"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again."

~C.S. Lewis


When the door opened, Kurapika leaped to his feet. Melody, Pairo, and Leorio had been taking turns trying to distract him. It hadn't worked.

Chrollo emerged first. He gave a shrug. "I got expelled."

Shit. Kurapika deflated. So was this all for nothing? Was there no point? Why? Why? Why?

"Thank you," Chrollo choked out, and then Kurapika realized he was looking straight at Kurapika, and Chrollo's eyes were watering. "Thank you all."

"Never seen Danchou cry before," muttered Franklin.

"I'll kill," Feitan declared, his eyes glowing as he took a step towards the board room. Machi stomped on his foot. "Ow!"

"I'm not sad," said Chrollo. "I mean, I am. I'm pissed. They're all stuck up elitists with planks in their eyes and sticks up their asses. But thank you. For coming. And for writing those statements." He met Kurapika's gaze. "It was your idea, wasn't it?"

Kurapika nodded. "I'm—sorry." That it didn't work. That I'm still—

Chrollo grabbed him in a hug. Kurapika froze. Really? In public?

Hisoka let out a whistle. Kurapika flipped him off.

"You're free for now," Mizaistom said. "Though you're not allowed on campus. But you're allowed to go home. I'll let you know when we have to meet with the district attorney."

Chrollo nodded, pulling back. "Thank you."

"Make my job easy and show up," Mizaistom requested.

"Okay," said Chrollo. His hand clutched Kurapika's. He looked around at all the faces. "Are—"

"Your house is still yours," said Leorio.

"Oh. Thank you." Chrollo swallowed. "I see Hisoka and Illumi worked it out," he hissed in Kurapika's ear as they headed off campus. Security escorted them. Chrollo held his head high. Kurapika squeezed his hand. So what if they think I'm a criminal, too? So what?

I'd rather be just and admit when I'm not than pretend.

Chrollo yawned when they entered the house. "It's good to be back."

"We missed ya, Danchou," Uvogin said gruffly.

"I've always been curious what jail is like," commented Hisoka.

Shalnark hurled his phone at him. Hisoka caught it. "Hey!"

Chrollo rolled his eyes. "I'm going upstairs." He gestured to Kurapika. "Want to come?"

He nodded. They made it to Chrollo's room, where Chrollo shut the door and then fell backwards onto the bed. "Ugh, it's so good to be back here. Jail was a drag. They make you wear ugly uniforms." He tugged his tie off. "I hated it."

Kurapika sat next to him. "I'm sorry it wasn't enough." His voice cracked. What would Chrollo do now?

"At least I won't have to go back, according to Mizaistom." Chrollo peered up at him. "Thank you. It was enough. They're all a bunch of prigs anyways."

"But I wanted—" You to stay.

I wanted a second chance, for you, for me.

"It did work," Chrollo said, voice muffled as his wrist rested over his mouth.

"You got expelled, idiot."

"Not that." Chrollo closed his eyes. "You all—I wasn't crying because I got expelled. It sucks but I'm used to it. I'm used to fate—to the world—to—unfairness. And I—"

"Well, it still sucks," Kurapika said.

"Yeah," Chrollo said, swallowing. "It does. But—you all cared. You all came. I wouldn't have—expected that in a million years. I don't—I—"

"People love you," said Kurapika. "Everyone in this house, even Hisoka in whatever weird way he can conceive of love. It wasn't all in vain. Even if it was wrong."

Chrollo removed his hand. His lips were trembling."I was crying because you all cared."

"Oh." Kurapika blinked. He hadn't expected that. Then again...

"That makes me think that maybe I'm wrong," Chrollo whispered. "That things don't have to be all fate. That people can change, and—that you're with me not because of some weird twist of fate but because you want to—"

"Are you actually philosophizing about why I'm dating you?" Kurapika demanded. His heart pounded. If... if...

I'm with you not because I got to know you more, but because you also changed. Both, together.

Today sucked, but we can try again. You and I tried again.

You are hope to me.

Chrollo scowled.

Kurapika actually laughed at him. When he opened his eyes again, Chrollo's face was soft, and a smile was on his own lips. "Would you still want to date a guy with a criminal record and no college diploma?"

"What do you think?" Kurapika lay down next to him.

Chrollo cracked his eyes open, studying Kurapika's face. He smiled. "You're amazing, you know that?"

"No," said Kurapika. "If I was, I would have—"

"Not true," said Chrollo. "You're enough for me." He traced Kurapika's jaw.

Kurapika hesitated, and then shifted so that his head was resting against Chrollo's chest. "I guess I can live with that."

That's enough.

Chrollo's arms warm around him, his chest rising and falling, his hand stroking Kurapika's hair, and he knew to Chrollo, he really was enough. He was beautiful, he wasn't filthy, he was hope, and it radiated from Chrollo to Kurapika and he could believe it, even if all he had right now was a mustard seed. It will grow. Just stay with me, water it.

"Can I call you my boyfriend?" Kurapika mumbled.

"Please."

Kurapika wrapped his arms around Chrollo. They both held each other, breaths in sync.

We can live.


A knock on her door. Komugi was over Meruem's, and Melody was still out at the hearing. Palm crept towards the door, peering through the peephole. Milluki Zoldyck?

She swung it open. "You left your dorm room. Again."

Milluki kept glancing around him like he was terrified. "Some kid who looked like a cat let me in."

"Why're you here?" She stepped back to let him in, shutting the door behind him.

"Illumi said to tell you. Chrollo got expelled."

Fuck. Palm swallowed. A bitter laugh cracked through her lips. And yet, something inside her still burned. It was wrong. Her statement hadn't changed anything.

Good thing I have a backup plan. "Guess I'm going to sue the shit out of the school, then."

"Huh?" Milluki gaped at her.

"I want Bizeff gone," said Palm. "And I don't care how hopeless it looks. Cheadle offered. I probably can't win a criminal case because too much time has passed but I can win a civil one. And you—your hacking—it can help. And I want Tserriednich expelled. Morena said she could help."

Milluki chewed his lip. "But that could be risky for you."

"You can sit; the couch won't eat you." Palm gestured and then flopped into an armchair.

"Well, you're so much braver than I thought," commented Milluki.

"Huh?"

"You really wanna go through that? The statement, but now this too?"

"No," said Palm. "But I will." She thought of Morena and wondered how much the girl knew.

Milluki let out his breath. "That's brave."

Palm didn't know what to say. She wasn't used to compliments. Usually people were just annoyed with her.

"Illumi said he wants to get custody of our younger siblings," said Milluki. "Kil, Kalluto, and Alluka too."

Palm snorted. "Good luck."

"He asked me to testify."

"Will you?"

Milluki hesitated. "He's annoying, but he wasn't ever—he only did what our parents wanted. I remember Dad pouring coffee down his throat. One time Dad thought I was eating too much and then laced all my food with laxatives. It wasn't funny."

"It doesn't sound funny," said Palm. "It sounds cruel."

"And then Mom took care of me and Dad yelled at her saying I was going to be too soft. But it didn't matter, because no matter how hard I worked, it'd never be the same as Killua. Everyone said it. Illu-nii and I are too much like our mother with no capacity for kindness or for the strength a Zoldyck needs. We've got her trash blood, but she at least was kind to me. She never was to Illumi. She said it was okay not to work as hard, to gain weight as long as I could do what I needed to do. One time I got Alluka to help me hack a new computer and Dad yelled at me not for the computer but because I talked to Alluka, but she was a cute kid up until the time she decided to stab one of the butlers, but that was because the butler hit Killua." Milluki stopped. "But you probably don't want to hear all that."

"You helped me," said Palm. And he was turning to her. No one else did. "I'll hear it, because I know it, too. No one thought you were special. No one noticed you. You'd do anything, but you couldn't earn it." So you gave up.

I kept trying, trying too hard.

Why is it so hard?

Milluki stared at the oriental carpet on the floor. "I guess."

"If you testify," said Palm. "I'll go with you."

He blinked. "I'll—if I say I hacked to help you, I might end up in jail. I don't trust Morena; she seems shady."

Palm cocked her head.

"Okay, probably not, given the circumstances, but still."

"Up to you," said Palm, heart hammering in her throat. "Do you want to please your parents or not?" Or—

Or—

Me?

"You know none of what they did to you was your fault," she said.

"Same to you." Milluki's face reddened.

"You also know Killua feels the same way," said Palm. "He said it somewhat, and he didn't need to, not really. He wanted someone to help him and no one heard. Alluka acted out hoping someone would help her, would love her, and they didn't. Kalluto—"

"Are you a psych major?"

"No."

"You should be." Milluki laughed. "I wasn't very nice to Kil. I kinda took it out on him."

"Tell him, not me."

He scowled. "If you were to bring it up, it might help."

"Huh?"

"That's not why I came here, but I'm starting to think it's true. Ask him what he thinks about Illumi getting custody. He's gonna turn eighteen soon anyways so it's more about Alluka than anyone else, maybe Kalluto since they seem to be getting along now too, anyways. If Illumi or I ask him he might still—he'd tell me off to stick it to me and to Illumi I don't know what he'd do because—"

Because you're his brothers. And he still loves you.

Palm remembered Komugi teasing Meruem, how he used to be so surly, or so the rumors went. How every time she criticized herself, or said she wasn't enough, or implied she was a burden, he proved otherwise.

You're not a burden, Milluki.

I don't have to be, either.

I'm not. No person is. She felt like she was waking up, breathing again. "Okay."

"Really?" His eyes widened.

She nodded.

"I'll help you," he said. "I'll use my hacking. I don't care."

She texted Melody and took an uber to Mito Freecss' house. Alluka let out a shriek and launched herself at Palm, hugging her, and Palm squeezed her back. She honestly wondered if Alluka truly was insane, or if she'd just snapped. No matter.

"Kurapika texted us," Gon said when she entered the house to find Killua and Gon bickering over snacks. "He told us about Chrollo."

"Sucks," Palm said, dropping down onto a couch cushion that was on the floor. "I had a visit from your brother, Killua."

"Kalluto?" exclaimed Alluka. "He was texting me—"

"No, Milluki."

"He left his dorm room?" Killua exchanged a glance with Gon.

"He liiiiiiikes you," sang Gon.

Palm threw a cracker at him. "He told me Illumi wants to fight for custody of you and Alluka, and Kalluto obviously though he pretty much already has it. But Illumi doesn't know if you would want that, or if you'd rather stay here."

Killua's eyes bugged. "What?"

"You know he contacted Cheadle about testifying against your parents. Milluki said he's going to do that, too." Palm tugged at the ends of her hair. She thought of Illumi, hiding himself, growing his hair to be like his dad, trying to be emotionless yet still controlling all because he wanted, he so wanted, someone to love him. He lashed out against anyone he saw cutting off his happy ending because if he couldn't be loved, he could at least be with someone.

You hurt him, though.

Did I hurt Professor Knov? Did I scare him?

She still had a class with him. He was her advisor. But…

I think I want to be a psych student. And then law school. She smiled.

"I thought he was happy in the house he was in now," said Killua carefully.

"He is," said Palm. "From what Kurapika says. Anyways, he might not even bring it up to you. He's scared."

"He should be," muttered Gon.

"Can I think about it?" Killua requested. He glanced at Alluka.

"If Illumi doesn't hate me anymore," said Alluka. "Then that's okay."

Killua gulped. His eyes filled.


Kurapika was sitting in Russian Literature, waiting for class to end in five minutes, when the door opened. Security? He stiffened. Were they here for him, because he was still dating Chrollo?

"May I help you?" Professor Hill asked pleasantly. He was definitely grading Kurapika harsher than he had before now. Kurapika was guessing Chrollo insulted him in the meeting but couldn't recall exactly what he said when Kurapika asked. No matter. He was good enough to pass this damn class.

"Bet your boyfriend couldn't stay out of trouble," Tserriednich whispered. He leered at Kurapika. "Nice hickey, by the way."

Kurapika reached up to cover his neck, and then decided he didn't care. He glowered at Tserriednich. You didn't win. Not in everything.

"So much for that project you did espousing justice," Tserriednich teased as Biscuit Kruger, the guard, conferred with Professor Hill. Tserriednich clapped his hand on Kurapika's shoulder.

"Touch me again and I'll break your nose for the third time this semester," Kurapika snapped, jerking away.

It's true, I don't know what justice is. I'm not sure it exists.

But I want to find out.

"Well," said Professor Hill. "Tserriednich Hui Guo Rou, these officers are here to escort you off campus."

What? Kurapika's eyes bulged. He turned in his seat.

A laugh froze on Tserriednich's face. "Excuse me?"

"You have accusations against you of a serious nature, and there's enough evidence that we've been instructed to remove you from campus immediately."

No way. Kurapika gaped. His fingers were already fumbling for his phone, to text Chrollo.

"What accusations?" Tserriednich demanded. "Do you know who my father is? Call him!"

"We have. He didn't answer." Biscuit marched over, grabbing Tserriednich by the shoulder. "Get up."

He jerked away. "Don't touch me! You can't do this!"

"Do you hear that sound?" asked Shaiapouf. "That's the world's tiniest violin, playing just for you."

"Bye bitch," added Pitou.

"I most certainly can," Biscuit said. "Don't try me, kid. Get moving."

Tserriednich tried to shove her, and that was when Biscuit grabbed him by the waist, flipped him over a desk, and sent him crashing to the floor as she straddled his back and lashed handcuffs around his wrists. Kurapika scrambled to his feet. Pitou filmed.

"Holy shit," breathed Pouf.

Chaos erupted as Biscuit dragged a screaming, kicking Tserriednich out of the classroom. Vergei, another security guard, helped. Kurapika charged after them, still in shock.

This is real? This is really happening? This is happening.

Justice.

Flickers of it. Moments, however unjust most of the world was. They kept him moving forward.

The world isn't destined to become just, but I'll do my best to move it in that direction, however I can. And when I'm tired, I can rest.

He watched as another pair of security guards escorted Bizeff off campus as well. Kurapika pressed the back of his hand against his mouth.

And across the quad he spotted three figures. Palm Siberia, her hair long and flowing in the breeze, Milluki Zoldyck next to her, and a girl with two scars on her face, all watching.

He couldn't want to see Chrollo and Oito. He broke into a run, racing off campus. Chrollo was waiting down the street, halfway to campus. Kurapika threw his arms around him.

"Excited much?" Chrollo grunted.

"Pitou filmed it and it was amazing," Kurapika responded. But it's more than that.

There's hope. For mercy, and for justice.

"Oh look," commented Chrollo. "Is he being driven somewhere right now? That's a school security car; I recognize it."

Kurapika squinted. "Probably."

"Well then," said Chrollo. "How petty are you feeling?"

Kurapika smirked up at him. "Very."

Kurapika never saw whether or not Tserriednich was in the car, because he and Chrollo were too preoccupied making out on the side of the road.


The meeting would be tense. Illumi knew it, and still, he had to try.

"You can try," Killua said. "Alluka says it's okay."

And so he was ready. Cheadle and Mizaistom were determined to help him. Illumi tied his hair in a ponytail , adjusting his suit jacket. He chugged his third cup of coffee, and it wasn't even seven in the morning.

"I'm coming with you," Hisoka said, with his hair down and no makeup marring his cheeks. He looked almost normal.

Illumi scowled. He wanted to tell Hisoka he didn't need him. Because he didn't. But… it'd be nice.

They were meeting in his grandfather's office. Illumi clenched his fists as Hisoka drove them over, Milluki and Kalluto bickering in the backseat. Mizaistom met them there, Killua and Alluka with Gon and Mito Freecss.

Illumi swallowed when he saw them. He wasn't sure what the appropriate behavior was. Hug them? Nod and leave it to them? I don't know how to do this.

Alluka regarded him with a sad look in her eyes even as Kalluto hugged her. Killua waved at him. "Hi, Aniki."

"Hi." Illumi exhaled.

They wound up in a small, windowless board room. Across the table sat his father, mother, and grandfather. Fear sparked in Illumi's throat. He touched it, as if to reassure himself it wasn't burning.

"So," said Grandpa as everyone settled down. "Shall we begin?"

Illumi studied the pristine table, made of pure cherry wood. He ran his fingers along the edges and found it rough, but smoothed with finish.

"Yes," said Mizaistom. "We have a simply proposition. Sign over custody to your son Illumi, and we won't have to take the case to a judge."

Mom scoffed. "As if we would—"

"Or else both of your oldest sons, and your youngest son, have prepared sworn affidavits not only corroborating the allegations Alluka and Killua have made, but detailing their own experiences of abuse."

Kalluto doubled over, crying into his hands. Alluka hesitated, as if not sure he would want her to comfort him. Killua reached out, holding Kalluto's shoulder. Illumi's throat ached.

"Illumi, no!" shrieked Kikyo. "You—"

"Me, too," Milluki snapped. "I exist. Hello."

"You disappoint me," said Dad, lasering Illumi with his gaze, the eyes so small like Milluki's and blue and almond like Killua's. There wasn't a single trace of him in Illumi. "All this to get Killua to love you, is it? Backing up his ludicrous claims—"

"It's not a lie," Illumi forced himself to say, devoid of emotion. "It's the truth."

"And why would they sign it over?" said Grandpa. "We can still—"

"I'll let you see Kalluto and Killua if they want to see you," said Illumi. "I won't let you see Alluka either way, and you can't see them without me present." This was part of the deal he and Mizaistom went over.

"You were just as—"

Illumi glanced over to Mizaistom in desperation. Hisoka narrowed his eyes.

"He's a college student," burst out Mom. "How could he—"

"I can graduate next semester," said Illumi. "Early. I have enough credits, and I have money saved up from my internships and live in a house where my situation is stable."

"With all those other—"

"The attic is being renovated as we speak. Killua and Kalluto can move in there, and a room is opening up on the girl's floor for Alluka." Since Machi was moving into Feitan's room, and Oito into Phinks's. "Other children already live there."

"If this goes to court," said Mizaistom. "The odds are not in your favor, and you'll likely be barred from seeing your children at all. Ever. This is really the best option you have."

"What statements are they preparing?" asked Zeno.

"You poured coffee down your son's throat," said Mizaistom. "Boiling coffee. You—"

"Huh?" Killua gaped at Illumi. He couldn't meet Killua's eyes.

"It wasn't that hot."

"I couldn't eat solid food for days," said Illumi. "My throat bled."

"And you still gave me coffee afterwards?" Killua managed. "You snuck it for me anyways—you—"

Illumi stiffened.

"See," said Hisoka, trying to be helpful. "You never owned your children. They've never been yours."

"So you feel like Killua owes you?" Dad demanded. "You've always been controlling, Illumi, desperate and narcissistic and lonely and unstable. That's why we passed you over as a future CEO—you simply didn't have the ability to think outside the box—"

His words reverberated in Illumi's mind. It's not true, is it? It wasn't. It wasn't. It was. He shrunk.

"Oh, shut the fuck up," said Hisoka.

"You—"

"Shut the fuck up!" Killua shouted. "You—you are—this is exactly what you did to Alluka, too! You keep telling her she's too this or too that and not enough and you just—" He balled his fists. "I will never see you again if I can help it! But Kalluto still—he loves you even if he's scared and he—if you—push this to trial, I will hate you until the day I die!"

"Please don't push this to court," Illumi managed. "I don't care if you sign custody to me or to Mito Freecss, but one of us needs to—"

"What about you?" Milluki demanded, looking at Grandpa. "What about you?"

"Silva," said Grandpa, eyes focusing on Illumi. "Kikyo. It's a good deal. We won't win in court."

"We will if you—"

"I can't win this case. Don't fight when you can't win, remember—"

"We can point out that he did the same—"

Illumi bowed his head. I can win this. I have to win this. "I haven't been a good brother, that's true." His voice shook. "But I will be. I will be. I don't care what I have to cop to or do. I won't be what you wanted me to be, and I will not let you hurt them again. Not Alluka, not Kalluto, not Killua, not Milluki, and not me."

Gon smirked. Grandpa almost smiled.

"You just want control," Mom said. "You—"

"I want to get to know them," Illumi shot back, getting to his feet. "I want them to—I don't even know them, you know? I don't even know any of them. I've only just been getting to know Kalluto." I want to know Killua, Alluka, Milluki. He glanced at Mito Freecss, at Gon, at Hisoka. "And I want people to hold me accountable for that, too. I'll get counseling. I don't want to control them anymore."

Please, I don't want to be too broken.

I might be.

He felt arms around his waist and glanced down.

Alluka?

"I want to get to know you, too," she said.


"And so they signed over custody," Hisoka finished. "Not without threats, of course." He put his feet up on Netero's desk, knowing it would irk the president and finding that exhilarating.

"Zeno told me," Netero confirmed.

"You must have had a busy week, considering Tserriednich is up for expulsion and Bizeff has been placed on leave," commented Hisoka. "Sounds rough. But is it much harder or easier to do something right, or is it just the same energy as ever, just a new experience? Does it feel any better? See, I seldom do the right thing, so I wouldn't know, but helping Illumi really does feel nice."

Netero arched his eyebrows.

"Some things can work out," Hisoka said. "And some don't, but you keep trying regardless. Win some, lose some."

"A good philosophy."

"Great," said Hisoka. "So I can leave, because I'm wasting my time here. My grades are good enough and I know it so really I'm doing you a favor by showing up today. And I also wanted to tell you that your university is trash run by scum and I really hope Palm Siberia wins her lawsuit and takes you assholes down. Also the way shit is going she'll probably be living with us next year, too." Since he and Illumi would probably share their room, freeing up a space for Milluki and Palm, even though neither of them appeared to realize they were dating just yet. But they were. Hisoka could tell.

"You clearly haven't learned propriety," said Netero.

"That's why you like me." Hisoka winked, getting to his feet.

Netero sighed.

"If you're worried, I'm determined to get a 4.0 my final semester," Hisoka added. "Farewell."

Netero let him go. He had to know he was on Hisoka's shit list after what he did to Chrollo. Hisoka sauntered off campus, heading back to that stupid house.

Illumi waved from where he studied for an exam. "Milluki took Kalluto to see Mom today."

"How'd that go?"

"Dad gave him an earful about Palm, and Milluki said he didn't care."

"Wild. Really pushing the limits, that one." Hisoka dropped down next to Illumi.

Illumi scowled.

"You look cute like that."

"You're about to look stupid when I break your nose."

"Now why would you do that?"

"Because you're annoying me."

A clatter echoed outside, and chatter. Kalluto stuck his head into the room. Killua and Alluka stood behind him, visible through the open door. A smile crossed Illumi's face. Even cuter. "We're going to get coffee with Gon. Want one?"

"You are too young to drink coffee," Illumi said instantly.

"Bullshit."

"And to swear!"

The three of them ran down the stairs. Illumi groaned. He turned to Hisoka, saw him laughing, and whacked him across the head with a pillow.

"My hair!" Hisoka protested.

Illumi glowered. "How did your meeting with Netero go?"

"Fine." Hisoka leaned back on his elbows. "I have no respect for the man."

"So, nothing's changed," said Illumi.

"Not true." Hisoka tilted his head up to Illumi. I respect you.

Illumi smiled.

The door to Chrollo's room opened, and Kurapika emerged with the man, both of them flushed. Hisoka crossed his arms. "Well, well."

Kurapika rolled his eyes.

"You sure are quiet," Hisoka continued.

"I'll shut him up," Illumi offered. "He's in a good mood."

Chrollo shook his head. "I presume you're keeping your scholarship?"

"For one more semester, until I graduate," Hisoka confirmed. He examined a nail. It was chipped. Shit.

"I'm glad," Chrollo said. "Even if you drive me insane."

Downstairs, Hisoka could hear Machi laughing with Oito. He sighed. So Chrollo had finally realized that this house worked because of the people inside it. And the opportunities they'd give Hisoka for mischief were only increasing.

Well, limited mischief. He didn't want to push Illumi. Or make more enemies. There were other kids around now, too, to help with pranks. And if Kurapika moved in next year he could be fun to tease.

How strange, though, to think Chrollo wanted him here now, too. Hisoka wasn't used to anyone wanting more of him than what he could give them for a night. And now Illumi, and he was starting to wonder if others did care. He'd never even thought that was possible before. "Hey Illumi, do you want to fuck?"

"Yes," said Illumi, and he shut the door on Chrollo and Kurapika. Hisoka could hear them arguing over literature as they made their away down the stairs.

Teach me. Teach me how to care.

You care so much, too much.

I'll show you how to care for yourself, and you show me how to care for others. Deal?

"I didn't really want to," said Hisoka. "I mean, we could. I don't really care. I just wanted to be alone with you."