Prologue: Musics of the heart
Snow fell softly outside in flurries of white and soft blues, landing on trees stripped bare of their foliage and buildings with people holed up inside to stay warm. It looked like the world was covered in a fluffy coat made of soft white fur, glowing a pastel blue since the early morning sun was cowering behind the blanket of clouds, probably as cold as the residents in town.
The snow was undisturbed since it was so early, no one was up yet. It was Christmas break after all, and Gon's neighborhood wasn't like the city where business folk still had to be awake before the sun was up to go to work. In the cozy little niche of Gon's town, most small businesses and stores opened when the people were awake, a little later than 7 am.
But Gon was awake at this time anyway.
He'll probably never get used to the sight of snow. No matter how many times he's seen it, it will leave him in awe every time. It sort of reminded him of a certain snow haired cutie that was laying next to him, sound a sleep on his bed.
Gon watched with a smile as another snowflake danced it's little waltz down towards Gon's window, press itself against the glass and melt until it was unseen and the snowflake was lost. Maybe that would sadden most people, to see something so beautiful melt away so quickly, and without many noticing it before it faded away in the first place. But he thinks it's beautiful. It reminded him of a performance- you practice and train for something for weeks and months, but only to give the performance for a moment, a second, and then it's over. All that work for entertaining for a couple minutes. There was something satisfying about it. He couldn't explain it, but it was why people did it even though it was over so quickly.
Gon turned his eyes away from that wonder scene to look back at another. He held in a coo at seeing Killua curled up slightly against one of the extra pillows Gon had gotten when Killua started sleeping over more often, a blue pillowcase on it to indicate it was Killua's. His mouth was open slightly with soft snoring, and his hair was painted to look like the lights outside, a light blue and white. His hand was half curled into a fist and Gon couldn't help it, he stuck one finger in the crevice and held back his giggles as Killua tightened his fist sleepily, trying to hold it. His giggles died as Killua's face scrunched up and his blue eyes began peeking out behind his eyelashes.
"Oops." Gon muttered, feeling warmth on his cheeks despite the cold setting.
"What are you doing?" Killua asked, getting more awake every moment. In his consciousness, he realized Gon's one finger was in his grip and he reopened his hands to take all of Gon's hand into his. "Why are you awake?" He asked, starting to sit up.
"I didn't mean to wake you, Killua. You can lay back down." Gon said, admiring how well Killua's hands fit in his, his pale skin against his darker skin.
"What time is it?" Killua asked, his sleepiness indicating to him it was pretty early, but he didn't know how early.
"Mmh, I think maybe 6:30."
"What, Gon, what are you doing waking me up at an ungodly hour like this?" Killua cried, his sleepy eyes widening more in shock.
"I said you can go back to sleep! And don't act like you don't wake up at this hour for other stuff like photo shoots." Gon said, feeling wronged. Killua scoffed, but just scooted closer to Gon, putting his head on Gon's shoulder, his eyelids drooping.
"What are you doing?" He repeated in a hum. Gon chuckled slightly, amused at Killua. It seems like he'll be attempting to be staying awake with Gon even though he's obviously sleepy.
"It started snowing early morning. I've been watching the snow fall." Gon answered, looking back out the window. Killua scrunched his nose in distaste, even though Gon couldn't see it. Who would wake up early just to see the snow fall?
"It's just snow." Killua said, shaking his head, not understanding. Gon was about to shrug, but remembered he'd be bumping his shoulder to Killua's head.
"I dunno, it's beautiful to me. Its air and water, softly holding each other, coming down softly, and they look they they're dancing. The bonds are so fragile, they'll melt if they hit anything warmer than them, but they make a blanket put all together. And they remind me of you."
"Why? Cold and white?" Killua muttered.
"No, beautiful and unique." Gon answered, looking back at Killua's face. His face soured but his cheeks were red.
"You're so… cheesy." He rubbed his face once and let out a sigh that sounded like he was about to go to sleep again. Gon shook his head with a laugh and wrapped his opposite arm around Killua's front and slowly lowered them both back down to the pillows. When their heads settled on the pillows, Killua shifted to properly cuddle into Gon, the top of his head in the crook of Gon's neck and his arm over Gon's chest.
Gon smiled affectionately as he held Killua. He likes the snow, but the warmth of Killua was way better.
Mito loves the holidays. It's a time where she can relax at home, and Gon is home too because of school winter break. They spend quality time together- they cook meals, they watch christmas specials, they make crafts and cards, go christmas shopping, and go downtown to see the lights.
She also loves Gon being home because he goes around singing while he does anything and she's home to hear it, like he's her little songbird- something she hasn't called Gon in a while.
But this Christmas is a very special one, because now Gon has a little tweety bird with him. Mito can hear Gon sing anytime from wherever he is in their small apartment, she loves hearing the cheer and happiness in his voice. But now, very often, he's coupled with another smooth voice, usually mindlessly singing along with him in harmony. Unrehearsed sudden pitch changes would result in giggles, playful scolding, and pretend singing lessons, most of the time from Killua.
Mito remembers when Gon would tell her how Killua wouldn't sing at all, and after hearing more about Killua's family bit by bit through tidbits or inference, she could easily guess why. A caged bird won't sing, and it brings relief and joy to hear Killua around her house, singing idly and freely. She's happy Gon's found Killua and freed him so that he could once again sing free.
She watches them put presents together, paper wrinkled pitifully beneath their fingers, and tape on their faces from a wrapping war they had shortly before. The house is alot more cheerful and lively with both of them here for the holidays, and she hopes this places feels as much as home to Killua as much as Killua's made her holiday feel like home.
Mito just loves the holidays.
Gon bounced excitedly as he waited by the front door of the apartment. Gon wore a large heavy jacket and cargo pants, long underwear underneath, his usual green boots and turtle earmuffs. Killua was taking him on a date! And Killua said he had a surprise for him! Gon was so excited, but Killua was taking forever! And Gon saw Mito laughing at him from behind her hand as she flipped through some TV channels. Killua already told her she didn't have to make anything for dinner for them tonight, so she was just relaxing for now.
Just before Gon was about to call for Killua, Killua came out, wearing a long sleeved knit sweater with a pastel blue jacket over it, a beanie hat over his head, jeans and ankle boots.
"Alright, let's go!" He sniffed, shamelessly acting like he wasn't the one holding them back. Gon could only laugh as Killua took his hand and rushed them out the door.
They walked down to the lakeside, where there were lights strung out across the streetlights and on the storefronts in multiple colors. Snow covered everything like an coat, and people busied about in winter clothes that made them 3 times bigger than they actually were.
They went about window shopping, talking to each other as naturally as it always was, and joking around, keeping each other warm in the cold with just their voices.
Gon's hand was interlocked with Killua's and Killua was starting to lose himself in his happiness with Gon so close. Carolers were singing so nicely on the edge of the lake, and everything was decorated so beautifully from head to toe. Killua wanted to surprise Gon with a song, to show him how happy he is that Gon's in his life, especially during this time of year. How much better everything has been since Gon has been in his life. And how easily he feels he can sing when Gon's with him, Gon deserves to know...
"You're here where you should be! Snow is falling as the carolers sing, It just wasn't the same… Alone on Christmas day. Presents, what a beautiful sight! Don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight, You're all that I need Underneath the tree!" Killua sang, swinging Gon's arm over his shoulders and snuggling up to Gon's side. Gon's eyes widened in delight at hearing Killua sing to him. His words only made him feel good and warm inside. He squeezed Killua to his side, happy he has Killua too.
"Tonight, I'm gonna hold you close! Make sure that you know I was lost before you…! Christmas was cold and grey, Another holiday alone to celebrate! But then one day everything changed! You're all I need, Underneath the tree!" Killua looked up at Gon through his eyelashes, Gon's heart doing a weird hiccup in response. Gon wanted to make sure none of Killua's christmases were like the last ones, where he had no one or no reason to feel happy, just trapped in his own house.
"You're here where you should be! Snow is falling as the carolers sing!" Killua sang, stepping away from Gon to spin in a circle while looking up at the sky darkened sky with snow gently falling. He stopped, walking backwards to face Gon, hands behind his back.
"It just wasn't the same, Alone on Christmas day! Presents, what a beautiful sight! Don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight!" Killua wrapped his arms around himself, shimmying in a small dance, but Gon didn't want Killua dancing over there by himself, he wanted to be over there holding him, and he moved to do just that. Killua opened his arms and put his forehead's to Gon's as he continued singing. "You're all that I need Underneath the tree…"
Gon opened his mouth to sing with Killua too, but Killua put a finger to Gon's lips, eliciting a confused eyebrow raise and a quizzical grunt. Killua took Gon's hands and began walking them towards a christmas decorated themed stage, people up on the raised platform tuning their guitars and sound checking.
"I found what I was looking for… A love that's meant for me! A heart that's mine completely! Knocked me right off my feet, And this year I will fall With no worries at all… 'Cause you are near and everything's clear…!" Killua sang as he walked them backwards to the white crystal lights and frost decorations. Gon gaped at Killua as he let go of his hands and leaped on stage, singing, "You're all I need Underneath the tree!"
Killua was going to perform? In public? For free? For Gon…? He felt like his chest was swelling up, watching his white haired fairy leap up on the stage and bring about a presence of light and cheer and christmas mood.
"You're here where you should be! Snow is falling as the carolers sing!" Killua sang light hearted and free, closing his eyes as he hit the higher notes, and when he opened his eyes to look at Gon, it was like electricity. Killua looked amazing, and brought about obvious envy and admiration to the crowd quickly forming, but all of it was for Gon. All Killua's attention, affection, and intentions were for him, and no one else. And Gon's sure he loves this christmas present.
"It just wasn't the same Alone on Christmas day! Presents, what a beautiful sight, Don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight! You're all that I need Underneath the tree!"
The music slowed as Killua held his eyes with Gon's, and he just looked glowing. Gon barely registered they were outside in public, or even that anything else existed except for the two of them. Gon felt love bubble in his chest for this beautiful boy that deserved so much.
"And then one day everything changed… You're all I need Underneath the tree! You're here where you should be! Snow is falling as the carolers sing! It just wasn't the same, Alone on Christmas day… Presents, what a beautiful sight! Don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight… You're all that I need Underneath the tree… Tonight !" Killua finished singing, the bells being rung musically behind him by the accompanying people. They continued on the instrumental mood music as Killua climbed off the stage, the crowd parting as they realized he wasn't heading to any of them. He stopped in front of Gon and he didn't waste a second pulling him in for a perfect kiss under the snowy sky. They parted with barely any space between them and Gon couldn't help his merry grin.
"Merry Christmas, Gon."
"Merry Christmas, Killua…" Gon said against Killua's lips before pulling Killua in for another kiss. Yes, this is exactly where Killua should be. In Gon's arms, just like this, the most perfect gift and the reason for a perfect holiday.
Killua gave Gon his present, shyly. He was obviously embarrassed, but tried to hide it under a confidence guise, rubbing his nose, teasingly saying Gon better like his gift.
Gon replied by saying he would love whatever it was, because it was Killua's gift. Mito did what she did every year and recorded the present openings. Killua was a bit embarrassed about it at first, but Gon teased him about having years of experience of being behind the camera and Mito assured no one would see it but family.
Gon opened the present gingerly after having tried to open it and heard a rattle. He gasped at the sight. Killua explained how he noticed Gon never really got good headphones even when Killua told him it would be really beneficial. So this christmas, he got him the best headphones he could find on market- wireless, lightweight, crystal clear audio- and in a dark green to match most of his wardrobe.
Gon hopped on Killua to hug him in an excited and happy flurry. Now Gon was excited but nervous for Killua to open his. When Killua did open it, all he could do was laugh. Gon pouted, actually blushing a bit, barking for Killua to stop laughing. He wanted to know if Killua liked it! Was he laughing because he thought it was so stupid it's suppose to be joke?
Killua wiped away a tear from laughing, before pulling out the contents of reindeer ears and a red nose along with elf ears with the small green hat, connected to a chocolate christmas tree. Killua explained to Gon he thought this was so cute, and so very 'Gon-like'- and he loved it, every bit of it. Gon was overjoyed, and wanted Killua to put the stuff on. Killua wasn't about to do that, unless Gon put on the other headgear too. Killua wore the elf ears and hat and Gon wore the reindeer antlers with the nose and they split the christmas tree. They put on Christmas specials on the TV after they opened Mito's gifts (socks and accessories) and chatted with each other in their character. They fell asleep with hot cocoa in the stomachs, the empty cups in front of them on the small table, cuddle up to each other under a thin blanket. They both forgot that Mtio did have her camera trained on them for the whole ordeal and took a last commemorative photo of the reindeer and elf sleeping next to each other in front of the couch.
"Why do you still have mistletoes up?" Killua laughed, dodging the greenery hanging over the archway leading from the kitchen to the living room. "Christmas is over." He shot his playful glare over his shoulder at Pokkle, watching Gon step around it playfully.
"But the Christmas season is not." Pokkle chuckled, his large green christmas sweater matching his orange red hair.
"This is what we get for coming to a New Years party. We should have just stayed home." Killua poked Gon in the chest as Gon came to stand next to Killua. Gon shrugged, in too good a mood to care.
"Pokkle asked, and it's fun to hang with friends, isn't it?" Gon asked, leaning closer to Killua even though it was easy for Gon to be heard over the ambient music. Killua rolled his eyes, onto Gon's mischief, leaning back a bit.
"Yea, yea, let's find Kurapika."
"Have fun guys! Remember to kiss each other for the New Years kiss when the clock strikes midnight!" Pokkle called as they went further into the house, people in the midst of the party already enjoying other's company and talking of New Year's resolutions they would never keep.
They found Kurapika with Melody, Kurapika already looked ready to leave, however.
"I think I'm going to need a couple of drinks if I'm going to stay at this party." Kurapika muttered.
"Oh, come on, Kurapika, I know parties like these aren't your thing, but you get to hang out with all your friends!" Gon said, putting an arm around the slimmer male.
"I prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, perhaps a group reading session, or where we can watch a quiet movie comfortably." Kurapika said, glancing at Gon through the side of his eyes, but didn't bother to push him away.
"I promise after the clock strikes midnight, we can go, and we can even pick you up some tea on the way home." Melody assured in her soft voice that soothed everyone who heard her. It worked on Kurapika at least as he relented and agreed to stay til then.
"Don't worry, I get what you mean about going to things like this sometimes." Killua said, coming to Kurapika's side. "It can get overwhelming to be surrounded by people all the time, and whats more is, they can be butts at times." He shrugged. "Where did you get the drink, by the way?" Killua chirped, pointing down at Kurapika's light blue plastic cup. He pointed off over his shoulder and Killua gave Gon a quick glance as his only heads up before making his way away from the group.
"Ah, so anyway, what haven't you done yet? We can do stuff together so you don't have such a bad time." Gon told Kurapika.
"That's very nice of you, Gon." Kurapika muttered. How could he expect anything else? Gon's always been like this, and Kurapika vaguely wondered how Killua could tolerate Gon being so friendly and affectionate to anyone without being jealous or worry someone might try to steal him away. Gon stuck his elbow out towards Kurapika, and he took it with a light hold. They went further into the party, looking around at the stuff they could do.
Music and accompaniment flitted in the air as the group went into the living room, and Gon lit up at the sight of a karaoke game playing, with many people around to watch or waiting to go. Kurapika explained how nice it was to see one at the party, it showed how far the school have come along from saving their talent as money makers to having their talent be something shared for the passion of music. Gon thought it was only natural that a music school has the best fun when given the opportunity to sing. When Gon was spotted, everyone insisted he skip the line to take a turn to sing.
"Ahaha, no, it wouldn't be fair…!" Gon chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"It's fun! It's more fun when you're around anyways!" They insister, pulling him forward.
"Er…" Gon turned his head around the room, looking for Killua. He wouldn't mind singing if it was with him. He could only spot Kurapika once more and Kurapika shrugged in response. A mic was shoved in his hands unceremoniously, and he fumbled to keep it from falling.
"Ok, ok…" Gon said, a smile growing on his face. He couldn't help it, he still loved to perform and sing, just as much as the first day of school. He'll have a good time even if he can't see Killua. "Well, I guess I'll sing that new song released a couple days ago for the new year…"
"What?"
"Huh?"
"Seriously?" People voiced their disbelief. "You know that has crazy high notes, right Gon?"
"It'll be fun! I won't know if I can hit them until I try!" Gon said, pulling it up. People were amazed and excited. Others ended up singing along trying to hit the high notes too. Everyone was floored and defeated when Gon sang an explosive high note at the highlight of the song and applauded him. Gon finished the song afterwards and bowed sheepishly. Kurapika ran over to him.
"Gon, are you crazy? You'll get voice nodules like that!" He scolded. Gon shrugged with a lopsided smile.
"It would get fixed. Hey, now that you're up here, sing a song with me!" Gon said, pulling him forward and getting him another mic.
"A-ah, no Gon, I wasn't planning on-"
"It's fine, it'll be fun! I promise! I know what song you'll want to sing!" Gon said, pulling up a song with plenty of instrumentals. "I'm not gonna be the only one forced to sing tonight!" He laughed.
"Ah… alright. You're lucky I like this song." Kurapika smiled, and sang with Gon. Everyone had a good time with the karaoke and Gon, and when people at the party heard Gon had arrived and was in the living room, they went there.
At one point, Gon turned around and was surprised at how packed the place was. Even though the temperature outside was below 50, it felt like 80 degrees in there. People waved for Gon's attention, but Gon scanned the crowd for Killua. He still wasn't back?
"Hey, Gon, where's Killua?" Someone asked him.
"That's what I want to know…" He muttered. "I'm outta here." Gon moved past the crowds and Kurapika followed the parting in the crowd Gon made easily. Gon decided to check the kitchen first, since that's where Killua should have went for his drink. He gave a quick glance over, but he didn't have to look long before he spotted his boyfriend up against the counter talking to some guy who was way too close for Gon's liking. Gon felt his body heat up as he made his way over, and caught some end of the conversation.
"C'mon, you're only helping Gon out because he's banging you. I can give it to you way better if you help me instead." Killua looked disgusted, and Gon was almost seeing red.
"Hey!" Gon darkly exclaimed, making them jump and anyone else in the kitchen quickly filter out. The guy's face paled and Killua looked surprised at seeing Gon. "Is this guy bothering you, Kil?"
"Uh, yea, he's being a pig. He can't catch a hint that I'm not giving out charity." Killua said. When Gon was close enough, Killua reached out and held his arm, half comfortingly and half like he's ready to hold him back. Gon had to admit he did feel calmer.
"Er, sorry man, I must've been out of my mind…" He quickly came up with an excuse to run off. Gon glared after the guy's back, and then Gon was being dragged off by Killua. Gon turned to look at their destination, and it was the porch where most other party goers went to get ready to see New Year's fireworks.
"Are you ok, Gon?" Killua asked, turning to the tanned teenager. Gon quirked an eyebrow.
"What do you mean? I should be asking you that." Gon said.
"I can take care of myself, and I was…" Killua said. "I just wanted you to cool off in the cold air, because you seemed really heated in there." Killua said, folding his arms to keep warm. "I've never seen you like that, or heard you like that." Killua said. Gon furrowed his eyebrows, but put his arms around Killua to help him keep warm.
"Well, I was upset, I don't like that people are still bothering you about getting ahead in the singing industry. You know you don't help me unfairly, right?" Gon asked.
"Well, I sort of do to an extent. But most of everything you do, you do yourself. Which is what I was trying to tell him."
"Mh… well, I'm sorry most of your party was in such unpleasant company." Gon said with a slight frown, tucking Killua's head under his chin. Killua chuckled at the gesture but shook his head.
"It's fine Gon, it's not like I'm not used to it." He smiled. Gon pouted at that. He didn't want Killua to be used to something like that. He wanted Killua to just… live as normally as he could. He glanced around and at the night sky. His eyes caught sight of something and held down a smile.
"Hey… hey, Killua?" Gon whispered. Killua hummed in reply, enjoying the warmth radiating off of Gon and around him. "Look up there." Killua peaked up at where Gon was looking and spotted the mistletoe nearly hidden in the darkness surrounding them, barely lit up by the city lights around them.
Killua smirked at Gon and Gon wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. Killua laughed before cupping Gon's face and kissing him fully.
"...4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!" People around them cheered, and the two prospective idols were shocked out of their kiss by fireworks going off around them. They looked up to see the bright fire flowers explode across the sky.
Killua looked back at Gon's silhouette, his breath caught in his throat at seeing the colors spread over his features and puffs of warm air leaving his parted lips. He then turned to Killua, his eyes bright and reflecting the colors of the new year and Killua smiled softly.
"Happy new year, Gon." Killua hummed. Gon smiled widen.
"I think it really will be…" Gon pulled Killua in by the hips and closed his mouth around Killua's for another kiss.
Wow, Egg on my face, this was suppose to be posted last year... Well! Going up uneditted, and hope you enjoy along with the new chapters!
