A/N: Weeeeh! Last chapter! Hope you like it! For the more bloodthirsty readers, I apologize in advance, I know almost next to nothing about fighting techniques that's why I did romance. You've been warned. +wink+

This was my first fanfic so thanks for the reviews! I hope to do another one and do better of course. But for now, read, read…

Disclaimer: You know the drill. I don't own the series or any of the characters, Yoshihiro Togashi does and I do hope he gets well soon so the series could continue.

Chapter 7: Confessions

Irumi's features remained expressionless as he watched the two fighters before him exchange kicks and blows. He could see that Hisoka still wasn't in top fighting form but what he lacked in strength he compensated with his quick reflexes. Kurapika got hit more times than Hisoka but the punches he gave were stronger.

Finally, as Irumi wondered how long the fight would last, Kurapika was able to seize one of Hisoka's arms, twisted it and gave it a sharp whack. Hisoka, though pained, countered with a swift knee kick to Kurapika's middle. Before Kurapika crumpled though, he had taken Hisoka's other arm and also gave it a resounding chop, putting the force of his falling body to it.

Both of them sank to the ground. Kurapika was bent over, gasping for air, one hand clutching his middle while Hisoka was on his knees, one arm hanging limply, the other had an odd set to it.

"Still want to continue?" Kurapika asked breathlessly, struggling to rise. He saw Hisoka's arms, "I doubt if you could still use those."

Hisoka tried to shrug but couldn't, "I could still use my legs and head," he said with a smile then tried to stand up without using his arms.

Kurapika watched him with narrowed eyes. "This isn't a battle to the death you know," he chided him, "I'm satisfied, I won't be fighting the next match." He smoothed out his clothes with an effort, he was bruised all over, "And in that condition, you won't be fighting anymore in any of the tournaments," he added wryly. "So I'll have one less thing to worry about, the championship would be ours soon enough," he said one last time before turning and walking away.

Hisoka watched him go, he then saw Irumi turning to go as well. "Et tu, Brute?" Hisoka called out, "Some friend you are, how am I supposed to drive myself home?"

"That's going to be the least of your problems," Irumi said with a mischievous smile over his shoulder. He nodded towards the other side of the field before walking casually away. Hisoka turned to the spot Irumi indicated and stood still with astonishment as he saw Machi approach slowly, her lovely face in a scowl, her eyes as ice-cold as ever. "Uh-oh," Hisoka thought.

X X X X X X X

Hisoka and Machi were both silent. They were in Hisoka's room sitting on his bed; Machi had driven him home after Hisoka stubbornly refused to go to a doctor. Machi was finishing bandaging his arms while Hisoka looked on quietly. He tried not to squirm as Machi adjusted his arms but Machi could sense that he was in a lot of pain.

He was shirtless, his hair was down and he had washed off the face tattoos he always wore. It was the first time Machi had seen him that way, "And he does look handsome," Machi wasn't able to suppress that thought. She frowned and said aloud to break the silence, "Now that was stupid," referring to the fight.

"I disagree," Hisoka said smilingly though it hurt him a lot, "if I knew that I would end up like this with you, I would have done this earlier and more often."

"Back to your usual self, I see."

"Well, I got nowhere being a gentleman, didn't I?" Hisoka asked dryly. Machi finished bandaging his arms and was now beginning to apply a salve liberally to the bruises on his neck and upper torso. "Ow," Hisoka gasped. "You know they could have used your torture talents during the medieval times," he said plaintively.

"Don't be such a baby," Machi admonished him, "this was all your fault, anyway. You know, you should really have a doctor to set your arm." Hisoka remained silent. Machi looked up and saw his eyes looking at her intently. She averted her eyes and continued applying the salve. "Why did you do it?" she asked after some pause.

"You know me, always looking for a good fight," he answered, teasing her.

"I know that," she replied coldly but then shook her head, "but that's not what I meant." She then looked up at him, "I was there at the parking lot, I heard everything." Hisoka started in surprise. She measured gauze pads but Hisoka still didn't say anything, "well, aren't you going to answer?" she asked sternly.

"What do you want to know?" he asked softly.

"Why did you have to substitute yourself for me?"

Hisoka looked pained and asked her reproachfully, "do you honestly don't know?" his eyes remained unwaveringly on her face.

Machi willed herself not to blush and remained quiet, stirring the bowl of salve absentmindedly. Hisoka sighed and suddenly leaned forward, his face very near to hers. Machi forced herself to meet his eyes, there was warmth in them but there was anger as well.

"To make it really clear as if you didn't know, I'll spell it out for you," he said slowly through clenched teeth, "I just happen to be in love with you that's all."

There was silence from her, Hisoka sighed again and resumed his former seat. "Well…thank you for bandaging my arms," he said finally, "and for cleaning my wounds…" He was clearly intending to let her go away.

"Are you really?"

Hisoka looked taken aback, "of course, I'm really grateful."

"No, I meant are you really in love with me?" Machi asked as she turned to look at him, her eyes remaining expressionless.

"I broke both my arms, didn't I?" Hisoka asked wryly then he continued hurriedly as he saw Machi about to say something, "before you argue, let me tell you that while I do love a good fight with a worthy opponent, I'm not a masochist."

"You did say you joined Genei Ryodan because of that, because of Kuroro," Machi reminded him coolly while unconsciously putting aside the bandages and other medications.

Hisoka looked at her reproachfully, "that's one of my reasons, and a spurious one at that! I could have fought him for championship without having to join the group. You should realize by now as I had that it was mainly because of you," he finished softly.

Machi averted her face from him although her eyes looked thoughtful. He cleared his throat and decided to add, "to continue answering your earlier question, I didn't realize it at first." Hisoka paused for a moment, then gave a self-deprecating smile, "it was only a warning voice in my head when I met you, but then I got jealous of Kuroro and finally that Austen quote just pounded me on the head with the truth…"

There followed an awkward silence. Machi had her head down while Hisoka debated with himself whether to pursue this at another more promising time or throw his pride completely out the window and just beg her then and there to at least give him a chance.

"No more other other girls…"

"Wha−," Hisoka looked at her in surprise.

Machi was looking at him sternly, "these are my conditions, no more flirting, no more picking stupid fights…"

Hisoka stared, not quite believing what she was telling him. "Do you lo−… Are…are you also −…" he found himself spluttering with mixed astonishment and happiness.

Machi just shrugged, giving nothing away, "I might. Eventually. Maybe," she replied then she narrowed her eyes at him, "it depends how cooperative you are. So no more challenging…"

She stopped short as Hisoka once again leaned forward. His face once again very near to hers. "Can I have one last fight, please? With Phinx or Feitan, you pick."

Machi's eyes glittered ominously. Hisoka just smiled slowly and lowered his head to kiss her on the lips. Hard.

− O W A R U −