A/N: I apologize, there's no smut here again but the plot must move forward and Gon can't have sex when he isn't at home XD I promise though that when the smut does arrive, it'll knock you off your feet p

And some good news: due to feedback received, I've decided to write the NR sex chapter in the future. There are still a few chapters before that comes...poor Gon but at least this time it's you guys who want to see him have a hard time and I don't have to feel guilty D

20/09/15 ANNOUNCEMENT ON RECENT RE-EDITS: So, as you can see, I did a lot of intense re-editing over the past couple weeks for the entire story of UxD. I added new content to some chapters (see foreword for details) and the super long ones like chapter 20, 21 and 22 I chopped in half. Based on reader feedback, the long ones were a bit hard to read so I wanted to make the entire story easier to digest by re-editing for sentence structure / added scenes in the earlier chapters and cutting down those blindingly long later chapters. I realize now that I made a mistake in writing them that long as some important hints were lost in the fray. So it's corrected now ) Chapters with a 25 page cut-off point make it easier for me to return to review them (as I plan later scenes), for people who want to re-read and for faster updates. You will also notice that with this edit I have also added chapter names :)

Thanks all for your support and understanding... and thank you a million for your messages and reviews, they gave me the strength to stay focused.

Guest Reviews (From most to least recent):

Nagito: Hi! Thanks so much, I'm so happy that you loved the last chapter (and that you didn't jump) w; Haha you're so funny XD There won't be any smut for a little while but after the next two chapters, prepare to have the nosebleed of your life p

Guest: Haha you miss the smut scenes? Lol be careful what you wish for! When Gon gets home… hmmm. Ah, I hope you're not too disappointed that this chapter doesn't have any smut either ): But you'll be happy to know that there is something big coming for Killua and Illumi's relationship. Currently, I'm working on making it as good as I can!

449: Omg the chapter made you cry? I can understand because the last part especially made me tear up. The story is going to keep getting a little darker from here out. Some humor and smut will be around but stuff will be happening to our main characters! Wow I don't know if I should feel proud about having taught you some stuff about 'relationships' through this fic oh my...*blush* And yup I'm still writing HisoGon! Life just got in the way big time. Thank you so much for your support I am so honored by all you've said. I hope that you continue to read!

NOTIMETOLOGON: I'm happy that you're happy that I updated D I often pray that the day never comes where I get bored of HisoGon! Thanks for the review and I hope that class is going well for you.

Mel: Thank you for your love darling w; now I will put even more love into my chapters for you! Oh, if you love the more dominant Hisoka gets in bed, reread the earlier chapters, I made the smut scenes just a bit more sadistic p

Chapter Summary: Dawn's true intentions are revealed and Gon seeks help from his friends.

Chapter Dictionary:

Phone calls are like this:

With only two persons involved, the person on the other line is: [["Speech"]]

More than two people involved, the persons on the other line are separated: [[Name: Speech]]

[[Name: (voice muffled) Speech]] Means that the person on the other line is talking to someone in the background and even though they're covering the phone, their conversation can still be heard.

HuntsApp messages are like this:

(Incoming message): Name: Message

'POV person (the person with the phone) replying or sending a message is in italics.'

Don't forget that outside of a HuntsApp message, italics are thoughts.

References: Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime episode 5 where Hisoka tells Gon about friends.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Yoshihiro Togashi. I do not claim ownership of any of the characters mentioned.

Warning: None

We have three new characters appearing in this chapter! I bet you won't be able to guess who they are *evil laughter*.

Let's go XD

Chapter Twenty- Seven: The Sweetness of Friendship

N.B.: Day 12 continues... (thirty minutes after Killua left, circa 4:30pm)

Since Gon had come to sit on the lone park bench opposite D' Pastry Shoppe, the day had gone from hot and breezy to cool and still; the proud sun now hidden behind fluffy white clouds tinged with splotches of grey.

Seems like it's going to rain, he thought sullenly, feeling as if the current weather was a sign of things to come. His senses were acting up again, leaving him with a sense of urgency that he couldn't shake; a feeling that time was moving by slowly, like a countdown to something big.

And he felt that when the count was up, his life would no longer be the same.

Two days...

His hands gripped the concrete bench harder.

Something's going to happen in two days.

Gon had always had an uncanny sense of danger and right now his senses were going wild. They were telling him that York Shin was the last place that he should be right now, yet underlying that caution was the conflicting feeling that he should not leave York Shin.

Why?

He had no answer to that question.

Taking a deep breath, Gon felt confused and suddenly on edge as he tried to assess his surroundings without appearing to be too conspicuous about it.

What if the source of that weird feeling he was having was here at this moment…observing him?

No…the danger isn't here.

His eyes focused on the busy street running alongside the public plaza in which he sat, not really paying attention to the multitude of cars racing by. If he could sense that there was a steadily encroaching danger, yet be unable to feel its eyes on him specifically, could it be that someone connected to him was the target?

"Killua?" he gasped. His breath stopped and he pulled out his phone in the same movement to quickly dial his friend's number.

Gon felt his agitation mounting with each unanswered ring.

He dialed again.

Same result.

Damn it.

His fingers were already moving, typing out a message that he was sure Killua would respond to but then he stopped himself.

What am I doing? Gon thought, looking down at the incomplete message. I'm acting all paranoid just because Killua isn't answering his phone. A deep sigh escaped his lips and he lowered the phone to his lap.

Of course Killua is safe. He couldn't possibly be the target. And even if he was, not only is he capable of protecting himself, Illumi is with him as well.

So if Killua isn't in any danger, then who was?

Maybe it isn't just one person...

Gon paused at this thought. Could it be that it was all of them? Or all of York Shin? Damn. He hated feeling this way, as if danger was looming nearby, faceless and brooding, just waiting.

Waiting for what?

Would it be too late when they found out exactly what that thing was?

Gon clenched his fist and continued to stare at the bustling street traffic. His posture was tense and worry was etched into his expression. All he could think of was the disagreement he'd just had with Killua and silently he hoped that his friend would get over this funk so that they would all be emotionally equipped for whatever it was that was coming.

But what if Killua never got over this?

What if I had completely messed up our friendship and Killua never speaks to me again?

Closing his eyes and trying to calm his frantic nerves, Gon did his best to recall the words Laura had just spoken to him about friendship.

When he opened his eyes again, it was to look down at the little pastel blue cake box next to him on the bench.

Carefully opening it, he studied the caramel-coloured cake dusted with powdered sugar.

The 'sweetness of friendship' huh?

Taking out the mini cake and biting into it, he was instantly overwhelmed by the mango gelato it was filled with. Coupled with the almond flavor mingling with chocolate overtones, it was— absolutely amazing. His eyes closed happily with that thought and he relished each bite until, unfortunately, it was all done.

It's true...

Gon looked down again at the now empty little box in his hands that once held the mini almond cake and his heart warmed.

Laura was right; the delicate texture and beauty of that treat really was a lot like friendship. Treasured, delicate yet strong, steadfast and terribly missed when it's not around.

His contented smile was wide as he recalled all the times he had spent together with Killua, Leorio and Kurapika. Regardless of how tough things got, they were always manageable because he had the support of his friends.

Support...

His breath hitched.

That's it!

Gon quickly pulled out his phone, already dialing a new number.

But...

His fingers paused on the keypad as he silently debated whether or not to finish dialing.

Momentarily regarding the slim device, Gon couldn't help but feel a bit uncertain.

I shouldn't be bothering him, he thought, but despite feeling a bit guilty, he still found himself continuing to dial that familiar number as if wanting...needing to hear his friend's voice – the one who always had something wise and thoughtful to say whenever he was in doubt.

Gon was sure that his call would go unanswered, especially now that the expedition to the Dark Continent was coming up, but he continued to hold the phone to his ear, hoping that maybe, just maybe this was the one call out of many that would be picked up.

"Ah, this is so selfish," he muttered finally. He felt a bit embarrassed. "I'm in a rotten mood but that doesn't mean that I should burden him with my problems."

But all I wanted was to hear a familiar voice.

Is that selfish too?

Finally, Gon lowered the phone, absently watching the animated display on its screen as it continued to ring.

Why can't I hang up?

He huffed, unable to answer his own question.

Maybe I'll just let it ring itself out and then I'll leave him a message.

Gon felt that even if it was just the voicemail that picked up he'd be happy. Anything just not to feel alone; as if all of his friends had left him.

Eventually though, his finger moved to terminate the call but hesitated over the end key and just as he was about to press it, a distant sound caught his attention. He froze. Did the voicemail pick up already?

No…that doesn't sound like…

[["…Gon? Hello Gon…are you there?"]]

"Kurapika?!" Gon practically shouted into the phone, surprised that his friend had actually answered.

[["Wow are you that happy to hear my voice Gon?"]]

Gon blushed, laughing awkwardly. "I'm sorry for shouting like that, I was just really surprised," he explained sheepishly.

[["No need to apologize, we're close enough that you have the right to shout in my ear whenever you feel the need to"]]

[["But now I'm wondering what had you so ecstatic to hear my voice. Did something happen to you? Is everything okay?"]]

"Well…"

[["What's wrong?!"]]

"Nothing happened," Gon lied, feeling a bit awkward to burden his friend with his problems.

[["Last time we spoke was when you were preparing to leave Whale Island to meet Killua in York Shin. It's already been three weeks since then… Sorry I didn't have a chance to call you to see how you've settled in; things have been pretty intense here"]]

"That's okay, I understand how it is. When are you leaving for the Dark Continent?"

[["I can't go into much detail, especially not over the phone but things have been put on hold, pending some investigations. You probably already know that though, since what I'm telling you is already in the public domain"]]

Gon laughed. "Well, that's actually new information to me as I've been only keeping up with local news lately." Smiling, he added, "I'm happy that you guys are still here."

[["Me too. Hey, how's Killua? You've met up with him already right?"]]

"Ah…well..."

[["Gon?"]]

"Are you busy Kurapika?"

[["Not at the moment…so we can talk if that's what you want"]]

Gon could hear him making shooing noises as if chasing someone away.

[[(voice muffled) "I'm not talking to you"]]

"Kurapika—"

[["I said go away"]]

"Do you want me to call back?"

[["No Gon, just a sec"]]

[[(voice muffled): "Stop bothering me, I'm trying to talk. I've already explained to you that Gon has my new number because he's far away. You don't need to get it because I see you every day at the office. What are you going to do? Call me from across the room?"]]

"Is that Leorio?"

[["Yes…"]]

"Let me talk to him!" Gon demanded excitedly.

There was a slight shuffling sound as the phone exchanged hands and then his other friend came on the line.

[["Gon! Is that you?!"]]

"Leorio! How did you know it was me?"

[["How can I not? I am Leorio you know!"]]

Gon laughed when he heard Leorio tell Kurapika that he was 'not showing off'.

[["How are things?! How's York Shin? Anything new?!"]]

"York Shin is alright, but how come you guys are at the office this late? Are you working?"

[["Yeah...sort of"]]

"I hope you're not slacking off."

[["Hey, I'm the hardest working one here you kno—"]]

[[(to someone in the background) "Stop trying to grab the phone! I'm not done talking!"]]

-A brief pause-

[[(voice muffled)"I'm not talking nonsense!"]]

[["Anyway, enough about us…Gon, tell me about yourself and Killua. How are things? How are you two faring in York Shin on your own?"]]

"We aren't exactly alone you kno—"

[[Kurapika: Hey! I asked him that first!]]

[[Leorio: But I have the phone now!]]

[[Kurapika: It's my phone, you can't just monopolize what is not yours and—]]

[[Leorio: Let me see you try to take it from me shorty! I bet you can't even—!]]

To Gon it sounded as if there was a small scuffle, a loud thump, muttered curses from Leorio and then he heard Kurapika's voice again.

[[Kurapika: Now Gon, as we were discussing, what's up?]]

[[Leorio: Get off me!]]

[[Kurapika: Be quiet]]

[[Leorio: For someone who looks so small—OUCH! What did you do that for?]]

[[Kurapika: You should watch your language]]

[[Leorio: I was just going to say that you are quite heavy despite how you look]]

[[Kurapika: And how exactly do I look?]]

[[Leorio: Um…well you look kind of like a gir—]]

[[Kurapika: Choose your next words carefully…]]

There was a long pause and Gon spoke up. "Kurapika? Leorio? You there?"

[[Kurapika: Yes Gon I'm here]]

"Kurapika... is Leorio okay?" Gon asked, worried.

[[Kurapika: Yeah, he is, I just taught him what happens to people who are unable to control what they say]]

He heard Leorio's muffled voice in the background but his speech was incoherent.

Did he tape his mouth?

"Do you want me to call another time Kurapika? You sound kind of busy."

[[Kurapika: Of course not Gon! Now that the distraction has been dealt with, I'm free to talk with you]]

"I see…" Gon was still unsure. Were things always so animated at the office for his two friends?

[[Kurapika: Okay Gon, so how is York Sh—]]

[[Leorio: Mmmmmmph mmmmnnn…]]

[[Kurapika: If you don't shut up and stop squirming I'll do more than simply tape your mouth and tie your hands]]

Gon felt awkward, as if he was hearing something he shouldn't.

[[Kurapika: Ok, ok, I'll put it on Speakerphone so you can hear too]]

[[Leorio: Mmmmph mmmooh (translation: thank you)]]

[[Kurapika: You're welcome. Now, sorry about that Gon…you can proceed now.]]

"Ah...well I don't think YorkShin has changed much since we were all last here," Gon started, looking around at the people hurrying about near the fountain at the center of the Plaza. "Everything is still the same; the nights are dazzling and the days are unpredictable: the weather is pretty fickle." His eyes drifted to the building nestled between the Plaza Hotel and one of the many shops opposite the public plaza. Despite being shorter than its neighboring buildings, the fact that it was painted in an eclectic selection of bright colors made it stand out. Just then Laura came out of that building to prop open the door and take the menu board back inside. "I've met some really nice, understanding people so far," he finished with a smile.

[[Kurapika: That's nice to hear. You've been there for about two weeks right?]]

"Yes, almost."

[[Kurapika: And how's Killua doing?]]

Gon's hesitation was noticeable. "He's..."

[[Kurapika: Did something happen Gon?!]]

"Nothing serious..."

[[Kurapika: Well, it's serious enough that you don't sound too happy. Want to talk about it?]]

"…"

[[Kurapika: If you don't want to go into details that's okay but—]]

"Kurapika I messed up!" Gon blurted out, unable to hold back any longer.

[[Kurapika: What? Why would you think so Gon?]]

"It's…I…"

[[Kurapika: Gon, it's alright, you can tell me anything]]

Gon could hear the gentle smile in Kurapika's voice and it calmed his fears, making him feel confident enough to tell his friend about what was bothering him. "I…I had a chance to be honest with Killua and I missed the opportunity…"

[[Kurapika: So you lied to him?]]

"No um...kind of... well actually I did...but I didn't mean to! I was just scared and worried an—" He exhaled heavily. "It's complicated."

[[Kurapika: Well, you don't have to, but I think talking to me might help you to feel better]]

[[Leorio: Mmm coh meh cooh (translation: And to me too)]]

[[Kurapika: Yeah, and to him too...]]

Gon took a deep breath. "I was dishonest…well I didn't lie blatantly, but I didn't tell him the truth either. I kept a big secret from him."

[[Kurapika: What made you feel like you had to keep a secret from Killua?]]

"I tried to tell him the truth when we'd first met here in York Shin but he reacted violently so I decided to keep things hidden so that he wouldn't be hurt."

[[Kurapika: Sounds to me like you were thinking of his best interests like you always have been.]]

Stretching out his legs and leaning back, Gon frowned. "Maybe. I just can't help but think that I was being selfish to believe that I could have had the best of both worlds…"

[[Kurapika: I don't think so. The first thing you said to me was that you didn't want to hurt him. There was no mention of your own interests or fear for the repercussions of what you were doing in secret. So in my opinion, you weren't being selfish Gon.]]

"…" Gon was silent as Kurapika's words sunk in.

[[Kurapika: Gon? You there?]]

[[Leorio: Mehfe yu scarefim off (translation: Maybe you scared him off)]]

[[Kurapika: I did not scare him off!]]

"I'm here Kurapika…"

[[Kurapika: If you don't mind me asking, what were you keeping a secret from him?]]

"Um…" Gon hesitated a bit. "Well, it's just that I'm sort of seeing someone and—"

[[Leorio: Mmmfh mwhatu?!]]

[[Kurapika: Dating? That's great! Did you tell him in the end?]]

"Yes, and it all played out just as I'd feared," Gon mumbled.

[[Kurapika: What do you mean?]]

"He got angry that I lied to him and accused me of being naïve for hanging around such a dangerous and untrustworthy individual."

[[Kurapika: 'Dangerous and untrustworthy'? Hmmm]]

[[Leorio: Met mee thalk tooh fim (translation: let me talk to him)]]

[[Kurapika: (muffled) Hush, I'm trying to think ]]

[[Kurapika: So Gon, do you think this individual warrants the fear that Killua felt for your safety...or his mistrust of them?]]

"Yes, they do," Gon replied, but quickly added, "I too didn't trust that person either, but...the more I get to know them, the more I… "

[[Kurapika: Sounds like you really like this person Gon]]

"I do," Gon admitted.

[[Kurapika: I don't think you have anything to worry about with Killua]]

"What? But—"

[[Kurapika: Killua loves you, you're his first real friend who he cares about a whole lot and just as you cared about him enough to think that keeping this a secret from him was for the best, Killua cares about you so much that his concern for your safety has made him react this way. He could never be angry with you. Well, at least not for long.]]

"But Kurapika, you should have seen him, he hardly looked at me when he walked off. It's like he didn't even want to see my face anymore." Gon's voice became a sad whisper. "Maybe I disgust him now and—"

[[Kurapika: No, don't say that. I don't believe that could ever happen and you shouldn't either. It's not that he's disgusted by you or didn't want to look at your face... I think that he didn't want you to see how hurt he was to find out the truth – which is why he left.]]

"I never meant to hurt him," Gon said softly. "I hope that this resolves soon."

[[Kurapika: Gon, Killua may be hurt now, but I think that he simply needs time to adjust to the truth. I can assure you that when he calms down he'd be very upset with himself, so you need to be patient and not rush his adjustment.]]

"… " Gon shifted on the hard bench. "Do you think I should call him? I already did but he didn't answer."

[[Kurapika: No, don't do that. As I said, he needs time to adjust to the new situation and that won't happen suddenly. Even if he accepts the reality of what's happening, there's a possibility that he may still harbor some ill feelings depending on the depth of his dislike for or mistrust of that person. When Killua works things out on his own, he'll be in contact with you, you'll see]]

"Okay…"

[[Kurapika: Just trust me]]

[[Leorio: Hey Gon! Don't worry buddy! You're too young for that kind of stress!]]

"Leorio? Is that you? Are you okay?"

[[Leorio: Ha! Of course I am! There's nothing old Kurapika here can do to me that I can't take! Ey! Ouch, that hurts! You're one angry blonde aren't yo—hey! Stop hitting me!]]

I thought that he said that there was nothing Kurapika could do to him? Gon thought, laughing genuinely for the first time since he'd started the phone call. The smile on his face was broad, lingering even after his laughter faded and momentarily he forgot his worries. As he listened to his friends tussling in the background, a wave of nostalgia hit him. He missed them.

"Leorio do you—"

[[Leorio: Hey Gon, things are a bit crazy right now with this current investigation taking place but how would you feel if we were to take a trip down to York Shin some time soon?]]

"Wow really?!" Gon gasped. "Leorio, you're the best!" He sat up straighter on the bench, his excitement painted across his face in a happy blush.

[[Kurapika: Leorio, that was my idea, and it was supposed to be a surprise!]]

[[Leorio: It was a surprise. Didn't you hear how surprised he sounded?]]

[[Kurapika: ...]]

[[Leorio: Come on Kurapika, cut me some slack, the kid was feeling down so he needed some good news!]]

[[Kurapika: That's not it, it's just that you always...]]

"Leorio, Kurapika, I hope you guys can really make it!" Gon interjected, practically bursting with excitement.

[[Leorio: Well, as I said, this investigation has us busy, but it also means that we won't be leaving for the DC soon and—"

-a brief pause-

(muffled) Yes, yes I know it's classified. I'm not saying anything more so stop nagging me!]]

[[Leorio: As I was saying Gon, we'll make sure that we can come see you guys, won't we Kurapika?]]

[[Kurapika: Yes we will]]

"Thanks Kurapika, Leorio…you helped me out a lot today." He smiled broadly. "Thanks for listening to me."

[[Kurapika: Oh Gon, any time]]

[[Leorio: Little buddy, you can always talk to us about anything, and if you need some tips on how to handle your girlfriend, you have the number one ladies man right here to give you some pointers, just—]]

[[Kurapika: Don't listen to him Gon, he'd give you tips on how to not have a successful relationship]]

[[Leorio: What do you know, Blondie?!]]

[[Kurapika: What do I know? How about you? You're not even in a relationship and you're talking like you're a guru or something!]]

[[Leorio: Anyway Gon, I'm curious about your girlfriend. Who is she? Do we know her? We probably already do since Killua does, right?]]

"Ah...well...'girlfriend' is not exactly the right word—"

[[Kurapika: Leorio, stop pushing him, he'd tell us when he's ready.]]

[[Leorio: Alright, alright well at least give us the hair and eye color]]

Gon blushed. "Well you can say their eyes are gold and—"

[[Kurapika: Leorio! Stop bullying him!]]

[[Leorio: I'm not bullying him!]]

[[Leorio: Geez how about you stop fretting and help me figure this out. Do you know any pretty girls with golden eyes?]]

[[Kurapika: No...]]

[[Leorio: This is harder than I thought...]]

[[Leorio: Ok so she has golden eyes but what color is her hair ?]]

"Um..." Gon sighed but decided to just tell his friend what he wanted to know. "I guess you can say the hair is like blood."

[[Leorio: Red hair, golden eyes?]]

"Y-yeah."

[[Leorio: *whistles lowly* What a combination... Gon she sounds like quite the looker! Very intense. And you know what they say about redheads, if ya know what I mean—OUCH! I mean how tall is she?]]

"About a little over six feet."

[[Leorio: What?!]]

[[Kurapika: Not so loud Leorio! We're still at the office, control yourself]]

[[Leorio: But you heard what he said...she's a foot taller than he is!]]

[[Kurapika: And what's the big deal? If he likes tall girls then that's his business]]

[[Leorio: That's no girl. Compared to him, that's a woman...or a giant!]]

[[Kurapika: You're talking as if he's three feet tall. It's not much of a difference and as I said, that's his business. Short guys date tall women all the time]]

[[Leorio: But with over a foot between them how would they even kiss...or have se—OUCH! Geez Kurapika you're so violent!]]

[[Kurapika: Only when you're out of line]]

[[Leorio: Gon, we'll continue this conversation when I get to York Shin...]]

"I guess..."

[[Leorio: I hope I can meet the lucky lady when we get there!]]

[[Kurapika: You mean 'we']]

[[Leorio: yeah, yeah Kurapika, whateve— ouch! You need to watch that savage streak you know. What do you think Gon's girlfriend is going to do when she sees us acting like this?]]

Gon laughed nervously.

Yeah…

Girlfriend…

Just then he remembered something.

Today...the date is—

Ah I almost forgot!

"Hey Kurapika!"

[[Kurapika: Huh?]]

"Today is the fourth! Happy birthday!"

[[Kurapika: …ah...]]

"Kurapika?"

[[Kurapika: You remembered...]]

"Of course I did! What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?"

[[Kurapika: Probably one like Leorio...]]

[[Leorio: Hey!]]

[[Kurapika: Don't you 'hey' me, you forgot!]]

Gon listened to them bickering on the other end and smiled. "Hey Kurapika, I hope you enjoy the day!"

[[Kurapika: Of course I will! Although a certain person forgot.]]

[[Kurapika: (muffled) Huh? Oh...I see]]

[[Kurapika: Gon, we have to go now, thanks for the birthday wishes but Mizaistrom is here with some documents for us to look over]]

"Okay, don't work too late! Remember it's your birthday, you have to enjoy it!"

[[Kurapika: Ah, I'll try]]

[[Leorio: Naw we won't let him, won't we Mizaistrom?]]

[[Mizaistrom: Of course not]]

[[Kurapika: But the paperwork..]]

[[Leorio: Kurapika...haven't you figured it out yet? There are no documents to be 'looked over'. Mizaistrom is here to collect us. He's driving and the other Zodiacs are already downstairs waiting.]]

[[Kurapika: …]]

[[Leorio: Don't look so surprised. Didn't you already figure it out when I was only looking at fancy restaurant brochures over the past week? For a smart guy you can be awfully daft sometimes an—ow ow ouch! Don't pinch me!]]

[[Kurapika: Hey I was busy helping with the investigations; do you think I had time to notice something like that?!]]

[[Leorio: I'm taking you out to a fancy dinner for your birthday and this is how you reward me? With violence?]]

[[Kurapika: Ah...I believe you're right]]

[[Kurapika: Thank you Leorio...]]

[[Leorio: What...w-what are you doing?]]

[[Kurapika: *smooch* Is that better?]]

"Hey what was that?" Gon asked at the sound of a kiss. Talking to his friends was like listening to a live drama and he was already wrapped up in the scene.

[[Everyone:…]]

There was no response as if the line was dead.

Gon looked at his phone's screen to see that the call was still in progress. "Kurapika? Leorio?"

[[Mizaistrom: *laughing*]]

Was Mizaistrom that guy's name? "Mizaistrom-san, it that you? Is everything...okay there?"

[[Mizaistrom: yes it is, Kurapika kissed Leorio on the cheek and Leorio...well, he can't talk right now. Come on guys, let's go or we'll miss our reservation.]]

[[Leorio: O-okay]]

[[Kurapika: Hey Gon, we gotta go now. Thanks again for the birthday wishes]]

Gon heard the Mizaistrom guy laughing again in the background.

[[Mizaistrom: Leorio, remember you're the one paying so pull yourself together]]

[[Leorio: Shut up, I know that; the blonde bastard just caught me by surprise that's all]]

[[Kurapika: I can't believe that there are actually things in this world capable of making you speechless Leorio.]]

[[Leorio: Shut it Kurapika]]

"Leorio are you okay?" Gon asked doubtfully.

[[Leorio: Of course I am, don't let them give you the wrong idea]]

"Okay..."

[[Kurapika: Would have been nice if you and Killua could have joined us]]

"Yes it would have been," Gon replied, feeling a little sad.

[[Leorio: Don't worry little buddy, we'll make up for lost time when we get to York Shin and hopefully your girlfriend can make it to join in the fun]]

Gon wasn't looking forward to that part of their visit. "Y-yeah..."

[[Kurapika: Anyway, we really have to go now]]

"Bye Leorio, Kurapika and...Mizaistrom-san!"

[[Everyone: Bye!]]

Gon smiled as he ended the call, leaning back and then eventually lying down on the hard bench with arms folded behind his head to look up at the cloudy sky. Although the weather was still pretty much the same, everything seemed less gloomy after that phone call.

"Seems like it really is going to rain," he mused absently but made no move to leave his spot.

Whatever comes, we can handle it...because we're together.

This time Gon did not allow the concerns of an unforeseeable, encroaching danger to worry him; he was too happy with the hope his friends had given him from just talking to them. Hearing the surety in Kurapika's voice and the cheerfulness in Leorio's was just what he needed to be reminded of the fact that he was not alone and he could only hope that Killua, like Kurapika had said, will find peace with this situation soon.

"Yes," Gon whispered in one breath as he continued to look up at the bursting clouds. Tapping his feet against the concrete and smiling wider, he repeated the words Hisoka had told him when they had first met, "It's always good to have friends."

XXX

N.B.: (While Gon and Killua were in the gym, circa 11:00 am)

Damn.

On removing the gauze she had been using to stop the bleeding, Dawn examined the puncture wound carefully. It was an eyesore and as tempting as it was to simply use her Hatsu to heal it and be done with the thing, she resisted the urge, choosing instead to turn on the faucet.

Residual blood mixed with the running water to form a translucent red pool that lingered momentarily, standing out against the white porcelain, before quickly disappearing down the drain pipe as she washed her hands and arm. Dawn focused on treating the wound: carefully drying the area, applying the antibiotic and finally the bandage. Throughout this act, the only visible sign of her intense concentration was the way she gripped the cloth bandage tightly, wrapping it around her forearm with practised precision.

This will do for now…

Despite the extent of the injury, she wore a blank, even slightly bored expression – completely different from the panicked one she'd had in front of the company's manager a few minutes earlier. There is no doubt about it, she thought. It is him.

Her lips twisted into a frown.

It was tough pretending to be docile, spineless and incompetent just to fool Arashi into thinking that she was harmless but it was one of the many things that Dawn was willing to do in order to help protect the people of YorkShin City. Enough lives had been taken over the years and she was about ready to take this guy down now that his identity was confirmed.

What annoyed her though, was that although she was certain that this was the person committing the crimes, it wasn't wise to act now and without a solid plan.

Yes…

Dawn felt trepidation prickling at her consciousness and her breaths became short.

Something wasn't right, there was something more about him and this situation that she knew they had to figure out before taking action.

And we won't be able to move forward until we learn what it is.

As she turned away from the sink, her blank expression grew concerned.

I can feel it; we're running out of time, he's going to make his move soon.

If that's the case, then it was time for us to make our move as well.

Locking herself inside the lone stall in the small, private bathroom next to her office, Dawn sat down on the covered toilet. It was time to make an important phone call and this was the only place she was sure hadn't been bugged.

Quickly retrieving the hidden cell phone from the safety of her brassiere, she paused to look down at the crystalline screen cradled in one palm before moving quickly to dial the number she knew too well and pressing the device to her ear.

Her heart thumped rapidly as the other line started to ring and the feeling was akin to stopping suddenly after an aggressive chase. Understandably though, it wasn't fear that had her heart racing, but excitement at the knowledge that finally, after all these years she had gotten her first major breakthrough on the case.

"Hello Nick, it's me," Dawn said as soon as the call was picked up.

[["I thought you weren't going to call."]]

Nick Takahashi was currently the lead investigator working on the case in York Shin to apprehend the serial killer. He was also Dawn's close friend.

"I always call," she replied, looking down at the bandage on her arm and adjusting the pin.

[["Are you okay? You sound distracted."]]

"Yeah, I'm alright, I was just adjusting a bandage."

[["Bandage? What happened?"]]

"Well…" Mentioning the bandage had been a slip of the tongue and now Dawn was unsure whether or not it would be wise to tell Nick how she had been injured.

[["I knew two weeks couldn't pass without you acquiring some kind of injury on the job."]]

He laughed casually but on the other end his eyes had narrowed. Her initial hesitation had told Nick all that he needed to know; Dawn had done something foolish again to get herself injured and whilst he pretended to assume that it was a minor office accident, in truth he was attempting to figure out what exactly was going on with her.

[[What is it this time…a stapler fell on your foot? Haven't I told you countless times not to keep them at the edge of your desk?"]]

His tone was playfully admonishing, aiming to tease her, to bait her into telling him the real reason behind that injury but he could not keep the concern out of his voice.

And Dawn picked up on that concern so instead of telling him that it was not a minor office accident, she mirrored his laughter, trying to distract him from asking directly about the extent of her injury.

He's fishing for information.

She smirked; Nick should know her better than to assume that she'd let him learn exactly what had taken place. There was no way she could allow him to figure out that the bandage was not to cover up a simple consequence of being clumsy and that she had in fact used yet another unorthodox method to gather information – he would have a fit.

"Oh Nick, you know office work isn't my thing. I prefer to work out on the field." She tried to laugh again but coughed instead, her throat still feeling a bit scratchy after being choked.

[["Are you getting the flu?"]]

"Ah…no," she mumbled, clearing her throat again.

[["Dawn, you've been on assignment for what? Eight years now? You should be used to office work."]]

His tone had become tense, he was obviously growing tired of her pretense, but instead of telling him what she knew he wanted to know, her voice was smooth as she continued to play along. "Don't get me wrong, my cover is impeccable, it's just that there will always be some things I'll be clumsy with."

[["I sense that you're trying to distract me."]]

"No I'm not," she lied in a rather even, convincing tone but Nick was not so easily fooled.

[["What are you hiding?"]]

"Nothing."

[["How did you really get hurt Miss Weekes?"]]

Nick's question hung in the air unanswered as the silence dragged on. Dawn crossed and uncrossed her legs, studied the tiles on the walls, then her fingernails before deciding to answer him. "Is that important?"

[["Yes."]]

"That's not what I called you to discuss."

[["But that's what I want to know."]]

"Nick." Her tone was exasperated. "I am not one of your suspects; stop questioning me," she warned.

[["No you're not, but your behavior is incredibly suspicious."]]

"Whatever. How I got injured is not important," she said elusively.

[["Or is it that you don't want to tell me?"]]

The chill in those words was clear and apparently realizing this, Nick's next question was considerably calmer. Getting angry with Dawn would achieve nothing; he knew that much from their years of friendship.

[["Anyway, why don't you heal yourself?"]]

"I can't."

There was the sound of something toppling over followed by a couple of indistinct curses.

[[(voice muffled) "Damn coffee..."]]

[[(background noises) "Sir...Mr Takahashi, are you alright?!"]]

[[(voice muffled) "Yes, yes I am."]]

[[(background voice) "Here you go."]]

[[(voice muffled) "Thanks."]]

"Are you okay Nick?"

[["Dawn! I thought I heard you say that you couldn't heal yourself... The connection here gets so bad at this time of the da—"]]

"That's what I said."

[["What?"]]

"Nick it's not—"

[["Is it so terrible that it surpasses your skill?!"]]

Her colleague sounded as if he was ready to stop whatever he was doing and come to her aid.

[["If that's the case, I will drive over and pick you up...or...can you walk? Come back to the office now; I'll have our nurse take a look a—"]]

"Nick, just stop."

[["What?"]]

"You're being unreasonable. I never said it was serious."

[["But you said you couldn't heal—"]]

Dawn sighed audibly. Nick was such a worrywart and she really did not want to go into detail about how she had gotten injured but realized that if she did not, he'd never stop harassing her about looking at the injury himself. "Nick, here's the thing…but first you have to promise me that you won't overreact."

There was a brief silence laced with suspicion but eventually he agreed.

[["Okay, I promise."]]

"I sort of tested my boss to see if he had the potential to…you know – kill."

[["The suspect? What?! Dawn you are so damn reckless!"]]

"Nick."

[["Okay, okay I know I promised."]]

"That you did," Dawn confirmed flatly.

[["Alright."]]

He sounded a bit resigned.

[["So I'm assuming that he's the cause of this injury you refuse to go into detail about and you're not healing it perfectly because doing so would make him suspicious."]]

"Bingo."

[["Right...so you recklessly tested him; did you find out anything?"]]

"Yes. I've confirmed that he's not above violent acts."

[["Um…seriously Dawn? You didn't need to get yourself hurt to realize that."]]

"Nick."

[["Right, right. Geez…"]]

"Anyway, I needed him to get reallyangry with me so that I could look around his office under the cover of being flustered. I baited him with my blood and it was when he started choking me—"

[["Blood...choking... What did you let him—"]]

"Hush," she said firmly, then continued. "So while doing that, I noticed several things about his personality. He was quite volatile, moving from calm to irrational in an instant but in the midst of his seemingly uncontrollable urge to kill, he was a bit distracted. It was as if despite being so hotheaded, he is very shrewd." She took a deep breath, her voice lowering even more. "And you know what else Nick?"

[["What?"]]

Dawn smirked, her voice a heavy whisper. "He has the sword."

[["You can't mean the Ketsueki Sword. Are you one hundred percent certain of this?"]]

"Yes, there was an unusual antique sword in the corner of his office."

[["Are you sure that is what it was? The last time you were in his office it wasn't there. Why would he keep a murder weapon in plain sight?"]]

"For someone like him: many reasons; one of which could be that he thinks that I'm not a Nen user and assumes that I'd be unable to sense that the sword is not another one of his collectibles. But my biggest haunch is that there is simply no way to trace any crime back to it."

[["So it will always appear as a harmless collectible."]]

"Yep."

[["Damn. That would make him even more brazen."]]

"And dangerous."

[["I agree. But there is one thing that concerns me. How exactly is he carrying the sword?"]]

"I haven't figured that bit out yet." She frowned. "I would think that someone would stand out pretty much with a sword that unique; whether or not they move under the cover of darkness."

[["Mmmhmm and we have no eyewitness reports so far in York Shin. If we think about this in terms of the forensic test results, the weapon is similar to my katana is it not?"]]

"Yes, but it has a jeweled handle…it's a very captivating sword, something that would be—"

[["Impossible to hide?"]]

"Yes."

[["I will continue looking into this so don't concern yourself with getting any closer to that thing. Just keep an eye on Arashi."]]

"Right."

[["Hey Dawn, Are you coming back to the office now?"]]

"No." There was a shuffling noise in the corridor just outside the bathroom and she immediately stilled, using her acute hearing to ascertain if anyone was lingering nearby.

It's only the janitorial staff…

Her voice lowered even more. "Have you forgotten? I am Dawn Weekes the Administrative Assistant. I have some bloodstained reports to reprint, then after work I have a meeting with my partner."

[["With me? You don't have to tell me that; I'm aware that we have to meet up later."]]

"No not you, my other partner. Have you forgotten that we're a team?"

Nick groaned in aggravation.

[["Urgh, not him…"]]

Dawn was well aware that reminding Nick of who she was also working with would annoy him but at this point she didn't care anymore.

He has to get used to it sooner or later.

Her tone became sardonic. "Are you going to lecture me again Nick?"

[["Will it have any effect?"]]

"No; but you could still try," she replied absently, too busy inspecting her nails to pay much attention to him. Seems like I need a manicure.

[["I told you Dawn, you need to stop associating yourself with these characters. One day you're going to get seriously hurt."]]

"Hisoka is an important part of our team."

[["I'm in no team with that guy."]]

"Say whatever you want, I need him to help in capturing the suspect."

[["Just because your boss at the Hunters' Association said you could recruit any hunter to work with, I doubt he meant that one."]]

"So you're going to tell me how to do my job now?"

[["You won't listen to me anyway."]]

"You're right, I won't." She smirked. "Mizaistrom has faith in my decisions and ability to handle this case and you should too."

[["Of course I have faith in you. We've been together since we were kids, Dawn. Even after you lost your parents and decided to become a private investigator our friendship remained strong."]]

"Yes," she agreed, even though she did not want to remember those tough times right now.

[["I'm not trying to tell you how to handle your assignment. It's just that you've always had a reckless streak and sometimes those crazy methods you use to get things done...I'll admit that they honestly scare me."]]

"You see worse things every day on the job Nick."

[["But it's not you those things are happening to Dawn."]]

Dawn sighed. "My 'reckless streak' is what makes me a unique PI and perfect for this undercover op. If you wanted to keep an eye on me you should have become a Hunter and a private investigator as well."

[["You know I like to be closer to the people and that if I were to change my current position, Special Branch is my objective."]]

"Right, well stay in your section."

[["Dawn you know I'm only worried about you."]]

"I know," she said, her voice a bit gentler. "But it's my job to put my life in danger for people who can't protect themselves. That's my oath."

[["I understand that and I won't try to change your mind, that stubborn head of yours is insuperable. Just don't go playing super hero when this situation reaches its pinnacle."]]

She couldn't promise him that. "Nick, I want you to remember that although we work for two different organizations, we share the similar goal of protecting people. It's just that I have my own way of carrying out my job."

Nick didn't bother replying and Dawn just continued, "One more thing before I go. I don't need to tell you this but I guess it's something you should know." She cleared her throat. "I want to get closer to him."

[["Who?"]]

"Our suspect."

[["Goodness Dawn…"]]

"Listen Nick, this is important so you have to keep your personal feelings out of it."

[["Fine."]]

"I noticed something back there in his office. During my initial briefing after the transfer I couldn't be sure because his left hand is always in a glove but when I walked in on him unexpectedly a while ago, he wasn't wearing the glove and I could clearly see that there was a tattoo on that hand."

[["A tattoo? I haven't heard of that."]]

"Yes it's on the back of his hand and I think that it's mirrored on his palm as well but I'm not sure."

[["Interesting..."]]

"That's another reason why I'm so confident that this is our suspect. Hisoka had told me about it before and I confirmed it for myself today. From what I've observed, he keeps it hidden almost all the time."

[["So if we go by what your partner said and add that to all the other evidence, then we have just positively identified our suspect."]]

"Yes and that's why I need to get closer to him. I need to know what kind of tattoo it is and what purpose it serves."

[["Like he'd be that stupid to tell you."]]

"Or he might be conceited and overconfident enough to. People who are convinced that they are unable to suffer defeat usually have loose lips. And even if he's shrewd enough to not talk, my knowledge of archaeological symbols means that all I need is one glance and I can identify it."

[["Oh yeah, sometimes I forget that you spent quite some time touring with Ging at one point."]]

Dawn waved her hand dismissively although he could not see the gesture. "Ha...'quite some time' was more like me chasing after him but managing to stay in his sights only because we were both interested in archaeology." She sighed. "That was over 15 years ago and we were so young at the time but I still remember a lot of what we discovered together back then. Ironically, he was the one who piqued my interest in ancient symbols and languages."

[["Well I guess the time has come for us to make use of your knowledge...just be careful."]]

"I will." She smiled, a comforting move she was used to making whenever she was with him. "Anyway, I have to go now."

[["Okay, I'll see you later at the office."]]

Dawn ended the call, idly turning over the slim phone in her hands repeatedly and staring at it a bit before quickly scrolling through her contacts to find the one she was looking for. Opening up the HuntsApp application, she started typing her message: 'Are you free later?'

As usual, his response was quick.

Hisoka: Yeah, I am~

'There are some things we need to discuss.'

Hisoka: I had a feeling that you'd be contacting me before the auction~

Hisoka: In that case, meet me at the usual place~

'Perfect. 4:00pm at The Bar? I'm getting off work early today.'

Hisoka: Good. I'll be there~

She locked her phone and stood up. Now that that was done, it was time to go back to work.

A/N: Lol kurapika and Leorio's interactions were just too funny to imagine XD I like to think that in this fic, Leorio deliberately acts this way (teasing him) to help take Kurapika's mind off of the stress that the suspension of the expedition to the DC (and his revenge for the Kurta) is no doubt causing him (because Leorio is such awesomeness).

(1) Oh so this chapter revealed quite a bit in terms of the plot. We see now that Dawn is much more than the scared, abused secretary from the last chapter. That's just her guise. Surprised? Lol. She's a PI and Hunter who works for Mizaistrom and was once Ging's "associate". She's also the one who called Hisoka to York Shin and her Nen, from what Nick said on the phone involves healing (poor Nick, he tries for Dawn to be more careful but she just ignores him).

The Ketsueki Sword they mentioned over the phone is just a name given by the media because of what was observed with the victims (you know how the media likes to name things). "Ketsueki" is the Japanese rōmaji reading for けつえき or 血液 EDIT: and while the word "ketsueki" means "blood", "chi" 血 is the word you'd find used more often when referring to "blood" in day to day conversations (as pointed out by BlueberryWolf94).

FUN FACT: In the original draft for UxD, both Dawn and Laura were never intended to have much of a role or even interact with the main characters. Laura was to be 'the waitress' without a name and Dawn was to be just choked. Somehow they developed on their own without my consent lol. Apparently they did not like my original plan for them.

(2) Ooooh so Gon's adopted mom and dad (Kurapika and Leorio) are coming soon to see the bae XD Oh no, what will poor Gon do?! Will they approve of his dating choice? And will Hisoka care (does he ever...)?

See you all in the next update, which shall be between the 15th - 20th of next month. I'm trying to have a set time for posting.

Thanks very much for your words of encouragement so far and don't forget to review if you can :3

Next chapter preview: We learn more about Hisoka's mission as he meets up with Dawn.