Iason spends some alone time with Sakura, just having a heart to heart conversation with the boy, as Killua settles in their new hotel with Alluka and Daniel, a conversation between Nathaniel and himself.

A/N: Just letting everyone know, due to how many chapters I've written over my break, these chapters will also be posted:
Chapter 33 on the 8th
Chapter 34 on the 9th.

Sakura paid careful attention to the boy, running his fingers gently along the bruise that was definitely going to remain there for days. He frowned slightly when Iason grimaced, the boy letting out a small gasp of complaint "Gon you can be such an idiot at times!"

Gon stuck out his tongue at the complaint, trying to alleviate the tension with a bit of playful banter, but his partner wasn't having any of that, "No amount, of cute tongue sticking out can save you…"

"It's fiNE!" The boy winced with Sakura applied some pressure to the bruise, "Leorio would be upset if we don't look after you properly… the good thing is there are no broken bones."

"What are you, a doctor now…" Iason playfully shoved Sakura away, wanting to limit the amount of touching he was receiving today. Every time he was touched, he felt his heart rate spike, the beating intensifying with each passing second. Gon's hug earlier that day didn't help at all. Just being close to them made it hard to resist the slowly building attraction, from the type of gentle care the two would show him.

Sure, Leorio would care for him in a similar manner, but he saw the older teen as his brother… these two were different.

They may get upset over each other at times, but neither one could remain mad for long. Even as Sakura was acting mad at Gon right now, he could tell the boy was struggling to remain angry. His lips twitched into a smile every so often, the boy's hand now moving along Iason's skin, feeling the tension between his arms.

Iason pulled his arm away from Sakura once more, "I'll be fine! Just, give me a couple of days… Gon on the other hand," The boy stuck his tongue out at the boy, "Should be as fit as a fiddle by tomorrow…"

Gon pouted, only to have a smile soon cracking right after.

Iason couldn't look at the boy for long, eyes being directed towards Sakura instead. He couldn't deny how much he wanted to kiss Gon back then, when the boy hugged him tightly, using his body in a comforting manner.

He wouldn't have pushed Gon away if he tried to kiss him… and that honestly scared him right now. He knows Gon can be attracted to multiple people at the same time, but he doesn't want to be in a position where he feels like Gon has to share his time between Sakura and himself.

He also knows that Sakura doesn't mind, but if they were to have a three-way relationship, he doesn't want to be the wedge between them. Yes, he has feelings for Sakura at times, but he doesn't know if Sakura has feelings for him… besides the random kiss on the cheek of glee, he received from said boy…

"Alright, shoo, Gon! I'm going to massage Iason with a little bit of oil, I want him as fit as a fiddle tomorrow too…"

Gon pouted once more, "I want I massage too…"

"Where, could you possibly be hurting…?"

As soon as Gon pointed at the spot, Sakura's cheeks flushed red, "here…" The boy was pointing at his heart, a cheeky expression unable to be hidden "You're terrible… Go prepare for dinner cheeky!"

Gon rounded a corner before Sakura could throw a pillow at him, happy at the outcome. At least Iason was fine, and he trusts Sakura with his life… The boy would be able to look after the other, so while those two are busy, he can take care of dinner seeing as Iason couldn't.

As soon as he disappeared, the boy clutched his chest, smiling inward. Even though he hadn't earned Iason's trust, to hear about his past yet, the look the boy was giving him during his hug said a thousand words. He trusted him… no longer wanting to push away the other…

But the moment the boy pushed Sakura away, something seemed off. Hopefully, the two aren't having a fight his unaware of. He cares deeply about them both.

When Gon was out of earshot, Iason whispered as low as possible, scared of Gon's hawk-like hearing "How did you go?"

Sakura poked the boy, "No talking about me… right now it's all about you. Are you ok…?"

Iason nodded slightly, cheeks flushed red as he remembered what happened earlier once more, "Yeah… You don't have to give me a massage, I'm fine…"

"Nonsense…" Sakura smiled slightly, "Shirt off, head down… And I'll get a towel."

Iason removed his shirt, not too eager to have skin-to-skin contact with Sakura. It made his heart flutter, especially when the touches were soft and caring in nature.

Sakura came back with a towel, placing it on the bed to slide it under Iason, before pushing the boy back down gently, not wanting to hurt him any more than Gon had accidentally done so. He shifted through his bag, producing small vials, each containing a different aroma, "Gon likes my massages… plus, you get to smell really good afterwards."

"Yeah, but it won't heal my wounds…"

"Well," Sakura stuck his tongue out at Iason "It's to sooth, not perform miracles…" The boy quietly whispered the next part, "at least not yet…"

"Did you say something?"

"No…" Sakura covered his hands with oil, before adding a few drops of Mint and Lavender to his hands, mixing the liquids together to provide a nice smell. Placing both hands on Iason, he spoke calmly, barely kneading the skin "If you start to feel uncomfortable, please let me know…"

Iason nodded, head buried in his arms, "So… how are you going?"

"Unsure…" Sakura glided his fingertips along the boy's skin, thumbs barely applying pressure to the boy's skin.

"You've never massaged someone before, have you…?"

"I have. Like I said… I do it with Gon all the time."

Iason chuckled at the comment. This wasn't a typical massage, but rather, an unconscious mechanism brought about through a possible white lie. Sakura's movements seemed to follow a more primal pattern, one based on a more… romantic gesture, rather than a therapeutic one. But he couldn't really bring it up, not while the boy's touches showed a sense of care, and the incense also did help him relax.

Sakura craned his neck towards the door before looking back at Iason, voice barely a whisper "I'm a little unsure if I was practising Ten right…"

"It's ok… it can take months, possibly years. I'll help you unlock your micropyles, at least by easing them open when I can… I'm not going to however force them all open. I don't want to hurt you…"

Sakura stopped his motions, long enough for Iason to take notice "What's wrong…?"

"Nothing… you're just kind like Gon. That's all…"

"That boy's smile could light up a room…"

"Oh," Sakura's fingers hesitated, closing his eyes at the bubbling feelings in his chest. Gon was indeed like a radiant sun to him. You could spend years in those eyes, and you'll never truly feel lost within them. When that boy cries, the whole world seems to follow.

When Sakura heard about what happened to Gon, he begged and pleaded with his father to let him go to him at once. Everyone, all the friends Gon had made up to that point, who weren't hurt in the war, were trying their damn hardest to keep the boy alive…

Some, even trying to bring the boy back from the brink of death…

Everyone was crying over Gon because he was a part of their world… he meant something to everyone by his side. He means something to them, even to this day… after losing his Nen. Yet, right now, along with Iason's help, they were the only ones trying to recover Gon's Nen back.

Not Leorio…

Not Kurapika…

Not Daniel…

Not even Killua…

He can't really blame them though, without Killua and Daniel's help, alongside Alluka's, Gon wouldn't be here today. Sakura would've never met Iason…

The boy continued to move his hands, thoughts left to linger. He could pinpoint the moment he fell for Gon, a smile which could be pictured even through their texts. He loved Gon's courageous nature, how he pursued everything, no matter how dangerous… or hard it was to discover.

Sakura wanted to be a part of that world, the unknown… but he has always been too weak to pursue it. Now that Gon was normal, he had a chance to be by the boy's side. He loves every second of it, but it's still missing something…

It's missing the Gon that would run into the unknown…

That is why he's secretly seeking out a way to recover Gon's Nen. It's kind of selfish on his part, and he hasn't really asked if Gon wants it back. It's a change he is honestly scared of because once his boyfriend gets it back, he doesn't know if Gon would run ahead…

Out of his reach…

He was afraid that he'll have to let go of the boy's hand if that happens…

But even so, he still wants to do this for Gon…

Sakura felt two hands clasp on his shoulder, Iason now looking into his eyes. He was smiling, at him. There was a slight pang in his chest, the smile somehow reminding him of Gon's, "Wh- What?" The boy stammered, Iason poking a single spot "There…"

Iason's gaze fell on the boy's figure, feeling a trace of aura flowing around the boy's figure, weak in nature, but present. He knows exactly how to help the boy learn quicker "Aroma…"

"Aroma…?" Sakura asked in confusion, Iason's feather-light touches prodding his skin.

"Yeah, I notice a small trace of aura flowing around you. The smell of nature, along with your meditation, may help you with your training…"

"Really?" the boy asked excitedly, almost bouncing on the spot with joy.

Iason nodded, smiling at how jovial the boy had become at the words. It might not be a serious boost, but at least now, if Gon could be kept busy at least four times a week, Sakura might have a consistent flow of aura within a month. It won't be super powerful, but at least it's a start…

Sakura, on the other hand, had a feeling he knew why that might help. Gon always smelled like the morning dew of forest that had been basked in the perfect amount of sunlight and rainfall. There was no creature to be seen, but the aromatic fragrances of the flowers, the earthy texture of the bark and dirt wafting through the air, providing peace to those who actively seek it out.

Gon is that sort of peace. He is… that kind of forest to Sakura. And no matter what dangerous creatures lurk in those shadows; like Kon was to Gon, Sakura wants to help out his boyfriend…

Although, he wouldn't ever dare share that secret with Gon; contrarily, the boy might become more playful in nature, a smile that could make anyone feel like dawn is cracking, during a night basking in the moonlight.

Sakura couldn't stop himself if he tried, giving a light hug to the boy who was helping him learn Nen.

Twice, Iason had been hugged today…

Twice, he'd been unable to stop it…

Although, there was a clear difference between the two; Gon made him feel protected, whereas Sakura's left an impact which was hard to describe. Even without words, he could tell what the hug signified, but to draw the comparison between the two would be an insult.

Gon was more playful when it came to his hugs, the mushing of their noses together, a smile that was bright, comforting, and most of all… signifies ones need to protect those he desires to.

Sakura's was more comforting in an environmental way. Herby in texture, an aroma designed specifically, to protect on a level that could make it feel like his back at home. Whereas Gon's feels like strength, Sakura's feels like it wants to help guide others, like a breadcrumb trail in a forest maze.

It left him wondering what his hug would be like to the others, but he doesn't dare ask them. He wants to care about them like they do for him, so he'll continue to help Sakura in his own way, living off the smile each of them gave.

Although, unconscious to his own movements, Iason had hugged Sakura back, one hand resting against the back of the boy's head, while the other supplied soothing attention to the dip on the boy's back.

Sakura was enjoying it, loving the attention he was receiving from Iason. Although, it felt like the hug was lacking something, something he couldn't quite put his finger on it, yet…

Maybe his presence…? The boy wasn't able to give it his all, like Gon could. He just didn't have trust in them… or maybe, himself…

"~"

As Daniel dropped their bags in their new room, Killua paced around the kitchen, already hating their new temporary hotel room; it was tiny in comparison to their last one, the amenities all in close proximity. Sure, it had an oven, dishwasher, fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle, but unless he wanted to elbow someone as he moved around, only one person can be in the kitchen at all times… two if nobody is cooking.

Thank god, the fridge wasn't in the middle of the kitchen, which really would have messed them up; the oven, sink and dishwasher were rammed into that tiny kitchen area space.

On the plus side, the dining area was a little bigger, and they had two bathrooms now. One connected to the main bedroom, and the other right next to Alluka's room.

Killua pulled out his phone, stepped onto the balcony as he closed the door behind him. He prepared himself to make a phone call to Nathaniel. They were at Aswaqiya; now all they needed was at least a photo to help guide them… or a temporary guide for their intended end goal.

"~"

Daniel pulled Killua and his own duffle bags up to the bed, pulling out only the things they would need for now. They don't know how long they'll exactly be there for, so who knows if they'll ever get around to discovering lost treasures and landmarks.

Daniel rubbed his stomach in discomfort, feeling the unnatural aura swirling within his own, the darken texture almost a similar colour to his own. Except if one were to pay attention, they'll notice the immediate difference.

His was navy blue in colour, while the other was a really dark purple. Its texture ripples as though there was a constant light source surrounding him, and his emotions, certainly could alter the course, making them ripple like waves from a tide.

Victor's, however, was different. It clung to him, digging within his skin as if trying to find an opening anywhere it could bury itself into. It stretched like overgrown vines, dead, yet somehow also alive… clinging to whatever was keeping it alive.

Daniel removed his hands, taking both of their toiletry bags into the bathroom. He didn't manage to get far, dropping the bags on the floor as he clutched his chest out of agony.

As the carpet absorbed the sound, his teeth dug into his lips; it's the first time he has felt a wave like this. It was like thousands of thorns digging into his skin, finding a single entry point, even if they have to force one open themselves.

A single tooth pierced his skin, a small thin trail of blood dripping from the fresh wound, before he could find the strength to stand up, digging his fingers into his own body, in an attempt to rip the foreign aura away from himself, as if it were a giant squid he could actually grip within his fingertips.

He took a moment to calm his breathing, hoping that whatever was happening to him will be a one-off occurrence. It took a few minutes before he could feel his breathing starting to even out, chest no longer straining from the constricting aura…

He couldn't tell Killua about it, out of fear of worrying his partner even more. The boy has dealt with too much already… adding another thing to Killua's plate is the last thing he wants to do. Also, it may have even been a one-off occurrence, but if it gets progressively worse, he'll seek out Killua's advice.

For now, he rather the boy worries about connecting the dots, to find Scarlet…

To help him get rid of the offending aura, rather than worrying what it may be doing to him…

"~"

He heard the pickup tone, a voice tired and groggy, "Hello…?"

Whoops, forgot to check the time there… "Yo, it's Kil-"

There was a loud bang, similar to a person grabbing the nearest solid object before they fell over, or the man accidentally dropped his phone out of shock from Killua's voice. But either way, Daniel's father was no longer tired, voice full of joy at who knows what ungodly hour "Killua!? You have no idea how much I'm worried about you… and thankful for what you've done."

"Right…" Killua's cheeks flushed at the thought of his partner's family not only worried for him, but thankful for what he's done. It was the right thing to do… it was the least he could do for Daniel, considering how much they've been through together. The action was worth the pain in his books, and that overall, counters all the agony he had to suffer during that time, "it was nothing…" the boy feinted embarrassment, hiding his true feelings barely from the surface, "it all worked out in the end… just like you'd hope."

"Right…" There was a pause, Killua picking up the slack, "Vastorie hasn't called you…?"

"No…" the man shifted his attention to the clock by his side, clutching his chest out of anguish, "he hasn't… However, he did message Zaikaria, but hasn't responded to any of her return texts. He…"

"Sounds like he doesn't care about anyone's opinions…"

"No, it's not like that… It's…"

Killua waited, unnerved by the silence. What was causing even Daniel father to pause from the thought?

"Listen, Killua… Vastorie may be selfish at times, but he has a particular pattern. Going by what Zaikaria said he texted her with… he's scared…"

"Him, scared? He has apparently already dealt with my father on numerous occasions… what could possibly scare him?"

Nathaniel shut his eyes, thinking the scenario over "His scare of his father… what his father would do to the ones… he cares about."

Killua snorted, the shifting of fabric being heard over the phone. Nathaniel dismissed the boy's obvious lack of faith on the matter, "You and Daniel will understand in time… as for now, what was your original call about?"

Killua frowned at the dismissal. There's not much to understand about the situation, his fear of his father had no basis, not when he and Nathaniel together could clearly beat that man into nothing but a bloody puddle. How else could the man survive being unharmed from the incident, "Fine, I called because I need some information about Scarlet, at least her looks… neither myself of Daniel knows what she looks like… and there have to be at least thousands of people in Aswaqiya right now. Haven't you got a photo of her?"

"I can text that information for you, why her?"

"Zaikaria didn't have the means to remove Daniel's lasting Nen from the attack, which you failed to mention…"

"Shit stickles…"

"Shit… what?"

"No, my apology… I didn't think it could be that bad. I was hoping Daniel's feelings could overcome it… I was mistaken…"

Killua's cheeks flushed red. Did Daniel's father just assume… hoped that his boyfriend's attraction towards him, would have bypassed Victor's Hatsu completely, "You and Daniel are t- terrible! The power of love doesn't triumph everything!"

There was a chuckle on the other end of the receiver, Killua's cheeks further reddening from the man's response "Idiot, don't laugh… this is a serious concern!"

"You're right…" the man calmed himself down, barely a giggle by the time he was ready to speak once more, "I'll give you all the current information I can offer you… just promise to protect Daniel until then…"

"Of- Of course! What kind of partner would I be…?"

As Killua heard a breath, the boy shut his partner's father down "It's rhetorical! Don't answer it!"

"Sure… Well, Zaikaria has already changed her tune with you. She trusts you now."

"She should've trusted me from the start… not attempt to remove his memories…"

"I know…" The man sighed once more, "She is truly sorry for her actions, even if she doesn't message you. Like Vastorie, she can let her emotions get in the way of the facts…"

Killua looked back towards the living room, noticing Daniel and Alluka sitting side-by-side, Daniel cuddling up to his sister. They were really getting along well; the sound of laughter could be heard even from outside, "I guess…"

He doesn't want anything to get in the way of what he has just obtained, so he can see the sentiment in Zaikaria's caring nature… even if it was overprotective at times, "I understand." Killua waved at his partner once Daniel noticed he was looking, a smile being offered back in return. He would do the same for his sister if he were in Zaikaria's position "I want to ask you one question…"

"Sure, what you need?"

"Has Daniel always feared, being like his father…?"

There was a long pause, Nathaniel's voice stilled at the question, "No…" It wasn't always like this. He cherished his father, loving every second, until the moment Zaikaria erased Daniel's memories.

Whether that be from her stepping into her brother's life, or how Vastorie's acting was pushing Daniel aside, he really hoped that this travel would help his son understand his father, even if he doesn't want to "It hasn't…"

"I'm worried about Daniel, as he might be hiding his feelings from me…"

"Have you tried asking him?"

"No…" Killua's eyes drifted to the sky, the sun glaring back at him, muddling with his internal feelings, "how… do you?"

Nathaniel cracked a smile, his words now soft in tone, "Let him open up to you once his mind has settled. I know he cares enough to not let his fears rule him all the time. And maybe this travel will help him open up to you as well."

"I guess…" Killua's eyes drifted back to Daniel, watching him with a smile. He trusts the boy, enough to let him find himself, and in turn, open up to him when he wants to. Killua felt himself smile "Thank you… I'll try to stop Victor's Nen from corrupting your son…"

"As I said, I've made the right choice to leave Daniel in your hands… No matter what your parents, siblings, or anyone else for that matter say to you… you are a kind, gentle, soul… It showed in your desire to help your sister, as well as Daniel… I will admit I had a biased opinion of you at the start, but I'm glad I got to meet you. You really know how to shatter first opinions…"

"Yeah, yeah…" Killua awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. Even Nathaniel at one time admitted he had doubts about him… which changed upon actually meeting him. Although, upon meeting Nathaniel, he didn't think he was the type to instantly start judging. He kept it inside, wanting to personally meet him first, before judging him.

It didn't make him feel any better… he just felt as though if given a choice, Nathaniel would be the closest he had to a father figure who was willing to listen and help, not try to take rein of the situation like his own, whom possibly still doubts Killua when it comes to looking after what his father would deem as a thing, Alluka.

It's not like his other siblings, were any better… he was the only one in his family, to treat Alluka as a human being, his sister… "It's ok…" Killua finally relented from his silence, speaking up about his feelings on the matter "I have a feeling you meant no harm by it… plus, you treated my sister like a human being, so I can't complain… I'll continue to help my partner… I care about him."

"Thank you… In that case, give me a couple of hours, then I'll message you all the information I can supply you with."

"Thanks…"

Before Killua could hang up, he heard one final comment from Nathaniel, "Killua, please look after my son… I don't think Victor will give up on you two as soon as he finds out his ability has been removed. It would be in your best interest to be forward with Scarlet… she hasn't had the most forgiving childhood."

Killua's eyes darted back to Daniel, worried for the boy "In what way…?"

"It's best you hear it from her when Alluka isn't there with you. She should feel comfortable to talk about it, as it has been a little over 10 years ago… but don't pry, let her tell you at her own pace…"

"Understood…" Killua brought himself to hang up the phone, a smile tugging at his lips. It won't be long now… He can settle down, relax with Daniel and Alluka, as Nathaniel gathers the necessary data for them to find Scarlet.