AN: new concept: Gay-Panic-Gon


Gon woke up, feeling like he was laying in a pile of feathers. Everything around him was so soft and warm, and his face was buried into some sort of fluffy cat's fur…

He couldn't remember what exactly he had dreamed, but he knew that Killua had been a part of every single scene. A smile slid across his features… Killua. Killua was back, Gon had apologized, and now Gon knew the whole story! Not only that, but Killua had trusted him enough to tell Gon that he was gay! Honestly, Gon had already had a feeling, but just Killua telling him that made him so happy inside!

Gon sighed, snuggling closer to the fluffy thing he was wrapped up in.

"Hey, don't squeeze me to death," Killua chuckled.

Wait? Killua?

Oh yeah!

Gon had convinced Killua to sleep in the same bed as him!

This was the best day ever!

Gon immediately started purring, and squeezed Killua even closer. That fluffy fur had actually been Killua's hair, and the soft warmth was Killua's silky smooth skin. Gon inhaled deeply, warmth swirling about in his chest. Killua's scent covered him like a warm blanket, making him feel all wiggly. If Gon had a tail, it would be wagging right about now. He supposed he did have a tail, actually, though it was the final stage of his transformation.

"Well good morning to you too," Killua sighed, squirming in Gon's hold. His tail swished back and forth, occasionally brushing up against Gon's legs. Gon always slept with his curtains open, so the sun could greet him every morning. Based on the position of the light, though, they had slept all the way to mid day!

Killua wormed his way upwards, wiggling through Gon's tight embrace until they were nose to nose on the pillow. "Hey, I really missed you. Ya know that?" the Valkyrie murmured.

Gon cracked his eyes open…

Completely and utterly underestimating Killua's beauty… and his own homosexuality.

The moment Gon opened his eyes, he was drowning in a sea of sapphire blue. Killua's eyes were soft, swirling with emotion. They were so close that Gon could see the little flecks of purple and gray, and even the reflection of his own face. Killua's nose was also brushing against his, and Gon could taste his words on his lips.

Oh no.

This was certainly a new development.

Though one he should have expected, considering the circumstances.

Gon's chest spasmend, and his face flushed so red so fast he might as well have been a tea kettle. "Uh, hi," he choked out lamely.

Dammit. I need to act normal! Why can't I be normal?!

Killua giggled, giggled.

Oh, Gon was so dead.

Anddddd, this is dangerous, Gon thought, quickly sitting up.

Shit.

Why did Killua have to be so damn adorable?

And why did Gon have to be so damn gay–

"Hey, I've been wondering," Killua asked, lying lazily on his side. He flung the covers off and stretched big, his shirt riding up and showing off his muscular stomach. Shit. Killua was practically made of sex appeal. "How'd you manage to beat my brother? And Hisoka? That couldn't have been easy."

"Uh, trade secret," Gon responded quickly, gluing his eyes to the ocean out the window. Namely NOT on Killua and his flawless skin that Gon could now confirm felt like silk. Like damn, what the fuck kind of lotion did he use? Was it genetic? Did all Valkyrie's skin feel like that?

Killua's your best friend!

Just act fucking normal!

You just got him back, stop thinking not friend things!

Killua fixed him with an annoyed glare, that damn tail swishing about in displeasure. He looked like he was ready to tie Gon to the bed and punish him–

No.

Stop.

Gon knew exactly where these damned thoughts were coming from, and that was EXACTLY why he needed to STOP thinking stuff like that! (It made sense if you knew the context).

"Come on, Gon. Don't be a jackass," Killua complained.

"Not telling!" Gon chirped, choosing the banter route. Yup. Perfect. Nothing like one of their usual bickering matches to make him remember that he loved being Killua's FRIEND. YEAH. HEAR THAT BRAIN?! FRIEND!

"Fine," the Valkyrie sighed, rolling off the bed and onto his feet. "You did save me, so I guess I'll just have to accept your terms."

"Messaging and data rates may apply! Must be eighteen years or older to order!" Gon exclaimed, following Killua out of his bedroom and down the hallway.

"The use of the Heavan's Arena facilities are completely free of charge, and offered willingly," Killua prattled on without pause. "Just remember to meet your scheduling deadline."

"Submission of bodily payment may be requested under the circumstance of stray clowns!" they rattled off in unison, cackling as they exited the hallway, entering the living and kitchen space.

They both froze, however, when they walked in. For Leorio and Kurapika were sitting at the kitchen table, hunched over a detailed map of the city with several random objects laid all over it. They each had a coffee mug, and looked like they were stressed out of their minds.

The four gaped at each other, and Leorio was the first to react.

"What the hell are you guys doing here?!"

"Mamapika?" Killua breathed.

"Child?" he squeaked.

"Holy shit that is Killua!" Leorio gasped, almost falling out of his wheelchair.

Killua and Kurapika sprinted to meet each other in the middle. Killua flung himself into the Elf's arms, and Kurapika spun him around in circles. "You're back?!" Killua exclaimed, then started beating the blonde over the head. "What the actual fuck! You just vanished on us, man!"

"I could say the same for you!" Kurapika exclaimed, putting Killua down and smacking his hands away. "I tried to chase you down after your battle with Gon but you just ignored me and ran off!"

"What?! I didn't know you were back then!" Killua turned on Gon, and the hybrid threw his hands up in surrender. "Gon! Why the fuck didn't you tell me Kurapika was back?!"

Gon smiled sheepishly, waving his hands back and forth. "It had slipped my mind!"

"Yeah, sure it did! You were far too busy drooling on me in your sleep to stop to think!"

"Hey! I don't do that!"

"Oh, then what's this then? Fucking sweat?" the Valkyrie snapped sassily, dragging his hand through his hair and showing off the thick strand of Gon's slobber that was very much all over him. "Yeah! Thought so!"

"Ah! Lemme get a towel!" Gon squeaked, rushing into the kitchen. Kurapika cracked up laughing, and Leorio shook his head, rubbing the tears out of his eyes.

"It's real good to have you back, kiddo," Leorio cheered, rolling over to Killua and Kurapika's reunion. The Elf stood with his arm laced through Killua's like an elderly mother, and Gon darted over to start scrubbing his spit out of Killua's hair.

"Gon, when did you and Killua make up? What happened?"

The two boys fell a little quiet, meeting each other's gazes and sharing an awkward chuckle. It was weird… thinking about all the stuff they'd gone through. Everything that had happened between them. They'd made up, but still. It was weird. It felt almost like they were on thin ice… and that was exactly why Gon couldn't let his feelings slip up.

He had to secure his friendship with Killua.

Nothing more than that. He wouldn't even consider Killua returning his affections at this point. That would add far too much strain between them.

The four of them sat down at the kitchen table. Killua told his story, and Kurapika told his in turn. Killua gave the same speech he'd given to Gon last night to Leorio and Kurapika, and Kurapika gave the same speech he'd given to Gon and Leorio to Killua.

Once the water was cleared up, but felt like the sun had just shone through the clouds. The whole gang was finally back together! It felt like it had been an eternity… and even now it felt like things were even more peaceful. After everything they'd been through, Gon felt like they were truly family now.

"So~" Killua said with a suggestive smirk. Kurapika fixed him with a warning glance, though the Valkyrie completely ignored it. "Tell me about the Dilf~"

"Not another word!" Kurapika snapped, Killua just cackled evilly. Gon snickered into his hand. Gods, he'd missed this so much.

"No! You're clearly head over heels, spill the tea, sis!" Killua sneered, gesturing dramatically with his hand.

"Honestly," Kurapika growled. "Sometimes I wonder who raised you."

"Professional assassins, it's where I get my dramatic flair~"

Gon laughed out loud, leaning against Killua in his chair. Shit, it felt like he was high, just from being around Killua… listening to him talk. Damn. He was crushing so hard. This was probably going to turn into a problem.

"Really, dude," Leorio pressed. "You said he confessed to you! He offered you a spot on the Phantom Troupe! What are you gonna say?!"

"I must meet this man!" Killua declared, slapping his hand against the table, making the silver ware clatter together. "There will be no marriage without my approval!"

"Zip it, problem child," Kurapika grumbled, face flaming. "There's… more to it than that."

"You sure about that?" Leorio asked softly. Killua ceased his antics, himself and Gon quieting down to let Leorio say his peace. "I mean… this is just me but, I get the feeling that you really care about this guy. Much as you hate to admit it. He's spent almost three years chasing after your approval, doing everything in his power to make amends. You've already forgiven him… haven't you?"

"I…" Kurapika pinched the bridge of his nose. "How can I just compromise the honor of my clan in that way? By forgiving Chrollo, I will be dirtying their deaths, casting shame upon the lives that they led… is it really okay, for me to join him? Do I truly have the right to forgive him in the place of all of the Kurta?"

Leorio's eyebrows drew together. "You clearly care about your clan more than anything. Those wounds are still there. Some may have healed, but the scars will always remain. Let's put it this way: would your clan want you to sacrifice your happiness for their sake?"

"Joining him would not grant me happiness–"

"-We know that's a lie." Leorio murmured, gesturing to himself, Gon, and Killua. "You've told us your story, about your strange relationship with the Spiders. We see what you've gone through, and we can see it in your eyes. You've already moved past that. You know who your true enemy is, Tserriednich. You can't continue along this path on your own, and Chrollo has demonstrated that he cares for you and is more than ready to assist you. In the end, accepting Chrollo's help would further along your clan, wouldn't it? As of now, it's just you. You being unwilling to allow yourself the happiness you know you wish for."

Kurapika took a shuddering breath, rubbing his temples.

"It's okay to love someone other than your clan, Kurapika. You're not jeopardizing their place in your heart."

"But there's so much more than that!" Kurapika exclaimed.

"Is there? Chrollo has apologized time and again. He wants to honor your clan just as much as you do. He may have been the one to physically commit the murder of your people, but he's moved past that stage of his life. Look at Killua. Look at Gon. Both of them have seen horrible things, and they've moved past that. They've made up, and they've come out stronger for it. We can't tell you what the correct decision is, but we can help you find peace of mind in what will bring you peace. We want the best for you, Kurapika. You're a total badass! It's the truth! You'd make an incredible Floor Master, and an even badder Spider. I say join the Phantom Troupe! Reform their name! Help them help others, help them help you."

"You're guy is waiting for you," Killua murmured. "Go ride that–"

"-Don't you dare finish that sentence, young man," Kurapika snapped. Killua smirked a cat-like smirk. The Elf sighed. "Thank you all, truly. I think… that I've made my decision."

"Yay!" Gon cheered.

Leorio and Killua high fived across the table.

"We found mother a wife! Lesbian power couple!" Killua yelled victoriously.

"I call best man!" Leorio declared.

Kurapika shook his head, knowing that there was no point in attempting to stop it. "Shall we travel to the Arena? We still have Gon's reading with Neon."

"Oh yeah! Let's go right now!" Gon exclaimed, shooting to his feet.

"Well, kid, ya ready?" Nobunaga asked.

"Hn!" Gon nodded.

He was standing outside the door to Neon's rooms, Killua at his side and Kurapika and Leorio backing him up. Nobunaga had escorted them. She resided at the very tippy top of the Heaven's Arena, living a life of luxury. The Spiders had bought her and her mafia-affiliating father off, gaining control of all of their connections and sway over the underworld. Using those resources, the Heaven's Arena had flourished under their management, and their mission to make Yorknew a better place had soared to incredible heights.

"Good luck, tell me what she says, okay? I'll be right out here!" Nobunaga said with a grin, opening the door and letting the four males inside.

"Thanks, Naga!" Gon chirped, waving as he crossed through.

Neon's reading room was darkly lit, with thick maroon curtains draped from the ceiling. Candles adorned the walls, and whimsical golden statues were carved into almost every surface. At the end of the rectangular room, and perched behind an extravagant desk on the dais, sat a young woman. She had long, baby blue hair and sparkling blue eyes. She was dressed in plum purple robes, with thousands of sparkling jewels dripping from her like raindrops.

Gon stepped up onto the dais, and bowed respectfully before her. Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio lined up behind him, doing the same.

"Hello!" the girl giggled, surprising Gon. He'd thought she'd be more serious considering all the lecturing on etiquette they'd just gotten from her father…

"I'm Neon, as I'm sure you know by now, and you must be Gon!"

"Uh, yeah!" Gon responded, straightening up.

"Who're your friends back there?" Neon asked, waving flirtatiously at Killua, who frowned in displeasure. Gon choked down his territorial growl.

Wait, territorial growl?

Where the hell had that come from?!

Gon sweatdropped. Well that was a new one.

"This is Kurapika, Killua, and Leorio," Gon answered, gesturing to each.

"It's great to meet you all!" Neon giggled. "Shall we begin the reading?"

"Yeah!" Gon exclaimed, maybe sounding a bit to rushed. It was just, he was so close. He hadn't gotten one clue on Ging over these entire almost three years! He was so close to finally locating him… and he was buzzing with excitement.

"Sit down across from me!" Neon instructed, pointing to the chair in front of her desk. Gon obeyed, pulling out the chair and sitting down. The other three males watched on with curiosity. It was rare to see a Witch at work, especially a psychic-reading witch.

Witch's were humanoids born into the use of Magic, without having to use any Blood or aura. They were the original Sorcerers, though they were near extinct and extremely low ranked.

"Lay your palms face up on the table and close your eyes."

Gon followed Neon's instructions.

"It'll just feel a little cold, kay?"

Gon nodded.

"Now, what would you like to know?"

"I want to know… where my father is. Ging Freecss."

Neon's fingers hovered over his, and a chilling Power effused from her, tickling Gon's bare skin. A shiver ran up his spine, and the surface of his Blood Energy Pocket rippled in response to Neon's Magic.

It was all over in an instant.

Neon was clearly incredibly skilled in her craft, if she only needed a few moments to locate the answer Gon was seeking.

"You can open your eyes now!" Neon chirped.

Gon did so, and removed his hands from the table. Neon cracked her knuckles, and leaned back against the cushions in her chair. "Now, are you ready to hear your fortune?"

"Yes," Gon exclaimed, leaning forward. This was so weird, here Neon was, acting all bubbly and nonchalant, when all of Gon's hopes and dreams were hanging off her every word.

Gon was drawn aback when Neon's eyes suddenly turned completely black, and her voice fell into a low and raspy trance. "In order to find the man you seek, you must travel to the Port at Nesting and Sky. In exactly six months' time, Ging Freecss will show his face there. But your chance will be fleeting, and in order to catch him you must follow him and never look back, or else he will disappear, lost to the stars and never to be seen again."

Neon closed her eyes, and a chill ran up Gon's spine. He could hardly breathe.

The Port at Nesting and Sky. He'd heard of that place. It was really famous, and almost halfway across the world. It was the only port connecting the Northern Continent to the rest of the planet, the only way in, and the only way out. Ships of all kinds exchanged goods there, and all kinds of people used it as a stop on their journeys.

Of course Ging would be there. It felt so… right.

Gon felt himself getting that feeling again, and his heart raced in his chest.

"Did your answer please you?" Neon asked, eyes and voice now back to normal.

"Yes! Thank you! This has helped me more than you could ever know!" Gon leapt from his chair, hyper and wanting to dance and sing. He leaned across the desk, and kissed Neon swiftly on the cheek.

"Neon, you're the best!" he exclaimed.

The Witch giggled and blushed, waving shyly at Gon as he jumped off the dais.

He hopped down right in front of Killua, who looked a little disgruntled. But Gon was far too hyper to wonder about that! He knew where Ging was! Or at least, where he would be! Gon grabbed Killua's hands, and danced him in circles on the way to the door. Leorio and Kurapika chuckled as they followed along. "Did you hear that Killua?!" Gon yelled.

The Valkyrie laughed breathily, any grumpiness completely wiped away. "Yeah! The Port at Nesting and Sky! Ging will be there in six months' time!"

"WOO HOO!" Gon cheered as he rushed out the doors. "Nobunaga! Ging's gonna be at the Port at Nesting and Sky in six months!" Gon yelled over his shoulder to the older male as he sprinted for the elevator.

"Is that so?" he called back, a grin on his face. "Good luck, kid! I know you can do it!"

"Thanks Nagaaaa!"

"You're welcome!" the Spider called, voice echoing against the marble hallways. Kurapika and Leorio barely managed to catch up with Gon and Killua in the elevator, and stood panting as the doors shut behind them.

"What's you guys' move now?" Leorio asked, ruffling Gon's hair once he'd caught his breath.

"We're gonna need to leave right away!" Gon exclaimed, jumping up and down in his excitement.

"Yeah, we're gonna have to haul ass across an entire hemisphere if we're gonna catch him in time," Killua added, leaning casually against the railing.

"And then you'll go to Kukuroo Mountain?" Kurapika asked.

"Yup! To save Alluka!" Gon cheered. Killua smiled to himself, hiding his eyes beneath his bangs. "This is great! I feel like everything's all coming together!"

The elevator stopped at the lobby, and Gon sprinted for the front door. "Thankssss Menchiii!" Gon cheered to the receptionist they'd signed in with on their first arrival. The woman looked up in confusion, then waved enthusiastically.

Gon pushed through the enormous glass doors, and out into the sparkling sunlight. He ran across the street in front of the enormous building, and stopped in the circular garden in the center of Heaven's Square. He stared up at the enormous building, shielding his eyes from the sun as he craned his neck.

"Killua, I feel like everything's finally snapped into place! WoAh–"

"-Not everything! Look!" Killua whispered gleefully, pulling Gon around to look behind them.

"Oh my gosh!" Gon whisper-screamed. "Leorio! Come'ere!"

"What? OH SHIT!" the Goblin whispered back, rushing over to Gon and Killua.

The three of them huddled off to the side, watching as Kurapika a ways away. There was a tall man approaching him, with pitch black hair and enormous feathery wings. People stopped on the streets to gawk at him. His face was known all over. He was Chrollo Lucilfer. The head of the Spider, and the most powerful of all the Floor Masters.

"Leaving so soon?" the Angel asked.

"Shit! His voice is so hot!" Killua squeaked, tail swishing appreciatively behind him.

"Fuck me, men like that are the reason I'm bi," Leorio whimpered. "I never stood a chance."

"Don't beat yourself up, Leorio!" Gon whispered softly, patting the Goblin on the back. "You'll find an even hotter guy!"

"Or girl…"

"No, a guy. Gay is always better," Killua snapped.

Gon snickered and the two of them high fived, Leorio rolled his eyes and jostled them both to keep paying attention.

"So what if I am?" Kurapika shot back, aura hostile.

A crowd was starting to gather. Was the leader of the Phantom Troupe about to get in a fight?! In the middle of Heaven's Square?!

Gon swore on his life that was a news helicopter he heard.

"You'd leave without saying goodbye?" Chrollo asked smoothly, eyebrows drawn together.

"I have no obligation to linger," the Elf snapped.

Gon whined low in his throat, "Why is Kurapika being so mean?"

"He's a tsundere, remember?" Killua scolded.

"My offer still stands," the Angel murmured.

"He looks so sad!" Gon whined. "Look at his eyes! He's so in love!"

"This is just sad," Leorio complained. "Only a sad man would simp for three straight years!"

"You missed your shot, old man, now shut up and let me watch the gayness unfold!" Killua hissed, way too invested than entirely necessary.

"And?" Kurapika growled.

Chrollo's shoulders sank. "I won't be wandering the world anymore. I'll be right here. We will no longer run into each other around every corner. I suppose I came out here to say goodbye, considering I am not likely to hear from you for a long time."

"And just where did this deduction come from? Who said I was leaving?"

The Angel's wings twitched in shock.

"You did."

"Really? Tell me, when did I say that?" Kurapika asked, approaching the Spider.

"Just now."

"No. You're the one who said I was leaving. I never specifically stated my plans."

"What do you mean?" Chrollo asked slowly. Gon could hear his heart speeding up from all the way over here.

Kurapika grabbed the raven's collar, and tugged him down, kissing him roughly and briskly on the mouth. The blonde broke the kiss the second it started, but the Angel was completely frozen up, eyes wide and mouth gaping with shock. A couple of feathers came loose from his wings, and the gathered crowd was completely silent, multiple people recording… including what was now four different news helicopters and channels.

"If you must know," Kurpapika murmured directly into Chrollo's ear, holding him uncomfortably hunched over to meet the shorter male's height. "I'm not going anywhere. We have a Demon Lord to defeat, don't we?"

Chrollo gasped, and just stood motionless as Kurapika released him and turned to leave.

Ohhh, but Killua was not having that! And neither was Gon!

The two boys sprinted over, trapping Kurapika and keeping him from making his escape.

"So you're Chrollo, huh?" Killua drawled, swishing his tail and standing on his tiptoes to meet his gaze head on.

"Child–" Kurapika scolded, only to be interrupted by Killua.

"-What's your opinion on motherhood?"

"Um–"

"-Killua! Please!" Kurapika hissed, tugging him out of Chrollo's face by his hood. The Valkyrie just snickered.

"Hello again, Mister Chrollo!" Gon chirped, assuming his role as the obedient child. Leorio brooded on over, very obviously looking Chrollo up and down, clearly judging him and showing his disapproval.

"Please, just call me Chrollo," the Angel responded, beginning to regain his composure, though his eyes kept slipping back to Kurapika, who was refusing to meet his gaze.

"Just how much do you like Kurapika, huh?" Killua taunted, weaseling out of Kurapika's swift hands.

"Uh–"

"-Just how far does your love run?"

"-I'm sorry–"

"-Have you discussed sharing custody?"

"What?" "KILLUA!" The two asked - and yelled - at the same time.

"That's quite enough!" Kurpaika hissed, pulling at Killua's ear, who cackled like the little jerk that he was. Gon giggled, and Leorio just continued standing back and staring daggers at Chrollo.

If this didn't scare Chrollo off then nothing would!

"I approve," Killua declared, extending his forearm for Chrollo to take. Kurapika loosened his hold on Killua, but stayed within arms reach of him. Gon watched happily as Killua clasped forearms with the Spider, he was being so sociable! "You have my permission to fuck my mother."

And… there he went again.

Chrollo threw his head back and laughed, and Kurapika activated Chain Jail! An extreme overreaction, but nothing else was working so Gon supposed he didn't blame him?

"I understand Uvo's comment on your 'spunk,'" the Angel chuckled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Killua. I hope we meet again."

"Oh trust me! We will!" Gon cheered as he was manhandled away by Kurapika.

"Do not listen to a word they say!" Kurapika ordered, dragging his three ducklings into the first taxi he laid eyes on. Chrollo grinned and waved goodbye. That had been one of the strangest encounters he'd taken part in, but something about being accepted into whatever… strange… group, of sorts that had been, felt like the greatest honor of all.

"Don't worry, Mamapika, I'll call him daddy too–"

"-That is your final warning!"

Gon snickered as he watched Kurapika chase Killua in circles around himself and Leorio. They were saying goodbye… in their own little way. The four of them were finally splitting up. Kurapika was becoming a Floor Master and formulating a plan to attack Tserriednich. Leorio would be out of fighting commission for a while, but with all the money he'd earned he could now pay for medical school! Gon and Killua would be continuing on their journey, traveling to Nesting and Sky to finally catch Ging.

These past few months had been incredible… and Gon really didn't want them to end. He leaned down to hug Leorio in his wheelchair. "I'm really gonna miss you," he mumbled against that scaly skin.

"Yeah," the Goblin sniffled, "Me too, kid. Me too."

But at the same time… Gon was more ready than anything to finally complete his journey. After this, they'd save Alluka… and then Gon could finally return to Whale Island. He'd promised Mito he'd only come back once he found Ging and located his species… his journey was seriously coming to a close. It was funny to think about.

"Killua! Kurapika!" Leorio wailed. "Get over here, dammit! We're saying goodbye!"

The Valkyrie and the Elf listened, stopping their antics to join in on the embrace. The four of them piled into Leorio's wheelchair, dogpiling on top of the Goblin, who was a hysterical mess. "DAMMIT! I DON'T WANNA LEAVE YOU GUYS! I LOVE YOU, MAN! THE WHOLE LOT A' YA!"

The four of them were standing on the far edge of the city, facing the northeast. Leorio and Kurapika would both be staying in Yorknew City, but they'd be too busy to visit often. Gon and Killua were heading far, far away… back on the open road, sleeping together under the stars.

The thought made Gon's heart stir. It'd been so long since it was just him and Killua…

No city traffic… no city lights… just the crackling of the fire and Killua's soft breathing…

Gon sighed, he didn't want to leave, but at the same time he wanted to go right now.

"Don't burst a blood vessel, old man," Killua murmured. Voice soft and caring… unlike what he was saying.

"You jerk! I fucking love you, man!"

"I love you two, old man," Killua said, voice wavering.

Aww!

Gon's heart spasmed. This was so cute!

The four of them broke up, and Killua threw himself into Kurapika's arms for one last time.

"Seduce him for me, okay child?" Kurapika mumbled against Kurapika's fluffy white main, too quiet for Gon or Leorio to hear.

"Yeah, right. I'll keep dreaming," the Valkyrie murmured. "For now… I've gotta focus on solidifying what we have now. Nothing more, nothing less. It helps knowing he's pan though… I've got hope. You were right all along, Mom. He accepts me no matter what. I should have just listened to you from the very beginning," Killua tried to laugh, but just ended up with a sob.

Kurapika squeezed him tight. "Oh, baby. I'll always be here for you. You have to write, okay?"

"Yeah. You're my mother, don't forget it."

"Never."

"Good luck defeating Terror Sandwich."

Kurapika chuckled. "That's not his name, but thank you."

The two of them broke their embrace, both wiping tears from their cheeks. Gon couldn't contain himself anymore, he launched himself onto Killua, embracing him from behind. He couldn't stand to see him cry.

The Valkyrie chuckled through his tears, wrapping his arms under Gon's legs and hoisting him up onto his back. Gon buried his face in the crook of Killua's neck. "You okay?"

Killua nodded, "Yeah. You?"

Gon grinned. "So long as you're happy, I'm the happiest guy in the world."

Killua grumbled and dropped him. Gon squeaked as he crashed to the ground. "If you're gonna say embarrassing shit then I'm not carrying your fat ass!"

Gon pouted as he picked himself up, brushing the dust off his pants. Kurapika and Leorio giggled, savoring this final moment.

"We'll all meet up again, right?" Leorio asked tentatively.

"Yeah! Of course!" Gon cheered. "Once we've all reached our goals, we need to meet back up and share all our crazy stories!"

"Well we won't have any crazy stories unless we hurry up and get outta here," Killua declared. "You ready, Gon?"

"Yeah!"

The two boys walked off towards the northeast, waving at Kurapika and Leorio, the older two waving right back.

"Goodbye!" Gon cried. "We'll miss you!"

"Don't die, old man!" Killua instructed. "Always use protection, Mom! I'm an only child! I'll kill the little shit if you screw around!"

Kurapika flipped him off, his threats carried away on the wind. Killua snickered, and looked at his adopted parents one last time, before glancing over at Gon. The two boys grinned at each other, before taking off across the grassy plain. Kurapika and Leorio waived until they were out of sight, lost once again on their own little adventure.

Even through it all, even as the winds of utter freedom rustled his hair and favorite jacket. Even as Killua's twinkling laughter made his heart sing. Even as such a dazzling hope for what was to come sent Gon's entire world into sparkling new colors, it was still there.

It was still on his mind.

This heaviness.

This all encompassing knowledge.

Killua… Killua had shared everything with Gon. The darkest side of himself, he'd laid it all bare. He'd disclosed his most guarded memories, shown Gon his darkest colors. He'd displayed his trust in Gon fully and unconditionally.

But still…

Gon hadn't done the same in return. He hadn't shared his darkest mistakes. Fears. Failures. In fact, Killua didn't even know that a dark side existed in Gon's mind. He had no idea… yet even still.

Here he stood, ever at Gon's side, blessing him with his sparkling presence.

And that stinging knowledge that he hadn't fully shared himself with Killua… that sensation of bile in the back of his throat, reminding him that he had yet to return the favor… it was stirring up all those old memories. Raising them to the surface like long buried silt from the bottom of the ocean.

All those things… that Gon had tried so hard to forget.


AN: FUCKING FINALLY! the Yorknew City Arc is finally over! now all we have to do is find Ging, rescue Alluka, and this fic will be completed! ...let's see how long it takes me to actually write that oof. (and obviously Gon and Killua gotta hook up along the way because its a fucking love story, smh)