Seeing through the Flames (Killua x OC) (Kurapika x OC)

Chapter 23

It had only been a week since everyone moved into the Marquis' residence in Arla's home country. And it had only been a week since Killua watched once more as Arla walked around the mansion blankly. It was as if she lived in her thoughts these days, rather than in the real world.

However, he finally decided that enough was enough.

As he walked up to her, he pulled her wrist lightly, stopping her effectively in her tracks. She turned around to see who it was when he embraced her tightly. "...Killua?"

When he said nothing, she became worried. "Did something happen?"

"Yes." He finally answered.

This alarmed her. "What happened?"

He pulled away from her with a solemn expression. "You. You are what happened."

She blinked in confusion, tilting her head to the side. "What do you mean?"

"These days, it seemed like you were living inside your head, instead of here." He held onto her hand gently, gazing into her eyes as if wishing he could learn of her thoughts. "So I had to pull you out of there by hugging you like that."

"Oh..." She smiled sheepishly at him. "I apologize for being so caught up with my thoughts. I just had a lot to think about since coming here. So many thoughts and emotions..."

'Arla...' He knew by the look of her eyes that she was still being haunted by her past again in the form of her dreams and he also knew that she struggled to process the fact that she was currently in the country that abandoned her when she needed it most.

"Your duty...might be to end what you have experienced in the past on your own." He clearly articulated to her. "But it is not your duty to go through the struggles and pain by yourself. The journey can be accompanied by all of us, Arlania."

The strength in his eyes released the tension inside of her. She had a small genuine smile on her face immediately afterwards. "...You are right. The journey does not have to be done alone, even if the final battle is mine for the taking." She then nodded to herself, looking a little relieved to hear his words. "I am lucky to have everyone by my side, willing to fight for what I believe in." He smiled in relief, now knowing that she was no longer stuck in her head.

She then tugged on his arm shyly.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

Arla immediately let out her hand to him. He glanced down at it curiously before looking back up at her. When he noticed the way her gaze reflected of deep affection, his expression automatically warmed towards her. He grabbed the hand that she held out to him. She then pulled his hand to her face and her lips gently touched each of his fingertips as if every single one was more precious than gold.

"...Thank you." She whispered, her voice soft.

His heart pounded hard as he took a step towards her.

"You're welcome."

Their gazes locked once more - soft, heartwarming, and explosively passionate.

As their hands began to part away, she could feel the gentle heat from the very end of his fingertips. 'Just a little bit longer... Just a little bit more...'

'-time to be with her like this...' The step he took towards her was small, but noticeable. 'To enjoy... To love... To bring about the joy in our lives as the person to stand...'

They shared a small smile, resolved contentment reflecting in their eyes.

'-to stand and walk by your side.'