Hunter X Hunter Fan Fiction ❯ Visits ❯ Chapter 1

“…not so bad.” Gon was saying. “But I like chocolate cake a lot more.” He stopped and Leorio turned to see what he was looking at. Killua was smiling and nodding as he leaned closer to Kurapika. Kurapika nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. The two of them seemed to be in a world of their own. “Hey, let's go look at laptops,” Gon said, turning away from Killua and Kurapika.

 

“Ah, sure,” Leorio agreed, confused. “Everything okay?”

 

Gon nodded. “Yea, I just want to give them some time.” At Leorio's confused look Gon shrugged. “Killua and Kurapika. Killua has this thing about phone conversations, so he and Kurapika don't get to talk all that often.”

 

“Oh.” Leorio glanced back over his shoulder. Killua was laughing about something. He wondered briefly, why Gon wanted to give them time. After all, weren't they all friends? Best Friends, as far as Leorio was concerned. Sure they didn't get together very often, this was the first time since Shin New City, but they kept in touch the best they could, what with Leorio's class schedule, Kurapika's work schedule, and Gon's and Killua's training schedule on Greed Island. But with a shrug and a smile, Leorio followed his younger friend into the computer store.

 

 

Leorio sat on a hard bench in the middle of a deserted hall in his hospital. He clasped his shaking hands together as he closed his eyes. The boy had come through surgery reasonably well. Removing the four bullets had been touch a go for a while, especially the one in his neck, but Leorio was pretty sure the boy would make a full recovery… again.

 

Leorio opened his eyes as a few nurses passed by him quickly, their footsteps echoing in the hall. It was still too early in the morning for there to be too much activity. He sat up and stretched his back.

 

“Hey, Leon.”

 

Leorio smiled at the older doctor who was walking down the hall to him. The older man was a fellow doctor who had helped Leorio during the boy's 4 hour surgery. “Fran,” he nodded. Leorio personally doubted Dr. Fran Histch would even learn his name even though they had been working together for 7 months.

 

“Good job with the surgery,” Fran said collapsing onto the bench next to Leorio. “You've got talent.”

 

“Did you notice that we've operated on that boy before?” Leorio asked.

 

Fran shrugged. “So? I'm sure the kid's family's rich, they'll pay.”

 

Leorio closed his eyes. “I wasn't worried about getting paid,” Leorio said softly. “I was just thinking that that kid's so young. Last time he was stabbed pretty badly. You would have thought he would have learned by now.”

 

“Violent times, my friend, violent time,” Fran smiled. “Just be glad that he has a family that will pay to get him patched up. Can you imagine if he didn't?”

 

Leorio could all too well imagine what would have happened if the boy's family didn't have the money. The image of the boy bleeding to death on the streets presenting itself so clearly to Leorio that he felt sick.

 

“Well, job security, I guess,” Fran said standing up. He looked at Leorio, “This is how we get rich, my friend. Want to get some breakfast down at Yoder's with me?”

 

Leorio's stomach soured at the thought of spending any more time with Fran or any one else. “No,” he smiled weakly. “You go ahead.”

 

Fran waved to him and strolled down the hall, whistling happily.

 

Leorio scrubbed his eyes with his hands. It all seemed so pointless to him. Fran wasn't the exception, Leorio knew. Most of the doctors at the hospital were more motivated by greed then their patients well being. Leorio had wanted to change the system, be someone who cared about the people he saved, but instead was drowning in the apathy the clung to every aspect of the hospital. Leorio feared…

 

Leorio's thoughts were stopped as the phone in his pants pocket started to vibrate. He dug out the phone and looked at it. It was only a little after five in the morning and he didn't recognize the number. He considered ignoring the call- he hated dealing with telemarketers, but flipped it up and answered it anyways figuring his day couldn't get much worse.

 

“Yea,” he said shortly.

 

“Leorio?” Kurapika's voice was surprised. “I didn't think I would actually get you, I was going to leave you a message. I didn't wake you, did I?”

 

Leorio grabbed the cell phone with both hands as his heart sped up. “No, no, I was awake,” he said quickly. “How have you been?”

 

“Good. Well, better,” Kurapika's voice was heavy with irony. “I am in town for a few days and was wondering if you would like to get together.”

 

“Great!” Leorio stood up. “What are you doing now?”

Kurapika paused. “Leorio, I didn't mean right this second. If you were up, you must have pulled an overnight. Why don't we…”

 

“I'm wide awake,” Leorio grinned as he turned toward the locker room. “And if you're calling me this early, you must have pulled an all-nighter too. Where are you staying? I'll swing by and we'll get some breakfast.”

 

“I'm at the White Swan,” Kurapika said, Leorio could hear the amusement in his voice.

 

“Let me take a shower and I'll be over in a half hour, okay?”

 

“I'll be waiting in the lobby.”

 

 

Twenty- five minutes later Leorio walked into the opulent lobby of the White Swan. Easily the classiest and most expensive hotel in the city, the White Swan's gleaming marble floors and thick Persian carpets screamed old money and exclusivity. Leorio knew from experience that Kurapika's employer had probably screwed something up again and was trying to get in Kurapika's good graces. Leorio scanned the lobby and caught sight of his friend, eyes closed listening to his cell phone. Leorio smiled. Kurapika was wearing a black suit with a dark grey dress shirt. His grey silk tie had tiny blue flowers on it that matched Kurapika's eyes when he was in a good mood. Kurapika's blond hair was pulled back from his pale face.

 

Leorio walked up quietly to the Kuruta, not wanting to disturb him. As he drew close, Kurapika's eyes opened and he nodded, his eyes warm and welcoming. “No, that's fine. Just let me know if you need anything else from me, Melody.” He motioned for Leorio to sit down. “No, Leorio's just arrived. I know. I will. Thank you. I'll talk to you later.” He clicked shut his phone and turned to Leorio. “Thank you for meeting with me. You look great.”

 

Leorio flushed with pleasure. He had found one of his favorite dark blue suits still in the dry cleaning back in his locker. He had forgotten to bring it home the last time he had it cleaned. He kept a crisp white dress shirt and a red tie in his locker just in case. “You look good yourself. You look good in a suit.”

 

Kurapika shook his head with a sigh. “Neon agrees with you. She dragged me shopping a few months ago and I somehow got a whole new wardrobe.”

 

“Women will do that to you,” Leorio smirked. “There this great little place not too far from here that has pancakes that can make a grown man cry.”

 

“And that's a good thing?” Kurapika said standing up.

 

Leorio laughed. “Trust me, Kurapika, trust me.”

 

“Why am I suddenly scared,” Kurapika teased as he followed Leorio out of the hotel.

 

“How long are you here?” Leorio asked, thinking about how little time he was able to spend with Kurapika last time they all got together.

 

“Through the weekend,” Kurapika answered easily. “Norstrom did something stupid and I had to go to the Trade Federation and make it right, again. This `vacation' is to demonstrate his unspeakable appreciation for the work I do.”

 

Leorio shook his head. “He will never learn.”

 

“No,” Kurapika agreed. “But it's getting to the point where I need to stop saving him and make him live with the consequences.”

 

“And leave all this behind you?” Leorio said motioning toward the upscale shops and lavish city houses.

 

“In a heartbeat. Now that Melody has secure employment with Welbrun, I'm less inclined to stay with Norstrom.”

 

“Melody got a new job?”

 

“Yes, once we figured out that Norstrom didn't have the contacts she needed to find the Devil's Symphony, we thought I best that she moved on.”

 

“'We'?”

 

Kurapika blushed slightly. “Okay, me. Melody didn't want to leave Norstrom unless I left. I got to know someone at Welbrun and gently pushed her in that direction.”

 

“Some how I think she might have a different take on it.”

 

“Of course she would. But since she's not here and I am, you only get to hear my side of it.”

 

Leorio laughed and held the door to Sarabeth's open. “Have you been spending time with Gon and Killua? You seemed to have sunk to their maturity level.”

 

“No, worse, I'm spending with you!”

 

They continued their light banter as the hostess seated them and the waitress took their order. Just as their four flower juice was served, Kurapika's bright blue eyes grew serious. “How are you?” he asked.

 

Leorio took a sip of his juice and looked away. “I'm good,” he obfuscated. “We didn't get much time to talk last time we all got together. You and Killua were attached at the hip.”

 

Kurapika tilted his head, his blue eyes falling slightly out of focus as he thought back. He nodded suddenly and focused on Leorio. “He's had a lot to think about and wanted to talk through it with me.”

 

“Huh,” Leorio didn't say anymore as their food was brought to them. “Good, I think.”

 

“You think?”

 

“Well, it's good that Killua's talking, right? I just thought he would open up to Gon.”

 

“He does talk a lot to Gon. Sometime it helps to get an outsider's perspective on thing.”

 

“Hmmm.” Leorio took a large bite of his breakfast. It didn't exactly annoy him that Killua and Kurapika were off having secret conferences during the few hours when they were all together, but it didn't sit well with him either.

 

“What is going on at the hospital?” Kurapika asked.

 

Leorio intended to keep the conversation light, but as soon as he opened his mouth to answer Kurapika's question everything started coming out. Kurapika's eyes shone with understanding and sympathy as Leorio talked about his frustration at the apathy of the hospital staff and the feeling of futility that ate at Leorio when he found himself patching up the same people over and over again. He told Kurapika of the people he saved after their overdoses on whatever vice was most trendy at the time, he talked about the people in the ER who were turned away because they didn't have the right medical insurance or the right amount of money. He talked about how angry he was that his operating schedule was more determined on the patient's connections then on need. He talked about the patients he lost and the families that were as devastated as he was over his losses. And finally, as the waitress came and took their empty plates and refilled their coffee, he talked about how far his dream seemed and how he feared that he would never reach it.

 

Leorio's voice fell silent as he stirred his coffee.

 

“Leorio,” Kurapika's voice was soft, compelling Leorio to look up. Kurapika's eyes were soft and luminous and for a moment, Leorio forgot about everything else but those gentle blue eyes. “You will reach your goal,” Kurapika said confidently. “I know you will.”

 

Leorio suddenly had to turn away and blink tears out of his eyes. Kurapika always could make him feel better, stronger, and more loved than anyone else Leorio knew. He looked back at Kurapika and smiled. “You know, you always do that.”

 

“Do what?” Kurapika's expression grew slightly puzzled.

 

“Make me feel better. Gods, I don't know how I would have gotten through school if I didn't have you.”

 

“You would have,” Kurapika said with the same confidence. “You wouldn't have let yourself give up. You got through the Hunter's Exam, everything else is just icing on the cake.” It was an old phrase of theirs that Leorio would say when everything became too much for him to handle alone. And Kurapika would always answer…

 

“Yes, but there's a lot of icing here.” Leorio finished. He paused and sipped on his coffee. “Good thing I have you to share it with.”

 

Kurapika flushed. “We'll always been here for you, Leorio. That's what friends do.” He said simply.

 

What if I wanted you to be more than just my friend? Leorio thought suddenly. Would you stay with me if I asked?

 

“Leorio?”

 

Leorio flushed and realized that he had been staring at Kurapika for the last several minutes without saying anything. “Sorry, what did you say?” He said wishing that his heart would stop beating quite so fast.

 

“Nothing important. You're starting to look tired.” He motioned for the check.

 

“Wait,” Leorio panicked. “Wait, I thought we could spend some time…”

 

Kurapika handed the waitress his credit card without even looking at the bill. “I'm here until Monday, Leorio. When is your next shift?”

 

Leorio was relieved. For a minute there it sounded as though Kurapika was trying to get rid of him. “Let me make a few calls.” He said pulling out his phone and dialing. Kurapika shook his head and mouthed `restroom' as he stood up. Leorio nodded.

 

By the time Kurapika returned, Leorio had cleared his schedule completely until Tuesday afternoon. “You didn't have to do that,” Kurapika said blinking.

 

“Of course I did,” Leorio grinned. “I mean, who knows the next time we'll be together without the kids.”

 

For the first time since they had met that morning, Kurapika smiled. Leorio's heart skipped a few beats, sealing his fate.

 

 

 

Leorio rolled over and tried to focus on the numbers on his alarm clock when he heard someone knocking on his hotel room door again. He stumbled and almost fell out of bed as he grabbed his robe. “Coming,” he muttered. He, Killua, and Gon were out until well after midnight the night before at a massive arcade. He vaguely remembered making breakfast plans with them before stumbling into his room and passing out. The knocker started knocking again, and Leorio sent up a vague prayer of thanks that neither Gon nor Killua had any interest in drinking. Lack of sleep was bad enough. Leorio couldn't imagine how hellish this morning would have been with a hang over.

 

“What?” Leorio said opening the door.

 

Killua smirked at him. “You told me to wake you up if you slept past noon.”

 

Leorio turned and looked at his alarm clock again. Sure enough it was 12:17. He stepped away from the door and Killua walked in. “I haven't been up that late since… Well, since my last over night shift,” Leorio complained looking for his clothes.

 

“Whatever, old man,” Killua smirked. “Why don't you take a shower and we'll get breakfast?”

 

Leorio nodded. “Sure, sure. Where's Gon?”

 

“He's on the phone with Kurapika.” Killua said grabbing the tv remote and sitting down at the foot of Leorio's king sized bed. “Don't worry, we have at least an hour before Kurapika finally hangs up on him.”

 

“An hour?” Leorio froze in his tracks and stared at his white haired friend.

 

“Yea,” Killua said flipping through the channels. There was just the slightest bit of sourness in Killua's voice. “Gon can talk to Kurapika for hours.”

 

Leorio blinked. “What do they talk about?”

 

Killua shrugged. “Everything. Nothing. I don't know. I try not to ease drop.” Killua stopped at a cartoon channel. “How long do your calls usually last?”

 

“My calls?”

 

Killua didn't turn from the tv. “Yea, with Kurapika.”

 

Leorio couldn't think of an answer for several minutes. Killua sighed. “Doesn't matter,” he mumbled. “Are you going to take a shower?”

 

Leorio sat down at the corner of the bed and stared at the tv. “Kurapika and I don't talk much over the phone.” Killua glanced at him quickly before turning back to the tv. “We tried for a while, but my schedule was so screwed up that we kept missing each other.”

 

“Huh. Gon said you and Kurapika got together a few months ago in Shin New.”

 

Leorio scratched his head. “Yea, he had a few days off and we got together.”

 

Killua went still. Leorio turned and watched the stoned-face assassin. “Are you?” Killua asked in a carefully modulated voice.

 

“Am I what?”

 

“Are you and Kurapika together?”

 

It took a minute for Killua's meaning to sink in. When it did Leorio fell off the bed. “What?!”

 

Killua didn't move. “You heard me. Are you and Kurapika together?”

 

Leorio opened and closed his mouth a couple of times while he tried to figure out how to answer his friend. Killua sighed again. “Forget it. I'm hungry. Take a shower and we'll get something to eat.”

 

Leorio stumbled into the bathroom and promised that he would never ask Killua to wake him up again.

 

 

“Would it bother you?” Leorio asked paying for the donuts Killua was carrying.

 

“Would what bother me?” Killua asked.

 

“If Kurapika and I were together.”

 

“Yes, it would.”

 

Leorio frowned. “Why?! Do you have a problem with two men together?”

 

Killua snorted. “No, you idiot. Why would I have a problem with that?”

 

“I don't know, you're the one with the problem.”

 

Killua walked along in silence for a minute. “You're a letch.” He said finally.

 

Leorio stopped and looked at the younger assassin. “What?”

 

“Last night you told us about the dates you've gone on with Jennifer, Murial, Allison, and that other blond we ran into. You'll go after anyone in a skirt, or in Kurapika's case, a dress.”

 

“Now, wait just a minute…”

 

Killua calmly looked at him.

 

Leorio had the decency to flush and look away, knowing that his track record was probably worse than what Killua was alluding to. “Now if I were interested in Kurapika, I would hardly treat him like I would any of my other casual dates. First off, he's one of my best friends and second off, he would probably kill me for even thinking about it.” Leorio turned and started walking again. “And third, I don't even think Kurapika's interested in having a relationship with anyone. I mean, I'm sure he's interested in having a relationship with someone, I mean, isn't everyone?” Leorio thought through their last conversation. “Although he didn't mention it the last time we got together and I'm pretty sure I asked him about it. Huh…” Leorio scratched his head. “I wonder if he is the type to settle down and get married.”

 

“Of course he is,” Killua rolled his eyes. “Kurapika takes all that family stuff very seriously.”

 

Leorio stared at him. “How do you know?”

 

“Because I asked him, you dork.” Killua shook his head. There was a slight pause in the conversation. “I noticed you don't seem to have a problem with two guys being together.”

 

Leorio coughed. “No, I… I mean whatever. It doesn't matter to me who a person sleeps with.”

 

“Have you slept with a guy before?”

 

Leorio flushed, wondering how they got into this conversation. “Well, yea, once or twice.”

 

“So, you're gay.”

 

Leorio stopped in his tracks and turned on Killua. “WHAT?!”

 

“You're gay, right? All those stories you tell are just made up, right?” Killua asked very slowly as thought Leorio was a simpleton.

 

“No, I do not make up those stories!” Leorio shouted. “Just because I experi…” Leorio flushed and looked around quickly before lowering his voice. “Just because I slept with a couple of guys doesn't mean I'm gay.”

 

“So what does it mean?”

 

“What kind of question is that?!?!”

 

“I thought a fairly easy one given the topic of our conversation.”

 

“I am not gay!” Leorio denied hotly.

 

Killua smirked and started walking again. “Good.”

 

“What do you mean good?” Leorio said chasing after him.

 

Killua rolled his eyes. “Well, if you're not gay, then I don't have to worry about you trying anything with Kurapika, do I?”

 

Leorio blinked a few times. “What?”

 

“Are you always this slow?” Killua asked with a smile. “You do know that Kurapika's a guy, right?”

 

“Well, yea,” Leorio said faintly. “Of course Kurapika's a guy.”

 

“And you just said you're not gay, right?”

 

“Yea.”

 

“Then you and Kurapika could never be together because Kurapika's a guy and you're not gay.” Killua opened the hotel door for Leorio.

 

Leorio walked through frowning. “yea.” He glanced over at Killua. “Why are you so concerned?”

 

“Concerned about what?” Killua asked walking into the elevator.

 

Leorio closed his eyes and cursed his lack of sleep. “Concerned about me dating Kurapika.”

 

“Oh,” Killua opened the box of donuts and looked through them. “Because I like him.”

 

“You like him?”

 

“Yea,” Killua said simply. “I do.”

 

“Do you like like him?”

 

“What's that supposed to mean?”

 

“Do you want to be with him?”

 

“Kurapika? Yea.” Killua smiled at Leorio.

 

“But, but, you're what? 15? We're…”

 

“Kurapika's 19, I know.”

 

“Kurapika's only 19? I thought he was 21 like me.”

 

“Nope, there's only a 4 year difference between him and I.”

 

“Four years is a long time.”

 

Killua shrugged and walked off the elevator. “I know. But I've always been mature for my age.” Killua took a bite out of the donut he selected.

 

“Wait,” Leorio said thinking quickly. “Wait, how do you even know if Kurapika's interested?”

 

Killua stopped in front of his door. “I don't, yet. But next time we get together I'll talk to him. See what he says.”

 

“Hold it, you're young!” Leorio fumbled for his room card. “Shouldn't you be busy sowing your wild oats or something?”

 

“Why?” Killua shrugged taking the card from Leorio and letting them into his room. “I know what I want.”

 

“But… But what about Gon?”

 

“What about Gon?”

 

“Well, I thought you were with him.”

 

Killua laughed. “No, Gon isn't interested in me or anyone else right now. He's focused on finding his father.”

 

“And after he finds his father?”

 

“I don't know. Maybe he'll hang out with you and sow his wild oats. I'm sure you'll be able to introduce him to all kinds off people who'll be good for him.”

 

Leorio landed heavily on his bed. “You're serious about this.”

 

“Yea, of course I am.” Killua frowned. “You think Gon's off the phone with Kurapika yet?”

 

 

 

Leorio set his cafeteria tray down at his usual corner table in the now dark atrium. He just got off his shift and was starving. He looked forward to long four day weekend, his first since meeting up with Gon and Killua four months ago. Leorio put his napkin on his lap and picked up his soup spoon. After eating he decided he would go to the store and pick up some food for his empty cabinets.

 

Leorio sighed when his phone rang. He took it out and looked at the number. Great, another number he didn't recognize. Remembering the last time he almost didn't answer he smiled and answered it. “Hello?”

 

“Leorio?”

 

Leorio blinked. “Melody?”

 

“Yes,” the girl sounded relieved. “I'm sorry for calling you so late.”

 

“It's okay,” Leorio frown. Melody wouldn't have called him unless… “What's wrong?”

 

“Bachou just called me. Kurapika was attacked in Capital City,” Melody said quickly. “He was hurt.”

 

Leorio automatically stood up and was rushing toward the door. “How bad?”

 

“I… I don't know. Bachou says Kurapika's refusing to go to the hospital.” Melody took a breath to calm herself. “I'm on my way, but I was hoping…”

 

“I'm on my way,” Leorio said cursing hardheaded kurutas.

 

“Great, I have a jet waiting for you at the airport,” Melody said quickly. “And a car will pick you up at Capital City and take you to him.” Melody paused again. “He's been sick recently.”

 

“Sick?” Leorio waved down a cab. “What do you mean sick?”

 

“Bachou says he's been working around the clock to finish up this last assignment; that he hasn't been eating like he should. When I saw him last month he looked like he lost more weight.” Leorio covered the mouth piece to his phone and told the cabbie to take him to the airport. “He looked tired. I should have...”

 

“You know Kurapika,” Leorio said soothingly. “He wouldn't listen to you if you tied him up.”

 

Melody paused. “You're right. I will see you in an hour?”

 

“Yea,” Leorio smiled. “Don't worry, Melody. Kurapika doesn't have a chance with you and me after him.”

 

“Thank you,” Melody said, Leorio could hear the smile in her voice.

 

 

 

“… No Mr. President, that isn't necessary.”

 

Bachou motioned for Leorio to enter the palatial hotel suite. Leorio nodded and looked around the room as Bachou closed the door after him. Kurapika, wearing another black suit, was holding his phone to his ear with his shoulder and typing one hand into his laptop. His right arm hung awkwardly from his side. Leorio noted the tears and holes in the expensive suit, and the darkened areas where Kurapika's blood had soaked through. Kurapika turned around and frowned, his already dark eyes darkening when he caught sight of Leorio standing by the door holding him medical bag. “I have to go. I will call you if anything else comes up.” Kurapika closed his phone. “What are you doing here?”

 

Leorio frowned when he noticed the collar of Kurapika's black dress shirt was cut into ribbons and the pale neck was bruised and still bleeding. “Melody called me. She's on her way.” Leorio said going to Kurapika. He put his bag on Kurapika's neat desk. “What happened?” He reached up and helped Kurapika ease the jacket off his thin shoulders. Kurapika swayed slightly and Leorio caught him carefully. “Lean back on me,” he ordered dropping the jacket on the ground.

 

“I'm sorry,” Kurapika murmured. “You didn't have to…” His words were abruptly cut off when Leorio swore and picked him up. “What are you doing?” Kurpika hissed painfully.

 

Leorio kicked open the French doors that separated Kurapika's living area and his bedroom. He gingerly placed Kurapika on the king sized bed. “Stay there,” Leorio ordered grabbing the ice bucket and going into the bathroom. He quickly filled the ice bucket with warm, almost hot water and rinsed out a wash cloth. He flung a bath towel across his shoulder and walked back into the bedroom. Kurapika's eyes were closed, his face grayish white. “Kurapika?”

 

“I'm here,” Kurapika said lightly.

 

Leorio slid a pillow under Kurapika's blond hair and quickly tore the shirt into pieces so he could remove it without causing Kurapika more pain. Kurapika's eyes popped open at the sound. “Wow, we've already progressed to the tearing my clothes off part,” he said in a faint voice. “Who would have guessed?”

 

Leorio's throat tightened as he looked at Kurapika's broken shoulder. He gently wiped the blood off so he could get a better view of the damage. “This looks pretty bad,” Leorio said grinding his teeth. Christ, what did they hit him with! Leorio felt sick at the exposed broken bone. “This is going to hurt.”

 

“Do it,” Kurapika closed his eyes as Leorio quickly set the arm and shoulder. Kurapika gasped at the pain. Leorio reached up and ran his hand over the open wound, using his nen to mend the broken bone and close the wound. He had to stop after a few minutes, his vision dimming. Kurapika put his good hand on Leorio's hand. “Stop, you're over doing it.”

 

“Look who's talking!” Leorio snorted, opening his eyes again. He rung out the washcloth in the ice bucket and started wiping down Kurapika's neck. Leorio had to swallow his fear when he recognized the wounds as being rope burns. “Can you sit up?”

 

Kurapika nodded and sat up. Leorio grabbed his good shoulder and sat down next to him to see his back. Bloody gashes marred the smooth white skin of Kurapika's back. Leorio gently pulled Kurapika's hair over his good shoulder and finished wiping down his neck and back. “So, how are you doing?” Kurapika asked tightly.

 

“Ah, well,” Leorio fought to keep his voice under control. “You know me.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

“I have to get some bandages,” Leorio stood up and quickly went back to Kurapika's desk. He grabbed his bag and found Kurapika on his uninjured side on the bed, his eyes closed. “Kurapika?”

 

“Yes, I'm here. I'm just tired.”

 

“Melody says you haven't been well lately.” Leorio said as he quickly took out a splint and immobilized Kurapika's freshly healed shoulder and arm. He eased Kurapika up and leaned him against his own body.

 

“I've been busy,” Kurapika answered with an intake of breath as Leorio smoothed on some first aid cream on his back.

 

With his clean hand, Leorio pulled Kurapika's head to his shoulder. “Close your eyes and talk to me.”

 

“I'm sorry, I'm not a very good conversationalist this evening.”

 

“It must be my wonderful personality,” Leorio searched his bag and found a few sheets of synthetic skin to put on Kurapika's back. Leorio held the shaking boy close as the skin set. “I'm sorry, the skin sets cold.”

 

“It's okay.”

 

“Come on, let me wrap your neck.” He smoothed some first aid cream with left hand. He was slightly alarmed at how hot the skin was under his fingertips.

 

“Mmmmm.”

 

“Kurapika?”

 

“I'm sorry, what were you saying?” Kurapika murmured softly.

 

“You really are out of it,” Leorio smiled, slightly amused.

 

“No, I'm not,” Kurapika opened his eyes. His dark blue eyes focused on Leorio as the doctor gently wrapped Kurapika's neck.

 

“Is that too tight?”

 

“No, it's fine,” Kurapika answered, laying his head back on Leorio's shoulder.

 

“Can I give you something for the pain?”

 

“No,” Kurapika sat up. “As you've mentioned, I'm already having a hard time focusing. I need to get up and finish up my notes.”

 

“You should rest and give my exemplary first aid a chance to do some good.” Leorio joked as he eased Kurapika to the head of the bed. He pulled back the blankets.

 

Kurapika's eyes snapped open. “Will you be here when I wake up?”

 

“Of course I will,” Leorio shook his head. “Let me help you with the rest of your clothes,” Leorio hands ran down from Kurapika's arm down to his naked chest.

 

Kurapika shivered, goose bumps covering his pale skin. He closed his eyes as his pale face flushed. “It's okay, I'm fine,” Kurapika said quickly turning his face away.

 

“Like hell you are,” Leorio rolled his eyes. He put his hands on Kurapika's waist, his fingers absently tracing the soft skin of Kurapika's flat belly. “Don't worry, I'm a doctor.” He said with a smile as he started unbuckling Kurapika's belt. Kurapika reached out with his good hand and stopped him.

 

“I can do it.”

 

Leorio noticed that kuruta's hand was shaking. “I know you can,” Leorio said to pacify him. “But I'm going to help you.” He swatted away Kurapika's hand.

 

“No!” Kurapika said grabbing Leorio's hand away from his belt. “I'm fine.”

 

Leorio shook his head. “Stop being so hard headed,” Leorio grabbed Kurapika's wrist and pinned it over his head.

 

Kurapika's face went from being lightly flushed to red. “Please…” he said breathlessly.

 

Leorio frowned. “Kurapika?” He brought up his other hand and touched Kurapika's forehead. Kurapika looked at him, his eyes glowing slightly. “I think you have a fever.” He said running his fingertips across Kurapika's cheek. He sat down next to Kurapika and leaned over him.

 

“Leorio,” Kurapika said tightly.

 

“Yea?” Leorio breathed. He started reaching down to remove Kurapika's pants when Kurapika licked his lips. Leorio froze, transfixed at the sight of the little pink tongue touching the pale red lips. Kurapika tried to lift his arm again, but Leorio wouldn't let him up. Kurapika gasped and took a deep shuttering breath, his eyes sliding closed. Leorio looked down and realized that he had been caressing Kurapika's chest and stomach. Leorio flushed. His eyes trailed down to the sizable tent in Kurapika's pants. Blinking stupidly, Leorio reached out and lightly brushed his hand over Kurapika's clothed erection. Kurapika gasped, his hips bucking.

 

Leorio recoiled as though he had been shot. “I'm sorry.” Kurapika whispered without opening his eyes. “I…”

 

Leorio didn't stop to think. He leaned over and kissed Kurapika's words away. Kurapika sighed softly as Leorio's tongue slipped into his mouth. Leorio caressed Kurapika's tongue and slowly Kurapika's tongue began to respond to Leorio's ardent advances. Leorio's mind shuttered to a stop as the heat between them grew. Kurapika was making hungry little whimpering noises that drove him crazy. Leorio turned his head to grab a breath of air before covering Kurapika's face with light kisses. “Leorio, I…” Leorio once again quieted Kurapika's words with a kiss.

 

“Christ, I love you,” Leorio said opening his eyes to look at Kurapika.

 

Leorio stopped breathing as he gazed into Kurapika's glowing eyes. One was red and the other was a light blue. Leorio tightened his grip on Kurapika's wrist and brought their lips together again. Leorio's tongue was insistent and demanding as he caressed the inside of Kurapika's's mouth. Leorio had considered himself somewhat of an expert on kissing, but what Kurapika's was doing with nothing less that soul melting. When Kurapika broke the kiss, Leorio found that he had been clutching the Kuruta's broken shoulder in a bruising grip. He let go, horrified as he saw the beginnings of bruises on Kurapika's pale skin.

 

“Go, please,” Kurapika entreated even as Leorio leaned down for another soul stealing kiss. Leorio's hand memorized Kurapika's chest as he rubbed Kurapika's hardened nipple. Kurapika writhed broke the kiss, gasping for breath. Leorio let his hand venture lower. “No, stop. I can't control… Ah!” Kurapika almost bucked off the bed as Leorio's hand rubbed his erection. Kurapika forced his eyes open. “Not like this, please, Leorio.”

 

“I'm not going to leave you like this,” Leorio raining kisses down Kurapika's jaw. “I can't. You can't know how much I want you. How much I love you.”

 

“If you love me, you won't do this.” Kurapika gasped as he unconsciously rubbed himself against Leorio's hand. “AH!” his eyes closed as he bit his lip.

 

Leorio unzipped Kurapika's pants and pushed them down. “I do love you.” Leorio lightly pumped Kurapika through his silky cotton boxers. “If you really want me to stop, I'll stop. But please let me do this.”

 

Kurapika gasped for breath as his hips bucked into Leorio's hand. “Leorio,” Kurapika hissed as Leorio pushed Kurapika's boxers down and kissed his tip. Leorio looked up and noticed that both of Kurapika's eyes were red and glowing brightly. With a smile, Leorio deep throated Kurapika. Kurapika bit his wrist to keep from screaming. Leorio grabbed hold of Kurapika's hips as he licked up Kurapika's pole and sucked him down. Kurapika's body shook as he raced toward his peak. Leorio's eyes feasted on the sight of Kurapika's dewy body writhing under his ministrations. As Leorio hummed appreciatively, Kurapika's eyes deepened into a robin's blood ruby. Kurapika's shimmering body tightened as he lost his breath.

 

Leorio felt Kurapika's body still for a second before he erupted into Leorio's hungry mouth. Leorio swallowed down everything Kurapika's body offered him and gently sucked on him before releasing him. He looked down and noticed for the first time that Kurapika was completely hairless. Reverently he touched Kurapika's sac. The skin was as soft was the rest of him.

 

“Please, don't.”

 

Leorio looked up. Kurapika curled up on his side with his eyes closed. There was a line of blood coming from the corner of his mouth. Leorio glanced down and noticed Kurapika's good wrist was now bleeding from where the Kuruta had bit himself to keep from screaming. “I'm sorry,” Leorio murmured. He grabbed his bag and took out some more bandages. He gently took Kurapika's wrist, cleaned and wrapped it. Leorio then eased the rest of Kurapika's clothes down his toned, hairless legs. He couldn't stop himself from planting light kisses on Kurapika's perfect legs. He looked up and noticed Kurapika staring at him. The Kuruta's eyes were still glowing, but the ruby color had been replaced by a rich sapphire blue. “I love you.”

 

Kurapika's eyes shimmered. “I know.”

 

Leorio sat up and frowned. “What am I that obvious?”

 

“No,” Kurapika looked a little sad. “But we've been flirting around this for months now.”

 

Leorio touched Kurapika's face. “Do you regret it?”

 

“Do you?”

 

“No,” Leorio leaned forward and kissed Kurapika's forehead. “But you need to rest now.” He tenderly covered Kurapika with the covers. “We will talk tomorrow, right?”

 

Kurapika closed his eyes and nodded. Leorio kissed his cheek and turned off the light. “Sleep well, love,” he whispered before walking through the French doors.

 

 

Leorio leaned back on the French doors and closed his eyes. Using that much Nen should have tired him out, but being with Kurapika energized him. Leorio smiled as he remembered the taste and feel of the Kuruta. Leorio's thoughts were stopped as someone started frantically banging on the door. Leorio quickly crossed and opened the front door.

 

“You monster!” Melody launched herself on Leorio. Leorio grabbed her by her arms and pushed her into the hall.

 

“What is your problem?” Leorio hissed.

 

“I heard!” Melody screamed, hitting him with her small fists. “How could you! How could you! He trusted you!”

 

Leorio looked at her in horror, “What are you talking about?!”

 

Melody started sobbing. “He told you to stop and you didn't. He said no!” She stopped fighting and crumbled to her knees, sobbing. “How could you!”

 

Leorio knelt down and went to hug her, but she slapped his hands away. Leorio looked around the empty hall for a second thinking quickly. Suddenly he realized what she must have thought happened. “Oh, god, Melody, it's not what you think!”

 

“I heard you!”

 

“But you didn't see him. He wanted…”

 

“To be raped by you?”

 

“I didn't rape him!” Leorio fell back on his butt.

 

“He told you to stop!” Melody looked accusingly at him.

 

Leorio felt ill. He thought back to the last hour, replaying everything and just felt sicker. “It wasn't like that,” he said weakly.

 

Melody sniffed. “If he didn't care so much about you, I would kill you.”

 

“Melody…” Leorio reached out to her.

 

“Don't touch me.”

 

“Melody, Kurapika's asleep now. Let's go into the room and talk. Tomorrow morning, you and he can talk and he'll explain to you what happened,” Leorio said, praying that Kurapika's version of what happened was the same as his.

 

“Fine,” Melody said wiping her face with a small white handkerchief. “But I don't want you there when we talk.”

 

“I'll leave the hotel when you talk,” Leorio promised. He stood up, “Please Melody, you have to know that I would never do anything to hurt Kurapika.” He held out his hand to the girl.

 

Melody stood up without taking his hand. “I'd like to think so. Let's talk to Bachou and find out what's been going on.”

 

 

 

 

Melody's accusation was only the first of many horrible revelations of the night. Leorio found out from Bachou that Kurapika wasn't working for the Norstrums any longer. He hadn't since he had finally eliminated the rest of the Spiders, almost six months previous. The fact that he didn't know either of those things made Melody suspect him more. Leorio sat back on the comfortable armchair in Kurapika's hotel room living area and stared at the ceiling.

 

“I don't understand, if Kurapika doesn't work for Norstum any more, why are you here with him?” He asked Bachou.

 

“My assignment is to follow him and report his movements to Miss Neon.” Bachou explained. “Kurapika and I both tried to explain to her why that was a bad idea, but she's not willing to let him go. She still has delusions that he is going to marry her.”

 

“What?” Leorio had to close his eyes. This was just getting worse and worse. “He's never mentioned any of that to me.”

 

“When was the last time you spoke with him?” Melody asked.

 

Leorio rubbed his eyes with his hands. “About 7 months ago. He and I spent the weekend together. Gon, Killua and I were supposed to meet up with him 4 months ago, but he called and cancelled at the…” Leorio's voice died when he remembered his conversation with Killua. His face went white.

 

“Leorio?” Melody called.

 

“And the hits just keep on coming,” Leorio said to himself.

 

“What?” Melody and Bachou said at the same time.

 

“Nothing.” Leorio looked at his watch, a present from Kurapika. It had been almost two hours since he left Kurapika. “I need to check on him.” He turned to Melody. “Will you come with me?”

 

Melody nodded.

 

“Well,” Bachou looked from Melody's frowning face to Leorio. “I'm exhausted. My room is on the third floor, contact me if you need anything.”

 

“Thank you, Bachou,” Melody said touching his arm.

 

Bachou gave her a weak smile. “Kurapika's a good friend.”

 

Melody closed and locked the door behind Bachou. Leorio waited at the door. Melody came up to him and quietly opened the French door.

 

Kurapika was tossing and turning on the bed. Leorio frowned as he put his hand on Kurapika's sweaty forehead. Kurapika started shaking as his eyes opened. “Don't touch me,” he cried feverishly. Leorio turned on the bedside light and pushed the sweaty hair off Kurapika's forehead.

 

The Kuruta's eyes were completely black and filled with fear. His pale skin was flushed, but cold to the touch even as the sweat ran down. “Fill the ice bucket with cold water and bring a fresh rag,” Leorio ordered quickly.

 

Melody, surprised at Kurapika's condition, nodded and quickly went to the bathroom.

 

Leorio grabbed his bag and took out a touch thermometer. He pulled the blankets down and placed the strip on Kurapika's chest. “Its okay, Kurapika. It's me, Leorio. Melody's here too.” Leorio said soothingly.

 

“No, please,” Kurapika tried to turn away from Leorio, but the doctor put his hands on Kurapika's shoulders. “NO!” Kurapika cried as he weakly beat Leorio with his hands.

 

Melody gasped as the rag and the ice bucket fell to the floor. Her eyes turned from the dark bruises on Kurapika's bandaged wrist to the even darker bruises on his shoulders that matched Leorio's hands perfectly.

 

“Let me go!” Tears streamed down Kurapika's face as he thrashed on the bed.

 

Melody finally looked at Leorio. “Get out.”

 

Leorio felt as though he had been punched. “He needs to be cooled down and to drink wa…”

 

“Get out.” Melody repeated. “Now.”

 

“Please, stop,” Kurapika's whimpered.

 

Leorio let Kurapika go, a lump forming in his throat. “Melody, it wasn't like that.”

 

“Go now before I throw you through that window,” Melody hissed, her nen tickling the air.

 

Leorio opened his mouth and backed away from the bed. Kurapika immediately quieted down. Melody took his place on the bed and put her hand gently on Kurapika's forehead. Kurapika turned to her and whispered, “Melody.”

 

With that Leorio fled the room.

 

 

 

 

“Hey, Leon, what are you doing this weekend?”

 

Leorio looked up from his cream of potato soup. Dr. Garion Avery was looking at him with his jovial smile. Garion was a giant bear of a man who was the head of the hospital. Dr. Fran Histch had introduced them, and Leorio never bothered to remind him of his correct name. When Garion offered him a position, Leorio passively let the name stick.

 

Leorio's smile didn't reach his eyes as he motioned for Garion to join him. “I don't know yet.”

 

Garion smiled. “This is your first weekend off in what? A year?” the large man chuckled. “Not that I'm complaining, I wouldn't have been able to get this hospital up and running and get the funding I needed without your help.”

 

Leorio shrugged. “It was good to be busy.” A shadow passed over Leorio's face. With another shrug Leorio forced a smile. “Meeting with another donor?”

 

“Actually,” Garion grew serious. “I'm meeting with representatives from the Hunters.”

 

Leorio let the shock wash over him. After that night he painstakingly cut himself off from who he was before. He changed his cell number, quit his job and left his city, even went by a different name. No one here knew that he was a licensed hunter. “Really,” he said softly.

 

Garion looked around. “Yea, I'm told that they've stepped up their charitable endeavors. There was a free clinic in Jefferson that was given over 200 million. Can you imagine what that kind of money would enable us to do here?” Many of the cases they handled were people who couldn't afford medical treatment. All too often, that meant that Garion had to forgo practicing medicine to raise funds for the thousands of people who desperately needed treatments but couldn't get them elsewhere.

 

Leorio pushed his selfish thoughts away. “Is there anything I can do to help?” He knew how important this could be.

 

Garion looked at Leorio with a tentitive. “You've worked harder than anyone else on the staff to keep this ship floating, you deserve a little time off.”

 

Leorio was secretly relieved. He was pretty sure none of the people running the Hunters would recognize him, but he really didn't want to be reminded of the people he lost. As soon as that thought went through him, he cursed himself for being selfish. “For a million, I could push my weekend off for a week.”

 

Garion looked relieved. “I didn't want to ask…”

 

Leorio felt sick, but nodded. “We need the money.”

 

“I promise, I will cover the next two weekends for you,” Garion smiled.

 

“Two weekends in a row? I'll be on my best behavior.” Leorio pushed his soup away from him. “When are they supposed to arrive?”

 

“At 3,” Garion peered at Leorio closely. “Are you sure you're okay with this? You look a little pale.”

 

“Of course I'm sure.” Leorio smiled. “What do you have planned?”

 

 

 

Leorio smiled as he watch Antonio and his mother leave. Antonio had been hit by a car over a year ago. When Leorio first met him, the doctor who treated the boy before him told both boy and mother that Antonio would never walk again. Leorio understood why the prognosis was so bad, he simply refused to give up. Now, watching Antonio walk down the hall, Leorio knew that he was right not to give up on the boy.

 

Leorio checked his watch and shook his head. Late! He quickly made his way to Garion's office, waving off people who made eye contact with him. He paused outside the door and straightened his tie. He knocked briskly on Garion's door before opening it and walking through.

 

“Ah, here's Dr. Reece now. Leon, this is…”

 

“Leorio!”

 

Leorio blinked as he got an armful of Gon.

 

“Oh, my! I can't believe you're here! Do you have any idea how long Killua and I looked for you?!? Where've you been? Why did you change your number? You look great!!” Gon chattered as he continued giving Leorio hugs. “Did you hear? I found my dad! Well, he was always on Greed Island watching over Killua and I, but after Killua and I finished the game we got to meet him! Kurapika put it together.” Gon's eyes popped. “Oh, you wouldn't have heard! Kurapika's finished with the spiders. He's been finished for a while, but his blood feud was officially ended when he recruited Chrollo Lucifer to work with him and the Hunters in the Gray Zone. The Chairman's been talking about stepping down, and he's been saying that he wants…”

 

“Wait, Kurapika's working with Chrollo Lucifer?” Leorio shook his head to clear the fog.

 

Gon grinned. “Yep, he told Killua that he needs Chrollo to make sure that the Gray Zone gets medical care and whatever social programs Chrollo and his people think they need. He's given Chrollo a pretty free reign there.”

 

“Oh,” Leorio sat down heavily in the leather chair in front of the desk, Garion and the hospital forgotten.

 

“Killua will be here later tonight. He's overseeing one of the tests for this years hunter's exam. We were going to postpone and come together, but it's really nice on Greed Island and I promised my dad that Killua and I would go fishing with him. But now that you're here…”

 

“What?” Leorio said faintly.

 

Gon grinned at him. “You can't laugh, but Killua and I are kind of together now. After we met my father Killua and I had a talk. Can you believe that he thought I wanted to sow my wild oats?! As if! I think he and Kurapika had a long conversation while I was talking to my dad. But we're good now.”

 

“And Kurapika?” Leorio's voice was weak even to his own ears. “Did he settle down with Melody?”

 

“Melody?” Gon frowned. “Melody's supposed to be getting married to that guy who owns Welbrun sometime next month. Killua and I were invited to the wedding. I don't know the exact date, but I'm pretty sure Kurapika will remind us if we forget. He'll probably remind you too, if you ask him.” Gon looked at Leorio expectantly. “You are going to call him, right? Kurapika, I mean. I… I think he's missed you.”

 

Leorio shook his head. “What?”

 

Gon looked away quickly. “He's… different. He's thrown himself into this Hunter's thing, reorganizing it, making it work. Everything he's done is great, but he's… I don't know, distant, not himself.”

 

“Is… is he okay?” Leorio found himself asking.

 

Gon gave an embarrassed laugh. “Yea,” he scratched the back of his head. “I'm just being silly.”

 

“Um,” Garion cleared his throat.

 

Leorio and Gon looked at him.

 

“I see I'm interrupting a reunion,” Garion said nervously. “Leon, I'll connect back with you um, when you call me.”

 

“Yea, thanks,” Leorio said numbly. As Garion made his way to the door, Leorio sat up. “No, wait.” He turned to Gon. “Are you the representative from the Hunters about a possible grant?”

 

“Yea, Kurapika has a couple of us going to different free clinics and giving money to the good ones. You'd be surprised the number of bad clinics there are out there-doctors just trying to make a buck, giving away prescriptions like they were candy.” Gon shook his head. “The last one Killua and I went to was the worst. There were cockroaches every where and the doctors were actually charging exorbitant fees under the table.”

 

“Well, you won't find that here,” Garion said confidently.

 

Gon flashed him a smile. “Killua and I are pretty sure that Kurapika set up this program to help realize Leorio's dream. There's no doubt in my mind that this will be the best hospital any of us have seen.” Gon turned to Leorio. “Us hunters have to stick together.”

 

“'Us, Hunters'?” Garion echoed looking at Leorio.

 

“Yea, Leorio, Killua, Kurapika, and I passed the Hunter's exam the same year,” Gon rolled his eyes at Garion's disbelief. “Don't tell me you sold your license for medical supplies again.”

 

“No, I didn't sell it,” Leorio flushed. “I just… I didn't think it was necessary to tell people that I was a licensed Hunter.”

 

“You've always been weirdly modest about that stuff,” Gon said wrinkling his nose. “Don't you ever get the Hunter's discounts and stuff?”

 

Leorio gave him a withering glance.

 

“Anyways, I'm sure Kurapika will pretty much agree to what you ask for.” Gon looked at Garion. “Within reason.”

 

“Oh,” Garion's eyes sharpened as he thought back to all the equipment they were hoping to buy. “Is 100 million within reason?”

 

“100 million?” Gon rolled his eyes. “Kurapika gave Hisoka 200 million for Jefferson City, I think you can do a little better than that! Come on, Leorio, once Killua gets here, he and I will walk around with you guys and see what you need. We can help you put together the proposal for Kurapika, not that he's going to need very much once we tell him you're associated with the hospital.”

 

Garion blinked a few times. “Really?”

 

Gon shrugged. “Well, according to the rules that Kurapika put together, each one of the hunter groups can recommend up to 250 million, anything more than that would require Kurapika himself to come to inspect the hospital.”

 

“I'm pretty sure that we can manage with 250 million,” Garion scoffed.

 

“Don't count on it. According to the demographics survey Kurapika commissioned, the number of people who are going to need this hospital is going to triple within 10 years. And currently you're running at 75% to 80% capacity. Plus Kurapika's always really concerned with setting up foundations or trusts to make sure that you'll have enough money to keep this hospital running even if you don't get another grant again.”

 

“Wow,” Leorio suddenly smiled. “You sounded really official just now.”

 

Gon laughed. “Kurapika takes this funding stuff really seriously.” Gon shook his head. “Well, actually, Kurapika takes everything really seriously. Hey, what if I go to my hotel room while you finish your rounds and we get together for dinner. We have more than a year to catch up on!”

 

“Sure, Gon,” Leorio smiled. “That would be great.”

 

“Is it okay for me to tell Kurapika that you're here?” Gon asked suddenly.

 

It took Leorio a minute to answer. “Why don't we hold off on that, Gon?”

 

Gon frowned but nodded. “Okay, Leorio, whatever you want. Hey, Killua and I are staying at the Grey Lady. He's coming in sometime after 7. Want to meet us there, Leorio?”

 

“Sure. That would be great. I know a great little restaurant not far from there.”