Chapter Text
Kurapika looked at the X-rays with a sort of shock and amazement, not believing their eyes. Somehow the possibility of actually being healed and walking someday was something they’d thrown out of their mind a long time ago.
But here they were now, six weeks after stumbling into a building out of pure instinct only to not only have mended many past scars, but be fully healed in a way they hadn’t been in a long time. There was only one small problem with the whole ordeal.
Kurapika wasn’t ready to walk again.
It seemed absurd to say now, especially when a few weeks ago they were insistent on getting the fastest medical care possible to be walking as soon as humanly possible, but something in them couldn’t do it. When Leorio told them they would be good to walk by the end of the week it sent them spiraling. That night was the worst they’d had since sleeping with Leorio, waking up every hour or so and not being able to go back to sleep until Leorio woke up and soothed them.
“It’s mental more than it is physical. Your body spent so long on the brink of collapsing that once it took time to properly rest it realized just how much it truly needed it. ” That had been what Leorio explained to them when they expressed reservations about walking again.
Leorio was kind enough to give Kurapika the weekend to build up a little extra strength in his legs (and confidence in his abilities) but come Monday he wasn’t going to let Kurapika stall any longer.
“The longer you wait the scarier it will be.” Kurapika couldn’t argue with a doctor’s logic but was desperate to find anything that would give them an out.
Unfortunately Leorio knew this and set them up for failure, closing down the office for the day and bringing the whole family in to watch the momentous occasion.
“Don’t be scared, Kurapika! Leorio’s patched me up a bunch of times and he always does a great job.”
Sometimes Kurpaika wished he had Gon’s outlook on life, full of positivity and optimism.
They looked around at everyone watching them intensely, all of the people who had helped them in some way to get where they were today. Though they weren’t there they could also feel all the other people in their life that couldn’t be there, the kurta clan, his trainers, and even his employers who helped to do things Kurapika never thought possible.
Slowly, Kurapika lowered their body from the table they were sitting on to the floor, feeling the cool tile on their feet was a shock of feeling they hadn’t expected. They wobbled slightly at first, multiple hands reaching out to steady them but Kurapika put his hand out, they just needed a minute.
The more seconds that passed the easier it got. Leorio said walking would come back quickly but would take some time to perfect again. Unconscious activities like walking up stairs and stretching would seem foreign until Kurapika did them enough to once again push them into the subconscious.
When Kurapika got enough stabilization they turned around slowly, each movement of their foot precise and like they were trying to memorize how it felt in each different muscle. Turning around Kurapika got to see the proud and excited faces of everyone there. The person that they’d once seen so weak and fragile gaining a portion of their strength back, ready to join the world once again and make a difference in the world.
“Try taking a few steps. We’ll catch you if you start to fall.”
Kurapika inhaled before slowly taking their foot off the ground and placing it back down, moving forward in steps smaller than a toddler but getting bolder with each step. As they made their way over to Gon, Killua, and Alluka it became increasingly obvious how much training they’d have to do just to get back to their normal strength.
After all Gon and Killua needed a training partner and Alluka was getting more anxious to explore by the day.
“You’re doing really well, Kurapika! You recovered a lot faster than a lot of our other patients.” Alluka’s words of encouragement made Kurapika bend down slightly and ruffle her hair. She beamed at the affection and only when they heard someone clearing their throat did they look up.
Kurapika turned to see Leorio, who had moved to fill out the last of the paperwork before Kurapika could officially go from “patient” to “housewife” as Leorio so delicately put it . Though some may say they crossed that barrier a long time ago.
“I’ll need you to fill these out before the end of the day. The medical board wouldn’t like it if I was hiding patients from them.”
In that moment Kurapika was overfilled with emotion just by looking at Leorio. Signing those papers meant that they would start a new chapter of their lives. One where Kurapika didn’t only have their fading memories of Leorio to cling on to and could instead make new memories. Ones that wouldn’t have to be tainted by a rejected confession.
Though Kurapika knew they’d regret it by night they couldn’t help but burst into a sprint, or at least as close to a sprint as humanly possible. Kurapika tripped over their own feet more than a few times and was almost sure they were going to fall on their face but somehow managed to make it to Leorio, who caught Kurapika in his arms.
“What’s this all about?”
Leorio’s smile was quickly covered by Kurapika’s lips, turning from shock to an even bigger smile. It wasn’t the most wonderful kiss in the world, the two couldn’t stop themselves from smiling long enough to make it so, but it was perfect for them. And when Leorio picked Kurapika up and spun them around they could have sworn they swooned harder than they ever had before.
“Blehhhh.”
Kurapika turned around to see Gon covering his and Alluka’s eyes and Killua mime gagging at the affection of their two friends but just laughed brightly as Leorio buried his face in Kurapika’s hair out of embarrassment.
Now that Kurapika isn’t spending their days sitting around slowly healing whilst looking mindlessly out the window, time manages to fly by rather quickly.
Kurapika becomes acquainted with their job and falls into a comfortable routine. They wake up and make breakfast with Leorio before heading down and organizing the patient files for the day, watching them come in and out and participating in their town gossip like they’ve lived here forever. Leorio jokes that Kurapika is becoming more and more like a housewife everyday, but Cleo is preparing for her third marriage and the speculation around how much money she’ll spend on the wedding is what keeps Kurapika entertained while Leorio is too busy being a doctor to spend time with them.
After the office closes for the day Kurapika has Alluka help them set the table while they cook dinner and fill them in on all the things they’d missed while sitting up front. Alluka promises she only tells secrets to Kurapika but they’ve seen Alluka and Leorio whispering so they know she’s playing both sides on the field.
The day always ends with Leorio and Kurapika on the couch, cuddled up next to each other and talking about everything and nothing at once. Some days the two can’t seem to stop talking and have to force themselves off to bed, but other nights they sit in silence, appreciating one another’s presence before heading off to bed.
Domestic bliss is nice in an understated way. Kurapika has learned to get his excitement and thrills in life from taking Alluka out to the market on Sunday rather than battling for their life. The pains Kurapika had are now nothing more than small memories, rearing their ugly heads up only to be soothed with kind words and soft moments rather than violent suppression and forced forgetfulness.
The Sunday market has turned out to be one of Kurapika’s favorite places to be, and the thing he often looks forward to after a hard week. Leorio had originally suggested they go to get Alluka out of the house.
She gets more social and excitable each day and it becomes increasingly difficult to hold back her curiosities. They both know she’ll eventually have to be enrolled in a proper school but want to make sure she’s fully ready for the environment before sending her off.
The Sunday market was a bit of a chaotic place, all the shops and businesses with open doors and their best deals out to entice customers. Initially it gave Kurapika a lot of anxiety, they felt trapped by the place and didn’t want to be there for longer than they absolutely had to be. It wasn’t until one of their regulars spotted Kurapika and explained the trick behind the market that Kurapika began to calm down.
They explained the route the group should take and the best way to avoid getting overwhelmed by the crowds while still finding all of the best deals. It took Kurapika a few trips to nail the technique, but they were nothing if not determined so by their fourth visit they got it down pat.
Oftentimes Leorio stayed behind while Kurapika and Alluka went. He used the alone time to organize prescriptions and research new medical methods he hadn’t yet tried out.
Today though was one of the rare days where Leorio tagged along.
“Any special reason you’re coming with us?” Kurapika asked while they threw more stuff into the basket. Now with an extra set of hands Kurapika could buy a few extra things without struggling to get back.
“I just didn’t really feel like being cooped up in the house alone today. Some days are better spent around other people.”
Ahh.
About two weeks ago Gon and Killua had finally left for another mission. They stayed longer than anyone was expecting, but it was only so long before those two got an itch for adventure. Leorio had sent them off in dramatic fashion and was not so subtly waiting for a letter ever since they departed.
“I’m sure they’ll send something soon. Have faith, they’ve never failed to send updates before.” Leorio grunts, not happy with the answer but knowing he had to accept it. Kurapika grabs his hand and squeezes it to remind Leorio that they are still here.
The rest of the market trip went just about the same as they went every other week. Kurapika got groceries for the following week and the new gossip in town (apparently Cleo is starting to send out wedding invitations and everyone is curious who made the guest list) and Leorio got to relish in the new domestic Kurapika that he loves so dearly.
Leorio has loved Kurapika for a long time, likely longer than he himself ever realized it, but there was something special about seeing this part of Kurapika. The softer and more open part of them that had once existed but was forcibly erased by the cruelty of life.
Kurapika was never the same after the wound of losing their clan, but time and love can heal many things. They just hoped whoever was looking down on them was proud of who they’d become.
Thinking about their clan now made Kurapika realize it almost,was almost the anniversary and went to look at the calendar. Time had passed so quickly since everything had happened that they’d almost forgotten the anniversary of the Kurta clan’s demise was steadily approaching.
Normally this time of year was one of misery for Kurapika. They always felt alone in the world after losing their family but it increased tenfold the week of the anniversary. Usually Kurapika could do no more than sit in a room alone with the collection of scarlett eyes they accumulated and soak in their desolation and heartache. It was one of the only times Kurapika allowed themselves a break, knowing if they went out into the world nothing good would come of it for either them or the people unfortunate enough to be near them.
Kurapika rarely got frightened anymore, their senses were so heightened it was difficult for anyone to surprise them. Gon, Killua, and Alluka resented this and constantly tried to scare them, only to fail and become frustrated until they came up with a different plan to attempt and scare Kurapika. Leorio on the other hand took this and ran with it, often not mentioning his presence before draping himself over Kurapika, knowing the other will have already heard him coming and preparing himself for it. This is all to say that when Kurapika felt arms wrap around their hips and a head rest atop of theirs it was anticipated and had no more reaction than a slight hum to let Leorio know he was okay to stay.
“If I had known this calendar would intrigue you so much I would have put it in the bedroom instead of out here.” Kurapika smacked his arm lightly, reprimanding but not genuinely angry.
“It’s not the calendar idiot, it's the date.” Kurapika pointed up at the end of the month. “This is the yearly anniversary of my clan’s death.
Leorio was silent for a moment. “Well, now I feel bad about making that sex innuendo.”
Kurapika snorted to themself. Honestly, a few years ago they would have murdered Leorio on the spot for saying something like that about the clan, even if unintentional. Now, Kurapika was more worried about Alluka hearing than anything else. The most natural changes in life are the ones people are never able to see until they are complete , Kurapika really should write all these philosophical things from the Kurta’s down.
“Why don’t we go visit?” Leorio said suddenly. Kurapika wiggled away enough to turn around and face Leorio.
“Visit where?”
“The Kurta clan’s old village. Unless you had them buried somewhere else.”
“No, no one else would bury them because they were scared of being cursed. But why would you even want to go? There’s nothing there now but an abandoned village and some headstones.”
“Because stupid,” Leorio flicked Kurapika’s forehead. “This is important to you. Besides, when was the last time you actually went and visited?”
Kurapika’s face turned pink thinking about how long it had truly been. They’d been so busy chasing retribution for their clan they’d forgotten to actually visit for an embarrassing amount of time. The Kurta’s always believed it was important to respect the dead, and Kurapika knew the scolding he’d get if they were still alive.
“Alright then. I estimate it will take about a week to make it there and back. We’ll have to find someone to watch Alluka while we’re away.”
“I’ll ask some of the regulars and see if they can take turns watching her. Lord knows they adore her anyway. And let’s make the trip two weeks, that way we can make stops on our way there and back. It’ll be like our honeymoon.”
Kurapika raised their eyebrows. “Honeymoon? I thought people needed to get married before they went on a honeymoon.”
“Aww, you want to get married? If I’d known that I would have bought you a ring already.
It's not that they hadn’t considered marrying Leorio, but hearing it out loud made it so much more real. Maybe it was time to get married; they weren’t getting any younger, and the two of them essentially already had three children. Kurapika didn’t have a lot of jewelry, but they thought a ring would suit them nicely.
Kurapika pulled Leorio down by his shirt collar and kissed him, just because they could. “Buy me a nice ring on the trip and maybe I’ll say yes.”
“Anything for you dear.”
Kurapika and Leorio leave a week later for their impromptu honeymoon. After sending a letter off to Gon and Killua and dropping Alluka off at the neighbors, the two realize how much they truly needed this vacation.
Kurapika was never one to stay in one place for long periods of time and Leorio had been settled in his home for long enough that venturing outside of it seemed like a distant memory rather than something actually attainable.
Once the two were out on the road though, it was as if nothing had changed in the years that had gone by. Kurapika made sure they were safe and was on the lookout for anything and anyone suspicious and scoped out hotels and places to eat while Leorio made sure their conditions were up to par and did most of the talking. They were an odd sight to be sure, no one they came across could really make out who exactly they were or what they were traveling for, but any person they crossed paths with could have easily told you the relationship between the two was strong and loving.
Leorio had gotten them a camera to document the trip and while initially Kurapika had thought the camera was pointless once they saw some of the things it was able to capture, the camera soon became their prized possession. Pictures of countryside, small towns, candids of the two of them, and Leorio sleeping in various hotels were constantly being printed out to make room for new photos yet to be taken.
It wasn’t until they made it to the closest settlement before the Kurta clan that they ran into any sort of trouble.
“So you’re telling me absolutely no one in this entire village will take us even in the general direction of the Kurta settlement?”
The desk worker shook her head. “That land is said to be cursed with the souls of those murdered on the land. No driver will go within one-hundred feet of that place.”
Leorio huffed in frustration. It seemed no matter how much money he threw at these people they wouldn’t budge. He was so frustrated he hadn’t even noticed Kurapika next to him, slowly getting more and more agitated at the things this woman was saying.
“If I could give you some advice I’d say to forget about it. Hardly anyone visits that place anymore but when they do they all come back and report feeling a distinct sense of unwelcomeness and a lack of safety. I was very young when the Kurta’s were murdered but the elders say their village was always very hostile and rude. It’s no surprise they were sentenced to such a fate.”
Kurapika slammed their hands down on the desk so hard most of the things on the desk flew up into the air. It was only when Leorio turned around did he see the distinct scarlett in Kurapika’s eyes and knew they were in for a bad time.
“For your information the Kurta were not hostile or rude. They were protective of their family because people wanted to exploit them.”
The desk worker looked shocked for a second, about to argue back with Kurapika when they noticed the scarlett in their eyes. It stopped them so suddenly and Leorio watched them process this information in real time.
Quickly realizing this situation could only end badly Leorio grabbed Kurapika’s arm and spoke up. “On second thought we can just walk there. It’s more about the destination than the journey anyways right?” Leorio then pulled hard on Kurapika’s arm to get them to move along before things got uglier than they already were.
“What was that about?” Kurapika asked when they were far enough away to not cause major damage.
“They recognized your eyes.”
“So?”
“So? You heard what that village thought of your people. Imagine what would happen if you caused a scene. It was better to leave before things got too wild.” Kurapika huffed angrily and looked away but didn’t respond, meaning they knew deep down that Leorio was right.
“I just don’t want anything to happen to you.” Leorio reaches down and grab’s Kurapika’s face, forcing it to face him. “Can’t let anything happen to my housewife on our honeymoon now can I?”
Kurapika’s face was squished but Leorio could still feel their cheeks burning from the unexpected compliment. It made Leorio’s feelings burn inside just enough to follow his urge to lean down and kiss Kurapika.
It still felt surreal to be able to do things like this. What had once been only a distant dream in Leorio’s mind was now seeming more and more plausible, if not expected, by the day. So maybe Leorio stole one or two more kisses than strictly necessary, he could always claim he was making up for lost time if nothing else.
As it turns out, walking to the Kurta clan’s land turned out to be a lot less laborious than it initially seemed.
Kurapika knew the land like the back of their hand and although the main roads and pathways were overgrown and deteriorating the back routes and secret paths Kurapika took them on got them there in under a day.
It was surreal for Leorio to see the remains of the Kurta clan. Nothing but ash and rubble left behind as the little memorial made for them was in the center of it all. Slowly losing itself just like It wasn’t until this moment that Leorio realized just how truly gone the Kurta’s were.
He had heard stories of them from Kurapika for so long, little details and moments from their lives before everything was burned to flames. But for some reason it didn’t seem like they were truly memories until this moment. Somewhere deep inside his consciousness it was easier to believe the tragedies that befell the Kurta didn’t actually happen. That the stories and memories Kurapika reminisced on came from a person leaving their small town rather than it being torn to pieces.
In that moment Leorio gave a silent prayer of thanks to the Kurta’s.
He gave thanks for their philosophies and traditions that have intrigued the public for years, for how well they treated their land and the people in it, and he thanked them for never giving up on this little place they called home.
But most importantly of all he thanked them for Kurapika. For raising them and taking care of them for all the years before Leorio knew them. He promised them he’d take good care of their last remaining member and assured them that Kurapika’s eyes would never turn scarlett again from anger or sadness, or revenge.
Scarlett would henceforth be known as a color that symbolizes love and joy from the one person Leorio cared most about in the world.
Leorio felt Kurapika at his side and immediately grabbed for their hand. Kurapika glanced at him but intertwined their fingers and squeezed.
“You ready?”
Even if Kurapika wasn’t ready, that was okay. Leorio had waited years for Kurapika to finally be ready for whatever the intertwining of their lives would bring. Waiting a little longer wouldn’t hurt. At least now Kurapika was right by his side, so Leorio could watch over them and be there if they ever fell.
But after looking down at Kurapika Leorio knew exactly what the answer to his question would be. Kurapika’s eyes had turned that captivating shade of scarlett that has held Lerio since the moment he first laid eyes upon it. The only color that could represent his one true love.
“Yeah, I’m ready to go back. To our home.”