Chasing Darkness (Sequel to Remember Me)

Part Twenty-Two

You find your gaze fixed on the two scarlet objects adjacent to you. The rest of the room is a blur as you fixate on them, Ryuu and Kurapika's conversation sounding far away to you even though they are sitting so close to you. Kurapika is sitting right beside you, while Ryuu sits across from you in a wooden chair, scarlet eyes in hand. The end goal is so near, yet so far away. One small mistake could cost Kurapika his entire mission. Your eyes drift from the pair of scarlet eyes to the blonde-haired man sitting beside you. 

He's caught up in his conversation with Ryuu, unaware of your gaze set on him. After watching him for a few minutes, you turn back towards Ryuu to face him, watching his lips move as you completely tune out his words, too caught up in your own thoughts to hear them. Your mind wanders back to this morning before the plan had begun.

You stand in front of the sink in the bathroom of your shared room with Kurapika. The mirror in front of you reflects the nervous look etched onto your facial features. Even your shoulders and neck feel insanely tense, the pressure on you suddenly feeling heavier than ever.

"Are you okay, my treasure?" 

Kurapika appears behind you in the mirror as he peaks into the room. He instantly notices your anxious face and stiff body posture and doesn't wait for your response to enter the room. He sneaks up behind you, snaking his arms around your waist and leaning his head on your shoulder.

"I know you're nervous, (Y/N), but don't stress. I will be with you every step of the way," He reassures you in a near-whisper, "And it is not too late to back out if you wish-"

"Not an option," The glisten in your eyes shows how steadfast you are in completing this plan, "We're taking your brethren's eyes back from Ryuu. Today."

Kurapika lets out a quiet chuckle at your extreme reaction, "I cannot thank you enough, my love, although, I would have liked to keep you miles away from this cult and that sick man."

"That's my fault," You reply with a quiet huff.

The blonde-haired man shakes his head in response, "Shadow's fault. There's no need to blame yourself for his idiotic ways."

"I thought you would be more nervous," You glance at the reflection of his calm face in the mirror, "You tend to have trouble hiding your emotions during times like these."

"You are correct," He lets out a deep breath before allowing his eyes to flicker scarlet while he continues speaking, "Truthfully, I'm not certain why I do not feel more nervous. Perhaps it has something to do with the number of allies I have helping me. Not to mention..." His lips hover hear your ear, his breath hot on your neck, "I have you with me. You are the person I trust the most. Without you, I would not have even made it this far. Thank you, (Y/N)."

His words send a shiver through your spine and leaves your hair standing on end. There's one thing that you've learned about Kurapika after being with him for so long- He feels emotions very strongly and when he shares them with you, you can't help but feel the intensity and heat of his heart.

"If you're not worried, then, realistically I shouldn't be either," You say aloud, unable to shake your own nerves, "But I guess I can't help it. This is really important and I refuse to let anything go wrong."

"I understand your feelings very well," He starts, hoping to offer you some type of validation, "Everything will go according to plan. Either way, you are not alone. We are all here to support you."

"Thank you, Kurapika," A smile creeps onto your face as Kurapika takes note of this in the reflection of the mirror, "I love you. Let's take the eyes back from Ryuu and leave as soon as possible. We won't let anything get in our way."