Killua finally notices Alluka isn't with them. The two are forced into a discussion while Ashton weighs her input.
Killua savoured the moment, listening as Daniel playfully compliments him in every suit, he'd never, in a million years… think to wear. Most were outrageous, sparkling clothes that would not only, blow his pure white skin out of proportions, it's not something that would work with his wardrobe…
Yet, Daniel had the audacity to argue why it would work on him.
Shiny glitter? It'll bring out the sparkling blue in his eyes…
Dark suit and jacket? It will compliment his skin…
No matter what, he had something new to say.
Mysterious…
Alluring…
Beautiful…
Even though Daniel was originally doing it, because his boyfriend casually admitted he had watched porn in the hotel, with only Ashton understanding what he stated through silent words… he wasn't mad anymore.
Upset, sure…
Seeing as Daniel promised he wouldn't say anything without talking to him first. But on a technically, his boyfriend didn't say anything… it's just Ashton could read his boyfriend's lips.
With a sigh, Killua relented from Daniel's latest compliment, "Can you stop dressing me with your eyes. I get it…"
"Do you…?" Daniel hummed with a smile, "I was running out of ways to call you attractive."
The boy sighed, "Finally…"
"Be honest though… you liked it, didn't you?"
"Regrettably… yes…" The boy in question relented, "It makes me feel…" Killua rolled his wrist, trying to think of the best way to explain his feelings on the matter "wanted, to put it lightly. It's nothing I would've heard at home… thankfully. But a compliment other than, y'know… about my training would've been nice."
"I understand…"
"I don't…" Ashton interrupted.
Killua freaked out, forgetting where he was for the moment, "Oh shiiii…. You heard everything?!"
"Most of the conversation…" She gave a wink.
"That means, Alluka-" When the boy turned behind him, he noticed his sister was missing. Had she gotten lost in the aisle of clothing, distracted by one dress while they weren't looking.
When he looked around, he spotted Alluka talking to a boy older than her, "Uh-uh! Nobody is hitting-"
"Hold your horses-" Ashton grabbed the boy by the collar, "They're having a discussion, and I rather you NOT interrupt them. Leo is easily spooked. By you stomping your way over to him, is going to make him run away."
Killua pulled his collar away from Ashton, "I'd still like to be a part of those kinds of conversations."
"No, we, need to have a different kind of talk…" The woman leaned down, "And it's not about Daniel undressing you with his eyes, while envisioning you in the clothes I made along my career."
"Y- You heard all of that?!"
"Everything…? No! What I did hear, however, is him was spewing compliments like a non-stop, oozing cheesy fountain. I haven't heard this many compliments… ever? I can't think of anyone whose as bad as Daniel…"
Daniel crossed his arms, "Excuse me… but I learn from the best. Nathaniel. Vastorie is the best at the opposite… degrading you to the point you feel like shit."
"He can give compliments…" When Daniel raised an eyebrow at her, she relented, "okay… rarely. But that's beside the point. You, you are cheesy as hell. Killua… I'll agree with your sister. You get some enjoyment out of it… though I can't see how you haven't grown tired of it at some point, given how frequent it was…"
"When you've had the childhood, I have… Daniel's overcomplimenting habit, is a breath of fresh air. Alluka and I were raised by the equivalent of stone statues. My oldest brother, has ZERO, NONE… No, reaction other than resting bitch face. My dad always looked pissed. My mother is the perfect example of overbearing… My childhood, was ruined. Daniel, on the other hand, made life sooo much better for not only myself, but Alluka as well… Her being introduce to Nathaniel, I see that as a net positive…"
Ashton smiled, "That's good to hear… not so much about your family, but the positiveness Daniel brought into your life."
"Gon too…" Killua added, "it's just I've stuck with Daniel longer… however, we're not the perfect couple. We have fights, arguments… etc."
"Any couple that is perfect all the time, is obviously hiding something." The woman leaned forward, closer to Killua's face "Nothing is perfect. We tend to be subjective with our arguments of perfection." Ashton remarked about the situation, eyes glancing from Daniel, back to Killua, "You'll still have fights from time to time… navigating them, is what makes a relationship better, in my subjective opinion."
Leaning back, she crossed her arms "Which reminds me about our deal seeing as Daniel spent majority of the time dressing you up with his eyes and thoughts, was there anything you liked?"
"To wear…?" Killua shoved his hands in his pockets, "Not really… the styles are extravagant… I'll give you that. But it's far too out there for me. I like more loose-fitting casual wear. Nothing tight and frame fitting. Daniel would like some of it, I would image…"
"I liked a few…"
Ashton pressed a hand to her cheek, "Loose and casual… Like Khakis and cashmere sweater?"
"I guess…" Killua thought it over. Given how he normally dresses, it was something he wouldn't normally wear together. But it'll be different enough to deter his family from thinking it's him. He'll still need other pieces "I'll still need a wig and contacts…"
"Contacts… that I don't normally have it on me. However, wigs I do… I'll let you pick from a selection, however…" Ashton was now focused on Daniel, "Seeing as you'd normally wear, more stylistic clothing…"
"Actually, I wear more tame styles of clothing, now. But… steampunk does look cool, I guess."
Ashton committed that detail to memory, ideas already forming in her head. It'll have to be tame, given that it'll most likely be worn once and for a single photoshoot. But, after washing it… she guesses she could add it to her collection for further photoshoots.
Maybe someone else later down the track could wear it…
For now, she'll focus on the discussion at hand, "Provided both of you could be hidden enough, you'll appear for a photoshoot, correct?"
"We agreed to it…" Killua hummed to himself, "So, I don't see why not…"
"You'll also give a detailed story, one you can spin lies within, but would otherwise, share the sentiment of the strength you're trying to project. For example, the will to break from a family's cycle, the chains unfortunately holding them down… the expectation, they'll never really fulfil. That, is a general example of someone like Leo, who has gone through… Maybe if you don't scare him off, you could ask him."
"Eventually…" Daniel crossed his arms, "Why exactly the photoshoot… the story could be enough on its own."
"Normally, you'd be right…" Ashton held out her hand, "but it also has to do with my Nen ability…"
"Which is…?" Killua raised an eyebrow, questioning the woman's secretive smile. Was she going to ignore him, or answer his question?
"Well, it'll spoil the fun in taking the photos, but… I can give you a hint. It'll help with progressing your relationship. You have much to learn, not just about the other, but yourselves as well."
"What makes you believe we have much to learn about each other? We're pretty aquatinted with the other…" Killua mused with a sly smirk. In terms of each other's feelings and thoughts. Oh, and body… but she doesn't need to know that.
"So, if I were to quiz you… you'd know each other like the back of your palms?"
"Sure…" Killua crossed his arms, "shoot."
"Favourite colour?"
Killua went first, "Deep blue, dark red and Black."
"Purple, blue and pink, or a combination that works in various shades."
Ashton looked at the two of affirmation. The two gave a nod, "Alright. Given a circumstance that involves Alluka being in danger, who'd go to save her?"
The two fell silent, neither one wanting to respond. They both knew the answer, it's just it was a tough question to be thrown at them.
When they spoke, it was in sync, each of them pointing at the other for affirmation, "He will." The moment they finished, they looked at each other, shocked.
"Hold on… you have speed on your side, you could search this whole building from top to bottom in minutes."
"MINUTES, we might not have…" Killua jabbed a finger into his boyfriend, "You're better at En, giving you the advantage to search a building without entering rooms. At least I could keep an enemy distracted long enough for you to search the building, before making an escape long after you left with Alluka."
Daniel jabbed a finger at his partner, "You could keep her safe with your ability, whereas mine requires I keep my hands unoccupied. Unless, you want me to sling her over my shoulder like a bale of hay? I stay and distract, you save her…"
Ashton watched with mild amusement, the two continuing to argue with each other, a constant stream of good arguments neither one was denying, but they were still fighting over a situation that hadn't happened… yet.
"Do you now see why I say you have much to learn about the other? You're arguing…"
Killua pouted, "Arguing… sure." The boy crossed his arms, "But we're still making good points."
Daniel gave a nod, "I personally think you'd be better at protecting Alluka…"
"Well, I think I'd serve as a better distrac-"
"Boys!" Ashton interrupted the two, her voice stern and expression peering into the eyes of the boys, "I was trying to make a point, not get you into a fight over who's right and who's wrong…"
Daniel looked as Ashton, then back to Killua, "I guess she's right… maybe it's something we should figure out on our own… not in front of someone because of a dilemma she posed."
Killua's eyes peered over his partner, trying to gauge the boy's internal thoughts. Was he upset, or genuinely concerned about the argument? Daniel tends to think about his safety, above his own.
While he appreciates that, he should be thinking about his safety as well… not just Killua's. It's probably something Daniel will never relent on, if he were to be honest… but maybe he could change his mind in small increments.
"You were thinking of changing Daniel's mind… weren't you Killua."
"Ehh?" Killua froze. How did she know? Is she a mind reader…?
"No, I'm not a mind reader… if that's what you're thinking. I've just seen that expression… that one of wanting to change someone's mind. Although, in this instance, I think I can see why you'd want to, because it's to protect someone you care about…"
"Y… Yeah…" The boy deflated at the words.
"But, in the case of Daniel's sake… would he be happy that's something you'd want to change about him."
"Well-"
"Shush, Daniel… I'll want your input later. Let Killua answer, so that you can take his view into perspective."
Killua looked at Daniel, eyes focusing only on his partner's. Was he really going to be put on the spot, to be forced to tell his partner that he didn't want to put himself in danger to protect him, even though that's that same argument Daniel was making to him "Fine," The boy let out a long sigh, "I don't want you to put yourself in danger, even though you probably feel the same about me…? It's not a matter of me seeing you as weak, therefore you shouldn't put yourself in danger… Like we've discussed multiple times, me putting myself in the front to draw their attention, is the best way to make sure all of us get out alive… that's what I think."
"Now, Daniel… what's your perspective."
"I can see how Killua thinks… and I know his right. The 'but', however, is… and will always be, I suck at Zetsu. Whereas you don't…"
Killua sighed, now bringing a hand up to rub the back of his neck, "How could I forget… that does put a dint in the situation, especially if they sense you moving around while I'm serving as the distraction… they'll go after you. So, it would be problematic if I act as the diversion…"
Ashton found herself smiling, "So, you two can talk it out… rather than arguing over whose right."
"Of- Of course we can!" Killua rebutted, a frown now etched into his face. Why would Ashton think that way about them? Was it because of their argument, or did she assume they wouldn't be able to come to agreement, when it came to more serious issues? "Why would you assume otherwise?"
"It's the thing that tends to break up majority of the relationships…" Ashton calmly responded, eyes softening like her expression "If you can't reach an agreement or can't see eye-to-eye with each other's thinking habits, you could always be fighting over whose right. That could break a relationship… you know."
Daniel gave a nod, "I understand…"
"Same…" Killua sighed, mainly in relief. It wasn't as bad as he originally thought. Ashton genuinely cared for their relationship being positive for each other. She was like Nathaniel in a way.
Ashton, however, was more focused on conversation. She showed genuine concern for how they were treating each other, picking up on any of their bad habits. She was pushing them to voice their concerns in a manner they originally thought they were doing from the start.
But this way she was showing them, it felt a little different. The results were the same, but she was pushing them to talk to one another through hypotheticals, which if Daniel were being honest, is something Killua was great at posing.
But for some reason, the hypotheticals she had posed were ones they had thought on their own, making up answers about what they would do.
They had secretly concluded, without ever consulting the other…
This was a much different experience than what his father would do. Nathaniel genuinely cared more about them being happy. His father wanted him to be happy with who he is with, regardless of their background… their rich history that was the complete, opposite of what he went through, with very few overlapping experiences.
Daniel and Killua were both secretly appreciating both sides of their genuine concern for their relationship.
Killua broached the oncoming conversation, "So, what does this mean… we're compatible, but we have some lingering doors we've yet to open, that could break our relationship."
Ashton hummed at the question, realistically… her answer would be yes, but given the bond they shared and their conversations so far, it might not necessarily be the case. She should still be honest though "Realistically… yes. Ideally… no! It's not a simple yes or no, at least from my perspective. As well as little miss Alluka. She says you're compatible, with more words… I agree with her. You not only talk to each other, but listen as well… even if you're arguing. Sometimes, rather than trying to be right, you should both say your piece, before reaching a conclusion… that's the advice I would offer."
"Right!" The two agreed in unison, the two smiling at each other.
Ashton felt her lips curl further upward, her smile widening at the prospect before her eyes "This… flow between you… what exactly is it?"
"Hmm?" Killua raised an eyebrow. Was she pointing towards their shared aura, the thing that interlocks one with the other, "Do you mean the shared aura?"
"I guess…" The woman paused, "it's more of a bond, it would seem…"
"Ah…" Daniel raised a finger, "Some time ago, I interlocked my aura with his… something happened recently, that made it grow. We don't know what exactly caused it to grow, but we're content with the results."
"Why are you content with sharing your aura?"
Daniel went on to explain the dilemma with Victor, Vastorie's father. The woman hummed at the news, nodding along. She could see the Pros and Cons as they were expressed, "I can see why… the good and bad. But I suppose the way the two of you speak, it sounds like the two of you are leaning closer to the positives. I can neither fault you, nor tell you there's a better way. Nen, isn't my profession, I only have my ability and training to back up my experience. Hence why, I can never be a teacher on that topic… but seeing as you both have weighed the cons with each other… I can't pitch in on this discussion. However, my ability can help you…"
"But… You won't tell us, right?" Killua offered a smirk at the woman.
"Talking to you about my ability and how it works… would ruin the effectiveness of it. I can only show you the result, you just have to get an answer from what I give you. So, until then, just wait and see…"
The two gave a nod, Daniel now speaking on behalf of them, "I guess that's all we can do… we're to assume it's linked to the photoshoot, correct?"
"I did mention it'll help with further progressing your relationship. So, yes…"
Killua went deep into his imagination, trying to picture what exactly they'll be given. There were so many answers, but given the context… the only possible answer he could come up with, will involve a photograph of some kind.
They'll be given a photo and it's up to them to interpret the result.
What kind of result it is… that he wasn't too sure, as it could be multiple answers. He just wanted some validation, a clue that would help him figure it out. Although, when he looked up, he found himself being distracted from his thought. His sister and the boy who looked a little older than them, were approaching them.
Killua nudged his partner, the boy now looking at the pairing coming towards them.
"Oh, looks like your sister and Leo have finished talking…"
Ashton turned around to face the pair, "So, how did the discussion go? Figure out anything new?"
Alluka looked at the older woman, hands now fumbling with each other "I… I'd like to try wearing male clothing."