Chasing Darkness (Sequel to Remember Me)

Part Twenty-Three

Later that night, you and Kurapika had spoken to each of your friends, letting them know that the scheme was successful and planning to leave in the morning after a long night of rest. Everyone was overjoyed and relieved to hear the news, happy that this long road trip has finally come to an end.

Currently, you're packing your belongings into your backpack, while Kurapika folds up his own clothes and places them neatly into his suitcase. His eyes land on the pair of scarlet eyes tucked under his clothes, barely visible. He lets out a long breath as he gently uncovers them, resting his hand on top of the container with closed eyes.

You quickly take note of this, dropping what you're doing and making your way over to him. You carefully take his free hand in yours, silently offering him your support and comfort. While Kurapika has gotten better about how he deals with his grief, he still feels entirely responsible for his clan's massacre and you've been made painfully aware of this. Of course, he's an incredibly stubborn man. No matter how many times you reassure him that the deaths of his people weren't his fault, he refuses to believe you. The best thing you can do for him is to offer your quiet support and allow him to lean on you.

"You did it, Kurapika. You're so close to completing your goal," Your words come out hushed and soothing as you try to reassure him, "They would be proud."

He's silent for a moment before letting out a deep breath, "Thank you, (Y/N). Your words mean everything to me."

"I'm glad I can help," You squeeze his hand lightly, "I'm proud of you, too. All of your friends are. Your efforts haven't been in vain."

He nods once, seemingly in a trance-like state, "Yes, I suppose you're correct," He removes his hand from the container, covering it up with his clothes once more before he turns to face you, "I am eternally grateful for you. Thank you, my treasure. I'm not certain where I would be without you in my life and I do not care to find out."

"Luckily, you won't ever have to," You take his other hand in yours, as you lean in to press a loving kiss to his cheek, "So, let's put that thought out of your head, huh?"

"That's a good idea. At the moment, I would like for you to be the only thought in my head."

The kiss on his cheek doesn't seem to have been enough for him as he leans in to capture your lips in his. His eyes close as his lips move gingerly against yours, savoring this moment with you. When he finally pulls away, he lets out a content sigh as he rests his forehead against yours.

"This is how we were after you first kissed me," Kurapika reminisces, unable to hide the elated smile plastered across his face, "I feel just as I did at that moment."

"And how is that?"

"Hopelessly in love with you."

You're caught off-guard by his shameless comment as Kurapika is usually the type to show his feelings through actions rather than using such direct words. You feel your cheeks gradually growing hotter as you gaze directly into his gleaming grey eyes.

You let out a quiet chuckle, "I feel the same way. I'm just surprised to hear you say it."

"Ah, do I not say it enough?" He asks you as he tilts his head slightly, "Allow me to remedy that."

You're about to question him, but before you can, he sweeps you off of your feet. He holds you bridal style as he carries you over to the bed, gently setting you down. He kneels down in front of you, taking one of your hands in his as he gazes up at you with eyes full of love.

"(Y/N) (L/N), I am hopelessly in love with you. Although words could never fully describe my feelings for you, I can only hope that I have shown you at least a fraction of them. I feel as if I have grown a lot since meeting you and I cannot seem to thank you enough," He presses his lips against the back of your hand, giving you a lingering kiss as his eyes never break contact with yours.