Archive of Our Own ^beta

Kurapikachu: That’s a very nice idea, Gon. The other day I was thinking about how long it’d been since I last spoke with you all. 

Jajanken:  and now u won’t have to worry !! how have u been pika ? 

Kurapikachu:  I’ve been doing well! I’ve just been swamped with work, you know?  The end of the semester is coming up soon, and I can’t afford to start slacking now. How have you and Killua been? 

Jajanken:  killua and i have been doing great

Jajanken: well when i remind killua to sleep 

sk8erboi: I go to sleep eventually Gon pls

Kurapikachu:  define “eventually”, Killua.

sk8erboi: Like when I’m tired

Jajanken:  killua goes to sleep at 3 am almost every day 

Kurapikachu:  Killua, for god’s sake.

leorio grande:  who’s goin to sleep at 3 am 

sk8erboi: Welcome to the gc old man 

leorio grande: ffs where’s ur respect

leorio grande: and what the hell kind of name is sk8erboi what are u obsessed with avril lavigne or smth 

sk8erboi: Who 

leorio grande: Killua I’m not that old 

sk8erboi:  Whatever gramps idk who you’re talking about 

Kurapikachu: Let it go, Leorio. Killua was barely born when “Sk8ter Boi” came out. 

Jajanken: i think i know the name advil lack fr 

sk8erboi: Wot 

Kurapikachu: Auto-correct. 

Jajanken:  avril lavigne 

sk8erboi: Tru 

Jajanken:  aunt mito probably played it around the house when i was little

Kurapikachu: How is your aunt Mito doing, Gon? 

Jajanken: shes doing well thanks for asking!!! 

Jajanken: speaking of 

Jajanken: hows med school leorio

leorio grande:  oh u know

leorio grande: it be liek that 

Kurapikachu:  What is “that” 

sk8erboi:  It just 

sk8erboi: Be like that

leorio grande:  and I’m the gramps??? 

sk8erboi:  Kurapika doesn’t look like a gramps 

Kurapikachu:  Killua has a point. 

leorio grande:  glad to know u all think I’m a gramps 

leorio grande:  what a last convo w u guys 

Kurapikachu:  I’m sure you’re doing well. 

leorio grande:  ya lemme just inject caffeine straigt into my eyes and keep going lsdkjf

sk8erboi:  Aight

sk8erboi: I don’t wanna hear about sleeping habits from a type A crim justice major and a med student about to inject caffeine in his eyes 

Kurapikachu: Oh.

leorio grande: I’M 

Jajanken:  aw killua 

leorio grande:  THE DISRESPECT 

Jajanken: kurapika and leorio mean well

leorio grande: DAMN RICHT I MWAN WELL KILLUA UR KNLU 17 

leorio grande: U HAVE UR WHOEL LIFE AHEAD FO U DO U KNKW HOW BAD IT IS TO HAVE POOR SLEEPINF HAVITS ALREADY

leorio grande: LIKE

leorio grande:  LOOK AT KURAPIKA

Kurapikachu:  Come again?

Kurapikachu:  Is there something you want to say, Leorio?

leorio grande: ok like

leorio grande: no offense but

leorio grande: u were a goddamn wreck when u were doing ur undergrad

Kurapikachu: Offense taken. 

leorio grande:  from what u told me about ur stress and OK CAN U LET ME FJNSH JFC 

leorio grande: I feel like 90% of it would have been a little more manageable if u slept for more than three hours

Kurapikachu:  No. 

leorio grande: and took breaks between ur studying orOH MHG FOD KURAPIKA STOP 

leorio grande: and ate a decent meal 

leorio grande: and ffs u could have at least invested in a nice water bottle to get ur water intake up

Kurapikachu:  Rich coming from a man who is currently brewing an entire pot of coffee for himself.

Kurapikachu:  Substituting caffeine for sleep is not a good idea

leorio grande:  I mean u would know

Kurapikachu:  DO NOT.

sk8erboi: Holy shit

sk8erboi: Does Leorio have Tea™ on Kurapika

Jajanken:  ?????????

sk8erboi: Spill the tea old man

Kurapikachu:  LEORIO IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIFE

Kurapikachu:  YOU KNOW I WONT HESITATE TO END GOU

sk8erboi: Holy shit x2

Jajanken:  kurapika r u ok

Jajanken: u never misspell things

sk8erboi: Forget that mans lost his mind without using punctuation

sk8erboi: Leorio wtf where did you go

sk8erboi: I need the receipts

Jajanken: killua u have enough receipts to last u a lifetime

Kurapikachu:  Excuse me?

sk8erboi: [this teaTM.png] 

leorio grande:  jfc

leorio grande: why do u have so many receipts

leorio grande:  Killua what are u

sk8erboi: And he lives

Kurapikachu:  This is mildly concerning. Why do you have over 300 screenshots in that folder?

sk8erboi: I don’t tell you how to live your life

Jajanken: maybe this is y u don't have room on ur phone

Kurapikachu:  Fair enough, Killua. 

Jajanken:  omg killua pls 

sk8erboi: Don't you have 1200+ pictures on your phone

sk8erboi: But ANYWAYS

sk8erboi: The tea Leorio sometime today preferably

leorio grande: ok

leorio grande: so

Kurapikachu:  LEORIO, I SWEAR TO GOD.

leorio grande:  I think this was during Kurapika's first semester

leorio grande: he was so stressed and tbh I couldn't blame him this man was taking 18 credits

Jajanken:  :o kurapika u gotta pace urself

Kurapikachu:  *sigh* I've learned from my mistakes.

sk8erboi: Nice try but continue Leorio

leorio grande: so one week he's studying for midterms and he texts me out of the blue. I'm thinking it's to check up or smth but nah. It's deadass some gibberish I can barely read so I text back and I'm like u ok bruh

leorio grande: and then he sends me

leorio grande: literal

leorio grande: GOLD

Kurapikachu: NO

leorio grande: IN THE FORM OF AN AUDIO MESSAGE WHERE HES SINGING THAT HE MAN SONG

Jajanken:  omg

sk8erboi: HAHAHAHAJSNXJSKDNXKS

sk8erboi: THIS KURAPIKA

sk8erboi: S I N G I N G

sk8erboi:  THE HE MAN SON F

Jajanken:  is that the one where he goes HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA

leorio grande:  [Kurapika what’s up.mp4]

sk8erboi: IM FUCKINF

sk8erboi: THJS IS SO GOJNG IN THE FOLDER HOLY SHIT

Jajanken:  wow kurapika u sound just like him !!!

Kurapikachu:  I CANNOT WAIT TO BLOCK YOU.

leorio grande:  U know u love me 

leorio grande: oh

sk8erboi: THE RECEIPTS

Jajanken:  do u think kurapika is upset

Jajanken:  it wasn't too nice to send that clip leorio

leorio grande: ffs why is it that whenever I have fun it's wrong  

Kurapikachu:  What do you want, Leorio?

leorio grande: chill man I just wanted to apologize

leorio grande: I shouldn't have sent that audio without your consent

leorio grande: but in my defense

leorio grande: it was for education

Kurapikachu:  I beg your pardon?

leorio grande: bruh scroll up. there's a reason why I sent it

Jajanken:  smth abt bad sleeping habits right

leorio grande:  right

Kurapikachu:  Ah, I see your point.

Kurapikachu:  But for god's sake, why did I need to be the subject?

leorio grande:  bc @ KILLUA that audio clip is what happens when u don't sleep or eat and instead mix eight cups of coffee with a can of Red Bull

Jajanken:  !!!!!!!!!

sk8erboi:  I always knew Kurapika was next level but holy shit

Jajanken:  aunt mito doesnt let me drink red bull cos its bad for u

Kurapikachu:  And she's right, Gon. I felt awful after drinking that, which was why I probably texted Leorio. 

leorio grande: o wow nice to know u only text me when u feel shitty 

leorio grande:  [A+ friend.png]

Jajanken:  did u feel sick

sk8erboi:  Ofc he felt sick man imagine the caffeine intake seojdkenxndsk

leorio grande: ngl Kurapika idk how ur still alive like I'm sure that was way over 600 mg

Jajanken: how much caffeine can u have in a day

leorio grande: it varies from person to person but generally u shouldn't go over 600 mg

Jajanken:  !!!!!!!!!

Jajanken: kurapika pls b careful next time

Jajanken: and killua pls dont do that

Jajanken: ever

Kurapikachu:  Don't worry, Gon. I've learned my lesson, considering this was when I was still doing my undergrad.

leorio grande:  ya Kurapika’s been better about caffeine and sleeping.  

Kurapikachu:  Thank you, Leorio. 

Kurapikachu: This doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for the audio file. 

leorio grande: ya I know. anyways don't u have a set bedtime when u can help it 

Kurapikachu:  I do, indeed. In bed by 1 every night.

leorio grande:  @ Killua take notes 

sk8erboi:  ya ya I hear you I'll sleep more and try not to have too much caffeine

sk8erboi: speaking of which didn't a certain med student say they were going to inject caffeine into their eyes 

sk8erboi: not naming any names 

Jajanken: killua u said med student that can only b 1 person 

sk8erboi: but that’s kinda hypocritcal of you Leorio

Jajanken:  omg killua

Kurapikachu:  ^^^

leorio grande: wait no it's different! I legit do not have time 

leorio grande: there’s no other option

leorio grande: I must 

Jajanken:  but u were in this chat all this time

Jajanken: so u do have time

Jajanken:  ._.

sk8erboi:  ^^^^^

Jajanken: should we stop replying so u can get back to work ?

sk8erboi:  I scrolled up and Kurapika said you were brewing an entire pot wtf man

Kurapikachu:  He is. It's on his Snap, and I screenshotted it.

leorio grande:  when did u all get so petty

Kurapikachu:  Killua is right. You never know when you need to pull one over someone.

sk8erboi:  :3

Kurapikachu:  God, there were some good snaps and texts I should have saved.

leorio grande:  what do u mean

leorio grande:  I am an ANGEL

Jajanken: u punched ging in the face

Jajanken:  granted ging was being rly rude

Jajanken:  but u still punched him

Jajanken: angels don't punch people

sk8erboi:  Are you ever so proud of someone

Kurapikachu:  Truly a wonderful soul. 

sk8erboi: You’re doing the lord’s work Gon 

leorio grande: THATS DIFFERENT

leorio grande:  SKSHSKSJWDBXKSSUHDW

leorio grande:  EVEN YOU AND KILLUA AGREED GING DESERVED IT

sk8erboi: ya but I never called myself an angel lmao

leorio grande:  I DONT NEED THIS

Jajanken:  wait leorio r u mad ???? 

Jajanken: pls dont b mad 

Jajanken: its not like i mind cos ging doesnt rly act like my dad hes more like a crazy cousin or smth 

leorio grande:  nah ur good buddy I’m not mad haha I really do have work to get back to tho

leorio grande:  but I'll pop in and out of the chat

Kurapikachu:  [and one for the ladies.png]

sk8erboi: Kurapika there are children in this chat

sk8erboi: WAIT WHAT THE FUCK

sk8erboi: WHAT IS HE WEARING IM CRYING

Jajanken:  leorio what 

Jajanken:  where have i seen that jacket before

Jajanken: leorio i dont think that jacket was big enough for u 

sk8erboi:  ARE THOSE PINK FEATHERS 

Kurapikachu:  Come at me, Leorio.

leorio grande: I saw my name twice what are u AKSKSHSODHNWDBKXSJS

leorio grande: WHEN DID YOH EVEN KUDSPIKA

leorio grande: WHEN WAS THJS I DONT EVEN EMEMBER

Kurapikachu:  Lesson one, do not come for Kurapika because Kurapika will come at you x10 harder. 

Kurapikachu:  Lesson two, do not snap when you are under the influence.

sk8erboi: WHAT HAPPENED TO LESSON THREE DON’T BUY YOUR CLOTHES FROM BARBIE’S CLOSET 

leorio grande:  DELETE THIS

Kurapikachu:  REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD, LEORIO.

Jajanken:  :o

Jajanken:  sorry but its 11 so i have to go to bed but im scared u all will kill each other w screenshots

Kurapikachu:  Don't worry, Gon. I'll pace myself.

sk8erboi:  SGFJDSHSKDD

sk8erboi:  DRAF KURAPIKA

leorio grande:  what else could u possibly have

Kurapikachu:  I may have a screenshot or two of your trip to Cancun.

leorio grande:  ok but idk how that's a receipt

Kurapikachu:  The beach party.

leorio grande:  what beach party

Kurapikachu:  THE beach party. 

leorio grande:  capitalizing the doesn’t make me remember 

Kurapikachu:  Remember the name Leroute? 

leorio grande:  ….

leorio grande:  SHIT  

sk8erboi:  What beach party?? Who’s reroute?? 

sk8erboi:  *leroute

sk8erboi: KURAPIKA

leorio grande:  [gtg.png] 

Kurapikachu:  And now he remembers.

Kurapikachu:  Sorry, Killua, but my work here is done for today. Maybe another time.

sk8erboi: Bless I had no idea you were this savage

leorio grande: bruh u must not have seen Kurapika get on a plane then

leorio grande:  deadass snatches TSAs wig

Kurapikachu:  Come back to me about how hard it is to get through TSA when your parents gave you one name.

leorio grande: Killua u should've heard Kurapika he was like "no I don't have a family name. It's just Kurapika. Like Cher"

sk8erboi:  Omg

Kurapikachu:  I was tired, and he had it coming. 

leorio grande:  that doesn’t mean u threaten him with a chain 

sk8erboi: SDLFKJSLDKFJ NEXT LEVEL KURAPIKA 

Kurapikachu:  I didn’t threaten him with chains!

leorio grande:  not this time 

sk8erboi:  this group chat 

sk8erboi:  [juuuuuuust right.png] 

Kurapika:  Real. Anyways, I'm going to head back to work. I have a paper due on Thursday, and I do not want to be kept up this week.

leorio grande:  good luck on the paper

Kurapikachu:  Goodnight, Killua. And the same to you, Leorio. 

sk8erboi:  I guess I’ll go to sleep. G’night Kurapika. and I’ll find out who leroute is Leorio 

leorio grande: GOOD NIGHT KILLUA 

.

6:45 a.m. 

Jajanken:  leorio whos leroute 

leorio grande:  [oh god why.png]

Jajanken: o das okay then ill ask kurapika 

leorio grande: I thought u were on my side Gon

Jajanken: is it taht bad 

Jajanken:  oh i scrolled up it does sound bad

Jajanken: but im curious 

leorio grande:  *sigh* I’m sure ur gonna find out sooner or later 

sk8erboi: YA I WILL 

leorio grande: good morning Killua did u finally get some sleep 

Jajanken: no he sent me pics of cats at 2 am

leorio grande: gdi Killua

sk8erboi:  Issa process 

leorio grande: w/e have a good day at school 

Jajanken:  u too leorio!!!!!!

leorio grande: [i crave death.png] 

sk8erboi: morbid thoughts at 7 am

sk8erboi:  I feel it 

Kurapikachu: Excellent, Gon’s caught up with the chat and wants to know who Leroute is. 

leorio grande:  petty ass 

Kurapikachu:  [I can feel your halo.gif]

leorio grande: petty ass with a Beyoncé gif 

Kurapikachu:  :-)  

Kurapikachu:  Have a good day at school, Gon and Killua. 

Kurapikachu:  You too, Leorio. 

leorio grande:  wow no threats nice

Kurapikachu:  My time will come, and you're going to catch these hands.

sk8erboi:  DRAG HIM 

leorio grande: I hate both of u

leorio grande:  Gon is my favorite

Jajanken:  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jajanken: [spongebob high-fiving patrick.gif] 

Jajanken:  that made my day leorio !!!!!!!

leorio grande: :) glad to hear it buddy 

leorio grande: alright see u guys later 

.

2:37 p.m. 

sk8erboi: Yo 

sk8erboi: Old man 

sk8erboi: Leorio

sk8erboi: Doctor 

sk8erboi: Gramps

sk8erboi: Dr. Gramps

leorio grande: wahat 

leorio grande: *what  

sk8erboi: Who’s menchi 

leorio grande: HO WON EARTH 

leorio grande: KILLUA 

sk8erboi: I have my sources 

leorio grande:  FUCK OFF 

.

6 p.m. 

Kurapikachu:  Wait, I don’t know who Menchi is. 

Kurapikachu:  Leorio, who’s Menchi?  

Kurapikachu: Unbelievable.  

Jajanken: its okay leorio it was a long time ago  

Kurapikachu:  Gon, does that mean you know Menchi?

Jajanken: kurapika and killua will alugh for 2 min and then forget about it 

Jajanken:  no @ kurapika 

leorio grande: not all heroes wear capes

sk8erboi: But the internet is forever

leorio grande: fantastic 

Kurapikachu:  It’s mostly caps abuse, lots of misspelled words, and crying. 

Jajanken:  aw is med school that hard leorio

sk8erboi: Yo Leorio wya 

sk8erboi: It usually doesn’t take him this long to start yelling about how someone dragged him here 

Kurapikachu:  Oh, I see. He’s been livetweeting soccer. 

sk8erboi:  Oh noice I didn’t know he was into soccer. Does he have good taste

Kurapikachu:  He supports Real Madrid.

sk8erboi: Gon? 

Jajanken: idk aunt mito likes english soccer

leorio grande: [most beautiful family in the whole world.png]

leorio grande: loOK AT HOW BEAUFIFUL CRIS AND GIO LOOK

leorio grande:  LOOK AR MY MOISTURIZED AND GLEOEING PARRNTD

Kurapikachu:  So you've gotten over Ronaldo breaking up with Irina Shayk?

leorio grande:  nEVER

leorio grande: IRINA WAS THE KNE

leorio grande: AND BKW THE GENE POOL HAS BEEN TAINTED

leorio grande: BY FUCKJN

leorio grande: BRADELY COOPER OF ALL TBE MEN JN THE WIRKD

sk8erboi: Leorio you useless bisexual

Jajanken:  :o 

Jajanken:  leorios not useless

sk8erboi: Issa joke

leorio grande:  CRIS WAS PERFECT FOR HER SND THEY LIKKED SO GOOD FOGETJEF

Kurapikachu:  It's okay, Leorio. Ronaldo looks happy with Gio, no?

leorio grande: ok but real talk 

leorio grande:  he was interviewed a few days ago and he looked so happy and smiley 

leorio grande:  my husband is IN LOVE

Kurapikachu:  Amazing.

sk8erboi: Again

sk8erboi: Leorio you useless bisexual

Jajanken:  omg killua 

leorio grande:  I ain’t even mad bruh we won la duodécima AYYYY CAMPEONES DE MADRIDDDDD 

Jajanken:  la duodecima ? 

Kurapikachu:  He means they’ve won the same tournament 12 times. 

leorio grande:  TWO TIMES BACK TO BACK BABY 

sk8erboi:  I didn’t know you were so into soccer old man 

leorio grande:  stop calling me old man wtf I’m only 7 years older than u 

sk8erboi: That’s like the age of a child 

sk8erboi: I could have had another sibling in that time 

sk8erboi: Old man 

leorio grande:  at least respect ur elders smh

leorio grande:  anywAYS ya I do like *football. I grew up watching it

Jajanken: and ur fav is cristiano ronaldo ?

leorio grande: yES 

leorio grande:  well kind of. I have a lot of favs. he's near the top tho

leorio grande: but GOD I LOVE HISN SON JUCHD

leorio grande: CRIS COKLD STIMP ON ME AND ID RHANK HJM 

leorio grande:  WHAT A GUY 

Kurapikachu:  Incredible. 

sk8erboi: Who was your aunt mito’s fav again Gon

Jajanken:  i cant remember lemme ask her real quick 

leorio grande: I’m catching up w the above messages 

leorio grande:  since when do u follow me on Twitter Kurapika

leorio grande:  since when do u have a Twitter 

sk8erboi:  Ooo he lurkin

sk8erboi: Lurkin for those receipts 

leorio grande: all ur gonna find on my Twitter is that I have huge ass gay crushes on the entire Real squad 

Kurapikachu:  You’re also obsessed with their wives and girlfriends. 

leorio grande:  well ya i mean 

leorio grande:  have you SEEN Pilar Rubio???

leorio grande:  Sara Carbonero??? (even tho Iker doesn't play for Real anymore fUC K FLORENTINO PEREZ)

leorio grande:  Izabel Andrijanic???

leorio grande:  It's not fair when their both attractive

Kurapikachu:  I have not. 

[leorio grande sent 3 images to Good Pacha Shit]

leorio grande:  there u go 

sk8erboi: Whoa who’s the first one

sk8erboi: Where are her pupils :o 

leorio grande:  Pilar Rubio.  She’s a tv presenter and SERGIO Ramos’s wife

Kurapikachu:  Did your phone just auto-capitalize Ramos’s first name? 

sk8erboi: Huge ass gay crush on the entire squad 

leorio grande: thought I was lying WELL U THJOGUJT WRKG

Kurapikachu:  More like we didn’t think it was on a “auto-capitalize half the squad’s first name” level. 

Kurapikachu:  Also I’ve had a Twitter for a while. Since 2015, I think. 

leorio grande:  ….

leorio grande:  u mean to tell me…..that u were following me all this time…..and i just

leorio grande:  DIDNT KNOW??? 

Kurapikachu:  Same handle as on here. 

leorio grande:  aljsdfjlsdf followed u back

Kurapikachu:  Yes, I see the notification. 

sk8erboi:  Not to interrupt your catchup sesh on Twitter

sk8erboi: Tbh I can’t be bothered with it 

leorio grande: nice 

Kurapikachu: Eloquent. 

sk8erboi: But Gon wya fam 

Jajanken:  sry  

Jajanken:  aunt mito and i were talking abt soccer players

leorio grande:  did she tell u her fav 

Jajanken:  yea her favs were steven gerrard and xabi alonso

Kurapikachu:  I’ve heard both of those names before. 

sk8erboi: Yo this xabi guy looks like Leorio’s type 

sk8erboi: Mans looks fresh as hell in a suit 

leorio grande:  MOTHERFUCKING 

Kurapikachu:  Oh dear. 

leorio grande: XABIER ALONSO OLANO 

Jajanken:  leorio do u like him too ??

sk8erboi:  Wow this is like when he slid in with that picture of Cristiano Ronaldo x10

leorio grande:  MI AMOR TE QUIERO MUCHISIMO 

Jajanken: wow u and aunt mito rly like xabi alonso 

sk8terboi: Like lmao mans about to spam us with pictures of him

leorio grande:  [el mejor barba en el mundo.png] 

leorio grande:  LOOK ATBJM JN HIS SUIT HIS BEARD LOLKA T HIS BEARD ITS PERCDCF 

Jajanken: i think i understand the spanish better than the english 

sk8erboi:  This truly is a huge ass gay crush

sk8erboi:  But this xabi guy looks sleek af wow 

sk8erboi:  I’m shook 

Kurapikachu:  He’s okay.

leorio grande:  EXCUSE ME 

sk8erboi:  u wot m8 

leorio grande:  KNE DIES JOT SIKPLY NOT HAVE A CRUSH ON XABI ALONSO 

sk8erboi:  Even I think he’s good looking

leorio grande:  Gon??? back me up buddy I need it 

Jajanken:  he looks super sophisticated idk he seems kinda old 

Jajanken:  def ur type tho leorio I see it 

Kurapikachu:  I don’t know I just…don’t think he’s THAT cute.  Attractive, I guess, but not that cute.  

leorio grande:  [snatched wig.gif] 

sk8erboi: Damn you beat me to it

sk8erboi:  [better snatched wig.gif]

sk8erboi: I sent it anyway bc my gif > your gif 

Kurapikachu:  I’m sure he’s your type, Leorio. I just don’t see it. 

leorio grande:  EVERYTHING IS ON HOSKD FOR THE MOENTK 

leorio grande:  WE ARE FUNDJNF S PLAYER ON THIS TEAM THAG KURAPIKA ACKNOWLEDGES IS HOT 

Jajanken:  ooo more pics

sk8erboi:  suits leorio send me the suits 

sk8erboi: [I need it.gif] 

leorio grande:  I gotchu my guy 

Kurapikachu:  Amazing. Killua and Leorio actually agree on something. 

Kurapikachu:  Let it be known that I’m not judging you, Leorio. Idk I just thought you could do better. 

leorio grande:  who could be bEETER THAN XABI ALONSO 

Kurapikachu:  I don’t know, someone who doesn’t look tool? 

leorio grande:  KURAPIKA PLS

Kurapikachu:  I’m sure you’re about to find someone. 

leorio grande:  [golden boy asensio.png] 

leorio grande:  LOOK AT MY BKYS EYEBROW GAME

leorio grande:  SHARP AF 

leorio grande:  THE JAWLINE 

sk8erboi:  Holy shit 

sk8erboi:  I think I’m in love 

Jajanken:  ooo hes [okay hand sign emoji]  

Jajanken:  I like him 

leorio grande:  closer to ur age too.  he’s 21 

Kurapikachu:  Okay, yeah, he’s attractive.

Kurapikachu:  Whoa, those are really some crisp eyebrows, wow. 

sk8erboi: You could cut yourself on those 

Jajanken:  or grate cheese 

sk8erboi:  YOU RIGHT GON 

sk8erboi: I’m saving this picture what’s his name Leorio 

leorio grande:  Marco ASENSIO 

sk8erboi: Time to get hip to soccer !

sk8erboi:  Gon can I come over soon? I kinda wanna talk to your aunt about soccer 

Jajanken: killua ur always welcome omg 

Jajanken: u had to ask :s

leorio grande:  nonononono it sounds like Gon’s aunt is into English soccer. I’m guessing Liverpool right

Jajanken:  yea !!! she loves liverpool but shes been kinda outta touch w it since alonso and esp gerrard left

leorio grande:  I feel it. Me when XABI left Real and when Iker was forced out

sk8erboi:  I'm sensing some passion Leorio

leorio grande:  PASHUN

leorio grande:  anyways English soccer is nice and all but the Spanish soccer [heart eyes emoji]

leorio grande:  also ASENSIO plays for Real not Liverpool.

sk8erboi:  Tru but aunt mito could always get the ball rolling

leorio grande:  this is true

sk8erboi:  I'm coming over now Gon

Jajanken:  ok killua !

.

[sk8erboi added Kurapikachu and Jajanken to the group Kurapika's Angels] 

6:04 p.m.

sk8erboi:  [it's my right to be hellish.gif]

sk8erboi:  Channel your inner nick Jonas kurapika

Jajanken:  omg i love that song

Jajanken:  kurapika r u jealous

Kurapikachu:  Two things.

Kurapikachu:  One, why Kurapika's Angels?

sk8erboi:  Silly question bc Gon and I are gonna help you channel your inner nick Jonas and we're adorable. Next

Kurapikachu:  Oh my god.

Kurapika:  Okay, then two, what do you mean "channel my inner Nick Jonas"?

Jajanken:  well dont u like leorio

sk8erboi:  Gon Kurapika's been in love with Leorio since he was in high school ffs

Kurapikachu:  [excuse tf out of me.gif]

sk8erboi:  Quiet you. You didn't even think xabi Alonso was hot

sk8erboi:  You were silent the entire time

sk8erboi:  Ya (old) boi's in love with an even older man and you got j e a l o u s

Kurapikachu:  I had work to do.  It's almost the end of the semester!

Kurapikachu:  Gon, back me up here.

Jajanken:  but u havent denied it

Jajanken:  usually if smth isnt tru u deny it right away

sk8erboi: HAAAAAAAAAAAA

sk8erboi:  GO BEST FRIEND THATS MY BEST FRIEND

Jajanken:  [SpongeBob high-fiving Patrick.gif]

Kurapikachu:  Are you both with me or against me?

Jajanken:  but pika the last time we were together u couldnt stop looking @ leorio

sk8erboi:  [stop making the eyes.jpeg]

Kurapikachu:  KILLUA WHEN DID YOU

sk8erboi:  [the mcfreaking lookTM.jpeg]

sk8erboi:  BOI I GOT RECEIPTS ON EVERYONE

sk8erboi:  I GOT RECEIPTS ON YOUR FRIEND MELODY

Kurapikachu:  Wait, what? Like my roommate Melody? She did something to warrant receipts? Wait, you've only met Melody once.

Kurapikachu:  Killua, for God's sake.

Jajanken:  aw u look cute in these pika

Kurapikachu:  Thank you, Gon, but that's besides the point. 

[sk8erboi changed the group chat name to Kurapika's in Denial River]

Kurapikachu:  Nice pun, but I'm not in denial.

Kurapikachu:  Leorio isn't my type anyway.

Jajanken:  what is ur fuoe

Jajanken:  *type

sk8erboi:  Long, tan, and handsome

sk8erboi:  Also old med students named Leorio

Kurapikachu:  Very cute.

Kurapikachu:  I guess my type is someone who understands me? I'm not too much of an open book, so someone who can connect with me on a deeper and more intimate level.

Kurapikachu:  Someone who can calmly but firmly call me out when I need it.

Jajanken:  tough love ?

Kurapikachu:  Exactly. I don't like sugarcoating and beating around the bush. I like someone blunt and to the point.

Jajanken:  anything else ?

Kurapikachu:  Intelligence.

sk8erboi:  We mean physical qualities

Kurapikachu:  I don't really care about height, but being taller wouldn't be bad. Sharp facial features and dark hair.

Jajanken:  eyes?

Kurapikachu:  Brown eyes. I love brown eyes.

Kurapikachu:  To be honest, the physical qualities are cherries on top of the sundae. What I really want are the things I mentioned before.

sk8erboi:  Holy shit

Kurapikachu:  What?

Jajanken:  i think u just described leorio

sk8erboi:  Sjsjsjsk I think we broke Kurapika he's been typing for a solid 7 minutes

Jajanken:  pika u ok ?

Kurapikachu:  I need a nap and maybe a bottle of whiskey.

sk8erboi: Is this a confession ayyyy

Kurapikachu:  [gives me homicidal urges.png]

sk8erboi: Noice

Kurapikachu:  Do you ever crave death?

Jajanken:  *love

sk8erboi:  *leorio's sweet ass

Jajanken:  :o

Jajanken:  tbh leorio's arms are nice. he gives great hugs. ooo the rainy day cuddles

sk8erboi:  O give me a sec

sk8erboi:  [flexing for bae.jpeg]

Kurapikachu:  BLOCKED.

Jajanken:  omg but its a gc blocking killua is useless

Kurapikachu:  BLOCKED AND REPORTED.

sk8erboi:  LMAO you sure you don't want the other shots

Kurapikachu:  ...

Kurapikachu:  Crop me out first.

[sk8erboi sent 5 images to Kurapika's in Denial River] 

sk8erboi:  Done and done

Kurapikachu:  God, I'm in so deep.

sk8erboi:  Tru omg give me a sec

Jajanken:  u have more pics ??

[sk8erboi changed the group chat name to Kurapika's in Leorio Grande] 

Jajanken:  JSNSKS

Jajanken:  KILLUA

Jajanken:  THATS INAPPLROPRIATE

sk8erboi:  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Kurapikachu:  It's time for that whiskey.

.

[Good Pacha Shit]

11:47 p.m. 

leorio grande: u all have been rly quiet tonight [eyes emoji]

Kurapikachu:  hhhhhhhhh

Kurapikachu:  gOd I'm sO skeepy

leorio grande:  u ok there bruh

sk8erboi:  skeepy

Kurapikachu:  do uou ever jyst wabf to go ob an advrnthre

leorio grande:  Kurapika it's almost midnight wtf you have a paper due tomorrow

Kurapikachu:  ADVENTHRE IS IHT TTHERE

sk8erboi:  He's never going to live this one down

sk8erboi:  I'm crying Kurapika you drunk or something

Kurapikachu:  im not fruhj dw abkht a sibgle fing

leorio grande:  oh my god what and how many did you drink

sk8erboi:  Methinks whiskey

leorio grande:  what how would you know

sk8erboi:  o

sk8erboi:  Lucky guess

sk8erboi:  His drink of choice has been whiskey for years hasn’t it 

leorio grande:  Kurapika do not leave the house. Take a glass of water and aspirin to your room and go to sleep.

Kurapikachu: im cineeeeeee upu wORY TOO MCJH

sk8erboi:  shitfaced on a Wednesday night yikes

Kurapikachu:  im goink in an advnthre lwejro wanns cone

Kurapikachu:  se can go dee a fubfal game

Kurapikachu:  idk angthjng sbjf futbal bht hih csn teach me righf

Kurapikachu:  plsssssssss lnefio

Kurapikachu:  AND I DCRSM FRKM THE TIPI KF MH LINGD WHATS GOJNF ON 

Kurapikachu:  ahasllswnnddks

sk8erboi:  Omg he’s singing the he-man song this is acc a thing 

sk8erboi:  Receipts tho this is gold

leorio grande:  Killua ffs

leorio grande:  where's Melody

leorio grande:  Kurapika

leorio grande:  I swear to god

sk8erboi:  Yo pikachu this isn't chill wya

leorio grande: I'm about to drive down there

leorio grande:  I know ur there 

leorio grande:  come back here 

leorio grande:  k u r a p i k a 

sk8erboi:  Fam wya

leorio grande:  KURAPIKA ANSWER YOUR FUCKING PHONE 

Kurapikachu:  Hello this is Melody.

leorio grande:  oh thank god

Kurapikachu:  He's in bed with a glass of water and Advil. And a trash can.

sk8erboi:  Damn

leorio grande:  good to hear. And good to hear from you Melody

Kurapikachu:  And you too. Goodnight Leorio and Killua I'm guessing?

sk8erboi:  Right. Goodnight Melody

leorio grande:  Goodnight

. 

[Good Pacha Shit] 

6:45 a.m. 

Jajanken: awwwww j missed so much stuff last night

Jajanken:  504 unread messages for real

Jajanken:  omg kurapika r u ok ??

.

11:45 a.m.

leorio grande:  how’re u holding up Kurapika 

Kurapikachu: Goddddd why is my phone vibrating at ass o'clock in the morning shut up

leorio grande:  thank god you're awake

sk8erboi:  ASS O’CLOCK I’M PEEOIAOSDFL

leorio grande:  it's 11:45 sleeping beauty

Kurapikachu:  What

Kurapikachu:  Oh no my paper

Kurapikachu:  Ugh I can't even hear myself think

leorio grande:  I already emailed ur professor. u have until 3 pm tomorrow to email ur paper to him. And I emailed the rest of ur professors saying ur missing class today. Think of it as an entire day to get ur shit together

leorio grande:  take the Advil and drink ur water

Kurapikachu:  Okay

.

[Kurapika's in Leorio Grande]

12:03 p.m.

sk8erboi:  He emailed your professor for an extension and basically got you a mental health day

Jajanken:  thats so nice of him

sk8erboi:  Marry him

Kurapikachu:  Killua

sk8erboi:  Yeah

Kurapikachu:  Gon

Jajanken:  yea

Kurapikachu:  Remind me of this morning if I ever deny anything.

sk8erboi:  [screenshot of the texts.png]

sk8erboi:  Don't need to tell me twice

Kurapikachu:  Thank you. 

sk8erboi:  With 15 min to spare nice 

Kurapikachu:  I cannot thank you enough, Leorio. 

leorio grande:  np Kurapika. wtf even happened that night? u usually don’t drikn like that

leorio grande: *drink 

sk8erboi: Ya boi was stresst

Kurapikachu:  Thank you, Killua.

leorio grande:  well ya I thought so but still

leorio grande: it’s uncharacteristic of u 

Jajanken:  its the end of the semester too 

leorio grande:  that’s true. just be careful fam 

Kurapikachu:  Will do. 

.  

sk8erboi:  Could you be ANY MORE boring Kurapika

Kurapikachu:  What do you mean? 

sk8erboi:  WHERES THE BANTER 

sk8erboi:  THE FLIRTING

Jajanken:  maybe kurapika wants to take it slow ?

sk8erboi:  SLOW?

sk8erboi:  S L O W ¿

sk8erboi:  ITS BEEN FIVE (5) Y E A R S 

sk8erboi:  IF IT DIDNT GO AWAY WHEN HE WAS 17 ITS NOT GONNA GO AWAY NOW THAT HES 22 

Kurapikachu:  Wow, Killua, I’ve never seen you this heated about anything. 

Jajanken:  he has a point pika its been a while 

Jajanken:  u rly like him 

Jajanken:  and he likes u

Kurapikachu:  [white guy blinking.gif] 

sk8erboi:  KURAPIKA MEMED 

Jajanken:  this moment is abt 2 be scrapbooked 

Jajanken:  kurapika’s 1st meme 

Kurapikachu:  Do you both know something that I don’t? 

sk8erboi:  Wym 

Jajanken:  u didnt kno leorio likes u ??? 

Jajanken:  pika stop

sk8erboi:  Bro he went dr. Dad on you the other night 

Kurapikachu:  I’m sure that’s because we’re friends. 

sk8erboi:  Yeah I’m sure friends threaten to drive in the dead of the night from wherever his school is to see you 

Jajanken:  his school is like 2 hrs away isnt it

Jajanken:  das like 4 hrs total bc he has to go back for class

Kurapikachu:  Oh, look at the time. I must leave. 

Jajanken:  u can run from the chat but u can’t run from ur feelings 

sk8erboi:  Gon I love you 

Jajanken:  ilu too killua :D 

. 

5:21 p.m. 

Jajanken:  [Kurapika’s first meme scrapbook page.jpeg] 

leorio grande:  Kurapika memed? when did this happen? 

leorio grande:  sxlksjdkf Kurapika knows what a meme is 

Jajanken:  o wait 

Jajanken:  i need 2 leave rn immediately 

leorio grande:  what 

Jajanken:  bye leorio !!!

leorio grande:  …

leorio grande:  what to heck

. 

Jajanken:  ssjksjsjks im so sorry kurapika

sk8erboi: What did you do 

sk8erboi:  GON FFS

Jajanken:   IM SORRY I MEANT TO SEND IT HERE 

Kurapikachu:  I’m mildly concerned, but Leorio’s probably too dense to realize the context. 

Kurapikachu:  All you can see when you zoom in is my name in the chat and the gif. 

Kurapikachu:  No harm done, Gon. 

sk8erboi:  I didn’t think you were acc gonna make a scrapbook apge 

Jajanken:  i have a scrapbook of alla our memeories

Kurapikachu:  You mean memories, right? 

Jajanken:  that too 

Jajanken:  [scrapbook central.jpeg] 

Kurapikachu:  Wow, Gon, that’s impressive!  This is something you do in your spare time? 

sk8erboi:  This would explain the 1200+ pictures 

Jajanken:  yea ! aunt mito got me hooked when i was little. I’ll bring them next time we’re all together ! 

sk8erboi: o nice we can put Plan Kurapika’s in Leorio Grande into proper action then 

Kurapikachu:  [some ragrets.png] 

Jajanken:  it wont go wrong trust us 

. 

Jajanken:  it wont go wrong right

sk8erboi:  with the way they make the eyes at each other all the time

sk8erboi:  no way 

Jajanken:  ok good 

Jajanken:  wait so what is plan kurapikas in leorio grande

sk8erboi:  idk but he doesn’t need to know 

Jajanken:  killua ur so messy 

Jajanken:  i love it 

.

4:20 p.m.

Jajanken:  leorio i have a ?

leorio grande:  not guaranteeing an answer

Jajanken:  ;-; its not about a girl

Jajanken:  or a guy

leorio grande:  oh then ask away buddy

sk8erboi:  BLAZE IT 

leorio grande:  ur a minute off

sk8erboi: [smoke weed every day.gif] 

sk8erboi:  Gdi the wifi's so bad in Aniki's library

Kurapikachu:  Amazing. 

Kurapikachu:  Do you have a meme or gif for everything? 

sk8erboi:  [screenshot of photos app folders.png]

sk8erboi:  Why do you still doubt me Kurapika 

Jajanken:  do u know hwo to make a histogram 

leorio grande:  ya why is it for an assignment 

Jajanken:  yea i just dont know how u figure out the bin size 

sk8erboi:  O shit is for the chem lab report

Jajanken:  killua did u not start :o  

Jajanken:  its due tmrw!!!

sk8erboi:  Fffffffffffff 

Kurapikachu:  Do you have a meme or gif for forgetting an assignment? 

sk8erboi:  do you have a comeback for getting shitfaced the night before a paper is due 

sk8erboi:  he-man lookin headass 

leorio grande:  IM WHEEZIGLDFN

leorio grande:  SCALPED 

Jajanken:  KILLUA DO U HAVE A DEATH WISH

Kurapikachu:  I’ll let it slide because I deserved that.

Kurapikachu:  Also because I have receipts on Killua

sk8erboi:  [you sit on a throne of lies.png] 

leorio grande:  fINALLY 

leorio grande:  PSILL THE TEA KURAPIKA 

sk8erboi:  what tea could you possibly have on me 

.

leorio grande:  DFJKJDSF

leorio grande:  KURAPIKAS ASS IS OUT HERE DOING THE OMST 

Kurapikachu:  [but that’s none of my business screenshot.png] 

Kurapikachu:  There’s your tea, Killua. 

leorio grande:  tf that’s not tea

leorio grande:  we know Killua loves Gon 

leorio grande:  wait what was the context 

Kurapikachu:  That’s not important.  

sk8erboi:  fcingk 

sk8erboi:  sHUT HTE UFKC UP 

leorio grande:  wait 

leorio grande:  /love/

leorio grande:  THIS TEA 

Kurapikachu:  Honestly, Leorio, if you were going any slower, you’d be going backwards. 

sk8erboi:  bless 

draco malfoy headass: Okay but I still have receipts on Killua. 

draco malfoy headass:  And they're substantial receipts. 

leorio grande:  tbh I always had a feeling but I just thought u were really good friends 

sk8erboi:  WE ARE GOOD FRIENDS 

leorio grande:  ur not good friends if there isn’t a rumor going around that ur gay for each other ukna

draco malfoy headass: Ukna?

leorio grande:  read it out loud 

draco malfoy headass:  [ook na.m4a]

leorio grande:  [yoo na.m4a]

sk8erboi:  he’s saying you know ffs 

draco malfoy headass:  Okay, anyways. 

draco malfoy headass:  Friends or more?  

leorio grande:  I think we have our answer

leorio grande:  things Kurapika did:  THAT 

leorio grande:  lfsldkjf why tho ur usually mellow about these kinds of things 

draco malfoy headass:  Believe me, it was long overdue.

leorio grande:  I’m going to pretend I know what that means

draco malfoy headass:  Good.  Have you answered Gon’s question?

leorio grande: ...

leorio grande:  fuck 

draco malfoy headass:  I can’t believe you left him hanging in his hour of need. 

leorio grande:  [middle finger emoji]

draco malfoy headass:  Don’t forget to help Killua.

leorio grande:  u literally snatched his wig twice in the span of 5 min

draco malfoy headass:  Just because I snatched his wig doesn’t mean I don’t want him to prosper academically. 

leorio grande:  fgs 

leorio grande:  ur really out here doin the most 

leorio grande:  but ya I’ll help them both 

leorio grande:  stay away from the whiskey

draco malfoy headass:  I still know who Leroute is. 

leorio grande:  god u sound like a wife who found out her man is cheating on her

leorio grande:  Kurapika I’m kidding 

leorio grande:  fine w/e 

leorio grande:  keep ur damn tea 

leorio grande:  I prefer coffee anyway

leorio grande:  oooo nice one leorio 10 points for leorio 

draco malfoy headass:  You are a disgrace. 

. 

2:48 a.m.

Kurapikachu:  [domesticity.png]

Kurapikachu:  HE SAID I WAS LIKE A WIFE.

Kurapikachu:  I

sk8erboi:  I thought your bedtime was 1

Kurapikachu:  Killua, what are you doing up?

sk8erboi:  Finishing a lab report. What're YOU doing up hmm

sk8erboi:  Rolling around in bed screeching like a 14 year old girl?

Kurapikachu:  I'm enjoying a cup of scalding hot tea before bed. :)

sk8erboi:  I hate

Jajanken:  omg go to bes both of u it's 3 am

Kurapikachu:  Oh, dear. Sorry for waking you up, Gon.

Jajanken:  see we told u he likes u

Kurapikachu:  We don't know that.

sk8erboi:  Then why are you yelling about it at 3 am

Kurapikachu:  Go to bed, Killua.

Kurapikachu:  Does he though?

Jajanken:  yes

Kurapikachu:  How do you know?

Kurapikachu:  What if he meant it casually?

Kurapikachu:  Who casually calls someone a wife?

Kurapikachu:  Why am I the wife?

sk8erboi:  ITS 4:30 AM GO THE HELL TO SLEEP

. 

10:45 a.m.

Kurapikachu:  Do you ever sleep in so long that you feel like you've wasted the entire day?

leorio grande:  sleep

leorio grande:  can't relate

sk8erboi:  I don't even feel bad

leorio grande:  uno

leorio grande:  lately I feel like I've been missing smth from the convo

Kurapikachu:  As do I. What the hell is "uno"?

sk8erboi:  Ffs we're really doing this again

sk8erboi:  It's "you know"

Jajanken:  u've been missing sleep leorio

Jajanken:  take a break from ur work sometimes

Jajanken:  isnt that what u tell all of us 2 do

leorio grande:  it's kind of different with med school Gon

Kurapikachu:  It shouldn't be.

Kurapikachu:  Yes, the material is hard, and there's so much of it at once, but you need your rest, Leorio.

Kurapikachu:  Can't be getting burned out at the tender age of 24, can you?

leorio grande:  ahhhhhh ig ur right

leorio grande:  but sleep is for the weak

sk8erboi:  Yet you're still awake 

leorio grande:  someone text me at 11:30

leorio grande:  LISTEN KILLUA 

Kurapikachu:  12

sk8erboi:  I'm listening 

Jajanken:  killua pls 

Jajanken:  let leorio rest 

sk8erboi:  I suppose 

leorio grande:  thank u Gon 

leorio grande:  and 12?!

Kurapikachu:  It's Saturday, and you can afford to sleep a little longer than 45 minutes.

leorio grande:  fine 12

Kurapikachu:  You got it.

leorio grande:  god where would I be w/o u

.

sk8erboi:  so pika

Jajanken:  whens the wedding

sk8erboi:  ^^ took the words right out of my mouth

Kurapikachu:  [yuri katsuki clutching chest.png]

sk8erboi:  gayyyyy

Jajanken:  its cute i like it

Jajanken:  wait is that yuri on ice dnsksk

sk8erboi:  o shit there he go

Kurapikachu:  Sorry, Gon. I just saw this picture and saved it. I haven't watched it.

Jajanken:  pls watch it its cute 

sk8erboi:  haaa maybe Kurapika can drink 16 glasses of champagne, pole dance for Leorio, and win him over like yuri did with Victor

Kurapikachu:  POLE DANCE?

Jajanken:  OR

Kurapikachu: I'M SORRY WHAT IS THIS ABOUT POLE DANCING?

Jajanken:  pika can blow leorio away with his beautiful ice skating

Kurapikachu:  That sounds less scandalous, but I skate like a newborn deer learning how to walk.

Jajanken:  oh

sk8erboi:  lmao it's not any less scandalous

sk8erboi:  mans is sex on ice

Jajanken:  ok but still watch it

Jajanken:  its cuteee

sk8erboi:  agreed it's worth your time

Kurapikachu:  Noted.

.

12 p.m.

Kurapikachu:  Rise and shine, Leorio.

leorio grande:  ah it was nice while it lasted

leorio grande:  honestly ur a godsend Kurapika

. 

Jajanken:  married 

Mompika:  And it’s nice to finally have a break and not be home.

sk8erboi:  Kurapika I got you the best present

Mompika:  I’m a little nervous now.

leorio grande:  Imma let you finish but

sk8erboi:  No

leorio grande:  my presents are theSHUT THE FUCK UP KILLUA

Jajanken:  o dear

Mompika:  Are you two going to be fighting the entire time?

Jajanken:  leorio killua pls

leorio grande:  no we won’t. I’ll be the adult here and end this

sk8erboi:  No comment

leorio grande:  BOI ARE U ASKIN FOR IT

Mompika:  He said no comment.  What happened to being an adult?

leorio grande:  ok but wtf is Mompika 

leorio grande:  like do u all know Kurapika can barely take care of himself half the time

sk8erboi: you right old man

sk8erboi:  but he has the “can I speak to your manager” suburban mom haircut

Jajaknen:  omg KILLUA UR FONNA DIE B4 CHRISTMAS 

leorio grande:  OK BUT WHERES THE LIE 

Mompika:  I’ll ignore the haircut comment because I’m packing and don’t have the time to snatch Killua’s soul.

leorio grande:  omg 

Mompika:  And I’m not that bad at taking care of myself.  Take that back, Leorio.  

Jajanken:  u kinda are but thats ok 

[leorio grande changed Mompika to Crapkah]

leorio grande:  there now it’s accurate

sk8erboi: HOLY SHI T GON AND THE OLD MAN ARE BOTH COMIN AT YOU 

Jajanken:  o man im sry

Crapkah:  Cute. 

leorio grande:  ikr 

leorio grande:  ok I gotta finish studying

Crapkah:  Leorio, when will you be arriving at Gon’s aunt’s house?

leorio grande:  oh uh idk I was just going to head over right after my exam

Crapkah:  I see. 

.

[Kurapika’s in Leorio Grande]

sk8erboi:  Yo am I missing something

Crapkah:  Boundaries, probably. 

Jajanken:  omg

sk8erboi:  Very funny. I’m talking about this flirting and asking him when he’ll be here 

sk8erboi:  [can you feel the love tonight.gif]

Crapkah:  I would really appreciate if you refrained from making comments like that.

sk8erboi:  Damn what’s your deal today? 

Crapkah:  I know you two mean well, but I really don’t want to hear anything about this right now. 

Jajanken:  did smth happen ? 

Crapkah:  No, but it’s unnecessary.  There was no flirting happening there, and there’s nothing wrong with me asking when he will be arriving. 

sk8erboi:  Chill man it was just a joke

Crapkah:  And I’m asking you as a friend to please stop for now.  

Jajanken:  got it pika well cool it with this 

Crapkah:  I would appreciate that. 

.

[sk8erboi to Crapkah]

sk8erboi:  Okay what’s up with you? You’re acting weird. 

Crapkah:  I think I’m acting perfectly normal. 

sk8erboi:  Key word: I 

sk8erboi:  What’s going on Kurapika? You’re acting the same way you did last time

Crapkah:  Last time? 

sk8erboi:  Avoiding questions, not talking about things, shutting down the conversation

sk8erboi:  Want me to go on? 

Crapkah:  Killua, I’m sure you mean well, but I don’t want to talk about this.  Not right now, anyway. 

sk8erboi:  This isn’t even about Leorio I’m really worried about you

sk8erboi:  And even if Gon says he isn’t he is. Prolly even more than me

Crapkah:  I appreciate your concern, but it’s not the same as then.  You have nothing to worry about.  

Crapkah:  I’m fine. 

sk8erboi:  If you say so

Crapkah:  Somehow, I think you’re just saying that.

sk8erboi:  Good neither of us trusts each other

sk8erboi:  As it should be 

Crapkah:  I’m fine.  Don’t worry about it. 

sk8erboi:  Alright

Crapkah:  Thank you. 

.

[Good Pacha Shit]

4:42 p.m. 

leorio grande:  YA BOI FINISHED HIS LAST EXAM

leorio grande:  TIME TO GO FINISH PACKING

leorio grande:  everyone’s probably getting turnt with eggnog which means the roads r clear

leorio grande:  BOUTTA GET TURNT WITH THE FOUR GREATEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

Jajanken:  AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

sk8erboi:  For the record Gon made that noise irl and in the chat

Crapkah:  [Gon yelling.m4a]

leorio grande:  WHAT KURAPIKA UR ALREADY THERE

leorio grande:  wow I didn’t know Gon could still hit that octave

sk8erboi:  That was probably Alluka joining in

leorio grande:  hi Alluka!!!

sk8erboi:  She said hi

Crapkah:  I arrived this morning.

Jajanken:  IM SO EXCITED LEORIO PACK AND GET HERE

Jajanken:  but drive safe pls

leorio grande:  will do my guy will do

leorio grande:  Gon how cold does it get at night

sk8erboi:  Your lame ass is gonna need a sweater

leorio grande:  [not killing people is pretty hard.png]

sk8erboi:  Your meme game has stepped up old man

sk8erboi:  I’m impressed

Jajanken:  LEORIO FIBHSH PACKJG

Crapkah:  [omg Gon.jpeg]

leorio grande:  omg Gon are u ripping ur hair out pls

sk8erboi:  Mans gonna be bald before senior year 

leorio grande:  I’m almost done dw

leorio grande:  we gon get turnt for dayz

leorio grande:  ayyyy

sk8erboi:  Pls keep all lame thoughts to yourself thx

Crapkah:  Can you even afford to get turnt for days?

leorio grande:  I got 10 days off

leorio grande:  if u think I’m not gonna take fULL advantage of that

leorio grande:  AIGHT WE ALL PACKED UP AND IN THE CAR LEGGO

sk8erboi:  [AAAAAAAAAAA.m4a]

sk8erboi:  This one’s all Gon

leorio grande:  dfkhslgdlfjlsdkjf

leorio grande:  bless his heart

leorio grande:  r u and Kurapika just collecting Gon moments omg

leorio grande:  flooring it

Crapkah:  Be safe.

leorio grande: YAAAAAAA

sk8erboi:  he ded

Crapkah:  God forbid.  Gon might shatter your eardrums.

Leorio spared the GPS on his phone a quick glance before returning his gaze to the road.  It’d started to snow, but it wasn’t heavy enough to reduce his visibility.  The closer he drove to Gon’s aunt’s house though, the more his stomach knotted.  What he’d been looking forward to for so long was finally spending some time with Gon, Killua, and Kurapika.  Having Alluka around was a cherry on top.  He hadn’t spent very much time with her, she was sweet and it was impossible to not crack a smile in her direction.  Especially since she always called him Leorio-san.  

“A Zoldyck with respect, who would have thought?” 

Leorio’s face fell when he remembered he’d be seeing Kurapika, post Hisoka's appearance in the group chat.  He flexed his fingers on the wheel, clenching his teeth a little harder and longer than normal.  What he thought was going to be a semi-eloquent confession in the future ended up being crass, unplanned, and not even from him.  Even if he tried, he wouldn’t have been able to think of a worse way for Kurapika to find out. 

“Fucking clowns.”

If he was going to be honest, he was surprised it’d taken Kurapika this long to find out in the first place.  The man was too perceptive for his own good, and Leorio was sure he almost gave it away more times than he could count.  Then again, if he was still going to be honest, Kurapika was not the best at catching things right under his nose.  There was no denying Kurapika was a smart guy, but he had a tendency to overlook things that most people wouldn’t ordinarily overlook.  

After all, a man who could dismiss appendicitis as cramps because of an exam the next morning probably wouldn’t notice anyone liking him romantically.  

Leorio pulled into the driveway of Gon’s aunt’s house, about to park on the side of the road when the garage opened.  He was startled for a minute before catching movement from the front door and chuckling at the sight of Gon excitedly bouncing up and down.

“You can park in the garage since it’s snowing!” Leorio could hear Gon yelling. 

He gave Gon a thumbs up before carefully easing into the garage and making sure he parked properly before exiting his car.  Before the door was even closed, Leorio heard rapid thumping and barely braced himself for an incoming Gon.  Leorio grunted softly at the impact, chuckling down at the teenager who was currently squishing his cheek against Leorio’s ribs.  He ruffled Gon’s spiky hair, letting him stay that way for a moment before pulling away to get a good look at him.

Gon looked the same as he did last summer, height included Leorio noticed in particular.  It wasn’t going to be mentioned; however, seeing as the last time heights had been the topic of discussion Killua made a comment about how he was the taller of the two, and a shouting match ensued.  

It would certainly put a damper on the holiday cheer if Leorio were to instigate a fight within moments of his arrival.   

“Jesus, Gon, those audio and video clips didn’t do your excitement justice,” Leorio said, laughing and clapping a hand to Gon’s shoulder. 

“Come in, Leorio!” Gon shouted, tugging Leorio into the house.

“Wait, Gon, my bag,” Leorio said trailing off, realizing it was useless to argue. 

Gon dragged Leorio into the living room, where Killua and Alluka had their backs turned, already decorating the mantle with tinsel.  Christmas stockings were in a semi-neat pile on the floor next to Alluka’s feet, and a box of ornaments lay by Killua’s.  Leorio glanced around the room, admiring how the room looked so festive already.  He especially admired the tree, though there was a long way to go before the tree was properly decorated for Christmas.  As if he suddenly remembered, Leorio glanced around the room, noticing Kurapika was missing. 

“Killua! Alluka! Leorio’s here!” Gon cheered bounding toward them and forcing Leorio to push all thoughts concerning Kurapika in the back of his mind.

Killua was the first to turn to Leorio, looking him up and down before sighing and leaning back against the mantle. 

“Med school’s aged you, fam,” he said.

“Don’t be mean, onii-chan,” Alluka reprimanded giving Leorio a big smile.  “Hi Leorio-san!”

At once, Leorio’s face lit up, and he proudly puffed his chest out.  “See, there’s a Zoldyck with respect!”  He knelt a little to Alluka’s level, playfully ruffling her hair and smiling back at her.  “Nice to see you, Alluka.  Are you excited to spend Christmas with us?”

She nodded quickly, laughter bubbling from her lips as she knelt to sift through the stockings. 

“I made this one for you!” She said, thrusting a big red stocking toward him. 

He took the stocking from her, looking down at the little designs that were stitched on.  Upon closer inspection, he realized she had handstitched a stethoscope and a bandaid on his stocking. 

Killua turned to him with a murderous glare, ready to chew him out for not saying anything when he noticed tears brimming in Leorio’s eyes.  Pleased with Leorio’s reaction to his sister’s handiwork, he turned his gaze to Alluka with a kind smile.  “See, Alluka, I told you the old man would like it.”

“I love it,” Leorio corrected, wiping his eyes with his forearm and holding an arm out to Alluka for a hug.  “Thanks so much Alluka.”

“I’m glad you like it!” She happily chirped in his arms.  When Leorio let her go, she started pulling the stockings apart and going through which ones she stitched for whom.  She was in the middle of discussing the significance of the handstitched bear on Gon’s stocking when a quiet and mellifluous voice cut through the noise and interrupted them. 

“Killua, Gon, Alluka, I’m about to mix the ingredients for another batch of cookies if you want to press shapes, and-oh, Leorio, you’re here.”

The four of them turned to the voice, which came from the entrance of the kitchen.  Kurapika stood with his bangs in his eyes and a bowl full of ingredients balanced on his forearm while the other arm mixed.  He blew the hair out of his eyes just as Leorio stood up, ready to greet him.  Unfortunately, Kurapika mumbled something under his breath and hurried back into the kitchen.  Leorio’s mood deflated at Kurapika’s behavior, and he sat back down with Alluka and the stockings.  

“So, things are still awkward between you guys?” Gon finally asked, breaking a silence.

“Seems that way,” Leorio sighed, busying himself with the stockings that lay by him and Alluka. 

“You should talk to him.”

“After the way he just turned back and went into the kitchen?  I’d have better luck asking Cheadle to give Resident Asshole Pariston a chance to speak.”

“The fuck kind of name is Pariston?” Asked Killua.  “What kind of people do you hang out with?”

“You and Kurapika are fighting?” Alluka asked curiously.

Leorio felt Killua and Gon's eyes on him (though they pretended to occupy themselves with decorating) as he contemplated how exactly to explain or at least gloss over what happened. The more he thought about it, though, the more he realized it probably would be easier to have Cheadle and Pariston sit down and have a civil conversation. 

“Not exactly a fight,” he stammered.  “It’s…it’s a long story.”

“Oh.”  Alluka turned back to the stockings, taking the hint and organizing them for a moment.  “Are you going to say hi to him?”

“Huh?”

“You didn’t say hi to him, and he didn’t say hi to you.”

“Huh, you’re right.”  He handed the stocking back to Alluka, standing back up with a soft sigh.  “I’ll be back.”

He hoped he looked calm and collected, walking into the kitchen; however, inside he felt more and more anxious with each step.  Obviously there was no easy way to bring the topic to conversation, and there was no way Kurapika was going to agree to breathe even a word about it in the middle of the day with Killua, Gon, Alluka, and most likely Mito and Abe around.  

Leorio knew there would be some unresolved tension between the two of them.  That much he anticipated from the messages he and Kurapika exchanged before they were off for the holidays.  He just didn’t expect the tension to, as Killua would probably say, snatch the hair clean off his scalp.  

It was mortifying but Leorio had actually rehearsed how he was going to greet Kurapika on the way to Gon’s aunt’s house, and he’d decided it was going to be a simple “hey, how have you been?”  It would have at least given the impression that he and Kurapika were on semi-decent terms, but that impression was shot to hell the moment he realized even Alluka picked up on the tension.  

He found himself standing in the doorway for a moment, and he was about to properly greet Kurapika but instead became entranced by how easily Kurapika moved around the kitchen.  Kurapika pushed the stray blond hairs out of his eyes and tucked them behind his ears before reaching for a pair of oven mitts and slipping them on.  He opened the oven door (Leorio tried very hard not to notice Kurapika’s bangs ruffling in the heat and his earring swinging from the movement) to pull out what seemed to be a tray of Christmas cookies, taking the time to set the tray on top of the stove so he could lightly poke them and see if they were done. 

“If you’re looking for Mito, she’s upstairs,” Kurapika said curtly, raising the oven door with his food and shutting it with his hip.   

When Kurapika finally turned around, he had his lips pressed together, and for the briefest moment, Leorio thought Kurapika was upset but he noticed Kurapika was trying not to smile and his eyes twinkled lightly.  The sight of Kurapika standing in the kitchen, wearing an apron over his sweater with his hair tied back in a ponytail was too much for Leorio to cope with at the moment, and he found himself sweating through the dress shirt he was wearing.  

“What’s with the smile?” Leorio asked, mildly curious and not at all thinking about how endearing Kurapika’s “I’m trying not to laugh” face was.  

“The cookies reminded me of Killua and Gon thinking they would help Mito and I with the cookies.  But you know how those two get, and, well, Gon had the setting too high on the hand mixer.” 

Leorio let out a nervous laugh, the tension in the room dissipating the slightest bit.  He even braved a step or two into the kitchen.  “I’m guessing eggs and flour went everywhere?” He asked glancing at the pristine white walls.  He opened his mouth to question Kurapika when he was interrupted. 

“All over the kitchen, on Mito’s sweater, in her hair.”  He paused to chuckle.  “Even in Killua’s hair.”  

Leorio couldn’t help but start to laugh genuinely at the image of Killua and Mito with cookie ingredients in their hair and Gon apologizing profusely while already reaching for two rags (one for each hand) to wipe the walls down. 

“God, that must have been a sight.” 

“It was,” Kurapika said, busying himself with rolling the cookie dough out from the bowl he was mixing it in.  “I took over completely and finished mixing the rest of the ingredients.  Alluka must’ve heard the commotion and offered to help clean up, but Mito wouldn’t hear of it, made Gon clean up, and asked Killua to help.  Now they’re only allowed to cut the shapes and ice the cooled cookies.” 

“Oh yeah, huh? Sounds like you all had an interesting afternoon.” 

“Sorry for not properly greeting you,” Kurapika responded suddenly.  

His focus was immediately back on Kurapika, who was flattening out the cookie dough.  Kurapika neither looked at him nor made any move to suggest that he was going to continue with what he was saying.  Uncomfortable silence fell between the two of them, and with each second that passed Leorio found himself growing more and more agitated with the way things were turning out.  It wasn’t as if he expected Kurapika to go about his usual self, as if nothing ever happened between them, but the way anxiety was gnawing at him, well, he’d be lucky if he made it through dinner without causing a scene. 

“I just figured that I’d check on the cookies, since we already had a mishap.”  Kurapika finished rolling the dough out into a thin sheet and moved through the kitchen, pulling a drawer open and scooping out several holiday-themed cookie cutters.  The cutters clattered dully against the plastic bowl Kurapika had dropped them in. 

“N-no, yeah, I understand." 

“Good,” Kurapika replied, bustling past him with the tray of dough in one hand and the bowl of cutters in the other.  “I’m going to give these to Killua, Gon, and Alluka to cut out.  I know you just showed up, but could you help with dinner?  Mito said she’d handle it, but, honestly, it feels weird to let her do all the work.” 

Listening to Kurapika rattle on about the dinner plans over his shoulder was certainly odd to Leorio, considering the way he acted when he saw Leorio.  Kurapika insisted that it was because of the cookies, and Leorio would believe it if he was a fool.  The way Kurapika was moving quickly and easily through the kitchen, baking cookies and keeping an eye on the kids would have fooled everyone.  Hell, it already was fooling everyone in the house, but the more Leorio watched Kurapika’s behavior and listened to him talk, the more he realized why it was rubbing him the wrong way. 

It was the way Kurapika acted when something was gnawing at him.  When he didn’t want anyone to pry or ask questions about his mood.  Kurapika had a nasty habit of covering up his irritable moods and going about his day the way people expected him to.  Or rather, how he thought everyone expected him to, which was his usual polite and calm self.  It was at the point where Kurapika had done this so many times, so seamlessly, that he’d perfected the art of putting himself out in front of people with a complete mask.  Everything was glossed over for the time being and anything that had been bothering Kurapika was pushed down to be dealt with at a later date.  Pretending everything would be okay seemed to come effortlessly to Kurapika, and it frightened Leorio.  Personally, it felt unnatural for Leorio to deal with whatever was bothering him at a later date.  After all, it was bothering him for a reason.  Why not just tackle it head on right there? It sounded harmful to go about the day like everything was fine when, in reality, nothing was certain or what it seemed.  Not that Kurapika would make that apparent.  Not as long as he wanted to save face, at least. 

If there was one thing Leorio wished he could do, it would be to find the right words because none were coming to him now.  There were so many things he wanted to say and do, but there was just no easy way to ask Kurapika if he was okay.  Nor was there an easy way to bring the topic to conversation, since that was what Leorio thought was most likely the cause of this behavior, in a way that didn’t put Kurapika on the spot.  Once Kurapika was on the spot, that was it.  There would virtually be no way of prying anything out of him no matter how hard one tried.  

Even if Leorio did manage to find the right words and asked cautiously, he feared Kurapika would slip into the act without blinking.  The simple “it’s fine, we’ll talk later” would come easily and readily to his lips.  Kurapika might even add a tentative smile, and it would only set Leorio off even more.  No, it’d be difficult for Leorio to keep his cool if Kurapika was going to put on an act for everything.  He’d be better of trying his luck at a different time. 

So Leorio kept his mouth shut, contributing to the small talk Kurapika initiated while helping him prepare dinner.  If things were different and Hisoka hadn’t mentioned his drunken confession, Leorio might have dared to imagine the current situation in the kitchen as a vague show of what domesticity with Kurapika would have been like.  

The small talk wouldn’t have been as painful as it was, and he wouldn’t feel a pang in his chest every time Kurapika smiled at something he said or chuckled while recounting a story that’d happened during the semester.  He would have greeted Mito wholeheartedly when she finally showed up, laughing jovially after making an offhanded remark about how pristine the walls were. 

Things would have been completely different, and Leorio wouldn’t have had to force himself to believe this was all normal. 

After dinner Mito and Abe began clearing the table, thanking Kurapika and Leorio for their help when Kurapika interjected, saying that it was their pleasure and that he and Leorio would help clean up.  After a good several minutes of arguing, Leorio found himself back in the kitchen where he was before dinner, though he dried dishes and platters after Kurapika washed them.  At this point, however, it was almost maddening to watch the blond simply go about the night like he wasn’t the one who was asking four questions at a time a few days ago.  It was all very frustrating to Leorio, and it must have been apparent seeing as Kurapika stopped handing him dishes to dry and turned off the water, both actions going completely over Leorio’s head until Kurapika called his name several times. 

“Could you not be so apparent about it?” Kurapika finally said when he had Leorio’s focus.  “You are drawing unnecessary attention to the matter.” 

Leorio dropped the rag he was holding, ignoring the squelching sound it made upon falling to the ground, and gestured at himself.  “I’m drawing attention to it?” He asked incredulously.  “You’re the one who didn’t even say hi!  Even Alluka noticed and asked if we were fighting.” 

Kurapika merely turned back to the dishes he was washing, and it was starting to grate on Leorio’s nerves.  He was doing it again.  Acting like everything would just pass if he tried hard enough. 

Bullshit. 

“It wasn’t anything you did, and even so, I apologized,” Kurapika said coolly.  "There’s no reason for you to wear your heart on your sleeve about this.” 

Kurapika said this to Leorio on a number of occasions, and Leorio didn’t always take it too personally.  This time, however, the derisive tone in Kurapika’s voice and the way he was handling the matter irritated Leorio and set him further on edge.  It felt like Kurapika was mocking Leorio for being empathetic.  

“Wear my heart on my-“ began Leorio.  “What are you talking about?  I thought you’d want to ask whatever questions you had.  You know, since you were the one who was ready to talk about it right there.” 

“You wanted to discuss this in person,” Kurapika countered.  “And if we’re to discuss this in person, I do not want it interfering with their holiday festivities.” 

There was no question of who the ‘their’ in question was. Still, Leorio was growing more agitated with the blond’s reasoning.  The way Kurapika was talking almost sounded like he was sure the conversation was going to end badly.  Leorio had no intention of letting anything that was going to be discussed come in between the friendship he already had with Kurapika, so what was Kurapika thinking? That having a crush on your friend meant that was it? Such narrow minded nonsense was starting to be a little too much for Leorio. 

“Why can’t we just talk about it right now like two grown ass men?” Leorio asked bluntly.

“I’d like to enjoy a bit of the holiday before jumping straight into why it is you drunkenly said what you said.” 

If Leorio didn’t think Kurapika wasn’t deliberately throwing snide remarks at him, he certainly did now. The way Kurapika was talking, one would think all of this was an inconvenience to him, like it was somehow Leorio’s fault that the mood was tense (some of the blame did lay with Leorio, though he didn’t want to admit it while Kurapika was being insufferable).  He balled his fists for the briefest moment and then flexed his fingers, closing his eyes in an attempt to keep his temper under control.  

“Full offense, Kurapika, but I’d rather just rip the bandaid off and talk about it so we can both move on with our lives,” Leorio snapped. 

“Do you really think now is the best time to discuss it? When the kids are a room away and Mito and her grandmother are so close?”  

Kurapika’s heated stare went from Leorio to the dishes he was supposed to be washing.  He sighed and began vigorously scrubbing the dishes.  

“But I suppose you wouldn’t know what timing and tact are since that’s the reason we’re in this debacle,” he said, thrusting a dish in Leorio’s direction. 

Kurapika’s tone was clipped and it was hard to tell if there was any other emotion other than harsh annoyance, and it was Leorio’s breaking point.  He could handle rejection just fine, but what he didn’t need was Kurapika making a mockery of his feelings every five seconds.

He ignored the dish and Kurapika, storming past him and out of the kitchen.  He didn’t wait long enough to see Kurapika turn, surprised, and watch him leave, and he certainly didn’t wait long enough to hear Kurapika mutter under his breath about how foolish the entire scenario was.  

Leorio walked past the living room, brushing off Gon’s request to come decorate with them, making sure to mutter something about not feeling well so as to not hurt his feelings.  He continued until he was face to face with the door that lead to the balcony.  Looking over his shoulder and making sure he wasn’t being followed, he slid the door open and stepped outside, taking care to slide the door shut.  

Almost immediately he regretted his decision, as it was snowing lightly and he didn’t have a jacket.  At the same time, no part of him wanted to be inside where someone would notice he was upset and pry the cause out of him.  

He scanned the area for a place to sit and spotted a small chair covered in a thin layer of snow.  He brushed the snow off the seat so he could sit, swearing under his breath at how cold the surface was. It took a moment and a little shifting to find a comfortable position where he wasn't likely to literally freeze his ass off. Once he was as comfortable as possible, he started mulling over everything that’d happened since Phink’s party.  He paid no mind to the snowflakes collecting on the tips of his hair, but blinked every so often as they were accumulating on his lashes. He let out a warm puff of air, sighing to himself before looking up at the falling flakes.  

God where did I go wrong? 

There were several places he went wrong, he knew.  The first, of course, was thinking no one had heard him that night four years ago.  Leorio had no doubt he was even louder while drunk.  He’d just hoped no one would pay any mind to his drunken rambling.  When it happened, he kept thinking to himself “at least it wasn’t Pariston” but now he almost wished it’d been Pariston who’d overheard him.  Pariston would have had no business being on his phone, no matter how big a jackass he was, since he likely wouldn’t have been invited to Phinks’s party to begin with.

The second was burying that confession deep in his memory as if to never speak about it again.  In retrospect it was ridiculous to think he could have kept such a thing from Kurapika for so long.  He wasn’t like Kurapika, able to mask his emotions for the sake of pleasing everyone around him.  That was one of the reasons Leorio was so upset about the matter.  Kurapika was able to pretend it didn’t bother him, while it’d been slowly eating away at Leorio for the better part of four years.  And it was tenfold now that Kurapika knew about it.  To be honest, Leorio was amazed and unsure of how he’d even managed to keep up the charade for so many years.  

It was ultimately a combination of the first two reasons that’d gotten him where he was sitting now, on Gon’s aunt’s balcony with no jacket in the snow.  Fantastic. 

In the distance, there was a faint humming noise, and if Leorio paid enough attention to it and strained to hear it, he’d recognize the Christmas carol.  He rolled his eyes, crossed his arms and continued to sit hunched over with a scowl on his face.  “Merry fuckin’ Christmas,” he grumbled to himself. 

“It’s still Christmas Eve Eve, old man.” 

Without turning, Leorio knew Killua was standing at in the doorway.  He didn’t acknowledge Killua until he felt something warm and thick fall on his shoulders and around his arms as well as thin, nimble fingers shaking the snow out of his hair. He looked up, surprised when Killua, properly bundled up, pulled up a chair and sat across from Leorio. 

“You’re going to get sick,” Leorio blurted unceremoniously.

Killua raised an eyebrow, and Leorio could feel the smartass comment coming his way.  He probably deserved it anyway. Even he would have sassed himself for that remark. 

“Right,” Killua snorted.  “The kid in the winter jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf is going to get sick while the dumbass med student in a button down isn't?  Should I emphasize ‘dumbass’ a little more, or do you get the picture?” 

Leorio wrinkled his nose at the comment, though he'd anticipated this much.  He would have been more surprised if Killua had kept quiet, given the kid’s nature and how often they were at each other’s necks.  Still, though, Leorio had to appreciate his thought and the warm blanket around his shoulders.  

“What do you want?  Aren’t Alluka and Gon going to be looking for you?”  Leorio asked. 

Killua held his gloved hand out, idly watching the flakes fall and melt in his hand before responding. 

“Nah, they decided to turn in for the night. And I usually don’t sleep this early.” 

“This is really going to come back to haunt you later.” 

“So I guess things didn’t go well with you and Kurapika?”  Killua asked, easily ignoring Leorio’s previous statement. 

“Please, Killua.  I can take this kind of innocent questioning from Gon.  Not you. I know you know the answer to that.”  

Killua shrugged and leaned back in his chair, keeping quiet for a moment.  They both looked up at the snow falling and collecting on their lashes until Killua broke the silence. 

“You two sounded like you were getting along just fine in the kitchen before dinner,” he said offhandedly.  

Leorio remained hunched over in his chair, pulling the blankets around him. 

“Yeah. Sounded like.” 

“Huh, so it was an act.” 

Leorio peered at Killua over the frames of his glasses.  It wasn’t that what he said was more of a statement rather than a question that caught his attention.  It was the way Killua said it, as if he almost expected this much. 

“What’re you on about?” Leorio asked shrewdly, knowing Killua would most likely deflect.  It was very hard to get information out of Killua for personal gain if he knew someone was onto him.  

“Nothin’. Just talking."  

So that’s how it was going to be.

Still though, he appreciated Killua’s presence. Killua knew where the line between light fun and being serious was, and Leorio respected that especially now.  And perhaps it was all of this on top of Killua even thinking to come outside to talk (with a warm blanket no less), Killua’s unwillingness to speak when it didn’t benefit him, and Leorio’s need to talk to someone that made Leorio shrug and keep talking.

“It’s whatever, I guess.  I wanna talk about it like grown adults and move past it, and he wants to wait.” 

Killua stayed silent a little longer this time, tipping Leorio off that he definitely knew more than he was letting on.  

“Well, you know how Kurapika is.  He likes to be in control of everything all the time," Killua finally said. 

“It’s not like there’s ever a time where he isn’t,” Leorio said bitterly.  “If this is his way of gently rejecting me so I don’t get offended, there’s no need.  I’m a 24 year old man who’s perfectly capable of being turned down.” 

“Even if it’s Kurapika?” Killua asked lightly.  “You’ve liked him for a while.  Even Gon could tell.”  

Leorio didn’t bat an eye.  He figured everyone around him knew and just pretended they didn’t.  

“Do you think I want to be led on like this by him, of all people?” He asked instead. 

Killua shrugged.  “I don’t know, old man.  I’m just as confused as you are.  I figured he’d want to know the full play-by-play of what Hisoka spilled in the GC.” 

“You and I both thought wrong, buddy.” 

“I’m sure he has a reason.  This is Kurapika we’re talking about.  There’s always a good reason.” 

Leorio rubbed the back of his neck, mulling over Killua’s words.  “I guess,” he sighed.  

He rose before Killua could respond, finally acknowledging his poor decision to sit on the balcony without a jacket.  He jammed his hands into his pockets, heading toward the door.  

“Let’s go back inside,” he said gruffly.  “It’s late, and the snow is really starting to come down.” 

Without so much as a sound, Killua appeared next to Leorio, startling him as they both reentered the house. Leorio’s hands were still jammed in his pockets while they walked down the hallway that lead from the balcony to the living room.  He couldn’t help but feel a little shifty about the silence between him and Killua.  Of course, whatever was said on the balcony would stay on the balcony; however, knowing Killua’s unhealthy habit of “keeping receipts," it was a bit of a gamble. 

“Unclench your damn teeth, man. If anyone’s gonna give that talk away it’s gonna be you.” 

Leorio blinked before remembering to unclench his teeth, turning to Killua, who also walked with his hands in his pockets.  Killua was looking straight ahead, walking with his usual, calm demeanor.  

“You can relax a little,” Killua added.  “I know how to keep a secret, so you don’t have to worry.  Just keep your shit together and it’ll be okay.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Don’t do what you’re doing now, stupid.  Anyone ever told you you get too defensive?” 

Leorio pursed his lips and crossed his arms, taking offense to the question.  “I am not too defensive.” 

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, Dr. Gramps.”  Killua shrugged his jacket off and stepped away from Leorio to hang it up. 

“Where the hell did ‘Dr. Gramps’ come from, anyway?” Leorio asked, mildly amused. 

“You look like a gramps, and you’re studying to be a doctor,” Killua responded as if it was the simplest conclusion in the world.  “Anyways, I spent more time than I thought I would out there, and Gon has plans to finish decorating the tree bright and early tomorrow, so I’m turning in.  Good luck, I guess.” 

“Yeah,” Leorio said quietly.  “And to you too.” 

The ends of Leorio’s lips twitched ever so slightly, watching the implications of the comment dawn on Killua as well as the slightest dusting of rose color the apples of his cheeks and the tips of his ears.  A full smile and eventually a laugh graced Leorio’s features, listening to Killua swear under his breath and stalk off toward the room he was staying in.  

Leorio watched Killua leave, still with his hands in his pockets.  He let their exchange on the balcony echo in his mind for a moment along with all of the events that had transpired that day.  Killua was right; there was usually a good reason Kurapika proceeded with things the way he did, but, fuck, it was getting a little too much for Leorio to handle.  It was already bad enough, knowing Kurapika knew about the “huge ass gay crush” he’d had on him for the last four years, but to keep it under wraps until what he deemed was “the right time?”  The mere thought of his talk with Kurapika after dinner caused a ripple of anger course through his blood, and he clenched his fists in his pockets. 

God, he was furious with Kurapika.  He knew he was making a mountain out of a molehill, but the way Kurapika had told him off for “foolishly” wearing his heart on his sleeve reminded him just how irritated he was with the entire situation.  

None of this was how Leorio wanted Kurapika to find out, in fact, Leorio really doubted he would have ever come around to telling Kurapika.  But the least Kurapika could have done, after Leorio was mercilessly humiliated in the group chat by Hisoka, was be a little more understanding.  

Leorio clenched his teeth again, wearing a bitter smile.  No, that would have been expecting Kurapika to act in a way that wasn't himself.  None of this was really uncharacteristic of Kurapika, and yet Leorio was still furious with the state of things. 

He was so deep in his thoughts that he almost didn’t notice the hallway flood with light or the soft call of his name until it grew louder and a warm and gentle hand grasped his elbow.  He jolted, turning suddenly and yanking his arm away before muttering a hasty apology upon realizing it was Kurapika. 

“What’re you still doing up?” Leorio asked, looking anywhere except at Kurapika’s upraised eyebrows and wide eyes. 

It took a moment for Kurapika to regain his composure.  “I was cleaning up in the kitchen and then in the living room.” 

“Sorry about that.” 

“It’s fine, I suppose I deserved it anyway.” 

Kurapika’s surprisingly calm voice and the admittance brought Leorio out of his previous thoughts.  He uncrossed his arms, finally focusing on Kurapika, who’d been idly toeing the coat closet door that Killua had apparently left open a crack.

“I’m not going to apologize for reprimanding you for wearing your heart on your sleeve,” Kurapika said quickly, leaving the door alone and looking Leorio in the eye.  “That is going to get you into serious trouble one day, though it probably already has.”

Leorio rolled his eyes.  “Yeah, just keep rubbing salt in the wound.  If that’s all you wanted to say-“ 

“No, listen.  I wanted to, uh, apologize-“ Kurapika paused.  Leorio raised an eyebrow, watching Kurapika clasp his hands, looking as if he was searching for the right words to say.  “-for being so…blunt about it.  It was wrong of me to disregard your feelings.”

“Yeah, it kind of was,” Leorio agreed. 

A rare smile ghosted over Kurapika’s lips at the jab, giving Leorio a bit more hope. 

“I’m just not used to it,” Kurapika confessed.  “The bluntness, how easily you admit things…it’s not something I’m used to.  I shouldn’t have reprimanded you for something you do by nature.  And I suppose a part of me also wanted to prolong this conversation.”  He sighed softly, a small smile on his face.  “But I realized that’s not how to go about this.  You’re right.  We should just talk about it like ‘grown ass men.’” 

That was it.  The hesitant smile on Kurapika’s face and the partial quoting from before was all it took for Leorio to actually smile at the blond, even if it was mostly a nervous one.  He looked down, even chuckling softly to himself for a moment before looking back up.  “Yeah, I know what you mean.” 

“You seemed to have found a nice and quiet spot to cool off," Kurapika said suddenly, looking past Leorio. "Maybe we could talk there?"

Had that first remark come from anyone else, Leorio would have narrowed his eyes and demanded an explanation.  Been “too defensive” as Killua had called it.  But, having been around Kurapika for several years now, he knew the comment had no malicious intent behind it.

“Yeah, but trust me, that’s not where you’d want to have this conversation.  Unless you wanna freeze your balls off or something, I don’t know,” Leorio said waving his hand. 

Kurapika blinked before finally laughing.  Leorio couldn’t help but become even more enamored with the soft laugh slipping past Kurapika’s lips and the way he tucked his hair behind his ear.  The moment Kurapika looked up at him with those twinkling eyes, Leorio knew he was done; not only was it the first time that night Kurapika genuinely laughed, but it also reaffirmed the fact that Leorio, for a very long time, had been struggling to keep his composure and not kiss him senseless right there.

“Maybe in the living room, then?” Kurapika asked, pulling Leorio out of his thoughts.  “Everyone's gone to sleep anyway, so I doubt anyone would be listening in."

“Yeah, sounds good,” Leorio muttered.  He offered what he hoped was a smile, rubbing the back of his neck.  “Uh, after you then.” 

Kurapika gave Leorio a once over before nodding curtly to himself and then turning around to lead the way into the living room. Leorio stood in the hallway for a minute, replaying the moment over in his head before quickly following Kurapika. The minute he stepped into the dark living room, his heart started to race - the full weight of the impending conversation starting to sink in. It was suddenly hard to breathe, and he was lightheaded and off balance.

Kurapika stopped abruptly in front of the sofa, sitting down on one end and gesturing at Leorio to sit at the other. Leorio glanced at the seat and then at Kurapika before slowly sitting down awkwardly. He watched Kurapika sit against the armrest and draw his knees to his chest, almost envying how simple his end of the terms was.  Kurapika’s expectant gaze bore into him, and he felt a wave of heat travel down his neck and spine.  He rolled his shoulders, coughing quietly.  

"Don't look at me like that," Leorio said gruffly.  “Jesus, it feels like I’m talking to Mami after breaking curfew.”

“Strange. I recall you said I was nothing like a mother in the group chat.” 

Leorio chuckled to himself, thankful for Kurapika’s dry wit cutting through the tension.  

“Whatever,” he said waving a hand.  "You’re the one who wanted to ask questions.  Ask away.” 

"I know," murmured Kurapika, deep in thought on his end of the sofa. "I'm thinking of which one to ask first."

"Well, I'll be here."

Silence fell between them for a moment before Kurapika spoke again. "You told me who Hisoka was over messages," he said slowly. "How does he know?" 

Leorio sighed. "We're starting off with a bang, then?"

Leorio took a deep breath, tilting his head back so his neck rested against the back of the sofa. He closed his eyes and took his glasses off, aimlessly placing them on what he hoped was the coffee table. A dull clatter told him he'd missed. Ignoring the exasperated sigh coming from Kurapika, he racked his brain to remember every detail from the night he'd gotten drunk. 

"Remember four years ago when you disappeared off the face of earth?” Leorio asked, sitting up a little.  

"I thought I was asking the questions.” 

Leorio let out an impatient sound from the back of his throat, and Kurapika rubbed his temple at the sound.  

"Yes, I do."

"Well," Leorio paused. "It was a little after you disappeared when Gon called me in tears. God, the kid was scared out of his mind thinking you were dead or something, and I really couldn't blame him. No one knew what happened to you.  There was nothing I could really say to him, but something awful must’ve popped into that head of his because not even Killua could calm him down.  We all spent an hour or so talking it over, you know, getting our feeling out in the open.”  

Kurapika shifted on the sofa, sitting crosslegged with his eyebrows furrowed.  “It almost sounds like you’re insinuating my family’s murder is the reason this happened,“ Kuurapika said harshly.  

"Let me finish, Kurapika," Leorio interrupted softly, still with his head tilted back. "I spent an hour on the phone with them, and I felt fuckin' awful. I know that period was hard for you-“ 

Kurapika’s eyes widened, and he leaned forward on the sofa.  Leorio only turned when he felt the weight shift, and though it was dark and it was Kurapika he didn’t think he’d be able to see so many different emotions flashing in his eyes alone.  It was rare of Kurapika to react in a way that was almost immediately noticeable, yet here he was, shallowly breathing with pain so evident in his eyes. 

“Hard for me?” Kurapika repeated in disbelief.  “You don’t know shit about what I went through.” 

“That’s the entire goddamn point, Kurapika!” Leorio whisper shouted.  He felt his hands start to tremble, starting to remember smaller details from the night.  Kurapika’s eyes widened at Leorio’s outburst, and he leaned back, drawing his knees to his chest and keeping his gaze down.  

Leorio sighed, resting his chin against the heel of his hand.  He was already beginning to regret the way the conversation was turning, but he had no other choice than to keep pushing through.  Kurapika deserved to know, and he’d been keeping it in far too long.  

“You’re right,” Leorio finally said.  “None of us know what you went through, but that’s the point, Kurapika! You cut yourself off from everyone, and no one knew where you were or if you were okay. Gon was worried out of his mind, and so was Killua.  Just hearing both of them talk about what I’d been thinking of for so long, I just-" he felt a lump in his throat. He opened his eyes and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs and his chin in his hands. There was some quiet movement on Kurapika's side, though Leorio didn’t turn until Kurapika spoke. 

“I…didn’t know it’d affect you all that much,” Kurapika said softly.  

“We worry about you, Pika,” Leorio said shakily.  “We care about you so much, and when no one knew if you were okay-“  

He took a deep, shuddering breath, almost unable to continue without losing his composure; however, he promised he'd answer every question truthfully. He waited a moment, even counting to himself until his breathing evened out before continuing. 

"It was a stupid decision, but I decided to drink a little after I got off the phone with them.”  He let out a dry laugh.  "Well, it was only supposed to be a little. Just to take the edge off the mood before going back to studying.  But one thing led to another, and suddenly half the bottle was done and I was probably on the floor in tears.”  

Leorio spared a glance out of the corner of his eye to see if he could gauge Kurapika’s reaction, though the blond remained impassive.  Kurapika merely watched Leorio curiously from behind his bangs, and Leorio felt as envious as he did in the beginning of this conversation.  God, he would have given anything to be able to be as composed at Kurapika. 

But then that was how they’d gotten into this in the first place.  Kurapika, master of concealing almost every emotion and notorious for isolating himself lest his emotions betray him, had disappeared off the face of earth, and Leorio, only able to cope with his own emotion with loud anguished sobs and yelling, could only watch.  

"It felt like I was mourning your death,” Leorio finally said bitterly.  

Kurapika blinked at Leorio, his mouth slightly agape as if he was looking for something to say but couldn’t find the proper words.  It was rare that Kurapika was left speechless, Leorio noted.  He glanced at Kurapika’s knees, which were still drawn to his chest.  It was almost as if Kurapika was overwhelmed by this new information and didn’t know what to do with it.  

"I didn’t...die," Kurapika said.

"I know you didn’t die,” Leorio said impatiently.  "I said it felt like it. I mean, it wasn't like I knew better, did I?"

He continued knowing Kurapika wouldn't respond. "Yeah, I was probably in tears. You know how loud I get. Mami always complained I was too loud. Imagine me, drunk off my ass, thinking you were dead, loudly crying."

"I imagine Phinks and the rest of your neighbors weren't too happy,” Kurapika said offhandedly after a long pause.  

Leorio chuckled to himself, recognizing the tone in Kurapika’s voice.  He was right; Kurapika was most certainly overwhelmed with the story and didn’t know how to respond hence the half joke.  

"Yeah, well, that's where Hisoka comes in," Leorio said, rubbing his chin. "He knocked on the door, probably to tell me to get my shit together. Only when I opened the door, I, uh, apparently poured my heart out to him?"

"Why is that a question?" Kurapika asked. "Are you saying you don't remember any of this?”

The apprehension Kurapika previously had dissipated completely.  Not two minutes ago he was attempting to lighten the mood with a joke, and now he glared at Leorio critically. 

"Well, no! I was drunk for fuck's sake!" Leorio shouted, forgetting everyone was asleep.  He sighed when Kurapika sat up and quickly shushed him, looking past him to see if anyone had woken up to see what the noise was.  Leorio ignored the glare he was still receiving from Kurapika, running a hand through his hair and rubbing his temple.

“I didn’t mean to yell,” Leorio finally said quietly.  

His hand dropped to his lap, and he lifted his gaze from his hands to the Christmas tree.  The lights shone brightly in the dark, and he was sure he would be able to see parts of Kurapika’s face illuminated in the dark.  

“Do you even understand what I’m saying?” He asked the tree softly.  

He paused to glance at Kurapika, whose face was indeed illuminated by the lights.  There was no particular expression on Kurapika’s face, though Leorio wasn’t expecting to be able to gauge what Kurapika was thinking.  Kurapika was just like Killua.  Neither of them disclosed more information than necessary.  Still though, Leorio thought he could see flashes of concern and worry just as he did earlier.  His eyes were certainly softer, and he'd let up on the critical glare.  It was still unclear what exactly Kurapika was thinking, but it at least looked like he was trying to understand Leorio's position.    

“What you’re telling me,” Kurapika started.  “Is that you were in your apartment feeling sorry for me-“  

So much for that. 

“How many times to I need to tell you?” Leorio asked angrily, balling his fists in his lap.  “No one’s saying you didn’t go through a rough time, but you’re blatantly ignoring everyone else who was involved!  Can you even imagine it? One of us disappearing off the face of earth? Not knowing where we were? Jumping to the worst case scenarios after a while?” 

There.  That silence from Kurapika was all Leorio needed to know that he'd finally gotten his point across.  Kurapika might not have understood what Leorio was saying until now, but the forced role reversal got him thinking.  He could almost see a myriad of thoughts racing through Kurapika's mind.  He sighed and turned to him, drawing his legs up on the sofa and sitting crosslegged.  It'd been silent for quite a while, and it was starting to grow uncomfortable.  Leorio was naturally loud, but when coupled with anger and frustration he couldn't help but feel a at least a little bad especially when it was directed at Kurapika or the others.  He held onto his ankles, awkwardly, searching for the right words to say now.   

It was maddeningly difficult to think of how to properly describe what he wanted to say or explain what had happened, and he knew he wasn’t doing a good job of it from the way Kurapika interrupted.  He held up a hand, cutting Kurapika off and then rubbed his temple, still searching for the right words.  How Kurapika was able to do this so well all the time was beyond him, but after a second his shoulders relaxed, remembering Kurapika most likely knew this just as well as he did hence the interruption.  

No, flowery language and sugarcoating wasn’t his forte, but “telling it like it is” was. 

Leorio took a deep breath and tried again.  “I probably stood there for 20 or so minutes just rambling to Hisoka about you.  He probably knew who you were from how much time he spends with Killua’s brother, but I kept going with every feeling I had about you.  God, that even sounded awful in my head, but I don’t know how else to say it.” 

He didn’t wait for Kurapika to acknowledge he’d heard correctly or understood.  Bluntly speaking and telling every detail he could remember from that night started to bolster his courage.  He’d always been someone who benefitted from talking to someone about the things that bothered him, and after holding all of this in for four years, well, it was fucking liberating. 

“I talked about how we met, how we both became friends with Gon and Killua, the grad parties, the going away parties, everything,” Leorio blabbered.  “And all of the stupid and little things I liked about you.”  He ignored the warmth spreading across his cheeks. “It seems kinda weird, looking back, how he didn’t say anything.  Honestly, I think I surprised him when I opened the door.  I don’t think he thought he was going to have to quiet down a drunk med student with a huge crush.  Anyways, I think he said something like ‘why don’t you tell him’ and called me Lauren, but I might have imagined the last part.” 

“No, he called you Lauren in the group chat as well,” Kurapika with a hint of a smile.  “I don’t think he’ll ever learn your name.” 

Leorio thought he would be interrupted when he mentioned drunkenly rambling to Hisoka but was secretly glad that “Lauren” was what Kurapika decided to comment on.  

“Not like it bothers me any,” he said shrugging. 

Silence fell between them again, though this time it was a more comfortable silence and Leorio was unsure of anything else he could possibly say.  This was about as much as he remembered from that night, and he was sure Kurapika didn’t want to know the details of the glorious hangover he had the next morning.  

He watched Kurapika, trying to see if he could gauge the other’s mood with his body language.  Kurapika seemed to have relaxed now that he knew what’d happened that night.  He sat comfortably, still on the end of the sofa, with one leg dangling off the cushion and the other bent against the back of the sofa.  Kurapika’s leg swung softly, almost lulling Leorio to sleep and he damn near would have fallen asleep seeing as he was now leaning on the back of the sofa with his head propped up by his hand.     

“Why didn’t you say anything about it?” Kurapika asked softly, cocking his head to the side. 

Leorio blinked, raising his head from his hand.  He asked Kurapika to repeat himself.  His heart was starting to feel lighter, now that he was finally able to talk about and admit the things he’d mostly kept to himself all this time.  

He turned to the Christmas tree, and Kurapika followed his gaze as if the answer to his question was on the tree.  Kurapika was about to question Leorio again, thinking sleep deprivation had finally gotten him when Leorio answered, his gaze still fixated on the tree and its lights.  

“I couldn’t do that to you.” 

“Come again?” 

“You were in the middle of grieving, Kurapika,” he said gently.  “You needed the three of us, even though you said you didn’t.  You needed us as friends.  Leorio the Friend was here to help, not Leorio the Guy Who Has A Huge Crush On You.” 

Kurapika looked away from the tree and at Leorio, sitting up.  The sentiment sounded nice, but there were still unanswered questions.  

“Was that your decision to make?”  

The question struck Leorio as an odd one.  It tore his attention away from the tree to see Kurapika was gazing at him intently, barely blinking.  It made his heart flutter, and he wanted nothing more than to be lost in Kurapika’s eyes; however, he broke eye contact by looking away and coughing.  This conversation wasn’t over, and Leorio couldn’t let his emotions cloud his judgement.  

“I wasn’t going to be that guy,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.  “I wasn’t going to come onto you like that, especially not when I heard what happened to your family.” 

Kurapika started to move closer, moving away from the armrest of the sofa entirely and onto Leorio’s side. Leorio’s heart started pounding in his chest, and he willed his thoughts to stay on topic no matter how intoxicating Kurapika’s presence was and how damned good he looked with that single red earring swinging lightly as he moved.  

“What about after then?” Kurapika almost demanded.  "You kept this in for four years?  For what reason?” 

Another odd question, one that Leorio found he didn’t know the answer to.  He knew Kurapika was going to ask difficult questions when he gave his condition over text, but he’d underestimated the way the conversation would turn.  

It was as if Kurapika had the entire picture in front of him while Leorio only had hazy bits and pieces.  It also didn’t help that Kurapika was naturally guarded as a person and didn’t give much of anything away with his tone or facial expression.  At the same time however, Kurapika had slipped up quite a few times.  Leorio knew he finally understood the impact his isolation had on the three of them.  He figured this would come out of the conversation, though he didn’t expect Kurapika to start asking why with respect to keeping his crush buried.   

“Yeah, I did,” Leorio said lamely.  “If you’re looking for an answer, don’t bother.  I don’t even know how or why I kept it up.” 

“When did you even realize all of this?” 

Leorio shrugged, letting his shoulders relax.  Finally a question he could answer.  

“I thought it was kind of obvious.” 

“It was not,” Kurapika answered immediately. 

Leorio laughed softly, remembering all of the times he’d subtly and not so subtly flirted with Kurapika over the years.  “You sure? I’m sure Gon and Killua’ve known for years.” 

“I didn’t know.” 

Leorio raised an eyebrow suggestively, starting to flex his arms.  “You never wondered why I flexed so much that one time we all went to the beach before I started med school?” He asked with a slight laugh, glancing at his bicep.  

Kurapika didn’t respond, which immediately got Leorio’s attention.  Kurapika was quick to respond to almost everything, and on the rare occasions he was actually taken aback or frazzled by something to not make a snarky or witty remark.  On top of this, though Leorio didn’t have his glasses and it was dark in the living room with the only source of light being the string of lights on the Christmas tree, Leorio could have sworn he saw the faintest of blushes on Kurapika’s cheeks. 

“Are you blushing?” Leorio asked curiously.  

“I am not, though I’m surprised you think you can see anything,” Kurapika said quickly, his hair ruffling by his cheeks.   

“I can’t,” Leorio said, holding his hands up.  “I dropped my glasses on the floor, but it looked like it so I thought I’d ask.”

“Blushing,” Kurapika said faintly.  “You thought I was blushing?”  

“Chill, it was just a question.  Jesus, I thought I was defensive.” 

They fell silent again; however, Leorio was quite content with the way the conversation turned out. It was not at all like he imagined.  To be honest, he’d expected Kurapika to keep him at arm’s length and be rigid the entire time.  True, it’d been a rough start and he didn’t know exactly what the blond was thinking through all of this.  But the talk went far better than he’d anticipated, and one of the biggest things Leorio wanted to talk about in the first place was Kurapika’s isolation.  And Kurapika seemed to understand the circumstances of what happened a little better, so there was really nothing else he thought he could talk about.    

“So, you got any other questions or nah?” Leorio asked, breaking the silence. 

“You’re not going to ask me what I think?” Kurapika countered. 

“I mean,” Leorio said trailing off.  “Isn’t it weird? Knowing that I’ve liked you this long?” 

“Not particularly,” Kurapika said slowly. 

There was something missing in Kurapika’s tone, which gave Leorio the same feeling he had earlier when Kurapika started asking more difficult questions.  He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but the tone sounded almost wistful, not lingering too long on the words but still holding out. 

Kurapika’s behavior was strange, and it baffled Leorio the more he contemplated this in the dark with Kurapika barely a foot away. 

“What does that mean?” Leorio asked blankly.  “You know, you’ve been acting weird all night.  I thought it was just me, but now I’m really starting to think you know more than I think you do.”

Kurapika merely tilted his head to the side and blinked.  “What do you think I know?” 

“Okay, that!” Leorio shouted, springing up from the sofa and pointing at him.  Kurapika tried to shush him again, but Leorio waved his hand.  Everyone sleeping in the house would just have to deal with it.  “You sound like you want me to ask questions, but when I do, you go off in a different direction and turn it into a question for me.” 

“Leorio-“ 

He sat back down, pinching the bridge of his nose and exhaling softly.  “Listen, I’m glad we had this talk.  It’s been hell trying to keep all of that in. But please, don’t let it ruin our friendship.” 

“Our friendship-“ 

“Kurapika, you’re one of my closest friends, and it’d be real fuckin’ upsetting if we stopped being friends.”

“You’re one of my closest friends too, but-“ 

“I know it’s not the greatest thing in the world, and you probably think i’m a useless bisexual like Killua does,” he finally paused here but only for a brief moment so he could properly turn to Kurapika, gesturing wildly.  “Let me just tell you, whatever tea he has on Menchi isn’t my fault.  You know about Leroute and it was a one time thing, but Menchi wasn’t my fault and-“

“Leorio, you useless bisexual, can you let me finish a single sentence?” Kurapika interrupted tersely. 

Leorio blinked, turning to Kurapika, who looked worn out and a little miffed from trying to interrupt his train of thought so many times.  He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck and looking down.  “Sorry, go ahead. I ramble a lot when I’m nervous.” 

“I know,” Kurapika said swiftly. 

Leorio crossed his arms moodily and leaned back against the sofa.  “Well, you don’t need to say it like that.” 

Kurapika smiled gently at this, and Leorio cursed in every language he knew for the constant fluttering in his chest.  He’d made a point to tell Kurapika he didn’t want any of this to ruin their friendship, but in reality the only one who was going to ruin things was him and the realization that he’d been in love with Kurapika all this time.  And the shrewd smile Kurapika was currently giving him certainly wasn’t helping. 

“You’re one of my closest friends as well, Leorio,” Kurapika repeated.  “And I guess the kinds of questions I’ve been asking are a bit much.  There’s just been so much I’ve been wondering since, well, you know.  The Group Chat.” 

“You just love rubbing salt in the wound, you little shit.” 

Kurapika cracked a smile at the insult, glancing down at his crossed legs and tucked his hair behind his ear.  Leorio fell silent, realizing his behavior.  Kurapika was very private and closed off by default, but little things he did like adjusting his hair and posture were very telling of the mood he was in, even if his facial expressions weren’t so generous.  Kurapika was either about to shut off completely or dance around what he wanted to say for the next 45 minutes.  Even though it was probably well into the wee hours of the morning, Leorio prayed it was the latter.  

“I suppose I asked a lot,” Kurapika said mildly, glancing at the Christmas tree.  “I certainly had a fair number of questions, but you’ve answered most of them.  I had a few other questions, but I don’t think they’re entirely relevant anymore.  I might save them for later though.” 

“What are you talking about?  Save what for later-“

“-what I’m trying is say is that your comment about me knowing more than you think I do was interesting.” 

“Spit it out, Pika, you’re speaking in circles.” 

The way Kurapika was dodging the subject was starting to make Leorio anxious.  He could handle rejection, even if it was from Kurapika, but the way Kurapika was setting up whatever he wanted to say suggested otherwise.  It almost seemed like the time Leorio spent pining was mutual, though he banished the thought immediately, thinking he wouldn’t be able to bear having his hopes crushed so brutally. 

‘It’s gentle. He’s letting you down gently on Christmas Eve Eve, well, now it’s Christmas Eve. Rejected on Christmas Eve what a fucking delight.’

It’d been a while since Kurapika had spoken, and it was starting to tip Leorio off that things were certainly not as the seemed.  He looked up to ask again when he saw Kurapika was looking at the tree with his hand covering his mouth.  Usually whenever Kurapika covered his mouth, it was because he was smiling and he didn't want anyone to notice.  Unfortunately for him, it was the first thing Leorio noticed, and now that he was paying attention (more like squinting, trying to see in the dark without his glasses) that most certainly was a blush on Kurapika's cheeks.  Leorio cautiously leaned toward Kurapika, still squinting, though now he'd been found out and was trying to ignore Kurapika swatting him away and his curses.    

“What are you doing?” Kurapika exclaimed, backing into the armrest of the sofa with wide eyes. 

But the damage had been done the minute Kurapika tried to swat Leorio away.  His blush was prominent in the darkness even with Leorio's poor vision. 

“You’re deadass blushing!” Leorio shouted, not even bothering to keep his voice down.  "Kurapika! Blushing! Who would have thought?” 

Kurapika crossed his arms over his chest with a huff, holding his tongue and letting Leorio have his moment. 

“I’m still amazed at how you kept this charade up for four years,” Kurapika said when Leorio finally quieted down. 

“No, but tell me,” Leorio said excitedly.  “What was it? That finally got you to crack?  You’re never like this.” 

Leorio watched as Kurapika pursed his lips, either unable to answer Leorio’s question or not able to answer it without letting go of his calm and collected face.  Instead, Kurapika reached into the pocket of his pajamas and pulled his phone out.  When Leorio opened his mouth to question his actions, Kurapika flicked through his phone, and evidently found what he’d been looking for as he tried (and failed) to not give whatever was on his screen a stupid grin.  

“What is it?” Leorio asked impatiently. 

Without another word, Kurapika showed him his phone screen, displaying the messages from Killua on the first day the group chat “Kurapika’s in Leorio Grande” was made, particularly the pictures messages of Leorio flexing that Killua made sure to send.  Still though, the first thing Leorio saw on Kurapika’s screen was the time. 

“Oh, shit it’s 3:18,” Leorio said under his breath. 

He grunted softly, receiving a swift jab to the ribs from Kurapika.  He laughed nervously, knowing the time wasn’t the topic at hand and glanced at the screen.

There must have been at least nine or so pictures of him flexing on the beach, which struck Leorio as odd.  When he mentioned it before, Kurapika started blushing (he knew Kurapika said he wasn’t blushing, but that was a goddamn blush on his cheeks).  Was it because he thought back to these pictures? 

“Wait, who even took these?” Leorio asked, squinting at the screen and then taking the phone out of Kurapika’s hand.  He ignored Kurapika’s protests and curses, still squinting.  “Killua, god, should’ve known that shit was behind this, but why did he take so many, goddamn…” 

He scrolled up the slightest bit, mildly curious about the context, especially when he caught the word “confession” which was sent in a message from Killua, most likely at Kurapika.  He scrolled up a little more, skimming through the messages that were exchanged and it slowly began to dawn on him why Kurapika had been acting so shifty lately.  The questions, the blushing, the repressed smiles, even the spontaneous drinking and ditching the bedtime.  It was all starting to come together, and Leorio barely breathed, not wanting to ruin the image he’d put together from the messages.  But still…he had to ask.  He needed this one thing.  

Leorio lowered the phone so he could properly see Kurapika’s face. 

“Are you seriously telling me-“ 

“Kurapika! Leorio! You guys are still up!” 

They both jumped and turned at the sound of the voice, which was now bounding down the stairs in the form of a very awake and bubbly Gon. 

“G-Gon, what are you doing awake?” Kurapika stammered, snatching the phone from Leorio, powering it off, and shoving it back in his pocket.   

“I couldn’t sleep!” Gon said excitedly, running toward them. 

“No, Gon! Wait! My glasses are somewhere on the floor!” Leorio shouted, scrambling to his side of the sofa.  He leaned over the armrest, swiping his hand on the floor but wasn’t able to find his glasses. 

“Step on them, Gon,” Killua mumbled, yawning while walking down the stairs with his hands in his pockets.  “They’re a shitty ass pair anyway.”    

Alluka wasn’t too far behind him, looking more awake than Killua but less awake than Gon. She had been beaming at everyone from behind Killua, though she narrowed her eyes at Killua’s back.  “Onii-chan, you can’t just tell Gon to step on Leorio-san’s glasses.  He can’t see without them,” she sternly. 

Killua waved his hand, hopping off the stairs and leaning against the wall.  “Alluka, he probably doesn’t even need those glasses.  They don’t fit his damn face properly, and they look awful anyway.”  

Gon spotted Leorio’s glasses a little further away from the sofa than Leorio thought and handed them to him with a smile.  

“I couldn’t sleep,” he admitted.  “I was too excited for Christmas and everyone finally being together and Alluka being with us.”  He started waving his arms excitedly.  “And I thought we could all pitch in and finish decorating and make breakfast for Aunt Mito and Great Grandma Abe!” 

“Yeah, Gon planned this from the beginning, but I didn’t think he’d get up at literal ass o’clock in the morning to do this,” Killua said yawning.   

Leorio peered at Gon over the frames of his glasses and then at Killua shrugging behind Gon and Alluka smiling with her hands together.  Finally he glanced over his shoulder at Kurapika, a little bitter that he’d been interrupted before he could ask the millions of questions that’d popped into his head at the sight of the name of the group chat name alone.  

Kurapika, however, looked at anything that wasn’t Leorio, covering his mouth just as he did before.  Though this time, Leorio could just barely see Kurapika was actually smiling and visibly blushing.  He smiled a little to himself, sighing and turning back to the kids.  

“You all know I can’t say no to you guys,” he said, getting up and stretching. 

Gon and Alluka’s faces lit up and they excitedly bounded into the kitchen with plans of making pancakes.  Killua continued leaning against the wall and yawned. 

“You know, that’s why he asked you and not Kurapika,” Killua said.  “Not that Pika would turn down making things easier on Aunt Mito and Great Grandma Abe, but, of the two of you, you are the pushover, Old Man.” 

Leorio ran a hand through his hair, yawning as he pointed toward the kitchen.  “I’m gonna go make sure Gon doesn’t mess up the pancakes,” he said, seemingly ignoring Killua’s remark.  

“You do that.  I’ll be right here, minding my business.” 

“Yeah, and about that,” Leorio said suddenly, swiveling around and bending so he was eye level with Killua.  “Kurapika’s in Leorio Grande? I know you came up with that.  Just wait, kid.  It’s coming.” 

And with that, Leorio straightened, jammed two fingers in the direction of his eyes and then directed them at Killua.  “I’m watching you,” Leorio mouthed before turning around and heading into the kitchen. 

Killua blinked and then turned to Kurapika, who was still sitting in the corner of the sofa with a very prominent blush and his hand still covering his mouth. 

“Who would have thought you’d get yourself a mans for Christmas,” Killua mused out loud.  “When’s Hallmark contacting you to make this into a movie?” 

Kurapika leapt off the sofa and breezed past Killua and into the bathroom, but not before whispering, “Right after they wrap up the movie about Jack Frost finally finding love.” 

Killua’s eyes widened slightly, and he turned with half a mind to drag Kurapika.  When he saw the flash of a genuine smile on Kurapika’s face before he entered the bathroom, Killua decided to drop the matter (for now) and leaned against the wall with a fond smile until Gon pulled him into the kitchen to help make pancakes.  

Focus. 

There were only two ways to go about this now.  

The first was to walk boldly out of the bathroom and properly confess to Leorio right there in the kitchen.  Things hadn’t properly been discussed in the living room anyway, so this would tie up the loose ends, right?  He’d even get himself a mans for Christmas, as Killua had just said.  The issue with that was how risky it was, not to mention incredibly embarrassing, considering Gon, Killua, and Alluka were probably in the kitchen too.  Kurapika doubted he’d ever be able to look any of them in the eyes if he made such a bold move. 

The second would be to bolt out of the bathroom and escape out of the nearest window.  He’d fake his death in the most intricate way and alter his appearance - maybe grow some facial hair and dye his hair an outrageous color.  No one would suspect he was still Kurapika if he had purple hair and a mustache.  He could even hide right under their noses for the next 20 years.   

He glanced at his reflection again and entertained the second option for a moment before moaning audibly and dragging a hand down his face. 

“A mustache would age me so many years,” he lamented. 

He knew his only actual option was to go out and properly confess to Leorio, now that he knew it wasn’t a farce on either side.  As anxious as he was at the moment, he couldn’t help but feel giddy about his feelings being reciprocated.  He had a feeling they were, but he’d always chalked it up to him hoping for the best.  Still though, there were more than a few instances Kurapika found himself wondering (for nights at a time) whether the gleam in Leorio’s eyes or the tenderness in his voice was actually there or something he’d imagined.  And now he knew it was absolutely not an imagination. 

Leorio’s feelings were genuine, and Kurapika was in way too deep. 

His thoughts were in complete chaos, so rather than thinking about Leorio’s heartfelt words and confession, Kurapika found himself drifting to the pictures of Leorio’s arms.  Damn Killua for sending so many of them at different angles.  He was sure his cheeks were a deep red now, and he started to grow impatient with himself.  Kurapika let out an uncharacteristically loud huff as he yanked the faucet toward the cold setting to splash his face with some water.   

Not that it did anything to help with the blush, though it did calm his thoughts down a bit.  Instead of feeling like the walls were closing in on him, he was able to breathe freely and think clearly.  

The most important realization out of all of this was that, for at least five years, they’d been toeing around and pining over each other.  This also meant that there was some substance to what Killua and Gon had been saying all this time.  He’d never doubted the slightest bit of substance if both of them seemed to agree, but he’d suspected the two of them, Killua especially, were prone to matchmaking for the sake of it. 

Kurapika sighed, letting his bangs fall in front of his eyes once more and fluffing his hair around his face.  Since more time had passed, the blush on his cheeks wasn’t as apparent as before.  Still, though, his hair helped draw the attention away from the blush and one could never be too careful around Leorio (or worse, Killua and Gon).  

When he stepped out of the bathroom, he saw no one was in the living room but could hear several hushed voices coming from the kitchen.  Leorio was easily the loudest, having never learned what the words “inside voice” meant.  It almost brought a smile to Kurapika’s lips. 

Most of the hushed yelling seemed to be coming from Killua, and it was directed at Leorio.  Upon entering the kitchen (which was surprisingly just as pristine as they left it after dinner), it was very obvious what the hushed yelling was about. 

Leorio and Killua were literally butting heads over whether they should make pancakes or waffles for breakfast.  From the bits and pieces Kurapika was able to make out, it seemed like Killua wanted waffles for the sake of wanting them, while Leorio barked about how pancakes were part of the “Traditional Paladiknight Holiday Breakfast.” Neither seemed likely to agree with the other any time soon.  

“I don’t know what I expected,” Kurapika said pinching the bridge of his nose.  

He glanced around the kitchen, having noticed Alluka and Gon were absent and silent.  There was no concern for Alluka, as she was adept in the kitchen, but under no circumstances was Gon ever allowed to be alone in the kitchen.  Fortunately the two of them were standing by the stove, chatting about their favorite part of the holidays while preparing the mix for waffles and pancakes.  

Kurapika let out a dry laugh under his breath, turning back to Leorio and Killua.  Since Gon and Alluka already started taking care of breakfast, the only logical thing left to do now would be to break up the fight and assign additional tasks.  Now there were two ways he could go about this.  The first would be to sternly tell Killua that Gon and Alluka were already working on breakfast while he and Leorio were arguing.  The other would be to sass Leorio for picking a fight with a 17 year old over waffles and pancakes.  

The decision wasn’t so hard to make. 

“I’m glad the only two adults besides myself are taking care of breakfast. Maybe Gon needs to make more pancakes,” Kurapika wondered out loud.  “Leorio’s a growing child.  Imagine picking a fight with a 17 year old.”  Kurapika took the silence as his chance to brush between Leorio and Killua to warm up the coffeemaker.  He had his back to the both of them, but the kitchen was still silent and he was willing to bet that Leorio’s mouth hung open.  “Couldn’t be me,” he sighed loudly.  

It was silent for a split second before Leorio, quite literally, shattered the sound barrier before Kurapika popped the lid of the coffeemaker open.  

“What the hell, Kurapika!” Leorio all but shrieked in a voice several octaves higher than his own.  

Killua snickered to himself before joining Alluka and Gon.  “9-1-1, I’d like to report a murder,” he said under his breath.

Kurapika paid no mind to Killua’s comment, choosing to busy himself with spooning coffee into the coffeemaker, ignoring Leorio’s eyes on him.  When he turned to pour water into a cup to pour it into the coffeemaker, he felt a rush of wind beside him.  Leorio was still staring at Kurapika, mouth agape. 

“You know it’s true, and that’s why you’re offended,” Kurapika said. 

“But did you have to say it like that?” Leorio spluttered.  “Whose side are you on?” 

“I shouldn’t have to tell you to act your age,” Kurapika responded, pressing the start button on the coffeemaker.  “Gon and Alluka have already started making pancakes and waffles because, unlike you and Killua, they know the meaning of the word ‘compromise.’” 

“You’re doing that thing again.” 

“What thing?” Kurapika asked absently, pulling the carton of eggs out of the refrigerator. 

“The thing you do when you don’t want to talk about something.  You know, the thing we spent all night talking about?” 

Kurapika sighed softly, blowing the stray hairs away from his eyes.  He glanced over his shoulder at the kids, relieved to see that they were too engrossed in their own conversation to pay attention to what was going on on the other side of the kitchen.  When Kurapika turned back to Leorio, he blinked a few times, not expecting Leorio’s gaze to bore so deeply in him.  He handed Leorio the egg carton, momentarily startling Leorio long enough to break the gaze. 

“Get started on the eggs, so it doesn’t attract their attention.” 

“Are you ashamed?” Leorio asked shrewdly. 

“Leorio, I have an entire group chat where pictures of your arms were hoarded, and you know about it now,” Kurapika said through pressed lips.  “There is very little I have left to be ashamed of.” 

Leorio didn’t make a single sound after that, but he seemed to be pleased with himself. “So back to where we left off-“ 

“Ah, wait,” Kurapika interrupted.  “I have one last question.” 

“You said you asked all of them already!” 

“We got interrupted, remember?”

It wasn’t an entire lie. They did get interrupted, and Kurapika was going to ask his last question.  It just so happened that the way their conversation was progressing, he would not have been surprised if an impromptu makeout session was squeezed between the confession and the last question. 

Leorio beat the eggs in a bowl, groaning audibly and turning away from the stove.  “If it’s another question I’m going to have trouble answering-“ 

“Why did you leave the group chat the morning after the holiday party?” 

Leorio stopped beating the eggs for a moment, and it was almost silent in the kitchen, meaning Killua, Gon, and Alluka were most likely listening (as hard as they tried to occupy themselves).  Kurapika was very aware of the sudden silence and felt an uncomfortably prickling warmth spread across the back of his neck as he laughed softly.  “Uh, we can wait to talk about that in private, if you want?” 

Leorio resumed beating the eggs as if nothing had happened and gruffly shook his head.  Kurapika watched him balance the bowl in his other hand so he could add seasoning and a little milk to the eggs.  “It’s fine.” 

Kurapika was about to protest when Leorio shook his head.  “They already know.  You’re not the only one who has a group chat with them, you know.” 

Kurapika watched Leorio continue to beat the eggs, blinking only when Leorio set the bowl down on the counter to wave a hand over the pan and then move onto chopping green peppers, onions, and mushrooms.  The kids had turned back to making pancakes, leaving Kurapika to his own thoughts before Leorio’s voice interrupted them. 

“It’s a dumb reason,” Leorio admitted, the tips of his ears tinged pink.  He steadily chopped the vegetables and then slid them into the hot pan, letting them cook until the onions were translucent.  

“I don’t know,” he said with a shrug, moving the vegetables around with his spoon.  “I’ve never really...reacted well to bad news when it’s written out.” 

“Bad news?” Kurapika asked, blinking.  “What do you mean bad news?” 

“Kurapika, don’t,” Leorio said with a dry laugh.  

“I’m being serious.”

“What, do you want to be humiliated in a group chat with your best friends?  And then outed on a crush you’ve had for years?” 

“Oh.  That.” 

It was silent between them while Leorio poured the beaten eggs in with the vegetables, and Kurapika couldn’t help but feel anxious about the way the conversation was turning out but Leorio handed him a dish filled with scrambled eggs. 

“It’s done, it’s in the past,” Leorio said swiftly.  “Things weren’t what they seemed anyway, so it’s okay,” he added with a wink.  “Can you take those to the table and cover them with something? I think Gon left the AC on.  The food’s gonna get cold.” 

Kurapika did as he was told, feeling the apples of his cheeks warm ever so slightly at Leorio’s wink and how quickly and smoothly Leorio changed the subject.  He muttered curses to himself the entire walk out of the kitchen, barely noticing Alluka setting up the plates and mugs.  

“Looks like things are going well with Leorio-san,” Alluka said with a grin, looking between Kurapika’s flustered expression and Leorio’s turned back.  

Kurapika coughed softly, waving his hand.  “Oh, Alluka, I didn’t see you there.  You know, you don’t have to call him Leorio-san.  That’s just a joke.” 

“I know,” she said cheerfully.  “But it only helps my case.” 

“Your case?” 

“Being Leorio’s favorite.” 

Kurapika’s eyes widened slightly, but he found himself laughing at Alluka’s smile.  “Leorio does have a soft spot for you along with Killua and Gon.  I suppose feeding into his ego would get you brownie points.” 

Whatever Alluka was going to say was cut off by music playing at full volume in the kitchen.  Kurapika turned around in horror, glancing at the clock which read7:57 a.m.and then at Leorio, Killua, and Gon. 

Gon looked apologetically at everyone, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous laugh.  “Sorry about that, guys.  I forgot to make sure the volume was down.” 

“I don’t think that was loud enough, Gon,” Killua said seriously.  “The people in Cambodia might have wanted to hear ‘Despacito' coming from your kitchen.” 

“Shut the hell up,” Gon said.  “I didn't know the volume was going to be that high!”

"You would have played it that loud anyway."

“How dare you? I deserve to listen to ‘Despacito' loud enough to shatter every window in the neighborhood."  

Killua stared at Gon for a second with his mouth agape.  “Honestly, you’re a lost cause.” 

Gon ignored Killua and started singing along to the lyrics, and Killua sighed to himself but if Kurapika looked closely he would be able to spot a dust on the apples of Killua’s cheeks.  If he was really watching, he would have noticed the ends of Killua's mouth twitch up as if he was repressing a smile.  Kurapika smiled lightly to himself.  

Killua was too obvious and Gon was too oblivious. 

The smile quickly disappeared when a voice that was a little too loud and a little too deep join in with Gon.  From the volume alone, it wasn’t difficult to tell it was Leorio.  Leorio wasn’t the greatest singer, but he wasn’t bad either; he was just loud.  But after the near confession in the living room, Kurapika couldn’t help himself from blushing lightly and turning away to conceal a half smile.  It didn’t help that what Leorio lacked in tone, he made up for with his crisp pronunciation. 

The man’s Spanish accent was coming out on Christmas Eve, and it was yet another thing that was too much for Kurapika.  

“Leorio, you’re not that bad!” Gon said between verses.  “You should sing more often!” 

“You really think so?” Leorio asked before Killua could elbow Gon for suggesting it.  

Thus began Leorio’s quest to somehow sing even louder than before. Even though Kurapika found he had to (loudly) hush Leorio and Gon, he couldn’t help but smile at the setting and the warm feeling it gave him.  He glanced over his shoulder to see how Killua was faring with Gon singing and was instead met with Alluka’s sly smile.  She tilted her head toward the dining room and Kurapika understood almost immediately.  All of this was too much for Killua so he busied himself with other tasks. 

Breakfast was ready within 15 minutes of their impromptu karaoke session, and Leorio was left consoling Gon that they would karaoke again later in the day.  Gon seemed to cheer up at the thought of everyone singing in the living room around the tree with a mug of eggnog in hand and trampled out of the kitchen to help set the table with Killua. 

“I am not singing,” Kurapika said once he was sure Gon was out of earshot. 

Leorio pursed his lips, unable to hide the smile tugging at his lips.  “C’mon, Crapkah,” he teased.  “You actually sound decent.  You and Killua both actually." 

Both Killua and Kurapika started protesting under their breath, continuing with their tasks.  Gon had returned from the dining table to hear Leorio pay Killua’s voice the compliment and nudged him with a sly smile.   

"C'mon, Killua," said Gon.  "You do sound good!  You normally sing louder than that, though."

Leorio took a break from teasing Kurapika to raise a suggestive eyebrow at Gon's words and Killua's blushing face.  Kurapika looked up just in time to see Killua’s cheeks turn a light pink.  Killua darted out of the kitchen with placemats, stammering something about not knowing how to sing.  Gon, seemingly oblivious, followed Killua out of the kitchen with a platter of waffles asking how someone could possibly not know how to sing. 

Leorio and Kurapika were still watching Killua blush and stammer from where they stood in the kitchen. 

“That kid has it so bad for Gon,” Leorio said under his breath.  “It’s a wonder Gon hasn’t seen it yet.” 

Kurapika watched them a bit more carefully while preparing a tray with the coffee pot, sugar, and milk.  “It may be more that Gon just doesn’t see Killua that way.” 

“Dude, there is no way it’s not mutual! You see the way he looks at Killua sometimes.” 

“And what about it?” Kurapika asked.

“Well, y’know,” Leorio said with a pause.  He scratched the back of his neck, laughing nervously. 

“Go on,” Kurapika said, raising an eyebrow.  “What do I know?” 

“Well…those are the looks I’d give you.” 

“Oh.” 

Kurapika fell silent after hearing Leorio, a blush of his own tinting his cheeks.  There was no way they could get away with not having a proper conversation about what to do now, post-confession (if Kurapika could make it that far), but he still couldn’t get used to the idea that Leorio had a crush on him for the last five years and he just didn’t see it. 

“Anyways,” Leorio said briskly, interrupting Kurapika’s thoughts.  “It’s obvious on Killua’s side, so I’m a little curious that Gon hasn’t said anything.” 

“It’s because they’re going to tiptoe around each other for the rest of their lives,” Alluka said exasperatedly cutting into the conversation. 

Leorio and Kurapika looked up at Alluka who’d finished up the pancakes and was now leaning against the counter with the platter of pancakes and a bottle of syrup next to her. She glanced out of the doorway of the kitchen to see Gon laughing with Killua, who was significantly more relaxed than when he’d been in the kitchen.  She turned back with a renewed sense of confidence, evident in her sparkling eyes and clenched fist. 

“Alluka-“ Kurapika began. 

“Onii-chan and Gon are tiptoeing around each other, and that’s going to change tonight.” 

Kurapika stared at Alluka for a moment, and he knew from the look in her eyes that Alluka wouldn’t go through with something she wasn’t positive of.  He glanced at Leorio for the extra bit of confidence in his decision only to see Leorio’s eyes matching Alluka’s in the way they sparkled.  Kurapika sighed with a chuckle. 

“What’s going to change that?”   

Kurapika watched Leorio adjust the mistletoe above the sofa next to the tree.  Leorio seemed to be muttering to himself about Alluka’s plan.  Her plan, though very basic in nature, was sneaky and neither Leorio nor Kurapika would have expected something like this to come from her. 

“Honestly, at the rate Killua and Gon are going,” Kurapika said suddenly.  “It’s not entirely surprising that she wants to set them up already.  They’ve been going back and forth for years now” 

Leorio finally got the mistletoe hanging comfortably but inconspicuously.  He admired his handiwork for a minute before glancing over his shoulder at Kurapika.  

“Reminds me of someone I know” Leorio said airily. 

Before Kurapika could blush and fire back, Alluka clapped her hands at the sight of the mistletoe.  

“This is perfect, Leorio-san!” She exclaimed.  “Of course, it’s only going to work if Onii-chan is under the mistletoe.” 

“Why do you say that?” Leorio asked. 

“Because I know my brother,” she said exasperated.  "If Gon is under it, there’s no way Onii-chan is going to kiss him.” 

Kurapika nodded, tapping his chin while looking up at the mistletoe.  He glanced over his shoulder to make sure neither Gon or Killua were in earshot.  “That makes sense,” he agreed. 

“Speaking of,” Alluka said trailing off. 

Leorio and Kurapika turned to Alluka when she said nothing else.  Kurapika raised an eyebrow at the strange smile on her face and was about to question her when he noticed her gaze was in Leorio’s direction.  He followed her gaze to- 

“Oh, look at that!” She said cheerfully, backing away from the two of them.  “Leorio-san is under the mistletoe!” 

Leorio’s gaze snapped to the mistletoe, which was, indeed, above his head.  At once, his cheeks colored and he laughed nervously rubbing the back of his head. 

Kurapika noticed the timing was too good, and there was no reason for him to have joined Leorio in the living room like Alluka insisted.  He put the pieces together and found himself almost laughing at the situation.  He glanced up at Leorio, who was still standing under the mistletoe, looking panicked as ever.

“Kurapika, you don’t have to-“ 

Kurapika, for whatever reason, felt bold enough to cut Leorio off by reaching for his tie and pulling him down gently so they were level.  He could hear Leorio’s breath hitch and quickly leaned in so he could kiss Leorio’s cheek. Almost immediately, Kurapika released Leorio’s tie trying not to think about how nice his cologne was or how much nicer it was to feel stubble against his lips instead of just imagining it. His cheeks colored, and he put some distance between himself and Leorio. 

“That’s all you’re getting right now,” Kurapika warned.  “So don’t pull another stunt like this.” 

With that, he turned on his heel, not waiting for Leorio to stammer out an incoherent reply about how this wasn’t even his own stunt.  Kurapika took a deep breath on his way back to the kitchen to pour himself another cup of coffee.  It was already 8:30 a.m.,and it was his second cup.  

It really just be like that, huh. 

He reached the kitchen, thankful there was no one else there to question why he was blushing or why he was drinking more coffee.  A splash of milk later, Kurapika felt more like himself, almost enjoying the bit of teasing he’d done.  He would have leaned against the counter comfortably, replaying the memory if he didn’t hear Alluka giggle from the doorway of the kitchen. 

“I didn’t intend on that happening-” she admitted.  “-but I have to say, being Leorio-san’s favorite did come in handy eventually!” 

“Alluka, there was no guarantee it would have ended like that.  What if I just walked away?” 

“I might not be in the group chats, but I’m always watching… Kurapika’s in Leorio Grande.”  

Kurapika sighed into his mug, feeling the ends of his lips curl at her giggles.   

The rest of the day went off with considerably less surprises, if Kurapika could count the newfound nervousness between himself and Leorio the accompanying knowing look from Alluka less of a surprise.  At the very least, breakfast went smoothly, and Mito and Abe were pleasantly surprised by a full table and five beaming faces.  Most of the day was spent at the table, telling stories and joking.  

Kurapika took this time to adjust (and continue drinking coffee) to the events from the morning and his little mistletoe stunt.  Every so often, he felt himself smile down into his cup of coffee and a stifled giggle from Alluka made him purse his lips and fidget in his seat.  No one else noticed, thank god, but Killua was on his way as Alluka was giggling at his elbow. 

Alluka really was always watching.  

“Aunt Mito, can we let them in on our tradition?” Gon asked loudly, running into the living room. 

Leorio and Kurapika turned to Mito, about to ask when Killua answered.  

“What’s the point of opening just one present?” Killua asked, walking into the living room to join Gon.  “We’re going to open them all in a few hours anyway.”   

Kurapika glanced at Mito who looked on with a resigned smile.  He turned back to Leorio who was shuffling behind him and was about to offer his hand.  Upon remembering they were still among company, he stopped himself just in time and merely motioned toward the sofa where they’d spent most of the night before.  Kurapika could have sworn the tips of Leorio’s were turning pink but decided to pay no mind to it as he made himself comfortable.  

The two of them (Mito and Abe were watching from the dining table) watched Killua, Gon, and Alluka “play fight” over which present to open first.  The fight was slowly escalating with Alluka dropping the matter to try try to play peacemaker, though she had no luck.  Kurapika and Leorio were about to step in (and declare Alluka the one to be allowed to open her present first) when the doorbell rang. 

At once, all noise ceased and they turned in the direction of the noise. 

“Gon, do you have other friends that you invited?” Mito asked, getting up from her seat to answer the door. 

Killua turned to Gon.  “You didn’t invite Zushi, did you?” 

Gon smacked his forehead.  “Damn it, I should have! I don’t know who that could be…” 

“Oh, man, do you think it’s Bisky?” Killua moaned.  “Man, I’m dipping if it’s her.  There’s no way I’m going to be here if that hag invited herself over.” 

“Who’s Bisky?” Leorio asked loudly. 

Alluka clapped her hands together. “She’s one of Gon and Onii-chan's TA from when they had to repeat that math course over the summer!  She’s super nice, but Onii-chan calls her an old hag, and she drop kicks him every time.” 

“Good,” grumbled Leorio, crossing his arms.  “Someone gotta drop kick that kid into his place.” 

Kurapika stifled a laugh, finding it almost adorable how Leorio was mocking annoyance.  He quickly turned it into a cough when Leorio turned to him with an upraised eyebrow.  The apples of his cheeks started to feel a little warmer and his heart rate sped up when Leorio’s eyes softened ever so slightly and he uncrossed his arms.  

“Oh, my god! Kite!” 

Gon’s neck nearly snapped hearing Mito exclaim who was at the door.  He launched himself off of where he was sitting on the ground and bounded toward the door to greet Kite, who smiled down at Gon holding a large, half-wrapped box in his arms. 

“Kite!” Gon shouted, trying to bear hug him around the box. 

Kite laughed, putting the box down and properly hugging Gon.  

“Let me get a good look at you, kid,” Kite said, putting some distance between them.  “Wow, you got a lot taller since the last time I saw you.  More facial hair too. You shaving regularly now?” 

“I have to,” Gon said lightly.  “I look like a ruffian if I don’t.” 

Though he didn’t say it, everyone could tell the implication of looking like a ruffian was very much tied to how similar Gon and Ging were in appearance. Kite nodded understandingly and stood back up to his full height to glance around the house. 

“Your friends are all here?” Kite said, picking the box back up and walking into the living room.  “It’s always nice to have friends who are like family over for the holidays.  Now this box makes more sense.” 

“What is it?” Killua asked, squinting at the box.  

Kite put it down in front of Killua and Alluka.  “I apologize for opening it.  I couldn’t be too careful since it’s from your brother, but it’s safe.” 

Killua blinked and then grabbed the box to see the label.  “Oh, what the…when is Aniki going to leave us alone?” 

“Why would Illumi send a box to Gon’s house?” Kurapika asked, peering over their heads to get a good look at the box.  He leaned back in his seat with an exasperated sigh when he realized Gon, Alluka, and Killua weren’t going to move over any time soon. At that moment, though, he felt a hand close enough to his thigh that he shifted in his seat with a blush and glanced at Leorio, who was drawing his hand back with a sheepish smile. Though Leorio’s gaze was on the children, Kurapika knew Leorio was simply trying to gauge where they stood in their relationship now.

Against his better judgement and keeping his focus on anything but Leorio, Kurapika set his hand down on the sofa cushion and skimmed the fabric until his fingers bumped into Leorio’s.  Kurapika couldn’t be sure he heard right with all of the noise, but he was fairly positive the soft cough he just heard was from Leorio. Without saying another word, Kurapika leaned back in the sofa, fully intertwining his fingers with Leorio's.  At this point, Leorio looked back at Kurapika with what was possibly the softest and warmest smile Kurapika had ever seen in his life. He always knew Leorio had a great smile, one that would make anyone look twice and maybe even feel flustered, but this was the first time he found himself falling deeper and deeper into…well, whatever the feeling was because Kurapika was not ready to label it “love” just yet. 

“There’s a letter!” Gon shouted, interrupting Kurapika and Leorio’s little moment.  They both jumped, at the noise, suddenly seeing Gon holding up an envelope with a big, glittery pink foam heart glued on it. 

Gon attempted to slit the envelope open quickly but only managed to open about a quarter of it.  He looked at the mangled paper in his hands and sighed at it. 

“Would you all believe I’m graduating soon, and I can’t even open a damn envelope?” 

Before anyone could reassure him, Killua gingerly took the envelope out of Gon’s hands and slit it quickly, handing it back to him with a gentle smile that, when Kurapika thought back, looked suspiciously similar to the one that was on Leorio’s face just moments ago. 

“It’s okay, buddy,” Killua said patting his back. “Sometimes, it just be like that.” 

Gon’s face brightened quickly, taking the letter out. “You’re right, Killua.” 

“What does it say?” Leorio asked after a few minutes of silence. 

Gon scanned the letter for a few minutes before glancing at the contents in the box, looking confused.  “The box is from Hisoka, not Illumi.” 

“What? Then why did that fuck use Illumi’s address?” Killua said, dodging Alluka’s swift jab to the ribs at his language. 

Gon scanned the letter again.  “He says he had to because he’s banned from using the postal service...and then he drew six hearts.”

Leorio turned to Kurapika. “Can you actually be banned from using postal service?” 

Kurapika rubbed his temple and shut his eyes. “You can, and I don’t want to know what he did.”

Alluka reached into the box and pulled out a small white tub and read the label that was on the side.  “Why did Hisoka send you guys face masks?” She looked back into the box and pulled out a similar tub, but this one was a light blue.  “And moisturizer?” 

Kurapika sighed again, finally realizing the context of the gifts.  “One day he mocked all of us for not knowing proper skincare and looking…what was the word he used? Crusty?” 

“Speak for yourself,” Leorio said. “Do you think my skin looks this good without my nightly routine?” 

Killua glanced over his shoulder and gave Leorio a quick up-and-down before turning back to the box.  “You have a pimple on your forehead. Some whackass nightly routine you have there.” 

“What?” shrieked Leorio, ripping his hand out of Kurapika’s and sliding off the sofa. Kurapika rubbed his temple, but this time with an amused smile, not at all minding the near perfect view he now had of Leorio’s other assets as he was rifling through the box. 

“There gotta be something in here for breakouts. I can’t believe I have a pimple on my forehead,” Leorio whined.  “I thought adult acne was some capitalism bullshit.” 

“It’s not that noticeable, Leorio-san,” Alluka said kindly.  “But I think I saw something in the box that said ‘tea tree oil’ on it.” 

“Wait, you’re actually gonna use this stuff?” Killua asked Leorio, who immediately dove into the box looking for said product. 

“Uh, yeah,” Leorio said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.  “It’s free.” 

“And from Hisoka,” Killua reminded.  “We have every reason to not trust him.” 

“I don’t think he’d do something with the skincare products,” Gon said slowly.  “He cares a lot about skin-“ 

“Yeah, his own,” Killua interjected.  

“Isn’t that more of a reason to trust the products?” Alluka asked, looking back at the box.  “I recognize some of these.  They’re products he uses himself.” 

“Alluka, are you hearing yourself?” Killua shrieked.  “This is Hisoka we’re talking about! Who knows what kinda shit he could have put in the products.” 

“I’m not saying he’s innocent,” Alluka said a little peeved that he was missing her point.  “I’m just saying he uses these too.” 

“You’re implying he’s in the clear.” 

“You don’t have to use them.” 

“I’m not going to.” 

“Onii-chan, what was the point in arguing then?” 

“More for me, then,” Leorio interrupted, unceremoniously scooping almost all of the products into his arms.  “It’s free, and when I’m 40, I’m going to look 25 and all of you are going to look crusty and dusty.” 

“What if you already look 40, Old Man?” 

“You know what, Killua?” Leorio muttered, fumbling with the products to flip him off.  

While Leorio and Killua were arguing for the umpteenth time that day, Alluka and Gon noticed a slender blue bottle that was labeled coconut oil.  They both exchanged a worried look before Gon jerked his head toward Leorio and motioned at Alluka.  Kurapika caught the exchange, but didn’t understand what Gon was signaling until Alluka plucked the bottle out of Leorio’s arms, surprising Leorio and Killua enough that they ceased arguing. 

“Sorry about that,” Alluka said brightly.  “It’s just that it’s the coconut oil Aniki uses. It’s best no one uses that.” 

Killua stared at the discarded bottle for a minute before peering into the box again.  “Good catch, Alluka.  Hisoka is more trustworthy than Aniki, if you can believe that.  Then again, it’s better to not trust either of them. Just burn all of it, Leorio.” 

Kurapika sighed, drawing his knees to his chest and pulling his phone out of his pocket to check his emails.  “Give it up, Killua.  If Leorio hasn’t dropped the products by now he’s never going to.  Let him break out in hives.” 

“Kurapika, what the literal fuck? You really want my beautiful face to break out in hives?” Leorio asked shrilly,   “And I would totally trust Hisoka with skincare. That dude wears a pound of makeup every day, and have you ever seen him with a breakout? No? I didn't think so.” 

“I think," Alluka said loudly. "If Hisoka wanted to put something into the products, you would know.  It'd be easy to tell with the seals being broken." 

"I think not!" Killua declared.  "I'm not trusting that fu-" 

"I think!" Gon said in the loudest voice he could, thrusting a medium sized wrapped box into Killua's arms.  "You should open your present that's from one of us now." 

Gon glanced at Kurapika and Alluka and then tilted his head ever so slightly in Leorio's direction.  At once, the two understood his indirect signal to clean up Hisoka's package and focus on the presents that were already under the tree. Kurapika slid down from his seat on the sofa and gently pried the products out of Leorio's hands and tossing them back into the box.  When Leorio started to protest, Kurapika held Leorio’s hand just as he did before Kite arrived which gave Alluka the chance to push Hisoka's box well out of the way. Leorio glanced at the two of them and then Kurapika’s hand in his and decided this was a much better alternative.  Kurapika rolled his eyes at Leorio’s stupid grin and pulled him toward their spot on the sofa to watch Killua open the present he’d been handed.

"Who's this from, Onii-chan?" Alluka asked, trying to get a look at the label. 

Killua scanned the label quickly before groaning loudly.  "It's from Kurapika. Knowing him, he probably got me a planner because I don't plan accordingly." 

Kurapika narrowed his eyes at the back of Killua's head, resisting the urge to give him a swift kick because Leorio’s hand felt quite warm and nice in his own.  "You know, I really contemplated giving you a planner.  I should have." 

"Whatever, He-Man." 

"Killua, oh my god, just open the damn present before I regret-" 

"You got me Kimi No Na Wa on Blu-Ray?" Killua asked in a high pitched voice. 

"And Chocolate Robots," Kurapika pointed out. "You know, two of your favorite things." 

"When did I ever say I liked this movie?!" 

"Killua, you love Kimi No Na Wa!" Gon shouted, grabbing the DVD from him.  "Kurapika, did you get the idea from the time I snapped you Killua’s reaction to the entire thing?" 

"YOU WHAT?" Killua screeched.  "Gon, what the heck!" 

"I knew he loved this movie," Kurapika said smugly, leaning back into his seat.

Killua opened his mouth to continue protesting Kurapika's gift when Mito knelt beside him with a tray of eggnog and gestured for him to take a mug.  As he took a mug, however, Mito noticed the DVD in Gon's hands beside him and let out a merry laugh. 

"Whoever got Killua Kimi No Na Wa automatically wins best gift giver," Mito declared, walking toward Leorio and Kurapika with the tray.  

Kurapika let go of Leorio’s hand to grab them both a mug, still smiling smugly from Killua's first outburst.  He passed a mug to Leorio and took a sip of Mito's eggnog.  "Thank you for the compliment and the eggnog, Mito.” 

Mito gave Kurapika a knowing smile before turning away with her now empty tray.  Gon gave Killua a playful poke on the cheek before tilting his head in a way that he could properly see the other’s face.  

“Killua, you can cut the act now,” Gon said pursing his lips.  “It’s a good movie, and there’s nothing wrong with liking it.” 

Killua mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like an agreement before tucking the movie under his leg and ruffling his hair so it didn’t fall in his eyes. Kurapika watched him carefully, biting his lip when he saw Killua keep a hand by the movie.  At that moment, however, Alluka reached for a gift bag with colorful tissue paper in the pile and handed it to Kurapika.  

“Since you were the one who got Onii-chan his present, you get to open yours next!” She said cheerfully, sitting back down with her eggnog.  

Kurapika handed Leorio his mug before accepting the present from Alluka.  He glanced at the handwriting on the tag, feeling himself go red at the big block letters that could only belong to a doctor (or in this case, a med student). From Kurapika's reaction, Killua and Gon guessed that he'd gotten Leorio's gift to him; however, Leorio, being oblivious as ever, peered over Kurapika's shoulder to get a glimpse of the tag. 

"It's from you, dumbass," Kurapika said dryly. 

"Oh..." Leorio trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck with a nervous smile. 

Killua turned away before Kurapika finished unwrapping it.  "Honestly, knowing Kurapika, Leorio probably got him one of those thick books that Kurapika's always raving about on his mom blog." 

"Kurapika runs a mom blog about books that are thick with two c's?" Gon asked innocently. 

"Gon, I swear to God, I am going to deactivate your Twitter account." 

"I do not run a mom blog," Kurapika snapped.  He intended on punctuating his remark with a swift jab about Killua's own Twitter account when he pulled the tissue paper apart to reveal a relatively thick book, as Killua predicted, with pages lined in gold.  Kurapika pulled the book out of the bag, and saw the cover had a thick black border with a beautiful and colorful image of a city with a winding road.  On the winding road was a young man who seemed to look cheerful and even waving.  

Kurapika was completely speechless, letting his fingers trail over the gold and emblazoned words on the cover.  He was fully aware of his shaking fingers and the tension he’d just created in the room.  Truthfully, he’d expected Leorio to get him a book for Christmas, but he didn’t think it’d bethisone.  He knew it was a gamble on Leorio’s part, given his past with it, but instead of feeling the usual pangs of sadness whenever he saw the cover, he felt almost warm and nostalgic.  The same kind of nostalgic one felt when they were looking at a book they’d treasured nearly their entire life.  Kurapika felt sudden rush of gratitude toward Leorio for actually paying attention during their late night text exchanges. 

Finally, he was aware of the attention he was attracting with his silence, though it’d only been a minute or two.  He let out a nervous laugh, covering his mouth with one hand and putting the mug down on the coffee table next to him.  

"Hey, I didn't mean to offend you with the mom blog thing," Killua said hastily, breaking the silence. 

“No, it’s not that.  I just wasn’t expecting this book,” Kurapika said honestly. 

"The Adventures of D Hunter," Alluka read softly.  

“Kurapika, it’s okay,” Leorio said quickly.  “I still have the receipt and everything-“ 

“You will do no such thing,” Kurapika said firmly, holding the book close to him.  “This is one of the most thoughtful presents I’ve ever received.” 

“Isn’t this…” Gon started. 

“Yes, it’s one of my favorite books from when I was a kid,” Kurapika said, looking fondly at the cover.  “I had some bad memories associated with it, but one day I was talking to Leorio about it.  I said I wouldn’t mind owning it again.”

“I see why it means so much to you,” Alluka said, having connected the dots.

"It really does," Kurapika admitted.  "I didn't own a copy for a long time because I was afraid." He let a ghost of a smile appear on his face when he glanced down at the cover again.  "I didn't think Leorio was paying attention or that he'd actually get it for me for Christmas." 

"I had to," Leorio said firmly. "You said you were fine just looking at it whenever you went to the library, but I could tell you missed it." He scratched the back of his head.  "I don't know, something in me just said you needed to have your own copy again.  You’ve been sounding a lot better and happier too, but I was worried it'd be insensitive." 

"Never," Kurapika said softly.  "You're right; I did miss this book a lot.  I'm glad to have it for my shelf again.  And I'm sure Pairo is glad I have it too." 

"He is...I know he is.” 

Kurapika set the book aside to grab his eggnog and give it another long sip before tucking his hair behind his ear.  “You’re right,” he said softly with a smile. 

“The doctor's always right,” Leorio said patting his chest. 

Kurapika just barely dodged the package Killua tossed at Leorio.  Thankfully, Leorio was able to catch it without spilling any of his eggnog.  

“Dr. Gramps, stop patting your tiddies long enough to open your present.” 

Kurapika braced himself for another fight, but Leorio ignored Killua (for once) and scanned the present to see if there was a name card.  "Aw, this one's from you, buddy!" Leorio said grinning at Gon. 

Gon’s eyes lit up and immediately clamped his mouth shut, and everyone knew it was because he wouldn't be able to keep it a secret otherwise. They watched between Gon bouncing from his spot on the floor to Leorio reaching into the gift bag. 

"Seems kinda heavy..." Leorio said trailing off when he pushed the tissue paper out of the way. "Oh, this is amazing," he said with a chuckle.  He pulled a large mug in the shape of a prescription bottle out of the bag.  

"That's a big mug, Leorio," Killua commented. "It could probably hold as much coffee as the pot." 

"Speaking of the pot, there's more in the bag," Gon said quickly. 

Leorio blinked at Gon before reaching into the bag again to pull out a bag of coffee beans with a bright yellow bow on the corner.  "Oh my god, Gon! This is my favorite blend, too! How did you know?" 

Gon swiped a few times on his phone before proudly handing it to Leorio.  "I zoomed into a few of the pictures you sent to see if you had a preference." 

Leorio squinted at the screen.  "Dude, this is, like, Kurapika-level detective work.  I'm impressed.” 

Having heard his name, Kurapika was interested and leaned forward to tilt the phone toward himself.  The ends of his lips curved up seeing the same bag of coffee beans Leorio was holding, though the name was blurry, in the enlarged picture.  “That’s incredible, Gon,” Kurapika said sincerely.  “How did you figure it out though?  The name’s blurry.” 

“Don’t look at my search history,” Gon said quickly, pocketing his phone.  “My search history makes me sound like a 12 year old. 

“You wouldn’t say that if you saw Leorio’s search history,” Killua said loftily, twirling the edge of the DVD box against the floor.  

Leorio spluttered, unable to ignore Killua this time.  “What do you mean by that? How would you even know what my search history is?” 

“All of your passwords are the same, Leorio-san,” Alluka said. 

“What?! You too, Alluka? God, all of the Zoldycks are after me,” Leorio lamented.

Kurapika tapped his chin in mock thought.  “Maybe you also need a planner…you could write down all of your passwords in it and not immediately lose everything the day those two decide they’ve had it with you.” 

“Does it matter?” Leorio asked, slumping against the sofa.  “They’re Zoldycks,” he said, as if it justified having one, single password. 

Kurapika gave up before he gave himself a headache.

“Don’t worry about that, Leorio-san,” Alluka said quickly.  “Onii-chan wouldn’t dream of ruining your life or anything with it.” 

“Onii-chan could expose a certain Google Drive folder,” Killua muttered under his breath. 

“My life is over,” Leorio said. 

“Uh, Gon, maybe now is a good time to open your present,” Kurapika said, in an attempt to change the subject. 

"Alright, now it's my turn!" Gon said happily turning to the pile of presents on the ground.  He scanned the ones that were for him for a few minutes before selecting a small rectangular present with a smaller square attachment slapped to the front.  "Hey, this is from Killua!" Gon said upon sitting down between Alluka and Killua. 

The tips of Killua's ears turned red as Leorio, Kurapika, and Alluka gave him knowing and sly smiles that were unbeknownst to Gon.  

“Wait, how come you get to pick?” Killua asked.  “We were all handed our presents.” 

“My house, my rules,” Gon said tearing the attachment off first, which seemed to be separate from the rest of the present. 

Killua turned away, mumbling something more to himself than anyone in particular.  The remaining three watched Gon furrow his brow, tearing the paper off carefully to reveal a small box of earphones. The four of them turned to Killua, who'd been watching Gon from the corner of his eye. 

"You know, since you accidentally stepped on your old ones.  You use the same beat up ones ever since, and, well, now you don't have to." 

"Thank you, Killua!" Gon said, setting the earphones aside to give Killua a one-handed hug.  "Now I can listen to-" 

"Before you finish that sentence, open the other present," Killua said.  "The earphones will come in handy." 

Leorio and Kurapika exchanged confused looks while Alluka covered her mouth, having put the pieces together. 

"Good one, Onii-chan!" She mouthed behind Gon with a thumbs up.

Gon, however, stayed frozen with the present unopened. "No fucking way, Killua." 

"You're never gonna know unless you open it," Killua said laughing nervously. 

Leorio was about to speak up when Gon tore the paper at once and let out an earth shattering screech that had even Kite glancing over from the table. 

"SHUT THE FUCK UP, KILLUA, YOU DIDN'T!" 

"Oh, I did," Killua said with a cheeky smile. 

"What did he do?" Kurapika asked. 

"KILLUA!" Gon shouted waving the half-opened present.  Kurapika squinted to get a glimpse of what could have possibly caused Gon to shatter the sound barrier, but all he could see was that the gift was white with flecks of grey and black. 

"Onii-chan got Gon the most recent album by his favorite J-Pop group, Tohoshinki," Alluka explained. 

"Tohoshinki?" Leorio asked.  “I’ve never heard of them." 

“How have you never heard of them?!” Gon screeched.  “They’re Japan’s Best Boys!”

Kurapika, having finally gotten a better look at the album, frowned.  "It says TVXQ on the cover, though." 

"Listen, Kurapika, it says TVXQ, and the album is in Korean, but Tohoshinki is superior in every way," Gon said.  Then he hugged the album to his chest.  "But I'll support them no matter what because that's what they deserve." 

"Jeez, if this is you with only half the paper off, I'm gonna need earplugs for when you see which photo card you got," Killua joked. 

"I hope I got Yunho or Changmin." 

"Idiot, those are the only two members."

"I LOVE BOTH OF THEM EQUALLY, KILLUA. HOW DARE YOU?” 

“I’m going to go christen this mug before Gon shatters what’s left of everyone’s eardrums when he opens the album,” Leorio said holding up his new mug and the coffee grounds.  He was halfway to the kitchen when he suddenly remembered something and turned around. 

“Kurapika, do you want a cup?” 

Kurapika blinked and glanced at the eggnog in his hands.  “Oh, I really shouldn’t-“ 

“It’s okay, this mug is big enough. You can have some from me,” Leorio said cheerfully before disappearing into the kitchen. 

Kurapika coughed softly, drinking the rest of his eggnog in silence and ignoring everyone’s knowing looks at him.  “So, Alluka, it’s your turn to open a present,” Kurapika said, clearing his throat.

The knowing smile didn’t leave her lips, though she got up to select her present from the pile.  She picked one with little polar bears on the wrapping paper and sat down with it.  There was no name tag on the present, and she held it up for everyone to see. 

“Do any of you remember wrapping a present like this?” She asked. 

“Oh, this is from me,” Killua said happily.  “You’re going to love this, Alluka.” 

Alluka seemed very doubtful in Kurapika’s eyes, which he found amusing.  The calm, happy, and innocent image he’d had of Alluka was still there, but the little shady things she’d been doing all day and the look on her face had Kurapika struggling to keep a straight face. 

When she tore the wrapping paper off, she let out an excited shriek. “Choco-Robots and yo-yos!” She exclaimed, holding both out. 

“Yep,” Killua said, sliding over to sit by her.  “Got you the same ones I have.  I’ll teach you how to use them too.” 

“Onii-chan, this is the best!” 

Alluka’s genuine enthusiasm was too infectious for Kurpaika to not crack a smile. He didn’t think she would be entirely excited about receiving yo-yos for Christmas.  At the same time though, it was very obvious that she loved and admired Killua very much and wanted to be just like him. Not to mention, he was almost always playing with his own yo-yos.  The entire scene was endearing, and he wished Leorio was there to see it all. 

As if on cue, Leorio returned with his mug of freshly brewed coffee. He sat beside Kurapika, a little closer than before which the latter noticed.  

“What did Alluka get?” Leorio asked between sips. 

“Choco-Robots and the same yo-yos Killua has,” Kurapika said with a fond smile.  He glanced at Leorio out of the corner of his eye.  “How’s the coffee?” 

Leorio handed Kurapika the mug, and Kurapika graciously accepted but took a small sip.  When he tried to give it back, Leorio waved his hand. 

“Keep it for a little while.  I kind of made too much,” Leorio said laughing nervously. 

“I’m good,” Kurapika said, pulling Leorio’s hands out and handing the mug back.  “I drank too much today already. Maybe if you still have some left over and can’t finish it.” 

“Sounds like a plan,” Leorio said bringing the cup back to his lips as he turned toward Killua, Alluka, and Gon. “Wait, Killua, are you teaching Alluka how to use her yo-yos now?” 

Killua was performing a rather intricate trick with the yo-yos and handed them off to Alluka with a smile.  “No time like the present, right?” 

“I don’t think that’s-“ Kurapika began. 

Alluka attempted to replicate what Killua did with his hands, however, she’d miscalculated exactly how much force she needed to use.  One of the yo-yos slipped out of her hand and went sailing across the room. Thankfully it didn’t hit anyone, but it flew straight into Leorio’s mug and splashed coffee all over Leorio’s pants. 

Leorio stared at the growing stain on his pants and then glanced at Alluka who looked almost close to tears at what had happened.  Almost immediately, Leorio slid off his seat on the sofa to reassure her while holding his mug with a hand under the bottom so coffee wouldn’t drip onto the floor. 

“It’s okay, Alluka,” Leorio said gingerly.  “It was an accident.  No one’s hurt, which is the most important part.” 

Alluka sniffed, rubbing her eyes. “Leorio-san, I’m really sorry. You just made that coffee, and I ruined it-“ 

“No, ‘Lu, you didn’t ruin it.  If anything, you probably saved me. No one should be drinking so much caffeine this late.  It’s all okay.” 

Kurapika watched Leorio nod at Killua who took over while he went to rinse out the mug and let Alluka’s yo-yo dry, not to mention his own pants that needed to be changed.  Kurapika always knew Leorio was more adept at talking to children (and people in general) when they needed consoling, and he couldn’t help but be in awe at how swiftly and tactfully the situation had been handled. 

Alluka was most likely terrified of how Leorio would react given the nature of her parents. Kurapika felt a pang of guilt and regret that he wasn’t able to reassure Alluka.  Never mind in that moment, but were it to happen again, Kurapika would find himself in the same place. Unable to even think to speak. 

His communication skills definitely needed some work, but he’d known that for years. 

Within minutes, Leorio returned with a fresh set of pants and Alluka’s yo-yo. She’d been calmed down by Killua but still had her head bowed when Leorio returned.  Leorio knelt next to her and gave her a little nudge with his elbow, not saying anything until she glanced at him and then followed his gaze to the print of his pants. 

“Extra?” She asked.  “Like the gum?” 

“Nah, like your Onii-chan.” 

Even Kurapika had to stifle his giggles at the remark.  Alluka started giggling and glanced at Killua, who looked about ready to punch Leorio in the jaw had it not been for Gon being in the way and Alluka laughing.  At that, Kurapika remembered the mistletoe that Alluka had them put up in the living room.  

Perhaps he could orchestrate something to lift Alluka’s spirits as well. 

Killua and Gon weren’t too far from where the mistletoe was, and how they hadn’t notice it by now was beyond him.  He slipped from his seat on the sofa with his mug in his hands and took great care to bump into Killua at just the right angle and using a bit more force than necessary. 

His plan was nearly entirely based around the fact that bumping into Killua would send him under the mistletoe and Alluka would point it out. Gon, being the nearest person, would give him a nice little mistletoe smooch. 

As planned, Killua stumbled backward right under the mistletoe.  Kurapika turned around with an innocent smile on his face, holding the mug up.  “I’m so sorry, I only meant to take the mug to the sink.” 

“You shut the heck your mouth, Kate Gosselin.” 

Kurapika glanced past Killua, wondering why Alluka hadn’t made any comment as this was her master plan.  The issue was that because Killua had made such a loud outburst about getting bumped into it created a bit of a commotion with Leorio loudly telling him to quiet down, and Alluka had, once again, been thrown into the role of peacemaker.  

Essentially, Kurapika bumping into Killua had seemingly done more harm than good, and he was about ready to call it a night.  Surely, sooner or later Killua or Gon would make the first step. It wasn’t as if they needed to take it tonight with a simple mistletoe kiss. 

However, the one thing Kurapika hadn’t counted on was Gon.  When Killua had his outburst, it caught Gon’s attention.  He turned around and his eyes fell on Kurapika, who had been glancing at the mistletoe.  Putting the rest of the pieces together at that point wasn’t difficult. 

Killua was busy muttering curses under his breath, not noticing Gon was far closer to him than he usually was.  Killua fell silent (with Leorio still reprimanding Killua for his “poor manners”) as Gon cupped Killua’s face and leaned in to give him a kiss on each cheek; however, as Kurapika would realize later, each kiss was barely on his cheek and instead just barely missing Killua’s lips. 

Gon pulled away with a bright smile, seemingly oblivious to how the room had become completely silent, which only flustered Killua that much more. 

“You were under the mistletoe,” Gon explained pointing above Killua’s head. 

“What kind of-“ 

“And I’m really thankful for the present you got me.” 

“Well, that’s one way to show thanks,” Alluka said with a smile that earned her a glare from Killua. 

“You’re welcome, I guess,” Killua grumbled, sitting back down and reaching for his mug.  The contents of the mug were surely finished by now, Kurapika was sure, but it would certainly draw less attention to the blush that was rapidly spreading across Killua’s cheeks if he had a mug in front of his face.  Kurapika was content with the scene in front of him and turned to head into the kitchen.   

Just before he did, though, he caught Leorio’s sly smirk and the not-so-subtle “okay” sign he was making with his fingers. Kurapika shrugged with a sly smile of his own before putting his mug into the sink.

“You all look like you’re having so much fun,” Mito said to Kurapika as he was heading back.

Kurapika almost didn’t hear her; he was so focused on which passages he would show Leorio now that he had D Hunter with him. The thought, on top of Mito having to repeat herself, mottled his cheeks a bit and he let out a laugh, brushing his hair out of his eyes when he turned to respond to her.  

“Yeah, we are,” he said truthfully.  “Thank you so much for inviting us.” 

“Are you kidding? We would never dream of celebrating the holidays otherwise!” she said happily, propping her chin up on the heels of her hands.   

Kurapika followed her gaze, which fell on Gon and Killua. The pair were carefully opening Gon’s new album to see which photo card Gon had gotten. Or rather, Killua was tearing the plastic off gingerly, and Gon was bouncing from one foot to the other, clearly anxious to see which one he got. The sight gave Kurapika a laugh. 

“I’m sure Gon feels that sentiment, times ten.” 

“He deserves this,” Mito said softly with a smile.  “Anyways, you go join them. I’ve kept you here long enough.” 

The implications of Mito’s statement that Gon deserved to be surrounded by friends on Christmas were clear enough that Kurapika didn’t need to say anything more. He agreed with her; if there was ever a person who deserved a good time over the holidays, it would be Gon. 

Without another moment’s hesitation, Kurapika smoothly joined Leorio and Alluka in watching Killua tear the remaining plastic off. 

“You’re back just in time for Gon to shatter your eardrums again,” Leorio said with a laugh. 

Kurapika drew his legs to his chest, turning to Leorio with a genuine smile.  “I’d love nothing more.”  

Mito tore her gaze away from the group and leaned back with a sigh of relief. Kite turned to her with an amused smile.  “What? The kids were too much to handle?” 

“In a manner of speaking,” Mito said.  “Do you know how long Grandma and I have been waiting for Kurapika to notice Leorio was into him?” 

Kite glanced back at Leorio and Kurapika, finding himself grinning at the two sitting on the sofa.  Kurapika sat cross-legged across from Leorio, showing him all of his favorite passages in his new book. 

“It’s about time,” he said. “How long has it been? Three years?” 

“Five!” Mito exclaimed.  “And we’re probably going to have to wait even longer for Gon to realize Killua’s been head over heels since they met.” 

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” Kite said leaning back in his chair.  “Gon’s a little clueless sometimes, but I doubt he’d kiss Killua like that if he didn’t at least entertain the idea.”  

Mito looked deep in thought before nodding slowly to herself and then laughing softly.  “I’m surprised he noticed the mistletoe. I didn’t even notice it until I saw Alluka looking at it every so often.” 

Kite leaned back in his chair with a shrewd smile.  “All of them were looking at it.  They’re all painfully obvious.  It would have been sad if Gon didn’t notice.”  He glanced at the group again, chuckling to himself when Gon squealed at his photo cards and gave Killua a one-handed, bone-crushing hug.  "I hope Killua knows what he’s getting into.” 

“I don’t think Killua’s got much of a choice.” 

10:32 p.m. 

[Good Pacha Shit]

leorio grande:  ok like……..

leorio grande:  have any of u actually used the stuff hisoka nd illumi sent 

Crapkah:  I thought we agreed not to trust them. 

Jajanken:  omg leorio did u use them 

sk8erboi:  I’m not coming to your fucking funeral 

leorio grande:  LISTEN THEYRE GOOD AND FREE FUCK OFF 

Crapkah:  Which one did you use? 

leorio grande:  the anti stress mask 

leorio grande:  [spa night.jpg] 

sk8erboi:  Oh my god put that thing away there are children here

leorio grande:  ITS JYST MY FSCE 

sk8erboi:  AND THERE ARE CHILDREN HERE

Jajanken:  omg its bright blue

Jajanken:  how does it feel leorio 

Crapkah:  Flattering. 

leorio grande:  I still look fine Kurapika don’t LIE to me like this  

sk8erboi:  Ew are you guys gonna be flirting in the main chat now that you’re together 

sk8erboi:  Do that in private u nasties 

Jajanken:  its kinda cute 

Jajanken:  its abt goddamn time 

Jajanken:  DO U KNWO HOW LOGN KILLUA AND I AHVE WAITED 

Crapkah:  I hope that mask turns your face blue. 

leorio grande: i 

sk8erboi:  HES BACK 

Crapkah:  Yes, I left for a bit and made some tea after seeing... whatever that was.  

Jajanken:  kurapika pls 

leorio grande:  BAB U PLS 

Crapkah:  Leorio, you’re getting dragged x10 harder now that I don’t need to hold back. 

leorio grande:  o

leorio grande: o my go d u were holding back???

leorio grande: oh it's all over now

sk8erboi:  Holy shit YES THIS IS WHAT IM HERE FOR 

Jajanken:  omg more scrapbook pages let mw fire up my rpinter

Jajanken: *printer

Crapkah: One more word you misspelled, Gon.

Jajanken: u see

Jajanken: all of u kno what i meant

Jajanken: [crying hearts.png]

leorio grande: ur so right buddy

sk8erboi:  Gon weren’t you going to show Mr. and Mr. Lame Ass your scrapbook over the holidays 

leorio grande:  wow ive been demoted from dr. gramps to mr. lame ass 

[sk8erboi changed ‘leorio grande’ to ‘Dr. Gramps’]

sk8erboi:  Happy? 

Dr. Gramps: fuck u 

Jajanken:  DAMN I T I KNEW THERW WSS SOMETHINF I WAS FORGETTING

Crapkah:  Omg no, I'm sorry Gon. I would've reminded you if I remembered myself. 

Crapkah:  Wait, Mr. and Mr. Lame Ass? 

Crapkah:  I am NOT a Lame Ass, Killua, take that back. 

sk8erboi:  Nah you’re not but your man is 

Dr. Gramps:  sdlfjlasjdflkls ARE YOUO KISDING ME LEAVE ME WLAONE

Crapkah:  Do not test me, Killua. I have not left being petty in the previous year. 

Crapkah:  Need I remind you I still have things on you. 

Jajanken:  ya whats that abt ?? 

Jajanken:  what does kurapika have on u killua

sk8erboi:  Nothing I haven’t already told you : )

Dr. Gramps:  now that’s just sad 

Jajanken:  ?????????????????

Jajanken:  wot does that M EAN 

Jajanken:  KILLUA

Jajanken:  KURAPIKA 

Jajanken:  I KNOW U ALL R STILL HERE 

Jajanken:  IM GONNA GET ME OWN DITR ON ALL OFU 

Jajanken:  THNE ULL ALL LEARN 

leorio grande:  what’re u gonna do buddy? find out who menchi and leroute are? 

Jajanken:  TRU ME LEORI O 

Dr. Gramps: omg 

sk8erboi:  Oh danm

sk8erboi: Reel it in, Gon-san

Dr. Gramps:  Gon-san??

Crapkah:  Oh, god, I think Alluka told me about this. 

Jajanken:  IMMW SOS ICK OF NOT KNOWING ANYTHIGN ANS IM GONAN CHAGEN THAG 

sk8erboi:  I SAID REEL IT IN ITDIOT

sk8erboi:  BEFORE YUO DESTORY ANOTHER LIBRARY

Dr. Gramps: ASLDFJLSDFLKJDF ANOTHER??

Dr. Gramps: HELLO?

sk8erboi: HE DSESTORYED ANIKI'S LIBRARY LAST STME

Dr. Gramps:  WERE KDDNG BUDDY I WAS KIDDNIG 

Jajanken:  [I WON’T HESITATE BITCH.png] 

Crapkah:  Oh dear. 

Jajanken:  YA OH DEAR 

Crapkah:  [mouth open.png] 

[Tea™ on Jack Frost Lookin’ Headass] 

sk8erboi:  LOAK WHAT UOU FUCKJNG STARTE D KURAPKA 

sk8erboi: Oh my god let me change the name I don't want to see anything related to that mess.

[sk8erboi changed the group chat name to 'The Senior Citizens']

sk8erboi: Ya much better

Dr. Gramps: uno that includes u right

sk8erboi: Good point

[sk8erboi changed the group chat name to 'The Senior Citizens and Killua']

sk8erboi: Much better

Dr. Gramps: shut the hell up

Crapkah:  You guys, I'm actually concerned about Gon.

Crapkah: Like, he's going to be okay, right?  

Dr. Gramps:  wait should I be worried that he’s gonna find out who leroute and menchi are 

Crapkah:  Leorio, you entire idiot, that is not the point. 

Dr. Gramps:  nice 

Dr. Gramps:  an entire idiot rather than a partial idiot 

sk8erboi:  HES MAD DO YOU KNOW HOA SCARY GON S WHEN HES MAD

Crapkah:  No, but if he destroyed Illumi’s library…

Dr. Gramps:  how does that even happeN? what was he mad about? 

sk8erboi:  Hisoka’s stupid ass was talking about brute strength or some shit idk but he looked at Gon and was like  “oh this one isn’t even worth my time yet he can be stronger” in that silly ass French accent

sk8erboi: Actually uno what that's another reason aniki has bad taste. Hisoka isn't even French which means that accent is so forced

sk8erboi: Also who respects the French

Dr. Gramps: who respects hisoka

Crapkah: Points.

sk8erboi:  Anyways, Gon’s fuckign STUPID and he was like “ARM WRESTLE” and Hisoka was like “oh no you need to train I’m not going to fight all willy nilly” 

Crapkah:  Why did Gon listen to Hisoka? 

sk8erboi:  I DONT FUCKIN KNOW OKA Y HISOKA WOULDNT FIGHT HIM AND GON WENT ON A RAMPAGE IN ANIKI’S LIBRARY 

sk8erboi: I swear to god Gon turns into a different person when it comes to fights like . He does not like being perceived as a weakling

sk8erboi:  But yeah Hisoka’s ugly face was back and he was like “o what marvelous damage you’ve done here” and finally agreed to arm wrestle Gon 

Dr. Gramps:  and? 

sk8erboi:  Gon had a lead at first but then Hisoka beat him pretty easily. He keeps saying Gon almost beat him and is looking forward to a rematch. I keep telling Gon not to talk to him but he won't FUCKING LISTWN

Crapkah:  Wait, didn’t you say Gon's only been to your house once?

Dr. Gramps: holy shit r u telling me that clown ruined everything? how is gon in contact even with hisoka?

Dr. Gramps: like how would hisoka know when gon is a "worthy opponent" whatever the fuck that means

sk8erboi:  HISOKA F O L L O W S HIM ON TWITTER

sk8erboi:  AND GON HASNT BOLCKED HIM BC HES IDIOT  

Crapkah:  Easy with the affection, Killua. 

sk8erboi:  GON JSUT DOESNT GIVE A FUCJ ABOUR HIS OWN LIFE MAN HES STUIPD 

Dr. Gramps:  wow

Dr. Gramps: imagine

Dr. Gramps: loving someone

Crapkah:  Shut your mouth, Leorio. 

Dr. Gramps:  who has no regard whatsoever 

Dr. Gramps:  for his own life 

sk8erboi:  YOU FEEL ME DR. GRAMPS 

Dr. Gramps:  been feeling u for 5 yrs but nice of u 2 notice

Crapkah:  Unbelievable. 

sk8erboi:  AND WHEN THYE INSIST THEYRE OKSY WHEN THEYRE LITERALKY BLEEDING 

Dr. Gramps:  or have appendicitis and decide it’s “ok” bc they’ll go after their exam 

sk8erboi:  HALF THIER ORGANS ARE COMIGN OUF BUR THEYRE LIEK YA IM FINE 

Dr. Gramps:  and u just wanna sMACK them to the next galaxy

Dr. Gramps: wait what’s this about organs coming out 

Dr. Gramps:  killua 

sk8erboi:  Post Aniki library smackdown 

Dr. Gramps:  oh tru 

sk8erboi:  Tbh with your guns you probably could smack Sir Appendicitis to the next galaxy 

Crapkah:  Anyways, I guess I'll leave you to this and go do my research. 

Dr. Gramps:  oh tahnks that would be great

Dr. Gramps: make sure u eat properly and stay hydrated while u work bb

Dr. Gramps:  love u 

Crapkah:  Fuck off. 

sk8erboi:  [applause.gif]

sk8erboi:  Relationship goals

Crapkah: I hope whatever stupid show you're watching gets spoiled.

sk8erboi: Jokes on you

sk8erboi: Gon is my best friend

sk8erboi: EVERY show has been spoiled for me < 3

sk8erboi: You literally can't hurt me

Dr. Gramps: imagine we find ur twitter < 3 what then

sk8erboi: You wouldn't be able to < 3

Dr. Gramps: ok

Dr. Gramps: but imagine if we did

sk8erboi: Leorio shut the hell up

Crapkah: [@kiminonawastills.png]

Dr. Gramps: HEWEJRWEH HE SAID DIS U

sk8erboi: I hate this fuckgn family