Back to regular Ging and Killua programming, in case you miss them. I hope it blurs out the title of this fic enough for you. Who is the real butler? :)

He rubbed the red apple on his sleeve and took a large bite. He relaxed his back against the tree trunk, with one hand pillowing his head. He was sitting on the branch of a tall tree, affording him the view of the setting orange sun over the wall, the sky dyed in shades of orange and pink. A flock of birds flew by, and he sighed, closing his eyes. This is the life.

A few seconds later, he frowned, a corner of his eye twitching in irritation. He's not very fond of being watched. He finished the apple in five more bites. Ging twirled the core in his fingers twice before he threw it as hard as he could. An almost inaudible thunk! and a rustling of leaves soon followed. The butler hopped down from his comfortable seat, and started walking away. He activated his En for just a fifty meter radius. The silent little steps following couldn't be any more obvious.

He stopped, facing to his left, "Why are you here?" he asked with a stretch and a yawn.

He could sense the white haired child startle before stepping out from behind the tree some ten meters away from him, "…no reason," he said in a quiet voice.

The butler narrowed his eyes at him, "Then scoot," he made shooing motions, "I don't enjoy being stalked by four year olds for no reason at all," he added with a disgusted expression.

"Five," the child mumbled.

Ging scrunched his nose, "Ah?"

"I'm not four, I'm five," the child cleared up for him. Ging crossed his arms as he peered down at the small creature, forehead crinkled.

"What? When did that happen?" he had to ask himself twice if it's a big deal or not. This is a kid, right? Kids look forward to this sort of thing?

The child blinked at him, "Today," he answered.

Ging paused. Well, it's not like he did not anticipate that. But seriously, why did this kid have to look for him today of all days? Can't he just like, go celebrate on his own or something, with friends, good food and lots of present? But then it clicked. This was not a normal kid, no matter what standards he went by. This was not a normal average kid nor a normal assassin kid. Even Ging knew there's a limit to how much he could bully this kid and how much he could coddle a child assassin though Ging Freecss doesn't coddle anybody period.

Now what should he do? He didn't have those blasted chocolates on his person right now because he wasn't training him. He didn't want to go back to the butler's mansion yet because Gotoh had been such a nag these days about his drinking habits (he swears on his life he has no idea how he ended up waking beside Illumi of all people- how he managed to sneak in piss drunk in the middle of the night and pass out on the sleeping assassin's bed undetected still baffled and amazed him at the same time though the memory of waking up to Illumi's dead fish eyes with needles aimed at his face kept him on his toes these past few nights).

He breathed out. "Fine," he placed a gentle hand on the boy's head, "See if you can follow me," and he was gone, running in controlled speed, activating his En for a ten meter radius to make sure the child does not fall behind too far. The brat was getting faster these days but Ging still had to play down more than half of his normal speed to match him.

Soon he reached the edge of a cliff and he looked down all the way to the bottom. Below was a small cove, enclosed with trees that took root at the shallower parts of the lake. The sun is almost down and they must hurry if they want to see the show start. He waited for three more seconds and the brat appeared at his side, slow but without breaking a sweat. "We're going to that cove over there," and without warning, he kicked the child over the cliff. He smirked before following suit. It's always funny seeing that brat flail in surprise before regaining his composure.

Minutes later, they were standing at the shallower end of the cove. The sky had gotten darker and stars were starting to show. Minutes passed and they just stood silently.

"Why are we here?" Killua asked, trying to see what Ging was looking at for the past few minutes, though he could not understand what in this place could possibly catch the interest of the man. He had always been different that all the rest of the people in the estate.

"Just wait, you brat," Ging had a knowing smile as he stared at something ahead of them and Killua found himself staring at the older man. "Soon enough," his smile widened.

Sure enough, right in front of his eyes was a sudden burst of a million tiny lights, a stark contrast to the darkened trees the lights encircled. The lights hovered over the lake, moving to and fro, going from tree to tree and moving again. It was…weird. He placed a hand on his heart. It was beating fast, not because he was in danger and he had to think fast. No. This was…weird. He felt warm despite the cold night air. This was really, really weird.

Ging watched Killua's expression change in a matter of seconds. It was refreshing to see that the kid did have a sense of amazement. And that he could smile. He smiled as the kid looked on at the display with wide eyes, all curious and trembling with excitement, mouth slightly agape. This is a kid, alright.

"They're tropical fireflies," Ging explained, "They can be found in forests around fresh clean waters, and this is their breeding season,"

Killua's gaze followed a firefly that hovered close to his nose. He raised a finger to touch it but it flew away. He walked until he felt the cool water lapping at his shoes and he stopped, captivated by the natural show of lights. It was really strange. He'd never seen anything like this before, a pleasant kind of weird.

He felt a heavy fist drop on his head. He looked up at the butler with a scowl. "Did you listen to what I just said?"

Killua glared at him before nodding, rubbing his sore head.

Ging raised an eyebrow, arms crossed impatiently, "Well, aren't you gonna say something?" the kid looked at him with uncomprehending eyes, "Anything at all? No words come to mind?" the kid just stared at him, "Beautiful? Wonderful? Amazing? None?"

Killua narrowed his eyes at the older man. What?

Ging blinked at him for a few moments and Killua felt uncomfortable under the scrutiny. Then the butler knelt down beside him, placing hand on top of his head. He flinched in reflex but the hand just stayed there on top of his head. He slowly opened his eyes. Ging is smiling at him…like Killua did something right. He felt the warmth from his heart spread to his cheeks. He puffed his cheeks and stared at the ground. He didn't understand this at all. It was fuzzy and warm and…safe.

"Look again, Killua," whether it was the way Ging said it in a tone that didn't seem like his usual annoyed one or the fact that he had called him by his proper name for the first time, Killua didn't know what compelled him to raise his head and turn towards the butler. He followed Ging's gaze towards the lake.

"That's what beauty is,"

Killua's eyes widened in comprehension, a smile spreading on his lips as he was captivated again. "So you describe it as beautiful, understand?"

The child nodded. And then a finger poked at the place where his heart is, "And this…" the child shot him a baffled look, "You're thinking it's weird, huh?"

Again, he nodded, this time a bit more eager. Ging chuckled and ruffled his hair, "You're such an idiot. That's just happiness. You're happy," Killua struggled out of his grasp, "You've been happy before, right?"

Yes, it was something he had felt before. He just didn't think much of it because he had been occupied with other new things. That first time Ging gave him chocolates and every other time after that when he does something right during training and Ging ruffles his hair and tells him he did a good job. All those times…and this time too. He was happy because of Ging.

Killua tried curving his mouth upwards. That's how Ging does it, right? And Ging wouldn't hurt him if he said what he truly felt, "Ging, I'm happy!" he confessed determinedly.

Ging paused before dragging the boy into a knuckle sandwich, "What an idiot!" he picked up the thrashing child by the scruff of his collar, "Such an idiot…" he said with mirth before chucking him into the cold water as far as possible.

The butler scowled, cheeks slightly red. He did not just think that brat could be cute.

He expected a great day.

He had woken up early as always, eager to sneak out of the house. It was a bother to have to travel up the mountain just to get some sleep every night, but it's better than his family bothering Gon. Aside from occasional camping outside or crashing in front of the television in Gon's room after playing games all night, Killua tried to at least go home, making an effort to grudgingly let his family know of his presence inside the boring house. It seems to be enough. They normally don't ever talk or gather, anyway.

Though, initially, his mother had tried blocking his way out, but one menacing glare and empty threat later, she was moving aside. It also helped that his grandfather had walked by and had given him leave since it's nothing worth fussing over, he said. So Killua tried not to look too eager to get the hell out of there and took his time walking down the mountain.

This time, he didn't find Gon in the kitchen (thankfully) but in the garden having breakfast with the other butlers. Gon had immediately exclaimed 'Happy Birthday, Killua!' at him the moment he appeared. He had to endure the embarrassment of the rest of the people present offering him the same greeting and well wishes. Hishita brought out a seat for him beside Gon, across from Amane and Canary, who seemed to be giggling at something.

He ignored them in favor of listening to Gon, who was excitedly listing off what he wanted to do that day (after finishing his duties, of course). He didn't really understand most of what he was saying since he was talking with his mouth full. It's amazing he does not notice Gotoh glaring at him from the head of the table.

"Killua-sama, Gon-kun was just telling us about your trip to the town yesterday," Canary interrupted, probably in a bid to stop Gon from talking and finally chew on his food properly since Gotoh's aura had intensified. "You seem to have enjoyed yourselves a lot,"

They had gotten home late last night because of the traffic coming out of the town and it was a three hour drive to the estate through the mountains. He had gone home a little after they arrived. "Yeah. Quite fun."

Canary smiled, "Kon-chan is really cute,"

Killua narrowed his eyes at that, looking at her in confusion, "Kon-what?"

"It's that white cat you gave me, Killua. Canary said to give him a name so I called him 'Kon'," Gon squeezed some more maple syrup on his pancakes, "You see, the 'K' is from you and 'on' is from-,"

"Stop. I get it," the assassin said abruptly. He felt like melting in his seat. He could feel the eyes of the two female butlers boring on him as he picked on his bacon. Just why does Gon have to be so...right in front of these two? "Why that name?" he immediately realized that he shouldn't have asked. Of course, when it comes to Gon, Killua suddenly develops a predilection to dig his own grave.

"Well, he looks like you and he's mine, so I thought it would be a proper name for him," small snickers from the other side of the table. Killua sighed. He probably deserves that.

He glanced cautiously at the two ladies and, as expected, caught Amane with that smug look on her face, "Congratulations," she sneered, "It's a boy,"

Argh. It's only morning and his head is aching already. He slumped on his chair and covered his eyes with a hand. "Are you alright, Killua? Your ears are red!" his seatmate just had to point out. More controlled giggles erupted.

If there's ever a god out there, he can take Killua now.

But, alas, his day had barely just begun.

"Well, that's a bummer,"

Killua said dully before yawning. He stood beside Gon, who was worrying over the giant beast lying on its back. When Gon had finished going over his duties, it was already almost noon. And then they searched for Mike. They had wanted to play with him (make him jump off a cliff, actually) and found Mike like that, letting out small growls.

Zebro, who was there to get some water into Mike, told them that there had been a small group who had tried to enter the estate the night before and one of them had managed to shoot Mike with a poisoned dart. It seems they knew what they were getting into. But they were still no match for the giant dog who managed to fight off and pick them clean before collapsing under the effects of the poison. It seems it just gives him something akin to an upset stomach. The animal had vomited everything he ate. Considering his last meal, it was not exactly a pretty sight.

Gon frowned, "Poor Mike! Do you want me to take care of you?" he scratched a side of Mike's ear, "Want me to stay with you?"

Mike whined, turning his head towards the apprentice butler and nuzzled. Gon patted him 's eye twitched, expression quickly darkening, foot tapping the ground impatiently. Did Gon forget what day it is? Gon is supposed to entertain Killua today. He promised.

Admittedly, he felt bad for the giant dog but he was pretty sure Ging had done worse to Mike when he was being trained. He'd seen Ging make the dog chug down drums of tranquilizer then beat him awake. Poison? Mike will be fine on his own. No need for Gon to fuss. Mike was a lot of things, but before Gon arrived at the estate, spoiled was not one of those.

"He just needs rest. He'll be fine soon enough. Maybe next time he'd know better than to charge directly at guns," Zebro reassured the distressed teen. He knew the two had plans for the day. Gon was practically buzzing about it since last week while their young master was out on a job.

"But!" Gon started, and just then, Seaquant entered from the side gate, carefully holding up a sizable red box tied with a blue ribbon.

"Hey, a delivery man just dropped this off. It has your name on it, kid," he handed it to the apprentice butler who instantly brightened up.

"Killua, it's here!" he exclaimed excitedly, showing the box to his friend. Killua smirked.

"I can see that," he stretched and cracked his knuckles. "So, how do you plan to do this?"

"With everybody, of course!" Gon answered.

That…isn't really a bad idea. It's just like Gon to want to have fun with as much people as he can drag. He didn't really think the others around them are a nuisance. It's just that…Gon alone is enough. And he already had enough of Amane to last for the rest of the week. Besides, aside from Gon, everyone else has a job they attend to all day. Aside from breakfast and dinner, everyone takes turns breaking for lunch.

Zebro chuckled as he watched the two teens. He liked observing the closeness of the two. They always had this air of intimacy around them that they themselves seem oblivious to. Apparently, he wasn't the only one who noticed. Seaquant turned back the way he came, backing out of the invitation with a small wave, saying he didn't like sweets. So he followed suit too, he was too old to eat something so sweet, anyway.

"There's a picnic table at the back of our lodge," Ging and Seaquant used to go drinking there all the time, he mused to himself, "The back door is open if you want to borrow some utensils. Just make sure to clean up so we don't get ants," he reminded them before leaving, Gon thanking him.

So they walked to the lodge, Killua sitting down on the bench beside the table as Gon went into the house to get some things. He came out carrying a basket with plates, forks, knives and glasses, holding a pitcher of iced cola on the other. He deposited everything on the table and divided the utensils between them. It was almost the rainy season so it was cloudy and the air was a little bit chilly. It was comfortable, the breeze carrying the fresh scents of the forest.

He watched in anticipation as Gon opened the box and brought out the cake. It was larger than he anticipated. It certainly didn't look like the one he picked from the display yesterday. Considering he did ask for so many extras, he shouldn't be too surprised. The bakers did look frightened when they learned they had to deliver to the Zoldyck estate.

Gon stuck a small candle he found taped on the side of the box onto the cake. "I'd light it up, you make a wish, then you blow it out," Gon explained, pulling out a lighter from the basket he brought from the kitchen. "Don't tell me what you wish for," Gon warned, "Or it won't come true,"

There's apparently no need to tell you, anyway. "Yeah, yeah. Let's do this already. I want to eat my cake," he intoned impatiently.

Gon lit up the candle and started singing a song whose lyrics seemed to only compose of 'Happy Birthday to you'. Killua felt his face redden for the second time that day. Would this day be like this? He then remembered that he had to blow out the candle and so he did, a thin trail of smoke coming from the extinguished candle. Gon clapped and cheered. "Happy birthday, Killua!" He'd never been so glad Gon was the only person with him right now.

He was too occupied with Gon that he forgot to make a wish. Killua watched as Gon busied himself with cutting the square cake. It doesn't really matter, he smiled to himself. He has everything he could wish for right at this table. He doesn't need to reach too far.

They spent the majority of the afternoon just talking at that table. The cake was indeed delicious and Killua made a note to visit the shop frequently. Compared to him, Gon had only eaten a little, saying he was not really that fond of chocolate. That's good, more for him. Gon shouldered most of the conversation, anyway, so he was free to eat.

"Look!" Gon held up a small stack of multi-colored paper strips, "They included some tanzaku." He found them taped to the bottom of the box.

"What are those for?" Killua inquired.

"You remember what I told you yesterday about the Tanabata festival?" Killua nodded, "This is the paper you write your wishes on," Gon picked up a pink paper and handed it to his best friend.

"Actually, we should wish for it not to rain, because when it rains, the Cow Herd and the Silk Weaver won't be able to meet. But you could write your own wishes, too," he looked up at the sky, it was really cloudy. He frowned, "I really wish it wouldn't rain tonight, though," his voice trailed off.

Killua raised an eyebrow at his friend, "Hm?"

Gon turned to him with a grin, "Back home, we would set up a blanket outside and just lie down and watch the stars. Mito-san said that's the time the Cow Herd and the Silk Weaver would meet and we should be happy for them,"

"And how exactly does this meeting go down?" he asked. This whole business about the two bothers him more than he lets on.

"Well…the Silk Weaver would have to cross the Milky Way using a bridge made by magpies. Stop laughing, Killua!"

Killua held his sides, trying to control the mirth in his voice, "You have admit it is very ridiculous,"

"I wasn't the one who made it that way!" Gon pouted, crossing his arms, "Besides…when I was a kid, I actually felt kind of bad for them," he said with a slight reddening of his cheeks.

The white haired teen snorted, "Don't tell me you believed it…"

"I didn't really think it was real…I just—if I was the one who created that story, I don't think I'd be contented to let it end that way for them," Gon looked down at his lap.

No wonder. You're the sort of person who won't stop until everyone gets a happy ending. "You don't have to be so affected," he hated seeing Gon upset, "It's not real."

"Yeah, I know that. But still, it's really sad!" Gon insisted, "When I think about it- if you really love someone that much, then it must be painful to let them go every single time, right?"

Do you really have an idea how much? "Forget it," Killua averted his gaze, choosing to watch an ant try to crawl on the table," There's nothing you can do about it. It's just the way it is."

"No," this time, Gon sounded adamant, "If it's me, I would definitely never let that person go!" he declared, "Even if God gets angry with me. Even if we had to run away forever."

Killua's heart stopped at 'we'. He raised an eyebrow, "You're serious about this, aren't you?"

Gon settled down again, a bit calmer now, "Just saying. It's not like it can happen to me."

"How confident. It's not like you're in love right now," Killua teased, "You'll never know, maybe someday," he let his voice trail off.

Gon paused for a moment of consideration and then he shook his head, grinning confidently, "Nope. That's impossible."

Oh? "And why is that?"

Killua watched Gon's expression turn into something he had never seen before on his friend. He didn't believe Gon is capable of looking like that, ever. It was those mirthless brown eyes that hid a world of pain for anyone unfortunate enough to incur his wrath, "If anyone even dares to tear that person away from me, I won't show them any mercy." Then, as if someone lifted the veil, Gon's face brightened up again, dispelling the shadows, "What about you, Killua?"

Killua let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding, he contemplated for a second and just shrugged, "Probably the same as you," Definitely, if it's you.

They lingered for a little more before Gon said they should get going around before sunset or else they'll miss it. The sky had cleared up and it seems like it wouldn't rain for tonight. Gon rejoiced openly while Killua was secretly glad. Gon gave him five tanzaku to make his wishes, telling him to hang them on a tree afterwards. He didn't really have anything in mind yet so he just placed them in his pocket. Maybe he'd think of something to write later on.

As soon as they had cleared out the table, with Gon complaining that he wasn't really helping, they set off to their destination. He doesn't have any idea where they are going because Gon said it would be a surprise.

After a few minutes, they came to a stop of the edge of a cliff and he looked down with Gon at the cove below. His eyes widened in realization as Gon said they were going to have to jump down. Killua kept his hands in his pocket, if only to hide the slight tremble, taking a small step back. He had been there before. It was Ging's favorite place in the forest. The last time was almost a year ago.

He found Ging there that night. It was the first time he thought Ging's smile looked sad. Are you happy, Killua?

It was such a simple question that ended miserably. He shouldn't have expected…he shouldn't have thought…he shouldn't have done…

Are you happy, Killua?

…I will never forgive you.

He clenched his fists hard to stop them from shaking. Don't think. Don't think! DON'T THINK!

"Killua."

Killua broke out of his stupor, remembering where he was. He glanced up at his friend who had a soft smile on his face. Gon is always smiling. "Are you coming or what?"

He shouldn't bother Gon about such things. There's a time and place for that, and it was definitely not now, "Ah, yeah. That cove over there, right?" Gon nodded. Killua smiled and patted him on the shoulder before jumping ahead of him.

Gon's eyes followed Killua until the latter disappeared among the trees below. His smile was gone. He stood there silently for a moment before taking a jump.

"Took you long enough," Killua drawled as he sat on the grass, staring out into the small bay. The fireflies hadn't shown up yet, but it was getting dark and the stars were visible already. It might be best to not say he'd been there before. It would always be beautiful no matter how many times he saw it, anyway.

"Had a bit of trouble looking for something," Gon plopped down beside him, settling his bag on his other side.

Killua turned to his friend. Gon had an easy smile but he can't help but feel that the atmosphere seemed a bit tense. He hoped it was just him over-thinking again. Gon didn't have to be affected by his own problems.

"You've been here before, right?"

The assassin froze. Gon's tone sounded unassuming but it was like a douse of cold water over his head. He risked a glance at Gon and found the other staring off into the distance in front of them. He didn't seem angry, but then again, what's there to be angry about. He swallowed thickly. Despite his reservations, he wouldn't lie to Gon, "Yes," he must be disappointed that his surprise was ruined.

An open hand slapped down on his back. Killua winced in surprise, rubbing his sore back, "What was that for?!" he snapped at his best friend.

Gon raised his hands in surrender in front of him, "Lighten up!" he didn't look the least bit sorry.

"What?"

"You looked like you're upset you knew we were coming here," Gon cleared up for him, "It doesn't matter, really. It's something to be expected. You've been living here all your life,"

Oh. Of course…when was dear Gon ever upset over anything? It wasn't like him to read too much into anything. Killua's cheeks warmed in embarrassment. He's the one making a fuss over nothing. "But still-," a firefly flew past his face.

They both turned towards the bay. It was already filled with a thousand tiny lights before they knew it. The trees were mere silhouettes against the star-strewn night sky. There was a full moon out, reflecting more sparkles upon the lake in the distance. "…still beautiful." he finished. His lips curved into a smile as his shoulders sagged, releasing all the tension.

"Here, Killua,"

He turned back his attention to his best friend. Gon was looking at him expectantly, a small bare branch in his hand, "It's your present. The most beautiful flower in the world," Gon added with a smile.

Killua stared at him skeptically but accepted the branch nonetheless, "I don't know about that," he turned the branch over and under as he inspected it, "Looks pretty much like a dead twig to me."

Gon merely chuckled at him. "It just seems like that at first glance," he caught Killua's hands and held them steady, keeping the branch upright, "But if you just stay still and wait for it…" fireflies slowly started drifting towards the branch, settling upon the thin twigs gently until they enclosed the whole structure. "It becomes a thing of beauty right before your very eyes,"

The man was dangerous, extremely dangerous. And when he saw the person about to attack Canary, he wasted no time jumping in.

So when they hit the ground, he had pinned both wrists above the person's head with one hand, the other wrapped around the person's neck, and straddled him around the waist to prevent him from escaping.

The person was now staring at him with wide eyes, mouth slightly open in masked surprise. The murderous vibe was instantly gone, and Gon found himself mesmerized by the color of the other's eyes, a vibrant blue, like the sea back in his home.

Killua was instantly captivated. A warm feeling welled from the bottom of his heart. A sense of nostalgia bursting out of nowhere. He was happy.

Gon watched the flickering lights reflected in his friend's eyes. Killua's expression had softened considerably. The shadows were gone. His friend was smiling again, that sincere smile that always makes his breath hitch whenever it was directed at him. It makes him wonder if Killua is aware of how beautiful he really is. It was borderline criminal. But then again, Killua is a criminal. He should be illegal.

"The sap is very similar to the pheromones fireflies emit so they tend to gather around branches," he explained. Killua nodded at him, the only indication he had listened. He was so pre-occupied with looking at the flower. Gon chuckled to himself. Killua is happy with his present. He didn't even notice when Gon's hand fell away from his.

"Happy birthday, Killua," he greeted again.

Killua averted his eyes back to him and smiled beautifully at him, "Thank you, Gon,"

Gon smiled back at him, hiding his hands behind him. They won't stop fidgeting. Maybe looking at something else would calm him down, so he settled his gaze on the flower Killua was holding between them.

Killua kept his eyes on Gon's face. He always looked so happy that Killua can't help but be swept in his pace ever since the beginning. If anything were to ever take the smile out of Gon…

Are you happy, Killua?

How much longer could he endure? How much longer until he could no longer hold himself back? How much longer until he loses everything? How much longer until they break?

Someday, Ging's words will take him away from Gon and it would be unbearable.

"Well, he's really tiny, don't you think?"

"It runs in the family. He'd catch up soon enough. His reflexes are astounding and he's already learned to walk at nine months. He hasn't talked yet, though."

"But he's so tiny. It's amazing you don't accidentally step on him or something,"

"Yes. It is.…Anyway, he's quite a curious kid. He's often missing, wandering around the house on his own."

"He's been standing there for a while now. Is he alright?"

"Kil is fine. Just let him have his fill,"

Ging and Silva watched as a one-year-old Killua stood on the edge of the water. He had wandered there on his own after following a firefly. The two kept a watchful eye on him from behind, though they're not too worried. It was the kid's first time outside and Ging thought kids were entertained with this sort of stuff. He touched the angry red line across his face. Goddammit, that kid better behave now for all the trouble he caused him. Who knew he'd scratch when held by strangers? And Silva just laughed at him. Bastard.

Ging perked up, and then he scrambled to his feet. He went into the forest, "Where are you going?" Silva asked.

"Just looking for something," he answered, wading in the bushes, "Ah! Here it is! Lucky~" Silva heard the sound of a branch breaking and Ging came out into the open again. He held a leafless branch in his hand. Silva smirked knowingly, crossing his arms.

Ging walked towards the kid and knelt beside him, catching his attention. Silva made his way towards them, just in case Killua suddenly attacks Ging again for being too close. Ging handed the small branch to the child, "It's the most beautiful flower in the world," he explained, though he quickly realized that was unnecessary because the kid just blinked at him stupidly. Well… "Don't move," he said.

Killua looked at him, then to the branch and back to him. And then he whacked it at the butler's face. Repeatedly. Ging felt his patience slowly ebb away. Brat! I'm never giving you a present ever again!

Silva chuckled before putting a hand on the top of his son's head, "Stay still, Kil," he ordered. Like a miracle, Killua immediately stopped moving.

Slowly, the fireflies flocked around the branch and the kid's eyes widened, mouth slightly open. Ging looked at him from narrowed eyes. That was the kid's first true show of emotions since they met that morning. "He's not like you, this guy," he mused.

His friend turned to him, "Really?"

Ging glanced at the small kid again, "Yeah. He's different. He's not cut out to be an assassin,"

"He's my son. He's born to be an assassin," Silva grunted.

Ging was silent for a moment before he shrugged, "I guess," Ging ruffled the kid's hair, and thankfully, he didn't attack and just kept gandering at the branch in his hand, "Look at you, so freaking happy. You love it so much," he smiled in amusement.

"…Love?" Killua said in a small voice, staring at him.

Ging and Silva froze. "Love," Killua repeated. "Love!"

Well…maybe not a good choice for an assassin's first word. If Kikyo hears that, she'll go completely bonkers. Ging didn't want to stay around for that.

See you all next time. Hopefully, I gave your expectations some justice. It's getting harder to write and with Illumi coming...

So here's a bonus. because i actually like big brother Illumi XD

Later that night…

Illumi carried his sleeping little brother in his arms. His father had told him to deposit him in the nursery for the night. He had arrived in the dim room with only a crib in the middle. He was about to tuck his brother under the soft sheets when the boy opened his blue eyes, looking up at him. The child yawned.

"Go to sleep, Kil," Illumi ordered.

Killua reached his stubby little fingers at his face, "Love!" he exclaimed, "Love love love love!"

Illumi paused. A side of his lips curved upwards before he caught himself. He gently disentangled Killua's hands which had started playing with his hair and walked to the door, shutting off the dim lights. He glanced back and saw those blue eyes stare back at him through the darkness.

The next day…

"Where's my Kil?!" Kikyo demanded in distress. Her precious son was not in his crib when she came to feed him breakfast.

Milluki went back to his cereal. He kind of wasn't in the mood to tell her what he saw last night. He didn't really want to be ordered to go into his big brother's bedroom.