Killua and Gon had been successfully avoiding Hisokafor a half hour while he played cards with a very uncomfortable Leorio. Knuckle was in the kitchen with Kurapika explaining the fun of dressing up when the doorbell rang.

He opened the door to reveal Ging standing there awkwardly with Illumi. The Zoldyk was dressed in bright green and carried a fishing pole. Ging wore his normal vagabond attire.

"Yo."

"Come on in fellas.." Knuckle was less than happy that Ging had brought his guest not to mention Illumi's villain costume.

"Soda's in the kitchen next to the back door..feel free to use it. The back door that is.." He growled at Illumi, who ignored him completely while his eyes scanned the beach house for his brother.


Gon had been catching popcorn in his mouth without fail when it suddenly stopped coming.

"Killua?" The blue-eyed boy that had been tossing the popcorn was nowhere to be found. Gon hopped off the birdcage and walked into the next room. The boy stopped just short of his reflection by an inch. Knuckle sure picked a strange place for a mirror.

"Yo."

"HAA!" Gon jumped back horrified. He tripped over the carpet and landed ungracefully on his rear.

"Oh that's right, without Nen you can't sense your own shadow let alone your father." Illumi remarked placidly from behind the former Zodiac.

Gon didn't acknowledge the comment. He was too busy scrambling his feet and stammering.

"I –I-I thought this was a-a costume party. I mean, well, I know it's a costume party but well.. I didn't know, I forgot that well.. it was.. a special kind of costume haha.. So.. I… well.. I dressed like you because I thought it would be cool. I'm not saying your cool. I mean I am! Just not a cool villain! Not a villain at all! Just cool?" He scratched the back his head and offered a timid grin.

"Mm." Ging grunted and shifted uncomfortably. This was already much too social of an outing for him.

"Where's Kil?" Illumi broke the silence.

"Huh? Who invited you? Leave this place." Gon finally realized the assassin's presence. "Hey..that looks like my fishing pole!" The boy didn't know what to make of it. The older Zoldyck interrupted his thoughts.

"Ging did. I'm his date."

The vagabond held his breath.

"Nani?" Gon didn't understand.

"We're intimate." Illumi stated, his expression blank but his voice showed a trace of amusement.

Gon looked from one to the other, clearly confused.

Ging strode past without a word and his hands in his pockets. Illumi followed.

"Ging?" Gon whispered.


Killua had found refuge in the backyard. He saw Leorio sitting alone and joined him.

"If you don't mind, I think I'm gonna sit here and stay clear of aniki."

"No problem, I like the company." Hisoka purred.

"Hisoka?! What the?" Killua jumped at the sound of the magician's voice.

"Oh. I got bored of my little dress up.. being bald is no fun." Hisoka frowned. "Stick around..don't go."
Killua had tried to escape but his butt was bungee-gummed to where he'd sat by Hisoka's side.
Hisoka leaned over menacingly. "Let's share secrets."


Knuckle stared hard at the green-clad Illumi now drinking a sparkling water in the kitchen. "Still here?"

"It appears that way. Where's Kil? I'd like to see his costume."

"Don't know. Is that your needle in my parakeet?!" The muscular man crossed the room in dismay. "Harold! Awww.. " He glared back at Illumi. "You son of a—"

"What are you supposed to be?"

"Shaiapouf!" Knuckle cried.

"Ah."


Gon had managed to corner Ging near the bathroom. "You like him? You.. you.. go places together?" He said this as casually as he possibly could, but it was clear that Gon was deeply troubled. He wanted more than anything to win Ging's approval and maybe even praise..but Illumi was such a despicable jerk.

"Something like that. How's school going?"

"He is your date, like a special date? A romantic one?"

With only the speed of a star Hunter, Ging rendered his son unconscious with a light blow to his temple. He dashed away before Gon hit the floor.


"Soooo whatcha doin'?" Slurred Leorio as he sashayed onto the front porch where Kurapika was.

"Leaving."

"Awwww come on Kurapikaaa. Just because you're a big baby who won't have fun doesn't mean you're spoiling it for the rest of us."

"Are you certain? Have you been drinking?"

"Kurapika. I can make you a costume! Right now. In the bathroom. All we need is a towel and some toilet paper."

Killua's knive hand had been easily blocked and countered by the magician as they sat side by side in the backyard. Hisoka licked his lips and chuckled at the boy's obvious fear. As entertaining as Killua was, the real plan was to get Illumi's attention. It wasn't working however. Inches from the white-haired boy's trembling face, Hisoka pulled out his phone and made a call. Illumi was on a date with Ging hmm? Too busy to keep little Killu away from Hisoka hmmm? Well, he'd just have to turn things up a little.

"Hello Pariston? Yes.. would you believe it, there's a party and you're invited."