Kurapika x Reader One-Shot Collection - Chapter 62: Chapter 62

I shift on my zabuton, giving my best friend my full attention.
Leorio stands up and raises his glass of beer in the air. "I want to thank all of my friends for believing in my dream! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be standing here right now as a doctor. Cheers!" He gulps his drink and sits back down. His eyes meet mine. "Especially you, Kurapika. Thank you."
I click my glass with his. I honestly don't know what I did to help him, as I've been an absentee friend. I look around the table. I smile. It brings me happiness to be surrounded by my friends.
"Hey, Dr. Paradinight!" a pretty woman shouts. She runs to our table and gives Leorio a kiss on his cheek. "Sorry I'm late. Did I miss anything?"
He pats the empty seat next to him. "Sit...sit. And I told you, you can call me Leorio when we're outside of work."
"Right." She waves at everyone.
"This is (Y/N)! She's the nurse manager of the pediatric unit where I'll be working," says Leorio, grinning from ear to ear.
He introduces each of us separately.
"And last but not least, my best friend, Kurapika!"
She smiles as she offers me her hand. I give it a quick shake and nod.
"Don't mind him," Leorio says. "He's quiet."
I'm not trying to be rude. I just received some intel on another pair of scarlet eyes and I can't wait to begin my search.
We all enjoy our delicious barbeque.
After playing a few games, we order dessert.
(Y/N) wipes whipped cream off the corner of Leorio's mouth. He wraps his arm around her shoulder.
"H-h-h-ey, (Y/N)! Wanna go back to my place for a little celebration of our own?" Leorio says, slurring his words.
I shake my head.
Leorio, please don't make this poor woman do something she'll regret in the morning.
She adjusts his glasses for him. "I appreciate the invitation, but I have an early meeting tomorrow. Maybe next time."
The corners of his lips move downward. "Aww...okay."
"Excuse me," I say.
I walk out of the restaurant. I look up at the skyscrapers. They color the night sky with their lights. I reach into my pocket and pull out my pack of cigarettes and a lighter. I place the cigarette in between my lips and light it up. I inhale.
"Kurapika?"
I turn to the sound of my name. I exhale, trying to mask the disappointment on my face. "(Y/N)...am I correct?"
She smiles as she walks closer to me. "You know, smoking is bad for your health."
I take a step back. "So I heard. That's why I'm out here. To avoid Leorio's speech on how I'm going to die before I'm sixty."
She lets out a laugh. "I'm sorry. I won't bother you. I'd just like to know you better. You know, since you're Leorio's best friend."
I lower my eyebrows. "Why? Are the two of you dating?"
She rests her hands on the railing. "No. He asked, but I'd rather not get involved with coworkers."
I take a drag on my cigarette and exhale the smoke away from her. "That's a smart idea. But please. Let him down easy. He's a good person."
She tilts her head to the side, assessing me with her eyes. "You're a good friend. No wonder he talks a lot about you.
I wish she would leave. I came out to be alone for a reason. I extend my hand to her. "Well...it was nice meeting you."
She takes my hand. Instead of shaking it, she runs her thumb across my knuckles. "Trying to get rid of me?"
I pull my arm back. "My apologies. I understand you want to get to know me, but to be honest, there's not much to learn."
She moves closer to me. Too close. "Ohh...I like mysterious men."
"Kurapika? (Y/N)?"
(Y/N) and I turn to look at Leorio.
"There you are," he says. "We're all about to leave." His eyes move down. Somehow she managed to put her hand on my chest. "Oh...sorry...am I interrupting something?"
I push past her. "No." I put out my cigarette. "We're done here."
And that's how I first met you.
(Y/N)
Leorio stops by my office before his shift starts. He places a cup of coffee on my desk.
"Morning, gorgeous. Hope you had fun last night."
I pick up the coffee and place the lid against my lips. I take a sip. "I did! Thanks for inviting me. And congratulations again on passing your medical licensure exam and getting accepted into our residency program."
A proud smile crosses his face. "It still feels like a dream."
I put the cup back down on my desk. "Your friends seem nice. What's up with your bestie though?"
Leorio furrows his brow. "Why? He didn't say anything to offend you, did he?"
I pick up my pen and scribble on my desk calendar. "No. He just seems...odd."
He dismisses my comment with a wave of his hand. "That's just Kurapika. He'll open up once you get to know him." He raises an eyebrow. "Why? Are you interested?"
I raise both of my hands and shake my head. "No...no...no. No offense, but he's kind of a jerk."
Leorio stomps his foot on the floor. "How many times do I have to tell him to be nice to my friends?" He checks his watch. "Anyway, I better get going. Catch ya later!"
I toss my hair over my shoulder when he closes the door behind him. Hopefully nobody comes in with complaints this morning. I'm not in the mood to hear them. Besides, I have more important things to take care of. Just in case, I get up and lock my door. I grab my phone and call the hunter I hired to find something dear to my heart.
"I'll meet you later tonight...you'll receive payment once you hand me what I want."
Of course I can't afford my own personal hunter. Luckily, he agreed on a different form of payment. Men are disgusting pigs. All of them. We just have to learn how to use that to our advantage.
I look at my door when I finish my call. Poor Dr. Paradinight. He's a nice guy. Pretty cute too. But he tried to feel me up last night. I know he was drunk, but still. Too bad he's only a resident. Hell, I'm only a nurse and I get paid more than him. I'll wait until he's no longer a resident. He'll be more useful to me then. And what was up with his friend? I caught him looking me up and down. I'm telling you, don't trust anyone with a dick.
After making sure my staff has everything under control, I grab my things, lock up, and leave.
I meet my hunter in a dark alley. Where else would we meet?
I gasp when I look inside the box he handed me. "You did it!"
He puts his foot up against the wall. "Of course I did, darlin'." He eyes me. "Now about that payment..."
I lift my head from the box in my arms. "Right. Walk me to my car."
I can't help but smile as we walk to my car. My forehead creases when I notice another car parked in the abandoned lot. I swear I was the only one here. I shrug. They're probably up to no good. Why else would they be in a place like this?
"Let me secure this first," I say. "Oh, and shut off your Nen."
"Whatever you say." My hunter obeys.
Men will do anything for sex.
I lean up against my car after closing the door. He lowers himself on me. Gross.
One of the good things about being a nurse is the access I have to medications. I pull back my syringe and stab him in the arm with it.
One hundred units of insulin should be enough for this motherfucker to die from hypoglycemia. The best part is, insulin is a natural hormone in the body so the police will never suspect he died from homicide.
I turn to open my door, but someone grabs my arm.
Shit.
"I believe you have something that belongs to me."
The sound of this man's voice sends shivers down my spine. Where did I hear this voice before?
Luckily, I brought more than one syringe. I turn around to inject him, but I'm too shocked to move.
"Kurapika?"
The blonde nods. "That's correct." His eyes move to my backseat. "That box in there...why is it in your possession?"
I slowly move my body to shield the passenger door from him. "None of your business."
He places a chain-covered hand on my window. "Actually, it is."
I push him and raise my hand. He stops me from injecting him. A soft glow surrounds this mysterious man. Dammit. He can use Nen.
I fall on top of him and he rolls over so he's on top of me. He holds my wrists above my head. I squirm on the concrete.
"Ow. You're hurting me."
He loosens his grip. "I apologize, but weren't you just trying to hurt me?"
I lift my leg and kick him with my four-inch heel.
He supports his abdomen as he goes flying. I take advantage and get up from the ground. I reach for the door to my car when he grabs my waist.
"You aren't going anywhere. Not until you give me what is rightfully mine."
I look over my shoulder at him. "You're not fighting fair. I can't use Nen."
He shuts off his aura. "You still don't stand a chance against me." He stops me from opening my door.
He moves until he's in front of my passenger door. He stares at the window.
"Don't you dare think about shattering my window. I'll have you arrested for sexual assault and breaking and entering," I say.
His neck turns slowly until his eyes are fixed with mine. "Sexual assault? I did nothing of the sort."
A sly smile crosses my face. "Just moments ago, you were on top of me, holding my wrists so I couldn't move."
His lips move upward into a smile. "You define that as sexual assault?" He raises his hand. "Trust me, miss. I don't have to use force to get a woman to make love to me. And while we're on the subject, I certainly wouldn't choose you."
My heel slides across the concrete as I get into a fighting stance. My body feels like venom is coursing through my veins. "Just so you know, I have a long line of doctors begging to go out with me!"
He lets out a laugh. "I suppose people are desperate these days."
I pull my arm back and lunge toward him. He moves his head to the side, avoiding my punch.
I get back on my feet, breathing heavily.
He straightens his posture. "I'm sure you can hit me if you try hard enough." He points to his chin. "I believe in you, (Y/N)."
I look away from him, clenching my jaw. "Tch."
"No? Okay." He closes the gap between us. "Then if you don't mind, I'd like that box sitting in the back of your car."
I glare into his eyes. "The only way you're getting that box is if you kill me."
He picks up my arm and blows dirt away from a scratch. "Killing wasn't on my agenda for today. How about a simple negotiation?"
I pull my arm back. "There's nothing to negotiate. I made a purchase and I don't have any interest in reselling."
He points his thumb behind his shoulder to the man on the ground. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you murdered a man in order to obtain that item."
I look at the man then back at Kurapika. I shrug my shoulders. "It doesn't matter how I got it. The fact is, I was faster than you."
He chuckles at my comment. "You're right." He spins around so his back is facing me. "Take it for now. However, I want to make you aware...this won't be the last time you see me."
I wait until he is out of sight to get into my car.
I let out my frustration once I'm inside. After screaming, I turn to look at the box in my backseat. I'm not letting him anywhere near my precious object.
Kurapika
I sigh in relief, relaxing into the seat of my car. The scarlet eyes aren't in my possession, but I know they are safe. For now.
I have no idea why you want them, and quite frankly, I don't care. You pose no threat to me. Therefore, retrieving them will be an easy task.
I put my phone against my ear. "Leorio? Are you working?"
"What do you want, Kurapika? Of course I'm working. I'm in the middle of a forty-eight hour shift!"
"I'm just calling in hopes to gain some intel on one of your coworkers. (Y/N), the woman you introduced us to last night."
"You're calling me for dating advice? Well...you can forget it. I saw her first!"
I can't help but laugh. "No...no...no. You can have her. This has to do with my mission."
I can tell he's scowling at me through the phone. "Look, Kurapika. I have no idea what mess you got yourself into, but I'm not getting (Y/N) tangled up in it. BYE!"
I shake my head when he hangs up on me. I'll wait until he's had sufficient rest before I bring you up again.
Except...Leorio might be out for days once he's done with his shift. I don't have time to wait.
The next day...
I show up to your office before you. You almost drop the stack of folders in your arms when you notice me.
I kick off the door that leads to your office. "Good morning." I help you with the paperwork you're juggling. "I trust you slept well?"
You unlock your door. "What are you doing here?" you whisper.
I follow you inside your office, closing the door behind me. "I believe you already know the answer to that question."
You place the stack of folders on your desk. "If you're here for the scarlet eyes then you can forget about it! I'll never give them up. Especially to someone like you."
I place the remaining folders on your desk. "Excuse me? Someone like me? You have no idea what kind of person I am."
You roll your eyes. "I saw enough last night to know you aren't a nice person."
I raise an eyebrow. "Coming from the one who committed murder?"
You plop down on your chair and kick your heels up. "That was self defense."
I nod. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
You put your feet back on the floor and sit straight up. "Look. I don't care to know you and you don't care to know me. Let's just get straight to it. Why are you interested in the scarlet eyes?"
I cross my arms. "You just said you didn't care to know about me."
You lift your hands up in frustration. "Fine. You're right. I don't give a damn. I just want you to leave me the hell alone."
"I can do that. Just give me back what is rightfully mine."
You stand up. "Rightfully yours? How can you say that? You're probably one of those sickos who take pleasure in collecting body parts."
I chuckle. "That's funny. I was thinking the same about you."
You sort through the paperwork on your desk. I can tell you're holding back tears. "Just get out of here, Kurapika." You sniffle.
I watch as you work.
You wipe your eyes and look at me. "I said get out!"
I turn around and walk away, looking over my shoulder. I've threatened a politician, lawyer, the founder of a religion...and so forth. They all gave up the scarlet eyes. But...you, a nurse. You're...different. Why?
(Y/N)
I spin around in my office chair. What a terrible way to start the day. I wince when I hear my door open again.
Relief washes over me when I notice it's just Dr. Paradinight. He walks in and places the usual cup of coffee on my desk.
"Thank you. Just what I need." I grab the coffee and start sipping.
He adjusts his glasses. "You look flustered. Everything okay?"
I open my mouth to answer, but I decide not to bring up Kurapika. For some reason, Leorio considers Kurapika his best friend. I don't want to get in the way of their friendship.
See? I am a good person regardless of what Kurapika thinks!
That bastard!
"Hello? (Y/N)?"
I almost choke on my coffee. Damn. Leorio caught me thinking about his friend.
I grab a tissue and wipe my lips. "It's nothing. Just not looking forward to all my meetings today."
Frustrated and wishing he'd just leave, I put on a fake smile.
Wait...Dr. Paradinight is a hunter! I need that license. I have information on where to find another set of scarlet eyes, and I can't let Kurapika get to them first.
I stand up and walk seductively toward Leorio. "You look sexy in that lab coat."
His eyes widen. "Huh? What are you doing?"
I run my hands all over him. I smile when I feel his wallet inside his pocket. "Lock the door," I whisper.
He almost trips over nothing as he runs to my door.
I hop on my desk and spread my legs open. He rushes back to me, gleaming.
I allow him to feel me up until I find his hunter's license. I carefully place his wallet back into his pocket.
Thankfully, my phone rings. I push him away, pretending to be disappointed. "It's probably the house supervisor wondering why I'm not at bed briefing."
He frowns. "O...okay. Maybe we can get together when my shift is over."
I get down from my desk and pull down my skirt. "Actually, I have plans later." I grab my binder and walk away from him.
Kurapika
The bell dings as I walk inside the cafe. I pull off my suit jacket and order a cappuccino.
The barista calls my name and I grab my coffee. I look around the cafe. Needing privacy, I take the empty seat in the back.
I settle in front of the public computer. I swipe my hunter's license to access the website and enter the code.
My heart pounds. Another set of scarlet eyes!
I write down the information I need and log out of the computer. The scent of a familiar perfume fills my nose. I look to my right and...
No.
You lock eyes with mine.
"You're a hunter?" I say, standing up.
You look like a child who just got caught playing with matches.
My eyes fall to the hunter's license on the table. I grab it, recognizing the numbers on the back.
"Did you steal this from Leorio?"
"Uh...of course not."
I slap the license against the inside of my hand. "So...Leorio knows his license is in your possession?"
You're taking too long to answer. A telltale sign of lying.
"Y...yes."
I pull my phone out of my pocket. "Very well then. I shall call him just to make sure."
You take my phone out of my hand. "No, please. I promise. I was only borrowing it."
I snatch my phone back from you. "Borrowing something without the owner's consent is the same as stealing." I reach over and log out of the computer. Wait...you're on the same page I was on only minutes ago. I grab your wrist. "Follow me outside."
You pull back. "Now why would I do that?"
I press my lips against your ear, making sure nobody can hear us. "Because you know I have the power to destroy you."
You follow me out of the cafe. I walk until the street lamps can no longer be seen. I don't need an audience.
I turn around, grab your wrists, and push you against the building. "You're under arrest."
You resist, making it difficult for me to handcuff you. "The hell I am!"
"Stop fighting. You can't win."
You back kick me. "Get off of me!"
I didn't want to have to do this. I take out my gun and point it at you.
You reach into your purse and do the same. "What? You didn't think I had a gun of my own?"
Of course you would.
We circle around each other, pointing our guns. I can get this over with in about a half a second.
"(Y/N), I'm going to give you five seconds to put your gun down."
You ignore me, leaving me no choice. I conjure my chains and allow my dowsing chain to fall from my ring finger. I pull my arm back and less than a second later, you're in my arms.
"Bastard!" you shout.
I pick you up and take you to my car, trying my best to ignore the bystanders.
I place you in my backseat, handcuffing you. I release my chain and click on your seatbelt.
When I get inside my car, I press my forehead against the steering wheel.
"Stop kicking my seat. You're going to cause a wreck," I say.
"Uncuff me!"
I turn on the ignition. Your screaming is too loud to leave the windows down so I make sure the air conditioner is on. I'm not cruel. My only option is to let you fight until you tire yourself out.
My ears sting. I get out and enjoy a cigarette until your tantrum is over.
I inhale, allowing the fumes to fill my lungs. Damn. What the hell is your ability? I know you're a non-Nen user, but...still. I've never had this much trouble with a criminal before.
I exhale.
And wait.
I put out my cigarette and peek through the window. I wait a few seconds, making sure you're asleep. I step away from my car and break into yours, taking the box from your backseat.
After securing it inside my trunk, I return to the driver's side. I open the door as quietly as I can. I pull the door closed until I hear it click.
I watch as you sleep with your hair sprawled around your delicate face.
I put my car in reverse, pull out of the parking spot and drive away.
(Y/N)
My eyes flutter open. I attempt to brush my hair away from my face, but my hands are cuffed behind my back. I sit back up and glare at the driver.
"Hey!" I shout.
He keeps his eyes focused on the road. "Hey. Did you have a nice nap?"
"Pull over. I need to use the restroom."
He makes his frustration evident. "Are you serious?"
I squirm in my seat. "Yes. And make it quick."
He takes the exit to the nearest rest stop.
He opens the door for me. "Please hurry. We have places to go."
I take in my surroundings. Dawn is breaking the sky. Employees rush in to begin their shift.
"Kurapika, uncuff me."
He lets out a laugh. "I'm not an idiot, (Y/N)."
I pout my lips. "What? Do you actually think I'm going to escape? We're out in the middle of nowhere. Besides, how am I supposed to clean myself while handcuffed?"
He shrugs his shoulders. "I guess you're going to have to be creative."
If my throat didn't hurt from all my previous screaming, I'd yell. "Forget it. I'll hold it."
He makes a fist with his hand. "We just wasted fifteen minutes for nothing! You won't get another opportunity."
He slams the door. He walks to the driver's seat wearing a scowl on his face.
I lean forward once we're back on the highway. "So...where are we headed?"
He keeps his eyes focused ahead.
"Kurapika?"
"Shut up!"
I lean back. "You're such a gentleman," I say sarcastically.
He looks at me through the rearview mirror. "Well...you're not exactly the definition of a lady, are you?"
"You're such a dick. How is someone as sweet as Dr. Paradinight friends with you?"
He steers with his right hand, brows furrowed. "To answer your previous question, I'm on my way to retrieve the scarlet eyes. Once they are in my possession, I'll let the police deal with you."
If I wasn't handcuffed, I'd punch the back of his head. "The police? Excuse me...you're the one who is trying to steal from me!"
"Those eyes were never yours to begin with," he says, barely audible.
As if possessed by the devil himself, I thrash about. "Why do you keep saying that?"
He pulls over next to a sketchy building. He closes his eyes, and his aura surrounds him. Those chains return, covering his right hand.
"Wait...you don't plan on leaving me here all alone, do you?"
"Relax. This won't take long."
I fall back and close my eyes. He locks the doors, but that doesn't mean one of these scumbags out here won't try anything.
As promised, he's back in less than ten minutes. But...he's not holding anything. He looks like he was just told he has stage four cancer.
"What the hell happened?" I ask when he gets in the car.
He punches the steering wheel. I try my best to hide my smile. I don't know why, but I love seeing him mad.
Then...silence. I can't stand the sound of silence. Especially the way it sounds inside a car. My ears ring, and I let out a laugh.
"What is so damn funny?" Kurapika turns to look at me.
"Stupid hunter." I try my best to control my laughter.
He closes his eyes. "Stupid, huh? Says the one handcuffed in the backseat of my car."
I lean in closer to him. "The eyes you are searching for aren't here."
His eyes pop open. "What are you talking about?"
I shake my head. "I did my own research."
He turns his entire body around, giving me his full attention. He looks at me as if he just found the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. "Tell me everything you know."
I let out another laugh. "Like I'd ever tell you."
He turns back around and opens his door. My heart pounds as he gets out and stomps to my side. If he tries anything, I'll kick my heel through his chest.
Kurapika opens the door. He places the key between his teeth and yanks my arm. I feel like I'm in a movie as he presses me against his car, face first.
He leans in, taking the key from his mouth. I can feel his lips close to my ear. "I'm going to uncuff you. If you try to run away, I'll have no choice but to use force."
"I'm so scared," I say...sarcastically, of course.
I rub my wrists as I turn around. "Finally."
He places his hands on either side of me. "Answer me. What do you know about the scarlet eyes?"
Kurapika
You flash me a mischievous smile.
"Answer me!" I repeat.
The same feeling I get when someone mentions the Phantom Troupe runs through my veins.
You push me. Why do you insist on being violent? "Like I would tell you!"
I close my eyes and shake my head. "I see you want to make this difficult. Just tell me what you know."
You scowl at me. "Just take me back to my car!"
I nod. "Very well then. I'm more than capable of finding them myself. Besides, I no longer have any use for you."
You give me a confused look.
I open the front passenger door for you. You keep your eyes locked on mine as you slide in. I shut the door and walk to the driver's seat.
I drive you back to your car. You kick open the door and run to your car. Your scream deafens me.
"Bastard! You stole the scarlet eyes from me!"
I climb out of my car. "Keep your voice down. I'd rather not cause a scene."
You grip my collar, staring at me with teary eyes. "Give them back! They don't belong to you!"
I grab your wrists and pull you off of me. You trip on your heels, falling against your car.
"Just tell me why they are so important to you!" I say.
You walk to the curb and sit down, raking your fingers through your hair. "Stop screaming at me!"
I take a few deep breaths. "I've been nothing but patient with you." I walk to the curb and sit down next to you.
You stare at the concrete. "I'll make a deal with you. Give them back to me and I'll help you find the other set."
"Not a chance in hell," I say as I stand back up.
As if I just released your inner demon, you wail your arms in the air. "Oh, I'll get them. All of them."
I start walking back to my car. "I admire your confidence. However, this ends now." I stop in front of my door and glare at you. "Don't get in my way."
You run up to me. "I hate the idea of working with you, but admit it. We need each other."
I can't help but let out a laugh. "I don't need help from anybody. Especially you."
You pout, stomping your heel against the concrete. "But you're a hunter. I don't have access to where I need to go."
I look down at your purse. "If I remember correctly, you have a stolen license in that designer bag of yours."
You furrow your brow. "How do you know this is a designer bag?"
I roll my eyes. "I had an employer who was just like you. She had about a hundred of those. That's why I don't want you to have my clan's eyes. You want them for the wrong reasons."
You tilt your head to the side. "Your...clan?"
I cover my mouth with my hand. Dammit. I said too much. "Uh...you must've misheard."
You smile. "You're a terrible liar. You might as well tell me. You know...since we're going to be partners."
I scowl at you. "Partners? First of all, I work alone. And secondly, I'd never work with someone like you."
You scowl back. "Someone like me? You don't know me, motherfucker!"
I let out a laugh. "You have quite the mouth on you, huh?"
You kick my tire. "Fine then! I know exactly who has the next set of eyes. I'll find them before you."
I place the palm of my hand against my forehead. "Dammit." I walk to the passenger door and open it. "Get in."
(Y/N)
My eyes widen. I wasn't expecting this stubborn man to give in so easily. He closes the door once I slide into his car.
He takes a deep breath once he starts the engine. "Where are we going?"
I smile. "You know...you should let me drive."
He laughs at me. "Please...like I would allow a woman to drive me around." He scowls at me. "Know your place."
His low voice sends a shiver down my spine. "Uh..." I give him directions.
He starts to drive. "(Y/N), I want to make things clear. I'm a hunter. Like I told you before, if you get in my way, I'll have no choice but to use force."
I glance at him. "Tch. You wouldn't hurt me."
He stares at the road for a few seconds before responding. "Never on purpose. However...you don't know everything about me."
My neck tilts to the side as I watch him drive. He pulls his eyebrows together, slightly clenching his jaw.
"Are you okay?" I say.
He moves his eyes toward me. "Uh...yeah."
I shrug off the strange vibe he just gave me. "Whatever. Anyway, the guy we're after is a real scumbag. He owns a few clubs in the city. We can probably find him at the one near the hotel."
"I'm impressed," he says. "You did your research."
I giggle. "Looks like I'm a better hunter than you. I don't even have a license!"
He gives me a scowl. "Don't start getting cocky. We don't know if the scarlet eyes are there."
"Just listen to me," I say.
He presses on the brakes. The tires squeal on the road. Luckily, there doesn't seem to be any traffic.
I glance out the window. "What the hell are you doing?"
He stares intently at me. "Tell me your plan."
I grab my chin. "Hmmm..."
His eyes widen. "What? You don't have a plan?"
My lips curl up into a sly smile. "Keep driving."
He gives me a quizzical look before looking back at the road.
We park far away from the hotel, not wanting to be noticed by the crowd. I look him up and down while we walk.
He glances at me. "What is your reason for looking at me that way?"
I can't help but laugh. "Don't worry. I'm not checking you out." I grab his sleeve. "People don't normally dress like this when they go to a club."
He looks down at his suit. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"
I shrug my shoulders. "Nothing. You just don't look like you're ready to spend the evening dancing."
He continues to walk, looking straight ahead. "Good. I don't dance."
Kurapika
I slowly open my eyes. I wince, grabbing my arm. Warm liquid trickles out of the hole in my suit. I sit up.
My first thought is you. I stand on my feet and look around the hotel room.
"(Y/N)?" I run to where the bed is situated. Blood stains the white linen. My heart rate increases. I search your body for the source of blood.
You groan, curling into a ball. "Kurapika?"
My eyes widen when I see the same wound on your shoulder. "(Y/N), get up!"
You support your arm as you sit up. Your eyes appear to be heavy. I catch you before you fall back on the mattress. "Hey, I'm going to look for a first aid kit to bandage up your wound. Do you have any other symptoms?"
You shake your head. "Just...sleepy."
I run my hands through your hair, massaging your scalp. "No signs of a head injury. You still should try to stay awake."
You slowly nod.
I jump out of the bed and run to the bathroom. I frantically look around for a first aid kit. Luckily, I find one under the sink.
I grab it and run back to the bed.
You're leaning up against the headboard with your eyes closed.
"Hey, you! I told you to stay awake."
You open your eyes again. I gather the supplies necessary to take care of your injury. My eyes move from your shoulder to your chest. I swallow hard. "Ummm...this might be easier if you pull your strap down."
You lean forward. "The zipper is in the back. Just do it yourself."
I jump back at your request. "Excuse me?"
You glare into my eyes. "What? You've never undressed a woman before?"
I roll my eyes. "That's not the point. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
"Then don't look," you say.
I take a deep breath. "Fine." I reach behind you and pull down the zipper to your dress, exposing your shoulder. I pour saline onto a stack of gauze.
You wince as I dab your shoulder. "That stings!"
"Just hold still!" I cover your wound, taping it in place. "Almost done."
You close your eyes and bite your lip.
I place the last piece of tape on the bandage. "Do you remember how we got here?"
You open your eyes and focus them on me. "You don't remember?"
I pull off my suit jacket to tend to my own injury. "I wouldn't waste my time asking you if I did."
You shove me with your foot. "Okay, smartass. The guards took us as soon as we got into the club. They shot you first with a tranquilizer. Then they shot me. I don't remember anything after that." You notice me struggling to tape my own bandage. "Hey, let me help you!"
I pull away. "No. I don't need help."
You giggle. "You obviously do. C'mon. You took care of me. Let me return the favor. Besides, I'm a pediatric nurse. I deal with children like you all the time."
I scowl at you, debating whether or not to let you help. I sigh. "Fine. But now is not the time to make jokes."
I have to admit, you're good at what you do. You patch me up in no time. I glance at you. "Uh...thank you."
You smirk. "No problem."
I get off the bed and walk to the door. I attempt to turn the doorknob, but it won't budge. I run to the window. I punch the wall once I realize we're trapped. "Dammit!"
You walk toward me. "What? Were you planning on jumping ten stories?"
I control my breathing before facing you. "Do you not realize the predicament you got us into?"
You widen your eyes. "Me? You were standing right next to me! What kind of hunter are you?"
I attempt to summon my aura. My heart rate increases. "This room...I can't use Nen!"
You furrow your brow. "What do you mean?"
I pull down the curtains in frustration. I feel sweat drops forming on my forehead. "They purposely placed us into a room that puts me in a state of Zetsu."
You roll your eyes. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
I clench my jaw. "Of course you wouldn't. You're an ignoramus. I should have never allowed you to accompany me on this mission."
You push me. "Don't you start insulting me! It's not my fault you're a useless hunter."
I close my eyes and use every ounce of strength I have to control myself from hurting you. "You. Don't. Understand."
You throw your arms up. "Because you won't tell me anything!"
I open my eyes and pace the room. "Don't act like I owe you an explanation."
You move closer to me. A huge mistake. "No, but at least tell me why you're after the scarlet eyes."
You trigger my brain into a rage-like status. "I'd rather be buried alive inside a box full of spiders than be alone in a room with you."
(Y/N)
I stand in shock. I've been insulted before, but I never cared. For some reason, this man actually caused my heart to ache. I turn around and walk to the bed. For the first time in my life, I have nothing to say. No comeback, no threat...nothing.
I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing. "Just find a way to get me out of here. I don't want to be stuck with you either."
He must sense my pain. He walks toward me, sitting next to me on the bed.
"Look. Those harsh words should have never left my lips. I'm sorry," he says.
I roll my eyes. "Whatever. Just get us out of here. I'm sure you're strong enough to break open the door."
He glances at the door. "I doubt it. If whoever locked us in here made sure I couldn't use Nen, I'm sure they took every measure to make sure we couldn't break free." He grabs my hand. "(Y/N), please...you must know something. What else did you find out while you did your research?"
I look at his hand on mine. "I'll do my best to think once all of the sedative they injected into us wears off."
He nods. "Right. Maybe you should sleep it off."
I yawn, laying down on the bed. "Good idea. What about you?"
He pulls the comforter over me. "I'll be standing guard."
I close my eyes. "Good idea. Hey, will you check to make sure they left us food? I'd hate to starve to death."
I feel the bed get lighter. "Yeah."
I hear his footsteps as he leaves me.
He returns minutes later. "(Y/N)? Still awake?"
I squeeze the pillow. "Mmmhmm."
"You don't have to worry about starving. Looks like whoever locked us up wants to at least keep us alive. There's about a month's worth of food here for the both of us."
Later that evening, I crawl out of the bed and notice Kurapika standing next to the door.
I walk toward him. "You can rest now."
He shakes his head. "No. I'm the one in charge of your safety."
I shrug my shoulders. "Suit yourself." I walk to the kitchenette. "Want something to eat?"
His facial expression changes at the mention of food. "That sounds nice. I can't remember the last time we ate."
I prepare instant ramen for the both of us. I hand him his cup.
He takes it with a smile. "I appreciate your kindness."
I sit on the floor. "You don't have to be so formal with me."
He eats as if he hasn't eaten in days. I guess that's typical for a hunter.
I blow the steam away from my noodles. "So. Since we're going to be pretty close for a while, we should probably get to know each other a little better."
He raises an eyebrow. "Are you trying to ask why I want the scarlet eyes?"
He's very perceptive.
I nod, stuffing my mouth full of ramen with my chopsticks.
He slides down the wall. "I...I'm the last surviving Kurta."
I practically choke on my broth. "You're what? How?"
He tells me his story, leaving me with my mouth open in disbelief.
He places his hand over his eyes. "What about you? Why are you interested in obtaining the scarlet eyes?"
I look down. "M...my aunt married a Kurta. She ran off and I never saw her again."
He furrows his brow. "You can't be serious."
I nod, tears welling in my eyes.
He grabs my good arm and pulls me close to him. My heart pounds as he wraps his arms around my shoulders. "I'm so sorry."
I rest my head against his shoulders, allowing my tears to soak his dress shirt. "Thank you. And I am sorry as well." I run my hand up and down his arm. "I guess this changes things."
He tightens his grip on me. "Yes. And I owe you an apology. I prejudged you. I'm sorry."
I pull back and give him a soft smile. His face is more beautiful up close. "No need to apologize. You've met so many people who wanted the eyes for the wrong reasons."
We sit in silence until the sun goes down. The full moon lights up the hotel room.
I place my hand on Kurapika's knee. "Hey. You should get some rest."
He bends one leg and gets up. "You're right," he says as he stands up.
I stand up with him.
Our heads turn to the main area of the hotel room.