Runaway | Kurapika x Reader

Chapter 23 - Return

Snowflakes twinkled through the windshield and soft Christmas music played on the radio as I pulled into the driveway of the Aquila mansion. Kurapika was in the passenger seat, deep in slumber. We had decided to switch places once he grew too tired to continue driving in order to make our travel quicker. I looked over to the clock, which read '3:27 A.M.' in dark green.

Sighing, I placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder as I prepared to wake him. "Kurapika. Kurapika, we're here."

He slowly sat up straighter and turned, looking at me with sleepy eyes. I giggled and took the key out of the ignition, causing the radio and heat to turn off. "You look lost. Come on, get your things and follow me inside."

I shivered as I stood outside of my door, trying to unlock it. Crystal clear icicles hung from the roof hip. Kurapika eventually caught up, standing next to me with his luggage on the porch. Finally, I opened the door, closing it behind me when we both were inside of the warm house.

"Your house is lovely," Kurapika complimented, looking around in awe. "Did you do the decorating?"

I nodded smugly. "That I can take credit for. I need to redecorate for Christmas, though..." I trailed off as a thought slipped out of the back of my mind. "Oh, god. I just realized tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Well, today now. I completely forgot because of the whole Phantom Troupe deal."

"That's why I asked what tomorrow's plan was. I assumed you knew," Kurapika replied, rubbing his eye and yawning. "Did none of your friends mention it when you texted them about meeting up this weekend?"

"Well, maybe they did. I haven't checked my phone since then." I pulled my phone out of the pocket of my pants and unlocked it, checking my notifications. "I guess they did. Priscilla: 'Were you wanting to do something for Thanksgiving too? You do know it's this Thursday, right? Your house is always the place for holidays so I wanted to ask before planning anything,'" I read aloud.

Kurapika raised his eyebrows, his face saying 'called it.' "So?"

Frustrated, I thought for a moment. "I'll just scrap the other meet-ups if everyone can come over for Thanksgiving dinner instead." I shot each of my friends a text announcing the change of plans, running it by them first. I then headed for the staircase, Kurapika following close behind.

"There's seven extra rooms; you can choose which one to sleep in. They all have their own bathrooms," I told him as I sauntered down the hallway and toward my room. The blonde took a good look at each bedroom before ultimately choosing the one closest to mine. I sat on my bed and motioned my head toward my room, telling Kurapika to come in. "This is my room."

Playfulness flickered across his face as he scanned the room. "You're inviting me into your bedroom?"

I scoffed and threw a pillow at him. He caught it and released a snicker. "You need to go back to sleep. You never act like this. You're extremely sleep-deprived." I said, my face flushed as I stood up and snatched the pillow back. "Go to bed."

~

My legs dangled off of a stool in my kitchen for the first time in days. I smiled at the familiar comfort of being in my home again as I sipped my hot coffee. Since moving to York New, I had rarely slept outside of the Aquila mansion aside from occasional sleepovers with my friends. The Glam Gas Land trip was definitely a new experience, but I was grateful for it. I highly valued making new memories and experiencing whatever life had to offer.

My phone vibrated on the table and I flipped it over to see a notification light up the screen. It was from Serene. She finally agreed to coming to my place for Thanksgiving, being the last person to do so. She also said that Zero would be coming along, which I was eternally grateful for. However, I felt a pit in my stomach as soon as I read the text. My elation, as well as my anxiety, was immeasurable.