Hey everyone! It seems everyone supports my very very high praise of Killua, so I'll continue with no hold bars and you guys can't regret it! And you guys have also haven't said anything about the music list being at the bottom so that will stay there too!

You guys are doing great in suggesting songs! They've all been great songs that I love! I don't know how many will be able to fit into this arc, so I want to ask you guys stop suggesting songs for a couple chapters until I need help with songs again! Really, you all have great tastes but I can't fit them all in yet. Since I'm not focusing on future arcs just yet, I'll tell you when suggestions are welcomed again! If you ABSOLUTELY have a song you MUST suggest, this isn't a strict rule! I would still be plenty happy to see song suggestions in the reviews! Thanks so much! Let's get to answering some of them!

sergiojohnson33: You did have a sentence that said song suggestions you forgot to suggest in your last comment but I didn't see it? ^^;; go ahead and try to submit it again since it was before I asked for less suggestions! Unless the hisoka songs were that? Thanks for the Melody suggestion, I actually have few songs for her, so when you suggest songs for her, she gets more screen time! (Melody: Thank you very much!) Thank you so much for liking my story, I love long length stories so I'll try! But it is a little harder and takes a bit longer... I'll keep working hard! OSU!

UnknownSuperFan: WOW! Thank you, your enthusiasm is contagious, makes me want to work harder! I just need to push past chapter 7 so it doesn't catch up to meeee...!

Lost Child of the Kokiri: Aw no, grammatical mistakes?! My editor SUCKS! Haha, just kidding, she tries her best, I am working on it, thanks for pointing it out tho! Yea, Killua's great! I actual sometimes write the scene specifically because it sprang forth from the song I listened to. Aw, great taste? Thanks! Tho it is limited, I feel very happy you think so.

Snow Fairy of the Valley: WOW! Thank you, I actually had to look up that information on nodes- I had to look up alot of information for this story to be as accurate as possible (the lessons, how to increase vocal range, how to increase endurance on stage, etc.) Its more fun that way! A Korean show I'm watching (Sister Slamdunk) is actually something like how I wanted the readers to experience in reading the characters learn to sing and such! I hope you keep reading and enjoy the journeys and some lessons! (Yes, I love chocolate as much as him!)

slyside: Of course I read the reviews! You guys are half the reason this story is going as it is, without fans I wouldn't be as motivated, answering reviews is the least I could do to show my appreciation! YES Killua is adorable, watch me embarrass him more, Blushy Killua is BAE! There is no way you could waste my time, I love your reviews, if anything, you MAKE MY DAY, you'd never waste my time. Questions! This may be things everyone wants to read!-Where's -Alluka?: She's... at home... with her stuffed animals... (you can see where she makes her appearance in the arcs list in chapter 1!)
-Nanika?: Hmmm... Y'know, she actually doesn't! Thinking about it, Nanika was the reason they locked her away in canon. I made a different reason why she's barred away in this story so, no, no Nanika, Sorry!
-Leorio (or u know who I mean?): I know Leorio... I don't know if you mean anyone else. I should apologize to the fans of Kurapika and Leorio reading this! They don't really become... more prominent as characters until next arc and even then it'll be... minimal. I don't know/can't write them as well as Killugon and Killugon really is the main focus. He is coming in though!
-Does Killua sing with Gon to beat Illumi?: Now that's just a spoiler! You'll have to keep reading to find out! (Zips lips)

Thanks for all the reviews their all great! On with the story!


Musica Academy Showcase

The Academy showcases are quarter annual, one for every season. There's a Fall Showcase in October, Winter Showcase in December before winter break, Spring Showcase in March, and Summer Showcase in May, before summer break. Sign ups for the Showcases are anytime after the end of the last Showcase. The Judges change every showcase, guests ranging from alumni to special celebrities, but the Chairman is always the main judge on the board. The performance is given like a number in a concert and you're only allowed to perform original works, no covers or remixes. Participants are graded on advance factors such as Perfect Pitch, Range, Physical Singing, Dance routine, etc. Such are these normally perfected by those in their senior year so it's rare when underclassmen sign up, it's mostly a showcase for seniors. When underclassmen apply, they don't expect first place, just experience.


Chapter 4: Soft Sounds

The world was painted over in a wash of light blue, the sky clear with only a few wispy clouds scattered by the horizon, a crisps wind cutting through air, and the very edges of the west sky were glowing soft orange with a promise of sunrise soon. A yawn ripped out Killua's throat as he was bent over tying his shoes on the front lawn of their massive gated property. He closed his mouth with a small pop as he let a hum gather in the back of his throat in warm-up then drew to full height, bouncing from foot to foot. He glanced to his left and nearly jumped with how intently his older brother was staring at him, his earbuds hanging around his neck.

"What the hell, bro, why are you staring at me?! You don't have to wait for me, just go." He said, going back to his hopping, then stopping to stretch one arm over the other.

Illumi pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth in thought and to stop himself from speaking.

I don't know… Should I tell him? It doesn't matter right? He shouldn't care, that Gon kid is not his friend. So I should tell him so that he comes cheer me on… Then why do I have a bad feeling about it…?

He was brought out of his thoughts as his attention was directed to the full sized gate doors swinging open. Killua turned around and smirked as he saw who it was.

"Wow, it's a piggy in human clothing~!" He teased in singsong and Milluki flushed angrily.

"Shut up, Killu!" He cried out pathetically and then proceeded to pull down the front zipper of his white sweatsuit. Illumi and Killua watched casually, already too used to having this happen every morning. Underneath the sweatsuit Milluki wore, he hid normal clothing. Today, he wore a black t-shirt with a print of a tuxedo on it and worn blue jeans, kicking off the last of his sweatpants. From the pocket of his sweatshirt, he pulled out a bag of pork rinds and then collected the discarded pieces of clothes into his duffle bag.

"Bro, our parents will find out you don't go jogging to school in the mornings eventually…" Killua said in astonishment, slipping his hands in the pockets of his own black and blue sweatsuit.

"Not if you don't tell them." Milluki said in a mocking voice, scrunching his nose in Killua's direction to irritate him. Killua rolled his eyes and looked back down the street. Milluki shot a look in Illumi's direction as well, although it wasn't as provokingly as he had done to Killua, since Illumi was older and Milluki respected him. But Illumi just closed his eyes and shook his head. He had no reason to tell his parents that Milluki didn't jog to school with them at this ungodly hour.

Plus, he's pretty sure they already know. I mean, how could they not know? If they send all their children out to go jogging in the morning before school and Milluki comes back never losing even one pound of weight, even gaining more, they must suspect he's not running. But Illumi's been engaged in enough conversation with his parents to know they're ok with it (or at least accepted it). If he's going to specialize and continue in composition and conducting, he doesn't need to be the most physically fit or attractive. Most aren't, it's why composers stay behind the scenes.

"Good." He said and turned the opposite direction of the school.

"Where you going this time?" Killua asked as he raised the silver headphones halfway up to his ears.

"Mr. Valderhen's." He said, mouth already full of snacks.

"Ah! Get me some!" Killua cried out with sparkling eyes. Illumi rolled his eyes. That German's candy store.

"No. Don't bring any contraband back please." Illumi instructed, and Killua very audibly voiced an annoyed groan. Milluki shrugged.

"Fine! I'll be at school later. Bye." He said as he walked out of earshot. Illumi turned to Killua to see him shooting him an intense stare.

"What?" He cocked his head to one side. Killua huffed again and hoisted his duffle bag further up his shoulders and then placed the headphones firmly over his ears.

"Do re mi… fa so la…" He murmured under his breath as he pulled out his phone and played the music.

He started to run just as the first twinkling notes of the music began and he schooled his breathing as he prepared to sing, the words coming to him easily from memory.

"How can you see into my eyes, like open doors...Leading you down into my core, Where I've become so numb," Killua was suddenly finding this song very fitting to how he felt meeting Gon. Killua let his voice carry out in the higher range without much trouble.

" … Without a soul, My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold…! Until you find it there and lead it back home…" Killua let his eyes close briefly almost in a prayer. Gon's the first one that have done this to him and he hopes if he lets him take him wherever, however he wants, it won't backfire on him.

(Wake me up) "Wake me up inside," He let the echo accompany sing in his headphones, passing up on singing it. The range too low for him to comfortably (or preferably) switch between, and instead decided to pretend it was Gon singing with him in that bass tone he so desperately wanted to surround himself in entirely in a duet. (Can't wake up,) "Wake me up inside" (Save me,) "Call my name and save me from the dark…" (wake me up). Killua let the words flow from him like prayer, singing with more feeling he thought he could muster since he started his singing training at 5 or 6. "Bid my blood to run," (I can't wake up) "Before I come undone," (Save me) "Save me from the nothing I've become…"

Killua already knew he used to like singing when he was younger, sing everywhere, to everyone. Especially to his brothers when they would come back from their own singing training exhausted, Killua too young and naive to know what was in store for himself. His parents made him think that voices were a tool, not for enjoyment, and boy, did they suck that out of singing. He closed off, and became that machine, that tool they wanted to use. It was the feelings he kept locked in his chest that Gon dusted off and cracked open with that amazing voice of his, it held all the feelings he used to have for singing.

Killua was gonna open that part of him to Gon now, he was going to reach back into the part of his mind that was passionate about music and singing and give it to him. Give it to him and hoped Gon knew what he was doing cause he didn't think he could handle anymore bad memories associated with singing. He sighed out and continued in his song as he let his breath comes out in even puffs, feet pounding the sidewalk.

"Now that I know what I'm without...You can't just leave me… Breathe into me and make me real, bring me to life…"

Illumi jogged lightly behind Killua, his earbuds in his ears but no music playing through them. He usually starts off after Killua and listens to him for a few beats since he's rarely able to get Killua to sing to him anymore then plays his music to sing himself. But there was something different that made Illumi want to listen a little while longer.

As Killua sang, he almost sounded… better than before. Like during all the time they've been in recording sessions and practice, he's been holding back, hiding this hidden edge to his voice that made his voice sound more acute, precise and beautiful to listen to.

Like… what was that…?

Emotion?

He was singing with feeling, and it sounded amazing. Was he never singing with emotion before? He sounded fine, so he supposed it didn't matter whether he did or not, but what was spurring this on?

He suddenly got a bad feeling about Gon again.


Gon walked up to the school with headphones in his ears, the show tunes coming through the speakers. Gon had remembered the self-assigned homework of looking up the plays Knov had said they should know, and he spent all day yesterday watching them online while also writing down notes of certain characters he liked to help Melody's own character development. He didn't want to make her someone else, he just wanted to take notes on characteristics he thought every World Star should have and how he could help her develop her own. But since watching the musicals, he fell in love with most of the songs, downloading a few to his phone's playlist. He was so excited, he listened to it on his way to school.

"Popular… You wanna be popular~...!" He sang to himself as a new song came on. "I wonder if there are plays and stuff the school puts on. That sounds like fun!" He murmured to himself. He tried to be in a couple plays back at his old school, but they never gave him serious roles! Just comedic effect ones. Maybe if the lead has to be a good singer and can carry their voice through the auditorium, he has a chance for a bigger role. That is, if they have plays.

"Very very popular~ Like me!" Gon sang out while bouncing up the stairs to the entrance, a few people giving him stares for either singing or being so peppy first thing in the morning. Killua peered down from atop the roof, a wide smile on his face from hearing the familiar voice.

"Gon's here!" He cried to himself and pushed away from the ledge to get to the roof access steps. He quickly jogged down the stairs, when he reached the bottom, he cracked it open a sliver to see if anyone was right outside the door. If he does it right (as he always does every morning) he can slip out quickly and it will look like he appeared from nowhere, just walking with the flow of the crowded hallway. But just in case, he normally doesn't leave until after the bell rings, or he doesn't go up the roof at all. Confirming no one was nearby, he slipped out with a quick twirl to close the door behind him and then strolled along with the movement of the students.

He heard Gon singing from further down the hall and his smile widened. What an idiot, singing to himself when no one else in the school sings around like that. Gon was always interesting to Killua, so let the fun begin. He marched his way forward and finally found the clearing Gon was in the center of. The sea of students seemed to part for him as they heard him come, sticking to the sides for a good view of their new favorite newbie. Killua could see his fans eyeing him with admiration and he rolled his eyes.

They'll be annoying. And Gon will find that out soon enough.

Gon was singing along with something from his headphones, fading in and out as he occasionally stopped singing to hear what was being sung, a slight hesitance in his voice, but he had his eyes closed happily in the action. Killua made his way over and wanted to maybe trip him for walking around with his eyes closed, but suddenly his eyes flew open like it had back in cooking class when he was just standing in the front of the room.

Gon's mouth formed an open mouthed smile as Killua temporarily stopped in his tracks, surprised.

"Killua!" He cried and ran up to meet him halfway.

"Hey, Gon!" Killua greeted and Gon's smile got brighter, making Killua raise one eyebrow in question, although his own smile didn't falter.

Gon was so happy Killua got his voice back! He didn't realize how much he missed it until he just heard Killua speak now. Literal music to his ears, it sounds even sweeter than the first time, since he's had a taste without it.

"Killua!" Gon cried again out of sheer happiness. Killua chuckled and the chiming laughter made Gon's chest feel tight with something…

"Gon!" Killua chuckled out again, like they were doing something silly.

"KILLUA!" Gon crooned out in a reverberating pitch and leaned forward to hug him but Killua put a hand to his forehead, effectively stopping the arms from wrapping around him.

"Oi! Why are we just saying each other names?" He asked in another chuckle.

"I missed you! I missed your voice!" Gon started tearily, "Oh, when I realized someone had taken away your voice, I-" He began to let some irritation into his voice, remembering how the nodes were purposeful, but when he saw Killua's eyes widen at the mention, he shut his mouth with his lips pressed in a tight line.

Whoops.

Killua let go of his forehead and Gon leaned back up into proper standing position.

"Haha, I mean… Hey, Killua, are you wearing that nice smelling stuff today?" He asked, leaning forward and dipping his head towards his neck. Killua leaned back as much as Gon leaned forward and punctuated his discomfort with a slap to Gon's cheek to push him away. Killua slapped a hand over his mouth in shock and also covering his spilling smile.

"Oh! Gon! S-sorry, that was reflex, but what the hell?" He asked after Gon had withdrew, rubbing his cheek. Killua's slap wasn't really that hard, but the quick movement stung a little.

"Sorry, I just wanted to know, you smelled really good yesterday." Gon slightly whined. Killua chuckled into his hand before slipping both into his pockets.

"No, I'm not wearing anything today, at least not anything extra." Killua said, letting the slight awkward moment slip away with Gon's pacing. Gon nodded, smiling brightly, then let his eyes take in Killua completely.

He wore a pink short sleeve sweater over a white long sleeve shirt and blue shorts the stopped right before his knees, his ever present headphones on his neck.

"Oi, oi, oi!" Killua snapped in Gon's face. Gon looked up to see a light blush over Killua's features. "It's not nice to just stare at someone like that…" He turned his head to one side slightly and regarded Gon through the corner of his eye. "Damn, you're embarrassing…" He muttered. He never had someone made him feel so self conscious. And Gon was just shamelessly looking him over like that, he could at least be discreet!

"Sorry! You just always look so nice, Killua!" Gon said, a smile on his face and hands clasped behind his back. Killua's eyes widened before he cockily placed a hand under his nose.

"Haha, thanks. I know I have great tastes!" He said, then placed his hands on his hips and looked down at himself, allowing Gon to continue looking him over too. "It's not easy pulling off pink, but I do it and make it look good!" He bragged, cat-eyes narrowed in pride. Gon chuckled and Killua flicked his eyes up and down Gon.

"But you…" He started… "You don't have much of variety, huh? You wear… like, the same thing everyday!" He said with slight complain.

"Hey! There's nothing wrong with what I wear. The jeans and jacket can be worn with anything." Gon said, deciding not to mention it's mostly because they didn't have the money to buy fancy and expensive clothes that usually make an impact for school reputations. He'll let his singing make the impressions.

"Ah-huh…" Killua intoned, unbelieving. "Oh right! I almost forgot." Killua pulled out his phone. "Give me your number." He said, fiddling with the device. Gon made an 'o' with his mouth then recited it to him. He nodded and Gon got a text. "There! Now we have each other's numbers." Gon hopped in one place excitedly. They really were friends after all! Killua waved his hand as he turned. "C'mon, I need to go to my locker." He said and started walking down the way, Gon following soon after him.

"So what were you listening to? When you were singing your way into the school?" Killua asked, turning his head towards Gon.

"Oh! One of the song from one of the musicals Knov-sensi asked us to know. 'Popular,' it's so catchy! Most of the songs from that play are." Gon said, remembering he still had his headphones in even though he had paused his music long ago, and pulled them out.

"Ah. Wicked. Decent play…" Killua supplied carelessly and Gon dropped his jaw slightly at that.

"Decent? It's great! It's award winning!" Gon cried. Killua gave him another sideways glance and stifled a smile.

"Eh…" He said, but the slight mirth in his voice gave him away and Gon realized he was teasing. Gon knocked one elbow to Killua's side playfully and Killua laughed when he realized Gon caught on. Gon again felt his chest squeeze, and he wondered if he should be this happy that he finally got Killua to be his friend. When they rounded the corner to their lockers, both their faces lit up.

"Zushi!" Gon said, bounding forward. Zushi turned and found Gon's eyes and smiled.

"Gon! Good morning!" His eyes turned behind him and saw Killua speedily making his way over too. "Good morn-"

"No way…!" Killua said stopping in front of a small bag that was taped to the front of Killua's locker that the other two failed to notice. "That piggy came through!" He cried happily, his voice going up half an octave. He pried the bag off the locker carefully and the other two boys surrounded him on either side to see what was inside as he peeled it open.

Inside was various assortments of colorful and bright pieces of candy. It was nothing big, the whole sum being able to fit in someone's pocket, but these candies looked especially expensive and specially made.

"Thaaannk yooou!" He squealed out to no one to in particular, and pulled out a lollipop shaped like a bunny's head. He promptly slide it into his mouth then sighed out as the sweet and sour taste washed over his tastebuds. "Mhhh! I love Mr. Valderhen's candy…" He moaned around the lollipop.

Gon's mouth opened and closed as he tried to speak, suddenly feeling his throat closing up at the sight of the lollipop hanging out of Killua's mouth and rolling around with his tongue. A strangled noise made it out and Killua turned his attention on Gon, the stick out one side and the opposite cheek bulging with the candy on the inside (So cute! Gon thought) and his smile widened. A quick cough to clear (or open) his throat and he pointed at the bag.

"Can I have some?" He asked.

"Ha!" Killua barked, letting his head loll back with the laugh. "These are very special candies. It's a privilege to even get one! If I give you one now, and you can't get anymore, you might die. I can't put you in that kind of danger, I just got you." He said, and patted a soft and warm hand on Gon's cheek and Gon felt his cheeks heat up, though not as noticeable as Killua's with his porcelain skin. Gon, in his scrambled sense of mind, thought that made total sense and went to agree but then Zushi spoke up.

"If that's the case… what happens when you reach the bottom, Killua?" He asked. Killua turned away from Gon, and he felt like pouting. He was left looking at the back of his fluffy head.

"Well, you see. I ration my candies so when I finish I'm back home. And to end it on a low note, I eat chocolates, so I forget I ever had some. Or else I might die." He said, putting a hand to his chin and taking the lollipop out to speak properly. Zushi laughed and Killua smirked down at him before moving to open his locker.

"Some people might actually want the last taste to be the candy cause of how good it is, but then how can you get over it for the rest of the day? Will you ever eat again? I'm disciplined to cut my losses and only enjoy in the moment and immediately eat chocolate after to get over it." Killua said, opening his locker, and Gon looked inside without much thought. Killua had his wednesday academic books lined up on the inside like a mini bookshelf, and based on where algebra and cooking was, it was in order of his classes. A small duffle bag was at the bottom of the locker, a mirror was on the door of the locker, and, what amazed Gon the most, was the glowing stickers of stars, making the darker corners of his lockers look like the night sky.

"Wow, Killua, you're locker is so cool! Can you decorate mine like that?" Gon asked and Killua instinctively used the locker door to narrow the opening so Gon couldn't see all that much. When he processed what he said, he hesitantly opened it a little wider, but not as much as before.

"Your locker? I can help you decorate it, but you'll need to buy your own decorations." He said, stuffing some notebooks and folders in his bookbag. Gon pouted. More talk about buying and money. Sigh, did you really need money to have fun with your friends?

"Who did you say got you those again?" Zushi asked, eyeing the bag of candy Killua had placed in his locker.

"Oh. My big brother." He seemed to sense Gon stiffen at the mention next to him. "My other older brother, Milluki." he amended, his eyes closing with a little headshake.

"Oh? Can you tell me about them, by the way? Your family I mean. What do you all do? Zushi said you guys specialize in different things. Oh, when do I meet your family?-" Gon asked.

"Woah, woah, woah, Gon!" Killua cried out, waving his hands in front of him. "What's what up with all these questions? One at a time!" He said while Zushi covered his mouth with one hand to hide his snickering. Gon could really be as excitable as a pup sometimes.

"Sorry! I've been really curious about you since I saw you, Killua! I have a bunch of questions, and-"

"Ah." He interrupted, a hand on his chin in thought. "Fine, I understand that much, but I don't want everyday to just be 'bombard Killua with questions' day. I do enough of that for the school system." He pointed at Gon. "Write down the questions you have to ask me so you don't forget, but only one question per day about me. Unless it's natural in conversation or I say it myself. And no, what you did earlier, spouting questions off at me like it was a lightening round, that's not natural conversation. If I feel generous that day, I'll answer up to three, but I doubt it." He crossed his arms as he finished. Gon looked off in space as he processed what he said then nodded.

"Ok! I can do that!" He said, just then the bell rang.

"Oh, time to go to class." Killua said, starting to close his locker. Before it clicked, he remembered something and swung it open again, pulling down the bag, taking out a couple more pieces of candy before replacing it and then closed the locker door. He headed towards class, the others behind following on his heels.

"I can't believe it… he's so nice…" Zushi whispered to Gon. Gon looked down at him with wide eyes.

"Of course he's nice! Why would you think he wasn't?" Gon asked. Zushi gave him a flat look and Gon's mouth formed an 'o.' "That… that was different, he was… he didn't know we were friendly, so he didn't act friendly. It's fine, of course he's nice." Gon nodded.

"You know I can hear every word you guys are saying, right?" Killua asked with a smirk, turning his head to one side. Zushi and Gon blinked before they both laughed nervously.

They entered the room and Killua started going towards the back while Gon and Zushi lingered by the front. When he realized he wasn't being followed anymore, he stopped and looked behind him.

"What?" He asked.

"Well…" Zushi said, and looked to Gon.

"I can't sit in the back, Killua. Come sit in the front with us!" Gon said, undeterred with the challenge of moving Killua's usual seating.

"Why can't you sit in the back? If I sit up front, I'll gain unwanted attention, teachers will start to think I want to participate in class. C'mon, Gon." He said, the last words coming out like a command, punctuated with a wave of his finger. Gon puffed up his cheek slightly.

"I can't sit in the back because then I won't be able to concentrate! Especially with you next to me, I'll be too distracted. I'm not as talented as you, so I really need to focus in class, and the teacher's don't know my potential like they know yours so I want to participate! Sorry Killua, I'm not going to the back." He huffed, stubbornly sitting down in his front row seat from yesterday to prove him point. Killua blinked at the back of Gon's head then looked at Zushi who looked about as nervous as a criminal on death row. He shrugged his shoulders, incomprehensible gibberish coming out as he made a gesture towards Gon as though he wanted to apologize for him and then moved to sit down as well.

Killua gave out a loud and dragged out sigh before marching forward to the front. He put his hand on Gon's shoulder and leaned over to see his face from behind the teen. Gon was stubbornly looking ahead at the board.

You better know what you're doing…

"Gon… I'm not gonna sit in the front. Come back a couple seats and I'll sit behind you, ok? It doesn't have to be the back." He said in a soft compromising voice he sometimes heard his father use. Gon's intense staring match with the board finally ended as a light entered Gon's eyes again and he looked up at Killua. Killua liked when his eyes were bright the most anyways.

"I'll only move back to the second row." He said, although something about his tone said he knew there won't be anymore problems.

"I'll be behind you." He said, with a slight sigh. "But sit by the window so I don't have to be flanked by losers." He said drawing to his full height and placing his hands in his pockets. Gon's smile could light up a dark room and he directed it all at Killua. Killua looked away with a scratch to his cheeks.

"Ok!" Gon jumped up and moved behind the first row, sitting by the window. Killua turned to follow and realize students that were already inside the classroom had saw the whole thing and was watching with weird looks on their faces. He tried to give death glares to each of them before sitting in the seat behind Gon, then promptly let his head fall between his folded arms to hide his face. Zushi moved and sat next to Gon, a small chuckle slipping through at the meer incredulity that happened. Killua is still super scary to him, but he's warming up. But he knows Killua is more Gon's friend than his own, and he's fine with that, it's just nice to talk to him periodically and be in his presences. Having a cool friend like that (especially after the school year before filled with loneliness and outcasting because of 'certain circumstances') was refreshing and made him feel cool too. As others filed into the classroom, they were surprised to see Killua closer to the front than usual, and some tried sitting next to Killua (behind Zushi), but Killua would give them glares or silent hisses to keep them away, and soon they were filled in on what happened (aka, rumors) on why he was sitting up front.

Killua had his headphones up before others came in because he knew there would be mumbling and murmuring that would only serve to piss him off. So he put on his music as he usually did, the lollipop stick waving around his lips indicating Killua's process of whittling it down.

Gon chatted happily with Zushi, coming up with questions to ask Killua, writing it down on a piece of paper, waiting for class to start.

Wing came in late as usual, giving a quick start at seeing Killua closer to the front and by his son, but then continued professionally.

"Your papers are graded. Everyone did great."


"Alright everyone, before class ends," Wing said as people packed up early. "I'm going to give you your assignments due Monday. Write a brief paper on a World Star that graduated from this school. Figure out their hatsu, and see if you can find an interview saying how they found it. Other than that, just information on them like what kind of music they sing and what their practice schedule is like, or what not. It doesn't have to be longer than 2 pages." Wing said, then went and sat down at his desk, indicating he was done until the bell rang.

Killua scratched down Canary almost out of habit but then scrunched up his mouth in a pinpoint in distaste.

I don't have to do the assignment… He thought, hesitantly scratching out her name. He slapped a hand on Gon's shoulder and lifted himself out of his seat to look on to Gon's desk.

"Hey, Gon, who are you going to do it on?" He asked, trying to peek at his paper. Gon threw himself onto his desk to cover his paper.

"NO! Killua, you can't see the questions I wrote down to ask you until I ask you!" He cried out. Killua let his hand hang in the air where Gon's shoulder just was in his grasp for a moment longer before he slid back in his seat, a smile on his face.

"I was asking if you knew who you're doing the assignment on. Were you even listening? Do you know what the assignment is?" Killua asked while Zushi was also laughing at Gon's reaction. Gon got up and turned around in his seat to face Killua.

"Who are you going to do it on?" Gon asked, flicking his eyes down at his paper. Killua slipped his hand forward to close his notebook.

"I'm not going to do it. I asked you first anyway." Killua said. Gon pouted.

"C'mon, you should do it, it'll be fun!"

"No, it'll be boring." He huffed. Gon shook his arm to get his attention again.

"C'mon, please! You should participate in class more! If you do, you'll see that it is fun! Even if you don't do your own, we can look stuff up together? That'll be fun… right? Cause we'll be together." Gon said, boring his beautiful amber eyes into Killua's. Killua blinked then looked away, realizing he was getting sucked up into his gaze. If he thought about it, he realized he would've relented if he stared any longer.

"I… I'll help you, fine, but I'm not doing the assignment." He said, looking out the window to the trees outside. Gon smiled.

"Yay!" Gon cheered. "How do we look up if a World Star graduated from this school?" He asked, leaning forward a bit more.

"In the library, there is a list of Alumni that graduated from the school compiled in a huge book. You can basically just shuffle it open and point at a picture on the page. It's like a yearbook but for graduates." Zushi supplied instead. Gon nodded at him.

"When should we go?" Gon asked, turning to Killua.

"Whenever you want to, stupid…" Killua muttered, keeping his gaze fixed on the trees outside. Gon continued to stare for a beat longer.

"Hey, Killua, when can I ask you my one question?" He asked suddenly and Killua looked up at him.

"Huh? Oh, uh… anytime is fine, you know, as long as I'm free." He said. Gon nodded and glanced at the clock.

"Killua… Why do you sing?" He asked, a quiet intensity in his eyes as he studied Killua's face and eyes. His eyes seemed to dilate, expanding the horizons and depth of his eyes as he was taken aback by the question. He expected something more along the lines of what he was asking that morning.

Zushi also looked surprised, peeking over at the sheet of paper he was helping Gon comprise earlier in the class. That question wasn't even on there. Where was this coming from? What did he miss?

Killua opened his mouth to answer and his mind screeched to a halt. What do I say? Why do I sing again?

"I…" He felt his face heat up slightly at how foolish he must look and let out a cough, then scratched the back of his neck. "Because I'm told to." He muttered. That didn't sound right… But I don't sing unless I'm told, though… He thought with furrowed eyebrows, looking down at his lap. He didn't see the flash of emotions cross Gon's face at that. He opened his mouth to say something else for him to elaborate then remembered he only gets one question per day. He pressed his lips into a firm line in slight frustration.

"Are you sure?" He pressed. Killua looked up and bit his lip. Could he tell he didn't really think that was why?

"I mean…" Killua trailed off, looking down at the ground.

"You don't have to answer now…" Gon said with a soft smile, and the bell rang, most students quickly fileing out, but none of the three boys moved as though they didn't even hear it. "You can answer me by the end of today!" Gon replied cheerily to remove some pressure. "Think about it. I don't think that's why you sing." Gon stood up and picked up his paper, showing he did indeed hear the dismissing bell. "Walk with me?" Killua felt his limbs go numb, right up to the tips of his fingers, but he didn't think it was from anxiety this time, and he really didn't think music could help pump the feelings back into them. Killua nodded numbly, just simply staring at Gon's face when he wasn't really seeing him, just trying to think.

Why do I sing.

Well, I'm hoping you can figure that out for me, Gon… Killua thought as he stood and put his notebook in his bookbag and stood beside Gon. Zushi stood up as well and they walked out the door, Zushi giving Wing a wave.

"Well, I'll see you at lunch. Bye, it was nice talking with you Killua... " Zushi said, a light blush on his cheeks. "You're really cool! Bye!" He zipped off the other direction as though he'd get socked for saying something so he ran away. That snapped Killua out of the daze Gon put him in and he rubbed the back of his head embarrassed.

"Ah, er… oh, dammit you guys are annoying…" Killua muttered but Gon just laughed.

"Do you need your locker?" Gon asked looking over at Killua with warm eyes. Killua felt a blush rise and looked away.

"Naw, I got my stuff until lunch." He said. "Let's just go to the next class already." He moved quickly ahead of Gon as to give him time to calm down. How can anyone be as friendly as Gon? What did he do to merit his attention and friendship…? Gon caught up and fell into step with him, carrying easy conversation with his white haired friend. They entered the room and Kite gave them both looks. His eyes seemed especially intense when it fell over Killua. Gon felt Killua tense almost imperceivable next to him but then he looked away.

"I can't sit up front with you, all the other desks are taken. I'm in the back." He muttered for only Gon to hear and moved to the back. Gon pouted but understood. Gon looked back over at Kite and saw he was watching Killua move back there but then averted his eyes when Killua faced the front again. Gon moved to sit, but Kite motioned for him. Gon blinked and placed his bookbag down in his front row seat and walked up to the man.

"Yes, Kite?" He asked with a slight bow. Kite raised an eyebrow but then continued.

"Killua had nodes yesterday, right?" He asked in a low tone. Gon's eyebrows furrowed upward as he remembered then it furrowed downward in anger again as he remembered there was no way it wasn't purposely created.

"Yea…" Gon's voice had lowered itself in anger, an intense glare directed at the ground. Kite flicked his eyes to where Killua was watching them, Killua's expression laced with slight irritation at seeing Gon's body language.

"Proper singing position." Kite said under his breath and Gon immediately went to stand in it. "More relaxed." He urged and Gon let out a breath and rolled his shoulders to relax and fell into a better one. "Good. You're Killua's friend now, right? Did he tell you why or how he got them?" He asked. Gon sighed, but forced himself to stay in the proper relaxed singing position to keep his anger in check, he suspected that much when Kite asked him to stand in it.

"No. But Zushi told me the Zoldycks come in with nodes all the time. But I know how nodes are healed, especially if they can get the best doctors, then they would have to work at it to get the nodes. They weren't on accident or from over practice. Whatever was done was specifically for giving him nodes-!"

"Relax." Kite scolded, gauging Killua's reaction again. He looked about 2 seconds away from getting up and dragging Gon away. Gon relaxed again, but Killua barely looked convinced anymore. "I figured as much. I asked Killua if it was ok to send his failing grade to parents and he freaked a little but hid it well. I'm a little concerned but it's not my place as an instructor to assume things without solid proof." He sighed.

"I can't just give him good grades just to protect him though. It's unfair. He's not the only one with hidden scars, his case is just… a special case. Well, Gon. You're the first friend I note Killua has had. You'll look out for him right? No matter where you go, you'll stay by his side and make sure he stays out of trouble right?" Kite asked. Gon lit up and Kite was reassured without Gon ever having said anything yet.

"Right!" He cried out happily and the class already in their seats looked over. Kite sighed out a small exasperated sigh.

"Yea, yea, take your seat." He said, motioning to the seat behind Gon. Gon nodded vigorously and spun on his heel, bounding in the movement to his seat, feeling happier than he has in a while.

That's right. Even though he was angry on what most likely his family did to him, he has him now. And he'd be damned if he let anything else happen to Killua while he was his friend. He'll protect him. His cheeks began to hurt from how widely he was smiling.

Killua finally settled down in his seat, letting the tension in his body seep out once he saw Gon return to his seat happier than before. He didn't know what Kite was talking about but he's sure it was about him and Gon was getting angry about it. He didn't know if Kite was talking bad about him and Gon was getting irritated because he wanted to defend him or some other stupid sappiness like that, but he didn't like how Kite was making Gon feel. He was going to go and drag him and himself out of the class so Gon didn't have to worry about him anymore, but both Gon and Kite seemed satisfied with how to conversation ended, so he supposed he'll be fine.

"Alright class, we'll do some vocal warm-ups and continue with the lesson, then with the last half of class, you guys can get with your partners and continue working on the pre-test." He said, then signalled for everyone to stand. "Proper singing position."


The class exploded into chatter once Kite allowed them to start on their projects. Some were practicing their singing while others were blocking out movements to perform with, others discussing other matters of the performance. Gon waved Melody over and she trotted over.

"Hello again, Gon. Are we going to pick what song we're going to sing today?" Melody asked. Gon shook his head in the negative and she opened her mouth to say something but something over his shoulder caused her eyes to widen and she closed it. Well, based on the star struck look in her eyes, Gon could guess exactly what she saw. (He almost felt giddily smug about it! Knowing Killua would always want to be with him too now that they're friends…)

"We have plenty of time to pick a song to perform it. We have to work on your stage presence first!" Gon said. Most of the class was shocked at having seen Killua make his way over to lazily sit behind Gon, one foot up on the desk as the other swings above the ground. So it was true, they were friends? It wasn't just Gon forcing himself on Killua! He genuinely wanted to be in Gon's presence. Well, it was to Gon's credit, everyone who came into contact with Gon's warmth understood the feel he emitted; everyone just wanted to bathe in. But the fact he was able to reel Killua in with it made him that much more admirable.

Gon just continued smiling and talking with his partner as Killua just basked in the presence of Gon, hanging out with nothing better to do, more than happy just to listen to him speak.

"S-stage presence? Gon, all we have to do is stand up there and sing, we don't have to-"

"Nope! Stop right there, cutie. 1! If you're going to be a World Star, you have to know you always try and give more than just the minimum requirement!" Gon said, wagging one finger, then the next joined it. "2! That's the first thing we got to work on. Your confidence! We got to get rid of that stutter and timid disposition." He crossed his arms and leaned back to wait for her reaction. Her eyes just widened as he took in what he said.

"O-ok…" She murmured and downcasted her eyes.

"Nononon, that's all wrong." Gon said, putting a hand under her chin and raising it. "Confidence! Don't let the other person make you feel lower. Even if you do feel lower, act like you're not and you'll begin to feel you aren't! Haha, that's like that one play-" He turned to Killua who raised his lazy cat eyes up to meet Gon's at the address. "-The King and I, ah it's really good, that beginning song, 'Whistle a happy tune!' Make believe you're brave And the trick will take you far. You may be as brave As you make believe you are!~" Gon sang out a short segment and Killua gave a small affectionate smile. What a kid. Gon turned back to Melody who looked like she was listening intently.

"I understand… but Gon, that sounds easier said than done." She said, holding her fingers together and head lowered. Gon furrowed his eyebrows in frustration and stood up.

"C'mon stand up. That's what I'm here for, to help you." Melody stood up timidly and Gon shook out his limbs. When Melody just stared back at him he sighed playfully and did it again.

"C'mon you too." She blinked and then did it stiffly. Gon shook his head. "No, no, c'mon! You gotta feel your limbs become spaghetti! You know what that is, right? Do it!" Gon cried, taking her hands and shaking her with him. She barely stifled a laugh and began to do it a bit more loosely. In Gon's pace, they didn't notice the rest of the class taking note of their little lesson. Kite looked up, his head cocked to one side as he thought of something.

There's something very familiar about Gon… He thought as he watched him push his teachings onto the poor shy girl. Once Gon's decided they were both plenty shook, and Melody's mirthful laughter came out every couple of breaths, he stopped.

"Ok! How do you feel like now?"

"Spaghetti?" She giggled and Gon bent over in playful exasperation.

"Good enough!" He dismissed. "Ok, now singing position." He said and she did, hands folded elegantly in front of her adding her own personality to it.

"Nice! Alright, see how your chin is raised? That's how you should try to walk around. How does it make you feel?"

"Um… professional? Elegent…" She said, then darted a tongue out to lick over her buck teeth peeking over her bottom lip and her head lowered ever so. Killua noticed and noted she was probably the timid girl she was because she wasn't confident in her looks. He didn't blame her, it was easier to be confident when there weren't such external flaws people could pick at you with if you put yourself out there.

Then why be a World Star… He thought to himself.

"Great! Now, you are." Gon said, taking both of her shoulders in each of his hands and looking her earnestly deep in her eyes. He wanted to let her know with every fiber of his being that she was, it didn't matter how she looked. Staring into his honest orbs of amber, Melody believed it.

"Yea?" She said, her chin raising again. Gon nodded affectionately.

"You keep that in mind. You know that you are, and no one can tell you otherwise. You'll be surprised at how well it comes across when you yourself believe it." Gon drew to his full height releasing her shoulders. "Alright, now let's try it out. Killua." Gon called, looking back at the lounging teen. He looked over, having just popped a piece of candy in his mouth. Melody felt herself shrinking at the call.

"Come over and talk with Melody. Like it's after her concert or something." Gon said as Killua drew himself off the desk.

"What, I'm intimidating?" Killua joked, tossing the candy to the back corner of his mouth to keep it out the way.

"Very…" Melody muttered under her breath, but when Gon looked over she shot her chin up.

"Ok? Go!" Gon cried, standing off to the the side. Killua lolled his head forward, making eye contact with Gon as he thought of what to say.

"Em… Nice concert." He said, slipping one hand out of his pocket to gesture to her. She immediately put her head down and brought her fingers together.

"Er, th-thank yo-"

"No, no, Melody, chin up, elegant, think elegant!" Gon said, reaching over and tapping the bottom of her face gently. She closed her eyes as she shook her nerves out and lifted her head again.

Ok… I'm elegant… She remembered Gon's eyes that shone so brightly, that she could truly believe, that he really saw it in her. What do I say now? She looked into Killua's eyes, nervous at first at how intense they were with the gaze, but after holding it, it was like she was transported somewhere else where she was on the same level as him. She wasn't Melody but someone more beautiful, a graceful flute player.

Killua said something carelessly, but he's actually really interested of what she's going to say, and he's hooked on her words. She could pretend that in those deep eyes he also truly believes she's elegant. Her voice came out steady, smooth and silky like she's never heard it before herself.

"Thank you." Killua blinked in shock as he practically saw her transform before him after hesitantly making eye contact with him. The rest of the class sucked in a breath at the enchanting voice, having unconsciously turned their attention to see the result of Gon's teaching, allowing her voice to echo through the room. She suddenly looked like a Cinderella hidden behind pauper's clothing, but held beauty underneath to be uncovered. Kurapika blinked as he took her in as if for the first time.

Gon cried out happily as he took her hand.

"Ya! That was perfect! Melody, you really are amazing!" Melody blinked, coming out of her stupor. She giggled and pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yea, you had some great confidence." Killua chimed in, hands in his pockets and leaning back charmingly. She blushed and looked up shyly at Gon.

"What do I do to accept praise confidently?" She giggled.

"Try a hair flip!" He said with a smile and small wave of his head like he had hair to flip. She laughed then flipped her hair back, feeling more comfortable and free.

"Thank you!" She laughed and they all chimed in small laughter before Killua went back to sit down.

"Ok, next, we should work on displaying that confidence while you're singing!" Gon said, and backed up to look her over.

"Does that mean we'll choose a song now?" She asked, clasping both hands together. Gon shook his head again.

"We'll have plenty of time for that! We're going to sing some songs that portray confidence just for practice. Do you know 'What the hell' by avril?" He asked with an innocent head tilt.

"Excuse me?" She cried out nervously and Killua bursted out laughing.

"How on earth does that song exude the kind of confidence Melody wants?" Killua guffawed. Gon looked over with a small pout.

"Don't be mean Killua! Then what would you suggest?" He asked. Killua held his hand up in surrender.

"Hey, you're the leader here, I won't say anymore." He said, and Melody looked nervously between the two.

"I've heard of that song, but I'm not comfortable with the ideals it portrays." She piped up. Gon waved his hands at that.

"We don't care about the words, just the level of execution required. It's really high energy and confidence to yell out like she does all the time." Gon explained. "Ok, so-" He started, but then was interrupted with a call.

"Gon." Gon turned around to see Kite waving him over. Killua bristled again at Kite talking to Gon, but he realized he had no reason to. He thinks. It should be fine… But he was being really secretive with Gon's little talks.

"Sorry, one second!" Gon said with a curt bow and bounded away. The rest of the class was able to properly focus on their projects now that the distracting show Gon put on was placed on hold for a moment. There was something about Gon that just demanded the room's attention, his way of speaking and presenting himself… it was almost impossible to ignore.

"Hey… Mel." Killua whispered to catch her attention while making sure Gon didn't notice from his place in front of Kite's desk. Melody looked over at the call of her shortened name and came closer to the lounging Zoldyck. "You know another part of being a good World Star is not being a pushover to those who are 'in-charge' of you. They want to help, but you don't have to listen to every single thing they say. It's good to compromise. They can't do without you after all. You're irreplaceable." He said lowly so only she heard, keeping his eyes on Gon to make sure he suddenly didn't turn around, then looked to Melody only after he finished speaking. He leaned further back in his chair as he realized she was staring at him with wide eyes and a blush on her features.

"Wh-wha-?" He stuttered caught off guard from her reaction.

"Thank you…" She said, a soft smile on her lips. He said I'm irreplaceable... She thought. If Killua Zoldyck thought so much about her, she could truly pretend she feels the same. He let his surprise from her initial reaction fade and he smiled back.

"Of course." He said, and held up a fist. She looked down at it then gave a small chuckle, tapping her own small fist against his.

"You're very nice. Before today, you had this really icy exterior about you, almost like a shield. Now you have this warmth radiating around you, very welcoming." She took a pause as Killua sucked in a breath in shock. "Is it Gon?" She asked quietly, turning to look at the sun-kissed male at Kite's desk. Their conversations seemed close to ending. She turned her eyes back on Killua and he was looking at Gon too.

"I think so… I'm hoping to… learn something." He said. Half truths. Not too bad. He turned back to Melody and they exchanged warm smiles.

"Right, so I won't be singing any Avril." She giggled and Killua rolled his eyes.

"Not if you don't want to." He said. Gon turned around.


Gon reached Kite's desk, not letting the small uneasiness show on his face.

"Yes, Kite?" He asked as he reached the desk.

"Gon, are you japanese by chance?" He asked, a hand on his chin. Gon blinked.

"Er, hai." Gon nodded. Kite smiled slightly.

"Who's your father?" He asked with mirth. Gon bit his lip lightly.

"Er…" Gon toned, looking at the wood grain pattern on the desk in front of him. Kite sat up more in his chair.

"Is it someone named Ging?" Gon's head snapped up at that.

"How did you know?" He asked slightly nervously.

"Ah… that's how you got my albums… wow, I don't think I've seen you since you were 2, maybe three." Kite said, staring at Gon as though trying to recognize the differences from when Gon was younger to now. Gon blinked.

"Huh?" He asked dumbly.

"I used to work with Ging. We worked on composing songs together, he'd help me finish my movements in smooth jazz and I'd help him come up with lyrics. I was just a small stop on his map of experiences, but he's very famous. One of the top World Stars out there… is that how you got into this school?" Kite asked.

"No, no, I was asked to apply by Netero, I don't think he knows who my father is. Please don't tell anyone. I want to become a World Star on my own term, using my own strength." Gon pleaded. Kite nodded.

"I wasn't planning on it. You asked me how I knew? I was watching the way you were impacting those around you, your brightness infected everyone around here, especially Melody who you were focusing on. You positively affect people you interact with, and it reminded me of Ging when we worked together. He'd be proud to know his son came out so wonderfully." Gon smiled widely.

"Thank you… That's amazing that you knew my father… would you mind… could you tell me more stories about him when you have the chance?" Gon asked hopefully. Kite smiled warmly.

"Of course. I'm here after school for an extra hour, and on wednesdays I'm here for 2. Ok? Drop by anytime. I'm usually free for lunch too." Kite said, inclining his head forward. Gon nodded happily.

"Ok! Thank you!"

"You can go now." Kite said, and Gon turned around on his heels and bounded back to his friends who looked like they were talking about him behind his back. But that would never happen! Or at least nothing bad, right?

"Ok, right! So, I'll pull up the lyrics and you try to sing it as confidently as-" Gon said, pulling out his phone and Melody interrupted, Killua's eyes slipping closed as he sank further in his seat.

"Actually, Gon." she said. "I still don't want to sing that song." Gon blinked.

"But we have to practice your stage pres-!"

"I know." She said soothingly. "But we can keep thinking of another song that needs to be delivered with confidence that I like singing. I think that's a very important part of delivery, right? To at least like the song?" She asked reasoning.

"I agree." Killua replied, his eyes still closed. Gon whipped his head in his direction when he spoke and blinked as he seemed to process what happened. He puffed out his cheeks.

"You-! You did something to my student!" Gon cried out and Killua tried to suppress the cheeky smile trying to break out on his face as he felt more than saw the glare sent in his direction.

"Now come on, Gon, we can just search?" Melody asked trying not to break out in laughter herself. She pulled him forward but he stubbornly kept his glare on the reclining star until she patted his cheek to look down.


After class, Gon told Melody he'd text her the next time he was able to practice the pre-test. They would finally pick a song to block out a short and simple dance and perform it in her new found confidence. She was able to perform a song in front the class (well, not really infront of the class as an audience, but when most of the class quieted to listen to her, she didn't back down. If Gon didn't know better, he'd think she was actually basking in it, FINALLY!) and Gon noticed she didn't look at or mention Kurapika once. That was the best part. Kurapika needed to realize he wasn't the 'end all be all' and that sometimes he needed to humble himself to get someone else. And the fact that Melody could possibly get over Kurapika will help with his phase 4 of the plan. She needed to be independent and able by then. Of course all these phases are Gon's secret agenda and no one knows of them, so he bid her good-bye with the promise of contacting her for their next meet up.

"Bye Gon! Good bye Killua!" She said, softer for the latter.

"Bye, Melody." Killua bid before Gon could. Gon whipped his head back and forth to look at the two, Melody walking away and Killua looking at him strangely.

"What was that? That little exchange…!" Gon said, wiggling his fingers to represent the strangeness of it.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about." Killua said, starting to head to his locker.

"C'mon! There was something between you two, I saw it! You two have been all secretive and exclusive since Kite talked to me!"

"Oh, us? What did Kite talk to you about?" Killua asked. Gon opened his mouth then closed it. He couldn't tell him all that.

"I…" Gon trialed.

"Right! If anyone's being secretive it's you!" Killua said, poking his nose. Gon scrunched up the poked nose and sighed.

"Kiiillluuaaa! You're gonna make me jealous!" Gon droned out, voice thrumming around Killua's head. Killua scoffed.

"'Jealous,' he says…" Killua said opening up his locker. He fixed his hair real quick in the mirror then pulled up his duffle bag to reveal a lunch box. Gon opened his locker at the same time and got his bento out.

"So, Killua, have you thought about my question from earlier? Do you have an answer yet?" Gon asked amicably enough but Killua grimaced, his mood plummeting a bit.

"No… I'm gonna think about it during lunch." Gon turned to him hopefully and Killua held his hand up. "Alone." Gon mood sank as well. Now two downcast boys were heading towards Zushi's locker and the lunch room. Zushi lit up when he spotted them but then hesitantly lowered his waving hand at seeing the two sad boys.

"What happened?" Zushi asked. They gestured at each other and said things at the same time, then faced each other as they realized they blamed each other.

"Me?!" They cried out in chorus. "You!" the tense beat passed then they bursted out in laughter.

"Sorry, it's nothing Zushi. I'm just gonna go think about some things." Killua said then casually brought his hand up in departure. "See ya." He walked down the hall. Zushi then turned to Gon.

"I'm hoping he'll join us for lunch when he doesn't have things to think about." Gon said watching him move away. Zushi smiled and patted his back supportingly. "It's my own fault for asking him such a hard question I guess…"

Zushi nodded. "Where did that question come from anyway?" He asked.

"Well, tuesday, he told me he doesn't like to sing for others because there's no benefit for him, so he'll only sing for concerts. So I asked him why does he sing. I mean, he never said he doesn't like to sing, he just doesn't like to sing for others. So I wanted to know what kept him singing instead of quitting. His answer from this morning was just too sad… I hope he comes up with a better answer." Gon said and looked down at Zushi. Zushi just nodded, looking down the hallway Killua was just walking down.

"You're really amazing Gon…" Zushi said, almost to himself.

"Hm? Why's that?" He asked. Zushi shook his head.

"Let's go join Pokkle and them." He said instead turning inside. Gon whined slightly.

"Zuuuushi!" He brightened up as he remembered something. "Oh yea, does this school do plays?!"


Killua popped another bright candy ball into his mouth as he looked out over the roof of the school, his headphones firmly over his ears.

Why do you sing?

~I'm tired of being what you want me to be

Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface…

He let himself get lost in the music and melody, left alone with his thoughts. He used to sing because it was fun. Because it made his older brothers happy. At least he figured it did when he was younger- even after they would return to the main house from music training for the day, exhausted and spent, they would let him follow them around and stay in their presence and climb on their bed while they were trying to rest and just sing. Anything, everything, whatever they wanted, and they'd just listen to him sing.

~Don't know what you're expecting of me

Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes...

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Killua knew his brothers were tired from singing or dancing all day so even though sometimes he wanted his older brothers to sing for him too, he'd sing for them instead so they could be happy.

And he thought it made them happy. He hoped it did.

~(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)

Every step that I take is another mistake to you

(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)...

Back then, Milluki had made him his headphones, the ones he wears to this day, and told him to always keep singing. Custom and specially made, Milluki made it waterproof, damage resistant, with a lightweight metal alloy. The screeching cat design on the hull was more like an inside family joke- sort of Killua's brand.

~I've become so numb, I can't feel you there

Become so tired, so much more aware

I'm becoming this, all I want to do

Is be more like me and be less like you…

After he started his own music training, and his brothers were put in charge of his hellish hours of training, he began to hate them (even though it was never really their fault, but he was a child and it was hard to grow out of something that's been rooted for so long) and he stopped singing for them. It was possible Milluki made him the headphones knowing what was in store, wanting him to remember how it was before the strict instruction.

~Can't you see that you're smothering me,

Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control?

'Cause everything that you thought I would be

Has fallen apart right in front of you…

He now valued the headphones because it reminded him of the time when he still loved singing. When the reason he sang was his brothers. Was to make others happy. And his brothers made him happy too. Killua could still get Milluki embarrassed when he paraded them around all the time and handled them with such care, Anyone watching would have thought it was his child. It's why it's still so pristine although he's had them for about 10 years.

Why do you sing?

~(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)

Every step that I take is another mistake to you.

(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)

And every second I waste is more than I can take...

Killua thought if he couldn't sing to make his brothers happy, he could still sing to the world and make them happy. He knew music gave him joy so he strived to impress his parents and become the leads in Zoldycks concerts, become like a poster child of their empire. But he didn't realize it came with all the interviews, paparazzi, articles with lies, parties with old people he didn't know or care about, expectations and people who just wanted to know him for the connections and ease of access he could provide. There was no happiness in that world. Only corrupted people with too much money for their huge pockets.

So why don't you quit?

~I've become so numb, I can't feel you there,

Become so tired, so much more aware

I'm becoming this, all I want to do

Is be more like me and be less like you...

Killua gripped at the cuffs of his shirt. He couldn't stand that thought. He didn't think he could bear to ever stop singing. But if it was so troublesome and fruitless, why continue? He thought of his little sister Alluka (He gripped his sleeves tighter) and his father… He could still make those people happy. And Gon… he seems to know some secret about singing and maybe if he keeps singing and keeps waiting… something will push, something will break and then everything will be different and he'll be happy. So he'll wait.

~And I know

I may end up failing too.

But I know

You were just like me with someone disappointed in you.

I've become so numb, I can't feel you there,

Become so tired, so much more aware.

I'm becoming this, all I want to do

Is be more like me and be less like you.

I've become so numb, I can't feel you there.

(I'm tired of being what you want me to be)

I've become so numb, I can't feel you there.

(I'm tired of being what you want me to be)...

Killua could hear Gon's voice in his head, eyes honest and smile pure.

Killua… why do you sing?


Killua made his way down the stairs of the roof access with 5 minutes until the end of lunch. He felt oddly at peace after thinking through something he's probably been putting off thinking about until Gon asked. He needed to tell Gon he had the answer. Or… some kind of answer.

He was walking towards the cafeteria when the doors opened and he met eyes with the boy he was searching for.

"Gon…!" Killua breathed with a smile after recovering from almost smacking into him. Gon's smile widened to the point Killua was worried his face would split in half and sort of felt happy that he had that kind of effect on Gon-that he made him so happy.

"Killua!" He skipped forward for a hug and Killua actually let him, grunting as he collided harder than he expected. "You let me hug you!" He cried out victoriously. Killua chuckled and backed up to look Gon in the eye.

"I have your answer." He said and Gon's eyes zeroed in in focus, and Killua was able to keep eye contact this time.

"Ok. Why do you sing, Killua?" He repeated. Killua nodded.

"Ok… I sing because the small pleasures. I want to. And I'm waiting. I sing because I'm waiting for something to hope for." He stated, letting his eyes slip close. When he heard himself his eyes snapped open and a blush reached from the tips of his ears down to his neck. "I-I mean! Ah geez, that sounded so sappy!" Killua moaned, covering his face, even the tips of his lithe fingers were also flushed red. "Forget I said anything!" Killua cried out, shooting his hands out and covering Gon's face as he kept his head down. "Oh man, I should've thought that through better…" He moaned. Then he felt Gon laughing against his hand, the vibrations dancing across his fingers and arms and down his spine and he slowly removed his hands as he waited for Gon to tease him mercilessly. Gon finally opened his eyes, eyes so deep, it was like melted chocolate and Killua couldn't look away.

"I like that answer better!" He laughed deep in mirth. Killua blinked as his blush receded. "You're last answer was too sad… this answer is so much better. It means I can still help you. I'll be your hope, Killua!" Gon said, grabbing his hands and holding it to his broad chest. Killua's blush returned but not as deeply.

"W-what are you even saying, you idiot?!" He bit out, yanking his hands back to his own chest.

"I want to help you! I want to help you love singing again! To anyone, everywhere!" Gon explained and Killua scoffed.

"Please… the only person I really want to sing with is you." Killua said with a eye roll. Gon felt his heart stutter at that and he found himself smiling like an idiot, a "huh?!" spilling through his lips. Killua blinked.

"Ah… I never told you…" He said as though just remembering. Gon laughed happily.

"Killua-!" The bell ring and people began pouring out the lunch room.

"Woa! C'mon Gon, we gotta get out the way." Killua said twisting behind Gon and pushing him forward. He realized he probably shouldn't have told him, Gon was embarrassing enough without knowing that, so he was secretly happy for the distraction of the bell. They got to the lockers and Gon looked lost in thought as they shuffled through their books. Killua looked at Gon through the corner of his eye with slight wonder.

What is he thinking about now…?


They had just entered Harmony class together when Gon got a text message. Killua looked over his shoulder to read with him. It was from Melody:

Kurapika talked to me!

Both of them gasped and they tried to fight over the phone to type first but Gon won out by saying 'It's my phone!'

"Ask her if she spit in his face!" He asked, close by his ear as though that would allow him to control Gon's thoughts.

"Shush!" Gon said, waving his hand at Killua's face. He typed in 'What did you do?'

"No, tell her to never speak to him again!" Killua said.

"You know, Killua, I didn't realize how salty you could be, I never should have told you about Melody's situation."

"Ah, she would have told me eventually." Killua waved off finally coming off Gon's shoulder and sticking his hands in his pockets. Another text came in and he peered back over his shoulder.

He introduced himself and I said I know, then I told him I had to go! I pretended to be elegant like you told me and it helped! I felt empowered and not the least bit embarrassed! She texted.

"Lame! She should have flipped him off." Killua stated and Gon sighed.

"No, she took the high road, like a lady. This is good, everything is going according to plaaaaaaaheeeiiii mean, ahaha," He droned nervously as Killua gave him a weird look. "Hey, Killua, can I ask you another question today?" Killua huffed,

"Is that what you were thinking so hard about at the locker? Another question that will take me a hundred years to answer? Is that a goal of yours?" He asked, heading to the back of the classroom.

"No, and um, ahem…" Gon coughed, trying to catch Killua's attention as he stayed by the front. Killua stopped as his shoulders tensed, signalling he remembered. He lolled his head as he turned with the momentum and sighed out, resigned.

"Take your pick."

"Right there is fine!" Gon said, pointing to the row Killua was standing by. It was the middle row, equidistant from the back and front. Killua huffed.

"Ok." He took a seat and Gon went and sat next to him.

"So, can I ask you a question?" Gon asked again and Killua was about to answer when a girl's voice cut him off.

"Gon! Oh…!" Ponzu strolled up to them. "That's new." She said, looking at Killua.

"Isn't it?" Killua replied sarcastically, and Gon tapped his wrist. "What?" Killua whispered under his breath.

"Hey Ponzu! Whats up?" He asked.

"Not much, you just left lunch kinda early." She said taking the seat next to Gon.

"Yea, just had some stuff on my mind." Gon said, shifting so he wasn't completely facing Killua and having his back to her.

"Mh! So anyway, I looked up the theater department on the school page after you asked about plays, and it looks like we work on those things in the higher grades. As an idol, acting is imperative too!" She said and Gon's eyes lit up.

"Yay! But what about now? Plays and auditions and volunteers?" Gon asked. Killua could have fell asleep from boredom listening to this stuff.

"Hey Gon." Killua said as Ponzu opened her mouth to reply. Both their attentions fell onto him, the farther one more annoyed. "I decided I will let you ask me another question." He said, propping his head on one hand, a fox like smile across his face. Gon lit up.

"Wow, really?! Oh, what was it again...?" Gon said, rubbing at his strong jawline.

"Well, while you think of it, I can tell you about theater auditions outside of grade levels." Ponzu giggled innocently when Gon's attention was arrested by her, Killua's face forming into one of an annoyed grimace.

"Oh, ok, but I think I remembered now." Gon said and Killua smirked. Killua put his thumb and pointer finger on Gon's chin (the digits feeling cool to the touch causing him to shiver slightly) and turned Gon's head back in his direction.

"Yea, he remembers, so try not to distract him, yea? He's a little simple minded." Killua sneered in her direction and she puffed her cheeks out in annoyance. Killua's eyes turned back to Gon's, feeling triumphant at garnering Gon's attention, and stilled slightly at how Gon was staring at him. He realized his hand was still on Gon's chin and he quickly moved it, feeling heat rise to his cheeks.

"W-well, what was the question?" He asked, averting his eyes. Gon blinked and remembered that was what Killua told him he could do.

"Oh yea, can you go out with me saturday?" He asked, cocking his head cutely to one side. Both Ponzu and Killua sputtered.

"HUH?!" He asked, sitting up straight in his chair now. Gon looked between the two of them.

"What? What did I say?"

"You… Did you just ask Killua out?" Ponzu asked.

"Y-yea? Why?" He asked, looking a bit nervous. The blush crept up Killua's face and he placed his head in his hands like a cradle.

"Ugh…" Another one, oh no, I'm gonna have to cut off all communications, darn it I just got him, I really thought it'd be different…!

"Wait, Gon… like romantically, or just an outing?" Ponzu specified, holding one of Gon's shoulders. Gon blinked.

"Just an outing... What- oh, no, I don't date, no, not in high school. And especially with becoming a World Star, my aunt Mito told me to be careful who I ask out, because paparazzi are mean. I just meant to come out with me, out on the town." Gon explained. Killua heard and collapsed onto the desk.

"Ugh…!" He groaned louder. How could he be so stupid? How could he think Gon was asking him out? That was his friend! And he's a guy, he doesn't even know if Gon swings that way, and they haven't known each other long, of course he's just asking him out as a friend, ugh, he felt stupid. He peeked over to see Ponzu with a semi-understanding look on her face.

I don't blame you... Her look seemed to say. I thought the same thing. Maybe it was just because it was Gon. But also because it was Gon they should have known better.

"Guys, what happened? Killua, are you ok? You look sick.." Gon asked concerned. Killua sat up and gave a small cough.

"No, I'm fine." He said and pulled at his collar feeling a little too hot. "Er, Saturday, yea, I should be free. Was that the question? That wasn't much of a question, Gon." Killua said, leaning back in his chair. Gon blinked.

"No? Ok… when we're out… can I ask you questions throughout the day?" Gon asked and Killua huffed.

"I mean… I guess, if it's spaced out enough. And it doesn't annoy me. But if we're doing it like that then I can refuse to answer a question I don't want to." Killua said, wagging a finger for emphasis. Gon nodded.

"...Right, is that it? Are you done? Can I speak with Gon now?" Ponzu asked, a bit sassily Killua would add. He let a small growl slip from the back of his throat then muttered, "Fine. Gon, give me your phone." He said, sticking his hand out. Gon blinked but then gave him the phone and turned to Ponzu.

Opening the messages, Killua saw they never replied to Melody's last text.

Hey, sorry for late reply. Good job girl, you should have spit in his face though. He typed stifling a snicker so Gon didn't know what he was doing. Ponzu continued telling Gon the auditions are much like the normal ones, but certain ones are closed specifically for classes taking theater.

Haha, hello Killua. She texted back and Killua let out a huff of laugh.

You knew?

I don't think Gon would advise spitting on people. Do you need my number?

No, I'll take it from Gon's phone.

The minute bell rang and Killua took it down quick. As he took the number, another text arrived.

Talk to you later. Killua nodded and text back.

TTYL.

"Are you still here?" Killua asked as he looked up, sounding sarcastically pleasantly surprised when he slipped Gon's phone back into his pocket. Ponzu squinted her eyes in his direction, a small bitter smile on her features.

"Yes, I am. I'm actually gonna sit here."

"That's new." Killua said, a hand over his mouth.

"You-!" She cried as Killua snickered, but before she could continue, Gon helplessly in the middle, the teacher came in.

"Hello class! Happy second day of Harmony! Who missed the class? Right, it was fun last time, with the upper class harmony, and the beautiful harmonizing. Gets you excited, right? Well, than we'll get right into it so you all can get on your way to sounding like real World Stars! Today we'll be learning counterpoint: Multiple lines of music to one set of melody. Now…"


Killua popped one more candy in his mouth in hopes of keeping awake, the gummy texture giving way to the sour syrup inside. It was hard to keep awake when she was so bad at making Harmony fun! She should put on some videos or make jokes or something, but after minute 25, Killua was zoning out.

"OK!" She said sharply, jerking most of the class back to attention. Turned out Killua wasn't the only one. "Now, we'll practice counterpoint!" There were pleased murmurs around the class and Killua could relate, counterpoint was one of his favorite harmonizations and fun to record. She began to write titles and names of plays and songs on the board and Gon nudged Killua.

"Look! Look, I know most of those plays because I looked up the ones Knov told us about!" Gon said proudly. Killua gave him a small smile.

"Nice…"

"Alright, so I want you all to partner up and pick a song from any of these options I wrote on the board or whichever else you could think of! I'll be going around to make sure you all are keeping harmony and pitch. There should be beautiful music~ in here! Through this practice, you should be able to keep a pace the two of you decide, harmonize with a partner and keep a note even though someone is singing a different line and note than you." She crooned and people began moving around. Killua grabbed at Gon's arm and pulled him to his side so Gon could know to start shifting his desk to face him, when he was met with resistance and Gon hardly budged. Killua leaned forward to look across Gon's desk, already knowing who was the problem.

"Excuse you-"

"What happened to not participating, Killua?" Ponzu snapped back quick nearly the same time.

"I don't want to participate with tone deaf dead weights, you tangled pair of headphones, now let go of Gon-"

"WOW! You really called me that…!" She cried out incredulously and Gon barely remembered to retract his arms after getting caught in the middle of their arguing match. They both looked up at him, miffed expressions on both of them.

"Guys…" Gon started and let out a breath. "You have to stop fighting. Now we're all friends here- so there should be no reason for all this animosity."

"You know such a word as animosity-?" Killua started teasingly, and Ponzu leaned down in her seat so she could reach over and kick him. "Ow! Binch, I swear-!" Killua made to stand up, but Gon grabbed his arm. He made a pacifying glance at Killua and he sat back down crossing his arms.

"Ok, Ponzu, I know you're my friend, but I can't be the only one you want to sing with right? Even if I don't sing with you, you can find someone else, right? Killua doesn't want to sing with anyone else right now, so to get him to participate, I need to be the one to do it, ok?" He asked. Ponzu huffed, turning her head to the side.

"I get it… but Killua is just really annoying!" She said, pointing accusingly to him.

"I know you are but what am I?" He sneered out and she stood up swiftly.

"I'll see you after class, Gon." She said tightly as Gon squeezed Killua's forearm warningly.

"Bye Ponzu." He said, eyes still on Killua. Killua stuck his tongue out after her and moved to face Gon then jumped when he realized he saw that.

"I-"

"Ah!… It's fine. But please, try to be nicer! She's my friend." Gon said with a smile that had all the understanding in the world. Killua lolled his head back and let out a loud groan.

"Fine, I'll try." He drawled and Gon smile widened.

"Great! Now, what do you want to sing?" Gon asked, turning his desk to face Killua. The rest of the class had already partnered up and began singing, beautiful melodies and harmonizations or counterpoint vocals covering the class in a loud cloud. Killua turned his desk to face Gon as well before looking at the board.

"Umm… I don't care, I know all these songs. Pretty simple. The question is which you know and which you want to sing." Killua said, his fingers caged over his mouth as he propped his head up with his hand. Gon let his eyes rove the board and it settled on a name.

"I know! I love Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog! Let's do "My Eyes!" Gon cried out. Killua blinked.

"Wow, I would have thought you'd pick something from Wicked since you just got into that. Dr. Horrible wasn't even one of the plays Knov said we should know." Killua said, sitting up straighter in a proper sitting singing position.

"I know, it's something I know from when I was younger. I must have watched it like… 10 times in a month once."

"Haha, obsessed much?" Killua teased and Gon waved it off.

"Ok, so we're starting from the begi-" He started and Killua held his hand up.

"No. There's no reason to do the solo parts, we're suppose to practice the counterpoint part, so we'll start from there. Pick the note." Killua said, straightening his shirt. He looked around to make sure everyone else was occupied singing their own counterpoints. If they sing with the mass of voices in class, no one would be able to listen in. Hide a tree in a forest, you know?

"Mh…. Oh! Killua, I wanted to ask you, what's your favorite range? I asked you in Range class, but it was my turn before you could answer. That way, I know which which note to pick and which counterpoint part you get." Gon said. Killua blinked. He totally forget that one part was a girl and the other was a boy. Meaning someone did have to be the soprano. Killua felt a blush fall over the bridge of his nose, because honestly he didn't mind the girl part, in fact… "I prefer the tenor range…" Killua mumbled, averting his eyes from Gon in case he decided to look on judgmentally or tease.

Killua actually loved harmonizing instead of singing melody and tenor instead of singing bass. But his family rather train him for Melody and bass, giving him low voiced recordings and the bass melody in group harmonization. It worked better for his image and the way he spoke just indicated he'd sing best in the bass. But he enjoyed hitting the high pitched and the sharp and flats in harmonizations. So when he finally looked up back at Gon, he wasn't expecting the understanding look like it was totally normal.

Or he should have expected it, with Gon being Gon.

Plus, Killua thinks Gon doesn't really know much about the Zoldycks, so he shouldn't have expected Gont to bring up all those times he sang bass instead and questioned it out of him. It was just another new tidbit of information for Gon and he wasn't judgemental about.

Another thing Killua loved about Gon. He was a true friend, someone he could be comfortable around; to be himself. A refuge. It left a warm feeling in his chest, and he just wanted to sing with Gon more. He was more excited for this assignment now!

"Great! I think it'd be awkward if I had to sing the higher part cause I like to think I specialize in Bass. Hey, Killua, it's like our voices fit each other's!" Gon exclaimed happily. Killua smiled back warmly.

"Mh. Let's try it out, yea? You know the words?" Killua asked. He placed his hands comfortably on the desk in front of him, relaxing his body and limbs.

"Of course. Ok let's go with… A below middle C. Ready, 1 and 2…" They both inhaled, and just before he started, Killua picked up everyone was still in their own songs, so he would sing with no restraint. He wanted to give it to Gon, not hold back like he usually did in the booth with his brothers, but make sure Gon could help him cause he put everything on the table.

"Anyone with half a brain Could spend their whole life howling in pain…" Gon sang out, harmonizing with Killua's part, "Take it slow… He looks at me and seems to know~" Gon's voice reverberated in his chest, making him feel excited at how well they sounded together and they only just started singing together. His fingers began to warm up as his body responded positively to the teen singing to him, with him.

"The things that I'm afraid to show...And suddenly I feel this glow, And I believe" Killua continued, Gon coming in "'Cause the dark is everywhere And Penny doesn't seem to care That soon the dark in me is all that will remain"

Gon had to keep himself from gasping and force himself to keep singing when Killua first started to sing with him. He sounded angelic, he's never heard anyone sing like him, a unique tone of note that definitely sounded great on higher range. And he was more surprised on how great they sounded together, Gon's low with a hint of husky voice paired with Killua's velvety voice created something euphoric. He was suddenly reminded how Killua wanted to sing with him, Killua chose him to be the second half of this beautiful gift and he gave himself to the song- the performance- and it was just him and Killua.

Their parts came together to more of a harmony in the next lines, "There's good in everybody's heart, Keep it safe and sound…" "Listen close to everybody's heart, And hear that breaking sound..." Their bodies moved naturally with the turns of their voices, hands rising and falling, heads bobbing with the sharps and flats.

"With hope, you can do your part… To turn a life around~" Killua sang out letting his eyes slip closed in the moment, Gon matching his part in vocal harmony, "Hopes and dreams are shattering apart And crashing to the ground…!"

Killua didn't know it would be this amazing to sing with someone so different, but maybe that's why Gon picked him out of the sea of students when he first came to school, it was why he let Gon in, so he can remember this feeling… this feeling, and he loved to sing again. If just in this moment, in the little bubble with Gon, with their music filling their ears beautifully. Killua opened his eyes to meet dark chocolate eyes boring into his, vibing together in both harmony and mind. He knew Gon thought they sounded great too. They shifted keys as they launched into the next lines of the song,

"I cannot believe my eyes… How the world's finally growing wise…" "I cannot believe my eyes How the world's filled with filth and lies …"

They sang together, smiles breaking out on their faces as they kept eye contact. It was fun! This was why Killua wanted to keep with able, musically inclined individuals. He'd probably have to carry anyone else's voice, but with Gon, he matched his step, his voice, his tempo. It wasn't work or a struggle, it was fun. Gon started first in the next chorus, "But it's plain to see…! Evil inside of me…" "And it's plain to see…! Rapture inside of me…"

"is on the rise…!"

"is on the rise…!"

They let their heads rise and fall with the notes and held out the last harmonizing note, feeling as though coming down from some sort of high. It was amazing, for both of them. It was the first time Gon heard Killua sing, and the rumors certainly have some credit to them, he had no idea he sounded this amazing. He was happy Killua chose him all over again and was left with a warm feeling throughout his body, happiness buzzing in his ears while their harmonizing notes intertwined with each other.

Killua was absolutely pleased with his first time with Gon, and it was nothing like doing it with his brothers. Gon obviously added feeling to his music, bouncing off Killua's energy causing him to add feeling- and the song only got better as they poured themselves into. Killua smiled probably as widely as Gon was smiling back at him as they finally ended the beautiful note, but then his ears picked up… nothing.

The class was quiet.

Killua gave quick glances to his left and right as they were in the center of class, and everyone was looking at them, most of them in awe, some with tears in their eyes at the beautiful performance. Everyone… everyone heard him sing. His face flooded with red and he tossed his head into his arms on the desk, trying to bury himself.

Since when?! How long?! Oh man, how embarrassing, ugh, these people will probably think I'll sing whenever for them, or we're on equal terms because I sang, or something else ridiculous like that… Illumi taught me better than to just lose track of my surroundings like that…! Killua's thoughts raced a mile a minute.

"Killua?" Gon said, slightly chuckling. The only thing he could see was his fluffy hair on the desk, his ears pink tinted, and a couple fingers on his arm also tinted pink. He didn't move. Just barely shook his head no in a tight shake. Gon shrugged but knew there was nothing really wrong. Gon knew Killua wasn't ready for singing for others yet, he wasn't comfortable since Gon hadn't carried out his master plan yet. He'll let him relax as he basks in the afterglow of singing with an angel. That's what Killua was, right? An angel. He sounded like one. Gon wanted to sing with Killua again. It was fun!

The class erupted back into noise again, but instead of singing, it was talking about Gon's and Killua's.

"They were amazing!"

"I never thought Killua would ever sing in class! Now we're one of the lucky few to have heard it!"

"We've been blessed! I'm cured, my skin is cleared, my crops are-!"

"Gon was good, but I never knew he sounded that good in a duet…!"

"I can't believe he decided to sing with Gon, but not me!"

"Oh, please, you wouldn't have sounded nearly as good! Could you have even hit all those sharps and flats without frustrating Killua?"

Gon made eye contact with Ponzu who was still staring. She finally realized what she was doing and closed her open mouth. Gon shrugged and gestured to Killua as though most of it was Killua, the smile never leaving his face. She turned back to her partner with a dazed kind of expression and he turned his attention back on Killua. His cheeks were starting to hurt but he didn't think he would stop smiling even if he could. Even just thinking back to them singing made him smile wider. He didn't think he could ever not smile if he thought back to that. He placed his head on the palms of his hands and just stared at the top of Killua's head, waiting for him to look up but was plenty satisfied with just looking at the top of his head and imaging what his hair would feel like if he was allowed to touch it.

"C-come now class, stop talking, there should be singing! Focus! Re-focus…!" The teacher called, still a little dazed by the performace herself.

What is he still doing in second year…? The teacher thought in a daze.


Gon idled himself with listening to others singing the rest of class. They sounded really good! They were sure to be great World Stars in the future… and they sounded like they were having fun, and he's sure connections were being made. People were singing with others who they'd enjoy singing with and people will make note of others they want to sing with, and everyone's just doing what they love and what they do best. Singing.

...

Gon didn't want to brag.

He didn't want to sound mean.

It wasn't fair, because it wasn't even him that made it sound that great.

But honestly, none of them ever even reached close to the level of sound him and Killua made. The other students sounded great, and more credit to them, the renditions of these show tunes in the hands of musically inclined students gave it new light and enjoyment, because people could also act out what their parts were in their singing. Hearing them sing just made him want to bug Killua and get him to sing something else with him, show everyone else how real singing sounds like! And he just felt so smug with the fact that before Gon came, no one was able to get that beautiful voice singing out during class. He didn't know what'd he do if he knew Killua sang with anyone else after he refused to sing at all. It was fun, it sounded great, he wanted to do it again, but right now, Gon was more concerned Killua would never raise his head ever again.

It was a few minutes before class ended, and most people had stopped their exercise, deciding to pack up and chat instead for the last few moments of class.

The redness Gon could see faded merely minutes after the class re-focused but he still didn't move, not even tried to speak. Gon still waited, convinced he couldn't stay like that all class.

5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes.

Gon was pouting. He reached a hand out to poke his head, but then retracted it.

Be understanding… He probably felt that this was something personal, not for others to hear… he probably just feels some sort of violation of privacy since everyone listened in on something not for them. Gon thought, chewing his nail in impatience. He didn't mind if Killua didn't want to sing anymore today, he at least wanted to talk to him again, see his blue eyes. Just as he was wondering if he should place his desk back in normal classroom placement, Killua shifted. Gon froze, not wanting any sudden movements to scare the skittish Killua. Classmates who noticed him moving looked over, as though expecting him to burst in a musical number. Gon felt slightly irked at that. He's not going to sing all the time just because they stole in on something they were never meant to hear…!

Killua lifted his head half off the desk, just high enough that he could see Gon through his bangs. He mouthed something and Gon blinked.

"Huh?" Gon asked and Killua squeezed his eyes shut. Then he moved to sit up completely, slipping his eyes open in flutters. Gon couldn't believe how beautiful he was. Watching him finally rise like a princess out of a slumber was like waiting for a butterfly to come out of it's cocoon, and it didn't disappoint. He opened his mouth to say as much about him being beautiful, then remembered he probably already had enough blood rushing to his head for one day. He bit his tongue. Killua let out a sigh and locked eyes with Gon, seeming intent on ignoring the rest of the class's eyes.

"What time is it?" He asked in a low voice.

"Class is almost over, almost 12… Were you sleeping, Killua?" Gon asked, not bothering to match his low voice. Killua had closed his eyes when Gon spoke again, a soft troubled expression on his features. Why was he whispering? "Do you have a headache?" Killua snapped his eyes open at that.

"No, I…" He licked his lips in a quick movement and flicked his eyes left and right. "I'm fine. I was just feeling a bit out of it…" He moved his hands together in a fidgeting movement that Gon followed before bring his eyes back up to Killua's eyes. Something seemed to click in his mind and he spoke without really knowing why, "Killua, why don't you listen to your music?" Gon asked, tilting his head to one side with a soft smile. Killua blinked at him but he seemed to ease more, however subconsciously.

Gon's smile widened further. "I won't mind. We can walk to class together, but you can just listen to your music." Killua nodded slowly while looking at Gon like he was some magician. He hesitantly raised his silver earphones up while keeping eye contact with Gon, as though making sure it was still ok, then finally looked away and took out his phone and turning on his music. Gon smiled, feeling pleased at how much better Killua seems to be doing. Gon could gather Killua was probably coming down from some anxiety, and needed something to help. Gon knows he listens to his music a lot, so Gon suggested it. And after seeing his reaction, Gon knew that was probably something Killua used to help with it. Probably helped him cancel out the world and isolate himself in a place he could gather himself. The small smile that came on Killua face as Gon could hear (and kinda see) the thumping bass of a song Killua put on made Gon's smile widen even more. He was happy he could help. The bell rang, and the class began filtering out, disappointed they didn't get much else from Killua, even a bit mad at Gon for not making him, and Ponzu walked over.

"Hey…" She said with a smile and flicked her eyes over in Killua direction, who had his eyes closed for the moment.

"Hey." Gon greeted back easily, climbing out of his desk and pushing it line up with the others.

"I… that was amazing." She said after a beat.

"Right? I told you I should partner with Killua. He wouldn't have ever sang with anyone else." He said, keeping his voice low so Killua didn't hear him just yet.

"Yea, I'm happy I listened to you…" She admitted watching Gon move over to Killua's chair that he was still in. He put his hands on the back of the chair and just as Killua's eyes slipped back open, Gon was pushing his chair back into place.

"Wh-! Gon!" Killua cried out, instinctively raising his feet so it didn't drag on the ground as Gon pushed him, along with the desk, back into place. Ponzu stifled a laugh at the stricken face Killua made.

"What?" Gon asked bending forward from behind Killua's desk to see his face. As his face made itself known, Killua reached up and flicked his nose, causing him to flinch back immediately back out of view.

"You don't just push people around in the chair! Geez, I'm heavy, you didn't have to do that." Killua said standing up and picking up his bookbag in one swift movement. He then just noticed Ponzu still with them and made a face.

"What are you still doing here?" He asked.

"For your information, I have the next class with Gon, so I was planning on walking with him to the gym!" She replied back without missing her bite.

"Well, too bad for you, I'm walking with Gon, so go make some new plans!" Killua said, waving his hand off as though that would drive her away. Gon smiled, he seemed to have recovered and is back to his old self. Killua grabbed his hand, bringing him out of his thoughts and began to drag him towards the door.

"C'mon Gon, let's go." He said.

"Wait, Killua!" Gon said, digging his heels into the ground to stop him. Killua looked back and raised an eyebrow. Releasing his hand, Killua lowered the headphones over his ears, letting soft piano noises spill out. "She can walk with us!" Gon said, like it was obvious. Killua groaned and pulled out his phone, pausing the music and stopping the idle noises in the air.

"If she walks with us, she's gonna try and talk to us." Killua said.

"Yea, that's what normal humans do." Ponzu nodded slowly for him, like he was a child trying to understand something adult. He glared at her and Gon slipped in between the two.

"If you guys can't play nice, I'll walk to the gym by myself!" Gon scolded and the two stopped glaring. Killua huffed and Ponzu nodded.

"Ok." She conceded.

"Let's just go." Killua grumbled. Gon smiled and trotted out the room first, letting the other two trail behind him.

Upon reaching the gym, the teacher assistant redirected the students from going straight into gym and into the locker rooms.

"You're locker numbers are one the board, your lockers have your uniform. Put them on then enter the gym from the back entrance." She said like a recording relaying the directions over and over again.

"Bye Ponzu~" Killua said triumphantly as he turned down the way to the boys locker room with Gon. She stuck her tongue out at him and turned on her heel with a huff.

"Killua…!" Gon said with warning in his voice. Killua let out a sigh.

"What! I don't understand why we have to be nice to her." He said, crossing his arms.

"Because she's a friend! She's really nice! You'd know that if you give her a chance instead of always being mean." Gon said and Killua rolled his eyes.

"Yea, sure, ok." He droned. Gon gave an eye roll of his own.

"Anyway, I wonder what the tailor made uniforms looks like!"


Killua felt his eye twitch as he openly gaped at Gon, along with most of the class.

Gon… your legs…! Killua thought, shamelessly bringing his eyes down the form of the physically fit Gon. The uniform shorts stopped mid-thigh, but that didn't deter Gon's long island of sun-toned legs.

Your boots!

How can there be that much length of bare skin and then when it's cut off by boots under the knees, it can still stretch for miles.

Legs for days… Killua thought in a daze, no longer in control of his own mind. Who knew the tops of his green sneakers under his jeans hid what were actually boots underneath. He looked good… gorgeous…

And the top of the uniform, the gray and blue cotton-like fabric tailored to comfortably fit everyone like a second skin, hugged Gon's curves like the way most people in that gymnasium imagined hugging him now. And by curves, he meant muscle tone… His pectorals were shaped, giving to broad shoulders and the faint start of abs could be seen indented on his stomach. The sleeves on his forearm hugged around his buff arms like a woman would hang off it, wrapping her fingers around it to measure the size admiringly.

Geez… the things t-shirts and jackets can hide…. Killua though because that's exactly what Gon has been doing. Hiding all of this from everyone. Which was completely unfair.

He was stretching mildly in the middle of the gym- arms over chest, arms over head, then he swung up his leg, with little problem or resistance. He caught it up above his head stretching it out, and Killua's jaw dropped further if that was possible.

So flexible…! Killua was pretty sure he felt a bit of drool was threatening to spill over his lips so he quickly slammed his mouth shut and looked away, effectively breaking the spell the rest of the gym was still under. He's pretty sure as the class saw how flexible he was, some passed out and other people's knees gave way. Gon looked around concerned for a moment, and every one averted their eyes, whistling like nothing happened, even those who found themselves on the floor.

Gon just kept looking more and more like a captivating World Star.

"Oh! There you are Killua!" Gon cried out from behind Killua. He tensed up and whipped around, watching Gon start making his way over.

"Nope! Don't!" Killua said, backing up matching the steps Gon took to reach him. Gon faltered at that and he cocked his head curiously to one side.

"What? What happened?" Gon asked. Killua was barely keeping himself together with Gon at that distance, if he had the bright boy any closer with his sinful skin so exposed, Killua would think he would be passing out soon, too.

"You just…! Stay over there!" Killua said, sure his face was red. It was embarrassing, but it wasn't like Killua didn't have a sense of what drop-dead good looking looked like, and Gon's physique fit the bill as most students there would agree. Most people were already starting to take pictures.

"Killuaa-!" Gon started in a whine, moving to take another step which Killua matched in a half step back, but then the front gym doors opened in a dramatic flourish.

"Hello, my gems!" Bisky cooed, walking in with a floral skirt on and a mesh shirt over her own gym shirt, white stockings up to her knees and black sneakers.

A couple students knowing who she was squealed as fans.

"Omg, it's Bisky-chama!"

"Oh, she's so cute!"

"What's she doing here?" They called out while Killua decided it was better to focus on her than Gon. He didn't understand if these people were her fans why they were still cheering. They should be calling her a hag and fake, maybe boo her out the school. She held her hand up for silence and just as desired, silence fell over the gym.

"Class, I am going to be your gym teacher! As a retired World Star, I started focusing more on the health of younger World Star so that they may be as healthy as me when you guys are my age!" There was slight murmuring through the gym.

"What is she talking about? When we get to her age?" Killua heard Gon ask from somewhere to his right.

"Ha, don't let her fool you with that baby face. She's actually really-" He said, turning to speak with his friend, then was abruptly reminded of the situation as he drank in striking muscles hugged nicely in gray material and skin too exotic looking for even an adult movie. He stopped himself from jumping out of his skin from surprise and just backed up 3 steps, red faced.

When did he get next to me?! I must have really wanted to be distracted!

Gon pouted at his reaction and probably moved to get closer to Killua again when Bisky spoke, seeming to be answering a student's question posed when they weren't paying attention.

"That's right, I'm 57 years old."

The gym grew so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Then great noises of disbelief.

"What?!"

"No way!"

"You look so young!"

"Wow, your training regime must be crazy!"

"Ok, ok kids, it's ok! I have a whole branch of exercise videos for you guys to buy if you want to exercise enough to stay as young and healthy looking as me! I'm only here to make sure all you idols are healthy and strapping! Having good health makes it easier for classes like physical singing and dancing and activities like when you are on stage and blocking out a dance or moving a lot across stage while singing. Also, it can get very easy to become unhealthy in this life style with parties, luxuries and laziness of sitting around writing songs all day. It's my job to make sure no one gets all weak and feeble as an idol. Our looks and health are our foundation, after all. Alright, so today we'll be doing some pre-testing.

"We've got some stuff set up, like bars for chin ups, hurdles, ropes to climb and I'll gauge how much and what level you all are at! Everyone split up to the different obstacles, me, the teacher assistant, and my personal assistant, Cookie-chan, will be going around and watching each of you- making notes. Just go around doing your best, think of it as a freestyle workout session!" She said and students began to move.

"Hey, Killua!" Gon said, turning to where Killua stood but not bothering to move in his direction anymore. Killua winced slightly and turned his head to look at Gon's bright smiling face. "Let's go do the ropes first! I want to see how fast you can climb! I bet I can beat you!" Gon said, prodding competitively. Killua vaguely registered he was asking for a race but when he heard rope climb, all he could think about was 'Back muscles… arms straining…'

"I-I" He swallowed to get the words out. "I don't-!" He tried again but then Gon interrupted him.

"Oh! Or the chin up? I bet I can do more than you!" He tried, a teasing smile on his face. But all Killua could see was his imagination running wild, 'Chest, pecs heaving… biceps pumping…!'

"Excuse me." He managed, cringing internally how it came out in a higher pitch than he wanted it to. He made large strides to Bisky and looked down at her, trying to look threateningly, but she only looked up innocently, blinking as she waited for him to say something.

"I… am going out to the track. And I am running. The whole period. Don't send anyone else out there with me, especially not Gon, not even if he begs. If you send Gon out there with me, I'll just run faster. Maybe even run home, got it?" He couldn't stand it, couldn't think about Gon… chasing him, he suppressed a shiver. And if he stayed inside where he would compete with Gon on those obstacles that seemed like fanservice at this point for everyone in gym, he was sure to be drooling over him in no time.

Gon was his first friend. Killua never really thought about which way he swung, he was too busy being unimpressed with everybody in this school. And maybe this had something to do with the fact Killua was in love with Gon's voice, which created such a rise and reaction out of him, but to be fair, he had no idea he looked like that under his baggy clothing. And he's studying enough idol and fashion magazines to know what was aesthetically pleasing to him. Curving bodies, wide chests and toned muscles, not too muscular to be overdoing it, and tanned skinned, ranging in the darker tones. And Gon had it all.

He found him attractive, but he found others attractive too! It didn't mean anything. He was just too close, offering close contact and body moves. He just needed a moment to get over it, accept that that's how Gon looks like and just appreciate his friend looks so… nice. But he can't stay in the gym to do that, watching Gon, or else there'd be an awkward boner he'd have to explain away.

Bisky looked bored with the request and for a moment he was worried she'd deny him and he was already racing through his mind on backup plans, blackmailing, escape routes to get what he wanted but then she held out her clipboard to him.

"Input your stats. I would think as a Zoldyck, you all do these, like… weekly or something, right?" She said, giving him an odd look. "You know what you can do already?" She asked as he took the clipboard, trying not to break out in a victorious smile.

"Yea, definitely! Great…" He murmured, looking at the board and getting ready to fudge some numbers. When they did those work out things, he didn't exactly keep count or look over the stats, that was Illumi's job, and they didn't exactly do every obstacle she had set up. Like the rope and the hurdles, but he figured what muscles they needed to use on the obstacles and estimated what his limit was for each.

He gave it back and she scanned it, looking overall impressed.

"Ok. Go ahead and work on your endurance. BUT, I'll have you know, I'll want you as a student I could call on for example then!"

Killua grumbled, unhappy with the sudden condition thrusted onto him but nodded nonetheless. She smiled pleased and shooed him away with a manicured hand. He turned on his heel and bristled at seeing Gon staring at him so intently. Gon gave a hopeful smile and Killua bit the inside of his cheek before turning to the back entrance of the gym that led to the tracks. Gon trailed after Killua's figure and went to ask Bisky about it.

Killua considered putting his headphones on, but considering how much he estimated he'd be sweating that period, he decided to set it aside carefully underneath a tree. He stretched and was off at a steady pace.

Luckily for him and true to her word, he didn't see high nor low of Gon, not even by the double doors' windows. He ran lap after lap trying to exhaust himself as to not get so riled up over Gon's fit and lean physique. Maybe he could associate Gon's good looks with being tired and it won't affect him so much. He ran, trying to burn the image of 'this' Gon in his mind so he could be used to it. He ran, singing to work on his physical singing as well while he was at it and made sure Gon was back to just being his friend, not some eye candy he hangs around.

By the end of the period, Killua collapsed onto his butt by the doors that led back into the gym, soaked in sweat, his shirt sticking to him uncomfortably, doing his breathing exercises to get his breath back, but satisfied.

I'm over it. He smiled, sure of himself. He'll be fine when he sees Gon.

He picked up his headphones and phone and checked what time it was. There was about 10 minutes left until the end of school and they would be dismissing the student back to the locker rooms to clean up soon. He opened the doors, still panting slightly and scrunched up his nose at the musky and damp air of a bunch of tired and sweaty students. He looked around and for the most part, everyone was done and just standing around as the three gym teachers talked briefly about somethings.

He spotted Gon, and saw that he was occupied talking with a couple girls, but what made him happiest was the fact that he didn't feel that rise when seeing Gon in the gym clothes. He sighed out a breath of relief and went over to go relax in Gon's presence. He picked up some pieces of their conversation as he lazily made his way over.

"Yea, you looked really flexible stretching before class!" The girl closest to Gon said. Her hair was dyed in different strips, indicating to Killua that she was probably in the Academy under some training to be in a girl group. The other girls behind her looked to be the rest of her girl group.

"Really? Thanks, I've been stretching everyday since I was younger, so that kind of stuff is no problem." Gon said, scratching his head.

Too modest… Killua thought with a cat like grin, feeling second-hand pride of his friend. He reached the wall behind them, seeming not to catch Gon's attention yet and leaned against it, watching offhandedly.

"Yea, we had to work really hard to get that flexible in a short time span." A girl behind the leader said.

"Yea! But with how flexible you are, you could probably do some of our dance moves easily!"

"Ya! Wanna try them?"

Gon's eyes glistened with the challenge.

"Sure!" He said and the girls squealed with excitement. They moved out into formation and pointed out to Gon where he should stand to see their moves. A couple people around them who noticed something about to go down began giving them space and their attention.

The leader in front looked at Gon over her shoulder.

"We'll start off easy, Gon, and see what you can really do." Gon nodded back.

"No need to hold back. I can keep up." The girl grinned then exchanges glances with all her other members.

She bent forward in a swift motion, her head by her knees and hair pooling around her feet and then the other girls followed in sequence and then they all shimmied up with a quick hair flip. Gon barked out a small embarrassed laugh at the sensual move, but set to do it.

"Mind I don't do it exactly? Maybe make it a bit more…?" He asked, vaguely gesturing towards his body. The girl laughed and nodded. He bent forward, his head by his knees like the girl's was and then he moved back up alternating his shoulders forward with boyish charm. The girls around him squealed their approval then turned back to their leader for the next move. She gave a sly grin and then did a little kick step forward before bringing her leg around in a windmill high kick, the other two girls recognized the dance in the middle and joined in flawlessly.

The training of a girl group… Killua thought, commending them for their memorization of the moves even as the leader does it with no warning. Gon nodded with a distracted smile, seeming to play back the move in his head to make sure he saw it right. He made a kick out like a B-boy and then did the windmill with high kick and someone from the watching crowd whistled among light applause and cheers. Killua's eyebrows went up, surprised Gon was able to make it look good when it was obviously made for girls. And he had little trouble remembering a dance move he saw once and executing it with little to no coaching.

This went on for a couple more dance moves, the girl group putting out a great show and Gon following up with his own little boyish flair on the moves, but then Bisky interrupted the fun.

"Ok, ok, class, time to hit the lockers, you should shower before heading home, right?"

The class groaned, but Killua remembered himself how sticky and gross he felt and happily got off the wall to head to the showers in the locker room.

"Aww…"

"Man, I hope we get another free day soon!"

"Yea, being in class with Gon is so fun!"

Killua had barely made a couple feet of progress to the door when he was latched at the arm from his right.

"What the-?" He started, turning his head to find a head of teal.

"What was up with you? Why'd you leave Gon?" Ponzu asked in a hushed voice. Killua quirked an eyebrow.

"Like I have to tell you anything." He scoffed, shrugging her off his arm.

"You should know he looked so sad when you left. And Bisky said he couldn't even join you. He tried to hide it under a smile but it just didn't look as bright." She scolded.

"Well, how should I know? I wasn't there." Killua said to dismiss it, but it actually bothered him. He didn't mean to make Gon sad, he just needed to get back in a normal state of mind. "Good thing he had you there to make up for it."

She rolled her eyes but then peeked over his shoulder.

"Hey Gon." She chirped. That was the only warning he got before he was enveloped in Gon's strong arms and warmth.

"Killua! Where were you? I missed you!" He asked, giving a cursory squeeze before letting go and falling in pace by Killua.

"I was j-just running!" Killua huffed, running a hand through his hair to get it out his face. He felt a bit flustered from the sudden contact, after all Gon was his first friend, but also… he may not have gotten it all out his system yet and the sudden contact wasn't helping.

"Wah, if that's what you were doing, why didn't Bisky-" He stopped, as though trying to hide the fact that he had asked from Killua. He raised an eyebrow at Gon, waiting for him to continue.

"Hi Ponzu!" He greeted back finally, however abruptly. Killua snorted a laugh.

"Hi Gon. You looked awesome during that dance battle!" She said. "You sure can dance. Hopefully I have you in my dance class next year." She giggled as they exited the doors that led to the lockers rooms. "I'll see you later, Gon!" she said and turned to the girl's room. The other two boys made their way to the boys' locker room in comfortable silence, the air filled with the others' conversation.

"I'm pretty sure I impressed everyone with how many push ups I could do."

"Please, I planked so hard."

"I didn't know I could jump rope that long!"

Killua rolled his eyes. He ended up wondering how Gon really did during the tests as they separated to head towards their own gym lockers that held their normal school clothes. Since no one was talking about him, he couldn't have done better than average. Which meant he only looked that nicely toned because he often exercised lightly or did something equivalently as active.

Killua was just pulling off his disgusting shirt (he was taking that home with him to wash today) when Gon rounded the corner. Naked.

"Killua!" He cried out and Killua turned to face him before whipping his head around in the opposite direction.

"G-Gon! What the hell, put on some clothes!" He cried out red faced. Luckily, it seemed like boys' locker rooms were always noisy and rowdy and he didn't attract any attention to his already embarrassing situation. Not over it, definitely not over it!

"Killua! Take a shower with me!" Gon cried, grabbing a wrist and acting like Killua didn't say anything or act out of the ordinary.

"Sh-shower?" Killua gaped out, looking back over at Gon's face and forcing himself not to look at anything lower that his chin, his head raising with the effort. It was hard not to admire beautiful art when it was right in front of you. Gon nodded vigorously.

"Ya! They have little private showers and a couple of large rooms with multiple shower heads! We can shower together, c'mon hurry up, take off your clothes, let's go!" Gon cried, yanking on Killua's arm, but his brain was stuttering to restart.

"Wh-my-my clothes…?" He knew his face must be red but he couldn't form any words, mind blank at whatever the hell Gon was. He was suddenly rocked off tilt as Gon was now dragging him to the showers.

"Killua, you're so slow, we're gonna be here all day if you don't move faster!" He vaguely registered Gon saying. Into the large chamber with showerheads spaced out on the walls, 9 in total, 3 on each wall except the back wall, Killua blinked and his mind finally caught up with him.

"Gon, I'm not-!" He started, turning around with irritation only to see Gon suddenly falling out of sight and his bottom half suddenly felt very breezy. "Meep…!" He let out in a strangled voice, multiple pitches higher, maybe his highest.

"Kill-... Killua!" Gon cried, going to catch the passing out Killua. "Killua, your nose is bleeding!"


"Sorry…" Gon said again for the umptenth.

"Hmmp." Killua huffed out for the umptenth time.

Gon and Killua was able to shower together after he woke. In Killua's fever dream, he was spoken to by a giant flying cat about how Gon was just another male, and Killua totally agreed and woke up, totally completely over Gon's bode. For real that time. He was more irritated with how pushy Gon was being to get him to shower with him more than anything now that he wasn't as flustered anymore.

Gon picked it up as the shower continued in tension and he kept apologizing for his brashness.

"Mito said I should be more careful about how I act. She's used to it, but others can fall into shock from it. Is that what happened to you Killua? You went into shock?" He asked. They were now walking down the hall that led to front of the school. They ended up showering a little after the dismissing bell rang anyways because of Killua's little… anyway, they both felt better and clean now.

"You're darn right I went into shock, you underside desk gum!" Killua said, poking at Gon's head ending it with a flick. He huffed and stuck his hands back into his pockets, closing his eyes in irritation as Gon rubbed at his head next to him.

"Oww…" He murmured. "I'm sorry Killua! I just wanted to shower together! In Japan, they do it all the time, it should be fine since we're both guys, and I just really wanted to see Killua's body-"

Killua's eyes snapped open as his cheeks reddened.

EMBARRASSING!

"GAAH!" Killua shouted, interrupting the rest of his sentence, shooting his foot out and stomping on Gon's.

"OOW OOW OW! Killua!" Gon cried, hopping on one foot and cradling the other in both his hands, as Killua continued forward, shoulders hunched as he tried to erase what Gon said from his mind and whatever meaning his brain was trying to give it.

"DAMMIT GON YOU ARE SO GODDAMN EMBARRASSING, JEEBUS KRIST!" He shouted out over his shoulder, then stopped and turned around. "Can you please think before you speak, please?! If you don't, I might die, do you want me to die, Gon? Do you?!"

Gon put his foot down, a distressed look on his face.

"No way! I'd never want that, there's no way I want Killua to die!" Gon assured, coming forward to meet up with Killua and then they both continued side by side again.

"Good, then from now on, think very carefully what you say around me, got it?" Killua said, sticking his finger out to point at Gon threateningly. Gon gulped then nodded. Killua placed his hands back into pocket as they exited the school.

By the crosswalk at the end of the street Killua looked over at Gon to see him furrowed in thought. He almost scoffed in affectionate amusement. Gon really was like a kid sometimes.

"Gon, what is it? I literally see the gears turning in that skull of yours." Killua chuckled, touching a finger to his own temple. Gon looked over with a small smile.

"Can I walk you home?" He asked. Killua blinked, feeling something in his chest tighten, but he scoffed it off, and away it goes, like it was never there.

"No way, stupid. Longer exposure to you would mean more chances for you to blind side me with your comments." He smirked, looked left and right then crossing the street. Once on the other side, he turned to see Gon with small wistful smile, but it was content all the same.

"Ok, Killua. I'll see you tomorrow. Remember we're going out saturday!" Gon called. Killua nodded.

"Yea! Text me later." Killua called with a one handed wave before turning and heading down the sidewalk. Gon beamed at his back.

That's right! Gon can text Killua because he has his number! And Killua wants Gon to text him because they're friends! And Gon can't believe he's this happy with the starlit teen, and then he was reminded of the harmony class and he doesn't believe his smile could be any brighter as he turns and makes his way down the street towards the plaza that came right before his apartment complex. He hoped he didn't look too creepy.

"Oi, Gon! You look happy today…!" An old lady from a dollar store called out from in front of the store where she was arranging some merchandise in the window. "Finally got yourself someone special?"

"Yea! You can say that!" Gon beamed, walking past without thinking she was possibly meaning something else. She blinked owlishly after Gon.

"Gon finally got a girlfriend?" She muttered to herself.

Gon reached the floor of his apartment and was surprised to see the door was unlocked. He opened the door to good smells.

"Mito?!" Gon cried out excited, quickly shrugging off his boots and slipping on his slippers.

"Oh, Gon! Okari!" She cried from the kitchen (Welcome home). Gon raced in and caught himself on the counter to stop his momentum.

"Mito! What are you doing home so early?!" He cried out, rounding the corner more calmly and giving her a kiss on the cheek in welcome.

"Oh! One of my co-workers got a heart attack, and the ambulance came and the fire department, I don't even know why the fire department came, nothing was on fire, but anyway, there was such a big commotion, my boss decided to let us all go early. She probably thinks his heart attack was because of work stress. She's probably right, but hey, it let me leave early!" She chirped, and Gon couldn't believe she could talk about it so lightly though.

"Right… Well anyway, I'm happy you're here! What are you making?" Gon asked, trying to peer into the pot she was stirring. She slapped her hands over Gon's eyes while also pushing him away from the stove.

"No! Surprise. Go relax, you haven't even taken off your bookbag yet!" She said and Gon sighed.

"I just got excited knowing you were back earlier than normal. I love being with my aunt Mito-san." Gon said taking off his bookbag while heading to his room. Mito smiled warmly as she continued cooking.

"So how was your day, Gon?" She asked removing some things from the fire before adding more ingredients to the pot.

"It was really great! OH! OH! Mito!" Gon called out, running out a moment later with his vintage blonde gibson Guitar in his hands, gentle in his grasp. "Remember Killua, I told you about him?" Gon asked, placing the Guitar in the living room's empty guitar stand and turning to prop his elbows on the counter, excitement oozing from his very stance. Mito looked up in thought and decided to tease him.

"Oooh… the old chairman, right?" She asked, barely able to hold back her giggles. Gon frowned, disappointment dripping off him.

"Mito! Don't kid around!" He cried, she smirked.

"No, no, don't tell me! It was that bird you saw when walking home that one day!" She giggled. Gon puffed his cheeks out in annoyance.

"Mito!" He bit out. She laughed.

"Ok, ok, sorry. Yes, the white haired boy in every class with you. Very talented, I believe you said. So confident in his abilities, he doesn't even participate in class. Sounds like a very bad boy if I ever heard." She said. Gon waved it off.

"Yes, yes, that's what you said last time. But that's not what I wanted to tell you! Today… he sang with me!" He cried out in a high and happy pitch. She turned to look at him, slight surprise etched on her face.

"Wow, Gon! That's great! I had no idea your magic powers worked so well that you could even get the most coldest of people to melt…!" She said, slightly teasing. Gon smiled none the less.

"Oh, Mito, it was beautiful, he was beautiful! His voice- wow, and when we harmonized, oh Mito, I think harmonizing is my favorite thing in this world now. If I could harmonize with Killua, I would do it all day. Do you think he'd let me?" Gon asked, seeming to be daydreaming to himself as he swayed himself back into the living room and sitting on the couch.

Mito giggled. He was so cute. She blinked then did a double take towards Gon. Wait… did he know?

She watched Gon tune his guitar. She knew Gon was innocent, oblivious, and friendly enough not to know, but when he talked about Killua so much like this, did he really not know? She never really thought about how Gon would come to like someone; if he liked someone enough, then that person was for Gon. Guy or girl, and she's sure Gon never really put much thought into it either. Liking was liking after all, and one can't help their emotions. But if Gon really doesn't get it after this much… when would he realize his emotions to actually act on it? She supposed she shouldn't be too worried. He didn't want to date much in high school anyways, so he might know and just not want to act on it.

She shrugged and began plating the dishes as Gon began strumming away on his guitar, an airy and light tune filling the apartment that made Mito sway her head. These were the moments she lived for. Living this simply with Gon whom she loved was enough for her, which is why she'll work harder than his stupid father ever did for Gon to reach his dream. She swung around with two plates in her hands.

"Lunch is ready. Stir fry, anyone?" She asked, coming closer to set it on their Kotatsu table. Gon gasped with glee, placing his guitar back on the stand.

"My favorite!" He said, sliding underneath the comfortable cloth.

"That's what you always say about everything I make…" She said with a small smile, but slide under as well. Gon smiled brightly at her then dug in.

"Itadakimasu." She said, clapping her hands together in a little prayer and began eating too. Yes, just like this, she was happy enough.


Mito kissed Gon on the forehead as he settled in his bed.

"Good night Gon." She said, moving to the door and closing it behind her, turning off the light behind her. Gon flipped over onto his stomach and grabbed his phone from the stand next to his bed. His fingers flew over the screen as he typed out the message.

Killua, are you awake?

He stared at the screen, a beat passing with no reply. Gon looked at the time and saw it was only 9:30. He should be awake, right? Only a few more seconds passed before his phone vibrated, the text message pushing Gon's up.

Ya, whats up?

Gon smiled, feeling his chest squeeze in undefined emotion and he rushed to text him back.

I wanted to ask you for ur adress! So I know where to pick you up saturday. Gon waited as the three dots thrummed, indication Killua was still on the other side. He thought about how he should ask Killua for a picture to add to his contacts, but then Killua texted back.

No, there's no reason for you to come to my house. I'll come to yours. Give me your address.

Gon pouted briefly. He was hoping to see where Killua lived, but it was ok, because he was excited for him to see his home. He sent the address.

K, I'll see you after breakfast on saturday. Talk to you tomorrow. Killua replied and Gon smiled resolutely. Saturday. When he heard Killua only sings for his concerts, and there wasn't really any incentive to sing otherwise, Gon knew he had to do something. Show him that there were better reasons to sing, that singing can be something to do out of happiness. When Gon heard he didn't quit because he's waiting for something to show him that there is some other reason to sing, Gon knew he could do it! If Saturday was a success, Killua would become a great World Star.

Gon settled down and went to sleep. He dreamt of flying through the stars with a luminescent moonchild with the eyes of the bright blue sky.


"I could have told you that…!" Killua said, a wide smile on his face as they exited Physical Singing on their way to lunch.

"I can't believe I aced Kastro's pre-test!" Gon crooned out, his syllables held out in sing song notes.

"Right? Now we're both like teacher assistants to Kastro." Killua said, having been informed of his own passing grade even though he didn't participate. "In this school, when you pass the pre-tests, the teacher marks you as more advance and doesn't work you as hard, you get called on for more examples and help, and you get exempted from certain assignments. The pretests help teachers standardize and systemize the students so they know how hard to work on each student." Killua explained as they walked to their lockers.

"Wow… I never knew I'd be doing so well on a subject so early when I never got any formal training like everyone else here. I have just always tried my best to give big and momentous performances. It's more fun to move around, so I guess I just got use to it." Gon said, opening up his locker and taking out his bento. Killua closed his locker door, his own lunch in his hands.

"Ya, I figured you had a large endurance from how energetic you are, and I can image your concerts aren't that different. Well, now we don't have to worry much about Physical singing, it'll be a breeze for the rest of the year. Maybe we can check out the backstage during class!" Killua said with excitement, a smile stretching on his face.

"Ya!" Gon cried out just as excited. "I bet there are trap doors and high rafters we can explore!" Killua laughed at his enthusiasm, walking along with him as they reached Zushi, waving as they approached.

"Sounds great." Killua mused, giving a quick swipe at Zushi's hair in brotherly fashion. Zushi chuckled, waving at his head to fend him off. "Alright, I'll see you after lunch, Gon." Killua said, turning away. Zushi frowned and Gon visibly deflated before reaching out to touch Killua's elbow.

"Wait! Killua…" Gon called and Killua turned back around, an eyebrow up questioningly. Gon took a breath, half prepared for rejection, but Zushi's encouraging stare gave him a bit more courage.

"Er, Killua, why don't you eat lunch with us?" Gon said, face slightly strained with a lopsided smile. Killua blinked.

"W-what?" Killua asked processing the question.

"We, uh, me and Zushi and our other friends. Why don't you eat lunch with us? You can meet everyone and it'll be great! I mean, I don't know where you usually eat lunch, but it must be pretty lonely, right?" Gon asked, getting a bit more hopeful and eager in his request. Killua looked away from Gon's bright face for a moment, a coiling feeling springing up in his stomach at the request.

They want him to eat lunch with them… He thought back to everything Illumi tried to teach him on friends, and stardom and being the best… But they want my company… and it's fun… it's interesting having friends…! Killua looked up, a teasing smirk on his features to hide his real emotions.

"Only this one time. Geez, you guys are so clingy." He said, a finger in the air. Gon and Zushi looked at each other.

"Yay!" They cheered, then flanked him, hooking their arms into the crooks of his elbows and pulling him forward into the cafeteria.

"H-hey! I can walk myself!" Killua cried out, his face reddening when people's attention turned to thoem as they bursted through the double doors. He would have lowered his head, placing his hands up as a shield, but he was still in their captive grasps. Both Gon and Zushi were used to the attention and were just soaking it up, and taking it in stride.

"No way!" Gon said.

"What if you change your mind?" Zushi finished. Killua rolled his eyes while groaning.

"That's not- If I wanted to- I wouldn't have agreed if I was just going to change my mind, I''m not that fickle!" Killua argued as they neared what Killua gathered was their normal table. The cafeteria patrons following Killua with their eyes.

"That's Killua?"

"He's in the cafeteria… and there's no chocolate?"

"He never comes in here!" Looking the table over, Killua's eyes narrowed, mirrored by the girl at the table.

"What is he doing here?!" Ponzu asked.

"You never said you sit with her." Killua griped, looking over pointedly at Gon who just shrugged it off with an easy smile.

"Come off it, Killua, you two were getting along great yesterday." Gon said, sitting down at the table, subsequently dragging Killua down with him on to a seat.

"Wait, what am I missing here?" Pokkle asked, looking between Killua and Ponzu, staring more heavily at Ponzu.

"I have to go get food! I'll be back!" Zushi said, smiling happily at Killua before waving at the rest of the table.

"It's nothing, Pokkle," Ponzu stated with confidence. "He's just in the same class as Gon. And you know, he claims they're friends or something, so he sits with Gon." She said. Killua's eye twitched in irritation.

"What do you mean, 'I claim,' It's Gon's fault, he wouldn't leave me alone!" Killua snapped back.

"Anyway, ya, I didn't tell you cause it wasn't important!" Ponzu finished. "Cause it's not like we're friends."

"Yea, I wouldn't want to be friends with a girl that has such a weird fashion sense! I mean, what the heck is even on your head?" Killua snapped, pointing at the large hat. She fumed.

"Like your one to talk! I see you in so many fashion magazines, but it seems none of their influence rubs off on you! I mean, what are you even wearing today?" She snapped back, pointing at his burgundy shirt paired with what can only be described as watermelon pants, 2 black arm warmers dragged up to his elbows. They both glared at each other while Gon looked over Killua, as though just realizing what he was wearing himself.

"I think he looks nice." Gon said, and Killua removed his eyes from the girl to look at Gon. He realized Gon never let go of his arm, their elbows still hooked around each others. He slipped his hand out, a light blush on his cheeks.

"So embarrassing." He muttered under his breath and crossed his arms. Zushi just made it back just then with a fish sandwich.

"What'd I miss?" He asked. Gon shook his head.

"We're just about to introduce Killua to everyone!" He said. "You already know Ponzu and Zushi, this is Pokkle, he's in our gym class with us, and he's starting an a capella group with two other students, Balda and Pekuba. They're gonna be called the Cantabile!" Gon said, and Pokkle rubbed the back of his head, abashed.

"You don't have to mention that to him…" Pokkle said. "He won't care about that kind of stuff…" He knew that at Killua's level, hearing about the struggles of less talented people must be annoying. Killua's eyebrow twitched downward briefly.

"Cantabile… huh?" He said, after a beat. "'A style of singing characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition'… You knew that was what that mean when you decided on the name?" Killua asked, propping up his head on his hands, trying to look genuinely interested. It wasn't like he wasn't, he was just kinda offended he thought he wouldn't be. Pokkle looked floored that Killua addressed him at all.

"E-er, ya! Actually. We were studying for music theory last year, and at the time we were trying to think of a name. When I studied over the term, I thought it described us pretty perfectly." Pokkle said, getting more engaged as he continued. Killua let a small smile come onto his face as he listened, then nodded.

"That's pretty cool. You recorded yourself yet?" Killua asked and Pokkle seemed to shimmer.

"Ya!" He cried, trying to fish out his phone.

"Ugh, now you've done it…" Ponzu muttered nearly under his yell.

"Want to hear it?!" He cried, poking at his phone to pull it up. Killua let an easy smile broaden his face and nodded.

"You can just connect it to my bluetooth headphones and play it, it should be under KrazeKat." Killua said, moving to put his headphones up. Pokkle nodded, determinedly moving through his phone. Gon smiled at how nicely Killua mingled with the others at the table, taking in his profile and smiling face. His head nodded to the music and his mouth moved as he said something, but Gon couldn't hear, much too absorbed in Killua's features to pay attention what he said. So he almost jumped when someone tapped on his shoulder.

He whipped his head around to see one of the girls from the girl group in the gym yesterday, it was the leader if Gon remembered correctly (and he did).

"Hey, Gon! I wanted you to come meet the other members of our group. We told them about you and they so wanted to meet you!" She said, hands lingering on his shoulder. Gon smiled warmly up at her.

"Sure!" He said, half standing in his seat before turning back to the rest of the group, Killua's eyes on him. "I'll be back!" He said, slipping one leg over the bench then the other to stand by the girl. He turned and the girl winked at the table before turning with him.

Killua pressed his lips in a thin line, annoyed Gon left when he was the one that brought him over to the table in the first place. He was the buffer for the group, the common denominator to fill in when it got awkward since it was his first time really meeting them. He suppose he could just bother Zushi if it got real bad, but he wanted Gon here.

He turned back to the table and gave his attention to Pokkle, his stage smile on his face reserved for when he needs to smile for a crowd, disguise his real emotions for the camera. Maybe he could get this kid to talk for the both of them until Gon comes back.

"These sound great. You ever try to pitch this to a record company? This kind of experience would make your resume look better when you graduate." Killua said, pulling his headphones down to let the music flow softly in the air. Pokkle looked down a little sheepishly.

"No, I never was able to… but maybe if I could get some connections from someone I know…" He said, looking away from the table and to some far wall. Killua's face fell into that of unimpressed boredom.

Of course.

His parents had their own record company, where his dad spent most of his time working on the talents they had signed up. Pokkle probably wanted him to pass on his demos for his dad's consideration, to get recorded and produced under the Zoldycks' name. There's almost nothing more impressive for a resume, especially if he could even get signed up professionally.

Zushi spoke up, a light chuckle in his tone, "Hah, I'm sure you would be able to find some way to get professional recordings without connections!" He said, a slight strain in his voice. "With hard work or with your own abilities!" His eyes flicked to Killua's and Kiilua realized he was doing it to get off the topic at hand. "Haha, when's Gon coming back…?" Zushi muttered to himself, Killua just barely catching it, and looked over Killua's shoulder to find out his progress. Killua, curious himself, looked that way only to see what looked like the whole girl group flirting with the teen. Killua huffed and turned back to the table. He should just leave, there was no reason for him to stay, he was just barely enjoying himself, while Gon was off being some susceptible eye candy for carnivorous girls.

He would at least stay to eat and if Gon wasn't back, he'd leave. He opened his lunch to dig in.

"H-hey…" Ponzu said, a nervous pitch in her tone. "What kind of food do you eat if you're bringing in your own? I mean, I would assume your family has certain lunch menus for you that are good for your throat?" She asked, her phone curiously out.

This was the worst. Where's Gon? Why couldn't he be here to fill out this weird silence instead of everyone's curious questions directed at him. It was like an interview with people who's never had the chance to get to know the inner workings of the Zoldycks and they were trying to get all they could.

"Ya, there's specific foods our butle- er…" He sucked in another breath, but he knew he let slip butlers. "Yea, and um, they pack us stuff like organic and natural foods, leafy greens and gross stuff like that, the high water content is good for the throat and stuff…" He said, then blinked at the end, realizing he was rambling stuff Illumi normally would talk his ear off about. He blushed slightly. "Er, I-"

"Um, that's cool! Can I take a picture for my page? I'll include all that you said too! I like to pepper my page with a bunch of food pics every now and then. Get it? Pepper?" She said, laughing a little tensely.

Killua didn't want to laugh. He wasn't expecting to. So it came up like a bark before covering his mouth as he let out the chuckle.

"What are you, stupid? That was a lame pun." He laughed, placing his hand down to point. Something in the air shifted, and everyone around him seemed to relax from some unknown tension, their smiles easier.

"No it wasn't! It was a good one! It was why you laughed!" She countered, waving her phone. "C'mon, can I take a picture or not?" She asked easily. Killua shrugged and pushed his box over.

"It's not like it's placed in there pretty. Just a salad bowl with some cut up strawberries and junk." He muttered, scratching a bit at his cheek. She angled her phone over the box as Zushi and Pokkle leaned over to see as well.

"It looks cool if anything!" Zushi said and Killua elbowed him.

"You always say that about me." He rolled his eyes.

"No, really, it's like really professional looking." Pokkle admitted. "Like something your assistant gets you while in between your music video recordings-" He ended his sentence in a huff as Ponzu elbowed him in the rib slightly. Killua let out a huffed laugh.

"Ya…" Ponzu passed his lunch back.

"Thanks Killua." She said before looking down and worked on adding the captions.

"M, no problem…" He said, digging in. A whoosh of air and Gon was pressing at his side. He looked over at the asian teen, a piece of salad dangling cutely on the perch of his mouth and Gon giggled at him.

"Hey guys, back." He chuckled, ripping the tip of the leaf from Killua's mouth and popped it in his mouth. Killua blushed before smacking Gon on the arm.

"Ow! What?" An innocent smile on his lips.

"Why'd you do that for?" He grinded out after he swallowed. Gon shrugged.

"It was right there! That's what you get for not putting the food in your mouth properly." He said, holding his hands out like it obvious.

"Oh, is that so? Then you better watch out Gon, you might end up without a lick of lunch today. This was a war you started." Killua said with a challenge, and Gon met it with the same vigor. Before he slumped visibly.

"AW, wait, that was the perfect picture moment!" He cried out distressed. Killua blinked.

"Hah?!" He asked crudely.

"For your number in my phone! I need one, a good one!" He explained and Killua's eyebrows furrowed.

"I can just take one for you. Here, give me your phone." He said, holding out his hand.

"No way! I want to take it! And if you take it, it'll be too staged! I want it to be natural, something that reminds me of all our good times when I look at it."

"You really are an idiot, aren't you?" Killua asked, trying to fight down his blush. He was doing pretty well if he says so himself.

"Well, if I'm an idiot for wanting a good picture, than ya, I'm an idiot!" Gon fired back and Killua's mind blanked.

"What?! You- Idiot!" He said again, punching him in the arm again. "You make no sense!"

"I don't have to since apparently I'm an idiot!" Gon replied again and Killua rubbed at his hair in frustration.

"Do they flirt like this all the time?" Ponzu said, leaning over to talk to Zushi.

"Ya…" Zushi replied with an amused look on his face. Ponzu nodded but adopted the same smile. Killua seemed a lot happier now that Gon was back. They can't make him as happy as Gon could, but that was something unique to Gon. Whatever it was Gon had was the reason Killua was even in the cafeteria in the first place.

"Killua?" Gon asked, his note taking on a hint of remorse, and Killua looked up from his mind breakdown. "It's fine if no one else joins us Saturday, right?" Gon asked, and Killua cocked an eyebrow.

"Huh? What do you mean?" He asked, sitting up straighter to look Gon in the eye.

"Well, those girls wanted me to go out with them saturday… but I told them I was going out with you. I mean… I could have invited them along, but… I wanted to just hang out with you. Is that ok? For me to be that selfish?" Gon asked, angling his head downwards and his eyes upward cutely, as though trying to rebuff any retribution that might come his way. Killua blinked, finding it hard to breath as he blushed then pushed at Gon's head.

"I-idiot! What did I say about embarrassing things?!" He asked, crossing his arms and turning away.

"Emba- what did I say?" Gon asked. Killua pinched the bridge of his nose.

"There's no point if you don't even know what's embarrassing and what's not. You're just always going to say them, aren't you?" Killua asked, his eyes closed in patience. Gon smiled.

"I guess so." Killua let out a sigh then turned to meet Gon's gaze again, a slight blush on his cheeks.

"It's fine… that it's just the two of us..." He said softly at first, then cried out. "Geez, making me say embarrassing things!" He said, and he shoved Gon off the seat nearly onto the floor. He smile satisfied with himself but then Gon grabbed Killua's arm to keep his balance- bringing him down with him.

"Wha-!"

"Ugh-!"

Ponzu, Zushi and Pokkle laughed as the two fought on a pile on the floor. The rest of lunch was able to fly by with plenty of light conversation thanks to Gon, and soon people began filtering out as they got ready to head to their next class.

"Alright, let's go, Gon." Killua said, standing up with his lunchbox in hand. Gon nodded and stood up but then, "Wait, Killua!"

He looked across the table at Ponzu who stood up from her seat too. "A minute?" She asked and Killua arched a silver eyebrow.

"Go ahead, I'll wait for you by the doors." Gon said, a gentle nudge to Killua's shoulder. Killua huffed but then went to join her. She smiled gratefully at Gon over his shoulder then lead him further away from the table.

"What is it, tophat?" Killua asked, his arms folded behind his head. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"You know… Pokkle didn't mean any harm, right?" She asked cautiously. She had every right to be cautious when Killua rolled his eyes, his irises getting colder.

"Ya, right, cause when people try to befriend you just for the fame, there's no harm. It's just how this industry works." He scoffed. She shook her head.

"No! You see… Pokkle- he really likes his a capella group, and… well, I'll be honest, we haven't been the most supportive of friends, and then when you, Killua Zoldyck, comes over and told him that it was great… I think he got really happy, he's really proud of his stuff. That if you liked it, you might give it to your parents for consideration. This isn't like those industry incidents, he wasn't going for it because he thought that was all you were good for. He was asking you like a friendly favor, not a condition. He's not gonna stop trying to be your friend over this. It wasn't like that…" She said, almost pleading with her voice for him to understand. But he already did, how could he not when she put it like that. He flicked his eyes up to her, having looked down in thought while she spoke and nodded curtly.

"I get it… Was I that obvious?" He asked. She sighed out a breath of relief.

"Ya, you loser. You're like, a total bummer to be around when Gon's not there. Well, you're barely tolerable then, but really," She huffed. Killua bit back a smirk to properly glare at her.

"Yea, what's your excuse? You're never tolerable." She gave a huff of a gasp as he turned, his arms folded behind his head again. "And I'm a frickin' delight, princess." He said airily as he made his way back to Gon. She rolled her eyes and headed to Pokkle. He'll need some talking to as well if he's to make friends with Killua.

Killua fell into step beside Gon, who smiled widely at him.

"What?" He asked.

"You guys do get along." He said, his voice tight with happiness and Killua scowled,

"Do not!"

"Do too!"


Killua let out a breath of happiness.

"Ah! Finally it's the weekend! I have to tell you Gon, when I first met you, I didn't think you'd last the week." Killua said, titling his head to view Gon's face as he walked beside him. Gon turned to face Killua, a questioning eyebrow raised.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Well, I thought your happy-go-lucky attitude wouldn't stand up to the rigorous dog-eat-dog styles of the Academy. That you'd drop out after your heart was crushed by the rookie crushers. But turns out, you're doing so well, you're gathering a following. Which is impressive for these selfish, self absorbed group of narcissists." Killua explained, his hand waving this way and that. Gon looked ahead unseeing as he took that in, and Killua wondered if that was insulting to Gon's abilities. He was about to open his mouth to say something along the lines of 'just kidding', but Gon spoke first.

"This school really is like that, huh…" He said, looking upwards. Killua curiously watched him as Gon seemed to reach some sort of conclusion. "That shouldn't be how the industry works… we should all be like one tight knit network of connections. I think everyone should be friends somehow, so I think we should change the school." Gon said, turning to Killua with a bright smile, but it was overshadowed by the ridiculous resolution Gon just suggested to Killua.

"WE?" He reiterated. "First of all, that's ridiculous, cause no one's gonna change their ways of greed and selfishness, and 2, why should I help you?" Killua asked, stopping as they reached the crosswalk where they part ways. People diverged around them with grumbles.

"Well, they probably won't until they know it works. And I want you to help, Killua, because you said something like that before, that you won't change, but you've already sang with me!"

Killua sputtered with a blush on his face before he narrowed his eyes in anger.

"That's different! I'll only sing with you!" He explained, his fists at his side.

"And that makes me happy, really happy," Gon said, putting his hands out onto Killua's shoulders. Killua's atmospheric eyes locked onto Gon's deep chocolate ones and he was pulled in, his resolve shrinking in the brightness that was Gon. "But I think Killua should be happy about singing enough to sing with everybody." Gon said, and Killua had to blink a couple of times to break his spell, looking down abash.

"I mean, I can't promise anything, Gon, but geez, you sure are ambitious." He muttered and Gon gave him another warm smile that made him thankful once again that Gon chose him to be his friend.

"I think we all were at one time… to aim for something as high as World Star. We all need that wonder again. We can show them. You're pretty amazing Killua." Killua's face flushed red and he shrugged Gon's hands off his shoulder.

"Agh, I can't deal with you, you are so embarrassing." Killua said, crossing the street, then turned around to see Gon smiling after him on the other side. "I'll come pick you up tomorrow after I've had breakfast! Like… 10 or something." Killua said smiling. Gon nodded.

"Bye Killua!" Gon said and Killua began walking backwards, waiting for him turn down his street, but Gon only watched him go.

"Go, you idiot!" Killua called out, although he couldn't stop the smile on his lips. Gon playfully pouted and cupped his mouth for his voice to reach Killua (although Killua's sure with the set of lungs Gon has, he wouldn't need it).

"I will when I make sure you make it down the street safely!" Killua threw his head back in laughter and almost stumbled down onto his back. He looked back over to Gon to see he was almost in the middle of street, concern on his face. It just ripped another laugh from Killua.

"I'm fine. Go!" He said, cupping his own mouth. Gon huffed but finally relented, throwing his hands up in a wave and turned right at the corner and out of sight. Killua turned around himself and barely placed his hands on his headphones to pull it up over his ears when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket with a text.

He lifted it up, not bothering with his headphones yet, and saw he actually had two, one from a little earlier in the day. He opened up his chatbox.

I'm back. Not coming to school.

It was from Illumi. That's right, he wasn't at school that day because he was scheduled in for interviews at a couple TV studios. He wasn't suppose to be back until 5 that day, but Killua supposed he was too boring for the TV shows to try to keep rolling. The second from Milluki.

Made a new track, don't really like it, but I'll send it to you to listen. Keep if you like it, delete it if you don't.

Killua smiled with excitement. This little piggy is too modest, he loves every remix or EDM tracks Milluki makes, but he's too hard on himself and how it should sound. Killu lifted the headphones and pulled out his music list from the history, and indeed saw a new song received from bluetooth wireless.

Here, Alessia Cara

Killua played it and folded his hands behind his head as he strolled home. The beat was cool, deep and thumping, reaching up and ruffling even into his hair. He wished he knew how to make music like Milluki did, but he'll settle just for listening to his tracks, to be the first to hear it and to even sometimes be there for the process. Milluki may have wanted to be a maestro and orchestra composer, but Killua thought being an electronic maestro of the soundboard was cooler. Whatever, what makes him happiest, he supposed. But just in case.

Sounds great, aniki, I would add this to one of your albums. Killua texted back just as the song's beat trickled out. He waited for a reply he probably wouldn't get as his music list automatically shuffled and launched into another song.

His home life wasn't the best and he was plenty happy he had something else to do than sulk around the house saturday. But being in a talented family had it's perks, like getting the first of tracks Killua likes and getting actually good music than the mainstream crap they replay on radio stations. He could live with it.


Gon walked down the sidewalk with a grin on his face. Gon was excited for tomorrow. It should be a great day.

=End chapter 4=

Evanescence ft Linkin Park - Wake me up inside

Wicked- Popular

The King and I (animated version)- Whistle a Happy tune

Linkin Park- Numb

Dr. Horrible Sing-along Blog- My Eyes

Here (Lucian Remix)- Alessia Cara