Kurapika x Reader One-Shot Collection - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

"(Y/N)? Where are you going?"
I turn around, gripping my diploma to my chest. The spring breeze blows through Airi's chestnut-colored hair, sending her scent my way.
"Uh...Airi? I thought I told you...now that I've graduated, I'm going to move to the city."
She looks at me with tear-filled eyes. "But...why?"
I look to my left then right before returning my gaze to her. "There's nothing here for me."
She closes the gap between us. "There's...me."
She steps on her tiptoes and closes her eyes. I drop my diploma as she wraps her arms around my shoulders. My eyes widen when I feel her lips press up against mine.
I should want her. Not only is she the hottest girl in school, she's kind. Airi has been my only friend since grade school. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be wearing this cap and gown right now. I've wanted to drop out so many times. She helped me defend myself against the other students who enjoyed tormenting me. I feel like I'm a stronger person because of her.
Maybe she just wants to give me a goodbye kiss. Uh...or...not. She's attempting to part my lips with her tongue. I can taste her strawberry-flavored lip gloss. Shouldn't I open my mouth and invite her in?
My body freezes in place. Why am I not responding to her kiss? Am I an idiot?
She pulls away. I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding. She looks down, her cheeks red with embarrassment.
She holds her elbow. "I...I'm sorry."
I wave my hands in front of her. "Please. Don't apologize. You were just trying to tell me goodbye, right?"
She shakes her head. "No. I love you, (Y/N)."
I gently pat her head. "I love you, too, Airi."
She looks up at me, tears falling down her cheeks. "No. You don't understand. I'm in love with you."
I jump back. "Uh...you are? Since when?"
"It doesn't matter," she says, her voice barely audible. "It's obvious you don't feel the same way."
She turns to leave.
I extend my arm toward her. "Airi! Wait!"
She looks over her shoulder. "Goodbye, (Y/N)."
I pick up my diploma and turn in the opposite direction.
I walk across the street with my head down. It's been a year and life hasn't exactly turned out how I had planned. Not that I had a plan to begin with. I figured once I arrived here, everything would fall into place. Isn't that why people move to the big city?
The thoughts in my mind seem to be getting louder. They almost deafen me. Wait...that's not my brain.
I feel someone grab me by the waist and run to the other side of the street. We crash down onto the pavement.
I feel his glare on me as he stands up. "That driver was honking their horn at you! Were you trying to get yourself killed?"
I look up at the blonde-haired man yelling at me. He's dusting off his suit with his hands. If he's so mad, then why did he save me in the first place?
"I...I'm sorry. I guess I wasn't paying attention," I say, voice weak.
"You guess?" He presses his palm against his forehead while letting out a deep breath. "Honestly, how reckless can one person be?" He kneels in front of me. "Are you hurt?"
I check myself for injuries. I wince once I see the gash on my right elbow. I lift my arm up to show him. "I think I might need stitches."
He gives me an annoyed look, like I just ruined his day.
I put my arm back down. "But it's okay. I can walk to the hospital," I say.
He pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket. "Don't be ridiculous." He wraps it around my elbow. "I have a friend who is attending medical school. He'll stitch you up."
He starts to walk away. I don't know if it's due to the shock, but my reactions are delayed.
"Hold on!" I shout, running after him.
He continues to walk, giving me the side-eye.
I almost trip on the concrete once I reach him. I instinctively reach up for his hand. Electricity runs down my spine when his skin touches mine. He pulls away, lowering his eyebrows.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to grab you like that," I say. "My name is (Y/N), by the way. Thank you for saving my life. I owe you one."
"Hmph," he says.
We walk in silence until we reach the rich neighborhood. Luxury cars are parallel parked on either side of the street. The streets are a lot cleaner than where I live. Or rather...lived.
He looks down as we take the elevator up to his friend's floor. Even the elevators are spotless. I don't notice any fingerprints on the mirrored walls.
"Do you live here as well?" I ask.
He ignores my question as the doors open. I follow him down the hall. He takes his keys out of his pocket. They must be good friends if he has a key to his apartment.
"Leorio?" He calls out as he takes his shoes off. "Are you home?"
I take off my shoes as well. I don't know if I should wait here or follow him.
He shoots me a look. Damn. This man doesn't need to use words to communicate with me. I guess he wants me to follow him.
We walk down the hallway until we hear snoring. He pushes open the door to an office. I guess that's his friend with his head on the desk, sleeping.
"Leorio, wake up!"
"Huh?" The dark-haired man lifts his head and blinks a few times. He wipes the drool from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve. "Kurapika? What's up?"
So his name's Kurapika.
Kurapika explains what happened to me and Leorio happily agrees to help me out.
The three of us walk to the bathroom. Blood is soaking through the handkerchief Kurapika wrapped around my elbow. I place my arm over the sink. I'd hate to stain the floor with my blood.
"Let's see what we got," Leorio says, untying the handkerchief. He inspects my elbow. "Yep, you need stitches.
I feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead. "Wait. Does that mean you have to use needles?"
"Sorry. Umm...I didn't catch your name. Mine's Leorio. Med student," Leorio says.
"It's (Y/N). Nice to meet you, Leorio."
"I promise, (Y/N). The only thing you'll feel is a sting while I numb the area with lidocaine."
I don't know why, but I look to Kurapika for approval.
"Do you need something?" Kurapika says.
I feel heat rise to my cheeks. I look away. "Uh...no."
Leorio pulls out his medical supplies and immediately gets to work. I shut my eyes as he injects a needle into my skin. Once the lidocaine kicks in, I open my eyes and look at Kurapika. He's looking away from us. I take the opportunity to focus on his features. Besides, I need a distraction.
Kurapika's hair falls below his neck. His bangs almost reach his mysterious eyes. Those eyes...there's something behind them. I can tell. He has a story, and I have no idea why, but I want to know it.
Leorio cuts the remaining suture. "All done."
I look at my elbow then at Leorio. "What? That fast?"
He pulls out a prescription pad and writes something on it. He tears off the prescription from the pad and hands it to me. "This is for an antibiotic. Take it twice a day for five days to prevent an infection."
I place the prescription in my pocket. "Hey, thanks. How much do I owe you?" I ask, even though I don't have any money to give him.
He waves me off. "Please...consider it a favor."
Relief washes over me. "Well..thank you." I look at Kurapika. "Thank you, both. I guess I should get going now that I took up a lot of your time."
Kurapika looks at me. Am I reading him wrong this time? I see a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Do you need a ride?" he says.
I scratch the back of my head with my good arm. "Umm...no. But do you know of any cheap hotels?"
Kurapika and Leorio glance at each other.
"Hotel?" Kurapika says.
"Yeah, I just had to give up my apartment. Rent was getting too high," I say.
It feels weird telling my business to a couple of people I just met, but nice at the same time. I haven't made any friends since I moved. Not that I need any.
Kurapika gives me another one of his judgmental looks. "You had your own apartment at your age?"
He looks like he's the same age as me and he has his own place. Why is he so surprised I had my own as well?
"You can't ask your parents for help?" he says.
I look at the floor and shake my head. "No. They died in a car accident right before I graduated."
Leorio nudges Kurapika with his elbow. Kurapika's face softens.
"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have assumed," Kurapika says.
"It's fine. You didn't know. Hell, we only met a few hours ago. You haven't even introduced yourself to me."
Leorio tousles Kurapika's hair, laughing. "Yep. That sounds like Kurapika. It's hard to get any info out of him. Don't even bother asking him for his email address."
Kurapika pushes his tall friend away. He extends his arm to me. "My name's Kurapika. It's nice to meet you. (Y/N), correct?"
I shake his hand. "Yes. And it's nice to meet you, too, Kurapika."
I've been staying with Kurapika for the past six months. He took a real liking to me once he found out I was an orphan. I can see why. He is one as well.
I almost didn't believe him when he told me, but he's also a hunter! That's why he doesn't spend a lot of time at home.
I hear the front door open. I look away from my computer screen to see who it is. I can't always assume it's Kurapika, even though he lives here. It could be Leorio, Gon, or Killua.
"Kurapika?" I close my laptop and jump off the bar stool when I see the blonde walking in.
He's been gone for almost two weeks. I don't know exactly why, but my heart pumps a little faster as I close the gap between us. I mean...we have formed a special attachment ever since he took me in when I had nowhere else to go.
He invites me to lunch as he puts his bag away. His mission must have been successful because he's actually wearing a smile on his face.
We arrive at a nice little cafe down the street. We sit at a table next to the window.
Kurapika takes a sip of his coffee. "How's college?"
I shrug. "It's just more homework. Nothing special."
Kurapika turns his gaze to someone behind me.
"(Y/N)?"
I turn around. My mouth falls open. "Airi? Is that you?" I stand up and wrap my arms around her.
She returns my hug. "It's so good to see you, (Y/N). I missed you so much."
I pull away from her. "I missed you, too. What are you doing here? I thought you were attending college back at home."
Her entire face brightens as she smiles at me. "I was, but then I wanted to experience the city for myself. I was hoping to bump into you." She glances at Kurapika. "Who's your friend?"
I turn my head to look at Kurapika. I watch as the smile he had on his face fades.
"This is Kurapika! He's my...umm...friend?"
I don't know why I question whether or not he's my friend.
She extends her arm to him. "My name is Airi. It's nice to meet you."
He stands up from his seat and shakes her hand. "Likewise."
She returns her attention back to me. "Well...it was really nice seeing you. You look great. Call me sometime, okay?"
I nod.
She spins around and walks away, glancing back at me with a smile. I wave at her, smiling back.
Kurapika and I eat our lunch in silence.
He walks fast on our way back home. I practically have to jog to keep up with him. When I finally catch up, I grab his hand. He stops in his tracks and jumps back as if I shocked him.
"What are you doing?" he says.
"Trying to figure out what's going through your head. You haven't said a word since I introduced you to Airi."
He looks at the pavement. "Is she your ex-girlfriend?" he says, barely audible.
I move closer to him, making sure I heard him correctly. "Girlfriend? No! Airi and I have been friends since we were kids. That's all we are...friends."
I notice a ghost of a smile appear on Kurapika's face.
I furrow my brow. "Wait...is that why you're acting weird? Because you thought Airi and I used to date?"
His eyes meet mine. "Let's just go home."
Even if Airi was my ex-girlfriend, why would it matter to him?
I walk behind him, watching as he puts his hands inside the pockets of his dress pants. He looks over his shoulder at me.
"What are you doing back there?"
I feel heat rise to my cheeks. "Uh...uh," I say. Did he just catch me checking him out?
He doesn't look at me while we take the elevator up to the apartment. Things feel...strange.
We take off our shoes as soon as we get home.
"I'm going to bed. Good night," Kurapika says.
I turn to look at the clock. It's only four-thirty.
"O...okay. Good night," I say.
He walks down the hallway. I extend my arm to him.
"Kurapika, wait!"
I need answers. One minute, we're having a great time then Airi comes along, and his entire attitude changes. I'm not the type to get angry, but I can't allow him to treat me this way. It's confusing the hell out of me.
He turns around. "Yes?"
I swallow hard. It feels like someone just switched the off button to my brain. I stomp my way to Kurapika, pushing him against the wall.
His eyes double in size. "(Y/N)..."
"Shut the fuck up, Kurapika."
I move closer to him. I grab his arms, holding him in place. I sense his shock as I press my lips hard against his.
I feel him relax, parting his lips to invite me in. My knees weaken when our tongues touch. I loosen my grip on him as I try to process what's going on. He grabs my waist, pulling me closer. He tastes so damn good, I can't get enough. I start to feel light-headed, forgetting I need to breathe.
I reluctantly pull away. We stare at each other, breathing heavily.
My heart pounds against my chest as it starts to make decisions for me. Kurapika's eyes turn scarlet as he glares into mine. I nod, knowing the question he wants to ask me.
We continue kissing as soon as we sit on his bed. Our hands tug at each other's clothing. We pull off the fabric barrier as if it's covered in acid. Once free of clothing, I pull away to stare at his body. We've been roommates for half a year and this is the first time I've seen him naked.
I run my hands over his hard chest. He's not a very big guy, but damn. Solid muscle hides under those suits he wears. My eyes fall to the part that makes him a man. It's bigger than I expected it to be. Kurapika lets out a soft moan as I take it in my hand. I don't even know how my hand got there. Right...my brain isn't making decisions for me at the moment.
I use my other hand to grip his hair while I kiss him. The thick locks slide through my fingers. I glide my tongue across his jawline and down his neck. I run it back up and discover his sweet spot right below his earring. I focus my attention there, leaving him a love bite.
I push Kurapika on his back. He stares at me with lust-filled eyes. I turn him on his stomach. He brings his knees up to his chest as if he's anticipating my next move. One thing I did learn about him is that he's a virgin, like me. That being said, I have no idea what I'm doing. Luckily, it appears my heart is better at making decisions than my brain.
I spread his cheeks apart and stare. I move my eyes across his body to the side of his face. I comb his hair away with my fingers to read his expression. His eyes are shut, and he's already wincing. I rub his back, relaxing him.
Once his expression softens, I grab my dick and position it where it needs to go. Using my precum as a lubricant, I slowly press into him. He grabs the sheets, burying his face into his pillow. I stop when I'm about a third of the way in. I patiently wait until he adjusts before going in further. The last thing I want to do is hurt him. I shut my eyes. This torture feels so sweet, I might just come.
Kurapika lifts his hips and grinds against me. He's moaning...not in pain...but in pleasure. I take that as my cue to go in further. A moan escapes my throat. He feels so tight and warm around me. I pull back, thrusting into him. He keeps grinding against me, wanting more. Thank Kami. I don't know what I'd do if he couldn't handle it.
I grab his waist, thrusting in and out of him. I clench my jaw. I feel a massive amount of pleasure building inside of me. Who needs drugs to feel good when you have someone special to give you that feeling of euphoria? At this very moment, I know I'm in love. I reach in front of Kurapika and grab his erection. I stroke it while I plunge deeper.
Sweat drops fall down my face as the pleasure spreads throughout my entire body. I can feel it in my scalp...all the way down to my toes.
Kurapika reaches his climax. I feel his cum soak my hand as his moans echo throughout the room.
I pull out and collapse on top of him. I roll on my side, pulling him close to me. I nuzzle his neck. Life is so good.
I feel him panting. "That...was the...greatest experience of my life," he says.
I smile. "I love you, Kurapika."
He turns until he's facing me. He searches my eyes.
"You...love me?" he says.
I place my hand over his cheek and caress it with my thumb. Tears fall down my face. He's so damn beautiful. "I do. You don't have to say it back to me. I just want you to know how I feel."
He closes his eyes. "I love you, too."
We kiss. I can taste our tears as they fall. We eventually fall asleep in each other's arms.
The room is dark when I open my eyes. Kurapika's limbs are intertwined with mine. The sound of his breathing echoes throughout my soul. I wish I could see his face.
I try to pull away to turn on the bedside lamp, but he stops me.
"Don't go," he says.
I kiss his forehead. "I'm not going anywhere, baby. I just want to turn on the light."
Silence fills the room.
"You called me...baby?" he says.
"I...I guess I did. I'm sorry. Did I offend you?"
"Of course not. I like it." He reaches up to find my lips.
My heart feels like it's on fire. I want the world to know Kurapika belongs to me.
"Hey, Kurapika? We should tell our friends about us."
I feel him stretch. "That sounds like a great idea." He yawns. "Let's wait until tomorrow. I'm still enjoying the high you gave me."
I have to agree with him. I'm still a little high myself. But...something still remains on my mind.
"Kurapika? When we first met, why did you act like you didn't like me?"
He waits a few seconds before answering.
"The truth is...I was afraid. I'm a busy person. I don't have time for love. But you came out of nowhere, forcing me to change."
Tears well up in my eyes. What's so special about me? I feel I don't deserve to be loved by someone like him. I squeeze him tighter against me. I'm afraid if I let go, he'll disappear. I want him to be mine forever.
"Let's get married," I say.
I can't see the expression on his face and it's driving me crazy. I pull away and quickly turn on the light. I turn back, taking his hands into my own. He gets into a sitting position. His eyes never leave mine.
"(Y/N)...are you asking me to marry you?"
I press his fingers against my lips. "I am. Dammit...I don't have a ring to give you, but...will you marry me?"
He stares at me with misty eyes. The corners of his lips move upward. "Yes."
I let out the breath I was holding. I press my forehead against his, allowing the tears to stream down my face. I wish my parents had the opportunity to meet him. They'd be so happy for me.
"Future husband, will you make love to me?" I whisper.
"I'd love nothing more."
Kurapika runs his fingers up and down my arms, causing goosebumps to erupt on my skin. I close my eyes in order to heighten my senses.
I feel his breath against my ear. "You didn't know this, but I fell in love with you a long time ago. I'm about to show you just how much I love you."
Now I know what girls mean when they say they feel butterflies inside their stomachs. Hours ago, I was the one in control. Now, it's Kurapika's turn.
Kurapika lays me down on my side. I feel his chest against my back. He kisses my neck, gliding his tongue down to my throat. He spreads me open. I feel his erection press into me. I gasp as he tears through me. I clench my jaw, waiting for the burning pain to subside.
He moves in and out of me slowly. He plunges deeper...deeper...until...ahh...right there. It's my turn to grind against him as I beg for more.
I moan, letting him know he's not hurting me. He doesn't take the hint. He's still moving too slow.
"Kurapika...I get it...you love me...now...just fuck me!"
He stops. "As you wish."
He pulls back and thrusts into me. Damn...it's like he was made just for me. It still burns, but in a good way. The warmth surrounds my body. I feel his hand move across my hip. He grabs my erection and my eyes snap open. I thought I felt pleasure before...but...ahh...he's stroking me with the perfect amount of pressure.
I shut my eyes again. Flashes of light appear behind my eyelids. My body convulses as I experience a rapture so sweet, I can taste it. I explode all over the bed. I hear Kurapika's moans in my ear as he fills me with warm liquid.
He pulls out of me and falls on his back. I turn around and rest my head on his chest. I allow the sound of his heart to drift me off to sleep.
The next morning, I wake up to Kurapika shaking me.
I open my eyes and start to cough.
Once the coughing subsides, I sit in bed. "Kurapika, what's wrong?"
He places his hand on my shoulder. "You were having a nightmare, my love."
I wipe the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. Visions of the wreckage fill my brain as I relive the car accident. I can see the paramedics attempt to resuscitate my parents, but they are already dead.
I throw myself on Kurapika, burying my face in his shoulders. He wraps his arms around me, supporting my head.
"I...I never even cried for them," I say.
"It's okay. You can cry now."
And I do.
Airi used to tell me to cry. She said it would make me feel better. But I never listened. I felt crying would make me look weak. Instead, I trapped my feelings inside, hoping they would one day disappear.
As I allow my tears to fall on my fiance's bare chest, I realize she was right. Crying does make you feel better.
I pull away from Kurapika. He places his hands on my cheeks and wipes away my tears with his thumbs.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
I shake my head. "No. I feel better now. Besides, you already know what my nightmare was about."
He nods. "Unfortunately, I do. (Y/N), the nightmares will never go away. However, you have me now. You can cry into my shoulder whenever you need to."
I smile. "And you can cry into mine."
Kurapika and I pick up Airi before meeting the rest of our friends for breakfast.
"Why can't you just tell me the good news now?" she says, clicking her seatbelt.
I turn to face her, grinning from ear to ear. "Patience, Airi."
She crosses her arms over her chest. "Hmph."
Leorio, Gon, Killua, and Alluka are already waiting for us when we arrive at the restaurant. Airi grabs my hand and pulls me aside as we walk up to meet them. Kurapika notices, furrowing his brow.
"Go ahead and get us a table. I'll be right in," I say to him.
Airi waits until they are out of sight before walking me to the alley next to the restaurant. She pushes me against the wall.
"What's going on with you, (Y/N)?"
"What do you mean?"
"Today is the anniversary of the accident. When you called me this morning, I thought you wanted me to accompany you to the cemetery."
I tuck some loose strands of hair behind her ear. "Yeah. I'd like that. But I also want to share some good news with you."
"We're best friends. Just tell me."
I smile, twirling her hair around my finger. "I'm in love, Airi."
She bites her lip. A hint of pink flashes across her cheeks. She takes the hand that's playing with her hair and presses it against her lips. "You're...in love?"
I nod. "Yes. I have been for a while now. It just didn't occur to me until last night."
Tears well up in her eyes. "That is great news." She intertwines her fingers with mine and turns toward the restaurant. "Let's go tell your friends."
We walk hand in hand inside the restaurant. It doesn't feel strange to me because we've always held hands. People assumed we were a couple because of it. I did it to protect her. She's a beautiful girl, and guys used to always try to hook up with her. I got into a few fights, but I didn't care. I'll do anything to keep her safe.
Kurapika notices as soon as he sees us. I release Airi and slide into the booth next to him. She slides in next to me. Her thighs touch mine.
I stop myself from giving Kurapika a kiss on the cheek. I don't want to spoil our surprise yet.
After we all finish eating, Leorio wipes his mouth with a napkin. He throws it back on the table.
"So? What's the big news you two couldn't wait to tell us?" he says.
Kurapika and I look at each other.
"You tell them," he says.
My eyes scan the faces of our friends. I hold Airi's gaze when I turn my head to face her. She's looking at me with excitement in her eyes.
"We're in love," I say. I'm still looking into Airi's eyes. "And we're getting married."
She tilts her head to the side. "We are?"
I feel my heart rise to my throat. Shit. She thinks she's the one I'm in love with.
I slowly turn to face the others. I can see the confusion on their faces.
"Who's getting married?" Gon says.
Kurapika grabs my hand. "We are! (Y/N) asked me last night."
Alluka gasps. "Congratulations!" She claps her hands. "I'm so happy for you."
Leorio reaches over the table and pinches the love bite I gave Kurapika last night. "Way to go, buddy!"
"Yeah, that's awesome," Gon says with his heartwarming smile.
"Same," Killua says, looking away from us as he blushes.
Airi scoots out of the booth. "Take me home please."
I follow her outside. "Airi, wait!"
She stands next to Kurapika's car. I close the distance between us. She looks up at me with tear-filled eyes.
"Following you to the city was a mistake," she says.
I jump back. "What? You moved here because of me?"
"Of course."
"But I thought I made my feelings clear to you at graduation."
She looks to the side. The breeze blows through her hair, gluing a few strands to her face with her tears.
"I'm happy for you...don't get me wrong." She looks back at me. "But why did you cut me out of your life the way you did? We've been best friends since we were kids."
I place my hand on her shoulders. "I'm sorry, Airi. But you knew I was struggling with finding my true self. Especially after my parents died."
"I could've helped you, (Y/N). That's what friends do."
My stomach is filled with guilt. She's right. But hell, I didn't want to drag her into my mess.
I hear footsteps behind me.
"Is everything all right?" Kurapika says.
Airi walks up to Kurapika and grabs his arm. "Promise me. Promise me you'll take care of (Y/N). Promise me you'll never hurt him."
Kurapika smiles at her. "I promise. It brings me happiness knowing he has a friend who cares so much about him. I hope the two of us can be friends as well."
Airi turns back to me. She wraps her arms around my neck. "I love you, (Y/N). I'm glad you found yourself and someone who makes you happy. Even if that person isn't me."
I rest my hands on her waist. "Thank you, Airi. I hope you'll attend our wedding. Actually...I was hoping...will you be my...uh...best woman?"
I feel her laugh against my chest. "I'd be honored, (Y/N)."
She pulls away and waits for Kurapika to unlock the car.
I stare at the shiny sports car. "Hey, Kurapika? Mind if I drive?"
He hands me the keys. "Be my guest."
Kurapika takes Airi's hand and walks her to the front passenger's side. He opens the door for her and helps her in.
"But...don't you want to sit next to (Y/N)?" she says.
"You sit next to him," Kurapika says.
"Are you sure?"
He straps her seatbelt. "Of course."
"Thank you," Airi says with a smile.
We talk about wedding plans on our drive back to her apartment. I must admit, I'm still a little concerned. She thought she was the one I was going to confess my love for. Then minutes later, she's acting like that never happened. It worries me. I hope she's not hurting on the inside.
Remember how I said my heart was making all my decisions for me? It appears my brain still isn't functioning very well. We approach a red light and all I can do is stare at Kurapika through the rearview mirror. The car behind us honks their horn to let me know the light turned green. I press on the gas pedal, still looking at Kurapika.
"(Y/N), watch out!" Airi screams.
From the corner of my eye I see a truck coming toward us from the right. My brain is definitely malfunctioning because everything starts to move in slow motion. The sounds of tires squealing and glass shattering fill my ears as the truck crashes into Airi's side. The airbags deploy and the car spins.
I open my eyes.
"(Y/N), can you hear me?" Kurapika says.
I sit up in the grass and take in my surroundings. "Where's Airi?"
"You're hurt. Wait here for the paramedic. I'm going to help get Airi out of the car," Kurapika says.
"No! I want to help, too." I stand up and...ouch. My arm is definitely broken.
A paramedic comes to my side. "Sir, come with me. You're bleeding from your head."
I push him away with my good arm and run towards the car to find Airi.
Kurapika eases her out of the broken window. He lays her on the grass and presses his fingers against her neck.
"She has a pulse. It's faint, but it's there."
I kneel beside her, taking her hand into mine. "Airi, I'm here. Don't worry. You're going to be fine. They're bringing the stretcher now."
She struggles to open her eyes. "(Y/N)? My stomach hurts. Will you check it for me?"
"Of course."
I lift her blood-stained blouse. My eyes widen. Loops of intestine hang from the deep cut across her abdomen.
I look back at Airi. I watch as all the color fades from her face. My throat aches from screaming. Why isn't anyone helping her? I feel like it's just us here. I look around again. Where did everyone go? White walls surround us as beautiful music plays.
A pretty girl wearing a white dress separates me from Airi. "Sir, you're not supposed to be here." A stern expression crosses her luminous face.
I take a step back. Airi extends her arm to me. "(Y/N)?"
Not wanting to piss the girl in white off, I ask her for permission to see Airi.
"You have thirty seconds. Someone is waiting for you back on Earth," she says.
I immediately grab Airi's hand. Her face looks prettier than ever. She is no longer covered in blood.
"Airi, I'm so sorry. I should've paid more attention to the road."
She shakes her head. "It wasn't your fault. That driver ran a red light."
Tears stream down my face. "What's going to happen now?"
She smiles, making the room brighter. "You're going to go back home and marry Kurapika. I'm going to wait up here with your parents. Tell Kurapika I'll look for his parents as well. I love you, (Y/N). Live a full life for me."
The girl in white pushes me away. Airi's hand drops from mine.
"Wait...no," I say.
"You must go back now. It's not your time yet," the girl says.
I jump up to look for Airi, but she's already gone. "I love you, Airi!"
I jolt from the stretcher. It feels like someone kicked me in the chest.
Kurapika wraps his arms around me, sobbing against my neck. "I've never been so scared in my life."
Sirens sound a lot louder when you're actually inside an ambulance.
I pull the oxygen mask off my face. "What happened?"
Kurapika pulls away. "You passed out after seeing Airi's wound. You didn't have a pulse. When the paramedics hooked you up to the monitor, you were in a deadly arrhythmia. They had to shock you twice."
I stare at nothing. "Airi is in Heaven."
"Right. She...didn't make it. I'm sorry." Kurapika's voice cracks.
"I saw Airi. I was in Heaven with her. She told me I had to come back to marry you."
The two paramedics riding with us stare at me like I'm a ghost. I mean, I was dead for a minute.
Kurapika presses his lips against my bandaged head. "Then let's make it official. Right after you recover, we'll get married."
My entire body starts to shake. The paramedics rush to my side.
"No...I'm fine. I promise." I wave them off with my good arm.
I can see the worry on Kurapika's face. "What's wrong?" he says, squeezing my hand.
"Airi wanted you to sit next to me in the car. What if you were the one in that seat?"
He closes his eyes and shakes his head. "I'm sorry. It should have been me."
I lower my eyebrows. "Don't say that. I can't lose you, got it?"
He brushes his lips over mine. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."
Two years later
Kurapika and I bought a house away from the city. Turns out, the city isn't as great as people make it out to be. To be honest, I get PTSD whenever I sit in a car.
Married life is absolutely wonderful. I mean, we do have our fair share of arguments, but the make-up sex is great. Anyway...that's a story for another day.
Kurapika slides open the back door and walks inside. He shows me his phone. "(Y/N), it's time."
I jump up from the couch and put my shoes on.
Kurapika takes his jacket out of the closet. "Are you sure you can handle the car ride?"
"For this? I'd drive through fire."
I ride with my face between my knees. Once we arrive, Kurapika helps me out of the car. We wait until my breathing normalizes before walking toward the building.
We hold hands as we take the elevator up. His hand is as sweaty as mine.
Our social worker is already waiting for us in the lobby. She stands from her seat as soon as she sees us.
"Mr. and Mr. Kurta, congratulations." She extends her arm. Kurapika and I take turns shaking it. "She's in room eleven."
The three of us walk inside the room. We can hear the sound of a baby crying. The teenage mom is holding the baby, saying her goodbyes. A smile spreads across her face when she sees us.
She stares back at the baby. "Your daddies are here to meet you. I promise...I found the perfect parents for you," she says.
Kurapika and I decided we both wanted to start a family as soon as we got married. After months of searching, we finally found a young girl who wanted to give her baby up for adoption.
"Can I hold her?" I say.
"Of course. She's yours now."
I carefully take the baby into my arms. She's so tiny, I'm afraid I'll break her. Kurapika stares down at her with tear-filled eyes.
"She's the prettiest baby I've ever seen," he says.
The young girl looks up at us. "What are you going to name her?"
I kiss my new daughter on the forehead. I look back at the wonderful girl who made this possible for us.
"Airi. My husband and I want to name her Airi."