Hey Guys, guess who finally watched la la land this month?! The movie whose concept this story was based on? Except the concept was made up by me without ever having watched the movie? Well, I watched it and let me tell you it was something else... something waaay different than what I thought it was if the differences between the movie and my story plot is anything to go off of. But I had this song planned to put in there since I first heard the song from a music app, so regardless of my disappointment of expectations of the movie, the song jist is what I still love! What did you guys think of Lala Land?
Slyside: Wow! First, happy birthday! Second, thanks so much for loving my story so much! That makes me super happy, and I hope you enjoy this one! Haha, its kinda useless to say this is one of my favorite chapters, right? I think they're all turning out to be pretty good in my eyes and in the map of plots I have. Yes, I have this headcannon that Killua is an absolute sucker for kids, just because he's so good with his little sister. So... expect that! There will be more Killua playing with the orphans... eventually. I mean, it is the intention we have at least one more scene when he goes back, but I don't have it fleshed out at the moment... but the skateboarding stuff... I don't see that fleshed out unless they do it at their next dat- outing (XD). AND YAS there will be more Melody, doing her thing and being more confident in her new clothes. The Kurapika arc technically isn't over yet, even after this chapter! And calm your fears, here's Killua going home now!
Enjoy the chapters! Next couple of Chapter Headers was inspired by reader Happinessxhunter! (Thanks so much for your comments and help!)
Songs for Chapter 6:
Another day of Sun- OST LA LA LAND
For the Longest time- Billy Joel
Best I ever had- Drake
What Now- Rhianna
Gon Freecss
A Music Star trainee from Musica Academy. His father is Ging Freecss and his mother is unknown.
Mito Freecss, his aunt, raised him since he was 2. She had been trying to follow Ging around on his tours and concerts so he could still be apart of Gon's life. Realizing how time consuming and money intensive that was, they settled down in California instead. If anyone asks Gon, Mito is Gon's mother. He has some daddy issues, some self esteem issues, and he and Mito are poorer than he'd ever like to admit, but he'll make it work.
He has 2 years of experience performing professionally and 5 years of just singing and practice. His rustic voice and explosive performances are the highlight of his Hatsu, his signature instrument is the guitar and break dance is his favorite form of dance on stage.
His friends are Zushi, Kurapika, Melody, Ponzu, Pokkle and his best friend is Killua Zoldyck
Chapter 6: Musical Notes you
Killua made sure Gon dropped him off at a street that wasn't too close to his house so that he didn't know where he lived. It wasn't that he didn't trust Gon, but he didn't want him coming over suddenly and then getting ambushed by his crazy family. He couldn't do much about it at school, but if he could help it and limit the exposure outside of school, Killua would make sure he didn't come over just yet.
He clenched and unclenched his fists as he stood in front of his door, nervous as to what he'd find. He checked his phone one last time just to make sure there really were no messages, and he could use that as ammo if he needed to in an argument. There was none! The evening street lights just flicked on as Killua propped open the door with a steeling breath to calm his nerves (or anxiety? He couldn't tell the difference). He peeked his head in first and only saw an empty hallway.
"What the?" He moved in and checked inside every music-dedicated room on the way to his room. Empty. He was getting irritated. Was this a joke? He checked the door to their dance studio, but it was locked. He tilted his head at that, but he knew he wouldn't know who was inside unless they came out anyways, so he moved on. He stopped at Milluki's door and stuck his head in.
"Ay! Piggy!" Killua barked out when he finally found life, well, whatever Milluki's poor excuse of life was, rotting away on that chair. Milluki jumped and rushed to cover his screen, his other hand expertly maneuvering the mouse to close the tab.
"What the hell, Killua, you should knock before you enter someone's room!" He growled out, lowering his hands and revealing a screen setup for mixing music.
"Whatever, I know you watch that porn-o stuff." Killua said lazily, before straightening up a little in attention. "Why didn't anyone text me?" He asked. Milluki scoffed, playing around with some notes on the program.
"Ha, what do I look like? I'm not Illumi, that's not my job to text you." He replied.
"Wha- so, I don't come home for 2 days and no one even bothers to see if I'm alright? Besides, Illumi didn't text me either. Where is he?" Killua bit out. Milluki waved a noncommittal hand in the air.
"He's been in the dance room." He said. Killua's eyes boggled at that.
"For 2 days? " Killua cried out, his voice raising slightly in disbelief. Milluki shrugged, playing back thrumming notes overlaid with pulsing beats, before going back in and messing with a couple more.
"He's come out a couple times, obviously, but he's been in there alot, been busy at it."
Killua rocked back on his heels as he thought about that. He's been so focused on something that he didn't even bother to check if Killua was in the house? He normally wants to know his whereabouts 24/7.
"Does he have a concert or show coming up or something?" Killua asked.
"How should I know, KILLU, LEAVE ME ALONE!" Milluki shouted, throwing a fit before throwing more notes on the dumb project he wasn't even planning on completing, just trying to look busy so Killua would leave. Killua made a face and briefly considered asking to hang in his room, wanting to hear his progress with the beats but figured Milluki's had enough of him. Plus he was pretty tired of dealing with stubborn people today, filled up from Gon's stubbornness all day.
"Fine." Killua rolled his eyes as he fell out of sight. Milluki sighed out and closed the program before pulling back up his anime.
Killua made his way back down the stairs and into the family room where a large blackboard was located across the entrance arch. The blackboard held the current dates and weeks at the top and written underneath were the appointments and shows each Zoldyck had coming up. A giant planner for the whole family to reference. Killua scanned his eyes over his marked events first, mainly out of habit, and noted he did have a photo shoot coming up on Tuesday, then looked up to where Illumi's schedule was written out, much more packed than the other's.
But… there was nothing major coming up in the next 3 weeks, nothing to be busting his butt in the dance room for.
Killua sighed and turned around to head back to his room. This was strange, but hey, if they wanted to give Killua a longer leash, he'll take all he could manage. He was walking up the steps when the door to the dance studio opened, the music spilling out from the sound proof room. Killua stopped and squatted at the banister to see Illumi walk out, his hair in a mid ponytail and wearing a tank top and gray sweatpants, both moist with sweat. He was wiping his face with a towel as he moved towards the kitchen. Too curious, Killua called out, "Illumi!"
He turned his face and he could almost swear his eyes lightened up just a smidge, but his eyes darkened almost immediately after so Killua's sure he could scratch that down with his imagination.
"Killua." He said in that melodious monotone voice. "I haven't seen you around in a bit. Hiding in your room for a reason?" He asked, adding a head tilt and that was when Killua knew Illumi had no idea Killua wasn't even in the house. Killua made sure that his face didn't show the shock and stood back up, Illumi falling out of sight a bit.
"You're so weird…" Killua muttered before climbing back up the stairs. He didn't know why Illumi was busying himself with dancing or whatever, maybe he was finally finding an interest in something other than following their parent's orders to the Tee, but it didn't concern him. As long as Illumi didn't know he wasn't home for the past 2 days, there would be no punishment.
"You called me ! Killu!" Illumi called after him, the monotone comical as he tried to get Killua to respond. He shrugged then moved to the kitchen to get water.
Gon hefted up the green camo duffle up further his shoulder as he enter the front entrance of his school. The duffle bag Killua bought for him (and another for Melody) to bring their outfits in. He insisted that, as idols, they'll need it in their career, especially when they will have multiple appointments back to back and they need to change outfits from each event.
"Where would we change if we're on our way to the next place?" Gon had asked.
"In the van, obviously." Killua said, deadpanned.
"Where everyone can see you?" Melody freaked.
"First of all, they'll be your personal crew: your agent, hair dresser, fashion coordinator; you shouldn't have a problem changing in front of them, you don't have the time. Two, the vans for idols normally have the windows tinted so no one could see inside anyways. If other cars could see who was inside, you'd have stalkers and fans following your vans everywhere to ambush you. Third, you guys should get used to changing where everyone could see. No one's going to care anyways, especially in fashions shows, they need you changed and on queue asap, so they'll rip you out of whatever you're wearing and dress you back up again like a doll. In front of everyone else who's going through the same thing. Don't worry, it's nothing major and nothing you have to worry about now while we're still in school, but just… heads up." Killua explained. Gon's eyes still shimmered whenever he thought back to that. Killua was so cool, so experienced, so…! Star material!
Gon was excited for Kite's class, he was ready to show everyone their hard work, their performance, and the new Melody! He knew everyone was going to like her as much as he and Killua did. He turned around the corner into the hallway to his locker to see Zushi and Killua already there, light chatter reaching Gon from where he was. He hopped next to them with a wide smile.
"Good morning guys! Did you sleep well, Killua?" Gon asked, turning to his pale friend. Killua promptly rolled his eyes in reply. "Why are you asking me that? Why not ask Zushi if he had a good night's rest?" He asked, motioning towards the younger. Zushi just chuckled amicably and shook his head.
"It's fine. I slept plenty well, he asked you. " He assured. Killua huffed before he turned back to Gon and began opening his duffle over his shoulder to search through it.
"You better have everything ." Killua scolded, as he double checked through Gon's bag. Gon sighed with a smile as he held his arm out to make it easier for Killua to access the bag.
"Yes, I have everything, Killua. I'm not that much of an airhead!" Gon chirped brightly, earning a disbelieving look shot his way before Killua resumed looking through.
"Alright… you pass, for now." He said, zipping up the duffle again.
"Thanks, Killua. What were you guys talking about?" Gon asked, moving to enter his combination in his locker.
"This weekend." Killua replied when Zushi nodded.
"It sounded really fun. I'd like to join you next time if that's ok." Zushi said while Killua sighed.
"I already said, it's fine if you come!" Killua chided and Gon scratched at his cheek.
"Yea, we can totally plan an outing. Sorry I didn't invite you. I feel kinda bad now."
"No! No! I just know sometimes you'll want Killua to yourself-!" Zushi said and Killua shoved his shoulder, nearly knocking him to the floor.
"What are you even saying!? Gon's not that selfish, it was just a one time thing!" Killua cried, trying to get his blush under control, Gon just laughing at the reaction. Zushi balanced himself once more before looking at Killua with a weird look.
"You can't tell?" He asked, and both Gon and Killua gave him weird looks back at him.
"Tell what?" They both asked, not even bothering to be weirded out by it, more interested in what Zushi meant. He blinked then vigorously shook his head.
"No, no! I don't wanna say if you guys don't even know." Zushi cried, waving his hands in front chest. Killua would have protested further to make him talk but Gon was first to speak.
"Alright, we wouldn't want to force you to do anything." Gon complied as he unpacked his bookbag, leaving only his notes for the first class. Killua begrudgingly complied, crossing his arms and leaning against the lockers. Zushi exhaled a sigh of relief before turning back to Killua.
"Mh. So after you guys left the arcade?" He asked, and Killua's smile returned.
"Right, so we needed to eat, right?"
Gon and his two friends entered Wing's class together, talking and being lively, and the rest of the class still couldn't get use to the sight. How not even a week ago, Killua was stand-offish, closed off and refused to even give anyone the time of day. When Gon came, they knew he was unnaturally charismatic, bright and magnetic, a first for the school, but they didn't expect him to have this kind of effect on the ashen haired boy. Now they saw a bright happy boy like they've only ever seen in magazines with his artificial environments. Killua sat in the third row, Gon sitting in the second in front of him with Zushi next to Gon and Killua propped his feet up on his seat.
Wing came in a few moments later before the bell (that's a first!) and stood at the front of the classroom.
"Alright class, hand in your assignments." He said, Zushi immediately pulling out a prepared sheet. Gon and Killua felt like a bucket of cold water was poured over them and the floor opened up beneath them. Their jaws dropped and they turned towards each other.
Crap!
Worrying about Kite's class, they completely forgot about Wing's Hatsu assignment. Dammit, Gon was suppose to arrange when they go. They watched the others pass up their papers and Gon could swear he was hyperventilating. He really did mean to do the assignment! He really wanted to, it sounded interesting! He'd get to learn about other's Hatsu and maybe get inspired to find his own or at least how to get started. And now, beside missing that chance, he'll get another failing grade. In the same class!
"D'oh…!" He groaned, cradling his head in his hands. Zushi noted this and realized he didn't do it, and he patted his back apologetically.
"Sorry Gon. It does help my dad's the teacher for this class, it makes it harder to forget to do the assignments." He consoled, and Killua bit his lip. This sucked, he knew Gon was upset, but he couldn't do anything about it this time.
Gon could barely concentrate in class as he wallowed in misery and despair over the assignment he lost. He thought he was doing pretty well! Keeping on top of things… Killua distracted him again… he spent all day Saturday and Sunday with him… but he would never regret doing it. He just didn't want to waste or scorn his chances at school by failing or missing assignments. The class passed by faster now that Gon was lost in his mind (or maybe he was getting used to the extended periods and soon the classes would seem too short) and the bell rang. Gon sprang up and ran over to Wing, Killua close on his tail.
"Wing, Wing, Please!" He shouted, calling most people's attention who hadn't left the room yet or wasn't bent on leaving it soon. "Let me do the assignment! I didn't mean to not do it!" Gon cried, and Wing's eyebrows furrowed.
"I'm sorry, Gon, I can't just give you an extension when everyone else had a deadline they met." Wing said, and Killua stepped forward to bring his attention.
"But he had a good reason!" Killua said, his silver tongue working faster than his mind. He looked at Gon to give the reason. Gon's eyes widened at what Killua was implying. What he didn't know was that Gon was horrible at lying. Wing looked skeptical but looked over at Gon too who was starting to pale.
"Uuuh!" He groaned out, keeping eye contact with Killua. What does he say? That he was out on a date wi- er, an outing with Killua? He was doing an assignment for a different class he had a week to do? Killua's left bottom eyelid twitched and he turned back to Wing.
"Because I wanted to do it!" He cried, squeezing his eyes shut. Wing looked at him shocked.
"You did?" Wing asked.
"Y-yea, and I asked him to do it with me, to wait, but I was busy this weekend, and Gon being- Gon , he just decided to wait like some idiot, and so he couldn't do it. We'll get it done, we'll turn it in Wednesday, in your class, I just…" He decided that was good enough and kept his eyes locked on Wing and hoped it conveyed truth since he mixed some in (ok, not really any except for where he said Gon was being an idiot and really did wait for him). Wing sighed and broke the contact and Killua hoped that meant he was giving in.
"I guess you don't participate often, and if it's Gon getting you to try in class, I should give you both a little while longer."
They both exhaled a sigh of relief and Gon looked over at Killua to smile gratefully.
"Don't get used to this. This is the only time I'll allow this, if Killua's participating now, he should have the same due date as the others. You either do it or you don't. Got it?" They both straightened up.
"Yes sir." They said and Wing smiled.
"Great. I'll see you boys later." They left the room, Zushi having waited for them outside the class.
"Hm, Wing turned you down?" He asked as he fell into step beside them.
"Huh? Oh, no, Killua got us an extension!" Gon said, a bright smile on his face. Killua smirked smugly and Zushi's face fell.
"Hah?! Wing never gives me any slack! Unfair." He pouted.
"Aw, c'moff it, babe, he's just harder on you because he cares about you more." Killua said, speaking across Gon to Zushi on his other side. Zushi nodded, but he still looked a bit downcast.
"I suppose." He nodded.
"Mh, chin up. C'mon Gon, we gotta meet up with Melody so you guys can get ready." Killua said, his voice laced with excited amusement.
"Ya!" He cheered and they ran ahead.
"Bye guys!" Zushi cried after him. "So they both don't realize it? Well, this could be funny to watch…" He chuckled before turning away to his classes.
They ran into Kite's class which was abuzz with excited pre-performance chatter, everyone up from their seats as they waited for Kite to bring them to the theater room. Some did small blockings of their dances while others practiced tuning their voices, others looked panicked probably from lack of preparation. Melody ran up to Gon, wearing her bandana and glasses, a green sweater and purple maxi skirt on and an excited smile on her face.
"Gon! We just need to go sign up with Kite so he can take attendance." She said, fists clenched in anticipation.
"Right!" Gon exclaimed and ran up to the teacher leaning against the desk, waiting for the official bell to ring before he brings his class over. He signed them in over their barely contained enthusiasm, and they ran out. Kite reached out after them in surprise.
"Hey- Wait, Where are you-?!"
"We'll meet you at the auditorium! We have to get ready!" Gon squealed over his shoulder back to the classroom. Kite met Killua's eyes briefly as though asking for further explanation. Killua shrugged with an ill-concealed smile of his own.
"They need to get ready. Don't worry, they're not skipping. They're just really excited." Killua said. Kite huffed and reached onto his desk, pulling up another a clipboard. Killua took that as his cue and walked closer to Kite to take it from him.
"You'll just write notes on the students. If you hear certain qualities of their voice that could be improved through known methods, write it down. I'll be recording the performances, so when you can, write down specific lyrics for me to take note of. Just… make sure you show your knowledge of vocal training in the notes you write. It's your grade." Kite said. Killua sighed, bored, taking the assignment in his arm.
"Riiight." He huffed out. He tried to keep his spirits up. Gon and Melody's performance should be one to see! He scanned the room for Kurapika, the one who (technically) this whole Melody Project was being done for. He was rehearsing relaxedly with Pokkle, unaware of the goal of Gon's project. Killua wasn't even really sure of the full idea, as he was sure Gon wasn't trying to get Melody and Kurapika together.
Soon the bell rang and Kite herded his kids to follow him to the auditorium a few hallways down, Killua walking beside him. When they entered the auditorium, the students saw how the red curtains were lit up in that rustic gold light and the bottom pooling on the stage's hard harlequin floors, looking like a setup for a professional stage. That's when they really began to get nervous for the grade of the projects. Some were getting jitters, especially the less experienced prospective idols, others were working to calm themselves to give a proper stage.
Kite scanned the place, and not seeing Gon and Melody, he turned to Killua for an explanation.
"They'll be here!" Killua said, getting fed up with his lack of faith, specifically in Gon.
"Fine. Alright everyone! If you have music, put it up front, I'll plug it into the speakers as your turn comes up to go!" He turned to Killua. "Did Gon and Melody have music?"
"Yea, yea, I got it." He muttered. When Kite looked expectant for something, Killua waved him off. "Don't worry about it." Killua said.
"I don't appreciate all this secrecy." Kite huffed.
"You never said we had to be open about everything. We just had to perform. So sit down for your perfomance, kay?" Killua said adding a feigned kind smile. Kite grumbled under his breath as he strode forward on long elegant legs, something about regretting ever giving Killua a chance to raise his grades. Killua smirked, happy Kite won't let him get bored with the way he poked and teased him. He followed him to the front desk at the edge of the stage, positioned where most judges tables were during pageants and such.
"Ok,... any volunteers for first?"
The pre-tests went by pretty well, and after the 3rd group, Killua was starting to wonder what was taking Gon so long. He was getting bored and itching to do something with his hands other than write these comments. The comments were easy and natural to write like a finely honed skill.
-Scratchy throat, slower approach to louder volumes
-Can't recognize 're', needs to run through scales numerous times
-The voices were horrible at harmonizing and they were bad at compensating the partner's faults. Need more partnered up training.
The notes went on like that, and Killua was dying, he was so bored. He visibly sat up as the phone in his pocket vibrated. He barely had to glance at it to know it was Gon texting him,
We're ready!
Killua stood up while poking at Kite's shoulder, the group on stage winding down their performance.
"Gon and Melody's ready. They're going next." Killua piped, an excited smile on his face as got up and rounded the table to head towards the stage. It wasn't much a request as a commanding statement. Kite bit back a growl. What a cheeky brat.
"Fine, they had to go eventually. Where are you going?" Kite asked, the last group climbing down from the stage.
"Musical accompaniment." He stated like it was obvious. Kite blinked. He was going… to do something? Like participate? Gon really was Ging's son if he got Killua to do something other than sulk at others. The others students looked after Killua as he sat at the grand piano to the left of the stage. He looked up and gave a wink to someone off stage right in the wings then started playing a springy upbeat tune on the piano, his fingers cupped onto the ivories keys, nimbly playing across multiple scales. Then off stage, a loud and clear melodious voice began singing.
"Ba-ba-da-ba da-ba-da-ba
Ba-ba-ba ba-da-ba-da-ba
Ba-ba-ba ba"
Melody came side stepping out on her tap shoes and most let out a silent gasp in surprise. The person who came out on stage looked so different that they almost questioned who it was. They were surprised it was really her. She wasn't wearing anything they were used to seeing her wear, her whole image reinvented to look like a real idol.
Melody had her hair down, a large 90s style bow at the back of her head, a white button down blouse and a pleated black A-line skirt, black stockings down to her mary-jane style tap shoes. She stopped center stage, oozing stage presence, commanding the stage. Her voice rang out loud and clear and musically,
"I think about that day, I left him at a Greyhound station West of Santa Fé… We were seventeen, but he was sweet and it was true… Still I did what I had to do 'Cause I just knew !" She swayed giving light clicks of her heels, perfectly in tuned with the piano Killua played to her right.
"Summer: Sunday nights… We'd sink into our seats Right as they dimmed out all the lights… A Technicolor world made out of music and machine… It called me to be on that screen… And live inside each scene !"
Gon's voice paired with hers from off stage as he came into view, matching her side stepping tap moves before they both twirled and tapped back together on center stage. He wore a button down white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbow and buttons undone to just below his collarbone and straight black pants. People applauded and cheered in excitement like guest star just stepped onto the TV set as Gon came out.
"Without a nickel to my name, Hopped a bus, here I came Could be brave or just insane, We'll have to see!" Gon and Melody clasped hands and Gon spun her into a dance, her skirt flying up in a curling circle, and he spun her out back towards center stage as she took another solo, he made his way to the other side of the stage.
" 'Cause maybe in that sleepy town He'll sit one day, the lights are down He'll see my face and think of how he… " Gon joined in her next words, both stomping with their tap clad shoes. " ...used to know me! " They turned away from each other, doing mirrored dances, coming to meet in a half circle half down the stage, mimicking the words they sang through dancing interpretation.
"Climb these hills I'm reaching for the heights! And chasing all the lights that shine! And when they let you down… You'll get up off the ground, 'Cause morning rolls around… !" Gon and Melody pranced up to the front of the stage, their explosive energy bounding forth as though they were actors on stage for a movie. " And it's another day of sun! "
Killua peeked at the audience and he could already see Gon's fans and others recording the performance. He didn't blame them, this full out performance was infectious and could make anyone smile. He felt himself getting swept away with the pace, the fun in their performance reaching Killua's playing, he playfully danced in his seat as he watched them, carefully but professionally playing the notes, fingers flying like lightning on the keys. He withheld a shiver as Gon's solo part came, his bass voice caressing the air, carrying the melody in his voice.
"I hear 'em ev'ry day… The rhythms in the canyons That'll never fade away… The ballads in the barrooms Left by those who came before… They say "you gotta want it more"...! So I bang on ev'ry door! " Gon sang out, Melody twirling in the back, Gon dancing in front, making sharp taps and knocks on the ground with his tap shoes. He ducked out as Melody strode forward, her shoes making a swishing noise as she dragged a foot.
"And even when the answer's "no," Or when my money's running low, The dusty mic and neon glow Are all I need! "
Gon came up behind her and sang, ducking his head left and right of her playfully.
"And someday as I sing my song, A small-town kid'll come along…! " They joined together in harmony. "That'll be the thing to push him on and go go! " They went into the chorus, doing their mirrored move towards each other this chorus.
"Climb these hills, I'm reaching for the heights! And chasing all the lights that shine! And when they let you down You'll get up off the ground…! 'Cause morning rolls around, And it's another day of sun !"
The song went into instrumental break of Killua solely playing the piano as they danced on stage, a jig swing type dance, both looking like they were having the time of their life while also remaining performers.
It was amazing what Gon did. While Gon was a great performer himself, his songs speak for itself, he seemed to be in his element when he performed with someone else. He fed off their energy and the partner fed off his, naturally sweeping them off into his pace and magnetism. Their performance exponentially drove towards explosive as they complimented each other, any flaws in their performance overwritten with the deliverance. His types of performances were the ones people would choose to listen to over the World's Best singer who had no feel.
Gon was amazing. He was light. He was brighter than any stage light. Gon spun Melody towards the front and turned his back to the crowd as they stilled and Melody looked up as though singing a ballad, her voice softening for the middle transition.
"And when they let you down… The morning rolls around… " They leapt into another dance number, the last as the song reached its climax to come to a stop.
"It's another day of sun
It's another day of sun
It's another day of sun
It's another day of sun
Just another day of sun
It's another day of sun
Another day has just begun
It's another day of sun!
It's another day of sun! "
Their number finished, both in finishing poses and the class stood up and cheered, probably ruining the end of the recordings of the students with shouts. Kite also rose from his seat to applaud them. It was good, and the performance was solid, although he did have a few notes for the duo to work on, he could give them an A for this pre-test. Killua stood up from the piano as Gon and Melody climbed down the steps to his side.
"Guys, that was awesome! I'm pretty sure I saw you guys doing some things that weren't rehearsed yesterday." He teased and Melody let out a breathless chuckle as she caught her breath.
"Rehearsal yesterday wasn't exactly substantial."
"But hey, I remembered how to do the tap moves, so that's a plus, at least I could improvise when I did forget." Gon chuckled, less breathless than Melody, but a winded note did enter his voice. The next group started nervously getting up on stage, upset they had to follow something like that and worried of their grade suffering for it, and Kite called out to Killua.
"Hey, Killua, c'mon, you got work to do." He said, sitting back down at the table. Killua huffed and rolled his eyes.
"Hey, guys, tell me how it goes with Kurapika, kay?" He said, giving a friendly pat on Gon's arm before running off to the table.
"Right. You ready, Mel?" Gon asked, turning to his smaller friend. She looked up, her determined olive green eyes sparkling.
"Yea!"
Gon strode forward. Most people called out to him as he passed, commenting on how great he did, some trying to get him to sit with them, a few giving their praise to Melody behind him, but he only kept on walking closer to the back where Kurapika sat.
-o0o0o0oo0-
Kurapika was a very reasonable man, he was sensible and he's been very careful who he surrounded himself with.
He experienced alot of real world characteristics, he's seen what people could do, how shallow they can be, and the selfishness they show. He thought he's seen so much of it, he knew it like a textbook example, could spot it in a line-up from frauds.
He believed he knew just by a look how a person was, because that's just how he's seen people act, shallow. Kurapika was seldom wrong on a person's character when judging on looks and few tidbits gathered on that person.
But then, here was Gon.
Here was Gon, breaking down walls and his perceptions he's built up since middle school. Gon shining brighter than any darkness he's been subjected to. Breaking barriers down to build new ones up. He judged Gon once, but he was wrong. Or at least he didn't understand him completely.
Gon continued to make his way to Kurapika, the lights from the stage haloing Gon to make his approach surreal, like a dream or a warm memory. Kurapika tried to keep up his poker face as Gon approached but he already had a feeling of why Gon was coming over.
He had a hunch what it was when their performance was through the roof, much more detailed than required for the class project. Kurapika is always getting pleasantly surprised by Gon. His academy year will definitely be more interesting with Gon.
Gon reached the row where Kurapika sat by his partner Pokkle, his presence almost stifling with his purpose. He stepped into the row in front of Kurapika's, kneeling onto the seat of the chair to face him. His expression was bright but eyes dark with a strange intensity, coloring his eyes a darker chocolate hue in the dim light of the performance room. Melody, following as quietly and elegantly as a butterfly but as comfortably as a lioness in her own den. She sat next to Gon, sitting properly and turning to see Kurapika behind her. Pokkle scratched his cheek feeling awkward, being caught in some obvious confrontation, and tried his best to seem like he wasn't eavesdropping or inserting himself, looking forward at the performance on stage.
"Hi." Gon chirped, keeping his gaze leveled with the gray eyed blonde.
"Hi Gon." Kurapika let out on a breath, a small resigned smile on his face.
"Did you like the performance?" He asked.
"Yes, Gon…." Kurapika sighed out. "I understand what you were trying to do with this performance."
Gon tilted his head to one side. Kurapika let his eyes slip closed to continuing explaining and trying to contain some of his composure.
"You wanted to make Melody someone up to my standard so that I may consider her suitable to partner with in the future."
Melody let her eyes close but kept the patient smile on her face, a look as though dealing with a child. Gon's eyebrows furrowed, his eyes taking on a weird glint. Kurapika looked to Melody.
"I see now that I was wrong in judging you so quickly and will look forward to working with you in the future..." He said, trailing a bit as seeing her not as happy as he expected. His attention was brought back to Gon as he spoke up again.
"Kurapika…" Gon paused and looked up with pursed lips. "You're wrong."
Kurapika looked shocked, as if someone slapped him. Gon felt bad for making Kurapika feel like that, but technically this is what had to be done, to fully re-write what Kurapika knows and understands about this school and others in general.
"W-well, what-" Kurapika stuttered for a moment, caught off gaurd by Gon's bluntness.
"Do you remember," Gon started, smiling patiently still, "what you told me before about the students in the school?"
"Yes…" Kurapika replied cautiously.
"I think… that had made me angry back then, hearing you talk like that." Gon said, and Kurapika was finally able to name that look in Gon's eyes. A quiet sort of anger burning behind bright eyes.
"I understand that you had bad run-ins with alot of people when you first joined the Academy. But that's only a fraction of what you could discover here at the academy. You shouldn't paint your view of the world one color just based on a few people. It must have been hard on you at first, but no matter where you go in life, there's gonna be people like that. You should try to move past that, and gives those who may want it a chance."
"Like Melody…" Kurapika hummed, catching on with a better understanding of what Gon wanted him to get out this. Because of people he met before, he never even gave Melody, someone who never did him wrong yet, a chance to impress him. He thought he knew what she could offer and it wouldn't be enough to be up to standards. But she really showed that she could be more than that… and he should probably rethink his standards.
Gon let a small smile on his face, "When you let others help you, you'll find things about yourself you didn't know, learn things only they could teach you. You'll make lifelong connections with amazing people who could help you as much as, even more than you could help them! You can make strong friendships with unbreakable bonds through this academy experience but only if you commit yourself to using the academy to it's fullest potential." Gon said, looking down, half speaking to himself too.
Gon was determined to use this chance until he couldn't anymore, until the very last second, they'd have to drag him out this school before he'd stop using this experience to grow and become a better world star. Gon just wanted Kurapika to understand this too, to get that passion back and to not squander this opportunity. This was a privilege, not a right, no matter how you looked at it.
"I want you to like what you do, what you've chosen to do with your life. Remember the passion you had for singing when you first entered this school…" Gon gave him a soft affectionate smile, his anger diminished, leaving just the amity for his friend. "I would never want you to stop being nice because of mean people."
Kurapika nodded. It was true, even coal could become diamonds, they just need a little help along the way. He can't expect everyone to be performance ready. But while they work on that kind of stuff along the way, he'll find invaluable company.
"I understand…" Kurapika sighed. Melody was finally looking at him again, a wider smile on her face. He looked over at the newly confident girl, radiant even in the dim light with all her feel and smiled back. "Melody, I would like to apologize first. You have been vying for my attention for a while now and I never wanted to even give you the time of day. I have been very inconsiderate, and obviously have much to learn about giving people a chance. So if you wouldn't mind… as it seems you may be very good at giving people a second chance, if you'll help me with that as a friend of mine?" He asked. Melody lit up.
"Yes! Of course!" She hummed. She was so happy she was able to be apart of helping Kurapika become a better brighter person. How he was before was so sad…
Gon smiled at that, happy they were finally able to talk, viewing each other as equals- as peers. He turned, ready to get off the chair when Kurapika called for him.
"Gon?" He asked. Gon turned back with a cocked eyebrow and curious smile.
"Yes?"
"I'm… really happy I met someone like you." He said. "You could really do alot for everyone around you and I look forward to your career as a singer. You could move the world." He voiced honestly with a smile. Gon felt his cheeks heat up and he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"You give me too much credit!" He chuckled. "But I'm happy I met you too. Everyone here! I just want everyone to be happy and sing together!" He said. As he about to turn again, he saw Kurapika smile from the corner of his eye.
"So Killua must be your next project, huh?" He asked with a smug note. Gon laughed but decided not to say anything. Pokkle, sitting a few seats away, smiled to himself, happy and proud of his friends. Gon really knew how to get things rolling. When he wanted something, there seemed to be very little to stop his determination.
Melody made her way around Gon to sit next to Kurapika and they spoke in low voices to trade words and conversation, getting to know each other better through the class.
Gon turned back to the front to watch the others giving their stage, but he couldn't really focus on them. He knew they were really talented and good, but he wasn't expecting anyone else to do what he and Melody did. Killua said so himself as they rehearsed yesterday, what they were doing was overkill for just a pretest. But none of the performances could keep his attention, just a few cover songs or poorly made originals.
He found his eyes wandering over to the judges' table up front, the white tuft of hair bobbing next to the taller male as though Killua had trouble keeping awake. Gon giggled and covered his mouth to keep it from getting louder. Killua must feel so bored, with how talented Killua was, this stuff must be like sitting through a test you took already, but you have to wait for everyone else to finish.
Gon kept looking at the back of Killua's head as he thought back to their performance. Gon's happy that Killua was able to have a little fun during Gon and Melody's performance even if everyone else's performance may have him bored. Killua was able to do something with his hands other than write notes on mediocre idols.
Gon thought back to his time on stage. He had given a quick glance towards the piano where Killua was situated. The playful smile on Killua's face as he jotted the keys and chords, his eyes bright and on him, Gon felt a new surge of energy at the sight, his smile getting brighter and his delivery getting larger.
Gon has been starting to feel that sort of excitement around Killua recently- restless like he should move and energy like he could launch. But it also comes with some sort of ill feeling. He doesn't know what's happening, he might be getting sick. But he doesn't want to miss a single day of school, and even if it's only happening around Killua, he doesn't want to cut off his time to the stardust idol. He just got Killua to hang out with him!
Lost in thought, he didn't realize the last group performing finally finished and Kite got up from his seat at the table, causing Killua to jerk awake. He bent over his clipboard and scribbled something down so Kite thinks he was paying attention. Kite made his way onto the stage and the quiet chatter of the students dwindled down and Gon leaned forward in his seat, curious to see if Kite was going to perform now.
"Alright class." He said. "That's everyone. I've heard some talking, and you might be concerned that compared to other people's performances…" He looked sort of pointedly at Killua, Gon and Melody. Gon couldn't help the smile on his face. It might have been bad to be called out like this in a normal high school setting, but in a performance talent school where it took everything just to stand out, Gon couldn't hold down the pleased smile stretching on his face. Gon looked over at Killua to see him looking back with a similar pleased, cat-like smile over his features. He turned to see Melody was holding a petite hand over her own satisfied grin. Gon turned back to the front to pay attention.
"There is no need to worry, I was only trying to get a gauge on your voices , how it sounds and obvious notes that need improving. But this should be a lesson to all of you. You all are trainees to become World Stars, 2nd years no less. Every performance should be put on like a show, like a recruiter is in the crowd, you all should try to put on passionate production because life is your stage and you all are the performers. The others put a good example for how serious prospective World Stars act."
The bell rang through the auditorium and they began packing their bags, some grumbling, some gossiping.
"They're such show-offs."
"Where did Melody hide all that confidence? It's like she's a whole different person…"
"I know, it's like 'Where did you hide the real Melody!? I just saw her Friday.'"
"Gon is so amazing! I want to be more like him!"
"I can't believe Killua played for them! That's probably why they did so well, anyone who works with Killua does well."
"You're right! It might not have been his effort."
"Melody looks so cool now…!"
Killua jogged up to the others waiting for him, ignoring the jealous and admiring laced chatter around them. Gon beamed at Killua as he took in Kurapika and Melody behind him.
"I took it went well?" He breathed out, looking over at Melody, and her bright smile rivaled Gon's with how happy she was, she was glowing.
"Yes! I feel amazing! Great! I finally feel like someone I've always wanted to be…" She hummed out musically and looked up at Gon. "And it's all thanks to you. Thank you Gon." She crooed, her voice dipping and rising like violin notes.
"It was nothing." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head and closing his eyes in a smile.
Killua turned to Kurapika.
"So… I've heard good things about you…" Killua said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Kurapika raised an elegant brow at him.
"I could say the same for you. Aren't you the Zoldyck that never got around to singing with anybody?" He asked with a tilt of his head. Killua drew his lips into a line.
"I've had good reasons." Killua replied curtly.
"So have I. The idiots at this school can really do a number on people's trust." Kurapika said and Killua released a short breath.
"I know, right? They see a talented person and it's like they turn into leeches." Killua griped. Kurapika let a small smile grace his features.
"Right, but apparently not everyone is like that. I hope to find good people outside of the leeches and give them a chance- like Gon would like."
"Ha, good luck. As far as I'm concerned everyone's a leech. I'll stick with Gon til I see some proof." Killua scoffed, crossing his arms. Kurapika lifted a curious eyebrow.
"You don't even believe what Gon's always advocating around you?"
Killua shrugs before Gon is suddenly by his side, slinging an arm over the lithe teen's shoulders.
"Don't worry, Pika, He doesn't believe me right now, but I'm working on it. You'll see him singing with anyone soon!" Gon exclaimed. Killua gaped at him.
"'Scuse you, where did you get this?" Killua scoffed. Gon shrugged before teasingly lifting a finger over his lip.
"Se-cret!" He chirped. Killua growled and flicked his forehead.
"Ow!" Gon cried while Killua moved to head out the auditorium, the other two teens following suit before Gon followed. "I didn't even say anything embarrassing that time!"
As the four of them headed for the lockers, Killua looked over Gon and Melody.
"Are you guys gonna change?" Killua asked, pointing a finger at their retro clothing.
"No, I think I look cool in these." Gon said, sliding a collar edge between two fingers.
"Me too!" Melody said, doing a twirl and letting her skirt flair up. Killua rolled his eyes.
"You guys have no shame."
"I think that's a good thing! We're idols, the better we embrace, the more likable we'll be." Gon shrugged and Killua rolled his eyes at his exuberant friend.
Gon skipped out ahead of the group as they walked together, "I'm so happy! This worked out great! Now we can all hang out! So what are you guys doing after school today-"
"Oh, oooh no, straight after school, you are going to the library and doing that idol assignment you forgot to do." Killua said, interrupting Gon's happy plan making. Gon twirled around to face his icy friend.
"What? But we don't have to turn it in until Wednesday, we can work on it tomorrow-"
"Na-ah, no more of that procrastinating stuff for you. It obviously doesn't work."
"This performance worked pretty well for procrastination." Gon shot back, crossing his arms.
"That was lucky, you can't expect it to work like that every time, that's how you fail-" Killua scolded, crossing his own arms.
"I bet I could make it work. C'mon Killua, it's not fun to do the work early- OW!" Gon began to whine only for Killua to grab at his ear and pull.
"Uh-huh, I bet you do feel like that, you adrenaline junkie. No more of that, we're getting the work done early so we don't have to worry about it." Killua said, his voice leaving no room for any more argument before letting go of his ear, allowing Gon to stand up straighter and rub at his ear.
"Meanie. I just… work well under pressure." Gon said, looking away from the glaring white haired teen. Melody giggled, bringing the boys' attention over to the other 2 accompanying them. Kurapika's eyebrow were slightly raised while Melody held a hand over her mouth to keep her smile out of sight but her eyes danced in mirth.
"Interesting, Killua. I never thought you could be this friendly." Kurapika said, amusement tinging his tone.
"Shove it." Killua growled out, a blush covering his face before marching off to their lockers where he knew Zushi was waiting. Gon tilted his head at them, he opened his mouth to say something but Killua's voice snapped back "Let's go, Gon!" Gon jumped slightly then gave a friendly wave at his friends before departing from them to catch up with Killua.
"I know what you mean…" Melody's soft voice sighed out. "I spent all day with them yesterday, and it was like meeting a new person. That definitely isn't the Killua we're all used to seeing around the school and it's all thanks to Gon." Kurapika nodded taking in the information as he watched the last of Gon turn the corner. He turned around to head to the lunchroom as he spoke to Melody comfortably at his side.
"Gon really is an amazing person, for his kindness to be able to touch someone as distant as Killua. I always felt a bit discouraged at how the Academy and the music industry could take the joy out of someone's eyes. It seemed Killua was the most evident of that. He was the most accustomed to the fast life all of us were aspiring for, since he's been getting the experience through his family name. He walked around like a constant reminder the fast life isn't always the best, and I strived to harden myself so the world wouldn't break me like it broke him. Turns out I had the wrong mind-set. I'm happy Gon came to our school." Kurapika looked down at Melody. "I'm happy he met Killua and brought some light back into Killua's life."
Gon rubbed at the back of his head as they walked into the library several minutes after the last school bell rang dismissing the rest of the Academy. It was the same place their free period class met up for last wednesday, but it didn't make it anymore familiar for him. He would rather be doing something else more fun, like messing with some chords on his guitar, or planning out a good calendar date for his next concert, something other than being in this place filled with books he probably couldn't sit still long enough to finish reading through.
"C'mon, idiot, the sooner we get started, the sooner we can finish." Killua scolded the teen lingering in front of the double doors. He grabbed his wrist and dragged him further inside to aid in the process. "I'll help you so we can get done faster." He mumbled, sort of embarrassed. It was still weird for Killua to try and use his talents honestly for someone else with no real reason, expecting nothing in return. Because he was a friend. For a friend.
He tched as he felt the heat of embarrassment rise to his cheeks. It was so hard trying to be a friend when he never had one, what does he do? Something uncomfortable and tight flared in his chest and he breathed a bit as if to bury it beneath oxygen. It helped a little but maybe he could try to get some music in his ears soon.
"Wow, thanks Killua." Gon cried happily, unknowingly easing Killua's chest with his rich voice. It made trying to deal with this new friendship thing a little more bearable.
"Yea, yea…" Killua mumbled, not letting his voice betray his internal struggles, and let go of his wrist as Gon was keeping pace instead of loitering.
"You too, Zushi! Thank you for coming even though you have your report done." Gon said, turning his head the other way where the smaller brown boy was lagging behind having been left behind when Killua dragged Gon forward.
"Ah, it was no problem. I've been hearing so much of your guys's good times together, I wanna take part too!" Zushi said. "I can just look around while you guys do what you need to." Gon smile and nodded, happy he can hang out with even more of his friends. This assignment won't be as boring as he thought it will be if he's surrounded by his friends while he does it.
"Right! Now where was that book you guys were talking about in here?" Gon asked, looking left and right at the junction they were standing in.
"This way." Zushi said and turned left between the row of shelves, the older two following after him.
"So, you gonna pick one randomly or you have one in mind?" Killua asked, his hands in his pockets.
"Ah… I think… I think I'll look at the pictures and the names and figure out who I want to do my report on. It will just be a feeling that I should, y'know?" Gon said, turning to face him. Killua cocked an eyebrow, because he, in fact, did not know.
"Alright…" Killua hummed as they reached a clearing of the bookshelves, making way to tables further in the back where it was quieter than the front of the library. In the middle of the spaced out tables was a podium where a large book was opened invitingly.
"Oh is that it?!" Gon cried out, running ahead and peering down at the pages. Rows of pictures and small descriptions filled both pages like a school year picture book. It was huge and thick.
"Yea, it's huge, isn't it? I still think they should make it digital so they don't have to renew it each year and make it even bigger!" Killua commented, a small smile on his face as he walked up from behind.
"Yea…" Gon hummed, his eyes darkening in focus already as he scanned the page. Killua quirked an eyebrow again in curiosity and moved forward to see what had gotten Gon's attention so quick. However, when Gon just turned the page with that same focused look, realization dawned on Killua.
"Gon, you're not really going to look at every picture and every page of that book for some feeling , right?" He asked, exasperated. When he only got concentrated silence in response, Killua huffed.
"Well," Another scoff. "Well, then find me when you're done or whatever…" He'll help him with writing, no need to help him with the choosing process. He turned on his heel and left through the tall bookshelves.
"A-ahhh…" Zushi cried out softly after Killua, but was reluctant to follow and keep Killua company. He was still more Gon's friend than Killua's, since Gon befriended Zushi first. And based on the way Killua left just now, he wasn't exactly in a mood that screamed, 'come join me.' It would probably be more awkward than helpful to go with him. So he turned back to Gon and saw he was still scanning over the book. He was staring intensely at a page that read the grad students on the page was from the 1980s. He felt himself sigh from an impatient feeling. This was gonna take a while. He turned to the bookshelf and browsed for a book to read.
Gon furrowed his brow as he looked at the page, but felt like he couldn't focus on the words on the page… He was just too curious, and ever since the thought struck him a couple pages ago, he felt he wouldn't be able to concentrate until he checked it. He bit his bottom lip and flipped through the pages to get to the idols with last names that started with "F." He felt a (cold sweat) nervous anticipatory sweat gather on his brow as he pressed a finger to the page and scanned through to narrow down to where he hoped a 'Freecss' would be. He blinked.
Frida
Gon looked one name back from that one.
Franks
He felt himself deflate. Well, he should expect as much. He's pretty sure his dad got famous without any previous training and he started in Japan, there was no way he would be an alumni of this school. He let out a slightly frustrated huff and turned a huge chunk of the pages to the back of the book to start on a random page again. He was starting to think this way of finding someone to do his paper on was pretty ineffective. Maybe he should just do what Killua suggested and point to some random picture on some random page and just shovel information on a paper to turn in. He felt disgusted with that idea of doing it that way, the insensitive approach to the paper is something he would never do himself. Something that insincere wouldn't further his education.
He was turning away from the book, defeated and ready to call Killua for help, when a name caught his eye. He leaned back towards the book and scanned the page for what it was that popped out at him in that brief second. He was drawn immediately to a purple haired man closer to the bottom of the page. The man's deep black eyes bore straight into the camera, stoic but not cold. His mustache covered the entirety of his lip so it was impossible to tell if he were smiling or frowning and he was sharply dressed for the picture. Gon looked for the information below the picture to find out who the man was.
Satotz
Graduated with 280th class
Rock Ballad idol
Gon felt a pull as he scanned the picture and reread the small text, and then a smile lit his face as he jumped up away from the book.
"I found one!" He cried, and turned around to see Zushi looking over at him from a table and an open book in front of him. "I found a graduate to do my paper on! I have a good feeling about this one!" Gon said, hopping over to his friend's table as Zushi closed the book with a smile on his face.
"That's good, Who?" Zushi asked. Gon blinked then chuckled sheepishly.
"Ahah, hold on!" He chuckled and ran back to the book. Zushi sighed helplessly, but it was so Gon. He walked up to Gon's back as he began slowly enunciating the name.
"Saa… satooo…" Zushi looked over his shoulder and smiled amicably.
"Satotz. Interesting, we haven't really talked much about this one. Most people choose the more famous idols or teachers from the school to try and win some brownie points. Y'know, nothing without benefits." Zushi explained. Gon nodded and Zushi spoke again. "You may want to write it down, Gon."
Gon nodded happily and took out a notebook from his book bag to write it down. While he wrote it down, Zushi looked up and around, trying to see if he could find a flash of silverlight hair somewhere in the bookshelves or on the second story balcony style floor. Gon turned back to him with the name written in his notebook soon enough and Zushi smiled.
"Shall we go find Killua then? He said to find him when you find one, in case you didn't hear the first time." Zushi said, concerned he really not might have since he was focusing so hard.
"Ah, right…" Gon nodded. He turned to the direction he last saw Killua head and started walking with Zushi by his side. They walked together, Gon clutching the notebook to his chest, feeling excited about his choice. He didn't know why, but he just had a feeling. The feeling he was hoping for when he started searching.
He looked left to where he saw stairs lead up to the open aired second story but was sidetracked by a short rack, shelved with DVDs located by the left of stairs. Zushi stopped walking when he realized Gon was no longer walking beside him. He turned his head and saw Gon was bending down in front of the rack of DVDs.
"Ah! Oh right. Weren't you curious about the Zoldyck concerts?" Zushi asked with a kind smile. Gon looked up.
"Oh, they're here?" Gon asked, looking over the rack with new vigor.
"Yea, right down there on the bottom row." Zushi pointed, leading Gon's gaze at the last row of the shelf. A series of dark color cases with 'Zoldyck' written in silver, sharp font on the spine were put in order of the dates on the very bottom of the spine. Gon's eyes shone and he turned to Zushi.
"Which ones have Killua in them?" Gon asked. He felt excited anticipation to watch the performances of the idols that fans say are one of the best in the business.
"Well... " Zushi started, putting his head up to calculate.
Then, "Oi."
They both turned to see Killua coming down the steps, a thin binder tucked under one arm. "You're finally done Gon? You took so long I was able to finish mine already." He smirked mischievously.
Gon was readying to ask Killua himself which ones he was in, but all thoughts fell away when he heard him and a pout came forth.
"Wah, Killua! That's mean! Why would you do it without me? I thought we were doing it together?" Gon whined, running up to the slightly taller teen. Killua tilted his head with a teasing smile.
"Huh? This is your fault I have to do it in the first place! I said I'll help you, I don't have to do the report with you."
"Wahhhh, Killua, then who did you do yours on?" Gon asked, reaching for his binder. Killua easily slid his binder out of reach and side stepped the rushing teen.
"Mh-mh, there's no reason for you to know. It's done. If you've gotten an idol to do it on, we'll start now. C'mon, we'll need a computer." Killua said, walking off to the rows of computers located against the walls of the room. Gon pouted and walked after his friend, the DVDs forgotten for now.
"Ahh.. ah, I guess I can just help him check it out later." Zushi shrugged and followed.
Killua sat at a computer and waited until Gon sat down to his left to place his binder at his right. Zushi sat at Gon's left. They booted up the computers and Killua took Gon's notebook with the name on the page and Gon pouted. Killua was so mean, he can be so pushy and demanding, yet he won't allow others to treat him like that. Like how Gon just wanted to know who it was Killua decided was worth his time to do the paper on, but he was shut down while Killua was able to just snatch up all of Gon's things.
"Mhhh…? Satotz…? I never heard of him…" Killua said, peering at the page as though looking longer would help jog his memory. He put the paper down and looked at Gon. "Are you sure you want to do it on this random guy?" He asked and Gon nodded determinedly.
"Definitely! I have a really good feeling about him! I really want to do it on Satotz." Gon affirmed. Killua let his head loll to one side briefly while exhaling.
"Well, alright. We can find information on these guys anywhere on the internet. If they're any kind of famous worth their weight, you can at least find what kind of music they did primarily. To find their hatsu, you'll have to dig a little deeper. It'll probably be inside certain interviews, documentaries, or biographies." Killua said, clicking open the internet and typing things in. Gon blinked at him, barely following his speedy instructions and then scrambled to follow Killua's example, clicking open his internet. He looked over and saw Killua had typed in Satotz name, so he did the same.
"Ok, what do I do now?" Gon said as he saw the first row of the internet results were in fact pictures of the purple haired man. Killua turned to face his computer and pointed at the first link.
"Start there. Read it and put down what you think is important for people to know who haven't heard about him. This is only suppose to be a page, so keep it brief." Killua instructed as he continued to scroll and click to new pages. Gon clicked it and as the page flashed white to load, Gon looked over at Killua's screen again.
"What are you looking up?" Gon asked. Killua looked over at Gon for a moment then back to the screen.
"Well, I'm trying to find you those documentaries…" Killua said, a slight mutter in his tone, but still comprehensible. Gon blinked.
"Really? Wow, thanks Killua!" He gushes and went back to read his website with new vigor. If Killua was working so hard for him, he'll have to work hard as well. Killua scratched his cheek as heat pooled in them from embarrassment.
"It's whatever, I said I'd help you. Give me your email so I can send it over when I find stuff." He said.
"Oh! Ya, sure!" Gon said, turning to Killua and sliding his notebook back over to his side, jotting it down. He slid it back over to Killua who glanced down at it as Gon continued writing. He let a smile come on his face as he continued to quickly run through the resources online. This was so normal, he felt normal. He couldn't help but feel happy as he hung out with Gon and Zushi, well, mostly Gon, but whatever, this was normal! This was having friends. He would be happy just like this, being with his friends, being Gon's friend.
-o0o0o0o0o-
After a few more minutes, while Zushi played a couple default computer games found on the main menu of his computer from boredom, Killua sat up straighter.
"Ah! Found it! Ah, maybe I made this too easy on you Gon? This has everything…" Killua said as he scanned over the biography he just found. Gon looked over at the screen to the see the purple haired star sitting on a stool with a rustic guitar in his hands, strumming away, one foot on the rung and the other on the ground. It was a really photogenic pose that looked natural. These World Stars were really good at what they did.
"No, no, you should give it to me! I already have all that brief stuff! He's graduated 280th class, and he does mainly soft rock ballads. He's got a giant guitar collection, 3 platinum albums and his hair color's natural. I just need the hatsu stuff!" Gon begged, clinging to his arm. Killua chuckled and shrugged the arm Gon wasn't weighing down.
"Alright, alright, down boy." He chuckled, copy and pasting the link and sending it to Gon on his computer.
"Yay, thanks Killua." Gon cooed and opened it up to read for himself. Killua clicked off his computer and looked over Gon's shoulder for the information. Gon read the biography that began from when he was a boy, so he skimmed a bit to the later parts when he became famous and found his hatsu.
"Wow… he can play the guitar so fluidly it's like he's not even pressing his fingers to the strings… and it's like a songbird when he plays, how he flies between chords." Gon awed, starting to type it down on the document he had open. Killua's eyes flitted from the screen to Gon's wide eyes and shrugged.
"Big deal, I'm pretty sure I could do that if I tried." Killua shrugged.
"I don't know Killua, aren't hatsus suppose to be specific and particular to one person? That's what gives them their edge and brand?" Gon recited from his learnings in Wing's class. Killua jutted out his lip in a huff.
"Whatever…" He huffed. Gon tilted his head as he began thinking about their hatsu. He wondered what he would develope for his hatsu when they graduate and become famous. He supposed they still have plenty of time to develope them, they were still just learning about it for now after all. That was one of the reasons for Wing's paper, to see other's people Hatsu and get the students to start thinking of their own special and unique skills to apply to their talents. Gon was almost done filling his one page on Satotz's information when his eyes skimmed over a quote and he froze then quickly reread it to make sure what he read was right-was real.
"Ging…" Gon murmured and Killua and Zushi turned to look at Gon's dumbstruck face.
"Your dad?" Killua asked.
"Ging?" Zushi questioned. He remembered asking Gon about his dad, but Gon didn't tell him. Did he tell Killua? He felt a little hurt, but he also understood, Gon probably had to share alot more and act generally more friendly towards Killua to get any progress out of him and being friends.
"Satotz… He said he got into the industry because of Ging. He was inspired by him. He never met him but he's heard of his works and what he's done." Gon read from the quotes Satotz provided in the document. He smiled wide. "He heard of how Ging donated to charities that helped children from tough backgrounds to pursue careers in music or other art forms. He had done it anonymously because he didn't want people to know, but after some digging and cross referencing, Satotz knew it was his idol that's done it. He actually does a lot of charity work without anyone knowing it's him!" Gon said, pouring over the words. "Wow, I had no idea about any of this of Ging! I knew I had a good feeling about Satotz! I never would have been able to learn any of this about my father if it wasn't for this paper on him."
"Stuff you wouldn't need to learn about through other people if your dad just took you with him…" Killua muttered under his breath. He wouldn't say this kind of confrontational stuff straight to Gon's face. He's still happy it ended up with Killua meeting Gon, and he's sure Gon's already had that thought.
"How did you know that this guy would have information about your dad?" Zushi asked. Gon smiled at him.
"It was just a gut feeling. I listen to it most times, because my intuition is usually right… sometimes… well... it doesn't hurt to follow it." Gon said, getting less confident in his sentence as he spoke. Killua snickered behind him.
"Sounds like your gut gets you in more trouble than it's worth." He snickered, his hand up to his lips to cover his smile. Gon turned back to him.
"No! It's definitely always worth it, but… yea, I do get into some situations sometimes…" Gon chuckled sheepishly. He turned back to Zushi as a thought occurred to him.
"So, do you know who Ging is?" He asked.
"Yes, of course, he's very famous, he's one of the World Stars we discuss in 101." Zushi said with a kind smile.
"Sorry I didn't tell you earlier, I didn't want you to judge me for my father and not for me. That's why I'm hoping no one at this school figures out about my father. But it's ok if it's you guys. I didn't know you as well back then Zushi, but now I know you'd never judge me for my family background. You're more sincere than that, down to earth." Gon admitted. Zushi blushed and scratched the back of his head.
"Wow, thanks Gon. I'm happy you trust me with something so sensitive for you."
"And what about me? How did you know I wasn't going to judge you for your dad? If anything, it's hardwired in me to judge who I hang out with based on merit." Killua griped, poking Gon's shoulder from behind. He really was shameless. He wanted Gon's attention all the time and he valued Gon's praises more than that of the world's more exclusive critic. And he couldn't help but describe the feeling in his chest as jealousy when he gives those praises and attention to others. Gon worked hard for Killua's friendship, dammit! It must mean something deeper than these superficial things he had with those other amateurs. It's why he's starting to find himself getting weak to Gon and anything he asks or suggests. Did Gon find Killua down-to-earth and sincere enough to trust his secret to as well?
"Mmmh…" Gon hummed as he thought about it, his eyes roving the ceiling as though it might provide the answer. "Well… Because it's you, Killua!" Gon said, like it was obvious. Killua blinked.
"Hah?"
Gon shrugged.
"I don't know how else to describe it. If it's you, I don't mind sharing anything." He said, his amber eyes locking onto Killua's, so intense they looked like they were glowing. Killua's breath locked in his throat and he looked over Gon's shoulder to Zushi's face to anchor him back to reality and make sure this is real.
"You're a real idiot! That doesn't make any sense!" He cried, shoving Gon's face back, but not harshly. It's a friendly push. "What exactly is it about me that makes you ok to share? Like, you said with Zushi, he was sincere or whatever." He began muttering again at the end as his cheeks flushed. Now he's really just fishing for it. Gon blinked and looked back at Zushi and back at Killua as if to compare and find what stands out for Killua. Gon just puts on a goofy smile again.
"Everything about you."
"GAAH!" Killua shouts, standing up. That was so out-there and embarrassing and not at all what he wanted, but everything he was expecting, too vague and too specific. He was happy there isn't anything about himself that Gon sees as a turn-off, but...
"Hey!" The librarian harshly whispered. "You're being way too loud!"
"Sorry…" Killua muttered. He pulled out his phone as Gon gave his apology too and check the time. "I gotta go. You're basically done, Gon. Just finish it up and print it." He pocketed his phone again and made his way for the front of the library.
"Ah? But I wanted to walk you home?" Gon pouted. He knows the way to his place until a couple blocks, it's at least farther than he used to know- down the sidewalk of the school where Gon would normally turn to get to his own place.
Zushi gives both of them knowing and incredulous looks from behind. There's no way they don't know right? He thought, It's obvious.
"No, there's no point," He says. "I'll see you tomorrow, Gon." He waves the hand that doesn't hold the black binder tucked under his arm in the air without looking back.
"Bye Killua…" Gon whined and turned back to his work. He was less motivated to finish it now, even though he was only a couple sentences from finishing.
"It's ok, Gon, you're almost done. Here, while you're waiting, I'll go figure out which DVDs has Killua in it." Zushi said, and stood up, making his way back over to the short shelf.
"Oh ya!" Gon cried, and flew his fingers over the keyboard to type up a summary of what he read from the source Killua had found for him. Even mentioned Ging. He skipped over to the printer at the end of the row of computers and printed out his sheet, sticking it in his notebook for safe keeping and made his way to Zushi.
"So?" Gon asked, hopping down to squat in front of the row of dark cases.
"Yes, well, remember I told you the Zoldycks don't allow the library to have the DVDs until they're sure they can't make much more profit off of it, so the latest ones they have are from approximately 2 years ago. Killua was… 14 then, so that was his debut concert. You're in luck, that should be the most interesting one." Zushi chuckled, pulling out the last DVD on the end of the row. Zushi handed it to Gon and he flipped it over to look at the front. It was just the silver 'Zoldyck' on front floating over a dark outdoor stage with a lone light hitting the center.
"Are their concerts outside?" Gon asked looking over the case.
"Their summer ones are, since summer nights are cool in terms of weather, and it adds to the experience to have it under the stars. And yes, the Zoldyck debut concerts are held the summer before their freshman year here at Musica. But they do have an indoor concert hall for winter shows and more private and special occasions." Zushi said. Gon nods then Gon stands up, Zushi's head tilting back to look up at him.
"This is amazing, I can't wait to see Killua perform for the first time. I kinda wish I was able to give Killua a DVD of me performing. I never thought to record my concerts. Maybe I can find a fan recorded video of my concerts on the internet instead? I feel like watching each other's performances will help us be closer." Gon said. Zushi began walking to the check-out with Gon.
"Interesting…" Zushi muttered. "Well, tell me how you liked it tomorrow or over the phone through text while you watch. It's not only going to be Killua. It's his debut, so most songs will be his or feature him, but there will also be Illumi and Milluki too."
Gon bristles at the mention of Illumi but he tilts his head curiously at Milluki.
"Right. I don't think I've seen him yet. Alright, then this will be a learning experience for a lot of things! I'll see how the professionals are, Killua going full out, and Milluki, his… older brother?" He asked, to make sure he got it right.
"Right." Zushi said. The librarian took the DVD and checked it out under Gon's name and handed it back. He thanked her and they left together.
"Alright, then I'll see you tomorrow! I got some studying to do!" Gon cried and ran off in one direction.
"Bye!" Zushi shouted after him. Gon felt so happy. Since he goes to the school for music, he wasn't lying when he said he was going to study! Watching other people's concerts are great ways to study for your own improvement. He loved going to school here! He was so excited he ran all the way home. He opened the door after unlocking it and acknowledged Mito wasn't home yet.
Not getting off early tonight. He thought, heading into the kitchen and grabbing a snack to hold him over until Mito comes home. He enters his room and wonders if he should do something before watching the disc.
"Oh, what the hey, I don't have anything better to do!" Gon cries, too excited to wait when he had no good reason. He leaped at the player and popped it in. He moved his gaze to the left and noticed the magazine he accidently stole from the lady at the clothing store they went to for Melody. He still felt bad for that… He picked it up and gazed at Killua's cool autograph on the front cover where Killua posed for the photo.
He didn't really have time to look it over properly yesterday when Killua had determined an idea for them to do. They had no time to waste to rehearse and get the assignment done. He let himself forget the DVD for a moment, leaving it on the home screen- shadowing figures of Illumi, Killua, and Milluki fading in and out, overlaying the image of the lone stage.
Gon flipped through it and found the 7 page spread featuring Killua and the fall collection he was modeling.
Wow, Killua looks so good! He always looks so cool with everything he wears… Gon remembered that pirate looking outfit he wore friday and a smile broke out on his face. Even wearing the weirdest things, he can make it look good. There were multiple images on the pages. One with Killua on his back, fall colored leaves adorning the grass covered ground and framing his face as he smiled happily up at the camera. He made the clothes look good and the small insert was his quotes on what he does on fall days.
Gon gazed at the way Killua's eyes looked up at the camera, squinted in a smile and how his nose covered a little of his eye as he turned his head to one side. He blinked and turned the page, almost feeling like he had to force his eyes away from the photo. Another with Killua's silhouette against the window of a cafe with the fall colored leaves on the trees outside. He sipped at a cafe cup as the expression on his face indicated he was being warmed from the inside out. Another text insert on what he does on cold fall days to keep warm. A couple other outdoor shots of him playing with leaves, on swings, and all in cool and fashionable fall outfits like oversized sweaters, skinny jeans, coats and scarfs. Killua looks so cool… and sooo cute… Gon felt like he was getting a little jealous. He's already done so much, like appear in magazines and get interviews, and have concerts he's suppose to be watching-! Right… He should watch that instead of staring at these pictures of Killua like he has been for the past… 30 minutes?! Gon blinked at the clock on his dresser before looking down at the magazine as if to accuse it for entrancing him for so long. Alright, so he'll close the magazine, watch the concert and see if there's any other homework he might have forgotten before tonight. He flips the page for kicks, and at the full page image blown up on the next page, his breath catches and his fingers freeze, keeping the page open.
It was Killua, wearing a sweater that actually fit to his figure, but the sleeves came up to swallow Killua's fingers to half their length. Half of his body was hidden behind the tree he was peeking around, like someone playing hide and seek and getting discovered or teasing the seeker, his fingers curved elegantly on the trunk of the tree. His smile was soft and the wind blew at the perfect time, his hair breezed to one side and giving his far eye a peek-a-boo look, the blue barely making it's way through his stark white hair. It was like Killua was right there, looking at Gon like that, and he suddenly felt his whole body get warm.
It gathered in his cheeks first but then an electric like feeling striked up and down his spine and the heat began to pool below in the pit of his stomach uncomfortably and Gon closed the magazine with a slap. It only helped a little, cause he could still see the image as clearly and vivid in his head as though he still had the page open. He breathed out through his mouth and in from his nose to calm himself and it worked for the most part.
Distraction… Gon chuckled slightly nervously as he reach the remote, the image still lingering in his mind like the picture had burned an afterimage into his retinas.
He moved the indicator over ' play full concert' and pressed the confirmation. The screen darkened and Gon could hear murmurs of the crowd slowing and quieting down as ' shhh 's became prominent. The center stage slowly lit up where a dark figure with long black hair was situated, wearing a white dress shirt and black slacks. He raised his head as the lights come on full strength. Gon notices, as the camera changes angle closer to Illumi's face, that he's wearing make-up, or… more make-up than Gon's seen when he saw him that first day.
Illumi speaks. "I want to thank everyone here for coming. This concert is a special one as it is the debut concert of my special little brother." He raises one hand to the side, indicating offstage. The audience offers polite applause as Killua comes out, and Gon lets out a little gasps at how small Killua looked back then. He's so excited to see his friend so young! Killua joins his brother's side, Illumi's hand resting on his shoulder. He's wearing a white dress shirt with dark blue vest over it and matching dark blue slacks. It brings out his eyes.
"Killua Zoldyck. This is also a special occasion as we're celebrating his birthday as well as his debut with this concert." Gon blinks. This concert was around Killua's birthday?! When was this? He scrambled for the DVD to check the date at the bottom of the front face. July 7. Gon mentally tucked that piece of information away as he tuned back to the show.
" ... So if you all would please join us in singing Killua a happy birthday to start off the concert." Illumi said. Killua looked up at his brother with a smile on his face as Milluki comes out the same direction Killua came from, the applause from the audience more sincere than when Killua came out.
"Oh, that's Milluki. Well he's certainly… bigger than I imaged…" Gon mentioned to himself. And does no one share an actual resemblance with Killua? He thought. He could even see the resemblance between Illumi and Milluki. Milluki wore a white dress shirt with black arm sleeves that started at the elbow and ended down at the wrist and black slacks. He joined Killua's other side, placing a hand on Killua's other shoulder like how Illumi had his.
Killua turns to Milluki and gives him a smile as he did Illumi before turning back to face the audience and camera. Gon could see he's also wearing make-up, a thick eyeliner on his eyes. Gon figures its for the show, for it to be seen, but he likes Killua's natural eyelashes and shape more. And as the audience starts singing with the prompt of Illumi, Gon can't help but notice how stiff and formal all of it looks. Like there was an underlying tension beneath the surface, a bomb ready to blow apart something barely held together by a thread.
Gon could gather how tense Killua was around Illumi after seeing them offstage in the harmony class. Maybe the tension Gon could sense was from Killua having to perform the show with Illumi so close to him when he had been so uncomfortable with Illumi being a whole classroom away from him. Was he also uncomfortable around this Milluki character?
As the refrain ended and the audience was about to launch into applause for the end, the three teens on stage reached up behind their ears to pull forward a mouth mic piece to rest of their cheek by their lips and the lights on stage flashed to more colors that complimented Killua.
Milluki began creating a complex beat with his mouth that Gon couldn't even believe was possible (He sounded like a machine!), and they all jumped out into formation with plenty of space to move. Gon gasped, a smile on his face. That was really awesome, he wasn't expecting it and it made him excited. The audience lit up and applauded at Milluki's beatboxing and Killua and Illumi began singing along with his beats, their melodies harmonizing to create a sort of techno sounding tune, a remix of happy birthday. Gon's jaw dropped at how they sounded like that with no instruments, and Gon couldn't help but admit the difference in levels between not just him and Killua, but between him and all the Zoldycks.
They danced, swinging their arms and legs in large celebratory moves, singing out the last note in a three part harmony, and the audience stood to their feet, applauding. Gon didn't blame them. That was amazing. He tried to watch all three of them move about but there was something about the way Killua moved that brought his eyes back to the white haired teen. Maybe it was that his hair was white, or he was in the middle, but he didn't want to look away. He really did have a commanding stage presence.
The curtains drew down and the audience simmered down again, excitedly chatting of the performance while they waited for the next one.
It was amazing, Killua could dance, sing, and he could model. He was already so good at everything, why did he go to the academy? Gon took the remote and fast forwarded a short time until the curtain open and he played it, seeing the three out again, except they were in full suits, Milluki and Illumi's in black and white and Killa's in white and blue. They had a single mike in front of them as they were half circled around it.
The audience immediately quieted down, giving them full attention as they waited for the next song. Milluki started first, one hand coming from behind his back to start snapping at a steady beat, then Illumi with one of his hand and Killua joined the steady snapping last. They opened their mouths and Gon was absolutely mesmerized by the sounds of their voices.
They all started singing together in harmony. " Oh, oh, oh… For the longest time. Oh, oh, oh
For the longest- " Illumi and Milluki began harmonizing with each other, vocalizing the notes in a capella, and Killua took the main melody to sing. Gon was absolutely entranced by the musical sharps and flats Killua sang of the cover song Gon recognized immediately. Gon could tell the audience was eating it up too, with the silence they gave with all eyes on him.
"If you said goodbye to me tonight, There would still be music left to write. What else could I do, I'm so inspired by you, That hasn't happened for the longest time…! Once I thought my innocence was gone, Now I know that happiness goes on… That's where you found me, When you put your arms around me, I haven't been there for the longest time!" Killua looked so attractive up there, and the words he sang, his head swaying to the notes, it was like Killua was being sincere in his words, singing them directly to whoever was listening. It was enchanting and alluring. He could understand why they might have chosen to sing this song first, he captured the heart of everyone around him and now they would welcome him warmly as the newest Zoldyck member.
"Oh, oh, oh… For the longest time. Oh, oh, oh, For the longest-! I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall And the greatest miracle of all Is how I need you And how you needed me too, That hasn't happened for the longest time!"
Killua did sound really good, it was no wonder he was declared the most talented in the family, even though not every single one of the kids have been introduced or debuted. It was so very hard to focus on anyone else but Killua when he kept singing, and his suit was so white and his hair was so fluffy- Gon's mind screeched to a stop when he realized how hot his face felt and he shook his head to clear his thoughts. He should focus on the concert, maybe figure out why Killua doesn't singing around others.
"Maybe this won't last very long, But you feel so right And I could be wrong… Maybe I've been hoping too hard But I've gone this far, And it's more than I hoped for…! Who knows how much further we'll go on, Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone… I'll take my chances, I forgot how nice romance is, I haven't been there for the longest time! I had second thoughts at the start
I said to myself Hold on to your heart. Now I know the woman that you are, You're wonderful so far, And it's more than I hoped for!"
Gon decided he loved the cover of this song by the Zoldycks. And he'd maybe download it to listen on his phone… perhaps the video too. Even though it's just the three of them snapping, he liked the look on Killua's face as he performs. Gon looked around for a pen and paper to write up the songs he liked the best during the concert as he heard the song come to a close.
"I don't care what consequence it brings, I have been a fool for lesser things, I want you so bad
I think you ought to know that, I intend to hold you for the longest time!" All three of them entered three part harmony for the last couple of refrain repeats. Gon felt his body warm as he looked into the eyes of the Killua on screen who looked into the camera. " For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh, For the longest time… For the longest time, Oh, oh, oh, For the longest…!" The audience applauded as the curtains closed over the trio.
-o0o0o0o0o0o-
The concert continued with curtains opening and closing, audience applause, and drowning in all that was the concept of Killua. This concert really was all about him, he was singing most of the songs Gon's seen so far, or appeared on stage to dance or play an instrument. Gon was starting to get concerned as it hit the halfway mark though- Killua had been in most of the performances. At most, Killua had one song he wasn't performing to be able to rest backstage. Gon knew that these numbers could really wear on you from having his own concerts and being the sole performer of the show. He should probably have more faith in Killua's endurance, but his Zoldyck concerts look a lot longer than the concerts Gon hosts…
Gon breathes a bit easier when the next performance was a piano piece by Milluki. Gon discovered Milluki was really skilled at his piano playing- the sounds were fast and precise, and much more adept than Gon could ever be at playing the piano. It was soothing and a good half time for the concert.
But soon enough that piece was over too. The curtains closed and opened.
Gon was happy to see Killua again, he really did love watching him perform and hearing him sing, even if most times it was paired with Illumi, like now. It wasn't that bad, they sounded good together- great, in fact, but he much rather hear Killua on his own.
The two fair skinned teens were situated a couple feet apart from each other. Both were wearing sleeveless jackets, the center unzipped revealing their toned bodies, baggy boy-band jeans with loose belts hanging off their hips, respective colors sneakers of white and black and blue, and mic earclips attached positioned over their mouths. They twinned their positions with one fisted arm above their head and the other by their waist, their legs out with one heel upturned.
The audience erupted into fanatic cries at seeing the photogenic duo in such captivating clothes, the exposed skin such a tease. Gon held a hand over his mouth to keep himself from laughing too loudly. It was impressive that they were able to stay there in their starting position without cracking a smile as they waited for the audience to quiet down so that when the music starts, they'd be able to hear it. When Gon's audience show so much reaction and love for what they see, he could never help breaking character and smiling, sometimes a chuckle or two. Soon enough, the shrieks died down and the music started, the two of them coming into life, doing impressive footwork dances, and Illumi came to the front first to start singing.
"You know a lot of girls be Thinkin my songs are about them… This is not to get confused… This one's for you…" Illumi spoke melodically as Killua made his way around charismatically in the back, and the girls squealed like real fangirls as Illumi dedicated the song to an ambiguous 'you.' They jumped back into sync when Killua lined up on the other side of Illumi, Illumi still singing first.
"Baby you're my everything, you're all I ever wanted. We could do it real big, bigger than you ever done it. You be up on everything, other [chicks] ain't never on it. I want this forever, I swear I could spend whatever on it…!" Illumi jumped out and swinging their arms back in, their dance moves smooth and easy, sexy and alluring. He ducked down, mirroring Killua's moves as Killua moved up to sing himself, the girls squealing again as their new favorite began singing.
"'Cause she hold me down every time I hit her up… When I get right I promise that we gone live it up…" Illumi came to stand next to Killua again, and they both held their hands, pulling their fingers towards themselves in a come hither motion for the next line, "... She make me beg for it," as they sang the next line, "till she give it up…" Both Illumi and Killua lowered their center of gravity and gyrated their pelvis in a circular motion up and down twice. Gon's eyes zeroed in on Killua's lithe motion and then the screen froze, the video paused as the two zoldycks were in a turning motion as they got ready to launch into their next move. Even though the image was paused in front of Gon, the motion kept playing over and over in Gon's head before his eyes, the heat that was spreading through his body pooling again in his stomach like a coil. Gon blinked and put the remote down with shaky hands and sat back away from the screen even though before his eyes all he saw was that circling motion, the hips, his abdomen, his come hither face- Gon squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, the heat becoming uncomfortable. He peeked one eye open to see the side profile of Killua's face as he was still paused in the turn, and he knew he was blushing. He stood up quickly.
"Ok, uh, one quick… one quick cold shower." Gon blinked once more at the screen, and based on the uncomfortable feeling in his pants, he should really take one.
-o0o0o0o0o-
When Gon got out the shower, dressed and dry, he looked at the paused screen and wondered if he should just press the play button, let it go on and forget he ever saw his best friend do that… that thing that made his stomach flip and chest tighten and brain short circuit- Yea, forget any of that…
He scooted up to the screen again on his knees and picked up the remote. What he saw his friend do wasn't for him... It was just fan service, dance moves for a routine, something he's done himself before. But almost without permission, he was rewinding the scene to start at the part Killua began singing. By himself, unaccompanied.
Just as he played it and he heard Killua sing his part, he heard his phone vibrate on his bedside table. He threw his arm back quickly to reach his phone, but kept his eyes glued to the screen until Killua's hips swayed again and felt his stomach clench.
Oh gawd, I think I'm doing something naughty… Gon thought guiltily as he paused the DVD again and looked down at his phone, hoping the distraction will give him his sanity back, because surely he's gone insane.
He sees he has a text message from Killua about 50 minutes ago and the one that he just heard was from Zushi. He bit his bottom lip and decided to open Zushi's first.
So? Have you started watching the video yet? How's Killua? I never actually seen it myself, but I heard its good.
Gon just felt awkward to answer that honestly as he found himself readying the next replay.
"Ehhh…" He whined slightly. He moved to open Killua's text message instead of answering. Maybe talking to the teen idol he was enchanted by will help him realize that this is his best friend and he shouldn't be watching him like this. He's never had these feelings before, maybe they're normal for teenagers and it'll pass. One more view of the video and a pause and he vaguely wondered if it really would pass. He looked down at Killua's words.
Hey, I forgot to tell you but I won't be at school tomorrow, I got a fashion shoot for a magazine. Maybe I'll be back by lunch, see ya then.
Ah… Gon thought. He looked up helplessly as he reviewed the devilishly attractive clip once more. He really did feel addicted already and he felt like he couldn't get enough. Really, this wasn't much better than a teenage girl kissing their favorite teen idol's picture in a magazine or staring up at that shirtless edition poster they put on their roof above their bed.
Gon groaned and put his head in his hands as his fingers found their way to the rewind button again, already familiarized with the location. Maybe… he could trick his mind into just fast forwarding this part and releasing himself.
No, wrong words. And his body already felt deprived at the thought of being removed from this eye candy.
"Oh my god… I just called Killua eye candy…" Gon moaned, his stomach twisting again and he fell over, looking up at the ceiling, the video paused and ready to be played again. "I think something's wrong with me…"
Still he pressed play again and watched it again.
By the time Mito came home, Gon probably counted watching that scene 86 times. And he never finished watching the rest of the concert.
Zushi checked his phone one more time. He was wondering where his friends were.
He was in front of Gon's locker waiting for the owner, and that was where Killua usually met him to wait for Gon too. Well, 'usually' is relative, he's started doing that since Killua began taking on the role of Gon's friend.
He's starting to get worried about Gon. Killua hasn't met up with him yet and Gon was coming to school later than usual. Plus Gon hadn't texted him back since yesterday. Zushi only texted Gon once, but he was too nervous of being too intrusive to text him again. Gon might have had a good reason not to text back or for being late, but if first period began and Gon wasn't there, he'd have to risk double texting him.
He'd be more concerned about Killua but Zushi didn't have his number and it wasn't unusual for Killua to just not be in school.
Zushi had just tucked his phone away again after checking it for the time and in case he missed the buzz for a text, worried, when he spotted Gon from the corner of his eye. He looked up relieved and happy, only to frown, concerned over Gon's appearance. His hair seemed less kempt than usual, his green jacket wasn't even bothered to be zipped up.
He had his headphones stuck in his ears and his eyes glued to his phone and Zushi could only assume he was watching a video. But Gon looked like he didn't sleep well, and his face held an expression that Zushi deciphered as guilty concern. Zushi took a step forward to meet the boy that was still down the hall from him, but at the movement Gon looked up and met his eyes. There was a frantic look to his eyes as he recognized Zushi and his face contorted into one of urgency.
"Zushi!" He cried out and ran at him.
"W-wha? Gon, what happened?" Zushi cried out, backing up from the rushing teenager.
"Help me! I think I'm sick!" Gon cried out once he made it to Zushi, grinding his heels into the ground not to plow over the smaller child.
"S-sick?" Zushi asked, tilting his head. Besides looking a little disheveled, Gon didn't look very sick.
"I think it's my stomach! Or maybe my head! Or it's a disease of the skin!" Gon cried, looking between his phone and Zushi. Zushi opened his mouth to ask further questions, but when Gon took one of his glances at his phone, his face flushed and he groaned a little, frustration and something else, and hung his head.
Zushi tilted his head forward to see what was on the phone but Gon let his hand fall limply to his side.
"Help me…!"
"Ok... ok, what's the symptoms again?" Zushi asked.
"My stomach feels weird, like I'm falling, my chest feels tight, like I can't breath, my head feels fuzzy to the point where I can't get my thoughts straight, and all my skin feels tingly! And generally, I get really warm!" Gon explained. Zushi blinked.
"And when did this start…?" He asked slowly. He didn't want to jump to conclusions.
"When I watched the Zoldyck concert with Killua in it… It happens whenever I see this..." Gon explained, taking a breath to calm himself, and then showed the video to Zushi. It was the part of the Zoldyck concert where Killua starts to sing his part of the cover song Best I Ever Had , up to the part where he does the pelvis swing, then it restarts automatically. "I can't stop looking, but it's giving me the funny feeling. I know Killua looks good, but I don't know why I can't seem to stop watching."
Zushi looked at the video and put a hand on the phone to lower it once he watched it through one time, feeling a bit awkward to see Killua dancing like that. He would have wondered how Gon could watch it so many times if he didn't already figure out Gon had a crush on Killua days ago.
But even feeling something so obvious like this, he still doesn't know what this is? Maybe he's never liked anyone else, so this was his first experience? Zushi wondered.
"Alright, well… first of all, we're gonna close this, ok?" Zushi said slowly. He supposed Gon needed to be cut off from the source to be able to feel better today. Gon gave him a look like he just suggested they need to amputate his leg. Zushi held up a hand to stop Gon's argument as he opened his mouth.
"You wanted my help, right? And I think if you've already figured out the funny feeling came from this video, then even you should know you need to put the video away. So…" Zushi concluded and Gon pouted, but listened, pressing his home button, dismissing the video.
"Ok… now, we're gonna have to delete that." Zushi gave Gon a look when Gon looked at him like he suggested they kill his firstborn with fire.
"Zushi, I-!"
"We don't want to risk you falling into the temptation of looking at it again." He said, wagging a finger at Gon. Gon bit his lip and decided it was best not to tell Zushi he had a copy of it back on his computer at home.
"I… fine…" He whimpered out and gave it to Zushi. Then he draped an arm over his face. "Just get it over with! I can't watch…!"
Zushi chuckled, amused. This could be funny to see the way Gon would act around Killua if Gon never admits that he actually has a crush on Killua.
Zushi deletes the video and puts the phone in Gon's outstretched hand. Gon grips it and pulls it to his person and clicks through it as though to see if it was still on his phone.
"Oh…" He groaned.
"It'll be ok Gon, you'll start feeling a little better now." Zushi said, patting his older friend on the back.
"Zushi…" Gon moaned. "Am I going to die? I feel like I was doing something bad… in my stomach…" Gon asked, his head bowed.
"Hahah, no Gon, don't ask me things like that, let's just- er, hey do you know where Killua is? He should have been here by now." Zushi asked, looking around. Gon straightened himself out, the frown still on his face.
"Ah, he won't be around for the first half of classes today. He said he has a photo shoot and maybe he'll be back in time for lunch. Don't worry!" Gon said, starting to get back into his usual happiness instead of the foreboding gloom he was sporting.
"Ah, I see. That's cool, I've got to ask him what that's like, having all these jobs as a young idol. I wonder if it's fun. It seems fun."
"Mh! I still have my one question a day! I think I wanted to ask him something about his concerts or the type of musics he listens to… I don't know which to pick! I wish I could ask more than one question…" Gon hummed. The bell rang and Gon looked up surprised.
"That was quick." He murmured.
"Well, you came in later than usual." Zushi offered and Gon lit up in recognition.
"Ah right! I was probably walking slower from looking down at my phone. Ok, then I'll meet you here again for lunch!" He ruffled Zushi's hair and Zushi laughed from the affectionate gesture. "Hopefully Killua would have made it here by then…" Gon said slightly to himself. "See ya."
"Ya. Bye Gon!" Zushi cried and turned to walk to class, Gon doing the same.
He entered the pitch perfect class and multiple classmates and fans welcomed him again. Even though he knew Killua wouldn't be there, he still felt a bit disappointed when he didn't spot Killua in his usual seat in the back, right where the sunrays fall over him perfectly. He pouted a bit and sat in the front where he did before. Well, this will be an opportunity to study better. He knew he didn't focus as much as he could have last week, so he could do better now without Killua as a distraction…
Knov came in and talked for the first half of class, telling them about arpeggios for the voice. Gon stared wide-eyed as he explained- the arpeggios were the notes of a chord played in succession, either ascending or descending. He gave them arpeggio exercises for them to practice on their own time and then paired them up to practice them in class.
Alot of the students wanted him to pair up with him, and Gon didn't mind doing the exercises with anyone in particular, but he found himself wishing Killua was there so that they could sing together. He felt like if he did it with Killua, it would be more fun.
He ended up pairing with some girl who kept giving him these weird looks with fluttering eyes, and she could never remember what key they were in and was singing off key; either too sharp or too flat. Gon was happy when class was finally over and he was able to get out, feeling like he needed to rub his ears to get the discordance ringing out of his head. He didn't feel that much happier going to the Physical singing by himself either. He slumped down in the back seats where they've been sitting the past couple classes, imagining Killua was sitting next to him. He was surprised when he felt someone sit in the seat next to him. Gon was already prepared to tell the person that he was saving that seat for someone else when he saw it was the teacher.
"Kastro!" Gon cried out surprised. Class didn't even start yet, what was he doing in the auditorium?
"Hey, Gon. You feeling ok?" He asked smiling kindly. "I couldn't help but notice you looked a bit like you got some bad news… and also Killua isn't with you today?"
Gon's eyes widen for a moment only for him to slump slightly. He supposed he shouldn't be too surprised Kastro could infer something was wrong, Mito always told him he was easy to read, his emotions right at the surface.
"Yea… he's has a photo shoot… I miss him." Gon murmurs. "And I don't even have my video…" He mutters lastly, looking off bitterly, even though he could recall the video perfectly as though it were right in front of his face.
"Ah. Why don't you just ask to go with him next time?" Kastro asked. "It could be good experience for prospective idols to get exposed to that kind of stuff. Us teachers can't always bring students out on field trips like that because most professionals don't want to waste time babysitting a bunch of rookies just for experience." Kastro said, his hands in the air as he talked about those haughty photographers in the entertainment business, but Gon just brightened as Kastro spoke.
"I can really go with him!?" Gon asked.
"Yea, I don't see why not if you have a friend that can get you connections. And as long as your absence is due to your career or sickness, it'll be excused." Kastro explained. Gon smiled brightly at Kastro.
"Wow, ok! I'll remember that the next time Killua says he has to go somewhere." Gon said, determination in his eyes.
"Alright. Well, I've got to get class started. You ready to help me out? We're gonna do scales to be heard all through the auditorium. I'd love for you to be my example and help me point out weaknesses the others have." He said. Gon beamed at the man.
"Ok! Sounds fun! I get to shout at the top of my lungs?" He asked.
"Well… maybe not the top of your lungs, you're pretty loud." Kastro teased. Gon laughed at that as they both stood up. As Gon chatted with Kastro, both of them making their way down the center aisle, the Amori brothers glared at their competition. Then they were giving each other knowing smiles, remembering they won't even have to worry about thier 'competition' much longer. Even if he wins over the whole school, once he loses at the end of this semester, he'll have to leave the whole music industry and his fans will have to move on. He'll fade into the ocean of has-beens.
Killua goes to run his hands through his hair when he feels another sharp pain explode on his wrist - a spank and a sharp, "Don't touch your hair !"
He rolled his lips into his mouth to keep himself from snapping back, feeling his frustration boil under his skin. And the fact he couldn't touch his hair was only making him crankier as messing with his hair relieved his stress most times.
This whole shoot was stupid. They woke up early in the morning, earlier than he does to go to school, and they all piled in the van saved for music related work, himself, Illumi, Milluki (why, he doesn't care), his mother Kikyo, and a couple of butlers and they drove off to this building that had the giant words Teen Vogue on the front sign leading up the driveway. That was when he knew this day was gonna be a bad day.
"Ew, mother, don't tell me-" He started.
"Shush." She said, not up to the task of dealing with her son's mouth today. It was way too early and she hadn't sent any of the butlers off to get her a caramel mocha yet. Killua just sank into his seat and crossed his arms, sulking immediately. He supposes he should be used to this by now, but he hated doing shoots for the teen targeted audiences the most. The photographers arranges them doing the most degrading and fanserving stuff they got. And the cheesiest outfits, ugh. He doesn't think he'll be picking anything from this collection to take home from this photo shoot.
They got them inside and the place was freezing, but that was usual. They did the Zoldyck's make-up and hair and got them into cheesy high school cliche outfits for the magazine's back-to-school special- clothes like jean jackets, uniforms with ties, even some chic nerd stuff with the polo and large square glasses.
The french-accented photographer was nice and pleasant to deal with at first, but Killua supposed the man could only take so much of Killua's usual brand of crankiness before snapping. He guessed no one warned the poor guy.
"If you keep trying to touch you hair, I will cut your hands off!" He bit out again, peeking up from the monitor. "I swear, I have it just perfect the way I want it, so if you mess it up, I'm putting you in the clothes of fashion faux pas !" He cried. Killua gave him a sarcastic smile and wiggled his hands in the air in a promise to keep them away from his head and tucked them in the pocket of the hoodie he was currently wearing.
"Alright, now, give me shy confession."
Killua made a face and he sighed, exasperated.
"Get it all out now, I'm counting down!" He said, ducking behind his camera.
"UUUUggggghghhhhheeerrrr…!" Killua cried, throwing his head back in disgust as the man counted down from 3. Once he hit 'One,' Killua brought his head back forward, a shy smile sat lopsided on his face, his hair bounced about his head in a halo from being thrown forward, his shoulders hunched slightly in a coy shrug. The cameras flashed on his features, he shifted slightly, altering his moves to get a different angle, and 3 more flashes and the man squealed behind the counter as Killua sulked again.
"Ah! It's beautiful! It's magic! I don't which to choose, I love all these frames!" He gushed, going back to the monitor to see all the frames side by side.
"Yea, yea…" Killua muttered. What time was it? I gotta get back to Gon… He thought idly, glancing towards his stuff on his director's chair, his name on the back brace of the canvas fabric.
"Oh, I wasn't going to let you, cause you're such a brat, but you're pictures came out so nicely and I'm so over the moon I'll let you pick out any outfit from the collection to keep. You should be happy, their exclusive." The french man piped. Killua looked over at him, unamused, before strolling off the white backdrop away from the hot lights.
"Right, like I'd want any of your cheesy stuff…" He mumbled, but still walked over to the rack to look over the clothes. He remembered each one that he wore, and the cringy memories that go with it. But he also remembers a couple of them being more comfortable than he expected, and looking better on him than how it looked on rack. With one in mind, he began pushing through the clothes for that complementing light blue colors, when Milluki shows up on the other side of the rack.
"I don't understand why they let you pick out clothes. You only pick out the weirdest clothes. You have no fashion sense, Killu." Milluki sneers, his eyes squinted from his chubby cheeks. Killua wants to sneer back, but all that happens is a bubbling laughter that spills out his lips. Milluki flushes and grips his fists at his side.
"Killua, I told you to stop laughing!" He grounded out and Killua wiped at his eye.
"Haha, I still can't get over the fact they got you over here for the love-your-body campaign! Milluki, you're so fa-!"
"Hey! You're just jealous of my squidgy bits, but I love them-" He starts only for Killua to laugh harder, so hard that he's having trouble get air back in his lungs.
"I-I can't believe you-you used their actual scripted d-dialogue!" Killua wheezed. Milluki growled but thankfully Killua was able to finally calm down. "Aw, geez. Yea, ok, piggy. As long as you're ok with it." He snickers.
He won't ever tell him, but he preferred his big brother with his chubby body, he couldn't really imagine him without it, and if he lost it, he wouldn't be his big brother 'piggy' anymore. Then he'd just lose another childhood memory he holds onto. He loves Milluki's squidgy bits too. He'd be caught dead before he ever said that, though.
His eyes lit up as he found the outfit he was looking for, pulling out a light blue and gray letterman jacket, a 99 on the back flanked by cartoon angel wings and a round halo was angled on the right 9 to make it look like it was draped on the curve. The front had a small 99 on the left breast and it came with gray pants with faded marks down the thighs and dark gray ankle boots. Killua nodded his approval before turning around to find someplace to change. He heard Milluki harrumph behind him.
"I guess even he could have a stroke of luck in what he considers fashion sometimes…" He mumbles, moving on to find something else to fill his time as he waits for Illumi, the last of them to shoot, to finish.
Killua came out his dressing room with his new outfit on and his duffle bag all packed up and ready to go when they called a wrap on the set. Killua pulled out his phone and checked the time. 11:30… Killua lowered the phone as he looked over at the photographer gushing over the much more agreeable (if not stoic) idol. Illumi needs to hurry up and finish so we can make it back in time for lunch… Killua grumbled, crossing his arms and settling on his designated chair. He narrowed his eyes as he watched Illumi bring his gaze past his shoulder for his pose, modeling a student -teacher outfit look.
He's been acting weirdly these past few days, Killua's more curious about it than anything. He knows Illumi doesn't have any upcoming events that require him to be practicing as hard as he's been noticing. Just last night, he again hogged the dance room for a good 6 hour block. But Killua could care less what his family does with their free time, he's not about to willingly interact with them just so he can get an idea of how his brother's brain works.
Fortunately for Killua, they wrapped up not too much time later.
"Great, great, you all were great, thank you, Zoldyck." The french photographer expressed, facing Kikyo at the end of the sentence. She lifted a delicate finger to push up her uniglass sunglasses further up her face before taking one of his hands in a handshake.
"Of course. Pleasure doing business with you." She smiled sweetly. The camera smile she's taught all her kids to grace their face when in the eyes of the public and fans. They can all spot a fake smile with their practiced expertise; that just comes from the fact that they had to make sure theirs looked flawless. He turned to the kids after that.
"Yes, well, if you haven't already, please, I implore you all to go ahead and take an outfit from the teen vogue 'back-to-school' collection." He smiled. Killua just hiked his duffle bag further up his shoulder as he got ready to leave. Illumi turned to him then back at the line.
"I think Killu has the right idea. Those jackets look good and we could all have matching jackets." Illumi said, walking over to the rack to find his custom designed jacket that was black and silver. Milluki frowned.
"Ew, we have to follow Killu's choice of fashion? We're all gonna die."
"Ay! Piggy, you shut up!" Killua snapped, coming out of his shock. He turned back to Illumi. "But he's right, I don't want to match with you guys, uugh, my skin crawls thinking about it already."
"That's called goosebumps, Killu, and that's from the visual aesthetic you're thinking about. We'll look great." He said, finding his and pulling it up to inspect it before tucking it under his arm.
"What about the pants that goes with it? Or the shirt?" The french man asked.
"I only need the jacket to match." He shrugged.
"I'm not gonna get mine…" Milluki grumbled. Illumi looked over at him.
"But you know Milluki, that letterman jacket was probably the only thing that flattered your size." Illumi said. Killua cackled at that while Milluki flushed. Illumi tilted his head slightly at the reaction. Did he say something funny?
"Geez, if you were going to say something embarrassing as punishment for not listening, I would have gotten mine earlier." He cried, going to get his own blue and green jacket. Illumi shrugged. He got the jacket, the goal was met, the means didn't matter.
"Ok children, if we're all set, let's go back to the car."
"Mh, you're dropping us off at school, right?" Killua asked, trotting forth until he was walking next to his mother.
"Killua, you don't have to, you can stay home with mommy if you want! You worked hard today, you don't need to go to the rest of the school day, it's almost over anyways." She said. Killua scrunched his nose.
"No thanks, I'll be going to school." He grunted out. More time away from his family anyway, even if it wasn't to go back to Gon.
"Yea, you can drop me back at school too…" Milluki grumbled, and Killua looked back at him, only to see him fiddling with his phone. Killua gave a suspicious look at him, but he guess it didn't matter, he wasn't bothering him by going to school.
"I'll be going back home mother." Illumi said as they reached the car. "I still need to practice." He said. Killua furrowed his eyebrows. Practice? For what? Why so much? They opened the car doors and Killua went in first, climbing into the 2nd row back seat of their large travel van, Illumi and Milluki climbed in next, sitting in the first 1st row backseat, then the butlers filled while Kikyo sat in the passenger seat next to the butler driving them.
"We'll be going by the academy first." She told the driver as they pulled out.
"You know, you guys can wear the matching the jackets to the winter showcase when you come watch me perform." Illumi stated looking down at the jacket in his hands. Killua's hands froze over the play button on his phone's playlist he was about to press, feeling like his blood ran cold. He looked up feeling stunned.
"What?" He croaked out. Illumi blinked and turned his head to look back at Killua.
"If you wear the jackets to the concert when you come to support me, it'll really mean alot." He said in that same emotionless melodious voice that would make anyone overhearing him think he was being sarcastic. But Killua couldn't focus on that.
"You… You're going to perform in the winter showcase?" He asked. He felt sick, felt like his hands were numbing and the blood drained from his face. He knew he looked pale and he could probably guess he was having a mini panic attack.
Illumi tilted his head the way he does, his hair draping over his shoulder slightly.
"... I never told you? Yes. You know Father wants us to partake in at least one Academy showcase before we graduate." He said. Illumi's eye narrowed slightly, almost imperceivable, searching Killua's face for something.
Killua didn't listen to what he said after he confirmed his question. His eyes shifted this way and that, looking down at his lap as though searching for something, some answer, some escape, and he knew he was panicking.
Illumi couldn't participate in the winter showcase! That was Gon's concert… if Illumi competed…
A sense of doom washed over Killua and his chest began feeling tight, an unforeseeable pressure weighing down on his lungs, he knew he had to get music in his ears, asap . He leaned back, trying to keep his face neutral, no matter if it was pale or not.
"Whatever. Don't expect me to go to your stupid showcase." He mumbled, bringing his silver headphones up to his ears before Illumi could say more and stress him out. Luckily, as Illumi saw Killua lift the headphones and fiddle with his phone, he turned back to the front. Milluki peeked back at him once before they both faced the front and paid him no mind.
Thank goodness, Killua needed to think and he didn't need to worry about searching gazes as of right now… He pressed play and found himself relaxing to the deep piano strokes that came through his speakers, at least enough to think this through all the way… get some comprehensible thoughts in his head.
Killua flexed his hands, hoping the feelings would come back to them. Illumi is participating in the Winter Showcase with Gon… He squeezed his eyes shut as another wave of nerves shot his thought process, but he was able to recover faster with the soothing piano in his ears. He opened them and stared at his hands that rested in his lap. If Illumi is participating in the showcase, there is no way Gon will win…
~I've been ignoring this big lump in my throat
I shouldn't be crying,
tears were for the weaker days
I'm stronger now, or so I say,
But something's missing
Killua couldn't believe it. Why would Illumi decide to do this showcase? Why couldn't he do the spring one? Or even just wait until the very last minute to do his? Well, now it didn't matter who Gon got to help him or train him or anything, no one would be good enough to get Gon to a point where he could beat Illumi… He might as well say goodbye now.
~Whatever it is,
it feels like it's laughing at me through the glass of a two-sided mirror
Whatever it is,
it's just laughing at me
And I just wanna scream
What can he do? There was nothing Gon could do to beat his brother with his current abilities. Killua didn't even know if he himself were to go up against Illumi that he could win.
Killua squeezed his hands together, feeling his breathing shallow out. His chest felt so tight, he couldn't get enough air in.
Gon was impressive, but he was raw. He had potential but there was no way he could hone that fast enough to be performance-ready by the showcase...
~What now? I just can't figure it out
What now? I guess I'll just wait it out (wait it out)
What now? Oh, oh, oh, oh! What now?
Now, because of those stupid Amori brothers (he should really get rid of them, those fools. He could easily crush their music career with one word, all the Zoldycks were really influential like that) and stupid Gon, and their dumb BET! Killua might have to say goodbye to that idiot. The first idiot who dared to speak to Killua. Well, he was new... The first moron who was too dense to leave him alone after being told a couple hundred times… The first person who said he could see the emotions in his eyes, the ones that showed how sad he was… The first to say he would stick by his side because that's what he needed most… his first friend who became something to him… Is this it then?
~I found the one, he changed my life
But was it me that changed
And he just happened to come at the right time
I'm supposed to be in love
But I'm numb again
Killua shot his head up and took a deep breath, a flash of Gon's golden eyes flashed through his turmoiled thoughts, his deep voice a soothing beacon out of his stormy contemplation. He breathed a bit easier, but his eyebrows still furrowed with deliberation, a new determination in his eyes.
No, he wasn't just going to lay down and let something else he wanted, he prized, be ripped from him. Illumi has always done this to him, he's always pushed him over and dictated his life for him. Illumi and Mother have always been in his ears, telling him how he doesn't need anyone, he doesn't need any friends in his life, they'll only make him weaker, distract him and get in his way. And when that's done, they'll only use him for his fame then leave him once they get what they want. But Gon isn't like that, he knows it, Gon wants to get talent with his own hands, he wants to get better by his own means, and he won't resort to underhanded cheats like that.
~Whatever it is,
it feels like it's laughing at me through the glass of a two-sided mirror
Whatever it is,
it's just sitting there laughing at me
And I just wanna scream
Gon has never made him weak, Gon's only strengthened him. Before he met Gon, he felt like he was just always on the brink of fading away. Now when Gon's around, he can't seem to stop smiling, Gon's filled him with life. He tried to fight it at first, it was the stubbornness of his training they've drilled into his head, but he realized that was never really him, that was never his voice. He's always wanted friends. And Gon just might be the only idiot to help him find a way to get them. Opened the doors for him to make new ones. He just knows it, if Gon were to leave him now, he'd never be the same. He'd probably be worse than before. Gon showed him light and he doesn't want to go back to that darkness.
~What now? I just can't figure it out
What now? I guess I'll just wait it out (wait it out)
What now? Please tell me
What now?
Killua remembered when he was really young; it was before he had started his training to become one of the Zoldyck Idols along with his brothers, he had walked in on his dad getting off the phone with someone and he looked really sad. He didn't remember much since he was so little, but he remembered his dad had told him… 'In this world, a friend is a most precious thing you can have… make sure you chose them wisely, they may be the only thing that holds you up or tear you down, ok?'... He's surprised he only remembered now, it was probably buried deep beneath the following years of solitary training and all the venom dipped words from his brothers and mother, and the fact his father never said anything like that again since that night, as if he was never suppose to say it in the first place.
~There's no one to call 'cause I'm just playing games with them all
The more I swear I'm happy, the more that I'm feeling alone
'Cause I spent every hour just going through the motions
I can't even get the emotions to come out
Dry as a bone, but I just wanna shout
Well, now he knew what to do. He knew Gon wasn't able to defeat Illumi on his own, Killlua might not be able to either. But he's seen what Gon could do, and while Gon might not be able to outclass Illumi, he may be able to win over the judges better than his emotionless brother. Gon has that light, he has that charisma that draws everyone in (it still makes Killua's chest swell with emotion thinking Gon could have given his attention to anyone and everybody else, but he focuses solely on him) and that could be the deciding factor in who wins in the Winter Showcase. As far as Killua has picked up, Gon hasn't started on his piece yet. Killua bit down on his thumbnail, vaguely noting how his hands had more feelings to them then the numb buzz they had before. That won't do, especially when Illumi has already begun giving hours of training to the performance. Yes, Killua was able to piece together that his hours training and not even noticing Killua was gone for a weekend was due to his focus to win the thing.
~What now? I just can't figure it out
What now? I guess I'll just wait it out (wait it out)
What now? Somebody tell me
What now?
Killua knew what to do now. He had to help Gon. He knew it was going to be hard, Illumi had years more experience over both him and Gon, but he thinks it'll be possible. Gon seems to know more about what people look for in a concert piece than the Zoldycks, he's never seen an audience raise to their feet as fast as Gon's audiences. These showcases need experience from all the school's classes, which Gon doesn't have but Killua does.
~I don't know where to go
I don't know what to feel
I don't know how to cry
I don't know oh oh why
Killua leaned back in seat, feeling his chest released some unknown tension and his breaths coming in deeper. He grips his hands together, feeling a fire of determination warm his body and he feels restless to get back to school. Maybe this won't be enough. Maybe by the end of this, both of their efforts will have been too little and Gon will have to quit and leave him on his merry way. But Killua wasn't about to let Gon slip through his fingers without trying his darndest. If Gon has to leave him in this darkness, he wasn't going down without a fight. He was going down swinging with Gon by his side for as long as he can. And if after all their hard work, it still isn't enough, he'll maybe be able to let him go easier. He knows it'll be easier to let him go after working himself ragged for him rather than if he didn't do a thing. Because then what kind of friend would he be?
~ I don't know where to go
I don't know what to feel
I don't know how to cry
I don't know oh oh why
I don't know where to go
I don't know what to feel
I don't know how to cry
I don't know oh oh why
'A Friend is a most precious thing you could have...'
He won't let Illumi get this win easily. Not this time. He was done being submissive. It was time to fight back for a chance to do his life his way. Killua stopped wringing his finger and shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from fidgeting. He was too restless to get to school quickly and tell Gon. If they were going to do this they needed to start as soon as possible.
They needed to start now.
~ So what now?
Gon comes bounding out of the auditorium, leading the pack of students ready for lunch. That class really lifted his spirits. He thinks he's been down since last night, so he's happy Kastro was able to make him feel better now. He thinks that's the longest he's ever been down.
"Because of Killua…" He hums, not feeling too bad about it. It makes him appreciate Killua a little more, if he's honest.
It was time for lunch, he wonders where Killua is. Should he wait for him? He makes it to his locker and gets out his bento box, looking over at Killua's locker. He wonders if Killua would just want him to go to lunch and he'll meet him in the cafeteria. Gon purses his lips together in thought. He would have preferred if Killua was already waiting for him at his locker, right when lunch started like he hoped.
Gon shifted from foot to foot, worried that if he left the locker to go to lunch at that moment, Killua might round the corner, so he lingered back a bit longer just in case. After the 3rd time thinking Killua might come in the next 30 seconds and he doesn't, Gon decided to cut his losses and goes to find Zushi, hoping he's still waiting for him.
As he's approaching the corner of the hallway that turns down to the cafeteria and Zushi's locker, Gon hears shuffling and the sounds of something hitting a locker. Gon eyebrows furrow and he hears a deep voice just as he turns the corner.
"You think you could show me up, you freshmeat? I'm way more talented than you, I got into this school on my own ."
Gon's eyes widened at the scene. A large man hovered over poor little 11 year old Zushi, his back to the locker and the man had a finger to his chest threateningly. He was sneering in his face even though Zushi was looking down and away, trying not to egg on the bully.
"Just leave me alone, Todo." Zushi told him in a mutter, but Gon was able to hear him from there.
"Ah!? Still telling me what to do?! You must have caught some kind of crazy. Allow me to teach you to respect your superiors…!" Todo grunted, straightening out and pulling back a fist.
Zushi! Gon thought frantically as he made his way over in a blink of an eye.
"HEY!" Gon roared as he ran over, startling both of them. He made it over and stood in front of Zushi so Todo no longer had access to him. "Leave him alone!" Gon shouted, shoving him back, the large sumo wrestler looking man stumbled backwards off balance before catching himself and glaring at Gon.
"G-Gon…!" Zushi gasped behind him.
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size? C'mon, I didn't audition either, what, you want to fight me?" Gon growled, his eyes darkening and moving into a protective stance in front of Zushi.
"You! You're that stupid kid from the video! You think you could just waltz in here and take everyone's attention? You're not all that, I'll show everyone what a hick you are when you show up with a swollen eye!" He growled, charging back towards Gon. He lowered himself, getting ready to defend himself and his friend when there was a white flash and angel wings.
Todo's arm that was thrown forward in a punch was guided off course, his weight and force being used against him, then a kick to his side sent him reeling backwards. Todo again caught his balance before he could fall over onto his butt and looked up at what hit him, it happened so fast.
"You!" He growled. Gon blinked and looked at the person hovering in front of him protectively.
"Killua!" Gon cried happily, his voice reaching a high song note. He could only see his back from here, but based on his outfit, he looked like he came straight from the photo shoot he said he had. His hair looked fluffier and well done, his letterman jacket had angel wings and the pastel colors complimented his skin, hair, and eyes and the whole thing made him look cute. From the snug fitting jeans and the ankle boots, Gon could feel himself warming again even though this wasn't the time or place for it.
Todo balanced himself out and poised himself to attack again.
"You're gonna pay for that! You Zoldycks think you're all that…!" He cried out.
"And you need to learn your place. You're not even talented enough for me to ever remember seeing you around. Think you're so high as to take it upon yourself to put down other rookies?" Killua scolded in a smooth voice that had both Gon and Zushi gushing over how cool he was behind him.
Todo charged forward again, throwing a punch. Killua caught the impact with his hand only to redirect it without taking the brunt of the attack. He stuck out his leg out and lowered his stance, Killua swung his arms over his head using Todo's fist to provide the needed momentum to flip the large male over onto his back. Todo hit the ground with a resounding thud and he groaned out.
"Don't go bothering them ever again." Killua growled down at his face, making Todo feel even more inferior. He whimpered and scurried away, trying to get back up on his feet but made most of his escape on his hands and knees.
"Wow, Killua that was so cool, and I'm so happy you're bac-!" Gon started, pushing off the locker to start heading over to his friend. He still couldn't see Killua's face as he watched Todo depart, but then Killua's hand twitched and Gon hesitated, realizing his friend was still angry.
Killua whipped his head to one side to give a sharp, fierce glare over his shoulder. Gon breath hitched in his throat and his brain seemed to short circuited. He stumbled, losing control over his ability to keep up straight. His knees gave out a little and he fell back against the locker, holding himself up under the intense gaze.
"Eeep!" Zushi shrieked at the deadly glare Killua was sporting, but it wasn't directed at him, so he happily moved out the path of destruction and stood behind Killua to see what would happen. Killua turned his whole body towards Gon and began making his way towards him.
"You IDIOT! What is wrong with you? Why would you throw yourself into the middle of a fight you know you can't win?! Do you know how dangerous that is? And what if he messed up your face, that is one of the most important things for a World Star to keep unmarred and you…!"
Gon was pretty sure he forgot how to breathe as he gazed, awestruck, at his friend. He knew Killua was furious with him but that wasn't what had him so breathless.
Since Killua had just come from the photoshoot, he still had his makeup on. His cat eyes were accentuated with deeper strokes of eyeliner, and at the ends of his eyes, smokey eyeshadow was applied to give him a mysterious look. His fluffy salon done hair was styled to be wild in a deliberate way that was even cuter than how it normally was, and it framed his face and made his eye color pop even more. Gon's pretty sure they put something on those lips so that his usually pale ones have more color to them, the pink looking more plump and soft. He had a diamond-like earrings in both of his ears that winked at him from behind his halo of hair and the outfit was just great, looked better from the front, and Killua made it look good . He really did look like an idol, like how he looked in the magazines but right in front of Gon. He knew Killua was mad at him, and he was glaring and yelling at him, but that only sent a shiver up and down Gon's spine, his dangerous expression making Gon more excited.
Gon tuned back in to Killua, realizing he wasn't hearing what he was saying, too busy taking in his appearance, staring at his moving lips without making out what was being said. He slowly regained control of limbs again, although he still felt like someone replaced his bones with jelly with one striking glare from Killua. He pushed himself further up the locker as Killua approached, pushing a scolding finger into Gon's chest. Gon became aware of his own face and realized he had a wide wobbly smile on his face. Wow, he must look like an idiot. But he doesn't think he could stop smiling even if he tried. Killua really does look amazing.
"... And if you insist to fight to protect Zushi, then you better know what you're doing-!" Killua was saying, his eyebrows drawn down in his anger.
"You look amazing…!" Gon breathed out, finally able to find his voice. Killua stopped and his eyes widened in surprised, his finger back at his side instead of on Gon's chest. His cheeks tinted pink slightly and he looked down at himself before off to the side, crossing his arms.
"W-well, I just came back from the shoot, so…" He mumbled, then his eyes held annoyance again. He hit Gon over the head just as Gon was finally able to stand without the help of the lockers. "And I come back just to see you in a fight!" He scolded again.
"Oww… Killua! I had to!" He said, rubbing his head and staring back at Killua with fire in his eyes. "I promised Zushi I wouldn't let anyone else give him a hard time for being able to attend the school as long as I was here." Gon said, his eyes bright in determination. Killua blinked, lost in his eyes for a second before crossing his arms and looking off grumpily. His eyes caught Zushi cowering behind him.
"And you! Don't make Gon do dangerous things like this. Are you ok?" He asked, the last of his sentence softening up. Zushi finally seemed able to relax, not getting the earful lecture Gon was getting.
"Ah, yes, thank you Killua!" He smiled. He was so lucky to have friends like them, especially Gon who was able to lead him to such an enabling person as Killua. Gon lightened up from his intense fire to smile warmly at Killua.
"But that was really cool. You know how to fight, Killua?" Gon asked. Zushi also looked over expectantly.
"Of course. It's self defense. All of us Zoldycks had to learn it in case some maniac gets passed our bodyguards, butlers, or security. Our parents don't want us to be defenseless in a situation where we're alone or help can't get to us fast enough. It's understandable if you two don't know it yet since you're not as famous yet," Killua said, looking between the two of them. "But you guys should learn soon. When more people know about you, the more chances are weirdos will hear of you."
Zushi nodded and Gon waved a hand.
"I can fight! I might not know self defense but I've already been in a couple fights in my life…"
"Really?" Killua asked, raising an eyebrow. "And you've won them?" Gon looked off to the side, not able to look Killua in the eyes anymore and Killua's face dropped.
"Not… really… I mean, I've definitely won a few-!"
"No, you need to be able to defend yourself all the time. Not tire yourself out and then you still might be in danger. You need to learn proper self defense." Killua said, poking Gon in the chest. He jerked his thumb over in Zushi's direction. "Just take a note out of his book and agree to everything I say." He turned to Zushi and put an arm around his shoulder. "That's why I like you more." His smile was cat like. Zushi lit up and Gon's face fell into one of appall.
"You're kidding, right?!" Gon cried out, reaching out to break their contact. Killua laughed and pulled Zushi along with him to keep Gon from pulling them apart. Zushi laughing at being dragged around like a doll, since Killua had the strength to do just that. Finally Killua stopped Gon with a hand to his head.
"Calm down, I like both of you idiots, despite what you both pulled." He said, glancing at both of them. His eyes lit up in recollection and he turned to Gon, a glint in his eyes.
"Gon! I have to talk to you." He said, removing his hand from his forehead. Gon blinked and tilted his head.
"Huh?"
"You haven't started your performance piece for the Winter Showcase." Killua asked, although it came out more as a statement. Gon smiled sheepishly before shaking his head no.
"And you haven't found anyone to help you yet." Another question he was sure about. Again, Gon shook his head. Killua drew his mouth into a tight line as hesitation clouded his eyes briefly before his eyes shone with a resolve again.
"Alright. I'm gonna help you to win the showcase." He said. Gon's and Zushi's boggled at Killua, eyes wide.
"What!?"
"Really?!"
Killua nodded his head, his resolve seeming to grow now that he's voice it, speaking it into existence, into possibility. He looked up, the light in his eyes brighter with determined fire. To fight for what he wanted to keep.
"Yea. I'll teach you."
=End Chapter 6=
Thank you so much for reading! Up to this point, the story and its plot have moved both faster and slower than I thought it would have. Remember to comment, Love you all!
=EDIT= (10/19/2017)
sing. about. chocolate reviewer brought to my attention I forgot to add Melody in Gon's friends list and I was horrified! I added Melody now!
