Ashton speaks to siblings. Killua has questions for Daniel…

There was an awkward shift in posture as Killua was brought to a hallway, away from the others. It was a place that could be considered private to Ashton and himself. The woman merely wanted to talk to each person individually, a more precise conversation directed to their respective problems and conundrums.

He wondered how the lady planned to direct their conversation, seeing as Daniel kept quiet about what they talked about.

Probably, because not only was Ashton within earshot, he was the next person she wanted to talk to. It also helped, that the two of them will eventually have a larger discussion on their hands.

"So, what did you specifically want to talk to me about?"

"First, but foremost… I brought it up with Daniel… but I'm telling you also. These walls aren't thick enough to mask any of your drowning noises."

Killua frowned "That was about kissing… not a wham, bam, thank you… sir."

"So, you treat it more as a joke in these awkward conversations."

"I rather not address my private life to a stranger… regardless of how they treat me."

"Hmm…" The woman frowned slightly, "Daniel was more open."

"He was WHAT?" Killua panicked. Exactly how much did he give away to the woman, without his knowledge?

The woman chuckled at the boy's response. He was legitimately concerned, but the fact he went from a cool, reserved, stoic attitude to having a pure, freak out was a complete one-eighty twist. She wasn't expecting the boy to freak out "Don't worry… I don't know your favourite positions, endurance levels and whatnot. But what I do know… is you're a kind and caring person, no matter how much you try to hide it behind this stoic figure of ruggedness. I've seen pieces of it shine through with Alluka… but Daniel made it clear, it's only a façade. You are a kind and gentle person… you just tend to act defensive and protective."

Killua sighed, "I guess I do…" the young teen then pouted, "but he promised we'll talk about these things before saying anything."

The woman gave a nod, "It's a good thing to do… however, he only told me that you were a kind, gentle lover. The two of you have made mistakes, done things that no teens should truly be doing… but you're compassionate towards Daniel. So don't get angry with him… he gave me an answer, without declaring what the two of you did wrong… the only thing he honestly told me, isn't you hadn't made him aware of everything, so he thought he did something he'd normally consider… disgusting to you."

"Is that right…" Killua frowned at the news. Daniel made Ashton aware of one of their first times, without coming to him first. He supposes his boyfriend told her to validate a claim of his, but this was a breach of privacy.

"Other than that, it's a pure guessing game…" The woman clarified. Even though Daniel strictly told her, that she shouldn't say anything to Killua, she only wanted to be translucent with what she talked about between the boys.

There were hints of anger in the boy's facial features, but he wasn't lashing out at the news. It was as though he was calculating his concerns first before saying anything.

"So, that's what he told you… huh." Killua frowned deepened at the news.

"Yup, and I'm going to tell you what I told him." Ashton laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, kneeling close enough to read his expressions "You can do whatever you like on these premises, just keep quiet. I'm aware… You're at this awkward age where hormones tend to go haywire… I've been there… and many more will continue to go through that phase."

Killua's expression became unreadable, but at least his eyes were on her now. She steadied on with the conversation "So, I want you to continue to be compassionate towards one another, and if you need anything. I can supply what you need… within reason."

Killua's jaw dropped, "Wha- What?!"

The woman gave the boy a sly smirk "I offer sex education to a few schools, which means supplies as well. Nothing outrageous… just dental dams, condoms, and lube. It's more used to help teach about its uses and whatnot, but there's a couple of freebies they're allowed to take. I rather they are taught how to use those things correctly, as well as receive the necessary tools than to be taught nothing at all… it's rather disgusting the current education system we've got in place."

"Now that you mention it, I don't think Eifion had such a class…"

"Really?" The woman was surprised, "Unless it's a substitute class you weren't made aware of?"

"He has more of a… freedom to learn things, kind of system in place." Killua hummed over the thought, "I don't think either of us picked up the subject."

"Wait… what time did you go?"

"Between September and… around April…"

"I'll bring up the concern with him. Around ten to twelvish is when the discussion should be starting… because that's when puberty starts."

"Oh, well, we were thirteen when we went."

The woman let out a sigh of relief, "So, he may have missed you, because of your age bracket."

"Alluka was twelve though, and she didn't mention anything about taking the class."

"That's not good…"

Killua found himself sighing, "I suppose me wanting to keep her in the dark didn't help the situation."

The words made Ashton frown, "So that when she hits puberty, she goes into shock from all the changes she'll be unaware of? At least tell her the basics, if you wanted to keep her in the dark. For someone who's possibly Trans, this could be the worst situation for them…"

"I know…" Killua crossed his arms, now glaring at the woman, "But I wanted to preserve whatever remaining innocence she has left. She never had a childhood. She was kept locked up like she was a cursed doll… The moment I got her out, I wanted her to have a relatively normal, as in make, friends… go to school… be herself for at least two seconds, before puberty hits, and ruins it for her."

"That's…" The woman sighed, "It's an understandable thought, however, it's still reckless. Something could've gone wrong."

"Ma'am…" Killua's voice was cruel for a second, "Our lives have been fucked with for the last few months."

"Oh, are you talking about the situation with… was its Victor?"

The boy went to open his mouth, only to remain silent on the matter. Shoving his hands into his pockets, the boy changed his tune "Yes… but like we said, it's nothing to be concerned about… We're dealing with it as we speak."

Ashton remained silent, eyes glancing into the boy's eyes. The boy was going to stick to his hand… he wasn't going to be folding anytime soon, "Alright, but remember… you're not the only one here… there's also myself and Leo. And if any harm comes after Leo, you can bet your petit tush, that I'm going to protect him."

"It isn't petit…"

"Well, Leo's safety is still number one for me. So, if you are hiding something else, and harm comes to Leo because of it… I'm going to throw you out of these windows. I don't care if it's a fifty floor, plummet into the ground… his safety comes first."

Killua found himself smirking at the comment, "As long as you give me a parachute, I'm fine by being thrown out of the window…" He uncrossed his arms, shifting the conversation, "But like you… I'll protect Daniel and Alluka, no matter what. Daniel is in the most danger, and Alluka is in danger by proxy…"

"Wait…" Ashton found herself being surprised, caught off-guard from the information being presented to her. Why is it that Daniel presents the most risks? The woman's eyes narrowed, "Why him specifically?"

"Because… Victor wants him dead because he's Vastorie's son…"

"Then… it's worse than what you originally stated. You didn't just create that bond because it stopped his ability from erasing your memories…" Ashton's jaw dropped, "He wants him dead… But, why? The sins of the father are never transferred to the son. They can both do equally bad things… but just because the father did X, doesn't mean Daniel is also capable of X."

"Yeah, well… he's a target because blood is supposedly thicker…"

"And by hosting you here, I've automatically put Leo in danger?" The woman asked out of concern.

"Not right now…" Killua sighed, "Look… we've been lucky enough to know that outside forces are protecting us. Some, are trying harder than others. The enemy always has eyes on him, which means… if they try to make a move on us, we'll know long before they do."

Ashton crossed her arms, "So, you're in danger… just not right now, because… to put it lightly, shields are up."

"Yes…" Killua's eyes darted over to meet the woman's, "We'll stay… two weeks max before moving on. Whatever guidance Alluka receives, I'm sure she'll continue to find herself… She's smart, I know she'll find the answer. When she does, you'll be one of the first people to find out…"

"Honestly, I don't mind if she never tells me…"

Killua raised an eyebrow, "Why…?"

"As long as she knows… and she'd be happy with her discovery, I'd be happy knowing that."

Killua gave a nod, a half-smile forming. He agrees. No matter where Alluka falls on the spectrum, he'll be happy, if she's happy with her self-discovery answer "Is there anything else you need to ask or tell me about?"

The woman hummed over the question, "Not really… I just want you to know, that no matter if you make mistakes along the way, even grave ones… Daniel genuinely cares about you… and I understand that you care about him too. Even if one of you makes a huge mistake, I understand that the two of you will talk it through. I feel like you have that kind of relationship… but if something does happen that can break the relationship… given the predicament, you're in… I want the two of you to talk it over, no matter the result. It'll help you not only grow together… but if the worst comes… as individuals."

Killua gave a nod, "We understand…" But given what we've done, I can see us as growing apart as individuals… "I'll take on your points, and talk to Daniel… even if he broke our privacy rule. I'm aware he did it for legitimate reasons, but I still want to talk with him."

"Alright, but you have to talk to each other… not over each other."

"I promise…"

"~"

Alluka swapped with her brother, her brother's expression remaining neutral as he entered their shared room, with his partner. As much as he hugged her to make sure she was okay, he looked serious when he entered their room.

Her brother would make sure, he makes the right move…

But she can't help but worry about them sometimes.

Killua is an overthinker, he obsesses over the tiniest of details, trying to get the best outcome from the worst situation. He was also overprotective, so if he did learn about something that worries him, he may assume the worst.

Putting her worries behind her, she found Ashton waiting for her with a smile.

"Why don't you follow me Alluka, I'll lead you to the room while we have a little talk."

"What will we be talking about…?" The young girl followed the older woman, the two, walking side by side.

"Anything you like, concerns… anything new you learned."

"Well, I talked a little more with Leo…"

"Oh?" The woman raised one eyebrow, "what did you learn?"

"Mainly more about your work… what you have done for him."

The woman acknowledges the statement, allowing Alluka the time to go at her own pace.

"Well… you swept him off the streets like a hero in time of need."

"More like stumbled… but go on."

"One of the homeless shelters didn't want to process him because he was… you know."

"Another dumb problem, in a long laundry list of dumb problems with this world. But, it's also how I heard the rumour of the homeless boy. It was tracking him down, was the rather difficult part. One of my contacts made me aware of Leo and how they heard about him… but they were unable to direct the boy to me, as they weren't in on the day Leo showed up. It took a month for me to track him down, and I'm glad I did… Leo is one of the kindest boys you'll ever meet, with the shiest background."

The woman found herself crossing her arms, "Which is why I now question how his mother managed to find him… why after a month? If she thinks a month was going to change her son's mind, she'll be surprised to learn… the mind is much more resilient, when it comes to palpable feelings… Leo is sure of himself. He's not saying it because it's now considered the norm… he doesn't have this sense of belonging when he gets called a girl. It makes him feel… unnatural like he doesn't belong at all, not only with the label… but the body he was born with. But that's all stuff you would've already learned."

"Yes…"

"What else did you learn?"

"Well… that he mainly appreciates what you've done for him."

Ashton stopped at a single door, closing her hand around the knob "And I'd do it again for him…" Opening the door, the woman ushered Alluka into the showcase room.

Alluka was left in awe at the number of bags, each of various colours, shades, and sizes. Some had pictures, some had a pattern, while others were plain. This may take a while to look over. The young girl moved from bag to bag, eyes as big as saucers.

There were so many to choose from, she honestly didn't know what to get…

That was until her eyes fell on a medium to large size bag. The bag was a pale blue colour, with a print in the middle. There was a white cat, surrounded by a black patch, looking directly at a moon.

You couldn't see the front of the cat, as there was only one view, but she couldn't help but appreciate the image symbolism.

Ashton stopped behind the girl, "I see you like this piece…"

"I do… there's a running joke between my brother and his partner. They tend to refer to Killua acting like a cheeky cat from time to time…"

"I see…" Ashton looked at the bag, "This one was admittedly a gift. A beginning, small-time artist painted it after a little bit of assistance from me. He wanted to paint something for me as a thank you gift, this was the result…"

"Oh, well I won't take it then."

"No, you misunderstand me… he wanted to leave behind a mark on the world. It's such a sad, cruel story with what happened to him… he died so young. I'm sure he'd love to see his work being displayed…"

"What happened to him?"

"Cancer… I helped him get a few contacts through the art industry. He said it was the best time of his life. Some of his work is worth millions, but this is one of his first pieces. His style changed so much; this piece would never be recognised as his original work… What it ended up developing into, is something like Van Gogh's style, waves of colours presenting a picture. The cat is about his favourite buddy, a cat he adopted… Rumour has it, if you go to his grave on a specific day during the night, you can see a ghostly white cat sitting on his grave, looking up at the moon."

"Do you think it's real?"

"If it is… I'd say the cat misses his best friend…"

"Well, I think they're together now. The cat sleeping on his lap, as he continues to do what he loves…"

"I feel the same…" Ashton smiled, "So, would you like to take it?"

Alluka gave a nod, "I'd love to have this… if it's okay with you."

"Most certainly…" The woman pulled the bag off the shelf, placing it down on the floor for the younger girl to grab. She took the bag with a smile, the two continuing to smile as they left the room.

"~"

"We need to talk…" Killua muttered as he entered the room, catching Daniel in the middle of pulling a shirt out of the bag.

Daniel looked at his partner, worried now because it's the first thing that was said to him "I guess Ashton told you what I told her…" The boy sighed, "I was hoping I'll get to say it to you rather, than you hearing it from her mouth."

"Well…" Killua hummed, "there's that too. But there are other things we need to talk about."

"Oh…" Daniel put the shirt down, "What about?"

"Do you genuinely see me, as a horn dog?"

Daniel raised an eyebrow, "I'm sorry… what?"

"Is it that bad… that I always want sex, but you hardly ever do."

Daniel shrugged, "I don't get that feeling of need… as you do. But…" The boy looked towards his partner, "But I don't necessarily think it's something I want you to change about yourself. We have fun together… and that's all that should actually, matter."

"So… I'm not bad."

"Killua, your need changes by the hour. If we were alone, we might only have sex for the majority of the day…"

"So, I am bad…" The boy crossed his arms, "But it's not completely my fault. Puberty has hit me like a truck. Even the tiniest of touches gives me a rager. Hell, I've gotten one from just a look."

"Wait… I also make you horny by just looking at you…"

"Well, yeah… it's a specific kind of look. The kind of look, when you give me when I'm the only person in this world."

"Endearing, huh…? My apologies if that gives you a stiffy."

"I'm being serious…" Killua whined, frustrated at the whole situation. He knew they were sexually incompatible, but he didn't think it was that bad.

"Killua…" Daniel sighed, now moving closer to his boyfriend. Grabbing the boy's hand, he pushed him onto the nearest bed, taking a seat on the boy's lap, "You misunderstand me… I may joke that you're always horny."

The boy moved closer, planting a kiss on his boyfriend's forehead, "But I wouldn't change anything… I may act like I'm incapable of feeling horny, but I think my sex drive is lower than yours… that's all. I love every moment we have, because you are super tender to me… and believe me, I'm trying… I want to do things with you, that would make you happy. This is a two-way relationship, so I should also be making you aroused as you do for me…"

Killua's expression softened. He was over worrying that his needs were pushing his partner away. But in fact, they were doing the complete opposite. Daniel was thinking about those kinds of things, wondering where he could give in and meet some of Killua's requests.

"I want to try spanking… Killua."

Killua felt himself, hardened, his pants feeling tighter "You want to… what?"

"I know it's something you want to try… but I don't think it's something I'd enjoy receiving… but I want to try it, with you. We'll ease into it, okay. Try some soft taps… maybe I could try hitting you harder, if, it's something you would enjoy. But I can't guarantee, it's something I'd want in our normal rotation."

Killua gave a nod, now smiling gleefully, "I understand. Like always…" The boy stopped for a moment, rethinking the situation. Wait… is Daniel exploiting my libido to get out of the crime he committed? "Wait, you wouldn't be happening to be saying this because you're exploiting my libido as a free get out of crime deal…?"

Daniel looked at his partner, face neutral yet unreadable. For the first time, Killua doesn't know what to expect as an answer, "No, I'm being honest for once… Ashton remarked we're free to do whatever, within limitations of course. I want to try it… but not here… where apparently the walls are thin enough where if one were to spank the other… Alluka and Leo will be able to hear… everything."

Killua rubbed his face, now frustrated with the situation. Daniel had set him up, teasing with something he's wanted to do… but now they can't even do it because the others would hear everything "Cock tease…" The boy sighed in defeat, "Either way, now knowing this… we'll still go slow and find a balance, once we cross that bridge. For now, continue unpacking… it's a pizza and movie night."

Dunno if I'll do a chapter involving spanking… we'll see how I go.