#protegee

Still, just because he gets along with Gon and Killua, it doesn’t mean he knows how to take care of children! Especially if they are too young! How is he even supposed to do this???

At the same time, there is some relief in finding he’s not the only one left of the Kurta clan. Oh, he is not thinking in the lines of “hope to rebuild the clan” or anything of the sort, he is simply to know there is another Kurta. Yes, he has amazing friends, but that doesn’t change there is a certain loneliness to be the only one left of your clan/family.

Kurapika would do his best to be a proper guardian, though the fact remains he doesn’t exactly have much experience. This awareness also makes him very uncertain. Also, depending on the child’s age and personality and how they ended up in Kurapika’s care, they might not be exactly having it easy either. If they are traumatized, Kurapika is not sure he can offer comfort. And while a toddler may not realize/care if he gets overprotective, an older child may find it annoying.

Note that while Kurapika would get overprotective at times, this doesn’t mean he would ignore teaching the child how to defend themselves if they are old enough to learn about Nen and fight techniques. During the training, the opposite would happen: Kurapika would be a demanding, strict teacher and might be a little too severe at times (due to his concern and his belief the child can always do better). He would never cross a line or “be too harsh”, but it would still be nice to have Leorio nearby sometimes just to give him a nudge and tell him to take it a little easier with the little dude.

Kurapika also wouldn’t neglect to tell them about the Kurta clan and everything he remembers of their traditions. No, it wouldn’t be with that “obsession vibe” some people may display on those occasions, it would be that natural, healthy way. It’s because he cares and feels the child has the right to learn about their culture. And Kurapika also has a special way of teaching about it as well. It’s not only sweet, but it’s also fascinating. And nice to see him talking more about his place of origin and culture.

Other than that, Kurapika would slowly get used to having a child around and learn how to best deal with them. The moments when they need discipline and the times they need to relax and just be children (who knows, he may even arrange to meet with Gon and Killua if the age gap isn’t too much). He wouldn’t feel comfortable taking them along during his jobs, but if it’s something that will take a long time (such as the deal with the ship), he would take them with the reminder that they shouldn’t stray away. Yeah, perhaps he could leave them with someone from the Zodiac or Leorio, but he knows he would get uncomfortable and worried and wouldn’t be able to focus.

Yeah, Kurapika would end up caught by the old “get attached to the kid and becomes a family” thing. Over time, as he gets more comfortable in this new role, he would probably develop a sort of “older brother-like” relationship with them.

You thanked her and opened the paper to see all the friendly faces of scores on the inside. You knew most of the knowledge inside. You looked around the high tech waiting room. It was an exciting time for you. To be the protégée of Dr. Hayden himself. You had been hand selected by him from hundreds of thousands of other choices. You felt so special.

“Welcome to the UAC, Doctor.” The voice came from your right. You looked up to see the large robotic form of Dr. Samuel Hayden. You bounced out of your seat and stuck your hand out to greet him. He shook it with such a formal air about him. He motioned to his office with the door open for you. You went in and sat down in a comfortable looking chair in front of his desk. He sat down and placed his hands on the flat surface in front of him. “It’s a pleasure to actually meet you. I know we’ve talked through email briefly.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well. Thank you so much for this opportunity. It means so much to be able to work in this field, this company, and with you, sir. It’s a great honor.”

He chuckled softly and leaned back in his chair, the formality seeming to disappear from him. “I want you to understand working here is more of marriage to the job than just a 9 to 5 situation.”

“I understand completely. I’m ready to work.”

“We’ll be spending a lot of time together. I just be frank with you. I had someone else I had hoped to carve a future for and become another titan in the industry. That opportunity has soured. I will NOT make the same mistakes as I did before. I believe you have heard of Olivia Pierce?”

You nodded, feeling like a hammer was about to drop.

“I have great regrets.” He seemed distant in this moment as he even glanced towards his window. The view of the buildings was beautiful. “She will no longer be working here very soon. But until that moment arises, I will have you doing things for me to collect information of what she’s up to without her knowing. This is only a sliver of what you’ll actually be doing but I wanted to warn you. She’s become chaotic. She’s religiously obsessed and I see her going down hill.”

“I’m sorry things have gone like this for you. From what I understand, you have high hopes for this position and the person that is placed within it.”

Dr. Hayden seems to awaken from your words and returns all attention to you. “I’m glad you understand the severity of the situation. When I picked you, I must confess I look at every aspect of a person. I dig deep. I feel as if I know you even though this is the first time physically meeting you. I grow in anticipation to see how you grow within the company. We are one week away from the first manned expedition to Hell. I know it feels sudden. I will have everything that you need to know and understand delivered to you so may catch yourself up by the time the expedition is ready. We will both be going.”

“This is such an honor, sir. I am grateful.”

He chuckled, “You may not be once you see Hell for yourself. But please, follow me.” He rose from his desk and got up, taking the room in long strides. You quickly got to your feet and followed after him, feeling so small and delicate while chasing after the large cyborg. You wondered what it was like, to have gotten sick like he did and then totally transform your life? Does he still feel things?

Hunger?

Pain?

Desire?

The walls of the research facility were ever expanding. He took you through rooms which seemed mostly like a low level security. You felt like you were getting a general vibe of the place. It was beautiful to be here, see what has all been created by this being before you. You felt somewhere deep down that Dr. Hayden felt almost above what humanity was about. You felt like he was otherworldly, ethereal in a way. You had a detached feeling about him like maybe he wasn’t human anymore. You didn’t know why you were stuck on this thought. It has never bothered you before.

“What do you think?”

“Breathtaking.” You murmured, staring out the large window to see the facility laid out before you like a partner reaching out to you from a dimly lit bedroom. It felt tantalizing and forbidden. You could literally feel unknown power surging through the place. It was hypnotic. This was a place you could grow and make a name for yourself. You could be something!

“Don’t let it consume you.”

You looked to him, to see that robotic face turned your way as if to drill into your soul. “Never, I could never. I’m too in control for that.” You adjusted the bottom of your shirt and looked back out the window.

“I’ll have the security clear you and get you a badge made up. All paperwork will be sent to your home by this evening. When can you start?”

“Immediately.”