Gon and Iason continue their date. Daniel and Killua, help Alluka fill out her form, savouring a moment of comfort before snuggling up to each other on the couch.
Gon watch in roaring laughter as animals pounced Iason, a small group of Pink-Billed Platypus swarming over the poor boy like a tidal wave. The poor boy had no chance, especially when he kneeled to run his fingers across one.
These guys are insanely jealous when it comes to being touched. If one gets coddled it lets out a pleased sigh that calls upon the wrath of the others, each of them swarming the giver in hopes of gaining some of the affection.
They aren't dangerous to deal with, that was why Gon was roaring in laughter, and not helping his partner. They only come up to the person and keep poking with their nose until they gain some degree of snuggling. The reason Iason fell over and was in total shock, was because he hadn't expected ten of them to suddenly charge him.
Once Gon had gotten over the situation, he scooped up one of the animals, holding it tightly in his chest as he nuzzled his nose in the animal's fur. As soon as it let out a noise, Iason was no longer being attacked, the group moving on to charge Gon.
Gon squealed in laughter as the boy fell over, now be coddled by the animals.
Iason would've been mad at Gon for not saying anything, but seeing Gon now being swarmed by them gave his own sort of satisfaction. Maybe even a feel a little bit of love for the boy, considering he sacrificed himself to save him.
Then again, Gon was laughing at him while he was on the floor; their weird, undeniably soft bills prodding him endlessly from all sides. Gon knew he was in no danger… but then again, he'd never thought he'll be able to get up.
"You should pick them up and do what I do!"
"Nah… I rather watch you suffer." The boy jokingly responded, hoping that Gon would apologize for not helping him sooner. Although… even if Gon doesn't apologize, he will help him out… eventually.
"Nuuu…" Gon whined as two crawled along with his shirt, pinning him to the ground, "I'm sowwy."
"Oof…" that was really adorable… Iason thought, his eyes lingering away from the boy that drew his affections, the same, that left him feeling desired thoughts. He should be helping Gon, especially after that adorable pleading…
He wants to…
He wants to see what more Gon plans to do during their date. Iason pines for Gon's endless affections, no matter how much he's trying to hide it.
He wants Gon…
The boy felt himself being drawn to his boyfriend, his hand reaching out to touch the boy. A few inches away, he stopped himself, drawing his hands instead to one of the animals.
He cradled it just like Gon was doing, his hand gently stroking the animal's fur. Like the animals had done with Gon, the ones his boyfriend wasn't already giving attention to were being drawn back to him. He was already prepared for the onslaught of them eventually pushing him over, swarming over him like a tidal wave.
Iason prepared for it in advance, sitting down before they could attempt to push him over. He continued to give them the same sort of affection Gon did, similar to that of a mother would offer a child. The boy wasn't aware of his own actions, a smile being drawn out of him without his knowledge.
Gon's eyes widened, the sincerity of Iason's smile confining his attention. He found a smile he was looking for, the one he should be taking a snapshot of, for Sakura… but he was unable to move, to even dare to look away from it for even a second.
Saying it was love, at first sight, would be an understatement. For him, it was more like discovering another part of Iason to love. He was pretty sure Killua would argue to stop being a 'sap', considering he always yelled it out every time Daniel was being super affectionate.
Not that Daniel was one to be deterred from his own actions… then again, neither was Gon. He'll keep this memory of Iason, a moment of time he'll cherish forever. But as much as he wanted to capture the moment of Iason for Sakura, the time had long past.
He was met with a gaze that was more raised in concern rather than unconscious affection, "What's wrong…?" Iason continued to idly run his fingers through one of the Pink-Billed Platypus, long after its excitement had already been satiated.
Gon burned the image in his memory for Sakura for later, hoping to bring up the lovely little things that happened throughout the day for their other boyfriend. Now he kind of regrets not bringing Sakura along, then again… he doesn't want to drop his original plan.
He was doing all of this for Iason, to find something the boy enjoys doing, maybe even finding small sections where all their likes adjoined in one way or another. He found one, which technically connected all of them… nature.
Maybe the three of them could go hiking one day, sleeping under the stars… laughter bellowing out of them as they recalled the events of that day. He wouldn't mind that…
He sort of got to experience it with Killua and Daniel, except back then… Killua had no idea what he wanted to do. He was mindlessly going along with Gon, just following him without any idea or dream he wished to fulfil. Now the boy does have a dream, one which Gon has no part to play in…
At least… for the moment…
He can't wait until the six of them re-join one day, combining all their experiences into an adventure he wouldn't mind being a part of. It didn't even have to involve danger, just a world full of discoveries yet to be found. Or experienced together…
Gon offered his partner a smile to hopefully, sedate the boy's concerns. He wanted to absolve his boyfriend of all his worries, just so he can hopefully catch that smile once more. The next time he gets one, his going to make sure he snaps a picture for Sakura.
At least then, their other partner won't be left out from the entire day, "It's nothing… I just saw something special to me."
Iason felt his cheeks burn bright red; that was definitely being aimed at him, but he can't imagine what he did to earn the compliment. Placing the animal down, it waddled away, now hungry after being massaged.
The boy turned his attention to Gon, his hands now being pressed against his legs, "So what can you tell me about these animals here?"
"Nothing you haven't experienced…" Gon announced in a sing-song voice, cheerful to have his partner's smile return somewhat, more out of curiosity in happiness.
"Haha…" Iason responded back sarcastically, he was hoping that Gon would have something more to say other than being murdered from poking because he coddled one of them, and not all of them at the same time, "murdered from lack of affection…"
"Aww… that's not fair, I always give you affection… Sakura too!"
"Huh…" The boy's brain was nuked, did Gon not understand him? When he turned to face the boy, it seems as though the boy was being extra sappy today. The boy knew what Iason meant, he just wanted to be more affectionate, and wasn't afraid to show it.
Gon simply stuck out his tongue, acting childish as he placed the animal down "you heard me…" Standing up to pat the dirt off his clothes, he hoped, neither of them had landed in some animal droppings when they decided to push them over.
He'd feel bad more for Iason than he had himself. Iason dressed more for a romantic dinner, not to get pushed into the dirt and rubbed into faeces. He held out a hand for his partner, Iason graciously grabbing, pulling himself up to pat away the dust and dirt from his clothes.
There was no hope of saving his cashmere sweater though, the dirt needed to be washed out at this point. So for wearing white today, "Can't save the sweater, but the pants are fi-"
Iason felt Gon pull him into a kiss, his fingers unconsciously lingering to the boy's side, wrapping his arms around the boy's waist. His mind demanded more of him, but the boy pulling away only left him feeling more than a little unsatisfied.
Gon quickly snuck in another small kiss which brightened his partner a little more, "you're still pretty…"
"Sakura is pretty, I'm more…"
"Cute? Beautiful? Handsome…?" Iason's eyes widened from Gon's examples progressively getting worse, unsure if he should smack the boy in a playful manner… or burn to death out of embarrassment. He's dating someone who is unashamed to admit certain ideas.
He wants the boy to keep some of those thoughts to himself, not because he doesn't want to hear them… more so to relax his nerves, to stop himself from acting upon his hearty desires. With a smirk, Iason attempted to dissolve the situation, "None of the above… they all apply to you."
Instead of Gon frowning, the boy was met with a wonderful smile, followed with another quick kiss "Aww, that's sweet of you…" Iason's brain exited on stage left, "We have more to explore! However, I'll make sure to warn you of any more animals that get jealous if their friends get hugs and they don't."
Gon ran his fingers through his partner's hair, flicking out any pieces of dust in it before dragging his partner along, his fingers now roped between the boy's, "Come on… after this will get some lunch."
Iason's chest rumbled quietly, not out of hunger from the boy's words. He had a knot in his chest, one which he really wanted to untie right now. But the desire to see the boy guide him throughout the day was stronger. He wondered where Gon planned to take them for lunch while their shirts and sweaters are covered in dirt.
"~"
Iason was thankful for Gon, and they weren't even halfway through their date. The amusement park was ok, not the best part of the day, but ok nonetheless. Where they were now, the Zoo… or should he say Animal Sanctuary was starting to look like a very close second?
The restaurant was packed full, hundreds of patrons all eating and talking. He was willing to look past it, to ignore the patrons that would have spiked his anxiety, all for one reason…
He hasn't ordered yet, and already he can tell the food is going to be delicious. He can smell the aroma of food from the nearby table, various foods from different parts of Asian cuisine filling his nostrils; he's thankful for not drooling all over the table…
Not that he was planned to while in front of Gon.
Gon comforted his partner by holding the boy's hand. He hoped that the restaurant being overcrowded didn't make Iason feel uncomfortable, "I'm sorry about the location… I didn't realise it'll get this busy. We can go somewhere else if you feel uncomfortable…"
Iason closed his eyes at the comforting words, the feeling of Gon's fingers lingering over his own making me smile at the gesture. He was willing to put up with the crowd, just because he really wanted to try some of the dishes… he just doesn't know what to get.
There are over 100 dishes, all ranging from mild to numb-your-tongue spicy.
Iason paid careful attention to the levels of spicy; he wasn't prepared to have his tastebuds nuked for the evening. Going by the number of peppers next to the meal, three to four was a good range, as the levels tend to go up to six.
The boy opened his eyes, turning to his partner to give him a response, "No, it's fine honestly. Considering the different aromas, from the well…" Iason ran a finger along with the list of dishes on the current page he was on, "endless supply of cuisine. I'll say it works in your favour…"
"Good!" The boy was filled with delight at his partner's words, "I had another 5 restaurants lined up just in case…"
"FIVE?!" Iason asked in disbelief. Just how much did Gon plan for in advance with this occasion? Did Gon have other events he planned for today that they might not get to do? He wanted to ask, but he knows Gon will cheekily say: it's a secret… considering he has hidden the earlier part of today's plans already.
Gon readjusted his seat, now flipping through the menu, "I know you love to cook, so, taking you to this restaurant was what I think is a great idea. The rich aroma… flavours… What this place has to offer, I also thought may give you, well… new ideas…" Gon put down the menu to offer his partner a wonderful smile, "Although… your home cooking is really yummy and makes both I and Sakura really happy."
"You have no shame…" Iason admitted with reddening cheeks. Besides the comment about new ideas, which he was willing to overlook. Gon picked this place for them because it thought he would like it the most. It will give him a wonderful experience with cuisines, tastes, ideas and even… memories to cherish.
Has Gon already done something like this with Sakura? Is Gon's goal to ultimately connect with him only today, so he can plan future events with all likes aligning to make some kind of grand ultimate date, one all of them can revel in.
It sounded grandiose, an impossibility considering how different each of them is. But this was Gon, the teen up for any challenge. He'll find a way somehow… even if he has to search every continent and country, every inch…
That's just how Iason saw Gon right now, "I can't take a whiff without being smacked in the face with a new fragrance."
Gon giggled to himself at Iason's mild argument. If he wasn't so drawn in by Iason's expression for hints of discomfort, he could only imagine the huge clouds of spices exploding around the boy's head.
The thought earned another soft chuckle from the boy, his expression warming at how happy as the date progresses. He's loving the minor details Iason's giving him to work with, the subtle clues just letting him no he's becoming more comfortable being around him.
Switching his gaze, Gon pointed to something on the menu, "I wanna try the Teriyaki Chicken… maybe some… sweet & sour pork, the mixed seafood tray. Oh, maybe the Thai Curry Laksa and…"
"Gon, don't go crazy… how will we pay for everything?"
Gon's eyes gleamed with a silent challenge, "This was all my idea. So as your chaperon, I'm covering everything. No buts or ifs." The boy cheekily shook a finger at Iason, "I wanna try everything… and eating with you will be sure to make everything extra special…"
Iason hid behind his menu, any redder and people with start to talk about the red-faced flustered boy. Gon is too innocent and unashamed to throw compliment, so he should hold back for the moment. Still… couldn't they reach a concession, a neutral ground they both could agree on? "What if… What if we got six dishes? We make three choices each and two for takeaway for Sakura?"
Gon broke out into a smile. Iason was thinking about Sakura too. He cared about the other at least getting a taste of the food here. Gon planned to get Sakura food at the end of their dinner date, but seeing Iason also suggest the same was making him happy, "Alright, but I wanna make a small change… I want you to pick all six dishes we'll eat because today is about making you happy… and then we each pick something for Sakura we think he'll like. Sound fair…?"
Iason wanted to go back to the old layout, but he knew if he put down the menu, he'll see the gaze of a boy who refuses to give up on the deal being offered, "Ok…" Iason sighed as Gon cheered triumphantly. He was happy because he gets to see what Iason would want.
"In that case…" Iason started off, "Teriyaki Chicken and the mixed seafood tray. Let's add the Katsu curry with duck, Bun Cha Gio, Pineapple Rice and Pad Thai… sound good?"
"Yes, but you didn't have to get Teriyaki Chicken and mixed seafood tray because I wanted to try it…" The boy pouted only to have Iason rebuff is a complaint, "I wanted to make you…"
Iason stopped himself, unable to admit something that will get a compliment back. When Gon tilted his head from the unfinished statement, the boy let out a regretful sigh, "You're paying for the dinner, so I picked two dishes you wanted to try… I would have felt bad if you didn't get to try any of your choices. Plus, Teriyaki Chicken was a good choice…"
Gon immediately brightened at the words, "That makes me happy!" Gon hummed in delight, "should we order, or do you wanna figure out what to figure out what to get Sakura later first?"
"Sakura… are we going to drop it off, or is he coming with us to the next location?"
"Nuh uh… today is all about you. We'll drop it off. I have to pick up something first for the next part of our date too. I'm even going to give Sakura a thank you kiss for being patient with my selfishness for today."
I should ask Sakura how he survives Gon's onslaught of love and affection while in public… "I feel bad though, leaving him out of this… well planned out date."
Gon offered a grin, "I'm taking photos on my phone whenever I can. While it's not as good as being here… he knows why I'm doing this. Besides…" Gon brought his fingers together, looking down at his hands as he continued "I've gotten to experience many occasions like this without you… mind you that was because we hadn't met you yet. But even still, I thought it'll be nice to do this with you at least once."
Flicking his eyes up, Gon's meet Iason's, "I'll even be happy if you get to have moments like these with just you and Sakura. I'd even be willing to offer you tips and locations you can try out together. I'm not opposed to my partners having fun without me. Sure I'd get a little jealous but at the same time… it makes me happy. I'm getting to see the two of you connect better as the days go by. And the better we connect with one another, I feel like none of us will need to put on… well, lie about how we're feeling… we'll feel comfortable with each other…"
When Gon's trademark smile returned, Iason clutched his leg, those wanted desires bubbling in his chest. He wants to have a repeat of that bath scene, to have Gon hold him tight, to claim his lips. He wanted to reach over the table and pull each other in, but his reasonability got the best of him.
He settled for fingers touching Gon's hand, offering words that he hoped would comfort the boy, "I don't think we could go on a date without you… it wouldn't feel the same, you know."
"I understand…" Gon's expression softens, "that means a lot to me. Can I kiss you?"
"Huh? I know Sakura does want you to get consent when it comes to all forms of affection, but you can-" Gon had gotten out of his seat at one point, already by the boy's side, waiting for an answer. But Iason was babbling a little, talking about why asking for a kiss was stupid in his opinion. He leaned down, cutting Iason's sentence short.
The boy made sure to keep it short and sweet, as an overcrowded restaurant may not be the best place to be kissing anyone… without creating some traffic. When he pulled back, he sat back down, Iason's expression lagging a little behind.
It had taken Iason at least 40 seconds for his mind to catch up, and finish his statement "kiss me whenever you like…" the boy touched his lips, the area still feeling warm much like his cheeks, "Can I…" Iason closed his mouth, no… he won't ask for it. When it's just the two of them, he wants a much longer one.
Gon tilted his head slightly, a little concerned for Iason. But the boy probably wasn't ready to say what he wants, so he diverted the topic, "So, what's your choice for Sakura?" Gon hummed as his finger glided down the menu items.
"The lobster served on a bed of coconut rice, with creamy butter sauce, mixed vegetable. As hard as it is to eat lobster, I feel like the sauce will soften the meat and make a delectable dish for Sakura."
Gon nodded in approval, "How about the grilled beef? Something light… Just in case, the lobster ends up being too much food for him to eat."
"Yeah… that sounds good."
"Then I guess we're ready." Gon held up a hand, "I can't wait to try the food you picked out."
"~"
"Hey, Killua… did we agree upon a name with Alluka?"
"No, why…?" The boy paused mid hand washing, his eyes glancing slightly in direction of Daniel, "wait are you filling the form without me?"
"Nuu…" Alluka waved her hands around, "we're not doing that big brother. I was just looking at the form, wondering what we were doing for me. I really want to go to school… not to be locked up in this room all day."
Killua dried his hands before coming over to the table, "I didn't plan to do what our family did to you…" with a quick hair ruffle, he sat by his sister's side, "would you like me to write for you."
"I know how to write!" Alluka stuck out her tongue at her older brother, "and read!"
"Alright, alright…" Killua continued to run his fingers through his sister's hair. "So do you want to come up with a name, or let Daniel and I pick for you? Or maybe you'd like to hear a few names from us, and then you pick…?"
Alluka hummed to herself. She really likes the third option, although she's sure her brother and Daniel could come up with a great name on their own. Looking up, she smiled, "I want some suggestions…"
"Daniel, you ok with that?"
"Yeah… just give me a few minutes to think of something."
"Alright then, I'll go first… Cassandra?"
"I like it!"
"How about Helena?" Daniel joined in, wondering if Alluka is going to make a list of names to pick from.
"Ooo, I like that name too…"
Killua smirked a little, "Let's give five names each. Whichever name Alluka picks, loser as to do something for the winner… how's that sound?"
Alluka pouted at the request, "That's not fair."
"No, that's fair…" Daniel placed a hand on Alluka's shoulder, "you're on Killua. But one minor adjustment. The loser cannot be pushed to do something he doesn't want to do… sound fair?"
"That goes without say. I guess it's my turn… Katherine!"
"Alecia…"
"Lana… tell us if we are going to fast sis."
"Ok…" Alluka sighed in defeat, a pen being pressed against the paper, writing down the names that had already been said.
"Mia, which could also mean mine, in an endearing way…" Daniel gave Killua a wicked grin.
"You are conniving… Fine, Annabel!"
"Audrey… we should stop using names with 'A'…"
"Sure, Darla…"
"Gamila… Can mean gorgeous woman! How you like them apples!"
Killua laughed at the remark, happy with the little banter the two are able to have. He honestly didn't care if he won, nor did he have any idea, of what he even wanted Daniel to do for him if he wins.
Maybe the same could be applied to Daniel…
Daniel was just matching his enthusiasm head-on, trying to replicate what the two experienced when Gon was with them. A no-dull-moment feeling that was impossible to replace.
Killua's expression dulled a little, missing the times when they could be just themselves, no villain hiding in the shadows waiting for them; the adventure of discovery, the joy of being normal kids for just once in their lives.
The boy let his fingers drum against his little sister's back, his chest tightening once more when he met his partner's gaze. It most definitely wasn't an I-want-you or come-hither gaze, but it was one that definitely sparked a sense of foreboding.
His partner did have a look about him, stating that he had an idea of what he was planning to make him do. He wanted to snap his fingers, to shock Daniel out of his conniving, most likely sexual gaze, but Alluka was too pure.
She mustn't be drawn to that expression. Killua made sure his sister kept her gaze on the name as he drew his fingers out. He flicked his wrist, causing a spark of electricity between him and Daniel to connect.
The boy's body flinched, started by Killua's action. He wanted a response from Killua, but all he got was a mouthed: not here response. He doesn't know what he did. All he knows is he whatever he was doing, it didn't make Killua angry per se… just worried.
He looked down on that note, noticing that Alluka had scratched out four names at this point. Three of his and one of Killua's: Katherine, Helena, Gamila and Alecia.
Alluka scratched out another name, Darla, followed by another Annabel.
Killua whined, "Come on… Annabel is a cute name."
"It's also the name of a killer doll." Daniel chuckled in response.
"That's Chucky…"
"Yes, and so is Annabel, well… more like a demon-possessed doll."
"Or Nen…" Killua broached the topic, "if it were a real doll…"
Daniel rubbed his chin, "was it loosely based on real events…?"
"If so, some residue of the previous owner's aura could still be lingering in it, like, one of Ben's knives. Except in Annabel's case, it would make sense if the owner was a Manipulator like you."
Neither boy had noticed that Alluka had taken off another three names: Lana, Darla and Mia, "I have two left big brother and Daniel…"
"Which two…?"
"Cassandra and Audrey…"
Killua checked the time on his phone, "It's 1 pm right now… Eifion might not show up until after 5 pm, thanks to school times. If he doesn't show up by 6 pm, we'll just give him a courtesy call. He still needs to bring us the information Nathaniel send to him. That gives you just under four hours to make a decision…" the boy drummed his fingers once again along the girl's back, "which name do you like more?"
"I don't know… I really like them both…"
Killua brought up his hand to ruffle the girl's hair, "I won't get upset if you choose Daniel's… nor would Daniel if you choose to mine. At the end of the day, it has to be which one you feel comfortable with."
"Audrey… I feel comfortable with the name Audrey. I like Cassandra… but Audrey sounds more natural for me."
"Then, Audrey Cilka it is…" Killua went to pick up Alluka's pen to write it down, but before he could do so, his sister snatched it away from him, "No, I want to write it down…"
Killua smirked at his sister's reaction, "Alright, then I'm going to have a shower. Daniel, help her out if she needs it. I'll be right back."
When Killua left, Daniel's longing gaze followed the boy's movements until he disappeared behind the door. He didn't feel any sort of satisfaction towards winning the bet. He just happened to pick a name Alluka liked…
His eyes soon fell back on Alluka, watching her fill out the form, "Need any help?"
The girl stopped writing to look up. She smiled sweetly at her brother's partner, happy that neither of the boys was gloating over the win, "No, but I'm happy now that we're here. It's my first time going to a school…"
"It's a first for all of us…" Daniel's arms snuck around her waist for a hug, cradling the girl tightly within his own "Do you know what you want to study?"
"No…" Alluka reached out to grab the booklet, now flipping through its pages, "Maybe creative… Oh," Alluka looked up with an expectant smile, "thought of a name for Nanika while we're all going under an alias, Ai…"
"Ai, like how she responds to requests?"
"Ai…" The girl giggled, which in turn made Daniel chuckle in response. Alluka was being cheeky by saying that, but she wasn't teasing Nanika for her mannerisms. Each of them still loves Nanika, even with the risks of Wish-Granting ability.
Daniel was the one that made sure Killua didn't completely discard away Nanika's feelings.
Eventually, Killua came back, a towel running through his hair. He raised an eyebrow at the two now on the couch, the booklet open and the form almost filled out now lying on the table.
He picked up the form, looking it over. Everything was fine. He can fill out the rest of the form later.
He shifted his weight at the two chuckling amongst themselves, "what's so funny…?"
"No-thing~" Alluka commented in a sing-song tune. She felt comfortable with Daniel holding her in his arms as they flipped through the booklet.
A sly smirk escaped the boy's lips. Alluka and Daniel were doing something while he was in the shower, and he wants to know what. Humming aloud to the obvious 'we're not doing anything wrong' tune his sister gave him, the boy quickly vaulted over the couch, hands outstretched, "tell me your secrets…"
Without missing a beat, the boy tickled his sister.
Alluka broke down into a laughing, sputtering mess, "No…" She tried to push Killua away, but it only opened her up for more spots to be tickled.
Daniel watched the scene unfold before his eyes, heart bubbling with affection. He reached out at the tune of Alluka wheezing in delight, to raise Killua's gaze. The boy looked confused at the boy's action, which only further extended with Daniel nuzzled in the boy's neck.
His cheeks burned at the affection, hands now reaching out to run through the boy's hairs, "Alright, what's gotten into you two?"
"No-thing~" Daniel chimed in, just like Alluka had done so earlier. It made Killua's eyes narrow slightly, his hand now reaching out to hold the boy's chin. With a quick kiss, Killua snatched the booklet the two were looking over.
They were looking over the arts and craft section of courses. Killua hummed as he pulled Alluka into his arms, "So you want to do something artistic… you'll make some lovely paintings."
Alluka hummed as she snuggled into her brother's arms, Daniel now joining the two of them, his head resting against Killua's shoulder. He didn't mind if he couldn't see the pages, just being beside the two of them was enough to warm his heart.
Snuggling further into the boy's arm, Killua roped his free hand around Daniel, pulling the three of them closer.
They have time to kill, so he's going to enjoy snuggling with the two of them.