"KilluaAAAAAA! Get up! Hurry! We all slept in way late and now we need to GOOO!"

The Valkyrie awoke with a gasp as he became aware of the screaming in his bedroom and the person sitting on his lap and shaking him up and down. It was Gon, because who else would it be?

G-Gon?

"I'm awake, I'm awake!" Killua protested, shoving the hyper boy off of him.

"Yes! Finally!" Gon cheered as he jumped off the bed and started dancing around the room, picking up clothes and slinging them in Killua's direction. A pair of athletic shorts, shoes, and his new navy tank top all hit him directly in the face. Gon had a pretty accurate throw when he wanted to.

Killua had collapsed back into bed after his cold shower, mind feeling dangerous and prowling. He had drifted into a deep and almost comatose sleep, if his lack of dreams and how loud Gon had needed to get to wake him up were any indication. He still felt like shit… like total shit, like a total piece of shit.

However… as usual with his night terrors or awful imaginings at the witch's hour, now that the day had started up and he had slept it off it felt like a distant and hazy mirage… almost as if all those emotions from last night had been a total overreaction, and were nothing he needed to concern himself with.

Maybe it was Gon's presence causing that, or maybe it was Killua's common suppression of anything too emotionally forward. It was more likely to be the latter. But even so, Killua couldn't let himself just move on. He had to make sure he kept those emotions, those memories from last night close.

Because otherwise it would happen again and that would be inexcusable.

"Don't look so grumpy, Killua!" a cheery voice sang. "Did you sleep on the wrong side of the bed?"

"Yeah, something like that," the boy in question mumbled, refusing to allow himself the satisfaction of looking Gon in the face.

"Well, don't be all down like that!" the hybrid ordered with a winning grin as he crawled across the bed to sit in front of the Valkyrie. No getting away from that face now.

Killua peeked up from beneath silvery bangs, feeling his face start to gather heat. The remnants of that dream were so intrusive… yet so incredibly hot at the same time. "Idiot, you can't just tell someone not to be sad."

"So you're sad?" Gon asked, head cocked to one side like a dog. "Why's that?"

Shit. Why can't I just keep my enormous mouth closed for once?!

It's only you, Gon. It's only with you.

"It's nothing," Killua said, waving his hand dismissively in the air and rotating away from Gon before those eyes could penetrate his entire soul… for about the thousandth time since he'd known him.

"It's not nothing," the spiky-haired boy argued back. He moved with Killua to stay in front of him, not letting him get away. "You can tell me."

"Well what if I don't want to tell you?" the silver haired assassin murmured, still not looking Gon in the eye.

"That's a lie. You always want to tell me." Amber eyes burned, and there was no way Killua couldn't look at them now. "Even if you think I don't want or don't need to hear it, or if you'll be bothering me with the stuff you're upset about, you still want to tell me deep down."

"Says who?" the assassin shot back.

"Says me, cause I know you."

Killua glared.

"And also your tail."

"What?! How the hell can you tell all that from my stupid tail?!" Killua demanded, whipping around to glare holes into the appendage, one he had already been pissed off at.

"It's twisting into itself and trying to hide under the folds of the blankets. It's showing me that you're trying to hide your feelings even though you don't want to," Gon explained like it was nothing at all.

Killua growled low in his throat, and snatched his tail. He stuffed it under him and sat on it. "Damn thing, I knew I should have sealed it."

"No, you shouldn't have."

The Valkyrie glanced in annoyance back over Gon. He was so incredibly intrusive! If he thought something, he'd never hesitate to say it. And if he wanted to do something, he'd do it without stopping to think for even a second. There was absolutely no filter on this boy, at least not that Killua knew of. And if there was, then he was honestly scared to find out what got vetted in Gon's mind.

But still…

I can't help but love that about him.

He's completely honest with me, with everyone. And nothing will ever change that, because hiding his feelings isn't the way he is. Here he is, being such an open person. And being friends with me, who hides every waking thought.

"Killua, tell me what's wrong. Please?"

How could I ever say no to him…

"It was just a dream I had."

"Was it bad?" Gon prodded, leaning forward so that their knees brushed together. The gesture was so innocent and felt so fragile, it made Killua's chest get all warm.

"Yeah."

"You wanna tell me about it?"

"...No."

"Okay, I get that," Gon said, giving Killua a reassuring smile. "Some dreams are so bad you don't wanna talk about them ever."

Oh, if only you knew. It was an amazing dream… it's just me thinking it's amazing that's the issue.

"But still," Gon continued. "I don't think you should mope about it. Don't let that dream drag you down!"

Killua gave Gon the side eye. He really had no idea what he was talking about.

"You want a hug?"

"What?" the Valkyrie turned his head back to Gon so fast he almost snapped his neck.

Gon gave him a winning grin and held his arms out wide. "I always want a hug after a bad dream, so do you want one?"

Killua leaned back a little, wanting a hug more than anything but also not wanting to let himself do it. Because this meant a lot more to him than just a friendly hug. And Gon didn't know that… or agree. "I didn't know you were even capable of having bad dreams," Killua retorted.

An unknown emotion swirled across Gon's ever-changing eyes. "Everyone has bad dreams, Killua. And no one should have to deal with them all alone! So you're getting a hug whether you like it or not!"

Killua squeaked and tried to lean back to escape, but when Gon was determined there was no escape. Strong arms locked around his slender frame, holding them close. Having their bodies pressed against each other like this only served to remind Killua of that damned dream– But he shoved those thougths down, he was not going to ruin this adorable gesture with his stupid horny dream thoughts.

Killua slowly wrapped his arms around Gon in return, they didn't hug like this very often, but when they did it was always for good reason. Unless it was Killua who initiated, because he always wanted to hug Gon.

The hybrid sighed against Killua's hair, sending a shiver down his spine.

In a lapse of self control, the assassin allowed himself to drink in Gon's scent. The comforting smell washed over him like a warm blanket, surrounding him in that rough scent of pine needles and freshly cut earth. He could also smell a little bit of himself on Gon… from the Neko-soap that they shared.

He knew that feeling like this was bad, but smelling himself on Gon made him happy. It felt like he had marked Gon as his own, and no one could steal him away if Killua's scent was all over him.

Gon's body was so warm… and Killua wanted nothing more than to surround himself in this gentle warmth forever.

"You feeling better?" Gon asked as he pulled away, holding Killua's shoulders to force those sapphire eyes to meet his own.

"Yeah," Killua mumbled, feeling embarrassed. That was so cute… Gon was so cute.

"Good!" the hybrid cheered. He launched himself off the bed and scampered over to the door to Killua's room. "Now hurry and get dressed! We slept in way late, and if we wanna do everything in the trampoline park we're gonna have to hurry!" With one last grin, he slipped out the door and closed it behind him.

Killua found himself smiling softly after him, and promptly slapped his cheeks to stop himself from being so lovesick and sappy.

I know I need to keep that shame from last night close. That way it never happens again.

But… I can't help but be happy whenever Gon is around.

I could easily just stay all down in the dumps… but I'll allow myself to be happy like this. For Gon.

He deserves that much.

I just can't let it get to my head. I can't let these feelings consume me all the way. Because his friendship is enough. It really is. I swear it is…

"Yes, finally!" Gon yelled, unable to contain his energy any longer. It had taken way longer to sign into the trampoline park cause they had arrived at the end of the day, but the rubber bracelet was a plus! It was GREEN, and it would let them use every single attraction for as long as they wanted!

The hybrid hopped from foot to foot as he tried to decide what to run off to first. Kurapika had claimed a locker, and after putting on their jumping socks (they had these rubber things on the soles!) it was finally time to go have some fun! Everyone had been super tired this morning, it had taken Leorio an entire hour to finally wake up! But now no one else was yawning and Killua was cheered up and everything was perfect!

The trampoline park had black walls with crazy pink and green shapes painted everywhere. Huge black trampolines covered every surface, and there were multiple staircases leading to higher levels and special rooms. Gon could see foam pits, and rock climbing walls, and zip lines, and silks, and even a trapeze! Upbeat electronic music with bass that rumbled his ribs was blasted throughout the entire park, and screaming children were everywhere.

Killua seemed pretty uncomfortable with them being one of the few groups of teens/adults here, but Gon just thought it was funny!

I have to jump on EVERY trampoline! I'll run across ALL of the ones in the main space, and then hit all the special rooms and attractions from there!

"Gon wait!" Kurapika cried out, and the hybrid stopped his advance.

"What is it?" he asked, trying not to sound impatient. Killua saw right through his ruse, however, and was snickering into his hand.

"Before you run off and Leorio and I lose the two of you to this gravity defying wonderland–"

"-That's a fun title."

"Shut up," Kurapika retorted as he socked the Goblin in the arm. "As I was saying, we need only to stay here a few hours. We were all over the place yesterday, and we are fighting again tomorrow. We need to get a good night's rest, so two hours tops."

"Only two hours?!" Gon whined, unable to contain his frustration anymore.

The blonde crossed his arms, looking so much like a mom in his athletic leggings and long tank top. "I'm not wavering on this."

"Don't worry, Gon, I got this," Killua reassured as he looped his arm around Gon's shoulders. The hybrid shared a shit-eating grin with his friend, and together they faced Kurapika, who was looking disappointed.

"Mom, that's nowhere near enough time," the Valkyrie complained.

"It's a perfectly decent amount of time. This park is far smaller than the water park anyways, I don't see any issues."

"You hear your own words, don't you? 'Decent?' How can you look at this face and be okay with giving him only a 'decent' experience?!" Killua grabbed Gon by the shoulders and picked him up (by the two inch lead that he had), holding him out to Kurapika. Gon played along, and gave a puppy face.

Kurapika sighed, eyebrow twitching.

Leorio snickered, knowing that victory was imminent.

Killua gave a practically evil grin.

"Fine, three hours."

"Four?" the Valkyrie shot back with a swish of his tail.

"Three and a half."

"Deal."

"Yay!" Gon cheered as he wriggled out of Killua's hold. "Thanks Killua!" he yelled, high fiving the silver haired trouble maker. Kurapika cleared his throat.

"Oh! And thank you too, Kurapika," Gon added, smiling sheepishly.

"You're welcome. Now go on, I know you're going to implode from energy soon."

Gon cracked a laugh, then grabbed Killua by the wrist and sprinted in the direction of the main floor of trampolines. The Valkyrie slipped out of his grip as they hit the stairs, and snickered while pushing off Gon's head to get the lead.

"Jerk!" Gon accused, laughing as he hurried to keep up. Killua's musical laughter danced from over his shoulder, and Gon felt a laugh of his own bubbling up. Killua's laugh was so pretty… it made it really contagious.

Giggling like a madman, Gon jumped up and landed down on the first trampoline. He exclaimed in surprise as he was launched into the air, and laughed at himself as he lost his balance and crashed back down onto the woven platform on his ass.

Killua cackled at him, gripping his stomach as he jumped up and down on the trampoline adjacent to Gon's. Of course he didn't have any issues balancing. Stupid Valkyrie flying instincts! So unfair! How was Gon gonna win now?

He was having the time of his life, and the thought of an uphill competition made this even better!

He'd find something to beat Killua at!

The hybrid picked himself back up to his feet and tentatively hopped up and down. He got used to the feeling of being flung into the air, and soon was jumping just as high as Killua was.

"This is so fun!" Gon cheered.

"Yeah! It's kinda like flying!" the Valkyrie agreed.

"Race you to the far wall?!" Gon exclaimed with a fiery grin.

"You're on!"

The two took off across the trampolines, hopping from segment to segment as they bolted to the far wall. They hopped up and over toddlers, and older kids scrambled to get out of the way. They got a few glares from parents, but Kurapika and Leorio were there to apologize, so it was fine!

Gon laughed out loud as he jumped about like a kangaroo, having too much fun to be discouraged about himself and Killua being all tied up. He flung himself at the far wall, crashing into it as if he was busting down a door. The bright pink mat took his force like it was nothing, and the hybrid giggled as he slid back down to the trampoline floor.

Killua on the other hand, didn't stop. Instead he continued running all the way up the mat, and all ten feet in the air before back flipping off and landing with a graceful flourish and a series of up and down bounces while sitting criss-cross.

"Show off," Gon pouted with his tongue out as he shoved Killua on his way down to upset his rhythm. The Valkyrie snickered as he tumbled off onto one of the mats separating the trampolines.

"There you are!" Leorio gasped, jumping awkwardly in their direction. Kurapika was walking on the rows of mats like a total buzzkill. "Stop disturbing the peace! Do you know how many annoyed Karens we had to appease on the way over here?! We're your friends, not your babysitters ya know!"

"No, Kurapika is my mother," Killua deadpanned. "So he might as well be my babysitter."

Kurapika sighed, while Gon laughed into his hand.

"You wanna run all the way across again?" Killua offered.

"Yeah!"

With that, the two boys completely ignored Kurapika and Leorio, proceeding to sprint back and forth for 30 minutes on end.

"Woah!" Gon exclaimed, watching as Killua sprinted across a long, rectangular stretch of trampoline. They had migrated to one of the special rooms, it was a smaller trampoline filled space like the main one, only this one was empty so the two of them were free to be as hyper as they wanted. Kurapika and Leorio were casually hopping up and down off to the side, cheering or scolding whenever one of the other two did something cool or too reckless.

The Valkyrie flung himself into a series of hand springs. He rounded it off at the end, flipping through the air and landing with a dramatic bow.

"That was so cool!" Gon cheered, Leorio and Kurapika clapping in the background.

"I know!" Killua bragged, always one to gloat.

Normally Gon would continue complimenting him until he got flustered - just to be a jackass - but today he had a plan! He would prove that he was better at flipping than Killua was! Gon was really good, even though Killua told him he was a total klutz!

"My turn!" Gon declared, jumping over to the far end of the stretch as Killua assumed his previous position. The hybrid cracked his knuckles in one quick bend of his hands, then leaned all the way backwards in a bridge, getting his back to pop several times.

"Alright, quit showing out!" Killua called. "We all know you're flexible, now just get on with it!"

Gon snickered.

Little does he know, but I could have easily grabbed my ankles and stretched my head all the way between my legs! But I'm saving the super flashy stuff for later!

Gon righted himself, then took off running down the stretch. He jumped two times, gaining height, before flipping around in the air and doing backhandsprings, which were much more impressive in his opinion! When he ran out of room on the stretch, he flung himself into the air off his hands, and did five twists in the air! Killua had only done four!

"Woah! That was badass!" Leorio cheered.

Killua gave him a dark smirk, trying to conceal his flaring annoyance at having been beaten and failing. "I see what you're trying to do here."

"And what would that be?" Gon shot back, smirking all the same as he casually walked up to stand in front of Killua.

"You're trying to one up me!"

"Am I really? I didn't mean anything like that. Killua, are you trying to challenge me to a gymnastics-off?" Gon struggled to swallow his giggle, he really wasn't the best at being sarcastic without starting to laugh and messing it all up! Luckily Killua gave him plenty to study from!

"I wouldn't say 'gymnastics.' My craft is acrobatics," Killua corrected, turning his chin up.

Gon snickered, he could be so picky about wording sometimes! "Is that a challenge I hear?"

"Yes."

The two of them stared intensely into each other's eyes for a moment, before cracking up into laughter.

"I'm next," Killua declared, before the next hour was spent flipping and jumping like ragdolls.

"Sooo, you finally give up?"

"..."

"I can't hear you!"

"Fine! I give up! Can you let me down now?" Gon whined, cursing his strong body. Strength was a plus, but not in an agility competition. He had started using his biochemical to propel himself higher into the air than Killua… but had forgotten to take the trampolines into account. Now he was stuck up in the rafters.

Killua snickered below him, then bounced off across the trampolines. He sped in circles around one of the huge matted pillars, before running up it in a spiral. Using his tail to direct himself and balance, he latched onto one of the rafters and monkey-bared his way over to Gon.

"Wow," the Valkyrie sighed, not having even broken a sweat. "How did you even manage to do this?"

"I don't know! Quit rubbing it in thought?" Gon whined once more. He was tangled up in the metal bars supporting the ceiling. His head was caught in one of the gaps, and he couldn't move his arms or legs from where they were precariously balanced without slipping and accidentally hanging himself.

"Nope!" Killua chirped, then lifted himself up onto the rafter Gon was caught on. He walked across, then wrapped his tail around Gon's waist and lifted him up. The hybrid whined as his ears were pushed uncomfortably against the metal bars, but sighed in relief when he popped out. Killua stumbled a bit with his weight, but lifted him onto his feet on the rafter using his tail.

"Your tail is really strong, Killua!" Gon gushed, running his fingers across the appendage as it retracted back to the Dragonite prince's side.

"Yeah yeah, I know," he grumbled, cheeks tinting. "But it seems that I'm the one of us who knows my strength!" he shot back while pinching and pulling at Gon's cheek.

"Cut it out! I give up, I give up!" the horned boy protested, squirming awkwardly so as not to fall to his doom.

"So I indisputably win?~~"

"Yes, you indisputably won."

"Yay!" Killua cheered, fang peeking out from beneath his lips like a cat.

Cute. Killua is cute.

"Alright, you two," Kurapika called up from the ground. "Can you please come down now?"

"Yeah! Just looking at you two all high up is making me sick to my stomach…" the Goblin whimpered.

"Calm down, old men, we're fine!" Killua called down nonchalantly.

"You'll get in trouble with the referees! Hurry up, child!" the blonde shot back, getting impatient and more than a little afraid for the mischievous two in the rafters.

Killua gestured sassily with his hand and rolled his eyes at Kurapika, to which Leorio flipped him off. Kurapika grabbed that finger, scolding him for such a vulgar gesture when there were so many children present.

"Um… Killua? How are we gonna get down?"

"The pole, of course!"

"But the pole is kinda too wide to slide down, and it's not like we can use your claws or my grip strength… we'd destroy private property and have to pay a bunch of money!"

The Valkyrie frowned. "I see your point… Oh! I know!" he declared with a finger in the air.

"What?" Gon prompted, hopping a bit in excitement. He loved seeing Killua's eyes sparkle like that! It really brought out their usually dormant lavender glow…

"We'll use the rafters, and walk over to the foam pits! Then we'll drop down into there! It'll be really fun!" the assassin declared with a cat-like grin.

"That sounds super reckless and probably against the rules. I love it!"

The two boys exchanged their intricate handshake, snickering the entire time.

"I don't like that look," Kurapika called up.

"Don't worry," yelled Killua. "We're gonna get down!"

"We're just gonna go over to the foam pit and drop down from there!" Gon added, then the two of them ran off across the rafters before Kurapika could protest. And protest he did.

Gon laughed out joyously as he and Killua jumped from rafter to rafter. The clang of metal drew the attention of a couple of bystanders, and their looks of surprise were just so funny! Gon loved sticking out in a crowd! Something about that tingling in your stomach as tons of people judged you made him really excited.

Leorio and Kurapika chased after them on the ground, protesting and begging them to reconsider. Killua only cackled maniacally and sped up. Gon found himself light as a feather, chasing after Killua and indulging in their usual goofing off. Nothing was more fun than when he was with Killua! He'd trade nothing for this precious friendship.

He'd trade nothing for Killua.

If Killua hadn't come along… Gon didn't know where he'd be right now.

"Here we go!" the silver haired boy shouted out as they arrived over the foam pit. "You think it's deep enough?"

"We'll find out!" Gon cheered as he dove off the rafter and down the 50 foot drop to the pool of foam cubes.

"You little psycho!" Killua called after him, before jumping right on down.

The hybrid laughed as he was embraced by thousands of cubes of pink and green foam. They flew in every direction, and slowed his momentum to a tee. Killua landed down right next to him, and the two could barely keep themselves together as they struggled to free themselves from their foamy prison.

"That was so fun!" the Valkyrie giggled.

Gon grinned at his friend. He loved hearing him so happy. "I know right? Let's do it again!"

"I don't think so," Kurapika scolded, coming to a halt beside the foam pit. "That's enough illegal thrill seeking for one day. What if there had been a child under you?"

"Then it would have perished," Killua deadpanned with a shrug.

"Ki–llu-a!" Gon exclaimed, slapping his friend upside the head.

"Alright! Fine! I'd have used my tail to redirect my fall."

"That's more like it, you know you wouldn't kill children," Gon sighed as he ruffled Killua's fluffy white crown.

So soft.

"Hey, get off! You're so embarrassing," the assassin protested, shoving his doting friend off as his face pinkened. "Let's get outta here. Give me a hand Mamapika?" Gon giggled and reached up for Leorio to grab his hands and drag him up and out.

"I'm certainly glad that's over," the Elf groaned.

"Yeah! No more heights for today!" Leorio added.

"Okay mom and dad," Killua drawled, lacing his hands behind his head as they crossed one of the ramps back to the main section of the park. "Gon, what do you wanna do now?"

"Everything!" That way I can find the perfect way to beat Killua!

"Alright then," the Valkyrie agreed with a fiendish smirk. "Everything it is."

"Not so fast!" poor Kurapika protested as himself and Leorio were left behind once again.

"I dunno, this looks stupid."

"You're only saying that because you know you'll lose~" Gon earned a glare for that comment, and as always, stoking Killua's ego worked like a charm.

"Fine then," he snapped, crossing his arms and turning up his chin. "But that doesn't mean I'll like it." Gon snickered and bumped his shoulder into Killua's, the Valkyrie shoved back immediately, unable to contain his smile.

The hybrid skipped up the ramp and into the line, Killua close behind him. Kurapika and Leorio followed after them, still a little disoriented after chasing the hyper boys around the entire trampoline park.

"What's this now?" Leorio whined. "It better not be something involving climbing or falling or flipping."

"It's dodgeball!" Gon chirped.

"Oh, I see," Kurapika said smoothly.

"What's that?" the Goblin asked.

"You just throw balls around," Killua sighed.

A mischievous smirk crossed Leorio's face. "I have a really bad joke–"

"No," Kurapika commanded, slapping his hand over the taller man's mouth.

"It's more than just throwing balls around, Killua! You have to hit other people with them! And if you get hit you're out! And if someone else catches your ball then you're out also! You also can't step out of bounds! And according to the sign here of their house rules, there is no tagging back in."

"I see," Leorio drawled. "This sounds like some sort of kid's game."

"Exactly!" the Valkyrie exclaimed. "That's what I said too, but this idiot was dead set on playing!"

Gon snickered as Killua put him in a head lock and aggressively rustled his hair. It may seem like a kid's game, but I know I can beat Killua at this! I've played this before. Although the last time I played the game was a whole lot less tame than this…

"It's not just a kid's game, Killua. You'll see," Gon said, shadows and memories dancing in those amber eyes.

The Valkyrie quirked an eyebrow in question, but couldn't ask because the ref beckoned in the next group of humanoids. Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua all entered the dodgeball room. It had a thick green mat in the center, and a grid of trampolines separated by pink mats on either side. There was an army of pink foam balls on one side, and green foam balls on the other.

Gon and Killua shared a heated smirk, before splitting up and moving to opposite sides of the room. Leorio and Kurapika raised their eyebrows, sensing violence, before splitting up as well. Leorio joined Gon while Kurapika joined Killua. Younger kids gave the teenagers questioning looks, while preteens jumped for joy, taunting to the other side that they had stronger, bigger kids on their side.

The ref ordered each side to pick up one ball each. Each person had to stay in their allotted trampoline, and could only move if someone was out and a new spot opened. Every person started with one ball, no more no less. Once the balls got thrown around, it didn't matter which color ball you picked up first. Anything went, just headshots were discouraged.

Anything goes, huh? Gon thought, a prickling of awaiting biochemical going up his spine.

Well this sure brings back memories.

"Go!" the ref exclaimed, and an army of rubber coated balls rained down on either side of the ring. Gon had thrown his ball directly at Killua, and the Valkyrie had done the same. They each dodged as if it was nothing, a silent agreement that they didn't want to catch anything and end this fight too quickly.

Gon gave a throaty laugh and accidentally released a little bit of his aura. A couple of kids shivered and lost focus, getting called out by the ref.

"Hey! Cut that out!" Leorio demanded, looking uncomfortable himself.

"Sorry! This is just really exciting," Gon called back, having not broken eye contact with Killua since the game began.

Leorio rolled his eyes, choking back an offhanded comment about sexual tension.

But Killua would kill him if he said something like that. And even if it brought thoughts of getting with Killua into Gon's mind, Kurapika had told him not to get involved. Still though. How the hell was Gon so damn dense?!

The hybrid tossed balls back and forth, never looking away from Killua's burning sapphire eyes. They couldn't really compete until all these kids were out of the way. But that didn't stop Gon from competing. He threw several curveballs that whipped away from Killua at the last second, striking one of the many kids on the Valkyrie's team.

The first time it happened, those cerulean eyes had widened in surprise, and he had dodged for no good reason. He caught on quickly, however, and tossed a few curveballs of his own.

Finally, all the little kids were cleared out.

"Dang it!" a competitive young elf cursed. "You gotta win, dude!" he pleaded Gon as he walked backwards out of the ring, eyes on Killua, who had gotten him out when he had been doing so well.

"Don't worry, I will."

The kid's eyes widened, then he smirked, lacing his hands behind his head and going off to taunt the other team about how they had a super strong guy on their team.

Once the ring was clear save for Kurapika and Leorio, Gon and Killua's entire mood changed. Their smiles went from toothy to close lipped and serious. Their eyes burned holes into the other, and the Valkyrie's tail swished behind him predatorily. Gon allowed some of the biochemical to slip into his bloodstream, and his horns visibly creeped a little longer.

The kids hushed each other on the sidelines, watching in excitement.

"These are those two rookies from the Arena, right?" a little girl whispered.

"Yeah! They are!" the young elf from earlier breathed as he realized.

"What are their names again?" asked another kid. "I forgot."

"The white haired one is Killua! He's a Valkyrie! I've heard rumors that he's a prince and royalty up in some village in the mountains!" whispered a 12 year old girl as she hopped up and down. "I can't remember the other guy's name though."

"That's Gon," the elf kid answered. "He's a super strong mystery hybrid. He has this chemical that can make him stronger, and a toxin that can kill you! His Arena stats are incredible! He's amazing in hand-to-hand, and his aura is off the charts! He'll definitely win," he breathed, fanboying.

"No, Killua will win!" argued the girl from before.

Leorio and Kurapika shared a glance, before throwing a ball at each other, catching them, and getting themselves out. They tried not to run, but hurried out of the ring nonetheless. The kids whispered and shoved each other about as two more rookie celebrities joined them on the sidelines. They weren't as famous as Gon and Killua, but they were still really well known.

"Who do you think will win?" asked a toddler as he hung off Kurapika's shirt.

"Only time will tell," the Elf murmured as he ruffled the kid's soft mop of curls.

Once the ring was completely empty, Gon felt his adrenaline spike. Oh, this would be fun. He gave a grin, razor sharp teeth bared to the fluorescent lights. He gripped a ball hard in his hand. Killua eyed him from across the ring, face getting serious.

Gon's game face was a wild grin while Killua's was a blank mask.

The hybrid made the first move, chucking the ball at Killua's head so fast it whizzed in the air. The Valkyrie deflected it with a ball of his own, a loud smack ringing out through the dodgeball room. Gon used his foot to kick another ball up into the air and into his hand, and waited for Killua's move.

The Valkyrie jerked into action in a flash, nothing more than a blur of white hair and dark clothing as he threw his own ball directly at Gon. The ball wavered in flight, there was no telling where it would hit. The only option was dodging.

Gon jumped from one trampoline to the next, deciding to jump across two instead of one for good measure. He raised his eyebrows as the ball followed him across one trampoline, but did not follow him across two. It smacked against the far wall with a loud echo. The hybrid turned his eyes back to Killua, who had mirth swirling in those wild blue eyes.

He knows me so well. He knew exactly which way I'd jump to, and I only got out alive because I decided on a whim to jump across two trampolines instead of one. This'll be so fun!

Gon snickered, though it was more like a dark chuckle. It sounded a little too much like Hisoka for comfort, but Gon didn't have the time to care. His heart was pumping, and he had a fight to win! He'd never actually spared with Killua before. This would be amazing.

He sent a ball flying over to Killua without warning, thrown way too fast to catch or even deflect without a broken bone. The Valkyrie jumped out of the way with a gasp, then gave Gon a smirk.

"That could have broken my arm," he accused.

"But you dodged," Gon shot back as he threw another even harder.

The Valkyrie ducked again, using his tail to balance and keep from falling out of bounds. He used his awkward dodge to swipe another ball up, and as he straightened he threw it at Gon even harder than the hybrid had thrown it.

He dodged just in the nick of time, the ball whizzing by and obliterating a couple strands of his hair. A welcomed sweat broke out over Gon's brow, and he picked up another ball.

The two boys exchanged a flurry of dangerous throws, dodging and throwing in a dance with death. They threw harder each time, and before long the balls were sailing along hard and fast enough to knock someone's head off. The audience took a collective step back, and Kurapika shook his head.

These two really knew how to take things to the next level.

So he can match my speed and ferocity. Impressive.

However, when I start playing for real, how will he react?

Gon held in a hyperactive dance of glee, and broke the damn on his strength. He allowed his veins to pop with strength, and enhanced that strength exponentially with the biochemical. His aura gave a violent spike, and his horns shot two inches longer. His teeth were becoming jagged and too long to close his mouth without fangs popping out, and his nails were starting to elongate into claws.

His eyes glowed brighter than before, now a violent glow that could cut through even the darkest of nights. The air was starting to stir around him with the violent aura whipping about, and Killua narrowed his eyes.

Gon picked up another ball, and threw it hard.

This throw was noticeably different from the others, the ball tearing through the air too fast to follow. Killua threw himself to the ground just to get away, and when the ball hit the far wall it's rubber casing busted.

The audience gasped, and the smaller kids hid behind Kurapika, who was using his own aura to spread his defenses to them as well. Leorio placed a hand on the Elf's shoulder, trying to keep his legs from shaking.

Gon's aura… was absolutely insane.

"So you wanna play it that way, huh?" the Valkyrie taunted, not phazed in the slightest… at least not to the eye.

Gon watched, hungry for a real fight, as Killua flipped his switch.

His eyes started to glow, and his pupils got so small that they were hardly visible. His fluffy white hair started to spike out a bit as a dreadful Dragonite aura poured from him in droves. His tail flicked as the dampers on its strength were released, and veins popped all over his body. The change was not as flashy as Gon's, but the bloodlust coming off him alone was enough to signify the change.

A crowd from outside the ring was starting to gather, as two deadly auras spilled from the dodgeball arena. Concerned parents looked for their kids who were receiving the blunt of it, only to be pleasantly surprised to find a particularly skilled elven warrior shielding the entire group without strain.

The humanoids gathered, their more animal instincts beckoning them to watch a fight between two alpha males.

Killua sharpened his claws, making his hands harder than steel.

He was bracing himself to catch one of Gon's throws.

How about we prevent that.

Gon chuckled darkly (sending shivers down his own spine), as he picked up another ball. He slicked it with his neurotoxin, just for fun. Wouldn't want Killua touching any of these balls, now would he? Because he would catch them, without hesitation. Gon did not doubt that with his switch flipped and full strength released Killua could catch these throws no problem.

Gon needed to prevent that. He needed to take the lead and keep it.

Because if he lost momentum for even a second, Killua would take the reins and win.

The slippery slope that this fight was, or any fight with Killua for that matter, excited Gon to no end. His friend was a total badass.

Killua frowned as Gon's thick toxin dripped off of the ball. He flung it at Killua with his increased strength, and left only to dodge, the Valkyrie scrambled out of the way.

His entire plan is to meet me head on.

His entire fighting style is to meet me head on!

What will you do now, Killua, now that I have you backed into a corner?

Gon cracked a wicked laugh as he sent another ball hurtling towards Killua. The assassin dodged, and toxin splattered across the matted wall with the impact. He threw ball after ball, harder and harder each time. Killua kept up no matter what, and Gon's heart was burning with excitement.

He never had this much fun fighting before!

Fighting with Killua was the most fun thing in the world!

Everything Killua touched suddenly became more light and fun. It only made sense that fighting all out with him would be a dream.

Gon knew that he was having way too much fun to be considered sane, but that was okay. He loved fighting, and didn't particularly care if people in the audience got a little unnerved by how much fun he was having.

The hybrid rained balls down upon Killua, and the assassin danced in between them with grace. Gon needed to make him scramble! He needed to make him unsure of his ability to safely dodge! Predatory instinct? Yes definitely.

That feeling was back, and Gon felt like he was on fire in his own skin.

But on fire in a good way.

"Whatever else is in his blood is… really dangerous," Leorio breathed.

"No kidding," Kurapika agreed softly. "Displays like this show us his true nature, or at least, his raw nature. This is the most potent clue we will ever have to who Gon truly is. However, we are rendered nothing more but trembling prey before his superiority, unable to properly assess what he could be. Thus is the paradox of possessing mythical blood. I fear that no one will be able to figure this out on their own… and I'm sure Gon had realized that as well. Finding Ging truly is the only way to discover his species."

Gon chucked the next ball, the bones in his ankles starting to feel a little strange. This ball hurtled at Killua just like the others, only this time a sonic boom accompanied its advance. The Valkyrie flung himself out of the way with a startled yell, no time for grace in his movements.

"What the hell?! You just broke the fucking sound barrier!" he yelled at Gon.

"Yeah, can you do that?" Gon taunted as he threw another ball, breaking the sound barrier again. The young audience members with less auditory protection whimpered as they covered their ears, this little dodgeball match really was something else.

"NO, of course not! The hell?! Who the fuck is capable of breaking the goddamn sound barrier when throwing a ball across a ring that isn't even 20 meters across?!"

"Well you better find a different strategy from offense then!" Gon chirped, far too cheerfully for the context of the situation as he cranked another ball back.

Killua recoiled in actual concern for his life as another deadly ball was chucked his way. He was in WAY over his head! Never fucking underestimate Gon, that was for sure. Look what he had done to this innocent sounding kid's game! Although, Killua supposed it was partially his fault too. He had been acting just as confrontational. He just hadn't been able to back up his flashy acts when Gon went all out just like him.

The hybrid grinned at his friend, who was visibly at war both physically and mentally. He scrambled out of the way of the assault of balls, his aura couldn't save him when Gon wasn't affected by it!

"Shit," the Valkyrie cursed, before holding his hands up in surrender.

Gon blinked. Over already? He was just getting started. "You're giving up?" he asked, confused and more than a little disappointed.

"Well yeah! I don't wanna fucking die!"

Gon straightened up from his throwing stance, and dropped the only ball that he hadn't exploded against the wall back to the ground. His feet had burned marks into the trampoline with his aura.

"I win!" Gon cheered, giving an excited little bounce. He shut his aura off, and winced as he released the biochemical. Killua rolled his eyes as he returned back to his normal state as well, and the two boys met in the middle. The audience watched in shock as Gon - who had just been a monster of death and destruction - looped his arm around Killua, and the silver haired boy was completely relaxed as if it was nothing! As if he hadn't almost been killed, and as if he hadn't just seen that horrifying display.

"Yeah, yeah, you won," the Valkyrie grumbled.

The audience shook themselves out of their stupor, and slowly began to clap and cheer. Gon's dodgeball team flooded the ring again and danced around Gon, jumping up and handing off his arms. He was separated from Killua in the fray, the Valkyrie walking off to go stand with Leorio and Kurapika. He didn't like children.

Gon danced with his team, and lifted the elven kid up and onto his shoulders, jumping about in a victory parade. Once they finished being hyper, Gon and his entourage left the dodgeball room. He was swamped by Heaven's Arena followers asking for his autograph, and the kids - who's flashy victory had gone to their heads a little - gloated about giving their leader space, and to make a line.

Gon loved all the attention, it was really cool to have so many people looking up to him and excited for him! Back on Whale Island, everyone had hated him for always winning games. But here, everyone accepted him for who he was and celebrated with him!

Once the madness finally died down, Killua led them off to the empty side of the trampoline park. The antisocial Valkyrie had spent enough time in crowds for one day. He had gotten a swamping of his own, and even though Gon had just won somehow Killua's fanclub was bigger than his.

He didn't mind though! It was funny seeing Killua all annoyed about all these people who were obsessed with talking to him all of a sudden.

"Alright," Kurapika voiced. "Our three and a half hours are up, and I know that a lot of that time was obstructed by your fans," Killua growled at this, "So you can do one more thing."

"Only one?" Gon whined.

"Yes, only one," the Elf responded. "It's almost dinner time, and if we want a good night's sleep for the fights tomorrow then we need to hurry home."

"Aw man," the hybrid sighed.

Killua slung his arm around Gon's shoulder. "Come on, Gon. It's alright. I've had enough of this being out in public bullshit for one day anyways."

"When you go out in public, and the public has the audacity to show up as well," Leorio snickered.

"Can it, old man!" Killua retorted. "Go back to your nursing home, it's probably pudding day and you're missing out."

"You little ASSHOLE!" Leorio yelled, running over to attack Killua. The Valkyrie ran off, and Gon laughed as the two chased each other around across the trampolines.

"Gon!" Killua commanded. "Give me a hand over here!"

The hybrid giggled as he ran over, and double bounced Killua when he crossed by. The Valkyrie laughed out as he was launched into the air, and Leorio tripped over his own feet when Killua was suddenly unnaturally high up.

The silver haired trouble maker landed down a couple of trampolines away, sticking his tongue out at the Goblin. Leorio promptly flipped him off. Killua trotted back over to Gon, and the two walked off to find something to do. Kurapika helped the grumbling Goblin back to his feet, and they followed along as well.

In the far corner of the trampoline park, Gon found something amazing! It was a huge ropes course jungle gym thing! There had been a kid-centered ninja course that he had gone on before the dodgeball game, but this was MUCH better! There were tons of warning signs around, and it was completely empty! Perfect! The more mortal peril the better!

"Killua! We've gotta go to the top!"

"Hell yes, we do!" the Valkyrie agreed, and together they darted up the stairs to the attraction.

"Oh, absolutely not, I am NOT going on that thing!" Leorio complained.

"You don't have to, old man!" Killua shot back.

"Yeah, we know you're afraid of heights!" Gon added.

"HEY–"

"-It's alright, Leorio," Kurapika reassured. "I'll stay down here with you. Someone has to spot these fools, anyways."

The Goblin smiled down at the blonde. "Heh. Thanks, Pika."

Killua scampered up the rope ladders, monkey bars, and oddly shaped hand holds. Kurapika called warning up to them as Killua took reckless jumps on purpose, his tail the only thing keeping him from plummeting to the ground… which was not matted. The only way down was a giant slide at the top.

Gon was rushing to keep up, going too fast to be safe.

"Hey, watch it!" Killua snapped when he had to rush and grab Gon's hand to keep him from falling.

"Sorry," he chirped with his tongue stuck out.

"That was too close!" Kurapika scolded.

"It's alright, Killua's here to save me!" Gon cheered.

"Oh shut up," the Valkyrie grumbled, tossing Gon roughly towards the mesh of rope.

The two of them raced to the top, going way too fast. Killua had to save Gon more than he would have liked, and there were a few calls to close for comfort. Gon had to grab onto him once or twice as well.

Gon grunted as he latched onto the edge of the final platform, too tired to get his leg all the way up. I bet he's super sore from using the biochemical so much. Little idiot. Killua reached up and shoved Gon upwards by the foot. The hybrid laughed at his sudden boost, and tumbled up and onto the top platform.

He peeked over the edge, and held his hand down for Killua. Haloed by the skylight above them, he looked like some sort of angel. Killua ignored the fluttering in his chest and took Gon's hand, trying not to notice how easily Gon dragged his dead weight up.

At the top there were two options leading to the slide. One was a plain old bridge, and the other was a flimsy looking tightrope.

"Oo! I wanna do the tightrope!"

Oh, who would have guessed.

"Are you sure, Gon?" the Valkyrie drawled. "You're not exactly the most agile of people."

"So?" he pouted. "Doesn't mean I can't do it!"

"I can do it no problem, it's you I'm worried about. There's no harness, no safety equipment whatsoever, and if we fall we fall! There's no mat or anything!"

"That makes it more fun, if you ask me!" Gon chirped.

Killua shot him a glare. "Well of course you'd think that."

Gon stuck his tongue out.

Killua rolled his eyes. "Fine, but I'm going first! Do exactly what I do!"

"Yay!" the hybrid cheered.

The silver haired boy shook his head and approached the tightrope. It really was nothing for someone like him. He had done stuff like this all the time during his constant training on Kukuroo Mountain, his balance was flawless. Plus he had his tail going for him.

Gon had raw determination. That was it.

The Valkyrie stepped out onto the tightrope, Kurapika and Leorio like tiny ants on the ground. He was pretty sure he could faintly make out Mamapika telling them not to go across, but was he going to listen? Nope!

Taking tentative steps as not to encourage Gon to be reckless, Killua walked slowly out across the tightrope. He walked toe to ankle, tail stuck out behind him for balance. He kept his arms out also. He didn't need to, but Gon didn't need to get any reckless ideas in his head.

The hybrid was doing shockingly well. He was completely silent, which showed he was focusing. Killua was pleasantly surprised. He had half a mind to make some offhanded comment, but with the two of them halfway across with no way to turn back he didn't want to start anything.

Everything was running smoothly, until Gon suddenly lost his balance and started to waver. "WoAH!" the hybrid exclaimed through clenched teeth as he waved his arms about in the air, about to plummet to his death at any second. Killua's heart lurched in his chest, and he whipped his head back to Gon, a desperate and all consuming fear in his eyes.

"Gon!" Killua squeaked in horror, right before the hybrid leaned forward at the last second and grabbed onto Killua's waist, regaining his balance. Heart racing in his chest, Killua readjusted his tail to balance the both of them. Luckily Gon still had his footing.

"That was TOO close!" came Leorio's voice from below, his the only one loud and obnoxious enough to carry.

"Yeah, it was! What the hell Gon?! Remember when I said you were too big of a clutz for something like this?!" Killua snapped, an uncomfortable amount of adrenaline still pumping through his body and making his legs shake. He almost fucking died! He needs to stop smiling like that!

Gon merely gave a sheepish grin, "Sorry Killua!"

"Sorry is right, you complete moron! Now don't you think of letting go! You're staying right there till we're off cause I'm not taking any chances!" Killua leaned back to flick him in the forehead, before continuing on at a faster pace, but still one that Gon could keep up with.

The Valkyrie was fuming, but he couldn't focus on his anger… not with Gon's strong hands wrapped steadily around his waist. They were right above his hip bones, and everywhere they touched felt hot as magma beneath Killua's clothing. His face was gaining heat, and he needed to hurry up and get off this stupid tight rope because Gon was doing things to his stomach that were not friend-like.

"I like the feel of Killua's waist in my hands," Gon thought. "It's so slender. But it's also so strong. I can feel his muscles through his clothing, yet he still manages to be curvy and graceful." Gon didn't think much of it, he always liked touching Killua!

Killua sighed in relief as he hopped off the tightrope. He felt a little sad when Gon's hands left his waist… but did they stay there for a second longer than necessary? No! Of course not! That was all in Killua's stupid-gay-thoughts-head.

"Let's hurry and go down this slide already," he grumbled. "I'm just about ready to crash."

"Okay!" Gon cheered, skipping along after his friend like always.

Killua grabbed onto the top of the huge tube slide, getting water-park vibes. He sat himself down onto the mouth, and was preparing to fling himself down, when suddenly Gon crashed against his back and pushed them both down together! Killua gasped as his friend's legs wrapped around his from behind, and the force of the sliding sent him flush back against Gon's chest. He might as well have been in Gon's lap! He was in Gon's lap! What the hell?!

The silver haired boy tried to stay calm and enjoy the slide. Gon was laughing joyously behind him, why couldn't he do the same?

Well… that was easy.

Because all Killua could think about was Gon. And whenever Gon got to close he kind of lost his mental fortitude.

The slide couldn't have ended any sooner, and the two of them were flung out and onto the floor before Leorio and Kurapika. The older two glared down at them with crossed arms, and Gon just waved like a total jackass.

Killua got himself out of Gon's lap as fast as he possibly could, he couldn't handle any suggestive comments from Kuraipka at this point. He was already flustered enough as it was!
After a quick lecture from Kurapika about doing reckless things and risking their lives needlessly, the four were leaving the trampoline park and returning to their hotel room. The past few days had been fun, as well as trying for Killua's heart. He now understood the scope of these feelings… as well as saw that they went way too deep for his comfort. He had a finalized goal in mind now:

He needed to keep his feelings from Gon, as well as his sexuality just to be sure. And on top of that, he could never allow himself to defile Gon's image. He could not have sexual thoughts or feelings about Gon. He could have an innocent crush on him… but that was crossing a line. He was fairly certain this was something he could handle… yeah. He could do this. That dream was definitely just a one time thing.

Gon's friendship was all he needed. He could never ask for anything more.

Luckily, the Heavan's Arena fights were about to start back up, and Killua would have a perfect way to distract himself. Him and Gon would move the four of them offsite, and that would put them one step closer to finding Ging and solving the mystery to Gon's species.


AN: now that THAT'S out of my system we can move onto the actual plot of this arc... lol