Dedicated to my precious baby cousin who turns 3 today. Happy Birthday DJ Malachi Green!
Whoo I'm back with fluff, and crap, and nonsence, and you guys are gonna read it because I tricked you to come into my story using good writing and editing that's never gonna happen again lol. I'm so sorry, I'm just as dissatisfied with half my writing as probably most of you are. At most, for almost all my chapters, I like 30% of it… BUT I'M GOING TO FINISH IT BECAUSE I SAID I WOULD AND I'LL FOLLOW THROUGH WITH WHAT I STARTED! I had the GIANT FANTASTIC HONOR of this story being published on my baby cousin's birthday, he turns three, so I'm dedicating this chapter to him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DJ!
Guest: ZUNpets? What are those?
slyside: Aw, thank you so much for loving my story! I'm happy I was able to put a skip to your step! I'm kinda losing the quintessence of the story I originally wanted and I think that's mostly because I feel pressured to have it come out a certain way so its... more comprehensible. So I have trouble liking what I write, but I would never stop writing! I'm excited for my next arcs! Thanks again, so much!
Guest: Whats not creepy? Lol, sorry, as much as you guys have a month to read this, I also have a month to forget it. Plus writing my next chapter, posting this chapter, and trying to remember the last chapter, more details for reviews like this would be helpful. Thank you so much anyway! I love any and all reviews and I understand you were trying to assure a fear I had! Thanks for reviewing.
Guest: Alright, I'll go back and add it to the edit, because that would be a mention in the story where Gon realizes he loves -whoops, coff, likes Killua. Thank you so much for the suggestion.
Shoutout to AliVader24 and slyside who reviewed for my Halloween special chapter, you guys made my day! Thanks for reading.
Hope you all enjoy.
Featured Music:
Pon Pon Pon- Vocaloids
Hold my Hand- Jess Glynne *** (You all should try to find some way to get super special headphones to listen to this song, because it sounds like a dream when you hear everything. I've only ever heard it once in all it's glory and I've never been satisfied since.) [Suggested by AO3 commenter James. Even though this was already in the plan, you have great taste in music]
Shine- Salvador
Hold on Forever- Rob Thomas
If I Ain't Got You- Alicia Keys
On Top Of The World- Imagine Dragons
Sing (My Chemical Romance)
Play my Music- Jonas Brothers
Something Big- Shawn Mendes [recommended by Ao3 commenter anotherguestbleh]
Yesterday- Imagine dragons
Zoldyck Family
The Zoldyck family is an elite family of high class musicians. Silva met Kikyo in Italy during an Opera concert in which they were both the leads at age 20. Zeno moved his son, Silva, and his new Fiancé, Kikyo, to America where they dominated the Opera World. They had their first 3 children during which they were still performing, but when Zeno died soon after Killua's birth, they retired and focused on making their children World Star celebrities. Silva also opened the Zoldyck Record company label.
Everyone of the children who have gone through the Zoldcyk training has a specialty they decided to don and also another quirk they picked up through Training.
Illumi's specialty is pop and locking hip hop dancing, Guitar, and he also likes teaching others how inferior they are.
Milluki's specialty is composition (instrumental and EDM), Piano, and he also likes beat boxing with his mouth
Killua's specialty is unknown/undetermined by his parents (although he likes harmony), drums, and he is also able to imitate voices almost perfectly and can also throw his voice.
The other 2 siblings have yet to go through training. The Mother is the one who takes care of the home while the Father mostly takes charge of the label.
Chapter 8: Window to Music
"Wow, I can't believe how easy that test was!" Gon cheered. "I thought it would be harder. It was getting so easy I was worried I was getting it wrong!" He practically skipped down the hall and around Killua. Killua just watched with a proud smile.
"That's right, that's because of the studying we did. Now we just need to get the rest of the scale down so you can have that kind of ease with all notes. These are the basics that are gonna help you songwright. You can hum out a tune and know the notes just from the sound you just sang to write it down." Killua explained.
"Wow, right! Thanks Killua!" Gon said, feeling pumped. He felt more confident than ever about the end of this year and the concert. This'll be a breeze. "What are we doing now? Training, right? Where we going?" Gon asked, excitable as a puppy. Killua reached out and gripped the back of his shirt as to stop him from bouncing anymore.
"Calm down… Now, I didn't want to bring you to my house so early but… it's honestly the only training place I can get us on short notice. And it's free, so-"
"Wow! I get to go to Killua' house?! That's amazing! I'm super excited-!" Gon said trying to bounce again, and bouncing Killua with him in the process.
"Woa- Yo! Gon!" Killua cried, and yanked hard on his shirt. Gon let out a choking noise as it pulled against his throat and finally stopped bouncing as he chuckled out sheepishly.
"Hee hee, sorry, Killua." Gon hummed.
"Ok, geez. Listen, there are a few rules for going to my place." Killua said. "No exploring, at all. You follow me, and where we go is the only place you can be. It's not even ok to go or be there if I'm not there. Don't think, 'oh, I can go to the dance room because I've already been there with Killua, I don't need him to lead the way-' no! I have to take you there." Killua explained. Gon's eyebrows furrowed.
"Do I really sound like that?" He asked in all seriousness and Killua couldn't help but laugh at what Gon decided to focus on in that sentence.
"Yes. Anyways, if you see any family member, just put your head down and keep walking, don't make eye contact. You'll be with me so they'll know you're my guest and shouldn't bother you. But these people are famous and will act entitled." Killua explained.
"Like you did when I first met you?" Gon asked, a small teasing note in his voice. Killua rolled his eyes.
"Yes, like I was. That's why I know. My family is anyone not wearing a suit. You don't have to worry about eye contact with those in suits, they'll be avoiding your eye contact in the first place."
Gon pouted. This didn't really sound like a warm and welcoming place to grow up in. No wonder Killua regarded music as coldly and calculated as he did.
"Ok. Anything else?" Gon asked. Killua scrunched his nose up and then sighed.
"Just… if you encounter a situation where I didn't explain or it can't be solved with 'pretend to be dead,' just don't do anything that will cause whoever you upset to want to destroy your music career. Because as the Zoldycks… they can do it." Killua said in all seriousness. Gon nodded.
"Got it!... I'm going to your house! " Gon squealed excited and began hopping again. Killua laughed.
"Geez, if you're gonna be like this then let's run there to get some of your energy down. We're singing Homemade Dynamite by Lorde. Go." Killua said taking the lead and running ahead of Gon. Gon just smiled wider.
"Yes sir!" He cried before he launching into song as he followed Killua in a jog to his home. Killua was so surprised to hear Gon singing so happily behind him, with much emotion and feeling. Killua thought he was at another one of Gon's performances, it had him running with a skip to his step. Wow, Gon sure can sweep anyone into his fever with just his own rhythm.
-o0o0o0o0o0o-
Gon gasped up at the large house behind a large and extensive gate, still trying to catch his breath from running there. This place was huge! This was like the stereotypical house Gon thinks of when he thinks of classic hollywood actors home. Going into the gate, there was even a fountain with a circle driveway, and marble steps up to the dark victorian house.
"Killua, you're place is amazing!" Gon said. Killua felt his chest swell up with uncalled for pride at making Gon impressed.
"It's not much. It's technically not even my house." Killua said aloofly and cool as he tried to keep the smile off his face.
"You're so cool, Killua!" Gon gushed following him up the steps. Killua opened the door a bit, peaking in first. Gon didn't like that, that didn't exactly scream 'I liked growing up here.' The fact that Killua felt like he needed to be cautious and sneak around his own house didn't leave a good feeling swimming in Gon's stomach.
"Ok, this way." He said opening up the door to let them both in. It was actually a lot darker in there than Gon thought, he had to blink a few times to get used to the new light levels. The hall stretched forward a good bit, both sides of the hallway lined with doors alternating sides, 4 rooms in just this first hall.
"Wah, what's in all these rooms?" Gon asked as he followed closely behind Killua. Walking in, Gon didn't have a good feeling. It felt ominous and scary, like a haunted house and a jump scare was around the corner.
"This one," Killua said, pointing to the first door they were passing on their left, "is the closet. It's normally always closed until winter, it holds our heavier jackets and umbrellas and rainboots. This one." He said, pointing to the one coming up on the right, "This is the recording practice room. It has the mics set up and the sound room adjacent from it, but it's smaller than our official sound and recording booth at Zoldyck Records. It's normally used for drills, practice, and sound checks." He pointed at the next room at the left.
"This one is a warm up vocal room. You know the set up in the back of all the classrooms with the bean bags and music based books? Yea, it's basically that but a whole room dedicated to it. We usually just use it as a rec room though." Killua explained. Gon couldn't stop his jaw from hanging. So many rooms! Such different functions! They were so fancy and cool. And Gon couldn't help but notice that Killua explained each room with a small soft smile. That didn't seem so bad. He must have some good memories associated with this place.
"That's amazing Killua! You're amazing!" Gon said.
"What? I didn't even do anything!" He protested going up the grand stairs in the main room after passing all those doors. Gon could see there were more rooms in hallways to the left and right and behind the stairs.
"Yea, but you get to do all this and have all this professional experience. I bet you would know what everything is in a professional booth." Gon said. Killua kept forward as they got to the second floor which was darker than the first because of the deep red rolled out carpet in the middle of the wood hallway. It was also lined with doors on either side and small lamps mounted between doors. Gon could hear faint music from behind the doors, filling the air and keeping the atmosphere from being completely quiet.
"Of course I would know… we have our record company, and it's not like I've never been there." Killua said.
"Really?! Do you guys produce anyone I would know?" Gon asked, skipping to Killua's side.
"Mmhh… you know Chrollo?" Killua asked and Gon lit up.
"No way! That's crazy, he's super famous! But he kinda has a bad rep?" Gon hummed.
"Dad's working on it." Killua sighed. He opened a door two doors away from the stairs and to the left, the music more prominently spilling out into the hall.
"Wah!" Gon said turning his head left and right to take in Killua's room quickly. His bed was centered on the very right wall, pillows upon pillows piled up on it, a small drawer to the right of the headboard, closest to the window. It had a lamp, an electric clock, and a small percussion cajon on top. Across from his bed was a bookshelf and a rug with bean bags on top, a cozy corner. He had a closet to the left of his bed, and a larger dresser on the wall to the right of the door. There was a large desk with school supplies on it the left of the door, a small lamp, dividers and organizers, a cup of writing utensils and paper on the top. His window right across from the door was a huge bay window with baby blue curtains letting in soft blue hued light. It looked amazing! And clean.
Then Gon heard the music, a bubbling pop sound seeming to come from the air itself, and Gon stilled to listen to the words.
" ~EVERY DAY PON
EVERY TIME IS PON
MERRY-GO-ROUND noritai no
EVERY DAY PON
EVERY TIME IS PON
tabun sonna ja dame desho…
PON PON WEI WEI WEI
PON PON WEI PON WEI PON PON
WEI WEI PON PON PON
WEI WEI PON WEI PON WEI WEI…!"
Gon lit up as he heard the japanese song but then Killua was diving for the wall to their right. Gon noticed the intercom looking device on the wall just as Killua was smacking it until the song stopped. His face was beet red as he stiffly turned back to Gon.
"Never speak of it." He grounded out, and Gon put his hands up placatingly. Killua turned and put his bookbag at his desk and Gon followed suite by placing his bookbag on the ground by Killua's desk.
"You know, it's fine to like J-pop-"
"GON!" Killua cried out, his voice a few pitches higher. "I said don't! " He said sharply, but the intimidation was cut in half by his red face. Gon laughed heartily and Killua found his heart rate picking up.
"Whatever, it's nothing, it's just a song I had sung on my vocaloid cover album…" Killua huffed, crossing his arms. "It's not like I like it." He insisted when Gon gave him a knowing look.
"C'mon, it's ok to like it!" Gon said hopping over and shaking Killua's arms to get him to uncross his arms. Killua rolled his eyes.
"I don't though!" Killua said. Gon let out a few disbelieving chuckles but knew Killua was just too prideful to admit it. He already confessed to Gon he loved Japan, loving it's pop music wasn't completely out there! Then Gon lit up as he remembered something.
"OH! KILLUA!" Gon shouted way too loud from his excitement and Killua cringed away.
"What?" He laughed, sticking a pinky in his ear to tease Gon about his volume.
"Sorry- um, I watched your Zoldyck concert that's at the school and-"
"You what?" He asked surprised.
"What? Did you not want me to?" Gon asked with a pout.
"Well… it's more like 'why'? Those weren't the best…" He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Because… because I thought it'd help me get to know you better and I-"
"Always want to get closer, I know… Ok, what were you saying?" He asked, but he had a knowing look in his eye as he figured what Gon was going to ask about.
"Well… in the one song where you were singing in Japanese, you were wearing cat ears and looking all cute and stuff."
"Uh-huh, ok, so I'll just preemptively answer your question. That was one of my alter egos for stage personalities. But it's ok, because I only had to do that the one time. Because I was younger, I did cuter stuff. As I get older, my parents will start letting me develop a sexier alter ego for stage." Killua said with an eyebrow wiggle. Gon beamed, the thought getting him excited.
"Wow, that's amazing Killua… I want an alter ego." Gon said slightly to himself.
"You don't have to, most celebrities don't. With your type of performance, it's actually better if you don't. Most people have alter egos if they need to shake up their image to rekindle their popularity, to try a different genre they normally wouldn't, or to add a change in pace in an album that's all their usual identity. You have such a performance personality that you can do any kind of music or performance anyway, and your fans and, potentially your label company, wouldn't mind." Killua said. Gon nodded, listening intently. Wow, Killua sure knew alot…
"So why do you have one?" Gon asked.
"I don't really know…" Killua huffed. "I think my parents are generally just trying to find something that'll best fit me. So they're trying everything. But eventually I'll just portray the image of adaptability into any kind of music instead of having my own brand. It gets me kind of angry because then I can't develop my own, but that's the rigidness of having a label… you have to do what they ask…" Killua said with a sort of wistful defeat in his eyes although he was smiling. He looked so beautifully sad, and Gon's heart ached. It was amazing to him how easily Killua could get people to get swept up in emotions and feelings… but he doesn't do it in his music and singing often. He supposed that had something to do with his upbringing, but Gon was on his way to fixing that already… His label can't control everything for him.
"What's your label anyway?" Gon asked.
"Oh. All of Zoldycks automatically get signed under the Zoldyck Record company." Killua said, seeming to snap out of it a bit.
"Wow… you guys are kinda set for life, huh?" Gon asked. Killua snorted with a short nod.
"Anyway, stop distracting me, let's get to work-"
"Wait! You were the one that distracted me! I never got to ask my question!" Gon said, grabbing Killua's arm and stopping him in his momentum to move away. Killua raised an eyebrow at him.
"What? You weren't going to ask what that was about? An explanation?" He asked.
"No! I wanted to know if you still had it! The kitty headphones." Gon asked. Killua blushed and his eyes flicked to the large dresser behind Gon. Gon turned around, startling Killua, and ran over to it.
"W-w-whoa! Wait, Gon!" Killua cried out as he caught on a little too late and Gon began digging through his drawers. Gon's eyes lit up as he saw the stark white plastic things before Killua pushed him to the side and shut the drawers. "Yes! I still have it, geez…" He admitted with a red face.
"Can I see you wear it, pleeeease? Just once in front of me?" Gon pleaded, pulling out his puppy dog eyes saved for begging, and clasping his hands together to ask earnestly. Killua's eyes widened in surprise at Gon's insistence, his face heating up at the cute begging being done in front of him.
"Wh-I-Gon, you- would you just-!" Killua stammered as his brain failed to restart in the face of Gon's cute attack. "Ok! Geez!"
"Yay!" Gon cheered. "What's your alter ego's name anyway? I know you were telling Melody about it when she developed her alter ego of Senritsu." Gon said, tilting his head as Killua turned around to fish out the headphones.
"I don't think I have one…" He muttered, his ears visibly red from behind, and some of it creeping down his neck.
"Wah?! I'll make one. Killua-kun!" Gon gushed. Killua's ears and neck was definitely red now.
"Gon, can you try to be a little less embarrassing right now? I might die." He said. Gon laughed and sat down, waiting for the show.
"Ok, Ok, I've calmed down." He assured, but in reality, he was just holding his breath to keep any more comments from coming out unwillingly. Gon saw him duck his head to put on the headphones and he shifted his hands for something else. Then he turned around with the cute blocky cat headphones on and colorful long sleeve fingerless arm warmers.
"Nyyaaaa~" He purred out with his best performance catty smile. Gon blinked once and twice, because he's pretty sure his heart stopped at the adorable display in front of him. Someone should have told him direct exposure to this image would result in death. Killua was starting to blush again and shifted self consciously.
"G-Gon, say someth-"
"WAAAH KILLUA YOU'RE SO CUUUUTTTEEE!" Gon shouted, jumping up and enveloping Killua in a bear hug, his feet coming off the ground and shook him left to right.
"Gon, woa, careful, hey!" Killua's protest came out as Gon nuzzled into the crook of Killua's neck. Killua felt his breath catch in his throat and a thrill ran up and down his spine before settling hot and heavy in the pit of his stomach as Gon's nose grazed against his neck at a certain angle.
"G-Gon! Get off!" Killua cried out, his voice high pitched again, wrenching one arm from Gon's death grip to slap it against the side of Gon's face and push, his face burning red.
"Moooaaahhh! Killua, don't push!" Gon whined for a moment, his words slightly distorted from Killua pushing against his cheek, before letting go and they both got space between them again. Killua took off his headphones in a hurry, making his messy hair a little more unkempt in the process. He took a deep breath, trying to get his beating heart to slow down a bit.
Geez… what was that… He asked himself as if he would get an answer. He shook his head out a bit as he put the headphones away.
"Sorry Killua…" Gon mumbled behind him, scuffing his shoes against the ground guiltily. He messed up… he was too forward and probably scared Killua… he has to remember to be more patient with him. Killua turned around with a raised eyebrow, then saw how guilty Gon looked. He huffed out and went over to him.
"Gon, it's fine, don't even worry about it." He said, waving a hand dismissively between them. "Let's just start the training now, ok?" He asked. Gon lit up at Killua reassuring him he didn't completely scare him. Killua was even the one to approach him.
"Ok!"
"Ok, first things first, in the days you've been listening to a butt load of music, have you figured anything that you liked in the music? A set of bars? A genre?"
"Oh! Oh! I do! There was this song I really liked for its electronics…" Gon said as he pulled out his phone. Killua moved to sit on his bed, cross legged, and motioned for Gon to do the same while he pulled it up. Gon did, deciding to just sit at the edge.
"Here!" Gon found, pulling one of the headphone buds he keeps hanging around his neck when he's not listening to music to give to Killua. Killua inspected the bud, frowning at the unrecognizable brand. He stuck it in his ears as the music started to play, the electronics impressive and twinkling, and even before the words came through the speakers, Killua recognized the song as Hourglass by Zedd. It was a really good song and choice, it showed Gon's good taste in music. But Killua's nose stilled scrunched in displeasure.
"Gon… how could you listen to music on these? You can't hear anything." He scolded. Gon blinked.
"Wh-what…? I-I can turn the volume up, if you need me to…" Gon said, looking down at his phone.
"No, I mean… sure it delivers the music, but you can't hear any details, or make out the better subtle parts of songs that artists put in to elevate the music experience. It doesn't even matter if these aren't noise cancelling, they need to be better quality headphones. Your next assignment is to buy better headphones." Killua said. Gon frowned and looked back down at his phone. He supposed Killua's right, and he already said he'd listen to all instructions Killua gave as to have a better chance of winning the Showcase… But these were the cheapest ones he could buy and he doesn't have the money to buy better quality headphones… Well, Killua doesn't need to know that. He'll deal with it later.
"Well, what kind of quality should I be looking for?" He asked. Killua looked up in though then back at Gon.
"I'll let you listen to my headphones. They're top grade, so you'll know what sounds to listen to when you look for yours." He said, pulling his silver cat headphones off his shoulders. Gon got excited, he gets to wear Killua's headphones!
"Where did you get yours?" Gon asked, as he carefully took it from Killua's hands.
"Oh, my brother made it for me… he made it back when I first started my music training so I have an easier time listening to music and using it whenever. It lightweight so it's not a burden, waterproof, wireless, and noise cancelling for focus." Killua explained. Gon's jaw dropped as he put it on. That's amazing. Killua pulled out his phone connected with bluetooth to bring up a song.
"Ah, this one's a good one." Killua said as he pressed his song. Gon furrowed his eyebrows in focus to listen well. He was startled when the music came on, piano keys, and Gon turned around to take survey of the room. He looked back at Killua who was looking on with an amused smile.
"That's amazing Killua! It sounds like it's right here in your room!" Gon said loudly, not able to head himself in order to control the volume of his voice. Killua snicked, resting his head on the palm of his hand to continue to watch Gon in amusement.
~ Standing in a crowded room and I can't see your face
Gon jumped and had to look around again when the drums and other instruments joined in. It sounded so realistic, and cool, and the bass felt like it was thrumming through his whole body.
~Put your arms around me, tell me everything's OK
"Wah, Killua, these sound amazing!" Gon shouted again, the words crystal clear like he's in the booth to hear her sing, like he's getting a private performance. And they were so light, it was like the music was being delivered straight to his mind from the air and not from these wireless headphones.
~In my mind, I'm running round a cold and empty space
Just put your arms around me, tell me everything's OK
Gon hopped a bit in his excitement and looked up at Killua who was watching on fondly. "Can I keep these?!" He asked, pointing at his head. Killua's face never fell so fast. He snapped his hands out and snatched the headphones off Gon's head from the headband, a glare on his face, breaking Gon from the heavenly sound.
"W-wh-!" Gon stuttered.
"No!" Killua snapped, putting them on the side of his bed.
"Wait, Killua, don't be mad! I was just kidding!" Gon tried, chuckling nervously.
"Let's get to training." Killua said, getting up from the bed. Gon blinked after him before scrambling after him.
"I said I was kidding!"
~Break my bones but you won't see me fall, oh
The rising tide will rise against them all, oh
The training ensued without much problem and it mostly took place in Killua's room. Killua focused on note recognition and pitch changes with sharps and flats. Gon needed to hit the note without having to find it by oscillating the notes closest to the target. With Killua's perfect pitch, he was cringing and covering his ears whenever Gon didn't sing the sharps or flats correctly.
Killua had Gon doing scales a lot, but it was more complicated with sharps and flats included besides the normal do re mi.
~Darling, hold my hand
Oh, won't you hold my hand?
Cause I don't wanna walk on my own anymore
Won't you understand?
Cause I don't wanna walk alone
I'm ready for this, there's no denying
I'm ready for this, you stop me falling
I'm ready for this, I need you all in
I'm ready for this, so darling hold my hand
Killua would sing notes, and Gon would have to guess what it was. Killua corrected and taught him more in depth whenever Gon got it wrong. Gon was always frustrated when he didn't get it right, he needed this to come to him faster, he needed to get better quicker, and he always welcomed Killua's critique. He was just happy he was doing it with Killua in the first place, so he'll do his best to make sure Killua didn't find fault with him and deem him untrainable. Killua made him sing the scales up and down continuously until he could add in 5 sharps or flats in a single octave. Killua was starting to wonder if Gon could do it when, even after 5 minutes, Gon was still frustratingly singing up and down the scales, tentatively singing half hearted sharps and flats. Killua shook his head because they weren't bad, they just needed more confidence and volume and to be sung consecutively.
~Soul is like a melting pot when you're not next to me
Tell me that you've got me and you're never gonna leave
Tryna find a moment where I can find release
Please tell me that you've got me and you're never gonna leave
Killua had Gon practicing his singing position standing and sitting, falling out of it and going back into it correctly. Killua played music to have Gon try to keep time, he had Gon sing with a song, turn the accompaniment off while Gon continued singing and then turned it on later in the song only to hear Gon sang too quickly. Killua shook his head and they start again. Gon was determined to try as many times as it took to get it right. With the time crunch, drilling was the only way this would work. Gon wouldn't give up.
~Break my bones but you won't see me fall, oh
The rising tide will rise against them all, oh
Killua sang a note and was pleasantly surprised when Gon got it right. Gon didn't seem to notice, just focused and prepared for the next note. Killua sang 5 more notes and Gon reported the correct notes on those too. Killua finally just tackled Gon in a proud hug, snapping Gon out of it before he celebrated too. Gon did good! He was finally making Killua proud and showing some progress for their hours of work.
~Darling, hold my hand
Oh won't you hold my hand?
Cause I don't wanna walk on my own anymore
Won't you understand?
Cause I don't wanna walk alone
I'm ready for this, there's no denying
I'm ready for this, you stop me falling
I'm ready for this, I need you all in
I'm ready for this, so darling, hold my hand
Killua listened intently to Gon as Gon sang a song with a lot of sharps and flats. His eyebrows twitched and his face scrunched when Gon still had to search a bit to hit the proper note that didn't grate his senses, but it was getting better. He just needed some more tightening up and drilling and he would be singing notes on key without having to search. Gon was also getting better at singing the scales. Killua ears piqued when he heard Gon inserting the sharps and flats he knew in the scale consecutively. 5 of them. When Gon turned and faced him expectantly waiting for his approval, Killua couldn't help giving in and hugging him and giving him head pats while telling him how great he did.
~Don't wanna know
That feeling when I'm all alone
So please don't make me wait, cause I don't wanna break
And I don't wanna fall
Killua killed the music Gon was singing with, keeping his sharp electrifying eyes on him as Gon continued his song, trying to keep beat in his head. Killua waited until Gon reached the chorus then turned the music on. Killua already knew, but enjoyed seeing the look on Gon's face as he realized he kept on time with the music. He smiles brilliantly at Killua and begins singing with more carefree nature instead of the intense focus he had to stay on time, and Killua couldn't help it, he began singing with Gon too and silly dancing ensued. Gon was improving, and Gon was happy all over again that Killua finally decided to be his coach and Gon didn't have to deal with this all alone.
~When you're next to me
Can tell I'm not afraid to be
That you don't make me wait, and never let me break
You never let me fall
Gon was able to sing the scales up and down, including the sharps and flats right on key. When Killua sang a note or asked for him to sing one, Gon was able to sing it out confidently, and it was right. Then Gon was able to sing a challenging part of a song with a lot of sharps and flats as well as the original singer did without having to search the notes. And without musical accompaniment.
~Darling, hold my hand
Oh, won't you hold my hand?
Cause I don't wanna walk on my own anymore
Won't you understand?
Cause I don't wanna walk alone
I'm ready for this, there's no denying
I'm ready for this, you stop me falling
I'm ready for this, I need you all in
I'm ready for this, so darling, hold my hand
"You did great, Gon." Killua smiled as he walked him down the stairs and to the main hall. The sun was already nearly below the horizon, most of the sky outside a deep purple and a light orange where the sun was setting. With how dark it was outside, the interior of Killua's moody house finally looked well lit. Gon smiled happily at Killua, he made Killua so proud today!
"Thanks Killua!"
"Ok, so I can see we still have plenty to do. You may have the sounds of the sharps and flats in your head now, but most likely when tomorrow comes, you won't be able to hit them as precisely. The only way to fix that is more drilling so that soon it becomes second nature to know not only the main scale, but their secondary sounds." Killua said. Gon nodded taking in all the information as Killua spoke. He was so smart… he'll definitely go home and practice to make sure he picks it up faster.
"Do not go home and practice continuously." Killua said as though he read his mind and Gon blinked, shocked.
"Wha- how-?" He stammered.
"I saw it on your face, you wanted to try and practice on your own. But you shouldn't continue to put too much strain on your voice, it'll ruin it. You need to go home and make lemon tea with honey and do not sing for the rest of the night. Try not to sing at all until you come back here. I'm putting enough strain on your voice as it is with this practice without you going off and adding more, ok?" He asked, his voice getting softer with concern at the end. Gon lit up. He always felt like he was on top of the world when Killua showed him concern or any type of affection and favoritism. How could Gon not do what Killua asked?
"Alright, Killua." Gon moved out the door into the darkening evening.
"If you really want to, then put on the scales on your headphones and listen to those to internalize the sounds you need to remember." Killua said, leaning against the door frame. Gon nodded.
"Good idea, alright." Gon said, moving to the small descending steps of the house.
"One more thing." Killua said with some amusement in his voice. Gon turned around with a raised eyebrow. "Ask your aunt if you can pack a bag to sleepover tomorrow."
Killua got the reaction he expected, Gon's eyes widening but not as wide as his smile before he pumped his fist in the air and let out a shout of joy.
"Wow, I get to sleepover Killua's place now!" He cheered. Everything was going to plan, they were only going to grow closer. Soon they'll have drawers at each other's place and then they'll be dating- Too fast, Freecs, slow down. Be patient.
"Ok, I'll ask, but I'm sure she'll let me. Ok, I'll see you tomorrow, Killua!" Gon cried, running off down their front yard.
"Come after breakfast! I'm not gonna feed you!" Killua laughed.
"Whoo!" Gon just shouted in reply. He slipped out the gate and Killua shook his head, always amused to what Gon would do next. He's definitely interesting.
Gon had always caught his interest, even from the first moment he stepped foot on Academy property. He just never thought he'd be anything more than a mild amusement until the newbie crushers got to him.
Now Gon is… his best friend. Killua couldn't help the wide grin that came with his overwhelming joy. He never thought he'd get one with his crazy family, but Gon doesn't seem to care about how crazy his life gets. This really was amazing.
He pulled out his phone and texted Gon, 'Text me when you get home safely' And before he went to bed, he got Gon's text back.
'Im home safe, thanks ;)'
He tried not to think about how Gon probably sent the wink as a typo.
Gon was excited as he plopped up the long Zoldyck entryway, his packed duffle bag clopping against his back. They had all day today to get more work done. Even now he was listening to the scales Killua suggested, and even though he hasn't tried to sing them, he's pretty sure he could do just as well as yesterday.
Gon looked up into the sky for the position of the sun, and it was just a little after 11 am. Perfect, Killua should be done with breakfast too, but just in case…
He stopped in front of the door and texted Killua that he was outside, waiting patiently.
Soon, the door opened, and Gon got a brief rush of apprehension hoping that this was Killua answering the door and not one of his family members that could ruin the day with questions and hostility. But then Killua's perfect crown of white curls popped out looking left then right and spotting Gon against the wall.
"Oh, there you are, perfect. Come on." He said, greeting with a refreshing smile. Gon let a dazed smile grace his face as he was pulled in. How could Killua get him brain dead like this all the time?
"Alright, so I figured we can work on some other stuff today, like harmony, and drop some of the other stuff you did better on yesterday. After a brief recap, of course." Killua chattered, a welcoming energy about him. Gon nodded with hearts in his eyes as he watched him. Killua was so amazing. He didn't even want to do this before, and now he was happily aiding him for the show. Gon must be luckiest guy ever, he didn't know what he did to deserve someone as amazing as Killua as his best friend.
"We'll be in my room again, but I have some white boards we can use-" He said, before stopping abruptly and standing rigidly in place. Gon blinked then followed his gaze ahead of them to what Killua was seeing. An inky shadow- no, Illumi, his hair in a low ponytail and wearing an all black outfit was crossing from right to left at the bottom of the foyer stairs. He had silver black beats headphones on and he was covered in a sheen coat of sweat, a water bottle in his hand. Gon could infer he was probably practicing for the Showcase.
Gon didn't know what made Killua stop, or what this meant now, but this was what he didn't want. He hoped Illumi didn't ruin Killua's mood. Maybe he'll just keep on walking forward without turning his head and he'll pass like a looming storm.
Gon must have jinxed it in his head because then Illumi stopped like he sensed something then turned his head to them. His eyes were just as intense and empty as he remembered, and Gon felt Killua tense up even further next to him.
"Killu." Illumi said in that monotone voice, then turned to move down the hall towards them. Killua finally seemed to regain some sense and he sneered at his older brother.
"What do you want, Illumi? Weren't you doing something?" He asked, moving a bit forward and to the right to come between Illumi and Gon. Just then Gon remembered to put his head down, and he looked down at Illumi's feet.
"Yes, that's true, very good observation, Killu." Illumi said, reaching his hand out to pat Killua's head. Killua stepped back to be out of reach.
"I'm not in the mood, Illumi, we're just trying to-"
"We?" Illumi melodiously echoed back. His eyes left Killua's to look over his shoulder and finally saw Gon. "Oh." He hummed void of expression. Gon couldn't help his curiosity and looked up, but Illumi was already back to looking at Killua.
"Why is he here, Killu?"
"I was trying to tell you!" He snapped, getting upset. Gon frowned. He didn't like this, and just like before, Gon was ready to bring the attention off of his best friend to keep him from being upset.
"I don't know why you brought my competition to the house, Killu…" Illumi said, his voice with a bit of an edge to it, and he reached for his headphones on his ears. "Or why you think you can talk to me like that." He let his headphones hang around his neck. Gon furrowed his eyebrows as he heard a ticking noise coming out from the phones. Gon tried to strain his ears harder to hear anything else, but all he heard was that rhythmetic, timely ticking like a metronome. No music or beat. But Gon didn't have a lot of time to think on it because as soon as he heard it, Killua was freezing up badly beside him. Gon looked over at Killua, only to see him staring wide eyed back at his brother, his breathing shallowing out.
"I'll forgive you…" Illumi said taking a small step forward, the distance Killua took to step back when he tried to pat his head, then began to reach his hand forward for Killua's head again but slower, as if daring Killua to move again. "If you listen to your big brother well and take this intruder out the way he came. Only guests can come in, and you wouldn't have any… I know because you don't have any friends…"
Gon's eyes darted from between Illumi and Killua, worried about what exchange was going on, why Killua was suddenly rendered useless, but when he heard Illumi utter that, Gon felt something in him crack.
"Hey! " Gon growled, standing in front of Killua, and Illumi withdrew his hand. "I don't know who you think you are to tell Killua he doesn't have any friends, but he's my best friend and I'm his, and I won't let you talk to him like that! Now leave us alone!" He bit out, Illumi's eyes widened a bit more than it's usual wide stare out of shock at Gon's outburst. Gon took Killua's arm without looking and maneuvered around Illumi, speedwalking- practically running down the stretch of the hall and upstairs and to Killua's room.
He moved Killua in front of him and began letting his hand flit around Killua's profile searchingly, trying to make sure he was ok.
"Killua, Killua, are you ok?" He asked, looking him over. He met his eyes only to see them wide and constricted and darting around. His breathing coming out in uneven, shallow puffs, if at all. Gon took Killua's hands as he realized he wasn't breathing and probably having a panic attack.
"Killua! Killua, please, talk to me." Gon pleaded, feeling Killua's hands shake in his. He didn't know what to do, hugged him and let out low hums in his bass that usually made Killua feel better. He pulled apart, anxious, only to see Killua had closed his eyes, squeaking noises coming out as he tried to speak.
"No, nononno, Killua!" Gon cried, completely frazzled. What does he do? He needed Killua to breath, he needed him to take even deep breaths- his mind stopped as he came up with an idea.
"Killua, sing with me- look, look at me, Killua." Gon pleaded, and Killua opened his eyes to meet his, his shaking getting worse. "Sing, ok? You got to sing with me." He asked, not knowing what else to do.
"Lord, let me shine…! Shine like the moon…!" Gon sang out, forcing himself to sing slower and deeper for Killua's sake. He kept one hand in Killua's and the other on Killua's shoulder. Killua's eyebrows furrowed as his lips mouthed the words as he quickly caught on to what Gon was singing. Gon was granted a bit of relief when Killua let in a raspy inhale and sang with him in the next line in a small raspy voice.
"A reflection of You… In all that I do…" Good, two more breaths… Gon nodded his head along with the beats, encouraging Killua to keep going. Killua took in another breath along with Gon and he actually tried harmony as he sang with Gon.
"Lord, let me be… a light for Your truth…" Gon felt a weight lifting off of him as Killua breathed easier and sang with less stress to his voice.
"Light of the world… I wanna be used… to shine for you…" They sang out in closure, holding out the last harmony note. Killua took in another breath, his face flushed red as he could breath again, but then Gon was enveloping him in a hug that took the breath out of his lungs.
"Oof, Gon-"
"I'm so glad you're ok…" Gon murmured. He was so scared… he didn't know what to do… he doesn't know how to take care of Killua, and that was the scariest part… He wants Killua to know he's safe with him, and he can take care of him. Gon wants to learn how to care more for Killua… and to do that he needs to know more about him and every part of him… "I was so scared…" He whispered, and Killua blinked, surprised. Gon was really rattled with all this… Killua put one hand in Gon's hair and the other wrapped around his midsection.
"I'm… sorry… But it's fine… I'm fine now…" Killua assured, eyebrows furrowing. He's really sorry to Gon he worried him this much… He squeezed his eyes shut and wished for the umpteenth time that he didn't do those… He wished they wouldn't happen, it just bothers those around him… "It's better now…"
Gon made sure Killua laid down for a bit afterwards, but Killua still insisted he's fine. Gon wasn't going to ask Killua about it. He would never try to make him uncomfortable by trying to pry into something that was personal to him on that level if he wasn't ready. He wanted to make sure if Killua was going to tell him, he'd approach Gon first. For Gon to pursue, it would be on the path to chase him away forever. He'll wait. He'll be patient and wait for Killua to tell him.
….
Killua didn't tell him and, after assuring him he's fine, they continued with training. Gon, of course, couldn't focus or concentrate on training with what just happened. He often drifted off into his head about what he could have done better, what caused it, how he can help in the future. Killua wasn't completely in it either, but every time he had to call Gon back from his wandering mind, he felt a bit more down and moody. The training continued half hearted and distracted, no progress really being made. Throughout it, Killua continued to warp the events of what happened that were trapped in his thoughts. Convinced himself Gon kept spacing out because he hates him now, keeps thinking what a burden Killua was, how useless he was in the situation. No one wants baggage in the friendship, and Killua was probably the biggest baggage in the world right now.
Not to mention every time they heard something, anything , outside Killua's door, they would freeze and listen until they determined it nothing. Gon finally got a taste of how 'safe' Killua usually feels in his house, in the sense that it was like being behind enemy lines constantly. Gon just wanted to know how to help, but he was starting to sense this was a bigger project than he thought.
Killua decided to call it quits as he noticed just how little they were progressing. Killua told Gon he could change in his closet or something, and when Gon just followed the order without even looking at Killua (Gon was too lost in his thought to do anything other than do what he was told at the moment) Killua was convinced Gon hated him. Gon came out the closet wearing an undershirt and sweatpants. By then, Killua had changed as well into large tee and sweatpants. The sky was darkening quickly and the blue curtains bathed the room in a melancholy hue, every color of his room drowned out in what seemed like every different shade of blue.
Gon noticed Killua shifting nervously as Gon went over to the bed.
"G-Gon…" He called, nervous. Gon turned to him, a bit surprised that Killua sounded nervous, then realized he was about to climb on his bed and Killua could have thought that suggestive. Gon blushed and backed from the bed.
"Oh, s-sorry-"
"You don't have to stay." He said, hiding his eyes behind his bangs with a tilt of his head. Gon's mind blanked, not expecting that.
"Wh-?"
"If you're uncomfortable… if everything that happened made you upset… I won't force you to stay if you wanted to leave instead…" He said, his voice trembling a bit. Gon's heart broke and he rushed forward before he even knew what it was he wanted to do. He put his hands on Killua's shoulders and ducked his head down to hope and catch Killua's eyes. Killua kept avoiding them.
"No, no, no! Killua, I don't… I wouldn't ever leave you after all this- you- we're not- this wasn't…" Gon stammered, searching for the words to assure Killua properly. He didn't want to say something wrong, and he knew Killua wouldn't get what he was trying to say if he babbled. "Killua… I'm not leaving, I just… gimme a second." He said, bringing Killua over to his bed and sitting him down amongst his pillows. Killua made himself comfortable, taking a pillow into his lap to fiddle with. Gon sat on the bed, facing him and propped his head on his palm while sitting cross legged.
They sat in comfortable but sad silence, emotions ladened in the air around them that Gon wanted to dispel. Gon thinks Killua has been in his head for too long and created these false thoughts that made him feel down… Well… Gon didn't know how to express himself better than in song, so…
Killua looked up as Gon began humming, Killua's eyes complimented by the blue hues around them, and Gon didn't think there was anything more beautiful except when he was smiling in happiness.
"Another night and here we are again… All our faults laid out ahead." Killua blushed and looked down, but Gon frowned and stuck his hand out to lift Killua's chin up. Killua hesitated before he put his cheek in the palm of Gon's hand.
"Let it out, then let it right back in… All those voices in your head. And we both know everything, but we can't learn to leave…" Gon smiled softly and knowingly at Killua. Killua's breath hitched at the look Gon was giving him. Thinking back to it, Killua does know alot more about Gon than most others do… with financial stress and all his worries he hides so easily behind smiles. But Killua would never leave Gon just because he knows about those kind of things. Maybe that's what Gon wanted to portray… There was no way Gon would leave over something like this just like Killua wouldn't let Gon's secrets make him leave Gon's life.
"So I'll tell you what you need… First thing, we make you feel better." Killua smiled shyly, ducking his head like a child, and Gon's heart soared. His smile was a national treasure. " Next stop, we pull it all together…" They'll both work through this together and they'll be here for it together. No one's leaving the other. "I'll keep you warm like a sweater, Take my hand, hold on forever!" Gon began bouncing and patting a beat out on his lap. Killua noticed and reached over for the cajon on his desk and replaced the pillow in his lap to settle it there. He patted out the beat to the song as Gon sang.
"Just fall apart if you need to…" Gon sang earnestly and honestly. Killua should know he could put all his personal baggage on him and he'll be there to hold him. " I'm here and I won't leave you now... Don't look down. Hold on forever."
Gon scooted closer to Killua as Killua drummed out the interlude piece, already looking a lot better, a smile on his face.
"Lay down all your troubles end to end…" Gon sang, putting his hands out on either side of him. He reached his hands up with a wink. " They could reach up to the stars… " Killua blushed again at the mention. But Gon didn't seem to care about the fact he had so much to carry. Maybe…?
"So many roads, you don't know where you've been… But you still know who you are." Gon said with honest eyes, and Killua found himself drowning in it. He realized he loved the color of Gon's eyes. Like chocolate and gold, and home.
Gon was home.
"And if I seem…" Killua joined Gon in singing harmony, "preoccupied, I'm wondering what to do… So here's my recipe for you!" They launched into the chorus, Killua laying out a peppy beat, his hand flying about the wooden cajon and filling the air with their harmony and music. Gon felt the moody atmosphere from before was being lifted, pushed out for their better mood.
"First thing, we make you feel better! Next stop, we pull it all together! I'll keep you warm like a sweater, Take my hand, hold on forever!" Their harmony was beautiful and they felt as though they were entering the euphoria from the first time, and Killua just wanted to keep singing with Gon. He felt Gon would keep him safe, keep him warm, and all he had to do was hold on forever.
"Just fall apart if you need to. I'm here and I won't leave you now…! Don't look down, Hold on forever!"
Killua rested on the drums to let themselves sing a cappella the bridge, and Killua closed his eyes to listen and appreciate their sounds and voices dancing with each other in the air.
"And we both know everything, but we can't learn to leave… So I'll tell you what you need! " They both turned to each other, singing the last line with teasing voices before going back into song with feel, the emotion Gon usually didn't hear Killua sing with. It was the most beautiful sound. They'll can get through this.
"First thing, we make you feel better! Next stop, we pull it all together! I'll keep you warm like a sweater! Take my hand, hold on forever.
"Just fall apart if you need to! I'm here and I won't leave you now…! Don't look down… Hold on forever!
"Just take my hand, hold on forever… Hold on forever… Just take my hand, hold on forever…!"
Killua banged out a couple flourishing beats on the small hand drum before finishing and they both began lapsing into giggles, sinking back into the pillows and into each other. They couldn't tell why or what they were laughing at, but they were just so happy, suddenly in such a good mood, it was like having to cry because you were sad. You just have to laugh because you're happy.
It took a moment to get giggles out and then they were lying there in a satisfied ambience. The night was so dark but the moon was starting to rise, the stark white light also being transformed into blue streaks into Killua's room.
"...It's so pretty…" Gon hummed into the quiet of the room. He didn't want to break the tranquility yet.
"Yea…" Killua hummed back. "Gon…" He started, a bit of regret in his voice.
"No… don't say you're sorry." Gon said, turning to his side to look at Killua better. Killua turned his head to Gon, wide eyed, then turned on his side too.
"How did you know?"
"I heard it in your voice…" Gon said, looking Killua's face over, his lashes, his freckles, his lips… "You didn't do anything wrong." Gon added softly. Killua blushed and looked down, his hair hiding his eyes again. Gon reached out and brushed it out the way, and Killua met his eyes again.
"Fine… then I won't apologize…" Killua said. "But I owe you an explanation."
"Killia, I don't want you to feel like you owe me-" Gon started, but Killua placed on a finger on his lips, and added an unnecessary 'sshh', because Gon had already swallowed all his words and probably his thoughts too. How can one touch from Killua render him so useless? But he was also addicted to it…
"I want to tell you everything… you've been so open with me and reassured me… I don't know how many times you've told me that you won't… leave me for it, so…" He said, huffing a bit as he searched his thoughts. Gon's heartbeat raced as he realized what was happening. Ths was it. Killua was opening up his heart to him. And what Gon did with it after was what will make or break their relationship. Killua's a tough one to try and open up, and Gon wasn't about to squander it and make Killua feel stupid for letting him in on his life.
"Mhm…" Gon hummed, all ears. Killua met his eyes again.
"I'll start with Illumi."
"What Illumi was listening to was a metronome beat." Killua said. Gon furrowed his eyebrows and tilted his head as well as he could on the bed.
"Just the beat?" Gon asked. Killua nodded. "Why?"
"I don't know? Because he's a weirdo. Because he loves being mommy and daddy's perfect little wind-up toy that performs on command. When we're younger we go through something I coined as the 'Zoldyck training from hell.'" Killua said. Gon held back a gasp. Was it really that bad?
"When we're really young, like from when we can walk to age 6, we are raised pretty normally. We have a playroom where we played, although the toy blocks had music signs and notes on it. Music was always in the air in the house, much like it is now, but it was light and bright. There wasn't such a...bad connotation associated with it.
"My brothers are older than me, obviously, Milluki is 3 years older than me and Illumi is 4. They started their training earlier than me, but I never figured out how bad it was. They would disappear in the mornings and when they came back, they were always so tired. Before they started their training, I would always love to hear them sing. They have amazing voices, and I always wanted them to sing for me. But when their training started, they were too tired to sing, they would drag their bodies to the bed and just lay there. Sometimes their voices were gone all together…" Killua stared blankly at the wall behind Gon, seeming to be back in the rooms, watching his older brothers lay in bed, still like death. Gon tightened his lips but waited for Killua. Killua closed his eyes for a moment before looking at Gon again. "So I would sing for them. I wanted them to sing for me, but I was happy to sing for them like they did for me if it would make them feel better. I mean, I would hope it made them feel better. I had an easier time telling if I made Illumi feel better. He would sit up in his bed and let me sit in his lap and I would sing. Sometimes he took videos of me, and I knew I had made him feel better.
"When Milluki started his training, he got grumpier and crankier, and was meaner to me. Sometimes he let me sing for him, sitting at the very edge of his bed while he laid face down and other times he would kick me out, telling me to stay out. I think it was at that time I started drifting apart from my brothers, but I never considered it was because of what they were going through. I just thought they were getting more distant and hated me. I started playing by myself more often." He said, shrugging his shoulders thoughtfully, or maybe dismissively, Gon couldn't tell. It was a shrug. He continued with a sigh,
"It was right around the time it was my turn to start training that they started being a bit nicer to me. Milluki got me my headphones to make training easier… Illumi got me my first pair of dance shoes… they had kitten paws on the bottom of them..." Killua chuckled a little laugh but it didn't reach his eyes. Gon wanted to reach out and comfort him somehow…
"But then the training started… I really didn't understand until then. Mother took on training at first as my brothers continued to complete their training. Innocent enough at first, piano songs and practice. Vocal exercises and music scores you have to memorise. Then your studies ramps up, and you have to practice 10 different songs a week. Your dance practice ranges from the time after breakfast to dinner. I usually went hoarse and lost my voice the first few years of training…"
Gon tried not to grip his fist in righteous fury, but this was starting to get him angry.
"We needed to be elite… we were Zoldcyk children, so we had to be perfect at everything and make a name for ourself in the music industry, lest we ruin the name. To get a perfect sense of beat and rhythm ingrained… They put you in a room, there's one window too close to the ceiling to see out of, just so you get natural sunlight and let you know how much time has passed. Nothing is in there, a speaker is on the ceiling and it's just…" Killua's lower eyelid twitched, and Gon heard his breathing shallow out as his eyes became distant. "Ticking… the monotrone… they leave you in there for hours. It's not that bad at first… you think you just need to be able to keep time to a song they test you on later that day. And after listening to it for hours, you feel like you're able to. But then a day passes, and only a meal is slid under the door. Days past, you block out the ticking noise, and you're mostly just bored. A week in, and the ticking is the only thing you can hear. It's everywhere, you beg to be let out. You shove your fingers in your ears, but it's in there too. You try to rip out your heart because it's ticking too... Bang your head against the wall just to get some sleep. You're finally let out after a month but the ticking follows you around. But hey, now you have a perfect sense of rhythm… you hate it." Killua bit his lips, his eyes focusing enough to glare at an unseen object. Gon decided to try and take his hand to offer Killua comfort. He didn't want to make Killua retreat in himself, but he also couldn't just not comfort his crush anymore. It was killing him hearing him say all of this. Gon was relieved when Killua finally locked eyes with him again at the contact and didn't pull away. Killua let out a pained sigh but he trucked on.
"They made us stand for hours in the proper standing position, and didn't let us move for the sitting position… When Milluki and Illumi finished their training, Mother let them head my training. Illumi had me drill dance moves until I did them perfectly, ripping through 8 dance shoes in a year. Milluki was relentless with note recognition, but that was the only thing he really taught me. With him, I basically just sat with headphones on for hours, telling him what notes I was hearing, and then he'd speed them up and I needed to keep up. I sat there until I got it all right in one go. He didn't let me go to dinner or sleep. He'd eat his dinner in front of me and if I dozed off, he smacked me awake. Soon, he would play songs we hear on the radio and I had to tell him the notes as quickly as they were being played. At least the melody, but if I included the whole chord, he'd let me go sooner." Killua developed a sort of snarl as he talked about his brothers, but then his face softened as he finished talking.
"I always blamed them… learned to hate them for what they were putting me through… In the back of my mind I knew they were just listening to orders, probably just carrying out the plans of what was done to them. But the younger me couldn't separate my hate for what I was doing from who was doing it to me. My parents and grandfather believed I was to be the best Zoldyck of all the children… I already looked so different than the others, and my father said I had the best voice even though it was still being developed. They began to put more pressure on me to be the best and well refined so that I lived up to my potential. I still get anxiety from that sort of pressure…" Killua hummed, getting distant again. Gon remembered the time at the lakeside concert, when Killua looked uncomfortable with all the thumping music and crowd pushing in from behind and understood a little more. Any form of pressure that reminds him of everything that are on his shoulders will most likely trigger his anxiety and panic attack.
"That ticking still haunts me, when I hear it, it's like I'm paralyzed. I'm back to that room, and I don't want to be. And my brother listens to it all the time. When he really wants me to do something, he'll have that playing somewhere-" Killua cut himself off at Gon squeezing his hand almost painfully. His eyes widened when he saw the dark intense look in Gon's eyes.
"Even though you're so obviously shaken from it? He doesn't consider your feelings at all…" Gon let out in a low voice. Not the kind that usually gives Killua's heart a skip, but sent chills down his spine.
"Gon…" Killua said softly, but before he could continue, Gon closed his eyes and shook his head.
"Do you have more? Keep going." Gon opened his eyes, his eyes just as bright as they usually are, like Killua had seen some weird alternate universe for a second.
"A-ah… ok. Er, It had gotten really bad around the time for my debut concert to come out. I had already done a couple of anticipatory jobs- sort of like teasers of what's to come. A couple of children plays, photo shoots, recordings where they needed a children's choir. But this was the big thing, the summer before I went into the Musica Academy. I was still 13, so it wasn't the one you had seen from the library, that was my birthday debut concert. We were working crazy hours to work get the concert perfected, and since it was my debut concert, I had the most numbers to perform, and thus Illumi drilled me the most to get everything perfect. Eating and sleeping was for when the performances went off without a hitch. In the middle of the concert, everything caught up with me, and I felt myself passing out in the middle of the number. I heard myself hitting the wrong notes because I ran out of breath too quick and went flat. So I went to leave the stage as not to make a scene, but I blacked out before I knew if I did or not.
"When I woke up, I was backstage in a makeshift bed and my father was there. Everyone was, but my father was right there at the front. I was so scared, I had messed up, and I think I started having my first panic attack… It stopped when he put his hand on my shoulder. I had never seen him look so sorry… He had said then that he shouldn't have worked his children so hard, and that after that, no one would have to be trained as badly. But it was already done." Killua let out a bit of a bitter laugh. "He was sorry… but I was already broken."
"No!" Gon cried out louder than he meant to, making both of them jump. "No- sorry, no, no, Killua…!" He said in a lower voice, moving his hand from Killua's hand to Killua's cheek, caressing him softly. Killua's eyes widened as his pulse picked up and his face heated up. Gon's hands were soft yet calloused at the same time. They were gentle on his face like Killua was a treasure and Killua didn't know how to interpret that. This was way different than holding hands… And Gon was looking at him with such soft and gentle eyes that they looked like liquid gold even against the moonlight. Killua's heart was flipping out and Killua wished he knew what to say at the moment, but it seemed like Gon wanted to speak so he'd just stay quiet.
"Killua, don't say that. Don't say you're broken. You're not broken, you're just hurting. You've been scarred, and marked and a little bent but you're not broken. You're still here and fighting, and you haven't been defeated. So much has happened to you but you never let it defeat you, you never let it overcome you. You showed your strength in not becoming someone like Illumi- some doll for performing. You set your own standards, you didn't sing for anyone you didn't have to, you never did fanservice and even though you were pressured for being the most perfect, you let your imperfections show. You don't hide behind anything or be fake. You're real and amazing, and beautiful, and you're not broken… Killua…" Gon said in a soft voice, holding all the affection he had for Killua in his tone. Killua's lower lip crumpled and his eyes shone as Gon said his name at the end like it was the most beautiful melody conceived on earth. It was beautiful and Killua wasn't sure he deserved for his name to be said like that… like something precious when he was this… battered. But Gon said it with such… honesty, how could he not believe him? Gon put his forehead to Killua's as Killua closed his eyes and let some tears flow down his cheeks. Gon wished so badly he could kiss him… but he won't push anything. He wouldn't want to kiss him in this high emotion situation anyway, Killua might read it wrong later. Gon knows to be patient and he's happy enough to be here for Killua like this anyway. He ran a gentle thumb across his cheeks to get the tears off as Killua fluttered his eyes back open.
"Gorgeous…" Gon hummed under his breath as his eyes darted back and forth across Killua's face and counting all the flecks of silver in Killua's eyes. Gon felt a warm feeling wrap all around him, spreading from his chest and really had to fight the urge to kiss him. It was so unfair, Killua was so pretty.
Killua's face got red after Gon said that and he moved his face from Gon's, sitting up, much to Gon's disappointment. He already missed his warmth. Killua rubbed at his cheeks, both to get the tears off and to try and hide his horrid blush.
"G-Gon… thanks for listening to me babble… but I really did want to tell you all of that because you deserve it. You've seen me go through so much and… well, I think you proved you won't hate and leave me for it." Killua said smiling down at Gon. Gon moved to sit up too.
"I'm glad you did! You're my best friend." Gon smiled softly, and Killua had to wonder if Gon was an angel sent to him… the moonlight behind him made a halo about his head and Killua felt like his insides swooped down and about. He looked away, holding his heart that suddenly picked up speed.
"You…" Killua's face burned. "You're my best friend too…" He muttered as loud as he could without exploding. Gon beamed.
"Yay!" He hugged Killua from the side and he let out a surprised grunt.
"Gon, get off!" Killua griped, pushing at Gon's face, squishing the side of his face. Gon whined but released him.
"Killua." Gon said in a more serious tone. Killua looked up to meet his gaze, Gon's eyes with a hard edge to it like dark wood. "I'm sorry you had to go through that growing up." Gon said. "They really did try to break you, and they came close." Gon breathed to make sure he didn't get any angrier. He wanted to protect Killua forever. He wanted Killua to hold on forever. "The things you went through… you didn't just come to resent your brothers through this process, but music too. I want to change that. Music was never meant to hurt, it's to help heal. It's a communication of personality and thoughts. Connections and relief. I want to make that what it is again instead of something that was used to hurt you… Will you let me help you? You have to listen to me and my training tips as much as I have to listen to you, ok?"
Killua looked at Gon long and hard, and Gon couldn't make heads or tails of it. His eyes had iced over and hid his emotions again, a poker face as he searched Gon's face. Gon hated it when Killua did that- shut him out. He wanted nothing more than for Killua to always be open to him, feel like he could be as open with him and nothing bad will ever come from it. But until then, Gon just kept that gentle determination look on his face for Killua to find his proof in. It seemed it worked because just as Killua sighed and closed his eyes, turning his face away from Gon, his eyes became liquid pools again.
"You seem to know what you're talking about… and it's not like that sounds horrible… I'm going to trust you, Gon…!" Killua said, turning back to Gon and wagging a finger. Gon lit up.
"And you won't regret it!" Gon said, voice tight with excitement. Killua sighed playfully.
"Ok!"
"Yay! First of all, you're getting way more hugs, because you need as many as you can get!" Gon said, giving Killua another hug.
"Gah! Gon! You're so annoying!"
Gon just laughed.
Killua tossed and turned around in the bed trying to get comfortable, and settled down after a moment. He felt a frustrated growl build up in the back of his throat but he did his best to hold it down as to not wake Gon.
Killua always found it hard to sleep after emotional stuff that big, plus he had that run in with Illumi earlier that day. He didn't find rest easy. He sat up carefully, Gon easily sprawled out on his large bed without making Killua uncomfortable with the lack of space. Killua found himself smiling softly down at the idiot that was slowly making his life better. How could he find a friend so amazing like Gon?
No, he had to keep reminding himself, Killua didn't find Gon, Gon found Killua. If it was up to Killua, he would have passed Gon up and continued to have a horrible crappy life hating music and his fate. Killua dragged a hand down his face and let out a careful exhale. He peaked again at Gon, finding a comfort in being able to see him right here on his bed. In his hell house. It made it more bearable. Killua smiled softly as Gon let out a snorted snore then kicked out the covers some more, turning to his side.
His smile fell a little as he once more took note of Gon's muscles, toned and stretched out over his chest. His eyes traced the length of his arm before he shook his head to snap out of it. He rubbed his face again…
He was so gay…
He just hoped he could keep that part of him under control as not to mess this up and chase Gon away. He was certain Gon wouldn't leave him if he found out but… he's sure he'd act differently… maybe. Who knows, but Killua didn't want to find out the hard way. Gon was the best thing to happen to him and he didn't want to be the reason it tanked. Killua exhaled, trying to remember any of the tricks he usually did to try and sleep, his eyes wandering the room. He could still hear the distant sounds of indistinguishable music from the other rooms in the house but… they weren't as bad to hear anymore. He looked back down at Gon. Killua had a feeling music would sound a lot sweeter from now on.
Killua ended up counting all the visible freckles on Gon's shoulders and cheeks to fall asleep, like counting sheep.
He won't admit the warm and comforting feeling of just looking at Gon's face helped put him to sleep.
Gon woke up to breakfast being shoved under his nose. He blinked blearily as he clumsily grabbed at the plate and carefully sat up, acting upon routine rather than conscious thought. He blinked at the clock to his right, trying to read the glowing numbers.
7:30?
He blinked over to the other body on his bed. Killua sat cross legged on the bed with his own plate of food.
"Hope you don't mind, but it'd be easier if we didn't sit at the table for breakfast. Less chance for others in my family to see us." He said, passing Gon a couple of utensils and a water bottle. Gon blinked once more than began rubbing at his eyes. he needed to wake up. Once he thought his eyes were pretty focused, he looked down at what was in front of him.
Eggs with chopped ham incorporated, a side of fruit and whole wheat toast. He tried to resist pouting. It's healthy but the portions are pretty small.
"Why are we up so early?" Gon decided to ask instead.
"We have work to do! We kinda lost all day yesterday and I have an agenda to keep us on if we're gonna get everything done by December. September is ending in a couple days, and we'll only have 2 months to do everything."
Gon swallowed down a spike of anxiety. What does he have to worry about now that Killua's helping him?
"Right, ok. So, up early on the weekends. Got it." Gon said, picking up the fork to start eating. And he had no problem with the idea to avoid the rest of Killua's family. Gon feels happy, halfway through the breakfast as he realizes he's eating breakfast with Killua in the quiet, private space of his bed room in the early morning light. Gon never felt so happy just to be in someone's presence... he wanted this... he was happy with Killua just like this...
Killua made sure that the coast was clear before they went downstairs. It was a little after 8, Killua assured him everyone would be done with breakfast by then and went off to their own devices.
"This way we can use the music room." Killua said, still looking about the hall with precaution. Gon nodded, feeling like he should be looking around too. They had went down the hall behind the free standing stairwell, a wider hallway than the one that leads into the foyer.
"You're house is really big..." Gon muttered.
"Yea... when you retire as the top of the opera world, you tend to want to show off your opulent wealth..." Killua muttered.
"You don't sound so happy about it... most would be happy to have a huge house like this." Gon asked carefully, wanting to investigate a bit more.
"Sure, if you're into emptiness. It's like, the largeness of the house just emphasizes how alone you are. I wouldn't mind just a small house in the future... someplace like your apartment." Killua said. Gon lit up although Killua couldn't see from behind him. He also wanted a small place in the future. He's happy Killua has the same ideals in home like as he does, it means they wouldn't clash about that in the future. Just another thing he learned about Killua they had in common. Killua turned to a room to his right, and when he opened the door, Gon saw sunlight splashing over the cream colored sun room.
"Waaah!" Gon gasped, his eyes taking in all the instruments. It was like they had every instrument in here! A large, black, sleek grand piano punctuated the middle of the room, overviewing the garden view seen through the full wall windows. There was a drum set and other percussions to one side of the large room and guitars and strings to another side.
"Amazing!" Gon cried, hopping forth and heading towards the strings. He carefully caressed a neck of one of the sleeker looking electric guitars before turning back to Killua who looked back at him with a soft look in his eyes.
"Wait! Which one is your favorite instrument?" Gon made sure to remember to ask before he forgot.
"My favorite...?" Killua parroted his question back, giving it some thought. Then he smirked easily and turned his back to Gon, pointing to the opposite end of the room. Gon leaned slightly to the right to see what Killua's was pointing at.
"Drums."
His finger guided Gon's sight to a full set of drums with snare and bass drum, tom toms, and cymbals.
"Wow... can you play me something?" Gon asked, walking over to Killua. Killua blinked, looking over at Gon.
"Play you... what? No, Gon, we don't have time for that! The goal here is to develope your primary instrument you can use for the showcase, and practice your scales and stuff with accompaniment!" Killua scolded. "We don't have all day, Gon."
"I know, I know, but I think... it'll help me focus if you do this before we start?" Gon tried with a boyish lop-sided smile. Killua blushed and turned away.
"Idiot... but you are gonna be impossible to focus if your head is on me playing... fine. A quick beat." Killua huffed like this was a burden, but he made his way over with a light step, excitement in his eyes. Gon smiled happily and waited patiently for Killua start. Killua was so easy to read sometimes.
Killua sat on the stool and plucked up the two drum sticks, twirling them mindlessly as he thought of what to play. Gon's jaw dropped as he watched Killua effortlessly maneuver the sticks with a fineness Gon would have to practice a long while before he could do.
"Ah..." Killua hummed as he thought of what the play. An eased smile graced his lips as he hovered his sticks over the drums. He tapped into his immortal internal ticking to keep his beat and launched into a lively, thundering beat of bangs and crashes.
Gon watched with wide eyes that slowly melded into an appreciative smile, his head nodding slowly while listening. This was amazing...
Killua's hands flew about with complicated and unexpected turns. Expected and usual sounds of drums were melded with other ones creating new sounds and a pattern refreshing to listen to.
Killua felt his limbs loosening and his eyes closed as he knew the position of the drum components in front of him by heart. Each successful bang on the drum brought him a sense of satisfaction, each sound and beat on time to the internal clock he set. He liberally brought his foot down on the bass drum pedal, each hitting on beat, to match his heartbeat. He loves the thump and the shake and reverberance of the whole process as his arms swung down and about and around him. Killua let a small smile on his face as he came to the climax of his beat, relishing in the music he was making. He finished out banging down on his crash symbol and let himself sit a moment to finish riding out his euphoria he gets whenever he gets really lost in his drumming. He let out a soft breath and opened his eyes only to see Gon looking at him so intensely. He almost fell off the stool in surprise.
"W-what?" Killua asked, putting the drumsticks on the tom-toms in front of him.
"Nothing, you just looked really happy. And you're really good at drums!" Gon said.
"Thanks." Killua said, happy he got some validation from Gon about his pride and joy. "I think I like drums the most because I finally get to do something with the ticking in my head. It's not the same, monotone, haunting noise. I make it something else, drown it out in the sound, dance around it and create a new beat that mutes the usual ticking... at least for a while..." Killua hummed, standing up and running a light finger across the rim of the cymbal. Gon was happy Killua had something that was like therapy for him, recover from the trauma his family put him through.
"And plus, I get to hit something." Killua shrugged. "And that's always fun." He grinned at Gon and Gon grinned brightly in return. Why was Killua always so amazing? Gon was never bored around him. He always had fun.
"Well, you got your request. Enough fooling around, let's get to training." Killua said firmly.
-o0o0o0o0o0o-
With all the possible instruments in their arsenal for use, this training time was a little more fun that the last. Killua used the piano more for the range training, playing through the octaves with nimble grace. He wanted Gon to increase his vocal range.
"It is impressive, almost as wide as mine. So we'll work to make sure you're very comfortable in whatever range you choose." He said with a hum, warming up as he spoke. Gon nodded, listening intently like a good student.
"What's the highest note you can hit?" Killua asked after a beat. Gon cleared his throat and sang out with a clear soaring pitch- Killua hit his arm.
"Ow! What was that for, Killua?" Gon cried out.
"Not in falsetto, idiot. Falsetto high notes comes from your head voice and aren't as strong as your throat or chest voice. Try again." He commanded, crossing his arms in his practiced position at the piano. Gon's head swayed side to side a bit, a little confused with the terminology, but he'll ask about it later. He clear his throat again then hummed through a couple notes in increasing pitch, tried a few open mouth vocalizations, and strained to hit a high note without falsetto. His voice crack and he coughed then chuckled a bit.
"Haha, I'm used to being able to sing higher than that!" Gon explained sheepishly.
"That's because you're used to singing in falsetto. Now I know what your real range is, we'll work on getting your high notes into a higher range." Killua said. Gon could see Killua was pleased with himself for finding new ways to help Gon, so Gon won't take it personally. He'll just need to work harder.
Gon's favorite part of the day had to be when Killua wanted to teach him an instrument.
"Alright, what instrument do you want to be your signature?" Killua asked. "You need to specialize in at least one as a World Star." Killua said with an air of elitist attitude. Gon almost cocked his head to one side, but pointed to the guitars nonetheless.
"Ok." He said. "We'll get started on learning how to play it with the basics of at least how to hold it. It's actually somewhat awkward for some of the chords." Killua said, taking out a similar guitar to Gon's Gibson. Gon blinked and opened his mouth to say something, but he was drawing a blank. Did Killua think he didn't know how to play guitar? The guitar was thrusted into his hands and he scrambled to grab it, too lost in his thoughts to have noticed Killua on his way back.
"Ok, so the dominant hand holds the neck of the guitar. I know it's kinda counter-intuitive, but your non dominant only has to strum basically, your dominant hand will be doing the majority of the manipulations and work." Killua explained. Gon bit his lip to keep the smile from spreading too far across his face.
"Yea?" Gon asked, ducking his head instead, pretending to struggle with the guitar. Killua was so cute, how could Gon just up and tell him he already knows? Killua's trying so hard. Killua sighed at seeing the inexperienced way Gon held the guitar.
"Yea." He said then moved to position himself behind Gon. Gon turned his head to try and keep Killua in his sights. Killua looked over Gon's shoulder and Gon could smell Killua's shampoo for this distance. It sent Gon's heart rate racing at the proximity.
"You place this hand, here, and you want your fingers to hold each chord…" Killua said, reaching around Gon to guide his hands into the proper place. Gon bit his lip, feeling his face warming up and moved his hands into proper position with little help.
"Yea…?" He asked lowly.
"Mhm, like that." Killua said after a brief pause. Gon seemed to pick that up quick. He held a pretty accurate hold on the guitar. "You'll want to be careful where you hold your hands because the location you put your hand on the neck will change the note…" Killua said. "Like with the A chord…" He started, but Gon placed his hands in the proper position mostly out of reflex for the A chord. Killua blinked down at that and Gon froze, pulling his lips into his mouth at the effort not to laugh. Did he just get caught?
"You… You already know how to play?" Killua asked, although, it sounded more like a statement. Yea, Gon got caught. He laughed a bit and Killua let out an embarrassed huff. "Why didn't you tell me!?" He cried, his face becoming that adorable pink.
"I'm sorry! You seemed so earnest in wanting to help me, how could I tell you no?" Gon laughed, placing the guitar to the side. "What made you think I couldn't?"
"You… you had said your dad left you the guitar, but because he wasn't there, I assumed you didn't learn from him… I thought you just had it as a memorabilia." He shrugged, trying to play off his mortification he assumed wrong.
"Oh, Killua. I want to be a World Star, but I wasn't about to depend on my dad to get me there. Everything I know is from my own strive. I learned how to play because I knew I needed to play at least that to become a star." Gon nodded. Killua listened quietly before smiling at the end.
"Very good." He coughed a bit, picking at his shirt. "...Let's review your guitar instead." Gon tried really hard not to tease him after that, but he loved making Killua blush.
"Scales and Arpeggios." Killua said, tickling the keys of the keyboard, up and down scales.
"My… hmm?" Gon asked. Killua rolled his eyes.
"Weren't you listening in class that one day in Music theory to at least know what I'm talking about?" Killua asked.
"I'm sorry! I daze out in that class often, lecture isn't my strong suit." Gon admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "If you're going to use official terms, will you at least define them for me, Killua?"
"Ok. I think you know what scales are. Arpeggios are broken chords, like this one…" Killua said, playing the C-E-G chord on the piano, then playing each chord in succession and separately. Gon gaped at the skill Killua showed. How was he so equally good at everything? Isn't there some sort of crutch for knowing so much?
"Killua… could I hear you play the piano?" Gon asked. Killua furrowed his eyebrows in confusion than transformed into one of irritation.
"Gon, we have work to do, we don't have all day for you to just 'explore' the things I can do!" Killua fumed. Gon chuckled at that. Killua sure was easy to pissed off when it comes to music.
"Killua…" Gon started off carefully, but it only made Killua more upset that Gon sounded like he was trying to explain something to a child. "Calm down first…!" Gon laughed after glancing at Killua and seeing the way he was bristling. Killua huffed, closing his eyes and taking a few calming breaths.
"Ok… I don't want you to get upset when I ask about music stuff… I know it's probably still a sensitive topic for you, but it won't get better if you keep making it a problem. When I, or anyone for that matter, asks you for music related stuff…" Gon bit his lip as he tried to think of the best way to put this. He was never good with words. "Try not to resent it. Don't let it be a burden… don't snap at the person for asking in the first place. What I asked was something brief and quick, it wouldn't take long. It should be something fun, and you can use it to translate something about yourself. It can be something personal to help the other understand something, or a memory. It will help you enjoy music a little better if you remember it's communication. It's a community and it's ours. So we should enjoy it, ok?" Gon finished, looking back up at Killua. Killua looked on at Gon with bright and admiring eyes. Gon made sure not to sound condescending or scolding… it was with understanding and no judgement, just to help. And the message he told… it was what Killua longed and wanted for the longest time? Couldn't he try? Isn't this why he kept Gon around? To help him love music again?
It'll require a little change and being a bit more vulnerable than he's used to but he's willing to take the risks to love music again.
"Ok…." He hummed. He positioned his hands over the keys. Gon lit up and excitedly placed his arms over the top board lid of the piano, leaning in anticipation. He was happy Killua took his advice seriously and received it well. He hoped this only worked to help Killua throughout his years at Musica Academy. Killua let out a breath and closed his eyes to think. Ok, his emotions in his playing? Alright, he wanted to show off his skills to Gon a bit; he found himself wanting to impress the bright boy more and more these days. But… A faint memory brushed against the back of his eyes. He wanted to play something near to his heart… something he used to play for his special little sister in his life… She loved it, loved the meanings behind the words and always did her best to sing along…
HIs fingers flew along the ivory keys, his hands falling into a familiar pattern. Gon's eyes squinted as he listened the familiar notes and then lit up as he recognized the beautiful melancholy notes as the beginning of Alicia Keys's If I Ain't Got You. Gon looked up at Killua and his heart almost broke at the beautifully painful look on Killua's face, his closed eyes letting his eyelash rest against his cheeks in stark contrast. Vocalizations began spilling like honey from the back of Killua's throat, his humming mesmerizing Gon with the beauty. Gon closed his eyes, immersing himself in the picture Killua was painting behind the music. It was sad but held value. This was important to him.
"Mhhh… Some people live for the fortune… some people live just for the fame. Some people live for the power, yea, some people live just to play the game." Killua sung with a voice laden with emotion. Gon could barely pick out a specific emotion from the mix.
"Some people think that the physical things define… what's within… and I've been there before… But that life's a bore. So full of the superficial…!"
Gon finally understood from how deeply he sung the songs that Killua didn't highly prize or enjoy the life of the rich and ease. At least not at the price it came with. Killua finally opened his eyes as he watched his own hands play.
"Some people want it all! But I don't want nothing at all! If it ain't you baby, If I ain't got you baby!" Killua looked over at Gon and suddenly felt how heavy Gon's gaze was on him. "Some people want diamond rings, some just want everything…!" He was suddenly very aware of the words coming out his mouth and felt his face heat up. He was tripping over the words towards the end of the chorus and his fingers had trouble hitting the right keys of the piano. "But everything means nothing… I-if I ain't got yoo- ok!" Killua said, standing up suddenly, his face red.
"Thanks, Gon, that sure was a trip, I really appreciate the advice, but let's get to work now." Killua said, stumbling to get his suddenly lanky legs on the other side of the piano seat.
"W-what? B-but Killua, you were just..!" Gon stuttered, confused as to why Killua suddenly stopped. He knows Killua was messing up a bit, but that was no reason to stop. "I was really enjoying your singing just now…!"
"Yea, and I need to get you to that level now. C'mon." He snapped. He caught himself, and turned back to Gon. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get upset." He muttered, rubbing his arm. "Let's just… we have a lot to do." Killua said, gesturing to the room. Gon smiled understandingly.
"Ok, you're right." Gon said and hopped off.
Gon was able to see the room get painted in different lights and shadows as the sun went down outside and then the fluorescent lights came on automatically when it was dark enough, surprising Gon. But it made Killua laugh, so he didn't mind too badly.
They were doing a great job running through yesterday's lessons when Killua's phone went off with an alarm. Gon looked up from the guitar in his hands to see Killua dismissing it, a frown on his face.
"It's like whenever we get into a good groove, it's time to stop." He huffed. Gon's eyebrows raised.
"Stop? Why, what for?" He asked.
"It's 10, Gon, I think you have to go home before your aunt blows a fuse." Killua chuckled. Gon bit his lip, he had no idea it had gotten so late.
"Alright…" Gon sighed, getting up and putting down the fancy guitar. It played and sounded like a dream but he prefers his own guitar, he felt like he had a better grip on it.
"So, homework." Killua said standing up with him.
"Again?" Gon whined slightly. Killua rolled his eyes.
"Yes. We're almost done with basics review and mastery, so what I want you to start to do is write song lyrics." Killua said.
Gon nodded slowly, that'll be easy enough, he does that all the time. They don't always make sense or gets used but-
"I want 2 complete songs by the end of every week. After 2 weeks of that, I want 2 complete song lyrics every day." Killua said. Gon blinked with wide eyes at his best friend.
"You… what!? 2 sets of song lyrics?!"
"Yea, with a theme and make sense. You don't have to put them to melody or music yet. Just lyrics for now." Killua said.
"But Killua, that's hard…!" Gon whined, following after Killua as he walked to the exit of the instrument room.
"I know, just imagine how much harder that's going to be if you had to start closer to the date of the showcase. Listen, as you keep writing and finding out about all the song topics you could write about, it gets easier. Lyrics will come and flow easier to you once you practice all the time. This way, by the time we get to the point where you need to start composing and arranging your showcase piece, writing possible lyrics will be easy. Got it?" Killua asked, turning to Gon as they reached the front door. Gon sighed.
"So, I need to give you 2 different lyrics sets by this Saturday?" Gon asked, sighing into the fall air, wisps of condensation coming out in the process.
"Mhh.. let's make it Friday." Killua said.
"Killua!" Gon protested in loud cry and Killua had to laugh.
"You can do it. Get home safe, ok?" He said. Gon begrudgingly smiled.
"Alright. Good night, Killua."
"Night, Gon."
Gon was happy with the way the day was going, considering the bad reps Mondays get. In both of his classes before lunch, everything was clicking alot faster than it usually took, he was understanding things better than before.
In Music theory, when Wing began explaining terminology, Gon understood what it was because he had already done and mastered half of them! He just didn't know what they were called. He was always so excited whenever he figured out he was already familiar with something, he couldn't help but turn around and express his excitement at Killua. Killua was always so nice about it, sharing a bit of his enthusiasm and praising Gon for knowing too. It was a bit patronizing, but he didn't care. Killua was kind enough to be excited with him rather than brush him off… it was impressive that Killua never did brush him off at all everytime Gon did this because Gon did turn and gush at Killua throughout almost the whole class.
Then during Vocal Training, Kite made a secret quiz to test if people remembered their singing stance in both sitting and standing. Gon had fell into both when it was his turn without even realizing it because it felt natural after getting it drilled in by Killua during the weekend. When Kite explained the secret quiz and who passed and who failed, Kite pointed out Gon to congratulate him on his progress. Gon had to turn and beam at Killua who was already looking over at Gon and beamed back.
This was amazing! Killua was so amazing, he did so much to help him and it was affecting all his classes, not just the showcase. He was happy.
After lunch was Harmony 202. Killua and Gon was walking in with Ponzu. Killua and Gon were arguing about something that they were talking about at lunch when Ponzu gasped loudly and ran past the two teens.
"Baby!" Ponzu cried out. Killua and Gon turned their attention to who it was she was running towards. Pokkle was there with open arms to receive her.
"Woah, Pokkle's in this class now? Why?" Gon asked.
"It's normal for kids to be moved around classes depending on teacher's notes. Sometimes it's not because they were bad or disruptive, but the teaching style wasn't helpful to the student. The goal of the school is, after all, to best teach the students to be World Stars. No expense is too small, not even constant movement." Killua explained as he walked up to the two teens cuddling. Killua was still a bit sore about Friday, and Pokkle seemed to sense that as Killua walked over, and tried not to look over in his direction.
"While that is true, I have never been moved myself. I was quite surprised when my harmony teacher moved me." A smooth voice to the boy's left said. They turned and Gon lit up.
"Kurapika!" Gon cried, hopping over and lifting the lithe boy in a bear hug. Kurapika wheezed out a laugh.
"G-Gon! I understand you may be happy at my presence, but I doubt this is very appropriate." He said, easing out of the hug. Gon laughed sheepishly, putting his hand behind his head and sticking out his tongue slightly once Kurapika was down.
"Hey, what's up?" Killua said, standing awkwardly to Gon's right. Kurapika met Killua's eyes before inclining his head towards him.
"Hello to you too."
"This is great, we have more friends in our classes now! Right, Killua?" Gon asked turning to him. Killua turned his head as Gon turned to Killua, his eyes fixed on the floor.
"Whatever." He said, then promptly made his way to the back of the room.
"Ah…" Gon whined slightly, watching Killua's retreating back.
"Don't worry, Gon. I'm sure he's just hitting one of his moods." Kurapika said reasonably. "No need to worry, he'll get over it soon."
"Killua doesn't just get moods. Something's wrong… I'm gonna go, I hope you enjoy class, Pika, I really like it!" Gon said, moving past him to sit with Killua. Kurapika shrugged. He wanted to sit with the tanned teen, but the back of the classroom wasn't his preferred seat, so he moved to sit closer to the front. Gon eased into the seat next to Killua.
"Hey, Kill, what's wrong?" Gon asked in a soft voice. Killua was fiddling with his phone and looked like he was trying to queue up some music to play.
"Nothing's wrong." He said with clipped words. Gon rolled his eyes.
"Seriously? You expect me to believe that?" Gon asked, trying to catch Killua's eyes. Killua then actively began trying to avoid it.
"It's nothing!" He insisted, finally meeting Gon's eyes to firmly deny a problem, his eyes frosted over in its resolve. Gon met his with just as much fiery intensity.
"You know you can tell me. I thought this past weekend proved that." He said with a steady voice. The mask on Killua cracked slightly, his lips parted and his eyebrows furrowed in the slightest, but then he looked away quickly.
"It's… stupid. These people… they're not my friends. I don't know them, they're your friends. Some of them just pretend to be my friends again for the benefit-" Killua said.
"Pokkle didn't mean it like that-" Gon tried.
"Like hell you can speak for him!" Killua snapped, as the teacher came in, calling the class to attention. It was quieter and Killua licked his lips, flashing his gaze over the class but just lowered his voice, making sure to keep an ear to what Mrs. Richette was saying. "Are you just too honest and naive to think for just one second that he might be saying that stuff as an excuse? That he says that stuff to be let off the hook? You think people can't be that evil and manipulative to use lies to get what they want?" Killua whispered with intensity, having to lean closer to Gon so could hear. Gon felt his heart break at what Killua said but also to what Gon was about to say.
"You sound just like Illumi." Gon tried to keep his voice leveled as it threatened to shake. Killua widened his eyes as the color of his eyes became as expansive as the cosmos. Gon knew what that would do to him, and Gon hated making Killua feel anything close to that. But listening to him say that, to think he believes that, to think Illumi got through to him with what he preaches… it hurt Gon more.
Killua was amazing. And he helped Gon in more ways than Killua will ever know, maybe even in more ways than Gon would be able to tell. So that why he wants to help Killua that much more. He deserves to be as happy as he makes those around him, to feel joy and not have to be paranoid or feel this way about music and singing! The music community could be amazing if one immerse themselves in it and really connect. That's what Gon wants to teach to the school. And Killua was his personal project.
"Killua." Gon said, taking Killua's hands. His unfocused eyes finally came back into clarity as he looked at Gon, his eyes a beautiful blue, almost purple away from the light. "What I mean to say is… you don't mean that. You didn't mean anything you were saying. Illumi put those thoughts and opinions in your head without ever giving you a chance to mold your own. So now, only the things that support what Illumi told you is what sticks out and sticks with you the most. I want you to try and fight that. Don't let him determine how you see others and their approach to music. Explore and make your own judgements. Make new connections and new friends. Ok?" Gon asked. Killua nodded slowly, his hands tightening on Gon's slowly as though trying to keep hold of a lifeline.
"Ok, so now that I've introduced it, I was thinking we could put it into practice." The teacher's musically inclined voice resonated back into the boy's hearing. "I want to do 3 part harmony projects. You'll need 2 other partners, and seeing as we got 2 new students today, it'll just be about perfect, 7 groups of 3! With harmonizing, you should always try to connect and look at the other's you're singing with. You need to be able to see and judge just based off the smallest cues how you should sing the next notes. Of course this is easier with 2 people, which is why I assigned 3, so I can challenge your guy's ability to read your partners and make beautiful music! It's about listening and complimenting each other's notes." She said. Killua was sighing by Gon's side.
"Alright, so we need one more person to do this assignment with…" Killua hummed. Gon smiled, he was happy Killua was actually going to do this assignment because he asked to start singing and enjoying class… but…
"What do you mean, Killua? You need 2 other people to sing with for a 3 part harmony." He said innocently. Killua looked over at Gon and blinked once.
"What?"
"Killua, I think this is a good opportunity for you to make connections with other people. Music is a really powerful tool to make connections. It can surprise you how singing with someone else can tell you things of the other person."
Killua just squinted at Gon.
"Are you saying you're not gonna sing with me?" He asked.
"Killu- come on , you weren't listening. Please, go sing with other people so you can make connections and make your own judgment of the world. Alright?" Gon asked. Killua blushed as he looked out at the crowd of students jumping up to get partners. He knew he could get whoever he wanted if he just asked, but he knew no one was going to come up to him, too afraid he'd say no and give them a cold shoulder. It was embarrassing and humiliating to have to ask someone. He was actually hoping Gon would do it for him.
Maybe that was the problem and why he had to do it. It shouldn't be this hard. Gon had his own problems when it came to music, but Killua had just as many, although different.
Well, Gon was his teacher when it came to these kind of things, and this was an assignment so…
He got up, putting his hands deep in his pockets and his shoulders by his ears as he began shuffling like some loser in the crowd, not really meeting anyone's eyes. Just taking a nice stroll-
"Killua!" Gon laughed suddenly at his side.
"W-what!? Gon, what?" Killua asked, already way too embarrassed about this.
"You look so uncomfortable! C'mon, relax. Put your shoulders down and take your hands out your pockets." Gon said, hands flying over his posture to fix, leaving warm traces at the contact. The warmth helped Killua stop being so tense and he let out a huff.
"This is embarrassing Gon." He muttered. Gon looked up at that.
"Why?" He asked.
"T-this…" He stuttered, he wasn't really expecting to have to explain. "It's… no one expects me to be going around like some… normal person to ask to sing with someone who doesn't match my level." He said, looking down. Gon bit the inside of his cheek and stood straighter.
"Well, I think once you get past your pride… this whole school year will be easier." Gon said.
"My pri- ?!" Killua started in a huff.
"Yes, Killua. You're embarrassed because your too prideful. You still think you're above everyone, so it hurts your pride to have to ask someone 'beneath' you. But if you have to ask someone and show you're on some… more equal level, people will be more receptive to you, and you won't feel so isolated and you can finally enjoy the music community I was talking about!" Gon explained. Killua pouted. Why was Gon so much better at this than him?
"Ooookkk." He bemoaned.
"Good, now try again. Go." Gon said with a nice enough smile but Killua sneered back. He turned around again and let out a breath. Ok… no one's beneath you Killua. Just… ask. His eyes fell on Kurapika. He remembered he was the one Gon wanted to try and teach someone similarly. He also seemed interesting, not as interesting as Gon, but Killua at least knows he sings good. A couple people was already around him but… He walked over and slipped between the lines of people giving their case for Kurapika to sing with them.
"Hey, Kurapika." He started, those around him quieting down. "Er… wanna be my partner?" He rubbed the back of his head, feeling his face burn. Kurapika looked on with wide eyes and so did the others around him and Killua wanted to die right there. Preferably with a funny choking noise so he could at least hear Gon's laugh one more time before he died. But then Kurapika's eyes were softening before he said:
"Of course, Killua." He got up, ready to move.
"Ah, seriously?" Killua asked with a growing smile, his flush receding. His chest felt lighter and he felt accomplished and happy. This was great, no wonder people did it. Kurapika nodded again as the others moved away grumbling.
"Yes, I'd love to be one of your partners. And I assume the other one will be Gon?" He asked. Killua deflated.
"No." He said grumpily. "He said I had to get my own partners and make my own connections…" He grumbled. Kurapika looked surprised then hide a soft light chuckle behind his hand.
"That's just like him. He was saying something similar to me before. Alright. Then who were you thinking for the last partner?" He asked. Killua looked down at Kurapika's shirt in thought. But he noticed Kurapika looking over his shoulder. Killua turned around curiously only to find Pokkle standing behind him. Killua gaped at him, surprised and somewhat upset, before his eyes went to the two people standing nearby behind Pokkle, Gon and Ponzu, looking over with wide grins while they hunched over a desk. Killua frowned, focusing back on Pokkle as he started talking.
"H-hey… Killua. Er, if you didn't already… have a third partner, I was hoping…" He said, his sentence falling off as he continued. He was already expecting rejection. And Killua should give it to him! But… He wasn't going to let his connections be severed before he had a chance to make it.
"Y… yea. You can work with us." Killua muttered, feeling embarrassed again. Pokkle lit up.
"Seriously?!" He exclaimed. Gon and Ponzu gave each other a fist bump and Killua rolled his eyes as a small smile grew on his face.
"Yea." He said with a stronger voice this time. He's not better than him, or anyone. This was a community in which people sang together. And he wants to join in and sing. Besides, Pokkle was in that a cappella group that basically specialized in harmony. He shouldn't be a bother, at least. "Let's go back to the bean bags before everyone else steals them." He said and rushed towards the back of the classroom and the other two followed.
-o0o0o0o0oo0o-
Killua stepped up to the front of the room with Pika on his left and Pokkle to his right. He was actually pretty nervous, he was wondering how this would go down. He was wondering if he could do this right. Gon was with Ponzu and some other rando he didn't know yet, but he was still giving thumbs up and mouthing good luck from his seat.
"Alright, I'm so happy to see Killua decided to join in the activity!" Mrs. Richette said, to which Killua (with alot of effort) decided not to comment on. "Well then, what song are you singing and which harmony parts are each of you taking?" She said, putting her pen to her page in front of her.
"We're singing 'On Top of the World' by imagine dragons. I'm taking the lower harmony." Kurapika said.
"I'm taking upper harmony." Killua said and some people in the class began murmuring. Wasn't he always melody? Why was he taking harmony? Killua bit his lip but wouldn't let them sway him. This wasn't a recording session at home. He can sing what he wants. He looked at Gon to keep himself grounded. Gon nodded back his approval.
"And I'm singing melody." Pokkle said.
"Alright! Please arrange yourselves as so! Pokkle will be in the middle." She instructed and Killua moved to the side away from center, although feeling the classes' eyes still follow his movements.
"Alright, whenever you're ready!" She said. Killua exhaled slowly then began tapping a beat on his thigh with his hand. Pokkle joined with foot tapping then Kurapika started to whistle the beginning of their song, quite masterfully. He hit all the notes and beats well, hard to do with whistling sometimes in one go.
"If you love somebody Better tell them while they're here 'cause they just may run away from you! " Pokkle started, some of his fans whooping and cheering as he began. Killua didn't realize how good Pokkle could sound when performing.
" You'll never know quite when, well then again it just depends on how long of time is left for you! I've had the highest mountains, I've had the deepest rivers, You can have it all but life keeps moving…!" Kurapika stopped whistling and they all inhaled as they launched into a perfect, smooth and beautiful 3 part harmony.
" I take it in but don't look down…!" Everyone in the class erupted into cheers at the sound and the ones performing had to smile, relishing in the familiar feeling of bringing joy to others using music.
" 'Cause I'm on top of the world, ya! I'm on top of the world, ya! Waiting on this for a while now, Paying my dues to the dirt!" Killua carefully looked over to Kurapika and Pokkle as they looked at him too, making sure to read their head and hand movements to know what note they're leaning towards next and to compensate for it. He listened carefully to the melody Pokkle was singing to tailor his notes to it. He couldn't help the growing smile at the accomplished notes and harmony they were making. It was his favorite sounds and his favorite music to make.
"I've been waiting to smile, ya! Been holding it in for a while, ya! Take you with me if I can! Been dreaming of this since a child… I'm on top of the world."
Killua and Kurapika fell off again to let Pokkle sing himself, Killua going back to tapping out the beat on his thigh and Kurapika whistling, each of them starting to get into a groove in front of their small audience.
"I've tried to cut these corners, Try to take the easy way out. I kept on falling short of something!
I coulda gave up then, but then again I couldn't have 'cause I've traveled all this way for something!" Killua's eyes alight with excitement, he launched into the harmony again. The crowd held their breath to listen the more intently.
"I take it in but don't look down…! 'Cause I'm on top of the world, ya! I'm on top of the world, ya! Waiting on this for a while now! Paying my dues to the dirt. I've been waiting to smile, ya! Been holding it in for a while, ya! Take you with me if I can! Been dreaming of this since a child! I'm on top of the world."
The three of them broke off into different harmony 'oohs' and everyone snapped and whooped at the beautiful noises and musically composed masterpiece. The three kept effective eye contact to read off each other's body language and voices and went right back into singing words easily once they were all ready. It was weird to be this in sync with others who weren't trying to control you.
"'Cause I'm on top of the world, ya! I'm on top of the world, ya! Waiting on this for a while now, Paying my dues to the dirt! I've been waiting to smile, ya! Been holding it in for a while, ya! Take you with me if I can! Been dreaming of this since a child…
"And I know it's hard when you're falling down, And it's a long way up when you hit the ground, Get up now, get up, get up now!" Most students were jamming out a bit in their seats, even the teacher. They didn't know even Killua just being harmony was great too. And he was singing in the first place! This school year was looking up!
"And I know it's hard when you're falling down And it's a long way up when you hit the ground, Get up now, get up, get up now…
"'Cause I'm on top of the world, ya! I'm on top of the world, ya! Waiting on this for a while now… Paying my dues to the dirt! I've been waiting to smile, ya! Been holding it in for a while, ya! Take you with me if I can… Been dreaming of this since a child…
I'm on top of the world! "
Killua giggled by the end of it, looking over at Gon who stood up to applaud like a proud parent at an elementary recital among the other applauding students. It might have been a little patronizing, but that was ok. It made Killua feel proud of himself too. He had fun, this was fun. He was so thankful to Gon.
When Killua was going back over to sit and the next group was going up to set up and sing, Pokkle went over and caught his arm.
"Hey, Killua, I-... I feel like Friday was a mess and I didn't really get a chance to talk to you to sort it out properly. I'm sorry about that, I was just really excited, I thought that maybe this meant that you would be more open for friends more so than singing for others, and I just messed everything up and I-"
"Pokkkle, I-" Killua started with a sigh. Pokkle bit his lip, apprehension gnawing at the pit of his gut. "It's… ok." He said. Pokkle blinked.
"Wait, seriously?" Pokkle asked. Killua let a smile grow on his face.
"Yea, don't worry about it." He nodded.
"So… we're cool?" He asked. Killua thought back to what they just did on stage and how great it felt, and how he actually learned some stuff from Pokkle during practice, and that… he didn't want to lose that over some preconceived notion shaped by his brother.
"Yea, we're cool." Killua chuckled going to sit by Gon.
"Yea!" Pokkle cheered then turned to sit with Ponzu and tell her all about how Killua forgave him.
"Good job Killua…" Gon hummed happily. Killua shrugged, embarrassed again.
"No big deal. I just made some new connections." He muttered as Kurapika sat by his side, since their sitting closer to the front. Gon smiled, so happy his friends were all friends again! He sat forward to listen to the next group's presentation.
"Alright, Baise…" Silva said through the music booth's microphone to get his charge's attention. She looked up from her music sheet and microphone in front of her for a moment once she heard her boss's voice come through her headphones.
"Yes, sir?" She asked.
"I heard… it was somebody's birthday! I have a gift for you. You seemed to have been working so hard these past couple of months to get your album out, you might have forgotten to celebrate it." He chuckled good naturedly. Baise blinked once in surprise then covered her mouth with a gasp.
"Mr. Zoldyck, you didn't have to. Just being able to work under the Zoldyck label is enough for me..." She said. Silva shook his head.
"Nonsense, everyone should take a break every now and then." He said, pulling up a small gift bag with her name attached for her to see through the glass.
"Thank you, sir..." She hummed happily. But then her eyebrows scrunched slightly. "But... if there's anyone who works harder than any of us on your label, sir, its... you. You don't seem to leave the studio very often. And don't you have 5 kids at home? When do you have time to see them?" She asked. Silva gave pause, getting a pensive look in his eyes. Baise brought a nail to his lips to chew, nervous she may have said the wrong thing, crossed a line.
Silva let out a sigh, and looked down at the control panel that has often become his everyday view. Maybe she was right. He felt like he was drowning himself in work and kept away from home ever since that one day at Killua's debut concert; running away from the guilt from the whole ordeal and the aftermath. He didn't want to face all he failed, his children and wife. But maybe this was no better. Owning up to his mistake would be a better way about this situation than running, so that maybe he could one day look them in the eyes, forgiven.
He looked to his left at his planner he kept for the Zoldyck label. Even if he decided to go back home, he still made a lot of promises to people that needs to be kept before hand. He couldn't just brush them off. He at least had to complete his past promises made before he could do that. That was months and dozens of projects to get done. But at least he had the mind to start getting better. It's a first step.
"You're right Baise... I should see them more often. Thank you for reminding me I don't have an obligation to the label only..." It was easy to forget his family here. "I'll see to it I can see them more regularly. Happy birthday again." He smiled. Baise smiled easier now that he had said that, she felt better knowing she didn't say something wrong.
"Thank you sir."
"Let's do line 23 again." He said.
"Yes sir."
"You were amazing!" Gon gushed all the way to the last period of Physical training. Killua rubbed the back of this neck, but didn't mind the ego boost Gon was feeding him.
"I wasn't that amazing! Half of it was Pokkle and Kurapika." Killua said. "Actually most of it!"
"Killua, no way… are you actually praising other people?! " Gon asked with a playful gasp. Killua laughed as he pushed Gon to the side. "Shut up." Gon joined him in laughter when Bisky's voice cut them off.
"Gon!" She shouted. Both teens straightened and turned to her. "Netero wants to see you in his office. You're excused." She said. Killua blinked and turned to Gon.
"Netero wants to see you? What for? What did you do?" Killua asked.
"Nothing! I mean… I don't think… it might not even be anything bad, Killua, calm down." Gon said, although he was worrying himself on the inside. Darn all those movies that put a bad connotation of being called to the principal's… "I'll see you later, ok?" Gon asked.
"Yea… after school at my place." Killua nodded.
"I might see you earlier than that." Gon winked and skipped off into a jog. Killua frowned as he watched Gon go. He turned back around to see Kurapika standing off by himself so he went to go stand by him and be broody too. Killua actually found out Kurapika does tutoring on Wednesdays too, for history.
Gon reached Netero's office soon after he left the gym and knocked first this time, he learned.
"Netero? You wanted to see me?" Gon asked, poking his head in.
"Ah, yes Gon, c'min, c'min!" Netero called. Gon came inside with less fear, there didn't seem to be anything wrong, Netero wasn't calling with any grave voice. "I hope you don't resent me for taking you away from classes, Gon. I just know from our last meeting that you wanted your flash concert to be a secret. And for that to happen, since after school you go off with Killua, you would need some time to get away and discuss more details." Netero said.
"W- how did you know I go with Killua after school…?" Gon asked.
"What? I'm the principal, I'm allowed to have some secrets!" He chuckled an ohoho laugh. Gon sweatdropped and laughed weakly along.
"Well, ok, sure! This is perfect! I actually know when I want to do it, and it's gonna be sooner rather than later. This Wednesday, after school."
"After… but that's the tutoring hour." Netero said.
"I know, but not everyone goes to get tutored. Some just goes home. So if I put up some posters, those with the free extra hour can come."
"But it's kinda short notice…? Some people have plans in place." Netero said.
"And some people don't have plans. I'm also depending on social media to help with this movement, so even those that don't make it can see it someway." Gon said. Netero held his head as he laughed again.
"It seems like everytime I say a possible obstacle, you have the answer. Ok, Gon. I'll trust you. What do you want on your posters?" He asked pulling out papers to write notes for Cheadle.
"Nothing." Gon smiled. Netero's eyes bulged out of his head and threw his head back in laughter. Gon always knew how to surprise him. What will he say next?
"Nothing?" Netero asked to clarify.
"Well, nothing specific. I want it to be really mysterious, anyone who really wants to come and find out what it is will come. Nothing but some colors and the date and time. Maybe some question marks." Gon said. Netero wrote it down.
"Ok, ok. And what about the venue?" He asked.
"The auditorium!" Gon said like it was obvious.
"I'm sorry Gon, I can't give you that big of a place. Your turn out might be too small. We have auxiliary performance rooms that are like small concert areas you could use."
"Wow, you have things like that?" Gon asked.
"Of course! We're a performance school, what kind of academy would we be if we only had one suitable performance area?" He asked, then began writing it down. "And I'll add the location to the poster. And what about practice time?"
"I won't need to practice. I'll just sing from the feeling." Gon said. He kinda had to sacrifice on that anyway, the time window was too small to fit in rehearsal.
"Wow, ok Gon. Who do you want on the prep committee? Stage hands? Make-up? All that?" Gon turned sheepish at the question.
"Well… to keep it as tight lipped as possible… I was hoping… no one?" He chuckled a bit.
"What? Gon, you cannot run this whole operation by yourself." Netero said. Gon sounded crazier than him! "Someone has to do your make-up, and play the music and account for malfunctions during performance, since you don't even plan on rehearsing-" Netero began.
"No, no, no. All that stuff is too professional anyway, I want it to be really rustic and not very grand. Intimate and homemade feel. I can do sound check a couple hours before the performance, I can do my own make-up, I have been the past couple of years. I don't need curtains opened and closed, or a band or anything. I just need my guitar, a mic, and a stage. You forget, Netero, I've been running my own operation for years." Gon said. Netero held down an impressed smile.
"You sure you'll be able to reach through to the hearts of the students if it's nothing fancy?"
"If they need it to be fancy, they're not the ones I'm trying to reach right now." Gon answered back. Netero finally laughed.
"Fine, fine. No one on board. How will you distribute the posters?"
"Myself. I'll… come early the next two mornings and put up posters. And some during lunch. I'll do the sound check during lunch on Wednesday." Gon said, his eyes darting across Netero's desk as he planned it out in his head. Netero nodded as he wrote things down.
"Ok. Just… one more thing." He said. Gon looked up to meet his eyes.
"I think Cheadle will be a great assistant for you during this time. I know you want and are very confident in doing this on your own, but it's very stressful in the midst of everything else you're doing. She could at least take the load off somewhat and she wouldn't tell another soul. You'd have a phantom assistant." Netero offered. Gon bit his lip knowing how much work Netero usually puts on her and didn't really want to add anymore on her.
"I dunno…" Gon muttered. "It's fine if I do it myself."
"Gon… I'm asking as a friend." He tried again. Gon sighed.
"Ok. I'll ask her. But if she says no, she doesn't have to!" Gon said. Netero nodded.
"Fair enough."
When Gon and Netero brought Cheadle in to talk about it, she completely supported what Gon wanted to do and was on board. She was a little peeved when Netero said this didn't mean she was exempted from her usual duties but Gon assuring he could do as much of it as possible just made her want to help this earnest little sunshine boy more.
Gon stayed the rest of the period to talk of poster design, theme, and outfits and had to go when the bell was ringing. He knew he had to keep it secret from Killua most of all. That's why he scheduled it during the tutoring hour. Killua won't be curious enough to want to go and with a previous engagement, he didn't have any incentive to. They went home together and practiced some more even though Gon seemed a little distracted. Then Gon asked Killua if they could jog separately to school the next day. Killua was a little suspicious but gave him the O.K.!
That morning he met up with Cheadle, his guitar in tow, so that she could adjust the acoustics of the performance room to the sounds (and also give Gon a tour of the small, personal room which he approved of greatly!) then they went to hang posters around. Gon liked it because he felt like a spy, having to put it up without being seen like a rebel leader. Well, it wasn't that far off, rebellion was the theme of the flash concert. To go against the norms of what defined how music should be done in this age. His outfit they coordinated reflected that: it was black cargo pants and a black muscle tee, a bandana around his upper arm and black combat boots, one fingerless glove on the arm without the bandana. Gon also gave her the music itinerary for the concert and she told him how the lighting will look and the blocking of the moves.
After school that day after more practice with Killua, even though it was late, he was feeling too antsy and excited about the concert the next day to sleep (something that happened often before any concert he held). He rehearsed his songs some, going through them 3 times before finally getting to sleep early morning.
It was finally Wednesday, day of the concert, and Gon had sneaked away from lunch to put up some last minute posters. Throughout the past couple days he's heard the school abuzz with rumors of the weird event most haughty students weren't planning on wasting their time on. But he also heard some students too curious not to go. He was worried about the number of attendees to the event, but he can't worry about that now, he can only do.
"Gon, what are you doing?" Killua asked with a cocked eyebrow. Gon jumped and twisted around urgently, plastering his body against the wall and the poster he was putting up.
"HUH?!" He chuckled, a forced smile placed on his face to try and avoid suspicion. Killua took his hands out his pockets to fold his arms. His cat eyes scanning over Gon for any clues as to the real answer.
"Gon…" Killua started innocently enough. "Could you come over here a second?" Gon sweatdropped but shook his head no. "Ah? Why?" Killua scoffed.
"Because I just remembered… Killua, that, you're late!" Gon made up.
"Late? Late for what?" Killua asked, a laugh tinting his voice from Gon's bad lying.
"You have to go, Killua, no times for questions, quickly, go!" Gon pointed off, hoping Killua would just go and spare him. Killua threw his head back in a laugh.
"Gon…!" Killua tried, his voice lost to his laughter.
"No! Go!" Gon said again. Killua shrugged with an eased smile.
"Ok, ok, I'm going." He said, taking his phone out. He may just hang out with Kurapika until Gon got over whatever it was he was doing. He raised an eyebrow as he spotted a poster on the hallway wall. A dark purple fade to black design with a bunch of question marks on it and a mysterious date for that Wednesday after school. Killua huffed dismissively as he passed it. Whatever it was, he couldn't go anyways because it was during his tutoring hours. Maybe he could suggest Gon could go to it so he can tell him about it later and Gon could have something to do while he waited for Killua after school. But he won't worry about it.
After school, Gon tried his best not to hop around and move with anticipation pumping through his veins as he walked Killua to the library. He was super excited about heading to the performance room and starting the concert. But until then, he tried his best to listen to what Killua was saying, moving at what felt like a snail's pace because he wanted to run.
"... So, if you have time, listen to your scales with the sharps and flats." He was saying.
"Mhm." Gon hummed.
"Also… there seemed to be some weird event after school today… I didn't know if you wanted to go to that? Something you could do if you get too bored waiting for me?" Killua asked turning to face Gon as they reached the library. Gon paused then a smile stretched over his lips.
"Aw, Killua, you were worried about my boredom!"
"S-stupid, that's because you have to attention span on a fish! Shut up, go or don't go, I don't care. Geez…" Killua exclaimed, face red and turning into the library.
"Bye, Killua, I'll see you later!" Gon said and waited two beats before sprinting off down the hall. He got the the performance room, some students already sitting inside filling the air with curious and excited murmurs. The room was dark, the only light source coming from the spot light on the black curtains up on stage, but he could still see it wasn't as many as Gon was hoping for but he's sure more will be on their way. He ran up the side steps to backstage in the cover of darkness.
"There you are, Gon!" Cheadle exclaimed, her black shirt on and her hair in a messy ponytail. She looked stressed.
"Don't you look good?" He smirked, flicking her ponytail to one side.
"Don't start with me, Freecs." She chuckled. "Hurry and get dressed. And do a sound check while there's still not a lot of people out there." She said, getting a mic ready. Gon ran to the back dressing room and hurried out of his normal clothes to the concert outfit. He loved the rush and prep of concerts, it was so official and fun and stressing in a good way that you know it will have all been worth it when it's over. He came out to Cheadle strapping the mic mouthpiece over his ears and positioned by his mouth. She pressed a button on his waist and told him to sound check.
"Check, check, 1,2, do re mi…~" Gon hummed out, the sound coming out clear and over the speakers. The crowd in the room let out "whoo"s as they felt that the festivities would be starting soon, and Gon let out a chuckle. This was gonna be so fun! He moved closer to the sides where Cheadle showed him where his guitar would be on stage right, the stand in which she would control the lights and where he could go in case of emergencies.
"Alright, whoo. Got it." Gon nodded, trying to retain all the information. Man, after this, Gon's gonna need Killua to drill him on memory. Suddenly, Cheadle was in front of him.
"This… this is amazing... what you're doing, Gon." Cheadle said, her hands flitting over Gon's outfit to make sure it looked presentable for show.
"Thanks, Cheadle." Gon flashed a lopsided smile at the shorter lady in front of him. He felt his heart rate speeding up, a usual sign before he performs, and he reminded himself to slow his breathing. He heard the crowd, just on the other side of the stage's undrawn curtains, their murmurs reaching a fever pitch laced with anticipation and curiosity. They were ready for him, and Gon was ready to do the thing he loved best.
He made another sound check with his mouthpiece and let out a few more warm ups that Killua taught him, and he was ready.
"Ok, Cheadle. You can go ahead." Gon gave her the O.K. as he trotted onto the stage.
"Mh. Good luck, Gon." Cheadle said, her eyes shining from the brightness that was Gon. The crowd was curious and restless, talking over each other in a giant mass of words, trying to guess what this was. There wasn't as many as there could be, only maybe a 6th of the school having come, too intrigued by the poster not to. So of course Hisoka was there, somewhere in the back. He had expectations for what this would end up to be, but there wasn't much he was hoping for. If this turned out to be a bust, he'll leave. Simple as that. But he couldn't deny his curiosity was piqued. He had hoped Illumi would come with him, but he had stated it seemed like a waste of time that could be better spent practicing for the Winter Showcase.
"Ah~ Illumi could be no fun sometimes…" The flamboyant clown muttered to himself although the smile never misplaced itself from his lips. His eyes widened ever so slightly to adjust to the sudden dimming lights and all talking in the crowd died down in anticipation and excitement. Few excited 'Shhhs!' and 'It's starting!' could be made out over the low hush of the crowd and the curtains opened. An overwhelming excitement washed over the crowd and they let out electrified cheers, some raising fists and phones, ready to record this event for their lazier friends or students.
A loud clicking noise was heard and a spotlight flicked on to shine on center stage, where Gon's form was lit up. His head was down and there was nothing else on stage with him, his black outfit framing his charismatic stance. More excited cheers erupted with new zeal as most students there were Gon's fans, coincidentally.
Gon looked up slowly for dramatic effect and the crowd told him how much they liked the execution with another round of loud cheers. Gon let a slow smile creep on his face, he could never keep a straight face when he was getting such a pleased reaction from his audience. The crowd keep the energy up at seeing Gon's sexy and rustic smile.
Gon thrusted a fist into the air, trying to get back into character, and the crowd responded, not really knowing what was going on, with cheers and their own fists in the air.
"Remember why you sing!" Gon cried out, causing most of the crowd to fall silent in confusion. What? What did he say? Remember… what? They barely had time to let that sink in as music started up from the speakers surrounding the small performance room. Gon started slow.
"~Sing it out… Boy, you've got to see what tomorrow brings… " Gon sang, motioning one hand over the crowd. He raised the other one as he sang the next line. " Sing it out… Girl, you've got to be what tomorrow needs…" He brought his hands out in front of him and pointed out to the crowd, his heel tapping as the music swelled. " For every time that they want to count you out… Use your voice every single time you open up your mouth…!" The music came crashing around them and the crowd cheered in response. Gon began prancing around the stage to bring up the energy even more, and everyone found themselves being swept up in Gon's pace. Jumping in their place, singing the words with Gon.
" Sing it for the boys! Sing it for the girls! Every time that you lose it sing it for the world!... Sing it from the heart! Sing it till you're nuts! Sing it out for the ones that'll hate your guts! " Gon sang out, miming out with vigor the emotions of going nuts and not caring who hates you. People in the crowd singing along easily fueled by Gon's raw emotion leaking into the crowd and affecting everyone there. It was infectious with Gon leading the stage.
" Sing it for the deaf! Sing it for the blind! Sing about everyone that you left behind! Sing it for the world… Sing it for the world!" The music took a break and Gon recentered himself on stage for the second verse. Everyone fed off what he was giving.
" Sing it out, boy they're gonna sell what tomorrow means…! Sing it out, girl before they kill what tomorrow brings! You've got to make a choice If the music drowns you out!" Some in the crowd roared their defiance in letting that happen. " And raise your voice…!" They joined in song with Gon again, " Every single time they try and shut your mouth…!"
"Sing it for the boys! Sing it for the girls! Every time that you lose it sing it for the world!
"Sing it from the heart ! Sing it till you're nuts ! Sing it out for the ones that'll hate your guts !" They crowd shouted out at the end of the sentences in a sing along. They wanted to give as much energy as Gon was.
" Sing it for the deaf! Sing it for the blind! Sing about everyone that you left behind! Sing it for the world, Sing it for the world!" Gon dashed over to one side of the stage and produced a guitar in which he began playing a guitar solo with the music. Then he was singing again, his foot tapping along with the swell of the music.
" Cleaned-up corporation progress! Dying in the process! Children that can talk about it, Living on the webways! People moving sideways! Sell it till your last days! Buy yourself a motivation, Generation Nothing, Nothing but a dead scene! Product of a white dream! I am not the singer that you wanted, But a dancer! I refuse to answer! Talk about the past, sir, Wrote it for the ones who want to get away!" The crowd clapped and sang along with Gon, "Keep running! "
Gon relaxed center stage, closing his eyes and focusing on relaying the message he wanted the crowd to hear, for his feelings to reach them.
"Sing it for the boys!
Sing it for the girls!
Every time that you lose it sing it for the world!
Sing it from the heart!
Sing it till you're nuts!
Sing it out for the ones that'll hate your guts!
Sing it for the deaf!
Sing it for the blind!
Sing about everyone that you left behind!
Sing it for the world!
Sing it for the world!"
Gon opened his eyes and the crowd was taken aback with how much emotion shimmered out of his golden hued eyes, an intensity they don't usually see from Gon.
"Got to see what tomorrow brings!
Sing it for the world!
Sing it for the world!
Girl, you've got to be what tomorrow needs!
Sing it for the world!
Sing it for the world!"
As Gon finished, most in the crowd having been singing along, Gon lifted his fist in the air and the crowd erupted into another round of loud cheers.
"Remember why you sing! Welcome, Musica Academy!" Gon cried out, and got a great cheer in response.
"Now... you guys might be wondering why you're here. But first, I want to thank all of you for giving this event a chance and coming out here with like, minimal information. Seriously, what's wrong with you guys?" Gon laughed and he received laughs and cheers in response. "Who comes to a strange event without knowing what it was?" Gon laughed again, the audience eating up his intimate speaking style, as though he were talking personally to his circle of friends.
"I wanted to organize this to remind this school why you all sing."
Another confused hush fell over the crowd similarly to how it did in the beginning of the concert when he said it.
"I haven't been here long, but I noticed a lot of things. I haven't heard friends exchanging their latests sound bites... I haven't seen friends giving advice to others after finishing a project just because the competition's too high… I haven't seen the excitement and nerves from knowing this is it… the last step before we all go out into the world to play our music. I haven't noticed the love of our career.
"When I came here, I was expecting an atmosphere filled with the essence of music, and creativity… Since I didn't find it, I wanted to make it my mission to create it. I want to bring that to the school. But I'm gonna need the help of everyone here! Can you do that for me?!" Gon asked, playing to the crowd. They all cheered their affirmation.
"During this concert, I'll be singing songs that promote music for the love of singing, and our future career. To bring back the memories of why we wanted to start singing in the first place when we were younger. Bring these songs with you throughout the school year to carry you and motivate you to share the feeling with others. Sing to remind everyone your first home concert, sing to remind everyone how you felt when the crowd screamed your name, the top of the world feeling when you got over a million views on the video of your concert. The fist..." Gon said, bringing his fist up again, multiple people in the crowd following suit, "A symbol of our unwavering will, our refusal to let the trials and aspects of this career wash us out, to change us or make us sing what they want just for profit. This is our voice, our songs, our choice, we will sing..." Gon had to pause as the crowd roared their agreement "We will sing for the love of singing. We will remember why we sing!"
Gon went into his next song, strumming his guitar with peppy energy, as the crowd receptively shouted their agreement. Hisoka raised his eyebrows as an amused smile crossed his features.
"Ah... I'm so happy I decided to stay... I didn't know it'd be Gon, but he never disappoints..." Hisoka purred. "I can't wait to hear what Illumi has to say about this." Hisoka said, watching those who were recording the concert to no doubt post it later on.
"~Turn on that radio… As loud as it can go! Wanna dance until my feet can't feel the ground! " Gon sang, happily strumming his guitar. He loved when he performed with his guitar. It's like his best stage partner. The crowd could sense it too.
"Say goodbye to all my fears, One good song and they disappear! And nothing in the world can bring me down!" The crowd clapped and stomped along. " Hand Clapping, Hip Shaking, Heart Breaking! There's no faking What you feel When you're right at home, yeah!" The crowd again joined in with Gon's singing.
"Music's in my soul! I can hear it Every day and every night! It's the one thing on my mind! Music's got control… and I'm never letting go, No, no! I just want to play my music… Woo!" The crowd cheered along, getting pumped and understanding a little better what Gon wanted in the end result. They loved the drive, energy, and his vision. He was starting a movement, inspiring those around him.
"Got my six string on my back…" Gon winked into the crowd, loving the reference to such a 'loyal' instrument he was playing with at the moment. " Don't need anything but that! Everything I want is here with me… So forget that fancy car, I don't need to go that far! What's driving me is following my dreams… Yeah!" Gon bounced and jammed along with the beat, losing himself with the music like he usually did in his concerts. Everyone was easily brought up in his pace.
"Hand Clapping, Earth Shaking, Heart Breaking, There's no faking What you feel When you're on a roll, yeah! Music's in my soul! I can hear it Every day and every night, It's the one thing on my mind! Music's got control and I'm never letting go… No, no! I just want to play my music! I just want to play my music!"
Gon recentered himself on stage as he launched into the bridge.
"Can't imagine what it'd be like… Without the sounds of all my heroes… Singing all my favorite songs… So I can sing along" They were to be someone's hero when they grow up and go out to be World Stars… and what they here… they wanted to be the ones to determine what they sound like to those that look up to them.
"Music's in my soul… I can hear it Every day and every night, It's the one thing on my mind! Music's got control and I'm never letting go, No, no! I just want to play my music!
"Music's in my soul! I can hear it Every day and every night, It's the one thing on my mind! Music's got control… and I'm never letting go, No, no!
I just want to play my music
All night long!"
"Yow!" Gon cried out, playing a final riff off his guitar.
...
The crowd cheered. They were already thinking in their heads ways to bring the vision Gon had in mind to the school. They'll work hard to bring the joy back into music. The hour started to roll into the next as Gon filled the small performance room with songs of love and music joy.
"Thank you so much for joining me here, guys, after school when you could have been home... working to advance your careers..." Gon huffed tiredly into his mike, holding his guitar. The crowd moaned their remorse, they didn't want the concert to end. It was an experience they loved and enjoyed, but all good things had to end, right? Others lifted their fist instead in response, they wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. Indulging and immersing themselves in music they enjoyed. Gon's been telling them the whole time how even enjoying other's concerts is a way to help mold their own image, getting inspiration and getting motivated. Gon smiled easily at the reaction.
"Now don't get too sad..." Gon chuckled. "I've got a few more songs to gift you guys. But I wanted to thank you guys before I forgot..." His lopsided smile made the girls swoon and squeal.
"Alright, here we go... let's finish this up together!" He riffed his guitar again to play the next song. Those who recognized it began to get ready to sing along as they did with all the songs Gon sang covers of that evening.
He gave a cute giggled before he began the countdown.
"1, 2, 3, 4!
"Oh, whoa, oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh! " The audience sang the hooting call with Gon as they stomped and danced in the crowd.
"Play the lotto you might win it. It's like 25 to life so you bust out of prison! Something's in the air, something's in the air!
"It's like that feeling when you're just about to kill it, Take your last shot you know you're gonna hit it! Something's in the air, something's in the air…! Whoa oh oh oh oh…
"Something big I feel it happening Out of my control! " The crowd whooped, knowing the movement Gon started for the school. Initiated by Gon, and carried out by his faithful fans. "Pushing, pulling, and it's grabbing me, Feel it in my bones like Whoa oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh! Something big I feel it happening Oh whoa oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh… Something big!" This song helped to fill the crowd with an energy, the movement and goal of a mission just for them. Something big.
"It's like that feeling when you're 'bout to win the medal, And you worked so hard that you knew you wouldn't settle, Hands are in the air, hands are in the air!" The crowd put their hands up.
" When they hear you when you thought they wouldn't listen, It's like an anthem that the whole world's singing…" The crowd joined Gon in the next words, "Hands are in the air, hands are in the air! Whoa oh oh oh oh!
The crowd began clapping in rhythm, driven by some force that electrified the atmosphere.
"Something big I feel it happening Out of my control, Pushing, pulling, and it's grabbing me,
Feel it in my bones like, Oh whoa oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh whoa. Oh oh oh oh
Something big I feel it happening! Oh whoa oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh whoa. Oh oh oh oh, Something big!
"Whoa Yeah, yeah! If we stomp our feet, The ground will shake!" Gon sang and the crowd stomped their feet in time to the music. " If we clap our hands, The walls will break!" The crowd clapped loud enough to rival the music volume. "Yell so loud won't forget our names!" The crowd let out a giant roar at once to let their voices reach the heavens. Even Gon's skin broke out in goosebumps from the passion and raw emotion he was receiving back from the crowd. He couldn't believe how well this was going. "'Cause something big is happening!"
"Take this spark And start a fire! Raise this up, We're feeling high! They can't tell us anything
'Cause something big is happening!"
"Sing!" The crowd shouted out.
"Something big I feel it happening Out of my control! Pushing, pulling, and it's grabbing me,
Feel it in my bones like Oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh Oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh!
"Something big is happening whoa! Oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh Oh oh oh oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh Something big I feel it happening oh!"
-o0o0o0o-
Killua huffed as he closed the book shut. He checked his phone again one last time for any text from Gon. He usually texts him during Wednesday tutoring. It was weird not to have Gon text him… did he do something wrong? Was he being distant for some reason? Did he find some other friend that was cooler than him and deserved more of his time?
"Alright, well that sums up this lesson. Do you get the topic better now?" Killua asked after pushing those thoughts out of his mind for a later time, focusing on the student in front of him again.
"Yea…" The teenage boy said with a tint of sadness coloring his tone that indicated he probably didn't get it but was gonna go home and sulk about it instead of asking for more clarification. Killua rolled his eyes, whatever, he can't help those that don't want it. Killua began packing up and started to text a message out to Gon. The kid in front of him began scrolling his phone as well as Kurapika came over to his side, finished with his history tutoring.
"No word from Gon?" He asked in his velvety voice. "I didn't get any texts from him either…" He said putting a hand on the table top to lean against it elegantly.
"Yea, it's weird… maybe he's busy…" Killua said with a frown and sent the message.
"Woah! Are you seeing this?!" The kid in front of Killua cried, calling the attention of both the talented teens. The boy turned his phone around and Killua saw the grainy image video streaming. But there was no doubt about it… That was Gon.
"What?! Is this live?!" Killua asked, half standing out his seat as he watched Gon dance and sing on stage in… one of the auxiliary smaller performance rooms.
"Yea! One of my friends went to that question mark thing! I guess Gon was putting on a flash concert. That's so cool, I wish I went." He said.
"I…" Killua blinked as he watched Gon give a wink and twirl and felt something in his chest tighten. "I wish he told me…"
"~Here's to my future, Here's to my YES-TER-DAY! " The crowd joined in with Gon, the fun to shout out and sing with their idols. Gon hopes they'll always remember yesterday and how it shaped them today.
" Here's to change Oh, here's to my YES-TER-DAY! " They don't have to focus on their mistakes of the past, it only helps them make better changes tomorrow.
" No tomorrow without a YES-TER-DAY! " They'll be happy they even had a yesterday. A chance. Their dream right before them. So they'll sing.
"Here's to my future, Goodbye to yesterday!" The crowd broke up into their own harmonizing, the sound beautiful and only a continuation of the beautiful magic they've been making with each other the whole hour. They feel like this is a new community, friends and family making bonds in this events.
"All these years I've been searching… For who I'm supposed to be! All this time I've been wasting 'Cause I was right in front of me… Oh, it's a crooked old tradition. By a masterful magician! But in all this trouble I've met I haven't got one single regret, no!"
How could Gon regret anything about coming to the school? Even though he has that threat of leaving the school from the bet and he's no doubt made enemies with those jealous of him, but it's only shaped how he came out to be.
"Here's to my future, Here's to my yesterday! Here's to change Oh, here's to my yesterday! No tomorrow without a yesterday! Here's to my future, Goodbye to yesterday! Yesterday!"
Killua rushed with Kurapika and the other teen towards the concert. Killua could see now others were also making their way to the concert now that other afterschool activities were ending. By the time they got there, the doors were having to be propped open so people outside of it could possibly see and hear what was going on. Killua could hear the verses coming out the open doors, but he couldn't even come in 3 feet of it.
"Oh, I'm a hopeless crash collision… 'Cause I'm a hostage to my pride! And by my own volition, I've been a saint, I've been the truth, I've been the lie…"
"Move it!" Killua bit out, already irritated that Gon didn't tell him more about this event, and now on top of that, he had to deal with this.
"Excuse me." Kurapika followed suit behind Killua with less irritation. He was more curious then upset about what Gon was doing. He was always so interested in what Gon was doing, and he found himself investing in what Gon did more often than not.
"Oh, it's a crooked old tradition…! By a masterful magician! But in all this trouble I've met I haven't got one single regret, no!" Killua finally made it past the crowd outside the door, finding himself at the very back of the room. He hopped slightly to see over the heads of all the jumping and dancing students, trying to confirm with his own eyes that it was Gon on stage singing. He's heard his voice too many times at this point not to be able to recognize what Gon sounded like, but he felt too confused at being left out that he was hoping it wasn't really.
He spotted Gon past the phones in the air, each with mini Gons on stage as they recorded it, on stage bouncing with the relatively slow beat. How long has the concert been going on? Did he do it specifically when Killua was in tutoring so he couldn't come? What was Gon doing?
"Here's to my future, Here's to my YES-TER-DAY! " Killua was shocked at the reaction Gon got out the crowd. He's known school concerts to be very apathetic on the crowd's side since they don't like supporting other artists in this fierce competition for attention. He looked around in surprise to figure out who these people were that they were so receptive.
" Here's to change Oh, here's to my YES-TER-DAY! No tomorrow without a YES-TER-DAY! " Killua's body shook with the reverberating shouts of the crowd, and he looked up to Gon on stage. Gon was eating it up, a smile on his face. Killua's bottom lip trembled, he looked so happy… why wouldn't he invite him to share in with it? It wasn't like he doesn't love watching Gon perform…
"Here's to my future, Goodbye to YES-TER-DAY! YES-TER-DAY! " Killua was surprised at the breaks of the crowd into different harmony parts to sing like the original song, unprompted as far as Killua knew unless there was some conductor he couldn't see in the front. It was spontaneous and fun and… Killua felt the corner of his lips go up in a smile, not being able to help but being swept into Gon's energy. It was so Gon.
"A new day you can go, you can do Anything you wanna. It's your play, swing low, go high, Anywhere you wanna! You can reach for the moon, Anywhere your dreams could take you. Go astray, fade away, Just leave it to YES-TER-DAY!" A hand fell on Killua's shoulder and he jumped slightly before turning to his right to see Kurapika.
"Are you ok?" Kurapika asked. He sort of watched Killua break down and build up right in front of him as Gon performed. He was worried about one of the people he actually considered a friend.
"I…" Killua looked up at the stage as Gon continued his performance with great charisma and smiled again. "Yea… I'm starting to be. I'll be ok." He said, turning back to Kurapika. "C'mon, I wanna go backstage." Killua said, moving past Kurapika to the edges of the room. Kurapika sighed, the prospect of having to push through more sweaty, jumping bodies again did not please him. He grit his teeth and followed Killua. Either pushing to get out or pushing to get to Gon, he was gonna have to push through bodies anyways, might as well follow through with why he came here in the first place: Gon.
Gon swayed his body and bounced with every down beat as he strummed away at his guitar on stage.
"Here's to my future, Here's to my YES-TER-DAY! Here's to change Oh, here's to my YES-TER-DAY! No tomorrow without a YES-TER-DAY! Here's to my future, Goodbye to YES-TER-DAY!
YES-TER-DAY! "
Gon windmilled as he let out a finish strum with a flourish. He put his fist in the air, in which the crowd put up theirs as well in response.
"Remember why you sing! Take that with you as you go throughout your days… Thank you, Good night !"
The lights died and the room was plunged into darkness and the crowd let out echoing cheers.
Honorable mentions:
Love you any less - Rag 'n' Bone man: Hold on forever scene [Suggested by asyaforni] *** really good, just wasn't used because it's about love and Gon hasn't confessed yet! Look it up!
Her Diamonds- Rob Thomas: Just big mood
Chained to the Rhythm by Katy Perry: For Gon's concert, its a little forward and blaming and less encouraging and music like so it's a mention for now, but it might also show up in later chapters, who knows lol
LOL, I don't know anything about music. Can you tell? I'm making everything up, but I'm having fun. PLOT TWIST, I'm also as in love with Gon as I am with Killua. Did someone say Daddy Zoldcyk? Yes, it's my head cannon that Silva is a teddy bear at heart, you can't take it from me.
Unnies and Produce 101 and Produce 101 season 2 are great shows in which I got some of the training terms and activities from. I'd recommend if you like seeing the singing practice and recording process of my story! I certainly enjoyed and tried (Maybe too hard) to convey the activities.
Also, next chapter, I'm going to be trying out new writing styles. I know I'm not the best at description and such, so I want to read moe and get better with practice. I hope you guys will enjoy the story even with the experimental writing anyways. Please remember to review! Thanks!
Note: Songs listed out in the story (i.e. Song title by Artist) will not be recorded again in the featured songs or added to the playlist because they are so brief in their mention or use, it'd really be clutter at that point.
=EDIT= (11/17/2017)
OH GEEZ How Could I forget? I put a trigger warning at the top about anxiety and stuff now. Wow, I feel bad, I should have given better warning. Also some formatting updates
