Daniel and Killua explore the campus with Alluka, mostly talking between themselves. Gon decides to take Iason on a mini-date, with the intent to find something take makes Iason happy, feelings ensure…

N/A: The trip was awesome! I had a lovely time with my partner and some of his friends.

Students moved around the busy shopping centre, heading to either the cafeteria, where restaurants or to do their late evening grocery shopping for the day, some may even be gathering stationary in preparation for their end of year exams.

Sure, some may have considered it way too early to be studying. But some students could be trying to hit the books earlier.

But none of that mattered for the trio, as of now they had no intention to start classes not until they have a set goal in mind on what they intend to do with the courses being offered. Until then, they had no plans to buy stationery…

There was also the fact that Daniel, still needed to be convinced that it was ok for them to stay; even with the constant threat of Victor lurking behind the gates, peering onto the grounds for his prey.

Killua trusts Eifion to deal with that issue, at least to a small degree…

The boy had a few ideas on how to do so, but his main ideal situation is to make sure Daniel was the one to agree to the situation. It is, after all, his ass on the line… in more ways than one if he chooses to stay.

However, even though the hallways were filled with bustling teens and adults, no one looked at them strangely. Sure, there few glances here or there, but it was mostly in the direction of Killua's hair, his snow-white fluffy hair, possibly even his features drawing other's attention.

Whether that was a good or bad thing, he won't know until he starts going to classes. His name and looks may spread like wildfire, drawing the attention of students, including some or their desires…

Killua had paid them no mind; he was more focused on what the stores had to offer. It would be great if they could limit the number of times they needed to leave the grounds, only heading to the shopping centres outside for minuscule things, like clothing.

Scratching his chin, Killua wondered if they should head over to the cafeteria or do a little grocery shopping first. Maybe even check out the bookstores, to see what sort of stationery they offer.

Alluka made the decision for him. Running up to the nearest store, her face pressed up against a window; her eyes widened at what the store had to offer. There was no specialty name for the store, just a generic sign called 'Stationary' being plastered across the top, limiting the number of guesses one would need in order to figure out what the store had to offer. Not that the shelves lined with folders and untitled books near the entrance, would have given it away.

Killua chuckled at his sister's amazement for small things. It made the boy smile for a moment, taking in the picture of his sister's happiness. It couldn't hurt to go in for a little, at least to let his sister browse while he tries figures out where to go next.

With a pat on the younger girl's shoulder, Killua gestured for his sister to go in and take a look.

Alluka pulled her brother in for a hug before running inside, only to be stopped "Call us if you want to buy anything…"

"Thank you, big brother!"

As Daniel laughed once she left, Killua offered a sly smile at the reaction. It seems his partner wasn't completely lost in his thoughts tonight. Not that their earlier escapades, may be one of the culprits for Daniel's quietness. But still… he did want to talk a little with Daniel.

Killua twirled the room key card in his hand, hoping to have an open conversation about the matter at hand "So, how do you feel?"

Daniel raised a concerned eyebrow, his arms crossing along his chest as he spoke, "About earlier, or the entire situation…?"

"Both…"

Daniel hid his face slightly; Killua caught the slight blush, the reddening of his partner's cheeks. It very rare for Daniel to blush about anything, but Killua wasn't worried about that. He was more worried about the boy's response; he hoped that his partner wasn't reconsidering what he said earlier. Maybe he shouldn't have asked for that kind of response…

"Don't worry, I no intention of going back on my word. I still…" The boy turned to look at his partner in his eyes "want it."

Killua offered his partner a smile before looking back into the store, waiting for the second half of the question to be answered.

"I don't know how to feel about this scenario, however…"

"Walk me through your thoughts then. I'll try to help you… rebut your fears or worries. Whatever you're thinking about really…"

"Are we making the wrong decision?"

Killua glanced over towards Daniel, sincere with his expression. It could be a mistake, but if they leave now… they won't know what it would be like to relax for years. They don't even know how Victor was tracking them. Was it through his aura, or did he have eyes on them at all times… an unconscious, moving entity in their surroundings?

Either way, leaving now would be a bigger threat on their mental health and safety, unless they planned to go back to Alair taus, back to where Zaikaria is waiting for them. He didn't like that option; even though, by going there it meant Alluka as well as themselves, could spend some more time with Nathaniel…

But how long would they be in Alair taus…?

One…?

Five…?

Twenty years…?

They can't depend on Nathaniel, Zaikaria, Akshasamat, or even Scarlet to protect them until they're strong enough to protect themselves. Sure, Eifion is protecting them… but he has a way to launch Victor into orbit if he even thinks of stepping on these school grounds, without any victims, or collateral damage to the school and its occupants.

The boy sighed, looking away as he allowed his thoughts to linger for the both of them to compartmentalize the arguments for and against the issue, "I can't predict the future. I can only think about it from a logical perspective… Are we making the correct decision? I don't know… what I do know, however, is Vastorie said something that best describes our situation… Every step we take from now on changes the future. We don't know if the results are good or bad. So, choosing to run forward is as much as an option… as is running away from danger. Knowledge is what sets up the differences between the two."

"During our training, huh… You also forgot about shit hitting the fan…"

"Shit has already hit the fan at this point, I'm just compacting the quote…"

Daniel chuckled, which gave Killua a moment to relax, "We don't know how being here, can change our future… but at least we will have a moment to relax."

"You're right, Killua…"

"I'm always right!" Killua admitted with a smug attitude, his fingers lingering to his side as he forced himself to put the key card in his pocket. He meant it as a joke, but the way Daniel visible relaxed, it meant more to the boy than he originally intended, "Look, I'm not going to say we should stay here because I know it's the right move… even for Alluka's sake. What I'm saying is…"

Killua shifted his gaze over to Daniel, offering the boy a genuine smile, "If you don't feel like we are making the right move. We'll leave. I just want you to know… I'm going to accept the decision you make tomorrow… Even though if we stay…" his lips curling upward, showing off his more seductive body-language. His eyes were half-lidded, sultry in both appearance and tune, "We can have loud, unshackle, comforting, body pounding… sessions."

Daniel snorted, "Ah, just how deep has my partner slammed his head into the gutters…"

"Deep enough to tickle the G-spot…" The boy joked, loud enough for only the two of them to hear as his eyes diverted back to the inside of the store.

Daniel broke down in laughter, even though the joke made his cheeks burn with arousal. It's a weakness his allowing his body to accept as the days go by, but it won't stop him from denying his partner from the possible future. Deep down, a small part of him knows he'll cave into Killua's every demand one day …

The boy took the time to offer Killua a smile that perfectly represented his mood, his feelings for the boy as if his partner could read his mind, see what he's feeling. This would be the best moment to say I love you, but it wasn't that Daniel didn't want to say it…

It was that the words encased in his own heart, held there for Killua to feel, touch if he wished to do so; even though Killua wasn't looking, Daniel could see a smile escaping the boy' features, unable to be shackled or held back if forced to do so.

The boy reached out, roping his fingers within Killua's, expecting the boy to do the same. He wasn't disappointed, his partner's fingers closing around them, cheeks just as red as his own.

Saying they loved each other would be the understatement of the century, but whether or not Killua would admit that out loud… was a completely different argument to be made. All that mattered now, were the silent feelings Daniel could feel as if the aura he shared between Killua acted like a stream of emotions between them.

Unheard…

But felt like a warm blanket on cold nights…

"How do you feel now…? Do you want to stay?" Killua limited his partner's response, just in case he decided to be all mushy about it.

"Will you continue to protect me…?"

"Of course, doofus… I…" Killua brought his gaze over to meet Daniel's, expecting this sweet, but innocent lost in his eyes expression. He wasn't disappointed when their eyes met, "You mean so much to Gon… Sakura… Alluka… to me… I'll protect you."

Daniel offered a nod, his eyes being diverted back to the store.

"Killua…" the boy heard his name being called by his sister, but he wasn't ready to let go of Daniel's hand just yet. He had one final question to go, "Where should we go next?"

"How about a bite to eat… then we'll go do some grocery shopping? Maybe even buy a tub of ice-cream for each of us? The fudge chocolate kind… you know, with double or triple chocolate for you, as a thank you for tonight."

Killua felt his heart flutter at the request. Daniel was willing to use his sweet tooth to entice him, "I would enjoy that…"

"Big brother!"

"I'm coming!" Killua whined as he was forced to drag Daniel along; the boy refused to let go of his hand.

Yet somehow…

A small piece of him didn't mind…

"~"

Gon was pumped and ready to charm one of his partners on this special occasion; he was ready to dish out some surprises, to flatter his partner in unique and memorable ways. After the talk he had last night with Sakura, he has one goal… to discover what would make Iason smile, just like how Sakura did when his eyes landed on that little patch of fascination, the Rainbow-Prism Willow.

It was a hard nut to crack, a task which others would perceive as idealistic and a waste of time, considering he could just go to partner, to talk about their likes and dislikes how Sakura would do when he invests his time in his love of botany.

But, when it comes to this time of occasion, it wouldn't feel fun at all. He likes a challenge, the thought, or in his case the sight of seeing his loved one's eyes falling onto the object which would call upon their love and affection for him.

When it comes to situations like these, where he plans to take a guess of what would cause his partner to smile like that… his safest bet is to throw everything he has got at Iason.

"You have to remember, Iason does love aspects about you… don't forget it."

"I won't! I just hope I can make him as happy, as you make me…"

He could recall the words so easily as if he heard it a few seconds ago. Sure, he feels like today will make him come off as pushy, but a small part of him needed to do this… If not for Iason's sake, at least to help him discover a little more about his newest partner, the one who wasn't yet comfortable to talk about his past.

He not only needed this…

He needed to find something to help him break the ice, to push Iason a little out of his comfort zone. He didn't want to shove, so as soon as he notices that Iason has become uncomfortable, he'll pull back and change tactics.

He's just hoping he'll be able to discover those moments before it's too late, considering he keeps his eyes on the horizon, towards the future, most of the time.

"Jeez, you completely ignore everything we just talked about last night…"

"Nuh, uh…" Gon offered his biggest, goofy grin, a smile that would certainly radiate his feelings, "I have a plan, but I need your help."

"Gon, you're asking me, to ask Iason out on a date with you… without me."

"No…" The boy clarified, his fingers reaching out to grasp Sakura within his own, "I'm asking you to help me find something that makes Iason smile… I know that this is selfish to do it without your help, but I really want to do this for Iason… You make me happy… You make Iason happy… You say I make Iason happy, but I know deep down, that the two of you have a better relationship than I do with Iason."

Sakura closed his eyes, he didn't… Gon doesn't see what he sees. Or at least, he hasn't noticed yet. Gon can keep Iason's attention on him, unlike himself… All Gon needs to do, is give the boy his trademark smile.

But seeing Gon's fierce gaze like this, he wasn't going to take no for an answer, but maybe… such an event will open Gon's eyes a little, to allow him to see something he has missed this entire time, "All right… I'll-"

"Wait, Sakura…" Gon grabbed a piece of paper, writing down an address on it, "Tell Iason to meet me at this address, with casual, sort of… dressy, comfy attire… nothing too fancy. I still want him to feel comfortable while wearing clothes all day."

Sakura sighed "Alright, but if you see a wondrous smile, you better snap it for me too. You're not the only one who…" The boy felt his cheeks tinged a colour from what he was about to admit, which made Gon's expression appear as warm as his enveloping hugs "wants to see that smile…"

Gon didn't stay long after that. Considering he was already dressed for the occasion, he was out the door before Iason could say: wait for me.

He wore a nice sky and navy blue windowpane styled, collar shirt, over a darker shade of reddish-orange undershirt, something that hopefully didn't overkill his style. Because he didn't have much to choose from, he stuck to his creamy brown khakis and a pair of black casual running shoes.

He tried to dress nicely for his partner. And hopefully, it'll be enough to impress Iason, and not give off the impression that he was having a wardrobe malfunction as per usual.

Gon really hoped Iason will be ok with today's plan, and that he'll be able to at least get the boy to smile a few times. He'd want to achieve a joyous smile, like, he achieved with Sakura, but unlike Iason, he knows what could make Sakura beam with happiness…

With Iason, he's mainly guessing…

He likes the thrill, of having found new discoveries. Maybe he should consider searching for new archaeological discoveries, a Ruins Hunter like his father. Except he'll be more focused on discovering the place, to breaking all the traps and finding all the secrets rooms, so that when he puts out a beacon for other Hunters, they can focus more on investing and rebuilding it restructures.

"Gon…?"

The boy turned to his side, his lips widening in joy. There stood Iason, in something that perfectly matched his demands. Gon took the time to check the boy out, to take in his attire.

Iason was sporting a white sweater over the top of a collared navy shirt, with a matching pair of midnight blue jeans and black comfy sneakers. There was only one thing he could say, to match the mood he wished to keep all day, "You look stunning…"

Iason turned away, you can survive today… Gon is trying to be… sweet, "You look nice…" The boy offered his partner a bittersweet smile, with Gon returning the gesture with his own.

Taking a deep breath, Iason addressed the situation, "So, what do you have planned today?"

"A date!" The boy stated cheerfully, which only embarrassed his partner further.

Someone so loveable, yet bittersweet and somehow innocent shouldn't be able to say that so carelessly around others, without considering where they were… in public, "I can tell by the model now standing before me. All you need is to pop out your butt a little, press a finger in your lip, then you'll be a cut-and-paste image of an over exaggerated model."

"You're mean…" Gon playfully smack his partner on the shoulders, a laugh being let loose from the situation. He could see that the boy was tense, so he hoped to rectify it soon if given the chance.

Also, adding a 'please let me fuck you' look would complete the scenario. But, I'm not gonna say that out loud… especially when I'm so close to saying: yes, please… Oh, no… Iason casually slid a hand into his pocket, hoping to conceal the damage his thoughts created, "So where do you plan to take me on this date?" Without Sakura, mind you…

"I was gonna wing it!"

"Huh?" He stared dumbfounded at his partner. He expected Gon to at least plan something, and not make him dress in casual dressy attire.

"I'm kidding!" Gon pulled his partner in for a kiss; it was sweet and small, right to the point. He was not disappointed with the outcome it created, "I have a few things planned, but I'm not gonna tell you what they are… Today is about making you happy!"

Iason's expression warmed as he smiled stupidly from the kind gesture. He didn't get time to ponder the events planned for today, because the next thing he saw, was Gon grabbing his hand, taking him to the first thing on his agenda.

"~"

Iason wasn't too happy with Gon's first destination, an amusement park of all things. He tried not to show it, but crowds tend to sour his mood. He'd rather be with those his closer too, than total strangers who could effectively ruin their date…

He's fine with the amusement park as it is, but knowing the adrenaline junkie Gon, he's going to suggest the rides… something he rather not participate in. But at the same time, he knows if Gon wants to do it, he'll join in for his partner's sake. Not only because it's something Gon planned for him, but Gon enjoys these types of rides… these events.

He took the tickets Gon handed to him a smile, even if he has to pretend he's enjoying some of the joyous rides, as long as Gon is happy with this occasion, he wants to make his partner happy… just like Gon wants to make him happy with the occasion.

Sure, he might not like everything this date has to offer, but as long as Gon is here, it would be fun in its own way.

The boy roped Iason's fingers in-between his own, guiding them to the first item on his agenda. The line to the first ride made Gon pout, the sounds of screaming bored children, excited teens and worried mothers filling his ears.

He could smell the hot dogs, cotton candy and the lovely scent of freshly made buttered popcorn filling the air. While that was making him hungry, it was far too early in their day to even think about eating anything.

Plus, he had a restaurant he already planned to stop at during their date; a multicultural restaurant, with many dishes from different parts of the Azian continent. He's sure Iason would love to try them.

Gon so badly wanted to ride the bullet roller-coaster that spiralled out of control throughout the park, but judging by the long line, they'll be waiting there for a while. So he settled for a smaller sided game, one that hopefully had a shorter line.

He took the path that led to the stalls filled with miniature prize games.

Gon guided his partner with a cheery smile, more excited with the prospect of finding some sort of prize he can win for Iason. He walked through the path, eyes glancing over to the multiple prizes waiting to be won, before finding a single store, one lined up with rifles.

"How about that one…?" Iason followed where his partner's hand was pointing to, a stall lined with toys. Taking note of the weird animals lining the wall, he inspected them, trying to figure out which one Gon was pointing to. At first, he couldn't notice the boy's allure until his eyes landed on the giant bear; a foxbear to be exact, sitting comfortably alone.

It looked cuddly to the touch, but he wasn't about to point it out, considering he may have picked up on Gon's hidden agenda, the real reason he wanted to go to that stall. Shifting his attention, Iason brought his gaze back over to Gon, ready to intercept the idea…

But he was met with the smile that made it impossible to say no. He wanted to plead with the boy, but with a smile that could say a thousand words… it was keeping his sealed up tight, shackled until the boy could no longer smile.

He caved in, letting Gon drag him over to the stall. The boy handed one ticket in before being given a few corks for the gun. Aiming the gun, he fired it, only to miss the target completely, "Aww… Daniel makes this seem so easy."

He aimed again, Iason now being brought into the topic, "What's he like…" the boy paused briefly before going back to redact his question. It wasn't that he didn't want to know, it was that something was keeping his mind unfocused, unable to want to hear more, "Actually, forget it…"

Gon fired again, missing the second time in a row; he offered the boy an apologetic smile, "I missed again." With a sigh, Gon aimed again "Well, I'm gonna tell you anyways. Daniel is one of my best friends… He's also Killua's boyfriend, which is also my best friend."

He missed again…

"What are they like?"

"Well, like me… Daniel I guess would be someone who freely shows his love and compassion… he also gives great hugs. But the most interesting thing about him, he has not one… but two fathers. I'm sure Killua has met both by now. Even if he hasn't, he can at least vouch for the fact that Daniel takes after one of his fathers, at least it looks."

Iason raised an eyebrow; that's an interesting fact to point out. Daniel was raised by two fathers, one of which he was identical to… Does this mean that the father, the father he shares genetic traits with, is somehow connected with Ryker… or is this just a mere coincidence that the two just happen to share those traits.

Hopefully, it was the latter, because the next question may haunt him for days… even though he can rationalise his worries away, just by thinking back on the circumstances of how he met Ryker. They grew up together in an orphanage… there was no way Vastorie would abandon one son, but keep the other… is there? "Gon, does Daniel have a sibling… like a brother?"

"Yeah!"

Iason failed to stop himself from tensing, ready to take on the knowledge that he may see Ryker, sooner rather than later.

Gon did notice the reaction, but rather than probing the information from the boy. He rather listens to Sakura, when it comes to this type of situation. The boy was closer to Iason, at least emotionally from what he could tell. Until Iason is ready to talk about it, he'll patiently wait for the boy. He wanted Iason to talk about the thoughts now roaming in his head, rather than press for details, "but it's an older sister… she should be around her mid to early twenties though."

Iason let out a sigh of relief, it was comforting to hear that he was wrong on this assumption, "Oh… what's she like?"

"Very overprotective. She wanted to pull Daniel away from us, the moment she heard about the Chimera Ant incident…"

"The one that broke your friendship with Killua and Daniel…?"

"No…" Gon shook his head before taking aim again, "Before that… The first time… I lost someone I cared about."

"You don't have to talk about it…" Iason broached the silence cautiously, not willing to force the boy to talk about something that clearly, makes him unhappy. This is something that takes away the bright smile he loves to endless gaze into.

Gon shook his head, "No, it's ok… The person I care about, Kite, is alive. He or I should say she right now is travelling the world with her companions, technically as a magical beast now." Gon held up the gun, ready to shoot the gun again, "He was the closest thing I had to a father growing up… he is also Ging's student, Ging is my dad… Losing him… finding out I lost him, was the reason I broke down… why I sacrificed my Nen… and nearly my life while I was at it too. But even when I screamed at Killua, accusing him of being unable to feel what it's like to lose someone he cares about, he still came to help me… to save me from my actions…"

He fired the gun, barely touching the pin needed to be taken down, "I will always cherish him for his actions… he means so much to me."

"Do you… love him as well?"

"Yeah, but as much as he loves me… he doesn't like to share. His strictly… Umm… what's the word?"

"Monogamous?"

"Yeah! Plus… he also loves Daniel; so, having to make the choice between us was very difficult. Daniel was even willing to give up on Killua if he chose to be with me. I was both happy and sad… because I knew how much Daniel loves Killua." He fired the gun, wasting his last and final cork.

Defeated the boy sighed, "He chose Daniel in the end, and I'm happy for him… I'm happy because, not only do I know how much his sister loves Daniel, Killua feels the same… he gets easily flustered when his boyfriend shows how much he cares about him…" Gon offered his partner a sly grin, one filled with the love of his own, "Just like Sakura does when I announce how much I love him…"

Iason felt flustered because with the way his partner's piercing gaze was being directed at him, without words… it was as if his soul knew, that Sakura wasn't the only one he loves. It's like an unyielding gaze of limitless words…

Iason wants right then and there to be able to kiss Gon, but what he got next was an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry I couldn't win the fox bear for you."

"It's ok…" Iason looked down, struggling to hide a smile of his own, "I'm… I'm happy with what you've given me so far."

Gon held the boy's hand, guiding him to the next spot, "Come on, the ride should have died down a little. Let's go on the bullet roller-coaster, it's one of the main attractions here! And I really want to ride it with you…"

With a happy, giddy smile like that… he couldn't really say no. He wanted to make Gon happy, but he also knew… it's not something his gonna enjoy while doing so, "Ok… we should go just in case. Before the line gets bigger… provided it isn't bigger than when we first saw it…"

"Yeah…" Gon ran, his fingers tightly interlocking with Iason's. He may not enjoy the ride, but at least he'll get to make his partner happy. Although, he wondered if Sakura feels the same as he does. Just wanting to make sure his partner is always happy… smiling like the sun, always bright. Yeah… there was no doubt in his mind.

He and Sakura felt the same about Gon, and he'd gladly do something he doesn't enjoy to keep that smile going all day long.