didn't feel bad for his one night stands, after all, who tries to start a meaningful connection at a bar? It was one of those nights. Leorio didn't have work the next day, so he went in his car and instantly went to a bar.
He sat down at a bar counter and waited for a bartender to come. "The usual," Leorio said, not even bothering to look at him. He came a lot as of recently. All the bartenders remember his face and his order.
"Another hard day?" Zepile asks Leorio, sliding his drink down towards him.
"You bet." Leorio chuckles for a moment, then takes a sip from his glass. "These past days have just been straight shit!" He says loudly enough that a few people turn over to look at him. He sheepishly looks down after causing some attention.
"You can say that again. Earlier, there were some teens with the worst fake I.D's tried to gaslight me into thinking they were legit." Zepile pinched the skin between his eyebrows.
Leorio smirked, taking another sip from his cup. "When are you going to quit this job? Didn't you say you wanted to become a merchant or something?" Leorio sighed.
"You know I'm just trying to earn some cash so I can open up my own store." He grabs a glass and makes another drink for another customer.
"Don't we all need money. This world is built off of stupid geni." Leorio scoffs, this time taking a large gulp of alcohol.
Despite Leorio becoming a surgeon with a high salary, he still felt the need for more money. He wanted to open a hospital that gives people treatments for free. People shouldn't get to live or be happy based on whether they have money or not. Leorio had strong morals that no one could shatter or change. That was one of his strongest qualities. Even he knew that.
"I gotta go do my shitty job. Enjoy your drink." Zepile patted Leorio sternly on his back and disappeared.
He grins, turning to the left of him, noticing that Zepile made him another drink on the house. Leorio had known Zepile since before his college days (through Killua and Gon). They even went to the same college. Sadly, Zepile had to drop out because surprise, he fell into debt. Leorio had recommended him for a job at his favorite bar and that's how he started working here. Working as a bartender for the past 2 years.
Just as Leorio was about to take a sip of his drink, a man approached him.
"I was wondering if I could buy the handsome man in front of me a drink?" A soft, light voice asked the tall, tanned man.
"Not interested-" Leorio looked up at him and immediately paused. It was a man with blonde hair and soft, catlike eyes. He was short and slim. He looked exactly like his ex. "Actually, how about I buy you a drink?" Leorio straightened his voice and fixed his posture.
"Sure, was I so beautiful you changed your mind?" The man sat beside him, asking the bartender for some vodka.
"Yeah." Leorio blurted out. He hadn't noticed he had said it out loud.
The man just smiled softly and took a sip from the drink that Leorio had just bought.
This was one of those nights. The night that Leorio hooks up with a random person from his bar. He'd only do this to people who had a similar aura or look as someone he loved. Though he didn't acknowledge this himself. This man was like an exact duplicate of his past lover. He even had a similar smile.
The more they talked, the less like Kurapika he was. His humour was completely different, his taste in music, his attitude. Leorio almost felt like he regretted talking to this man. He wasn't annoying but he wasn't at all like he thought. The only thing compelling Leorio to stay talking with him was how he looked. It was like he was looking at his twin. The only difference between looks was that Kurapika's eyes were different. His eyes had a soul. This man's eyes have a soul, but it's not the same. Not the same hurting, but loving soul.
"Hey, are you listening?" The blonde-haired look-alike tapped Leorio on the shoulder.
That made him jump up in shock. "I'm sorry, I think I have to go." Leorio pulled out some money from his wallet and set it beside him. "For the drinks." He was getting ready to walk off before the man called out to him.
"Did I do something wrong?" The man stood up and grabbed his arm.
Leorio released himself from the man's grasp and sighed. "No, you didn't. I just can't. You look too much like him." He continued to walk off, exiting the bar and entering his car.
"This is too much." He exhaled, turning on some music to calm down.
He never acted like this before when he saw someone who looked like Kurapika. So why now? He decided to just sit and think for a moment, concluding it's too dangerous to start driving again. The alcohol and what just happened played a part in his decision.
-
Kurapika began to search on his computer for the past cases of famous, rich families that had been tragically murdered recently.
"The Pines family in a brutal massacre suspected to be caused by the Phantom Troupe, causing the death of 5 adults and 3 children." Kurapika clicked on the link, looking through the pictures of the case. One picture showed the adults in body bags, another showed a symbol. It was an upside-down spider hanging on a web. The Phantom Troupe loved to mark the places they killed with the sickening logo. It made Kurapika's skin crawl. He wanted to throw up. God, how he hated them. His eyes turn a bright scarlet, though hidden by his brown contacts.
He clicked on the next picture and saw the bodies outside the bags. They were murdered in the worst possible ways. One of them had their jaw forcefully ripped open. It dangled, barely attached to the rest on their face. Then he looked down. The person's chest had multiple stab wounds. The wounds were small but all over. Looked like a small knife, no, a screwdriver. Surprisingly, the Phantom Troupe had some good in them because the kids were always shot straight in the head, nothing else. Possibly using a certain nen technique. They had painless deaths. The maids and butlers usually got to live usually unharmed. If a butler or maid died, it was always reported that the workers had a "strong bond" with the family. He assumes they fought to protect them. He would do the same for Neon.
Kurapika was a bodyguard for the Nostrade family. A rich family that had underground connections with the black market. He had to protect Mr. Nostrades' daughter, Neon, from outsiders and also the Troupe if they came for his family next. Kurapika had found this the perfect job. He could find his family's eye because the Nostrades had connections to the underground and he might get lucky and the rest of the Spiders might come to him directly.
He checked his watch. "4:30". Oh shit he had stayed up all night. "4:30." That number replayed in his head, but he could not figure out why that number had stood out. Suddenly, the dots clicked in his mind.
"Leorio..." He whispered as a slight blush came upon his cheeks. He put the palm of his hand on his face and let out a soft groan. Again, he has thought about the tall, tan man with glasses. "Get it together, Kurapika. After all these years that man is still in your mind!" He decided to close his laptop and head to his bed.
After minutes of tossing and turning he couldn't get Leorio out of his mind. Now this man will be in his thoughts for weeks to come. Not now. Not when another auction is being held. Not when he would have the chance to find the Phantom Troupe again. After all, he still had only eliminated Uvogin and unknowingly was the reason for Pakunoda's death as well.
One time, he came close to killing Shizuku, but Feitan stepped in last minute to save her. At least he knew about two more people's nen abilities.
Kurapika tried to think about something else. But no matter how hard he tried, it was about him or the Troupe. And he'd rather think about Leorio than the Spiders at this moment. He would never say that out loud.
-
The next day, Leorio was home and on the couch. He didn't remember how he got here or why he was so tired. The only thing he remembered was someone who looked like Kurapika. He only remembered that man's face, not even what he was talking about. Sad but true.
As he positioned himself up he groaned in agonizing pain. His body hurt in every way, and it even hurt to breathe. Thank God I don't have work today. he thought. He spotted a bottle of Tylenol pills across from him and popped one in his mouth. He grabbed and bottle of water and drank some. Hopefully, that will help him with the excruciating pain.
A notification buzzed from his phone, and he looked down at it.
'12:40' Co-worker: Hey, can you come into work today? They said they need the best doctor.
Leorio did not want to come to work today. He really didn't want to. He scrolled down to the next text.
'12:53' Co-worker: They're willing to pay whatever price.
Even his coworkers know his obsession with money. His greed cannot even be hidden when he tries to stay professional. Maybe he let it slip too many times? After all, he is a talkative guy.
' 1:20' Leorio Paradinight (You): Alright, I'll be there soon.
Leorio puts down his phone. "I guess I'll shower and head over there."
-
Kurapika rushed over with Melody by his side to check on Neon.
"I can't believe this happened!" Kurapika said, blaming himself.
"It's not your fault, Kurapika. You were asleep, and there's nothing we can do now except be there for her."
Melody always knew how to calm Kurapika down.
"You're right." Kurapika gives a half smile, though still pondering on what he could have done to avoid this.
Melody can still hear his heart beating fast but decides to stay quiet, worrying that prying would escalate the situation. Melody can also hear a bit of love in his heart. This was rare, but she also decided not to speak on that, too.
"Neon, are you alright?" Kurapika looks down at her with a concerned look. Although Neon could act like a spoiled brat, Kurapika still felt parental towards her.
"Yes, but I would have been better if those stupid people hadn't tried to kidnap me! They kept claiming they were trying to become the new spiders!" Neon huffed. "As if! It was just a bunch of nerdy kids in black clothing."
The word 'spider'. It made Kurapika's blood boil. Melody could feel the rage whispered, "Not now, Kurapika."
Kurapika's rage had died down.
Just a little.
"A doctor is coming right away. He's the best at this hospital." A nurse said to Neon's bodyguards.
Kurapika shook his head in understanding and sat in a chair next to Neon. He looked around and saw tubes all around Neon. Her neck was bruised as if she'd been choked, and her arm was so flipped around, broken. "Nurse, can you tell me what happened to her?" Kurapika clenched his jaw in anger but tried not to let it show. He didn't do a good job, though, because he's bad at hiding his emotions.
"Her lung was punctured and collapsed, so she was losing a lot of oxygen. Otherwise known as a pneumothorax. She is on an oxygen tank, as you can see. She was choked and was left with slight bruising, but it luckily didn't cause any internal damage." The nurse explained gently and slowly.
Kurapika's anger slowly settled down. "How long will the surgery take?"
"Oh, not long at all. I estimate 3 hours." The nurse smiles. "But she might have to stay in the hospital for a couple more days. "Just to make sure she's doing alright."
Kurapika sighs, happy that Neon will be okay. Slightly annoyed that the doctor is taking a long time getting over here. He doesn't feel comfortable leaving Neon's side, though, staring at her intensely. She's asleep, probably exhausted. He looks over at Melody. She's had a saddened face looking at Melody. She obviously feels some type of guilt, even though she didn't say it out loud. At least he's not the only one who's worried. He lets out another soft smile.
-
"I can't believe they called me to work right now. On my day fucking off!" Leorio screamed, slamming his car door, driving off. "Let me pick up some coffee before I screw up the surgery." He goes to the nearest coffee shop and orders and black coffee. He doesn't like the taste, but it definitely wakes him up every time. He continues driving to the hospital. He steps out of his car into the hospital.
"What room?" He asked the clerk.
"Room 403." The clerk said, smacking her gum, not even looking up at him.
Rude.
He walked towards the room, barging in. "Sorry, I'm late. Had to come in on short notice." He snaps on the gloves and takes a look at the blue-haired woman. "Yeah, this will take about 3 hours." He sighs. "If you guys want to stay here and watch, be my guest. But don't get mad if you get bored." He turns, grabbing and resanitizing the medical tools, not even noticing Kurapika nor Melody.
-
Kurapika notices Leorio as soon as he walks into the room. His heart instantly drops, hoping Leorio doesn't notice him. To his surprise, the universe is on his side for once, and Leorio zooms right past him as if he weren't even there. It doesn't seem intentional, though.
"Sorry, I'm late. Had to come in on short notice." Leorio says.
He didn't react, so I guess he really didn't see me. Kurapika thought. He didn't know if he was relieved or a bit disappointed.
"Yeah, this will take about 3 hours but her arm we'll have to work on another day."
That snapped him back into reality. Focus on Neon and not him.
He thought that, but he caught his eyes following Leorio. He stares at his eyes and catches himself blushing, but tries to control it before Melody can bring it up later in a conversation.
"If you guys want to stay here and watch, be my guest. But don't get mad if you get bored."
So he did notice. His senses had gotten sharper. Kurapika noted.
Yes, to Kurapika's surprise, Leorio had changed. It had been four years after all. He'd gotten taller, and his hair was cut shorter. Was it because he became a surgeon?
-
"So I guess you guys are staying. You guys must really care about her." Leorio stated, smiling at the thought. "At least let me get a good look at the people who will be watching my performance." He chuckled, cracking a joke.
"Kurapika?" Leorio turned frozen, almost dropping his equipment. He couldn't form any new words and just stood.
Kurapika's eyes lit up for just a second when Leorio called his name, and then he quickly looked away.
"I'm going to head outside." Kurapika swiftly stood up and exited the room.
"Wait!" Leorio tries to follow him, but his legs freeze. Oh right. He almost forgot. He's trying to help this girl. He's trying to heal this girl.
"Later. Let's get you back to health!" Leorio tries to cheer himself back up. "You're going to want to count from 1-10 backwards, okay?"
Neon nodded and started. Leorio put a gas mask on her as she drifted off into a deep sleep.
"My day is absolutely fucked." He whispered.
Notes:
There will be at least 5 chapters! I listened to mistki and vocaloid while writing this lol .
Chapter 2: Now I bend like a willow, thinking of you
Notes:
This chapter is really short. I was going to make it longer but I felt that this is a good ending for this chapter so I can think more about how this story should progress. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter Text
Leorio took a deep breath, grabbed the small incision knife, and cut the blue-haired girl's body open. He tries to clear his mind of what just happened. The coffee he had drunk kept his mind wide open, which was a good thing in theory, but it felt like his mind was too open. Millions of thoughts of Kurapika filled his head, almost completely distracting him from his main goal.
Almost.
Thankfully, some nurses were in there helping him with the equipment, unknowingly calming him down. As he said earlier, "he had an audience." He sweated profusely, wiping his sweat with his arm. He took more breaks than he'd liked to admit. He would sit on the chair beside him and stare into space. It was clear he was thinking about something, but nobody could say what or who.
Except that Melody heard his heart. Confusion, anger, hurt, love and sadness. She knew that Leorio and Kurapika had some history. She had met him before, after all. She didn't know they were ex-boyfriends, though.
-
Kurapika told Melody a few years ago about what happened between him and Leorio. At first, he only said, "It's just a problem I created. It's my fault so it shouldn't concern you." As always he didn't like to talk about himself. He often has a closed-off stance. Melody was about to fix her lips to say something, but she heard Kurapika's heart grow louder and sharper. She feared that if she spoke again, his heart would make her feel his pain. She looked at Kurapika's face and saw his eyes tearing up. She had never seen Kurapika like this. When he was sad and in deep despair, he would just stare into the darkness. Like his soul had detached from his body, leaving him pale and his eyes dark and black, like a void leading to nowhere. That day, though, it seemed like his soul was fighting to stay inside.
Melody ran towards Kurapika and gave him a deep hug. He didn't move and let Melody hug him tightly. Soon after, Kurapika started to break down silently in tears. They stood like that for a couple of minutes until Kurapika was ready to explain.
Kurapika didn't fully explain, though. He never mentioned that they dated or the full reason they had broken up.
"Thanks, Melody. Please do not bring this situation up to the others." Kurapika smiled at Melody and left.
-
Kurapika exited the room and rushed outside. He desperately needed some fresh air. He found a quiet grassy area behind the hospital and sat. His heart was pounding fast, his cheeks were flushed, and his head was spinning. He didn't expect Leorio to be at this hospital, let alone be one of the best surgeons at one of the top hospitals in the country. He sighed heavily and then looked up, staring at the blue sky.
Suddenly, he remembered Leorio's face. He was hurt, his eyes were soft, and he bit his lip, trying to stop himself from talking. His face screamed, "Please, don't go". Kurapika wondered what his face looked like to Leorio. Was it screaming "I'm hurt" too?
Still he didn't want to admit he missed him. Kurapika liked to lie to himself. He felt that saying his feelings out loud would send him down a spiral, making him second-guess himself. He wanted to believe his lies were true, and once he said them out loud, it felt like they were. Even for just a second.
"Kurapika, you don't miss him. You broke up with him for a good reason. He's better off without you." He whispered repeatedly, trying to get the thought to stick in his mind. It didn't work. Instead, another memory came. The reason they had broken up. The fight. His eyes filled up with tears. It did almost every time he remembered. Kurapika couldn't control it. No matter what was happening, he thought about something bad, something that hurt him, something that caused a deep, crushing pain in him. Could he ever be happy?
Kurapika sat there for hours, dark thoughts clouding his brain. His head was throbbing, and his breath became shaky. He didn't want to think these thoughts, but almost any moment triggered them. It was like a curse that could not be broken until he killed the Spiders. All of his sadness, anger, and pain would be used on the Troupe. Then he would be free of all these negative thoughts. That's what he had told himself.
-
A couple of hours later, Leorio was finally finished with the surgery. Neon was, of course, still asleep. The surgery took a strain on her body, and the anesthesia she was just placed under did not help.
As soon as he was finished with the surgery, he cleaned the medical equipment, took off his gloves, and rushed to find Kurapika. He didn't care about what he was going to say to him. Leorio just wanted to see him. Not a look-alike or someone similar. Just him.
-
"Kurapika." A voice very familiar to the blonde boy called out to him.
Kurapika involuntarily looked up at Leorio. He had a similar face as earlier, but this time with more determination. Kurapika stayed quiet, waiting for Leorio to speak again.
Leorio didn't know what to say. For a few seconds, he just stood there. The silence wasn't awkward but it didn't feel natural. Well, not to Kurapika. Leorio, on the other hand, felt that the silence wasn't silence. He could hear the grass moving and the birds chirping. He stares at Kurapika. His blond hair, brown eyes, and slim hands, everything about him was magical.
"If you aren't going to say anything, I'll be leaving." Kurapika interrupted Leorio's silent memorizing.
"Wait. Please stay." Leorio called out. His voice was desperate but stern.
Kurapika turned around, still avoiding eye contact. He felt that if he looked at him, his eyes wouldn't be able to handle it and that he would blurt out something that he wouldn't want Leorio or himself to hear.
"Can we talk. Just me in you." Leorio scratched the back of his head. His ears were bright red, and he was still in his scrubs. Kurapika thought the look was funny and almost laughed.
"I'm sorry, but no. I have to get back to Neon. Have a good day-" Kurapika tried to walk away, but Leorio grabbed his arm.
"Please."
Kurapika wanted to walk away but he couldn't. It was like they were magnetics compelling each other. His mind screamed at him to push Leorio off and continue walking. His body, on the other hand, turned to him. It was like his body and mind were at war with each other. But it was clear his body was winning this time.
Leorio's face beamed. It reminded Kurapika of Gon for a second. Oh, how he missed Gon and Killua.
"I guess that's a yes." Leorio chuckled. Always trying to make jokes to lighten the situation. It almost always worked, no matter how cheesy.
"Ten minutes only. I have to meet with Neon and the others." Kurapika reminded the tall man in front of him.
Leorio nodded, not trying to argue. "Can you just follow me?"
Kurapika stayed silent as he followed Leorio. He couldn't figure why he didn't just leave and ignore him. Why did his body ignore his mind? Or was the war between the mind and the heart, and not the mind and body?
Chapter 3: But I know nothing can hurt me when I see her sleepin' face
Notes:
As always, if you see any mistakes please let me know!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Kurapika could not help but smile as Leorio dragged him to who knows where. He missed the touch of Leorio, his ex-boyfriend. He missed the sensation so much that the only thing on his mind was this exact moment. Not the past or the worries of the future, just the present. For the first time in a while, Kurapika felt at ease. He was so calm that he had forgotten about everything else besides him and Leorio. Even though he'd never say it out loud, he wished this moment would never end.
After what seemed like hours, Leorio finally stopped. He stared at Kurapika and then stared at their hands. While they were running, Leorio's hand had interlocked with Kurapika's. It felt so natural to both of them that they hadn't noticed the whole time they walked. Hesitantly, Leorio let go of Kurapika's hand. It was difficult for Leorio to hide his embarrassment. The tips of his ears were beet red, and he started to stammer.
"S-sorry about that. We're here." Leorio managed to spit out his words without sounding like a complete idiot.
Kurapika cracked a soft smile and looked up at the building. It was a coffee shop. An unusual choice, knowing that Kurapika doesn't particularly enjoy the taste of any coffee.
"Did you bring me here to poke fun? You know I don't like coffee." Kurapika questioned. His expression tensed, which made Leorio extremely nervous.
"I know that! It's just that there is some good tea that I think-," Leorio paused for what seemed like eternity. "- No, I know that you will enjoy their tea." Leorio had absolute certainty in his voice, which left no room for Kurapika to even think of doubting him.
"Very well. Shall we head inside?" Kurapika said, taking the lead and heading inside the shop, like he had known the place since childhood. His confidence and strong character are what made Leorio truly fall in love with the blonde-haired man in the first place. Leorio quickly followed Kurapika. They sat down at a 2 person booth and waited for a server.
"Hello, what can I get for you two today?" A nice woman with a gentle voice approached the two.
"I want to taste the tea that you said I'd enjoy," Kurapika said in a whisper-like tone to Leorio.
Leorio smirked and turned to the waitress. "Sorry, may I have two lavender teas?"
The waitress nodded.
"Lavender?" Kurapika stared in confusion at Leorio. Sure Kurapika didn't dislike Lavender tea but it wasn't his favorite.
"I know, I know, but just trust me on this. You'll love it." Leorio said as if he were stating a fact.
Kurapika just nodded and said no more until the tea arrived.
"Here you go, gentlemen. Two lavender teas." The waitress propped two coasters in front of the two men and then placed the tea cups onto each coaster.
Kurapika waited until the lady left and looked at Leorio. The tall man's face was eagerly waiting for Kurapika to take the first sip. Like a kid waiting for their parents to wake up so they can open their Christmas presents.
Kurapika slowly held the teacup close to his mouth and sniffed it slightly. The smell immediately showed Kurapika a scene of wet grass and fireflies roaming around as kids played children's games. It looked like a quiet, windy day. The type of day when you go outside and feel a faint gust of wind pushing you along. Strong but nice; it smelled like nostalgia.
Kurapika felt all those emotions in the span of half a second. He wanted to capture this smell in a jar so he could open it whenever and smell it again. Over and over until he would get tired of it.
Kurapika brought the tea to his lips and took his first sip. In an instant, his mind cleared up. Even more than before, when he was holding Leorio's hand. He could clearly see a blank, clean, white space in his mind. His tongue shivered from the flavor, causing him to make a tiny noise. No words could describe what Kurapika was feeling. Only one simple word could bundle together all his thoughts.
"Good," Kurapika said. "It tastes good."
Leorio beamed. "I told you you'd like it. I went here once before by accident, so I asked them to just give me anything they had, and they gave me this amazing tea. I always go here after I do surgeries. It helps me calm down after those intense hours of working. Sadly, it closes pretty early, so I only come here when I get off work early." Did Leorio know Kurapika needed to calm down?
Leorio rambled, but Kurapika could only hear a few words he was saying. Kurapika was caught up in the feelings of pure bliss.
"Kurapika?" Leorio put his hand on his shoulder, snapping Kurapika out of his daydream.
"I apologize. My mind was somewhere else." Kurapika shook his head and put the tea back on the coaster.
"It's alright. When I first tasted it, it felt like my mind died and was reborn." Leorio chuckled and then took a sip of his tea.
Leorio had drunk this tea multiple so it didn't have that much of an effect on him as it did Kurapika. Or was it because his mind is less cluttered, less conflicted than Kurapika's?
The two sat in silence for a moment, drinking the calming tea.
"So, how has it been? You know with your work." Leorio asked Kurapika, breaking the silence. He only had 7 minutes left and didn't want to waste time.
"It's been fine. Sure, there are some struggles, but nothing particularly difficult." Kurapika responded. He wanted to give as little information as necessary. He did not want Leorio to know anymore about his current situation. As if they were co-workers. "How has it been with you? I see you've become a surgeon."
"It's really good. I love helping the kids and people in need there. I've built quite a reputation. People always come and ask me to help their family. Sure, I enjoy it, but it does take a toll." Leorio explained.
Leorio always had a strong look in his eyes when he spoke about a topic he was passionate about. It was like a radiating aura that surrounded him. Kurapika couldn't help but smile around Leorio. Leorio started to explain the moments he had at the hospital where he worked. Patients, embarrassing moments, sad moments, and even nurses he thought were annoying. Each passing second, Leorio glowed brighter.
"What's so funny? I know I'm a comedian, but you're usually a part of the tough crowd." Leorio asks Kurapika with a huge smile plastered on his face.
Kurapika had caught him self chuckling at Leorio. "Oh, it's nothing important. I just can't help but laugh when I'm with you."
Oops. Did Kurapika say that out loud? Kurapika, startled by his own voice, looked up at Leorio to see his expression.
Leorio was startled as well. He slightly jumped back and turned away from Kurapika's gaze. Was he blushing? Surely from embarrassment, right?
"I'm sorry. I had no intention of saying that audibly." Kurapika sighed, covering his face with his hand.
They were both embarrassed.
Leorio cleared his throat. "No, I don't mind. It's just that it caught me off guard."
Leorio turned around, and they both warmly smiled at each other. The embarrassment from both parties vanished, and a light feeling came over them both.
A buzz came from Kurapika's phone. "Sorry, I have to look at this." Kurapika opened his phone and looked at the text from Melody.
Melody(4:36): Neon has awoken. Mr. Nostrade has allowed us to stay at a hotel close to the hospital in case of another kidnapping attempt. Would you like me to book you a room?
Kurapika stared at the message, debating on what he should reply with.
"Is something going on?" Leorio asked.
"I just have to make a hotel arrangement. It seems that I will be staying in this area for the next couple of days." Kurapika explained. He didn't expect him to open up to Leorio, and definitely not quickly.
"You are? If you want-," Leorio paused. "Never mind."
"I'm already intrigued, tell me?" Kurapika responded.
"You can stay with me instead?" Leorio said, his voice had grown quieter.
Kurapika looked up at Leorio. He studied his expression. He was impatient, and he looked sweaty. His ears and nose were bright red, and his mouth hung slightly open. Kurapika hummed. Should he spend the next couple of nights at Leorio's house? His ex-boyfriend's house!? Now that he thought about it, it was too risky. He'd sworn to himself he wouldn't get close to Leorio again. How was it that easy for them to reconnect!?
"I don't know." Kurapika voiced. He truly didn't know.
"Uh, it's fine. It was just a suggestion. You don't have to if you don't want to." Leorio rushed to explain. He always tried to de-escalate the proposal he had given people if it felt like they were going to reject him. He didn't like the feeling of rejection.
Kurapika hated it when Leorio did that. He knew why he did but he didn't care. "Stop that," Kurapika said flatly.
"Stop what?"
"You know what." The tension became thicker as Kurapika spoke. "Stop trying to speak before I do. Let me answer. Don't treat yourself like that. It's disrespectful to you and me." Kurapika didn't regret his words, but he regretted how they came out of his mouth.
"I'm just trying to make it less awkward!" Leorio jumped into defense mode. It was easy for him to make that switch. Like flicking the lights back and forth.
"It's not working."
Leorio could feel the blood rising inside him. He was like a ticking time bomb waiting for the moment to explode. "I'm sorry for trying then! I won't try to be considerate anymore." Leorio yelled with a hint of sarcasm. He clenched his fist and rolled his eyes.
If Kurapika said one more thing, he knew Leorio would explode. He didn't like Leorio's sarcastic attitude right now but he wasn't his mom, and they had just seen each other after years. He didn't want to leave with even worse terms than before. Kurapika and Leorio always had petty arguments. Especially at the end of their relationship. It was always something that Leorio did or things that Kurapika kept hidden. It was almost constant bickering that would, thankfully, almost always get resolved in a couple of minutes. Before Kurapika could speak, Leorio did.
"Look, I'm sorry. It's just a bad habit. I don't like being turned down, so I try to turn people down before they can do it to me." Leorio sighed and put a soft smile on his face.
Kurapika couldn't help but blush. He was confused but flustered. He knew himself how bad it was to break out of habits, but Leorio apologized. He apologized for something he can't control. Leorio had greatly matured since the last time he saw him, and that made Kurapika's heart race.
"Don't apologize. It's my fault." Kurapika smiled back at him. "I would like that. I'll stay at your house, Leorio." Kurapika smiled.
Leorio felt like he was on cloud 9. He wanted to grab Kurapika and pull him into a deep hug. Somehow, he gained composure.
"Alright. Should we get going then?" Leorio asked.
"Yes, first allow me to reply to Melody's text message."
Kurapika(You)4:39: Sorry, Melody, for the delay. I have found a place close to the hospital that I will stay at instead. Don't worry about me.
Melody 4:39: That's wonderful. I hope you have a nice stay with Leorio.
How did Melody know Kurapika was staying with Leorio? Kurapika faintly laughed and turned off his phone.
--
The two of them walked back to the hospital since Leorio's car was there, and Kurapika wanted to speak with Neon.
"Neon, are you awake?" Kurapika entered the hospital room where Neon was staying.
"Kurapika!" Neon's eyes brightened as she turned to the blonde-haired man. She quickly tried to sit up, but couldn't because of the pain.
"Neon, please lie down!" Kurapika sprinted to Neon, tucking her in and sitting beside her.
"I don't wanna!" She scoffed.
"Please, Ms.Neon. We don't want you to be in pain for any longer."
"I'm sorry. I don't want you to worry, Kurapika." Neon stared at Kurapika's saddened expression and touched his hand. "It's those meanies' faults!"
Kurapika chuckled silently. "I wish I were there to protect you. It's my job. My top priority is to protect you, and I failed at that simple task.
"You've protected me countless times! You even helped me with my shopping. I won't let daddy fire you, okay?" Neon told Kurapika with the biggest grin.
Kurapika nodded and stayed by Neon's side until she drifted sleep.
--
"Took you long enough," Leorio mumbled as Kurapika entered the car.
They drove in silence until they finally reached his house. It wasn't huge but it definitely wasn't small. Just by looking at it, you could tell the owner had money. The house seemed cozy. It was 2 stories and had a brick exterior. Leorio always loved the brick walls. It was what he and Pietro imagined their house would look like as kids.
"Just let me clean up a little, and then you can come right in," Leorio told Kurapika and headed inside the house.
"Surprise!!" Gon and Killua shouted, startling Leorio.
"What the fuck are you two doing here!?" Leorio quickly closed the door behind him before Kurapika could peek inside.
"I told you we should have called him first." Killua sighed, slightly flicking the back of Gon's head.
"I wanted to surprise him!" Gon whined, rubbing the spot Killua had just touched.
"You two need to leave!" Leorio crossed his arms with a slightly frustrated look on his face.
Any other day, he would have been ecstatic for Gon and Killua to be here. But not today. Today, Kurapika was here, and he could not see Gon and Killua. He would think that this was a trap to get the four of them together again.
"Don't tell me you have a new partner waiting in the car?" Killua peeked outside the window, staring into Leorio's car.
Leorio quickly covered his window and pushed Killua out of sight. His face grew red as he saw the two boys goofing off in his house. If he waited any longer, Kurapika would start growing suspicious.
"Please just come tomorrow. I'll tell you why then." Leorio pleaded.
Gon and Killua looked at Leorio and then looked at each other. It was like they were reading each other's minds.
"Fine. But we will be here tomorrow," Killua told Leorio.
"Thanks. But you guys must exit through the back door." Leorio pushed them out before they could ask another question.
Leorio had gotten Gon and Killua to leave. He tried to tidy up his house and let Kurapika in.
Kurapika scanned his house. Windows on almost every corner. The kitchen was small and compact, but the living room was huge. There was a fire pit beside the kitchen and a bathroom, and a laundry room in a hall. All Kurapika could think was "wow".
"I'm sorry it's still kinda messy. I didn't want you to wait outside, though." Leorio excused himself.
Leorio led Kurapika upstairs. There were hundreds of papers everywhere and books lying on the ground. Downstairs was certainly cleaner than up here.
"This is supposed to be a guest room, but I kind of turned this into my study room. Just because I'm officially a doctor now doesn't mean I can't learn more." Leorio was extremely enthusiastic about his job. "You can sleep in my bed and I'll sleep on the couch. I didn't think I'd have company, so..."
Leorio opened his room door. His bed was long and had one pillow and a thick blanket. His room had his books neatly stacked on a desk. There was a picture of him, Gon, Killua, and Kurapika on his bedside cabinet. There was also another picture of him standing with his college diploma and doctorate, only taken a few months after he and Kurapika had split apart.
"Are you sure? I can sleep on the couch." Kurapika said. He was just being humble. He actually wanted to sleep in Leorio's room. He wanted to look around more. See how he treats the room he sleeps in. When Leorio and Kurapika were still together, he lived in a cheap, small apartment. It felt homey there, but Kurapika wanted to see if it was just his way of communication matured or was it also his lifestyle habits.
"Actually, I'll sleep in here." Leorio pulls out a small floor mattress from underneath his bed. Particularly for when Zepile wanted to spend the night.
"No, that's too small for you! I insist on sleeping on the mattress. After all, I am in your home." Kurapika grabbed the air mattress from Leorio.
"Thanks." Leorio climbed into his bed. "Do you want anything to eat?"
"No, I'm just tired."
Leorio nodded. He grabbed Kurapika a clean blanket and turned off his main light, and turned on a lamp. "I'm going to study if that's alright with you?"
To his surprise, Kurapika was already asleep.
Leorio opened his laptop and grabbed a couple of papers and pencils. He'd recently struggled with diagnosing a patient and criticized himself for it.
"If I can't give a proper diagnosis to someone in less than 30 minutes, what kind of doctor am I?" He whispered to himself.
Every mistake Leorio made, he looked down upon himself for it. Even the smallest ones. When he would make a mistake, he would drown himself in his work. If it weren't for passing the hunter exam he wouldn't even be able to become a nurse, so he worked his ass off. He had the privilege that millions of others would die for and he wouldn't let it be a waste.
Kurapika awoke from the bright lights coming from Leorio's screen. He looked at his watch as it read '3:25'.
"Leorio..." Kurapika called out.
Leorio ignored him. Not on purpose, he was just drowned out by his studying. Kurapika called out to him again, yet still no answer. Kurapika finally stood up and tapped Leorio on his shoulder. Leorio's hand flung up, hitting Kurapika right on the nose.
"Holy shit! I am so sorry, Kurapika." Leorio turned around quickly, comforting Kurapika.
To Kurapika it didn't hurt. It was like a small sting, but it was off guard. His nose was red.
"I shouldn't have snuck up on you. Don't worry."
"Why did you tap on me?"
"Because it's 3:00 in the morning. You've been studying since 10:00. I'm worried." Kurapika voiced his concerns.
Kurapika was being a hypocrite. He stayed up countless nights searching for the whereabouts of the Phantom Troupe and looking for his clan's eyes. He stayed up so often that sleep was like a reward. No, more like a gift, a miracle. Yet, he was telling Leorio to sleep. The last thing he wanted was to be a hypocrite. But he'd rather be a hypocrite than not worry about Leorio's well-being. As his...friend...his ex? What even are they?
"I didn't even notice it had gotten so late. I must have woken you up from the screen, huh? I'll hurry and finish so don't worry, sunshine." Leorio said to Kurapika.
Sunshine? The last time Leorio called him that was when they were still a couple. Hearing Leorio say that made Kurapika blush, but it also brought up old memories. He hated memories as of late. The bad ones always came about in his mind.
As Kurapika was over thinking Leorio wasn't even thinking about the word 'Sunshine'. The word just slipped naturally out of his mouth. Like they had never broken up. He was too tired to think about the words that came out of his mouth, so he said the first thing that popped into his mind.
"I'm finished, so I'm gonna turn in for the night now." Leorio closed his laptop and turned to Kurapika.
"Oh yeah? Alright." Kurapika said abruptly.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just something's on my mind."
Usually, Leorio would say "I know something's wrong. Tell me." or "What can I do to help?" but he was too tired to ask. He just nodded and went to his bed.
"You know I've missed you. I wish you would just climb into my bed and fuck me or something. No joke." Leorio said, half asleep. He was already under his blanket, lying his head on his pillow.
"Are you serious? Don't say things like that." Kurapika sternly told Leorio.
Leorio was already snoring by the time Kurapika finished his sentence.
"Still sleep-talking, I see." Kurapika rolled his eyes and went back to sleep.
--
Leorio woke up to the sound of his doorbell ringing. Kurapika groaned and sat up.
"I'll get it. You just go back to bed." Leorio sluggishly exited his bed and went to the front door.
"Hey Leorio!" Gon barged inside, hugging Leorio. Killua soon followed after.
"Hey." Killua gave Leorio a quick wave.
"When I said tomorrow I didn't mean 8 in the fucking morning." Leorio's face grew hot.
"We couldn't wait! After all we haven't seen you in a while." Gon let go of the hug.
It was true. The last time they visited Leorio was 2 years ago. They only came here when they were just "passing by the area".
"Hey, where is that girl. What's her name? She came last time. Alluka was it?" Leorio asked.
"Oh, Alluka. She's staying at a luxury hotel by herself. She didn't want to come with us over here. She said she will visit on the last day, though." Killua explained.
"She's a really nice girl. I thought you two left her."
"I would never leave Alluka. Never again." Killua immediately said.
Gon and Killua raided Leorio's fridge to find something to make. They already barged into Leorio's house and they didn't want to be a nuisance.
"To make it up to you we’ll cook you breakfast!" Gon grabbed a pan, smiling at Leorio.
"Gon, you don't know how to cook.." Killua rolled his eyes, grabbing some eggs.
"And you do? Besides, we can learn anything together!" Gon replied to Killua.
"You are so corny." Killua tried to retain his composure. But he wasn't fooling anyone. He was blushing profusely at Gon's comment. He still got flustered by his boyfriend even after many years.
At first, Killua and Gon had gone their separate ways. Killua went to travel with Alluka, and Gon decided to live quietly for a while with his Aunt Mito. But Killua felt empty without Gon. It was like a chunk of him was missing. It was a hunch, but Killua went on a ship to Whale Island. Gon was also getting bored with his quiet home life. Gon was about to leave on a ship to find Killua, and Killua was on a ship to Whale Island. Just as Gon was about to leave, another ship dropped off Killua. They saw each other and instantly knew. They left Whale Island on the same boat. Unfortunately, it did take some time for Killua to confess.
Leorio could only smile at the sight of Killua and Gon. They were the embodiment of teenage love.
"By the way. What were you going to tell us today?" Killua asked.
Oh crap. Leorio forgot all about the man sleeping upstairs. Was he even still asleep?
Gon and Killua could see the worried expression on Leorio's face. Gon fixed his lips to say something, but Killua stopped him and whispered something to Gon. After that, Gon returned to cooking.
Before Leorio could explain, Kurapika walked downstairs.
"Who are you talking to?" Kurapika asked as he walked downstairs, rubbing his eyes.
Gon stood there, shocked. He hadn't seen Kurapika in 4 years. Killua made a cheeky look at Leorio but decided to stay quiet. Leorio's face was mixed with hundreds of emotions. Not even Leorio knew what he was feeling in that moment. Kurapika's hair was messed up, and his shirt was slid up just the slightest.
"Kurapika!" Gon yelled as he could not hold in his excitement any longer. He ran towards Kurapika, squeezing him in a tight embrace.
"Gon?" Kurapika hadn't even opened his eyes yet and knew that the person hugging him was Gon. Kurapika returned the hug gently.
"Hey Kurapika," Killua said. He was also surprised to see Kurapika. "Why are you at Leorio's house?"
Kurapika finally opened his eyes and looked at Killua and Gon. Gon had grown slightly taller than Kurapika. His hair was still spiked up, but it was longer than before. His clothes closely resembled his old outfit, but with a few tweaks, he assumed it was Killua's doing. Gon looked like a professional lifter. Still, he had the same big grin on his face. It was like a child in a grown man's body.
Killua was slightly taller than Gon. His hair was longer, but his bangs were cut shorter. He had gotten a slight tan but was still very pale. He was slim but obviously had muscle.
"Wow. And you both are only 17." Kurapika patted Gon's head and smiled at Killua.
Leorio's tense shoulders dropped. He had expected Kurapika to be highly suspicious. He second-guessed himself. Why would Kurapika be wary of his friends?
"Don't tell me you two are together again?" Killua said teasingly.
Kurapika's face dropped, and Leorio immediately started to explain himself."No, we're not! He's just staying at my house for a while!"
"I don't know seems pretty fishy to me." Killua shrugged his shoulders and turned back around.
"I don't understand what's going on, but I'm just happy all four of us are together again!" Gon smiled.
Well, that was awkward.
Notes:
A light chapter. I was debating on how to write Gon and Killua into this so I just thought, "Why don't they show up unannounced!?" It's not breaking in if it's their friend.
Chapter 4: Different time, same place.
Notes:
Is 3 hours too slow to write 2000 words? Or is that a normal speed? The minimum amount of chapters for this fic has been raised to 7!! Anyways as always, let me know if I made any grammar/ spelling mistakes.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
A few minutes had passed. Gon and Killua finished cooking breakfast. They had to work with the few items Leorio had, since he mostly only had coffee for breakfast. Gon and Killua had made eggs, toast and DIYed some sausage patties.
“Not as bad as I thought it would be,” Leorio said, poking his egg with a fork and taking a big bite.
“You two did quite a good job,” Kurapika adds on congratulating the two teens.
Killua smiles faintly at the praise. “Yeah, yeah. Just eat it, okay!”
The four of them sat down on Leorio’s couch and continued eating. It was like they were a family. Gon and Killua talked about their recent trips to various countries they visited. The more stories they told, the crazier they got. Leorio felt quite boring compared to the duo.
“So that’s what you two have been doing while I worked my ass off in medical school!” Leorio spat, rolling his eyes. Despite Leorio’s actions, he was extremely happy for Gon and Killua.
“Not my fault you wanted to be boring and lame.” Killua rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue slightly.
“Leorio, do you know where the showers are? I forgot to tell you, but I still have some business to attend to.” Kurapika asked Leorio with urgency.
“Yeah, the guest bathroom is downstairs to the left. Do you need a towel?” Leorio asked, already standing up to get the towel.
“No need. I already have one. Thank you, though.” Kurapika brought his plate to the sink, cleaned it, and headed to the shower.
Now that Kurapika left, the air felt slightly off. None of them even asked where he was headed.
“So Leorio? Why is Kurapika here if you guys aren’t, quote on quote, together?” Killua quickly filled the silence.
Leorio played with his food, thinking of a decent answer. He wanted to keep it short and simple, which was rare for him.
“He was just around, so I invited him to stay. You know as friends.” Leorio kept his eye contact away from Killua and Gon, staring at his hands.
“As friends? So I assume you two are on good terms?”
God damn it, Killua! Couldn’t he have tried not to pry into this situation?
“You could say that.” Leorio did not know what they were right now. Were they on good terms again? He couldn’t say that he was just letting Kurapika stay at his house because he missed him dearly. There’s no way.
“I’m so happy you two are okay again! Since it would be super weird if we were all hanging out and you two still were mad at each other!” Gon said, stuffing a huge piece of toast in his mouth.
Leorio knew Gon didn’t mean to be insensitive, but he wished Gon were a little more aware of the situation.
-
Kurapika had finally finished showering. He entered the living room in a black suit. His hair was freshly styled and it smelled like flowers. Probably because of the conditioner he used. He looked at the three of them and softly smiled. When was the last time they were together like this?
“I don’t know when I’ll be back so don’t wait on me,” Kurapika spoke, staring at Leorio for longer than the other two.
“Y-yeah okay!” Leorio blushed, stumbling over his words.
Without another word, Kurapika left the house. Leorio, Gon, and Killua stared at each other, waiting for someone to speak.
“Hey, dumbasss, why didn’t you ask him where he was going!?” Killua yelled.
“It’s not my place to ask! Why didn’t you ask him?!” Leorio shouted back.
“Guys, he’ll tell if he wants to,” Gon said calmly, causing the two of them to blow their fuses.
“And by the way. Why did you two come to York New? You guys don’t come here for no reason?” Leorio interrogated the two.
Gon and Killua explained. The yearly auction had come up, and Gon and Killua wanted to buy a couple of things they were interested in. While they were traveling the world, they were also doing hunter missions in between. They were both treasure hunters. It allowed them to travel to various places while also earning some hard-earned cash.
“You can come with us if you want?” Gon insisted, pleading with his puppy dog eyes.
Leorio couldn’t resist them, no matter how hard he tried. Finally, he sighed. “Fine.” He really wanted to focus on studying, but hopefully this trip will help him clear his mind of Kurapika.
The three of them finished their food and got ready to head to the yearly York New auction.
-
Although Neon was recovering in the hospital, Mr. Nostrade still had a quest for Kurapika to do. Bid for and collect the jewelry Neon required. He found this to be the golden opportunity to find his brethren’s scarlet eyes and collect them. Thankfully, he persuaded Neon to stop buying body parts, specifically the scarlet eyes. Sadly, addictions don’t disappear without gaining a new one. So she decided on collecting old, rare jewelry. Not nearly as bad.
Alas, this made it harder for Kurapika. When Neon bought the scarlet eyes, he could easily trade them out for fake ones he crafted himself, but now he had to steal them from other buyers. Buyers who have personal bodyguards.
Kurapika headed into the first auction. It wasn’t as crowded because the later it gets, the more gross, valuable, or secretive the items sold are. There were still thousands of people despite it being early.
First on the list were a pair of Burmese ruby earrings made in 270 B.C.. They were starting at 500,000 jenny.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, these are one-of-a-kind Burmese Ruby earrings from the late 200 B.C. There are no others like these in the world, starting at 500,000 jenny! Do we have any bidders!?” The man exclaimed. He certainly had a lot of energy for 9:30 a.m.
-
“My legs hurt! We’ve been walking for hours!” Leorio groaned, dragging his feet as he walked.
“C’mon, Leorio! You’re a hunter.” Gon turned to Leorio, walking backwards. He wasn’t trying to taunt Leorio, but it sure felt like it.
Killua turns his head and spots a familiar face.
“Long time, no see.” Killua greets Zepile.
“Mr. Zepile! We haven’t seen you in forever!” Gon ran up to him, hugging him. Gon definitely was a hugger.
“Gon? You look so different!” Zepile laughed, returning his hug. He turned to Killua. “At least Killua looks similar.”
Killua rolls his eyes. Zepile and the three of them sit inside where his booth is set up. He gives the three of them a glass of water.
“What are you three doing here?” Zepile asks.
“Where just looking around? What about you? Have you finally opened that shop?” Gon popped the question.
Zepile’s face slightly dropped before putting a smile back on his face. “Not yet! But almost. I’m so close I can reach for it and touch it.”
The three smiled at Zepile’s enthusiasm as they took a sip of their water.
“You know, if you guys are looking for anything in particular, I can help you three.”Zepile offered, they had helped him in ways they didn’t know and he wanted to return the favor.
“Really?” Gon replied to Zepile in gratitude. “There is something that Alluka really wanted, right? What was it called?” Gon said to Killua.
“I almost forgot. It was a taaffeite necklace. She always wants the expensive stuff!” Killua responded, leaving in his own snarky comment.
“That’s being held for auction at 7:30 pm,” Zepile answered, then sighed. “A lot of people are trying to buy it for themselves so I don’t know if you guys are going to be the ones to secure it.”
“That’s alright, we enjoy the challenge.” Gon smiled. It was obvious he was fired up; a small spark came from Gon’s eyes. Leorio and Killua knew that look pretty well.
“I would come with you guys, but I have a booth to run.” Zepile walked them out and said his goodbyes. He’d probably be seeing Leorio sooner or later.
-
Leorio, Gon and Killua explored the outside of the auction. Hundreds of people walked around joyously, although some fought with shopkeepers over prices. This was clearing Leorio’s mind, just a little.
“Hey Gon, wanna see who can dunk their head underwater the longest?” Killua pointed to the huge crate filled with water. The sign read: The longer you keep your head under water, the bigger the prize!
“Fine, but if I win, you have to kiss me on the cheek! Gon pointed his finger on his right cheek, sticking it out and moving it to Killua’s face.
“Huh?! Stop teasing!” Killua grew red and turned away from Gon’s teasing expression.
“I’m serious, Killua.” Gon turned around. “But if you don’t want to, then-“ Gon smugly said.
“Fine. God, you’re so annoying!” Killua tried not to smile, keeping his cool demeanor.
“On your mark, get set, go!” Leorio screamed as the green and white haired boys dunked their heads into the water.
A minute had passed, and the boys hadn’t moved. Leorio understood the two were very much alive because they had stuck their thumbs out, and if they were drowning, the thumbs would have fallen.
Leorio was betting with himself who would win? The ex-assassin or the boy who spent nearly all his childhood on an island?
3 minutes had passed now, and the two's heads were still not moving. He was now wondering if he should check on them or not.
“If neither of you pulls your heads up, I’ll forcefully do it myself!” Leorio readied his hands to abruptly pull the two of them back to land.
Just before he could, Killuas head rose up from the water, his hair wet and dripping down his back.
Soon after Gon’s head emerged, his hair down before shaking it back to its stiff position.
“Did I win?” Gon asked with a bright look on his face. He was breathing at a steady pace despite having just gotten his head out of the large bin.
“Yeah, you did. I thought you two were dead.” Leorio wiped the sweat from his face. He didn’t want to be responsible for two kids' deaths, even if they were the ones who participated in the contest.
“Well, it’s time.” Gon moves his cheek to Killua, grinning from ear to ear.
Killua’s face burned up. He slowly went up to Gon’s cheek. Just a quick peck. Killua thought. It was noticeably embarrassing for him. Gon and Killua weren’t really the handsy type of couple. For them, being a couple was like when they were friends, the only difference being that they know both of them have feelings for each other. They occasionally held hands, but the most they ever did was kiss on the lips and that only was when Killua was asleep and Gon did one of his “surprise attacks”. Killua didn’t hate them he just didn’t know how to handle them. He never was hugged or kissed on the cheek by his mom or any of his family members for a matter of fact. Except for Alluka and Nanika. This, though, was different.
Kiss. Killua kissed Gon on his cheek. In reality, Gon just moved his face closer to his lips. Either way, a kiss is a kiss.
“Hehe, let’s get going now, okay?” Gon said, remaining calm, he was blushing too, but not as much as Killua was. It was a sight to see because usually, Killua’s the calm one.
“Yeah, let’s go.” Killua put his hands in his pockets, walking beside Gon.
“And before I forget.” Gon grins and kisses Killua on his cheek, causing Killua’s face to grow red.
“Gon!” Killua jumped slightly.
“I know you wanted it because if you didn’t, you would have moved out of the way, wouldn’t you?” Gon teased, laughing at Killua.
“Did you two lovebirds forget I’m here?” Leorio barked. He was already lonely; no need to rub it in his face.
“It’s not our fault no one wants to date that face.” Killua mocks, reverting to his cool, calm, and snarky attitude.
“Hey, his face isn’t ugly! It’s just a little tired, that’s all.” Gon said.
Ouch. Not a thought behind those words.
-
It was finally close to 7:30. Luckily, Gon and Killua’s suits dried up. When they entered the underground auction, it was as packed and loud as the last time they went. Leorio was intrigued by the place. Last time he went was just to help Kurapika, but this time around, he could actually explore. Not bid though, he wasn’t trying to spend hundreds of thousands of jenny on useless treasures.
“We still have some time before the thing Alluka wants is up for auction. I’m going to go bid for the stuff I want.” Killua announced to the two of them, walking away without another word.
“Same, I want to bid for some things too!” Gon added in.
“So I guess the three of us are heading our separate ways?” Leorio asked, already knowing the answer.
The two of them nodded, agreeing on meeting up again at 7:25 to head to the auction for the necklace.
Leorio was fairly lost. Each hallway led to a bathroom or a dead end. It’s not like he was going to spend any money, so what did it matter?
Then, randomly, a room called to him. It wasn’t like a voice, it was a feeling. He turned around, which led him to a door. His eye widened. The bid was a pair of scarlet eyes, then it finally clicked into his head. Kurapika is here looking for his clan's eyes, and a possibly worse conclusion, the Phantom Troupe could be in the building. No, not possibly, they would in fact be here. Hundreds of wealthy families would be here that they could kill off with ease. They just needed a few to stay here and cause havoc while the other members kill the unattended families of the rich.
This was bad. Kurapika didn’t tell Leorio because he knew he would worry, and Kurapika was right. Leorio started to sweat, and his glasses began to fog. He should have asked, he should have begged Kurapika to stay.
Leorio knew better than anyone that Kurapika wouldn’t listen to anyone when it meant getting in the way of killing the Spiders. Not even with they were together. That was one of the reasons they broke up, too. If he had to choose between his overlying rage for the Troupe or his lover, he would always choose the former. That’s the one thing nobody could ever persuade.
Still, Leorio would try and try again. Even though he knows what Kurapika will do and say. He still loves him. Even after that has happened; he can finally admit that he still loves Kurapika.
Notes:
I wanted to add a killugon moment because I really love them. I just feel like they’d have a sweet innocent love. ❤️ Don’t worry the phantom troupe will have a role in the next chapter.
Chapter 5: So come inside and be with me, alone with me
Summary:
Flash back of a fight Leorio and Kurapika had.
Notes:
Short chapter since this is a flash back chapter. I know I said phantom troupe next chapter but all I can say is sorry.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Time flew by rather slowly when Leorio was still in medical school. The constant lessons and tests he had to take were exhausting, to say the least. Every day, he’d go home groaning and lying on the couch, unable to move until he remembered he had to study for whatever upcoming test he had.
He hated the constant work, but he knew it was required to achieve his dream. Becoming a doctor.
Leorio was always happy to arrive at his house. Which at the time was a studio apartment that cost just 500 jenny a month. It was small and cramped, but it was better than nothing.
He had a dingy car that was probably ten years old that he had bought off the street for a measly 300 jenny. He exited his car, giving it a hard push to close it fully.
He went up his apartment stairs, struggling to find his keys that were in his left pocket. Finally, he found them and opened the door. He took off his shoes and sat in a chair, slouching and sighing. He grabbed a fistful of hair and closed his eyes tightly, trying to release the stress pent up from earlier.
“So you didn’t notice me? I guess school is rough.” A voice Leorio adored spoke to him. Leorio looked up instantly to find the blonde-haired man standing in front of him with a gentle smile.
Leorio's eyes widened and began to gleam, the tiredness from before completely vanishing. “Kurapika..” Leorio tenderly smiled at him. He examined Kurapika; eye bags that were heavier than his, hair neatly combed out just as always, and a soft smile that displayed emotions Leorio could not decipher.
“I’m back, and I don’t need anything from you but one simple request,” Kurapika said calmly.
“Anything,” Leorio responded so quickly that Kurapika gave a startled look before smiling again.
“Kiss me.”
Without a second thought, Leorio lifted himself from the chair he was seated in and kissed Kurapika with great tenderness and warmth. Kurapika reciprocated the kiss, holding the side of Leorio's face. It was stubby from his recently shaved beard. The position was uncomfortable for Leorio, having to arch his back to match Kurapika’s height. That wasn’t a problem for him, just a small displeasure.
Leorio kissed him again, this time with more passion and force. Kurapika’s lips were, without fail, soft. A slight moan released from Kurapika’s lips as Leorio dug his fingers into his back. He wanted to touch and be touched by Kurapika. He wanted to have him all to himself and have him stay with him forever, like a bird in a cage.
Kurapika let go of the kiss, breathless. “I missed you, Leorio.”
“Me, too.” Leorio hugged Kurapika firmly, keeping him in his grasp for what felt like forever. Forever isn’t enough.
Leorio eventually let go of the tight grip he held on Kurapika and stared at him deeply. How could someone this beautiful love him back?
“I know you said you didn’t need anything from me, but-“
“-but you don’t think I would just show up here without reason?” Kurapika finished Leorio’s sentence. He clasped Leorio’s hand and gave a soft grin, which made Leorio blush. “Can’t the reason just be to see you?”
“I never said that,” Leorio grumbled, sighing in relief. “So it’s really nothing?”
Kurapika nodded in agreement and pulled Leorio to a couch beside the door and sat. Leorio soon followed, sitting beside Kurapika, still holding his hand fondly.
Leorio talked to Kurapika about shitty classmates, chronic tests and assignments, and how he almost got evicted more than he can count for “causing too much noise”. Kurapika smiled, giving his two cents frequently. When was the last time the two of them sat like this?
Usually, Kurapika would come when he was sick or injured, and Leorio would drop everything to provide for him. Even causing him to slip behind on assignments. If it were a balance scale, nothing would outweigh Kurapika. Not even himself. Sure, he knew that wasn’t healthy at all, but who is really?
“I’m glad you’re okay, even if your school life is ‘shitty’.” Kurapika sighed in relief, letting out a small bit of laughter, causing Leorio to laugh too.
“Of course I’m okay, sunshine? Why wouldn’t I be?” Leorio rubbed himself against Kurapika. He’s oddly more affectionate than usual.
“N-nothing, just asking.” Kurapika sputtered, raising Leorio’s suspicion.
Leorio moves his body from Kurapika, giving him a “be serious” look. He tugs Kurapika’s hand harder with a slight tremble. “Don’t lie to me, Kurapika.” Leorio asserts coldly.
-
Kurapika stares into Leorio’s eyes, seeing nothing but confusion and anger. He can tell Leorio’s defensive nature is spewing out, and if Kurapika doesn’t explain it in the best way he can, Leorio will blow up.
“It’s nothing you need to worry about, Leorio. I promise.” Kurapika says as softly as he can, trying to de-escalate the situation.
Leorio stood up immediately and threw his hands up. Soon after, he rubs out his eyebrows and sighs. “Do. Not. Lie.”
Leorio isn’t even staring at Kurapika, but he can feel an intense feeling going down his spine. It feels as if he’s about to puke. “Someone said something to me. A threat, a blank threat. They said that they knew you and they’d kill you.” His voice rose in panic. “I was just making sure that you were okay!”
Usually, Kurapika was calm and quick to respond to any confrontation, but with Leorio he wasn’t. He knew how Leorio would respond but he didn’t know how to redirect the conversation to go his way or to avoid it entirely.
“Why do you get to make sure I’m okay?! I’m not a fucking baby! I’m not weak…” Leorio straightened his shaky voice. “I am capable of defending myself. Do you think I’m weak, Kurapika?”
“Never. I never saw you as weak, Leorio-“. Kurapika could feel himself freezing up, but tried to keep up his calm persona.
“Then why do you hide stuff from me?! Why do you lie to me?” Leorio clenched his jaw and squeezed his fist so hard his knuckles were turning white. Before Kurapika could respond, Leorio continued. “Do you even fucking love me?! No, I get it now. You just use me to save you like I’m some super hero, and now you came here to see if your doctor was broken.”
Kurapika could hear the anger in Leorio’s voice. It was scary. “Leorio, I do not think of you as disposable garbage.” If Kurapika could cry, he would. “I just want you to be safe.” Kurapika stood up from the small couch and walked to Leorio, grabbing his arm.
Leorio sighed, still frowning. “I just wish you would see me as capable.”
“I do, but if you don’t believe what can I do so you can?”
Leorio paused. Then he looked at Kurapika in his eyes and let out a small laugh. “I don’t fucking know.” Leorio let out a loud, hearty, unsettling laugh, probably because of his stress and lack of sleep.
Probably.
“I just want to be seen as capable to you. That’s so stupid, right?” Leorio laughed harder.
Kurapika held Leorio’s hand daintily. “It’s not stupid, and I’ll try to do better.
He felt Leorio’s gaze soften towards him. He bent down and put his head on top of Kurapika’s head.
“Can you stay for just one day? Or just one night?” Leorio asked.
“Yes, Leorio. Just for the night.” Kurapika spoke compassionately and kissed Leorio’s forehead.
Leorio grabbed Kurapika’s face and kissed his nose.
“I hate you so much…” Leorio grinned.
“I can’t say I like you all that much either.” Kurapika rolled his eyes, trying to hide his big smirk from creeping upon his face.
-
The next day, Leorio woke up and looked beside him to see Kurapika gone from his bed. He sighed, he already knew what to expect, yet still kept his hopes high. As he exited his room, he saw a note stuck to the bedroom door.
I wanted to wait until you awoke to leave, but I am certain I wouldn’t have had the ability to if I saw your face. I’ll come by soon, and next time with no alternative reason. If I do come by for any reason, I’ll make sure to tell you and not hold anything from you from now on. I can’t promise but I’ll try my absolute hardest. I don’t think I say it enough, but I am very grateful to you, Leorio. You are not just my “doctor,” you’re also my partner. I love you, and I hope you understand that I truly mean every word written on this sticky note.- Kurapika
Leorio smiled at the note Kurapika had left. He already knew his notes were sincere and truthful. He couldn’t figure out why he knew; he just did.
He grabbed his laptop and went to the kitchen to find a meal for breakfast. He settled on a bowl of Lucky Trinkets cereal for breakfast and opened his laptop. Another sticky note fell from the laptop screen.
You most likely opened this laptop 5 minutes after you woke from your sleep. Please rest and do not overwork yourself!- Kurapika
Leorio burst out laughing. “I will..” He said as if Kurapika was standing right in front of him. “I guess I’ll buy some more groceries and medicine for the next time he comes over.” He closes his laptop and continues to eat his cereal.
Notes:
Yeah, I think I suck at writing romance but it’s really fun for me to write about ships I enjoy and put them into situations I want them to be in. I was listening to “Above the Chinese Restaurant” and “Just like Chet” by Laufey while writing this and I think that both those songs fit them almost perfectly.
Chapter 6
Summary:
Kurapika fighting a member of the Phantom Troupe.
Notes:
Sorry this chapter took so long to write. I kinda rushed this chapter because I didn’t want to be working on it for 2+ weeks. I hope you enjoy! Please let me know if there is any typos! ❤️
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The gleaming pair of his brethren’s eyes were just under his nose, as he watched the auction take place below him. He was in a disguise, seated above the scarlet eyes, in one of the velvet-covered chairs.
The bets went higher and higher. People, young and old bidding millions for the pair of eyes in front of him. It made him furious. He had to remember that it wasn’t the selfish buyers' fault, it was the horrible group that named themselves “Phantom Troupe”. That is who he declared to act his revenge on and take his rage out solely on them. It was his whole reason for continuing life after all.
“We have a winner!” The announcer yelled through his crispy microphone.
Kurapika turned towards the man who had bought the eyes to study him. He looked roughly 167 centimeters (5’6 inches), had pink hair, glasses, and was quite plain looking.
Easy. Kurapika noted in case he might have to come face to face with the man and steal the eyes by force.
Suddenly, Kurapika felt a dark, sharp, unsettling en. He instantly knew who or, better yet, what group was here. He instantly shot up into defensive mode, eyes glistening red, scorched with hatred, and out for blood.
He scanned the area and followed the feeling or the scent, the aura left behind. He followed them closely behind. Far enough where he wouldn’t have to use Zetsu to hide his presence.
He noticed a pink-haired woman, short, in traditional Japanese clothing and a man taller than average, with blond hair, and some sort of workout attire.
No doubt about it, they are members of the Phantom Troupe.
He followed them carefully. The two only slightly showed signs of suspicion when exiting the building. They had noticed him. He knew they would eventually, but not this quickly.
Nonetheless, he continued to lurk behind them. Did they know the chain user was following them? Kurapika followed the two, where they yelled in a secluded building.
“I know you’re out there, so come on out!” The man shouted, moving his right arm counterclockwise. “We know you’re the chain user.”
“We don’t know. I just said I have a hunch.” The girl sighed coldly, rolling her eyes.
“But your hunches are usually accurate, aren’t they?” He smirked, slowing down his hand.
“Don’t you think that’s a bit too little? Remember, he killed Uvogin.” The girl spoke harshly but slowly. She pinched the skin between her eyes and groaned.
“It’ll be enough. It will at least break some of his bones.” Phinks chuckled lowly, sparkling with determination.
Machi shrugged her shoulders and nodded, sitting on a lone rock.
“Well, what are you doing?! Don’t tell me you’re a coward?!” Phinks yelled at the man that he assumed was the chain user.
Kurapika quickly headed down, eyes gleaming scarlet as chains appeared around his hand. He stared at the two and his face angered, not saying a word. His chest rose quickly.
“I finally get to meet him, the man person, huh? Are you ready to die?” Phinks screamed with a certain fearlessness, even Kurapika felt a bit shaken.
“Were you apart of the Kurta massacre?” Kurapika asked, fist clenching as he awaited an answer.
“Yes, I was. What of it?” Phinks answered bluntly as he got ready, fighting position.
“You’ll have to die for your sins tonight,” Kurapika said with more anger than the first time.
“If you can kill me first.” Phinks snickered with a hint of ego slipping.
That ticked Kurapika off. His eyes glowed through his contacts and his teeth gritted, it was so loud that it echoed through the walls. Kurapika lifted his hand with the chains.
Phinks took that gesture as a sign of starting combat. He ran towards Kurapika with great speed and swung straight at Kurapika’s face.
Kurapika ducked with a second to spare. He used his left leg and slammed it into Phinks’ right leg, causing the Troupe member to stumble slightly. The Spider gets back up and finds his balance. Kurapika lunges forward, aiming for his arm. Phinks blocks it using his own.
While Kurapika was focused on Phinks’ right arm, he was rotating his left. He swung at Kurapika’s face again. Kurapika had no choice but to use his left hand as a shield. Crack. A few bones broken. Not as bad as his fight with Uvogin.
Phinks smirked, winding his fist as Kurapika regained himself. “Are you ready for more?” Phinks laughed, lunging towards the man as he punched him on his side. Crack. Middle ribs shattered.
Kurapika winced in pain, kneeling down as he uses his working hand for defense.
“Holy chain,” Kurapika whispered. Chains, glowing green wrapped around his chest as he slowly stood back up. In an instant, his ribs were fixed, and they returned to pristine condition.
Phinks stared in shock for a second but quickly regained his fire, spinning his right arm again, this time faster.
Kurapika stood up. He looked around to find Phinks who was hiding in the shadows. Kurapika uses En to search for Phinks. Kurapika finds him and jumps up to him. In the air, Kurapika uses his left leg and kicks Phinks in the face.
Phinks falls on the ground. Kurapika falls back down and walks over to Phinks. Just as Kurapika was going to speak, Phinks punched the ground, causing a loose rock to crumple on top of Kurapika. Kurapika flies out the way, but his left leg gets stuck on one of the rocks.
“16, 17, 18…” Phinks counts walking towards Kurapika.
“Judgment Chain appear,” Kurapika whispers. Suddenly, chains appear around Phinks. He’s unable to move, unable to break free, unable to use nen.
“When did you put these on me?!” Phinks demanded an answer.
“While we were talking earlier. Your friend is next.” Kurapika tightened the grip, making Phinks yelp in pain.
Kurapika, still incapable of moving, knew his leg was completely shattered under the rock. Kurapika removed his eye contacts and stared intensely at the man in front of him. “This will be the last face you’ll ever see, unless you answer my question. Which I doubt you will.”
Right before Kurapika was going to stick the chain into Phinks’ heart, Machi, the pink-haired woman from before, appeared with a man in her grasp. He was stuck with needles.
“Leorio?!” Kurapika squinted, trying to make out the man’s face as he was still unsure if his eyes were playing tricks on him.
Machi wiped the blood from her nose onto the back of her hand. “You know him? I see I was correct.” Machi sharpened her needles onto the man, causing Leorio to shriek in agony. “He was a handful.”
“Let go of him now!” Kurapika said, his voice was harsh and cold. His anger fueled as he intensified his chains that Phinks was trapped between, making the man fall on his knees. The chains scraped so hard against the man that blood started to ooze from the man’s skin onto the chains.
“Machi don’t,” Phinks said, barely able to speak from the pain.
“You don’t tell me what to do.” Machi dropped the man spitefully, and he was unconscious now. “Now take the chains off of him.” She demanded.
Kurapika was in a tough situation. If he lets his chains go, he would still be trapped under the rocks, leaving Machi and Phinks with the ability to attack. He could free the chains from Phinks and then put them on Machi. Phinks is probably too weak to move. Although, Leorio might be getting controlled and no matter what he did not want Leorio to be put in any more trouble.
“First, free me from these rocks on my leg,” Kurapika ordered.
Machi nodded, walking over to the chain user and removing the rubble from his legs. She then backed away a considerable distance. Kurapika stood on his working leg and walked towards the passed-out Leorio, putting him over his shoulders. It wasn’t easy. Kurapika started to stagger.
“Do not heal yourself,” Machi said flatly, glaring into Kurapika’s red eyes. “I will allow you to leave 300 meters from here, and then you’ll release the chain. You can make those chains that long, correct?”
Kurapika nodded. He couldn’t project them from that far, but they would naturally fade if that far out. He walked away limping with Leorio’s arm around his shoulders. Each step filled Kurapika with a pain so intense he couldn’t afford to speak. He walked in complete silence. The only sound he could hear was his foot scraping against the ground and his sharp inhales.
Tears filled Kurapika’s eyes as he passed the 300-meter mark. He carefully rested Leorio on a nearby tree that was hidden in the shadows behind an old, abandoned building.
He sat down beside him, laying his head onto Leorio’s shoulder. In an instant, he turned his eyes back to their scarlet hue and began using his chains on his shattered leg. He turned to Leorio. He could barely see the man’s face as it was night, only the moon emitting light. Leorio’s face was bruised and bloody, and his dark suit was tattered and had small holes everywhere.
Kurapika forced himself to turn away from him, or else he would lose himself and turn right back and find the woman, the Spider who did this to Leorio.
After Kurapika had finished healing himself, he turned to Leorio again, frowning. Kurapika picked up Leorio’s hand and kissed it softly. “I love you, but you’re in danger when with me. I can’t lose anyone else close to me. Especially not you. This is why we broke up. This is why I forced a bridge between us. This will be one of the last times we cross paths.” Kurapika whispers, the wind covering his words.
He cupped Leorio’s face softly, he could feel every bruise on him. His thumb caressed the outline of his jawline, and he smiled, tears streaming down his face faster. Kurapika admired the man’s face, memorizing each crevice of his face with his fingers, hoping to never forget it. Kurapika then picked up Leorio again, admitting him to the nearest hospital.
-
Leorio regained consciousness, not knowing how he got here. It was obvious he was in the hospital. This time, though, he was the patient. Tubes were going down his arm. His chest felt tight. His head was aching. His whole body throbbed.
Leorio tried to remember what had happened last night. He saw Kurapika, he followed him, he saw a girl, he fought a girl, and that was as far and as veracious as he could remember. He turned his eyes to the right of him seeing Gon and Killua sitting in two chairs.
“Leorio, you’re okay!?” Gon rushed over to him with a look of relief as he wiped away the invisible sweat from his forehead.
Killua walked over also with a look of relief, taking an extra loud sigh. “You were extremely beaten up. What happened?”
“I was following Kurapika and then this girl…” Leorio paused, attempting to remember everything thing that happened the day prior. “… and that’s all I remember.” Leorio groaned; the questions he was bombarded with soon after being awake were making him antsy. “Where’s Kurapika?” Leorio, without second thought lifted him self off the bed ripping the tubes out with him.
“Leorio, you can’t get up!” Gon shouted, hand waving rapidly, pleading with Leorio to lie down and rest.
“Please, you're hurt, so just lie down and relax,” Killua added.
Leorio took a look at both of their faces and nodded. He slowly sat back down with a hint of guilt. “Can you at least explain? That’s all I want.”
Killua explained. Kurapika had dropped him off at the hospital and asked the two not to tell Leorio about his whereabouts, tell him to not try and look for him and not to spill that he dropped him off at the hospital.
Hundreds of emotions raced through Leorio’s already confused brain. Why would Kurapika leave? Why does Gon and Killua know where Kurapika is and why doesn’t Kurapika want him to know?
“Can you guy tell me where he is?” Leorio desperately insisted, his throat began to fill stuffed as if it was near impossible to speak.
“Kurapika told us not to tell you. So I’ll, we’ll respect at least one of his wishes. I’m sorry, Leorio.” Gon said, as if he was forcing himself not to break Kurapika’s trust and tell Leorio everything. “He just wants the best for you...” Gon repeated something he heard Kurapika say when they spoke a few hours earlier.
Leorio furrowed his brows. “Why does he get to decide what’s good for me!?” Leorio could feel his heart beat louder and faster, and felt the blood rise in his body.
“It’s been years and he still thinks he has a right on what I should and shouldn’t know!” Leorio snapped, standing up again and heading to the door. “If you two refuse to answer me I’ll go find out myself!”
Killua raced in front of him, using his Godspeed, blocking the door. “Leorio, you shouldn’t leave.” Killua airily said.
Leorio tightened his fist. “Killua, don’t try to stop me.”
Killua looked at Leorio. His face reminded him of himself when he had first rescued Alluka against his father’s and brother’s wishes to save Gon’s life and free Alluka from that prison he once called home. The look of determination, desperation, and desire. Killua then looked at Gon. Gon’s face was saying “just let him go”.
Killua sighed, stepping away from the door, in disapproval but also understanding. Leorio looked at Killua and then turned to Gon. He fixed his lips to say something and then shook his head and left.
Notes:
Yay! We’ve reached 15,000 words on this fic! On this date, (26th of July, 2025) this is my longest fic yet!!
Chapter 7
Summary:
Leorio leaves to meet a special someone.
Notes:
Sorry for the short chapter! It has been a month since I updated, so think of this chapter as a “I’m still here!!”.
Chapter Text
Leorio finally exited the building after the worries and complaints of nurses and security trying to stop him. Leorio wasn’t weak, so he easily pushed through the swarm of people getting in his way, his mind filled with anger and desperation. He couldn’t escape the thoughts that were overtaken with images of Kurapika.
When Leorio first stepped out of the hospital perimeter, he just stood there. He didn’t know where to go or even how to find him. Killua and Gon were of zero help and provided zero information. He stared into the nothingness, making the sound of the wind, the sound of kids crying, and even the sound of the busy streets silent in his mind. Leorio was in a world of his own. An empty void waiting for a bright, filled thought to illuminate inside. An answer or even a small clue to Kurapika’s whereabouts.
Then suddenly, the light shone, determination shot up inside of Leorio and his body started walking automatically; on its own volition. Each step forcing its way onto the pavement.
-
Leorio ignored the pleasant welcomes and cheerful gestures that were directed towards him, focusing only on the path to room 403.
Leorio rushed in with a bang that sent the gray-skinned woman into a startle. “Leorio?” She asked, a bit surprised.
Leorio turned to Melody, panting immensely. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. Melody waited for the man to speak.
“Where is Kurapika?” Leorio uttered.
Leorio could tell Melody was taken aback by the question. Though it was for a split second. Melody recollected herself.
“I cannot tell you. It is against Kurapika’s wishes for anyone to know his location.” Melody spoke softly, yet sternly, her gaze neutral.
Leorio clenched his fist, taking a long, deep breath before repeating his question. “Where is Kurapika?”
Melody remained calm, also repeating herself. Slowly, and softly, not changing her tone. That made Leorio grow angrier. How is she so calm, and yet he’s so angry? “I don’t care if he doesn’t want me to know! He needs me to know! Don’t you understand that!?” Leorio shouted, unable to suppress his rage.
Melody stayed silent as Leorio emptied out his thoughts onto her. She allowed Leorio to yell everything he’s been thinking. Melody doesn’t respond. She doesn’t wince or try to defend Kurapika; she just sat there with a comforting look.
“Kurapika’s heartbeat was very similar to yours right now. Hurt but full of love.” Melody explained.
“Hurt? Full of love?” Leorio questioned, not being sure how to comprehend Melody’s words.
Melody nodded. “Yes, but I will not explain further. That is for you to figure out with Kurapika. Tonight he will be close by, I can feel it.”
Leorio smiled. The wave of emotions started to calm. He looked over at a blue-haired girl who was resting in a hospital bed. He had been so inconsiderate of the woman.
“Sorry,” He sheepishly smiled. Leorio was tired, and the adrenaline had worn off, making the pain much more intense.
“You are forgiven, just don’t do it next time, okay?” Melody laughed purely, causing Leorio to follow suit.
That was one of the first instances where Leorio laughed like that in a while, and it came straight from the depths of his soul.
Chapter 8: Why am I lonely for lonesome love?
Chapter Text
Leorio arrived at his house. It seemed darker than usual. He kept his hand steady on the front door knob, unready for what awaited him inside. Was what Melody said true? Would Kurapika be close tonight? Leorio could only hope, beg for Kurapika to come, or else this might be the last time they saw each other. God knows how long.
After a few minutes, Leorio opened his door. He expected anything but this. Anything but an empty, silent house with everything still untouched since he left. No Gon and Killua, no unexpected guest, no Kurapika.
The thoughts sunk in, the house started to feel bigger. Leorio felt smaller, stupid. How could he truly, ever believe that Kurapika would be here? Foolish. Naive. Idiotic. He’d put Kurapika in danger and expected open, warm arms tonight? He deserved this. He deserved this solitude granted to him.
Leorio barely walked upstairs to his bedroom, his body limping and his head felt like it was near exploding. He couldn’t even fathom how he walked halfway to his house before taking a city bus, and still had to walk a few more minutes to finally reach his home.
When he reached his bedroom, he slowly sat down on his bed staring at his computer screen, which was surprisingly still on. It was the only source of light in the room: the blue, blinding, flickering glow.
Leorio tried to sit up and start working on whatever he needed to do on that computer. Work eased his mind, cleared it. He couldn’t move though, he struggled to sit up, he struggled to move his legs. In defeat, he sat back on his bed. The light from the computer became irritating, a reminder of memories. Memories he grew spiteful against. He hated to admit it, but work pushed him to forget about things he’d rather not remember. The fight. Their fight. He regretted words he spoke, words he said, and thought it was his fault they split.
Leorio shifted his body fully onto the bed, now staring at the blank wall in front of him, filled with papers and checklists. He didn’t want to look at anything; he wanted to be left alone with his thoughts. The computer finally died. No light in the room, only the moon illuminating a small shine through his window. Leorio buried his head into his knees, too tired to scream, too tired to cry. His eyes started to fill heavy, and soon after, he fell asleep.
────୨ৎ────
A small faint, a small creak. Leorio jumped up to see a skinny, short-stature embedded in the shadows.
“Kurapika?” Leorio called out, squinting his eyes to confirm.
The figure ignored his words, continuing to ramble around the house. Leorio called the name again, still painfully ignored. Leorio slowly stretched his arm to the lamp beside him, turning it on. There he was, Kurapika in the flesh.
Kurapika stood; he looked as if he was afraid to move, afraid to breathe. He avoided eye contact with the man on the bed, staring at the floor.
Leorio stayed sat on his bed, “Where are you going?”
Kurapika didn’t respond, still stuck. Leorio tried to move, but the pain made it impossible. The two sat in silence for a while, both waiting for the other to do something.
Kurapika finally whispered something unintelligible and started continuing his search across Leorio’s bedroom.
Leorio gripped his bedsheets, idly watching Kurapika. The blond still avoided Leorio’s gaze.
“Is this goodbye again, Kurapika?”
Kurapika abruptly parked, flickering his gaze from the floor to Leorio. Leorio swore he heard the man sniffing. Kurapika nodded.
Three days. Three days they’ve been around each other in four years, and now they would be separated once more for possibly longer. Not again.
“Kurapika, don’t be stupid! You haven’t seen Gon and Killua in forever, and you’re going to leave them again?! You’re going to leave us again?”
Kurapika gulped, walking towards Leorio and grabbing something from behind his head. The man saw his ex-lovers face; it was sad, broken, and soulless. Leorio grabbed his arm tightly, as tightly as he could in this weakened state.
“I will beat the shit out of you if you don’t answer, Kurapika! Are you going to leave me again?!”
Kurapika could have escaped Leorio’s grasp. Even the sickly man knew, but he didn’t. He didn’t fight, but he didn’t answer.
Leorio felt heavy under Kurapika and looked at his knees again before letting go of his arm.
“I hate that I still care for you…” Leorio whispered, now the one avoiding eye contact.
…
“I hate the fact that you still care for me. I’m not worthy of you, Leorio. Please understand this is for the best.” Kurapika reached out to Leorio but ultimately settled on touching the mattress, still directly under Leorio.
Neither of the two could bear this close proximity. It was suffocating, poisonous, deadly; intoxicating. God, it was intoxicating.
Kurapika put the object he grabbed in his pocket, then cupped Leorio’s cheek. Leorio had started to tear up, forcing the drops not to spill all over him. And then Kurapika left. Not before turning the light off, leaving Leorio lonely again.
Notes:
I love using the semicolon; it calls to me. 🫶🫶
Mko_jpeg on Chapter 1 Sun 06 Jul 2025 08:47PM UTC
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sakicass on Chapter 1 Mon 07 Jul 2025 02:27AM UTC
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rioleo on Chapter 1 Mon 07 Jul 2025 01:03AM UTC
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sakicass on Chapter 1 Mon 07 Jul 2025 02:27AM UTC
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No1_fujoshi on Chapter 1 Sat 12 Jul 2025 06:53AM UTC
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sakicass on Chapter 1 Sat 12 Jul 2025 07:16AM UTC
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