Runaway | Kurapika x Reader

Chapter 21 - Tipsy

I molded myself into the barstool and and looked down, fiddling with my hands, while I waited for the bartender to finish taking a woman's order. I sensed Kurapika's aura as he walked up behind me and sat on the stool to my right. He stayed silent.

"Hello, what can I get 'cha?" The bartender asked. I looked up at the middle aged woman with curly, ginger hair and tired eyes. Her name tag read 'Sora'.

"I'll try the Appletini, please," I voiced lowly.

"And you?" Sora asked, looking to Kurapika.

"I'm fine, thank you."

I looked over to him and raised an eyebrow. "So you're just gonna sit there and watch me drink? Won't you get bored?"

He sighed. "I'm seventeen. I don't think I fit the age requirement for this city."

"Actually, the minimum drinking age in Glam Gas Land is sixteen. It's known for partying after all," Sora spoke up.

Kurapika raised his eyebrows a bit and sat up a little straighter. "Alright, then. I would like a mojito, please."

Sora walked away and began to make the drinks, leaving Kurapika and I alone. Neither of us spoke. I heard pop music blasting on the speakers and groups of friends loudly chatting with each other.

"One drink, alright?" Kurapika said, his arms pressed on the bar counter.

"That was the plan. Do you think I'm gonna try to get drunk when we still need to return to Blue Ice?" I asked in an irritated tone. "I just needed a drink."

"I was just making sure."

Sora returned, sliding my drink across the table. It was a bright green color and an apple slice of the same hue clung to the side of the glass. A few seconds later, Kurapika's mojito was brought out. Garnishing the drink was a few mint leaves and a lime slice.

I slowly sipped the cocktail, not bothering to speak to Kurapika. He made that difficult, though, because he spoke up again after about fifteen minutes.

"(Y/n)?"

I huffed. "What?"

"You seem so irritated with me today. Back at the hotel you were obviously upset about something. And then your entire demeanor changed after I fixed your smudged makeup at the planetarium. Can you please just tell me what's wrong? If I did something, I won't know until you tell me," He emitted, a twinge of what sounded like guilt in his voice.

My eyes softened at Kurapika as I gave up on being upset. I took another sip of my drink before sliding it away and turning to face him. "I'm sorry, Kurapika. I need to be more upfront about things instead of leaving you wondering what you did wrong. You didn't do anything wrong. At the hotel, when we were talking about that book, you said the protagonist reminded you of someone and I guess I assumed it was me. Then you said you were talking about a friend and I guess, for some reason, that upset me."

A short chuckle forcefully escaped Kurapika's lips. "(Y/n)-" he laughed again. "I was talking about you. I thought that I was being pretty clear about that. When I was describing that character, I was describing you in actuality. You do have incredible perseverance and you are very intelligent and caring. I deeply admire all of these things about you."

The inevitable smile that painted my face caused me to look away from Kurapika. "You aren't the worst company, you know? To be completely honest, there's no one else I'd rather be doing all of this with."

He looked to me and smiled. "I could say the same. I enjoy your company."

My smile remained as I lifted my drink once again, taking a sip.

Thank god that I didn't have to explain that I wanted to kiss him.

~

I stood from my barstool as I waited for Kurapika to finish his drink. Soon enough, his glass struck the bar counter and he followed me out of the bar.

"It's only 4:38. The sun will probably set in about an hour and then it should be dark by 7. Should we head to Blue Ice right as it gets dark?" I inquired, standing on the sidewalk with my arms crossed.

"Yes," Kurapika replied. "The sooner we complete this, the better."

We made it back to the parking garage and entered Kurapika's SUV. It wasn't long before we arrived back at the Princess Hotel. Once again, we waited.

Once the sky was finally pitch black, I checked on the satellite. However, it was taking a very long time. An entire minute passed and I still couldn't reach the satellite.

"Goddamnit."

"What's wrong? Why is it not working?" Kurapika asked.

"They must have used Gyo and found the satellite." I released a frustrated sigh. "What do we do now? I can't send another satellite unless I were to see them again. We can't even continue the plan because they've definitely moved locations now."

The blonde wore a puzzled look. "Can't you send another satellite, just as you did with Hisoka without seeing him?"

"No," I replied dryly. "If someone rids of the satellite I placed on them, I can't send another one. My brother crushed the satellite I had on him and I haven't been able to place another one since."

"Damn," Kurapika uttered. "Check on Hisoka's satellite."

I did as he said, closing my eyes and focusing on the satellite. Eventually I took a new point of view and peered up to see Hisoka, still at the bar, but now he was dancing.

"He's still there. Barely any movement since I last checked."

Kurapika took a deep breath and lowered his head. "I hate to admit it, but I'm at a loss. There is nothing we can do now."

I raised my eyebrows. "Really? You don't have any ideas at all?"

"No. I'm assuming you don't either?" he asked. I shook my head in reply. Kurapika stood from the sofa he was sitting on and looked over to me. "Maybe this is a sign that we should go back to York New to focus on your goals."

"We don't have to do that, Kurapika. You didn't even get to finish what you started," I stated. I felt slightly blameable, considering it was my Nen that was discovered.

"We've hit a dead end. We'll return to York New tomorrow." He walked closer to me, looking down at me, which caused his hair to dangle in front of his face. "I'm the one who interrupted your plans anyway. You don't have long to prepare for the meeting with your parents, but I want to help you in the time you do have."

I timidly looked down; Kurapika being so close to me made me a bit nervous. "Okay," I voiced softly. "Thank you."

"Of course, (Y/n)."

He has to be doing this on purpose. Standing this close to me and adding my name into sentences when it isn't necessary.

I took a step back and looked back up at him before slowly traipsing off to my bed. "Well, uh, I'm going to try and sleep now. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, (Y/n). Sleep well."