"I've placed Basho with your brother Luzurus. Hanzo with your sister Momoze. Biscuit was hired by your mother to protect Momoze's brother Marayam. Prince Tyson and Kacho respectively hired my teacher Izunavi and my friend Melody. And I will protect Woble. That is, unless you would prefer to hire me." Kurapika stood in your doorway giving you the low down of what had happened. It all sounded well and good to you, except the fact that you hadn't hired a single guard.

"No, no. Stay with Woble. She's just a baby. I can certainly protect myself. I'm technically around the same age as Kacho and Fugetsu and they can take care of themselves. So why can't I?" You leaned against your beast, causing Kurapika to give you a baffled look. To him, it was as if you were leaning against thin air.

"We leave in the next two days. Are you sure that you are not going to want assistance? I can find someone for you. I can help you." He looked into your eyes, almost pleading. "This is going to be a lot bloodier than you think."

You looked behind him and scanned the hallways, before pulling him into your room, closing the door behind him.

Slightly shaken, Kurapika straightened his clothes before blushing.

"Do you think I do not realize that? But I stand by my word. I will have to be dragged into this fight kicking and screaming. I do not want to be Emperor. I want to simply enjoy my life. And the first step of that is this." You stepped close to him and before you could rethink your decision, or allow your beast to scold you too severely, you placed a chaste kiss on Kurapika's lips.

But before he even recognized what had happened, it was over. Heck, Kurapika had hardly been able to close his eyes before the sensation had ended.

"W-What was that for?" He stuttered.

"You are so serious sometimes." You smiled as you wiped your lips off. "I feel as though this may be some of the last instances of privacy we may have. That is, unless you can bring yourself to abandon my cute baby sister to make your way to my private room on the Black Whale..."

"Do not tempt me." He smiled just a bit. "I am a loyal bodyguard and I value my work highly. Plus, I know for a fact that your Brother is taking what is mine with him on the boat. So my work will continue there as well."

"So, you won't visit me at all then?" You stuck your lower lip out and walked closer to Kurapika, dragging your fingers down his arm, naughtily. "Not even... once? What about all of those... piercings?"

He shivered in delight. Oh, he loved your personality alright.

"Do you want to see another three right now?" He asked quietly.

"Yes." You breathed out lightly.

"Okay." He tugged his shirt collar down gently to reveal three dermal studs lining his left collar bone. Lightly your fingers traced over them as his warm breath wavered over your hand. "I have to go prepare for the trip. But I will come see you again. Please. Be safe YN."

"You too, Kurapika. I look forward to it."

And with that, he disappeared.