Gon sat on a chair across from Biscuit. The young looking woman was Killua's homeroom teacher, the person he needed to talk to the most. Still, now that he was here he didn't know how to start or what to say. Was it really a good idea to involve a teacher in this? Glancing at Biscuit's questioning eyes he remembered her words from earlier: What you did wasn't helping the situation at all! If you came for help, we could have stepped in sooner! This situation wasn't similar to Kurapika's though; Gon had a feeling it could cause trouble for Killua if he asked for help.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Biscuit asked, probably tired of waiting for Gon to speak up.

"Well," Gon glanced to the side and fidgeted in his chair; he couldn't help but feel nervous, even though he knew he had no other choice, "it's about Killua."

She raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by the topic, but remained quiet, nodding her head to urge him to go on. Gon took a deep breath, feeling less nervous.

"I'm worried about him. He's been absent for so many days now. I don't think he is sick, but I don't think he skips classes either…" he trailed off, not sure how to continue. He wasn't sure if Biscuit would believe him.

"What do you think the reason is?" She looked at him with a serious expression.

"I think… he got into trouble because of that fight with the Spiders. At home I mean. And maybe because of me too."

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't there that time, but I heard that Killua's brother came to school and scolded him for being friends with me. They don't like it, that Killua is friends with someone who isn't from a rich family." Just thinking about that made Gon clench his fists on his knees.

"I heard something about that too," Biscuit nodded giving a small smile seeing Gon's surprised expression. "We, teacher, hear about the rumours that circle around the school too. Being as young as me has many advantages you know!" She winked, but her expression turned serious again. "Tell me about it, I would like to know what happened!"

Biscuit's features turned more and more clouded after Gon told her everything; her eyebrows knitting together, concern clear in her eyes. She remained silent for a while, contemplating what she heard before turning her attention back to Gon, assessing him for a long time. Gon returned her gaze with his usual earnest expression despite feeling a dull anxiety rising inside him. He was glad his teacher took him seriously, but her reaction scared him as well; she might have known more for she was Killua's homeroom teacher.

"So, Gon," she started after a few minutes, "are you two good friends?" It wasn't a question he anticipated.

"Yes!" He exclaimed, relief mixing into his excitement. "Killua is my best friend in the world!" He declared with a huge grin, his chest swelling with pride and joy, because it was the truth. Killua himself said so, standing up against his brother, declaring that he wanted to be friends with Gon.

Biscuit blinked in surprise at his sudden outburst but her perplexed expression was soon replaced a soft smile, she looked at Gon with the same endearment Mito did so many times. It was the first time he saw such a loving expression on his teacher's face and it wasn't only her; other teachers looked at him in a similar way having heard Gon's loud declaration. Gon scratched the back of his neck smiling sheepishly; he forgot they weren't alone in the room.

"I see," Biscuit hummed. "Killua tells you a lot of things then, doesn't he?"

Gon frowned, he wanted to say yes, but actually he knew very few things about Killua, despite being friends for a good while now. The things Gon knew about his friend where all things he found out on his own: how moody Killua becomes when doesn't get enough sleep or can't eat his daily dose of sweets, or how he likes to pretend he doesn't care about things, but he cares a lot, or how he tries to act cool when he is embarrassed (but fails at it badly). The white-haired boy rambled a lot about the video games he loved, or the random things he saw on the internet, but he rarely talked about himself. He only talked a little about his family, how strict his parents are and that he isn't so close with his siblings except for his sister.

And then there were times when Killua came to school with dark circles under his eyes, being silent almost the whole day, just watching the others around him with contemplating eyes. He never gave an honest answer when Gon or Kurapika asked him what was wrong, only dismissing their worry with a simple "I'm just tired" or making up excuses like he stayed up late gaming. Gon assumed that wasn't the case for when he really stayed up playing games he would ramble the next day about it, how hard it was to beat that boss, or that he can't find the right path to advance. But he never said a word about the games; he just sat there in silence, his expression distant, standoffish. It wasn't just Gon, who noticed his odd behavior, he saw Kurapika, Pairo and sometimes even Shoot sneaking worried glances at the white-haired boy.

"Well," Gon said after a long pause, "he doesn't talk much about himself. He only told me, that his parents are very strict. And sometimes he acts strange."

"Strange?" Biscuit repeated, her eye brows knitting together with concern once again.

"Yes. He is silent all the time and he won't tell us, what's wrong. Not even me!" Gon complained, because it really bothered him. He wanted to help Killua after all. "And now he isn't coming to school since that fight with the Spiders!"

"Do you think it has something to do with his family?" Biscuit posed the question with a serious expression.

"Yes!" Maybe it wasn't nice to accuse someone's parents with such bad things, but Gon was 100% sure he was right. "Yesterday I tried to call Killua, but his brother answered the call, and he threatened me to leave Killua alone. They don't want Killua to come to school because they don't want him to be around me. They think I'm a bad influence to him."

Biscuit's lips pressed into a hard line, her expression troubled. "What can we do?" She murmured probably to herself.

"I want to go to Killua's place!" Gon exclaimed, his voice desperate. "I want to go there and see if he is alright! Could you give me his address please?"

"Do you really think this is a good idea?" Biscuit looked at him sternly. "You said it yourself, Killua's parents are not happy about your friendship. It is possible, that you would only cause trouble if you showed up there."

"But I can't stand just sitting here and doing nothing!" Gon balled his hands into tight fists on his knees. "Killua was always there for me when I needed help; he stopped me so many times from getting in trouble. When he needed help I couldn't be there for him and even now I can't do anything. What kind of best friend does this make me? If I'm not going to help him now, I won't be able to forgive myself!" He looked with determined eyes at Biscuit. She kept her stern expression, though there was a hint hesitation in her eyes for a moment, and Gon didn't miss it. "I'm worried about Killua. I really want to see him," he added pleading, hoping this would persuade his teacher.

As expected, Biscuit's expression dropped as she leant back in her chair with a heavy sigh. "Alright, alright," she said resignedly then shooting a piercing glare towards the boy in front of him. "I am still against it, but if you insist… I too think that there is something wrong going on in that family, but we can not just jump in without having any proofs, so it might be better if you go first. You shouldn't just pop up there without any reason… bring him the homework! That could actually leave a good impression," Biscuit nodded to herself and walked over to her colleagues to collect the homeworks that have piled up in these four days.

She was back by his side soon, stacking the sheet of paper and scribbling something on a smaller piece – probably Killua's address. She glanced at Gon with a stern look before handing him the stack.

"I know you have good manners, but be careful when you are talking to Killua's parents! It is rude to say this, but they are really difficult people. Who knows how they will react, when you show up there," she still didn't give him the papers. "Tell me how it went! If I am not here you can tell Senritsu too."

"Miss Senritsu?" Gon repeated with a puzzled expression, glancing at the aforementioned teacher.

"Yes, Miss Senritsu," Biscuit nodded, the movement of her head making her blonde ponytail bounce. "We are not just teaching, we are responsible for child and youth care in this school," Gon saw Senritsu nodding from the corner of his eyes. "So, tell me by all means how your visit went, because we want to know if there is something going on in Killua's family what needs our intervention."

After one last stern look she finally handed him the homework with Killua's address on top of it. Gon bowed down in gratitude and was out of the staff room a few seconds later.


Even though he was determinded on his way to Killua's home, Gon felt quite intimidated when he finally arrived to the Zoldyck estate. It took him long to get there in the first place – the house (Gon wasn't even sure if that word fit the building) being in the outskirts of the city. The bus didn't take him far; he had to walk a lot to get to his destination, calling Aunt Mito meanwhile to tell her about his late arrival at home today.

A prestigious wrought-iron gate and fence stretched in front of Gon, behind them a modest grove probably there to protect the house from curious eyes. There was a small booth at the gate, a slightly aged security guard sitting inside. Though Gon couldn't see the actual building too well, just looking at the fence and the well-tended trees behind it made it clear that this place was the home of incredibly rich people. Everything – even the atmosphere – screamed of wealth, uneasiness settled in Gon's stomach as he approached the booth of the security guard.

"Good afternoon!" Gon greeted the man, feeling a single drop of sweat rolling down his temple.

"Good afternoon! May I help you?" The guard's voice was calm, friendly, Gon felt the tension slowly leaving his shoulders.

"My name is Gon Freecss, and I'm Killua's friend. I brought him his homework. Can I give it to him?" Gon felt his heartbeat quicken, but he took a deep breath to calm himself. He wasn't allowed to mess this up.

"Young master Killua's friend?" The guard's features lit up with happiness when Gon nodded affirmative. "Please wait a minute; I am going to notify the Madam of your arrival. My name is Zebro by the way; I'm the Zoldyck family's security guard."

Gon nodded again, clutching at the straps of his backpack. Zebro dialled and held the receiver to his ears, waiting a few seconds before someone picked up on the other end of the line.

"Mr. Gotoh? It's Zebro. Young Master Killua's friend is here. Yes. He brought him his homework. Yes. What? But the boy said he is… oh. Please wait a minute!" Zebro took the receiver away from his ear and looked at Gon with an apologetic expression. "What was your name again?"

"Gon Freecss," he answered readily, feeling the nervousness return as Zebro repeated his name into the receiver.

"But Mr. Gotoh, what do you mean by that? The boy introduced himself as Gon Freecss and said he is a friend of the Young Master. What do you mean that can't be…? Ah, Madam Zoldyck!" Zebro's voice jumped an octave higher, his temple damp with perspiration. "Y-Yes. This boy, Young Master Killua's friend is here. His name? Gon Freecss, Madam. Wh-what? But he…" A high pitched voice screamed at Zebro from the other end of the line, it was so loud even Gon could hear it. The guard listened quietly, bowing frequently his head in apology even though the other couldn't see it. "Ah, yes. Yes. I am truly sorry Madam Zoldyck. I will do as you wish. Yes. Of course Madam. I understand. I definitely will do so. Yes. Please excuse me."

The silence that followed after Zebro ended the call hurt Gon's ears. Judging by the dialogue between Zebro and Killua's mother, the Zoldycks weren't pleased with Gon's presence.

"I am very sorry, but I cannot allow you to see the Young Master," Zebro said in an official tone.

"But why?" Gon couldn't accept the rejection, despite it being foreseeable. "I just wanted to give him his homework, nothing bad!"

"I am very sorry," Zebro repeated, but this time in an apologetic tone. "I cannot oppose Madam Zoldyck's orders. In fact I'm already doing it – I shouldn't even allow you get close to the estate at all. Please go home! I do not want to use force."

Gon just stared at the ground with clenched fists, his frustration turning his vision red. It was useless to try to get in here; Zebro wouldn't open the gates for him. His legs moved on his own, walking him away from the booth, but not from the estate – he wasn't going to give up so easily. What was the point in coming here if he couldn't see Killua?

He glanced behind him, checking if he could see the security guard's booth. Comfirmig he wasn't in Zebro's field of vision anymore he looked around more carefully, assessing his surroundings, looking for a way to get to the other side of the fence. He eyed said ornate fence now, finding he could scale it without big difficulty. Gon readjusted his backpack, rolled up his sleeves and immediatelly started climbing. It was indeed a surprisingly easy task, but maybe it was just him being good at scaling, climbing up things. Soon he landed with a thump on the soft grass on the other side. It was only then when he realized how sweaty his palms were and how labored his breathing was, his heart thrumming loudly in his ears and even his knees shook. He let out a shaky laugh before taking two deep breaths, he had to move forward or else he could get found out – he didn't know if there were other security guards at the estate.

It came all too suddenly – just as he was about to go further into the grove something cold hit him square in the face, the impact making him fly backwards against the fence. He fell headfirst into the grass, groaning in pain, his head spinning and his cheek already becoming swollen. His mind paniced, he didn't hear nor see anyone approaching, but now there was someone standing in front of him, he could feel their presence. As he tried to lift his face as slowly as he could the same cold thing grazed his left ear. Glancing to the side all he could make out was a round thing, letting his eyes wander in front of him he could see a young woman in a tailcoat standing there pointing a cane at him. The round thing was probably a knob attached to it.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" She posed the question in calm manner.

Gon opened his mouth to say something but only a groan came out; his swollen cheek throbbed in pain as he tried to speak.

"Weren't you told to not come near this place?" The woman asked her next question.

"But I…" Gon tried again, "…I want to see Killua! I know… his parents aren't treating him well… they're not even letting him come to school!"

"How Young Master Killua gets treated by his parents has nothing to do with you. Now get out!"

"It has!" Gon exclaimed even though it hurt so much that his eyes watered. "It has, because Killua is my best friend! I want to help him!"

The woman looked at him with an indifferent expression before lifting the cane up and away from his face.

"This is how you wanted to help the Young Master? Tresspassing right after being told to leave?" Both her tone and expression turned stern. "You're only causing him more trouble. You aren't helping him at all. If you really want to do that, get out of here and don't show up ever again!" When Gon didn't budge, she pointed the cane at him again. "Do as I say or I will call the guard dog! He isn't as nice as I am."

It wasn't as easy to climb over the fence now as it was before; his back hurt too, seeing how he fell against the hard iron when he got hit in the face. When he was outside the woman was nowhere to be seen, she disappeared as silently as she came.

Gon gritted his teeth – this sentence was all too familiar, and he remembered what Biscuit told him before: Be careful when you are talking to Killua's parents! She warned him not to do anything reckless that would cause even more problems, yet here he was, letting his anger take control over his mind and doing the stupidest thing possible. That woman was right and he was so ashamed of himself. He didn't know how he'll face everyone – Aunt Mito, Biscuit, Senritsu, but more importantly Killua.

This was possibly his longest journey back home, and it wasn't because of the pain he felt in his cheek and back.


A/N.: *Throws herself to the ground* I AM SO SORRY FOR TAKING THIS LONG AGAIN! Q_Q Actually I'm working full time since July and it takes so much more of my free time, than I imagined it would. On weekdays I can't function outside of work and weekends are over in a blink of an eye... WHAT IS LIFE ORZ

I hope the update is OK, it's been too long since I wrote something and Gon is hard to portray, hnnnngh.

I wasn't sure for a long time how to write this chapter, I had more versions in my head, and in the end I didn't use any of them haha XD Or well, just a part of it. WHAT IS PLOT EVEN I DON'T KNOW

Please excuse my stupid rambling, it's 1 in the morning and I've been working the whole week. Now I'm just going to post this and collapse into bed, HELL YEAH

Also, please don't expect frequent updates, unless you want a rushed, messy chapter. I'm not planning to abandon any of my fics, but I'm still getting used to working and it's very tiring. I try to update regularly, but I can't guarantee anything. I hope you understand.

I appreciate all the comments and kudos, it means A LOT to me. Have a big internet-hug from me!

Thank you for reading (and bearing with me)!