Seven

Devil's Dance

Kikyo only knew one way to drown out her irritation. She gulped down her umpteenth glass of wine, shivering as the bitterness swirled around in her chest and landed in her stomach.

The conversations around the room drowned out as the familiarity of the poison began to consume her body. She knew that Killua would not be pleased with the announcement of his engagement, but she expected him to at least hold himself in the esteemed pride the way a Zoldyk would. Instead he had thrown a childish tantrum, storming out to the balcony with that boy.

She gritted her teeth in frustration, massaging her temple at the remembrance of it all. Silver white hair blocked her vision as her husband knelt in front of her. She gripped her knee, forcing her eyes to hazily follow his. Silva scrunched his nose at the intoxicating fumes that radiated from his wife's body.

"Kikyo, darling, how much have you had to drink?"

Kikyo chuckled, setting her glass down on the armrest of the chair and throwing her arms around his neck. She leaned in closer, adamant on corrupting Silva's sobriety with her tongue. Silva leaned back to escape the fumes, eyes darting around to see if her escapades had enticed an audience.

"Kikyo—"

"Sssh, my love." She placed a finger to his lips, cutting off the words that she didn't want to hear. "I don't want to talk right now about things like that."

"Kikyo, you wouldn't want to cause a scene."

"You mean other than the one that your son caused?" She released the grip on his neck and sat back in the chair, lips pursing with an attitude. "Honestly Silva, what is he thinking?"

"You knew the risks of springing something like that on him, Kikyo. I went along with it at your persistence, but you can't honestly tell me that you believed Killua would react any differently. He's always been his own person."

Kikyo narrowed her eyes at Silva's audacity. They had always been a team with a common goal: the success and legacy of the Zoldyk name. Illumi had more than done his part, and even if he had questionable actions, Kikyo knew that her beloved son only thought about what was best for the family. Milluki did just enough to gain the contentment of his parents, but Kikyo never saw him as anything more than a computer whiz that ate her out of house and home. The prized jewel, the one that she knew would wear his name with pride, had let her down in more ways than one. But she refused to release her iron grip around his shoulders, even if her weight caused him to deteriorate under her grasp.

She knew that Killua had a streak of rebellion, and she tried to quiet it by giving into his silly demand of attending a slum school so far away from home. Wasn't that enough?

Clearly Silva did not think so.

Then again, he had always had a soft spot for his doppelganger. She saw the way that his eyes beamed when she handed him his newborn son. His fingers had brushed through his soft silver tendrils, kissing the top of his forehead in appreciation. Kikyo knew that her genetics were strong; the obvious proof in her other children. Silva adored the fact that he had left his mark in the world in the magnificence of Killua. That notion had clouded his judgement in raising him for the past eighteen years, and Kikyo had hoped that he would snap out of his delusion sooner than later. Yet, here they sat, she in a concealed uproar and he in defense of her headache.

"Your excusing of his behavior," she slurred, motioning a butler for another drink, "will be his downfall, Silva."

"And it is your mockery of his free will," he shooed the butler away, "that will be yours."

Killua led Gon to the locked doors of the basement, mentally applauding himself for sneaking past the crowd unnoticed.

He stopped in front of the doors, placing a hand on the knob and sighing. He turned his head slightly, feeling honey eyes burning into the back of his neck.

"Gon," he dropped his hand, turning around to face him directly, "when we enter here, I know you will have a lot of questions for me. I will tell you right now that I can't answer them."

Gon raised an eyebrow at Killua's words. "O…kay. What is it exactly that you're showing me, Killua?"

Killua turned around in silence, fiddling in his pocket for the key. As the lock turned, Killua felt the acidity in his stomach swirl around like a tornado. He would let Gon discover the answer for himself.

Alluka sat in the far corner of the room, coloring in the book that Killua had gifted her. Her tongue stuck out in the corner of her mouth in concentration, making Killua chuckle at her resemblance of Gon. Her long hair sprawled over her arms, covering her like a second skin. She didn't notice the two occupants in the room as she scribbled away at the paper in a ribbon of colors.

"Alluka."

She turned swiftly around as she was broken from her trance, her blue eyes warm with recognition.

"Big Brother!"

She all but threw herself into Killua's arms, fitting perfectly into his mold. Killua squeezed her gently, letting her sweet smell infiltrate his nostrils. He released his grasp slightly, allowing her to get a view of Gon who stood close with curiosity.

"Who is this, Big Brother?"

Killua smiled down at her, releasing her fully from his encirclement. He stood to Gon's side, allowing her to get a full view of his brilliance.

"Do you remember the friend I told you about, Alluka?"

Alluka's face puzzled over their previous conversation as she tugged on her memory strands. Her face twisted into realization as she studied the teen.

"Big Brother!" Her mouth opened wide with happiness as she inched closer towards Gon. "You kept your promise!"

"I did." Killua shoved his hands in his pocket as he watched his sister familiarize herself with Gon. It was the equivalent of watching stars collide. "Now I believe you two should be properly introduced. Gon, this is my little sister Alluka. Alluka, this is my….good friend Gon." Killua struggled with the title to give Gon, his mind mingling over the memory of the recent kiss. The thought caused a pang of anxiety to surge through his spine, but he shook it off for something he could bathe in while he slept. It still bothered him that he had so daringly intruded Gon's mouth, and he hadn't come to terms if he fully regretted the action or not.

Gon extended his hand towards Alluka, flashing the dazzling smile that Killua had painted so many times in the memory of his mind. Alluka ignored the gesture, instead slamming into his chest with all of her weight. Gon did not budge as he wrapped his muscular arms around her small frame. They both appeared to be so comfortable in their meeting as if it was destined for them to. Killua could not swallow down the pride at the picturesque duo in front of him.

"Killua, I didn't know you had a sister."

Killua's smile dissipated at once, a regretful frown replacing the curve of his mouth. He parted his lips to reply, but Alluka interrupted before his words stole the silence.

"Big Brother doesn't like to spoil surprises. He promised me that I would have a chance to meet the friend that makes him smile. I can tell you're very special to him!"

Gon's eyes darted directly to Killua, swimming with an emotion that Killua couldn't call. Cherry stained his tanned cheeks, his mouth parted in a small circle.

"Oh!" Alluka released herself from his embrace and danced over to the table she was sitting at earlier. She picked up one of her crayons and compared it to the color in Gon's cheek. "Gon, I could color my picture with your face!"

Killua and Gon chuckled nervously, both feeling the heat rise in their cheeks. "Well I'm glad that he kept the promise after all, Alluka. I really like your bedroom; did you draw all of these yourself?" Gon pointed to the wall that was plastered with her artwork throughout the years, several pictures depicting a childlike version of herself and Killua. Gon noticed the absence of any of the other Zoldyk family members, although he thought he saw a tiny Kikyo under a gray cloud. Killua was right: Gon had several questions in regards to the strange keeping of his sister, and why Killua had never mentioned he had a sister in the first place.

He knew his questions would not get answered, per the warning of Killua, so he swallowed down the confusion and focused on meeting the tiny human in front of him. But the remains of the unknown washed over his tongue like a thick liquid.

"Big Brother helped me with a lot of them over the years. He taught me to draw when I was smaller, but he always told me to keep it a secret. Mother doesn't approve of things like that. But I guess it doesn't matter much anymore what she approves of for me since I'm down here."

Killua coughed aggressively, forcing Alluka to look at him with a bashful face. She was as much aware as he that Gon shouldn't even be down here, and her very identity was one that was supposed to be under wraps. She couldn't stomach getting Killua into any sort of trouble and ruin the only chances of contact she received.

"Well between me and you," Gon bent down close to Alluka and covered his palm over the side of his face to impose a secret, "I think you're the better artist. You could teach him a thing or two."

Alluka giggled, her voice melting through Killua's anxiety. He chuckled in response before lightly patting Gon on the back.

"You say that now Freecs, but I'm sure you'll be asking me for tips in class very soon."

Gon placed his hand on the back of his head and stuck his tongue out in retaliation. Alluka surveyed the two, understanding the bond that brew between them. She was glad to see Killua happy in no regards to her, a consequence of her guilt.

"Say Gon," she reached out and grabbed his hand, tugging him over to the couch that she lay on, "do you want to play a game with me?"

Gon allowed himself to be pulled in her direction, impressed with the whimsical creature. Alluka had an aura of magic that drew him in, and he was convinced that Killua had a damn good reason for not sharing her light with the world. "Sure. What kind of game?"

"It's called three favors." She put three fingers in the air to emphasize her words and pulled them down on the cushions to face each other. "I start off by giving you a command to do something, and if you do it you get to give me a command. If you can't do the command, then I get to command another one. The first person to get three failures is the loser."

Gon placed a finger on his chin in regards to the odd contest. Killua gulped.

"Alluka—"

"What does the winner get?" Gon interrupted Killua , "Do you just play this game for fun?"

"Gon I don't think this is such a good ide-"

"It's fun to see how far you're willing to go. And the winner gets a favor. So if you win, whatever you ask me to do I have to do it. Big Brother and I used to play this game all of the time."

"Alluka I really don't know if-"

"Okay, I'm game."

Killua felt as if someone threw a brick in his face, his forehead becoming increasingly hot. Alluka thought nothing of this childhood game they would play to pass the time, but Killua understood the trigger. And Gon, unbeknownst to him, was slowly providing the bullets.

"Alluka, I don't think that this is an appropriate game to play right now."

Alluka pouted, her blue eyes widening with disappointment. "But why Big Brother? Gon said he was alright to play."

"You know why, Alluka." Killua attempted to smooth his voice so as to not alarm her, but the panic slivered through like a snake. Alluka dropped her head in compliance, sadness taking over.

"Kay, Killua. We won't play."

Killua took in a shallow breath at her phrase, instantly recognizing what just happened. She called me Killua. That only means that-

"Are you alright, Alluka?" Gon's voice deepened with concern, his hand reaching over to touch hers. She shied away, her face still pointed down towards the cushions. She shook her head but stayed silent. Killua inhaled slowly, allowing the oxygen to calm him down to diffuse the situation. He stepped over to his sister and gently ran his hand down through her hair.

"Please don't be sad. You know that I love you too."

Her shoulders rose and fell to the tune of an unheard melody, but she didn't move from her position. Gon looked back and forth between the two, unanswered questions staining his tongue. Killua looked at him sadly, his eyes implying that there were many things that he couldn't say.

"Okay? Please don't be upset. I promise that we'll all be able to play together soon, but tonight wouldn't be a good night. I don't want to see you sad."

She sighed and wiped her nose. "Kay, Killua. Only if you promise."

"I do."

"I want to go to sleep Killua. I'm tired."

"I understand." Killua bent down and hugged her stiff body to his frame. Guilt washed over him, but he knew that this wasn't the best time to do exactly what she wanted to do. He kissed the side of her forehead, letting her use him as a pillow. "You can go to sleep, I'll be right here until you do. Please don't be mad at me. You'll get the chance to play with Gon too."

"Kay." She took another deep breath and relaxed in his arms, her head drooping to one side. Killua held her for a bit longer until he felt her entire body relax, a light snore escaping her mouth. He placed her down on the cushion and put a blanket on top of her. He was so worried about the game unraveling her threads that he hadn't guessed that he would be the one pulling the string.

He motioned for Gon to follow him back upstairs, his hands jamming in his pockets for the safe haven of his marble.

Illumi was becoming more and more uninterested in this party as the night dragged on.

Rozlyn had not left his side, perhaps in the wondering of where her betrothed had disappeared to. Illumi noticed the scraps of napkin that littered her lap like insects, a sign of her discomfort. He couldn't fully blame Killua for not being delighted at the news; Rozlyn seemed to be a bore. In the mere moments that he had spent with the red head, she had barely spoken more than a few words to him and he was ready to toss her to the side and find his brother. But he had promised his mother that he would be on his best behavior tonight, regardless of how Killua would accept the news.

Kikyo was once again gliding through the guests in her drunken demeanor, forcing Silva to follow behind her and make sure she didn't fall on her face. Milluki had broken his resolve and was currently stuffing his face with his third slice of cake. Illumi scoffed at the chocolate residue that lingered in the corners of his mouth, wondering how he could manage to disgrace himself so. Either way, Milluki was behaving in a much more mature way than Killua, and Illumi was….disappointed….for a lack of better words.

"Do you think he's going to come back?"

Illumi glanced over at Rozlyn, who was still fumbling with the mess of paper in her hands. He sighed and removed it, wincing at the dampness left behind by her nerves.

"He has no choice, darling. He knows better than to leave an event as important as this."

She glanced over at him, a glimmer of hope painting her irises. Illumi was disgusted at her desperation, a visual reminder that money could buy anything if given the right price.

"What if he doesn't like me, Illumi? He didn't look too happy when you made the announcement." She sat back in her chair and dropped her shoulders, creating an unflattering ensemble to an otherwise beautiful sculpture. Illumi gestured for her to sit up straight again, demonstrating by setting his own spine in resemblance to a needle.

"His happiness is not my concern. What is my concern is that he continues on the legacy that my father and grandfather left behind. As I said earlier, he has no other choice."

"But-"

"The only thing you need to concern yourself with," he turned around in his chair to face her directly, his threat coloring a darkened hue on his porcelain skin, "is to make sure that you do whatever it takes to give him an heir before he turns 21. I believe that is the time that your inheritance will expire, yes?"

She nodded her head slowly, disturbed that she was being seen as nothing more than a monetary gain. She remembered the first time that she had laid eyes on the silver haired fox when she was sixteen, and the proposition that Kikyo and her father had made was one that she saw too good to pass up. Killua's reaction, however, told her that her excitement was one sided, and Rozlyn wondered if she could ever hold the piece to the puzzle of the Zoldyk family.

"If he doesn't want you, I could marry you, I suppose. But I should warn you, I have no interest when it comes to love and relationships, rather I have no idea how they work. So it may perhaps be in your best interest to try to get my brother to understand, as he is more sensitive than I. Once you bore my son, I woudn't see much purpose for you afterwards."

Rozlyn's eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth agape. Illumi seemed so charming whenever she encountered him in prior conversations, but at this closeness, he made her timid. She focused her eyes at the floor, trying to scramble around the thoughts that collided in her head. But they jumbled together in a helix, and she decided it was best to not retaliate with Illumi.

Illumi scanned the room again, trying to see if his brother was finished with his tantrum. He spotted Killua reenter the room from the far left chambers, and Illumi felt heat circulate in his chest. There would only be one reason for Killua to be in that corridor of their home.

"You stay here," he got out of his seat and fixed his tuxedo, his breathing becoming more rapid, "If I have to come and find you….well let's just say that you wouldn't like that very much, darling." He stepped down from the elevated floor, ceasing his walking to curve his neck back towards Rozlyn. "When I return, I shall have your fiancé in my company."

He floated through the drunken guests, ignoring their requests of small chatter. His tunnel vision haloed around Killua, and his friend that replaced his shadow.

"Kil," Illumi's voice was an unrecognizable depth of threat, and Killua stammered back at his overbearing presence. He regained his posture, the familiar look of repulsion pooling his face.

"Get away from me Illumi."

"Now, is that anyway to speak to your brother, Kil?" Illumi wasted no time in sizing up the bronzed brute following his brother, taking in his cheap threads and his awkward demeanor. "Why did you decide to come here tonight?"

Gon looked at Killua and Illumi, his response lodged in the center of his throat. Killua may have had the resolve to stand up to his brother, but Gon's knees buckled under Illumi's weight.

"I invited him to come, not that it's any concern of yours."

"That disappoints me so very much, Kil. I would think you would have the decency, no, the common sense to know how much of a bad idea that was." Illumi's eyes lingered over to the corridor that Killua and Gon came through, his eyes narrowing in disapproval. "You seem to be making several bad decisions tonight, little brother. Why on earth would you take him to see that thing downstairs?"

Killua's eyes reacted past his judgement, a deadly irritation seeping through. Gon felt as if Illumi had electrocuted him, stunning him in his place. He looked down to see Killua's fists gripping tightly, a light color of red staining his palm.

"Are you referring to your sister?!" Gon spoke the words before he could digest them, his disbelief outweighing his courtesy. "There's no way you could be that cruel to call your own sister a thing."

"Kil," Illumi pointed a long finger towards Gon, his eyes locked on Killua's, "the next time your friend speaks to me without my consent, he won't like the outcome. You of all people know what I am capable of."

His words shot through Killua's chest, each syllable branding a bullet in his flesh. Killua stepped dangerously close to him, wrapping his hand around Illumi's wrist tightly. Illumi stared at the white flesh that circled his own, half impressed at his brother's growth in strength. He met Killua's eyes again, soaking in the cold ice that replaced his irises.

"If you ever lay a finger on him, Illumi, then you will see what I'm capable of."

Illumi gazed into the depth of Killua's danger and saw it was no idle threat. A sinister smile corrupted the corners of his mouth, realization swimming through.

"Aaah, now I see. Well, that explains the lack of concern for your fiancé. She is rather lonely over there, Kil."

"She is not my fiancé, you bastard. You and mother can go to hell for all I care, but if you think that I would marry her because you announced it to a bunch of drunken snobs, then you can go fuck yourself."

"Ouch, such language Kil. It's very unbefitting of a Zoldyk to be so crude. Either way, you have no choice but to marry her, especially now that I know your little secret."

"My little secret?"

Illumi's eyes dazzled over to Gon, who mirrored that murderous face that Killua wore. He looked at him up at down before redirecting his eyes back to Killua. "He is a handsome boy, I can see why you took such a keen interest in him. You've never been one for friends, Kil. I remember a time when you refused to make any friends at all, in fear of what they would uncover when they would get to know you. Does this one know you very well yet?"

Killua's eyes widened, fully settling on Illumi's unspoken threat. Illumi chuckled in victory, knowing that Killua was back in the position that he had planned for him.

"There's a good boy. You know, it's funny how you always try to throw me under the bus for what I did, when I was only helping. Can you say the same, Kil? I believe we have both danced with the Devil a few times."

"Shut up, Illumi." Killua gritted his teeth, chewing away the words that wanted to escape his oral prison. "You could never compare what you and I have done."

"Oh? I believe either way, the result would have been the same, don't you think?"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP, ILLUMI!"

Killua's reaction quieted the room behind them, and Illumi shifted at the attention focused on them. Gon looked shocked, knowing there was something that he just wasn't getting. He placed a palm on Killua's shoulder in an attempt to calm him, and Killua placed his palm on top of his in recognition. Illumi looked on in anger, the obvious side his brother had chosen.

"Master Illumi, Master Killua." Gotoh appeared seemingly out of nowhere, his presence lifting the black cloud that lingered over the three. "Is everything all right?"

"No." Killua spoke almost immediately, his eyes targeting the black holes of Illumi's face. "And it won't be until Illumi is gone. Gotoh, please remove him from this property."

"Master Killua," Gotoh's voice was a plea, both in understanding and confusion, "you know that I cannot do that."

"If he isn't gone from this house in the next five minutes," Killua threatened, "then I will take the stage again, and I will tell everyone here what kind of god Illumi is."

"Kil," Illumi felt the darkness dance in his chest again and he tried to labor his breathing to avoid a bigger confrontation than the one that they had already caused, "not only are you not thinking rationally, but that would also mean exposing your own demons."

"I don't care. I need you gone right now, Illumi. I don't trust what would happen if I left and you stayed."

"Master Killua," Gotoh pleaded, leveling his face to Killua's. Gotoh hadn't seen Killua this angry in years, and the last time had proven very unpleasant for the young master. "I cannot remove an occupant from his own home. Not unless-"

"Gotoh."

Silva marched over to them, his presence exuding the velocity of his power. His face was hardened like cement, his blue eyes casting his verdict before his mouth could recite the words. "Please escort Illumi to his car. I believe everyone could use a bit of fresh air."

If betrayal had a taste, Illumi would compare it to the acidity of a fresh lemon. His tongue coiled over in the bitter aftertaste as he pushed it around his teeth. Looking into his father's eyes, he could see that he was not bluffing, the look reminiscent of Killua's only moments prior. Silva placed a hand on Illumi's shoulder, trying to let his fingers convey his message.

"Illumi, son, people are beginning to talk about what is going on over here. And it wouldn't be in the best interest if Killua were to leave with Rozlyn still in attendance." He brought out his wallet, handing Illumi one of his finer credit cards. "Go enjoy a night out son, on me."

"Father," Illumi's acidity curled out of his mouth and scorched a hole into Silva's face. Silva closed his eyes to prevent himself from reeling under the harsh undertone of his words. "Are you really doing this?"

"Illumi." Silva's voice no longer was a compromise, his tone barking a command to his eldest soldier. Illumi glared back at Silva for a brief moment before turning his gaze to Killua. He looked at his younger brother in rage, snatching the card and silently taking his exit before his wrath engulfed the Zoldyk estate in flames.

Silva sighed, neither relieved nor defeated by the unfolding events. "Killua, I believe you should escort your friend out as well. Some things should not be handled in front of others." Silva left no room for debate as he exited the area, leaving behind his judgment that gave little relief.

Killua scraped his teeth along his tongue, purposely leaving angry trails over its surface. Not even the light of Gon could illuminate his darkness, for Illumi had driven him so deeply inside of himself that he wasn't sure how to get back.

Gon occasionally glanced over at Killua, his words sticking together until they formed a lump in his throat that he couldn't swallow. Gon had a small indication of why Killua had never mentioned his family before, and although he wanted to ask Killua why, he knew the time wasn't of the essence.

The large gate shadowed in front of them, appearing more menacing due to the disastrous evening. Killua stood in front of it, his hands once again shoved in his pockets, eyes refusing to meet his friends. It had been only an hour ago that they shared an unwarranted kiss, and now Killua was afraid that he would drown Gon in his sea of uncertainty.

"I shouldn't have asked you to come tonight."

Gon glanced over at Killua, feeling the sorrow radiating from his body like an oven. Gon reached out to touch him, but Killua moved slightly so that his hand pushed down air.

"Killua-"

"Please. Don't try to make me feel better, at this point it would only make it worse."

Gon placed his arm back at his side, his heart dropping to his feet. He didn't know the words to give to Killua to alleviate his grief, and it seemed like the teen needed solidarity to completely recompose.

"I understand, Killua. I'll just see you at school tomorrow, okay?"

Killua nodded, his silence only causing the needles in Gon's heart to dive deeper in. Gon instinctively wrapped his body around him, hoping his warmth would speak the words that he chose not to say. Killua's stiff body relaxed slowly under his weight, a sigh dancing in Gon's ear.

"I'm sorry, Gon."

"Mmmnn, don't be. Just like you told me, I'm here for you." Gon's hand stroked Killua's back lightly, causing his body to stiffen again. Gon pulled back from the embrace, his honey irises infusing with electric blue. Killua's face looked so broken, and Gon wanted desperately to be the one to fix it.

Without warning, he pressed his lips to Killua's, this one softer and more electrifying than the first. Killua's lips melted under his own, the sweetness of his skin dancing over Gon's tongue. Gon had told himself that he needed time to dissect whatever was slowly brewing between them, but seeing Killua victimized had made him come to the realization that he wanted to be the stability in his life, even if he was a storm of chaos himself.

Killua pressed his lips back on Gon's hesitantly, his tongue asking for permission to explore the inside of Gon's mouth. Gon graciously accepted, allowing Killua to lead his own pink snake into a waltz. He breathed into his mouth in desperation to dive in deeper, if it were possible, and felt relieved when Killua forced his body closer to his own. The kiss was spinning wildly out of control; hands becoming lost in hair and fingers occasionally caressing body parts. Killua felt the heat rush to his face as he lost himself in the essence of Gon. I wanted this, I needed this.

Gon wanted to sink into Killua until he was nothing more than a wandering soul. Every time their lips touched, he felt awakened, as if he was made to be in this moment at this time. Gon never wrestled with the thought of his sexuality, allowing himself to gravitate to whatever was best for him. While it seemed easy enough, no one had held out a hand to his soul like Killua offered, and even if it scared him shitless, he did not have the energy to fight it any more.

I didn't know I needed this, but I want this.

They pulled back after an eternity of being lost in the act, breathlessly staring at each other. Killua smiled, reaching out to smooth out the strands of Gon's hair. Gon chuckled in response, fixing the silver strands that danced in front of Killua's face.

"You look like a mess, Freecs."

"Yeah, I could say the same to you, Killua."

Killua placed another light kiss on Gon's lips before departing from his embrace. "I don't know what this is, Gon, but I hope I haven't scared you off."

Gon shook his head, nervously placing a palm on the back of his neck. He felt dizzy with different emotions, with lust being placed somewhere near the top. "No, I don't think you could. I don't know what this is either, but I do know that you're my best friend at the end of the day." Gon chewed his bottom lip, feeling like this was happening too fast and not fast enough. "Is it okay if I like it?"

"I would hope so."

"Good. Because I do, but I don't want to ruin anything either."

"We don't need labels, Gon. We can just, I don't know, be."

Gon smiled, his light circling around Killua, convincing him that he wasn't standing under his father moon. "I like that, I don't think I've ever done that."

"Well, there's a first time for everything." Killua glanced back at the road in the direction of his house. "I should probably get back, my dad looked pretty serious."

"Yeah, I wouldn't want to get you into trouble." Gon walked towards the gate, ignoring the gravitational pull that Killua unknowingly held. He didn't want to turn around and see the plea in Killua's eyes, begging him to stay. Then he would never leave, and that wouldn't be beneficial to either of them.

"I'll see you tomorrow!" Gon counted down the hours until he went to school, another excuse to see Killua, another excuse to disassociate himself from his own troubles.

Killua watched him walk away, his anxiety returning with every step Gon took. Soon, he saw nothing but the remains of a presence that he still wanted to linger, and a frown corrupted his face and forced reality back into his brain.

Gon,

I really hope you meant what you said. Because I won't be able to run from this anymore, and I'm afraid.

I'm afraid that you'll get a glimpse of who I am and what I've done, and shatter the glass.

And that would break me harder than anything.

I AM SO SORRY GUYS FOR MY DEPARTURE, I'VE JUST HAD LIFE TO DEAL WITH (AND UNFORTUNATELY SO MUCH OF IT )

BUT I'M BACK! AND THANK YOU TO EVERY SINGLE NEW FOLLOWER AND COMMENTER, YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA THE SMILE THAT STEALS MY FACE WHEN I SEE THE EMAILS AND NOTIFICATIONS. SERIOUSLY, IT MAKES MY ENTIRE DAY. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST, AND I WILL ALWAYS TELL YOU THAT. I WILL TRY TO NEVER TAKE THAT LONG OF A BREAK AGAIN, AND TRY TO UPDATE MORE FREQUENTLY. ALSO I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS CHAPTER FOR THREE WEEKS NOW, (HIT A SNAG OF WRITER'S BLOCK) SO IM SORRY IF IT WASN'T GREAT GREAT, BUT I HAVE PLANS FOR NEXT CHAPTER TO BE MUCH BETTER (BUT A LITTLE KILLUGON NEVER HURT NOBODY ;) )

ANYWHO, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AGAIN, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING WHATEVER IT IS YOU GUYS HAVE TO SAY!

UNTIL NEXT TIME, FRIENDS!

~BITCHII-USA