It was so cold! Gon couldn't feel his feet, no, his entire body! He was pretty exhausted too. He really hoped that they got to wherever the Neko-Girls were taking them soon. Fighting that monster had been so scary, but so fun at the same time! Adrenaline had coursed through his veins, and that tell tale feeling had come once again.
A certain feeling that would overcome him whenever he fought someone or got into a particularly rough situation. A feeling that surfaced whenever he was in danger or enraged. He didn't know how to explain it… it came up from the depths of his being and it was like it made his soul glow. He always felt stronger whenever it came over him, as well as more alert. Having told Aunt Mito about it once, she had suggested that it was clearly something stemming from his blood, and whatever was in it.
Gon was curious to no end as to what this feeling was, but more than anything he found himself chasing it. It was so weird, and he felt so violent whenever it overcame him, but for some reason it felt good. It felt… fitting, in a way. Like putting on a favorite sweater.
Is this feeling why Ging left?
If so, Gon understood entirely.
"Right here," Opal spoke up, and the two boys followed the Neko-Girls through a door, and into a warm environment. The building was completely constructed of planks and planks of chocolate brown wood. The floors were a black marble shot through with streaks of glistening white. The space was clearly an entrance to some sort of grand hotel, for two sets of spiral stairs danced upwards into the ceiling, with a fountain of clear water bubbling in the center. The space was lit by several ornate chandeliers made up of thousands of tiny pieces of crystal that refracted light all around the space. The ceiling was made up of that same chocolate colored wood, however it was decked out with filigree carvings, clearly handmade. The main walkway - which led from the front door to the stairs - was lined with a thick, white fur carpet that Gon's boots sunk comfortably into.
"Wow~~!" Gon exclaimed as he took in the beautiful and cozy building. Killua whistled as he did the same.
Two of the Neko-Girls moved in to take Gon and Killua's coats, which were soaking wet with melted snow and the green blood from that monster. The horned boy shrugged out of the coat as the Neko-Girl slipped it off his shoulders, and continued taking in the space. Two more of the feline women entered the building carrying the two boys' discarded packs, and two more knelt down to remove their snowy boots. Gon wasn't used to being waited on like this, but it sure was nice that the Neko-Girls were being so welcoming!
The women stood in a neat line in front of Gon and Killua, the boys faced towards the two spiral staircases. "We welcome you to our customary Inn: Große Hütte," Opal said. "As thanks for your heroism, we offer you full access to only the best amenities. Please, come this way!" With a warm smile and a welcoming hand motion, Opal led Gon and Killua up the staircase on the left.
Gon drank in the architecture, it felt like a cabin in here! Just luxurious and huge! After being led up the stairs, down a hallway, and through an elaborate foyer, the group arrived at an ornate set of heavy wooden doors. Two of the Neko-Girls stepped up and opened them for the group, and the two boys exclaimed in amazement at the glorious room they had been led to.
The room was huge, yet welcoming and cozy. The walls were of that same chocolaty wood planks, however the floor in here was completely covered in fluffy, white fur carpet. A fireplace and mantel dominated the far wall, and the carvings up and down the structure were an artistic wonder. The chandelier on the ceiling was the fanciest one yet, and was unlit to let the fireplace cast a warm, homey light around the suite. One enormous bed sat in the center of the room, it was a canopy bed with curtains of fine gossamer. The blankets were thick and white, and the pillows were plump and soft looking. A set of windows gave a view of the outside (which was currently nothing more than an icy storm) and a set of well insulated French doors led to a balcony. There was a sitting area, an eating area, and even a doorway to the most luxurious bathroom Gon had ever seen!
"This place is incredible!" Gon said while turning round and round.
"No kidding!" Killua exclaimed.
The Neko-Girls practically squirmed with pleasure, "We are glad you enjoy it here!" Opal said cheerily. Please, make yourselves at home! As it is late into the night, we will deliver your dinner here to the room. We will leave you to yourselves, just call if there is anything at all that you need!"
"Thanks, Miss Opal!" Gon exclaimed, and Killua nodded in agreement.
The crowd of women slipped out of the room, closing the doors behind them.
Now free to do as they pleased, the boys explored every inch of the room. Gon even made carpet angels in the fluffy fur coating the floor! The two of them changed into clothes more suited for the inside just in time for their room service.
A delectable spread of various cheeses, meats, and steamed vegetables was laid out on the suite's dining table, along with tarts and delicate sweet-cream. The two boys scarfed down as much as their stomachs could handle, exhausted and starved half to death after their hike through the blizzard.
All throughout the meal the Neko-Girls would wait on their every need before they even noticed there was a need in the first place. They would clear empty plates and bring in new ones, the table was not once clear, and soon the boys were left eyeing a still full table of food with no room left for any more. Gon had drank what had to be 7 cups of hot, lavender tea, as well as an entire pitcher of water. His glass had never been half way empty, and the women had even gone so far as to wipe his mouth for him!
Now he and Killua were sitting in the plush, deep red chairs beside the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate as the Neko-Girls stoked the fire. They hadn't made much conversation with their feline hosts, as they had insisted that the boys focus on eating, and that formal introductions would be made in the morning. Gon found this a little strange, but hey, who was he to judge? This was their village, he had no right to impede on their traditions.
Killua yawned long and big, his eyes tearing up and his little fangs twinkling in the fire light, "I'm beat," the Valkyrie said as he handed his mug off to the nearest Neko-Girl and slouched deep into his chair.
"Me too," Gon responded. "You wanna go to bed?"
"Yup."
With that, he and the silver haired boy stood up and moved over to their packs to grab their sleep clothes. The Neko-Girls bowed down and silently trickled from the room, with a "Goodnight, sleep well!" from Opal, the two boys were finally alone.
After stripping down to a pair of loose cotton shorts, Gon crashed onto the bed. He lay on his back with his arms spread wide, body tired from all the exercise and excessive eating. With a sleepy sigh, Killua sat back against the pillows in a baggy t-shirt and pants.
All the lights were out save for a candle on the bedside table, and sleep beckoned Gon.
"What do you think of this place, Gon?" the Valkyrie inquired.
"It's nice! And really pretty! But it's a little weird the way the Neko-Girls are acting, they're serving us like we are royalty! Also, my sense of direction is all out of whack since we didn't see anything at all on the way here cause of the snow."
"Yeah… I feel the same way. I'm a little suspicious of these women, the circumstances are just so strange!"
Gon hummed and looked at Killua from the corner of his eye, "I'm sure they're fine! We'll feel better once we actually meet them tomorrow morning!"
Killua shook his head, "There you go, being all optimistic again," he said around a giant yawn.
Gon grinned and then crawled over to the head of the bed, he pulled back the various heavy blankets and situated himself in the most comfortable bed he had ever had the privilege to lay on. Killua did the same, and the two boys lay side by side.
"Man, have I missed beds. I haven't slept in a real bed in over a month! And the bed in the Garden doesn't count, that was just glorified moss!" Killua exclaimed
Gon opened his mouth to respond but… so… sleepy…
…
Killua snorted as Gon passed against the various pillows. The tan boy's face was so calm in sleep, peaceful even. It was such a foreign look to Gon, who was always brimming with energy and excitement. His eyebrows laid comfortably over his eyes, and his long, dark eyelashes brushed his speckled cheeks. His little horns poked the pillow, and his mouth was just slightly open to reveal a couple sharp teeth. He was already beginning to drool.
A light smile melted onto Killua's features.
Then he caught himself, and shook out of his stupor. Stop watching Gon sleep, you total weirdo! I must be super tired. Yeah. That's why I was just sitting and staring at his face.
Killua rubbed his eyes, blew out the candle, and buried himself under the covers.
The bed was ginormous, so he had plenty of room. Gon was four whole feet away from him, plenty of room to kick his limbs around. But… he felt almost… lonely without Gon right up next to him. Every other night they'd slept almost on top of each other for warmth, and now that they were back in some personal space Killua's side felt cold and empty.
The Valkyrie found himself watching Gon sleep from across the pillows, and shook himself again. Idiot. Stop watching him sleep, dammit! I'm more tired than I thought.
Killua turned on his other side and closed his eyes, focusing on the even rhythm of Gon's breaths to lull him to sleep.
AN: translation: Große Hütte means "big hut" (such an eloquent name, I know)
