Disclaimer: I do not have anything to do with the HxH franchise. I guarantee I wouldn't be a fanfiction junkie if I did.

A/N: I really don't know where I'm going with this fanfic beyond this. So let me know if you want anymore besides this one-shot.

ALSO! PM ME IF YOU WANT TO REQUEST A PROMPT. I WILL DO IT AND GIVE YOU CREDIT FOR THE IDEA.

….

Return to Whale Island

….

The white-haired former assassin stood hesitantly at the front door of a familiar house on Whale Island- Gon's house. By his side was his sister, looking anything but her childish self. She would occasionally steal fearful glances at her brother before quickly bringing her bright blue eyes back to the ground. The boy to her left was in no better shape- looking as if his heart had been ripped out, a devastated and lost look in those blue eyes of his. He finally gained whatever nerve he was lacking and brought a shaky fist to the door, knocking on the wood. It wasn't long before the door opened, revealing a bright-eyed, albeit confused, Mito. The woman tried to keep from frowning, her brow creasing with worry.

"Killua? What a surprise!" She looked over his shoulder on instinct, "Where's Gon? Did something happen?" She tried her best to keep the panic from her voice- the look on the boy's face not helping to ease her fears.

"He's… He's with Ging." Killua mumbled, looking to the side and he almost missed the relieved sigh escaping the woman's lips. Though the idea wasn't totally relieving to her. In truth, she'd hoped that he would have given up before he'd found his father. She wanted Gon to continue thinking of her as his parent. Not Ging who had so easily given him up. Then there were the children on her doorstep. Why was Killua here? And who was the girl with him?

"Why don't you come inside, Killua? You can introduce me to your friend and catch me up on what's happened." Mito barely caught the fear in Killua's eyes sharpen and she grew more concerned. The girl beside him just continued to look down, tense.

"N-No. That's okay. I can't stay." He looked at the girl next to him before returning his gaze to Mito, "This is my sister, Alluka. I'm supposed to be looking after her, but something…" He shifts a bit, pain flashing through his eyes, "Something happened. She's not safe with me anymore. Could you look after her?" Mito's eyes widened, looking between the two children.

"You want her to stay here?" Killua looked desperately at her.

"Please. I don't want to impose. I just thought that since Gon was with his dad, maybe you wouldn't mind having her here for a while… If you can't take care of her, then I'll find someone else. I just can't be the one watching over her anymore. She's not safe. Besides, she needs a mom, not me." He rambled, desperately trying to convince the woman in front of him to take care of his sister.

Mito looked torn. She considered Gon her son and having Killua stay with them for the period of time that he had was such an enjoyable experience. She loved having the house as lively as it was and having another child around for Gon to play with. And truth be told, she grew attached to the white-haired boy, despite not knowing much about him. He was a friend of Gon's and was, as such, family. So when he pleaded with her, she wanted to help him. But her motherly instincts also told her that it would be a bad idea to let him leave his sister here. What had caused them this much pain? What danger were they in? She couldn't in good conscious leave him alone.

"Alright," Killua snapped to attention, looking at Mito in surprise, "She can stay here. But on one condition."

"Anything." The boy spoke with such affirmation that Mito felt bad for getting his hopes up.

"You're going to stay here too." Killua opened his mouth to speak before Mito held up a hand, silencing him, "Just for a few days. Four days. That's all I ask. If you really are in danger, then you'll need to be well-rested before you leave. Get rested up, then you can go. Okay?" The former assassin hesitated. He didn't want to stay. It wouldn't be right. But the stern look in her eyes told him that he no longer had a choice.

"Fine… I'll stay. But only for four days. After that I'm gone." Mito sighed, wishing that there was any way to make him stay longer.

"Alright. I'll make up the guest room for Alluka. You can sleep in Gon's room while you're here." She crouched down to face the girl, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alluka. My name is Mito. I'm Gon's aunt. I hope you like it here." Alluka smiled sweetly at her, her eyes showing the faintest trace of happiness.

"Thank you for your hospitality. You're really nice!" Mito's heart warmed, already falling for this sweet little girl. She noticed a small smile on Killua's face reacting to his sister's happiness and she longed to know what had happened.

"Well, let's get you two settled then!" Mito stood up straight again, leading the kids inside the small home. Killua was filled with nostalgia, a feeling that wasn't welcome to him these days. "Killua, you both can put your things down in Gon's room while I get the guest room ready for Alluka. You remember where it is, right?"

"Yes. Thank you." The assassin replied almost numbly, trying to block the pain out of his heart.

He walked down the hall, opening the door to his old friend's room. It didn't feel right being there without him. In fact, it didn't feel right being there at all, even if Gon was there. It just felt wrong after all that they had been through. It had only been a mere three months since Gon and Killua had separated, but in that short amount of time Killua's life had been completely turned upside down. Promises were broken, people were killed, and hearts were broken. All of this without his friend's knowledge, of course. He couldn't bear to tell Gon everything that had happened. He couldn't bear to see the betrayal in his eyes, hear the disappointment in his voice. He would eventually find out about him leaving Alluka on Whale Island, but by then Killua would be long gone. A coward's way of dealing with the present situation, he knew, but he wasn't about to stick around.

"Do you need any help unpacking?" He said, knowing his sister would only refuse. He was right. She simply shook her head, refusing to look at him or utter a sound. He sighed and set his bag down on the bed, frowning. He didn't know what to say. What could he say? Nothing. And so he said nothing all afternoon and evening unless addressed by Mito or Abe- and even then he was as vague as possible.

Alluka was better at hiding the intensity of the situation. She spoke easily with the women of the house, all of the time ignoring her brother aside from the occasional sidewise glance. This interaction, or lack of interaction, deeply troubled Mito. She remembered the bright-eyed, witty boy that her surrogate son spoke so highly of. The boy who had watched her in wonder when he thought she wasn't paying attention. Now that boy was reduced to silence and what she could swear were unshed tears.

That evening, as Killua was taking a bath and Alluka was helping Abe with baking cookies, Mito found herself alone to her thoughts. Gaining some resolve, she took her phone outside into the humid evening air and dialed Gon's number. It rang a few times before his chipper voice answered, bringing a smile to her face.

"Mito-san! Hi! How are you?" She walked to the steps, sitting herself down.

"Hi, Gon. I'm fine. How are you?" Gon faltered for a fraction of a second, though it was unnoticed by his aunt, before answering.

"I'm good! Ging is so cool! He's the greatest hunter ever!" Mito frowned, part of her hurt by hearing how happy Gon was with his father. She shook it off and smiled again.

"That's good to hear, sweetie. Listen, I know that you're having fun. But I have a favor to ask of you."

"What is it?" She could hear the worry in his voice and she decided to cut to the chase.

"I want you to come home right away."

"Why? Is everything okay? Did something happen?" The boy was panicking on the other end and Mito sighed.

"Killua's here." Gon was silent for once, not knowing what to say, so Mito continued, "He came to drop off his sister but I managed to convince him to stay for a few days. Something isn't right, Gon. He won't tell me what's going on, only that Alluka isn't safe with him. I'm worried about him. Maybe he'll tell you if you're here." The line was silent and Mito prayed that Gon would come back. She wasn't sure that she could keep Killua from leaving without his help.

"I'm on my way."

"Good. Please get here soon. And be safe." The woman felt as if a weight was lifted off of her shoulders, knowing that Gon might be able to make this right.

"I will. And Mito-san?" There's a strange tone to his voice that caused Mito to frown. He sounded almost monotone, something that she wasn't used to.

"Yes?"

"…Don't tell him that I'm coming."

The green and black-haired hunter hung up his phone, a troubled look on his face. Killua tried leaving Alluka at Mito-san's doorstep? It didn't make sense. The whole reason that the two of them had separated was so Killua could protect his sister. Now he's just leaving her somewhere for someone else to take care of? He gritted his teeth. To be honest, it ticked him off. What was the point in them separating then? Did he care so little about his friends and sister to just abandon them both?

"Gon? Is something wrong?" He looked up at his friends across the table of the diner they were currently at. Kurapika and Leorio looked at him concerned.

"Killua's on Whale Island." He responded to the Kurapika, a frown evident on his face. The two hunters across from him looked confused.

"Why's he there? Did something happen?" Leorio questioned.

"I think so. We need to leave as soon as possible." The boy wore a serious look. It irked him that he didn't know what would cause his best friend to behave so oddly. It didn't help that the former assassin hadn't returned any of his calls the past few weeks.

"Well let's go then. We shouldn't waste any time. I'll get our tickets." Kurapika gets up and leaves the room, dialing a number into his phone.

"Don't worry, Gon. I'm sure he's fine." Gon wasn't sure whether that was comforting or not. Sure, he didn't want Killua or Alluka to be hurt, but if they were fine, that meant that Killua had just given up on something important. Something that was worth leaving him for.

…

It had been three days since Killua and Alluka arrived on Whale Island before Gon arrived. Killua was sleeping while Alluka sat at the breakfast table with Mito and Abe. It was a quiet morning and Mito was about to go wake Killua up when a knock on the door was heard.

"I'll get it!" Alluka was quick to run to the door, flinging it open. Her eyes brightened and she grinned excitedly, "Gon! What are you doing here?"

"Mito-san called me. It's good to see you again, Alluka!" The boy in question smiled at her before motioning to the hunters behind him, "These are my friends, Leorio and Kurapika."

"It's nice to meet you! Killua's told me about you." Warning signs flashed in Gon's mind, noting that Alluka had called her brother "Killua," rather than "big brother" as she always did.

"It's nice to meet you too, Alluka." Kurapika smiled politely as Leorio grinned.

"Yeah, it's nice to meet someone related to Killua who actually seems normal." His comment received an elbow to the ribs from the blond and Alluka simply giggled.

"Where is Killua, anyway?" Gon asked, looking over the girl's shoulder. She frowned and opened the door wider, walking back into the house.

"He's still sleeping." The three followed her and Gon visibly brightened seeing Mito and Abe, running over to them.

"Mito-san! Abe-san!" He hugged them both happily.

"You've grown so much! Is my little boy in there?" Mito smiled, pulling back from the hug and Gon grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Yeah, I've just been training a lot!" Abe smiled at her great-grandson and led him to the table.

"Why don't you and your friends make yourselves comfortable. We were just starting to have breakfast. I'll get you some plates." She walked to the kitchen to fetch the plates and utensils.

"Thanks, Abe-san!" Gon said, sitting down by Alluka. Leorio and Kurapika followed suit, Leorio sitting to the left of Gon and Kurapika sitting across from Leorio.

"Yes, thank you for your kindness." Kurapika bowed slightly and Leorio nodded in agreement. Mito waved them off, a smile on her face.

"Don't you be so formal. Any friend of Gon's is always welcome here. Although I wish I had known that you were coming." She sat down across from Alluka and sent a pointed glance towards Gon who rubbed the back of his head, laughing nervously.

"Sorry, Mito-san. I hadn't really thought of it."

"It's alright. Every friend helps right now." She looked towards the closed door of Gon's room, worry etched onto her face. "I just wish I knew what was going on."

"He still hasn't said anything?" Leorio asked before thanking Abe as she passed out the plates and silverware. Mito shook her head, frowning, before returning her gaze to the others seated at table.

"In fact, he's barely said anything at all since he got here. It's strange." Gon frowned and looked at Alluka who'd been quietly picking at her food.

"Alluka? What happened? What's going on?" Gon asked quietly, trying desperately to keep the impatience from his voice. She shook her head. "Alluka-"

"He said not to tell." The occupants of the table froze at this new information.

"Who? Killua?" She nodded and Gon could feel himself growing more annoyed, "Why?" She shook her head, silently.

"Alluka, sweetie, it's okay. You can tell us." Mito reached a hand across the table to rest it on the girl's shoulder. Alluka frowned and hesitated before finally whispering her reply.

"Big brother killed people…" Everyone tensed, the majority out of shock, Gon out of anger. He killed someone- no, multiple people? And by the look on the poor girl's face, they were innocent. Or at least not deserving of the death penalty. Gon stood up quickly leaving the table and walking toward his room.

"Gon, no-" Mito tried to stop him, though at that moment, the door opened. A groggy Killua emerged, rubbing his eyes, ready to utter a 'good morning' before he looked up and noticed with a jolt that Leorio, Kurapika, and Gon were all present- Gon looking very very angry.

"G-Guys, what are you doing here?" He tried to sound nonchalant, the stutter betraying him. He knew that there was no way of backing out of it. Gon would want to know why he was there. He would want to know-

"You killed people?" Gon all but screeched, fury evident in his features. Killua's eyes widened and he looked at Alluka in shock.

"You told them?" The girl hid behind Leorio, fear in her eyes and Killua flinched, "N-No, Alluka. I'm not going to hurt you!" Gon stepped towards him, those usually lively chocolate eyes set into a cold glare rivaling the one he gave Pitou.

"What did you do, Killua? Who did you kill?" Killua took a step back, feeling the weight of what he'd done fall on him.

"I-I didn't..I mean, I didn't mean to.."

"Gon, calm down!" Kurapika yelled at the boy, seeing the way that Killua was reacting.

"Answer me, Killua. What. Did. You. Do?" Killua flinched away from his friend. Mito had had enough and stepped in between the two boys, looking sternly at Gon.

"That's enough, Gon. You aren't helping by getting all worked up." Gon huffed and looked to the side as Mito placed her hands on Killua's shoulders. "Now, Killua, it's okay. You can tell us what happened, sweetheart."

Killua wanted to trust her. He wanted to believe that it really was okay. But he knew better. He knew that Gon would be disappointed in him, that he could fall back into his assassin habits so easily. He remembered the terrified looks of Leorio and Kurapika when he'd ripped out that prisoner's heart all that time ago during the exam. If they knew that he was still killing, that he was still a murderer, they may not want to be his friend anymore. So he lowered his head, shaking it slowly from left to right. Mito sighed but dropped her hands from his shoulders.

"Well," She tried to sound optimistic despite the tension, "Why don't we finish eating? Killua, you should eat something too, sweetheart." She walked back to the table, taking her seat without waiting for anyone as if her decision was final.

The boys and Alluka returned to their spots at table- Leorio and Kurapika across from one another, Gon and Killua to their right across from one another, and Mito and Alluka to their right. Abe sat at one end of the table, watching with interest. Everyone felt the tension in the air, so thick that it could have been cut with a blade. Killua kept his eyes on his plate as he ate, careful not to look up at the woman next to him or the boy across from him.

"So, Gon. How's Ging? Have the two of you enjoyed catching up?" Mito tried creating some sort of small talk, ignoring the tension and taking the heat off of Killua. He couldn't help but to respect her for that- even if she was most likely the reason that his motley crew of friends just so happened to show up when he was still there. Unfortunately, it was the wrong topic.

"You mean the asshole?" Leorio muttered, earning a kick to the shin under the table by Kurapika.

Gon glared at the older teen next to him and Killua choked back a laugh, still not looking up from his plate. He respected Gon for going to such great lengths to find his father, but to Killua he just seemed like a dead-beat who kept finding ways to avoid taking care of his son. Not that he ever told Gon that. Gon turned his glare to the boy across from him.

"What do you think of him, Killua?" There was warning in his voice. That if he gave the wrong answer, the boy would go off on him.

"Dunno. Never met him." And don't care to. Killua sounded nonchalant, still staring at his plate as he ate.

"I know. But you still must have some sort of opinion of him. So, what do you think? What do you think of Ging?" Killua had three options: lie, avoid the question all together, or tell the truth. Lying was beginning to take up too much energy and, even without looking at Gon, he knew that he wore that determined look of his, meaning that there was no avoiding this. Fuck it. Killua finally brought his eyes back to Gon's, his own eyes were guarded with traces of anger in them.

"I think that you wasted your time looking for him." Gon blinked in shock, clearly not expecting him to actually be so blunt. After the initial shock, slow-building anger began to set in his features.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Killua met his glare, his own challenge hidden in them, "I think that it was nothing but a waste of time looking for him. I mean he ditched you. He completely threw you away, not because he wanted to be a hunter. But because he just didn't want you." He saw a flash of hurt in those angry eyes and he almost regretted it. Almost.

"Killua! How could you say something so cruel? Apologize." Mito said but Killua made no move to say anything, just holding his friend's gaze.

"Take it back." Came Gon's quiet reply.

"Why? You know it's true. He put obstacle after obstacle between you and him. He never wanted to meet you. He made sure that you would never find him. I mean, face it. You never would have found him if it wasn't for me." The hurt in Gon's eyes was immediately replaced with more anger.

"I could have found him without you!" Killua laughed but it was bitter, without a trace of humor.

"Right, sure you could have. If I hadn't been around, you'd still be looking for Greed Island. Ha, I bet you wouldn't even know what Greed Island even is. You needed me to find him."

"Boys, stop it. Both of you." Mito was stern, glaring at the two of them in only the way that a mother could. The two boys ignored her orders, glaring daggers at each other.

"Right, like I could need someone like you. A murderer who's so willing to throw away his family and friends." Gon's voice was quiet and that was what hurt Killua the most. Not the accusation. Not the fact that Gon didn't need him. It was the sincerity in his voice that crushed him.

"Gon!" This time is was Leorio to speak up, "Cut it out. You guys are friends. Don't say stuff like that!" But Gon held his hateful gaze with Killua's now fragile one. It was a few moments before the white-haired boy was able to speak, too taken aback by Gon's words. When he finally did, his voice was quiet and shaking, tears stung his eyes and his fists were clenched stubbornly as he fought to keep his emotions in check.

"You think I threw away our friendship? You think I ruined whatever friendship we had? If you want to know a thing or two about throwing friendships away, take a look in the mirror. Mister I'm-Going-To-Avenge-Kite-No-Matter-What-Happens. Mister This-Has-Nothing-To-Do-With-You. Mister I'm-Just-Going-To-Throw-Everything-Away-To-Kill-Pitou. Mister I-Don't-Care-How-It-Affects-My-Best-Friend. Mister Let's-Just-See-How-Many-Ways-We-Can-Shatter-Killua's-Heart! Well let me tell you something, Gon. We haven't been friends for a long time. You made that abundantly clear in the NGL. You don't want me, so do me a favor and stop pretending like you do." The burning tears leaked down his cheeks without his consent and Gon stared at him in shock, all traces of anger gone. "Do you think it was easy watching you destroy yourself? Watching you throw everything, everything, away? Because it wasn't. Do you think it was easy knowing that I meant so little to you? And yet I still still got Alluka to heal you. I still protected you. Even when you treated me like nothing. I didn't throw anything away, Gon. You did." Killua was a mess, not used to breaking down in front of anyone, let alone Gon or his other friends. He didn't like feeling so weak. "And I'm not throwing Alluka away, either. I brought her here so she would be safe. Because I screwed up and I made a mistake and she doesn't want to be with me and…and I just want her to be happy. Why is that such a bad thing, Gon? Why is it that no matter what I do, I get hurt? Why is it that I can't have friends or a normal family? Why can't I be loved for once in my life?" Tears flowed freely down his face and he didn't have the energy or motivation to bother to try wiping them.

Before anyone could say anything, Killua clumsily got up and ran out of the room, feeling embarrassed and vulnerable. He blocked everything out- the yells of his friends and his sister, the rough feeling of the earth digging into his calloused feet as he ran, the light rain that was now falling. He ran until he was panting and gasping, trying to breathe through his unsteady heartbeat and the tears and mucus clogging his senses. He sank down into the mud, hugging himself, making his body as small as possible. And he cried. He cried until there was nothing left to cry. Until there were nothing but whimpers leaving his throat.

Inside the house, everyone was in shock. None of them had seen the former assassin break down like that before. In fact, none of them had ever really seen him cry before. Gon felt absolutely horrible, knowing that he'd broken his best friend's heart and said things that he hadn't meant. Beside him Alluka was whimpering, blaming herself as well. She knew that her brother wasn't a bad person and that he'd only been protecting her. She had never meant to hurt him. Leorio and Kurapika, once over the initial shock of what had happened, were still more than confused.

"Gon… what happened between you two?" Kurapika finally spoke up. Gon didn't know how to answer this. Or rather, he didn't want to. Leorio, sensing this, stood up and pointed at him.

"It doesn't matter what happened. You have to fix this." Mito nodded as Gon hung his head in shame.

"He's right. Something happened, but that's in the past now. What matters is mending your friendship. You need to talk to him." Mito's voice was gentle, but her eyes told Gon that if he bothered to try to worm his way out of it, he would suffer the consequences. He quickly nodded, and hesitated before getting up and forcing himself out the door.

"Killua!" He yelled through the rain, which had picked up a great deal. He held a hand over his eyes to shield them from the drops rolling over his forehead and started running. He managed to pick up his friend's scent, though it was faint from the rain. In truth, he had no idea what he'd say when he found him. He would probably just end up making it up as he went. But he had to try something.

….

It took Gon about twenty minutes to find Killua, huddled under a tree and sitting in the mud. By then it was only a slight drizzle, enough to force his upright hair down and in his face, but not falling hard enough to impede on his vision or ability to talk. He frowned, seeing the boy in front of him, curled into a tight ball, hiding his face. He hadn't seemed to notice him yet, or was choosing to ignore him. Either way, Gon had still yet to have thought of anything to say. He knew that starting the conversation out with an "I'm sorry" was out of the question since he'd screwed up so badly. Maybe helping out his ego by saying he was right? Making small talk? Trying to make him laugh? None of that seemed appropriate. Finally, he took a breath and decided to blurt out whatever came to his mind.

"Ging ditched me again." Well that was unexpected. He voice sounded loud in the quiet rain and he saw Killua flinch, still not lifting his head. He took that as a sign to keep going. "I found out after you left that I can't use Nen anymore. When Ging realized… he sent me home. He told me that it wouldn't be a good idea to hang around him and that I should go back to Whale Island." Gon gave a small laugh, though it sounded more sad than humor-filled, "I've been putting it off because I didn't want to face Mito-san since she tried really hard to warn me about him. So I met up with Leorio and Kurapika. And I tried to meet up with you, but you ignored my calls and texts… Anyway…" Gon frowned mumbling quietly, his voice laced with defeat, "You were right. Ging didn't want to be my dad. I think I kind of knew it all along. I just didn't want to believe it."

"I'm sorry, Gon." Gon who had been looking down, snapped his head up to face Killua. He was met with blue eyes filled with sadness. The boy in green blinked in confusion.

"You're sorry? That makes no sense! I was the one who was stupid and screwed up. Why are you apologizing?" Killua shrugged, the same sad look in his eyes.

"I just am. You worked so hard to find him. It's not right that he abandoned you again." Gon frowned, looking down.

"But you were wrong about one thing, Killua." He said quietly but with conviction. The hunter in front of him perked up, confused.

"About what?" Gon's eyes met his with fiery determination.

"I didn't waste my time looking for him. Because in the two years I was searching the world for Ging, I got to be your friend." Killua's eyes widened, staring at his friend in shock. Gon continued, determined to show Killua how much he cared about him, despite what he had said before. "It wasn't a waste because I was with you. I don't want to give up being your friend, Killua. I'm sorry that I made you think that. Because I love being your friend and you're really important to me and I don't want you ever to forget that, okay?" Killua didn't respond and just stared at Gon dumbly, worrying the older boy. "Ne, Killua?" Slowly, the sitting hunter's face began to turn bright red before he looked away quickly.

"I-Idiot! Wh-What's your problem, saying stuff like that? It's embarrassing…" Gon grinned and started laughing, hard. Much to Killua's display. "Shut up!"

Gon only laughed harder, the flustered look on Killua's face was hysterical to him- not to mention, Gon was just relieved that Killua didn't appear upset anymore. Killua scowled and tackled the laughing boy, causing him to lose his balance, falling into the mud. The dirty liquid splattered all over the two- leaving both covered in brown, laughing at each other. Both of them felt as if a weight was lifted off of them. Killua had finally confronted Gon about the hurt he was feeling while Gon was back with his best friend, the pressures of finding his dad gone. It was just the two of them again, being kids with not a care in the world. When they had finally stopped laughing, they tried to stand only to slip back in the mud and start laughing all over again. After another half hour, they laid in the mud, the rain dying down to a sprinkle. Gon looked at Killua who had his eyes closed.

"Killua, do you have to leave?" Killua looked over at his frowning friend, the smile slowly falling from his lips.

"It's probably for the best." He looked back up toward the sky, squinting at the raindrops still falling, "Alluka doesn't really want me around."

"…What exactly happened?" Gon frowned, not understanding why his best friend was so sad. Killua was silent for a few moments before he sighed.

"Alluka wanted to go to a park. There was one in the town we were staying in with a playground. She wanted to go on the swings. There were these kids there. I wasn't really paying attention at first, so I don't know what started it, but they were making fun of her. I told them to stop but they wouldn't. And they were making her cry." Killua frowned, a sad look overtaking his eyes. "Their parents were just standing there, letting it happen. And they had the nerve to yell at me when I called them out for not intervening." He got silent again and Gon was patient, sensing that it was difficult for his friend. Finally, Killua whispered, "One of the boys pushed Alluka down and I snapped. I don't even remember doing it. By the time the time I came to my senses, they were- they were dead. And Alluka was crying, looking at me like I was a monster." He closed his eyes, his lips trembling, "Maybe I am…"

"You aren't, Killua. You just wanted to protect your little sister."

"I killed them, Gon! That's not normal!" He sat up, holding his head. Gon sat up as well, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah but… It's not your fault. You're trying. I mean your family raised you to kill, so I think you're doing really well considering." He frowned when Killua flinched, "You're trying, Killua. You're going to keep getting better. You just have to keep working on it. I bet it isn't easy going against everything your family taught you." Killua slowly looked back to Gon, sadness but gratefulness in his eyes.

"Thank you, Gon…" Gon gave him a bright smile.

"You don't need to thank me. We're friends, after all." He moved to where he was sitting in front of his friend, "But that's why you need to stay here. We need each other!" Killua flushed again, jumping up and walking off.

"Quit doing that!"

"Killua!" Gon whined getting up and stumbling after him through the mud, "I'm just telling you the truth! You're my best friend!" Killua waved him off, his face still flushed.

"Stop embarrassing me!"

"Why are you embarrassed? I'm being honest!" Killua groaned, and Gon giggled. "Though it is fun making you all flustered."

"Man, that's just cold." Killua muttered, his bare feet slopping in the mud as they walked. Gon grinned sheepishly beside him.

"By the way, Mito-san's gonna be mad if you track mud in the house. You should have worn shoes." Killua stared at him incredulous.

"'We're both covered from head to toe! Besides, I wasn't exactly thinking about shoes." He crossed his arms. Gon shrugged, that grin still on his face and Killua rolled his eyes.

…..

"A-Ah! Cold!"

"Mito-san! This isn't fair!"

The two boys whined, shivering as Mito dumped cold water on them. They were standing outside in their boxers, fidgeting to try to stay warm. An angry looking Mito stood over them, holding an empty bucket threatingly.

"I'm glad that you two worked things out. But you aren't bringing mud into my house." She turned back to the faucet to fill up the bucket again, much to Gon's horror.

"F-Freaking slave-driver…" Killua muttered before another bucket of water was chucked at his face. He hopped from one foot to the other, his teeth chattering. Mito glowered at him.

"What was that, young man?" Killua shuttered,

"I-I'm sorry!" He muttered quickly, trying to avoid another wave of ice cold water being throw at him. Gon stifled a laugh earning him a glare.

"That's what I thought. Now go inside and take a bath. I want to talk to you both afterwards." Mito huffed before passing them each a towel.

The boys looked at each other before wrapping the towels around themselves and shuffling into the house. Inside the house, Leorio and Kurapika sat at the table, putting together a puzzle with Alluka. They looked up when the boys walked in and looked like they were trying not to laugh. Even Alluka openly giggled. Killua scowled at them, cheeks pink, and Gon pushed him towards the bathroom quickly. As soon as the door was closed, Killua threw his towel on the ground

"I'll wipe that smug look off their faces…" He muttered. Gon just shook his head, giggling as he turned on the water.

"You do look pretty funny, though." Killua rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah. You look funny." When Gon stood back up, giving him a funny look, Killua burst out laughing. "You really do, though! Just look! Your hair's all frizzy!" Gon's cheeks burned.

"Yeah, well… You look like a drowned cat!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"Boys! You better be in the bath!" Gon and Killua jumped and quickly stripped, getting in the tub, panicked looks on their faces.

"Yes, Mito-san!"

…

After the two hunters emerged from the bathroom, everyone sat down at the table for lunch. It was silent again, only this time the atmosphere wasn't as tense. Gon and Killua stole amused glances at each other whenever Mito wasn't looking. Kurapika and Leorio simply shook their heads, enjoying the boys' happiness. Alluka caught her brother's eye and grinned at him, Killua returning it easily, grateful that he seemed to have been forgiven (though he still would definitely need to speak with her later).

"Boys, I need to talk with you." Mito finally said after a few minutes of quiet eating. They looked up at her expectantly, wondering cautiously what was to come. Gon was the one who chose to respond.

"Yes, Mito-san?" She looked from one to the other seriously.

"I don't know what happened between you two before. And I don't know what happened with Alluka and Killua. I don't really care to because I believe the past is in the past and there's no sense dwelling on it. That being said, am I correct in assuming that everything's alright now?" Both boys looked at each other before nodding. Mito smiled softly. "Good. If that's the case, then you shouldn't have a problem with what I'm about to say, Killua." The white-haired boy blinked in response, slightly worried about what she would tell him. "Killua, you're staying here and that's final. All of you kids are. I don't care whether you boys are hunters or not. You're still just children and need adult supervision. And Alluka needs a woman to raise her. I'm sure that you're doing a great job looking after her, Killua. But that's just the bottom line. There's only so much that you can do on your own. So I'm not about to let either of you three leave this island, got it?"

Killua looked at her in shock, his mouth opening and closing. He tried to think of what to say. To tell her that it wasn't necessary, that he could look after himself. He wasn't a baby. But no matter how much he wanted to tell her that, nothing came out. In truth, he was touched. No one had ever given him an order like that before- at least, not out of love. Sure, his mother had told him repeatedly not to leave Kukuroo Mountain. But it was only because of her controlling nature, wanting him to be a murderer to take over the family business. Illumi also told him not to leave, likely for the same reasons. But this woman, Mito, was ordering him not to leave Whale Island out of love. She actually wanted to take care of him. He finally resigned to simply nodding.

"YAY! Big brother is staying!" Alluka clapped happily, and Killua couldn't help but smile.

"Well now that that's settled," Leorio stretched, getting up from his seat, "I should be heading out. I took off work and rushed over here in case you needed me but it looks like everything's fine, eh kid?" Killua's eyes widened looking at the older teen.

"Really? Y-You came all this way just to help me?" Leorio scratched the back of his head.

"Yeah, well, don't make a habit of pulling stupid crap, alright? I'm your friend so of course I'm going to be there for you if you need me. But I can't keep taking off work like this." Leorio tried to sound nonchalant, though he smiled softly at the boy. Killua flushed and looked to the side.

"Th-Thank you…Really…"

"It's fine. Like I said, you're my friend. It's what friends do." He waved a hand dismissively, walking towards the door. "At any rate, I need to head out before the next ship leaves. I'll see you guys around."

"Bye, Leorio!" Gon and Alluka both yelled, waving.

"Thank you so much for coming, Leorio. You're welcome anytime." Mito smiled warmly at him as he opened the door. He looked back smiling back.

"Thank you for your hospitality. Look after those kids. They're a handful." Killua scowled.

"Who are you calling a handful!" Leorio rolled his eyes and waved before leaving. Kurapika started to get up as well.

"I suppose I should leave as well." He smiled at Killua and Gon.

"I'm glad that everything's okay." He ruffled the former assassin's hair laughing at the scowl he gave him in response. "As Leorio said, we're always there for each other. I'm always a phone call away."

"Yeah, yeah." The boy waved him off before muttering, "Thank you, though, Kurapika. I, um, appreciate it." The blond smiled warmly at him.

"Um! Question!" Gon stood up quickly with his hand in the air looking at Kurapika. Kurapika raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yes?"

"Aren't you only a little older than Killua and I?" Kurapika blinked in surprise and Killua gave his best friend a blank expression. What's this idiot getting at?

"Yes. I thought you already knew that." Gon looked lost in thought before snapping his fingers.

"Then you're a kid too!" His two friends slammed their faces on the table.

"Your logic is flawless, Gon." Killua muttered, exasperated.

"Since you're still a kid too, doesn't that mean he needs to stay here with us?"

"Huh?" Killua stared at him in a loss for words. Kurapika finally looked up at Gon, looking confused. Gon ignored them both, looking at Mito excitedly.

"Mito-san! That's right, isn't it? He's unsupervised too!" Killua sweatdropped, trying to wrap his head around his friend's way of thinking. Eh? They don't even have room for him! Hell, they don't have room for me either!

"I suppose you are right." Mito finally said after some consideration. She turned to Kurapika. "If you'd like to stay, you're more than welcome to. We'll have to figure out a living arrangement since our home is so small. But I can't in good conscience leave to you wander the streets alone."

"Huh?!" KIllua looked around the table seeing Gon and Alluka excited and seeing Kurapika blinking at her dumbly. I wonder if that's how I looked.

"I couldn't impose on you like that. And I still have things that I need to do." Like finding my clan's eyes. Mito simply smiled back at him.

"Then do what you need to do. But please come back when you can. I would love it if you could stay with us." Kurapika smiled at her and began to get up, walking to the door after bowing.

"Thank you very much. I promise that I'll come back once I finish. It was nice seeing you all."

"Bye, Kurapika!"

"It was nice meeting you!"

"Later."

Once the blond was gone, Gon looked at Killua, giggling. He raised an eyebrow in response, tilting his head to the side.

"What's so funny?" Gon smiled brightly at his friend.

"Now that you're living here, it's kinda like we're brothers, huh?" Killua's eyes widened. Gon looked at Alluka, throwing an arm around her, "And you're like my sister!"

"Idiot, that's not how families work!" Killua yelled, though in truth he liked the idea. "Besides, we basically lived together for two years. It's not like anything's changed. We're just living here now." Gon put a finger on his chin.

"Oh! So we were already like brothers!" Killua groaned in response.

"Again, that's not how it works!"

Mito smiled at the two, feeling happier than she'd felt in years. Not only did she now have Gon back at home, but now she had Killua and Alluka living there as well. Watching the two bickering and Alluka giggling at them, she couldn't help but feel content.