Killua has a talk of his own with Mikkel, asking if he could get the things Alluka wants. The two, go on a shopping trip with Alluka, only to feel like they're being watched.

Mikkel approached the man the first chance he got, finding the man to still be working on Daniel's spear bust. From his perspective, it looked almost to be completed. The crude marking was almost gone, now shaped with rounded-off edges.

He still had a few areas to shaped, but it was going well.

Killua threw on a mask. He saw the man moving on the turntable, getting ready to use the machine again. When the screeching of the machine went off, sparks fly, Killua continued to watch for a moment.

Mikkel was deep in concentration, moving the object with finesse as he shaved off the metal.

The boy waited until the machine was humming in the background, Mikkel eyeing the bust from behind his mask.

"Hey, Mikkel-"

The man jumped in his seat, completely thrown off guard by the sudden noise "Sweet- What the fuck! Killua jeez, Daniel needs to put a bell on you or something."

Killua snorted at the idea, "Sorry… I didn't mean to scare you."

"Scare me… I nearly had to change my pants. I didn't hear you come in at all…"

"Sorry, again… that's… instinct."

"Instinct? Wait, never mind… I don't want to hear it. What can I do for the guy, that almost gave me a heart attack?"

"I was wondering if you could get one of those ballistic weight training vests?"

"Ballistic… like from the army kind? Or we talking about the normal weight training kind?"

"Offers protection kind? The comfortable sort…"

"Carrying extra weight isn't exactly comfortable… But yes, I can get my hands on one of them. What size you're looking for… you look to be around size twelve… maybe fourteen."

"No, it's for my sister…"

"Alluka…?" The man put the bust on the bench, "That can't exactly be good for her."

Killua defended his sister, "She asked for one, so I'm hoping you could land your hands on one…"

"I can…"

"But you won't…?"

"I'm sure she wants one, but she's kinda young from my perspective."

"I'm one year older than her… and judgements aside, your making weapons for us."

"Touché…" The man remarked with a sly smirk, "From my eyes, I can tell you're both strong. You walked into my store, asking me to make weapons for Daniel… that's on you. I'd accept that request due to its benefits for the two of you. However, you're asking for a ballistic vest for a child, who shows no signs of using Nen… are you sure it's safe?"

"My family got me started at two… which doesn't make this case sounds better, but she wants to grow stronger, so I'm doing this at a slower pace. I'll build up her core strength, teach her basic takedowns, so she'll be happy. I'd like to make her happy…"

"Alright…" The man sighed, "I can get one. What's her size?"

"She's a size ten… preferably in boys."

"So… size twelve… in girls?"

"Nope, in boys. It'll be better for her in the long run."

"Understood. I assume you want weights? How much you're looking for?"

"Can you, custom make them with Rekril, to give an added defence?"

"I could…" The man hummed to himself, "Yeah, I could do that for you. It'll take a day or two, depending on how much weight you'll want overall."

"Up to one-hundred Kilos in various plates."

The man's jaw dropped. Just a little… he said "That's… a lot. You made a one-hundred-kilo weapon for Daniel. That's hardly that much."

"Damn… I'm getting sassed right now. Seriously though, what's the maximum weight you want on one of these plates. You better not say, one-hundred kilos again."

"Maybe… twenty kilos, I think that would be okay."

"Alright…" The man pulled out a notepad, licking his finger, he flipped through a few pages, trying to find an empty one. Finding a blank page, he pulled it out, "The vest you'll have to pay for it yourself… it'll be about two-hundred thousand jennies…" He clicked the pen, "If you're okay with that?"

"Sure…"

The man wrote down the details of Alluka's size, "I'll make a few plates in the twenties, tens, fives and one kilo, four of each. That will amount to one-hundred and forty-four kilos in total… is that fine for you?"

"Yeah…" Killua thought about the weight distribution. It'll be a lot of weight added overall, given the new weapons, not just the plates. But he's doing this for a good cause… so it should be fine. Also, he and Daniel could pull their own, weight, so they'll be able to share the new burden "that should be fine."

Placing the page down on the bench, the man moved the bust on the turntable, "I'll order it tomorrow, given the time. As for the plates, I'll put them on Vastorie's tab… given that I'll be custom-making the plates. I'll find out the size of the pockets so I can make them fit."

"Thanks…" The boy moved to put the visor back on its rack. Having set it on its hook, he turned back to the man, "It means a lot to my sister. You have no idea how excited she'll be to hear this…"

"Yeah, yeah…" The man casually dismissed. He could imagine her being happy, but not for something like this "I'll get back to work now… almost done with the bust. It'll take a couple of days. I'll also need to drill the eye sockets holes and a place to screw in the rod. Once it's all set up, I'll hand it over to Daniel to start putting his touches."

"Sounds good…" Killua smiled at the news. His partner will be glad to hear this "I'll let him know."

"~"

The three moved through the packed store, Alluka moving through the aisles, trying to find something she'd like to wear. While she was busy searching, Killua was looking for himself and Daniel, given when it comes to fashion, dark and brooding as his boyfriend was looking at.

For once, he'd like him to pick something that isn't in blue, black, or dark red. He isn't some Victorian vampire. Pale, yes… but bloodsucker… no. His mother might be though… she'd suck anyone's energy dry.

Killua picked a random shirt, holding it up to the light. He frowned a little before putting it back. Most of the clothes have a similar style to farmers back in the dark ages, with more embossed lining though. Actually… it's more Persian style, if, he was going to be fair. Like a Sultan, except less gold trimmings and jewellery.

The clothes flowed, with multiple layers… or designed to look like they have multiple layers. He picked out a flowing vest style shirt. The vest was red, with gold trimmings around it, elaborate gold buttons. The inside was a blue shirt with the arms long flowing white sleeves.

He could see this working with Daniel, as like formal wear. He put it in the maybe pile, trying to find a pair of loose pants that could work with it. Maybe some dark brown style khakis could work with this.

Daniel returned with some boots, straps flowing in the seams. It's a darker shade than he'd have liked, but it could work. He grabbed a stack of clothes, "Try these on. See which fits you."

Daniel gave a suggestive wink "I'm sure they'll all fit me just fine." He headed off to the change rooms, Killua sighing in defeat. The tone he used was like music to his ears. He was pent up, frustrated from their lack of privacy. But he'll get used to it, at least till they're on the move again.

He grabbed a couple more clothes, each with different styles, including this one that had brownish trimmings across the chest area for himself and Daniel to try.

Halfway to the change room, he stopped, eyes looking to his right, trying to peek over his shoulder without seeming too obvious. Someone was watching him…

It didn't feel like they had malicious intent, but he could never be too careful. Even if it wasn't Victor, it could be one of his allies. He turned his head, pretending to look over a rack, eyes peering just above, trying to pinpoint who was looking at him.

The area was crowded like a market, nothing out of the unordinary.

Moving to another rack, he checked from a different angle. Same results.

Heading to a different rack, when he looked up, the presence was gone. Either they realised he was looking for them, or they had masked their presence. He picked up his phone, dialling Alluka's number. He waited for the pick-up.

A few calls in, Alluka picked up "Yes, big brother?"

"Whereabouts are you…" His voice was neutral, eyes gazing over the crowd, trying to find his sister amongst the people.

"Girl's section, far back corner… why?"

"I'm coming to you, nothing to worry about." He faked a sincere smile, even though she couldn't see it through the receiver. But he was worried, not just for her safety, for Daniel's as well. He moved through the crowd, trying to blend with the masses.

He wanted to draw that person out, to get them to slip.

Nothing happened of that sort happened. Did he assume incorrectly? Was it an employee that thought he was out of place…?

But then again, if it was a worker… had he glanced over them, they would've looked away. Nothing of that sort happened. He shifted his attention once more surveilling the area one more time. The presence was completely gone.

I should bring this up with Dan-

The boy stopped dead in his tracks, twisting to face the direction of the dressing rooms. Are they after Daniel?! He called his boyfriend. The tone only lasting a couple of seconds before his partner picked up.

"What happened? I felt a sense of distress before the call. Is Alluka okay?"

"Yeah…" The boy paused for a second before realising the question he asked, "Technically, yes… I felt I was being watched. Are you okay? Do you feel something like that right now?"

"No…" Daniel's eyes widened, "What if he's going after your sister?"

"I…" Killua dropped the call. Shit… did I guess incorrectly?! This might have nothing to do with Victor, but rather our family trying to steal back Alluka… but how did they find us? Looking back in the direction where his partner was, the boy paused. What if it's a ruse…?

He was unsure of which thought may be right, or if he shouldn't worry about the situation. Who should he go towards…?

That thought made him stop dead in his tracks. Did I just…

As if reading his thoughts, the boy received a text. He pulled up his phone, looking at his latest message.

From Daniel

Go to Alluka, I'll meet up with the two of you as soon as I get changed. Tell us what's going on, I'm feeling this constant wave of uncertainty and distress. I'll be okay… I promise.

Killua wasted no time. He headed straight for his sister, feeling relief from the message. Even if Daniel broke this promise today, he knows how to track his partner down. Their connection will remain stable… provided, that Daniel continues to stay alive.

If he dies…

Well, he dreads to think of the devastation… the gloomy outcome from having a stable connection.

He found Alluka in a corner, relieved to see that she was okay. She was comparing two shirts, unsure of which one she liked more. When she saw her brother standing in the corner of her vision, she turned to smile.

His reaction or lack of one made her worry "What's wrong?"

"Nothing…" Killua quickly deflected, trying to change the topics. "Pale-pink looks better on you."

The girl held both dresses against her hips, "Something is wrong… You're worried. I can tell that much. What happened?"

Killua continued to smile, pretending as though everything was okay. But it wasn't. Until he could see everyone in his vicinity, he'll continue to worry, "Everything is fine…" He moved closer, stopping so he could hug his sister from behind, "I'll tell you once Daniel arrives."

Alluka pulled the dressed up, using them to cover her features. Her tone was serious, "Why can't you tell me now? At least give me a hint…"

"I don't know…" Killua sighed, "I promise I'll say something once Daniel arrives. It'll save me from having to repeat myself… plus, I don't know if it's still a problem right now. Saying something could make it a problem. Let's not act suspicious, and continue shopping like normal."

Alluka gave a quiet nod. She understood the situation a little better, but she would've liked more information, rather than being told to act non-suspicious. Then again, she has come to learn that her brother will worry about her and his partner if danger continued to be present.

So, to drown out that feeling, she hoped to distract her older sibling. She held up the pale pink shirt "You think this one is prettier?"

Killua gave a nod, a finger moving to point at something else, "That light blue dress would also look good on you." He smiled at his sister.

She looked at the dress, thinking about her brother's words. Did he have a keen eye, or was he trying to keep the momentum going… to not be worried about the people he deeply cared about. She turned, hoping to prob her brother, but something in his eyes told her she should drop the topic.

She moved to the rack, grabbing the dress, putting it in front of herself as she smiled at the first person to ever treat her like she belonged in this world "It does look pretty."

"~"

Daniel bolted through the crowd, avoiding the inevitable situation where if he were to smack with full force into someone, it'll look like he burst into an explosion of clothes. Turning a corner, he found Killua talking with Alluka, randomly pointing out clothes like he was the master of fashion and style.

Panting, Daniel crossed the last aisle, addressing the two like he hadn't been dodging a crowded room for the past few minutes "Hey, stress aside… what's going on Killua."

Killua's eyes flicked to his partner, his lips trembling for the briefest of moments "I was being watched…"

Daniel stopped in front of his partner, leaning in close so only the three of them could talk about this "Is it Victor?"

"I don't know… seeing as I remember the sensation, it can't be him. But then again, his ability is apparently, dependant on whether I've fallen asleep or not… so maybe ask that question tomorrow. That's not the only issue… I couldn't find them. I don't know who they are…"

The boy leaned back at the news, "Then they're after Alluka?"

"No… I didn't feel the sensation return when I reached her…"

Alluka looked at her brother worried, "Why is it you can talk to him about this kind of stuff it's easy… but when I look at you, you give me this look to drop the discussion."

"I…"

"It's so frustrating…" Alluka threw her arms at her side, expressing her internal feelings through her actions.

"You're…" The boy sighed, "you're right…" The boy crossed his arms, "You're right about that. At first, I did it because I was waiting for Daniel to join us…"

"And as soon as he did…" Alluka poked her brother in the chest, "You let loose your concern the second he looked at you. It's like… It's like you melt like putty at the sight of him…"

"I…" Killua blushed madly, unable to look his sister in the eyes. That was an outrageous claim she was making "I did- DO no such thing!"

Daniel snorted from his partner's reaction, hiding his face in his hand as he trembled, desperately trying not to laugh at his partner's reaction.

Alluka continued, reaffirming her claim on the matter "You do… It makes me… jealous. No, continue to be jealous." The two went silent at her latest confession, "I've for the past few months felt that you spend more time with Daniel. Sure, most of it is spent with Mikkel, given the deal you made. But after that, you spend so much time with him, I felt like you were glued to his hips."

Daniel held up his hand, stopping her from progressing "I don't feel like-"

"But it's what I feel…" Alluka cried out, tears falling freely now, "I do love you, Daniel… I do… I love you as much as my brother." She tried to wipe away the tears, only to make her dress as wet as her cheeks "But I feel like the conversations only continue when Daniel is in the vicinity, and they stop when I ask the same sort of questions. Can you please stop stealing him every chance you can get…? Can big brother… spend just a little more time with me… talk to me…?"

Had he really, neglected his time with his little sister? Had he invested all his free time into his partner? He didn't seem to think so…

But to his sister, she felt that way, for months it would seem.

As for the remark about shutting her out of the conversation, he didn't feel that way. He was trying to protect her from the things that she didn't need to involve herself with… or did those actions made her mentally think that way.

"I…" the boy tried to speak up, to validate his internal struggles on the matter. But they kept getting lost in his thoughts.

Daniel stepped up to Alluka, bringing her close to his chest. Tears will always mean something to him. It's not a sign of weakness, but rather a moment where people tended to bear their soul to those they're hoping would listen. At least… that's how he felt when it comes to Sakura, Gon, Killua, Alluka… maybe one day even Iason one day, if they ever meet in person.

With Alluka, it was no different than if it was Killua. Alluka is his partner's precious sister. To him, that would also make her precious. To know she had been feeling this way for a while, well… It hurt him more than it should have "I'm sorry…"

Alluka held the boy closer, accepting the sincerity of his tone, "I…"

"It's okay…" Daniel reaffirmed, "I'm sorry we made you feel that way. If it's Killua you want to spend more time with alone, I shouldn't be there to suck up that time. But that doesn't mean… I shouldn't be able to spend time with you." As much as he'd like to whisper the next part, he wouldn't want to keep secrets from Killua "I'll even help you with the things Killua doesn't want to teach or tell you about…"

"Really?" Alluka asked in disbelief.

"Really…" The boy reaffirmed.

Killua didn't want that to happen though "No!" The boy objected to the secret deal being made before his eyes, "You'll not teach her anything without my consent."

Daniel raised a finger, "Uh… Uh… things you stated you don't want to talk about, until, she's a fraction older… those will remain off-limits." Alluka whined at that news, "However, there will be no more restrictions."

Killua crossed his arms, "There will always be more res-" He stopped himself from finishing that sentence. He was about to act as his father did with him… to be the very thing he tried to resist, "Fine… there will still be some restrictions. However, I'll give you some freedoms… if Daniel feels comfortable talking about it, but I don't… I'll let you talk to him about it, unless, I've stated otherwise."

"Of course…" Daniel butted in with once more, "Private matters will always be off-limits."

Alluka raised an eyebrow "Private matters…?"

Daniel gave his partner a look, a look that told him everything without the need to say it. Killua cheeks tinged a brighter red, "Yes, that included…"

Alluka pouted "What's that?"

Daniel pulled away from his future sister-in-law "When you're older, we'll talk about it. Not everything… just with-in context of the conversation."

While she pouted at that news, at least it was better than nothing. She was glad that it was Daniel to press her brother into relinquishing some of his restrictions, "Then… will you teach me to fight… not to defend, but fight as you two do."

Daniel poked her on the nose, "No…"

"Why not?"

The boy turned to his partner, "because neither of us, wants to teach you, our trade. But I will do something better…" turning back to the girl, he stroked her hair, "I'll try to help narrow down a type of style best suited for you. If Killua wants to help, he's welcome to…"

Killua uncrossed his arms, "Fine… I know just a couple of days ago, I said I wouldn't teach you how to fight. But maybe it is something that can help us grow closer… Although, don't expect me to teach you our family techniques. There's a reason I gave up having a normal life, to protect you, years ago…"

"Yet, you have a normal life right now."

"What part of…" The boy leaned in closer to his partner and sister, whispering the next part "a grandfather who wants to murder you, and dating a guy who could not only rip your heart out… whose family, also, wants to murder you… which part of that is normal… hmm?"

"Everything outside of that," he winked suggestively at his partner, "OR… is there something in our hours of cuddling, you'd like to rescind as being a sense of normalcy?"

Killua offered a smirk as he leaned back, "I'll never rescind those hours of cuddling. I'd ask for more, preferably…"

Daniel felt himself throb from the tone his partner used. He pulled back from his boyfriend's sister, instead, opting to rope his arms around the boy's waist, "then you and I have a future date to plan right now…" His eyes turned a corner, noticing some onlookers looking at them in disgust, "We have a crowd of onlookers to lose."

Killua shifted his eyes in the direction of where his partner was looking. Eyes narrowed, lips parting slightly as he smiled in their direction. He made sure his internal thoughts were known, that his murderous intent is known to them.

If they fucked with them, it'll be the last thing they do…