Daniel, Alluka and Killua share some thoughts over the night. Vastorie has conflicting feelings on his predicament. Gon takes a stand on Iason's lack of sleep.

Whistling could be heard among the nocturnal creatures, the park's lack of human company providing serenity, to the children walking the night. Killua kept Alluka on his shoulders, the boy holding his sister's hands as her legs dangled from around his neck, feet tapping his chest offbeat to his feelings.

Tonight, was a good night. While he may have not been able to revive Daniel's memories entirely, he still managed to get the semblance his heart had been craving for the past week.

Alluka's whistled alongside Daniel, the boy's tune sounded similar to the last song they were danced to. He tried not to pay too much attention to the song, fearful of his memories from tonight being dug up.

Hearing the tune is one thing, but what they did tonight, would make any couple jealous. The twists, the turns, the way Daniel's hands dug into his hips, pulling him so close he could almost taste the boy's breath on his lips…

The hand that seemed to betray his comfort zone, dangled through his hair like a spider's web weaving its way through the madness. If he focused for a second, he was sure those thoughts would kill him.

But nonetheless, he couldn't help but smile overall.

All it took was an innocent smile, and then he'd feel his heart hammering; warm, fuzzy, feelings relighting, to what he once had to pretend never existed. Shifting his gaze, Killua's hand found the trophy, still being held in Daniel's hand. Heh, who would've thought dancing, could cause so much damage…?

"So, how was tonight…" Daniel turns on his heel, Killua's flush cheeks betraying his thoughts. He was glad the question wasn't being directed at him, but rather the girl dangling around his shoulders.

"I'm happy because my brother is happy!"

Killua's cheeks flushed red, but he refused to pay attention to them, instead of weaselling his way out of the situation he was being forced into, "It was fun…" Daniel's knowing gaze, further humiliated the mood.

He won't let the two of them tag-team him tonight, not while Daniel's memories haven't returned fully.

But Daniel didn't seem to catch the hint, instead opting to continue the conversation, "So, I was wondering… what kind of couple we are?"

If Killua had been drinking anything, he would've had spat it out. The question dug up some memories from the dance, the way Daniel's hand danced like little fairies circling a ring, fingertips fluttering along his chest. It had almost been to the rhythm of his heart beats, but his heart had a mind of its own at that time, hammering rapidly to a tune of its own.

Or was it from the way Daniel's hand caressed his skin, providing balance during impossible feats. Killua was flexible, but Daniel, oh god did his flexibility cause a number to his loins.

It brought his mind to wander back to old thoughts, including, but not limited to dominating a certain person's body. He was lucky that Daniel didn't pull him close to his body. If his skin had remained flushed against Daniel, he was sure the boy would have felt something prodding and poking him.

But the amount of humiliation couldn't possibly overshadow the fear and guilt he would have felt afterwards. Daniel didn't have all his memories back, just a thought or idea planted in his head, sowing the seeds of doubt.

One fuck up is all he'll need, and then Daniel might not even want to be around him anymore… that possibility, still felt very real.

He must have been pondering the question for too long, because the next thing he felt, was Daniel's questioning gaze directed at him, the boy's figure standing before him. What could he say without spilling his heart?

Shifting his feet, Killua kept his gaze to the floor, afraid of Daniel seeing the side of him his come too accustomed to seeing every day, "Well… we are a normal one."

"Does a normal one, usually have their partner looking at the floor?" Daniel chide, sass reverberating through the tone.

"N- No…" The boy sighed, "It's just weird…"

"Our relationship…?"

"No! This… Having to tell you something we've shared for months…"

"Oh…" Daniel hummed as he crossed his arms behind his back, smiling at the possibility that his mere existence, cause his supposed boyfriend to break down in some serious blushing action. "Oh, so it's safe to assume we also slept at night together…"

Like a fish, Killua's mouth gaped open and closed, unsure of what was the right thing to say on this part. Does he admit that they do sleep together and keep it at that, or does he openly admit that more was a better choice of wording? Although, it would'v be better to do so when they're alone.

He thought he'd get to answer, but Alluka seemed to answer for him, "Yes! That's why I was pushing the two of you to share a room… I was hoping that being together would reconcile your feelings for my big brother…"

If Killua hadn't been blushing before, he was definitely doing so now.

Daniel, on the other hand, had ways of making the situation worse than needed, "Or you could have tried kissing me…"

"This isn't some fairy tale SH- STORY! PLUS, there's no way I'm gonna kiss you like this…"

"Well, that's sad… I was thinking of asking to kiss you. Maybe that would jog some thoughts."

"Hell no!"

"Big BROTHER!"

"OVER my DEAD body… I… I just can't…"

As Alluka let out a huff, Daniel diverted the topic to something more mature, "Alright… so why do you want to talk to my sister then?"

"Nathaniel says she might be able to jog your memories…"

"But…?"

Killua rolled his eyes, but the question lingering in the air, still had a huge BUT waiting to be answered. There was uncertainty with the end goal, that Zaikaria might not answer to any of the boy's pleas after so many missed calls. "The but is… she might not even want to do it."

"Oh," Daniel stopped to look at his supposed boyfriend, but the boy's gaze didn't want to meet his, "I'm guessing you two have bad blood between you…"

"More like, she doesn't like me… for reasons unknown."

"Huh…" Daniel scratched his chin, pondering the possibility of why she might not like Killua. He has shown compassion and love towards his sister, and now with the discovery of his feelings towards him, he couldn't see a reason as to why his sister wouldn't like him.

Killua genuinely cares for him, more worried about Daniel's perception of him, rather than his own feelings. He'd probably have kept his feelings a secret until they ate him up, or worse, reveal them once they finally met his sister.

Considering Killua's circumstance, he understood why the boy hid his feelings. It resonated with him, altering his perception. If they weren't dating before his loss of memories, he most definitely, want to pursue a relationship with Killua. But as of now, Killua shows some distrust towards himself. A part of him believes that he could contaminate his thoughts on the boy, pushing him towards the end goal without the need to regain his old thoughts.

He found himself hopelessly falling in love with Killua, again, technically, but if he wanted to keep the relationship going, he'd need a catalyst for some kind of truth. And he knows exactly how to set that in motion, "Well, then you might not like my idea…"

Killua's eyes widened. It had better not be bad! Not liking the idea is ok, but being put in a wild situation that could piss off his sister, is not on his to-do list. "How bad are we talking…?"

"Well, she is overprotective, so faking my abduction would get her attention."

"Uh-uh! NO way in hell! I'm not pulling that stunt off… SHE'LL KILL ME!"

Alluka smiled, stepping in to help out her brother, "Why not take a picture of you two kissing? If she doesn't like big brother abducting you, then that should be ok. You could even post it up around town…"

Mortified at the statement, Killua stilled his expression, "Back up, what was your plan again Daniel…?"

Alluka let out a huff of annoyance. But no matter what, Killua wouldn't dare post a picture of him and Daniel kissing all over town. He could handle a kiss, but NO WAY IN HELL, is he going to distribute porn around town, even if his sister didn't even see it that way. Her innocence being sheltered, locked away in the dungeon from the outside world, no thanks to their family being afraid of her power.

What even is that chances of her running by a single picture before they could be ripped down? Nope, Killua filtered those thoughts out, shifting his attention to Daniel instead. But he still couldn't look the boy in his eyes. He can't deny that he wants to kiss Daniel, but the fact that both of them brought it up, means that he isn't the only one who has those thoughts.

Daniel laughed off Killua's reaction, offering out a hand to Killua, "First, we need a new phone just in case, a full covering mask, some rope, and a way to distort our voice…"

Killua let out a long sigh from the request, he still couldn't believe that the only way Daniel could come up with to get his sister's attention, is to fake his own capture. Either way, if this is the only way, they still need to play it safe. It'll take a week to get all the items and prepare for the situation, which meant Killua would have to suffer a little bit longer.

But at least now it won't be indefinite, and Daniel would be willing to try other avenues to get his old memories back. The boy just hoped that Zaikaria would be a willing participant after this stunt…

"Alright," Daniel offered a smile and a hand out to the boy, "Do you mind if I sleep with you tonight, I have a lot of questions for you, and I don't really want to sleep on the couch right now."

"Sure…" Killua blew a raspberry, flustered from the possibilities of what Daniel may ask him. He's sure he could handle it, but that still doesn't mean he can't deny how hard his heart was beating at the worst possible outcome.

Taking Daniel's hand, the two shook on it, Daniel allowed himself to sneak in some of his own aurae to flow around the boy, but before the boy could object, he set his own goal in motion, "Don't reject it, I want to use that as a contract with myself, I promise that when I get my old memories of us being together, that I wouldn't let my new memories of you contaminate the old…" Even if I fall hopelessly in love with you now, if my old memories perceive you as different, I'll keep true to myself… and let you go, even if you and I don't want to let go…

"Fine…" Killua found himself smiling, "I accept the condition…" Thanks for trusting me…

Killua stopped for a moment, head twisting towards the dense dark park forest.

"Big brother…?"

Killua could've sworn he saw something moving. But even with his trained eyes set to nature, he couldn't see the presence of another's Nen. Was someone using Zetsu, or was it just the light playing tricks on his eyes?

Daniel saw the boy's concern, his mouth twisting into worry, "Is everything ok?"

"Y- Yeah, let's hurry up home. I'm tired! Don't you dare…"

Daniel threw up his hands in self-defence, "I wouldn't… you seemed… worried?"

"A little… someone might be following us from the party. But don't show it, let's just get home quickly…"

Daniel nodded at the concern, twisting on his heels to pick up the pace, "Alright, let's hurry up. I want to sneak into a warm bed Killua~"

Warm cheeks looked once more at the forest, making sure if there was someone following after them, it wasn't Daniel or Alluka they were after.

"Hurry up slow poke!"

Killua grinned before chasing after Daniel, Alluka giggling as she sailed through the air.

For the corner of the trees, someone peeked out from the corner, gritting their teeth in anger. How long has it been since they last saw Daniel? He couldn't have changed that much in the past few years. Retreating further in, they continued to follow the three.

"~"

Lifting his head, the man looked up, eyes slightly closed, glowering at the number of eyes now peering at him. There was a question lingering in the air, and without words, he could probably guess what the group wants to know.

His answer will always be the same because the threat is something to fear. Unconsciously flipping a page of his father's journal, he kept his attention on Kanzai because out of all the people in the room, he was the only one royally pissed off, not that there was never a moment in his time, where never was pissed.

Although true to his name, he was always growling like a tiger, even though right next to him was the legendary Dragon, Botobai. Botobai made him look like a kitten roaring, it was almost cute, although mostly amusing, "To answer your question, yes, AND THEN, NO…"

"Huh?"

"I guarantee everyone wants to know if he's in the room with us, which would be, a resounding yes." Vastorie glanced over, Netero off to the side, snickering at Piyon who laid across the table, the old man uncaring of their perception of him now. Because at the end of the day, only one person could see him, and that person occasionally blocked the visions of the deceased, out.

"Piyon, you might want to sit up."

"Huh, why?"

"Old man gazing downward…"

Sitting straight up, Netero glared at Vastorie. It was a playful one at that, because soon after, he shifted his posture, sitting in the air as he drifted along the table, unworried of the current issue of the table. He knew how the man's ability works, including the issues of answering certain statements and questions. But at the same time, he felt free, his aching old bones unmarred from his old age and his last battle with Meruem.

Yes, he was concerned as of now about how Vastorie was being treated, as he was like a son to him. But the fact still stands, no matter what he says, either Vastorie could twist the words, or worse, no matter what he says, the other Zodiacs would choose not to listen.

On the plus side, at least Cheadle was doing a good job of leading the group through the facts, as for how she's taking on the position; she is a little rough around the edges. Nothing long term experience couldn't fix.

All he can do right now is listen, and watch the world go by, and refuse all of Vastorie's demands and questions.

Vastorie waved his hand, his mind subconsciously removing Netero from his view. He'd rather not deal with the floating elephant in the room. "He is silently judging you for your actions, and will always refuse any questions or deal I make with him. Hell, he'd refuse all idle banter with me because he knows a single slip could change the course of this world. So, the answer is no, I cannot ask anything of him."

When Kanzai opened his mouth, Vastorie immediately shut him down, "Yes, he is judging me… I don't get free reign to do whatever I want." Although, I should ask… Well, see Netero's opinion on whether or not I'm doing the right thing by Daniel… I probably already know his response… disgust and sadness…

Feinting ignorance, the man watched Kanzai blow a huff of annoyance, most of the questions disappearing. Although two people in the room still had questions, mainly Kurapika and Leorio.

He'd thought the most volatile man would ask his question, but he was surprised to see Kurapika holding up his hand. Crossing his arms, Vastorie leaned back into the chair, "Yes…?"

"You say you see the ghosts of the departed, correct?"

"Yeah…"

"How many are in this room?"

Vastorie's eyes darted around the room, channelling his aura to bypass all his mental blocks. They started to pop up, some kids crying, black inky shadows wavering between the afterlife and the world of the living. They ignored him as much as he did them. They seemed to hover around those closest to them, one with Kurapika and another with Leorio.

If he had to guess, at some point, those two were going to ask about the smaller shadows sometime during the night. As for the other Zodiacs, they seemed concerned about the response, "Not counting Netero, twenty-three shadows." He forced his aura to relax, two of the inky shadows remaining, a conviction from the two younger Zodiacs aura calling out to them now.

Waving his hand once more, the ghosts dissipated from his view, "Any other questions?"

"Yes," tucking hair behind his ears, the younger man had another two questions in his mind. If he suspicions were correct, what he witnesses earlier that evening, that was a ghost from his past, and if had a gut-wrenching feeling, he knew who it was, "What do they look like to you?"

"Inky shadows… unless I know who they are, then they look like regular people."

"Final question…" Kurapika's gaze meeting his, his voice was slow, controlled, "Has anyone else been able to see them?"

The question made the older man raise a suspicious eyebrow, now that was a curious question. It has happened in the past, usually with Nen users rather than the general population. Although, it still is rare to see someone become attune to his Nen enough to recognise something is up. Or maybe it was something more, someone a part of his past childhood, "Yes, it is possible, although rarely…"

Kurapika nodded, returning to the papers before him. He wasn't finished. He still had another question, maybe even more, he wished to divulge from the older man. But those were private. But from what he noticed, others possibly had the same question for him, loved ones, friends and family that wished to speak to.

Whether Vastorie wishes to constantly talk to the dead, that is up to his own discretion. Right now, his main priority was reading through his father's journal. So far, his picked up on it, the moment his father started to descend into his current nature.

It has to do with a creature he fought to save a friend, a two-headed snake-like creature. He is starting to talk about power, having the strength to defeat others… things.

At the start he mentioned family, missing his wife Alexis and son Ercole. It's been so long since he's heard or seen his mother's name.

He hardly remembers her, what she looks like.

Even calling out her name made it impossible to envision her shadow. Maybe with details in the journal, he could find a link to their home… to find a way to trace his mother's origin.

Yes, finding details about his father are important, but his mother… he just wished he could see his mother one last time, to hug her at least once. Her smile was nothing more, than a faint blur…

The man sighed, picking up the journal once more, choosing to ignore the questioning gazes.

"~"

There was a flip of a page, quite footsteps crossing a hallway. A door opened as the boy sighed in relief. His eyes felt puffy, teabags already formed under his eyes. He was so tired, but his ability refused to allow him to sleep unless he had physical contact with another, anyone at this point.

He refused to give in, to ask anyone for help, not out of stubbornness, but rather the unfortunate predicament he was in. He wasn't about to ask Sakura or Gon to hug him to sleep. They had their own relationship, their own desire to cuddle up with one another.

Sometimes he'd hear Gon giggling, his voice like a hymn of angels singing a lullaby, or maybe that was just his drowsiness speaking. Either way, the golden sun boy was getting harder to deal with each passing day. Every lie becoming less creative as the days passed.

Gon knows something is wrong with him… that his not sleeping. It was only a matter of time before he finds out the truth, provided he hasn't found out from Leorio already.

When the door opened a second time, Iason flinched. The steps were coming close to him. He braced himself, preparing for another excuse. But his mind fell on blanks, every excuse under the sun already been used.

Black hair peeked out from the corner, surveying the living room. The act made Iason shrink into the couch. He should've stayed in his room, but he wasn't really thinking this scenario was going to happen. Or maybe the lack of thinking made him think the reverse, that he should be caught in the act of withholding the truth.

"Oh," Gon frowned slightly, crossing the room to address the tired boy still on the couch, "You should get to bed. You've been really tired for the past few days. Are you ok?"

Iason nodded, a tired smile forming, expression barely holding on to the surrounding world. He shifted in his seat, opening his mouth to prepare for another excuse, but he couldn't come up with anything, just a silence falling between them. "In a minute…"

Gon let out a huff in annoyance, "Is there anything we can do?"

The boy shook his head once more, Gon's features dropping a little more. It seems Iason might not still trust him, but this has gone on far enough. Now is the time for action, even if he has to duct tape the poor boy to bed. Actually, now he thinks about it, he remembered Leorio mentioning coddling. If he could somehow find the moment to hug the boy, to let him know everything will be ok, would he fall asleep then?

He kind of did look stressed out right now, "Iason…"

Tired eyes found Gon, the boy stepping closer, which in turn made Iason scoot away further along the couch, "Wh- what are you doing…?"

"I'm putting you in bed! You need to sleep, Iason."

"I said I will-" Had his reaction really slowed down that much, when did Gon get so close to him, "no! I said I'm fine…"

With a sweeping motion, Gon picked up Iason, the boy finding his own body giving in, relaxing at the touch. Damn his stupid ability for giving in so quickly, relaxing so soon after having been touched.

"Put…" bopping his head, the boy sighed in content, fingers relaxing against the boy's skin. Wait, Gon's naked… the boy though, barely able to struggle thanks to his weakened strength. All he could do was squeeze the skin before his mind wandered to dreamland.

"Oh," Gon hummed at the Iason's reaction, his fingers sliding up and down the boy's back in a soothing manner as his other hand did the same with boy's hair. It was playful in nature, but really all he was trying, was to make sure the boy stayed asleep.

He hoped this is what Leorio meant by coddling, providing comfort as the boy slept in his arms.

Gon beamed at the reaction, but then his mind processed the situation. There was a lock on each bedroom door, and he doesn't know where Iason put his keys. Panic ensure, the boy slightly bouncing from foot-to-foot, wondering what to do with the sleeping boy in his arms.

"Um…" Gon called out, careful to not wake the sleeping boy in his arms. He crossed the hallway, skidding in front of his room, Iason still in his arms, "I was going to bring Iason to his room… but he fell asleep before I could ask for his keys…"

Sakura peaked out from under his cover, groaning slightly at the scene before him. He hadn't expected Gon to go out there half naked. He flicked the covers back over, groaning once more before he shifted in the bed, patting it from under the cover, "Well there's nothing we can do. We'll sleep together, but you need to apologise to him in the morning…"

Gon's smile brightened from the reaction. Sakura was so tired, he was willing to put up with his shenanigans, not that he would have let the boy think of an alternative. Walking over to the bed, he placed Iason under the cover next to Sakura, Sakura hummed, sliding an arm over warm body now next to him, only to find himself removing it once he realised who was next to him, "We can't put Iason in the middle…"

"It's fine. Plus, if he's stuck between us… he'll be forced to sleep."

There was a nod, followed by Sakura hugging Iason closer as the bed sheets shifted. However, before Gon could slide into bed, Sakura stopped him, "Put a shirt on. It's bad enough we're going to force him to sleep with us…"

"Oh," Gon huffed, crossing the room to the wardrobe. He grabbed the first comfortable shirt to fit him. Once dressed, he slid under the sheets, snuggling close to Iason, his fingers sliding under the cushion to grab hold Sakura's.

Sakura gently squeezed Gon's, humming in delight as he shifted his position slightly. "You're apologising to Iason in the morning."

"Yeah…" Gon nodded, drawing small circles in his boyfriend's palm, "Thanks for agreeing to this."

"Sure…" Sakura dosed of, Gon smiling as he watched the two boys sleep in front of him. Bringing an arm over the two of them, Gon pulled Sakura a little closer, feeling just a tad bit worried about Iason being squished between them. He'd explain everything in the morning, but until then, he'd make sure along with Sakura, that Iason sleeps this time.

"I love you, Sakura…"

"Me too…" Sakura murmured in his sleep, the words goofball escaping the boy's lips as Gon snickered.

Everything will be ok, he'll make sure of it. After seeing Iason suffer for so many nights, it was better he acted on those desires to help out than continue to watch him suffer any longer. Leorio told him Iason needed to be coddled in order to sleep, and if it's the only thing that will help the boy, he was willing to help out.

Just for tonight, Iason will be trapped between the both of them, then with a little discussing, he was sure the three of them could come to a compromise of some sort, like Iason being to the side of them, maybe even switching who gets to do the coddling…