Who can keep track of chapter numbers anymore?

Song List:

I want you back- Jackson 5

Promise Ring- Tiffany Evans


Alluka Heights Arc:

Whistling Chimes

Killua had to wonder if this would have happened if illumi was still living at home.

If this would have happened if Silva did not come back into their life, intent on being a better father that focused on family.

If this would have happened if Killua didn't remember his baby sister who was tone deaf.

Killua found himself lost in wonder often.

He was quickly brought out of the spiraling thoughts by Alluka's bubbliness as she bursted into the living room with a bright light at her back. Gon's room faced the rising sun so it naturally followed her out as she left it. Killua grinned and hugged her.

"Good morning, Killua!" Alluka said, climbing on the stool next to him to start eating the breakfast Killua made.

"Morning Alluka." Killua said, pushing his thoughts to the back of his mind. He should focus on his sister instead and enjoy seeing her after years of family exile and separation. She still doesn't know what he agreed to- the agreement with his father to avoid legal troubles involved in trying to run away from home while underaged. He has essentially become his family's lap dog, to answer to everything they want in the name of fame, everything he never wanted to be.

Besides, if he didn't focus on the now, he would miss Alluka's nervous tick as she swirled a piece of hair on her pointer finger before tucking it behind her ear. They had plenty of time to catch up and relearn each other during the month they stayed at Gon's place. One of the things he's learned anew about Alluka is her nervous tick— plenty of study for that as she had been more nervous then she let on finally leaving home and reconnecting with her brother properly after being heavily sheltered.

"What's up, princess?" Killua asked, patting her head how she liked it when they were younger. Killua was nervous the first time he reattempted it, but she reacted swimmingly so he figured she still loved gentle touches like this.

"I'm just… Gon's coming home today… this is the first time they'll meet me- that I meet them! What if they hate me and don't want me to move in with them anymore!" She said, pouting at Killua. Killua had to laugh at that.

"That's- listen, the Freeces are so loving, they could properly adopt a capybara!" Killua laughed and got a giggle out of Alluka. That was a good sign. "I'm sure they'll be happy to have you, no matter what. They're really good people, and you'll grow for the better by knowing them." Killua hummed. Alluka smiled.

"Is that what happened to you?" She asked coyly, and Killua rubbed the back of his neck, flushed.

"Yea whatever, the Zoldyck look wasn't working for me." He said, folding his arms. Alluka nodded and Killua glanced over at her. "You're still nervous about something." Killua noted.

She let out a sigh.

"I'm really happy you're getting me enrolled in the school with you. Like, it's been my dream to go together with you! But… it's a singing school! Full of elites! There's no way I get by on passing grades. The tones in my head never match what comes out my mouth. How can I keep up when compared to these people with skills that come so naturally? How can I do well in a singing school if I can't sing?" Alluka asked with barely suppressed frustration, pouting up at Killua. Killua frowned, taking one of her hands. She's been really worried about this. He wanted to soothe that doubt.

"It'll be ok, Alluka. The school has really changed its colors since Gon's been there. It's less about flaunting how talented you are, or showing that you are the best of the best. More people are starting to feel more confident in exploring new topics, learning things they're bad at and experimenting new music that isn't in their brand or necessarily what they're talented with. The teachers are more open to helping you with any issues you have, not to mention myself. I already know you can hit notes- I've heard you do it all the time when we were younger. You might need a little more guidance and help and patience, but you can do it." Killua paused to look Alluka in the eye, wanting her to know his resolve. "I believe in you… will that be enough? If I was the only one in the world who could believe you can become a singing star with your talent?" Killua asked. Alluka tried and failed to hide her wide, elated smile.

"Brother, if you were the only one in the whole world who believed in me, I could do anything!" Alluka squealed and hugged Killua. He meant everything to her, the only thing that mattered in her small world. Killua smiled and hugged her tight.

"Good. Cause I know you can do it. I'll help you. You're supposed to debut this year anyway, if our parents weren't butts and actually sent you to school." Killua said.

"Ah… I'll probably have to wait to debut huh?" She asked sadly as she pulled away from Killua. But Killua shook his head.

"Not if I have anything to say about it. I'm gonna work hard to make sure you debut this year. Whether it's an album, an EP or just a single. You'll debut." Killua grinned at her and she smiled back.

"Thank you so much!" She cried squeezing him again. Killua smiled. He'll always do what he needs for his family- his family that he loves and that loves and supports him back.

The door to the apartment was opening and Killua tensed before he realized it was the Freeces coming home.

"Gasp, they're here already?" Alluka murmured nervously. Killua grinned.

"C'mon…" Killua said, dragging her to her feet and to the entrance.

"Im home- Killua! Look! It's your sister….!"

He hasn't unpacked his suitcase but encouraged Alluka to do so in Mito's room.


Mito cooed, Japanese words freely spinning from her lips as she trained the camera onto a five year old Gon who wore a large oversized button up shirt. One of Ging's but Mito will forgive Gon for wearing it since he looks so cute . The television behind Gon was a blur of bright colors and pixels, unrecognizable by sight through the video camera lens. But the crowd-cheering audio at least clued in that the tv played a concert.

" Ii yo , Gon, sing, I'm ready now." Mito said from behind the camera, her japanese accent more prominent in her earlier years in America. Gon laughed brightly, his cheeks rounder with youth, and starting to shake his hips to the bright 80's music.

"When I had you to myself, I didn't want you around, Those pretty faces always made you stand out in a crowd" Smaller Gon sang along with the music audio from the TV behind him. He sang well from his chest, loud and pronounced, and on pitch despite his age.

"But someone picked you from the bunch, one glance was all it took, Now it's much too late for me to take a second look!" Gon danced playfully and with ease before pointing to Mito, like in a concert. He didn't know any complex dance moves but he did simple movements he could pick out from the music video's dance. Gon performed them well, only practicing a few times before showing his aunt, a sign for real talent.

"Oh, baby, give me one more chance~" Gon sang out loudly and clearly like spring citrus, refreshing even through the audio of the old camera. He did jaunty foot moves, crossing one behind the other before switching side to side. '~To show you that I love you,' The audio filled in the background chorus as Gon held the note. "Won't you please let me… Back in your heart!" Gon posed with a cute tilt of his head, adorning a cheesy smile as he pointed at his cheeks. Mito could tell Gon picked up moves he liked from watching so many different performing shows.

"Oh, darlin', I was blind to let you go (Let you go, baby), But now since I see you in his arms... I want you back!" Gon finished with a flair.

Mito laughed loudly. "Oh Gon, you're so good at singing, just like your dad! You'll be a great performer when you grow up!" Mito encouraged, the camera shaking slightly as she spoke to Gon, and Gon grinned brightly.

"Arigato, mito-cha!" Gon cried back, voice bright with youth. Mito laughed at Gon's made-up honorific. Gon quickly launched into the next chorus of the song, natural skills already shining at the young age.

"Oh baby I was blind to let you go…!"

0-0-0-0-0-0

"Mito, I told you not to show him!" Gon whined as Killua laughed and pinched his cheek.

"You were so cute and precious!" Killua cried through his mirth.

"I cant believe how good you were at singing that young!" Alluka adored with clapping hands. "Ah man, Gon, please, let's recreate that video! It was too precious! we can put it in a split screen with the old video! I want to practice singing that song!" Alluka asked and Gon turned to the Zoldycks with a look that spelled trouble for Killua. Killua pulled away his finger that was poking Gon's side, swallowing his mirth. Mito smiling warmly at the three.

"That's a great idea, Alluka!" Gon cheered. "We can all be in it!" Gon grinned too innocently at Killua, grabbing his retreating hand.

"Oh, no, don't go dragging me into this embarrassing-!" Killua tried before Alluka was jumping in.

"Oh, yes, it'll be so much fun if it's all of us, please, brother?" Alluka asked with a pout, gripping Killua's arm. Killua turned his glare to Gon who was smiling smugly at him. They had not been acquainted with each other long but Gon and Alluka clicked quickly; and even scarier was how quickly Gon became versed in using her charm against Killua- for his own advantage no less! Scandalous.

"Fine…" Killua bit out and the two cheered in triumph, starting to plan for the video. Killua just rubbed his head with a smile. What was he going to do with these two people he loved so very much?

This was how they made a video with white button up shirts that were much too big (this they had to buy purposely out of size as no one had hand-me-downs that big) and practicing a quick dance production they slapped together in front of the tv entertainment center.

Gon spun towards the camera first, to the first beats of the song, then Killua and Alluka spun together and they all did a jazz square before shaking their hips like Gon did in the video when he was younger.

"Trying to live without your love is one long sleepless night!" Gon sang, voice fuller and deeper than his voice from before. Mito could have teared up listening to how far Gon's gone and how much he's grown just listening to the juxtaposition. " Let me show you, girl… " Gon gave a signalling look over his shoulder without breaking face.

"That I know wrong from right! " Killua and Alluka sang along with Gon from behind him before doing a little matching dance, smiling at each other brightly. Killua was proud Alluka was able to keep the beat after a couple practice rounds.

"Every street you walk on, I leave tear stains on the ground, yeah. Following the girl…" Gon sang with a ringing tone that was charming to listen to. He struck a pose that Killua and Alluka then followed suit and copied, one after the other as their choreography in that verse. They all struck the same pose as they sang the next line together.

"I didn't even want around!" They sang out together. They couldn't help the bright smiles on their faces, having fun singing all together, not worrying too much on the outcome and just enjoying each other. They launched into the simple back cross step baby Gon did in the video for the chorus.

"Let me tell ya now, Oh, baby, all I need is one more chance! " Gon sang.

"To show you that I love you! " Killua and Alluka sang in harmony. Alluka looked tickled pink that it sounded well. After Killua taught her the notes carefully, she was able to sing the notes she was assigned. She wasn't confident in singing solo or ad libbing notes, but she was happy to sing that much well.

"Won't you please let me back in your heart?" They all sang together, bouncing through jaunty simple boy band moves.

"Oh, darlin', I was blind to let you go! " Gon sang lead, giving the camera more fan work then when he was younger now that he had more experience to playfully experiment with the charm he performed.

"Let you go, baby." Killua and Alluka sang, her off pitch notes covered by the music and Killua's singing. She was able to move in a fun dance number and sing as loudly as she liked with her brother- in a way she wasn't able to do in years.

"But now, since I see you in his arms…!" Gon sang and they all turned around and stuck an arm up in the air in finale.

"I want you back!"

By the end of the shouting singing they all did, happy tears were streaming down Alluka's face and Killua embraced her first with a laugh before Gon wrapped his arms around them both, and the video ended. They forgot to post it but would be found later to smile at in the future.


Ilumi weaved his fingers through his hair in one swift motion before flipping it over his shoulder. It was brushed and shining in a pleasing way. Illumi blinked brightly at himself when he passed the hallway mirror, although his expression didn't change from its usual passive demeanor. He was surprised at how happy and nervous he looked, what with his usual blank expression being blank in a more thoughtful way.

Illumi woke up early this morning to put extra attention into his looks that day. Hisoka had given him a call yesterday and told him he wanted to meet up at the local coffee shop. The fact that Illumi had moved a state away but Hisoka was still willing to come visit him touched Illumi. Even if this was not out of his way, because Hisoka had a job in this city, Hisoka still thought about him enough to want to come see him while he was here. Illumi hadn't seen his boyf- lov- his partner in weeks since school ended and Illumi graduated, leaving to start a new budding life with Amane.

The wedding between the two top idol stars was to be planned once Illumi and Amane built a good, careful, and constructed reputation in the paparazzi and idol news. He had a lot of unresolved thoughts and emotions on that, but it was almost like he couldn't access it- behind a mental block in his head so he couldn't process his emotions on this. But he doesn't want to worry about that anymore. Hisoka was in town and they're meeting today to talk about anything- who cares, it got him out of this house for a moment.

The walk there was short, but spent making sure no one recognized him. Illumi and Amane may be working towards a crafted story where their candid moments of dating are found out in perfect accidental capture, but he would just die if the paparazzi got a real scoop of a scandal where he snuck off to meet with another idol.

The coffee shop was quaint and small, tucked off in between a couple of large buildings. The flowers were inviting and gave a promise for a quiet afternoon of relaxing to anyone who walked through the doors, like a magic portal. But none of that mattered when the reason he was here was sitting on one of the outside tables.

And for once, he also looked inconspicuous.

That touched Illumi the most.

"Hisoka." Illumi said, surprising himself with the volume he said the name. He must be so emotional. "You're not wearing your usual makeup." Illumi said, moving to sit in the seat across from Hisoka in a smooth motion. His usual colored hair was darker in color, like a deep auburn, and worn down in a side swept style and light make-up, just enough to accent his features. Illumi felt embarrassed internally soon after- what if he didn't like the reason?

"Well, you're working so hard to keep under the radar. It's important to keep that up. It just so happens to be most convenient for me as well for what I have planned." Hisoka hummed casually, not giving too much eye contact to the man across from him. Illumi could have teared up. Hisoka forgoed his flamboyant signature look just for Illumi.

"I could kiss you right now." Illumi said, crossing his fingers on the table in front of them.

"There's time for that." Hisoka confirmed. "I bought a room for us to stay in later. But tell me about how you've been." Hisoka said, leaning forward and passing him a drink Illumi just now noticed. Illumi brought it closer to his chest and sniffed it lightly. His favorite.

"Well, for one thing, I missed you." Illumi started. The two of them talked for a while through the morning. They were lost in their world as they caught up on each other's concerts and idol events.

"Well, I would love to continue this, but I have to ask what this was about. You said it was important. " Illumi asked, leaning back in his chair and hoping Hisoka couldn't pick up his anxiety.

Hisoka nodded, and stood up to bring them to towards their final destination. Hisoka looked around them as they neared a park, thinking he was far enough away from the general peering eyes of the public to do what he needed.

"Illumi, you always give yourself to the cause, and commit yourself for others. So you've sacrificed yourself for the good of the zoldyck name. You did it before you got to know what you wanted to have for yourself. So this is my promise to you… that in the future, somehow and someway... Illumi, we'll be together." Hisoka said, pulling out a small box with a ring inside. It was already attached to a necklace for him to wear. Illumi took a deep breath through his nose, and his eyes widened with surprise. Hisoka was always smooth with his words, but the implication behind this was… Hisoka was going to..

Him and Hisoka were…

This promise… it gave him so much more strength to carry on with this sentence to be married to someone he barely knows. This means more to Illumi then he's sure Hisoka even knows. So how could he not, with the last of his withering freedom and whimsy from high school, open his mouth to sing.

"Sometimes a girl needs to know that she's appreciated for all the things she does…!" Illumi sang, adding bravado to his voice as he took the ring box, adoring it with a shy smile, spinning in half a circle.

"Now, Illu-" Hisoka started, but he was cut off as Illumi pranced forward, feeling light as air for all the happiness he had in him.

"With some sorta token of love...'Cause without it her young heart won't know." Illumi sent a wink over his shoulder before turning back to him. Hisoka almost caught Illumi in his arms with warnings of being seen but Illumi quickly slipped between his fingers in more of a celebrating prance.

"And right then to my surprise, he pulled out a small velvet box, pink ribbon tied! I'm wondering what's inside… He opened it and then he replied…! He said," Illumi finally fell into Hisoka's arms and Hisoka chuckled. This whimsy of Illumi always appealed to Hisoka, it's why he likes Illumi so much, so he reluctantly/willingly he played along.

" I promise not to hurt you, I promise not to lie… I promise to befriend you and defend you with my life. I promise you forever, I promise you today…" Hisoka crooned in his smooth, captivating tone. Illumi swayed with him as Hisoka sang before leaping out of his hands again, hips dipping low in a smooth dance as he continued singing.

"he said, 'would you wear my promise ring'? I said, yes!" Illumi sang, turning to Hisoka. "If ya break ya promise we breakin' up… Got a couple things that I want! Walks in the park and sweet things, If I rock your promise ring. I could be your pretty young thing, You could become my king. I gotta know you got me, Yes, I'll rock your promise ring!" Illumi turned to the sidewalk, arm hooking with Hisoka as he walked past him to start walking them to the hotel.

"Yes, I'll rock your promise, promise, promise ring! Yes, I'll rock your promise, yes, I'll rock your promise ring! Yes, I'll rock your promise, promise, promise ring! Yes, I'll rock your promise, yes, I'll rock your promise ring!" Illumi did a jive like he was doing the walk from The Wiz. Hisoka picked up flowers as they walked past a stand, and offered it to Illumi.

"How in the world could a girl say no? I knew it the moment he made my finger glow~" Illumi sang, taking the flower shyly and putting it in his hair before jazzily leaning to one side to show off his ring finger to the sky.

"It was good to know I'm who he chose! It was your heart he felt now it shows, now it shows…! You know when you see me floss! No way it's gon' get lost, I'll never take this off! I'm older and they call me by your name… I'll wear it on a chain, because I can hear you say…!" Illumi said, turning to Hisoka in a more secluded part of the sidewalk and cupping his face, giving a ghost of kisses and pecks. Then they were singing together.

"He said I promise not to hurt you, I promise not to lie, I promise to befriend you and defend you with my life! I promise you forever, I promise you today, he said, 'would you wear my promise ring' I said, yes!"

They made it to the lobby of the hotel, where Illumi and Hisoka playfully used the furniture to dance around, like they were playing keep away.

"If ya break ya promise we breakin' up, Got a couple things that I want! Walks in the park and sweet things, If I rock your promise ring!" They got to the elevator and Hisoka wrapped his arms around Illumi, nuzzling into the crook of his neck as they went up and Illumi's beautiful singing filled the empty space.

"I could be your pretty young thing, You could become my king! I gotta know you got me… Yes, I'll rock your promise ring!" The elevator doors opened and Hisoka lead them to the hotel room as Illumi's song faded behind closed doors, happily singing as they spent their one secret night together.

"Yes, I'll rock your promise, promise, promise ring!

Yes, I'll rock your promise, yes, I'll rock your promise ring!

Yes, I'll rock your promise, promise, promise ring!

Yes, I'll rock your promise, yes, I'll rock your promise ring…!"

No paparazzi covered the flamboyant display because it was so disbelieving that no one actually recognized that person as Illumi, the Zoldyck Idol.


Song List:

I want you back- Jackson 5

Promise Ring- Tiffany Evans

Hey-o, I'm still alive and still curiously struggling to write this! I especially didn't like this last piece with Hisoka and Illumi. I FORGOT to put in in high school scene and so I had to shoe-horn it here and it didn't come out like I wanted it to, sad face.

But I'm still working on getting everything I have planned out on my outline published for you! Mysteriously, we're gonna have even shorter chapters and plots this arc! But I'm still writing it. Thanks to everyone who is still here reading this messy story! Love you!