Kurapika x Reader One-Shot Collection - Chapter 24: Chapter 24

Kurapika wakes up to the sound of his baby crying. He rolls over and picks her up from the bassinet next to the bed.
"Shhh...daddy's here, baby Scarlet," he says as he lays her on his chest. He reaches over and turns on the bedside lamp. He yawns as he checks the time. It's two in the morning. He rubs his eyes before placing his daughter on the bed in between his legs. "Are you wet, my tiny treasure?" He pulls off the velcro on the side of the baby's diaper to see if she needs to be changed.
He swaddles her once he is finished changing her. She roots and smacks her lips. "You're hungry, aren't you? I can't help you with that. Let's wake mommy up."
Kurapika gently taps on Neon's shoulder. "Angel, wake up. The baby is hungry."
Neon moans. "I'm too tired. Just give her a bottle."
Kurapika shakes his head. "I don't have one."
"Check the fridge. I pumped extra milk yesterday," she says, covering herself back up with the comforter.
Kurapika pulls himself off the bed while holding his daughter. He puts on his slippers and turns off the light.
He lets out another yawn as he walks downstairs to the kitchen. He turns on the light above the stove before grabbing a bottle from the refrigerator.
Scarlet is growing impatient. Kurapika gently bounces her with his right arm while warming the bottle under the faucet with his left arm. "It's almost ready."
Once the bottle is warm enough, he takes her to the living room to feed her. She gladly accepts the bottle and starts gulping it down. He stares down at the beautiful baby and smiles.
Kurapika places her over his shoulder to burp her. He can see the front door from where he is sitting. He stares at the half a dozen unopened boxes that are sitting there. He sighs. While Kurapika spends the day cleaning the house and taking care of their daughter, Neon spends it shopping online. He dreads bringing up the subject of money to her, but he decides he is going to make it a priority for today.
Later that morning, Kurapika is awoken again by the sounds of cries. Except this time, the cries are coming from Neon. He slowly opens his eyes.
"What are you crying about?"
Neon shows him her nightgown. "Look! It's soaked!"
Kurapika closes his eyes. "Well...you went the entire night without nursing the baby or pumping. It's no wonder you're leaking." He covers his face with the comforter. "Just take a shower. If you don't mind, I'd like to sleep in a little more. I was up most of the night with our daughter."
Neon pouts. "But...I want you to make me breakfast."
"I already started the rice. Just get some from the rice cooker and scramble some eggs."
"I don't know how to do all that."
Kurapika throws the comforter off. "Fine. I'll do it." He turns on the baby monitor before walking downstairs.
Kurapika is finished making breakfast by the time Neon gets out of the shower. He slides a bowl of rice and eggs to her. He turns around to make a pot of coffee.
"Good morning to you, too," she says, sarcastically. "Why are you so grumpy?"
He bites his tongue, not wanting to start an argument first thing in the morning. "Do I seem grumpy?"
"Yeah," Neon answers with a mouthful of eggs and rice.
Kurapika stirs some cream and sugar into his coffee. "I'm just a little tired, that's all." He takes a sip of his coffee. "I'll feel better once this caffeine kicks in.
"Okay, good. Want to take me to the mall today?"
He almost spits out his coffee. "I just took you the other day!"
"I know. But that was for baby clothes. I want to get myself some new dresses. All I have are yucky maternity clothes."
"What's in those boxes over there?" He motions toward the front door.
Neon glances to where Kurapika is pointing. "Oh. Those are purses and things."
"Things? Neon...we need to talk." Kurapika sets his mug on the counter. He presses his palms against the granite countertop.
Neon tilts her head to the side. "About what?"
He takes a deep breath. "About your spending habits."
She looks at him with a puzzled expression on her face. "Why? You're a hunter. Don't you make like a gazillion dollars?"
Kurapika pushes off the counter. "When I work! Neon, I haven't worked in months and you keep spending like I have an endless supply of money. We have a child now, for Kami's sake."
Neon's eyes fill with tears as she stares at her husband.
"While we're on the subject," Kurapika continues. "Scarlet is six weeks old now. I think it's time for me to go back to work."
"But...but I need your help with the baby."
"You don't. I think you've just gotten used to me doing everything around here." Kurapika picks up the baby monitor when he hears the baby crying. He shows it to Neon. "Can you get our daughter, please? You should start practicing."
Neon allows the tears to fall down her cheeks. "I'm a terrible wife and mother."
An ache travels through Kurapika's chest as he watches Neon cry. He places his hands on her shoulders. "Hey...you're a wonderful wife and mother. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." He presses his lips against her hair. "I'll get the baby."
Kurapika comes back downstairs minutes later. Neon opens her arms.
"Here...let me take her," says Neon, taking the baby from Kurapika. "I need to feed her."
Kurapika watches as Neon takes their daughter to nurse her. He starts to clean up the mess in the kitchen when he notices the date on the calendar.
"Neon...you have your postpartum appointment today. Afterwards, we're meeting everyone for lunch," he calls out.
"Alrighty!" Neon responds from the living room.
After Neon's doctor's appointment, the Kurta family arrives at a local cafe to meet their friends for lunch. Kurapika removes the baby carrier from the base.
His face brightens as soon as he notices his friends waiting for them. Alluka is the first to get out of her seat. She prances over to the baby, taking her out of her carrier. "She's so cute...I want her all to myself!" She takes the baby over to show her off to Killua. "Isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen, Big Brother?"
Killua glances at the baby and rolls his eyes. "What's so cute about babies? All they do is cry and poop."
Alluka giggles. "So do you...but I still love you."
Killua's face turns bright red. "Hey...I do not!"
Gon grins from ear to ear as he stares at the baby Kurta. "Wow, Kurapika. She looks a lot like you!"
Kurapika smiles. "Thank you, Gon. I think she has Neon's eyes."
Leorio leans against the back of his chair. He closes his eyes and turns his face away from Kurapika.
"What's wrong, Leorio? Have I upset you?" Kurapika asks his best friend.
"No...he's still jealous because he didn't get to deliver your baby." (Y/N) answers from behind Kurapika.
Kurapika spins around, excited to hear (Y/N)'s voice. "(Y/N)! I was wondering if you were going to make it."
(Y/N) takes the empty seat next to Kurapika. He strokes her arm with his hand. The sensation sends electric shocks down her spine. "I...I'd never miss an opportunity to spend time with my favorite people."
Neon opens her menu and begins to peruse the lunch specials, not paying attention to her surroundings.
After lunch, while everyone is eating dessert, Kurapika turns to face (Y/N). He moves his lips close to her ear. "Hey...can we talk in private? I have a question to ask you."
(Y/N)'s eyes widen when she realizes how close Kurapika is to her. She can feel his breath against her cheek. "Uh...of course."
Kurapika lets Neon know he'll be right back, but she is too busy enjoying her shortcake to notice.
Kurapika and (Y/N) walk outside the cafe. A late summer breeze blows through his hair, swaying his thick locks back and forth.
"What do you need to ask me, Kurapika?" (Y/N) asks while tucking her hair behind her ear.
Kurapika looks out into the distance, biting his lower lip. "I've decided to go back to work next week. Tuesday...to be exact. I was wondering...do you mind spending that day with Neon? You know, to keep her company?"
(Y/N) starts to laugh. Kurapika crinkles his forehead.
"I think what you're trying to ask me is, do I mind babysitting Neon?"
Kurapika scratches the back of his head. "Uh...I offered to hire a nanny, but she insists she can do it all by herself. I'm not convinced. I guess it's my fault...I have been doing everything this entire time in order for her to rest."
(Y/N) places her hand on Kurapika's shoulder. "Hey...stop blaming yourself for being a good husband and father. Of course I'll watch over her."
The corners of Kurapika's mouth move upward. "Thank you. I'm not interfering with your studies, right?"
"Not at all. I'm still on summer break."
"Great. Thank you. I'll forever be in your debt." Kurapika bows in front of (Y/N).
(Y/N) holds her hand out. "Stop acting like that. You're my best friend. You don't owe me anything."
(Y/N) shows up as planned on Tuesday morning. Kurapika is scrambling to get ready. He finds his keys and races to the front door.
"They're still upstairs, sleeping. It was a rough night. The baby cried for four hours straight," says Kurapika.
(Y/N) reaches up and fixes his tie. "Have a great first day back at work. You're going to do great."
"Thank you. Again...I appreciate this." He opens the front door and slips out.
(Y/N) watches as Kurapika gets into his car and drives away. She turns back around and walks around the living room, remembering the last time she was here. Pictures hang on the walls. It's the first time she paid attention to them. Most of them are of Kurapika and Neon together, but there is one in particular that catches her eye. It's a group picture of everyone. She stares at Kurapika and notices he's not looking at the camera. He's staring at (Y/N) with a smile on his face. She's trying to remember when that picture was taken to figure out why he was smiling at her instead of the camera.
Her thoughts are interrupted by the sound of Neon yawning. (Y/N) turns around and watches as Neon pulls a bowl out from the refrigerator while nursing the baby Kurta. Her hair is wrapped on top of her head and the front of her nightgown is open, exposing her breasts.
Neon places the bowl on the counter and is taken aback when she sees (Y/N) standing in the living room. "What are you doing here?"
(Y/N) gives Neon the same surprised look she's giving her. Kurapika didn't tell you I'd be here? Or maybe he did and you just forgot.
"Oh...Kurapika told me he was starting work today so I decided to keep you company. Hope that's okay," (Y/N) says.
Neon's face lights up. "Oh, goodie! To be honest, I really didn't want to be alone today."
"Need help with anything?" (Y/N) asks while walking into the kitchen.
"Nah. Kurapika left me with food so I think I'll be okay. Help yourself to whatever." Neon points to the refrigerator.
"Thank you. I think I'll just have some coffee."
"Sure...if you know how to make it." Neon sits down and starts to eat the breakfast Kurapika made for her.
(Y/N) gives Neon a puzzled look. "You don't know how to make coffee?"
Neon shakes her head. She swallows her food before responding. "My Kurapika always makes it for me."
(Y/N) starts to prepare a pot of coffee. Your Kurapika does everything, huh? It's like he still works for you.
(Y/N) tilts her head to the side and fakes a smile. "Sounds like he's a good husband."
Neon unlatches the baby and places her over her shoulder. (Y/N) opens her arms. "Here...I'll take her while you finish eating."
(Y/N) inhales the baby's sweet scent as soon as she places her against her chest. "I've missed her so much. I wish school didn't take up so much of my time."
"Well, you are her Godmother. You can visit her whenever you'd like," Neon says.
(Y/N) nuzzles the baby's neck, happy to be an important part of the young Kurta's life.
Neon pushes her bowl away. "What do you want to do today?"
"I was just planning on hanging out with you and Scarlet until Kurapika got home."
"Oh. Do you mind driving me to the grocery store? I want to make Kurapika a nice dinner when he gets home from work."
"I don't mind. I have a question though. Why don't you have your own car? I'm sure Kurapika would buy you one if you asked."
"I don't know how to drive, silly!" Neon answers with a laugh. "Kurapika drives me everywhere."
Right. Like when he was your bodyguard.
"You never asked him to teach you?" (Y/N) asks Neon.
"No, why would I?"
"I don't know. For some independence?"
The more time (Y/N) spends with Neon, the more she feels sorry for her. She realizes Kurapika feels responsible for taking care of her. He is the kind of person who puts aside his personal goals in order to take care of someone. (Y/N) just hopes that Neon is taking care of his heart the way he is taking care of hers.
(Y/N) watches as Neon loads the groceries into the car. "Wow...that's a lot of food. What are you planning to cook?"
Neon straps her seatbelt on. "He loves shrimp udon. That's easy enough, right?" She checks on Scarlet, who is sleeping in her carseat.
"Don't ask me. I don't cook," (Y/N) answers, putting her car in reverse.
"I'll just watch a tutorial," Neon says, shrugging her shoulders.
"That's very nice of you. You know, wanting to cook for Kurapika and all," (Y/N) says, paying attention to the road.
"Well, he's done so much for me. I don't think I could ever repay him. I know all of you see me as a spoiled brat...but the truth is...I love Kurapika more than anything. I couldn't survive without him."
(Y/N) feels a tinge of guilt in her stomach. "We know you love him."
Neon interrupts. "Maybe you do...but I sense the rest of his friends think I'm only with him for his money."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Go right ahead," says Neon.
"Do you remember the moment you fell in love with Kurapika?"
"Of course I do. It was right after we made love for the first time. To be honest, it hurt like hell and I bled like a stuck pig, but I didn't care." Neon feels heat rise to her cheeks. "Sorry...I know...TMI."
(Y/N) waves a hand to her. "It's fine. We're friends now. You can tell me anything."
Neon's eyes sparkle. "Really? You're so nice to me. I've never even told these things to Eliza."
(Y/N) feels the happiness radiating from Neon. It's as if she always wanted a girlfriend to share intimate details with.
"Well, like I said, feel free to tell me anything," (Y/N) says, pulling into the driveway.
Later that afternoon, (Y/N) receives a text from Kurapika saying he's on his way home. She stands up and walks toward Neon, who is looking through recipes online.
"Hey. I had a great time with you today, but I better get going." (Y/N) points to the front door.
"Aww...so soon?" Neon pouts. "Anyway, I had fun, too. Let's do this again sometime!"
(Y/N) kneels in front of the baby swing to kiss Scarlet. She gives (Y/N) a big smile.
Kurapika arrives home a few minutes after (Y/N) leaves. He notices Neon in the kitchen, dicing vegetables. He takes Scarlet out of the swing and gives her a big kiss on the cheek. "Daddy missed you so much today." He walks to the kitchen and leans over to give Neon a kiss. "What are you doing, my angel?"
Neon spins around. "Kurapika! You're home!" Her smile fades as she looks around the kitchen. "Aww...I was hoping to surprise you with dinner, but it's not ready yet."
Kurapika's eyes widen. "You...you're cooking?"
"Yes, now go and get comfortable while I finish." Neon pushes Kurapika away.
He smiles as he walks upstairs with his baby.
An hour later, Kurapika puts the baby to sleep and goes downstairs to meet Neon. He sets the baby monitor on the table and watches as Neon pours him a glass of wine.
"You bought wine?" he asks.
"Yep. I don't know if it's any good, but the recipe online said it pairs well with this dish."
"But...how? You're not old enough to buy alcohol."
"(Y/N) was with me," Neon answers while she places the bottle down and grabs herself a sparkling water.
"Right. That was nice of her to drive you to the store," says Kurapika. He takes a sip of his wine.
"Yeah, we had fun today." Neon opens the lid to the pot of udon.
The smell of burnt shrimp fills Kurapika's nose. "Smells delicious," he lies.
Neon piles noodles on Kurapika's plate. She waits for his reaction before sitting down. He swallows hard before picking up his chopsticks. The shrimp is black and the sauce is too runny. He slowly opens his mouth to eat some of the noodles. The sauce is saltier than the ocean. Kurapika tries his best to swallow while smiling.
"It's great!" He gives her a thumbs up while trying to figure out how he is going to eat the rest.
Neon claps as she takes her seat.
Kurapika ends up drinking his entire glass of wine in order to cleanse his mouth of the salty taste the noodles left. He starts to feel the effects of the alcohol as he relaxes against the back of his chair.
"Don't fall asleep just yet...I have a surprise for you upstairs," Neon says with a mischievous smile.
Kurapika smiles back at her. "Oh...yeah? Dessert...maybe?"
Kurapika didn't expect to have such a great evening. He thinks about how he may have fallen more in love with Neon as he pushes himself inside of her. It's been six weeks since they've been intimate with each other and he missed the feeling of her warmth surrounding him.
Sweat drops form on Neon's forehead as Kurapika fills her. She expects to feel pain, but she's pleasantly surprised when all she feels is pleasure.
Kurapika is close, but he makes sure Neon finishes first. She wraps her legs around his waist as her body tenses up. She comes, spraying his face with breastmilk.
Kurapika wipes his face with the sheet. He continues to thrust himself in and out of her until he reaches his climax. He pulls out and rolls onto his back, breathing heavily.
Neon starts to cry. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that."
Kurapika turns on his side to face Neon. "What are you talking about? That was the perfect ending to a perfect evening." He presses his lips against hers before crawling out of bed to wash up.
Kurapika falls asleep within minutes of falling onto his pillow. Neon smiles as she falls asleep with her back against him.
Back in the kitchen, a potholder falls from the rack above and lands on the burner Neon forgot to turn off. It catches on fire, sounding the alarms.
Kurapika is in deep sleep due to the wine Neon gave him so he doesn't hear the alarms right away. Neon slowly lifts her head and panics as soon as she hears the alarms. She shakes Kurapika.
"Kurapika, something is wrong!"
"Huh?" he asks, slowly waking up. He hears the alarms and jumps out of bed. He runs downstairs. His eyes widen as he watches the crimson flames engulf the kitchen.
He runs back upstairs to grab the baby. He runs back to the bedroom to get Neon.
"Neon, follow close behind me. We can make it out the back door if we hurry."
Kurapika starts to run back downstairs holding the baby tight against his chest. Once he is outside, he turns around and notices Neon is not there.
His heart rate accelerates as he searches for his wife. "Neon? Neon!" He starts to scream her name.
The sound of sirens scare Scarlet, making her cry. Kurapika runs to the front of the house. Firefighters are already working as Kurapika approaches them.
"Please...my wife is still in the house. Please find her," Kurapika pleads.
Two minutes pass and Kurapika hears his name being called. He turns around. (Y/N) runs up to him.
Kurapika doesn't waste time as he quickly hands the baby over to (Y/N).
"Kurapika!" Neon shouts from the balcony on the second floor.
"Neon!" Kurapika runs toward her. "I'm throwing my chain to you. Grab it and jump down," he instructs.
"No...here...catch." Neon throws a pair of scarlet eyes off the balcony. She runs back inside.
Kurapika catches them. "What are you doing? I don't care about the eyes...your life is more valuable to me!"
Kurapika sets the scarlet eyes on the grass and runs to the front of the house. (Y/N) grabs his arm.
"Where are you going?" she asks.
"Inside. I have to save Neon."
One of the firefighters tries to convince him not to go inside the house. Kurapika pushes him aside and proceeds to enter. Walls fall down as the entire first floor is covered in flames. He covers his nose as the smoke threatens to fill his lungs. He finds a clear path. Moving on instinct alone, Kurapika runs to the stairs. The scorching heat forces him back. He can feel his eyes burn as he attempts to keep them open, even though nothing inside the house is recognizable. He falls to his knees, coughing violently.
Kurapika forces himself back up. He crawls up the stairs, suffocating as the smoke thickens around him. He clenches his chest when he makes it to the top. The flames cover the only clear path that was once behind him. He begins to black out, closing his eyes as he feels someone grab him.
Kurapika slowly opens his eyes. An oxygen mask covers his nose and mouth. He jumps off the stretcher and throws the mask to the ground.
"Where's Neon? Did she make it out?" he asks as soon as he sees all of his friends.
They all hang their heads.
"Wait a minute...I was about to save her, but someone took me out of the house. Who was it?" Kurapika demands.
Leorio places his hand on his friend's shoulder. "That was me. You would've died in there."
Kurapika's eyes turn as red as the fire that is still engulfing his house. "Bastard! Why did you do that? I was so close to saving Neon!" he yells, gripping Leorio's shirt.
Kurapika shoves Leorio before running back to the front of the house. The entire first floor is gone as the second story begins to collapse to the ground. Kurapika runs to the back, falling to his knees as he hyperventilates. He grips the dirt beneath him as he squeezes his eyes shut. His heart fills with an unbearable amount of emptiness as he thinks about Neon burning inside the house. She tried to save the scarlet eyes for him. As a result, she lost her life.
Kurapika forces himself to take a deep breath. He lets it all out in a scream so loud, his friends feel it through their souls. They all come running to him. They watch as Kurapika chokes on his sobs.
(Y/N) hands the baby to Alluka before running to Kurapika. She kneels in front of him and wraps her arms around his neck. "I'm so sorry, Kurapika."
He pushes (Y/N) away as he stands up. "Get away from me. All of you...get away from me."
(Y/N) looks up at him. "Kurapika?"
He hangs his head. "Everyone who gets close to me dies. Do yourself a favor. Never contact me again."
He walks up to Alluka and takes Scarlet out of her arms. He walks away.
(Y/N) gets up from the ground and runs after him. "Where will you go?"
"Don't worry about me. It's not the first time I lost my home."
Three years later
(Y/N) throws herself into Leorio's arms as she walks off the stage. "We did it, Leorio! We finally did it!"
Leorio wraps his arms around (Y/N). "I can't believe it...we're doctors now."
"Well, we still need to pass our licensing exam, but still. We're one step closer." She pulls away and looks out into the distance. A hollow pit forms in her stomach. She places her hand over her abdomen.
Leorio furrows his brow. "You okay?"
(Y/N) gives Leorio a reassuring smile. "Yeah. I was just thinking about Kurapika. I wish he was here to experience this moment with us."
Leorio scratches the back of his head. "Yeah. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him."
"He really excluded us from his life, didn't he?"
"Yeah. I just hope he's doing okay raising that little girl all by himself."
(Y/N) looks down at her medical degree. She gasps when she notices the date. "Oh, my...I know where to find Kurapika."
She slams her degree against Leorio's chest before running to her car.
"Hey...where are you going?" shouts Leorio.
"Hang on to that for me. I'll call you later."
She gets out of her gown and takes her cap off, throwing them in the backseat of her car. She gets in and starts the engine. She drives out of the parking lot to the nearest cemetery.
Today marks the third anniversary of Neon's death. (Y/N) has a strong feeling she'll find Kurapika at the cemetery visiting her grave. Even though he never gave anyone details about where Neon's bones were buried, she has a strong sense she is at the right cemetery.
She parks her car and steps out. She runs past the gate and searches all around for him. After a few minutes of searching, she stops to catch her breath. A little girl's voice catches her attention. She turns around and sees the most beautiful girl she has ever seen. Her long blonde hair covers the back of her pink tabard. She stares at (Y/N) with her ocean-colored eyes.
"I lost my daddy. Can you help me find him?" the little girl asks (Y/N).
(Y/N) smiles and reaches for the little girl's hand. "Of course I will. Is your daddy's name, Kurapika?"
The little girl gasps. "How did you know? Can you see the future...like me?"
"Huh? No, I used to be his friend and you look just like him."
They walk until they see Kurapika in the distance, frantically looking for his daughter. She lets go of (Y/N)'s hand as soon as she sees him.
"Daddy! There you are!"
Kurapika catches his daughter as she jumps on him. "What did I tell you about running off?"
"I'm sorry...I was following a butterfly."
"There's no excuse. You scared me," Kurapika says, pressing her tightly against him.
"It's okay...look," she says as she points at (Y/N).
Kurapika pulls her arm down. "It's not nice to point at people."
"But...it's the lady I saw in my dream last night!"
Kurapika looks in (Y/N)'s direction. His jaw drops.
(Y/N)'s eyes fill with tears as she stares at Kurapika. "It's you. It's really you!" She runs to him.
Kurapika hugs her with his free arm. "(Y/N), you look well."
"And you look..." (Y/N) pulls away and stares into his sad eyes. "Good."
Kurapika nods. "Well, it was nice to see you. Please...send everyone my regards."
(Y/N) tilts her head. "Wait...that's it? I haven't seen you in three years and that's all I get?"
"What were you expecting?"
"I don't know...I've missed you. Maybe we can go back to being friends."
Kurapika shakes his head. "No. I'm sorry, but I thought I made my wishes clear. I don't want to put you or the others in danger."
"That's the craziest thing I've ever heard," (Y/N) says. "Wait a minute...have you been living nearby all this time?"
"No. We actually just moved back." Kurapika answers as he starts to walk past (Y/N).
(Y/N) takes a deep breath once he's behind her. "You stubborn jerk."
Kurapika stops and turns back around. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. You're a stubborn jerk."
Kurapika walks back to (Y/N). He looks at her with a straight face. "Don't insult me in front of my daughter. She's only three."
"I know. I delivered her. She's also my Goddaughter," (Y/N) says, resting her hand on her hip.
Kurapika looks at Scarlet then back at (Y/N). He lets out a heavy sigh. "You're right. I shouldn't keep you away from her. Forgive me." He reaches into the pocket of his suit pants for his phone. He hands it to (Y/N). "Give me your contact information. We can set a date for you to visit with Scarlet."
(Y/N) takes the phone. She gives Kurapika a confused look. "But...my contact information hasn't changed."
"It's a new phone. I lost all my previous contacts."
"You lost them? Or rather, you didn't bother saving them?"
Kurapika doesn't answer.
(Y/N) hands him back his phone. "Please...call soon."
The next week, (Y/N) pulls up to Kurapika's new house. It's a small bungalow located in a beautiful neighborhood.
She rings the doorbell and Scarlet answers it. "Welcome to our home. Daddy says you are going to play with me today."
"He's right," (Y/N) says as she takes off her shoes.
Scarlet's eyes fall on the white box (Y/N) is holding. "What's in the box?"
"Oh, this? It's a birthday cake."
Scarlet tilts her head. "But today isn't my birthday."
"I know. It's for all the birthdays I missed."
Scarlet claps her hands. "Yummy!"
(Y/N) sets the cake down on the kitchen counter. She opens it and places three candles on top. Scarlet places her elbows on the table, resting her head in her palms. She waits patiently as (Y/N) lights the matches.
"Okay. Do you have a wish ready?" (Y/N) asks Scarlet.
"A wish?"
"Yes, you get to make a wish before blowing out the candles."
Scarlet's eyes brighten. "I do?"
"Yes. Now hurry before the candles melt."
"Okay." Scarlet blows out the candles. She has a big smile on her face. "Want to know what I wished for?"
"You're not supposed to tell anyone your wish."
"Well...I want to tell you anyway."
"Okay. It'll be our secret."
Scarlet's bottom lip quivers. "I wish I could see my daddy smile."
(Y/N)'s eyes widen. She places her hand over her heart. "You've never seen him smile before?"
Scarlet shakes her head. "No. Only in my dreams." She stares at nothing for a few seconds before allowing a soft smile to form on her face. "But that means it will come true one day. My dreams always come true."
"Is that so?"
"Mm-hmm." Scarlet answers with a nod.
"That's amazing...now let's have some cake!"
(Y/N) slices a piece of cake and places it on a plate. She passes it to Scarlet.
Kurapika comes out of his room and greets (Y/N).
"Look, daddy! She brought me cake!" Scarlet's face is covered in frosting.
"I see that," says Kurapika.
"I must say, your daughter speaks very well for her age," says (Y/N).
"Thank you. I spend a lot of time working with her. She also knows how to read."
"Impressive," (Y/N) says. She glances at Scarlet, making sure she's occupied before moving closer to Kurapika. "She mentioned to me twice about being able to see the future. Is that true?" she whispers.
Kurapika places his hand on his forehead and shakes his head. "I told her not to tell anyone, but yes. She can. At first, I thought it was a mere coincidence. However, it's been happening more often."
(Y/N) reaches out and grabs Kurapika's hand. "Kurapika, be honest with me...you knew I was coming to see you that day, didn't you?"
Kurapika locks eyes with (Y/N) for a few seconds before looking away. "Yes...Scarlet dreamt about you."
(Y/N) looks back at Scarlet. She's still enjoying her cake as if she's never had any before.
"Wow, Kurapika. That's a special girl you've got there."
"She is. That's why I must protect her with all my might."
Three more months pass by. (Y/N) spends all of her free time with Kurapika and her new little best friend.
The cool air of December hits (Y/N)'s face as she races out of the hospital after a long shift. She thinks about ways she can make Scarlet's wish come true.
She knocks on Kurapika's door, jumping up and down as she grips the book she's holding against her chest.
Kurapika lets her in. He greets (Y/N) with no expression on his face.
She watches him as she takes off her shoes. "Is everything okay, Kurapika?"
Kurapika looks at the corner of the living room. (Y/N) traces his line of sight. Her mouth falls open when she notices Scarlet leaning against the wall, crying. She runs to the young Kurta, dropping her book on the floor.
"Scarlet?" (Y/N) picks her up and rubs her back. "Why are you crying?"
Scarlet sniffles. "Daddy is going to make you go away."
(Y/N) turns to look at Kurapika, but he has already left the room.
"What do you mean he's going to make me go away?" (Y/N) places Scarlet on the couch. She combs her fingers through the little girl's blonde locks.
Scarlet looks at (Y/N) with teary eyes. "My dream...I saw daddy point to the door...he told you to leave. Forever."
(Y/N) holds Scarlet's hand. "Don't cry. We'll just need to make sure that dream doesn't come true." She picks Scarlet up. "Let's go find your daddy. I have something I want to show the both of you."
(Y/N) picks Scarlet up and grabs her book. She walks to the kitchen. "Wait right here. I'm going to go find your daddy," (Y/N) says as she sits Scarlet down in her seat.
(Y/N) knocks on Kurapika's bedroom door. She can hear him walking towards the door. He cracks it open. "Are you finished visiting with Scarlet already?"
"No. I was hoping you'd join us. I have something to show you."
Kurapika follows (Y/N). A big smile spreads across (Y/N)'s face as she opens the book. The pages are filled with old pictures of Kurapika with his friends.
Scarlet looks through the pages, confused. "Daddy, who are these people?"
Kurapika's eyes widen. He runs his fingers on the pages. "These are...my friends."
"You have friends?" Scarlet asks her father.
Kurapika keeps his eyes focused on the photographs. "I...did."
(Y/N) places her hand over Kurapika's. "You still do."
Kurapika spends the next hour going through the pictures with Scarlet. He tells her who everyone is and the impact they had on his life.
"They sound wonderful. Where are they? I'd like to meet them," Scarlet says.
"I'm sure they'd like to meet you, too," Kurapika says.
Kurapika turns to the last page. Scarlet's jaw drops. "Who is this? She looks like a princess!" She points to the picture in the middle of the page.
Kurapika clenches his jaw, pushing the album off the table. He stares at (Y/N) with scarlet eyes. "Why did you bring this here?"
Scarlet stares at her father as if he's a stranger. "Daddy, what's wrong with your eyes?"
"Nothing. Go to your room." Kurapika places his hand over his eyes.
"But..."
"Go!"
Like a lost kitten, Scarlet crawls out of her seat and walks to her bedroom. Once she is out of sight, Kurapika turns to face (Y/N).
"Kurapika?" (Y/N) feels her heart rate increase. Sweat drops form on her forehead.
"Answer my question."
"I...I thought the pictures would bring a smile to your face." (Y/N) looks away.
"You thought a picture of my dead wife would bring a smile to my face?"
"I'm sorry." (Y/N) squeezes her eyes shut. She can feel Kurapika standing close to her, breathing rapidly.
Kurapika grabs (Y/N) by the arm and starts to walk her to the door. "I knew this was a mistake."
(Y/N) feels an ache in her heart. "I said I was sorry."
"Please leave. I'll be moving again. This time...don't come looking for us."
(Y/N) opens her eyes and frees herself from Kurapika's grip. She walks to the other side of the living room. "All this because I brought over a picture of Neon? I'm sure you stare at her pictures all the time."
"That's beside the point. You should have asked my permission before showing it to Scarlet."
"Wait a minute...you never showed her a picture of her mother before?"
Kurapika looks at nothing. His silence answers (Y/N)'s question.
"Leorio is right...you need therapy," (Y/N) says.
"I don't need therapy. What I need is for everyone to allow me to grieve in my own way."
"Grieve? Kurapika...it's been three years. Three fucking years! Stop holding onto the past and allow your heart to fall in love again."
Kurapika points to the front door. "I think it's best you leave now."
(Y/N) stands in the middle of the living room, eyes locked on Kurapika. She makes fists with her hands. "Kurapika, I'm not going anywhere. Not until you hear what I have to say."
"(Y/N), please don't make this harder than it needs to be," he says, looking at the floor.
"Look at me," (Y/N) says, tears forming in her eyes.
Kurapika lifts his head and moves his eyes until they meet (Y/N). "I'm listening."
(Y/N) is suddenly speechless as she searches Kurapika's empty eyes. The Christmas lights from the tree illuminate the small living room. When she doesn't say anything, he walks to the door and opens it.
"Just leave," he says. "I'm going to check on Scarlet. Goodbye, (Y/N)." Kurapika walks away to check on his daughter.
(Y/N)'s heart rate increases as she waits for Kurapika to return.
Minutes later, Kurapika walks back into the living room to close the front door. He's surprised to see (Y/N) is still standing there.
"Kurapika, you've been my birthday wish for the past five years. The day I found out you and Neon were a thing was the worst day of my life. But I learned to live with the pain. I graduated medical school and you know what? They don't make a pill to treat a broken heart." She closes her eyes, allowing the tears to fall down her cheeks. She takes a deep breath. "I love you, Kurapika."
Kurapika grips the doorknob. He glances at (Y/N). Failing to find the right words, he slams the door shut. He leans against the door, thinking of what to say. Seconds later, he decides words are useless. He pushes off the door and walks toward (Y/N). They lock eyes for a second before he grabs her waist and presses his lips against hers. She gasps against his lips. He places his free hand behind her head, swiping her bottom lip with his tongue. She parts her lips and their tongues meet.
Kurapika supports her as her legs begin to tremble. (Y/N) wraps her arms around his neck as he deepens the kiss. She is finally experiencing the moment she's dreamt about for years.
Kurapika is the first to break away, leaving a trail of saliva in between them. He stares at (Y/N), who is trying to catch her breath. Words aren't spoken as he lifts her off the floor and takes her to his bedroom.
He gently places her on his bed before locking the door. (Y/N) takes a quick glance around his bedroom. Bookcases line the walls, overfilled with books. A recliner sits next to the window. (Y/N) imagines Kurapika spends a lot of time there, reading. She grips the wine-colored comforter beneath her as she watches him close the gap in between them. She falls back onto the mattress, allowing him to crawl on top.
Kurapika continues where they left off, his hands searching for hers. Once he finds them, he interlocks their fingers.
Kurapika pulls away and stares into (Y/N)'s eyes. She nods. He places his lips against the skin below her earlobe. (Y/N) writhes beneath him as she feels his kiss radiate throughout her body. He releases his hands and places them under her scrub top. He pulls it off, exposing her bra.
(Y/N) watches as Kurapika places his lips over one of her breasts. Her cheeks turn a deep red as she feels his hands searching for the clasp to her bra. Once he unclasps it, he pulls down her straps.
(Y/N) releases the breath she didn't realize she was holding when she feels Kurapika take one of her nipples into his mouth. She wraps her legs around his waist, pulling him closer to her. He gives her other breast attention before returning his lips to her mouth. She searches for the buttons to his shirt. Growing inpatient, she decides to just rip his shirt open. Kurapika pulls away. A soft smile appears on his face as he hears the buttons hit the floor. She reaches up and presses his sculpted chest lightly as if he's a treasure in a museum that shouldn't be touched.
The next few seconds are spent pushing and pulling until all of their clothes are on the floor. Kurapika repositions himself on top of (Y/N). He stares into her wanting eyes for a few seconds before entering her. A moan escapes her lips as he fills her.
Kurapika thrusts into (Y/N) with vehemence as he gives all of himself to her. His once empty heart begins to fill with warmth. It's a feeling he's been missing for a long time.
(Y/N) looks at Kurapika with half-lidded eyes. Never seeing anyone so beautiful before, she starts to memorize every feature of him. His blonde hair brushes against her face as he reaches down to kiss her neck.
She rocks her hips to match his movements. He plunges deeper, hitting a spot (Y/N) never knew she had inside of her. An intensity builds beneath her navel. She grabs his shoulders, digging her nails into his skin.
Kurapika moans into her ear, enjoying the mixture of pain and pleasure.
(Y/N) shudders beneath Kurapika, letting out a scream as she reaches her climax. He gently places his hand over her mouth to muffle the sound.
Seconds later, Kurapika grunts and moans through clenched teeth as he experiences his rapture.
Kurapika brushes (Y/N)'s hair back with his fingers as he breathes heavily against her. He presses his lips against her forehead and kisses her before pulling out.
Not knowing what to do or say, (Y/N) lays still, waiting for Kurapika to say something.
"Can I fall in love with you?" Kurapika asks (Y/N), sitting on the edge of the bed.
(Y/N)'s eyes widen. She turns her head to face Kurapika. "Wh...what?"
"Earlier you told me to allow my heart to fall in love again. Can it be with you?"
(Y/N) jolts up and wraps her arms around Kurapika's neck. Tears stream down her cheeks as she nuzzles his neck with her lips. "Yes. Yes, you can fall in love with me, Kurapika."
Kurapika wraps his arm around (Y/N). "Thank you," he says with a smile.
They stay in each other's embrace for a few minutes before Kurapika pulls away. He caresses (Y/N)'s cheek. "You're probably tired. How about you sleep in here tonight? It's too cold for you to go home anyway."
"But...where will you sleep?"
"I'll sleep on the couch. As much as I want to sleep with you dreaming in my arms, I don't want Scarlet to catch us sharing a bed."
"I understand," (Y/N) says, reaching up to his left ear. She rolls his earring in between her thumb and index finger.
The next morning, Scarlet walks out of her bedroom in search of her father. She jumps in his bed, surprised to see (Y/N) there.
(Y/N) slowly opens her eyes. She pulls the covers up as soon as she sees the little girl staring at her.
"Scarlet! Uh...good morning."
"Why are you in my daddy's bed? Are you going to live with us now?"
Kurapika watches from the doorway. "How would you feel if (Y/N) lived with us?"
Scarlet turns around and jumps off the bed. She runs to her father. "I'd feel so happy!" she answers as she wraps her arms around his legs.
The corners of Kurapika's lips curve upward as he picks his daughter up. He glances at (Y/N), waiting for her reaction.
Not knowing if she is still dreaming, (Y/N) sits up in bed, holding the sheets against her chest. "Kurapika? What are you trying to say?"
"Get ready. We have Christmas shopping to do. I want to buy something for all my friends and invite them over," Kurapika says.
Later that evening, (Y/N) helps Scarlet wrap presents. Once they are finished, (Y/N) walks into the kitchen where Kurapika is chopping vegetables.
"Kurapika? I wanted to ask you about what you said this morning. About me living here."
Kurapika puts down the knife and turns to face (Y/N). "I thought you'd never ask." He kisses her cheek. "I tossed and turned all night...not because I was uncomfortable, but because I missed you. Even though we were in the same house, you still felt far away from me. I didn't like that feeling. I want you close to me every night."
(Y/N)'s brain is flooded with memories from last night.
Kurapika interrupts her thoughts. "Do you want to open your Christmas present early?"
"My what?"
"Your Christmas present. It's the little box under the tree."
(Y/N) takes a few steps back to look at the Christmas tree. She walks out of the kitchen and slowly makes her way to the tree. She passes Scarlet, who is busy playing with the bows and ribbons.
(Y/N) kneels in front of the tree. She sees the nicely wrapped box and picks it up. Her heart races as she unwraps the present, revealing a small black box. Her hands tremble as she opens the lid.
Inside the box is a simple gold ring. She takes it out, dropping the box on the floor. She runs back to the kitchen.
She gasps when she sees Kurapika, standing on one knee.
Before Kurapika has the chance to speak, (Y/N) nods while allowing her tears to fall from her cheeks. "Yes, Yes!"
Kurapika stands up and catches (Y/N) in his arms. He strokes the back of her head. "I love you," he whispers.
All of their friends surround the dining room table while enjoying the holiday meal Kurapika prepared. Kurapika stands up and holds his glass.
"I just want to thank everyone for coming on such short notice. I don't deserve to have friends like you. Gon, Killua, Alluka, and Leorio. I'm sorry for being a...as (Y/N) once put it...a stubborn jerk." He lifts his glass to the air. "Here's to a bright new chapter in my life. Or rather, a new book. While the other one was filled with great things, it's time to start over. Never again will I lose sight of what's important."
Everyone claps as Kurapika sits back down. His face brightens as he allows a big smile to spread across his face.
Scarlet points at her father. "My wish! It came true!"
"What wish?" Kurapika asks, tilting his head.
"I made a wish on my birthday cake. It was to see you smile."
Kurapika feels tears well up in his eyes. "Don't you worry, my tiny angel. You're going to see me smile a lot from now on."
A few months later, (Y/N) tucks Scarlet into bed. She grabs a book from the bedside table to read to her.
As she opens the book, Scarlet wraps her arms around (Y/N)'s neck. "I'm glad you're my mommy now."
"Me too. I couldn't think of anything better in this world. You are, afterall, my everything." (Y/N) hugs Scarlet.
"I just can't wait until my baby sister gets here," says Scarlet, pulling away.
(Y/N)'s forehead crinkles. "Your what?"
"My dream last night...I'm going to have a baby sister."