After The Eyes ~ A Leopika Story

Chapter 11

He brought him into the sickbay, but immediately knew all of the bed's were occupied. He could kick someone out... no he couldn't. 

He rushed back over to their room, and swung the door open. He laid him down on his bed, and brought his attention back to the bloodied fabric. He pulled up Kurapika's shirt to reveal the slash across his abdomen, and sucked his teeth at the sight. 

He opened his briefcase and grabbed the rubbing alcohol. "This is gonna hurt..." Leorio mumbled, dumping the alcohol on the cotton pads. "...But bare with me." he said, turning back to Kurapika. 

Kurapika looked up at him, his eyes focused on Leorio's concerned expression. Leorio took a deep breath in, and began lathering the wound in rubbing alcohol. 

An awful stinging pain seeped through Kurapika's open wound, and he bit his bottom lip as he let out a whimper. He grabbed Leorio's arm, digging his nails into his skin. "I'm sorry..." Leorio whispered, hating having to watch Kurapika's pained expression. 

He applied pressure to it with a cloth, as Kurapika loosened his grip on Leorio's arm. 

"You okay?" Leorio asked. Kurapika nodded softly, "I'm... okay..." he said in between deep breaths. 

Leorio nodded, as he placed a hand behind Kurapika's back to sit him up straight. He slid the rest of his shirt off, exposing his bare chest. Kurapika watched him grab the bandages, and unroll the ravel. 

"Can you lift your arms up?" Leorio asked. Kurapika nodded, and lifted up his arms. 

Leorio began wrapping the bandage around Kurapika, making sure he wasn't wrapping it too tight. Kurapika rested his head on Leorio's chest, feeling instant relief from his scent. Leorio blushed at the gesture, and continued to tie up the bandage. 

"Why would you go out there, Kurapika?" Leorio asked softly. "I had to save him. I promised." Kurapika whispered into Leorio's chest, tears threatening to leave his eyes. "Sunshine, what are you talking about?" Leorio asked sympathetically. 

The nickname sent Kurapika over the edge, as his silent sobs soaked Leorio's shirt. "Hey hey..." Leorio whispered, watching Kurapika's upper body shake. 

"I couldn't save him, Leorio..." Kurapika whispered. "What are you talking about? The boy you saved is okay, that guys taking him back to the captain now." Leorio told him, stroking his hair in an attempt to comfort him. 

Kurapika shook his head and pulled away from the embrace, "Not Enkai... Pairo..." 

"Pairo?" 

Kurapika nodded his head. Leorio gazed down at him, and took his hand. 

Leorio remembered Kurapika telling him about his childhood best friend many years ago, someone by the name of Pairo. It was a traumatising time for Kurapika, and it was clear that the memory of Pairo hung over Kurapika's head. 

"Kurapika..." Leorio whispered. 

Kurapika looked up at him, tears streaming down his cheeks. 

"It's okay now." Leorio assured him, holding his hand tightly. 

"It's okay... I promise Sunshine." he whispered, wiping the tears from his cheeks with his thumb. 

"You promise?" Kurapika whispered, a shine of desperation sparkled in his eyes. 

Leorio nodded, "Of course." 

Kurapika took a deep breath and closed eyes, clearing away his painful thoughts. "Thank you Leorio..." he whispered, opening his eyes slowly. 

"Of course... I care about you, you know that right?" Leorio asked. 

"You do?" Kurapika asked softly. "Yeah...I..." Leorio took Kurapika's other hand so he was now holding both. 

"...I love you."

 Kurapika's heart skipped a beat. They both gazed at each other in silence. Kurapika's lips soon curled into a small smile, parting ever so slightly. 

Leorio couldn't even control his next movement, it was almost as if every bone in his body pushed him forward and locked his lips with Kurapika's. Kurapika gasped softly, but soon melted into the kiss, closing his eyes. The tastes mixed together, creating a sweet metallic tang. 

Their lips parted, and they opened their eyes once again. Leorio came to terms with what he had just done, and his face converted to a deep shade of scarlet. 

"Leorio..." Kurapika said with a giggle. 

"I love you too."