I'll start off by saying: PROPER DISCLAIMER APPLIES! Hunter X Hunter belongs to Yoshihiro Togashi and whoever else...I'm not sure _ But what I am sure of is that it doesn't belong to me :)

So! This is my new series! It started as a one-shot but I couldn't quite cram everything in ONE chapter so! Ta dah! A new series has been born! I'm not sure where this thing will lead up to! But stay tuned and find out with me ;)

Since it's the first chapter, it's a bit boring...Wow...I'm such a great Motivational Speaker...=_= specially towards my work.
Either way, it would really make me happy if you guys read it and tell me what you think.

Again, reviews and messages are encouraged and much welcomed.

Happy readings and hope you enjoy!

Now! On with the story!


A doormat…is that all I'm qualified to be?

"Ai-chan, what are you doing up this early?" A beautiful blond haired-blue eyed girl in a silver baby doll nightie stepped inside the grandiose looking kitchen. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, the light was bothering her.

"Good morning Nee-chan!" a girl with chestnut-colored hair greeted her older sister over the simmering frying pan. "And to your question, it's not early at all! Well…to me that is," she smiled and pointed the spatula towards the wall clock; it was close to 7:30.

The petite blond pouted and took a seat on the counter, "Why you insist on going to this…Height School is beyond any reason!" she waved her hand around for emphasis; distant scampering was heard.

"Well," Aiko took the contents of the frying pan and placed it on a plate. "Unlike you, I'm normal," she grinned and passed it for a joke but her big sister just scowled. "And that's High School not Height school," Aiko chuckled and moved towards the counter. "Do you want to eat something?" she asked caringly. The blond started to shake her head when suddenly, the distant scampering arrived at the kitchen's entrance and a pair of voices greeted.

"GOOD MORNING OLD LADIES!" two twelve year olds bellowed; they were twins. How they have such energies this early in the morning was a great unanswerable question.

"Who are you calling Old Ladies?" Growled the blond; obviously offended.

"You, Erika Nee-chan!" said one of the twins, Rio, with a smile. "And Ai Nee-chan too!" the other twin, Mai, finished for her brother. She ran up behind the counter and pounced on her elder sister. "Make us breakfast Ai-chan!" she ordered and squeezed her sister's waist.

Aiko had a sweat drop and smiled awkwardly, "But I'm going to be late."

"So? If someone messes with you, we'll just have to go there and punish them!" Rio grinned and jumped on the counter, making it his chair.

Shaking her head, Aiko looked at the twins. Mai had beautiful blond hair like Nee-chan. She also has two different eye colors; her left eye was green while her right eye was blue. Her twin, Rio, had jet black hair and like his twin, his eyes were colored differently as well; however, his right eye was green while his left was blue. They were adorable yet, not quite your average 12 year old kids.

"I don't think 'punishing' Ai-chan's friends would be such a great idea," another voice from the entrance spoke and everyone turned their heads.

"Onii-chan!" the twins yelled and ran towards their big brother, pouncing on him this time. "Where have you been?" Rio asked.

"We thought you died!" Mai exclaimed.

Their big brother, a young man at the age of 25 with jet black hair and sea foam green eyes lost his balance, "Such a warm greeting for your big brother eh?" The twins nodded in unison.

"Well, I just arrived, the mission took longer than we predicted," he ruffled Rio's hair.

"Where's Mom and Dad?" Erika looked up from her coffee cup.

"You know how they are, disappearing in the middle of missions," Ryuu sat down across from her and received his own coffee. Aiko ended up making them all breakfast. She sighed, "Late for the first day eh? That's…not good…" but what could she do? Nothing, that's what…

"What's up with you? I heard you had your own client just a few days ago," Ryuu took a sip of his coffee and smiled at its rich and creamy taste.

"As a matter of fact, I just got home last night and the light is killing me!" Erika glared at the window where the curtains were pinned up.

"Did you get to kill 'em Onii-chan?" Mai asked curiously, sitting on her big brother's lap.

"Of course I did. Have you ever heard of your big brother ever failing a mission?" Ryuu grinned and ruffled Mai's hair. "How're your own assignments?"

The twins looked at each other and in perfect timing, they both gave their brother a thumbs up and a cheeky grin.

"Now that's my little siblings for ya!" they laughed happily while Ryuu gave them a noogie.

Aiko finally finished the pancakes and served them on the table; so like them to talk about their dear missions and completely forgetting her presence. Not that she minded. She became used to it and understood the circumstances. She just smiled warmly at the sight of her brothers and sisters having a good time. It's been a while since they've all been here together and eating breakfast.

"Only people missing now are Mom and Dad."

They couldn't contact their parents. It should be a concern if not for their parents' well known tendency to disappear for a few weeks and reappear as if nothing ever happened. They were used to it.

"I'll be heading off now," Aiko announced as she took off her apron and hung it up on the rack. "Guess I'll have to eat while walking," she thought. "Heh, more exercise then!" She added happily and took a yogurt and an apple from the fridge. She was planning on eating something more filling but it would seem that time wasn't on her side today.

"I'll walk you to school then," Ryuu started to get up, making Mai who was still sitting on his lap pout. Aiko noticed this and shook her head.

"Stay here Aniki," she grabbed her bag from the main table. "You all need to rest and besides, it's not that far. I can handle it." Before anyone could protest, she walked out of the kitchen and ran across the vast receiving room then out of the door.

Aiko breathed in the fresh morning air and stretched her arms. The sun was bright and it seemed like it was going to be a rather warm day. She heard laughter from behind her. Seems like they were having fun…

Figures.

"They're probably boasting about their great skills," she chuckled and started descending the front porch step. Before she could start yearning and complaining about her "misfortune" of not having any "talent" in the art of Assassination, Aiko slapped her cheeks with both of her hands and put on a determined expression.

"Yosh!" she nodded to herself. She won't let that hold her back. This year, she's going to be a sophomore; a clean slate and a brand new chance. "This year's gonna be mine," she grinned and jumped the rest of the steps, landing on one leg and instantly sprinted across the driveway.

I'll win him!

I'll definitely improve!

I won't be shy anymore!

I'll be bold!

You just wait you…you…um…Fan girls! I'll crush you!

~O~

Her mind was still revolving around those encouraging thoughts when she stepped into the school grounds. Aiko was sure that this year would be different, that she'd be different but then her thoughts were interrupted by a slight shove.

That shove, however, was enough to send her tripping forward and dropping her things. "Watch where you're going girl!" a vicious voice barked at her. Aiko's first instinct was to apologize and that she did.

"I…I'm sorry," she straightened up and bowed slightly.

"Whatever," said the familiar girl and walked away. Aiko looked at her and was instantly back to her normal self; the unsure, quiet girl who didn't say anything back to anyone. All her spirited and awe-inspiring thoughts were immediately crushed and vaporized, leaving her whole being.

Aiko sighed and hurried on, the bell was about to ring and she didn't want to bump into anyone else. At least, if she hurried and got there on time, the seat next to him would be vacant. A small smile appeared on her lips and she fell into a brisk walk.


"Gon-kun, I heard you're living by yourself! Don't you get scared?" a girl with short pink, yes pink, hair asked Gon as she hovered around his desk.

Gon, the pleasant person he is, smiled charmingly and answered, "Nah. I practically grew up near the forest so there's nothing that can scare me…I hope…"

"Really? You mean…like Tarzan?" another girl jumped in the conversation.

"…ah ha ha…who?" Gon looked to his side and looked at Killua with a questioning gaze.

Killua looked rather bored, "That monkey man who swings around and lived with the apes."

"Ah! Is that the guy with the gigantic monkey that climbed up the building?"

Killua nodded, "Yeah."

"No Killua-chan! That's King-Kong!"

"Eh?" Killua looked at the pink haired girl. "I thought King-Kong lived in a planet with his own kind?"

"…that's Planet of the Apes…"

"…Isn't that the one with light sabers and a small green guy?" Gon was absolutely curious and Killua just chuckled at him.

"No! That's Star Wars!" yelled another girl. "What in the world are you guys watching?" her exasperation was obvious and it was to be expected! These two boys were either clueless or just absolutely indifferent of the movies they watch.

"We watch cartoons," Gon said with a smile.

"Rated R movies for me," Killua's expression was blank and unreadable and girls merely turned red, squealed and ran away. Well that's nothing new, Killua thought and grinned at Gon.

"Good work on chasing away the chicks," Killua nudged his best friend and Gon just looked at him and shook his head.

"How's Mito-san by the way? Haven't seen her for a while and you didn't talk when you got here," Killua changed the subject as he leaned on the chair and tilted it backwards; making it titter its balance.

"She's doing fine…still reluctant on me leaving though."

"What made her crack?"

Gon shrugged, "I don't really know for sure…"

"That's Gon for you," the two boys swiftly turned around and looked towards the origin of the new voice.

"Kurapika!" Gon waved at the blond haired boy who stepped in the class.

"You don't belong here Kurapika," thought it was rude, it was laced with friendliness. "You should go attend your class once in a while."

Kurapika smiled, "I was just passing by. I wanted to say hello to both of you," he nodded. "That and to inform you that your little…female friend is in trouble."

Killua's eyes grew wide, all signs of boredom washed away by those simple words. "Aiko?" he asked, making sure that he's not over reacting.

Kurapika nodded, "The one and only."

Careful as to conceal his real expressions and feelings, Killua stood up and let out an "irritated" breath. "Geez, first day of school and she's already gotten herself in trouble. C'mon Gon, let's make sure she isn't pounded into a pulp."

Gon exchanged a knowing glance with Kurapika, they both knew that the white haired young man was extremely protective of Aiko. However, due to Killua's personality, it didn't show like that. In fact, if they hadn't known better, they'd think Killua's a bully.

"That can't be far from the truth," Kurapika whispered with amusement.

"What did you say?" Killua looked back pointedly.

"Nothing."

"Get back in here! Hey! You three! Go to class!" yelled a teacher who was gladly ignored. The bell rang.

~O~

Aiko was just dutifully strolling down the school grounds, aware that the bell was about to ring in seconds when she was bumped into; sending her stumbling on her side. She sighed and kept her eyes from rolling; oh hell…can't forget about them now can't I?

Aiko should've expected this sooner or later.

"Oops! Didn't see you there Ai-chan," a bubbly voice laced with evident fakeness said.

Aiko stood up and gave her a sweet smile, "It's alright. No harm done," she brushed off the dirt from her school uniform. "Good morning to you too Marie-san!"

Marie twitched but gave Aiko a grin, "Hmm, so! Are you planning on helping me snag a date with Killua-chan?"

Aiko inwardly rolled her eyes. NO! She wanted to yell. NO! NEVER! I won't let you touch him!

But of course, she didn't say that. Instead, she said, "I'll try my best. You know how Killua-san could be."

Marie seemed to be satisfied with that, "Not that it takes a lot to satisfy her," Aiko thought sarcastically. "

Alright then, I'll be counting on you. For now though, how about we take care of that dreadful hairstyle of yours?" Snapping her hands, Marie summoned her flock of overly painted faced girls.

Aiko's eyes widened, "Aw hell no…"

By the time Killua and the others arrived, Aiko was already cornered against the wall, the ravenous girls surrounding her with pairs of scissors in hands. Why these girls decided that it was alright to do this was beyond reason itself but Killua just twitched.

Against the wall, looking like a startled bunny was Aiko. She didn't seem to be fighting it. Well, knowing her, Killua knew that she wasn't at all fighting it. In fact, she was probably smiling at them just moments ago, talking to them as if she was ignorant of their intention.

"Alright, break it up girls. Class is starting," Killua heard Kurapika as the blond weaved his way through the throng of girls. There was a series of 'appreciative' squeals as the girls saw the handsome guy. Slowly but reluctantly, the girls started to disperse. When the crowd was thinner, Killua and Gon made their way towards the chestnut haired girl.

Despite some dirt stains on her uniform, she appeared to be fine. She looked up, eyes brightening when she saw Killua. Kurapika noticed this and smiled. "Now if only Killua noticed…"

"Good morning Killua-san!" she beamed at Killua and greeted Gon as well. Gon returned the greeting.

Killua merely ignored it and glared at the girl, "How many times have I told you? You need to stand up for yourself! Who knows, maybe next time Kurapika won't be as fast to run and your head would be torn off from its root!"

Gon laughed awkwardly at Killua's choice of words. "He's just worried Aiko-chan."

Aiko just looked at Killua. She was about to speak when suddenly, Marie's voice piped up again.

"Killua-chan~!" she greeted and literally latched herself on Killua's arm like a jellyfish. "We're on the same class! How about ditching this girl and come with me? C'mon! Let's go!" she successfully tugged the white haired boy and Aiko watched them walk away.

So much for my good morning…

But that didn't wipe the smile away. No. She won't let the smile falter.

Kurapika shook his head. One of these days, Killua needs to just come up and refuse those girls. But then again, Killua gets bored easily and having different girls fuss over him seemed to amuse him. Gon met Kurapika's eyes and shook his head. Gon knew his best friend too well. He didn't mean any harm.

"Best to hurry back Aiko-chan," Kurapika turned his gaze back at the brunette. "We don't want you to be late any more than you already are."

Aiko's lips curved into a sweet smile and nodded, "Thank you very much Kurapika-san." She bowed and caught Gon's hand. "Let's go!" and they both ran back to the school building.


"Wouldn't it be nice if that girl just disappeared?" One of the girls said while they made their way to the classroom.

"Yeah! Or just stay away from Killua and his friends!"

"Stupid bitch, I bet you she's just faking that shy innocent personality of hers too!"

"Oh and have you seen her in home Economics class? She's like…totally showing off!"

A much more authoritative voice spoke up, "Guys, calm down. The girl has no charisma whatsoever. She's plain and bland…

Don't worry that much!"

Though the girls wanted to point out that she was also threatened herself, they closed their mouths; they picked their battles wisely.

For now, they're going to stick with the simple form of bullying.


"Wow! You're really good at this Aiko-chan!" Gon complemented Aiko while she chopped the radish with preciseness. Aiko shook her head, "Anyone can do this Gon-san."

Gon looked at her and waved his finger, "Call me 'Gon'."

"But-"

Gon silenced her with a boyish smile and Aiko couldn't help but blush a little; the guy sure was adorable! "…Alright, Gon…" she tried the name out on her lips.

"There! Isn't that better?" Gon looked at her with his bright eyes.

"Um…so, did you finish your meal Gon?" they were currently in Home Ec. Class and were told to prepare a simple meal. Though it seemed easy enough, Gon seemed to be…facing a challenge.

"Of course I'm finished! Here!" Gon lifted up his tray and Aiko's eyes widened. Those things didn't even look edible! But of course, she didn't say that.

"That's great Gon! But if you ask me, I think you can…" she pointed out some minor detail that could be improved without hurting the sweet guy's feelings. Aiko succeeded and smiled at Gon's happy demeanor.

She sighed and went back to her own cooking. Once everything was placed in their respective pot, her eyes wandered off to where Killua worked. He didn't seem to be having a difficult time. That wasn't a surprise, Aiko thought. He's really capable.

She observed how Killua worked with a cheeky grin. He knew he was good and didn't bother to hide it. The girls surrounding him seemed to be enjoying the show as well and openly complemented him. She couldn't blame him. Killua was born with all the charm a guy would ever want. He was good looking, had an edge to his character, and rich! Girls dig that…but not her. It always made her wonder how on Earth she managed to be Killua's friend.
For one, she's not the "popular" type. She was boring and bland. Shy and has low self esteem. What more could you ask?

"Oh yeah, that random mission training…" she remembered bitterly. It was an ordinary da-

Her thoughts were interrupted with a sneering voice, "What's this Ai-chan? Daydreaming about Killua?" The room fell silent. Aiko wondered where the teacher was and desperately scanned the room. Apparently the teacher stepped out to get some supplies, "How convenient," she thought.

Giggles erupted from every single girl and the male population wasn't helping either; their practically jeering at her.

Aiko stared at the pink haired girl who was, of course, the instigator. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you're eyeing him like the others, eh?"

"That's ridiculous Megumi-san! Of course I'm no-"

"Don't interrupt me while I'm talking," Megumi gave her a mocking smile. "I'm stating my opinion here and you have the nerve to interrupt me? How rude of you!"

Her fake sadness irked Aiko.

"Hey now, don't you guys mess with her," Aiko looked up, surprised as everyone else as Killua made his way through the crowd and stood right beside her. Was this really happening? Killua's taking her side?

"It's not her fault that she's attracted to my looks now is it?" his confident grin penetrated through everyone and the class just laughed and cheered on him. Aiko on the other hand, seemed torn.

Should've expected that Aiko. You're such an idiot…

She shook her head, of course he'll never take her side. Ever since the day they met, an unspoken boundary was placed. She secretly looked at Killua as he made his way back to his counter. They'll be friends, but that doesn't mean they were friends every time. No, once the "In" crowd was present, her duty was to leave Killua's side. Not that she complained.

Aiko was perfectly content of how things were working.

She could observe Killua without ever having to express her feelings.

She could visit him and his family.

She can do anything! So long as it doesn't interfere with the popular people.

It seemed unfair, but Aiko was used to it. She's always been like this. Earlier, those thoughts of encouragement she told herself seemed to contain a spark. It had her hoping for a moment.

But a simple "moment" wasn't enough to change a whole person. It takes more than that, especially if it's a person like Aiko.

As soon as the teacher came back, she graded the assignment and the class was finally over. It was pretty much uneventful after that class and soon enough, the First Day of School started to dwindle down until the clock stroke three and it was time to go home. Aiko took a deep breath, glad that there weren't any trouble.

"Let's walk home together Ai-chan!" Gon's cheery voice reached Aiko and she gratefully accepted it. Walking with Gon meant fun and an excuse to walk with Killua.

They all walked out of the school building, the guys waving at fellow students, when suddenly, something made Aiko freeze.

"Ai-chan?" Gon asked and Killua's gaze settled on Aiko.

Aiko didn't answer and just looked around. She knew the feeling of being watched and this was definitely that feeling. She shook it off when she didn't find anything out of place. "Just the draft, a bit chilly now eh?"

Gon nodded while Killua eyed the girl secretly.

Killua knew her better than that and moved from beside Gon to her side, "Gon, I heard Kurapika was hanging out with the school doctor. Go visit him." At first, Gon was confused but got the message after Killua's intense gaze at him.

"Oh! Hai! I'll see you guys tomorrow then! Bye!"

Gon waved and ran back towards the school and Aiko cocked her head. She smiled though. Gon's cheerful aura always made the ones near him feel it, and she was grateful for that.

Aiko just took in a deep breath and focused on Killua. This wasn't unusual. They've always walked together ever since they were in elementary. When it stopped Aiko didn't remember. But it sure felt nice to have him alone by her side once again.

"You know, you could just tell them off," Killua's voice was even and seemed indifferent but Aiko knew better.

"Eh? What are you talking about?" she looked up at the sun streaked sky.

"I know you're not that dumb. You know what I'm talking about."

"I don't see the point," she stretched. "Besides, I have better things to do than deal with them." She tried to hide the fear in her voice.

"You know enough than to lie to me Aiko."

"I'm not lying Killua-san," Killua secretly twitched at his name being said like that. "I'm being rational. Besides, those girls could be nice if they wanted to. They'll warm up to me soon," her cheerful tone didn't faze Killua.

"You've known them for the longest time. I think they're completely frozen so don't get your hopes up," Killua said plainly.

"…Yet you still like them…" she said under her breath but Killua still heard it. But before he could argue, Aiko straightened up and gave him a cute smile.
"Anyway, thank you for walking with me. I'm off to work now!"

"… … I'm just walking back home. Didn't involve you whatsoever…" Killua's face betrayed nothing.

"Of course not," her slight smile was still on her face. "Tell Kalluto-chan and the others I said hi!"

Killua was silent and when Aiko didn't see him respond, she waved again and hurried off to work.

Why she wanted to work as a waiter in that damned café, Killua didn't know. He knew that their family was well off when it comes to money. Assassins aren't beggars you know; at least not their families. Killua sighed and started walking away. Part of him wanted to stay and watch over her. This part of town wasn't really doing well and the crime rate is rising up. That and Aiko's inability to protect herself was a red flag for Killua.

Never mind that she was from a prominent assassin family like him, the girl didn't seem to have inherited anything from the family…

Killua noted the absence of the family's trade mark "steel gaze" that could paralyze a victim in an instant. This girl just plainly looked goofy when she looked at someone. Unlike her siblings that had striking beauties, she received the wrong end of the gene pool.

Not that Killua was criticizing her. In fact, he rather liked her curvaceous body. Unlike her sisters who were petite, Aiko developed some nice curves. Their classmates teased her about that too but not in front of her; mostly talking behind her back. Killua mainly excluded himself from the drama and generally ignored everything that would be troublesome.

Sometimes though, he thought about his actions towards Aiko. Maybe, as her childhood friend, he should be more protective of her. But that was out of the question. He wasn't going to involve himself any more than he is with her already. The girl was dangerous, that's for sure.

Once, Killua caught himself observing her eyes and immediately reprimanded himself for that.

…he wasn't admitting anything…

"Might as well go bother Gon," he thought out loud and rather mischievously. It's time to have some fun after a stressful day of school. He was about to stretch when his reflexes kicked in and found himself on his foot and knee, crouching and looking at something. Where he stood merely seconds ago was an arrow. Not just a normal arrow but a much more elaborately decorated one.

Killua looked at the direction where the arrow came from but saw no one.

He narrowed his eyes but felt no presence.

"Yep…time to bother the guys…" he thought and walked briskly with his phone on his ear.


I know I know, it wasn't that eventful or exciting. But please bear with me and stay tuned. Thank you! Now! Don't be afraid to contact me via REVIEW and/or Message :D

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