#ash1875

“Who’re you planning to make the team captain after you graduate?”

Zushi’s question was something Gon hadn’t even thought of an answer for, and it wasn’t like he had to pass on his role in the football team immediately. There were several more months until his last day in high school.

Gon thought for a minute, staring at the wave of students entering through the school gate.

“Well, maybe I could leave the job to you.” Gon smiled as he watched his junior’s eyes widen and jaw slack, just for a moment before he composed himself.

“That’s what you wanted to hear didn’t ya? Look at you blushing.” Zushi screeched at Ikalgo’s comment.

“’No! I was just asking I didn’t mean-”

“Hey, Ikalgo don’t tease him.” Gon nudged his friend’s shoulder and the other rolled his eyes.

“It’s okay my sweet sweet child, you’re our favourite underclassman anyway! C’mere let me give you a kiss~” Zushi screamed as Ikalgo caught him under his death grip.

“Back off dude!” He fought against Ikalgo, resulting in him falling back and bumping into- well, a person who didn’t seem to be having a good day. That’s what the death stare towards Zushi told Gon anyways. Gon wasn’t one to get easily intimidated, but he wasn’t so sure now as a chill ran up his spine.

“Watch where you’re going, idiot.” The tone was mean, reinforcing the menacing aura around him. His unnerving blue eyes made Zushi visibly uneasy.

“Oh- I’m sorry!”

“Whatever.”

Suddenly, those piercing eyes were on Gon. As much as he felt he was going to sink through the floor, he took in a sharp breath and stared back at him.

The pale, blue eyed boy then left. And that was that.

After a moment, Zushi ran up to his seniors as if he just experienced a traumatic event. “Holy shit, I think I pissed my pants.”

“You got scared? Don’t you have like a black belt in kung fu or something?”

“Ikalgo! You saw that guy! You were scared too!”

“I wasn’t scared!” He retaliated.

Gon had seen the said person quite a few times around school, usually not seen engaging with anyone unless necessary. Gon was pretty sure they shared the same class last year, but he had been pretty busy with club activities after all.

It was hard not to notice the boy though- not with his distinct white hair and blue eyes. Gon noticed him everywhere, but never got a chance to interact with him.

“Hey Ikalgo, do you know that guy’s name?”

Ikalgo furrowed his eyebrows. “Haven’t you seen him around school? His name is Killua, I think.” He paused for a minute. “Hey! We literally shared a class with him last year. How do you not remember?”

Gon laughed awkwardly. “Oh, come on, you know I’m not good at remembering stuff like this.”

“Why do you want to know though? Are you going to invite him to an epic stare down contest?” Zushi interjected.

“What? No-”

“Yeah, maybe since you were such a chicken!” Zushi whined at Ikalgo.

“He was scary okay?! I don’t have the talent to stare at someone like that!”

“Not with that attitude, you don’t.”

“Hey!”

***

Gon waited.

He waited for the time to pass by, like he always did. Because after school, he’d finally be able to get on the football court and get his blood pumping.

Gon wasn’t made for sitting idly in a classroom for several hours, for god's sake.

When school would finally end, he’d head straight towards the court even though club activities wouldn’t start in an hour. He’d run a few laps around the court and practice a few drills before the other members would join him. It had been his routine for the past 2 years, and after the coach and the previous captain had seen his hard work, he was named the new captain for the next year.

He loved playing with his team. Nothing could ever match the sensation he felt when he’d score the winning goal, and the constant appreciation of his team members and coach. He was the best player on the team, there was no doubt.

His after-school schedule was no different from any other day. He slung his backpack on his shoulder and left for the changing rooms immediately.

The only thing that was different was a certain white-haired boy standing just outside the football court.

He immediately sensed Gon’s presence and they made eye contact, but he wasn’t intimidated this time. The boy- Killua- must have calmed down since the scene in the morning, Gon thought.

Killua spoke first. “You’re the captain.” Gon wasn’t sure if that was a question.

“Yes? Can I help you?”

“Can I join this club?”

Gon stared at him, confused. Join a club in the final year? How was he supposed to add this guy to the team? What exactly was he thinking?

“You’re pretty late considering we’re in our last year of high school. If you don’t mind practising with the freshmen, I think you can join.” Gon replied politely.

“I’m familiar with rules and know how to play football. Can’t I join the team?”

Gon hesitated. “I think we might need to talk to the coach for that. You’ll have to wait an hour or so.”

Killua let out a displeased grunt. “Fine.” A pause. “I’m Killua.”

“I’m Gon!” He grinned at him, and Gon got a glimpse of a small smile before Killua looked away. “By the way, why’re you joining the club so late?”

Killua’s shoulders tensed. “I-uh, I got kicked out of the photography club.”

“Can I ask what happened?”

“I punched the club leader in the face.”

Okay, so this guy was insane.

“Aren’t you going to ask why?”

“I’m fine, thank you. But why the football club? Is there a reason why you want to join?”

“I don’t know, I don’t really like clubs. Everything’s boring so I randomly chose.”

Sorry, what the fuck did you say?  Gon wanted to ask but he didn’t, because he did not want to be the next club leader with a broken nose. But who could blame him for being annoyed? He wanted to know where this man got the audacity to walk into the club and call it boring and that too to the club leader, of all people.

Gon tried his best to keep his tone neutral. “I see. If you want you can leave and come later; club activities don’t start until 4 pm.” Which could also be translated to please leave.

“I’ll stay here. I have nothing better to do anyway..”

Gon shrugged, and went on with his training.

He ran a few laps around the court as usual, did a few warm up exercises and tried his best to ignore the eyes following him. Gon wasn’t really annoyed with Killua staring, really, but for some reason he was more conscious of every move that he made. He sneaked a glance during the drills and Killua was studying him, his eyebrows furrowed and looking at him with utmost concentration that he didn’t even notice that Gon had stopped practising to look back at him.

Did Killua really mean it when he said he was uninterested in the club?

When the rest of the teammates joined in, Ikalgo was the first person to notice the new presence in the court. He didn’t hesitate to point it out to Zushi and howl at the way the younger man lost the colour in his face.

Later when Bisky, the coach, joined them, Gon called Killua over and they talked to her together.

“You want to join and play with the team.”

“Yes.”

Bisky stares at him for a minute. “How good do you think you are?”

“I’m not. But I’ll try to keep up.”

Gon looked over to Bisky. “What do you think we should do?”

She put her hands on her hips. “Well.. How about we split the members into two groups, and play a match? Killua, you will have to play against Gon. How’s that?”

Killua grinned, maybe for the first time that day. “Let’s do it.”

Gon’s team won the match. He really wasn’t sure what he was expecting.

Gon glanced at Killua, who was sitting on the ground wiping off the sweat on his forehead. He contemplated whether he should say something and ended up walking over and sitting next to him anyway.

“Hey Killua, you did really well.” And he really did. Killua was surprisingly fast, and his control over the ball was astonishing, dare he say, maybe as good as him. Gon wasn’t sure if he was annoyed at the fact that Killua was just a few steps from surpassing his skills, but he still couldn’t shake the rush of excitement he felt when he realised he can keep up with me. Gon wasn’t sure how long it had been since he felt that way.

By now Gon was sure that Killua was lying when he said he found the sport boring. That was too competent for being uninterested.

“I wasn’t that good…” Killua kept his eyes down.

Gon tried to get a look on the other boy's face. “No! You played really well! I almost thought you were going to beat me!” Killua perked up and looked at Gon.

“But I didn’t win. I probably won’t get into the team.”

“I think I’d like you in the team. It would be nice to have someone to keep up with me.” Gon smiled, mostly at how Killua’s already flushed face from exhaustion turned into a darker shade of pink.

And just as Gon wished, Killua was recruited into the team.

***

Killua was a diligent student, Gon had noticed, much more than the rest of the members. He arrived for practice every day on time, did his best, and sometimes even stayed afterwards just to practice alongside Gon.

Gon was a hundred percent sure that Killua was not uninterested. With what he had heard from Ikalgo, Killua didn’t work this hard in the photography club. But Gon wasn’t complaining. Now that Killua was there, he felt less lonely somehow- not that he knew he was in the first place.

Also, Killua wasn’t that scary after all. After a few months of being around Killua, all Gon could see was a really funny and extremely kind boy who was just really lonely. Gon was happy that Killua was ready to let him into his life, but there were still so many things he didn’t know about. Killua loved to talk about his sister, but he didn’t like talking about the rest of his family for some reason, so Gon tried not to bring up the topic at all.

Another thing Gon noticed was, Killua was really good looking.

He wasn’t sure why he hadn’t thought about this the first time they met, or even during the first month they actually spent together as friends. But now that he had seen Killua laugh, watched as he smiled at him for the most random things, noticed how his cheeks flushed with every compliment and saw the content look on his face when he ate chocorobos, he thought Killua was beautiful.

“Gon, are you going to stay after practice today?” Gon smiled at the now familiar voice.

“Yeah. Are you staying too?” Gon asked as Killua sat next to him on the changing room bench and watched as he put on his shoes.

Killua looked at him sporting a catlike grin. “Won’t you be lonely if I’m not here? So, I’ll stay.”

Gon tried not to blush. “Of course, I’ll be lonely now that I’m used to you around...” He murmured, and watched Killua’s ears turn pink.

He still kept going. “You really love me that much huh?”

“Yes I do!” He leaned onto Killua, who immediately shot up from his seat, face burning a bright red.

“You’re so embarrassing! Let’s just go practice.”

“You were the one who asked me!” Gon whined, running after Killua.

The fact that Killua was getting better every day at football was something that popped up in Gon’s head every time during practice. He himself had improved a lot it seems, and he realised he still had a lot of room to improve. It was also a fact that they were a really good team. Bisky was also satisfied with her decision to add Killua into the team, as it seemed to be paying off.

After practice, when Gon had changed his clothes to go back home, he saw that Killua was still outside unlike other days where he leaves early.

Killua noticed Gon coming out of the changing room. “Ah, Gon. I was wondering if you wanted to walk home together.”

“Huh? Oh, Sure!”

And that was what they did.

The sun was already setting by the time they headed out, Gon tightened the strap of his backpack as they walked along side by side. He peered at Killua, his hair looked slightly orange because of the sunlight, and his eyes were bright.

Killua looked back at him. “What’re you looking at?”

You.  “Nothing.” He stretched his hands over his head and groaned.

“Tired?”

“Mhm.” Gon moved closer to his friend, noticing it was getting dark. He wasn’t really sure if that was the reason he was moving closer. “Hey Killua?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s getting dark.”

“’I know.”

“Can you hold my hand?”

Silence.

“Why?”

“I can’t see properly. And I’m tired.”

Silence again.

“Okay.” Slender fingers intertwined with Gon’s, the hand was calloused and rough, but even so it felt nice to hold. Gon moved even closer, almost leaning completely on his friend.

“Don’t pass out.” Killua laughed.

“Hey Killua?”

“Hm?”

“I want to be your best friend.” Killua laughed again.

Gon liked hearing Killua laugh.

“I want to be your best friend too.”

“Then we’re best friends.”

“Are we?”

“Yeah.”

Exhaustion was already creeping into Gon, and he stifled a yawn. They were walking much slower than before.

“Dude seriously, don’t pass out.”

“I won’t.” Gon grumbled. “Hey Killua!”

“What now?” He tried to sound annoyed, but the smile on his face said otherwise.

“Tell me a secret, Killua.”

Killua’s hands loosened for a minute, and just for a moment, Gon thought that he made a mistake.

“You’re my first best friend.”

Gon gasped. “Really?”

“Yeah. Now you tell me something.”

“Hmm… I think Killua's really pretty.”

Killua didn’t let go of his hand. “That’s embarrassing.”

Gon couldn’t really see Killua’s face because of how dark it was now.  The streetlights weren’t turned on just yet, but the sun had already set. “How is that embarrassing? I’m just telling the truth.”

“Don’t make me knock you out and leave you on the street.”

“You wouldn’t.”

Killua hummed slowly, with a soft smile on his face.

***

“What’s going on between you two?” Ikalgo asked Gon, as he watched him carefully bounce a football on his feet.

“With who?” Gon asks back, concentration not wavering. Forty-seven, Forty-eight, Forty-nine-

“Killua.”

He drops the ball.

“What about him?” Gon finally turned his attention towards his friend.

“…Gay?”

They stared at each other.

“What?”

“Are you both- Uh- Never mind.” Ikalgo sighed

Gon looked over to where the ball had rolled over, and his eyes trailed to Killua somehow. He was talking to Zushi- who was no longer terrified of him- with his hands on his hips. Zushi seemed to be demonstrating something, pointing out to his legs and Gon watched as Killua nodded to him while he talked.

“You’re staring at him again.” Gon tore his eyes away and saw Ikalgo with a shit-eating grin on his face.

“I wasn’t.”

“Yeah, keep lying to yourself.”

Gon scrunched his face and leaned closer to Ikalgo. “Do I stare a lot?” He whispered

“Yes you do.” He whispered back.

“Does he know?”

“Probably?”

Gon slapped a hand into his face.  Oh god, this was bad.

Ikalgo put his hand on Gon’s shoulder. “My dude, it's okay. I know it's your first man crush, and you’re feeling overwhelmed-”

“I’m not-”

“But I support you! So-”

“I don’t have a crush on him!” Gon tried to keep his voice down. He really did not want Killua to know about this.

“Shh... I know you’re in denial, but it’s okay. I’m here for you buddy.” Ikalgo gave him a hug before patting him on the back.

Was he really in denial though? Was that it?

“What’s happening here? Why are you guys hugging without me?” Zushi joined in the conversation, and Gon noticed Killua right behind him.

“Our captain is upset that he doesn’t have a date for prom. You know, he isn’t really great in the romance category.” Gon pinched Ikalgo’s arm. Hard.

“Oh! Why don’t you just ask someone to go with you?” Zushi asked, oblivious to how Ikalgo hissed in pain.

“I don’t think I will!” He said with gritted teeth. Killua looked concerned.

This was really, really bad.

Gon finally pushed Ikalgo away, but ended up regretting it as he stared in horror at the stupid asshole of a friend who walked over to Killua and slung an arm over his shoulder.

“What about you, Killua? Are you asking someone out?”

“Uh yeah, probably.” He replied awkwardly.

“Oh? Good for you then.” Ikalgo flashed a grin at Gon, and for the first time ever, he had the urge to punch his friend.

He didn’t punch him.

But  he was left mortified for the rest of the day. He was unable to concentrate during practice, and he ended up messing up quite a lot. He was lucky that Bisky let it slide, and he got through the day without getting reprimanded. Killua sent him a few concerned glances, but he just waved it off, assuring he was fine. He wasn’t.

“Are you really okay? You’re seriously acting weird.” Killua had asked him when they were walking home, which had become a usual thing between them.

“I’m not acting weird.”

“Everybody noticed, Gon. Are you seriously that upset about not having a date for prom?”

“No! That’s not it, you don’t understand!”

That was exactly the topic Gon did not want to discuss. He wanted to drop everything and run. Run, not look back and not have this conversation and just go back to school tomorrow and everything would be normal. Act like nothing happened and that he didn’t quite possibly develop feelings for his best friend in the past few months.

Well, Killua wasn’t having it.

“Then? Make me understand, will you?”

“I don’t know either.”

Killua only groaned, and thankfully didn’t question any further.

The time after was quite awkward and both of them remained quiet, Killua looked away and sometimes down, but never at Gon.

Killua started, still not looking at him. “If you’re really upset about the date-”

Not again.  “Killua-”

“-do you want to go with me? To prom? Only if you want to.”

Gon was going to combust. What was Killua thinking? What did he mean by that? Was he asking him out of pity, because he thinks Gon is so pathetically needy for a date? Or did he actually ask out of interest?

Did he ask him out as a friend, or as something more?

Did Killua like him too?

“Why? Do you feel bad for me?” Gon laughed, because he had no idea how he was supposed to feel about this.

“No, I don’t really want to go with anyone else. It's okay if you don’t want to, don’t feel pressured.”

What are you doing to me, Killua?

“Of course, I’ll go with you!”

Killua smiled, and it made Gon feel dizzy. “Alright then.”

***

Gon wasn’t sure when was the last time he was this excited. Oh yeah, during the first match he played against Killua.

It was always Killua, wasn’t it?

Gon ended up being extremely restless that evening when he was asked to be Killua’s date, and he got out of his house late at night and ran a few miles hoping he’d get tired and finally sleep. It didn’t work.

Aunt Mito noticed the difference in his demeanour and asked him about it. He just laughed and replied that he did really well in practice, it wasn’t like she was going to know how he fucked up during practice that day.

The rest of the days were spent as normal (almost). Something had definitely changed between Gon and Killua, which was noticed by Ikalgo, who thereby had seemed to swear on his life to tease Gon to death.

When Gon finally told Mito about his date, she was overjoyed and took it upon herself to make him look his best that day because Mito did not trust him when it came to choosing clothes. He kept insisting that he and Killua weren’t actually dating and only going as friends, so don’t worry too much, to which she gave him a placid look.

“I was wondering who made you walk around all the time with that lovesick look in your eyes. There’s no need to act cool.” Gon only looked away in embarrassment.

Gon was a nervous wreck when the day finally arrived. Goddamit, this was nothing to be scared of! He always kept his cool at all times, even during big matches. How is something trivial like this making him lose his composure? This was ridiculous.

Gon realised when he finally saw Killua outside his door in his dark navy suit, that this was anything but trivial. As much as Gon wanted to tackle him and kiss him all over his face, he instead invited Killua inside. Mito seemed extremely happy to meet the taller boy, greeting him with a hug and later sharing some unnecessary embarrassing details about Gon.

“Oh! Let me just get my phone so I can get a picture of you both.” Mito giggled and got up from the table they were seated in.

“You look nice.” Gon told Killua, as they finally got a chance to look at each other properly. Killua’s face turned red at the compliment.

“You look nice too.” He smiled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t bring any flowers.”

Gon chuckled. “You didn’t need to anyway.”

“I wanted to, though.”

Gon patted on Killua’s thigh and whispered, “You’re here. That's more than enough.”

The walk to school was just like any other day, except the fact that they were holding hands. He didn’t really remember how it happened or who reached out first, but he liked holding Killua’s hands and Gon wasn’t one to complain. And he didn’t want to give himself too much hope, but he wasn’t really sure if they were actually just going as friends. Killua hadn’t specified anything anyway.

But did he really have the right to wish for the best-case scenario?

The hall was filled with students by the time Gon and Killua had arrived. He could feel Killua's hands slightly shaking, and soon enough tried to slip his hand away, but Gon held on tight.

The members of the football club were there, and Gon spotted Ikalgo in between the group, who also spotted him- and unfortunately, who he was holding hands with- and looked at him with the smuggest smile he had ever seen.

They just ended up hanging out with the group, with Gon ignoring Ikalgo and his antics as much as possible, talking about random things and laughing. He just kept wondering what exactly they were supposed to do at prom. Killua wasn’t sure either, when he asked him.

The drinks provided by the school were overly sweet- Gon had noticed, he himself wasn’t able to drink much. But his friend who was addicted to sugar seemed to like it, even though he kept complaining how there wasn’t a trace of any other chocolate other than white chocolate in the whole room.

“This is boring.” Killua sighed. They both weren’t interested in joining the other kids in the dance hall anyway.

“Yeah, I guess. What should we do then?”

Killua thought for a moment. “Let’s get out of here, I’ll take you somewhere else.”

***

'Somewhere else' happened to be the school rooftop.

The air was much cooler on the school rooftop, but still comfortable as the wind blew slowly. It was silent as much as it could be, the muffled noise of the music playing many floors below and the leaves rustling were the only sounds. Gon looked at Killua, and the other looked away, simply ignoring the benches and sitting down on the floor.

Gon allowed himself to settle down next to him, maybe a bit closer than he had planned as Killua’s thighs brushed against his when he tried to sit comfortably. The only lighting on the rooftop was due to the moon, a soft light that somehow made Killua look as if he was glowing. Gon couldn’t tear his eyes away from him, even when Killua had turned to look back at him.

“Hi.” Gon blurted out.

“Hey.” Killua grinned, unaware of what it did to Gon’s heart. “Do you think it’s weird that I brought you here?”

“Nope. It’s nice, really.”

Gon wanted to tell him that he didn’t want to be anywhere but there, next to Killua at that moment, and maybe several more times. He wanted him to know this. But really, where was the line? How far could he allow himself to go until it was obvious, where his heart was kept out vulnerably open just for Killua to see?

Would Killua even like that?

“I used to come here every day before I joined the football club.” Gon stared at Killua, who was staring off into the sky, eyes soft in a way that meant he was thinking of a fond memory.

“Why don’t you come here anymore?”

“I do, but only sometimes now.” Killua pulled his legs closer to his chest and wrapped his hands around them.

“Why?”

“I don’t have a reason to anymore.”

“Why not?”

Killua thought to himself, a little bit of hesitation was obvious in his reply. “Because- uh- I’m in the football club now, I guess.”

Gon furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “I don’t get it.”

“Don’t think about it too much.” Killua sighed, before covering his face with his hands. They sat in silence for a while and Gon felt Killua lean closer to him. “You know, my parents didn’t want me to join any clubs.”

Oh, he’s talking about his family.

“They only wanted me to join a club if it would get me a scholarship or something. They never cared about what I want, or what I like.” Killua looked upset, but Gon didn’t know what to say. So, he kept listening.

“They have these… all these expectations, they have already decided my future for me, and I just hate it. I just wanted to piss them off by joining the photography club, but the club leader was annoying- I think you know how that went.”

“Do you think joining the football club is what your parents want?”

“Yes, but not really? I like being in the club and being able to play anyway, so it doesn’t matter that much. I don’t really care what they think.”

Gon felt his mouth quirk upwards to form a smile. “I’m happy that you are doing what you like. And that you don’t think football is boring anymore.”

He was met with a puzzled look. "When did I say it was boring?"

Gon mirrored the expression. "When you asked to join?"

"I did?"

“Yeah? How do you not remember that..” Gon trailed off, and the next part was mumbled, too inaudible to notice. “..you kind of pissed me off that day.”

“I actually don’t remember saying that.” He furrowed his eyebrows.

“You did!” Gon reiterated. “You were probably lying then, if you don't remember.” He huffed.

Killua cleared his throat. “Maybe I was.”

Gon continued to observe Killua, who noticed, but refused to make eye contact.

“Hey Killua.”

“Uh- yeah?” Killua knew what was coming, he definitely did.

“Why did you join the football club? What's the real reason?”

Killua tensed next to Gon. “Because I wanted to.”

“Is that really the only reason?” Gon raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. Killua was obviously hiding something.

“Well-” Killua wringed his hands, and momentarily glanced at Gon “- I wanted to get to know you. And be your friend. I guess.”

Gon’s breath stuttered. The words spoken were genuine and soft, and Killua looked so unfairly lovely next to him, with his cerulean eyes looking bluer than it ever has and it was too much.

And Killua continued speaking while Gon asked himself to get a grip. “I enjoy playing football with you now, and the team. I really do.” Killua was wearing a frown on his face, his cheeks coloured a light shade of crimson. “It probably sounds weird and selfish that I joined a club just to be your friend. Maybe a bit stalkerish but-”

Inhaling, sharp and quiet, Gon gathered up enough courage to gently place his hand on top of Killua’s. “I don't see anything wrong with that. It makes me happy that you thought that way and… I really like spending time with you too, Killua. I’m glad you came along.”

Killua finally met Gon’s eyes, and he tried his best to read this boy who seemed to glow brighter than the moon that night. For some reason he looked vulnerable, scared even. Killua timorously let his cold, shaking hands hold onto Gon's in a firm hold, who put his other hand on top of their intertwined ones.

There is something he wants to say,  Gon thought, because he knew what it meant when Killua looked at him that way.

“Gon-” His voice slightly wavered. Gon nodded his head to encourage Killua to keep going.

“Ugh- this is really hard.”

“Take your time.” Gon didn't dare hope too much, even though the current atmosphere around them hinted towards it.

But maybe he did. He hoped, just a little bit.

“Uhm, I kind of.. like you. In that way.” Gon swallowed thickly, as he stared wide-eyed and breathlessly at Killua.

"Kind of?" Was the only thing Gon could say, and he couldn't control his smile as he felt his eyes crinkle from happiness. Killua looked back at him and smiled as a giggle broke out of Gon.

"No, a lot, actually."

Gon's heart was beating harder than he ever thought it could, and he felt his tummy tingle when he saw Killua look at him like he meant everything to him.

He removed the hand atop their intertwined ones and placed it on Killua's cheek, his heart melting at the way he leaned into his hand. It made him want to cry and laugh at the same time- it really was too much for his poor heart to handle.

Killua placed a hand on Gon’s chest, surprise visible in his face because he probably felt his heartbeat underneath his palm, and that was all it took for Gon to remove his hands from Killua’s and tug the other boy closer to himself, winding his arms around his waist for a hug.

He felt Killua’s nose dig into his neck, shivering slightly when he felt his warm breath there. Gon's palm flattened on Killua’s spine as he slowly caressed his back, and Killua’s fingers found themselves in his black hair, gently rubbing along his scalp and Gon felt more relaxed, and more at home than he had ever in a very long time.

They stayed like that for a while, until Gon noticed the absence of music from below, which was followed by the noise of students exiting the school. Gon slowly pulled away from their embrace even after Killua’s protests.

“Let’s go home, Killua.” he said, tugging at Killua’s hands and pulling him onto his feet. He looked down at the school gate, and saw the students leaving, a few pairs of students holding hands but most of them in groups, chatting with each other.

Gon only just noticed how clearly he could see about half of the school, including the football court from the school rooftop, he made a mental note to come here more often.

“Gon?” Killua was looking at him, with his hands in his pocket. It was a mystery how Killua managed to change his demeanour so quickly. He looked more confident, and not vulnerable like he had seen him a few moments ago.

“Coming!”

They walked home; hands clasped together again, but not speaking a word to each other. The hand holding felt different now, much more intimate than the first time they did, most probably due to the fact that Killua had confessed his feelings to him, after all. Gon was aware that he hadn’t said anything back, not a confirmation that meant yes, I like you too, but he was overwhelmed with everything he was feeling then. He could tell him now, even though Killua likely knew already after the positive reaction from Gon.

As they stopped walking as they reached Gon’s home, Killua beamed at him. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He still didn’t loosen the grip on his hand, nor did Gon.

“Thank you for tonight.” Gon’s voice was laced with adoration, which made Killua look down at his feet with his flushed cheeks. He was pretty sure he was blushing quite a lot too, but he didn’t focus on that too much. “Hey Killua?”

“Hm?”

Heart thrumming, Gon took in a strenuous breath. “I really like you a lot too. The same way as you do.” He waited for Killua to look at him. A soft “Oh,” was the only answer, so he placed his hand just beneath Killua’s jaw, cradling it, and he swiped his thumb over the soft skin. “I’m about to do something reckless, so tell me if you want me to stop.” He said, leaning close enough that their foreheads were touching.

Killua’s eyes kept flickering from his eyes to his lips, and he placed his hands on Gon’s shoulders, moving closer to him. He watched Killua’s eyes flutter shut as their noses slid past, and so did Gon’s, when he carefully pressed his lips onto Killua’s soft ones. His knees felt shaky, but the firm grip of Killua’s hands on his shoulders kept him in balance.

It was a short kiss, but when they pulled away, Killua kept holding onto Gon, his eyes looking needy. “Please do that again, one more time.” He pleaded, leaning in again.

Alluka looked up at Killua, words on her tongue to say about Killua’s unvoiced feelings and the unspoken words she could feel were there besides the words Killua just said.  Alluka felt the words being said applied to more than just what was being said literally.  Alluka truly wanted to say something to Killua, but decided (for now) to keep her mouth shut about it.  Thinking maybe it wasn’t the best time.  She was also patient after all, and she had all the time in the world to ask her Nii-chan about it.  Because Alluka for sure, wouldn’t let all this pass.  She was for sure going to ask about all this.  …To ask about Gon.  She just–wouldn’t right now.

“Ok Nii-chan!  Coming!”  Replied cheerily.  

Alluka then started walking properly with Killua and stopped dragging her feet.

They then walked in silence for awhile until they reached their airship they would travel the world together in.

Once they seated themselves and before they took off, he got a message on his phone from Palm, saying to check out a link in their email which linked to a live feed of something they might be interested in seeing.

So Killua got out his tablet after reading the message, and looked for this email.  He found it, opened it, and clicked on the link.  And to his surprise, he saw Gon…who appeared to be talking to his father.  Killua wondered for a second how this feed was being shown, but then shook his head at that thought.  After that dragonfly Chimera Ant’s powers, and so many things he has seen and experienced; even before he took his first Hunter Exam, someone– or something getting this feed isn’t really a surprise.  He still thought to ask Palm where she got the link though; just for curiosity’s sake.  

…To be honest though, the main reason why he didn’t care that much how he was able to see this feed of Gon, was, well, because he was able to see Gon again, so full of life, and so happy talking to his father (though, seeing Gon so happy, without him there, talking to Ging also stung some) in probably the clearest definition he was going to see Gon in awhile.  Be that in-person (of course)..or not.  So to Killua, beggars couldn’t really be choosers; he was happy with what he was able to get.

Killua lost in thought, got shook out of it by Alluka who had come over from somewhere else in the airship with some snacks and drinks for their flight–wherever they were going (not even they knew where.  They were currently traveling over some beautiful crystal-like formations growing on the surface.  But that’s the thing, they were just traveling, with no real destinations in mind, neither of the siblings really knew where they wanted to go, at least not truly.  They both hoped someday they would).

  “AH!  Nii-chan, is that Gon there?  Those tablet things are so cool.  I saw you constantly on one in the car leaving–that place.  What is Gon doing anyway?  ...Oh.  He looks to be on top of the world tree.  Hmmmm..???”, questioned Alluka.

  “Yes, that is Gon.  And yes he is still on top of the world tree.  This video feed appears  live somehow.  Do you want to watch it with me?”, answered Killua.

  “Of course I do!”  Alluka gleefully shouted; clapping her hands.

She scooted over super close to Killua and leaned over to peer at the tabet in Killua’s hands.

Killua leaned in too, getting closer to his sister, and making it easier for both of them to view the screen on the tablet.  (They were lucky Killua could multitask while flying, and that there were some things that can make the flight basically auto).

And for awhile, they just sat there, happily watching tablet, happily watching Gon (and Ging, but who cares about him, when Gon was right there), who was happy too.

At that moment, they felt like they were the only people in the world.

And they were happy.

But if they were happy, if Killua was happy, why did Killua’s heart hurt so much?

 (---)(---)(---)(---)(---)(---)(---)(---)

 Gon had just finished his talk with Ging and was climbing down the giant tree.  It was now dark, and so the climb down was more dangerous than his climb up, but he had been through worse, nen or no nen.  He could have slept up there until the morning, but—he had his talk Ging, and now he wanted to move on, move forward as quickly as possible.  So even just waiting until morning was too much.  Gon wanted to move forward from Ging (from Killua too?); he just felt like he had to.

Gon had made it down from the tree, and was walking on the streets trying to find a hotel or something to stay the night in (if he had to, he could just sleep somewhere outside though), when he ran into Palm.

  “Ommpphhh!  Nenene, oh, is that you Palm, what you doing out here so late?”

  “Hm, well, I was just out for a walk, it is a beautiful night out and all.”

Gon didn’t really believe Palm’s reasons, but decided not to press it.  She probably had her reasons for lying, if she was.  And she had no reason to lie maliciously to him too.

…

…

“So, what are you doing out here yourself Gon?  You must be done with your talk with Ging if you are down here?  Did you want to go somewhere to talk for a bit?  Me and Knov and some other other people have a house we are staying in right now, and you can stay the night if you want.”  Palm suddenly said.

Gon was silent for a moment, and then said,

“Ok.  Sure, that sounds great.  Let-,” Gon pulled an upset face at saying that, “I mean, take me to this house.”

Palm was taken aback, like she didn’t expect Gon to answer so quickly or maybe she wasn’t expecting Gon to accept her offer at all.  Either way she was surprised.

  “Great.  Follow me, I will take you to our place.”

  “Thank you, Palm!”

Gon walked up to be next to Palm while walking to her house.

Gon, the whole walk home just had his hands behind his back, and just kept peeking at Palm, and looking away when Palm caught him looking.  Opening and closing his mouth a lot of the time, like he wanted to say something to Palm, but just never doing so.  In the end he just resorted to chewing his lip, like he had to physically restrain himself from not asking about what was on his mind.

After awhile of doing this, Palm had finally had enough.  Eyebrows twitching, Palm questioned,

  “What is it Gon?!  Quit with your constant staring and anxiousness and lip biting and just get out with it!  …I am not going to bite Gon.”

  “Ah, um, well”, Gon stammered shortly, but shortly collected himself, “I was trying to not ask about it, because I thought you must have had your reasons, but, what is your REAL reason for being here.  When you gave me your reason earlier, I didn’t really think it was the truth.  And thinking back on it, when you saw me out, you didn’t even seem surprised to see me.  I mean, sure, maybe me being there wasn’t a huge surprise, since some people did know I went up the world tree, but no one really knew I would go back down the same day I went up, esp. at night, and even if you could guess that I might have been there, I think some kind of shock, even slight, should have shown up on your face, but it didn’t.  The most flustered you got was when I asked you why you were out so late.”

  …

  …

  “So Palm, why were you really out tonight?”, Gon finished.

Palm’s pale skin seemed to grow even paler with this question, and her blue eyes looked back and forth like she wanted to be anywhere but there—or she was trying to come up with a good lie excuse.

Gon still had his hands behind his back, bending down slightly, and tilting his head to look up at Palm just stared and stared saying nothing after asking his question, until Palm finally cracked.

*Sigh*, “FINE, fine, I will tell you!  God!”, Palm kept on muttering for awhile before answering though, and Gon could swear he could hear some less-than-nice words being said as well, “So ok, I kind of knew you would be coming down, and I wanted to come get you to make my offer and than when we got back to our house, I talked to go somewhere private, that wasn’t literally outside for ANYONE to hear, and, talk, about some things.  Some very important things–that I think should be discussed, and honestly should have been discussed before your talk with Ging and most importantly BEFORE Killua left.  But, better late than never I guess.”  Palm finished in a huff, and almost out of breath.

  Gon blinked, “Um.  Okayyy then.”

  “Just follow me then.”

Gon didn’t say anything and just started following Palm when she started walking forward.

They walked for awhile until they reached a medium-big-sized painted red and white trimmed, 3-story house with a decent amount of different sized windows.  A few of the windows even had flower pots with beautiful flowers growing from them (there weren't that many plants besides those things though.  Some grass and a couple of trees and bushes).  Gon pictured it would look even nicer during the day from the outside and that on the inside, that there would be a lot of natural sunlight from the windows.

Palm stopped at the front door, hand reaching for her purse to look for something, then stopped suddenly to turn around to look at Gon.  Once she was able to see that Gon was still there (was she worried that he was going to wander off?), she continued on digging through her purse, until she pulled out something shiny and metal.  They were keys.

*Huff*, “Finally found those goddamn keys.”  Palm muttered under her breath.

With keys in hand, she got the food door opened, and quickly turned the lights on.  Oh, Gon just noticed that the home appeared unoccupied, since there didn’t appear to be any lights on when looking from the outside, and Palm had to turn the lights on when she entered.

Palm looked back and noticed Gon’s confused expression.

  “What is on your mind?”

   “Well, I noticed you had to turn on the lights, and that looking at the windows, there didn’t seem to be any lights on.  Is there no one else home tonight, or…????”  Gon shot back.

Palm didn’t say anything for a bit (like they were at a loss for words), and just started blinking rapidly, until Palm appeared to make up their mind at what to say, “Yes, it is just the two of us tonight, the rest are…out at a gettogether, and will be staying the night, at, hm, a hotel over there until at least tomorrow, so it will just be the two of here tonight.  I hope you are ok with that?”  Palm finished off with a question.

Gon quickly answered, “Of course I am okay with that!  I just didn’t expect for there to be no one else here tonight since you said you live here with others, and you didn’t mention they would be gone at all until now.  But it is really no big deal that it is just us for the night.”

“Good then.  How about we go to the kitchen and heat up some very late dinner.  There is some leftover pizza left.  You can take your pick from Cheese, pepperoni, and sausage.”  Palm suggested, and right afterwards she said so quietly to be honest inaudible, “and maybe while we are eating..we can talk–about some things.”

While confused why Palm was so hesitant to voice the last parts of what she said, Gon still replied back happily, with a louder-than-normal voice, “Sure!  That sounds nice.”

They walked over to the kitchen, Palm turning on some more lights as they went, including the kitchen once they got to it.  They found the pizza in the fridge, as well as a fair amount of sodas (judging from the state of the fridge, there really did look that there were a lot of people living there, so Palm was probably telling the truth when she said others lived here with her.  To be fair though, how big the house was, might have been a tell too) and other drinks to choose from.  

Gon ended up picking 1 sausage slice and 2 cheese slices and an Orange soda, while Palm picked 1 pepperoni slice and 1 cheese slice and a Coke.  They heated up their pizza slices in the oven, and then went to the dining room to eat there.  This time, Gon turned on the lights when they entered the dining room.  They then sat down and proceeded to eat their pizza and drink their soda for awhile in silence, until Palm interrupted that silence, and asked with an ice breaker, “So how did your talk with Ging go?”  She said somewhat hastily.

Ging stopped stuffing his face of cheese pizza for a sec to stop and think about her question.

“It was…nice, we talked about so many things and our experiences and the people we have met and come to know, and just so much stuff.  It was great to be able to talk to him, on top of the world like that…, but now I don’t really know how to feel.”  After a short pause, Gon started back up in a more hushed tone, 

“After talking to him, I realized more and more that while I was excited to meet and talk to him, that he wasn’t and had never really been a father to me.  Talking to him was more like talking to an old friend I had never met face to face until that meeting.  And now I just feel kinda empty and hollow on the inside, like I am missing a piece of myself that I may never get back.  Meeting Ging truly was great..but he even said “something more important than the thing you’re hunting would be right there by the side of the road”, and him saying that causes the emptiness in my heart to grow and fester even more.  …I feel like I have made a huge mistake.”  With that last word Gon was getting louder again, and was speaking more hurriedly, and like he was very upset. And he just kept getting louder and working himself up more and more.  

“That in a way, meeting Ging has caused me to lose the very thing Ging was alluding to.  The thing that actually was most important to me.  And I feel like I know what that important thing is, but I don’t want it out loud or even think about it, because that would mean that I have actually well and truly lost it!  And thinking about that just eats me up inside!!!”  Gon finished up his rant exhausted and out of breath.

*Huff**Huff**Pant*  “...I just don’t want to feel like this anymore, so empty, so hollow.  Palm–just how should I get rid of this hole in my heart?”, Gon whispered.

Palm didn’t say anything for a good long time; taken aback by such an outburst by Gon; a kind of outburst she wasn’t used to from Gon at all.  It reminded her of Killua’s own heartbroken outburst plea to her in the palace.  And she also wasn’t to Killua breaking down like that.  Gods, how can two kids be so different from each other, yet so similar.  How can two kids love each other so much, but yet, be so dumb with their feelings for the other.  How can they be so dense?

“As painful as it may be, you need to admit to yourself what you're missing in the first place to cause you so much pain and distress.  You need to understand and voice it, and then, try to remedy it.  So tell me, what is it that you are missing? Or maybe it is not a what, but a who.  Tell me Gon, because I think we both know exactly what who is it that you are missing.”  Palm spoke up and asked; her blue, deep eyes staring at Gon intensely, but kindly.

 …

 …

 ..

.

 “Killua.  It is Killua that has caused me to feel this way.”  Gon said quietly; voice trembling.

“No, it is you that has caused you to feel this way, not Killua.  Ok, it is Killua too, it is both your guys fault for being so hopeless and obviously in love with each other, but somehow both thinking that you are undeserving of the other’s love.  You two are usually pretty smart, but in regards to emotions, feelings, love; you guys are truly idiots.  But you get my point.  It is just as much, if not more you, doing this to yourself as it is the other person.  And I think deep down both you AND Killua know this.”  Palm rebuked Gon.

After this, Gon and Palm just stared at each other, both waiting for the other to say something.  Though from the look in Palm’s eyes, she wanted Gon to say something and that she wasn’t going to say something until he did.

“Alright, so now that I know that Killua is the missing piece of my whole–of me, what do I do know?  What exactly am I supposed to do?”  Gon mumbled, though his voice wasn’t as shaky as before.

“That is not my decision to make, Gon, it is yours.  But I would also say that like how deep down you already know it was Killua that was causing your heart anguish, that I also think you know what you should now.”  Palm said with tough love; wanting Gon to come to make his own decisions now that he has finally started to admit his feelings to himself…for Killua.

…

..

“I am going to go find him, I don’t want to leave him after all.  I don’t want to join Ging or even Kite again.  No.  I just want to be with him, and only him.” Gon said in a louder, but still quiet voice.  His tone however was now clear and resolute.  All that shakiness and uncertainty from before, now gone.

This caused Palm to have her mouth agape, in small shock from this confession.  That didn’t last long though, and it quickly turned into a smile.  Her smile looked truly catlike.

“Good”, she proudly said, “Now go get him.  His airship shouldn’t have taken off yet, especially if you hurry.  I asked the boys to spy on Killua and Alluka–that is why they aren’t here, well, at least most of them; in hopes I can get you to change your mind about separating with him before he leaves.”

Now it was Gon’s turn to be surprised.  He had known Palm wasn’t being entirely truthful about stuff, but if he were to be honest, he didn’t really expect that.

“How do you know that?”  Gon asked.

Palm looking shifty, eyes darting back and forth, tried to dodge the question, “Oh that doesn’t matter, silly, what matters is you getting to Killua before he leaves for good.  He was up in the air, just to see some sights, but he touched down again in preparation for a longer time, so this is your chance to get to him.  Do you actually want to miss him or something, huh?”

Gon placing his hands on his hips, “It will be fine, I am fast, and I am too curious now to just leave without you telling me how you know that.  And while I am at it, I also want to know the REAL reason why you were out night today too.”  Gon said with determination.

….

…

“Fine.  Fine.  I will tell you.  Sheesh!”  Palm huffed.

So I will be honest, I kind had been waiting for you come down from the tree to talk to you.  In order to be sure I wouldn’t miss you, I got Knov and Knuckle to help me find out a way to get a live feed of you to watch you.  The live feed wasn’t to just be sure I wouldn’t miss you though, but also to let your friends and the people that care about you, be able to watch your talk with Ging.  Though, voices couldn’t be heard from the live feed, I thought people would be happy to just see a visual image of how you were doing.”, mumbling Palm added, “though, some people might have been able to tell what you guys were saying if they are good at reading lips.”

Palm, wanting to quickly move on from what they just said, so it wouldn’t linger in the air, continued, “I especially wanted to send it to Killua; I even personally emailed him the link.  Most of the other links sent to people were just the same email forwarded a bunch of times.  Killua’s, I wrote to him personally.  …I wanted—”

Gon interrupted, “Wait, you have Killua’s email?”

“Don’t interrupt me!  I wasn’t done!”

Gon looking mildly ashamed, “Sorry, Palm!”

Grumbling, “Whatever, it is fine.  And to answer your question, yes, me and Killua exchanged emails, phone numbers, and contact info in general a bit ago; in order to keep in touch.  Since we are,” Palm blushed, “friends now”.  Palm finished with a gentle tone.

“OH!  That is great, Palm, I knew you two would close, it was just a matter of time!”, Gon yelled excitedly.

Palm blushed further, “Now I know why Killua thinks you are so embarrassing, because you well and truly are, exactly that.  I have no idea how Killua can handle this all the time.  Well, to be fair, he isn’t really handling it very well in the first place.  But still.”

Coughing, “Anyways, I am going to finish what I was saying, before I was EVER so rudely interrupted.”

Gon now looked more than mildly ashamed.

Palm winking, gave a teasing smirk seeing that.

“So anywaysssss, I wanted to make sure he was able to see you, I thought it might make him reconsider separating from you, because I know that absolute IDIOT loves your thick-headed ass with all of his heart, and that leaving you must be breaking his heart, even if he would never usually admit that.  I only know, because he let out some of his feelings to me, which only happened due to the vulnerable state he was in.  Killua usually has a harder time expressing feelings than that.  That case was a more rare occurrence, Palm stopped for a second.  Then continued, “But it looks like that didn’t work, that Killua was stubborn and block-headed himself about his feelings, and decided he HAD to separate from you and leave after all.”

…

..

“So I had to use my backup plan.  …And that was getting you to realize your own feelings and go after him instead.  And my plan appears to have worked.”  Pam said with a confident smile.  Though, she was looking somewhat ashamed like Gon was before admitting to just how far she took things.

“So that is why I was out tonight.  I knew you were going to be down soon from the tree, so I waited there, and then I happened to run into you coincidentally, and then I also happened to invite you to the house I was staying at, so we could have a talk.”  Palm was flustered saying this, but her voice was steady.

“You said other people were living here with you, and you mentioned others helping you in this plan, so other people knew besides you?”  Gon questioned with a confused face.

“Ah, yes, others knew about it, helped me with it if they were more ok with taking part in my plan, or just made sure they weren’t here if they weren’t, because I thought a one-on-one talk with you would work better.  Though, even the people who didn't want to take part in the plan more actively, them being willing to be out of the house makes me think they support you guys finally getting together too!  Just in a more passive wayyy…  So I take that as an extra win.”  Palm while her face was still flushing blue some by the end of her explanation sounded a lot more confident than before; she even sounded a bit proud.  

Which caused Gon to be both amazed in a happy way that she would do all this for him and Killua, but also at the same time, he was also amazed in a mortified way.  Gon felt torn between these two different, but similar feelings for awhile, before settling on the more happy feeling.

“I-I don’t know– what to say really, Palm, but–thank you, I guess”, Gon stuttered, “No.  Not I guess, but just thank you.  Really, really thank you.  You helped stop a terrible mistake from happening–separating from Killua, and helped me more come to terms with my own feelings for him too.  So really, thank you so much Palm, thank you.”  Gon said the rest with resolution; burning fire in his eyes.

Palm’s mouth made an “O” shape, and then said, “Good.  Now go get to Killua.  Time is ticking, Gon.”

“K!  Will do, Palm!  See ya for now!  Thanks for everything!”  Gon shouted, while turning around to run out of the house, getting progressively louder each sentence.

Palm plugged her ears with how Gon was getting, though, she still heard him anyways.

“Yeah Gon, I will see you later.  Now hurry up quicker, stop talking to me, and just run, RUN, RUN!”, Palm shouted back.

“Ok, bye Palm!”  Gon yelled back one last time.

“What did I just say?!”  Palm snapped back.

Gon didn’t answer back this time.

A pause, before Palm whispered, “Good, that’s my boy.”

 (---)(---)(---)(---)(---)(---)(---)(---)

 Killua and Alluka after eating a more proper dinner after just eating some snacks while watching Gon and Ging’s live feed for awhile, they set down their airship, took a nap and made a proper dinner in preparation for a long time of just Killua flying; flying to destinations unknown.

They checked their fuel, and made sure they had some spare fuel in the airship.  As well as good working appliances, snacks, drinks, food, water, entertainment, etc..  They were preparing for a good, long trip.  Where sure, they will stop to take in the sights and restock, but it never hurts to be prepared.

And with that done, they finally took off in their airship, to travel the world, both known and unknown; together.

They flew for awhile, when they suddenly heard a loud noise.

*BANG!*

Killua and Alluka startled.  Wondering what on earth could have made that sound.

Killua put the airship on auto-pilot, and then went to see what it was; telling Alluka to stay where they were, and lock the door behind him, telling her to not answer the door until he knocked, identified himself, and they both said and did the code they made up earlier for just such occasions (after all, voices can be imitated, so they had to have other ways of making sure the other was actually the real person).  Alluka pouted, thinking he was being paranoid, but didn’t argue, and agreed to do what he said.

Killua then left and waited until he heard Alluka lock the door, before he left.

He started combing the area, going through each room and location on the airship looking for the source of the noise when he finally found a closet with a ton of stuff fallen over and something?; someone??? on the floor.  Killua was having trouble telling since it was dark, and due to the figure being covered in a blanket.

“Who the hell are you, and what are you doing on my ship?”  Killua demanded coldly.

The form didn’t respond.

“I am going to give you to the count of three to answer, until I come over there and make you.  1, 2–”, before Killua could finish, he was suddenly tackled to the floor, with someone screeching, (Gon?!!???), “KILLLLUUUUAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!”

“Uggghhhh, what on earth, Gon, is that you!?  What on bloody Earth are you doing here?!?”  Killua yelped with surprise and bafflement.

Gon didn’t answer right away, and just kept on hugging Killua and sniffling.  The hugging and extreme show of emotion from Gon, caused Killua no end of embarrassment.  He was blushing majorly.  Way more than Palm had ever blushed.

Gon kept doing that for awhile, and Killua, not knowing what to do, just let him, and laid on the floor awkwardly.  Completely and utterly confused and embarrassed.

Until Gon finally spoke.

*Sniffle.’  “I just–didn’t want to separate from you after all.  I didn’t want to leave, I didn’t want you to leave.  I want to be together with you—forever.”

Killua was flabbergasted.  To hear Gon say such a thing to him out of nowhere, that he wanted to stay with him; to stay together with him forever, even (something that Killua himself has thought for so long, but has never really been able to voice.  And yet, here is Gon, saying the very thing he couldn’t ever say).  Killua didn’t he had never been so happy, embarrassed, and confused in his life.

However.

“Do you–really mean that, Gon?”  Killua asked softly.  While Killua was happy, he couldn’t help but not believe the words he was saying.  After all, how could anyone ever think that of someone like him.  Especially someone like Gon (have you forgotten already that he isn’t perfect either, Kil?).

With this question, Gon just stared at Killua, furrowing his brow unhappily.

  “Of course I do, Killua.  Why wouldn’t you think that is true?”

  “Because, you are you, and I am me, and—”

“What does that even mean?”  Gon cut Killua off.

 …

 …

 “I mean how could you, someone who is so good and beautiful (you keep forgetting he isn’t actually perfect, just like you.  Do you really hate yourself that much?  How pitiful.), care so much for someone like me?” Killua’s voice broke.

At that moment, Gon fully understood what Palm meant about both him and Killua sucking at feelings.  They both truly hated themselves so much, they thought the other person didn’t deserve them.  Heh.  Palm was right.  They really were two, big idiots.

Gon bit his lip, thinking about what he should say, and then decided the blunt and bit harsh Palm of way doing things was the best way, “Killua, don’t be an idiot”,

“Hey!”  Killua got angry at the insult.

Gon ignored the outburst and kept going, “of course I care about you.  You are my best friend in the world.  …No, you are more than that, you are someone I love with every fiber of my being, someone I want to spend the rest of my life with.   ….Killua, I love you.  I well and truly love you more than anything in this world.  You are my light, you are my angel.  If anyone doesn’t deserve the other, it is me, who doesn’t deserve you.  Killua.  Will you be my boyfriend, and allow me to travel this world with you and Alluka?”, Gon asked Killua tenderly, eyes staring intently at Killua’s, his hands holding Killua’s.  Them both still on the floor, with Gon on top of Killua.

Killua blushed furiously at the confession, stammering incoherently (and happily, even if Killua’s feelings were a jumbled mess right now, and he couldn’t tell his emotions from each other), “Wha-...  You lo–  …Me??  Boyfriend???  Travel the world–together with me (and Alluka)????  And me your light and angel?!??   I-ahhh-WhAttttt?!?!?!??????”

And Killua just kept stuttering like a complete, blushing mess for awhile.  And Gon remained in his same position, face expression unchanging as he waited for you to calm down, and to hear you answer.

*Huff**Huff**Huff*, “I, Gon…, yes.  Yes, Gon, I accept everything you asked me.  Including your love.  I–love you too, and I think I have loved you for a very, very long time.  So yes, Gon, I want to be your boyfriend and to travel, or just be with you in general.  Forever.  And Alluka would love that too (Alluka probably would be so happy for him, and also try to tease and embarrass him, and probably Gon too, about this endlessly though).  I love you so much, Gon.  I love you.  And…you are my light and my sun, Gon.”  Killua calmed down and answered Gon’s confession with utter joy on his face and in his voice.

Gon started smiling hugely.  And started sniffling (in more certain joy this time), and then full blown crying tears at Killua’s answer.  He then started to lean even closer like he was about to hug him even more.  Or even kiss him, when Killua placed a finger on Gon’s lips,

  “Also Gon, never say you don’t deserve me, alright, I don’t like that.”

  “But–”

  “Yes, I will try to do the same as well.  We both deserve love; including each other.  No matter how much we think otherwise, that is a true statement.  And we are both to start thinking and acting like it is true.  Got it, Freecss?”  Killua cooed.

Gon, shaking his head up and down ferociously, replied, “Yes, Killua!  Yes, yes, yes!!!”

“Good.  Now get over here Freecss, and kiss me, I know you wanted to, and I can’t let you make all the advances tonight.  So get over here and kiss me.  Now.”  Killua demanded in a haughty and proud voice; that might have upset some people, but not Gon, he loved it.  He loved this kind of play; especially (and only) with Killua.

“Certainly.”  Was all Gon said, with a playful smirk on his face.

He then leaned into Killua, lips touching, eyes closed, their hands caressing the other, and they kept kissing like that, for a good long time.  Until Killua finally said,

“Ok, ok, I think we need to stop now.  Alluka is probably worried about me, and she is most likely going to be very mad at me.”  Killua started to push Gon off of him.

“Oh, but come on Killua, I wanted to kiss a bit longer.  Come onnnn, just a bitttt.  Pleaseee…”, Gon started to beg and give Killua the puppy-dog eyes.

And God, did Killua try to resist, tried to look everywhere but Gon’s eyes, but in the end, he gave in.

“Fine.  But only just a bit more.  Got it?  I mean it.”  Killua said with no room for argument in his tone.

“Of course, my prince”, Gon said while sitting up and licking his lips.

Killua rolled his eyes, “Just get over here”, he said, while pulling Gon close and pressing his lips against his once again.

And they just continued to kiss once again.  For a lot longer than just “a bit”, because Killua and Gon just couldn’t help themselves.  God, Alluka was going to be so mad and worried (though, like Palm she is matchmaker herself, and would also LOVE in so many ways, this new turn of events), Killua thought for a second, before succumbing to whatever thoughts and state of mind he usually was in while kissing Gon.  Which, was, basically nothing at all.

If Killua had to describe what had taken over his mind and body at that moment; it would be pure….