I do not own Hunter X Hunter, just the plot.

YORK SHIRE CITY

Sunny. Warm. Perfect.

Those were the words that described that day. Well, that was what Shalnark kept saying anyway. I look at him. He was casually walking beside me as we passed through the bustling town: a town full of energy- the adults shopping for breakfast, the cars passing by, and children playing happily like they had no single care in the world.

Not a single care, huh?

"Shi-zu-ku~" Shalnark called, quickly pulling me out of my trance.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Wanna eat?"

"Uh-hm." I nod and looked around. "When will they arrive?"

"Most'll probably arrive in a few hours. They just got contacted a few days before."

I nod and followed him to wherever he was going.

Soon, we reach a small diner and Shalnark ordered. I told him he can order for me and he gladly agrees. I don't know why, but he likes it when he gets to decide.

"He likes to be in control." Franken once said. I didn't get it, but it doesn't matter.

I looked around and passively stared at the diner and its elements. It was typical, really, but somehow I was uncharacteristically curious today. Maybe because I was in a new city? But I've been to new cities before, but I never really cared.

"This was where we first met, remember? Three years ago…"

I look at him. We did? Everyone knows I forget things easily, but something so important as meeting one of my family is something I usually wouldn't forget.

He looked at me, and I flinch. I wonder if it was the small twinge of guilt in my stomach, but then I have been feeling like this around him for some time now. I don't remember how long ago it started, but I'm certain it had always been there. I dismiss it, like I always do.

He casually places an elbow on the table and let his cheek rest on his fist. "You had longer hair, then…"

I blushed. Did he like long hair?

"It looked good on you. You look much better now though."

"What… was I like back then?"

He flinched. "Do you think you'll remember when I tell you?"

"I dunno…"

We stared at each other in comprehension. It was obvious Shalnark was calculating something. He shook his head in the end.

"Didn't we agree it wouldn't matter?"

He said and I almost agreed. But then I felt a frown coming. "I probably wouldn't have asked if you never opened it."

His eyes widened, surprised- making me feel surprised. It wasn't like him to not notice such trivial things after all.

It was then that out food arrived, and we ate in silence.

…

I stole glances of my raven-haired companion from time to time. She was right. It was just that being in this town, in the same month as that time brought me so many memories.

I let out a deep breath and decided to focus on my food.

Food.

Then I remember… she was begging for it when he met her.

It was a cold September that night, and the Spiders had just separated from a mission and there I was walking in an abandoned street for no particular reason.

"Please, mister, spare some food." A girl just a few years younger than him asked as she grabbed his coat. I flinched. It was not like I didn't sense her presence- I did- it was just that I didn't feel my guard up with her.

Was it because she was just a small little hobo?

Of course not.

I kneeled down to her level. She was quite pretty- with her long hair and baby-face. As someone who had witnessed the darkness of this world, I could tell- I could tell that this girl had been through a lot. Maybe more than most people could handle.

It was weird- my hand moved on its own and it found its way on her face. Her eyes widened at the touch and a sheet of tears slowly formed.

"Help me."

"Shalnark?" I flinched. The same voice using totally different tones surprised me to no end.

I fell down the chair.

"Are you alright?" She asks holding out her hand. I gladly take it. She grins, making me show off my genuine unplastered smile as well.

How ironic…

I helped her condition herself to forget everything that didn't matter- like her past.

I helped her train and think of good conditions for her special ability, Blinky.

I helped her find a new family…

But why do I seem to be the more thankful one?

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