When Gon woke up the next morning, it wasn't a slow, peaceful return to waking. He wasn't leisurely lulled from slumber by the warmth of Killua's body, or by any limbs buzzing from loss of circulation. Every other morning after every other night he had spent sleeping side by side with the runaway prince, sleep had clung to the edges of Gon's mind.

He'd always been unwilling to wake up, wanting to stay snug against Killua's warmth for as long as he could before they'd be forced to get up and start the day… it had only been until he'd gotten that warmth ripped away from him that he'd finally realized the implications of such sentiments.

This morning, however, was entirely different.

His unconscious mind was still stirring with the buzz of fire and pleasure, his heart still pulsating and bleeding at the edges; burst from the spilling of feelings and pulled apart at the seams from their unconditional reciprocation.

But even so, Gon was still disbelieving. Last night had been… had been…

It had meant everything to him. He'd thrown his entire heart and soul out before Killua, and he'd been enveloped in the velvety warmth of that embrace. He'd finally shared what he'd been dying to admit to, and in a glorious shower of sparks and flame Killua had pulled him close and sewn him back together again. He'd sealed his heart back up in his chest, burying the key to his own beneath the safety of Gon's breast bone.

And right there, curled up around his heart, was a delicate little thing. Something fuzzy, yet scalding to the touch. It was small, it felt so fragile. Yet it was stronger than steel. It was a gift from Killua, a bundle of emotion, shared emotion. Something that wasn't a heartsick wish on Gon's part, or an unanswered call on Killua's.

No, it was something they shared. It was a combination of both their thoughts, of both their feelings and dreams. It was so incredibly small. So unfathomably delicate and vulnerable. It was new love, freshly sowed and trembling on new legs as if first held its head up to observe the world around it.

It was something so easily ripped away. Something so easily broken. Gon had gotten Killua for one night, and he was terrified that he'd wake up–

And find that it was all for naught.

No more than a figment of his lovesick imagination.

No more than a misinterpretation on Gon's part…

He was terrified that the invaluable little bundle huddled against his heart had never existed in the first place… it was just so small. So new and so unscarred by this unforgiving world.

So the moment the tiniest sliver of wakefulness fogged its breath against the glass of Gon's mind, he was up in a flash.

His eyes snapped open, his entire body jerking, seizing up in a blind terror.

Was it real? Had it all been nothing but some incredible dream?

And that's when Gon found Killua nestled against his chest.

Killua, tucked up under his chin and lying flush against his body.

Closer than a friend would be, not separated by the space of a pillow or splayed lazily like a sleepy companion.

But no.

His touch was gentle, his body close and warm.

This was… different. This was…

The morning after.

That's when Gon's insides turned to a bubbling mush, boiling as his heart pumped in his chest. The new thing, the new love, burned against his heart. It raged with emotion, something so small making such a big fit that tears rose up in Gon's eyes.

It was real. None of it had been a figment of his imagination.

"I love you so much."

Killua had actually said that, meant it from the bottom of his heart as he cupped Gon's face in his hands. So gentle… so breakable. Gon felt like Killua would crumble to dust before his eyes if he clung too tightly.

His stomach danced and twisted, his skin tingled with sensation. It seemed that now Gon was even more flustered, confession and first heated dance with ecstasy be damned.

It was just–

Killua was just–

He was right there!

Right here! In Gon's arms! There was no longer anything standing between them! All those walls, all those barriers holding them apart were gone! Nothing but an echo on the wind! Killua was free for Gon to kiss, for him to hug and hold and love.

There were no more urges Gon had to suppress anymore–

Anything was on the table–

They're friendship had held literally nothing back, had practically been a romantic relationship all on its own. Gon had no doubt in his mind that a real romantic relationship between the two of them would be no different. All or nothing, just as all consuming.

Oh, gods.

If Gon had thought he'd been falling before, then he'd been completely and utterly naive.

This was a fall.

Right here, unraveling in Killua's arms when the other wasn't even awake yet… he wasn't even being assaulted by those eyes, no! Killua's full power wasn't activated! He wasn't even turned on at the moment, yet he was still burning into the backs of Gon's lids!

Gon whimpered, curling around Killua and doing all in his power not to just squeeze the life out of him right then and there. His skin was so warm against Gon's… his sleep slackened grip so gentle and soft… His hair was still mussed from sex, even though they hadn't even done anything. Not compared to Gon's wild track record, anyway.

Killua…

He was so perfect. So innocent.

Gon was nothing but a lowly sinner before him. How was it that someone such as him deigned to bless Gon with his grace?

He grazed his fingers over the wisps of that silvery hair. Gon reveled in Killua's warmth against his body… nothing between them whatsoever. There were still tears dried up in the corners of Gon's eyes, still sticky fluid crusted to both of their stomachs. The bed was tattered, the pillows ripped apart. They lay tangled in the quilts, a dusting of pillow down blanketing the two of them like a fresh coat of snow.

Killua's chest rose and fell; he slept soundly, his tail tangled around Gon's waist and right thigh. Those arms were locked around Gon's chest, legs wrapped around Gon's left one. They were laid back against a mountain of ripped pillows and their shredded cases. But Killua was far softer than any of the nest Gon lay back against.

Never.

He was never letting go.

Not after this. Killua was his now. He was all for Gon. No one else could have him like Gon could, never. Never in a million years. Gon had latched on, and now he was never letting go. He only feared that his grip would break Killua apart if he clung too fast…

Gon startled when Killua squirmed against his chest, his arms and tail tightening their grip as he sighed. Killua tucked himself closer, nuzzling his face into the hollow of his neck. Gon's chest buzzed with affection, and he immediately squeezed Killua close, as tight as he possibly could.

The Valkyrie grumbled in his sleep, and pulled himself up by Gon's shoulders so they lay face to face. Those sapphire eyes blinked sleepily back at him, still half asleep. Gon had never been so aware of Killua's beauty as he was in that moment.

Unable to contain himself, he leaned forward and pressed a swift kiss to those soft lips. Killua hummed in surprise, eyes flying open as he awoke with a start. Gon grinned against Killua's mouth, cuddling the assassin closer and nuzzling his face into the side of his neck.

"Good morning," he mumbled, cheek smooshed up against pale skin.

Killua's tail wagged beneath the covers, so cute. "Yeah," he breathed, "Hi." Killua squirmed in Gon's crushing embrace, wiggling his arms out so he could wrap him up in turn. A purr rose up in Gon's throat. This was so incredible, he wanted to wake up and immediately cuddle with Killua every day for all eternity.

The Valkyrie chuckled, sifting his fingers through Gon's hair as the hybrid's chest vibrated with uncontainable glee. "Is this really happening?" Killua whispered, breath hitching in his throat.

Gon perked up, turning his head to press a kiss to Killua's flushed cheek. "Yes," he sighed. "I love you, and you're mine now." That pale skin turned a darker shade of red, and Gon grinned. He buried his nose in the hair behind Killua's ear, inhaling deeply. He loved Killua's scent, he just wanted to smother himself in it.

"Hey, Gon," Killua protested, getting flustered as the hybrid rolled on top of him. "Cut it out, you're so embarrassing–"

Gon propped himself up on his elbows, smiling lazily down at Killua from his perch on the Valkyrie's chest. "But I like it when you're embarrassed. You blush so easily, it's cute."

Killua pouted, blowing into Gon's face. The hybrid giggled, bending down to kiss each of Killua's eyelids. The Valkyrie squinted and squirmed, growling in protest as Gon kissed every square inch of his face.

The assassin scoffed, just about steaming from the ears, "Ugh! You're so, so…"

"What?"

Killua flicked Gon on the nose once he finally stopped his assault. "Affectionate," the Valkyrie grumbled. "It's annoying," he complained, but leaned up to press his lips to Gon's all the same.

The hybrid smiled, dopey and warm. He flopped down beside Killua, and just watched him from across the pillow. The Valkyrie watched him back, cheeks pink and hair mussed with feathers. Gon reached under the blankets, taking Killua's hand and interlacing their fingers. He watched with a melting heart as the blush crawled down Killua's neck, he turned in the other direction in an attempt to hide.

Gon giggled, pulling their joined hands out from under the quilts and bringing the back of Killua's hand to his lips. He sighed against the skin, taking his time kissing each knuckle. Killua's shoulders drew up, and he still refused to turn back to Gon. His tail however, gently wrapped around the hybrid's waist.

"Killuaaa," Gon murmured, resting their laced fingers on the blankets between them.

The Valkyrie turned his head back to face him, and Gon's eyebrows turned upwards when he found tears lining those iridescent blue orbs. He immediately rolled onto his side, taking Killua's face in his hands and brushing the tears away with his thumbs. "No, Killua, don't cry," he protested softly.

"I can't help it," the assassin complained, placing his hands over Gon's and pulling them away. "You just… I've been dreaming of this moment for so long. It's making me all emotional…" his voice cracked on the last word, and Gon swore his entire heart just split in two.

Gon scooted closer, cradling Killua's hands against his chest. "I'm sorry," he whined, Killua's tears making him start to cry. He hated to see Killua sad.

"No," Killua said, squeezing Gon's fingers in his. "Don't apologize, I'm just being dramatic. I just… I'm really, really happy right now." Killua smiled at Gon, cheeks wet and eyes sparkling. "You make me so happy."

Gon's face lit up, "Yay! That makes me happy! All I want to do is make Killua smile. Your smile is so beautiful, it's like all the stars in the sky rolled into one."

Killua's cheeks flushed again, and he buried his face in the pillows. "There you go again," he complained. "This has made you even more embarrassing, and I don't even know how you manage!"

Gon giggled, sliding closer and slipping his fingers under Killua's head to pull him out of hiding. "It's because now I can tell you how amazing you are! Without ruining our friendship… or something like that," Gon chuckled sheepishly, realizing how stupid that sounded. Killua had loved him this much this whole time, and he'd thought that coming forward would drive them apart! No, they were closer than ever. Because Killua was his now. Gon finally had Killua all to himself.

It was such a crazy thought. It was so incredible to think, Gon still couldn't fathom how this was possibly his reality.

Killua's eyes flicked to Gon's, and then away again. "How long have you… felt this way?" he said slowly, clearly embarrassed to ask.

Gon grinned, he'd answer any question Killua wished of him. All Killua had to do was say the word, and anything he wished for was his. Gon would give him Overworld's moon, if he asked for it.

"I realized I liked you in Yorknew City, that night when we got back together. Looking back, though, I probably started liking you all the way back in the forest outside the Hidden Oasis. I was just to dumb to realize," Gon snorted. "But I knew that I was in love with you, when we were training with Bisky. That morning when I just hugged you out of nowhere? That's the moment I finally figured it out, just how much you mean to me."

Killua sighed, trying to suppress his smile. "I can't believe you've liked me for more than six months, but were too damn scared to say anything. I'd never peg you for the type to chicken out~"

"Well, I couldn't just tell you that!" Gon whimpered, face heating up as he remembered just why he'd been so afraid. "I was scared that I'd lose you… that I'd come on too strong, and that you'd slip through my fingers. Or that you'd be disgusted with me, and wanna stop traveling together."

Killua placed his hand over Gon's, which was still cupping his face. "I'd never hate you, Gon. Not for anything," Killua declared, eyes burning with passion. "Honestly…" he trailed off, eyes wavering as he broke eye contact again. "I was the one who was afraid of you being disgusted with me. It's why I wasn't brave enough to confess to you… and why I forced myself to wait on you instead of just coming clean."

"Aw, Killua," Gon cooed, bottom lip sticking out. "You never have to feel that way, okay? Not now, and not back then either. I'll love you no matter what."

A sweet smile pricked at the corners of Killua's mouth. "Yeah, same for you." He leaned forward, tentatively brushing his lips against Gon's as his eyes fluttered shut.

Gon sighed against Killua's kiss. They were always so soft, it was as if Killua was afraid of doing it wrong. His kiss was nothing more than a ghosting of lips, like the phantom brush of a butterfly's wings. It was just as fragile as Killua was, just as precious and just as heart warming.

"So…" Killua murmured, close enough for Gon to taste his words. "What are we now?"

"I'm yours, and you're mine," Gon answered immediately.

Killua chuckled, blushing that adorable little blush that always served to melt Gon's heart. "Yeah, no shit. What I meant was… are we still…?

"Friends?" Gon continued, "Always. You're my best friend Killua, that's never gonna change. It doesn't matter if we love each other romantically instead of platonically, you'll always be my best friend, and no one is ever taking that spot from you. But now, I'd really like to call you more than my friend."

Gon sat up, feeling like this should be more serious than just whispering back and forth across a tattered pillow. He pulled Killua up after him, affection buzzing in his chest as the Valkyrie hurried to cover his lap with the blankets. Gon held Killua's hands between them, gazing earnestly into his eyes.

"Killua, I'd like to start dating," he declared. "A formal courtship. I know we skipped everything and went straight to bed together-" Killua's face turned bright red at this, "-But I still wanna go on dates with you and earn your attention!"

Gon held Killua's hands up against his chest, "Killua, will you be my Partner?"

On Overworld, dating was formally considered a courtship across all species, though the specific attributes and traditions varied from group to group. "Boyfriend" or "girlfriend" was casual slang for the formal label: Partner.

Killua's tail squirmed behind him as he turned his gaze downward, then quickly snapped his eyes away from Gon's uncovered waist. His cheeks were blossom pink, and his shoulders hunched up to his ears. He really flustered so easily. Gon was pretty sure all this exposure to Killua's cuteness was just going to up and kill him one day.

"Yeah," the assassin mumbled. "I'd like that."

"Yay!" Gon cheered, leaping forward and tackling a blushing Killua against the sheets. Gon wrapped the assassin up in his arms, and captured his lips in an enthusiastic kiss. Killua squeaked in surprise, but quickly melted beneath Gon's touch and slung his arms around the hybrid's shoulders.

Once again, Gon couldn't get over how velvety soft Killua's lips were. His kiss was so warm, his taste was so sweet. Gon just couldn't get enough. He licked Killua's bottom lip, and the Valkyrie quickly cracked his mouth open. Gon slid his tongue into his mouth, and couldn't help but moan a little when he was able to taste Killua in full.

The kiss quickly picked up speed, their noses pressing together as Killua tugged at Gon's hair. The hybrid adjusted his weight on top of him, shifting Killua's legs beneath the quilts and spreading his knees apart.

Killua groaned when he lined their hips up just right, and Gon was embarrassed to admit how quickly his dick decided to spark to life. Luckily, it seemed Killua was in the exact same boat as he was, for his tail was swaying seductively against the mattress, twining and untwining around Gon's ankles and calves.

Saliva dripped down Gon's chin, they always got so messy. He shivered when Killua started to rock back and forth, heat starting to build in his groin at an alarming rate. Gon reluctantly removed his hand from Killua's silky hair, sliding his fingers underneath the quilts and reaching for his–

"Wait!" Killua squeaked, pulling Gon's back with his tail and breaking the kiss. The hybrid froze in his tracks, hand hovering over Killua's hip bone.

"Do you not want to?" he asked, confused. Killua was just as horny as he was right about now, and he hadn't exactly been opposed based on the way he'd raised his knees up to give Gon better access.

"No!" Killua sputtered, words jumbled and brain foggy from arousal, "It's not like I don't– I just, I'm still all gross from last time!"

Gon blinked, and then smirked, removing his hand from Killua's cage of blankets. He slid himself back forward, sliding their bodies together and watching Killua squirm. "Oh? I don't see why that's such a big deal~"

Killua struggled to find the words, face getting hotter by the second. Gon was doing his best to keep him too distracted to speak, and it seemed to be working. "I– Fuck, stop moving your hips like that, I can't think! I just– you wouldn't want to kiss all over my body when I'm all dirty, would you? You'd be stuck licking your own cum off my chest!"

"So? I don't see what the big deal is," Gon purred. He leaned forward and licked across Killua's cheek, it tasted salty and soured, from when he'd cupped Killua's face in his cum-soaked hands last night.

The Valkyrie hissed, shoving Gon off, "You're so gross!"

Gon cackled as Killua rolled off the bed, standing with his body wrapped up in one of the quilts he'd defiled with his claws. The Valkyrie glared down at him, tail flicking in distaste. Gon grinned lazily up at him, rolling onto his stomach and watching gleefully as Killua struggled to keep his eyes on his face rather than his bare body.

With scarlet cheeks, Killua turned decisively on his heel, marching for the bathroom door. "I'm taking a shower! And then you're going to take a shower! And then we're going to eat, cause I'm fucking starving. We skipped dinner last night because of you! I didn't even get to bathe after I was captured because of your horny ass!"

"But Killua, you were the one who ordered me to bring you to the bedroom~"

"Shut up!" the assassin argued, slamming and locking the bathroom door behind him. Gon giggled to himself as he listened to Killua flip the shower water on. He sighed as he laid back against the pillows, inhaling deeply and reveling in Killua's scent, which still hung thick in the air.

Gon was officially dating the love of his life. This was the best day ever!