This was suppose to go up weeks ago, sorry ^^;; Also, I recently went back to some chapters and remembered I was posting song lists at the top! Do you guys mind either way? IDK (also, if you suggested a song and I didn't give you a call out, please tell me, I just am terrible at keeping all my song suggestions in one place!)
Listening to spotify really ruined my life. I had a set list of songs for basically this whole story, but every couple of weeks, I find a new song that I just HAVE to try and get in here and it's making my planning a mess. Made me wish I finished this story faster so spotify didn't have the chance to mess with me.
ALSO! You guys are getting a longer chapter because I actually just recently restructured my timeline and I had to rearrange a whole BUTTLOAD of stuff, so enjoy this plot fixing chapter, lol. Hopefully its fixing the plot anyways. I hope nothing disappeared, I know I threw around some names and FanFic loves to delete random things.
Halo- Beyoncee
La La La- Naughty boy ft. Sam Smith
Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson
Viva la Vida- Coldplay (suggested by (ao3)Idonotexistignoreme)
Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
Helpless- Ashanti
Bells and Whistles Chapter 18
TUI Chapter 5: Learning the Notes (Turnt up Illumi part ?)
"Mh, well… Gon, it looks like you just need more experience in a professional recording studio." Killua said, looking over Gon's resume. The credits on there look good, plus the school's name and Satotz recommendations, good enough to get in a contract. "If you just need some experience, why don't you just come along with me to my recording sessions?" Killua asked, with a head tilt.
The classes have been going well. Gon's favorite class so far was Perfect Pitch on Tuesdays with Killua. Gon was learning much about keeping tone, note, and pitches. Plus there was plenty of group work which let Killua help Gon one-on-one. When they both had free time, Killua and Gon would often go to the student help center to organize Gon's resume and then send those out to record companies, working for what would look best to the employers and their ideal next idol. It was coming along and Gon's body of work was starting to look very impressive as Killua gave inputs Gon wouldn't have thought up himself, but they were still somehow falling short of getting signed. "Then you could say that you have experience being inside a professional recording studio and know how to take directions from them." Killua said. Killua knows it will help Gon have a higher chance of getting a recording company contract.
Gon frowned. "Killua, you were the one that kept saying all the time you didn't want to be used as a tool that helps-"
"Gon, I'm getting tired of you throwing my own words in my face! I have a reason for that, but what I'm doing for you, it's different than letting someone using me!" Killua interrupted, poking Gon's forehead. Gon let out a whine at the probing and rubbed his head when Killua pulled back. Killua let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "The fact that your so worried and concerned about just using me just for my skill and fame just shows you're the exception to that and I don't have to worry about that with you. Now, you don't have to write down 'Experience at Zoldyck Records' or anything, just… if you have a way to get experience, lets get on it." Killua concluded, putting his hands on his hips. Gon pouted a bit before his grin stretched across his face. Killua was right, as always, and it was a good idea. Hopefully after this, he could finally get an actual record company to sign him…
"Ok, Killua! Let's do it! I'm excited to see you making your recordings and stuff! It'll be the first time! And seeing a real professional booth, wow, I'm excited now!" Gon said, taking Killua by the waist and pulling him closer. Killua blushed, geez Gon was so embarrassing.
"Seeing a professional recording booth was the second thing you were excited about?" Killua teased.
"Oh, by far, seeing you be amazing and hearing you sing is the most amazing thing I think I'll ever see for the rest of my life." Gon said bluntly.
Killua blushed up to his ears and pushed Gon's cheek, squishing his face to one side.
"So embarrassing!" He sighed out sharply as Gon let go to get away from Killua's punishing hand
"I'll just have to take care of one thing…" Killua muttered, looking up.
~0-0-0-0-0~
"Of course you would ask to bring Gon when I'm driving, but if Mother was coming along, you wouldn't dare to even mention bringing someone else." Illumi said as he looked through his graduation checklist for his final semester as a senior that he got from the guidance counselor. As much screwing around as he was doing, he wanted to make sure he would graduate on time. Illumi may be top of his class, but you can never be too careful.
"It would be too much trouble trying to explain Gon to them, and I'd actually prefer if they never even know about his affiliation with me." Killua explained to Illumi, brushing through Illumi's long hair to try and appease him as Illumi sat at his study desk in his room. "You should understand afterall, trying to enjoy our years in school? We should just support each other" Killua said, referring to the crazy performances Illumi's been doing at school. Illumi let out a heavy sigh even though his expression never changed. Illumi was always prone to spoiling his little brother afterall… and Illumi could only do these things for him for so much longer before Illumi has to leave.
"Fine." Illumi said.
"Yes!" Killua hummed to himself before getting scrap paper from in front of Illumi and writing Gon's address down. "To pick him up." Killua said, slipping it back to Illumi's view.
~0-0-0-0-0~
Gon climbed in the mid-sized van looking around the space, excited and eager with his guitar strapped to his back. He carefully took it off to place comfortably, and there was plenty of space, obviously the Zoldycks made sure personal instruments could fit inside their transportation van.
"Hey, Gon!" Killua greeted excited, and scooted close to his side.
"Hey, oh, put on your seatbelts." Illumi said from the front seat, glancing at them from the rearview mirror. Killua gave Gon a cat grin and buckled the middle seat belt over his waist as Gon buckled up too.
"Illumi?" Gon asked Killua under his breath.
"Well, yea. He already knows we're dating, so I figured this was the best way to bring you without a fuss." Killua said, putting a hand between Gon's legs. Gon grinned back with a nod, happy with the touch. "And technically he approves of you in some weird way."
"This is gonna be so exciting, I'll finally see inside a recording booth, a professional one, not one I made with home studio equipment." Gon smiled, and wrapped an arm around Killua's waist.
"Hey, woh, are your seatbelts on? Killua, you need to put on the seatbelt on the other side of the seats." Illumi said, glancing back again.
"What? But there's one right here!" Killua couldn't help but giggle from the absurdity of it.
"Don't make me turn this car around. Sit apart." He said. Illumi couldn't believe he spoils Killua this much.
The car approached the Zoldyck Records building and Gon gasped at the sight of the pristine walls and the professional look of the place, sitting atop perfectly watered and vivid green lawn. The walls around the building was tall so that anyone passing by could only see the tops of the gold trim recording building within. Probably only the luckiest and prestigious singers and artists could ever hope to even see inside this beautiful place of guaranteed success, from label alone. Gon couldn't help but feel like he was on the 'luckiest' side of those that get to go inside. Illumi parked the car in the closer parking spots, a few other cars there and Gon wondered how many people were in there. Killua and Gon hopped out while chatting up, following Illumi that guided them went into the lobby which was much warmer looking then the outside, dark and warm colors, rugs and couches decorated the large place, and a small reception desk with no one behind it.
"So what's the roster for today?" Killua asked as Illumi wrote on the sign in sheet at the desk, signing in what time they got there and which recording room they'll be in.
"Kalluto is here, and she'll be recording with you today." Illumi said. Killua blinked while Gon scrunched his nose. Kalluto?
"Kalluto is starting collabs now?" Killua asked, slipping his hands in his studded jean jacket pockets.
"Father wants her to have a good repertoire of songs for the birthday introduction."Illumi said. Killua nodded and Illumi started guiding them down the long halls and Gon leaned over to whisper quietly to Killua.
"Who is Kalluto?" He asked.
"Kalluto is the youngest Zoldyck. I guess father wanted to start getting her ready to debut within the company soon and start going to the Academy." Killua whispered back. "You'll get to meet her."
"Oh, I get to meet you little sister? That's pretty cool! Ok!" Gon grinned. They got to the recording room, the door opening like a vault, and there she was, sitting politely in gray high-waist shorts and a dark long sleeve shirt, a small stuffie of a rabbit in her hands.
"You sit there." Illumi said with his eyes on Gon, pointing at a seat by her.
"You two, get ready for warm up." Illumi said, waving his hands between his two siblings as he went behind the soundboard.
"Hi, I'm Gon!"Gon introduced, holding out a hand to Kalluto as he slid in the seat next to her. Kalluto looked over at him and looked down at the hand. "Wow, you have such pretty eyes." Gon said, noting the purple. Her eyes widened a bit and then she looked at Killua, a small flush on her cheeks.
"This is Gon, a classmate. He'll be watching to see how we do things around the studio." Killua explained. She nodded a bit then took Gon's hand to shake at last.
"I'm Kalluto. You also have pretty eyes." She said, soft spoken. Gon grinned.
"Wow, thanks!" Gon said. She almost reminded him of Illumi, but definitely less intense.
"In." Illumi said and Gon watched Kalluto get up and follow Killua into the next room, the recording booth, separated by a glass wall. Gon got up, despite being told to sit, to watch what Illumi does by his shoulder. Gon looked up as a noise captured his attention from inside the booth. Both Killua and Kalluto made warm up noises into the mic and Gon grinned, finding it both amusing and adorable.
Look at Killua's cute face! Aw, his hair's all over the place while wearing the headphones! Half of his face gets covered by the mic, so cute! Gon cooed in his mind.
They both looked cool in there, Gon could see the similarities between older brother and sister despite the difference in hair color. Their face structure was similar and had the same mannerism when Killua was acting all lax like this. Gon looked down to watch which buttons Illumi pressed to activate the speakers inside the room so he could give them instructions and which buttons were to raise the volumes on different sound elements. Gon wanted to pick these things up quickly as not to slow them down.
"Ok, sing Halo for warm up, then we'll go to the recording, Kalluto will be first." Illumi said to them. Killua turned to Kalluto.
"Ok, don't worry about takes, lets just sing to loosen up and then rest easy as we sing for the song. It's a mood of loose and laid back." Killua told her and she nodded, looking up to him. She valued Killua's advice so much, it was her cool older brother that mother always talked about being so amazing.
They turned back to the mics and they heard the metronome ticking in their ears, the beat to sing on for a capella. Killua's eye twitched a bit from the noise but took a breath to calm himself.
"Remember those walls I built…? Well, baby they're tumbling down…" The two siblings sang in harmony, Killua taking the melody while Kalluto took the higher harmony. They both held their proper stance, chin raised and feet apart at shoulder level, Gon couldn't help really appreciate what next level they were both on. He felt honored even satnding there and watching masters at work. The sounds hitting his ears sounded beautiful and like silk chocolate caressing his mind at ease. They worked on their lower range at the start of the song, working on higher chest voice into the chorus.
"It's like I've been awaken… every rule I had you breaking! It's a risk I'm taking… I ain't never gonna shut you out!" Their eyes closed as they worked their vocal chords to hit the high notes without going into falsetto. It was practiced ease for them, the slow raise in pitch during the song helped them out and Gon made a mental note to do warm up songs too. It was a good idea!
"Everywhere I'm looking now, I'm surrounded by your embrace! Baby, I can see your halo, You know you're my saving grace! You're everything I need and more, It's written all over your face! Baby, I can feel your halo, Pray it won't fade away, I can feel your halo (Halo) halo… I can see your halo (Halo) halo…! I can feel your halo (Halo) halo… I can see your halo (Halo) halo ooh!" They rocked from one foot to the other in time with the beat as they sang, looking at each other when tricky harmony was coming up so they could gauge each other's direction and work on hitting the notes right. Gon felt his body tingle in delight as he listened to them make beautiful music together, and he felt a warm flush wash through his body whenever Killua made eye contact with him, singing the song. The way Killua's look bore into his, he would almost imagine that Killua was singing the words to him, for him. It was beautiful and made Gon a little hot under the collar. They finished with quiet vocalizations of the ending note.
"Good job, that sounded great. Let's start." Illumi said into the mic and Killua patted Kalluto's head on the way out as she took a drink of her honey water. Their voices and throats should be loosened up by now to sing and produce great content for the next album.
Killua went out to Gon while he bounced, visibly excited standing by Illumi's side.
"That was so awesome!" Gon beamed. "You sounded great, you both did! Wow, I wonder how fun it will be to sing with you in a professional booth one day." Gon sighed dreamily, taking Killua's hands once he was in reach. Killua blushed.
"Don't you ever slow down?! Geez…" Killua muttered as he looked to one side. "I get that… it would be cool." He admitted, smiling a bit to himself. Killua could practically imagine the future when Gon and Killua just sing all day in the booth together, making love albums after love albums. Killua got a silly smile on his face as he thought about it and Gon smiled teasingly.
"What are you thinking about…?" Gon asked all sleazy like.
"Nothing! Geez!" Kilua said with a jump, realizing he was just smiling struck, leaving the conversation hanging. "C'mon, lets sit, lets not distract Illumi." Killua said, taking Gon's hand to sit, trying to pretend he wasn't affected and was just daydreaming. Gon smiled, following his cute, shy boyfriend. As if he would go anywhere else.
"Ok, Kalluto, this part is small, but we're gonna need your sound clip to duplicate and replay in the first song. You'll do your second recording song after wards, ok?" Illumi said into the mic so Kalluto could hear him in the booth.
"Yes." She said, fixing the headphones more correctly over her ears to hear the music and the cue.
"A sound clip?" Gon whispered to Killua.
"We record what she sings and replay it without her having to sing the same thing over and over again. It helps for repetitive things like refrains and choruses. And that way, you can ad lib over the replay to add all that fancy singing over the normal melody." Killua said. Gon made an o face. He's always just resang his things at his at-home sound board.
"2, 3 , 4..." Illumi counted down for her and she put her lips to the mic, singing a couple notes, "lala, lalalalalala, la!" She sang with the instrumental melody playing in her headphones. Illumi nodded as he listened.
"Again." He said. She sang that part again, putting different reflections and emphasis on notes, trying for that laid back vibe Killua told her about.
"Again," Illumi said.
"Why so many?" Gon asked, watching them with interest.
"Well, we don't know what sounds best right now. We could always stop when we have a good one at first, but we don't know if she could do it better on the next one, so during editing and playback, we'll get the best sounding soundclip." Killua said. Gon hummed. That was really cool, and sounded fun, to be controlling the sounds like a maestro or DJ. The behind the scene process was always so cool and fun to Gon to learn about. They listened to Kalluto sing 'la-la's for a bit and Gon wondered with how many measures she sang it for if she might as well have just sang the whole song like that.
"Thanks Kal, Killu, you're up." Illumi said. Killua pat Gon's head as he got up to go inside as Kalluto came out. Killua gave Kalluto a quick five as they passed and Kalluto paused at seeing Gon again, like she forgot he was there, and then took her bunny to sit by him. Gon smiled, happy she felt comfortable enough not to steer clear.
"Ok, lyrics are in front of you. Ready? You're after measure 4." Illumi said and Killua gave a slight cough to clear his throat.
"Got it."
Gon heard the playback of the music, and Kalluto's first recordings of 'lala's came on and Gon smiled, it sounded pretty cool already. Killua opened his mouth to sing and Gon felt like he was listening to some radio release already.
"Hush, don't speak… when you spit your venom, keep it shut I hate it, when you hiss, and preach… about your new messiah cause your theories catch fire…!" Killua sang, keeping his eyes down to read the words. His words were clear and his singing was level and pure. Killua stopped after the first couple counts and Illumi stopped the music too.
"Ok, Killu, you were a little faster than the tempo we want. Remember, its really a laid back song, an 'I'm over it' vibe." Illumi said into the mic. "Let's do it again, don't try to sound bitter or petty. It's more like those punk tantrums you throw sometimes when mother makes you go to an event you don't want to go to and you're complaining." He said. Killua nodded but rolled his eyes.
"I do not throw punk tantrums…" Killua said lowly into the mic as he marked some stuff on his sheet. Gon blinked as he watched the interaction. He didn't know what Illumi was talking about- a tempo too fast? Vibe needs to be cooler? That sounded perfect and amazing and Gon could listen to just that sound bite all day. And the fact that Killua knew what he was talking about, wow, Gon would have been lost and probably overcompensated.
Killua sang that piece again and Gon coulda melted with the coolness Killua oozed into those lyrics. Killua sang it as before, as far as Gon knew, but he felt like the groove was different, the slight shimmy in Killua's shoulder as he sang, his chin tilted back ever so slightly, made the whole song even better sounding than before, light and refreshing to the ears. But how could he do that, when people can't see him sing? It's like he put his movements in the song!
"Wow, that was amazing." Gon breathed. There was a reason this was the Zoldyck records after all. Illumi was pretty proud he was able to show off the true extent of his brother's amazingness to this peasant.
"Good. One more time." Illumi said, and Killua nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. Gon grinned, Killua didn't look totally miserable. Gon knows Killua still loves music as much as he did when he was younger. Killua might have had a falling out with the whole process, but Gon's happy he was able to get Killua to forgive it a little bit. Gon will make sure Killua always holds that feeling. Killua sang it and Gon could tell he was lifting the music with sass, the little mood faces he makes, the scrunch of his nose and closing his eyes, adding to the emotions behind the music. Made it sound even better than just another piece of song he sang technically correct.
"Great. Lets sing the next part." Illumi said as he played with some dials. Killua nodded, patting his leg to the beat.
"I can't find your silver lining, I don't mean to judge, but when you read your speech, it's tiring, enough is enough…!" Killua sang, dancing a little groove in place, his hands coming up to dance along the little notes he sees on the music bars on the sheet, floating up around him to lead his vocals. Killua closed his eyes, pouring out great vocals, launching into the chorus without pause.
"I'm covering my ears like a kid…!" Killua put his hands over his headphones as he danced in place. Killua usually doesn't put such effort behind his music or show such emotion while in the booth, but he was happy Gon was here and wanted to really show off how good he was. "When your words mean nothing, I go lalala. I'm turning up the volume when you speak~ Cause if my heart can't take it, I'll find a way to block it, I go-!" He stopped for the music to replay.
"Great, Killu. That was some of your better works compared to what you've been doing lately." Illumi said. Killua shrugged at the dig as Gon nearly fan boy'd out over Killua again, turning to Kalluto and shaking her a bit. She was dazed at the sudden friendly gesture and nearly fell over when Gon let go of her as quickly as he held her.
"HAha, sorry, but wasn't that so amazing!? Killua's such an amazing singer, I'll never get tired of his voice." Gon sighed, putting his hands on his cheeks as he looked back at the silver haired teen flipping the pages and writing down notes.
"Yes, well, I think so too. But it's only natural, he's my big brother after all." She said softly and Gon beamed at her. What cuteness, she looked up to Killua so much.
Illumi froze while rounding the corner when he saw one of the new girls flirting with Hisoka by his locker. That was so annoying. Some people didn't know to stay away from him yet, that Hisoka was off limits. Illumi strode down the hallway, his silky hair flowing behind him like a tail swishing with warning. People moved out of the way, his aura he exuded as he approached Hisoka from the back was enough of an oppressing feeling that they knew to steer clear. Illumi had to admit, he was impressed with the girl who was flirting with Hisoka. She was certainly fearless if she could obviously see him approaching and decided to ignore him.
Illumi came close enough and inserted himself in between Hisoka and the girl, which was a feat in and of itself considering how close the girl had positioned herself into Hisoka's space. Hisoka blew some of Illumi's hair out of him mouth before stepping back.
"Excuse you, but I don't think you realize that he's not interested." Illumi said as he held a hand up in front of the girl. She had strawberry flowy hair and pink lips and hazel eyes. She must be a girl group trainee. She looked appalled.
"Excuse you, I don't think you recognize flirting when you see it, and Hisoka was obviously flirting with me back."
"Well-" Hisoka tried to interrupt.
"You might have hypnotized him, but that doesn't mean he was flirting with you willingly." Illumi shot back.
"Illumi…" Hisoka tried again.
"Ha, and you think you know so well what it looks like when he's interested, don't you? What me and Hisoka have is special. What do you think you have that makes you think Hisoka might have ever taken you seriously?" She asked, putting hands on her hips.
"What?" Illumi said while the air around them got a little colder.
"Ah, now you've done it." Hisoka purred with amused annoyance. She blinked and took a step back when Illumi took a step forward.
"You must have forgotten who you're talking to. I have the best voice in the school, better hair then you'll ever dream, and prettier than you'll ever be, and natural while I'm at it." Music started and Hisoka shook his head.
"I'm not staying here for this again." Hisoka muttered walking down the hall.
"You forget I rule the school while I'm here. And no even knows what your name is…" Illumi said then did a hair flip, starting to sing, "My name is 'llumi, I'm so very fly, oh my, it's a lil' bit scary!" He sang as his girls, Machi and Shizuku, came up on either side of him to sing back up and harmony.
"Boys wanna marry, looking at my derri- Ere, you can stare but if you touch it I'mma bury! Pretty as a picture, sweeter than a swisher…! Mad 'cause I'm cuter than the girl that's witchya!" Illumi sang to the girl, intimidating her with his dominating aura and dancing, singing her into a corner before he turned and started talking to those around, watching the massacre.
"I don't gotta talk about it, baby you can see it. But if you want, I'll be happy to repeat it" He winked with a hip strut and turned the corner, the three of them called attention to themselves as they moved in formation down the hall musically. (Because everything is like a music video now adays at the Academy)
"My name is Keri, I'm so very Fly, oh my, it's a lil' bit scary! Boys wanna marry, looking at my derri- Ere, you can stare but if you touch it I'ma bury! Pretty as a picture, Sweeter than a swisher, Mad 'cause I'm cuter than the girl that's witchya! I can talk about it 'cause I know that I'm pretty~ And if you know it too, then ladies sing it with me!"
Illumi and the girls broke out into dance, purposely mimicking girl group movements just to prove a point to that girl who thought she could make a move on Hisoka. They moved in a flurry of hair swishes and shoulder shimmies, high kicks and hip sways.
"All eyes on me when I walk in, No question that this girl's a ten! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful, Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful! My walk, my talk, the way I dress, It's not my fault so please don't trip! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful, Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful!"
Illumi and the girls made it to the courtyard after traveling the hallls, an entourage of fans and disbelieving viewers following their performance. The singers overtook a table for Illumi to climb up on, Machi and Shizuku flanked him from the floor.
"If you're looking for me you can catch me, pass by, Cameras flashing! Bet he turn his head just as soon as I pass him~" Illumi did some poses and winks for the cameras that were recording and taking pictures. "Girls think I'm conceited 'cause I know I'm attractive! Don't worry about what I think, why don't you ask him (ha)? Get yourself together don't hate (never do it)... Jealousy's the ugliest trait (don't ever do it). I can talk about it 'cause I know that I'm pretty And if you know it too, then ladies sing it with me!" Illumi moved from the courtyard and into the hallway that led to the school's cafeteria from the breezeway. Down the hall, Killua could be seen spotting the moving mass of music with Illumi in the center and urgently and panickedly hurried to get out of sight and far from that hallway.
"All eyes on me when I walk in! No question that this girl's a ten! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful… Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful! My walk, my talk, the way I dress! It's not my fault so please don't trip! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful… Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful!"
Illumi barged into the cafeteria, interrupting most conversation, a train of girls and women feeling empowered by Illumi following after him. Illumi got up on the table and others came flocking over to see this concert of talent.
"Doing the pretty girl rock rock rock… Do the pretty girl rock rock rock… Do the pretty girl rock rock rock…! Do the pretty girl rock rock! All my ladies do the pretty girl rock rock! Get low with your pretty girl rock rock! Steal the show with your pretty girl rock rock… All my ladies do the pretty girl rock rock…" Illumi sang, dancing and hip bumping with Machi and Shizuku. They had the floor crowd leaning and rocking with it, enraptured by Illumi's beautiful singing and entertaining flash number.
"Sing it with me now! But don't actually sing." Illumi informed before continuing to sing.
"All eyes on me when I walk in! No question that this girl's a ten! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful!" The audience mumbled a bit confused but then cheered again from the performance.
"My walk, my talk, the way I dress… It's not my fault so please don't trip! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful! All eyes on me when I walk in, No question that this girl's a ten! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful! My walk, my talk, the way I dress, It's not my fault so please don't trip! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful…! Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful…!" Illumi vocalized to the end of the song.
"How is Killua handling all of this?" Ponzu asked Gon. They were all sitting at the farther lunch tables on the fringes of the crazy cheers. Gon was on his phone, tapping away as Ponzu rubbed Gon's back.
"Oh, he said don't expect him for the rest of the day."
Pokkle nearly snorted and choked on his chocolate milk, Ponzu laughing freely.
Gon exited the dance and singing theory class and shook out his limbs, trying to get the blood flowing back in them. He figured the singing and dance theory class he just came out of would help him with the audition he was heading to. That class was a precursor to prepare them for their future classes, they expect the student to know their basic singing theory, like how to get a strong voice out over the audience without forcing it. Some of it, Gon already knew from experience, since there were times he had to perform without some of the proper equipment, but the other theories were really interesting to learn. It was up to the students to put them into practice and make it their own homework if they need to because not every student needed every theory, depending on what singing style they liked. Later in the semester, the teacher was going to cover dance theory, and Gon was looking forward to that. He knew the street style of dancing but never been formally trained. This is just theory, but it'll go a long way for him.
"You ready, Gon- bob, me boy?" Knuckles said, patting Gon's back so hard, he nearly fell forward.
"Haha, hey, Knuckles, yea! I'm so ready. I've been dreaming about the day I could be lead in a play because of my singing voice and not just background comedic relief character." Gon said, gripping his fists in determination.
"Aw, I'm sure you could get something. But I'm getting lead." Knuckle said cockily, rubbing his nose. Gon let out an indignant noise.
"You didn't say you wanted the lead too when you were helping me rehearse!" Gon cried.
"Why would I when I can scope out my competition's talent instead?" Knuckle laughed.
"You're the worst!" Gon laughed. "If I see you singing the songs I prepared, I really might go ballistic on you, knuckles Bines." Gon said with a sharp point.
"Full name? Who are you trying to be, Shoot?" Knuckles laughed. "I won't. Really, good luck, though." He said. They met up with Killua who was lightly bickering with Ponzu while Pokkle stood nearby.
"Oh, Gon! Hi!" Ponzu greeted, tucking a hair behind her ear, dropping the conversation with Killua.
"Hmp, won't make your hair look better." Killua snickered. She stomped her foot, glaring over at Killua while he looked away innocently.
"Oh no, we've all lost the lead if Killua's auditioning with us!" Knuckles cried before offering his hand to the smaller teen. "Finally have the honor of meeting you, Killua Zoldyck.I'm Knuckles." He said. Killua raised an eyebrow while shaking his hand.
"Um, cool meeting you, too. But, don't worry about the… lead, I guess, I'm not auditioning, Im just here to support Gon." Killua said.
"Oh, thank god." Knuckles breathed.
"Are you sure you won't even audition for a small role?" Gon asked again. He really hoped Killua could be apart of this school experience with him. It was so much fun working on a project last year with him.
"Nope, I still don't see the need or see it as fun." Killua said as they all turned to go to the auditorium. Gon hummed, disappointed. At least he'll come to every rehearsal to entertain him.
They get to the auditorium and there is an extravagant man with green hair talking animatedly with some students with clipboards. Gon looked around with a gulp. There were more people here than he thought there would be. There is at least a lot more people than there was when Gon was in normal high school and he went to audition for a public school production play. But this made sense, this is a play of higher quality, with the promise of peers who were just as invested and passionate, so of course it would appeal to more auditioners. Plus, some student's careers were to go on and be musical stage talents, they at least have to be here.
"Sign ups are over here." Knuckles said to Gon, surprising him out of his thoughts. Gon walked over with the chatting group and looked over the different characters for audition across multiple different plays. Looking over the play he wanted to get into, Gon eyed the role of Master Little- the comedic relief to the whole play. The thing he was dreading and hoping he wouldn't get. If he couldn't get anyone else, Gon would rather stick his butt in a seat and watch with Killua. He waited behind Knuckles to sign up for the part of the King. Gon smiled. The guy was a bit of a jerk but could be taught, and so he had plenty of stage opportunities for tear jerking moments. Plus, Gon could definitely be up to playing the comedic parts for the King. It was the best rounded-out character for this play that Gon could use to show his real broadway-level charm! He watched Ponzu sign up for tutor.
"Ah, that's really impressive that you would play that part, its alot of lines." Gon commented, taking the pen next. Ponzu blushed a bit.
"Well, I can do it. It's the most signing parts and the best woman role, really." She said determined. Gon nodded while they went to sit.
"Welcome everyone to the general auditions for the spring plays! We'll start with line reading for the parts of The King and I." The director said, standing on stage in various flamboyant poses. "First…"
One after the other, people were called up from the list to read off and act through monologues. Gon sat mostly anxious through it all, wringing his hands together as he listened to people audition. He reached over and took Killua's hand, wanting to calm down enough for when it was his turn. Killua turned and gave him a kind understanding smile. Killua knew Gon would do great. Gon gave a small but tight smile back. It made him feel better to know that Killua had such faith in him. Gon went up to say his lines with more ease then he actually felt, like an out-of-body experience that was over before he knew it. Soon everyone who was auditioning for The King and I finished their line reading.
"Ok, now we're moving on to singing auditions now that everyone has done the lines." The green haired man said, standing and striking exaggerated poses. Gon squeezed Killua's hands out of nerves and he could feel Killua squeeze back immediately. Killua leaned to Gon's ear.
"It's ok, you're gonna do great." Killua whispered encouragingly. Gon smiled. He was happy Killua was here with him.
"Yea…" Gon said wishing he felt as confident as Killua had for him.
~0-0-0-0-0~
People went up and performed before Gon and, goodness, they were a student at the school for a reason, they were all really good. Gon swallowed as his name was called and he got up to get on stage. The fact that there was such stiff competition… it lighted Gon up with excitement, to see if he had what it took to keep up, even if it was still nervous energy. One of the student helpers input the music Gon had prepared and Gon got ready for the song to come on standing in center stage behind the mic, finding his mark. Some students cried out encouraging whoops to Gon from the dark of the audience seats as Gon waited and Gon cracked a shy dimpled smile. There were more cheers in response and Gon laughed a bit, moving from the mic a little as not to amplify it across the seats. Gon felt a bit better now, standing in the spotlight always had a funny little effect of calming him down, he felt more ready, comfortable, and in his element when he was in the spotlight. Killua grinned from his seat, leaning forward as he watched Gon relax, and he was just that much more excited for his performance.
"Ok, Freeces, whenever you're ready." The director man said, standing to do a butt wiggle then sat behind his clipboard. Gon nodded, stepping up to the mic, tapping his foot when the music eased on. He looked out over the crowd with a glint in his eyes and began singing.
"I used to rule the world…" He hummed out with rustic charm, something Gon has been starting to develop as his hatsu. It was something people reacted best to, loving the sexy undertone to someone singing with a husky tone and Gon was reaffirmed of his assumptions as the people in front of him cheered out happily and gave whistles and whoops. Gon smiled with dimples, hidden behind the form of the microphone, giving a wink. "Seas would rise when I gave the word. Now in the morning I sleep alone…. Sweep the streets I used to own." He sang, bouncing his leg to the beat to keep himself on rhythm, something he's learned from singing with Killua. Gon closed his eyes, wanting to pull out a different side of himself to show than he usually does on a daily basis, a more serious side the school hasn't seen before, more than just comic relief and a happy face. That Gon can have an heir of regalness while still being sunny.
"I used to roll the dice, Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes." He sang, putting some bite behind his words for theatrical effect and some girls squealed, loving the effect Gon's voice and gaze had on their crazy hormones. "Listen as the crowd would sing… 'Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!' One minute I held the key…! Next the walls were closed on me, And I discovered that my castles stand Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand."
Gon closed his eyes, reaching out with emotions, pouring into the song of regret and longing. "I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing! Roman Cavalry choirs are singing… Be my mirror, my sword and shield, My missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can't explain… Once you go there was never, Never an honest word… And that was when I ruled the world." Gon sang hitting the high notes with some difficulty without going in falsetto, but Gon was pleased he hit it with more ease than he would have last year. The crowd cheered louder as he reached the end of the first refrain. The director of the play smiled impressed. This guys sure makes a good impression on the others in the auditorium. This Gon guy would be a promising lead that can easily bring in ticketed audiences on the play's opening night. The director leaned down to write some notes.
"It was the wicked and wild wind…!" Gon said, bringing more energy into his singing as the music kicked up a litte. "Blew down the doors to let me in…" He leaned the mic over to his right before bringing it back up straight. Gon reached out over the crowd which were now cheering like it was a concert. The students always loved when Gon sang, it was entertaining and brought them joy. They could feel how much Gon loved singing everytime he sang and that made them love his performances the most. "Shattered windows and the sound of drums…! People couldn't believe what I'd become. Revolutionaries wait For my head on a silver plate… Just a puppet on a lonely string...Oh who would ever want to be king?"
"I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing! Roman Cavalry choirs are singing… Be my mirror, my sword and shield; My missionaries in a foreign field! For some reason I can't explain… I know Saint Peter won't call my name. Never an honest word… But that was when I ruled the world!" Gon sang, bringing the song to life with his music, voice, and style. The song went into a brief interlude, and the other theater members were happy with Gon's choice and understanding of appropriate music he should sing to best suit his voice.
"I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing…! Roman Cavalry choirs are singing. Be my mirror, my sword and shield, My missionaries in a foreign field! For some reason I can't explain…! I know Saint Peter won't call my name. Never an honest word, But that was when I ruled the world…!" Gon sang out the last bit, more softly and huskier at the end and people stood to clap. Gon was so amazingly talented.
"Wow, how am I supposed to compete with that?" Knuckles chuckled, rubbing his head.
"It's a good thing I don't have to." Ponzu giggled as she got her things ready to sing. The director barely got everyone to quiet down so he can tell Gon thank you and to call up the next person. Gon grinned like sunshine and Killua stared, nearly dazed. Gon really was amazing… He was something else and he made Killua fall in love with music more every time he sang and be more thankful Killua had Gon all to himself.
It was Knuckle's turn afterwards, and he stood with a stretching flex, "Ah, time to put up a good fight." Knuckles said, and ruffled Gon's hair as they passed each other on the stage steps.
"Gon, you were great!" Killua grinned, standing with the others as they welcomed Gon back. "Thanks! That was so fun! I hope I get the part, I want to keep performing like that!" Gon said, taking Killua's hand and sitting down with him. Knuckles set up, taking the mic.
"Ready when you are!" The green haired director called and Knuckles nodded. The music started and Knuckles began singing.
"When I was a young boy My father took me into the city To see a marching band…" He sang, and the crowd cheered some for the choice. "He said, 'Son, when you grow up Would you be the savior of the broken The beaten and the damned?'... He said, 'Will you defeat them, Your demons, and all the non-believers, The plans that they have made?'" Knuckles danced to the music as it kicked up, showing off his more metal proficiency with his voice and performance. "'Because one day I'll leave you, A phantom to lead you in the summer To join the black parade.'!"
The audience easily stood to clap and cheer him on. His performance was good and he knew a good crowd pleaser. The director wrote some notes.
"We'll carry on, We'll carry on, And though you're dead and gone believe me! Your memory will carry on! We'll carry on, And in my heart I can't contain it, The anthem won't explain it, A world that sends you reeling from decimated dreams, Your misery and hate will kill us all! So paint it black and take it back, Let's shout it loud and clear! Defiant to the end we hear the call, To carry on, We'll carry on, And though you're dead and gone believe me, Your memory will carry on We'll carry on! And though you're broken and defeated, Your weary widow marches, On and on we carry through the fears!"
Gon paused for a moment when he heard Knuckle's voice crack as he belted out the words emotionally.
"Wh- wait, what? Is Knuckles crying?" Killua laughed, putting a hand to his head. Gon snickered a bit.
"I guess he got lost in his emotions!" Gon laughed nudging Killua before going back and enjoying the performance, Knuckles getting himself back under control to finish the song.
"Oh, oh, oh, Disappointed faces of your peers, Oh, oh, oh! Take a look at me cause I could not care at all, Do or die, you'll never make me! Because the world will never take my heart Go and try, you'll never break me. We want it all, we wanna play this part I won't explain or say I'm sorry I'm unashamed, I'm gonna show my scars! Give a cheer for all the broken! Listen here, because it's who we are! I'm just a man, I'm not a hero Just a boy, who had to sing this song! I'm just a man, I'm not a hero, I don't care! We'll carry on, We'll carry on, And though you're dead and gone believe me, Your memory will carry on! We'll carry on And though you're broken and defeated Your weary widow marches, Do or die, you'll never make me! Because the world will never take my heart! Go and try, you'll never break me. We want it all, we wanna play this part!
"(We'll carry on!) Do or die, you'll never make me! Because the world will never take my heart, Go and try, you'll never break me! We want it all, we wanna play this part! (We'll carry on!)!"
Knuckles ended with a classic rock position at the end, and the crowd applauded and cheered. He came down and Killua and Gon teased Knuckles a bit about his teary performance, and that slight voice crack and the director moved on the song list for those auditioning for the tutor. Ponzu bit her lip nervous, as she shuffled through the song in her hand. Pokkle rubbed her back, trying to comfort her and tell her she'll do great.
"Haven't you auditioned already? Like, you've been to other play auditions before? Why are you nervous? Kinda unprofessional if you ask me." Killua said, lolling his head back.
"Omg, Killua, you can't keep your stupid thoughts to yourself?" She cried, before she was called up. She got up in a huff and Pokkle flinched out the way a bit.
"You're gonna do great!" Pokkle called
"I know!" Ponzu bit out. Killua could be such a prick, a real wet shoe. She'll show him just how much she naturally dazzles. A hip hop beat dropped and Ponzu put on a smile with flirty eyes, wanting to show her range of facial emotions and hitting high notes.
"Helpless! Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit I'm Helpless, baby, Down for the count, and I'm drownin' in 'em..!" She took the mic off the stand and started strutting to one side, making use of her hips for more theatrical movement, showing she's not shy.
"I ain't ever been the type to try and grab the spotlight, We were at the revel with some rebels on a hot night. Laughin' at my sister as she's dazzling the room… Then you walked in and my heart sang, oooh. Tryin' to catch your eye from the side of the ballroom, Everybody's dancin' and the bass top volume. Grind to the rhythm as we wine and dine! Saying to myself, baby 'This one's mine.'" She sang with sass, doing hand movements to dance in place, before strutting off to the other side of the stage.
"Shorti made her way across the room to you… And I got nervous, thinking 'What's she gonna do?' She grabbed you by the arm, I'm thinkin' 'I'm through'...! Then you look back at me and suddenly I'm Helpless, yeah! Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit I'm Helpless, baby Down for the count, and I'm drownin' in 'em!" Ponzu sang, doing some hair flips and highlighting her hip dances. She wanted to show off her specialty and the type of music and hatsu she was good at. "Helpless, yeah! Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit I'm Helpless, baby! Down for the count, and I'm drownin' in 'em!"
"One week later, I'm writin' a letter nightly, Now my life gets better, every letter that you write me. Laughin' at this girl, cuz she wants to form a harem ...No, I ain't sharin'." She sang, serving looks to the crowd. They cheered receptively in response.
"Two weeks later, in the living room stressin' My father's stone-faced while you're asking for his blessin'... I'm dying inside, as you wine and dine. And I'm tryin' not to cry 'Cause there's nothing that your mind can't do." Ponzu went back to center stage, swaying to the music, going in for the vocalizations and the showing off vocals.
"My father makes his way across the room to you. I panic for a second, thinking 'we're through', But then he shakes your hand and says 'be true', And you turn back to me, smiling, and I'm Helpless, yeah! Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit I'm Helpless, baby! Down for the count, and I'm drownin' in 'em. Helpless, yeah! Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit I'm Helpless, (so helpless) baby, Down for the count, and I'm drownin' in 'em…!" She finished with a hand flourish. The people applauded, loving the style and delivery she gave them all.
"Very nice Ponzu thank you!" The director man said, and she bowed a bit, running back over to her friends who stood to recieve her.
"See? You could do it, no reason to be nervous." Killua said to Ponzu and she stuck her tongue out at him, but she had to admit, going up there fired up from his comment helped with her nerves…
At the end of all the auditions, the director thanked them all.
"The call back lists will be available in a week!" He said and people got up, talking loudly among themself on everything that happened, and how Good Gon did. "I am so upset, potentially upset by a kid less experienced than me!" Knuckles said in good cheer, patting Gon's back.
"I'm working on it!" Gon piped, not letting Knuckles large energy bring him down.
"You really did well. I can now understand why you would like this sort of thing after simmering within this atmosphere, I think it will really fit you and give you a good outlet for your crazy energy." Killua chuckled, slipping his hands casually into his pockets.
"You really think so? Thanks, Killua. I think… no matter what position I get.." Gon started, then remembered the part of comedic relief he didn't want. But he breathed out, Gon knew he would still mean it, "I'll be happy just to be apart of this." He smiled. Killua smiled back. Gon was so amazing. His energy and outlook when interacting with the world around him was so inspiring and refreshing… Killua understands why Gon attracts so many people in with his personality.
Haha, no, I'm not a comedy writer, but I should become one.
(Now in the works of being cross-posted to the german fanfiction (Fan Fiktion . de ) by Edyleen-sama! Thanks so much, and hope you guys can go read it in your language if you're german or know it well!)
