All aboard the feelings train!

Prompt

Rain

It's been three days since they got Yorknew, the pitter-patter of rain hitting the glass, Killua mindlessly watching the news. Between the call, he had this morning with Leorio, and the unquenchable drive to find Daniel's sister, he has landed himself in an aimless, unfulfilling rut.

Honestly, where can he go from here?

The muted TV, acted like a diversion for the boy to vent his frustrations; a mocking tone added to every voice, sentences that held no context altered for every character that popped up on the screen. It served as mild amusement, earning a quiet chuckle from his lame jokes and thoughts.

He did it so he could chase his thoughts away, really hoping that Leorio doesn't really call tonight. He just wanted to wallow in his self-pity, trying to figure out how he could force Zaikaria out of her hiding hole.

When Killua saw his phone buzz, his stomach sunk at the ID. Leorio was true to his word, he did want to call him, to probe him for information he'd be unwilling to reveal. What if Leorio asks him, the hard-hitting questions, the ones he has no clue on how to answer?

Yes, he knows who burdened him with this mess, but he has no idea what the man looks like, or his abilities, including how to counter them. He can't give Leorio what he wants, but failing the answer will only mean more unwanted calls, or worse…

Daniel found out, that Leorio has his direct number…

Killua sighed, raising the phone to his ear with an inflection plaguing his words, "Yes…"

"Killua, what happened?"

"I don't know… How do I even answer this question? One minute, life was fine and dandy, the next I wake up…" Killua swallowed thickly, afraid to even admit this to himself, "I wake up next to a guy who doesn't know me… almost two years of wasted friendship… feelings, down the toilet!"

"I'm…"

"Sorry? Please, don't… I can't handle another person's pity! I wish everyone stopped saying how much they want to help me, knowing, that they have no idea how to do so. If… If we could find Zaikaria, we may have a chance to fix everything, but she hates my guts. She probably won't do anything, heh… It's probably why she refuses to answer Daniel's calls…"

Leorio pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning out in frustration. Didn't anyone else know a Nen exorcist, one who could free Daniel's mind from the trapped thoughts? Leorio pulled his fingers to his chin, thinking thoughtfully on the matter. "If I approach the Zodiacs, do you-"

"No, I'm sick and tired of this… mess, I'm going to do this myself. Any outside interference will only push Daniel further away… I just want…" Killua swallowed his words, what does he want to say. Does he want to fix Daniel with his own powers, with a single kiss to drag whatever cesspool Daniel's memories were drowning in, dragging them to the forefront of his mind? No, that was too embarrassing to even admit to himself, "I just want everything to return back to the way they were…"

"But, you can do that… Daniel WILL remember. I'm sure he will…"

Killua chuckled, especially how quickly Leorio went from faith to doubt in a matter of seconds. "I'm sure he will…" Killua mocked, waiting for Leorio to break, snapping at him like a child, but it never came, just a brooding silence between the two.

"Killua, are you sure you're ok?"

"I'm just fucking peachy…"

"You're-"

"Please, don't… didn't Gon tell you not to prod?! Why are you doing this to me… when Daniel is in the next room! Stop, just stop already… I don't want to focus on this now… I just want to find Zaikaria, and fix this god damn mess…"

Leorio ran his fingers through his hair, Gon was right. Killua was right on the cusp, almost ready to break like a dam. He wants to keep pushing until he breaks, so Killua can finally release his frustrations, but as the boy said his right. Daniel mustn't know… at least not yet…

Maybe when the boy finally gets his memories back, Killua will finally break… Killua will finally be able to take the breath his been holding in all this time.

"Make sure to seek us out if you can't hold it in anymore…"

Killua covered his eyes, stifling his emotions. Why can't everyone his honestly cared about, leave him alone? "Sure, I'm sure an old man like you who's been dumped multiple times will be able to help me."

"Brat, I'm doing this because I care about you… Because Daniel, Gon, Sakura will all be mad at me if I didn't help you."

"You're not in a position too… no one is, not while Daniel's like this." Killua immediately hung up, switching his phone off before laying down and covering his eyes. He won't cry. Four days from now will be a dance. Killua will make that reveal, even if Daniel rejects him. He can't hold it in any longer, he'll snap like entwining elastic bands, lashing out on every rebound of emotion if he keeps in these feelings for any longer. Yes, Daniel will reject him, but he'd rather be rejected than be forced to hold these feelings for any longer than was needed.

The pitter-patter of rain hadn't stopped, his tears began to fell. He felt like he couldn't hold them back them any longer. Killua turned, burying his face within the pillow, letting his tears fall freely without noise, angry with himself for breaking so easily. Clutching at the pillow, the boy held back his voice, reminding himself for every tear that fell, that everything will be back to normal.

The Daniel that cared about will be back…

The one he fell in love with, will return…

"~"

Leorio shifted his fingertips to brush over the call button one last time, the call failing to connect once more. He really pushed Killua's buttons, he should apologise, but sometimes, he just had to push for Killua's sake. Out of all his friends, Killua besides Kurapika would hold everything in, letting it eat him alive until there was nothing left. At least Killua had Alluka, but Kurapika had nobody…

At least, he thinks he doesn't…

Considering what Kurapika does now, it's hard to gauge if he has someone on his side to ease his aching heart. To help soothe his emotions when times get rough.

Iason was asleep in the man's arms, this time being able to sleep thanks to Leorio forcing himself to remain calm, relaxed, soft in tone. But Leorio couldn't help himself from feeling so helpless in the matter. His only solution was to seek out someone stronger, someone whom may know people able to prove the impossible.

Four days to go when he makes his decision, and although he already made his decision, his official one was yet to be revealed. Iason was right, he should help Kurapika. Although, he has no idea where his little brother gets this idea about him talking way too much about Kurapika. He has only mentioned him a few times…

Alright, maybe a lot more than he likes to admit, now that he thinks about it.

Kurapika did have this nasty habit of throwing himself into danger, especially when it involved the Phantom Troupe. His hell-bent revenge on that group is going to get him killed, maybe even before he gathers the remaining Kurta's eyes. That should be the man's main focus, not his bloodlust…

Leorio shifted his fingertips along Iason's hair, drawing out a soft shutter from the boy. The act made the boy turn away, burying his face slightly in the man's chest.

The man really didn't want to leave his brother with someone else, but taking him to the Dark Continent, deep into danger will only make him resent his actions. Gon will help Iason, he believes its possible with that ball of sunshine and rainbows.

A brilliant glow which could not only cut through Killua's darkness, it could be used to save Iason. To remove him from his lack of trust towards others. It's subtle, but Leorio notices it from time-to-time. His brother doesn't have friends outside of Leorio's, but with Gon, that would change.

A smile now inching across Leorio's features, he could only begin to wonder what kind of adventure the three boys would have. However, he doesn't know how Iason will feel about being around Sakura and Gon, whom feely acted lovey-dovey around each other.

"~"

Twigs crunched under the three's footsteps, a handheld above Killua's eyes, blocking the direct sunlight. He mapped out the area prior to their travel, a single landmark etched into his mind.

There was a tree out here, a long forgotten one, surrounded by Rainbow Lilies, a mirage of colours able to peak his interest, not for Daniel as the boy no longer remembers their valued friendship or love towards one another. It was for someone else, someone equally important in the boy's life.

It was more for Alluka's sake, to see the beauty of the world. Removing his hand, Killua looked down once more at the map "How is everyone?"

Alluka panted, brushing away some of the beads of sweat to wipe it on her dress, only for more to fall and join their lost companions. With a smile she drew the drink to her lips, feeling slightly thirsty. Daniel and Killua, on the other hand, weren't reacting at all, as fit as a fiddle, the elements barely grazing their skin.

Killua looked concern, his little sister's lack of words making him pause his search for the lone tree "Are you ok?"

"Yeah, just seeing you two barely react is unfair."

"Well, I can't vouch for Killua…" Daniel argued with a bounce in his voice, eager to distract the poor girl for her long, tiring walk. "But when I was on Greed Island, Bisky would make us run for hours, to and back from Masadora. And when I was in Neo-Green Life, NGL for short, we crossed a wasteland in half an hour."

"Us…? We…?" Killua questioned with a sly smirk. Between the 'I', 'we', and 'us' when talking about NGL and Masadora, maybe now he'll mention Gon and Kite. Or better yet, maybe he'll mention the elusive shadow in his life his mind refuses to remember.

"Yeah, Gon, and… and…" Daniel paused, a hand pressed to his chin as he tries to recall even the faintest of features. It wasn't that long ago he went to NGL, less than three months ago. And even before then, Greed Island was less than half a year ago. Had he truly forgotten the person whom once made him smile? The boy scrunched his face before turning to face Killua's evil glint "I guess I don't remember them that well. Anyways, we ran pretty far for long periods of time, so this situation is considered a cakewalk."

The boy could see it, the seeds of doubt edging its way into Daniel's life, he knew that there is someone who was a part of his life, just not who they were. Maybe the boy won't reject him by the time that dance comes around.

"I rather eat the cake…" Alluka whined, wishing that she was eating cake rather than doing all this hiking. At least with the World Tree, there was a path 99% of the time. This was almost the polar opposite, barely any gravel pathways to cross. How her brother and his partner managed to achieve that kind of stamina, she didn't know, but she hoped she'll have a fraction of it by the time she reaches Killua's destination.

Killua brought his eyes back to the map, a smile tugging at his lips. Well, they weren't that far, less than ten minutes away. They just had to keep walking for a bit more, then the boy was going to spring the surprise on his little sister and Nanika.

The three continued to walk, Killua stopping once more after eight minutes "Alright, we should almost be there. Alluka, come here for a second and close your eyes."

Alluka frowned but did as Killua asked, closing her eyes as he felt her body being picked up, held like her brother had done so during their escape from Kukuroo Mountain.

"No peeking," Killua repeated, love, filling his voice as he turned her head so she was facing him.

Daniel felt almost warm at the unfolding scene. The way Killua carried Alluka, it was full of love. He truly cared for his sister, but the one thing he couldn't escape from was the word written in his journal. Daniel shook the thoughts away before they could manifest, his mind wandering in the worst possible situation.

This was about Killua surprising his sister… yet, why did he feel some kind of yearning, a desire barely resonating in his heart? Was this some kind of cruel joke? Was Killua a Manipulator like him? No, there were no signs of Killua Manipulating his aura. Daniel swallowed the disgusting thoughts, putting on a fake smile as he chased after Killua and Alluka, an open meadow peeking out from behind the forest.

Killua felt his smile widening, stepping onto an open meadow as the grass beneath his feet flattened. Yeah, he might have made a mistake about the location, as it was advised to take those who wanted to have a romantic or sweet moment, like a picnic for example. And considering the optimal situation, the empty spot would have made it so.

But Daniel's memories made it impossible.

A lone tree in the middle of the meadow, lilies of different assorted colours surround it, creating the mirage the site gracefully pointed out. This was truly a wonderful site, putting Gon's date with Palm to the dead tree in the middle of the lake to shame.

It filled him with a sense of pride to have stumbled across the news about the location, making him only that much prouder for choosing this as one of the spots to visit. Killua placed his sister down, inches away to the flowers, a smile inching across as held his palms along Alluka's face, "Open your eyes…" he said, sliding away for the grand reveal.

Alluka's eyes widened as she took in the scenery. It was beautiful, like a rainbow dancing and swaying across the meadow. A mirage which could be touched, engraved in memory, refusing is taken away. She didn't wait for long before running through the field, careful to not trample on too many flowers. She was really excited at the sight, way too happy to take in just the imagery.

Killua watched the sight unfold, so badly wanting to entwine his fingers with Daniel's, but the situation wouldn't allow for it. He'd treasure the moment, because this, was for his sister, and her smile would outweigh any negative emotions.

Daniel crossed his arms, allowing himself to smile alongside Killua, "You know what… you know how to impress. I can see why he likes you."

Killua's cheeks flushed red, a compliment he wasn't expecting "Sh- Shut up! Don't ruin the moment for Alluka…" He said it out of anger, but that warm fuzzy feeling deep within his heart would've given away his true feelings. But no matter how he felt, Daniel couldn't see it, read those words contained within his heart. Three simple words could be the end of the moment, but if Daniel was himself, he was sure the boy would've uttered those words to him by now.

I love you…

Taken in by the moment, Killua ran after his sister, wanting to share the moment with her. Even if he couldn't get what he wanted, a moment with Alluka, is still something he wants to cherish, "I'm going to tickle you Alluka~!"

"Nuu, stay away from me!"

Killua laughed, but that smile, that gleam in her eyes, his heart throbbed at the touching moment, taking Alluka into his arms. He didn't want to tickle her just yet, hugging her tightly within his chest, allowing the reverberating giggles of laughter fight over each other before they burst into laughter, neither one wanting to let go of the other.

He may have lost Daniel, but Alluka was a part of his heart. Wicked in nature, Killua's lips curved upwards. "Prepare to be tickled!"

"No~" Alluka's laughter roared loudly, voice taken by the wind to carry it to those who listened to the love and affection.

Daniel took at the moment, never once breaking the smile, nor his gaze. Man, whoever this guy is… He is lucky to have Killua. Although, he should be here with Killua, not me…

Taking out his phone, the boy held it up for Killua "I'll take a photo of you two!"

Killua smiled at the gesture, looking towards his sister with an equal smile "Alright, but we take one with the three of us, at least to show your parents the blast your having."

"Alright, pose…"

A quick snap caught the moment, now engraved for all who found it. A photo of a boy and his sister, bright blue eyes surrounded by lilies, a sea of colours surrounding them with the no longer lone tree's branches hovering just over them, a backdrop to remember.

The two were smiling, and just like the words in his journal, a single sentence resonated in his head and heart: A smile like a Cheshire cat, both wicked and happy, thinking he could hide his loveable, caring attitude, behind his mischievous nature.

It couldn't be true, it couldn't be…

Only time could tell, whether or not that page is talking about the same person before him.

"~"

Gon hummed, the sea air filling his lungs once more. He couldn't believe he was leaving Whale Island once more, this time not to look for his father, but to meet someone Leorio wants him and Sakura to protect.

Leorio's message was brief, wanting them to meet in the United States of Saherta. Yes, Killua and Daniel were there too, but Leorio wanted them to meet him further in, away from Yorknew. He wanted them to be in a more open environment… free to be themselves.

Iason was shy, and Gon being restrictive on himself wouldn't help in the meeting. All Leorio wanted was him to be himself, and the man was sure that would resonate well with his brother.

Gon had a bounce in his step, giddy to meet a new friend he hoped to have a new addition to their group, one where Killua hopefully doesn't distrust within the first five seconds of meeting them. That's all Iason need, someone to distrust him, making him turn away once more from a chance at new friendships.

Sakura picked up on the mood, a smile forming as he addressed the boy's eagerness to meet their new, soon-to-be-friend, "Please don't scare him away…"

The words made Gon knot his eyebrows together, pouting, "I don't scare people away."

Laughter bubbled up to the boy's throat. It was funny watching how easily Gon found himself being teased. At times the boy may come off as an airhead, but he was a loveable guy, maybe a little too loveable at times. He never wallowed in sadness for long, but on those off chances, Sakura did sometimes find his boyfriend alone, crying to himself.

Those were rare and far between, but, the reasoning made sense. He missed his two best friends in the entire world, ones his loved and adored for so long. He wanted to go on an adventure together, the five of them, Alluka included, but Killua had his own ideas, wanting to instead travel the world with Alluka and Daniel, the now painful reminder of the love he once cherished, lost thanks to his altered memories.

Yes, Gon wished he could help in some way, but without Nen, he was useless. Sakura, however, saw him as being less than useless. He was a powerhouse that could bend metal, that can dodge bullets, but alas, against someone who knew Nen, he was indeed powerless.

And Sakura was going to change that. If Iason knew Nen, maybe the two of them could join forces, work together to find a way to uncover what was once lost. It may take time, trial and error, but one day, Gon will get his Nen back… and when he does, the boy was sure Gon would no longer think of himself as being powerless.

Actually, now they thought about it, they don't really know what to expect when they'll meet Iason. Sure, Leorio hinted at that he'll be shy, but that's all they knew. "Gon, what do you think Iason looks like…?"

Gon stopped, rationalising the boy's features, looks to himself. What exactly would Iason look like? If he went by Killua and Daniel's standards, they would look nothing like their siblings'. That was for certain. "He might have softer features thanks to having learnt Nen at a younger age."

"If Leorio is anything to go by, he might be taller than us…"

Now Gon thought about it, he hadn't really paid a lot of attention about their height; Gon was way taller than Sakura, by at least 10 cm, but against Daniel and Killua, he was shorter. Killua was easily 4 cm taller than him, with Daniel being even taller than his boyfriend by at least by 3 cm.

Shifting his gaze, Gon smiled "He might be…" widening ever so slight, as he looked into Sakura's eyes "he would be taller than you. You're a cute, fun size…"

"G- Gon!" Sakura blushed as he forced himself to direct his attention away, changing the topic immediately, "Iason might have black, short hair, messy like Killua's."

"Well, Zaikaria, Daniel's sister has red hair, and Alluka, Killua's sister has black hair, which is way different than their sibling's."

"Didn't you say Illumi had black hair like Alluka's, so wouldn't Killua be the odd one out?"

"Yeah, but Killua's grandfather has the same colour hair, as well as his father, apparently…" Gon found himself smiling crookedly, "I think Iason would have pretty, creamy-brown hair like yours, and… light blue eyes, lighter than Daniel's, Killua's, and even Alluka's!"

"I- I- I say Green, maybe a d- dark green."

"That would be cool, the colour of something we both love…"

"Nature…?"

"Well, I was going to say me, but then you would get upset."

"Gon! You're the worst dork on the planet! Not even Daniel is as bad as you, and his really bad…"

The comment made the boy laugh, a little cheesy, with a slight hint of sass and annoyance. Gon loves Sakura a little more than he lets on, he reminds him of Killua, but the main difference between the two was Killua was more logical, really thinking hard about the situation. Unlike Killua thinking several steps in the future, thinking of every possible situation where everything could go wrong, Sakura lived in the moment and thinking only as far as his future.

The boy turned around, shifting his feet so he could continue walking towards their destination. They have been stopping way too much, for too long. They should at least, try to pick up the pace. "Come on Sakura, we need to run."

Even after hearing those words, Sakura found himself stopping to hug Gon from behind, the boy forced to stop once more, accepting the gesture as a warm smile widened. He had a feeling he knew what Sakura wanted to say, how he wanted to compliment Gon in some way, but like Killua, the embarrassment would always stop him.

Gon turned in his partner's arms, twisting so they came face-to-face. Bumping their noses together, the act made Gon crack a smile at Sakura's flushed cheeks. He always was eager to claim Sakura's affections, but this time, all he wanted to do was keep his eyes on Sakura, watching to see the moment his boyfriend's fluttering heart would shine through his eyes.

He never got bored of doing so, and as his father said, every little detour mattered. And he would cherish each, and every one of them.

"G- Gon, we sh- should go…"

"No, not yet. I want to see that smile, Sakura."

"You sap…" Sakura argued back, turning away to look at anything but Gon, but it was so hard to do so, that twinkle in his mischievous eyes, like a guilty dog caught in the act of raiding a fridge. He knows he is doing something wrong, but he wants to do, just because he can.

Each second felt longer until Sakura finally cracked, saying the words Gon clearly wanted to hear, "I…" Gulping, Sakura breathed the next few words, muttering it as low as he could "love you…"

Smiling wider, Gon pressed his lips into Sakura's before pulling away, his smile further growing from the reaction he had just received, "Me too…"

"Damn you and your dog-like ears."

"Ehh…"

"Iason and Leorio are waiting for us. Now, can you stop staring into my eyes!"

Gon brought his attention away, taking a step forward before stopping once more, eyes drawn to the sky "You're pretty…"

"G- Gon!"

A chuckle escaped the boy's throat as he continued on his way, Sakura right behind him, yelling at him for being so forward.

No matter what, Gon would always say those words. He couldn't care less who overheard him… Even if it was right, or wrong, he'd still utter them like a mantra, a chant which he hopes would empower his boyfriend one day without the embarrassment, the flushed cheeks soiling his skin.