A/N: Hi, I'm really sorry for the delay. I got writer's block in the middle of the week and it made me put off writing until I could actually create a coherent story. Then I got busy and it threw me off entirely. My fault, I know. Also my fault, this is the omake that ghostvu requested and the next chapter would be posted next, next Sunday. Bear with me. Guest, thank you so much for taking the time to read this fanfic and I'm glad you share my sentiments in highlighting the softer side of the Spiders. I can guarantee you more of this in future chapters! AliceDaCamel, I really am grateful that you find this to be one of your favorites. It touches my heart to know that and motivates me to keep writing! jonica77, thank you for your review! It's okay to be a quiet reader, I admit I am one myself, but it feels so good to hear from you! To all of my silent readers, favorite-rs, and followers, I love you guys. I hope you all like this extra chappie and please don't hate me for it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter x Hunter.
EXTRA II
-Somewhere in York Shin-
Killua looked around anxiously.
'Damn. She's late.' he thought frustratedly as he typed away on his phone. He adjusted the cap on his head so that he could see his surroundings clearly, revealing his matured and edgy face.
He is 19 now and his body hit puberty hard back when he was 16.
He stood taller, but still had that lax confidence about him. His jawline became much more pronounced but there was this classic image to them. His baby face made him look 3 years younger but doesn't get in the way of his lean and lithe body.
His phone buzzed and he opened the message. Killua's face adorned a lopsided grin as he read the text from her.
"Don't start with me." was all it said.
He was getting sort of antsy, waiting for her like this.
This was the only time they met that wasn't for a mission or any sort of dangerous situation. He didn't know how to feel about it, them going out together just for fun.
He wondered why this was the situation that it is but he can't remember anything. It must have been her who asked him to go out, I mean he can't do that. Despite all his bravado, he becomes shy around her.
There it is again, she is in his thoughts.
It happens much more often now, and he knows why.
Killua thinks he has known for a long time, the reason why he was attached to her.
"Hey old man!"
Speak of the devil.
"Funny how the 'old man' is faster than you, dunce. I've been waiting for over an hour! You gotta buy me lunch now." he drawled.
Renée glared at him and shook her head as a response. "I'm sorry, it's not like I live thousands of kilometres away from here. Oh wait. I DO. I still have jet lag y'know." the red-head replied sarcastically.
He laughed at her annoyed face which made her even more irritated.
"So what's up for today?" he asked instead.
Renée looked at him weirdly, "I told you that it's Mehika's birthday tomorrow. I want to celebrate it because we haven't really had time to do that. I need your help in coming up with a gift."
'Oh. So that's what this is.' he thought, slightly disappointed. "What does Goldilocks want anyway?" he asked nonchalantly.
"Well, she likes cutesy things. She's the type of girl to go for pink and frilly things but can still kick your ass." she described, adoration in her eyes.
Killua looked at her with half-lidded eyes, "That's not really gonna help. What are her hobbies? Any particular collection?"
Renée thought deeply, the gears turning in her head going overdrive.
"Hey! Take it easy, it's just a simple question!" he exclaimed, jolting her out of it.
She laughed nervously and apologised. "I don't really think she has anything she wants."
"You're hopeless."
"Wha-!? It's not my fault she's a bit blank in that department!"
"She isn't blank, you're just the stupid twin!"
The two were glaring at each other again in less than 5 minutes of meeting.
Renée huffed and looked away, shoving her hands in her pockets out of habit. "C'mon let's just go somewhere. Maybe we can find something to give her."
-Shopping District-
They went from shop to shop of different merchandise.
Accessories = X.
Jewelries = X.
Stationery = X.
Toys = X.
Bookstore = X.
Make up = X.
Clothes = X.
"Geez, Ren. Just decide already." Killua whined, collapsing on a bench due to exhaustion.
The red-head pouted at him. "I know how those things looked cute but I just don't think they're gift-worthy. I mean we didn't see each other for 7 years and I haven't really celebrated her birthday for 12 years! I just want this one to be extra special."
"Then go rent a ballroom and hire some caterer." he suggested lazily.
This ticked Renée off causing her to yell, "Not that kind of special, dummy! She's not getting married!"
Suddenly, the two heard screams in the distance which piqued their curiosities. Another scream was heard and they looked at each other.
"Those screams...are happy?"
The 19-year olds walked towards the general area where the delighted screams could be heard. Soon, they saw an extravagant theme park. Not the carnival type of theme park, but a huge one.
"Wow. I only ever saw these things in books." Renée awed, sparkles dancing in her eyes.
"I never really saw places like these." Killua admitted, slightly sad.
"Really? Not even in pictures? Besides, you live right next to here!" she asked, surprised.
"Well yeah, I was an assassin remember? I only went out for business and after that I was with you and Gon. Right after, I was running away from my brother again. Never really thought about going here. You haven't been here either." he said nonchalantly.
"Touché."
There was silence between them before Renée grabbed his arm, calling his attention.
"Wanna go in?" the red-head asked giddily.
The man saw the eagerness and want in her face and he had no choice but to agree.
The two bought tickets and walked past the turnstiles, being shoved into a multicoloured wonderland. They were surrounded by shrieks, laughter, and joyous chatter.
It was like they were in a different world.
A world without Hunters or Nen or Chimera Ants or Beyond Netero.
Just fun.
A wide grin crept its way on Killua's face and he glanced at the girl beside him to see that she was literally on the verge of giggling fits.
"I wanna try the rollercoaster." she squeaked.
They tried all of the extreme rides first, laughing all the way. The lines didn't seem so horrible as both engaged in excited small talk.
As they waited for their turn on the life raft, Renée did some sort of jittery little dance. Rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, swaying her body from left to right, and her head bobbing up and down.
Killua saw all of this and he found it endearing.
The way her eyes light up, her face glows, and her whole aura brimming with energy.
Something like this can make her this happy, how hard could it be? They have the same interests, almost the same likes and dislikes, they can understand the other's personality, and they can read each other's moods.
He can take care of her and make her smile this much.
He can give her these moments of peace.
He can provide her needs and wants, so she can stay with him, right?
Killua never really realised the matter he was thinking of but, oddly enough, he didn't care. As long as she is with him, he is happy too.
That thought hit him like a truck. 'Happy? She makes me happy? This idiot can make me feel all giddy inside?'
The red-head looked at him with a wide grin, telling him it was their turn to ride and he can't help but stare.
She's beautiful.
The silver-head doesn't know why she is beautiful as she doesn't like wearing dresses, skirts, or jewelry.
She doesn't have make up on.
She always wears a sweater, shorts, and sneakers.
However, despite all of this, Renée is the most beautiful thing he ever saw.
'I see. I understand now. After all this time, I adore her.'
He stepped onto the raft, across from her.
'I cherish her.'
She gave a little squeal as the water splashed on her face.
'I love her.'
-Foodcourt; 15:30-
The rest of the day continued but they stopped playing at 3 PM so that they could actually eat something.
Killua was looking for a seat in the crowded foodcourt and when he managed to save a table, Renée had already ordered.
"Oh, how much?" he asked, reaching for his wallet.
"No need, you dodo! Lunch is on me, like you said. I was late and I made you run around with me, so this is just payment." she laughed him off. "Besides, I finally found the perfect present." the red-head added.
"What is it?"
"This place! We can come here tomorrow! You, me, Gon, Mehika, and Alluka! We will celebrate here. None of us has ever been in an amusement park until today so don't you think it just fits?"
"Don't you think it's a little unfair that we got to come here for a second time?" Killua asked, dejected that she didn't think this was a special day just for them like he did.
"Then we can be their tour guides! We can show them the awesome rides and all the other games we can play. What do you think?"
He looked at her and sighed. "I guess that is pretty neat."
Renée smiled triumphantly and began chowing down on her burrito. She quickly finished her food, not realising how hungry she was, and turned to see if her friend is finished. She was surprised to see that he hasn't even finished half of his burrito and not even a sip from the chocolate milkshake she got him.
Clearly, something was bothering him and it irked her to see him this troubled. "Hey, what's wrong? Are you feeling queasy from the rides?" the red-head treaded warily.
Killua shook his head no and took a measly bite from the wrap.
"Killua, you can talk to me." she urged, taking his hand.
"I'm fine, Ren. Just a little drained that's all." he lied.
Renée knew it was a lie but she didn't press him for it.
"Y'know, I really am grateful that you came today." she said, still holding his hand. "Lots of things are happening and I'm happy that I can take a break from it all."
"A break? From your duties as Chief?" he asked, taking a bigger bite this time.
The red-head nodded, "The villagers are getting tiresome. At first they were all so hopeful when Mehika and I stepped up to rebuild the community. Now, I only ever hear them complain. I prevent another Chimera Ant attack and they doubt the safety of the village. I build houses and they rant about why theirs is smaller than their neighbours'. It's so difficult 'cause they're all acting like spoiled brats. Mehika helps me through it all, and because of this the villagers see her as the kind little darling she is while I'm the unreasonable dictator."
"Why don't you leave? See how they do without you." Killua jokingly suggested.
"Don't you think I've thought about that? But I can't really leave Mehika behind to do it all by herself. She loves the village and the people. It'll make her sad if she saw how it really was." she said, a morose smile on her face.
The silver-head looked at her in disapproval, "You always sacrifice so much. For Gon. For Mehika. For Alluka. For that blasted village. Even for me. I think your sister will understand if you talked to her about it. And you're not leaving forever, just for a short while. Besides, you can't always protect Mehika. She needs to learn by herself too. Isn't that what you told me when you trained Alluka?"
Renée looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes.
She knew about her sacrifices, she knew that she gave up a lot of things for others but for someone to tell her about it.
She felt grateful that her efforts were recognised.
She felt appreciated.
Killua saw the tears and panicked, grabbing a tissue from his tray, he awkwardly dabbed at her face.
The red-head laughed at how flustered he was and helped him wipe away the waterworks. "Thank you, Killua. You really are a great friend." she smiled and gave him a brief hug.
'Friend? I like being her friend, but do I want it to stay this way?' he thought as he rubbed her back soothingly.
Renée stood up, pulling him with her, and they headed for the exit hand-in-hand.
'Can we really be just friends?'
-Back in the real world; 16:45-
The two walked in comfortable silence.
Killua mulled over what he should do. He felt that if he let this opportunity pass now, he would never get another chance.
This was his window.
They passed by a collectibles shop and something caught the man's eye.
"Wait here." he told her as he ran off inside.
"Hey, wha-!? Geez that guy."
The red-head spent 10 minutes outside, leaning on the wall while tapping her foot impatiently. Killua came out, hands in his pockets and a lopsided grin on his face.
"You spent THAT long browsing? Killua you are so...I don't even know." she grumbled, continuing to walk.
'I have it. Now what? How do I give it to her? Do I say anything?'
Renée suddenly stopped, surprising him.
"Where is your place again?" she asked.
"Huh? Why?"
"What do you mean 'why'? I'm staying there until Mehika and Gon arrive tomorrow. Did you expect me to go back to Scillio and fly back here again?" The red-head looked at him weirdly, as if it was very normal that they would be together tonight.
"I just thought you would want to rent a hotel of your own. I mean it would be just the two of us at home because Alluka is going around on her own."
"She is? What about tomorrow?" Renée looked deflated.
"She isn't that far, I think. She can fly in." he reassured, messaging his sister immediately.
"So where's your apartment?"
"Hm? Oh it's this way." he motioned absentmindedly while texting Alluka.
In less than five minutes, she already replied her confirmation, "Big sis is there? I'm coming home right away!"
Killua smirked at the reply and typed his message.
"Okay, good. Mehika and Gon bought my excuse to come 'urgently'. Kei will take over for now." she said out of the blue.
He hummed in reply and opened the building's door for her. The two continued up the elevator and into the room in silence, both busy with their phones.
Renée looked around his room and noticed how everything looked modern but still had that homey feel to it.
'Typical Killua.' she thought as she headed for what seemed to be the kitchen. The red-head opened the fridge and was not surprised to find it empty, save for a nearly-empty carton of milk and an apple.
"Hey, old man, what's for dinner?" she called out.
"Whatever's in the fridge!" he yelled back from another room. Renée grumbled in annoyance. 'What the hell am I going to eat, apple cereal? Looks like it's up to me again.'
Killua crashed on the couch and lazily flipped through the television, completely forgetting the flustered feeling of being alone with the red-head. The weight of the day caught up to him and he could feel his eyes slowly drooping.
The silver-head woke up to the feeling of being touched.
Groggily, he opened his eyes to see her crouching before him and poking at his nose and cheeks, her face inches away from his.
Killua sat up, surprised, then clenched his head because of the sudden movement.
Renée laughed at him, "Sorry, didn't think you'd be the easily-scared kind of guy."
"I'm not!"
"Pft. Whatever. Dinner's ready, dodo." she smirked as she walked towards the dining area.
"Dinner?"
"Well yeah. You didn't have anything in your refrigerator so I went downstairs to buy something. I hope you're fine with mac and cheese."
They sat down and ate dinner in comfortable silence.
The food was heavenly and it was the first time in a long time that he didn't have take out. Killua stole a glance at the girl and saw that she was enjoying herself too.
He noticed that she took off her sweater and was wearing a black tank top instead. The tattoo on her shoulder looked as wicked as ever and her scars were visible.
Still, she's the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.
She's so kind, loving, protective, and strong.
She can be quite annoying but he doesn't mind.
She's special.
She's so real.
He reached into his pocket and felt the box, unsure of himself again.
"Killua? What's wrong?" Renée asked, snapping him out of it. "You've been spacing out a lot today. What's bothering you?"
"It's nothing."
"Must be a whole lot of nothing then."
"That doesn't even make any sense."
"You don't make any sense."
"Huh?"
"Exactly!"
"Stop that!"
"Stop what?"
"Stop getting in my head!" he burst, leaving her dumbfounded.
He looked at her and saw hurt and confusion in her eyes.
Killua groaned, stood, and knelt beside her.
She didn't move or react until he pulled her for a hug.
They've hugged a lot before, but this one was different. It felt urgent and needy, as if it was life or death.
Renée could feel him cling to her desperately like she was going to disappear if he didn't.
"Killua..?" she asked cautiously.
"I keep thinking about you. You're not doing anything, but you make me go crazy over and over again. I lose sleep sometimes because of you. It's so hard. You're just this stupid beautiful thing that I can't seem to get enough of. So annoying!"
'Is he saying...Is he..?'
"I love you." he whispered, barely audible, but she still heard.
"I think I've been in love with you for a long, long time." he admitted, holding her tighter.
Renée's face flushed as she took in his words.
She thought of all the things they've been through and realised that he was there for her every time something happened.
They fought a lot but that's how they got closer and closer.
Is this too close?
'No. It feels right.' she thought as she wrapped her arms around him as well.
"Is that..is this why you couldn't focus today? Because I'm so pretty?" she muttered.
Killua was surprised at first but he threw his head back and laughed, she chuckled along with him.
"I knew you had a thing for me. No one can resist my charm." she continued to tease him.
The silver-head shook his head and handed her the box.
Renée opened it, slightly confused. She gasped as she pulled the necklace out.
It had a thin silver chain and a cylindrical crystal pendant. Inside the crystal was a miniature katana that looked somewhat like her own.
"It's beautiful." she breathed.
"Yeah, I saw it earlier and thought I'd buy it. I mean it's your birthday tomorrow." he shrugged, feeling shy again.
"It's Mehika's birthday tomorrow."
"Stupid, you're twins. It's yours too, dunce."
"Wha-!? Well excuse me!" Renée growled, struggling to get the latch on.
Killua rolled his eyes at her and helped her wear the necklace.
Suddenly, she was aware of their proximity. Her heart beat faster and her face flushed as bright as her hair.
She doesn't know how to say it but maybe he'll understand.
She lightly bumped her head against his neck and he tensed a bit before craning his head to accommodate her.
The red-head leaned into him and they stayed there, understanding passed between them.
'I love you.'
-Present time-
Somewhere, a 13-year old Mehika woke up from the strange dream.
She wasn't in it, it was mainly about her sister.
Then she remembered the other character and giggled.
'I can't wait to meet my future brother-in-law. Come find me soon, Nao.'
END OF EXTRA II.
A/N: Lame, I know. I'm not good with romance because I don't even read romantic novels or watch chick-flicks. This is the best I can do for now and maybe I can practice more? I'm still open for omake requests so don't be shy and tell me what you think. Please review!
