Few minutes after Kurapika left the apartment to his date with Neon, Leorio's phone rang constantly until he found the strength to pick it up. It was his ex girlfriend. She was calling to apologize for not showing up, and explained that it wasn't because she didn't want to meet him, but she was robbed and her phone was taken, so she couldn't call him. Leorio got worried, and asked her if she needed a ride or anything. After all, even if they broke up years ago, she was a childhood friend and he cared about her a lot. She told him she wasn't hurt, but he insisted in coming to see her.
He picked her up at the police station, where she was still making a statement of the case. He was surprised when he saw her. They hadn't seen each other for more than 3 years, and she looked different. She had stoped dying her hair, and she didn't wear mini skirts and heels anymore. Now she just wore a dress and her natural hair, like Leorio remembered in their childhood memories.
After finishing all the procedures, they caught up with all they had been doing the last years, and then Leorio took her to a bar to cheer her up.
They chated cheerfuly, recalling old stories from when they were teenagers. Then Leorio invited her over to see his placce, and continued the conversation there. He told him about his best friend, who lived with him. He woudn't shut up about him at first, but then he suddenly changed the subject.
She had known Leorio for so many years, so she immediately noticed something went wrong with him. Even if he tried to hide his pain behind a smile.
-it's nothing, really- answered Leorio, not very convincing, when she asked if he was ok
-it's fine, you can tell me. I won't tell anyone. You know I allways keep your secrets-
-ugh, we were having such a good time. I wasn't even thinking about...my problems. But you had to spoil every thing, didn't you?-
-You don't need to act like you are strong with me Leorio. I know you- she knew that even thought they were having a good time, his mind was somewhere else.
Leorio looked at her for a minute in silence and hesitated, but he finally told her all what happened between him and Kurapika. Since the day they met in the hunter's exam and how they hated each other at first, to when they became friends along with Gon and Killua. He told her how all those experiences near death with the Genei Ryodan had strengthen their bonds, and that his friends where the most precious thing in his life, specially Kurapika.
He could feel how the words poured from his mouth, unable to contain them, and his chest brimming with all the feelings he had kept inside for so long. He told her about how he fell in love with him, and that he kept it a secret. He also told her how good it felt when they kissed, and even if he felt guilty, he didn't regret it. But now he couldn't forget about it, nor the pain of not being with him. For his love was one-sided, and Kurapika only loved and cared for him as his dearest friend. At that point, the tears brust from his eyes before he even noticed, letting all those feeling out.
She just listened to him carefully, hugging him somethimes, and letting him cry on her arms
-what can I do if I can't be with him? how can I get him out of my mind?- Leorio asked, completely destroyed on the inside
-I'm sorry, but the only way is to forget about him- she answered, wiping his last tears with her finger. Leorio stared at her, but he seemed spaced out. That image of him was breaking her heart. She still had feelings for him, and she decided to find a way to help him forget about his friend.
-Leorio, do you want me to help you forget about him?-
-but...how?- he sobbed. He was begining to calm down after letting all his pain out.
-shhh- she gently closed his eyes, slowly pushing him against the couch- just relax, and little by little you'll let your mind in a blank state-
She started to feel his skin under his shirt, and undo his tie. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt, kissing his neck. Leorio laid still with his eyes closed, as if his soul abandoned his body. He didn't feel capable of feeling anything anymore at that point. He could barely feel how she took his shirt off, touching his body. His breath began to intensify as she touched him, feeling uncomfortable. He opened his eyes.
- shhh- she placed her finger on his lips- just let the pleasure take over your mind and body-
She press her lips against his, kissing his neck and chest. Leorio remained like that, with his eyes lost in a corner of the room, unable to think, feel or do anything.
In that moment Kurapika had entered the apartment…
-YOU ARE AN IDIOT, I HATE YOU!-
-Kurapika…-Leorio tried to reach him, but he was already gone
-go after him- only after Kurapika left, the woman got away from Leorio, who looked at her, puzzled
-I know it's him, I can see it in your eyes. I can see it In his eyes too… And I can also see how stupid you both are. Now, just go-
Leorio looked around like trying to find an answer to her words. Suddenly, it all became clear.
He got up and dressed as fast as he could, running to the door. But just before leaving the place, he paused and returned to his friend.
Before he could talk, she handed him a scarf which she found on the floor
- here, take it, it's cold outside-
-thank you- Leorio held her face with his hands, and kissed her in the forehead. Then, he went outside to find Kurapika
"what the hell did I just do?" thought Kurapika while he ran down the building stairs. "I made myself look like an idiot!". He kept running for at least 10 blocks, until he found a small park. "it's Leorio's apartment, he can do whatever he wants in it. In fact… he can do whatever he wants, with whoever the hell he wants, and in any place he wants to. There's no need for him to give me any excusses".
Even so, his reaction was to ran away and avoid him, afraid to confront the situation. He just had decided to tell him about his feelings for him, and seconds later, he found him making out with someone else…the whole idea of a love confession seemed now like a cruel joke. It was obvious that Leorio would reject him.
"I simply can't live like this anymore. I can't bear to see him with someone else. And the only way I can avoid that is by leaving, and going back to work". He paused for a moment and sighed. Once he calmed down a bit, he thought logically. "But I'll have to tell him my reasons. I can't hide this any longer. I need to be mature about this, and confront him. Even if that means he ends up hating me".
He continued walking slowly through the park, looking at his feet as he thought of all what happened the last months. The image of Leorio and that woman came to his mind over and over again. His heart was nothing but caos, filled with anger, pain and resignation. Deep down he wanted to hug Leorio, more than anything in the world, in that moment. But on the other side, he wanted to beat him up. "He could have at least tell me not to come home early…or have the decency to do it in the bedroom. Why didn't he tell me he was going out with someone? I mean… aren't friends supposed to tell each other that kind of stuff?"
That last thought made him angry once again, and he tried to control his rage by covering his face with his hands. He suddenly started to feel cold, and realized he had left his coat in the apartment. "I guess I'll have to go back….but, how am I going to face him? And...what if that woman is still there? I need a plan…"
He lost himself in his own thoughts, until he heard Leorio's voice
- you shouldn't go out without warm clothes on-
Kurapika had no time to think what to say or do. He didn't feel ready to face him. He turned his back to him, terrified, and ready to start running again. But just before he did, Leorio held his arm firmly. Kurapika tried to get away with all his strength, unable to control his anger any longer. But Leorio held him with even more strength, nearly hurting him
-Leorio let me go!-
-I won't let you go anywhere!-
Kurapika saw such determination in his friend's serious eyes, that he stopped fighting, and stood still staring at the floor.
-alright, I won't run away. But please…-
Leorio could see his friend was really hurt, and now that he saw everything more clearly, he could understand that great part of it was his fault. He didn't know what to say, he just let go of his arm.
-Kurapika…-
-no…you don't need to say anything- Kurapika said in haste, terrified by what Leorio could say about his reaction. He forced himself to talk first.- I'm the one who needs to apologize…I'm sorry-
Leorio listened carefully and in silence, staring at him with a serious look on his face, but Kurapika still didn't look him in the eyes
-I'm sorry… because it is your apartment, and you can do what you want with who you want. And…I'm also sorry because I can't help being angry with you. We are supposed to be best friends, I don't want you to ignore me. I want you to trust me and tell me this kind of things…-
-It's not what you think…-
-no! shut up, let me talk. For once in my life let me talk. For once, let me tell you what I truly think- Kurapika looked very upset- I'm tired of having to watch you every day taking girls to the apartment, I'm sick of watching you go on dates every day while I just sit there like and idiot and worry about you, and what you might be doing-
-Kurapika, listen, calm down…- Leorio gently grabbed his shoulders, and he could feel his friend shaking. He wondered if it was because of the cold, or something else, but Kurapika ignored him and kept talking
-The only one who is wrong here its me. And the only way you can live peacefully and stop all this arguing, is that I move out. I have already decided it. I just can't stand seeing you with someone else, like I saw you today- His voice broke at that point, and he could no longer contain the tears in his eyes. -I'm sorry, I feel so embarrassed and pathetic by telling you this… I can't stop crying, and I hate myself for that. I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm so angry…with you, and with myself- He closed his eyes, too embarrassed to look at him
There was a moment of silence. Leorio's hesitated for a few seconds to choose his words carefully
- That's because of the same reason why I have to go out with different girls every day…-
Leorio pulled him close to him, and held him tight, kindly playing with his hair to calm him down. Kurapika wasn't expecting that answer. He opened his eyes wide, trying to figure it out. Little by little, he stopped sobbing, and he could now feel Leorio's heart, beating strong and quickly in his ear. They remained like that for a few seconds, and Kurapika felt somehow at ease.
Leorio let go of him, and Kurapika closed his eyes again, still afraid to look at his friend. Leorio gently pressed his lips against his head. Kurapika could feel how he softly touched his face with his fingers, and kissed him on the forehead. Then on his cheeks, then the tip of his nose, and the corner of his mouth. Kurapika separated his lips a little, letting out some air. He could feel his friend's breath on his mouth. Leorio lift his friend's chin with his hand, and their eyes finally met. He brought his lips close to his, and kissed him tenderly. Kurapika kissed him back passionately, with his arms around his neck. After a moment, they slowly separated, and Kurapika stared at his friend, still panting.
-w-well…then, what does this mean?- he asked, blushing.
Leorio looked at him puzzled, and surrounded his waist with his arms. Kurapika stared at him with a troubled expresion
- you know what I mean…-
-It means that I love you- Leorio gave him a serious look, and placed a finger on his lips. Kurapika frozed, and felt his heart beating so fast he was afraid it would explode. He couldn't take more emotions for one day, but he had to find courage somehow for this...
-and I love you since long ago, you idiot!- he was almost yelling because of excitement. People in the street turned to look at them, but they didn't care
Leorio smiled at him, he was moved by his friend's words, because he knew how difficult it was for him to talk about his feelings. He suddenly remembered he had brought the scarf, and wrapped both of them with it.
- you forgot your jacket-
Their bodys were touching each other, generating a lot of heat. Kurapika tried to remain calm, but the truth is that he was really shy for that kind of things. After all, he had never been in a romantic relationship before.
"relationship...". That word echoed in his mind. He couldn't help being curious…
-ummm….Leorio?- he paused and looked at the floor again
-yes?- he could notice his friend was a little nervous and uncomfortable, but he really couldn't stop wanting to be close to him. In fact, he thought it was almost cute to watch him all shy and embarrassed
-don't worry, I'm not going to kick you out of the apartment. You can stay- he joked
-it's not that! Don't make me say it- he hesitated- what... are we now?-
-What do you mean?-
-Well, you know…I mean, like… are we still friends? Or... are we a c-cou…like...are we a... couple?- his face turned red when he pronounced that word
-hmmm. It doesn't have to be only one or the other. You still are and will always be my best friend. We are friends and… something else-
Leorio smiled at him, and Kurapika smiled back, nodding his head
-well- Leorio changed the subject- it seems like you really made up your mind about moving out. But it's late, and if you don't have a place to stay tonight…-
-no, no, I would love to stay for a while! I mean…if it's possible. And, If you want to…-
-sure! I would love to! Well, I mean… I wouldn't mind. If… you want to stay, of course-
-yeah, I wouldn't mind- Kurapika's smile was suddenly wiped by a recent memory in his mind- as long as there isn't OTHER PEOPLE sleeping in the apartment too-
-oh! If you mean my friend, she's already gone- said Leorio with an awkward smile. Despite the situation, the person he loved had seen him half naked with a woman
-"Friend"… yeah, right- Kurapika said with sarcasm- friend my ass..- he mumbled, crossing his arms against his chest and looking away
-have you been told before how hot you look when you are jealous?- Leorio pulled him close to him grabbing his waist, but Kurapika pushed him away
-shut up, it's not funny. I'm still waiting for an explanation about that-
Leorio looked at him and turned serious
-what do you want to hear me say…The truth? That you kept me up every night thinking of you? That I cried all day because I thought you didn't love me back? That I tried every possible way to forget about you but I couldn't…because I fell in love with you since I met you? That I needed to go out with other people because you were driving me crazy?...-
Leorio approached him with such threatening presence that Kurapika was intimidated. He had to move back and sit on the bench he had by his side
-I…I don't…-
-Tell me- he interrupted, immobilizing him with his arm against the bench. Their faces so close, that their lips nearly touched- what else did you want to know? That I can't sleep by your side without wanting to touch you, and I can't stop thinking about finishing what we started that time in the hotel, that I…-
-ok, stop it- Kurapika had covered his friend's mouth with his hands to prevent him from talking. He was too embarrassed to keep up the conversation- and… you are not the only one who's been suffering, you know?
Leorio stared at him, and then gave him a sweet smile- ok, let's go home now- he held his hand and helped him up.
They walked home. It was a cold, snowy night. On their way back to the apartment, it was Kurapika who now cuddled with Leorio under the scarf. His hands had gone numb with the cold wind, and Leorio could feel him trembling. He took his friend's hand, and warmed it up with his own, and they walked like that all the way home. Leorio could see how his friend's cheeks turned red when people passed by and looked at them, and he knew it wasn't precisely because of the cold. He thought he was so cute and defenseless, that he felt the need to play with his fingers, and make him blush a little more. Just before entering the building, Kurapika stopped.
-Leorio... you say that it's not necessary to be just friends or just a c-couple- he hesitated only a little with that word- but… is it really necessary to do those things in front of everyone?
-I don't know what you are talking about- Leorio hid his hands in his pockets and whistled
-Leorio...!- Kurapika scowled at him
-yes, ok, I know you are really shy. We can take things with calm. If you don't want everyone to find out…-
-thanks for understanding- Kurapika suddenly hugged him tight, hiding his face in his chest, making Leorio blush at his sudden cute attitude
They entered the building and took the elevator. They were alone in it. When the doors closed, Leorio suddenly attacked Kurapika, holding him from behind.
-you realize that if we are best friends I have the right to annoy and sexually harass you, right?-
-Hey, what the hell are you doing? We are in an elevator!- he said trying to get away, but Leorio didn't let him
-I don't see anyone else in here, do you?- he smiled mischievously while he immobilized his friend's arms, and enjoyed watching his embarrassed face in the elevator mirror- I can do this kind of things…- he unbuttoned his friend's shirt a little, kissing his neck and slowly licking his ear, while staring at him through the mirror-
-have you gone crazy?! Anyone can come in, at any moment! - Kurapika tried to move, but all that excitement had weakened him, and his body couldn't respond as he wished.
-then stop me-
Kurapika wasn't able to pronounce a word. He closed his eyes, not knowing what to do. He wanted to stop, but he also wanted Leorio to keep going. Leorio saw his troubled face, and felt a bit sorry.
-It was just a joke! - Leorio let him go- stop being so serious! What did you think I was going to do to you? Or…is it that you wanted me to actually do something?- he raised an eyebrow, and avoided Kurapika's punch that aimed at his face
-shut up!-
Kurapika was now angry. "he always makes fun of me and makes me look like an idiot! But not this time" he planned his revenge in a few seconds
-well, then that means that you are willing to accept the fact that I can annoy and harass you too-
Kurapika pushed him violently against the elevator wall, and grabbed Leorio's tie to pull him close to him.
-what are you…- but Leorio couldn't finish the sentence. Kurapika bit his lips, softly at first, and then with fierce. When Leorio wanted to answer with a kiss, Kurapika pulled him back against the wall, watching him panting. Then he pulled him close with by his tie again, now kissing his neck, and all over his face, until he reached the corner of his mouth. He played with his tongue in his lips, but stopped there, right before they kissed, leaving Leorio all turned on and breathing heavyly.
-If you are going to do that, so am I- said Kurapika, and stuck his tongue out at him, winking.
Leorio remained still and closed his eyes for a minute before he could talk. He hated to admit how the roles had turned
-are you sure you want to play that game with me, kid?- Leorio now pushed him against the wall, and kissed him on the lips passionately, while touching his skin beneath his shirt
-alright…stop it…-Kurapika wanted to talk but he couldn't stop kissing him back. He tried to be serious, but he was constantly interrupted by kisses- Leorio! The elevator is going to stop at the next floor…come on… stop…quit doing….- Kurapika tried to get away from him, but Leorio took him by his wrists, and kissed his half naked torso
-Leorio I'm serious! I swear that door is going to open!-
The elevator stopped at floor 14, and an old lady came in. When the door opened, she saw Leorio in one corner with his hands in his pockets, saying hello to her with a big smile. And on the other corner, Kurapika stared at the wall, with a troubled face. Leorio chated cheerfully with the lady until they reached their floor, while Kurapika tried to catch his breath and hide his excitement, in silence. The doors opened again at their floor, and they said goodbye to the lady.
Once they disappeared from her sight, she could hear a slap noise coming from the aisle, and overheard their conversation
-ouch! Why did you hit me?-
-you know why! Do you want us to get kicked out from here? We can't do that in public places!-
-but we didn't do anything!-
-yes we did-
-well then, would you prefer to wait until we get inside?-
Another slap was heard
-shut up!-
-but why do you always have to be so violent!?-
-because…-
The lady could hear them argue from the elevator, until the doors closed again. She smiled, and thought: "such a cute young couple. I always knew they were together".
END
****note
Ok its done! thank you guys for your comments, I hoped you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it! It took some time to translate it, but I did it. Once I finish my next fic (Killua x Gon, which I'm writing in english this time, and its gonna much shorter btw) I think I could do a grammar check again (I was so exited that I rushed to upload the chapters).
And I'm thinking about an extra one-shot, taking place right after the manga storyline (since it's doesn't seem to have an ending in the next 1000 years). But... maybe.
This is nothing like my usual fanfic style, very romantic and shoujo-like, but its just that there are so few leopika fics that I felt like I had to do one. A cute, cheesy and fluffy one, lol.
Again, thanks for reading, and for the comments!
