Featured Songs:
Your song - Rita Ora [I'm sorry, I cannot find in my logs who recommended this! Please let me know, I will credit you! Thanks!]
Two Hearts - Paper Route
Body- Syd
Baw Chapter 24
TUI Chap 11 - Heart of Sounds
The applause for Canary's finished song was like a drowning static in Gon's ears as he hopped and peered over masquerader's heads. How did Killua move that fast? Gon can no longer see him and doesn't know where he went.
Goon groaned frustratedly, feeling hot and prickly tears pinch his eyes. He stopped and took a breath. This wouldn't help him if he got too pent up. Gon vaguely registered the idol on stage thank the crowd and pre-recorded upbeat music filled the air instead.
~I woke up with a fear this morning
But I can taste you on the tip of my tongue
Alarm without no warning
You're by my side and we've got smoke in our lungs
Gon blinked his eyes and he remembered he could probably call Killua, if his phone is on him. As Gon fumbled for his phone in his pocket, he heard a clamor behind him and suddenly a hand was on his shoulder to turn him around.
Gon's jaw clenched so tightly it hurt to keep from snapping at the person who was diverting his attention away from finding Killua. His resolve to keep polite faltered even more when he saw who it was.
Canary stood, looking confused as she scanned left and right of Gon for- presumably- Killua.
"Where's Killua?" Canary asked, finally gracing Gon with her attention. Gon grit his teeth as a snort left his throat.
"'Where's Killua'? Oh, wouldn't you like to know!" He said loudly. Probably louder than what was needed to be heard over the music. He lowered his voice when he continued, noticing some looks thrown their way. "This is your fault, you know! When you started singing whatever song you were singing, he got so upset and left! Crying! What was that?" Gon said with a glare.
Gon would have expected Canary to look shocked or hurt from Gon's rant, but she looked unimpressed, almost as if expecting him to shout at her.
"I- this is something I really need to talk to Killua about, not you. It's really inconvenient that he got away from you, so if you could just point me in the right direction of where he went?" She said, looking almost as anxious as Gon felt to find Killua. Gon only felt even more heated at that, being dismissed, as though this wasn't his business, like it didn't concern him, like Killua wasn't his boyfriend. Killua WAS his boyfriend.
"No!" He cried out again, unable to keep his volume down. This time, Canary did look surprised. It gave Gon at least a little vindication. "Killua was crying because of you! I don't know what this is about, but I won't let you hurt him more. I don't know what kind of past you two had, but I'm his present , now, and I'm gonna protect him." Gon said, holding his hands as fist at his side and puffing out his chest.
Canary's face cleared, it was easy enough to see her emotions since she confidently didn't wear a mask at a masquerade. She looked as though she finally saw Gon for the first time.
"You're… Killua's friend?" She asked, almost completely changing topics. But Gon knew she already realized that didn't sound exactly right. Friend didn't fit right in her mouth hearing everything Gon had to say about Killua. But it was an opening for more of an explanation.
"No, I'm his boyfriend." Gon said, feeling himself calm a little to speak civilly. He felt a little better just at that reconfirmation. He was the boyfriend. Canary's mouth made an 'o' shape, but no noise.
"For how long?" She asked
"Since the end of November" Gon said, feeling a bit bashful and proud all of a sudden. "7 months." I've counted every day as a blessing . Gon didn't add that piece though. Canary now looked awed. She mouthed 7 months, looking downwards a moment before looking up at Gon again.
"How'd you do it? Wasn't he reserved and cold?" Canary asked. Gon huffed, feeling like it wasn't her business, but also feeling like he had something to prove. She sounds like she had Killua all figured out. But that was him, dammit, Gon was Killua's closest friend and the one who knew him best.
"He wasn't that bad. He just needed a little chocolate, and he opened up. After that, I-." Gon hummed in thought a little. He was always wondering how he ever got so lucky to get to be with someone like Killua. As amazing and beautiful- and still he chose him. "I just tried to show and tell him that I would always be with him, and be there for him. And then, well, he did always tell me he loved my passion for music. It helped him like music more." Canary blinked a couple times in succession.
"That's amazing-" she said. She knew Killua always wanted to like music more, but his family always sucked the fun out of it for him. He was bright and curious about it all, but never wanted to explore and grow in it since his family had such high expectations. "How did you fend off his family from splitting you two?" She said, leaning closer in, intrigued.
"I… just didn't let them. I told Killua I wouldn't let them bother me or scare me away- as long as Killua was willing to fight with me, and he did. Plus I beat Illumi in a concert, so Illumi respected our relationship after that." Gon said, looking up in thought. Now that he thinks about it, he never actually met Killua's pare-
"WOW, wait, WHAT? You beat ILLUMI in a song contest?" Canary cried, now impressed written all over his pretty features. "And he respected that enough to let you date Killua?" She asked. Gon blinked back surprised.
"Er, yea, that was the deal." Gon said. Canary grinned widely at Gon and Gon never felt more confused.
"Well, aren't you just perfect for Killua?" She said in a teasing voice. Gon flushed.
~I don't want to hear sad songs anymore
I only want to hear love songs
I found my heart up in this place tonight
Don't want to sing mad songs anymore
I only want to sing your song
Cause your song's got me feeling like I'm
I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love
Yeah, you know your song's got me feeling like I'm
"Can I start over? I'm Canary, a friend of Killua's. And I'm happy he found you." She said, holding out her hand for Gon to shake. Gon took it to shake. He opened his mouth to ask questions but found no words coming out, just mouth flapping like a fish out of water. She took her hand back to her side and shuffled coolly as she looked downward again, looking lost in thought.
"I used to be a student here with Killua, when Killua was a first year. I was a junior, but I ended up graduating a year early… for many reasons." She said, shaking her head out. She made eye contact with Gon again and Gon found himself captivated. He knew the next parts generally, because he's heard bits and pieces of it from Killua and others.
"Everyone was buzzing to meet the new Zoldyck. It was always cool to see the new one, they might be different than the usual elitist attitude we expected." Canary said, looking back up at Gon. "I mean, most everyone was. But I could leave it or take it meeting him because I thought the Zoldyck's were overrated. Illumi had already turned me off, with his 'better than thou' attitude. Their skills didn't excuse how he acted. But when I saw Killua…" She smiled, and Gon frowned. He didn't like the way her eyes softened when she said his name.
"He was kind, and sweet. He actually reached out to try and make friends. It didn't work out very well, because people soon showed him they just wanted to use him as a stepping stone to further their own career. I felt bad for him, it was obvious he wasn't like the other Zoldycks. So I moved in to try and befriend him. He was tough at first, but it was already evident he was excited to see what I can do- what we could do together." She smiled fondly at that. "The song I just sang, Colors, it was something we worked on together." Gon swallowed the lump in his throat, nervous, but he had to know.
"Did you guys… were you guys..?" Gon asked carefully, trying not to sound strained.
Canary let out a small sigh before giving Gon a small smile with secretes behind it, tight lipped.
"We… were very close. Closer than we were to anyone else. We gave each other company." She said, pushing hair behind her ear.
"I wanted to give him that song, he begged me to change so many things." Canary giggled softly but Gon couldn't feel the same. He didn't realize that Killua and Canary were an item. He didn't know how to feel about that. But he needed to put that out of his head right now. He needed to hear all about this and why it upset Killua so much. So he can find him and hold him and make him feel better.
"He hated that I would talk about him actually liking Milluki, and his mother's fake smile… he really hated how I would call him a masterpiece when he always felt so ruined inside." She said, her eyes sad. "His family had really done a number to his self confidence but I always wanted to show him how beautiful he was, inside and out, and the amazingness he held that he couldn't feel." Canary said. Gon knew about that to some extent. To think Killua was probably worse before and Canary helped form him.
Gon didn't know how to feel about that.
"We were still halfway through making the song when Illumi came to me. He gave me the spiel he probably gave you. I was just contacted for a record company, but he told me he could get me fired… not only that but that I would never get hired into any company ever again. He would end my career before it would ever start… singing… performing- it's my passion. I had to choose between my dear friend, or the life I longed for. I had to leave without explaining to Killua properly. I felt terrible…" She shook her head. Gon was surprised he found himself wanting to comfort her.
"I graduated the year early, and left Killua behind. I got successful and Killua did nothing but support me. So I finished the song to explain… it was… the only thing I wanted for so long. To sing the song we worked together on to him." She smiled at Gon. "I wanted to explain it to him, but… I think it's better if you do. I was his past. You're his now… it will be more beautiful coming from your mouth." She smiled and bowed a bit.
"I know you're not thrilled about me being here…" Canary hummed, turning to go off. "But I hope you and Killua find out how to make it work, like I couldn't." She said.
"Wait!" Gon said, finding his voice again. "Come with me." He said. He at least knew Canary was a part of Killua's formative years. Killua wouldn't be who he was without her in some way. Gon was Killua's present but Canary was necessary to fix this hurt. Canary frowned, looking unsure. So Gon gave Canary his best smile.
"Please… he should hear it from you. And you guys should make up properly." Gon said. Canary just nodded.
~Every circle was a line, just connected by design
Every part of this reminded me how your heart met mine
And every time when you want I will take you home
And you'll play with the radio
I need you to know
You are the only one that I'll ever love
Just looks what's been done
Two hearts beat as one
It's never easy but the two are now one
Just look what's been done
Two hearts beat as one
I know, oh, you know
The music shifted into soft beats as Canary and Gon made their way through the crowd. Gon's breath caught in his throat as he spotted Killua just outside the open side doors of the rec room. He could recognize him easily in the crowd by now. He made a beeline there, just trusting Canary was following.
Gon bit his lip as he watched Killua bring a hand up to his face and wipe his cheek. Just as Gon was reaching out, Killua turned and looked surprised for a moment before melting into his arms. Gon let out a choke sigh as he held Killua tight, one hand on the back of Killua's head.
"It's ok, it's ok… I'm here now…" Gon whispered affectionately. Killua sniffed on his shoulder and he squeezed him tighter. "Canary told me what happened…" Gon said softly after a moment when Killua didn't say anything. Killua tensed against him and he pulled back enough to look at Gon.
"I'm sorry, Gon, I didn't mean too…" Killua sniffed, looking up at him. His eyes were an ocean, so open. Gon loved how Killua felt like he could be so open and vulnerable and honest around him. But Gon didn't want to see him hurt.
"Mean to do what? It's ok, baby, you didn't do anything wrong." Gon said.
"Didn't you hear the song….? Canary thought I hated her… she blamed me for our friendship going to craps. I should have tried harder to let her know- but I didn't- Im sorry... " Killua blubbered. Gon wiped his cheek softly but couldn't say anything before Canary did.
"No, baby, you helped make me beautiful." She said, stepping up. Killua jumped and turned to see Canary walking forward. She had held back so Killua didn't know she was there.
"In my song, when I talked about turning lilac and the color purple not being for you… I was talking about Illumi. I was close to you… he was protective and jealous and didn't want you giving your attention to me. When I turned out even better, turning into the lilac sky, Illumi didn't want me around anymore. Took it into his own hands to kick me out of your life. He probably told you I just needed you to blossom and then left, right?" Canary asked. Killua shifted away from Gon but nodded.
"And you didn't believe him, right?"
Another nod.
"You just blamed yourself… oh, my beautiful storm boy…" Canary chuckled softly, eyes misty. She let out another chuckle as they embraced. Gon smiled softly at the sight.
"I'm sorry, I should have told you properly. So that you wouldn't turn that negativity into yourself. Baby, I'll try harder to be there for you, ok?" Canary said, pulling back to see Killua's face. He murmured something that Gon was too far to hear but Canary was shaking her head and hugging again.
"It's ok… thank you…" She hummed. She opened her eyes to make eye contact with Gon. "I have another set coming up, but I hope to party with you some more during my free time." She said, squeezing Killua's hands. Killua nodded.
"I'd like that…" Killua smiled that beautiful authentic smile Gon loves so much. It wasn't always just for him, it seemed. She backed away into the party and the music and Killua turned to Gon. His cheeks were flushed from crying and he looked tired. Gon surged forward and cupped his face and kissed him deeply.
Killua entertained the kiss for 5 seconds before he was giggling and pulling back.
"Why…?" Gon whined while pecking the corners of his mouth.
"Gon… thank you…" Killua grinned with a sparkle in his eyes. Gon smiled back, petting through Killua's hair. He was so pretty and beautiful, and maybe not all his, but Killua was willing to give him enough of his attention.
"I would do it for you again a million times." Gon hummed and kissed him again. Killua smiled, feeling so lucky. He was also happy he was able to make up with his friend who he was feeling so guilty about.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Illumi spun Amane around, leading expertly by the waist. Amane had already learned that the Zodlcyk's specialty when dancing was the waltz, but was also trained in the basics of dance to quickly pick up and excel in other dances. The dance with Illumi was nice, usually when dancing with others, they were much too nervous, bad at leading, or couldn't dance well at all. It was a nice change of pace, but it was all so practiced, rehearsed, and… sterile. It reminded Amane of how they would be like when they got married. Everything would be staged and presented to be viewed as perfect.
Illumi bowed as the song ended.
"They said the live performer will be coming back on the stage again. That stuff is harder to dance to, but I'm sure you'll enjoy your concert." Illumi said, and Amane could already see the red haired man standing in the crowd behind Illumi. Another escapade to see each other.
"Right… of course." Amane sighed with a wave, Illumi already turning before she could finish saying goodbye. Amane went back towards the drinks table as low-fi beats filtered through the stereo, coming from the stage. The artist of the night- Canary?- was back on stage singing beautifully and skillfully. Amane enjoyed her performances so far.
A drink now in her hand, Amane swirled it and looked around at all the students dancing around. It was times like these she felt the most alone. She finally felt like she understood Illumi enough to understand he needed the time to be with his old boyfriend; it would all end and this was just as sudden to him as it was to her. But this is his terf. It's not like she had a saucy little crush she could play with to enjoy her last bachelorette hours with. Everything here is something she is still learning about. All her friends and potential interests are back at her all-girls school. With nothing but a drink in her hand, what could she do to start up a fling? Being associated with Illumi meant the guys kept to themselves and the girls were all jealous and didn't want anything to do with her.
"At least the party is going well." Amane hummed, looking back up at the stage. She stilled with small goosebumps crawling over her skin. Was she imaging it? Amane tilted her head to one side and then flushed when she saw the lady on stage smile like she thought that was very cute.
Was the performer watching her? Out of everyone in the crowd? Why would she watch her? Canary's eyes landed back on her and she smiled again and Amane felt like this moment was much too intimate to keep eye contact with, and looked away feeling flushed. Amane was starting to make her way across the dance floor, maybe to test again if Canary's eyes would still be on her, when she heard Canary announced that her set was over. That made a sense of urgency fall over Amane. Why? What did the last set have to do with her? She felt intimated, that much was certain, but there was no saying anything would happen anyways.
Canary spotted the black haired beauty making her way to the left side of the rec center, and smiled, making her pathway to meet her. It was time to get her real payday for these gigs. There had to be a perk in being a star somehow, which included getting what you like.
Between two students who looked back at her, Canary saw her, drink to her lips. The students obviously wanted her attention but they slowly faded to background. Like a cat who caught the canary, Canary zeroed in on her target and was going in for the kill. Who doesn't love a good serenade?
"Drink in your glass… You drinking it fast. I'm watching you dance, You're watching my hands. " Canary hummed in a velvety voice, reaching out to tap Amane's shoulder. Amane heard the singing and turned, flushing again. Canary actually came over and looked for her. The attention was both appreciated and embarrassing. Amane didn't think she could attract attention like this and was happy that someone was bold enough to approach her first. She didn't know the first thing about flirting, which was why this was also so horrible. She was going to make a fool of herself. But Canary quickly took the lead, taking Amane's basically finished drink and placing it down at the table.
"Throw it back babe, Give it to me, don't hold back babe… If your friends could see you right now, No lying girl I bet they'd wanna be you right now. Your body's takin over you, Your body's takin over you… " Canary sang to her, wrapping an arm around Amane's waist to pull into a swaying dance. Amane blushed and felt her pull and lull, the momentum in Canary's favor and Amane was falling for it. The world around them was melting away so it was just the two of them, romantically and intimately… But Illumi? So many people were watching…! Her reputation…! Amane quickly and suddenly turned away to make her way towards the stage, the world coming back into focus. Canary frowned a moment but wasn't one to be deterred so easily. She followed with a cat-like smile she learned from one of her closest friends.
"Baby we can take it slow, say my name, Don't let go, I can hear your body when I pull your hair, what's my name, Girl I swear, I can hear your body babe… " Canary sang, almost pleadingly. She caught up to whisper the sensual promises in Amane's ear. Amane didn't think she could get this flustered and embarrassed so often in one moment. She prided herself on being put together and witty, quick and sharp. But this girl was quickly unravelling her with a few well sung words and promises. Amane turned to her with pitched eyebrows. Her mouth opened uselessly because she wanted to say something back, anything- witty or needy, it would be better than this wordless flapping. Canary smirked, feeling like she properly got her attention. She moved in again to whisper intimately, starting to lead them to one side away from the crowds.
"The bed is your stage, Take it away… Put on a show, Put on a play. Don't ask babe...You know I'm your number one fan babe… " Canary winked and Amane bit her lips. What a tease. Amane flittered her eyes over the crowd, and some people were curious as to what was happening but largely, they were left alone. Amane let out a breath.. This was probably the last time she could act as she likes with few consequences, with little judgement in the eyes of the public. Amane was already asking for something fun to make her last few weeks worthwhile- and what's better than with this gorgeous star who's vying for her attention. Amane took Canary's wandering hands and nodded with large eyes. Canary hummed happily and started taking them down a side hallway.
"So, Get those cameras rollin right now… I'm directing and I really wanna see you act out… Let your body take over body's takin over you, Baby we can take it slow, say my name… Don't let go, I can hear your body when I Pull your hair, what's my name… Girl I swear, I can hear your body babe. Girl I swear, I can hear your body babe… " Soon Canary was pushing Amane up against the wall to softly caress her and give trailing kisses of want- promising no strings attached for the night.
-0-0-0-0-
The next few weeks fly by. Gon got the whole story between Canary and Killua from both sides. They briefly dated and after Canary left, they figured they were more into the same sex anyways. Now Canary keeps in contact more, with both Killua and Gon. The Showcase in May went well, Gon supported the underclassmen and Illumi participated as well. Killua was surprised it was an experimental ballad that Illumi sang. It was probably the first time Killua saw Illumi sing just to sing and not for fame or glory, or to show off. Something felt off in Killua's chest since then.
Now it was a week or two into summer vacation and Killua finally knew what it was as he stood slightly behind his mother and father. The whole family gathered and stood before Illumi and Amane who faced towards them with large suitcases at their sides and a couple of butlers there to help them.
"I wish you the best, son." Silva said in his deep baritone voice, silky and built with pressure beneath it.
"There is no need for wishing when you have sent me off with all the preparedness I will ever need. You have already set me up for success." Illumi said, and his passive and monotone voice made it hard to know if he was saying that begrudgingly or with true gratitude.
"Yes, we hope that we will get to see you all again next year at the wedding." Amane hummed, looking both stressed and relaxed. Must be the training to look at ease, conflicting with each other. Silva nodded while the mother wailed uselessly. Then Silva took a small sidestep to nod at the children behind him. It was their turn. Milluki stepped up to them first.
"Keep the door open for me in case I ever want a trip into the city." He told Illummi with hands stuffed in his pockets.
"Why would you need to stay at my place when you have plenty of money for a hotel in the city?" Illumi asked, more curious than anything.
"Why else, stupid!? To see you! Whatever, call me if you need anything." Milluki said, shuffling and uncomfortable.
"That's my line. I'll keep in touch." Illumi said and patted his head. Milluki calmed down more after that and moved on to Amane who just shook his hand, then Milluki went upstairs. Killua stepped up to the tall, ominous presence that has always been in his life. Suffocating him and terrifying him more than anything. But that wasn't what he was feeling in that moment. Illumi found a lot of his chill in the recent months which made him more tolerable. Killua still had resentment but…
"Behave, you hear, kitty?" Illumi said, and patted his head, leaving Killua surprised. "Good luck with the rest of your high schooling. I have given you everything you will need to know to surpass all goals you set for yourself. You're capable, and can do it, ok?" Illumi said and held out his hand. Killua was still too shocked to speak, so he just grabbed the hand. Illumi passed off a box in Killua's hand and when he looked down it was a gold choco-robo box. Killua let out a small gasp and looked up at Illumi who was holding a finger to his mouth. "Take care." He said.
Killua nodded smalley and moved to the side to get his hand shake from Amane. He barely paid attention to Kalluto saying goodbye as well, a bit more emotional since Illumi was one Kalluto liked a lot.
He barely paid attention as he watched their limo go off and Silva telling them they were free for the night. It wasn't until he got to his room that he realized, clutching the choco-robots in his hand, that he didn't say goodbye.
He didn't say good bye to his oldest brother.
This feeling was sadness. He'll actually miss Illumi.
Killua was NOT about to cry about this, so he chalked up whatever the hell was falling out of his eyes as stardust and left to leave by the window. He wanted to be with Gon this weekend.
Songs:
Your song - Rita Ora [I'm sorry, I cannot find in my logs who recommended this! Please let me know, I will credit you! Thanks!]
Two Hearts - Paper Route
Body- Syd
That's the end of the Turnt Up Illumi Arc! Thanks so much for reading this messy and mostly self indulgent Arc! I'll hope to have the prolouge up before the New Years! Thanks again and Happy Halloween if you celebrate it!