Illumi X Reader|| [COMPLETE] The Value of Love || Short Story || Hunter X Hunter

Cost

He was frozen just like he was when he first laid eyes on you, 18 years ago. After all these years, you still had that hold on him. That hold that could render him disconcerted. Finally, with all his might, he managed to move. Illumi looked down at the umbrella in his hand. He unfurlled it and placed it over head.

You weren't sure if it was him given the softness of his features. You knew Illumi as expressionless and stoic while this man was the exact opposite. You saw him smile at Killua (and it was no secret that Killua hated Illumi) and now he opened his umbrella and shared it. It was completely opposite from what he did to you when you were kids.
Even though his expressions have changed, his looks still managed to make your heart skip a beat.

In fact, both of your hearts were racing. Both of you were reminiscent. Both of you still felt something but neither of you wanted to acknowledge it.

Neither of you wanted to be the first to speak.

Neither of you wanted to move either.

But someone had to go first.

"T-thank you, Illumi." You bowed your head slightly.

Illumi slowly smiled. "Don't mention it, y/n"

You managed to make contact.

You two had 60 seconds.

"It's been a while..."

"Yes, it has..."

Both of you struggled with your words.

"How-" both of you say at the same time.

"You go fir-" you two say in unison again.

Both of you chuckle at your eagerness to talk.

43 seconds

Illumi seizes the opportunity to ask the first question. "How have you been?"

"I'm doing well. I work as a chef at a small restaurant downtown. And you?"

"Still the same... Always busy. Lots to kill..." Illumi trailed off.

Silence...

30 seconds

Both of you knew what came next. Smiles were wiped from your faces.

"So, is it time?" You ask.

"It depends... Are you ready?"

You take a deep breath. "Yes."

"Okay..."

"Will it hurt?"

"It might but, I'll try to be gentle."

20 seconds

"Please make it quick."

"It will be."

"Thank you."

"Not a problem."

15 seconds

There was so little time. Both of you wished to make the night last longer however, the two of you understood that the sooner Illumi does his job, the less painful it would be. Less painful because, in the past 89 seconds the two of you have rekindled the flame. Little did the two of you know that both of you realized you were still in love with one another.

"Illumi, I'm sorry for leaving you."

"I deserved it."

"I'm sorry for being apathetic."

"It was how you were raised."

10 seconds

There was no turning back.

"Thank you for being by my side for 14 years." You tell him.

"I made you miserable."

"It wasn't all that bad."

"Thank you for being patient for 14 years."

"You're welcome. You take care, Illumi."

"You too. Don't ever change, y/n."

Both of you smile at each other and cross the street.

It was a long and silent walk. 9 years ago, you walked down the isle as a couple, hoping for a bright future together. Today, you walked across the street, one last time, forever parting once you reach the other side.

The two of you take one last stride onto the sidewalk. You stop and pull out the ring from your finger.

"Illumi, this belongs to you." You hand it over to him. It pained Illumi to see you sliding the ring off your finger but, he couldn't do anything - He wanted to but, he couldn't.

You mustered all your strength to stop yourself from tearing up.

"Goodbye, Illumi." You finally say and turn on your heel.

You were about to walk away when Illumi called your name. You didn't bother to look at him but, you stopped to hear what he had to say. And for Illumi, as long as you listened to him, it was enough.

He thought maybe, for once, goodbyes didn't need to be sad.

He thought maybe, he could make you smile at least once before it was completely over.

"Y/n, if it still matters, I want you to know that I love you."

"I love you too..."

The first step was the hardest and with every succeeding step you made, you felt your chest tighten. The tears kept streaming down your face. You waited 18 years for him to say these words to you and it still mattered. You wanted to tell him that it did but, you had to go. You had to be strong.

Illumi's heart sank when you walked away. Even if 20 billion Jennies was your price, he could never put a price the love he felt for you and the memories you two shared. However, this was your wish. If he was going to execute this, he needed to clear his mind. Even if it made him unhappy, he needed to make you happy. He had to implant the needle in your head. He had to complete his mission before y/n could turn at the corner.

You were still hurting from Illumi's words. The words made you happy, however it hurt you so much to learn that he did love you before. Sadly, you two were meant to part ways. You comforted yourself with the thought that anytime now, a needle will forever alter your memories. You were finally going to be at peace.

Just before you reach the corner, you stop. You were trembling because you feared that all of this was a mistake. You close your eyes as you felt a powerful nen approaching you from behind. The time has finally come. You picture Illumi's face fading as you begged for him to stay.

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A/N:*hands you a box of tissues*
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