The boys climbed up the hill and Gon's house came into view.

"Aunt Mito is going to be so surprised!" the island boy said gleefully.

Killua wasn't sure that showing up unannounced was a good idea but he looked forward to visiting his home away from home again. Suddenly, the former assassin sensed several auras and stopped walking just as Gon broke into a run.

"Wait!" he called out, but the spiky-haired boy had already burst through the front door.

Much to Gon's astonishment there was a strange man sitting in the front parlor holding a cup of tea. The boy stood there blinking for a full five seconds as the man looked up and grinned.

"Paristan-san?"

"Hello Gon-kun!"

The blonde man flashed a winning smile just as another man stepped in front of him, blocking him out entirely.

"What took you so long? Did you decide to swim all the way here?"

The second man stood with his feet planted firmly apart and his hands on his hips; his rough appearance a stark contrast to the seated gentleman wearing a tailored suit.

"G–Ging?" Gon was dumbfounded.

It was surreal seeing the elusive Freecss in his home. Killua entered and silently assessed the situation. 'So this is who I felt…I thought there were three…'

"Well if it ain't my two favorite kiddos!" Knuckle burst loudly out from the kitchen and strode into the already crowded entryway. "How ya doin' squirt?" He vigorously rubbed Gon's spiky hair into a frazzled mess.

"Knuckle?!" both boys exclaimed in unison.

"What are you –?"

"Don't ask, it's a long story!" the loud man cheerfully bellowed.

"Ging Freecss, please come and remove the goat from the –Oh!" Mito had come storming in from the cellar when she noticed the young boy. "Gon! You're home!" She swooped in to give him a tight hug. "I'm so glad to see you! I've missed you!"

Gon managed to squeak, "I've missed you too Mito-san. We wanted to surprise you!"

"We? Oh!" She looked up and pulled the silver-haired boy into the suffocating embrace. "Welcome back, Killua-kun!"

"Thank you," he grunted.

Mito had kicked everyone out of the kitchen telling them all that dinner would ready soon, and to stop picking at the food. Ging pocketed some rolls and cheese before strolling past Paristan, who held the door politely for him. Killua and Gon attempted to follow suit and sneak some food, but Mito slapped their hands impressively fast with her wooden spoon.

"Just a little something to tide us over…" Gon whined rubbing his hand.

"Out."

The wooden spoon directed them towards the door, still held open by the smiling blonde.

As they passed through, Killua felt a chill and cast a glance up at the polite gentleman in the suit. Paristan was smiling at him pleasantly, but the boy could see something cold in his eyes. Hidden. Something dark. Killua quickly looked away. He shoved his hands in his pockets and suggested to Gon that they go outdoors for a while.

Back in the kitchen Mito slowly turned and scowled at Knuckle who was at the sink pretending to wash potatoes with a mouth full of stuffing.

Killua threw a stone into the pond. "Has it always been like this? I mean...?"

"For Thanksgiving? Oh, no. It's usually just the three of us… This is the first time we've had so many people here ever!" Gon's stone didn't make it as far.

Killua thought about the virtual non-existence of holidays at his home. On a few occasions, there had been extravagant parties, but he had hated those. His thoughts were broken as a large rock was hurled past them and landed at the very far end of the pond with a tremendous splash.

The boys turned to see Ging standing behind them, grinning savagely. "You are Killua Zoldyck. Nice to meet you." He thrust his hand out in a friendly, assertive way.

"Uh. Nice to meet you too." The pale boy shook his hand, slightly intimidated. The man had managed to sneak up on them, not to mention that he was Gon's legendary father.

"What are you doing here?" Gon asked brightly. It was strange and pleasant to see the man at his home and on a holiday, nonetheless. The island boy stifled the sentimental fantasies rising up inside him. Ging was just a man, and that's how Gon preferred thinking of him for the time being.

"I came to see my cousin…" Ging stated and quickly added, "I thought you might show up, too."

Killua caught the slight and narrowed his eyes a little.

"Why is Paristan-san here?" Gon asked.

The vagabond stuck his hands in his pockets and passed between the boys to stand at the water's edge. He was silent for a moment and turned to look at Gon over his shoulder.

"I have no idea whathe is doing here."

Both Killua and Gon observed the acid in the man's voice and exchanged looks.

"You mean you haven't asked him?" Gon questioned incredulously.

"I see no need to speak to the man," Ging said in a cheerful way with a definite note of finality.

Paristan had quietly stepped into the dining room where Mito was setting the table. He stood by the window to admire the view as well as the woman. Days ago, he decided to entertain himself and disrupt things a little in Ging's world. He had planned to woo the man's cousin in front of him and to torment Ging by having his way with her that very night. He was pleased when he met Mito. She seemed easy enough to manipulate and she wasn't hard on the eyes either…for an islander.

Mito blushed a little as she arranged the flowers. The handsome stranger had been the first to arrive and she found him to be very charming. Now Mr. Hill's presence made her feel like a girl again and she resolved to have some saki as soon as she got back into the kitchen.

"Ahhh, there you are!" Knuckle swaggered in wearing an apron and carrying a glass in each hand. "I think the lady could use a little something to drink! He handed Mito a glass and waited.

"Oh! Saki?" How did you know?" She looked down at her drink and back up at the muscular man.

It was only after they downed their saki that Knuckle noticed Paristan's presence. "Oh. Hey there buddy! If I had known I would've.."

"It's no problem at all, Knuckle-san" The blonde man smiled warmly. "I was just enjoying the scenery." His eyes met Mito's.

She blinked, smiled, and straightened. "Is something burning?!"

"Shit! I mean, shoot!" Knuckle dashed back towards the kitchen followed by the woman.

'I see I have a little competition,' Paristan noted.

Everyone had been summoned and began seating themselves around the table. Ging sat down in the chair closest to him and crossed his arms. Mito sat at the head of the table and Knuckle placed himself next to her. Gon quickly grabbed a seat at his aunt's other side and Killua joined him. Gon's great grandmother quietly sat down in her usual place. Much to Ging's disappointment the man in the sparkling suit was right next to him.

Mito cleared her throat and bowed her head with closed eyes. Everyone followed suit in their own way, except for Killua. He wasn't accustomed to prayer and took the opportunity to discreetly observe everyone. He noticed Gon and the two women seemed to be the most peaceful, whereas Knuckle had a strained expression and Ging's face was one of endurance. The silver-haired boy was startled to see Paristan looking back at him with a small smile overshadowed by deceptive and penetrating eyes. It felt as if the man could see everything about him, especially what the Zoldyck wanted to keep hidden. Killua blinked back at the blonde as everyone else gave thanks. When Mito and the others raised their heads, the spell was broken and the blue eyed boy tore his gaze away from the gentleman sitting across the table.

The food was passed around with only a few mishaps. Ging grabbed a load of meat and sat eating and ignoring Paristan who transported each platter straight past him to his grandmother. Mito watched Killua like a hawk to make sure he took a little of everything, and accidentally knocked a glass of wine into her lap. Knuckle immediately started to wipe her off with his napkin causing her to blush and laugh before standing and retreating to the kitchen. Paristan silently planned the man's death. Gon happily chewed and laughed while elbowing his best friend.