Daniel and Killua prepare for their next trip, however, they still had one more job to do for Ashton.

Killua and Daniel had completed their story, the small points. They even went as far as to refine their language, so that it gave zero hints about who they are… including who they were in love with.

Ashton read each note out loud, taking the clear image into her thoughts. The first story she read, was Daniel's. Given that Daniel was objectively the more emotional one of the two, while Killua was far more logical, she wanted to see how someone who looked at their life on an emotional level, would compare to that of a logical thinker like Killua:

He is my moonlight, a bright star in the endless night sky. He's irreplaceable in my life. Being with him makes me happy.

I've seen how he's grown. I've fallen in love with all his habits, from watching him eat and devour his favourite chocolate treats, to his kind gestures that only the most astute would be able to pick up on.

But more importantly, he's also helped me grow.

Originally, I never allowed anyone to get close to me, so after finding my head in his lap, drool spilling from my barely-awake, drowsy lips… one might be able to imagine the sheer shock of my reaction… to finding myself in such a predicament.

My head… in a stranger's lap, at least a stranger at the time. I had allowed myself to completely relax in his grasp…

Now, he's no longer that stranger, but a piece of a jigsaw puzzle that's now a part of my life. The more I learn about him, the more I yearn for his expressions…

His feelings…

He's no longer this cold exterior, but rather a kind-hearted person that wanted to be loved for who he is…

Rather than who he's supposed to be…

Ashton felt moved by this boy's raw emotions. He was objectively looking at his life like a part of a jigsaw puzzle. Even now, he's probably still finding new pieces, places where to fit it in.

But the thing that stood out the most, is that this boy is a poet, and he must have gotten it from one of his parents. She wonders which parent, the boy had gotten it from…

Given how she met Vastoire… she was more leaning towards Nathaniel. As much as he looked like himbo, sometimes even brutish… bulky, he had a way with words, objectively looking at more of the positives in life, than the negatives…

Daniel was probably the same, but his experiences probably melded him into a combination of both of his parents. Although, she was purely speculating on that part of the boy's life. He had room to grow… to change, so his personality might have not been cemented into stone, yet, "Reads like a loving poet… cheesy in certain parts…"

"See, I told you…" Killua complained through flushed cheeks.

"Well, she wants a story, I gave her one from my heart about you… without actually naming you."

"Boys, boys. I'm not complaining… I like the raw feelings. Although, the kind of story I was expecting, was more about one's growth, not a serenade to one's partner. Although, I'm still going to add this to one of my later magazines… keep your eyes peeled out for this one."

"Great…" Killua sighed.

"Now, let's see what the kind-hearted boy who wanted to be loved for who he is, wrote." As Killua groaned, Ashton picked up the boy's story. Here comes the more logical of the two…

To have one's life controlled since their birth truly, sucks…

"Vulgar way to start…" The woman frowned.

"Hey, you weren't critical with Daniel's… so why start now."

The woman giggled at the young boy's reaction, "Your right… I'll still replace sucks though. Maybe… makes me feel depreciated."

"Sure, whatever…"

It was the same every day, in and out, learning about something I have no desire to play a part in… a business that feels utterly controlled, boring… undesirable. I despised every second of my life, save for those few rare moments where I got to spend my time with the sister I love.

My life was spun around when I left home, hoping to explore an opportunity to satiate my boredom.

To say it was life-changing… is an understatement. But it was…

I made two friends, people that gave me a sense of belonging in this world. I wouldn't go back to change anything… But if I could go back, I'll relive each moment with an appreciation for the impact it made on my life.

One of those friends now means more to me… a friend turned lover. He has his quirks, but I truly do, appreciate the things he does for me. But he's not a part of this story. This is more of a recollection of how much my life has changed, by getting to know these two.

If there's one thing I learnt while travelling, it's that the changes along the way, make me appreciate them even more. Especially, considering all the knowledge I obtained over those few years I've spent with them.

We get to carve out our own, path.

While there are those, my family included who wish to change it…

I'll always look for a detour that makes my new route continue to seem feasible.

"That's… touching…" Ashton smiled, "A story of appreciation, for the things you learned and discovered over those years spent being a Pro-Hunter."

"Actually… Daniel has been a Pro-Hunter for longer than I have."

"Nonetheless, it's still knowledge gained over the years. Now…" Clicking a pen, the woman smiled at the two, "I have a few questions. I usually do about ten, per interview. But I rather focus on five main questions, ones to help others delve into your psyche. I'll get an answer for each of you… So, we'll start with a simple question. How long have you been a Pro Hunter… I'll keep your ages hidden, out of fear of those who are just as young will try to apply the following year. I know the death counter on those Exams… it is quite high."

"Coming close to three years."

"About two years…"

"What's your favourite memory? You can point at each other if you want."

"Hmm…" Daniel thought long and hard, trying to picture his favourite memory, "Does it have to specifically coincide with our position of a Pro-Hunter?"

"No, it does not…"

"Then simple, as much as I would like to include the moment about the Death Shake…"

"Death… shake?"

"A concoction of multiple layers of chocolate so thick, it'll give a normal person type two diabetes." Killua clarified, "It was delicious."

"Right…" If Ashton wasn't worried before, she was definitely, worried now. Exactly how much has Daniel let Killua get away with his sweet tooth? What kind of sweets has Killua been devouring throughout his life?

"Anyways…" Daniel stepped in, "It was actually… a more of a… recent moment. When I was designing my weapons, I was put into a situation where I had to stop and think about what I wanted and how I wanted it to work. I was given a book with a list of minerals and I had to go through and combine the knowledge I skimmed through along the process of designing it. It was quite literally, the first moment I felt like I had total control of my life."

"No…" Ashton frowned, "You must have had other moments."

"I'm sure I did… with menial things. I was allowed to apply for the Hunter's Exam… but I had to take my sister as a second line of defence. When learning Nen, I had to be dependent on my father, who only gave me specks of knowledge about the topic. When I was learning about it properly, I found out… NOT ONLY, could I have learnt it faster, had I been taught correctly… about its mechanisms, including how it works. When it came to weapon training… I was taught the best offence, is a great defence… which means, no offensive tactics were learned… that was until recently. I've been piecing together some of Killua's knowledge and mine to make a style that works for me."

"Right…" Daniel clearly, had struggles of his own his parents had accidentally set up hurdles for him to overcome. It's good that with the help of his partner, he was helping him to overcome them "how about you Killua?"

"Easy, the moment I finally broke the thing that was binding me to self-doubt… also known as, removing the manipulating needle my older brother implanted in my head."

"He did… WHAT?" To know that a sibling went as far as to control one of their younger brothers is disgusting. While it can be used as a hint to give away who Killua was, she'll need to change some details to match the story… or she supposes she could leave out the part about the manipulating needle.

Still, she knows probing Killua for more details wasn't possible. But it also was a hint towards who the boy was, and what kind of business his family ran. The Mafia… perhaps.

"Whenever I was near an opposing force that was far superior in strength to me, my first instinct was to run."

"So rather than fight… you'd always choose flight. Which is a good thing when you're in danger."

"No…" Killua frowned, "It also robbed my memories of my sister… but it was bad to the point, it means I would purposely leave my friends for dead, in order, to protect myself. I was constantly fighting against that thought process."

"And now you don't feel like that whenever you're in danger?"

"Well, while 'flight' is a valid option… at least I know I won't leave my sister or boyfriend for dead in the process." Killua offered a smile at his explanation. He was being sincere, about that moment. He honestly cared about the two… more than he was sometimes willing to express. Although ignoring that, the Death shake and getting into a relationship would be a close second… or would it be third?

Meeting Gon would be high on that list. He supposes he had a fair few memorial moments in his life.

"Third question… it's kind of a spin on who wears the pants… or the more infamous version… who's the top and who's the bottom. Although, this has nothing to do with the sexual part of your relationship. So head out of the gutters for this one…"

Daniel blushed, revealing to Ashton who was the one who thought it first. But then again, Killua could be far better at restraining his expression "Anyways, my question is more based on who's the more maternal one, as in the emotional support, romantic one if you will… binding the relationship."

"Daniel…" Killua immediately pointed at his partner, "There's no doubt he's the more emotional one in this relationship."

"Hey…"

"I meant it in a good way… besides, when it comes to being romantic, you have me beat. Though, I suppose it's due to our upbringing…"

"I guess that makes my suspicions correct… Killua is the logical overthinker."

"Not so much an overthinker… but yes. I make plans around plans…"

"Sounds like you're prepared for all situations. It's a good talent to have… now for another question. I want to be a little bit… invasive. What's a good habit, you see in your partner? Also, to add a bad habit, one I know I said you shouldn't force someone to change… but a specific bad habit you wish they didn't have. Can be anything… PG rated, of course."

Killua went first, "I'll be honest… his self-doubt. That's one I wish I could be forced to change… he's always second-guessing himself when it comes to making personal improvements. I would expand on it, but it'll give away some secrets."

"I'm sure you can name one not attached to a secret…"

"To kill, in order, to protect himself or someone he loves… He came close to dying a few times, that, hadn't someone stepped in or acted, he could've died."

"Being a Pro Hunter would certainly put you in life-or-death situations… but I'm sure he has his reasons."

"I was raised to appreciate life… so to speak. Killing is not in my nature… But…" Daniel stopped himself from saying any more, "No, that's not in my place to reveal."

"Reveal what…?"

When Daniel looked at Killua, the teen shook his head, "Partner says no…"

"Alright, that's fair." Killua is definitely, a part of the mafia… It was another hint that made her feel that way. Still… poking and prodding wouldn't get her any more information "Then a good habit?"

"He's really, damn romantic… he knows how to make me feel appreciated and loved."

"That's sweet… How about you Daniel?"

"I can't say much about bad habits… at least, ones that aren't PG. But he's a really, good cook."

"Damn it… I could've used he's great at baking… he makes some fine chocolate cake. But He's also a terrible cook. Almost poisoned one of the Hunter examiners…"

The woman chuckled, "I'm sure it's not that bad…"

"Nope, it's bad. I think I'm getting better… I hope. Anyways, I've enjoyed every meal he has made. Can't ask for a better guy in my life…"

"I need something to work with for bad habits… Killua technically gave two."

"Honestly, it's just libido… tone it down a little. All other bad habits… if I can consider them that, are like little quirks to me. Gambling… perhaps. But that would be like throwing shade on my father. Besides, it was a part of one of our previous locations we went to. We needed to acquire… cards in Greed Island, gambling was one of those ways."

"You went… to Greed Island? I thought it was just a super rare game."

"It turns out… it's a real location, where you can die."

"The world is a strange place…" Ashton muttered under her breath, "I guess I have one more question, since Killua has no bad habits, we can use. I rather not alert the public to a teen who has bad gambling habits… Another honest question. In a small sentence… describe yourself."

"Easy! Bad cook with a heart of gold…"

"No, I mean to be honest… not roast yourself. I think a better question is to describe your ideal desires."

"A teen looking to explore the world, its unknown offerings… not judgment. I just want to experience the world in such a way that he can enjoy every moment with the ones he cherishes in his life."

"Perfect… and you, Killua."

"Make the ones closest to me happy… and I guess to make memories along the way. That and stab a hoe if they try to steal my man."

"Right… not adding that. But, definitely… adding possessive to bad habits."

"I WAS KIDDING!"

Looking up from her notepad, the woman smirked. With a flick of her wrist, the notepad closed "I wasn't…"

"~"

"I can't believe this…" Killua huffed in annoyance, frowning at revelation still clinging freshly to his mind "She's going to put down I'm possessive… as one of my bad habits."

"I believe she was joking…" Daniel crossed his arms, bemused at his partner's reaction. He hadn't calmed down since her joke… and he knows she was joking because she hadn't written anything down. If she had, she would've moved her hand higher, given that it was a previous question.

Another point to prove his findings… is that it was most definitely not a PG-rated comment. Unless she was willing to swap out the hoe part… there was no way she was going to put that under Killua's responses.

"It's not a funny joke…"

Daniel gave a nod, "I know, but given that, we've talked to her for a while. There's a difference between when she takes a jab at us… and when she's being honest. Do you honestly believe the one who gave us a whole seminar on consent and boundaries, is going to casually post you'll shank a hoe if she comes near your man?"

Killua frowned, now looking at his partner. He didn't have a bemused smirk like earlier. He was being honest about the situation. He was probably overreacting, but there was some truth to his argument… one he should bite the bullet and tell his lover about, "I'm being honest though… if someone tries to steal you from me, I will leave them in a half-buried ditch, somewhere."

"Well… while is see that as more of a quirk of endearment, than a comment of possessiveness… technically, this relationship is based on possessiveness…"

Killua looked at his partner, stunned, ready to object to the off-hand argument about their relationship. Neither one was possessive of the other. Sure, they had their wants and desires for each other… but not to the point of having control over the other.

But the moment the teen was going to object, Daniel held up his hand, "I don't mean possessive in the way others would objectively think it. I mean… we want each other. We're not looking for a third like Gon has… someone to slot in the middle of us, that also works off both of us. Although, if that were to happen, it'll be insanely difficult given our relationship with one another. However, that's not important… the thing is we're working on this bond to surpass that possibility. Of someone taking the will of the other away. It's been a difficult journey so far… but we'll get there."

The teen crossed the room, now holding his partner's hand, "Also, I want to point out I like this idea of you wanting only me… and nobody else to have me. But no shanking…"

Killua rolled his eyes, "Alright, no shanking…"

With a quick kiss, Daniel moved the topic onto something else, way more important than knowing Killua was ready to shank someone "What were you able to gather from the photo?"

"Besides on Annex's end… nothing. He said he'll investigate it further."

"So, a dead end… you think I should report this to my father, Nathaniel?"

"The fewer people that know about this outcome… the better we'll be. Also, as a reminder… we still need to notify Rosalia and Sarah Servedio about our impending visit."

"Right… I wonder what they're like."

"I'm sure they'll be calm and rational lovers who have quarrels of their own…"

"Why am I having a bad sense of foreboding incoming…"

"You need to relax, there's nothing…" Killua typed in their number, "That could be weird about them. Besides…" When Killua hit dial, the teen smirked at his partner "You grew up with your father and I have my parents… nothing can be weirder than our lives."

"Hi, oh shoot… I got some whipped cream on me. One second… Honey, where are the tissues…? It's not on our side table."

Daniel went pale. Oh, no…

"You moved them to the dining table because you needed extras. Honey, you've been going through them like a packet of skittles. Ease up on them."

"Oh, right… we need to buy extras, we're running out."

"No, what you need is to use more paper towels, and save those tissues for other uses. Plus, you've been getting sticky tissues all over your work."

"Alright… I'll use the paper towels. It's just easier to work with the tissues."

"I know sweetie, but you make more of a mess than you would normally do if you stick to paper towels. I'll see if I can find the smaller sheets for you."

"Thanks, babe…" There was a pause before the phone crackled, "Sorry, this is Rosalia Servedio, intricate handcrafter… how can I assist you?"

Daniel slowly turned to Killua, mortified. However, his partner chose to ignore the entire conversation for the sake of their future "Hi, my name's Killua and this is my partner, Daniel…"

"Hi…" Daniel responded meekly because if that conversation was anything to go by, they were dealing with not one… but TWO Vastoires, in female form.

"Uh, huh… you sound a little young asking for personalised wedding bands."

"No, no, no…" Killua quickly clarified, an apparent blush painting his face, "You see… Mikkel suggested your name to us because you'd not only be able to help us with the final pieces to our weapons…"

"Uh, huh…"

"You also know a certain man, that my partner is connected to."

"He is…?"

"Vastorie… Vastorie Darkscryer."

"Oh… OH…? Oh, I was not expecting this. So, Daniel Darkscryer…"

"Yes… YES!"

"What exactly kind of things were you expecting out of me? Mechanisms to further improve not only my weapons but Killua's too."

"Ah… so Inscription. Well, are you going to ship the weapons or personally come here?"

"Personally come there."

"Great! How soon…?"

"In a week or two. We'll let you know closer to when we leave so you can plan more accordingly."

"Sounds fair…"

"Honey, we're having guests sometime in the next few weeks. Vastorie's son is coming to visit."

"That's fantastic!"

"He's bringing his boyfriend, and…" Rosalia paused, "Anyone else?"

"My sister…"

"And you'll be staying for how long?"

"A couple of weeks. We're willing to stay at a hotel if it's inconvenient to you."

"NONSENSE! We have room for the three of you. We'll get a guest room… or two, set up for your visit. I'll make sure to text you our address after the call. We can't wait to see what kind of son that man raised."

"Hopefully, I'm not too disappointing."

"Sweetie…" The two heard another voice through the phone. Given the shift in tone, it sounds like Sarah was speaking now, "you could never disappoint anyone. We're excited to meet you. We'll not only be happy to accommodate the three of you, but to talk to you about anything you'd like to know."

"Thank you…"

"Now if you excuse us, I need to steal my wife. We still have other things to do."

"Do…?" Rosalia remarked in a suggestive tone, "I wouldn't know what you mean."

"You promised to help me clean the kitchen…"

"Oh…" Daniel has never heard someone sound so disappointed in his life.

"Don't sound so disappointed, we'll make up for that later. Okay, tootles kids."

With that, the phone hung up, "Did she just suggest…"

"I think she did…" Killua stared dumbfounded at his partner.

"I think we're dealing with two female versions of Vastorie…" the two almost uttered at the same time, breaking out into laughter once they realised, they thought the same thing.

It'll be weird, but it wasn't anything they weren't already used to. Plus, they were sure they wouldn't act that weird in person…

Hopefully…