Archive of Our Own ^beta

1. Somewhere in York New City

Kurapika was running on empty.

With every passing minute, every cell in his body begged for rest. Since the Hunter Exam, he’d done nothing of the sort. He was adjusting to his newfound skills, Nen thrumming under his skin. His brain was constantly thinking of outcomes, overturning plans and ruminating over the details of executing his revenge. 

The auction date grew closer which made the stakes all the more higher for his plan. York New City traffic was expected to increase exponentially, which meant a plethora of variables that could make his plan go awry. 

Working under the Nostrades was an additional pressure—a precarious balancing act of doing his job well and leveraging its connections for his personal goals. 

Kurapika was constantly receiving Melody’s offerings to "take a break, Kurapika. I'll take on the first part of night duties here. You’re not the only one working here, you know." He figured an hour or two of sleep wouldn’t hurt. 

The moment Kurapika entered the designated break room, his phone buzzed. It was Leorio, asking him if he was free. His eyes swept over the chain of messages prior to that; all initiated by Leorio and none returned.

Naturally, Kurapika said 'yes' to the invite. 

That was how he ended up sitting across from Leorio in a dimly lit, hole-in-the wall restaurant. They sat at a modestly sized table for two. A cute, tea light in a jar sat in the middle, its tiny flame barely illuminating the space. 

Despite his minimal hours of sleep, Kurapika felt wired, as if he drank one-too-many coffees. Kurapika fidgeted with the cloth serviette on his lap, chalking this whole affair down to a moment of weakness. 

They were done looking at the menus-- a limited selection with all of it condensed onto a laminated, double-sided sheet. Leorio was doing a poor job of concealing his own awkwardness. His kind eyes shone in the candle-light and avoided Kurapika’s face. 

“What?” Kurapika said, a little harsher than he intended, when Leorio finally made eye contact with him. He clenched the ends of the serviette. ‘Great. Well done.’

“Nothing.” Leorio answered, eyes darting away.

Leorio’s face flashed with annoyance. Kurapika half expected him to snap at him in return, raising his voice and drawing attention to their table. Instead, he took a swig of water, and the pinched expression left as quickly as it came. Perhaps several months apart had mellowed Leorio out, like water washing over the edges of sandstone. Kurapika sourly acknowledged that his own resolve hardened like ice, like steel.

“Sooo….how’ve you been, Kurapika?” Leorio asked, swishing the water around in his glass.

“You asked me that when we reunited with the boys.” Kurapika replied, a bit done with the niceties. “I’ve been fine.” 

“How have you really been?” Leorio prodded again, propping his elbow up and resting his chin on his hand. “I mean. Yeah, your presence has gotten stronger, but there’s something…”

Kurapika pursed his lips. Leave it up to Leorio, to try and dismantle his defenses right away. He wasn’t sure if he appreciated that when they were barely fifteen minutes into…whatever they were doing. ‘A date? A dinner between friends? Comrades?’

“I’m just tired, Leorio.”

“Well, obviously,” Leorio said bluntly. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “What have you been up to, all this time?”

“I trained. Then I worked right away, got a job with the Nostrades.” 

“Sounds busy.” Leorio said. “I’m…glad you picked up the phone today. I was surprised we could make this meetup work.”

Kurapika gave a thin-lipped smile, hoping it was enough in lieu of an apology. He was sympathetic to the fact that he’d left his friends hanging more often than not. Such were the necessary evils that he was still learning how to stomach. 

Leorio did not need to know the nitty-gritty details. The way Kurapika experienced people’s bodies crumbling and breaking under his power, or how he spent weeks in the wilderness, training until he couldn’t tell where chains ended, and he began. 

Leorio looked like he wanted to say more, but hesitated. Kurapika sensed the presence a minute ago, and without turning around—

“Good evening,” a saccharine voice came from Kurapika’s right. 

An equally sweet smell wafted over, mixing with the aromatics of the restaurant and making Kurapika’s head start to ache. “My name is Polina, and I’ll be serving you both tonight. Can I get you both started with some drinks? Or any of our appetizers?”

Kurapika trailed his eyes over to their server—she was clad in an all-black, skin-tight uniform that flattered her. To top off the look, she wore shiny black heels that made her loom over their table. Blonde, wavy hair tumbled down her shoulders, with the top half clipped back. 

Her eyes were completely focused on Leorio, who answered her smoothly. Kurapika picked his menu up again and zoned out.

“...pika?” Leorio nudged his foot under the table. He resisted the reflex of kicking him back. “Did’ya want wine? Or an appetizer?”

Kurapika’s headache was getting stronger. Alcohol was probably not a good idea. “I’ll pass. I’m good for just the entrée.” 

“Alright,” Leorio shrugged. “I’ll go for the wine—red, please. The Cabernet Sauvignon, sure…and the strip steak, medium rare…”

Kurapika watched as Polina inched closer to Leorio, her eyes appreciatively raking over his exposed forearms as he pointed to the items on the menu. It was an odd sight, seeing their server grinning ear-to-ear and thoroughly charmed by Leorio cracking a stupid joke about cows, or something. Kurapika did not bother concealing his boredom, since he was obviously not included in the exchange. 

“Sorry, Kurapika. I’ve been excited to try this place for a while. Go ahead,” Leorio finally stopped their small-talk, and shot him an apologetic smile. He grinned up at Polina. “That’s all I’m having, thanks.”

Polina turned to him, blue eyes wide, as if she just remembered Leorio had company. “And for yourself?”

“The lobster.” Kurapika pushed the menu to the middle of the table. 

“Would you like potatoes or st—”

“Steamed vegetables on the side, please.”

Polina scooped up the menus, shooting Leorio one more smile. “I’ll get this to the kitchen right away. If there’s anything you need, just let me know.”

Kurapika crossed his arms. His eyes burned and his head throbbed. 

“She seems to love her job,” Leorio commented, watching her go. 

Kurapika wrinkled his nose. “Her perfume was too strong. It gave me a headache.”

“She was a little heavy-handed with the application, huh?” Leorio chuckled. 

Then, he leaned in with a sly smirk on his face, one he made often when teasing him. Kurapika felt like his heart was about to leap out of his mouth. “What, do you feel that way when I wear my cologne?”

Leorio made a point to sniff himself exaggeratedly, and Kurapika couldn’t resist a small laugh at the sight. They were so out of place in this tiny, ritzy restaurant, surrounded by people in suits and dresses. 

“I don’t hate it. Most of the time, anyway.” Kurapika teased back. 

Thankfully, that seemed to melt the last of the ice between them. Leorio chatted about how he’d scoured the internet for good city eats, and complained about his studying. Kurapika listened. For a moment, their dynamic reminded Kurapika of when they were back on Zevil island. Sneaking glances when the other wasn’t looking, and sharing remarks all day and all night until nothing else mattered. 

Eventually, their food arrived. Polina gracefully placed their dishes in front of them and lingered as they took their first bites. 

“How’s the food so far?” She clasped her manicured hands together. 

“Um…it’s great! Thank you, Polina.” Leorio said, mouth half-full of steak. 

Kurapika wanted to laugh at the way she bloomed at Leorio’s response. 

“What’s the occasion?” Polina asked, propping her clipboard on her hip. “Birthday? A date?”

A forkful of veggies slid down the hatch prematurely, making Kurapika choke. 'What does she think she's saying?'

Leorio let out a couple of coughs in an attempt to answer, fist thudding against his chest. Clearly, he was also taken aback by their server’s boldness. 

Kurapika sat up, amplifying his voice so Polina heard him loud and clear, through Leorio’s coughing and the bustling of the restaurant. “We’re good friends. I haven’t seen him in a long time, so we’re catching up, just the two of us.” 

“Yeah.” Leorio mustered pathetically, eyes watery and face as red as Kurapika’s lobster tail.

Polina regarded Kurapika for the second time that night, with those intense, blue eyes. “I see. Well, I’ll leave you to it.”

Kurapika huffed in disbelief, shaking his head. 

Leorio watched him with amusement, lips forming a smile around the rim of his glass as he took a sip of his red wine. 

Polina didn’t bother them until the end of their meal. Kurapika was triumphant in the ‘who’s paying the bill’ argument. One thing about the mafia that he would be grateful for, was the pay. 

She printed them one bill, and left in a hurry to get the card machine. 

As if the dinner couldn’t get any more eventful, Polina had written her phone number on the receipt. 

‘Been a pleasure! I’d love to get to know you more, handsome

• xxx-xxx-4034. Pol ♡’ 

Kurapika internally praised himself for keeping his face neutral. He wondered if sticking the receipt over the tea light candle would be considered a fire hazard. Or a chargeable offence. 

“Wow. And I thought this only happened to people in books or movies.” Kurapika observed with minimal amusement. “I think this number was meant for you.” 

Leorio pulled a face, as if to say, are you sure?

“Do you seriously think I’m the one she wants?” Kurapika deadpanned. 

“You can never assume…’” Leorio blushed, acting bashful. “Well… heh. She’s a nice girl, but.”

“But?” Kurapika urged. “You’re unsure.”

“I mean yeah, I barely know her.” 

“That hasn’t stopped you from making advances, before.” Kurapika fought the urge to pout, getting a brief, unpleasant flashback to Leorio’s antics during their trials in the Trick Tower. 

“I apologized for that!” Leorio groaned. “Look. She’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong. Just not what I’m looking for right now.” 

Before Kurapika could pry, their server returned. Her cheeks were rosy pink as she set up the card machine. “Alright, here you go.” 

Following the pattern of the entire evening, she was inclined to assist Leorio. Leorio gave her a small smile and shook his head. “Ah, I’m not—”

“I’m paying.” Kurapika spoke up, card at the ready. 

“Oh!” Polina let out a stilted giggle. “Of course. Here you go.”

Kurapika quickly clicked through all the prompts, uncaring and likely defaulting to the minimum tip percentage. He heard Polina and Leorio divulging in small talk again, and it only made him go faster. His card barely tapped the machine before he thrust it back to her. 

Polina gingerly plucked it from his hands. 

“You two have a great night. Thanks for coming.” Polina stepped back, waving goodbye and taking one last glance at Leorio.

Kurapika saw Leorio had left the receipt on the table. He snatched the little sheet and followed after his friend, not bothering to see the poor server’s reaction. 

Kurapika delighted in tossing it in the trash on the way out. Leorio didn’t need to know. 

. ✦⫘⫘⫘ˎˊ˗ ꒰

2. The Chairman Election

The other bodyguards were crowded around the breakroom computer, not-so-subtly reacting to the livestream of the Chairman election and obviously away from their assigned posts. 

Irritation flared in Kurapika as he cleared his throat, to which nobody reacted. He tried again, amplifying his voice. “Gentlemen. What are you doing?”

They all jumped at being addressed, and those at the back of the crowd whirled around to acknowledge him. “We–we were just keeping up with the updates today for the election, sir.”

Kurapika inhaled sharply. The video was paused immediately. “I understand it is an important time for Hunters and non-Hunters alike. However, I don’t need all of you stuck in front of a screen. Get back to work, these leads aren’t going to follow themselves.”

“Sir, can Benji and I stay? We were the last ones to start our break!” The man closest to the computer begged. 

Benji, the aforementioned lackey, nodded frantically. “Ging Freeccs just showed up at the venue, and got his shit rocked by this new guy. It’s getting good—”

Another member piped up. “The news says he’s some teenager studying in school, I don’t know how he became a Hunter!” A few men laughed at that. 

The mafia was a merry band of powerful, talented, but frustrating people. Kurapika often forgot about the way they got absorbed in the latest news or sports, outside of their life of organized crime. 

Kurapika’s mind thought of Gon, for a moment. His father was publicly aired for everyone to see. He wondered if Gon was also there, watching his father in plain sight. 

He wouldn’t know, and he wouldn’t try to find out. There was not enough time in the day to do so. 

“I don’t care who did what, you’re all still on the clock. Return to your posts until your next break comes. Now.” Kurapika demanded.

Some of the men started fleeing back to their duties, brushing past him. These outlaws mumbled and grumbled, but never really protested against Kurapika. Ever since Kurapika became the de-facto leader of the mafia, by sheer power and ability, his lackeys knew better than to piss him off. Once upon a time, he would’ve felt guilty for being so callous. Years ago, when he was softer and kinder. 

It was only until the door shut behind the last lackey, that Kurapika approached the computer. He moved without much thought, letting curiosity best him. 

‘CHAIRMAN ELECTION- TODAY’S UPDATE! Ging Freecs joins the panel and gets attacked by an audience member!’ 

He scrolled down, slowing as soon as he saw the name. 

‘Leorio Paladiknight joins as a new candidate in the campaign! Paladiknight gains swift popularity after a passionate Q&A session, and a violent finisher directed at the renowned Ging Freecs! See the recorded video from today’s assembly here.’ 

Kurapika froze, and re-read the blurb. His phone felt like a lead weight in his pocket, then. That same man on the screen, suddenly rising from obscurity into fame, was also still waiting for Kurapika to answer him. 

Kurapika instinctively pressed ‘play’ on the video. Immediately, Leorio talked a lot, his voice overpowering the computer speakers and Kurapika’s senses. He was impressive at public speaking and standing confidently in front of a live audience. His silhouette was flattered by a new, navy suit. He must have sourced a proper tailor during their time apart. 

Leorio looked good. Tired, but handsome in the lighting of the venue. Kurapika chuckled at his bluntness, and his heartstrings were tugged when Leorio spoke of Gon. 

“Bastard.” was what Leorio said in response to Ginger’s rather insensitive comments, and in a flash of bright blue, Leorio’s fist plummeted into the podium. 

The camera moved in a flurry across the stage to try and capture the quick movement. Kurapika audibly gasped at the sight—Leorio’s Nen. What could only be described as a portal opened up around Ging’s spot at the panel, and Leorio’s unmistakable fist shot out and struck Ging straight to the jaw, knocking him off his chair. 

Kurapika covered his mouth as he scrubbed the video back, rewatching the punch again. A wave of pride washed over Kurapika. He’d never seen anything like it. 

“Die, you asshole!” Leorio exclaimed. 

Kurapika snickered at Leorio being as eloquent as ever. He pressed his smile against his palm as the chaos unfolded onscreen. 

That began Kurapika’s descent into the rabbithole that was the Chairman election. Of course, in secrecy and away from his colleague’s eyes.  

Kurapika noticed Leorio’s calls and texts were more sporadic, which could only be correlated to the current events.

The days went on. Kurapika juggled with the idea of sending in his vote for the election polls, but opted not to. As the leads about his clan’s eyes piled on his desk, he had to remind himself of his priorities. 

Kurapika was rather fascinated with seeing his friend in the spotlight when he wasn’t holed up in his office. He’d scroll for a short time every day, seeing how Leorio climbed up the ranks. Leorio’s attitude and public statements showed that he’d rather be anywhere else, but oddly enough, he remained in the running. 

Leorio’s runner-up speech was mortifying to witness. 

To Kurapika—to the whole world, Leorio broadcasted and filled in the gaps on how he spent his time. Drinking, studying, bringing women home, wanking off—god, Leorio, too much information. 

Leorio, who always attempted to be brash and confident on the surface, wore his feelings on a goddamned billboard and was honest to a fault. The urge to exit the video out of embarrassment was strong, but he stuck through them all. The more Leorio rambled, the more he seemed like his age—a teenager, a bundle of nerves with goals too big and responsibilities too heavy. They were too young for any of this.

After an excruciating campaign, the newly elected chairperson was Cheadle Yorkshire, a petite woman with glossy green hair and a rather cute, puppy-like appearance. She seemed like she wielded valuable knowledge, and Kurapika heard his lackeys remark that she was one of the top medical professionals amongst Hunters. Kurapika’s mind immediately considered Leorio, and how that connection was perfect for him. 

For that short amount of time, Kurapika felt closer to Leorio by watching him from afar. It was a misplaced comfort that was wholly controlled by Kurapika. The incoming calls and texts from Leorio became a slow trickle, with everything still left unanswered. He had a lot to say. He didn’t know how to start. 

Like clockwork, Kurapika caught wind of Leorio joining the Zodiac’s roster. 

He’d overhear his henchmen discuss forums, speculating on the newest addition. Leorio was at the center of the rumour mill.

People were digging up anything and everything on his abilities, his history, his relationships—oh god, his relationships—his connection to Gon, debates about his involvement with the Zoldycks, all the way down to sewer gossip and which lucky paramour was spotted with Leorio that month.

If Kurapika was weaker in the knees, he’d hop on those comment boxes and forums to defend him. Or, if he wanted to take it the extra mile, yell from the rooftops. ‘You’re wrong, you’ve all got it wrong. Did you know Leorio comes from a big extended family? He’s really good with close combat and knives. Did you know his first sip of alcohol was when he was twelve? Do you know about his friend—

He became paralyzed by the influx of decisions, of Leorio once again breaching his mind at every waking hour, of what-ifs and what could be's—so he did nothing. 

He got to work. He drowned in it, until the news became nothing more than background noise again. 

One day during Kurapika’s regular sweep of the news, a seemingly candid photo was leaked on a website that was notorious for scandals. 

His fellow mafia members were also murmuring about it, noses stuck in the newspaper as they analyzed every word. 

It looked like it was captured from far away without Leorio’s consent or knowledge, A shorter silhouette was right up against him. It was definitely more intimate than what an outsider would define as platonic. Leorio and this person were shrouded in the night’s shadow, save for a dim street light. In the grainy, poor quality of the picture, Leorio appeared laid back as he leaned into his companion, blending their shadows into one. 

If the camera had gotten a different angle, would they have captured Leorio’s bright, white smile? Did the paparazzi hear his hearty laugh, carrying up, up into the wind for those on the street to hear?

His stomach roiled as he stared at the image. He stared, until it seared into his memory. That Leorio in the picture was distant. A stranger to Kurapika, not of his own fault. 

Kurapika exited the page and stormed off, as if the computer burned him. He didn’t bother keeping up with the rest.

. ✦⫘⫘⫘ˎˊ˗ ꒰

3. The Black Whale, Tier 3

Kurapika opened his eyes. He hissed at the dryness, like his eyelids were scraping against sandpaper. His contacts were still in, from hours, maybe even days of non-use. He had no idea how long he was unconscious for. 

All the sensations hit him at once— the discomfort in his back, the pain radiating from his shoulder, the oppressively bright light above him and the IV shoved in his arm. He cringed, and a wounded groan tore itself from his throat. 

He was in the infirmary. 

In an attempt to ground himself and take blind control of the situation, Kurapika tried to sit up with intent to rip the IV out. 

“Aht, aht—not so fast.” Someone chided from beside him. 

The muffled noise swimming in his ears cleared out as he took a few deep breaths. The beeping, the whirring, the clinical environment was foreign and unnatural to him. He didn’t like spending time in the infirmary for longer than he had to. Too bright, too sterile, too—

“Kurapika.” The voice said again. Kurapika was faced with that puppy-like face he became accustomed to during his time on the Black Whale. “Where are you right now? What is my name?”

Kurapika shook her off. “I’m not concussed. I’m in the infirmary, Dr. Yorkshire.”

Dr. Yorkshire fixed him with a look of exasperation, like a parent would to their stubborn child. “Bill told me you got into an altercation and the perpetrator….” She pulled up his chart. “The perpetrator shot you before you grabbed him forcefully and both of you fell down the second tier East B stairwell.”

Kurapika’s head hurt. He couldn’t remember. All he could recall was a fight, a gunshot, then pain, pain—to nothing. “Sure. I guess.”

“Those stairs are rock-hard cement, Kurapika. And about two flights down to the next deck. You tumbled down most, if not all of it.” 

“Okay?” 

“All I’m saying is, you should really take it easy for a while. It’s a relief you don’t have a concussion, or worse. I spoke with Melody as well; and I heard they’ve made arrangements to cover you.” Cheadle scribbled on the clipboard. “Your physical prowess is commendable, too. The fact you haven’t broken a limb by now is beyond me.”

“Thank you for your help, Dr. Yorkshire. When’s the earliest I can discharge?” Kurapika inquired. 

They didn’t even place him in a private room like last time, he noticed with disappointment—instead, he remained in the public portion of the medbay, with a flimsy curtain separating him from other patients. 

“Kurapika, this is the third time you’ve presented to the infirmary in the past month and a half. You are becoming a revolving-door patient, and the only bodyguard from the upper tier to do so.” Dr. Yorkshire raised an eyebrow. “Your presenting concerns are often a result of something preventable if you had only been more careful.” 

Kurapika said nothing to that. Cheadle was correct, but it wasn’t like he chose to get hurt. His objectives as a bodyguard for Queen Oito and Prince Woble preceded anything else. 

Cheadle flipped through a few more sheets, holding the sign-out sheet before him. “Of course, I cannot force you to stay here. If you are insisting on leaving, I highly recommend you stay put in your quarters to recover.”

Kurapika chewed the inside of his cheek, frustration bubbling up. “Fine. If I can go to my room, then I’d prefer that. ” He took the pen from her other hand, and signed himself out. 

“Thank you for your cooperation.” Cheadle fixed him with a curt smile. “I will have Leorio come to arrange the discharge treatment plan. Please stay put.” Before Kurapika could argue, she left with a flurry of the curtains. 

Kurapika sat back in the hospital bed, wringing his hands. His heart started to race at the thought of seeing Leorio again. 

The Black Whale was a massive vessel, with an unfathomable number of passengers. Despite their roles as Zodiacs and how often the science and medical team liaised with those in the upper tier, they’ve only interacted on the odd, fleeting occasion. And of course, if Kurapika or his colleagues managed to get injured and sent down to the infirmary.

On two instances, just the two of them, they spoke into the late hours of the night. 

The first time, Leorio escaped an upper-level banquet to smoke on the balcony. Leorio was stressed and shared that they lost a patient earlier that day. His hands tremored as he spoke.  Kurapika was genuinely shocked that a doctor-to-be could engage in such habits, but upon further reflection, he related closely to his situation—Leorio, too, was burning the candle at both ends on this death machine of a ship.

Kurapika begrudgingly tried a cigarette himself, out of spite, to wipe that smug grin off Leorio’s face. Together, they tossed the singed butts overboard and their laughter echoed into the night sky. 

The second time was when Leorio appeared at his suite’s doorstep with a friendly, familiar smile and a bottle of red wine in his hand. He gently pushed himself in, and Kurapika let him. 

In the dark dredges of his mind, Kurapika let himself fantasize what the night could’ve turned into. What if he could hold one more glass of wine in him instead of passing out? Or if he dared to cross the room and close the respectful space between them, and if Kurapika asked him to stay, and Leorio agreed and never left. 

Then came the moments that he wouldn’t dare tell a soul. Kurapika didn’t banish his thoughts away when he was alone, when heat pooled in his lower body, only to be short-lived and witnessed by himself and his bed that was too big. 

But that was neither here nor there. Kurapika willed himself to calm down and prayed he wasn’t blushing. Daydreaming about Leorio like a kid with a crush—ridiculous. 

Leorio would come down, lecture him, ask him to hang out to which Kurapika would reject, and then send him on his way with his discharge forms.

“...Leorio? Ooh. You’d be lucky if you got him to stop his roll for two seconds. Cheadle’s got him working overtime, these days.” 

Kurapika turned towards the noise, tuning into the conversation at the mention of Leorio, like he’s some kind of sleeper agent that only wakes up to his name. ‘As if I have anything better to do right now,’ he thought, annoyed. 

“I don’t know…I might be overthinking it! We cover the same units a lot, and he’s always so nice and chatty with me. A-And the patients!” The second person replied. 

“I mean—he’s not rude. He’s just frazzled every time I try to talk to him!” The first person exclaimed. “I guess that’s what being a Zodiac and Dr. Yorkshire’s right hand does to a man…”

Kurapika scoffed. ‘How professional.’

“I’ll catch him when our lunches align…I think next week’s schedule is out. That’s enough time for me to prepare!”

Kurapika wanted to pull the curtain to the side and see who the hell was talking. 

“Alright...good luck, Arim.” The first nurse reassured their nervous colleague. “Let me know how it goes. And if he breaks your heart, so help me—”

“Okay, okay, shh,” Arim hushed, and his voice dropped. Kurapika twisted the bedsheets in his fists, as he strained to hear him. “Don’t make it a big deal. I’m just inviting him to one of the nicer dining halls! Whatever happens next…”

A dreamy sigh came from Arim. Kurapika bit his lip hard, and he tasted the metallic tang of blood on his tongue. 

“...well, I guess we’ll find out. I feel positive about this, Mina. What do I have to lose?”

‘Where is Leorio?’ Kurapika was getting impatient. ‘He was supposed to come and discharge me. I can’t stand listening to these people any longer. I wonder what dining hall they will go to. I will avoid it at all costs. You don’t know him like that—‘

Kurapika yanked out the IV and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring the way his body was wracked with aches. He vaguely registered that he was still in his disheveled button-up and slacks, and that his jacket was missing. He couldn’t care less.

He was going to go to his room, take some painkillers and sleep for as long as he could. Anything to wipe his memory from whatever the fuck he just listened to. 

Kurapika rounded the bed and prepared to bump through anyone who stood between him and the door, but stopped in his tracks when he heard the nurses immediately shush each other. 

“Shut up, he’s coming.” 

“Oh shit—” The nurses’ voices rose in pitch as they greeted Leorio. 

Kurapika’s eyes burned beneath his contacts. He had no energy to suppress them. 

Leorio swung the curtain open, backlit by the rest of the infirmary like some kind of antiseptic smelling, pastel-pink-scrub-wearing angel. “Hey, sunshine! You’re up—”

“Yes, and I’m going to my room now. Thank you, Leorio.” Kurapika saw the two nurses, lingering in the background. They were off fiddling with the medcarts, but he knew they were eavesdropping on their beloved resident doctor. 

“Whoa, there.” Leorio’s hands lay on his shoulders, large and sturdy. Kurapika sensed his Nen spreading to subtly assess him, leaving a pleasant tingling sensation on his wounded shoulder. “Not so fast. Did Cheadle arrange an escort, yet? Sorry, I got your chart five minutes ago, it’s been so busy. If not, I have some time—”

Kurapika gritted his teeth. With the surrounding onlookers, Kurapika felt like a spectacle. He pictured them gossiping about them, trailing Leorio, fawning over him and taking up his attention. And he despised the visual—because it worked. Obviously, it worked. 

Those in the medical field had a bond to each other that was unmatched by those outside of their profession. They don’t have to worry about their partners showing up with fatal wounds and needing to be constantly patched up. Leorio was too good, and thus belonged with other good people. 

“No, thank you, I’m fine to head up alone.” Kurapika declined. “It’s not a far walk.”

“Are you sure? What if—” When Leorio didn’t let go of him, and wore that concerned expression on his face,  Kurapika twisted his body to put distance between them. 

“I said I’m going up alone, Leorio.” Kurapika insisted. He knew Leorio wouldn’t fight him there. Not with Cheadle nearby, and certainly not with the chaos of the medbay that he had to attend to. “I’ll see you around.”

Kurapika gathered all his strength to shoulder his way past everyone.

He heard Leorio let out an indignant, “what the fuck?”, and that encouraged him to walk faster. He was starting to see red, tunnel-visioning all the way to the infirmary entrance. 

Kurapika forcefully threw the door wide open, slamming it against the wall. He marched down the corridor, uncaring of the resounding bang that it left behind. 

. ✦⫘⫘⫘ˎˊ˗ ꒰

4. Apt. 403, somewhere off Continental Street 

University was a reality that Kurapika thought he’d kissed goodbye all those years ago, when he pivoted down the path of vengeance. After the long nightmare that was the Dark Continent, Kurapika was at his lowest point in several aspects of his life. The prospect of healing after the fact was unfathomable at the time. 

Meanwhile, Leorio was fully qualified under Cheadle’s tutelage, but not without witnessing extensive wounds and casualties unlike anything anyone on the mainland had ever seen. 

Nevertheless, Leorio continued to recuperate from it all, striding towards his goal of graduating. 

It took a while of back and forth, of tearful, tense discussions and reuniting with the boys for Kurapika to find some footing for himself. 

Kurapika was enrolled in his first year of YNC U’s anthropology program. In the time he’d spent so far, he discovered he enjoyed studying alone, not unlike his usual preferences for other aspects of his life. He was able to handle Leorio studying silently alongside him, but when it expanded to more than one companion, it became difficult. 

The social aspect of university made Leorio happy. It worked well for him. Things were secure, for the most part. It was a stark difference from their reality on the Dark Continent, where every day was potentially their last. 

Leorio was currently in a new rotation, which meant he made some new friends amongst his cohort. They spent time studying together on days off, other times they’d come over for a hangout.

If he was feeling particularly social, Kurapika made an effort to stay and mingle for a bit. Other times, it became too overwhelming and he opted to hole up in a cafe, or rotate visits with Gon, Alluka, and Killua, or Melody. 

It was one such night where Kurapika did the former, and hunkered down at the local cafe while Leorio held some kind of game night with his group. 

This particular cohort took a liking to Leorio, and Kurapika found the frequency of these hangouts a bit excessive, compared to previous semesters. 

Twice, sometimes three times a month, there would be a house party held at their apartment. Though Leorio argued “it’s a chill gathering, not a party” every time. Semantics aside, Kurapika silently dreaded every time he was forewarned about the gatherings. Oftentimes their visitors overstayed their welcome, leaving their apartment well after midnight. 

Kurapika sent Leorio a message about coming home, but he didn’t even receive a read receipt—which was not usual for Leorio’s usual responsiveness. 

Upon his return, their unit was a bit of a mess, and lo and behold—a number of friends were gathered around the kitchen island with Leorio. 

They were playing some sort of board game involving teams, huddling very close to one another. 

“Oh, hey, sunshine! Welcome home!” Leorio beamed.

“Hi everyone,” Kurapika took his shoes off, offering a small smile. 

Leorio’s friends greeted him, returning his smile with joyous cheers of their own. He recognized some of the regular friends that frequented their place, and then there were some faces whom he couldn’t recall.

Not wanting to interrupt their game, Kurapika silently padded over and gave Leorio a chaste kiss. He didn’t have enough energy to stick around, so he bid the others an early goodnight.

The commotion of their visitors only increased in volume. Kurapika was a bit surprised, considering how long he showered that they were still there. It was nearly midnight. 

With a resigned sigh, Kurapika toweled his hair dry, not bothering to look their way as he settled in the bedroom. 

Kurapika tried to tune out the boisterous shouts by reading a book and putting his headphones on. His eyelids became heavy shortly after, the lull of sleep finally coming over him. 

Nothing could’ve prepared him for Leorio and his friend bursting into their bedroom. She was practically hanging off his shoulder while Leorio held them both up at the doorway. 

Kurapika flinched, the blanket of unconsciousness being yanked from him in an instant. His headphones got knocked off his head by the force, falling over to Leorio’s side of the bed. 

Displeasure rushed over him. He gripped the bedsheets in an effort to soothe himself. 

“Shit, sorry, ‘pika.” Leorio seemed torn between rushing over to Kurapika, but was anchored with the deadweight attached to his side. “Petra, can you stand?”

A pang of concern ran through Kurapika. “Is she okay?”

“Oh!” She exclaimed suddenly, head shooting up and taking Kurapika aback. “You must be Kurapika, it’s so nice to meet you! Leorio’s talked so much about you!”

“We met earlier, but likewise…?” Kurapika trailed off as Leorio sat Petra down on their bed.

Kurapika wrinkled his nose at that, making a mental note to do the laundry tomorrow.

“She’s one of my new friends in this semester’s rotation.” Leorio supplied. Kurapika must not be hiding his confusion very well. 

As Kurapika neared her, he saw how drunk she was. He scowled at Leorio. “What happened to this being a ‘chill night’? How did she get so drunk?”

Petra giggled, and Kurapika smelled the alcohol off her breath. “Drunk! That’s funny. I’m not drunk, we were playing a drinking game, and—and Leorio made me lose!” 

Kurapika raised an eyebrow. “Did he now?”

“Yes! You should join us for the next game, Kurapika. It’ll be fun.” She grinned. 

“Not today. Maybe next time.” Kurapika tried to match her energy despite the alarm bells ringing in his head. His grin probably came off like a painful grimace, instead. 

Leorio turned his back on Kurapika, shuffling through their dresser. Kurapika frowned. “What are you doing?”

Petra hiccuped. “I got my shirt dirty.” Kurapika glanced down, and indeed, there was a drink stain marring her pretty white blouse. Kurapika turned again to fix a pointed, seething glare at Leorio. 

“I’m just grabbing a shirt for her so we can dry this thing over the bathroom heater.” Leorio took a second before rubbing the back of his neck, sensing the uncomfortable atmosphere. 

Kurapika swallowed. He wasn’t thrilled at the idea, but Petra was a couple of heads taller than him and had a more muscular build. None of his own shirts would fit her appropriately, the blonde thought with disdain. 

Arms crossed, Kurapika watched the exchange of Leorio tossing a faded band t-shirt to Petra, who caught it with a laugh. 

“We should give her some privacy.” Kurapika took Leorio by the wrist, shutting the door behind them and letting their guest change. 

The two of them stood in the corridor in tense silence. The party in the living room didn’t seem to show any signs of slowing down soon. Kurapika studied his boyfriend, who was leaning on the wall opposite of him. He had a dusky blush gracing his cheeks, indicating he, too, was intoxicated. To what extent, Kurapika didn’t know.

“Leorio.” Kurapika said, and his hazel eyes snapped up, unfocused. “It’s getting late.”

Leorio exhaled. “I know. I didn’t know it was going to get like this. Petra is… frankly is a lot to handle when drunk.”

“You’re saying this as if it’s her fault,” Kurapika kept his eye contact steady. “Also, isn’t this her first time here?”

Leorio’s eyes floated to focus on the hallway light, as if deep in thought. Guilty, in Kurapika’s eyes. “Well, we’ve gone out a couple times as a group to the campus bar after classes.” 

“Great.” Was all Kurapika could respond with.  

With the high energy atmosphere of the living room, this new friendship that was bothering Kurapika more than he’d like, and the way Leorio was clearly tired but opted to people-please—to say he was pissed was an understatement. 

Petra bursted out of their room, and Leorio’s shirt fit her perfectly. Kurapika’s arms remained a shield over his chest, knuckles turned white with how hard he was gripping his sleeves. 

“Thanks a lot, Leorio!” Petra chirped.

“I can take that for you,” Kurapika stepped in before Leorio, taking Petra’s blouse. “If it’s okay, I’m going to steal Leorio for a couple of minutes? I’ll hang your blouse over the bathroom heater.”

“Oh, sure! Don’t take too long now,” Petra winked before she made her way to the living room.

To his chagrin, he saw Petra wearing indoor slippers that were also Leorio’s, given they were about three sizes too big on her feet. 

“Okay, something’s up. Are you upset?” Leorio blurted out as soon as Kurapia led them to the bedroom. 

“Don’t be dense, Leorio. It’s pretty much midnight, your friends are still here and one of them is now wearing your shirt because she made a mess.”

Leorio’s eyebrows furrowed. It seemed like everything Kurapika said was processing twice as long in his brain. “Every time they’ve been here it was fine. You said it was okay. ”

“Has it? I’ve told you before. It can be tiring to host your group so often. I’m not saying you can’t have them over, but—” Kurapika said, trying to keep his tone low. 

Steady. 

Everything that he was not, with his mind dwelling on how this classmate ended up drunk, in their room in Leorio’s clothes. He continued his barrage. “But you have to set boundaries. I’m uncomfortable with having ten drunk university students ambling around our apartment.”

“If this is about the alcohol, I didn’t bring it. It was Hanzo—and I’m sorry, I’ll tell them next time.” Leorio deflated which only stoked the flames of Kurapika’s frustration. 

Leorio continued to ramble about the situation. It was very innocent. The drinking game went south when Petra kept losing. Consequently, she became intoxicated. Leorio said there was a big spill, leaving Petra’s blouse and their living room rug as a casualty. 

Under his sleeve, Kurapika dissipated his Dowsing chain. A twinge of shame rushed through him at the fact that he used it. It wasn’t Leorio, rather the others that Kurapika felt distrustful towards. If he sensed Kurapika using his Nen on him, he didn’t comment. 

“So we have to clean the rug too.” Kurapika confirmed, patience wearing thin. “And that blouse will probably take like, another hour to get decently dry!”

“Sure. Maybe I didn’t think it through, as a host...but what else was I supposed to do, let her hang around while her shirt’s soaked through?” Leorio pinched the bridge of his nose. 

The more he explained himself, the less Kurapika felt inclined to answer. They were talking in circles. 

“It wouldn’t have gotten to this point if you guys were more responsible. I’m just glad I was still awake when it happened, I guess.” Kurapika muttered. 

Leorio gestured to the room, and added, “Our valuables are locked up anyway, if you think she’s a thief.”

‘Wha—?’ “I never said she was stealing, where did that come from?” Kurapika spluttered. 

Leorio relented. “Nothing. Sorry, that was dumb. Just—when you get upset, sometimes you assume things. This situation was a simple accident and people being sloppy, nothing more. I’ll tell them to simmer down.” 

Kurapika’s hands twitched. His eyes stung. This was becoming a bigger issue than intended, and hearing Leorio invalidate him made his blood boil. 

“I get home. I’m tired, there’s a party going on—on a weeknight, and…now they’re here for longer because Petra has your shirt, and her stupid blouse is drying in our bathroom—” 

‘And I miss you. You’ve been busy these days. You’re spreading yourself thin, but you’re still making room for all of this.’ Kurapika shook his head. “Never mind. Do you get the bigger picture?”

“Peeks, I told you what happened and there is no bigger picture. We’ll be more careful next time, okay?” Leorio was evidently irritated, only serving to rile Kurapika up more. “What more do you want?”

Oh no. Deep breaths, shutting his eyes—nothing was working to calm him down. His brain couldn’t catch up to his mouth, which was miles behind his pounding heart and—

“Nothing, from you. Might as well give up your fucking pants, too, if someone makes a mess again.” Kurapika spat.

“Kurapika. Honestly—” Leorio admonished, but halted mid sentence. He ran a hand over his face, his shoulders heaving as the longest exhale escaped him. 

‘Like water smoothing out the edges of sandstone. I wish I could say the same about me.’ 

“Whatever. Go back out there. I want to sleep.” Kurapika glowered. “And if someone breaks something, I’m kicking them out.”

Without any further argument, Leorio left the room. 

Kurapika shut the door behind Leorio. He heard laughter outside. Upon a fleeting wave of pettiness, he locked it. 

The sound of the doorknob jiggling roused Kurapika from his slumber. 

As he came to, he pieced together what was happening. Bleary eyes read the bedside clock, indicating it was five in the morning. 

“Didn’t think he’d still have this locked, damn…” He heard Leorio grumbling from the doorway, jimmying the knob.

A multitude of emotions festered inside the blonde when Leorio opened the door. Most of the anger from last night waded away, leaving a shaky uneasiness in its wake to sit like a scraping boulder in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to shove Leorio back out of their room. He also wished to pull him into bed and never let go. 

“Sunshine...” 

Leorio’s weight dipped the mattress, and Kurapika shut his eyes, pretending to be asleep. 

“Hey, Peeks.” Leorio spoke as if he was approaching a feral cat. “C’mon…I can tell you’re awake. You’re usually breathing really hard or snoring by now.”

‘Well that was rude. I don’t snore.’  Kurapika threw a glare over his shoulder before he made a point to burrow himself deeper in the blankets. 

A soft chuckle from Leorio made him feel warm all over. He heard the sheets closest to him rustle, and a tentative hand slid over his arm. Kurapika clutched the blanket, but didn’t shake him off. The hand stroked slowly, lightly in case Kurapika didn’t want him close. 

“You okay?”

Kurapika didn’t answer. 

“Are you still mad?”

Kurapika weakly nudged forward, escaping Leorio’s hand.

“Don’t be like that…talk to me?” Leorio tested the waters, pressing up behind him but staying above the covers. “Please?”

Sure, Kurapika may be acting downright childish, but he couldn’t help it. They’ve been dating officially for over a year. Given their tumultuous history of friendship, of their little cat-and-mouse game, fighting and disappearing and almost dying— Kurapika thought Leorio knew him better by now, including the things that bothered him. 

It didn’t happen frequently, but times like this made Kurapika doubtful and woefully irrational. Jealousy and despair reared its ugly head at the most minor of pitfalls sometimes. It was ironic, that once upon a time, they only communicated with fleeting glances and endless voicemails left on his line. Living with Leorio brought on long days of processing his past, something he continued and probability will do for the rest of his life. 

While it did wonders for his mental state, there was a sensation that developed, one Kurapika loathed whenever it pounced and wore out his nerves. He couldn’t masterfully suppress it the way he did with his other emotions. 

That feeling made him anxious, the unknown of any situation that might rip Leorio away from him at any moment, shattering the precariously healed walls of his heart. 

“I’m sorry.” Leorio slid an arm around his blanketed body, drawing him out of his spiral. “I’m sorry, my beloved.” Leorio sighed the Kurtan term of endearment against his shoulder. 

At the sound of Leorio mirroring the name, one that Kurapika used for him—he shuddered. 

The awful beast of emotions cowered within, as remorse suffocated him. Kurapika’s eyes stung as he bit his lip, fighting the onslaught of tears. ‘This is so, so, stupid.’

With a deep breath, Kurapika turned in Leorio’s arms to face him. His eyes were blazing scarlet—he could tell by the way they reflected on Leorio’s glassy eyes. Leorio’s expression crumpled, making Kurapika cry more. 

Leorio proceeded to coax him out of his head, running his healing hands wherever he could. Thumbs caressed his wet cheeks, a hand brushed his hair, a firm, rubbing motion on his back—it all helped. 

Kurapika felt like he was simultaneously twenty-two and fifty years old with how his wearied body and emotions were being soothed, over and over. He didn’t like fighting with Leorio.

Leorio watched him as he calmed down. 

“How did you get in here?” was the first thing Kurapika asked. “I locked you out.”

“Uh, duh? Did you forget I grew up picking locks?” Leorio snorted when Kurapika buried his face in his hands, cursing. 

“I’m sorry, Leorio. This—this whole day. I acted rashly.”

“It’s alright, I am too. I upset you. I—I also shouldn’t have made a dig at your anger. You have valid reasons to think the way you do. ” Leorio leaned up on his elbow, continuing to stroke long, slow circles between his shoulders and down his back.

They continued to stare at each other in silence. Leorio seemed exhausted. Kurapika’s eyes went downcast at the fact that Leorio slept on the couch because of him. 

Leorio hummed at the change in demeanor. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

Kurapika blushed at that, filing through the night’s events. “I’m embarrassed at my behaviour. Your friends have never wronged me. I had no reason to be so angry.”

Leorio thumbed over the tense set of his eyebrows. “But you were still angry.”

“I was…sometimes I want to end my day with just us. We haven’t done that in a bit, since the new semester started. I missed you.” Kurapika admitted meekly. 

“I missed you too…”

Kurapika trailed a finger along the neckline of Leorio’s shirt, letting his boyfriend process his thoughts. Leorio brought his attention back by brushing his bangs back, lovingly. 

“I let the pressures of the new semester get to me. I always try really hard to get along well with my cohort, just in case…I can’t stand arrogant doctors who tear their colleagues down.” Leorio planted a feather-light kiss on his cheek. 

“That’s a bit out of your control, don’t you think?” Kurapika murmured. “Trying to get on everyone’s good side is difficult. Maybe that’s just because I’m introverted and also don’t care what others think.”

Leorio chuckled. “No, you have a point, Peeks. I’m…also sorry about the whole Petra thing. I know you didn’t love that either.”

“There was probably no other way to handle the situation. But…I wasn’t thrilled to see her wearing your stuff.” He trailed off. There it was, open for Leorio to see and judge. 

Leorio’s lips grew into a smile, and Kurapika’s ears grew warm, the redness working their way to his cheeks. “So you were jealous.”

Kurapika, as limited as he was in his blankets, kicked out at Leorio’s shin. 

“You so were!” Leorio dodged a pillow to the head as he dove in, smothering Kurapika. “Aww, why are you jealous, hm? You don’t need to be, I’m all yours.”

The blonde was weak in his efforts at resisting Leorio’s kisses with his morning stubble scratching his skin. In actuality, he was right where he wanted to be. 

“That’s why I was.” Kurapika muttered. “I don’t want to share you like that, let alone your—your fucking shirt, Leorio, seriously—”

“It’s already in the wash, and her friend helped her change into her blouse before they left.” Leorio reassured him. 

Kurapika swallowed, searching Leorio’s eyes. There was a faint hum down the hallway. The washing machine was indeed running. 

Leorio raised an eyebrow, all ridiculously charming at five thirty in the morning. “So am I forgiven?”

Kurapika heaved the blankets off. With a burst of strength, he threw a leg over to straddle Leorio and pin him against the bed. He bunched his hands at Leorio’s shirt collar and bent down for a bruising kiss. 

Kurapika tasted him, his lips open and yielding. He pleasantly noted a hint of mint— Leorio brushed his teeth before coming in. ‘How considerate.’ He melted against Leorio as his hands held his waist, squeezing with appreciation. 

Before things escalated, Kurapika wanted to make it clear—“you are forgiven. For now as long as that doesn’t happen again. No parties past midnight. Any further accidents too—don’t give them your shirt, give them mine.” 

Leorio rolled his eyes, and Kurapika pinched his chest, making him yelp. “That’s literally the same thing! Also you’re smaller than a lot of my friends, your stuff wouldn't fit them.”

“Fine. Do you care if they borrow my stuff if it does fit?” Kurapika asked, gauging his stance. 

“Not really, no.” 

“Then we’re good.” Kurapika leaned back in, ready to continue what he started. 

“‘pika, we’re gonna need a new doorknob.” Leorio shivered as Kurapika kissed down his jaw and started suckling on the skin of his neck. “W-when you pick locks, it breaks the thing.”

“Okay.” Kurapika ground down. 

“Like, maybe one without a lock this time.” Hands wandered under Leorio’s shirt. 

“Okay.”

Just as Leorio got his top off, he pushed Kurapika back. “Wait, I changed my mind about the doorknob.”

‘Inhale for ten. Exhale for ten’. His eyes brightened, scarlet. “Leorio, this talk about doorknobs is going to turn me right off. Make it quick.” 

“I want a lock. Y’know why?” Leorio fingered the waistband of Kurapika’s undergarments, making his heart stutter in anticipation. 

“Why,” Kurapika breathed, though he already knew the answer. 

 “So I can do this and have you all day long, without anyone bothering us! 

Leorio pulled Kurapika down to him, flipping them over in a flurry of kisses and peals of laughter.  

. ✦⫘⫘⫘ˎˊ˗ ꒰

5. YNC University - Banquet Hall

Leorio’s graduation ceremony went perfectly, with no flaws in the program. 

With immense joy, Kurapika cradled the flowers he ordered for the occasion, soaking in the sight of his boyfriend shaming the hand of the dean as a certified doctor. Gon and Killua whooped loudly beside him, jumping and waving as if Leorio could spot them amongst the hundreds of people in the audience. 

Leorio was taking photos with his extended family—Kurapika was still getting used to them, but appreciated how kind and understanding they were. He hadn’t been around an extended family dynamic in a long time. 

When Kurapika dwelled on it long enough, it hurt, knowing he couldn’t have the same experience when he was scheduled to walk the stage two years from now, at his own graduation. 

As expected, when it came to him and the boys, Leorio was noisy and boisterous as ever; utterly elated. Leorio scooped him up into a hug, and Kurapika yelped, because Leorio the flowers, you’re crushing the flowers! Killua and Gon added on to the pile, and Kurapika melted into the embrace, content. 

“Congratulations, my beloved,” He whispered to his temple, and Leorio smiled against his skin.

Then came the after party. 

The medical school was funded well, Kurapika observed as he walked into the banquet hall, arm-in-arm with Leorio. The anthropology department wished they could hold events to this scale. 

Family members and plus ones were all welcome upon reservation, to which Leorio had already done. His parents opted in, while the rest of his family agreed to have their own celebration some other time. Killua and Gon were an easy invite as the two were always eager for free food. 

“This place is huge,” Leorio whistled. 

The roundtables seemed to stretch on endlessly, draped in white tablecloths and beige table runners. All the tables were surrounding a sizable dance floor. Chandeliers twinkled high above them, and they were approached several times by servers holding trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. 

The night was a blur for Kurapika. Leorio was clad in his white jacket, a beacon with his program mates amongst all of the partygoers. The food was three? five? courses? All Kurapika remembered was a lot of food, undoubtedly delicious. He had to pass some off to Leorio and the boys, who were happy to indulge. 

Periodically, Leorio got whisked away for a picture or for a chat with a classmate or a professor. He introduced Kurapika and the boys to a couple of peers and instructors. 

Over time, the music switched from light classical background serenades to upbeat, dance tunes. The room got dimmer, and Kurapika’s table mates all migrated to the dance floor, leaving him alone to keep watch of their belongings. 

Leorio nursed a couple of drinks, plopping down beside him. “I think I’m gonna hop over there for a few songs. Wanna come with?’

Kurapika eyed the crowd, nerves prickling at the idea of being in the middle of…all of that. He took a sip of the cocktail, shaking his head. “I’m good. Maybe if it clears up.” That, to both of them, was Kurapika’s way of saying ‘no’.

”I don’t think it’ll clear up anytime soon, sunshine.” Leorio said playfully. 

Kurapika squirmed in his seat. He preferred a smaller, intimate setting. The pub by their apartment, for example, was perfect—playing folk tunes, reminiscent of the songs he and Pairo would dance to as kids. This…the thrumming bass and the heightened tempo dictating a sea of undulating bodies was a lot to handle. 

“I’m okay. I’ll be here.” Kurapika smiled. “Have fun, don’t break a leg.”

Leorio grinned, grabbing his hand and kissing his knuckles. He stood up, pressing one more kiss on the crown of his head. 

A few songs passed. And as every party had it, a slower song came on to add some variety to the set. Kurapika heard the reactive murmur of the singles, watching some of them return to their seats. He saw others invite their friends and partners back out to the dance floor. 

He sighed fondly at the sight of Killua and Gon, long-limbed and bumbling as they tried to find the correct starting position for a slow dance. He saw Gon throw his head back in laughter before he wound his arms around Killua’s neck. His beet-red face was noticeable from a mile away. 

Kurapika spotted his lover at the edges of the crowd. Leorio was alone, making his way to the bar. He openly admired how Leorio swayed effortlessly, a pep in his step and head bobbing as he took his time crossing the floor. 

Distractedly, Kurapika ran his fingers through the condensation on the water pitcher, as he realized he was not the only one observing Leorio. Other people, ranging from white coats to random partygoers, approached him. They tried to lure him in by matching his steps as they closed in on his personal space. It didn’t take a lot to understand they were all trying to steal a dance from the newly graduated doctor. Leorio turned them away, with a short remark and a kind smile. 

Even at the bar, Leorio kept his distance with people, engaging in nothing further than friendly conversation. Kurapika tore his gaze away, a fluttering sensation rushing through his gut at the thought of going to Leorio and being the one he pulled to the dance floor. But something kept him glued to his seat. 

“Why aren’t you dancing with the old man?” Killua questioned loudly, over the music. 

He and Gon finished their round of dancing. Gon was glued to his side, a sheen of sweat on his forehead. He was truly putting Killua through all the dramatic dance moves. 

“It’s not really my thing.” Kurapika shrugged. 

“What isn’t your thing? Don’t you guys dance at the pub?” Killua interrogated. 

“That’s different.” Kurapika blushed, darting his focus from Leorio to the dance floor full of couples, and then back to the boys. 

Gon beamed. “It’s easy to slow dance. And fun!”

“I’m sure it is, Gon.”

Killua turned his nose up at the sight of the empty chairs at their table. “Haven’t you been lonely just watching everyone at the table by yourself?” 

“Leorio’s gone to get a drink.” Kurapika made a vague gesture to the bar. “He's probably gonna come here and take a break, or complain that his feet hurt.”

Killua glanced over, a smirk starting to pull at his mouth. “Are you sure about that? Seems like he’s occupied.”

Kurapika turned his head to see Leorio chatting it up with another peer. He, too, wore his white coat, with—were those leather pants?—bottoms that accentuated his slender, toned legs. 

Leorio held two drinks in his hands as the other man talked his ear off. He nodded, smiling genuinely as he entertained him. The man balanced himself on his elbows, using the balls of his feet to push himself just right—sliding closer to Leorio, eyes honey-sweet and completely focused on the other. Leorio, either oblivious, drunk, overly friendly—or all of the above—kept engaging in the conversation. His shoulders shook with laughter at something the other man said. 

Kurapika’s eyes started to sting. 

“He’s too nice.” Killua commented, taking the seat beside him. “Like Gon. They don’t even realize what they’re doing.” 

“What was that?” Gon piped up.

“Nothing,” Killua and Kurapika chimed simultaneously.

The third slow song of the night started up.

The man dropped a hand on Leorio’s elbow and trailed it up until it rested on his shoulder. Kurapika saw how Leorio’s smile faltered. Before he knew it, Kurapika was standing up, slightly buzzed from the couple of drinks he had. ‘Liquid courage’, Kurapika’s thoughts repeated, as he felt more emboldened with each step he took towards Leorio.

Kurapika snuck over to Leorio’s free side, hand settling on his lower back and propping his chin on Leorio’s bicep. 

Leorio flinched at the sudden contact, but instantly relaxed upon meeting his eyes. “Hey there, stranger.”

“Hi.” Kurapika greeted, Leorio’s lips split into a grin, as he blindly leaned in to kiss wherever he could on his face. A laugh bubbled up from his chest, giddy at the attention being shifted to him. 

“I’ll see you later, Leorio,” Kurapika thought he heard Leorio’s peer say. He wasn’t sure if he actually heard it, but he was gone, and Leorio was fully facing him. 

“I got you a drink.” Leorio passed the second cocktail over to Kurapika. 

“You’re trying to get me drunk.” Kurapika shook his head, accepting it anyways and revelling in the tart concoction. 

“Whatever do you mean? I’m simply trying to celebrate,” Leorio nudged him, tone dropping into a silly, formal accent. 

Kurapika knew Leorio would take care of him if he drank too much. If he wanted to celebrate, then indeed, they would. 

Leorio was leaning against the bar with him, a hand around his waist as they enjoyed their drinks. Kurapika snuck a peek at his boyfriend, who was watching the dance floor with glazed eyes. The way the coloured floor lights occasionally bathed his face in colour, the disco ball dotting spots that illuminated Leorio—

“Leorio.” Kurapika placed his glass down and stood in front of him. He reached down and tugged his hands. “Do you want to dance with me?”

Leorio was shocked, clearly not expecting the turn of events as he stayed rooted by the bar. “You want to dance?”

“That’s what I just said, yes.” Kurapika’s face and neck felt hot. “Do we need to clean your ears out?”

“I heard you, loud and clear.” Leorio barked out a laugh. He pushed himself off the ledge. “I’m surprised, that’s all. Ex-mafia mob boss, bounty hunter and anthropologist undergrad-to-be wants to dance with lil’ old me to vintage love songs?”

“You’re not making this easy for me,” Kurapika’s hands felt clammy. Leorio’s were firm, confident, and warm. 

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” Leorio bowed slightly, and winked. “Shall we?”

Kurapika held Leorio’s hand tight as he drew them closer to the floor. Kurapika was relieved when Leorio stopped them right before the threshold of densely packed dancers. 

Leorio drew Kurapika flush against his front, dropping his hands on his hips.  Kurapika slowly wound his arms around Leorio’s shoulders, mimicking the way the other couples held each other. The music was pleasant, a cooling balm of sorts, over his racing heart and undeniably reddened cheeks. 

“So, who were you talking to at the bar?” Kurapika asked, attempting to act nonchalant. He leaned in to rest his head just below Leorio’s jaw. 

Leorio chortled at that, the sound rumbling against him. “He was in a lot of the same lectures and labs as me during my first year, way back in my undergrad. Pretty sure I did a group project with him, too.” 

“Oh, interesting.” Kurapika pursed his lips. 

Leorio’s first year was something Kurapika was absent for, unfortunately. What Leorio did, who he saw—it was something that they’ve talked about extensively, but a part of Kurapika would feel regret for not being present. He wasn’t sure if that sentiment would ever go away. 

He knew that at the time, he did what was necessary for his family. They came before anyone else. 

“I barely remembered him until he came up to me. He talked a bunch, and then it kind of clicked.” Leorio explained.

Kurapika’s silence must’ve been enough for Leorio to say something, as he trailed a hand up to the back of his neck. He let Leorio guide him back, to be met with the doctor’s dopey smile. “You know, maybe you should visit the optometrist. Your contacts aren’t hiding your eyes as well as you think.”

Kurapika tried to bury his face back where he wanted it, but Leorio kept firm, capturing his lips in a sweet kiss. Kurapika revelled at how good Leorio tasted at that moment—a tang of alcohol, a hint of berry and rosemary. Tonight, he was happy to yield to Leorio taking charge without a care about who was watching. 

“Do you know how cute you are when you’re jealous?” Leorio pulled back to press their foreheads together.

“I’m not jealous. I’m looking out for you.” Kurapika grumbled. “What if he had intentions? Like messing with your drink?”

“In a room full of medical professionals? Gee, I sure hope not.”

Kurapika beat a fist against his chest. “I’m being serious.”

“Sounds like jealousy to me,” Leorio clumsily kissed the sloped bridge of his nose. “My possessive ‘pika.”

“Shut up.” Kurapika snapped, with no real bite. “You’re always making fun of me.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” Leorio snickered. “And what about it? Makes me feel…I dunno. In a way, it’s nice when you make it clear that I belong to you.”

Leorio dipped for another kiss, and Kurapika grazed his teeth against Leorio’s lip, keeping him a hair’s breadth away. “Cocky bastard.” Kurapika was becoming hot all over.

“You love it.” 

“I do,” Kurapika admitted, and Leorio kissed him tenderly, again and again until the song ended, leaving Kurapika positively winded. 

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـﮩ٨ـ♡

+1. 

Amongst their friend group, it was common knowledge that Leorio confessed to Kurapika first. And the second, and third time. Leorio heard an earful from all his friends and family with conflicting advice— to give him space, to let him go, to hang on.

Leorio did what he thought was best. And that was letting Kurapika know that when everything was said and done, he had people who had his back through thick and thin. 

It was not well known that Kurapika had some semblance of feelings for Leorio first, during the early days of the Hunter exam. Leorio couldn’t believe it himself, considering they nearly killed each other and fought least once a day. But as he dwelled on everything, on the nonverbal cues that Kurapika had—perhaps there were signs that he’d missed. 

It was hard to imagine sometimes, that Kurapika was actually attracted to him that early. 

At the end of the day, Leorio was the one who had Kurapika’s affections, in the form of a matching scarlet gem. It hung off his permanently fused bracelet-chain, signifying their engagement. 

And, sticking to his own traditions, Leorio had given Kurapika an engagement ring that would’ve costed a fortune without their Hunter discount. 

For their regularly scheduled workouts, Kurapika and Leorio took off their rings. Kurapika’s hair was slipping from his low ponytail after almost two hours of training. He wore Leorio’s faded university t-shirt and loose grey sweatpants. His cheeks were ruddy from their warmup, and his bangs were sweat-stuck to his forehead. 

And he was gorgeous. 

Gorgeous, even as they were on their last round of sparring and Kurapika was successfully landing a barrage of hits. 

Gorgeous, as his grey eyes narrowed to slits, and he stopped Leorio before his next blow. “You’re distracted.”

“No, I’m not.” He lied, blushing. 

Kurapika huffed. “Yes, I’m literally landing all the hits on you. Stop checking me out.” 

“You stop looking like that, then.” Leorio quipped, dodging a kick aimed for his side. He saw a hint of a smile on Kurapika’s lips, and he smirked at the sight. 

“Let’s switch. Hit me.” Kurapika widened his stance. 

Leorio used great focus to intensify his Ren. Kurapika was far more advanced in Nen techniques in combat, so he relished in the coordinated free time to polish up on his own skills. Leorio’s current schedule at the hospital and Kurapika’s classes didn’t leave much opportunity to practice their skills like they used to.

Kurapika’s Ten was so solid, it was comparable to an armor of bedrock. Upon landing the first punch, Kurapika easily intercepted, and Leorio wagged his hand to shake off the shock that rippled up his arm. The next few attempts were more successful, and Leorio managed to knock Kurapika back a few metres with combination blows. 

His fiancé’s face may seem stoic, but Leorio took great pleasure at seeing the glee in his eyes as he matched him for a good few minutes. It was thrilling. Strike, block, strike, and block again. Leorio and Kurapika could go toe-to-toe in hand to hand combat, a kind of dance only they could do. 

The rhythm was going smoothly, even attracting a couple of curious eyes from other gymgoers— until a swift roundhouse kick to the gut sent Kurapika tumbling. 

“Oh shit—you okay?” Leorio knelt, taking hold of Kurapika’s hands and hoisting him up. 

Kurapika laughed—music to Leorio’s ears—and he stretched his arms up above his head, twisting back and forth as if he never got struck. “You were quick, so the force and momentum naturally took me down. I focused just enough Ten down there for protection.”

Leorio sagged in relief. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

Kurpaika shook his head, reaching up to pat his jaw. “No. But what I am, is thirsty.”

“I’ll grab us some water.” Leorio picked up the hand towel that was folded atop their gym bags. He tossed it to Kurapika, and took their water bottles. 

He whistled as he stepped out of the sparring square, nodding to the front desk girl as he exited the main gym area. People filed in and out of the hallways, some going to the locker rooms, others headed to the showers. ‘Busy today.’

Leorio gave a couple courteous hellos to regulars whom he recognized. One roped him into small talk at the water fountain, talking about exercises for a solid five minutes before leaving him to his water-bottle duties. 

Two full bottles in hand, Leorio strode back in, prepared with whatever else Kurapika had planned for their workout. 

He spotted the blonde, though the sight was a bit hazy—Leorio preferred not to wear glasses to the gym as they got in the way, and it was a nuisance to keep adjusting them. As he neared, he saw Kurapika wasn’t alone. 

Kurapika was stretching his rolled out yoga mat, and a fresh-faced, bright eyed gym goer was right beside him with his own mat. 

Their new companion was still chatting Kurapika’s ear about some nen-nonsense when the blonde acknowledged Leorio returning. Leorio raised an eyebrow, and all Kurapika did was shrug. 

“Who’s this, sunshine?” Leorio placed Kurapika’s bottle down, which he took immediately to avoid talking. 

The man didn’t appear that much older than them. His hair was dark, in a rather messy wolf cut. It contrasted greatly with his alabaster skin tone, seeming rather translucent under the stark gym lights. “I’m Cain. I was just telling um…”

Kurapika gawked at him like he had two heads. Leorio clears his throat. 

“I’m Leorio. Sunshine over here is—”

“Kurapika.” The blonde interjected, tone leaving no room for further conversation. 

The man grinned, clearly unable to read the room. “Kurapika! Lovely name, by the way. Anywho, I was telling him that his combat skills were mesmerizing. I’m new to the gym, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Leorio tried not to take that personally. Kurapika was a unique talent. Add that to his quick ability to learn, it was hard to compete. “Yeah, he’s a real natural. I’m his fiancé, by the way.”

Cain made a long, drawn out ‘ohhhh’ before saying, “I would’ve never guessed that. I thought you worked here and acted as a trainer or something.” 

Kurapika sipped long and slow, watching the exchange with calculated eyes. He patted the space on his free side, urging Leorio to sit down. 

“Nope. We’ve just been coming to this gym for a while.” Leorio sat cross-legged, brushing shoulders with Kurapika. 

“Oh, neat! We should work out together!” Cain smiled at Kurapika. His face remained neutral, and he turned to Leorio. 

“Um. Sure. Our schedules are both kind of hectic, so we come here when we can.”

Leorio worked his jaw, under the guise of being deep in thought. ‘I’d rather not. He seems slimy. Could totally rival Tonpa in that department. ’

Leorio wanted to go home. Kurapika was absentmindedly picking at his nails, obviously checked out from the conversation. “Speaking of, I’m on call. Peeks and I were just about done here, right?”

“Yes, we are.” Kurapika deadpanned. “Nice to meet you, Cain.”

Cain flashed the brightest smile at that, and Leorio prayed it would be the first and last time they meet. 

As luck would have it, because Leorio was the most fortunate man in York New City, he and Kurapika had frequent run-ins with Cain at the gym. 

When Leorio was alone, Cain would greet him briefly, with a “hey man” and a pat on the back. 

Kurapika’s accounts were not detailed, as he often threw his headphones on and tuned out for most of the interactions. 

Apparently, Cain was trying to get combat tips out of Kurapika. After many one-sided conversations, Cain revealed he was trying for the Hunter exam. 

Leorio tried not to be bothered by it, really. They were adults, damn it, Kurapika could have friends and talk to others—he encouraged it, as he knew the blonde preferred to stay in if he had the choice. 

So, Leorio tolerated their new acquaintance’s presence. He was not rude, but very eager and talkative towards Kurapika, akin to a noisy fly buzzing in one’s ear.

Thankfully, his run-ins with him trickled to nothing for a while. 

Then, the Zodiacs assigned Leorio as medical support for one of Kurapika’s missions. Kurapika’s connections to the Nostrade family and outlaws continued to be a benefit to the Hunter association. 

A classic undercover mission, where he and Kurapika had to infiltrate a nightclub that was rented out for an event. It was a strange theme: ‘modern masquerade fusion’ whatever that meant. Leorio thought it was a fancy way of having people dress up in club attire, with a mask thrown on for formalities’ sake. 

“Run it by me one more time. I literally just stand around and do nothing while you do all the work?” Leorio adjusted his tie as they were driven to the venue by Melody.

Kurapika was stunning, as always. He donned a black-haired wig that was pin-straight and long, with the ends brushing the small of his back. The bangs framed his face, which was dusted with light makeup. And the dress…

“Eyes up here.” Kurapika smirked, and Leorio huffed, because all he wanted was to kiss him until his lipstick was smudged off. “You’re not doing nothing.”

Leorio instinctively shrivelled when Kurapika reached for his earpiece, tapping it with a gloved hand. 

“You listen. I will be finding leads on the stolen artifacts from the NGL.” Kurapika explained. 

“So it’s still nothing, kinda.”

Kurapika fixed him with a flat look. “Wrong. According to Cheadle and Beans, they’ve been alerted that the association is on their tail. We aren’t smooth sailing until we’re out of there. If I say ‘shrimp’, that means I’ve gotten all the intel I need, and you meet me at the back entrance where we get dropped off.”

“That’s a really stupid code word.” Leorio grouched, putting his mask on. 

Kurapika rolled his eyes. “I didn’t make it up.”

Melody cleared her throat as the car slowed its roll. “We’re here. I’ll be making rounds so if you call, I’ll be no further than a minute away.”

Leorio was doing nothing. He sat at the bar, not even bothering to hide his boredom from the party. 

To any outsider, the function seemed like a typical Friday night event. The attire didn’t seem that upscale, Leorio studied the countless guests that already passed him by. People on the Black Whale were dressed better for events like this. 

Frustratingly so, that meant Kurapika was one of the best dressed in many patrons’ eyes. His mask was delicate, a deep red lacy thing that rested over his eyes and branched up his temples as if it was painted on. Protocols be damned, Leorio was ready for this function to be over.

The blonde was getting whisked into what seemed to be the fifth dance of the night. Leorio had a couple of his own, but he was too distracted by the conversations playing out in his earpiece and making sure Kurapika was in his line of sight. 

“You are breathtaking, what is your name?” One woman purred. 

“Kura,” Kurapika answered easily as he slid into her arms. 

Another man swept him up a couple of songs later. 

“May I buy you a drink?” He offered, close to the ear that wore the earpiece. Kurapika drew back a little, letting the wig obscure it from view.

Leorio hissed into the earpiece at that one, “careful with the drinks, Peeks.”

His partner made a noise of dissent at Leorio’s doting, and got back to entertaining his current dance companion.

Leorio scrunched his nose. He listened to the darling sound of Kurapika’s laugh—it warmed and squeezed at his heart, knowing he wasn’t the one causing it. Leorio strained his neck and caught how the club lights flickered over his lover’s face. He was wearing a cordial smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. 

The leads Kurapika received were pitiful, even worse when Leorio tried his hand at getting information from a couple of partygoers himself. Leorio saw Kurapika’s face flash with shock, when he ‘accidentally’ brushed against him during a bump and grind with a prospect. Satisfaction bloomed in Leorio when he saw Kurapika’s eyes turn for a split second, reassured that he wasn’t the only one feeling possessive. 

Then, a voice in his ear caused Leorio to lose his rhythm with the woman pressed to his front. 

“Now, what is a pretty thing like you doing at a place like this?” 

Leorio craned his neck, dumbfounded. Pale skin that seemed see-through in the coloured strobe lights, that mussed wolf cut and unmistakable grin underneath a half-mask…Leorio cursed their luck for what seemed like the umpteenth time that month. “Fucking Cain.”

Kurapika’s eyes darted around the space, as if he was searching for Leorio. His voice remained friendly, as he let himself get pulled into Cain’s space. 

“I could ask you that,” Kurapika hummed. 

“I’m searching for someone.” Cain said, hands wandering trailing from Kurapika’s shoulders to his waist. “I haven’t found them yet, though.”

Kurapika tilted his head, feigning curiosity. “Hm? Who?”

“Dance with me a little more, and maybe I’ll tell you.”

Passively, Leorio wondered how angry Kurapika and Cheadle would be if he threw the mission by bashing his head onto the bar counter so he wouldn’t have to listen to their weird-gym-mafia acquaintance flirt in his lover’s ear. 

The meathead didn’t connect the dots between Kurapika’s cover name and his real name, but that didn’t stop him from trying to get a closer look here and there. Kurapika managed to gently brush him off, and maintain a respectable distance.

The conversation remained relatively tame. There were some pointers about the NGL artifacts amongst other topics, like the new museum opening on the upper west side, and the turf wars happening in the downtown area. 

Leorio tried to be attentive to the details, skillfully filtering out the man’s poor attempts at getting Kurapika to drink more. 

“Y’know, I feel like we’ve met before.” Cain cocked his head. “Are you from the city?”

Kurapika turned his head, avoiding his prying gaze. “No. I just attend to business here.”

Cain reached and brushed back the black wig off Kurapika’s shoulder, thumbing over the skin with no shame. “So do I. My godfather is actually funding this party.”

Leorio was gobsmacked. ‘Of course. Of fucking course, out of all the people who could be a nepo-mafia baby, it’s this guy.’

Kurapika hummed. “That’s impressive. He’s done a fine job. Are you partaking in the artifacts trade?”

“No…I mostly just help with the communications and optics, all that fun stuff.”

Kurapika chuckled. “Your family sounds well established. Others would definitely benefit from partnering with you.”

“I think we used to have a good deal with the Nostrades…since the old man croaked though, the Lee family has caught our eye. They pretty much run the entire East side.” Cain said. “I told my mother I was going to scope out the Hunter exam.”

“The Hunter exam? And what business do you have risking your life there, especially as an outlaw?”

Cain smirked. “I like you, asking all these questions.” Leorio wanted to gag. He sounded like an imbecile. Cain continued, oblivious to the daggers Leorio was staring into his back. “When you come out on top, the Hunter license grants you immense benefits. Immunity to a lot of things that would otherwise get me into hot water, and access to coveted resources.”

“It’s not an easy journey, taking that exam. I can only wish you luck.”

Cain raised an eyebrow. “Cute. I think we’ll get along well. And I would love for you to come to more of these.” Cain smiled and pressed their fronts together. 

“I will consider that for the future.” Kurapika ran a hand down Cain’s suit collar, preparing to draw himself away. “It has been a pleasure, but—oh!” 

An unpleasant simmer ran beneath Leorio’s skin when Cain took his chin in his hands. It spread through his body, churning in his gut rather awfully with the alcohol in his system. 

Kurapika seemed visibly uncomfortable as Cain imposed further. “You do seem familiar though…I swear we’ve met. What do you do outside of these affairs, gorgeous?”

Kurapika bristled. “I’m not at liberty to say.” 

“Mmm…the moment I saw you, I had to have you. I want to know more.”

Leorio stood up, having heard and seen enough. Kurapika was strong enough to turn the guy on his head, but he knew the blonde was trying not to cause a scene in a room full of mobsters. Without much care on who he jostled with his shoulders, Leorio forced his way towards Kurapika. He managed to catch up to them to a darkened area of the floor. It reeked of smoke, floor sticky with spilled alcohol and other fluids. 

It made Leorio sick, seeing the nearby secluded hallway that led to stairs, illuminated by red light. 

Kurapika squirmed a bit, and Leorio saw the tense lines of his body try to escape Cain’s iron grip on his arm and around his waist. “I—I don’t think this is appropriate,”

Cain pouted. “Then let us go somewhere more private. I have full access to any of the rooms upstairs.”

Leorio dove and took Kurapika’s free hand, tugging him back. Kurapika startled, ‘what the hell are you doing’ written all over his face. 

“I believe they said ‘no’.” Leorio put distance between Kurapika and Cain, standing to his full height. 

“And who are you?”  Cain tipped his head to stubbornly try and meet his eyes. 

“Someone who knows how to fuck off when told.”Leorio held an arm out when he saw Kurpaika move out of the corner of his eye. 

Cain’s expression turned hideous, as he tried to meet Leorio’s stance. It painted a ridiculous picture, as Leorio dominated this idiot in every department. “This is none of your business, and if I recall, I was speaking with Kura, not—” He gestured wildly at Leorio, which only served to aggravate him more. 

“Leorio, that’s enough.” Kurapika said, low enough that only he could hear. Or so he thought, because recognition crossed Cain’s features, and the couple winced at the slip-up. 

“Oh—no way. I knew it! Kurapika, you look just as dashing as you do in the gym.” Cain fixated on Leorio with a sneer. “What in the world are you doing here? Busy being his guard dog?”

Leorio exhaled sharply, nostrils flaring. “Yeah, from scum like you. Now it seems like you have issues when it comes to listening to people, so.” Leorio grabbed Cain by the collar, and Kurapika was saying something but he honestly didn’t register it through the sound of blood rushing in his ears. “Listen carefully. You will leave us alone, get far, far away from us, and forget we were ever here.”

The party around them seemed like an alternate reality at that point, oblivious to the altercation happening. The corners of Cain’s lips turned up, without a lick of remorse on his features, and it made Leorio reel with disgust. 

“Must you go so early? Kurapika and I were having such a good time, though. He cleans up quite nicely, don’t you think?” Cain only grinned wider, matching Leorio’s glare despite the increasing pressure of the chokehold he had on his neck. 

“I won’t ask again. We have connections to the Nostrade family and the Association. It would be smart to walk away now, Cain.” 

“I think you need to work on your hearing. I couldn’t care less about the Nostrades.” Cain’s beady eyes trailed to Kurapika, who was pretty much obstructed by Leorio’s body. “Kurapika, however…it’ll be hard for me to forget about. This won’t be the last time—”

Images of Kurapika being leered at, and spoken to by everyone with such disrespect flashed before Leorio. That was enough for Leorio to slam Cain against the wall, holding him in place before throwing a solid punch to his jaw with such a force that it rumbled the wall on impact. Kurapika stumbled from the aftershocks reverberating the floor.

Leorio swore he felt something crack beneath his fist. Cain’s eyes rolled back to all-whites, and blood instantly rushed from his nose. Leorio took a step back, cringing at the way Cain limply flopped to the floor. Left in his wake was a deep dent in the wall. The black paint on the wall was marred with cracks and fissures, splitting the material in all directions. 

The guy would be lucky if he remembered anything when he woke up. Had Leorio punched any harder, he may have broke clean through to the next room. 

Kurapika’s gloved hand slipped into his, entwining their fingers. Leorio was breathing heavily from the rush of emotions—the adrenaline, the rage, the jealousy—

“Leorio, we gotta go.” Kurapika squeezed his hand, and Leorio let himself be blindly led out of the club. 

They bounded into the crisp night air, and the rush helped clear his head. Leorio mildly registered that they were running. “Wait, what about Melody?”

“I told her to meet us a couple stations down.” Kurapika shook his head, ripping his mask off as they ran hand-in-hand. “I don’t know if you realized, but you just assaulted the godson of the party host! Someone’s going to see and catch on fast. I don’t want Melody to pull up to chaos.”

Leorio couldn’t help but admire the thoughtfulness, in light of a situation that was—he realized—his fault. 

They sped down the city streets, blending into the crowd. Leorio was struck by sonder, catching sight of strangers that they passed by—from lone joggers, to groups of friends huddled close outside of restaurants and bars—and then the surreal sensation descending to subway station, underground and away from it all. 

They swiped their Hunter cards and breezed past the turnstiles, catching the train and hunkering down in the farthest train car. 

Kurapika slumped onto the plastic seat, while Leorio assumed position in front of him, gripping the overhead handles. 

Finally having caught his breath, Leorio stepped closer, and Kurapika straightened his legs, knocking their ankles together. 

“What was that all about?” Kurapika spoke first. He didn’t sound angry, but Leorio wasn’t certain. Post-fight clarity was weighing heavy on him. They were lucky no one intercepted them, given the circumstances.

“I’m sorry, sunshine.” Leorio apologized, mortified as the incident replayed in his head. It was satisfying, but ultimately reckless. 

“You don’t need to apologize, you brute. I just want to know what happened.” Kurapika turned his foot to give him a light kick. 

Leorio clasped a hand over his flushed face, avoiding Kurapika’s attentive gaze. “It’s stupid.”

Another kick. “I don’t care if it’s stupid.” Kurapika’s voice was light, and when Leorio snuck a glance at his lover, he was met with a hint of a smile. “Were you jealous, Leorio?”

Leorio’s pulse quickened at being called out—again, the sight of Kurapika looking like an angel crossed his mind. It was agony, watching him get passed around like that, when all he deserved was worship. Selfishly, worship from him, and his hands alone. 

“So what if I was.” Leorio huffed. At the admission, he let the floodgates open. “People were being too touchy with you. And that asshole Cain. God, I should’ve decked him the first time we met. He was probably keeping tabs on us at the gym.”

“Yeah? So that’s why you punched him?” A gentle hand brushed against his thigh. 

Leorio gulped, eyes flicking down to get another peek—and immediately he looked away, because god, it was sinful the way Kurapika sat up closer and peered up at him through inky black bangs. 

As Kurapika rose up, Leorio got a whiff of his cologne on him. It pleased him greatly. His rosy lips were smiling fully now, and Leorio was confused. And slightly turned on. 

“I’m sorry for throwing the mission, but I’m not sorry for punching the moron. Sure, it wasn’t the smartest move—but he was asking for it.” Leorio said without shame. 

He felt like he was being examined from the inside out with the way Kurapika stared intently at him.

Leorio indulged Kurapika as he closed the space between them, winding his free arm around his waist. And then Kurapika started giggling. A full, dazzling laugh that was different from the superficial one he overused in the club. A laugh that made Leorio elated every time he heard it. 

Though this time, he knew it was directed at him and no one else. He wore a dopey smile as he watched Kurapika’s eyes turn a lovely carmine behind his contacts. 

“You’re laughing at me. I think this means you aren’t mad?” Leorio’s breath hitched at the end, as Kurapika peppered a kiss to his neck, his jaw, and then stood on his tip toes to kiss the corner of his mouth. 

Kurapika hummed, high and happy and light in his throat.

Leorio glanced around, blushing. Kurapika wasn’t one to initiate any PDA, let alone such brazen displays of their love. They were one of the only passengers in this train car, thankfully. He preened and leaned into the kisses. 

“No, I’m not mad. It’ll be a bitch to explain to Beans and Cheadle,” Kurapika said resolutely, hands coming up to feel the cropped hair on the back of his neck. “Actually, I’m a bit mad. That was foolish and dangerous of you.”

Leorio was about to apologize again when Kurapika interrupted him, playing coy. “...but I can’t say I didn’t like it.”

“Really?” Leorio saw his cheeky grin in the reflection of the window of the subway. He didn’t even bother to try and hold back. His heart leapt at the sight of Kurapika’s figure fitting so perfectly in the crook of his arm. 

“Yes, idiot. It’ll be a miracle if he leaves the place with whiplash at minimum.” Kurapika pinched his ear, making Leorio yelp. 

“I think I gave him a concussion. Or worse.” 

Kurapika’s body relaxed and his tone softened. “Thank you for looking out for me. That was dreadful— my social interaction quota has been filled for the next six months.”

“You can say that again. Next time, I’m going out as bait in a dress. I don’t care.” Leorio grumbled, hugging Kurapika and resting his cheek atop his head. 

“You will do no such thing.” Kurapika retorted, muffled against his chest. He thudded his knuckles against Leoiro’s back. “Only I get to see that.”

“Fine…what my beloved wants, he shall get.” Leorio chortled. “I think I’d look pretty good in fishnets though, what do you think?”

Kurapika made a sheepish little noise at that, as the image flashed in his mind. 

They basked in the moment, bodies swaying together with every rocking turn and twist of the subway car. 

“You’re so stupid.” Kurapika professed against the cloth of Leorio’s tie. 

“You love it.”

“I love you.”

And just because he could, Leorio slanted back and delighted in Kurapika’s eyes sparkling with mirth. He was glowing in the dingy light of the subway, and the flashing bulbs of the underground tunnels that passed them by. 

‘Beautiful’. Leorio leaned down, kissing him softly. Kurapika pushed insistently against him, sighing into his mouth and whispering quiet affections. 

To Leorio, the mission was a success. He made a mental note to switch their gym membership as soon as they got home.