Song list:

Refill- Elle Varner

Cold Feet from musical The Drowsy Chaperone [suggested by Sockbootoo from ao3]

Sarahmounik: Thanks so much for the review! It made me so happy that someone actually reviewed after I asked, and lets me know people are still reading. I'd love for more to hear more what you guys are thinking! And Thank you for thinking my story is amazing! XD


Bells and Whistles Chapter 20

TUI Chapter 7 - Sounds of Music

Killua doodled lazily in the margins of his notebook, minutes before the next bell. Some of these new classes were annoying, these teachers didn't take Killua's crap of not participating in class, so they started making arranged seatings and placed him by the front. Now Killua couldn't even text Gon when he got bored because they'll slap a demerit on his butt so fast he'll see stars. Killua looked up as he heard footsteps enter the classroom, wondering if it was the teacher wearing heels today. Killua did a double take at what he saw.

Illumi came in, wearing the Chanel boots, thigh high, over his black skinny jeans, which fit him better than most thanks to his long slender build. Illumi's shirt had a decal of a kiss on it, and a leather jacket over it. He sauntered over to Killua while Killua was still in shock. Killua had determined he wouldn't ruin Illumi's senior year, however Illumi wanted to spend it, but it seemed like illumi didn't need his help for that.

Hisoka and Amane came over to the door of the classroom and peaked in with varying degrees of concern and amusement on their face.

"I didn't realize he asked if I could bring in my boots for this." Amane muttered to Hisoka.

"I can't believe he didn't ask me for my boots!" Hisoka giggled giddily. Killua closed his mouth when he finally realized he was just staring agape at the shocking scene, along with most of the other students in the room that was already staring. Illumi sat on the teacher's desk in front of Killua, leaning back leisurely onto his hands.

"Killu, what's a thot?" Illumi asked. Killua practically choked on his surprise.

"You can't ask me that dressed like this!" Killua cried incredulously, waving his arms pointedly.

"I mean, if it means that baddest, best person on the planet, I guess I am a t-"

"NO! Don't finish that sentence, ughh…!" Killua cried, putting his head in his hands. He couldn't believe this was actually happening, what was he supposed to do? Illumi was certainly living his best life, but Killua never realized this was how illumi actually was during his best life.

"I blame you." Killua hissed with realization, sitting up and sharply looking over Hisoka.

"And you should, I'm very proud." Hisoka said, looking Illumi over.

"Well, I'll figure it out. I know you're busy, so I won't star-struck your class anymore than I already have and be on my way." Illumi said, patting Killua's head and getting up, sauntering out.

"Illumi, are you going to change later? I think there is a better image you can portray than this." Amane said as he approached.

"No need, but thanks for your concern, dear." Illumi said, putting a finger under her chin as he passed and Hisoka followed his booty with a laugh.

"Just-... ignore the people taking pictures!" Killua tried to call out advice at least, standing up to watch him walk out with concern.

-0-0-0-0-0-

The crowd of teens looked over the call back sheets stapled to an announcement board in the hallway. Gon's eyes scanned the sheets for the lead roles' sections. Gon located the call back list for the role of the King, and he nervously scanned the names printed, a lump in his throat hoping he at least got the understudy role.

"Ah… ah, Killua!" Gon cried, turning around and scooping Killua up in delight. "I got a call back, I got a call back for the lead!" Gon said, putting his face in Killua's neck. He was so happy that his experience in the theater didn't relapse back to his time in his old high school, where his only value was a big voice and fun-going manner, only suitable for comedic relief side characters. But now, Gon's biggest attribute of singing was so valued it landed him a big role, a longer time in the spotlight and to perform where he loved- on stage in front of a crowd.

"Oh, Gon! That's so great! I knew you'd do it!" Killua laughed, hugging back. Ponzu scooted into the opening of people shifting in front of the call back list.

"No way! Gon! I got lead girl!" Ponzu said, spinning to face him, full of excitement. Gon put Killua down to turn to her and take her hands.

"Nice! That's amazing, Ponzu! I'm happy to work with someone I already know so well! I'm sure we'll have great chemistry." Gon beamed.

"Haha, yea… what?" Killua's laughter slowed before he asked as Ponzu vocalized her agreement. Gon turned to him.

"You know as the two romantic leads." Gon said. "It'll be easier to act chemistry with someone who I already know than forming a new relationship with someone." Gon smiled. Killua blinked with his smile falling.

"It's a romantic play?" Killua asked.

"Yea, I mean- most plays are, right?" Gon asked, tilting his head curiously. Killua pressed his lips together.

"What….is this play about again?"

-0-0-0-0-

Killua shoved the doors to the auditorium open. Gon followed at Killua's brisk pace while Ponzu, Pokkle, and others who got the call back filtered into the auditorium more leisurely. Gon was sorta happy Killua was going to audition now. They'll get to do the play together if Killua made it, but Gon was wondering if it was too late at this point. Gon wasn't exactly sure what drove Killua to want to audition now of all times, but Killua seemed adaments after learning about the kissing scene between him and Ponzu.

"Hey, Mr, director man. I'm Killua Zoldyck, I'll be auditioning for the tutor. I'm sure my reputation precedes me, and you'd be lucky to have me in your play to attract, like, just all of the people, but… I figure you'll want some proof." Killua said, slightly winded as he spoke to the director, the man standing up as he was addressed suddenly.

"Uh- I'm- what?" He stuttered, taken off guard. Killua went to the music fairy and told her what songs to cue on and skipped on stage as Gon scooted into the front row seat, standing up to watch with anticipation and a little anxiety. But Gon was mostly excited. Killua and Gon sing together often, but Gon doesn't see Killua perform as often as he'd like. Gon wanted to see and watch and listen to Killua as he sang, not only for him, but for everyone, for performing, and for the sake of singing. Gon hoped Killua liked it. Maybe the fact Killua was willing to sing now, and not refusing to perform in public was a sign Killua was slowly warming back up to the art of music and song. Working on his love of singing.

A smooth intro bagan and Killua grabbed the mic with performed intimacy, his electric eyes sweeping over the smaller crowd of actors and Gon felt a shiver go up his spine, his mouth falling open a little.

"I feel like the girl at the bar who's been there too long, Can't stand up! I should be gone but I just can't get enough, yeah! Fumbling, giggling, silly as ever I get like this after one too many But right now I ain't even been drinking…" Killua sang, smooth as silk, his vocal range beautifully on display by the song. Girls sighed, sinking in the seat as they watched, enthralled and enchanted.

"He approached me and asked for a minute, Which turned into five, then turned into ten, And right now I don't know how to say when! So can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? Can I get a refill~? Yeah, of your time… Cause you're intoxicating my mind! Feel like a conversational lush Cause I don't know how much is too much, yeah!" Killua closed his eyes as he sang the highlight of the song, the emotions he put into the song filling others with the static electric feeling, a buzz across their skin as goosebumps rippled across their skin excitedly. Killua painted a picture with every huff and musical note.

"I feel like the girl at the bar who's been there too long… Can't stand up! Wishing and hoping that I don't blow it- I'm nervous as hell. I don't wanna show it, And right now I don't even know what I'm saying. I've never had game, no never, I don't wanna sound like a broken record! But until you say goodnight All I know is that I'm staying!

"So can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? Can I get a refill~? Yeah, of your time! Cause you're intoxicating my mind. Feel like a conversational lush Cause I don't know how much is too much, yeah! I feel like the girl at the bar who's been there too long, Can't stand up!" Killua let his hands rise and fall with the pitches of the song, his eyes sharp with emotion and the song sliding over everyone's ears like a soothing caress. Truly, if Killua auditioned the first time, he would have gotten any part he wanted, easily.

"I need a shot of You on the rocks, Cause I'm down to my very last drop! So can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? Baby, can I get a refill~? Yeah!" Killua leaneed a little further into the mic and lowered his voice for more of the ambiance, and Gon shivered, feeling a little hot from the tone.

"Cause I feel like the girl at the bar who's been there too long, Can't stand up! I should be gone, but I just can't get enough! So can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? (I feel like the girl at the bar who's been there too long, Can't stand up! I should be gone, but I just can't get enough) Can I get a refill? Can I get a refill?"

The audience went into applause before the songs began to change to hipper jive, and Killua moved the microphone to the side, rolling his sleeves up. The crowd shouted out some approval as some people recognized the song. Killua winked out to the crowd, instantly and pretty smoothly shifting gears to a charming rascal mood.

"Hey there Mister Mirror Man, Shakin' and a quakin', Tremblin' like 'dem fraidy cats do. Somethin' big be botherin' you- Cold Feets! Cold Feets! Brother you got cold feets, You can make 'dem cold feets hot With little rhythm!" Killua had launched into a improv tap dance routine, his ankle boots providing enough clattering to make out the pro sounding noises, singing with a brooklyn stage accent. Killua knew his basics well enough to sing while dancing without sounding too winded, and to be heard without a microphone. People clapped and cheered as Killua tapped a quick move with one foot then spun in a short circle.

"Young Feets, Old Feets, Can be uncontrolled feets! Rhythm make 'dem cold feets trot Down the aisle! Frosty arches- They can learn to swing! Ivy toes can jive, Wedding marches Played in ragtime swing! Make frigid soles come alive And take that dive! Cold feets Shmold feets! Turn 'em into bold feets! Rhythm make them cold feets Hot!"

Killua ended with jazz hands, his foot positioned behind him snazzily, panting a bit as people cheered. They enjoyed the nice tunes with a happy end. Gon stood and cheered Killua on happily. Killua was amazing! He sounded great, on tune, showed off dancing and singing like a pro and he looked so happy and driven. Killua got off the stage as the people quieted their cheers to a conversational air, and the director stood up to meet him. Gon ran over from his seat that he never really sat down in, too excited to see Killua perform his fares. Gon beamed as he watched Killua speak to the director from afar before his smile fell when he saw Killua looked upset and outraged.

"HAH?" Killua cried out as Gon got close enough to hear.

"Listen," The director started placatingly. "You were great, fantastic, and you would be a great lead, and I would even allow you to have whichever lead you liked, girl or boy, and I would re-write around it. That's how good you were." He said.

"I know! Gimmee the part!" Killua insisted, upset at the implication.

"But it's not very fair to my actors. They worked very hard preparing their audition pieces, they've marked their calendars, nervous and excited about what would happen, hoping their piece was good enough to get their part, and the happiness or relief in getting what part they get after the call back lists came out- these are experiences they can't get often. For some of these students, its the first time they'll ever get this feeling. I can't let someone waltz in dripping with talent, auditioning for auditions that are already over with pieces unprepared, sung off the top of their head because they know they can get whatever they want- it's not even an experience for you, not like it is for them. And to just steal it from them without as much effort or investment... I can't just do that to my dear actors."

Gon frowned as he listened, sympathizing and understanding that well enough. He would be very upset at this stage if Killua was a stranger to Gon and Killua came in to take his part when it wasn't even time for auditions. Killua would basically be stealing his spot and it would feel wildly unfair that the rules bent for him because of his talent and not his passion. Gon was proud of Killua for being driven by something other than money and benefit when singinging, but maybe this wasn't the time for it.

Gon looked over at Killua as Killua processed the words, and Killua looked so solemn as he let the words sink his head snapped up, looking just as upset as before.

"I'm so good, I would literally make your play better! You don't want the profits, man, or else you wouldn't have blinked twice! I'm a freakin Zoldyck!" Killua cried and Gon sighed patiently, putting an arm around Killua's waist, nodding to the director understandingly.

"Sometimes it's not about profits, but the actors." The director said, flipping his purple hair. Gon started leading Killua away.

"You can't just say no to me- did you see what I did up there, I freakin' showed how professional I was! You second rate prop! You C-list actor!" Killua cried, flapping his arms trying to illustrate his point better.

"Oh, yea, all of this is totally showing how professional you're being." Gon teased. Killua tensed, allowing Gon to hook his arm fully around Killua's waist and lift his feet off the ground to properly carry him off. Killua groaned, pushing his hands into his hair as he flushed.

This was really silly, but he felt frustrated and upset. Killua didn't know he could get so bothered by the motion Gon would kiss someone else, even just for acting. Gon sat him on the seat in the front row and sat next to him, taking Killu's hand to rub and listen to the director address everyone and go over everyones parts.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Gon smiled down at the script he got for the play, his king parts highlighted. It was re-wrtten a bit to be more modern, so it was a new take that Gon was excited to be apart of and bring to life with his energy. He was waiting by the door of the auditorium for Killua, as the director asked to see Killua after the meeting.

"I know you probably wanted an on stage-part, but I at least want you to be involved in this process, so… I'd like to offer you a part on the backstage team. Help with make-up, building sets, and moving props. You know, stagehand." He said. Killua scrunched his nose. What a flip in the script. Where usually Killua's talent would get him on stage, his lack of motivation ended up hiding it behind the stage to support those who worked for it. It was fair and he knew Gon would be bummed if he backed out again.

"Yea, alright…" Killua hummed. He blinked as he thought. Maybe at least, using his leverage as a stage -hand, it's possible he could sabotage the kiss scene so they never do. Killua smiled cat like, the edges of his lips curled. "That sounds great. Thanks, man." Killua hummed and turned coolly on his heels, walking out where Gon was waiting for him. "See you at rehearsals." Killua called, lastly. Gon smiled innocently and took Killua's hand to blab about something cute. Gon's smile was for him and Killua wanted to keep that, even if it was selfish.


"Is this really the place?" Killua asked, scrunching his nose in displeasure as he took in the large warehouse building they drove up to. It was a large 2 story warehouse and the windows were boarded up from the inside.

"Of course! It's a dancing job, and they'll need plenty of space while still being indoors." Leorio said, shifting the gears of the car to park and turning off the car.

"That's what studios are for." Killua said, turning to look at Leorio from the passenger seat.

"Well, a professional one is alot of money! The artist got a good deal on this place, and like I said, she's an up and coming artist, so she can't afford those pro ones yet." Leorio argued back, opening the door and leaving the car. Gon climbed out the back, bouncing with nerves as he glanced at the building. This was it, this was where he was going to get his big break! Gon could feel it.

"Seriously? Will this lady even be able to pay Gon properly?" Killua asked, crossing his arms and going to Gon's side. Leorio huffed, insulted.

"Probably not! What of it?" Leorio said, putting his hands on his hips. Killua gasped, appalled.

"How unprofessional!" Killua cried while Gon laughed and took Killua's hand. Gon kissed it, and Killua tensed, brain blanking, before diffused with ease, although embarrassed. Gon was happy to properly get Killua and Leorio to meet up during the trip, Killua came to support him, and Leorio came almost like his agent. But on the trip over, it was almost comical how much they bickered like frenemies.

"It's fine, Killua! I just want to have the experience to put on my CV, ok?" Gon told him. "I don't need the money right now." Killua pouted a bit.

"Fine…" Killua relented, putting hiis hands behind his head. Gon turned back to the building, his camo duffle bag that Killua gifted him over his shoulder. Killua made a surprised face at Leorio sticking his tongue out victoriously at him, and Killua stuck his tongue back childishly. They both stopped their silent war as Gon turned back to them and waved them over.

"Ok! Let's go! I gotta get ready for my orders!" Gon grinned and ran ahead of them. Killua smiled and ran off to follow.

"Don't run…! You energetic kids.." Leorio sighed.

Inside the warehouse, there were many crew members at work, people fastening boards to the windows to keep the lights out, moving cameras, putting up lights and directing dancers.

"Wah, it looks so cool, Killua, it's an actual set- Killua, this is like… the real thing!" Gon smiled, looking around and drinking in the essence of space, the feeling of being apart of the professional workings. "Wow! This is the real set…"Gon hummed softer, He was really on his way, this was just one of his stepping stones.

"Well, don't just talk about it here, get checked in." Killua smiled, looking at him fondly, then glanced around the scene. Killua touched Gon's arm and pointed him off in the right direction.

"Oh, right!" Gon grinned, running over. Leorio barely made it into the door entrance before the boys he was with were running off again.

"Oh- Guys- ah!" Leorio sputtered. Gon got checked in and it was a whirlwind for a moment as they instructed him towards dressing, make-up, and where choreography practice would be. Before Gon could blink, he was sitting in his make-up chair, a wide brush against his cheek as the lady talked about his skin tone.

"You'll get used to it." Killua assured from Gon's side, noting his dazed look. Gon laughed a bit sheepishly, glancing over at Killua, at least for the grounding familiarity. Once they finished that, the assistants led Gon to the dressing area. They put him in a black shirt with thin gold bands along the bottom of the shirt and the edge of the sleeves, blank pants, loose enough for dancing and stark black sneakers with chic white trim.

"Wow, you look good! But does your hair do… anything?" The stylist asked, carding her hands through his hair. Gon blushed a bit sheepishly.

"Not really…" Gon admitted. The girl looked thoughtful for a moment before getting a black hat and fitting it lowly across his forehead.

"Good?" She smiled and Gon laughed. He ducked to look in the mirror. He would need to angle his head to see his eyes, but that was ok.

"It's good! It'll help me stand out!" Gon grinned back at the girl.

"Great, choreographer's over there and waiting for you." She said, pointing at where a taller older man was slowly dragging a foot across the ground as others around him mimicked his movements carefully.

"Great! Thanks!" Gon said and bounded over. He lost track of Killua in the shuffle, but he's sure he's around. As they learned the dance, Gon heard Leorio's loud, boisterous and joyful voice get closer.

"Yup, this guy right here!"

Gon turned and smiled at seeing the petite lady, wavy black hair, walking over with Leorio. Her outfit complementary to what the dancers were wearing, a black crop top, mini skirt, and draping black jacket with ankle boots.

"Hi! You must be Harian Mill!" Gon greeted, taking her hand to shake. Her grinned widened.

"Yes, and you're Gon! I've heard so many good things about you from Leorio!" She grinned.

"Oh? Thanks! How do you know Leorio?" Gon asked with a headtilt.

"An old childhood friend." She grinned over at him. "He was always there when I needed him so I'm happy to help him with a couple of favors here and there!" Harian's smile turned to Gon. "And I'm so happy I did! I've been watching you learn your dance moves and figure out your marks, and you're so quick to learn, and I like the way you move. It's so fresh and vibing, its so much like the atmosphere I want for the video. I'm glad Leorio made the call to bring you in, he knew what he was doing. I want to make sure you're one of the front dancers in the video!" She said, taking Gon's hand. Gon lit up. "Seriously? That would be… awesome!" Gon grinned. He glanced around for a moment and saw Killua pacing by Gon's makeup table and camo duffle, the phone to his ear. Ah, he'll tell him later, Killua was gonna be so happy and proud of him, Gon couldn't wait to share this information with him. "Thanks, miss Mill!" Gon grinned. She nodded.

"No problem. Hey pablo, make sure to give this cutie dance position 2." She called to the choreographer.

"Yes ma'am." He said with a smile, he's already noticed how good Gon was too. He obviously wasn't professionally taught, but he's had great experience and knew how to move his body and shift his weight well. Gon learned half the dance along with another dancer, dancer 1, who was the main focal of the dances most time, her curly brown hair in a loose ponytail so charming and laid back, so Gon figured that was the vibe Harian wanted for the dance, so he worked to make his movements match that mood.

Killua finally made his way over around lunch break.

"Hey, Gon, you look like you're working hard." Killua smiled, going to touch Gon's arm then thinking twice about it, seeing how sweaty Gon was. Gon laughed at Killua's involuntary scrunched face of disgust.

"Yes, I am. Oh, Killua! The artist came over, and she said I was so good at dancing, she's making me dancer 2." Gon grinned.

"Oh, Gon, that's super cool! They usually reserve those for the best of the experienced dancers. She must be real desperate." Killua teased, pinching Gon's cheek. Gon laughed, swatting his hand away, but just intertwined their fingers after.

"Shut up! She said I was really good at this!" Gon smiled.

"That's good. Did they tell you when you'll start recording? The general schedule?" Killua asked, squeezing Gon's hand.

"Um, they wanted to record today, but they figured they'll finish teaching us the moves today then, we'll perform the dance tomorrow. No editing, they just want it all in one recording. So it'll probably take us a couple tries." Gon explained. Killua nodded.

"I just… got off a call with my parents, and they have something lined up for me tomorrow, so I won't be able to see the end results until it gets published. But I know you'll do great, even if I'm not here, ok?" Killua smiled, cupping Gon's cheek with his other hand. Gon pouted at that, leaning into the touch.

"No…! That sucks, I wanted you to be here…" Gon whined.

"I know, it does suck…" Killua hummed soothingly.

"Why do you have to be busy this weekend, be busy next weekend…" Gon bemoaned.

"I know, I wish I could be here too…" Killua nodded understandingly.

"Killua, you can't just keep trying to comfort me, it's gonna make me laugh…!" Gon laughed begrudgingly, putting his face to Killua's palm. It was always cool to the touch, and gave him a calming effect. Killua chuckled.

"Well, I want to make you feel better, so…! Listen, I'll… send a muffin basket, and you can call me between breaks, I'll try to pick up. Ok?" Killua said. Gon nodded with another sigh.

"I'll sleep over tonight?" Killua offered. That made Gon smile despite himself.

"Yea, ok. Sounds good. Do well, ok? What is it anyway?" Gon asked, standing straighter.

"Oh, like, a guest appearance on a talk show." Killua said, "To promote that album in the works, that I was recording with Kalluto." Killua said. Gon nodded.

"Right, ok. Well, I won't think about it now, or else it'll get me down. Cheer me on, ok?" Gon said, sitting up again and Killua nodded with a bright smile.

"Keep working hard, you're doing amazing!" Killua said, honestly. They finished learning the dance by the end of the work day, and they cleaned up, trading information between dancers and those in charge and getting the confirmation on when recording begins the next day. Gon picked up his bag and met up with Leorio and went home with them.

Killua went home with Gon, greeting Mito as he usually does, and practiced the dance moves with him all night. Gon didn't want to forget the moves or mess up alot on his first professional job, and Killua was happy to help. They collapsed together in the bed around 2 am, snoring soundly. They showered early the next morning and Gon whined against Killua's shoulder, face burrowed in Killua's back as Gon hugged him from behind. Gon didn't want him to leave, but let Killua go when Illumi picked him up.

Gon and Leorio went back to the studio. Gon awed at the cameras positioned towards the 'main stage' where mood lighting was set in the middle of the warehouse. The ambience was set, the shades drawn with low light mood, and cues discreetly set on the floor.

"There he is, my good boy. I hope you and Talia get familiar with each other, You two are dancing with each other at the end, and helping the other dancers with any questions when the choreographer is busy." Harian said, going to Gon, and cupping his face affectionately. "Now, lets review the cues and hit your marks before we roll cameras! We're doing this in one shot!" She said and got into position herself.

"Ok, good luck, Gon., I'll be watching over there." Leorio smiled to Gon, giving him a thumbs up as he backed away.

"Right, ok, bye!" Gon said and ran forward to find dancers 1 and 3. It was funny getting through the first couple shots and dance rehearsal on the floor. When mistakes were made, they were obvious and comical, and no one was reprimanded strictly for it. Gon was having a blast playing the vibes he exuded during the moves, practicing to perform on camera. It was a really fun dance and Gon was happy to be apart of it. They were ready to start run throughs before lunch.

Most of the mistakes happened closer to the end, when the artist and her muse was dancing with them at the end. The dancers really had trouble holding it together when the man started dancing, he didn't hold rhythm well. But they got the shot before 5 pm that day. There were still some traces of whimsy and slipped playful laughter in the shots, but Harian told them that she liked it, it made the music video more artistic and pretty.

"Ah, I've got to get this song when it comes out." Gon smiled. It sounded great, and really fun. And he liked that when they paired off at the end, it could be representative of straight, gay, or asexual coupling.

"Great job everyone, you've made me really happy! I'll send you a copy soon, and the music video will drop later. You all were wonderful, and I would be happy to work with you guys anytime again! Call me if you ever need another job!" Harian called and clapped as they enjoyed the after work snack table. Gon laughed and joked with the other dancers, and one of the girls wanted to flirt with him but as she got ready to work up a nerve, Gon moved away.

"Oh yea!" He cried before running away to Harian Mill.

"Hey, thanks so much for this opportunity! Um, I'm still trying to find stable work myself , and I was just wondering if you would mind being a reference on my resume?" Gon asked, trying to keep professional.

"Of course darling, you're wonderful and amazing. Use my contact anytime." She waved someone over and they gave Gon a contact card.

"Oh, thanks so much, Harian! Ah, Leorio! I got a reference!" Gon cried, running over to him to get ready to go home. He was too excited to keep professional, he couldn't wait to tell Killua. Harian laughed.

"What a charming boy. He's got such great skills! He's going places, surely." She smiled at her muse.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Amane puffed out her cheeks as she cheeked her sleek wrist watch again for the time. 5 minutes late. She had already laid out the agreed upon music sheets for review, warmed up her voice individually, and set the metronome up. Illumi should have been here by now. It was his own house, how could he be late to his own music room?

It was then that Illumi came in, flipping his hair back over his shoulder and looking at his phone. And in no hurry at all.

"Glad you could finally join us, Illumi-sama." She said with a bit of a bite.

"You're welcome." Illumi said, the remark's malice flying over his head. She scoffed.

"Illumi, you are five minutes late! I understand you aren't in the mood to do this either but the faster we get it done, the sooner it will be over. You can at least show some of the professionalism you were taught as you grew up to show up and be here on time for our music practice." She said, crossing her arms. Illumi finally looked up from the phone, and regarded her.

"Sorry, I was planning my outfit for tomorrow. I couldn't decide which two shades of blues didn't clash. And Killua didn't want to help me." He answered like that was an acceptable reason. Amane scoffed.

"And this again! You're little performances at school. I don't know what you're going through, that you have to act out so wildly at school but you have to understand how that makes me feel! I'm sick of it! You can want to be an independent unit all you want, but its not the true case! How you act reflects on me! I don't think you fully understand yet, Illumi, but I'm your fiance! We are a pair! This will reflect badly on me too! How ill my grandmother feel?" She said. Amnae couldn't have that. Her grandmother has worked too hard, and to hear of this… Amnae wouldn't be able to handle it! Illumi paused a moment before crossing the floor closer to her and she suddenly felt like she was being too confrontational.

"You think I don't know that? I understand it very well. I'm sorry you're dealing with trivial matters when it comes to how my image makes you look like in high school, but don't you ever think about how mature you have to act in the face of the public? When we're still in high school? You're right, I'm making your life a little harder right now, but the only ones seeing these 'performances' are the other high schoolers. The public doesn't know we're engaged yet, so you aren't reflected in a bad light yet, and no one outside of school sees the fun I'm having, so there is no bad light publically either. I understand we have to be perfect, but does it have to start now? Do we need to start being performative here, in this small room, where no one but each others sees?" Illumi asked. Amane opened her mouth, a lump in her throat.

She felt like…

How could illumi say all of that, it was like…

How inconsiderate, that was…

Everything she wanted to hear her whole life.

To drop the perfectionist act, when unneeded. Knowing not everything she does will be seen.

There is someone she can drop her persona with because he's sure as hell not trying to keep up images now.

"I know we need to be perfect after this. So why waste the time we don't have to be perfect trying to be perfect. You don't need to worry about others, they are much more concerned with themselves at this stage. Ah,you pulled out the sheets. Let's practice?" Illumi went to the piano to quickly jot out some notes to warm up.

Goodness, what would Killua say if he heard Illumi say any of that? Good thing he didn't hear.

Amnae sat down next to him, thoughtful.

"Mh… Let's practice, yes." She said. Wow, she had a lot to think about now.


Killua's so extra and dramatic, lmao

Refill- Elle Varner

Cold Feet from musical The Drowsy Chaperone [suggested by Sockbootoo from ao3]

With my writing style varying wildly within the same paragraph, who can read this? Anyway, I wanted to update earlier but HAHA so many things changed in the span of 3 weeks. Hey, but I finished giving my Master's presentation virtually and I'm so happy! Hope everyone is still keeping healthy and safe!

The music video Gon is in is Marian Hill 'I want you.' I'll be posting it on my Tumblr HXH AU, and Gon's the one with the hat :)