Daniel and Killua talk about who would beat who, answering each other's questions with nuisance, rather than ego. They, after all, wanted to be truer to themselves.

A\N: So, bad news… I'm going on a short break. Two weeks ago, I accidentally broke a cup with my dominant hand, severally cutting it up in the process. Luckily, I wasn't in severe pain and didn't need to go to the hospital to get stitches… but it did become painful to do basic tasks.

I have another chapter almost finished weeks ago, but I still need to go through it and check for spelling mistakes, and doing it one handed is making the process harder, especially when I keep using my right hand like the dingus I am.

I'm hoping to be able to write in another… two weeks or so.

So mid to late November, I'm hoping to return to my story properly.

Apart from that, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

A few months had passed since Daniel talked with Clarisa; nothing had changed. There hadn't been an improvement to her personality, let alone her health. She hadn't said anything new since their last meet up; Madelyn although, was more reclusive than usual.

Killua brought up this point, what if the girl saw him talking to Clarisa? She'd react negatively, which is how she was currently acting. The other girl hadn't said anything about her housemate seeing them… but that might be to reduce the damage.

Also, Clarisa hadn't spoken to Eifion, because the man was confused as to why Daniel brought it up when the girl hadn't approached him about Nen.

So, unless Clarisa doesn't tell Daniel or Killua anything, they won't know if the conversation fucked up their friendship. However, given Madelyn's distancing, it was safe to assume they got into a fight.

On the plus side… at lease, she still showed up to her lessons.

She was improving, soon she'll be able to go about her training without their help. When that happens, Daniel hoped she'd come from time-to-time to them, seeking out their help when she needed it.

If not… and this continues to become a problem after a month, before Madelyn can train on her own, Daniel will force his hand and like toddlers, bring everyone up to speed. He'd force Madelyn into a position where she'll have to tell them her past.

Then using that information, he'll need to tell the truth about Vastorie how like Madelyn, he had already become reclusive. The key difference is everyone has already suffered from his actions…

He'll need to bring up this plan with Killua because his partner needed to be involved in this.

One perk during this whole ordeal is Victor hadn't surfaced… shown his face. While it was worrying that he hadn't revealed himself since the last incident; the man being in the shadows, not constantly lurking around the school grounds like a predator seeking his prey was also, relieving in a sense…

It meant, for the time being, he had given up. He'll be back, but it looks like it won't be for a while.

Eifion has been working harder, doing his best to make sure if, and when Victor shows up again, they'll be ready to deal with him. Even with Victor hiding, the Deacon wasn't going to stop looking out for the man.

With Isaac, it was a whole different can of fish. He may act like he wasn't aware of it… but he knows something is up with the boy. He was leaning into Killua, trying to get closer to the boy without making him flush red with embarrassment.

He won't say anything because he trusts Killua, trusts him enough to chose for himself without any interference. Whether his partner is taking notice of these actions, he wasn't exactly too sure; it seemed like the boy was ignoring them, more than paying attention to the finer details.

For the moment, he won't bring them up because it's not something he's worried about or thinks its information he should share. When the time comes, he believes they'll be open enough to talk about it.

Being more open with each other comes with its perks, more than its cons.

Daniel was starting to get better at picking up on things Killua did. He was paying more attention to the finer details, the things that made his heart flutter more often, now that they've been revealing more things with each other.

It was mainly, his partner's expressions that made him grow fonder of Killua. There was a small, yet noticeable difference between each of the boy's smiles. Whether it was sly, mischievous, charming, seductive, he was happy or sad, there was a difference… the difference, always started in the eyes.

He originally thought the noticeable difference was displayed via his facial expressions, but it was more so in his eyes than anything. When the boy was sad, even if he was faking a smile, his eyes were duller.

If Daniel hugged him during those moments, the dullness would somewhat dissipate, giving way to look he has come to enjoy and love, the eyes that sparkled with life. Killua's cheeks would be filled with warmth, but the eyes… the sparkle in them would tell a different story. It wasn't that he was caught in an embarrassing moment; it was that boy was excited, happy to be caught in the moment… to be held.

The same for when he was sly. The Cheshire cat grin, the eyes saying 'you're gonna get it now'. The eyes showed signs of challenge, that Killua was in it… to win it. He wasn't going to lose, unless, he was given a reason that made him want to lose.

If Daniel gave up during those moments, the ones that Killua expected a challenge, while his expression didn't falter, his eyes told a completely different response. He looked disappointed.

He was getting better at picking up on those cue points, when to keep going and when to give up.

Now, was one of those times…

Daniel's elbow clashed with Killua's open palm, a small shockwave of aura pulsing between them. They were grinning, egging each other to do better than the last time. This had been the most consecutive blows, blocked in a row. Usually, he'd be the one being hit, or at least… Killua would try to stop connection at the last second.

After that, they'd bow and repeat the cycle.

However, he was noticing a trend. While each of Killua's attacks was random, there were certain attacks he liked to chain, however, he'd try not to do it every twenty or so strikes. What he did notice, was Killua's raised his arm, only during a specific set of attacks. When he throws an attack with his left hand, right after using a roundhouse kick, he raises his left elbow as he preparing to strike.

Usually, due to Killua's speed, the time between the roundhouse and the elbow would be minimal, hardly any time to notice the arm being raised slightly. But this time he knew exactly how to get a counter in, provided this wasn't an assumed opening.

The boy sure loved to throw those in, to see if Daniel would fall for them.

They were feints, designed for easy cheap shots.

At first, he thought after the roundhouse came, he'll go in for a hug, grabbing Killua in a manner that made it impossible to move. But knowing his boyfriend, he'd go for a cheap shot… like, kicking his legs out before he can be pinned down.

This time… he'll go for a full counter.

Just as Killua swung his right leg, Daniel ducked, avoiding the attack. In one smooth instance, before the boy could react, he went for an open palm strike against his partner's back while Killua was preparing his next attack.

He focused aura into his fingertips, applying an Emission technique, over a physical attack. Like a shockwave, the boy did something similar, to Gon's pushing technique at Heaven's Arena.

The blast knocked Killua off his feet, throwing him off balance. The boy had no time to relax before the second shockwave pushed him to the ground, forcing him to roll on the ground. The shock was evident on Killua's face.

He wasn't expecting to be knocked down.

Killua soon found himself giggling before bursting into laughter. He smiled widely as got up, "Your first successful cheap shot… how did it feel to knock me down? Hopefully, there was no remorse after your action…"

Daniel shook his head with a smile of his own, "There was none. Speaking of throwing cheap shots…" his partner just had to point out this was his first, successful, counter attack. He'll still appreciate Killua's sentiment because after looking into his boyfriend's eyes, he could tell his partner was proud of him "I know you're proud of me…"

Killua blushed; he looked away from his boyfriend, just in case he saw anything else being betrayed by his expression, "Well, next time you need to-"

He didn't expect it. He wasn't prepared for Daniel to come closer to him. The boy found himself being grabbed by the arm, turned to face his long-haired boyfriend once more.

He managed to see it, the warmth… the love in Daniel's expression. His hand being interlocked with his partner's, before he was kissed. It was quick and right to the point. He melted at the touch.

Their relationship was improving…

Their bond was getting stronger…

He could feel it better…

There were times where he could look at his partner, and he could tell within a split second, what Daniel wanted or needed. He wouldn't know the problem or desire word for word, but he'd be able to make a properly-educated guess. Maybe he wouldn't need to remember his whole past, the reason they had this connection, to make it stronger.

The more open they were, the easier it became to piece together the finer details. It wasn't perfect by no means, at least, to help them deal with Victor. But it meant they were getting closer to their intended goal…

The unbreakable bond…

Then he felt something poke on his leg, "I guess someone is happy…"

"Yeah…" Now it was time for Daniel to blush from the remark. He didn't mean to get excited; it's just a natural thing that happened more often now. Killua sharing his needs and desires, for some reason, made him open to physical connections. There was something about having Killua be open with him, that made him want it as well.

From fearing the possibility of becoming like his father, being this open paved the way to knowing that one day… when he was ready and willing, he could act out on some of Killua's dreams.

Although, this time wasn't one of those times. Judging how Killua brought it up, he meant to point it out on purpose, rather than tease him about it.

He wondered what kind of expression would be lingering in his lover's eyes. He was about to check and see, but then Killua wanted to talk about something else, "Later though." He winked suggestively before continuing, "So, how did you pick up on that brief moment that left me apparently… wide open?"

"Left punch, right kick, when you go from right kick to elbow, there is a small window of time between the kick and elbow where you have an opening."

"Hmm…" Killua hummed as he tried to recall the process. He does raise his arm, but that's to apply force into his elbow strike. He didn't expect himself to have a weakness there, given that the time between each attack was less than a second.

Daniel was getting faster… fast enough to match his current speed. That means, he'll be able to move quicker now. He'll get his partner to keep pace with him. While Daniel will never be able to keep up with max speed, let alone while he was using Godspeed, that doesn't mean the boy will always be slow.

While the boy's attacks were always precise, his partner's reaction time was getting quicker. He was reducing the delay, while still maintaining his precision. Daniel's attacks at the start appeared to be slower, but after Killua's method of training, it was proving to be beneficial for his partner, "I'll keep that in mind. However, your speed has been improving which means-"

"Wait, your attacks can be even faster? And here I thought I was finally keeping up with you…"

Killua chucked at the whine, "Consider this a net positive…"

"But it means this will be my one shot before you beat my ass senseless again…" Daniel whined in defeat from the hidden truth.

"Not necessarily… While I still have you beat in speed, there's another category you excel at over me."

"Oh, do tell…" Daniel pressed his nose against Killua's, smiling sweetly at the boy who was willing to point out what he doesn't have over him, "fluid precision… when you chain combos, you don't have as much time between them as I do. You give your opponent less time to pick apart your defence when you're on the offence. The only reason I originally picked up on this… is your attacks had been slower than mine…"

"Which is why you're trying to get me to match your speed…"

"Exactly!"

"Alright, since you praised me for my technique-"

"fluid precision…"

"Fluid precision… your guard is unbelievable tough to crack. I swear you make up weaknesses, just so you can get a pot shot in."

Killua chuckled, "Is that so…" something was endearing about this moment, about the other pointing out something they have each other beat on. He wanted more of this, "Speaking of which, how did you knock me on my ass?"

"Emission, I applied force, over damage."

"It wouldn't be good in combat… but I can see the appeal. You're a long-range fighter, correct?"

"Mid to long-range, why?"

"While you're weaker in close combat, you excel at maintaining distance. Pushing them down like that, would not only leave them open for attacks but give you ample time to create distance and to go on the offensive… you're thinking smart."

"Why thank you. You're a good teacher too, adjusting your speed to match mine, then increasing it so that I move at your pace."

"Oh, you noticed…?"

"Only now, after you pointed it out." Daniel offered a grin that rivalled Killua's cheeky one, "we should do this more often?"

"Hug while pointing out each other's strength?"

"Yup!" The boy rubbed his nose against his partner's, giving him an Eskimo kiss as he spoke freely about his feelings on the matter "There's something… sweet, about being open like this." Daniel pulled away from his face slightly before pressing a hand against Killua's chest, "I feel closer to you, emotionally…"

Bringing the hand away from Killua's chest, he awkwardly rubbed the side of his ear, "and physically…"

"Yeah…" Killua's expression softened, "it's nice having this space between us being reduced, even though it's over less productive means."

"What means would that be?"

Killua slapped Daniel's ass, causing the boy to freeze up in surprise, "Me whooping your ass in combat."

"Cheeky…" Daniel returned the action, causing Killua to freeze up in surprise, "That took me by surprise… kudos."

"I'll give you something to be surprised about. Me whooping your ass again."

"Is that a challenge…?" Killua smirked at his partner, "do you honestly believe you can keep up with me?"

"Not only will I keep up with you, I'll-"

A loud cough disturbed their moment. The two looked in the direction of the noise, going from mild annoyance to shock.

There Eifion stood, arms crossed. He was shaking his head in disappointment, but his cheeky smile said a completely different story. He was finding the whole ordeal before him funny, not unwarranted. But it could do without the butt slaps, "You guys done having fun?"

Daniel and Killua looked at each other before dislodging themselves, standing upright as if they were prepared to salute their superior.

The man held out his hand, stopping them from thinking he disapproved of their relationship. What they do together in their private time is not for him or others to judge, "I would say at ease, but this is hardly the moment. I'm not interrupting anything important, am I?"

"N- No…" Daniel argued at a sound, several octaves higher than his normal tone, "What can we help you with?" He was embarrassed at being caught red-handed by Eifion, and Killua would tease him later about this.

Looks like he's still got a long way to go before being caught is a non-issue.

"A little undercover work… up for the task?"

The two boys looked at each other, more curious than surprised at the random job offer. For the deacon to come to them, it meant either he didn't trust his fellow teachers for this task, or this wasn't something they could blend into as well as them still being students could.

The two gave each other a nod, Daniel speaking up for the two of them, "Sure, what you need us to do?"

"After your lesson and classes, can you come over to my office? We can talk in private over the details of a little job I have for you."

"Sure…" they agreed in unison.

Eifion turned to walk away, "oh…" he turned once more to face the boy's "try to keep the playful nature to the bedroom, not in the middle of Nen training session… regardless of if the two of you are alone… or not."

"Sure…" Daniel awkwardly smiled at the deacon. The man bid a farewell before disappearing within the blink of an eye. Sighing in relief, Daniel turned to his partner once more, "So, I guess we got caught…"

"At least we didn't get caught with my pants around my ankles…" Killua stated with a slight smirk. He was mainly bringing up something they talked about months ago, a fantasy he hoped to one day live out.

Daniel rolled his eyes at the worst-case scenario, but still blushed at possibility. He knows exactly what Killua was talking about, and voyeurism wasn't something he was ready for. Or at least, doing the deed outside their bedroom. However, given that their relationship had been developing at a rapid pace, that could be a real concern one day.

But for this moment, like a good boyfriend, he'll humour his partner's scenario.

Which position does Killua think they'll be caught in this scenario? Above him… or beneath him? The finer details matter in this case, because sharing meant the difference to them, "Taking or giving it…"

Killua hummed to himself, wondering that himself. He didn't mind if he was being honest, but they agreed to be more open with each other, so he might as well be truthful with this scenario, "I'm taking it… It seems more plausible given our situation."

"Oh, I wasn't expecting that…" The boy smirked at his slightly smaller partner, "We still got 30 minutes booked for this room. Might as well make the most of it. Then…" The boy leaned in close to his partner, "We can continue the conversation in private."

Killua's eyes widened in surprise. His head snapped in his partner's direction, wondering if that was a joke or a real opportunity. He saw the smile, the sweet and affectionate eyes focused only on him, "Are you being serious?"

"Yeah…" Daniel awkwardly ran his hand through the back of his hair, almost accidentally removing the hair tie in the process. He didn't want to look like some loreal commercial, but maybe that might be the proof his partner needed… not that his body gesture wouldn't have given away the answer already.

Killua looked Daniel up and down before smiling gleefully at the option, "I'll hold you to that…"