AN: sparkles emoji worked this time... wtf but im not complaining
"You've gotta be shitting me," Killua grumbled to himself. He'd woken up that morning and his apartment and been freezing fucking cold. As in, more freezing fucking cold than usual!
Overcome with an existential dread, Killua had marched over to his window, thrown the blinds open, and found the entire outside world to be covered in a heavy white blanket.
Snow.
Just another part of the "Christmas season," and another reason why Killua hated Christmas.
Snow was so stupid and cold! It made it obnoxiously bright outside, and it was a bitch to drive in! Not to mention how cold it is! And there's the ice, the ice is the worst. In Yorknew City the snow could pile multiple feet high, and has Killua mentioned the cold?
Fuck snowflakes and pretty scenary, it's not worth all the downsides!
"Now I'm gonna have to drive to work in this stupid shit," Killua whined. He slammed his curtains closed, and marched begrudgingly into the kitchen. He turned the heat up as high as it could go on the way.
Killua got his coffee maker started (yes, he knows that he works at a literal coffee shop. But he won't get coffee for like two hours, and he wants to be warm) and pulled out his phone as it began its noisy cycle.
As expected, a text from Alluka yelling about the snow. Killua responded to her with a skull emoji. Flawless response.
Also as expected, Killua's first Snap of the day was from none other than Gon. Though Killua was used to it by now. Gon Snapped him every two fucking seconds, and chattering back and forth with him day to day was becoming Killua's new normal.
Did he look forward to Gon's responses? No, that would be ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
Killua's good morning message consisted of a blurry picture of Gon with his hand over his mouth in shock. "KILLUA," the screen read.
A smile already creeping onto his face, Killua took a quick selfie and asked what Gon was freaking out about.
"SNOW!" That picture was so blurry that Killua couldn't make anything out whatsoever.
The silver haired boy chuckled to himself. He's so adorable.
"oh really? i hadn't noticed," Killua responded. His coffee maker hummed to a stop, and Killua poured himself a mug. He was not looking forward to working today. He'd be on the drive with Palm, who would no doubt give him hell about Snapping Gon all day long.
A picture zoomed in on Gon's eyes, "KILLUA"
"what?"
"YOU HAVE TO MEET UP WITH ME TODAY"
Killua's heart kickstarted in his chest. Meet up? With Gon? See him in person?
A picture of Killua's face obscured by his coffee mug, "why?"
"TO SAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, WE MUST PLAY IN THE SNOW"
Killua found himself giggling out loud, his voice echoing against the empty apartment walls. "what are we, five?"
"✨YES✨"
"idiot"
"IS THAT A YES?!"
Killua's smile quickly fell. "no," he responded, "i have work"
The silver haired boy smiled softly when he received a picture of Gon that wasn't blurry this time. He was gazing into the camera in horror. "WHAT?!" the screen read, "In this weather?! How is it not canceled?!"
"this isn't grade school, they rn't gonna stop the wrld from turning just cause of a little frozen rain"
"But there's, like, ten feet out there!"
"ten INCHES, dumbass"
"Same thing!"
"no, no it's not"
A picture of Gon giving puppy dog eyes into the camera, "Can't you just call out?"
"no. money"
"Then how are we gonna play in the snow?!"
"we won't ig"
"nnoOooooOoOOOOoOoO"
Killua rolled his eyes, chuckling as he got ready to send his response. Gon. He was so… Gon. I'm honestly glad that I have work. I fucking hate being outside in cold like this. Also… this way I dodge the bullet of having to deal with Gon face to face. I have enough trouble through a scream, the fuck will I do when he's right there?
Saying no to him is so disheartening though…
Before Killua could hit send, a text notification popped up on his phone. It was in the work group chat, and a message from Zepile.
Frowning and once again sensing impending doom, Killua switched tabs.
"The roads are wild today! This storm came by surprise, so the roads haven't been fully salted yet! Beanz will be closed for today! Enjoy your day off!"
Killua's jaw hung open. A… day off?! One that he didn't have to sacrifice money for?! Or wrestle Chrollo for?! His phone immediately blew up with victorious messages from the likes of Ikalgo, Leorio, Palm, and Chrollo, but before Killua could craft a douchey message about not coming in to work, it dawned upon him that he had a bigger problem on his hands than work.
I don't have work. That means there's no reason for me not to go out with Gon.
–NOT ON A DATE GOING OUT JUST–
Yeah.
Killua found himself with two options.
Either not tell Gon that work was canceled and spend his day watching television and obsessing over Greed Island (like he wanted to do), or…
Tell Gon the news, and get dragged outside in the freezing fucking cold.
The only flaw in the first plan is that Gon will be Snapping me all day, and I can't just not respond… and then he'll realize that I'm not at work and I'll be caught in the lie.
Then again… there was a third option. Killua could tell the truth about work, and still deny Gon about going out in the snow.
Perfect! That way I don't have to deal with any of my problems!
With a victorious grin on his face, Killua responded to Gon with the news: "...work just got canceled"
"OH MY GODDDDDDDD"
Killua giggled, Gon looked like he'd just been handed a million dollars.
"THIS IS AMAZING"
"KILLUA"
"NOW WE CAN GO PLAY IN THE SNOW?!"
"YAYYYAYAYAYAYAYAY"
Five Snaps in a row? He sure is easily excited. To bad I'm not going with him–
"KILLUA BE READY IN TEN MINUTES IMMA PICK YOU UP"
Killua's victorious smirk melted off his face.
Shit.
But I haven't agreed to anything yet!
"Fuck," Killua mumbled to himself.
He took a picture of the ceiling above him, and began typing his message telling Gon that he wasn't going out in the snow… but…
He looks so happy about this.
Am I seriously going to let him down like that and kill his vibe?! I got his hopes all up for nothing…
Honestly. Why was Killua even thinking this?! So what if he made Gon sad?! It didn't matter! Killua shouldn't be feeling guilty!
Ten minutes.
Gon says he'll be here in ten minutes.
A pale pink flush made itself present across Killua's cheeks.
I kinda wanna… see him again. In person. I wanna see his smile and hear his laugh. I want to… have fun with him. I want to be closer to Gon.
Dammit.
Killua should have known he'd cave all along.
What was with this sudden soft spot for Gon?! Stupid Killua being a stupid fucking coward.
"k," Killua responded to Gon. You should be ashamed of yourself.
"HSEICKEKGOIFJOOIJOLKEKEOCOIGOKG– oH WAIT, what's ur address?"
…
What am I doing. Why am I doing this?! Why would I agree to this?!
Killua had agreed to meet up with Gon. In the snow. Where it was cold. Where Gon was IN PERSON and Killua couldn't hide behind a screen. What was he going to do?!
Wait, why am I freaking out?! How many times do I have to tell myself that it's just Gon?! He's just… he's just… some random dude.
These stupid feely-feelings are probably just a mistake. Yeah, I don't have any eMoTiOnS towards Gon.
This will prove it! I'll meet up with Gon - NOT BECAUSE I WANT TO OR ANYTHING - to prove to myself that I don't like him!
Him and Gon were just acquaintances. Although, if they were meeting up like this did that make them friends? Whatever. Either way, it was perfectly normal for Killua to meet up with Gon.
This is what straight guys did, right? Go hang out with other straight guys?
Perfectly normal!
Gon is NOTHING but a friend (if that) and today will prove that once and for all!
I'll figure out whatever these weird feelings are towards Gon, and I'll see that it's all nothing!
A knock sounded at Killua's door, and he was on his feet in a flash. He'd piled himself up in as many layers as he could manage, but the truth of the matter was that he didn't have any snow clothes. Just lots of sweats, flannels, and denim. Luckily he had gloves and a hat (though the gloves weren't waterproof in any way or form), and Converse counted as rain boots, right? Right.
Killua stuffed his phone, his keys, and his wallet into his pocket, and then opened the door.
Right before his doorstep stood Gon, bundled up in a puffy snow jacket, pants, and bright green rain boots. He was wearing that stupid Christmas scarf again, and had a pair of fuzzy earmuffs over his ears. He was grinning like a fool, and his eyes sparkled with kiddish joy.
"Killua!" Gon cheered.
The second he opened his door, Killua's face turned pink. Shit. "Uh, hey."
"It's great to see you! How have you been?"
Fuck, he's so bright. "You've been Snapping me every two fucking seconds, so I'm surprised you're not aware."
Gon giggled, not discouraged in the least by Killua's bitchy remark. "You seem as friendly as ever."
Killua rolled his eyes, stuffed his hands into his pockets, and marched off towards the staircase. Gon hurried to his side, skipping along like an excitable little puppy.
"I'm so happy your work got canceled!" Gon cheered as they went down the stairs.
"You're glad that my paycheck's getting an involuntary cut?"
"Not that, obviously, but this way we can play in the snow together! This is the first time we've been able to meet up like this! Every other time it was by chance! I can't wait to have fun with you, Killua!"
The silver haired boy felt his cheeks starting to flush again. "I'm not the only person you know. You could have dragged literally anyone else out here… I'm nothing special. Why didn't you invite Zushi?"
Gon paused at the door to the parking lot. He stopped in his tracks, and froze Killua with his fiery gaze. His expression was unreadable, though passionate and determined all the same. "I didn't want to invite anyone else. It wouldn't be the same."
What's that supposed to mean?
"I wanted it to be just me and Killua."
If Killua was blushing before, then he was quadruple blushing at this point.
Things were not looking up for him. Why was he blushing so much?! Why was Gon being so– so light?!
"O-oh," was Killua's lame response.
Gon grinned, the strange expression leaving his eyes. "It's okay to hang out with my new friend, right?"
Killua rolled his eyes and averted his gaze. Gon was too bright. "Whatever." Friends. He said we're friends. Why… does that make me all warm inside?
The raven giggled that stupid adorable giggle, and then swung the door open. He stepped outside and held the door for Killua, who begrudgingly marched through and outside. The second he stepped away from the safety of his air conditioned apartment complex, Killua was immediately chilled to the bone.
There was an unnecessary amount of snow on the ground considering there hadn't been a cloud in the sky yesterday, and it was so fucking cold that his nose had already started to run. It was a little windy outside, nothing more than a playful breeze, and a thin dusting of fat, lazy snowflakes sprinkled down from the silvery sky.
Gon headed out after Killua, and the silver haired boy followed after him. Are we walking or something? I'd assumed that he drove here–
Killua tripped over his own feet when he realized that they were walking towards a fucking motorcycle.
"You drive a fucking motorcycle?!"
"Yup!" Gon chirped, gaining a little skip in his step. "Like I told you, I'm hard core!"
Killua sputtered, slowly starting to continue forward. Gon's bike was sleek and painted in an iridescent black paint. There was a bit of snow gathered on the handles, and two helmets waiting on the seat. Gon had haphazardly strapped two plastic sleds to the side of the thing with nylon rope. That didn't look like a traffic hazard in any way or form.
"You seem like a mom-van guy, not a fucking motorcycle guy!" Killua ranted. "Who the hell are you, skipping around like a fucking leprechaun, lifting weights in your freetime, and driving motorcycles?!" His description doesn't match up with his appearance at all!
Gon laughed out loud as he swung his leg over the… the metal thing that Killua was about to be dragged onto. Was this safe?! There was snow everywhere! This seemed like an absolutely terrible idea! Not to mention Killua barely knew this guy and he was expected to climb onto his fucking magic carpet and just trust him with his very life–
"Leprechaun?" Gon snickered, "I've never heard that one before."
Killua snorted, crossing his arms and standing a good three feet's distance from Gon's death machine on wheels. "You wear green, and you're always smiling like an idiot. I'm sure you're a slut for cheap cereal, too."
"I am, actually!" Gon laughed, the noise once again reminding Killua of the twinkling of bells. Dare he say sleigh bells… no, he revokes that thought. "Do you want to hear her name?" he asked with a goofy grin.
Killua raised a silver brow. "Who's 'she?'"
"My motorcycle!" Gon chirped while patting the… side or… chasse or whatever the fuck it was.
"You named it," Killua deadpanned.
"Her name is Tsubone!" Gon declared. "She's a grumpy old woman with a sassy attitude! But don't underestimate her, she'll kick your butt if you push her buttons!"
Killua couldn't… he couldn't find the words–
"Come on, Killua! Tsubone wants to become acquainted with your ass~" Gon joked while tossing the extra helmet into Killua's chest.
The silver haired boy fumbled to catch it, and then glared up at Gon to complain. "She wants to become acquainted with my ass?" he asked incredulously. "What the hell, is she some sort of pedo or some shit?"
Gon shot Killua a sly grin, adjusting his legs which straddled either side of the… of Tsubone the Motorcycle. He lifted the helmet up to his head, "She wants to be sure you've been eating properly! You'll be sitting on her, so what better way to gauge your weight?" Gon slipped the helmet over his wild hair, the visor tinted the pitchest black.
Killua felt a twinge of electricity spark through his chest. Fuck, why was he attracted to motorcyclists. The helmet made Gon look so cool and mysterious– yet here he was spewing a constant stream of weird-assed-shit from his mouth!
Killua had known Gon was weird, hell, he wasn't even entirely surprised by what a total dork he was! He kissed people when he got drunk enough, apparently, literally anything was on the table at this point!
It was clear that Gon was a total fucking weirdo. But still… Killua didn't seem to care. If anything, his strangeness did nothing but draw him in. He felt like a romance novel protagonist, and he did not approve!
Gon… he was so goofy. He was so smiley and bright, yet he listened to metal music and rode around on a motorcycle. He was so… exciting. His laughter was contagious, and his smile made Killua weak in the knees. Killua never knew what the fuck was gonna come out of his mouth next, and he found himself wanting to follow him around and catch watever vibe was keeping him so cheerful and full of energy.
And Killua was coming to notice that he looked insanely hot right now…
With his gay thoughts taking the wheel, Killua pulled the helmet down over his fluffy mane, and approached Tsubone the Motorcycle.
Gon waved stupidly at him, his helmet far to tinted to see his face. Killua rolled his eyes, well aware that his visor was just as dark. He'd never ridden a motorcycle before… but he didn't want to look like a hermit who stayed inside all day and got his daily dose of adrenaline through video games (which was exactly the case).
Why do I care so much about what Gon thinks of me? …Is it because I'm still hung up over the kiss? Am I really obsessing over this because of that stupid little moment? Is it because… I wonder if… if I'm the reason Gon doesn't remember kissing me? Am I not… good enough? Not interesting enough? Not… attractive enough?
What does he think of me?
If I didn't leave a big enough splash that he could forget kissing me… then I don't want that to be the case now that I'm meeting him all over again.
I… I don't want to be a person he can forget the next morning.
But why? Why do I care so much?
…Fuck it.
Killua dismissed his existential crisis of the day, and slung his leg over the seat of the motorcycle. He stood behind Gon, proud of himself for actually getting on but now unsure of what he was supposed to be doing. He was also starting to become suspicious over how safe this was…
Gon jammed his keys into the ignition, and started the thing up. Killua squeaked in surprise when the engine roared to life and the death machine started vibrating between his legs. Gon then lifted on foot up onto something somewhere, and the entire thing leaned to the side as only one of Gon's legs was left holding it up. Killua squeaked again, instinctively bracing his hands behind him on the back of the seat.
"Put your feet on the ledge behind mine," Gon instructed casually, glancing over his shoulder to direct Killua.
The silver haired boy tentatively lifted his right foot up, the one Gon had lifted up. He reached his leg around the sleds strapped to the side of the death machine, and awkwardly set his foot behind Gon's.
"You can lift the other up too."
Killua listened, and slowly lifted his other leg up. The motorcycle didn't fall over like he'd been afraid it would, and he placed his toes and the very edge of the left ledge. He didn't want to take up all the foot space for when Gon moved his left foot up as well.
"It's gonna be hard to hold on like that," Gon said, nodding to the placement of Killua's hands. "Hold onto my waist, it's okay."
Oh my god.
Killua slowly leaned forward, and moved his hands one by one from the back of the seat to Gon's hips. Heat crawled to his cheeks, this felt kinda…
Gon gave Killua an encouraging nod, and likely a smile under that helmet, and then pushed off with his left foot. Within the span of two seconds, Gon had lifted his foot up, revved the gas handle, and Tsubone the Motorcycle sped off. Killua gasped in horror, his arms locking around Gon's waist as he clung for dear life.
The jackass just laughed, and drove faster.
"You're gonna kill me!" Killua yelled.
"No I'm not! Tsubone and I will take good care of you!"
"Stop acting like your fucking motorcycle has a consciousness! How is this safe?! There's snow everywhere!"
"I put snow tires on!"
"Wow, I feel so much better," Killua retorted, wincing when Gon leaned to the side and brought them speeding around a sharp right turn. Snow was blown everywhere as the psycho sped along, and Killua did his best to hide behind Gon whenever they passed salt trucks and the idiot would just wave at them like nothing was amiss.
"Where are we going?!" Killua complained. His heart was beating way too fast for this! This was nerve wracking as all hell! Why had he always dreamed about riding behind someone on a motorcycle?! This was horrifying!
"Central Park!" Gon declared, before swerving off to the left and making Killua scream in terror. The raven giggled, likely enjoying the hell out of himself. Killua glued himself to Gon's back, tucking his head around his shoulder and likely cutting off circulation with his death grip.
Once Killua saw his life flash before his eyes all of six times, Gon finally pulled up by central park. He then proceeded to veer onto the sidewalk and drive down the walking path!
"The fuck are you doing?!" Killua shrieked.
Gon cackled, "There's literally no one outside today! It's fine!"
"That's cause we're the only people stupid enough to be out in this awful weather! Isn't this illegal?!"
"Maybe. But that makes it more fun!"
"I can't believe this," Killua muttered, and then screamed again when Gon swerved off the road to cut across a field of grass.
Two more life flashes later, Gon finally rolled to a stop. Or more accurately, slid to the side and made an enormous wave of snow as Killua screamed for dear life. Gon leaned on one foot, and Killua sat while catching his breath and reeling his soul back into his body.
"You can let go now~" Gon teased.
"Shut the fuck up," Killua snapped, slapping Gon on the arm before shakily climbing off the death machine and struggling to keep his footing.
Gon set up the kickstand, cut the engine, and hopped off with much more grace than Killua had. He whipped the helmet off, and shook his hair about, grinning like a fool.
Killua's eyes were drawn to Gon's face, and he had to make an effort to look away and not seem like the gay that he was. He took off his own helmet, and shook his hair about to keep it from looking too well kept.
Gon moved his earmuffs from around his neck back to his ears, and then moved to start untying the ropes keeping the sleds bound to Tsubone the Motorcycle. "What do you wanna do first?!"
"Well you drove us to a hill and you're getting your sleds out so I guess we'll be playing water polo."
Gon cracked a laugh. "Sledding it is then!"
"As if I had a choice."
Gon straightened, tossing a circular piece of purple plastic over to Killua. "You always have a choice!" he said like the angel he was.
Killua rolled his eyes, definitely not almost missing the catch.
Gon held his rectangular sled under his arm, and skipped over to join Killua at the crest of the hill. They were standing at the top of, you guessed it, a hill in the middle of central park. The huge Christmas tree could be seen a ways over to the left. The most difficult stretch of the walking trail wound its way up to the top of this hill, which was treeless and ended off in a pond that was currently frozen.
As you can imagine, this steep-assed hill looked like a perfect place to break your neck while riding a flimsy piece of plastic hailing from CVS.
Gon and Killua were the only ones around, which Killua was starting to get a little suspicious of. The hell? Why was it completely deserted?
Though he supposed that was a good thing. Now there was no chance of him being caught out and about with Gon. Because if anyone from Beanz caught wind of this, he'd be harassed for going on a "date." And this was not a date!
"One of the best parts of Christmas," Gon declared, "is going outside and sledding!"
"Wouldn't that be one of the best parts of snowy weather? Or winter in general?" Killua drawled.
"It's the Christmas Season, Killua! That means that any winter activity defaults to a Christmas activity!"
"That is exactly why I hate this holiday," Killua sighed. "By that logic, any activity done at this time whatsoever could be considered a cHriStMaS aCtiViTy. Wanna rob a bank? Sorry officers, it's our annual Christmas bank robbery! You can't arrest us, we're celebrating the Lord! Wanna kick a grandma down the stairs? It's a Christmas vibe-check, you old bat! Wanna kidnap and eat your neighbor's dog? Damn, Gerald, don't you know that it's a Christmas blessing to eat fresh dog testicles? He was knocking on death's door anyway! We did him a favor! Merry fucking Christmas!"
Gon gave the silver haired boy an exasperated glance. "That's not what I mean, Killua."
"Oh? Then what do you mean?"
"Snow is a part of the Christmas experience! Nothing's better than a white Christmas, and appreciating the snow is another way to celebrate the happiest time of the year!"
"Stop objectifying the snow, Gon."
"Winter is associated with Christmas!"
"So is New Years, Hanukkah, and Pearl Harbor."
"Killua."
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Just enjoy the snow and experience the joy of sledding!" Gon commanded.
"Okay, I suppose I'll attempt," the silver haired troublemaker sighed. "It's cold as a witch's titty out here and I can't feel my nose. You know what would make this so much better? Flinging myself down a steep incline!"
"Killuaaaa, have you ever been sledding before?"
"...No."
Gon gasped dramatically. "I knew it!" He charged towards Killua, and though he made a half hearted attempt to escape, soon Gon had grabbed his hands and he was being tugged around in excited circles. "Killua, sledding is so fun!"
"Is it really?" the shorter male complained sarcastically.
"I can't believe this is your first time! This is such an honor!"
Killua rolled his eyes, "Stop making a mountain out of a molehill."
"It's so fun, Killua, I promise! I'll show you! Come on!"
Killua was dragged along by Gon to the edge of the hill. The taller male was giddily hopping from foot to foot, once again calling puppies to mind. He sat his rectangular sled down in front of Killua, and grinned up at him from where he knelt on the ground.
"What?" Killua asked, being difficult.
"Sit down!" Gon said with a grin.
"On that thing? No."
"Come on, you have to!"
"Why?"
"Cause otherwise you can't ride it down the hill!"
"And why would I want to do that?"
"Because that's the entire point of sledding!"
He's so oblivious. Does he not understand sarcasm?
"I'll go with you if you're scared!" Gon offered with a blinding and adorable smile.
Killua felt his cheeks start to heat up, and sat down in the sled with a huff. "I'll be fine–" he began to mumble, only to be interrupted by Gon shoving him forward.
"Move over! I'll go with you!"
"Hey," Killua complained, "what are you–"
"It'll be kinda scary the first time!" Gon said as he scooted around behind Killua. He held them in place with his arms, and Killua frowned down at his lap as he clutched the rope handle in his hands. "Lean back a little," Gon instructed, reaching one arm up to lean Killua back by the shoulder.
The silver haired boy choked back an embarrassing squeak as his back hit Gon's chest. His ankles hung off the front of the sled, and Gon wrapped his legs around the sides. What's with all this proximity?!
"You ready?" Gon cheered.
"Uh–"
"-Here we go!"
Gon pushed off with his hands, and then leaned back and forth to scoot the sled over the edge of the hill. Killua bit his lip as Gon's breath dusted his ear again and again, before they finally tipped over the edge and went sliding down at neck breaking speeds.
Killua found himself screaming once again, and subconsciously leaned flush against Gon's chest as the gravity played with his stomach. Gon braced his palms on the back of the sled, and laughed like a madman as they shot down the hill.
The sled was down the hill in almost an instant, and then it slid out across the surface of the frozen pond. Killua squeezed his eyes shut as they sped across, what the hell! The ice was gonna break and they were gonna fucking drown! Luckily that didn't happen, and they landed in the enormous bank of snow on the other side instead.
Killua caught his breath when they finally stopped, and Gon was still giggling like a fool.
"Wasn't that fun?!" he asked.
"Fun… yeah," Killua retorted. "I'm never doing that again."
"Yes you are!" Gon cheered, before rolling onto his side and dragging the both of them into the bank of snow.
…
Killua did sled again. And again. And again. For three fucking hours.
He didn't know how he managed to last that long, but he sure as hell did. It was already twelve o'clock, but it felt like the time had blown right past. Sledding was actually pretty fun. Terrifying, but fun.
Killua found that the rectangle sled went faster if you leaned all the way back, and that the circular sled could and would turn backwards halfway down the hill. Killua had crashed and bailed countless times, and he'd raced Gon too many times to count as well. They'd gone down together over and over and over, and had even stuffed themselves into the circular sled at once.
As much as he hated to admit it, Killua was having fun. He was having the time of his life. It was just like every other time he'd met up with Gon, everything always got so much more fun. Killua couldn't stop grinning and laughing, and it was like the rest of the world just disappeared.
His legs were burning from hiking back up that hill so many times, and his clothes were soaked almost all the way through with frigid melted snow. But Killua couldn't care less. It was just him and Gon. Nothing else mattered, and there was no one else around.
Right now, Killua and Gon were on their backs in the snow by the pond, making snow angels. Killua had no idea how Gon had convinced him to do this. But here he was.
Gon giggled as he moved his arms up and down in the snow. "Yay! Snow angels! This is so fun!"
"Ewww, I think the snow's getting in my pants."
Gon cracked a laugh, and then sat up all of a sudden. He then tossed a handful of snow directly into Killua's face. "Now it'll be down your shirt too!"
"Jackass!" Killua exclaimed. He sat up, bringing two armfuls of snow along with him. He tossed his load at Gon, and the other male laughed hysterically as he was showered with the powdery crap.
They slung snow back and forth, and it went down Killua's shirt alright.
The chaos ensued until Killua's teeth were chattering so bad he could hardly talk.
Gon cocked his head to one side, noticing. "Are you–" he was interrupted by a handful of snow to the face. "Are you cold?"
"Y-yeah, I g-guess so," Killua snorted, clutching his hands together. His gloves had soaked through completely two hours ago, and he couldn't feel his fingers at all.
"Oh no!" Gon announced. He lurched towards Killua and wrapped his arms around him. "You're shivering so bad!"
Killua blinked in shock as he was crushed against Gon's body. "Uh, yeah."
Gon stood up, dragging Killua to his feet. "We can't have you turning into an ice cube!"
Killua rolled his eyes, "I won't t-turn into an ice cube. A little c-cold won't kill me."
"Yes it can! Hyperthermia is bad!"
Killua rolled his eyes, reluctantly drawing forward into Gon's warmth. The raven's arms were locked around his shoulders, and he was spinning back and forth in a meager attempt to warm Killua up.
The silver haired boy couldn't stop shivering, which was fucking annoying, but the cold didn't stop him from getting all flustered over how close Gon was. He's so much taller than me. He could probably zip me up in his jacket and no one would know the difference.
Right as Killua was shutting his eyes and allowing himself to fall into full swoon-mode, a roaring grumble erupted from Gon's stomach.
The raven froze, and Killua peeked up at him.
"Gon. Is s-someone hungry?" Killua teased.
"Maybe."
"We can't have you starving out-t here in the cold!" Killua said in an overly exaggerated voice, mocking Gon's words from earlier.
"I'm not starving!"
"Yes you are, d-don't you know that not eating can k-kill you?"
Gon glanced down at Killua, a knowing twinkle in his eyes and an almost soft expression on his face. For some reason that expression made Killua's stomach do a flip. "You're turning to ice as we speak, I'm going hungry, I say we go grab something to eat!"
"Oh?"
"Allow me to treat you to lunch!" Gon cheered enthusiastically, lifting Killua off the ground and spinning him in a little circle.
"P-put me d-down!" Killua complained, pushing at Gon's face. The raven obeyed, setting Killua down and giving his head a little pat. "Wh-where would we go?" I'm going to lunch with Gon? I'm getting all excited… my heart's getting all fast and fuzzy.
"Wherever is open, good sir!" Gon declared in a dramatic voice. He leaned down and grabbed the two sleds, then bowed with a flourish and motioned for Killua to go first.
Killua chuckled, returning the gesture, and then trotted over to the pond. He got a nice running start, and then slid out across the ice. Gon followed along, and they awkwardly skated across the frozen pond on their shoes. Killua was faster! The soles of his converse were caked with snow, and Gon's boots were covered with sticky rubber! Killua had the advantage!
They made it across the pond, and then raced back up the hill. Gon beat Killua… again, and the shorter male was left wheezing for dear life as he clawed his way up the steep incline.
"You're way out of shape, Killua!" Gon laughed as he offered the silver haired male a hand.
d Killua glared up at him, but grabbed onto Gon's fingers all the same. "D-damn, thanks for the stellar comp-liment."
Gon giggled, hauling Killua to his feet with ease. He's really strong. "You're welcome! See? This is why you should go to the gym with me!"
"No," Killua deadpanned.
"Come on, whyyy?"
"I don't enjoy p-pain, and physical activity puts me in pain."
"But weights are fun!" Gon argued playfully as he tied the sleds back to Tsubone the Motorcycle.
"So f-far that's been your only comp-compelling argument, and a s-sucky one at that. Weights are 'fun?' That's c-completely and utterly subjective. Give me something more-more sub-stantial." It feels like this is the millionth time we've had this conversation… but arguing with him is so fun. We've only known each other for a couple weeks at best, but it feels like I've known him my entire life. Maybe it's just me reading into things, but I feel like Gon and I are really close friends… like, best friends. Even though this is the first time we've formally met up like this.
Why is that?
Is it all in my head? Is this warmth in my chest affecting my perception of our relationship?
Or were we just… meant to be friends like this?
It's crazy. Whenever we're together, all I can think about is Gon. It's just me and him. He's so fun to be around, it's intoxicating. I feel like I'm being drawn in, like a fish on a hook or the opposite side of a magnet.
Does he feel that way too? Or is it just me?
He doesn't remember the kiss… am I the only one who feels this way?
Gon hummed as he contemplated his counterargument, he had to freeze in his work on the ropes to think. Killua chuckled. Gon could only focus on one thing at a time… it was cute.
"Uh, well, you get to become stronger!" Gon declared, resuming his work with the ropes.
"Elaborate a little p-please?" Killua teased, leaning against a nearby tree to watch Gon work. His eyes stayed trained on Gon, their navy depths soft and almost affectionate. Killua could feel himself slipping. He was getting attached, and fast. This was bad… but at the same time, he just wanted to fall faster and never look back.
"Your muscles get really big, and you can lift all kinds of things! It feels really good to be in shape, and you get to be really proud of yourself for all your accomplishments!"
"Well what if I'm proud of my acom-acomplishments in other th-things?" Killua teased, being difficult.
"Pride in your strength is different!" Gon announced as he hopped to his feet. He tossed Killua his helmet, and Killua managed to catch it without any scrambling this time. Yay! Athleticism!
"How so?"
"If I didn't work so hard to stay in shape, then I wouldn't be able to pick Killua up!"
Killua snorted, "W-wow. That's so inc-incredible."
"Also the pain is fun!"
"The pain?" Killua asked skeptically. He climbed onto the motorcycle behind Gon, and put his helmet back on.
"Yeah! A lot of people don't wanna work out because of the pain," Gon explained, "but the pain is the best part! If you're sore all day, then you know that you gave yourself that pain! It's a physical reminder of how much stronger you're getting!"
"W-what are you, a mas-masochist?" Killua laughed.
"No! It's not masochism! That's different!"
"Sure, sure," Killua snickered. He looped his arms around Gon's waist, and the two of them were off. He was more used to the motorcycle this time, and was starting to get more used to putting his life in Gon's hands. I don't hate this. I really like hanging out with Gon like this.
He said that we're friends… yeah. We're friends. I'm friends with Gon.
The thought put a smile on Killua's face.
He scooted closer to Gon on the seat, and enjoyed the ride.
…
"Oh my god, sweet air conditioning!" Killua whined as he rushed through the doors of the only restaurant open in this weather: McDonalds. Killua stomped in circles on the mat by the door, making sure to get all the snow off his boots. Gon walked in soon after him.
"It's so warm in here!" Gon chirped.
"Yeah, thank fuck," Killua muttered. He shuffled his feet, trying to regain feeling in his toes.
The dining room was pretty empty. There were only a couple other people sitting down to eat. There had been three cars brave enough to travel to the drive through, and there was only one employee running the counter.
"Hey, welcome in," the guy at the counter sighed, only to perk up when he glanced over at Gon and Killua. "Gon! No way, is that you?!"
Killua blinked. Gon knows the cashier?
"Jispa!" the raven cheered, frolicking over to his register.
Killua followed along with a furrow gathering at his brow. This Jispa guy was tall, taller than Gon, if that was even possible. He was wearing the tacky red McDonalds uniform, but Killua had to admit that he was pretty attractive. He had pale skin, though at a golden hue rather than a milky pallor like Killua's. His hair was bleached blonde, with the sides shaved and revealing dark roots.
"It's good to see you!" Gon gushed. He leaned against the counter, grinning that dazzling grin. Killua hovered behind him, feeling awkward and out of place. He didn't like people. Alluka, Chrollo, Meleoron, Kurapika, and Ikalgo were the rare exceptions. Though he supposed that Leorio, Palm, and now Gon counted as well. Zepile depending on his mood.
"How have you been?" Jispa asked. "How's your break treating you?"
"Awesome! I've had tons of time to work on my PRs, and the Chimera project I was telling you about is going so well!"
"Oh really?!" Jispa gasped, "That's great! I'm so excited to see it once it's finished!"
Chimera project? What's that?
"Are you excited for Christmas?!" Gon asked, his voice getting louder as he got more excited. Killua was sure he was being dramatic… but it felt like he wasn't even there. Gon was hanging out with him wasn't he? What was with this Jispa guy showing up and stealing Gon's attention?
"Always!" Jispa cheered, pumping his fists. "I can't wait to get off! I've been working almost 24/7, and it totally sucks! How'd your finals go? I haven't seen you since the last day of study group!"
Study group? So that means Gon met this guy back at the college. I guess that makes sense… of course Gon would have tons of friends. He had friends at that party, and he's so kind and extroverted. I'm sure he has dozens of people just like this Jispa guy.
"They went pretty okay," Gon said with a nervous laugh as he rubbed the back of his head. "I would have completely bombed out if it hadn't been for you and the guys!"
"Yeah, no kidding! Komugi's a total life saver!"
"I'd be dead in the streets by now if it weren't for her! Oh! Did you go to that crazy party over the weekend?! It was totally insane! Knuckle and Youpi got into a fight again and–"
Killua tuned out Gon and Jispa's chattering. He had no idea what or who they were talking about, and it was making him feel left out. Killua was being reminded of just who Gon was…
He was a guy that Killua barely knew. He was adorable and the nicest thing ever, but him and Killua lived in totally different worlds if they hadn't run into each other around campus until now. Gon had friends all of his own, a life all of his own. It sounded like he had a whole lot of fun going to parties and hanging out with whoever all these people were.
If Gon had so many other friends… then why was he even bothering to hang out with Killua? Killua was a grumpy drama queen who hated going outside. He prided himself in that fact, but still. Why would Gon wanna be with him if he could be with people like Jispa or whoever this Youpi guy was?
Killua had thought him and Gon were getting to know each other pretty well… but he had no idea what Gon and Jispa were talking about, not one tiny bit. Why do I care about that? So what if Jispa knows Gon better? We're not even that good of friends anyways…
By the sounds of things, it was no wonder Gon had forgotten about kissing Killua.
He had so much other interesting stuff to remember.
I'm not… good enough. He has so many better, more interesting people. I'm no fun. I'm no good for Gon. I can't offer anything to the table. I was a fool to think me and Gon were becoming close friends. Obviously he's way ahead of me. He's so different from me, and I can never hope to be good enough to be close with him. I should just–
"-but the best part about my break has been meeting my new friend Killua!"
Killua startled out of his spiraling when Gon's arm suddenly flung around his shoulders. Gon tugged Killua against his side, and dragged him forward for Jispa to see.
"What?" Killua asked dumbly. What does he mean the "best part?"
"This is Killua!" Gon announced, sounding incredibly proud of himself. "He's my new best friend! I met him at that amazing coffee shop near Times Square! He works there all the time, just like you do here! And remember Zushi's new girlfriend Alluka?! Killua is Alluka's big brother!"
Jispa's eyes lit up as his gaze turned to Killua. "Ohh! It's such a small world! It's really nice to meet you, Killua!"
"Yeah, same here," Killua rattled off on autopilot. Gon said that I'm– that I'm his best friend? But– but how? I'm just someone he forgot about the next morning! We've only hung out like this once! How could we be best friends? I thought I wasn't good enough for him to remember? What about all those other people like Youpi and Komugi? What about all those parties? How many other people has he kissed drunk and remembered the next day?
I'd thought we really hit it off but– didn't I just confront the truth that it was only in my head? Could Gon really feel just as drawn to me as I am to him? Is it not all in my head?
Gon says I'm his… I'm his best friend.
That makes…
Killua's heart swelled in his chest.
That makes me feel all bubbly inside.
"I was just out sledding with Killua!" Gon bragged. He kept Killua pressed against his side, almost like a trophy. It felt like Gon was showing Killua off like a shiny new toy, like a dog when it found a new stick to bring to its master. It was so adorable… but it also made Killua feel incredibly special.
Of all the fun things Gon did and all the cool people he met… he wanted to show Killua off. He wanted to brag about Killua. Butterflies squirmed in Killua's stomach, and he felt a warmth buzzing about in his chest.
Jispa and Gon continued their chattering, but Killua had them tuned out again. Though it wasn't because he was spiraling or degrading himself. It was because he couldn't believe this was happening. And also, because he was coming to realize just how infatuated he'd become with Gon over these past several days.
They ordered their food, and Killua was too zoned out to pay too much attention. Gon paid for the both of them, and Killua was too zoned out to argue or be grateful. It was only once they'd gotten their drinks and sat down - and Killua was once again the center of Gon's attention - that he snapped himself out of it.
"I'm so ready to eat!" Gon sighed as he squirmed about in his chair.
"Same here, I can't wait to put something warm in me," Killua agreed. He'd ordered himself some hot chocolate, and he couldn't fucking wait.
"What'd you get to drink, Killua?" Gon asked as he stuck his straw into his cup.
"Vanilla Coke."
"Oooh! Is it good?!"
"Yeah, it's better than the regular kind. And way better than whatever the fuck that Starlight kind is."
Gon cracked a laugh, "Space flavored Coke! I didn't know that space tasted like raspberries!"
"And just a touch of mint," Killua added. He peeled his soaked gloves off and rubbed them together. He blew into his hands, fuck, he was so cold. "What did you get to drink, Gon?"
"Strawberry lemonade!"
Killua snorted, "Strawberry lemonade? What are you, five?"
"I'm not five for liking lemonade," Gon pouted. "It's good!"
"No it's not. Lemonade is gross, too sour," Killua argued with a smirk.
"What could be better than lemonade?!" Gon gasped, clearly horrified.
"Hot chocolate," Killua asserted as Jispa delivered them their food. Gon waved to Jispa and then started unloading their bags. He'd ordered an obscene amount of food, having committed to eating a burger, ten chicken nuggets, a large container of fries, and two cookies. Along with five different flavors of dipping sauce.
Killua, a dignified member of society, was eating a kid's meal.
It came with a toy, and also apple slices.
"Which toy did you get?" Gon asked around an enormous bite of food. He'd already inhaled half the burger.
"Fuck yeah, I got… Harold the Whore," he answered, squinting at the tag and pretending to read.
"What?!" Gon gasped, almost choking. "That can't be right!"
"Are you insinuating that I can't read?" Killua teased with a grin, he chucked the tiny stuffed toy into Gon's face. "His name is Harold the Whore! His bio says that he's a slut for doritos and that he works at the stripclub on Tuesdays."
Gon was in hysterics as he inspected the tag on the foot of the stuffed alien moose or whatever the fuck it was supposed to be. "Incredible. I'm jealous, I should have gotten a kids meal," Gon snickered.
"We should have bought five. That way we could collect every member of the family. See this?" Killua said as he took a bite of his apple slice, he pointed to a purple alien bird on the side of the happy meal box. "Sally the Slut wants you to adopt her."
Gon giggled and leaned forward to read the box. "What about the green one? It's a green dog with three tails!"
"Oh, you mean Danny Dildo? He's slept with every member of the football team at the local high school, and now he's going after the D&D club. He's a proud owner of three STDs, one for each tail."
"I think he's the best one," Gon laughed.
Killua gasped dramatically, snatching Harold the Whore out of Gon's hands and cupping him to his chest. "Not in front of Harold! You'll hurt his feelings!"
"I'm sorry Harold," Gon cooed, leaning over the table and offering a french fry. "Take this french fry."
Killua moved Harold the Whore's front legs, took the fry from Gon, and then chucked it across the dining room. "He says that you and your pity fries can go drown in a well!" Killua declared. "He'll only forgive you if you give him a kiss." Killua smirked and held Harold the Whore across the table.
Gon blinked dramatically, and pretended to be embarrassed. "Oh my! Well, if Harold insists!" The raven leaned across the table and kissed Harold the Whore on his tiny stuffed mouth. Killua made dramatic make-out sounds, and the older couple a few tables over were staring at Gon and Killua like they were summoning the antichrist.
Gon leaned back, "Are you satisfied Harold?"
"He's thinking about it," Killua giggled. "The verdict is… he still hates you."
"What?!" Gon gasped playfully. "But how?! I'm the best kisser in all the land!"
Killua's cheeks turned a little pink. I don't doubt that. "You didn't appease Harold," Killua drawled.
"What must I do?" Gon whined as he dipped a chicken nugget in each of his five sauces.
Killua held Harold the Whore up to his ear, and pretended to be nodding along to his requests. Gon watched tentatively in between bites. "Ah, I see," Killua said dramatically.
"What does he beseech of me?!"
"He wants to arrange a betrothal between you and his wine aunt."
Gon burst out laughing, "Me and his wine aunt?! Why? Is she hot?"
Killua "listened" to Harold again. "Harold tells me that she's quite the milf," Killua announced. "However, you are listening to the opinion of a three inch tall, dorito fucking alien moose, so I wouldn't imagine that his opinion holds much weight."
…
After eating their McDonalds lunch, Gon and Killua finally came to a deal with Harold the Whore. He would only forgive Gon if Gon and Killua worked together to return him to his homeland.
They did this by climbing to the top of the play place.
Once Harold was returned and Gon had gotten his head stuck three times, the two of them finally returned to Tsubone the Motorcycle. Killua climbed onto the back of Gon's motorcycle for one last time that day, and he had to admit that he genuinely enjoyed the ride back to his apartment.
"What's this 'Chimera project' you were talking about with Jispa?" Killua asked casually as the two of them walked across the parking lot to Killua's apartment.
"Oh," Gon chirped. "It's just a project for my work."
"Such an elaborate answer," Killua teased.
Gon chuckled, scratching the back of his head. He does that when he's embarrassed or sheepish. It's cute. "I can't really tell you what it is, but I can show you once I get a little more work done on it."
"Hm. How dare you leave me in suspense. It's a date then." WAIT WHY DID I SAY THAT–
"Yeah!" Gon cheered, throwing his hands into the air as they made their way up Killua's stairs and to his hallway. "I'll let you know when it's finished, Killua~"
"Yeah," Killua agreed. Fuck. That was close. I'm so fucking lucky he brushed it of. I need to find a filter for my stupid mouth!
Gon held the door open for Killua as they entered his hallway, and then followed him to his door. Killua slipped his keys out of his pocket, suddenly feeling a little sad.
"This was really fun, Killua," Gon said with a grin. "Thanks for coming out with me today."
Killua's face flushed. "Uh, yeah. It's whatever."
"I had a lot of fun with you," Gon continued. The two of them stopped outside Killua's door. "I'm really glad I got to meet you."
Killua's face burned a bright scarlet, and the flush quickly spread to his ears. "Damn, don't say stuff like that, you're so embarrassing," he mumbled, attempting to hide his eyes beneath his hair.
"But I mean it!" Gon protested.
"Idiot," Killua mumbled. He was kind of standing awkwardly with his key in his door, not sure what to do with himself. He knew he should just walk back inside and call it a day, but at the same time he didn't want to part ways with Gon…
"I'm really glad to have you as my friend," Gon soldiered on. He was smiling this stupid soft smile and Killua could NOT–
Gon rested his hand on Killua's shoulder, and the shorter male snapped his head. He found himself trapped in the sticky honey of Gon's eyes, his heart was beating so fast and once again all Killua could think about was Gon's kiss.
The raven smiled down at him, that strange but warm emotion once again returning to his eyes. "Let's meet up again sometime soon."
"Uh, yeah," Killua sputtered. He was at war with himself to keep his eyes from flicking down to Gon's mouth.
The strange emotion left Gon's eyes, and his face cracked open in that wild grin. Killua felt his insides melt. "Whelp, I'll see you later!" Gon chirped. And with that, he patted Killua on the back and then skipped off down the hallway.
Killua forced himself to open his door and close it behind him before he froze completely up. He stood with his back to the door, his heart racing and his face the deepest shade of scarlet. His skin was tingling where Gon's hand had rested on his shoulder, and his entire brain was dedicated to picturing the beautiful shade of Gon's eyes when they'd softened and declared Killua his friend.
His knees buckled dramatically out from under him, and Killua sank to a seated position against his front door. With his hand bunched in the fabric over his shirt, Killua was absolutely certain.
He had a crush on Gon, the guy who'd kissed him drunk under the mistletoe.
Killua buried his face into his hands and wailed dramatically, "Nooooooooooooo–"