Leopika Oneshot||Second Book Published

Cigarettes

Leorio stood on the back porch alone. He was up late again. He couldn't sleep yet again. And not for any good reason this time. He didn't have any thoughts keeping him up. Just himself. He leaned against the railing taking a deep breath of the cold air. Now would be a good time for a cigarette, Leorio thought. Kurapika hated Leorio smoking, but he was asleep. What he didn't know couldn't hurt him.

Out of his coat pocket, Leorio pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He tucked one in between his pointer and middle finger, bringing the cigarette to his lips. From his other pocket, he pulled out a small lighter, lighting the cigarette. He inhaled and exhaled slowly. He hated himself for smoking so much. He did whenever he got the chance, to be more specific when he couldn't sleep.

The smoke to him was nice. Other people would say it smelled terrible. But it relieved Leorio.

"Leorio," the tired voice of Kurapika came from behind him. "It's late, what are you doing up again?" Leorio hid his hand holding the cigarette behind his back. "Nothing sweetheart," h answered. "I just needed some fresh air. Go back to bed." Kurapika walked closer, sniffing the air. "Were you," he paused. "Smoking?" Leorio sighed. "I was," he replied. "But don't worry. It's nothing."

Kurapika frowned. "I hate when you smoke," he said. "It's bad for you. And you smell like smoke. Do you know how many of your clothes I've had to throw away because the stink wouldn't get out?" Leorio sighed. Hesitantly, he showed the cigarette to Kurapika before snuffing it out on the railing.

Kurapika walked forward, closer to Leorio. "What's wrong," he asked. Leorio sighed. "Nothing," he replied. "Why?" Kurapika set his hand on the railing. "You only smoke when you're stressed," he said, the concern in his voice was real. "I want to know what's wrong." Leorio ran a hand through his hair. "Nothing is wrong," he said. "I promise."

Kurapika hugged Leorio. "It's okay if you don't want to talk," he said. "But if something is wrong I want to know." Leorio sighed. "There's just something on my mind," he replied. "Something I don't really want to talk about." Kurapika let go of Leorio.

"That's fine," he said. "But you stink." Leorio sighed and ruffled Kurapika's hair. "Go back inside," Leorio told Kurapika. "It's cold. I don't want you to freeze." Kurapika nodded and began to walk away. Just as he was sliding the door open he turned around. "Before you get back in bed," he started. "Please take a shower."

Leorio nodded. "Will do," he said. "Now go to sleep. I'll be there." Kurapika walked inside, yawning. Leorio wished he hadn't woken Kurapika up. Kurapika needed to sleep. Then again, so did Leorio. That was no secret. 

Everyone had noticed it at work. The bags under his eyes. His team did most of the work by now. They told him he needed to sleep. He didn't listen. He tried to sleep at home but here he was. On the back porch, just him and his cigarettes. Despite what he said to Kurapika, he got out another cigarette. He lit it taking in the scent. Maybe he should skip work tomorrow. Try to sleep during the day.

But for now, staying up smoking was the best option. Kurapika might not like it much but what could he do? Leorio needed this. He needed it now more than he did before.