#but i wanted to see gon hearing the news of killua coming to whale island to visit him for the first time since That

[mysandwichranaway]

[strwbiris]

HANG OUT WITH THEM

i. part two: hang out with these characters (part one)

ii. gender neutral. reader | unedited version (lmk if I used any gendered terms!)

iii. cw: spoilers in manga (chrollo's part), mentions of death, massacre/slaughter, torture, trauma, and violence. stealing, fluff & semi-angst (?)

iv. characters: gon freecs, killua zoldyck, kurapika kurta, chrollo lucilfer, feitan portor.

GON FREECS

You hang out with the boy a lot as the two of you develop a rapport with one another and grow closer. The two of you would often be perched on top of a tree branch as he casts his fishing line into the middle of a swamp. He would ask you questions about your past, how you lived in YorkNew City, and even about yourself constantly while he was fishing.

Talking to Gon is comforting, although he is extremely enthusiastic. You might find yourself baffled as to how he appears to be fulfilled while not harboring any unwelcome feelings or thoughts. But naturally, that wasn't the only thing. He would take you around the town's outskirts. And to pass the time if you were in his place, you two would play a variety of board games.

KILLUA ZOLDYCK

When Gon wasn't allowed to practice Nen for two months because of his injudicious decision of fighting Gido, you and Killua trained together without Nen because Killua don't want Gon to be left behind. Since neither of you was particularly talkative throughout your training session-unlike Gon, who frequently emits a lot of commotion when the three of you are together-it was really awkward and silent.

You're just reluctant to approach him because you two weren't really close. But even so, he would give you advice on how to grow more powerful and tell you about what you should concentrate on. As an outcome, the more you two trained together over the course of the two months, the closer you two grew.

The two of you are hardly alone together unless it involves training, combat, etc. The three of you traveled to Whale Island after leaving Heaven's Arena to meet Mito Freecs, Gon's aunt, and Abe, his great-grandmother. They were quite friendly to you, and his great-grandmother told you and Killua plenty of stories about Gon. Gon once left the two of you because his aunt asked him to go get some supplies she needed to prepare later.

You offered your assistance to Aunt Mito with the laundry. Killua was watching you as you washed the clothes since he isn't really sure how he can help you or do things like that. He would speak about his experiences and escapades as an experienced assassin, a member of the notorious Zoldyck family, and the future heir to the family to keep you entertained. However, it wasn't all that entertaining to hear about how he was actually tortured as a baby.

You also shared your stories with him when you were younger. Being from your typical family, you didn't find it particularly interesting. To your surprise, Killua laughed and thought you were humorous when you were younger because of both your foolishness and your intrepid nature. You attempted tossing him your left slippers, but he deftly sidestepped it. Indeed, the day was enjoyable.

KURAPIKA KURTA

(Prior to the massacre of the Kurta Clan)

He would come and see you in your leisure time and encourage you to read in the neighborhood library with him. You would undoubtedly concur that it is Kurapika after all. You two would sit side by side on the couch in the serene library, and before starting a new book, he would offer that you execute an exchange. For instance, he may recommend a book to you and vice versa.

The majority of the novels he read are far more serious than you may think. He always recommends history or biographies of philosophers who lived a century ago, as well as crime, mystery, and science fiction, works. Despite how much you like it, you feel a little ashamed about the works you're recommending to him since they seem so plain to him. [Unless you have the same taste w/ him]

Most of your hangouts are just solitude and calm, but you like that tranquility. Along with Pairo, the three of you are going to stay in the forest as you three would for an adventurous hangout. You would capture fish or other creatures that are suitable for human consumption.

(After the massacre of the Kurta Clan)

You feel much closer to your childhood friend now that you've seen him again. He lost his positive outlook since, as you are aware, criminals killed the members of his clan. If you were in his position, you wouldn't have any optimism at all. Therefore, you are always at his side to lessen his sense of isolation and provide him with emotional support. A conversation with him may be quite intense and passionate. He would often speak to you late at night about his unsaid emotions, his grief, his trauma, his enmity, and the survivor's guilt.

He's still a huge book nerd, so you two would borrow books from the local library and read them together while relaxing in the calm setting. You are just brought back to the past by it.

CHROLLO LUCILFER

(When you were still living in Meteor City)

Chrollo introduced you to Father Lisores, the owner of the church that you saw. (First chapter) And now, you're affiliated with him because you look like you're on the verge of death and he pities you. In exchange for your assistance with his charitable endeavors and your assistance each time there is a mass for children and other Meteor City residents, he provides you with a place to live, food, and other requirements.

Furthermore, you got to know some of Chrollo's friends. They all treated you well, but Chrollo is the one you get along with the best. Despite the difficulties of his life, he is bursting with positive energy. He frequently stops by the church and enjoys bringing you unusual items.

Most of your time together would be spent in the church's rear chamber, where he would show you other items and instruct you in speaking Gelman. (In the universe of Hunter x Hunter, probably English). His discoveries and his astute thinking never fail to captivate you. He frequently blushes when you praise him, but in all honesty, he kind of craves it since he wants to impress you.

Chrollo requested you, Sarasa, and Pakunoda to voice dub a Mighty Sweepin' Power Cleaners VHS tape into your mother tongue so that the kids in Meteor City could watch and understand the episode. It gave you an immense thrill to voice-dub the role that was given to you, and it warmed your heart to see the children moved and enthralled.

(Phantom Troupe / After the slaughter of Kurta Clan)

After Sarasa's death, Phantom Troupe was established with the intention of exacting retribution. You presently hold the fourth rank and are a member of the Phantom Troupe, a group of malevolent thieves. You two don't spend much time together since Chrollo is so busy keeping up his leadership role, looking for items that can be of great use to the group, or if he wants to steal a particular item. In fact, it only happens once in a blue moon.

But you can't blame him after all. Though when all of you are gathered up for a meeting, he would give you pieces of jewelry, books, and others that you love, which you presumably think that he stole, it feels nice that he's thinking about you.

While waiting for the remainder of the members to arrive, you would speak with them about significant topics and share what you had learned from your mission. His responses to you are brief since he is still engaged with the book he is reading. You feel sort of sad about it but chose to not complain.

FEITAN PORTOR

While the troupe was in York New, he would pay you many visits at the gaming shop where you work, and would practically gaze at you as if you were a ghost or something - well, he's waiting for you to end your shift. You can't concentrate on your work due to his scary glances, and he physically stares at everyone that walks into the shop.

You would advise him to cease doing that after your shift, but he would act unaware even though he understood what you meant. You two would saunter through the Saloma Mall, only glancing at the merchandise in the storefront windows, not bothering to go inside because you're saving up your money.

But there was a time when you spotted a bracelet that piqued your curiosity, but it was so pricey that your wage wasn't sufficient to pay for it. Feitan was aware of this but remained silent. After dropping you off at your flat, he goes to the shop where you spotted the bracelet you like and snatches it violently.

He handed you the bracelet the next day. Unaware that he had stolen it, you were perplexed by how he was able to purchase it. When you questioned about how he was able to afford it, he just said that they were confidential.

Feitan isn't a particularly chatty person, and neither are you, but whenever he comes to see you while you're at work, you strike up a conversation with him, and honestly, talking to him is much more comfortable than talking to other people because he's direct and doesn't sugarcoat his words, which is what you like best.

He just listens to your rambling while paying attention to what you're saying, but he obviously won't be overt about it. The two of you would play video games in your flat after your shift. Because he has a strong sense of competition, he usually defeats you. He constantly invited Phinks and Shalnark as well.

[buzzykrueger]

The moment when Gon’s priorities start to change - ch. 64 and 65

While working in my meta of the separation scene (which will take some time still, sorry), I came across these chapters again: 64 and 65. Two of my favorite. As a linguistic and literature student, I’m always trying to catch hints in Togashi’s writing - we know he carefully thinks about each word used. Have a good read and keep in mind is just a thought -  and the dialogues and panels chosen to be showed in here are meaningful. This is not a deep research with theory references, but just some of the various examples of how artistic and textual strategies work in Hunter x Hunter, that they are not random and how even the slightest changing of words and switching perspectives can impact the story in order to provoke a reaction, meaning something to the audience, leading us to a way. 

Anyways.

The boys had just finished the Heaven’s Arena, with tons of hints of how they would bond more and more, for example, Killua wanting to evolve with Gon in the same pace regarding both the Floors and the Nen training. The scene where Killua and Gon are meditating together, Killua getting more protective of Gon, as they soon become a pair. 

They take a short well deserved break: it’s time to visit Whale Island. After all, Gon came to Kukuroo Mountain, and Killua wants to recollect what is home to Gon, too. Fair enough, it’s how I understand he’s self-inviting. 

When they arrive. we are introduced to the fact that Gon, someone who deeply cares about his family, hasn’t called once since he passed the Exam. Of course, he got extremely focused on rescuing Killua and then training with him in the Arena, getting distracted. Not that he doesn’t care about Mito or anything, but he’s found something that kept his focus real heard. And Mito imagines what it is. 

Their dialogue and her glance right after that hint why she can’t even be angry at Gon - because she’s not looking at him, only. Every time it would make sense to show only Gon but we get to see Killua by his side, too, is a visual message to the readers. Mito could’ve only looked at Gon, ‘cause she just met Killua and he’s not related to her. But she observes the meaning of his presence, even if Gon does not say it.

The star gazing scene, one of the most important in the story and something we are very familiar with so, sorry to bring it up again - I know you all must be tired of seeing the same panels (but I adore it and I will keep using it). It starts with scenery that are important memories of Gon’s life when he was alone, now bringing a new meaning to them, someone to share with: Killua.

When Killua approached Gon’s plans from now on, and after getting his answer, he questions what he should do. Gon says that he should come with him. 

And here is another example how a simple choice of words - not only the words itself, but the timing when they’re said and the position, the “breath” between then, or even their absence - can mean so much as fantastic and complex storytelling strategies. Because Gon only gets to know that Killua, actually, doesn’t have any plan AFTER he asks him to join. He’s not asking because Killua don’t have it - he didn’t know that before he asked - but because he wants him to stick together. This is why it’s important that this request was said and showed before Killua elaborates on his feelings, so we can know that it’s not because “since you have nothing to do”. And fun fact: Killua is the only friend that Gon actually insists to not leave. The chapter when Kurapika and Leorio head to their goals, Gon just said “oh, already? - okay, see you/good luck/something like that”, with a honest smile. And I know Gon says “see you around” to Killua at the separation scene, but it’s also the first time he's shown unsatisfied with this decision, not smiling at all, implying he’s not okay.

Continuing, its Gon putting Killua in a place that no other belongs. It’s a re-signification of Killua, Gon’s favorite places, his home and their future - everything starts to change and take form to the audience. 

To Gon, it’s about sticking together because they like hanging out. This is the main reason for his request, since it’s the first thing he says about it - and further he adds their individual reasons, to be more convincing, but the core is what it is.

As we know, Mito overheard everything, specially the moment when they start to compliment her and Gon says she is his real mother. Then, later, we have chapter 65, now a re-signification of Gon’s relationship with Ging and Mito.

After accidentally hearing his words, we can interpret that she’s not that insecure anymore about losing Gon to his new found career. It was bittersweet when Gon left, after all “he is indeed his son”. But she realizes he’s different from Ging - he comes back, he values her, he could be in search of something he doesn’t have like news from his biological mom but instead, he chooses to embrace what he does have. Gon can’t even imagine how impactful his reassuring words were, and it’s also a opportunity for Mito to let out the resent on Ging and the Hunters, giving place to finally trust Gon. 

And she tells him what the absence of Ging means to her. How she got hurt, but still wanted to have him around. And that’s when Gon takes Ging out of his place in his heart: it’s time to put him in his true place and make space for those who stay: Mito and Killua. 

We don’t need to give titles and special places to those who are undeserved of it and should just perform a specific role in our lives as we let them. Mito herself craved for Ging’s attention, always running after him, seeing him only by his back, hiding/missing just for him to come to her aid. Gon realizes that it’s what he’s doing - he does not have someone to call a father, because Ging never make up to this title. He downgrades Ging to the same person Mito knew.

And now, even if he still feels the urge to prove Ging he’s not weak and undeserved of attention, company and worth, he definitely is not the same person and does not want to be. Ging is not the “dad who I want to follow the same steps” anymore. And then, we go back to Killua:

 “But Bea, what does this have to do with Killua? We’re only seeing Mito and Gon there!” Actually not! We’re seeing Killua too, but not physically. We get to connect Killua to this scene by a simple line Gon said one chapter before, about Killua’s meaning to his life:

To Gon, it’s enough just to know this answer. Why? This line is VERY specific, literally the same thing he said to Killua in the previous chapter. He chose to bring it to table. It’s a soft - and literary - way to say his priority changed and to connect Killua to his objective. He reclaims Mito as his real mother, downgrades Ging AND shows what it comes first at his mind now - wanting to know if Ging had the same thing he has with Killua, stating his friend’s importance. “Look, Ging, how far I got. Who I took with me. Did you have this?” 

And this could easily be sided with the end of Greed Island, when Gon says the first thing he’ll do when finding Ging is to introduce Killua. ‘Cause in his main goal now, the first things that come up to his mind aren’t being just like Ging and reunite with him anymore - it’s the “friend around my age”, it’s “Killua” and everything that refers to him. It changed. Gon was behind something he didn’t have, his father presence and some pride, and comes back with something even better he didn’t have either: a true friendship, who wants to be there and assure his worth. 

And for me, that is the reason Togashi ends Mito and Gon’s conversation with a specific panel, not of them, not with a picture of Ging, not with the sky only... but with this:

Killua. A person not mentioned in their dialogue directly, and someone who’s not family and isn’t in the same room as them. But that is there, respecting his privacy with Mito. This is there for us to catch. It’s not a direct exchange between Gon and Killua, they’ll still do it in their way, because its meant for us: when two characters are not showed together in the same situation/moment, but are referred directly or indirectly, it’s a writing choice that means “it’s for you, the readers, to connect this.”

Togashi could've never put the “did he have friends his age?” line that wouldn’t make a difference - we would go with this Gon “new approach on Ging” because of how Mito feels, and would be satisfying enough. But the author, with this sentence used in the previous chapter and this panel, it’s reclaiming the audience to catch Gon’s new focus and remind us of Killua, that he’s there, relaxed, patient - and does not intend to leave. 

EDIT: I truly think Mito will play a major role in the realization of Gon’s feelings. She’s, since the beginning, an important person and a cog who makes his significations move, first subconsciously, now more actively - but I’ll elaborate more on that in future posts. 

Not deep, not a serious research, but something fun to elaborate that is implied in text, i’m used to catch this stuff and seeing by this perspective by dealing with literature classes on a daily basis. Does not mean I’m an expert or that I’m right, but that is something I’m quite sure its on purpose. Hope you all enjoyed!

[sweetchup]

Not A Chance!!

Type: Shalnark x reader

Prompt: O’Inari’s Wisdom — On any day during this week, people of the ages of 19-30 years old will go through a walk in the woods carrying a clear ornament (Traditionally it used to be a Jar). The ornament is usually filled with the person’s favorite scent or perfume, Name and Phone number on paper slip, and their dream type of lover on a rose petal. When walking through the woods, the person allows the God/Goddess of the woods O’inari’s Imps to trick them into meeting their soulmate. It is a must to switch ornaments with that first person they see for it is said the imps won’t allow them to leave the forest unless they do so.

Author Note: I decided to try a different writing style with the kiss scene this time. Tell me what you guys think.

(Prompts/Rules) (Masterlist)

“Hey (y/n), Bisky, What’s this?” Gon asks. His voice was hardly heard over the many chattering of the NPCS and other players in the city as you looked at him. Gon first shows Bisky, who was closer to him, a baby blue flier that you couldn’t quite read from where you were standing. “Is it some sort of Greed Island event?”

“Wait a minute. Gon do you not know what O’inari’s wisdom is?” Bisky questions, shocked. Walking over closer and looking from behind Bisky, you realize that the Winter Holiday of O’inari’s Wisdom was indeed taking place on Greed island. You were slightly surprised for a second but it soon started to make sense the more you thought about it. It had started snowing on the island recently and if the game was parallel to the times in the real world then it should also be December in the game. So it just made sense that Holidays were also coded into the game to match the changing seasons.

“Oh, so it’s a Holiday,” Gon says surprised once Bisky explains it to him, “We didn’t celebrate it on Whale Island. Maybe it’s because I was so young. But, at the very least, (y/n) will be able to celebrate it with us.”

“Huh?” You murmur confused. You never mentioned anything about doing it, “I’m not doing it. Actually, why would you think I would do it?”

“Well, you don’t have a boyfriend right? So you must have not done it yet. So you should do it! It will be fun!” Gon explains enthusiastically as Bisky nods in agreement. Of course, it was just straightforward thinking done by Gon, not thinking of other possible possibilities. Man, why exactly did Killua have to leave you to take the Hunter exam again?

“I actually have done the Holiday before,” You tell the two as you start to walk away, calling forth “book” as you do so. As you examine through your binder, you continued to explain what you meant to the younger boy, “I’ve actually done it many times. Sometimes doing a full week some years. Other times going to different locations from other cities or towns. But in all the years I’ve done, I never once heard nor bumped into anyone else in the forest. So I just gave up on th—”

Bisky suddenly cuts you off with a loud exaggerated gasp.

“Oh My~ Then that must mean you really do have a soulmate out there (y/n)! What powerful young love!!” Bisky states dreamily as sparkles and flowers seem to dance around her. All you can do is sigh at the older woman antics and continue on your way. Honestly, to you there was no way Soulmates could exist. Not a chance! There was just no science nor reason behind it. Nen could be explained. Monsters could be explained. But soulmates, not at all. It was just some made up myth with no hard facts.

As you make your way to the gate of Aiai, you feel Gon tug at your top to catch your attention.

“But, (y/n)?” You take your eyes away from your binder to look at Gon. “Do you think you could try? Perhaps one of the needed 99 slot cards is given at the event.”

“Oooo, good thinking Gon,” Bisky states looking at the flier and then looking at you. “With that possibility, I order you to do it then (y/n). Afterall, you are the only person who could do it out of us.”

You and Bisky stare at each other tensely for a little. Slightly challenging each other to step down until eventually you give up and finally look away. Even though you aren’t looking at her, you can hear Bisky doing a dance in success. “Fine then where do we go to take place in this event?”

“Apparently, you can get there by using an Accompany to Winterfell. We don’t even need to go there beforehand to use the accompany card.” As Bisky explains, you flip your binder and grab a spare accompany card. This is the last one from your binder so Gon and Bisky will have to start using their ones from now on. Well, Until you can get to Masadora to get some more.

“Okay then, let’s get this over with,” You state. Though for some reason you have an uneasy feeling in your stomach as you hold the card up. You wondered why, perhaps you felt nervous? But why would you? Greed Island was hardly crowded so this is the lowest chance of meeting someone during the Holiday. Maybe it was just the fact you haven’t done this tradition in a while. Yeah, that was probably just it, “Accompany on! To Winterfell!”

—.—.—.—.—

The crunching sound of snow is the only thing you hear as you walk through the forest. For what felt goes on for miles, all you have been seeing was snow covered pine trees. Not even birds or other sources of life have been spotted while you have been walking in this forest which was quite strange. How long have you been walking you wondered. It was hard to tell but you guessed maybe an hour or so?

Stopping next to a tree, you run your hand up it’s trunk somewhat tracing the engravement in it. You had already seen this before. It was like you have been going in circles, even though you have actually only been going straight. Was this some sort of test in the game? Maybe Gon was right about a specified slot card being here.

“Book!” In a poof, your binder opens up. Or, at least that's what you expect to happen. However, it doesn’t pop up. After calling the book a couple more times, you realize it was no use. It just doesn’t work. Was this some glitch in the game?

All of sudden, a rush of wind catches you off guard. It wasn’t just any breeze however, this gust of wind was similar to that of a giant icy blizzard. You cringe as the snow in the wind pricks and scratches at your skin. You needed to take cover from the harsh wind before you freeze to death.

Quickly, when you try to look around to find somewhere to take cover, something whips into your face, blinding you. As you struggle to pull it off of you, the wind suddenly comes to a complete stop. Weird, very weird. Finally getting it off of you and taking a good look at the item, you realize it was just an in-game scarf. Actually, you weren’t even sure it was an item from the game since it had a tag from the real world.

“Hey! That’s my sc—“ Turning around at the cheerful voice behind you, you see a familiar man a couple of feet away from you. You don’t understand why you recognize the man until he suddenly goes on guard and realization hits you. Wait a minute you remember that stance. He was a member of the Phantom Troupe wasn’t he? Shalnark, right? You quickly get on guard as well when he grabs an antenna from his pocket. An manipulator, huh? In a one on one fight like this, he has the clear advantage on you.

“Hey, I’m not here with the chain user,” You state, breaking the silence between you two. You weren’t usually someone to give up but avoiding a fight with him and going your separate ways is the best way to go in this situation. Afterall, the last thing you needed was to become his newest puppet. “I’m with the kids and all we are doing is playing the game by collecting cards.”

You wrap up Shalnark’s scarf and lightly toss it in front of his feet.

“I have no problems with you guys and I don’t want to fight you.” You continue as you start to walk backward, away from him. Hopefully, that woman, Pakunoda, told the other troupe members how you deteratarted Kurapika away from the option of placing a Nen dagger in her heart and helped spared their boss’ life.

It’s quiet and tense for a couple of minutes, not even the wind was blowing, before the blonde nods in agreement to your idea. You watch as he carefully picks up his scarf and then both of you two turn away from each other at the same time to walk away. Thankfully, counting on that woman seemed t—

All of sudden, after a couple of steps, the large gust of wind returns. You tried to fight against it and continue forward but it only seemed to grow stronger the more you tried. It grew so strong in fact that it lifted you right off your feet and threw you backward. You hoped to land on the soft snow but, of course with your luck, you hit something else very hard with a loud thump. Originally, you thought it was a tree that you hit but once you roll onto your side, you come to the realization that whatever you landed on doesn’t feel anything like tree bark.

“Ow! What was that…” Shooting up at the voice, You realize it was Shalnark that you had hit. You attempt to scurry away from him fast however, as soon as you get too far away, a gust of wind drags him back towards you. You pause as Shalnark lifts his head from being buried in the snow and looks at you confused.

“I-It’s some sort of error in the game. I swear. Maybe with the coding? Or—“ You blab out in a tangent trying to explain what was going on. Soon however, Shalnark sighs loudly, cutting you off.

“That’s a really stupid conclusion you cam up with. If you had once stop to look around you in this game, you would have realized this place, Greed Island, actually takes place in the real world. Specifically a straight shot east of York New.” Shalnark explains, somewhat sarcastically. All you do is roll your eyes. Of course you got stuck with the jackass of the troupe.

“Well then since this game isn’t actually a game, what do you think is going on, if you think you are oh so right?” You spat back at him. For some reason, you just couldn’t understand why he was being so rude in this situation, it was clearly neither of yours fault.

“Simple. This,” Shalnark states confidently as he takes the ornament from his pocket and lifts it up to you. You can’t help but laugh loudly at the idea, causing him to scowl at you.

“Y-You can’t be serious?! You and I? Soulmates!?”

“Of course! You do realize that in the myth it’s impossible for us to leave until we exchange our ornaments.” Shalnark explains, tossing his ornament at you. Clutching it in your hand, you quickly examine the ornament before scoffing.

“Yeah, not a chance,” You state as you toss his ornament back to him, causing Shalnark to sputter confused. “In no ways am I giving my personal information and phone number to the tech expert of the phantom troupe. That’s just plain stupid.”

You and Shalnark bicker on back and forth for a while until eventually he goes quiet and just glares at you. Honestly, in your opinion, it was better if he just chose to quit talking. He snaps his fingers catching you off guard, “Okay I have an idea! How about I try to convince you we are destine—”

“Soulmates?” You finish for him, slightly cringing.

“Yeah, that! And if I can convince you, then you can feel safe to give me your ornament so we can both leave.”

You ponder a little on the option he suggested. Honestly, you actually didn’t have much of any others option to begin with, “Fine. What do you got to convince me?”

“Well, first,” You watch closely as Shalnark grabs the Rose petal out from his ornament. Oh, you knew where this was going, that was actually a smart idea. Maybe this guy actually had some brain cells. “I’m going to read off my dream type of lover. I bet this will describes you.”

Reading off his petal to you, you listen carefully. As the more he goes on, you can’t deny that it did somewhat describe you, almost on the dime. As Shalnark shows the petal to you to prove he wasn’t making stuff up, You decide to grab your own petal. He seems to get excited that you finally understood what he was saying.

“See I tol—“ Shalnark is cut off when you let out a loud laugh.

“Yeah no way. Mine is ‘Someone who is like the sun; always cheerful as well as mentally bright.’” You read off, chucking it back into the ornament.

“Hey! I’m pretty cheerful! And bright!” Shalnark states, finally flashing you a smile for the first time you’ve been with him.

“Ha, I doubt that.” You say, though you can’t help but feel your heart skip a beat at how handsome he looked with a smile on his face. Your eyes go wide and you mentally slap yourself. What in the world were you thinking just now? You were flustered over him?!, “N-Next! What’s your other ideas?!”

“Aw come on!”

After a couple of more attempts from Shalnark to prove you two are soulmates, as well as many more confused borderline bipolar back and forth feelings on your end, Shalnark has run out of ideas and you two sit in silence as he tries to come up with more.

“Is that all the ideas you have?” You ask him shivering slightly as you pull your jacket closer for warmth. Looking up towards the sky above the thick pine branches, you see that it had just started to get darker out, effectively making it ten times colder as well. It now dawns on you that at this rate with your progress, you two could possibly freeze to death out here if you couldn’t get to a warm shelter before night.

“Shalnark. Here I—“ You suddenly pause what you were saying as you turn to face the man, “what the hell do you think you are doing…?”

You looked confused at Shalnark, who had moved closer to sit next to you. You didn’t know what he was up to but you definitely still didn’t trust him. As you try to lift yourself up to move away, Shalnark quickly grabs your wrist to keep you put where you were. Oh hell no. You struggle against his grip, attempting to pry his fingers off of your wrist but while you are distracted he uses his other hand to grab your arm. Effectively trapping you.

You struggle against him a little more but it only causes him to push you backwards down into the snow, him slightly leaning over you. Now nervous about what Shalnark was possibly doing, you shout out to him, “H-hey! I’ll give you the ornament okay? I don’t want—“

You feel the rest of your words die in your throat as Shalnark leans his forehead against yours, causing him to get very close to your face as well. Biting the inside of your mouth, you close your eyes tightly as a way to try calming your pounding heart. You couldn’t tell if your heart was racing out of fear or possibly something else. Though, again, it wasn’t like you could think straight at this point on time to figure which one. Cutting off your thoughts, Shalnark lets out a boyish giggle and tells you, “For someone who says they hate me and doesn’t believe in soulmates, your face sure is feeling quite hot. It’s almost as if you are flustered by me.”

Quickly, most likely in an attempt to save your dignity, you turn your face away to him so his face could no longer touch yours. As you do so, your heart leaps out of your chest when you hear him let out a small aww in disappointment.

“H-hey! I said I’ll give you my ornament so let go of me!” You sputter out, trying and likely failing at keeping yourself composed. You know it’s hard for you to think logically in a situation like this but you would’ve thought you had enough common sense in you to not get flustered by a mass murder.

“Hmmmm… Nope” Shalnark answers, popping the “p” at the end. Surprised and bewildered, You whirl your head around back to look at him. He seemed to get a kick out of your reaction because he can’t help but laugh. “You are correct by the fact that all I wanted originally was to take the ornament and leave. But the more we went on, talking and bickering, I realized I wanted something else.”

“H-huh? What? I don’t have much of anything else.” You questioned. Was he talking about cards in the game? Gon carried all of the number slot cards so you didn’t have anything that was useful to Shalnark.

“Silly girl~ It’s simple.” Shalnark flashes you a smile as he boops your nose with each next word, “I. Want. You~”

As you give a weird expression in response to Shalnark flirting attempt, he looks at you confused as to why you looked like that before full on laughing, when what looked like steam started to flow from out of your head. He couldn’t believe he fried your brain with a silly pick up line. It wasn’t even a good one either.

“Adorable~” Shalnark whispers out so softly and quietly that you almost don’t hear it. You go to ask him to repeat what he said again, but stop when he leans down. He wasn’t—

You can only watch as he inches closer and closer to your face. You don’t get why you don’t stop him, you know you probably should. But you just couldn’t for some reason you didn’t quite understand.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Shalnark kisses you. Stealing your first kiss, a precious thing you could never be able to get back from him. Though you doubt you would even try if you were able to.

As his lips moved against yours, you had to admit they were surprisingly soft, not at all rough or chapped like what the very few romance books you’ve read over the years described. Though you had to admit those boorish books were right about one thing, kissing someone was a feeling you’ve never once experienced before in your life. Authors have described the experience in many different ways but as Shalnark pulls away from your lips only to dive it once. Twice. And so many more times that you’ve lost count, you realize yours wasn’t like the ones written down. It didn’t take your breath away, it wasn’t rough or deep, it wasn’t messy or desperate.

But, it was yours. A feverish kiss if you must find a word to describe it. A kiss that even while pushed down into the freezing cold snow, you felt you were burning up inside. So much so, that your brain seemed to melt and your muscles turned to jelly from an non existent heat.

Finally after a while, you two pull away from each other, still in a trance like state from what happened. It’s quiet, nothing is heard nor said between you two as you just stare at each other. You know it is now dark out. You know you should be trying to get back to Gon and Bisky before they worry. You know it would be in your best interests to try to get away as far as you can from the dangerous man before you. You know you shouldn’t be feeling such feelings for him, for it is too soon and he probably doesn’t even deserve to be able to experience a pleasant emotion like this one. You know all these things almost as if they are engraved in your heart.

But, even when knowing all these things, you can’t stop yourself from dragging Shalnark back in to give you another kiss.

[write-like-you-mean-it]

A Hunter’s Prey: Flowing Out like a Current

While lying on the too empty bed, a groan escaped my lips. Calling Milluki is a hell that I didn’t want to experience. Out of everyone else, he’d have the information that I needed. I took out the phone and dialed the home number. 

A butler’s voice answered from the other end of the line. This time it was a woman. Usually it was a man who answered the phone. “Hello, Zoldyck residence speaking.”

“Hi, this is Illumi’s fiance,” I said. “I was wondering if you would be able to put me through to Milluki. I’m on a mission and need some guidance.”

There was a short pause before the response, “yes, one second.” The phone clicked over to another line. 

“Who is bothering me this late into the night?” shouted Milluki. “You should know this is time for me and my woman.”

“Milluki,” I sigh while my head rests firmly into my hands. On the other side of the screen, I could hear a woman’s voice talking. It was so high pitched and fake that the sound almost made me gag. “This is Y/N. I need your help with something.”

A muffled gasp came across the line which was followed shortly by keystrokes being pounded into the computer. “I’m so sorry M’lady. I hadn’t meant anything by my statements. The butler told me it was my brother on the line. Not your beautiful voice.”

I massaged my temples as the feeling of the throbbing headache started to take over my body. “It's alright. I need you to tell me everything you know about Gon Freecss.”

There were a few more clicks of the keyboard before the girl's voice shut off. “Anything for you. It will only take a second, princess.” A cold shiver ran down my body with the pet name. If I weren’t desperate, I would’ve hung up right then and there; however, he was the only Zoldyck in my arsenal. 

“Gon Freecss,” said the voice from the other end. Somehow, it sounded more out of breath than before. Maybe this was the first time actually talking to a girl that wasn’t related to him. “He’s the son of Ging Freecss who has an impeccable track record for a Hunter; terrible record for being a good father. Gon is Killua’s friend. He passed the Hunter exam a few years ago. Him and Kill fought at Heaven Arena recently. His talent is called Jajanken which seems to be like rock, paper, scissors. He was recently part of the Chimera Ant Extermination Team. He was injured while fighting and was in the hospital for awhile. Now he resides at Whale Island with his aunt and grandma. That is all that I could find, princess.”

A small gag couldn’t have been helped. “Thank you Milluki,” I sighed. “Is there anything else that you could tell me? Are you sure that’s it?”

“I can look for more. Why do you need to know this? Is Illumi pushing you too hard? YOu can always come back to me. I’ll treat you well.”

The longer I was on the phone, the more bile rose in my throat. As much as I wanted to scream misogyny against this perverted soon-to-be brother-in-law, I had to keep him on my side. It’s a disgusting balance between morals and obligation. “Thank you, Milluki,” I repeated. “If you find anything else, please call me. Only call me for those details. I’m undercover so answering things will be hard.”

“Be safe, my love,” purred Milluki. “Come back to me whenever Illumi betrays you. I’ll be-” Click. If I’d listen to any more of his dribble, I was going to be sick. My arm cascaded back to the bed as a sign of defeat. There must be more about this boy if Illumi would tell me to see him specifically. A nice sleep will become my only solace in this mind game of my life. 

-------------------------

I awoke later than expected. Sleeping had felt like a chore before. It was an end to a mean. Last night, it was hard to fall asleep. I’d been surrounded by someone else for the past few months so that the lack of people made me anxious. 

My mind was still groggy from tossing and turning throughout the night. A cup of coffee and a warm shower should ease the throbbing head and aching muscles. Water cascading down my spine felt like a dip into my peace. A calming sensation washed over me with every inch of water. Once I got out, I felt refreshed and new. Only the cup of coffee and I’d be like myself again. 

I changed into a different pair of clothes before meeting the small boy from before. He said to go to the marketplace so that is where I will be until he returns. A single step outside the hotel showed the marketplace. The courtyard turned from a desolate wasteland to a thriving, bustling town. People shouted and called their wares for sale. A lot of fishermen’s wives were selling fish caught in the morning tides while their husbands stayed out late. 

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw the little boy running around the shops. He seemed to be looking for something. His eyes fell onto a small candy stall where he bought a piece. 

“Gon,” I called while waving my hand in the air. The boy turned to look at me as his eyes narrowed. 

“Hi,” she says while walking up to me. 

“Follow me. We’re gonna get away from people.” I cocked my head before following the small boy away from the group of people. He led me to a ridge of the mountain top that overlooked the ocean. 

The ocean was a beautiful shade of deep blue in the cascading sunlight. Only a glimpse of the lighter shades would appear when the current washed over the sides. The pushing and pull of the current was transfixing. 

“Why do you want to meet Killua?” asked Gon. He was getting straight to the point. He was intimidating for as young as he was. I could see deep within his eyes that there was a caution to his tone that was not there for long. 

“To be honest,” I sigh while taking a seat on the cliff edge. “I don't know. Actually, Illumi told me to stay far away from Killua. I was only to find you.”

“Huh?” he asked while sitting next to me. “Why were you looking for me?”

“To see where Killua is.”

“I’m not going to tell you. He’s too important to me. Plus you’re with Illumi.”

“Well I’m with him but not physically. He’s gone for awhile and I have no way to contact him.” The crashing sound of waves became the intermediate sound between our voices. “He’s gone on a mission.”

“Killua doesn’t want to be like Illumi,” said Gon. “He doesn’t want to be like his family at all.”

I turn to look at Gon’s stoic face as he stares across the ocean. But if he is to be the heir of the household, how can he not want to be an assassin? “Interesting,” I sigh while kicking a small rock off the cliff side. “Gon, what happened? I heard you were involved in an accident. Are you alright now?”

A brief pause filled the hot air. This pause was different than when with Illumi. Gon’s pause held more desperation and sadness than Illumi’s. 

“I got hurt because I was too strong. If it wasn’t for Killua, I wouldn't be here. That is why I have to protect him.”

“So, Killua means the world to you?”

“Yes.”

“He sounds like a good friend. I recently almost saw my best friend die. A few of my other ones did. It changes a person. If it wasn’t for Illumi, I would’ve been dead.”

“Illumi?” 

“Yeah. Hisoka would’ve killed me.”

Gon’s face turned to look at me. His stoic demour paused for a second to see the child-like wonder held deep within his eyes. “You almost died by Hisoka? Why didn’t he kill you?”

“Long story, kid,” I sigh while watching the water once again. “Did you hear what happened in Heaven’s Arena the other night?”

“No. Aunt Mito told me that I have to finish my homework instead. I’m lucky that she let me meet you. Normally I’d be doing my chores about now.”

“If you need help with them, I’d gladly help. I have to make up with you missing part of your day talking with me.”

“Thanks! That’d be really nice of you.” For the first time, I saw him smile. “But what happened at Heaven’s Arena?”

“Oh. Hisoka versus Chrollo battle. Hisoka lost and went on a rampage against the troupe. Which is why I’m worried for Illumi and Machi. He’s already killed-” Tears filled my eyes but I refused to let them drop. “He killed Shalnark and Kortopi. His goal is to kill the rest.”

“Wow. Hisoka lost a battle. I’ve never even seen him get close to losing. I was only able to punch him in the face.”

“You battled that lunatic?” I questioned. 

“Only because he challenged me,” said the hyper boy. “I could only become a Hunter if I was able to hit him in the face. 

“Was that one of the rules? Truly, I’m new to all this stuff. Being a Hunter was never my top priority so I never took the test.”

“This was after the test. We had to learn Nen to get to the 200th floor. We were able to train while fighting. It was so cool. I was able to-”

My thoughts shifted to the battle once again. All the chaotic elements mixed together. It must’ve been a different battle than the one I witnessed. I doubt he would have battled this child to death. Why would Illumi want to be friends with a monster that would hurt a child? 

“-So do you know Nen?” I realized that Gon was still talking as I finally came back to reality. 

“Yes I do. I’m not that great at it yet. How about you?”

Sadness filled his eyes once again. “Yeah. I learned about it. But because of the accident, I can’t use it at the moment. That doesn’t mean I won’t try. I just have to figure out how to get it flowing again.”

A thought popped into my head. “Gon, you know Nen well, right?”

“I wouldn’t say well. I still get confused with the harder stuff.”

“How about I show that I’m trustful while you train me? That way you can practice Nen even when you don’t have it and I can learn more.”

“Okay! I haven’t had a student before!” With that, I could see excitement once again fill his eyes.

Next Chapter

Previous Chapter

Full Masterlist

[crying-gay-tears]

Brighter Than The Sun

Chapter 2: The First Day

“G-Gon?” Killua’s mouth fell open in surprise. “What are you doing here? How did you find my room?” Gon looked so excited and he had no idea why.

“Killua!! I didn’t know this was your room! I just got home and wanted to meet my roommate!”

“Home? Wait, does that mean-” realization hit him suddenly.  “Are you in 405A??”

“Yes! We’re roommates!” 

Killua stood in stunned silence for a moment, unsure of how to feel. Of all the people on campus to have as his roommate, it turned out to be Gon, the bubbly and strange boy he had ironically just been thinking about. 

“Can I see your room? I peeked in earlier when I arrived but it was empty.”

“Uh, sure” he stepped to the side, letting him into the room. “I haven’t really done anything in here yet. I got in right before orientation, so I didn’t have time to start unpacking. When I finally got back after the library I put some stuff away, but I’ve mostly just been hanging out.” Killua blushed, suddenly hyper aware of the chocolate robot wrappers on his desk, and his haphazardly arranged belongings. His suitcase was lying open on the floor beside his dresser, stacks of books were scattered across the desk and floor.

“I think it looks great already! I haven’t had the chance to unpack or decorate at all yet.  Is this your favorite band?” He nodded to the crooked poster on the wall above the bed.

“One of my favorites, yeah. It’s the one playing right now.” He motioned to the bluetooth speaker sitting on the windowsill. 

Gon walked over, sat on his bed, and began bobbing his head to the music.

“They’re really good! You’ve got nice taste in music.” 

Killua chuckled, “This is only one song! I like a lot of different stuff, there’s a lot to listen to.”

“Well, you’ve got the whole school year to show me!” 

His smile was warm and real and it shook Killua up quite a bit. No one had ever really shown interest in the things he enjoyed before, but here was someone he had just met, genuinely excited to be listening to underground rock with him. 

They hung out while Killua finished unpacking his suitcase and getting settled. After that, Gon wandered back to his own room to start his unpacking and when he did Killua followed and this time Gon played the music. His taste was a little weird, and mostly pop, but Killua didn’t mind. He was enjoying the view as Gon danced around his room, tossing clothes into his dresser and arranging trinkets on his desk.When he went to the bathroom to unpack his toiletries, Killua stood over the desk, checking out all of the small momentos Gon felt were important enough to bring with him to college. Among them was a few seashells, a green ring, and a fishing hook in a small glass jar. A photo in a blue frame near the corner of the desk caught his eye, and he leaned in for a closer look. Gon, wearing a graduation cap and gown, was facing the camera, eyes squinted with a beaming smile on his face. One arm held his diploma in the air, while the other was wrapped around a teary eyed woman. Her head came up to his shoulder, and where her hazel eyes and orange hair bore no resemblance to him, her warm and genuine smile was a spitting image. She must be-

“That’s my Aunt Mito!” Gon chirped, eyes lighting up as he walked over to where Killua was standing. “She burst into tears right after this picture was taken. I know she was proud and happy for me, but I’m pretty sure she was really sad that day. Mostly worried about the future, I think.” His face fell a bit. “She knows I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps, and since he’s so busy and always overseas I think she’s worried I’ll just leave and never come back.” 

“What does your dad do?”

“He’s an archaeologist.”

“Wow, that’s so cool!”

“Yeah, that’s why I want to see for myself! If his job is so amazing that it was worth missing out on my life and Mito-san’s life, then I want to know what it’s like!”

Killua felt kind of bad hearing that. He knew what it was like to have a dad ditch you for work, but at the same time, his parents were also very involved with his life. Suffocatingly so. They had appearances to uphold, afterall. His parents were far from perfect and even farther from pleasant, but he still couldn’t imagine one or both of them just leaving and not returning. Plus, what would Gon do if he finally got the job and it wasn’t as amazing as his dad made it seem? Killua knew from experience that hope usually just led to disappointment. 

He pulled out the desk chair and swung his leg over it, nestling backwards in the seat, his arms folded across the top rail of the chair, and his chin resting on top of them. “So what’s your dad like?” 

Gon sat on his bed across from Killua and was lost in thought for a moment. “Well, I’ve only really seen him a few times in my life. . His name is Ging. Ging Freecs. He’s pretty rough around the edges, but well respected. He’s famous in parts of the world for his finds and research. I don’t know much else, except a few stories Mito-san has told me from when they were kids on Whale Island together. She says I’m a lot like him though. ” He shrugged, “By her tone of voice,  I can never tell if she means that as a good or bad thing.” 

Killua surprised himself when he spoke, “Whether you're like Ging or not, and whether that’s good or bad doesn't really matter. You’re you. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re pretty cool.” 

They locked eyes and a huge smile broke out on Gon’s face. 

“Thanks, Killua. I think you’re really cool too! I’m glad we’re roommates!”

Killua just grumbled a bit in response, his mouth set in an awkward smile. Gon could be so embarrassing sometimes.

They slipped into a comfortable silence after that, music still playing softly through the room as Gon continued organizing his stuff and Killua scrolled on his phone. After a while Gon let out a huge yawn and decided it was time to call it a night. They were both mostly unpacked, and even though classes didn’t start for two more days, he wanted to get up early to explore the campus some more. Yawning himself, Killua followed suit and once behind his closed door, stripped to his boxers and flopped onto the bed. Staring up at the ceiling, his mind began to drift.

It had been a hell of a day. Aside from his text letting them know he arrived safely, he hadn’t spoken to his parents at all. Where this wasn’t too different from the norm--they were usually too tied up with work and social ladder climbing to give him much attention--it was still nice to have space from them and his life back home. He’d been so excited for the freedom college was going to provide him. Freedom from the claustrophobic walls of the Zoldyck estate, from his siblings, and best of all, freedom from his parent’s cold judgement. He was finally able to live his life without them breathing down his neck and criticizing his every move. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life, but he was so happy to finally have the space to explore and figure it all out. 

The only thing he was really worried about when he left for college was who his roommate would be, and he was pretty relieved to have Gon. They’d barely known each other a day, but he had the feeling that living with him was going to be a good time. He’d never met someone so… open and warm. His joy was almost contagious, it was a nice contrast and welcome change from his boarding school roommates and family. For the first time in a long time, he fell asleep excited for what the future would hold.

~~~~~~~~

The next two days were a blur of course catalogues and video games with his roommate, and before he knew it, Gon found himself on the way to his first college class, Biology 101. He was practically skipping down the brick walkway and, thanks to all of his previous exploring, he was able to find the classroom with no issue.  He snagged a spot towards the front by a window, and as he sat, noticed a neatly bound packet lying face down on the desk. He was curious, but resisted the urge to flip it over, choosing instead to check out his surroundings. There were a few other students scattered at the tables around the room, and a short woman with green hair stood at the front. He watched as she neatly wrote in neat and swoopy cursive across the white board. 

Dr. C. Yorkshire 

Adjunct Professor 

Biology 101 

Fall Term

Class A 

So she was the professor, Dr. Cheadle. She looked put together and kind, but he’d be lying if he said her calm demeanor was enough to soothe his nerves. School was never really his thing, he much preferred to be outside learning with his hands and on his feet, and his grades usually reflected the trouble he had with studying. His teachers in the past had always been nice enough, but he hated disappointing them with his test scores, and he wanted college to be different. He wanted to put his best foot forward with his new life and really prove himself. He was determined to give it his all. 

A few more people shuffled in and filled the open desks, and when the wall clock marked the top of the hour, the professor faced the class and cleared her throat. 

“Good morning everyone, and welcome to Biology 101. I’m Dr. Cheadle Yorkshire and I’ll be your professor. As you should know, this class is accompanied by a mandatory lab that will meet once a week. You’ll all be partnered off and expected to work together for the lab as well as in class activities.” Her eyes scanned the room, mouth set in a stern smile. “To kick things off, I’d like everyone to turn over the packet in front of you. This is a copy of your class syllabus, I took the liberty of binding them for you, as you’ll be referencing it throughout the entire semester.  It contains all of the information you’ll need to be successful in this class, including classroom policies, expectations, assignments, required reading, my office hours, and more!” 

Gon held the syllabus in his hand and was staring at it like it was made of gold. Everything he needed to do well in this class? It was like he’d been handed a treasure. 

“Now, I’ll call out the lab pairings, and you can find your partner and arrange your seating accordingly, then we can begin our first activity!”

When Gon’s name was finally called along with his partner’s, he was giddy with anticipation and just as he stood to scan the crowd for his partner, a blue satchel dropped down on the table and a tall boy sunk down into the seat next to his. His blonde hair framed his face and hung just above his shoulders, his smile was tight but genuine as he held a hand out to Gon. 

“I’m Kurapika, nice to meet you, partner.” 

Gon shook it and chirped back “I’m Gon! Nice to meet you too!”

They sat in silence while Cheadle finished calling out the rest of the pairs. When everyone was settled, she addressed the class.

 “Alright, now that everybody is paired off, we can begin today’s activity! In order to get to know your syllabus and your lab partner, I’ve created a scavenger hunt! Simply peruse your syllabus and use what you read to answer the questions on this handout!” She waved a stack of papers in the air and with a proud smile on her face, began handing them out. “You can begin as soon as you get your worksheet and you are dismissed whenever you finish!”

When their worksheets were placed in front of them, Kurapika turned in his chair to face Gon. 

“Well, I suppose we better get started, eh? We can both read through the syllabus and then answer the questions together, does that sound good to you?”

“Sure!” Gon nodded in response and they got started. Gon was a little overwhelmed with the amount of information on the syllabus. It was pretty stressful seeing an entire semester of work listed out like that. He was excited for the lab though, all of those assignments seemed pretty hands on and a few of them were even supposed to be done outside. Maybe this class wouldn’t be so bad afterall. After a few minutes, they began answering the questions together. It wasn’t too tough to find the answers, and with two people it went by pretty quickly. Gon didn’t want the whole class to pass without getting to know his lab partner though, so he tried to strike up a conversation between questions. 

“So, Kurapika, what’s your major? Are you a freshman here too?”

Kurapika didn’t look up from the worksheet when he answered. “I’m not a freshman, but I am new. I’m a sophomore and I transferred here this year.I’m double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice.” He glanced up and over at Gon. “What about you? Have you decided on a major yet?”

“I have! Well, kinda. I’m considering Anthropology or maybe  Environmental Biology. Still trying to figure out which would be best, but I don’t think I could handle double majoring like you. Your majors sound really great! What do you want to do with your degree?”

“I want to become a detective, I’m still deciding between public and private.” He scribbled something on his paper. “The answer to number 12 is ‘Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-5pm’ by the way. Three more and we’re finished.” 

Gon was hastily writing in the answer when Kurapika asked, 

“What do you want to do when you get your degree?”

“I want to become an archaeologist, like my dad! Or possibly a similar job within the field.” He perked up when he noticed that Kurapika had put down his worksheet and turned his focus to their conversation instead. 

“So you're a transfer student, how do you like it here so far? Where did you transfer from, and what made you leave?”

 “Woah Gon, you’ve almost got more questions than the assignment.” Kurapika chuckled but still pressed on. “So far it’s fine, but I’ve only been here for 3 days so we’ll see how it goes. I transferred here from Meteor City Community College, but I never really wanted to go there in the first place. This was my first choice school, but I wasn’t able to move here last year because of some family stuff. This year I was able to, so I did. And how are you liking it here? What made you choose YNU?”

“It’s my dad’s alma mater, so it was an easy choice. So far I’m really liking it! I was a little nervous before I got here, but everything has been pretty awesome. I’ve gotten to know and love the campus already, and I’ve got a great roommate too! Plus, my first class is going well! And that’s what I was the most nervous about.” 

“It’s good that you like your roommate. That can cause a lot of trouble for some. It definitely did at my last school, so that’s actually what I was most worried about here.”

“I’m sorry you had trouble last year, but is your new roommate nice I hope?” 

“Well, I actually lucked out and got a suite to myself. I requested one when I filled out the transfer paperwork, and told them about my last experience. I wasn't counting on it to work out in my favor too much, but it did.”

“I’m glad it did!”

“And I’m glad you’re feeling better about your classes now that you’ve got one under your belt.” He slid his worksheet over with a pale slender hand,  the last three answers were written out neatly.

Gon quickly jotted them down and slid the paper back to Kurapika. “Thank you!”

“No problem, it was a team effort after all.” He smiled as he slung his satchel over his shoulder and stood up to turn in his paper, Gon grabbed his backpack and followed behind him. 

After they handed her the worksheets, Dr. Yorkshire complimented their effort and teamwork, and dismissed them for the day. They were in the hallway and Kurapika was waving goodbye when Gon spoke again. 

“Kurapika, do you wanna grab lunch sometime? I know we’re just lab partners, but you seem really cool and I’d like to be friends!”

Kurapika looked puzzled for a moment but his voice was soft and sincere when he spoke. “I’d like that, Gon.” 

With that, they exchanged numbers and went their separate ways. 

The rest of the day breezed by, and Gon was pretty much on cloud 9. He was excited about his classes, and even more excited about the people he met in each one. He had lunch scheduled with Kurapika for later on that week, and he decided to check out some of the clubs a few of his new friends suggested to him throughout the week as well. It was going to be a great year! He texted Killua and they decided to meet up for dinner in the cafeteria, so he headed that way after his last class.

When he arrived, he scanned the room until a crop of silver hair caught his eye at a small table by the dessert station in the far corner. He made his way over and plopped into the seat across from Killua, who was surrounded by plates of different desserts.

“Gon, the dessert bar is amazing. You’ve gotta try the chocolate cake, and there’s cookies too!”

“It looks great! I’m gonna go grab some, and maybe some regular food too!” He stuck his tongue out teasingly, Killua just rolled his eyes in response. 

“Have you been here long?”

“Nah, I got here a few minutes before you. I just headed straight for the dessert.” 

Gon laughed out loud. Dessert for dinner, Mito would’ve killed him. College really was a different world.  “Do you want me to grab something else for you while I’m up?”

“Eh. I’m fine for now, might grab some pizza or something in a bit.” 

Gon nodded and left to make his plate. When he returned, Killua was scrolling on his phone, fork in hand hanging lazily at his mouth. 

His stomach growled and he quickly twirled a bite of spaghetti around his fork. The day was so eventful he hadn’t even realized he was hungry. 

“So, how were your classes? Did you like your professors?” he asked, shoving the huge bite of pasta into his mouth. 

Killua put his phone down and draped his arm over the back of his chair. “They all seem pretty boring, but I’m mostly getting gen ed classes out of the way for now, until I decide what I wanna major in, so that’s probably why. I don’t even remember any of the professors’ names, so that answers that question I guess,” He shoveled another bite of cake into his mouth, “What about you?”

“They all seemed nice enough, but I think I liked Professor Satotz in Anthropology the best. He seems interesting, so I’m excited to see how that class goes. Did you make any new friends?”

Killua quirked an eyebrow at him. “Uh, no. Did you?”

“I did! A few people, and I actually have plans to hang out with one of them! I’m gonna check out some clubs here too, I can definitely make some new friends there! And you’ve gotta come with me Killua! We can check them out together!” As he spoke he was practically buzzing with excitement.

“What clubs are you going to?” Killua asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Well, There’s a bunch of them to choose from, but the Great Outdoors Club, the GSA, and the Ultimate Frisbee Club were all recommended to me, so I’m gonna start with them I think.”

“GSA?”

“It stands for Gay Straight Alliance.”

Killua almost choked on his last bite of cake. “O-oh. Right. Why are you going to that one? Are you... gay?”

Gon’s face scrunched up a bit, his gaze suddenly intense.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that if you are!” Killua backpedaled. “Just asking!”

“Yeah, I’m just thinking about it. I guess I don't know? I was gonna check it out ‘cause I liked the idea of an alliance, and I wanted to go to show support I guess, but hey, maybe the club will help me figure it out!”

Killua’s cheeks were tinged pink. “You don’t know? Haven’t you ever gone on a date or to a school dance or something before?”

“Well, I’ve gone on dates with girls before, never with any boys though.” He rested his chin on his hand. “To be honest, I’m just not sure. I guess now I’m pretty excited to see what I learn from this club!” His eyes squinted up in a bright smile. 

“You should come with me when I go! It’s for everyone to come together, so I don’t think it even matters if you’re gay or not anyways.” 

“Yeah, maybe, we’ll see.” He awkwardly rubbed at the back of his neck. “ I’m gonna go grab some food, be right back.” He stacked his dirty plates and quickly shuffled off.

Gon leaned back in his chair and rubbed his full belly. He looked around the cafeteria, already starting to recognize people from his classes amongst the crowds at tables and in line at food stations. His first day was really amazing and if this was what the year was going to be like, he was so ready for it. 

~~~~~~~~

After wandering between the different food stations for a few minutes, Killua finally returned to the table with a plate of spaghetti and some soda. The food on campus was actually pretty good, so that was a plus. It was almost good enough to distract him from the nagging questions that the mention of the GSA brought up. Almost. 

He really hadn’t thought too much about his own sexuality, or sexuality in general. He’d never even gone out with anyone before. Well, there was the one time he agreed to go to the winter formal with a girl he knew, but that night was a disaster and he only went because his brother had been giving him shit about his social life.

It’s not like he never found anyone attractive before. But now that he thought about it, most of the time when someone in a crowd caught his eye, they happened to be a boy. Like at orientation just a few days ago... But what did that say about his sexuality? How did anyone actually know if they were gay or straight or whatever? And what would you even do with that information once you managed to figure it out? 

“Killua?” 

“Eh?” The sound of Gon’s voice snapped him back to reality and when he looked up he was met with a pair of honey eyes burning into him. 

“What?” He gulped. Had Gon been sitting this close to him the whole time?

“I asked if you were ready to go.”

“Oh, yeah, sure.” 

They grabbed their bags and began the trek back to their dorm. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the blush that spread across his face and up his neck.

[icouldbemoreclever]

I’ve always wanted to do a Pokémon crossover between HxH and I have to ask: If pokemon started appearing in the HxH world (possibly through Ultra holes or some other reason), how may the main four (Gon, Killua, Kurapika and Leorio) react and take to these wonderful and powerful creatures?

Sorry it took me a while to get to this, I’ve been a little under the weather! It’s a very cute thought though.

Gon would obviously take to them right away! He loves befriending animals, and I think that since pokemon are so unique in the relationships they can from with people, he’d definitely befriend a LOT of them. Maybe one day he’d come home to Whale Island and see a whole bunch of new faces in the forest?

Killua is not as much of a nature boy, but I think the unique personality traits of some pokemon would win him over. There’s a lot of mischievous pokemon out there that I think he’d have fun times with. Also, after befriending Ikalgo, I think it’s clear he’d be able to form a partnership with a pokemon and become friends (not that Ikalgo is exactly a pokemon XD but you know what I mean)

Kurapika… would he even know they exist? lmao. He was so focused on his mission and either not paying attention, or totally cut off from the world, that he didn’t even hear about the Chimera Ants. So I’m not sure how likely he’d be to know or care about pokemon if they didn’t directly affect his search for the eyes. I think for a pokemon to befriend Kurapika it would need two things: to be VERY persistent, and to have similar personality traits to him. He doesn’t want to rely on anyone to reach his goal, so he’d probably also resist having a partner pokemon. But it’s possible that one could win him over!Also, wouldn’t it be nice to think of a Jigglypuff forcing him to finally get some sleep? :’D

We don’t see Leorio interact with animals a lot, but I feel like because there are so many different and special types of pokemon, there’s a type that everyone would be interested in. I think Leorio might see how helpful pokemon can be in general and he’d like that! In the pokemon world, pokemon are always improving people’s lives and that’s something Leorio strives for as well. He’d probably start by interacting with pokemon in a bit of a professional sense, but since he’s so loyal he’d end up being friends with them as well. I can also see him enjoying pokemon with moves like pay day :P but I don’t feel like he’d ever take advantage of a pokemon for money (he might team up with a pokemon to trick people though, like all his schemes in Yorknew!)

[decembercamiecherries]

Hiraeth

For @crowsintheforest (aka @xyliane)! Because she sent me this word and I felt like writing something and she’s amazing and wonderful, so, why not? I’m not sure if this is exactly what she had in mind for the prompt but I hope she likes it anyway ^^;

Word Count: 1658

Ao3 link

Aged up killugon, canon universe. They’re about 16 here.

“I miss you,” Gon says.

Killua stares up at the ceiling, tracing the outlines of glow-in-the-dark stars that have been up there for who knows how long. The only reason he can see them is because of how dark it is outside; clouds coat this area in constant shade, and the nighttime only makes the lack of light more present, more obvious.

“Killua?”

He sighs heavily into his phone’s speaker. “You’ve said that before, you know.”

“I know! But I really, really mean it this time.”

Killua rolls his eyes. “You always mean it, Gon.”

“Only because it’s the truth. I always miss you.”

A flash lights up the window and illuminates the bedroom walls. Killua doesn’t react to the sudden brightness. He just waits until the light’s faded again and goes back to tracing the plastic stars on the ceiling.

Gon’s words ring with honestly, are weighed down by a kind of one-hundred percent bluntness that only Gon can pull off. But that doesn’t drain the pain out of each syllable and it only makes the empty ache in Killua’s chest throb.

He grips the phone harder. “We saw each other last week,” Killua says quietly. “You shouldn’t miss me.”

“I always miss you,” Gon repeats. 

“Even when we were together?”

“Well...no, maybe not then. I couldn’t really miss you while you were right there, you know? But all the other times, I do!”

Killua snorts. “Smooth recovery, doofus.”

Gon’s responding laughter is crackling static. It doesn’t compare to hearing the sound in person, and it sucks to realize that.

“Did you have a good sixteenth birthday, at least?” Killua asks to forget the low burn in the back of his throat.

“Mhm.” There’s a creaking sound on the other end- Gon moving around, probably- before Gon says cheerfully, “You were there. How could I not have a good birthday?”

Killua scrunches up his nose, hating the prickle of heat rising to his cheeks. “Stupid. I always call you on your birthday, don’t I?”

“Yeah, but you were actually here this time. And we got to go exploring like we did the first time I brought you back to Whale Island, and make a cake and everything. It was really nice! I had a really good time. It was the best birthday ever, I think.”

“And it was all because I was there, right?” Killua drawls. He’s just messing with Gon; he knows he’s not that crucial to Gon’s enjoyment of his birthday-

“Absolutely!”

Killua sputters indignantly. His chest feels tight and somehow light at the same time. “You!!! Dammit, Gon, that was a joke-”

Gon’s giggling cut him off before he can get another word in. “I know! But I’m being serious. Being with you makes me happy, Killua. Of course having you with me made it the best birthday ever. Phone calls and pictures are great, but it’s nothing compared to us actually being together, you know?”

Killua relaxes back into the sheets and mountain of pillows. “Yeah, I...I know.”

There’s a comfortable pause. Light flashes around the room again, brighter this time, but Killua doesn’t even wince. 

He counts down silently, 1....2....3-

BOOM

A deep rumple shakes the house. The lamp on his nightstand trembles and Killua’s skateboard slides off the wall and to the floor with a thud. After a few seconds, the boom fades away into the night, leaving the room quiet once more.

“What was that?” Gon asks, sounding more curious than alarmed.

“Lightning,” Killua says with a faint smile. 

“Oh?”

“Mhm. Got a letter from Wing the other day saying he’d read about this awesome cliff in Ochima; it has these cracks in the surface and it lights up with this bright flash a couple times an hour. Kind of like lightning. He thought I could learn some stuff by visiting.”

“And the boom?”

Killua shrugs awkwardly- his shoulder gets caught in the sheets- before remembering that Gon can’t actually see him. Out loud, he explains, “Sometimes there’s that sound after the flashes.”

“Like thunder.”

Killua hums. “Yep. Just like thunder.”

“Wow...that’s really cool, Killua. You must be having a great time there!”

Killua smiles to himself. He remembers climbing over glowing rocks with Alluka, gaping at the weird local creatures who’s exoskeleton flashed with the light underground. The residents were friendly and willingly offered him and Alluka all types of gifts and food.

“It’s been so long since we had any visitors!” they all told them with broad smiles. “Take as much as you’d like! Do you have a place to stay?”

Blinking away the memory, Killua says to Gon, “I am. We’re actually staying with this old lady who offered me and Alluka two rooms in her own house. She even cooks for us and everything.”

“How old is old?” Gon asks and Killua can practically hear the mischievous grin in his best friend’s tone. “Like, Bisky old?”

“Older,” Killua says and Gon chuckles.

“Careful, Killua. You don’t want Bisky to catch you saying that.”

“Like I care. I can take her on!”

“You’re funny, Killua. I don’t think anyone can take Bisky on when someone calls her an old hag.”

The memory of Bisky in her fully-realized from comes to Killua’s mind and he shudders. “Okay. Maybe you have a point there...”

Gon laughs again and Killua feels his heart swell to twice it’s normal size. His eyes flutter shut, letting the happy sound wash over him and warm him from the inside out. He tries to picture Gon as he is now: golden skin dotted with unfamiliar scars, chest broader and stronger than Killua remembers from his fourteen-year-old self, jaw covered with a slight stubble.

Pressure builds up behind Killua’s eyes. He saw Gon last week, but that doesn’t really mean anything. 

“I miss you, too,” he whispers and Gon’s laughter dies away in a second.

“You...you mean it, Killua?” Gon asks. Killua swallows thickly at the broken tone, the thick layer of sadness hanging over every word.

“Yeah.” He grips the phone until he hears the metal groan and creak. “I- I miss you a lot. I wish you were here.”

“I wish you were here. My bed doesn’t smell like you anymore.”

Killua jolts at that, because- what?! What?! 

“What,” he says out loud and Gon makes a tiny huffing sound.

“My bed, Killua! It doesn’t smell like you anymore, and that makes me sad. It means you’re gone again and I don’t know when I’ll see you next.”

Killua squeezes his eyes shut again and lets out a long breath. Stupid Gon with his stupid nose. The fact that he even paid attention to stuff like that is...

Weird. Definitely weird. But that doesn't stop Killua’s face from burning or his heart flipping in his chest. It makes him feel giddy and warm and happy and that’s stupid. Killua is stupid.

“Killua? Are you still there?”

“Yeah, I’m just...” He sighs, drags a hand down the side of his scarlet cheeks. “You’re really weird sometimes, Gon.”

“Mmm. Maybe. But you don’t mind that, so I think it’s okay!”

Killua grits his teeth. Gon’s going to make him explode from sheer mortification one day. He’s sure of it. “Yeah, sure, whatever. Weirdo.”

Gon giggles and Killua’s scowl softens. He can’t help but melt around Gon, even if he’s a thousand miles away. He holds back a yawn as he hears Gon ask-

“Hey, Killua?”

“What?”

“Isn’t it late there? I mean, Ochima’s on the other side of the world.”

Killua drags his gaze over to the clock, which also just happens to be glow-in-the-dark. The hands point to the number four and five, meaning it’s four twenty-five in the morning and Alluka will probably murder him tomorrow for staying up so late. All because Killua didn’t want to stop talking to his best friend.

“Yeah,” he says reluctantly. “It’s pretty late...”

“You should probably get to bed, then.” Gon sounds unhappy, disappointed, and Killua’s mind instantly supplies the image of a kicked puppy. He fights down the snicker before it can get past his lips. 

“I guess, yeah.”

“So you should, um. You should hang up then.”

A smile makes its way onto Killua’s lips. “Probably.”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.”

“Killua.”

“Gon.”

“Why aren’t you hanging up?”

“Why aren’t you hanging up?” Killua shoots back and gets an irritated huff in return.

“Because! I don’t want to be the one to say goodbye!”

“What are you, five?!” Killua retorts. “It’s not goodbye, idiot, it’s just...a see you later. We’ll see each other again. You know that.”

There’s a short pause. When Gon speaks again, his voice is low enough that Killua has to strain to hear it-

“Soon, Killua?”

Killua closes his eyes, that annoying sting coming back in full force. It takes him a moment before he can speak again.

“Yeah," he says quietly. "Soon.”

“Promise?”

“I promise, Gon.”

There’s a heavy, crackling sigh. “Okay. Then...goodnight, Killua. I miss you.”

Killua’s throat is burning now. Still, he manages to croak out, “Miss you, too, Gon. I’ll text you some pictures when I get up.”

He ends the call before Gon can say anything else. He stares at Gon’s name for a few seconds as it flashes across the top of his cell’s screen, letting him know that he’d been talking to Gon for nearly five hours.

He smiles bitterly. Five hours. A new record for them. One they'll surely break again sometime soon.

He turns the phone off, rolling over onto his side and pulling the covers up to his chin. Even then it takes another thirty minutes for him to fall asleep, the same amount of time it takes for the ache in his throat and eyes and heart to fade to a tolerable level.

Killua always misses Gon. That’s a given. But it’s nice to know that his feelings are reciprocated at the very least.

[icharchivist]

What's your opinion on Kite's death/puppet thing or rather the reaction to it? I always thought I was underreacting or something because other people I've seen also get super upset at about it and idk it was sad and fucked up but I don't feel like I knew Kite for long enough to be too sad about it. I know in 1999/the manga they introduced him earlier but idk the reaction was as if Leorio or Kurapika died or something. I know it's personal for Gon but it didn't feel that way for me as a viewer.

Heya!

To reply frankly, it’s more than just being introduced early that changed everything in the manga, the anime really glanced over it imo….

When it comes to me per se, I wasn’t shocked (kinda saw it coming bc people overhyped this arc for me), but it was really painful to see Gon’s reactions to it, and imo, all of Gon’s reaction makes sense.

I understand why Gon would react this way though, I mean, Gon is someone with very strong emotions, sometimes irrational ones. He went and broke the arm of Illumi when he threatened Killua, When he knew Killua was having trouble, he was ready to climb the walls of the Zoldyck knowing his death would await him with Mike (and only backed away when he realized the Guardian would be punished, not about his own safety.), the dodgeball game got worse because Razor almost hurt Killua, Gon constantly provocked the Troupe because they hurt Kurapika ect…  So obviously he would react to some extreme whenn something like that happens to someone important to him.

The whole thing with the puppet itself was pretty bad, because Gon especially locked himself into denial. He never thought Kite died (also because it is adding guilt to him, and I will always recall “when would you hurt yourself?” “When I think I can’t forgive myself”). 

Gon feels responsible for what happened, because Kite died protecting him. There’s mentions actually that, if Kite hadn’t tried to protect Gon, he wouldn’t have lost his arm and could have fought. And it’s something Gon is aware of - he’s the reason Kite may have died. Not to mention both kids insisted for Kite to accompagny him in the NGL because “don’t treat us like Kids!”, before having to be taken care of by Kite, and Kite also lectured them on not letting their guards down multiple times. Which is why in the end he’s blaming himself and Pitou. Because everything that led to it was of his insistance and that he feels responsible, and facing it will break him.

And, of course, everyone let him in denial, even once he was faced with the horror that was the puppet Kite. He was saying the mutilation on Kite and no one told him the truth, and he stubborningly thought for over about two months that he could save Kite, which imo is what made it even more damaging to him.

And that’s just while taking just the anime into account.

 Imo the problem is the POV of the arc. Killua is the one character we hear the thoughts of the most, and truth is, he was detached from what happened to Kite, because he was scared that Gon would blame him, and scared for Gon’s wellbeing, so he stepped back, and he didn’t have the amount of affection nor guilt that Gon was having toward Kite. (when asked “when would you hurt yourself”, Killua thinks the King might have hurt himself for someone else. It tells a lot about both Gon and Killua btw - that Gon is losing himself in his guilt where Killua will put other people before his own good.). 

And while I think it’s efficient, I much rather prefer to think in Gon’s shoes than to be spelled out his thoughts, I think therefore a lot of people totally missed how much Gon was feeling over the incident that lead to Kite’s death, and how much the denial destroyed him. As in, Gon would of course react strongly if you hurt someone he was close of, and if he felt responsible for it.

But ye, imo, the problem is that if you stay with the POV character.... The truth is that Killua didn’t care like Gon cared, and he’s the POV character. So, the audience is supposed to see it via Killua’s eyes, not Gon’s, unless they decide to look at it through Gon’s eyes.

And personally I like that, because it adds weight, but at the same time this is what caused everyone to side with Killua and not see why Gon was angry in the “it’s none of your business” scene. Because no one considered Gon. 

More under the cut about the manga:

But that’s not all, and there I blame the anime who cut a lot of things.

Like you mentioned, yes, Kite is supposed to appear in the very first chapter of the manga. We see him in a full scene, not some sort of weird flashbacks, in which he befriend Gon. 

And first of, he’s the one who likely had Gon developped this Guilt Complex. Because their first meeting was after Gon tried to pet a sort of fox, and he was attacked by the mother, and Kite had to kill the mother to protect Gon. He immediatly blamed Gon, hitting him and telling him that he fucked up and should have known better, and was about to kill the cub Gon pet. And Gon is feeling guilty about it. He’s already responsible for one death, he won’t let him kill another one. And he takes the cub, who hurts him, to protect him from Kite. Gon was feeling guilty for what happened to the Mother because of him, and because of how Kite lectured him, and he took responsability, to the point of hurting himself, and raised the Cub by himself (the removal of Kon in the 2011 anime makes me so sad bc in the first chapter it really shows that Gon successfully raised him and that they are extremely close now).

Second, and most importantly: Gon believed Ging was dead before meeting Kite. When Kite recognizes Gon as Ging’s son, he imediatlly tells him everything about Ging. And there, little Gon realizes his only family member, Mito, lied the whole time. Because Mito always told him his parents were dead. And Mito and Gon never discussed about Ging, Mito is actually shocked int he first chapter of “how could he know??”. Because it was Kite’s doing.

Also Kite gives the Hunter card when they met as Gon was a kid, and Gon holds on to it the full manga.

But two things that therefore change for the whole manga: Gon mentions Kite a lot of time. Here’s the thing in the manga that is pretty clear: He got his life goal from Kite. It’s not just a friend, or a family member: Kite is the one who gave Gon his driving force and motive. For exemple, in the under the stars scene:

Chapter 64

I think that’s the worst thing about Kite being only shown later - because Gon remembers Kite, and Gon reminds himself that Kite is the one who gave him the Goal of a Lifetime. It’s Kite who got Gon to wonder about his father, who got him excited to meet him. If it wasn’t for Kite, the whole travel Gon goes through in the manga wouldn’t exist.

So I want us to be clear there, Gon has a huge admiration for Kite. A huge one. He’s the reason he even have a goal. To me, i mean, just the things that lead up to his death int he anime justify Gon’s breakdown enough, but the manga makes it clear that Kite is someone Gon regards with a lot of respect and admiration, someone that never left his mind.

Which, also: The introduction of Kite in the anime is bullshit.

Remember how he attacks Gon and Killua in the anime because of the Chimera ants, and gives a bullshit copy and past of what he tells Gon about the Fox, and that neither Kite nor Gon remembers each other until they end up talking?

Chapter 185

(also about this bullshit because i’m upset about it, the Anime added Kite says something like “Oh ye Greed Island was created to train you” bullshit. That’s only a supposition Bisky makes in the GI arc, but it’s never, ever confirmed, and especially not by Kite. I don’t know why the fuck the anime people added that because no, we don’t know why Ging created Greed Island, you can’t affirm it, are you kidding me??)

So, ye, back to this -  as you can see, their reunion is far more friendly. They’re old friends, they consider each other as such. 

They were both on the run to find Ging, so they’ve been bounding over that.

ALSO, adding more stupid to the anime, Kite doesn’t meet Ging on Whale Island after he met Gon??? No!! Kite recognize Gon, and remembers him afterward, and he doesn’t need Ging to tell him “that was my son”.  

Also, Kite’s backstory isn’t in the manga either, and like…. hghhhhh i am salty about a lot of what they added in the early CA arc.

because, while a few of scenes involving the Chimera ants are fillers, they barely develop the fact that Kite and the kids basically explore around just for fun, not because of the ants.

Okay okay so, more salt from me, but the Chimera Ants didn’t manifest themselves right away.

Actually, they don’t hear about it for a few more chapters.

Because, Kite wasn’t looking for Chimera Ants: he was in Kakin (which, if it rings a bell, is the country in center of the political issues in the DC arc) to do species research. And he asks Gon and Killua to come along with him, and they spend a few days and week to just explore, and discover new animals. 

Chapter 186

And it’s only after they worked together for a while, and that Kite ended up liking them a lot, (see chapter 186 when he says that Gon and Killua are incredible), and only then, that they hear of the Chimera Ants:

Chapter 187

See this scene? This scene was made into a flashback, from before Kite appeared in the anime. 

Basically the anime was already saying that Kite was looking for the Chimera Ants… which isn’t true! Gon and Killua found him, they had a friendly chat, they spent a few days together getting to know the wild life of the Kakin continant, and then they got called about the Ants afterward, and they work together about it.

What i’m trying to say there, is that, Kite has a far more positive inclusion into the manga all the way through. I personally found Kite unlikable after how mean he was when Gon and Killua appeared, especially when told he also punched him as a kid. In the manga, they are old friends, and Kite is far more important for Gon. they didn’t conveignantly forget about each other in the timeframe, they actually thought about each other a lot.

They were close. In their own term. For their own reasons.

also, in the character presentation of Kite, before he got in a fight against Pitou:

Because again: Kite gave Gon his goal. Kite gave Gon a goal in life, and that’s why, ironically, it’s losing him that makes Gon lose all will to live. This is an actual thematic parallelism that works in the medium.

So, imo, while i didn’t exactly felt for his death, in the anime, I got why Gon lost it. because of his own reactions to people, how he gives his everything, that he has 0 survival instincts when it comes to himself, his reaction to guilt, and basically, everything fits what we know Gon would do.

But, in the manga imo,it was physically painful, and I think the anime handled it badly because Kite was framed much more positively in the manga, and there is a feeling, after he’s mentioned a few times in the manga, of wanting to see him again. Hell, in a “fav character survey” around the Heaven Arena Arc, Kite is in 10th position because Fans have grown to like him in the first chapter and they liked how Gon mentioned him with sort of respect, back then it was already kinda established in the mind of fans that Kite was important for Gon. 

So no, Kite is super important to Gon, he gave him his goal for his life, which is why it’s ironical then Gon gave up on his life when he lost Kite. There’s so much to it, and I think that just looking at it with Killua’s eyes, like in the narration, is making Gon a massive disservice, because everything makes sense when you put yourself into Gon’s shoes a little. and what the anime deleted probably didn’t help people to do that.

….. So ye, the two things i’m angry at the anime for doing is how they deleted and added scenes for Leorio that shouldn’t have been there, and how they completely didn’t get how to handle Kite at all.

Maybe it won’t change your judgement because it’s only a few things here and there, but to me I know that, while I found it understandable in the anime, the manga was like a clap in the face on how much of course Gon would break down.

And, as a viewer, i wasn’t exactly attached to Kite, but as a reader, I totally was. And I still think it’s up to you, but like… idk, the manga isn’t from Gon’s POV, so why would one feel like Gon unless they want to? People will identify with Killua because he’s the POV character. And Killua didn’t care as much. If you try to put yourself in Gon’s shoes, it hurts a lot more tbh.

Take care!

[xyliane]

handprint on my heart

summary: because i knew you, i have been changed

notes: wrote this a while back while having emotions about gon and finally got it all edited up today since I had some actual free time! post-series character study. gon freecss, gen/angst (platonic killugon). 1000 words.

on ao3!

—

It’s easy for Gon to wonder, when his best friend’s so far away, what happens when he’s not there. Sometimes he wonders why.

—

What have you seen? Gon asks, in messages and emails and the all-too-rare phone call.

Killua answers with a laugh, bright and electric and happy in a way that only Gon used to hear. Everything! We’ve seen buildings the size of pins and penguins the size of houses. We’ve seen flying whales and swimming clouds.

Where will you go? Gon asks.

Killua answers, Everywhere we can, and promises to send postcards.

—

Gon’s never dreamed all that much, and this does not change back on Whale Island. Even if he does, he wakes with only flashes, odd patches of summer skies and far-off mountains, friends he doesn’t know and cities he’s never been. There’s nothing to be done about things that never happened, even if they feel real during the fuzzy moments of waking up.

As it is, the only dreams Gon remembers vividly enough to puzzle over are those about missing math tests, Aunt Mito’s rage transforming her aura into immense algebraic equations that chase him around the island while Killua sits just out of reach and laughs and laughs and laughs, blue eyes dancing as he holds his sisters’ hand.

Besides, it’s memories that haunt Gon more than any dream.

—

Have you made new friends? Gon doesn’t ask.

Killua doesn’t answer Yes. A lot. They’re kind, or they’re weird, or they’re cruel, but they’re mine.

Has anyone replaced me? Gon doesn��t ask.

Killua doesn’t answer No, never. No one ever could.

—

Sometimes, old friends find their way to the island. Most of them are truly just there to visit. Knuckle and Shoot drop by and manage to attract every foxbear cub on the island. Meleoron and Palm swap drinking stories with Aunt Mito for the better part of a night, leaving Gon with a strangely nostalgic feeling to cleaning up half-empty bottles scattered around the kitchen table. Leorio scolds Gon for not taking care of himself, neglecting both the new scars across his own hands and the knowing smile on Kurapika’s lips.

Other acquaintances come because they’ve heard about Ging. That he grew up here, that his son is here, that maybe he left something of himself here. Some of the Zodiacs and members of the Yorknew Archaeological Society want to see the sights, to understand what makes Ging’s head spin sideways to everything else. Aunt Mito doesn’t like these people, but they bring stories, or gifts, or business to the port she can’t turn down. Gon tells himself he doesn’t mind showing them around, to lead them to the clearing with the glowing anthills or the crevice overlooking the King of the Swamp. None of them seem interested, or very interesting.

Rarely, people come because they’ve heard stories. About the boy who defeated a royal guard of the chimera ants, who stormed the palace to save his mentor. About the Hunter who can’t hunt anymore, brought low by homework. These people, Gon approaches quietly, more unsure than he’s ever been, and listens to their advice on what he might be able to do, where he could go, who he can speak to. Nothing they say does anything to help him–he did this to himself, and he’s the only one who can fix it, can determine if it can be fixed. But Gon asks them anyways, because he understands the desperate need to feel better by helping someone else.

Killua doesn’t visit, and Gon doesn’t ask him to. Killua has his own life now with his own goals, and he doesn’t need to be burdened with Gon’s. After all, Gon owes him enough lifetimes already, countless as stars in the sky. (That Killua might feel he owes Gon as much doesn’t even cross his mind.)

—

Has the world changed without me? Gon wants to ask.

Killua would pause, because it has and it hasn’t and he’s not sure how much is them and how much is the world. Everything changes eventually, idiot.

Even you? Gon wants to ask.

There would be a break in his voice, a void of silence filled with experiences Gon will never have with him and can never understand. Even me. But that’s all because of you.

—

It’s easy to forget it all happened in a day. Sometimes it feels like it took merely seconds, others that it took years and lifetimes and worlds.

Gon doesn’t remember it all very well, although he remembers moments. A dying girl with that thing standing over her, meaningless words spilling out of its mouth that all lead to nothing but death. A broken puppet he’d known all along was empty. The abrupt absence of Killua at his side, a gaping canyon flooded by blackened rage. And when the anger’s gone, having nothing left inside but bloody guilt, sick and wrong but so right because it’s the only thing left he has left. A ball of blue lightning with Killua’s eyes. Killua’s hand on his shoulder, Killua’s gaze on his back, Killua’s screams in his ears, Killua—

Gon remembers his choice clear as daylight, even if the reasoning behind it stays foggy and opaque. That moment when he didn’t lose control but gave it up, because why keep going if he’s already failed everything he worked for.

He’d meant to give up everything he was, everything he could be, to try to make up for what he’s failed.  But Gon never meant to give up Killua.

—

Do you miss me? Gon can’t ask.

So Killua can’t answer, because he’d have to say More than anything.

—

Every day, Gon wonders what Killua is doing, where he is in the hours and weeks they don’t speak to each other. He tries not to think about why.

(Because, a voice answers in a tone as achingly familiar as the pounding of his heart, I want to be friends forever.)

[shimmy-sham-with-the-fam]

Hunting X For X Bruises Chap. 2

Prologue is here!

Previous Next

WOO~! This has been a lot of fun writing so far! (I just went through and corrected the typos. I posted this right when I got up this morning so my silly self didn’t even think to check over it before hand... Sorry if you read this before I corrected everything!)

There aren’t any bad things in this one. Just memories of the first couple episodes of HxH just flooding back up into my mind. 

Such beautiful, simple times………

As always, please enjoy! 

Also, Please don’t be afraid to leave a comment or a message about what you think or how it can be improved in upcoming chapters! 

Words: 1,655

Rate- T

Summary:  An AU where the bruises and cuts of a soulmate appear on the skin. Gon becomes increasingly worried about his soulmate as he gets tattooed with new marks everyday, and hopes to find the person soon. Killua, on the other hand, has been brainwashed by his family to believe that the spots on his skin are a curse from the person who plans to target and kill him, as they believe learning about a soulmate would make him soft during jobs.

Chapter 2: Promises X and X Kisses

Gon perched silently in the large tree rooted in the shallow depths of the lake. He shaded himself from the dangerous rays of the sun with a makeshift leaf hat, which cut to fit the shape of his head as many a leafs before it’s time. The fishing pole he sported bobbed a ball at the end of a line, which waited patiently for prey to snag it. The forest dwelling human was well accustomed to long periods of waits, and would spend hours at a time lost deep in his own thoughts. His mind swirled around aimlessly, but many thoughts would cause him to take a small glance at miscellaneous marks on his skin.

Today, he had decided, would be the day. The boy woke up in horror that morning with a wide bruised gash along the palm of his left hand. He was tired of waking up to the dark spots every morning. Yes, today, he had decided, he would tell Mito he wanted to take the Hunter exam.

He had heard all about it from his great grandmother; how his father had left Whale Island at an early age to take the hunter exam. Mito had been furious with him leaving her behind all alone. Gon knew aunt Mito harbored harsh feelings for her cousin, and it wasn’t exactly that she hated him. She was just upset that he would never bother to visit or contact them. Even when his father, Ging, had visited years later after he had originally departed, he had only stayed long enough to leave Gon in Mito’s care.

Gon’s great grandmother had explained to the bright eyed raven that his father had become a hunter because he wanted to find something. There was no specification, and Gon was not entirely sure if anyone really knew exactly what Ging really wanted to find.

But Gon could at least vouch for himself. There was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to become a hunter so that he could find his soulmate and figure out just what they had been experiencing all this time. Gon wanted to find them, and ask them why there was a sliver of deep cobalt that dragged across his left hand, why his thigh looked as if it might have been beaten down to the bone, why everyday he woke up and counted the number of new bruises in the collection on his sun kissed skin.

Chapped lips curled into a determined smile as his grip tightened on the old fishing rod. “I’ll find you…” his eyes shimmered when a tremendous tug drowned the red bobber into the lake water. The teen grunted, pulling and flexing. “I’ll take the exam-“ his voice rose happily. Gon pulled the rod and trailed around his tree perch; his leaf hat long gone when the tug had startled his body into action. “-and I’ll find information about you! And I’ll find you!” The excited boy finally managed to haul the enormous fish out from the depths of the water.

It was quite a gross looking fish really. The water creature had large white eyes with a dense, soulless pupil in the center of each. The mouth of the fist was lined with ivory jagged teeth, presumably for ripping into tender flesh. However, the most significant feature of the fish that set him apart from the rest were the large, almost insect like legs located at the belly. Similar to the fingers on a crane, the king of the lake was known for using it’s abnormal legs to grab ahold of a meal; making escape entirely impossible. However, all eight legs were completely useless on land.

Gon tossed the body of his prize onto to the ground far below him, and quickly set about packing his belongings to venture back to the bar that Aunt Mito dutifully managed everyday.

“Aunt Mito!! Aunt Mito~!” Aa giant blob of blue seemed to be calling out to the woman from far down the dirt path. It bounced up and down as it steadily came closer and closer to the young red headed woman. Hearing the calls from her young relative was relieving; she kept it to herself that seeing a giant fish with bug legs bouncing faster in her direction would probably have caused her to faint.

As Gon finally finished his approach, Mito spread the tips of her lips into a radiant smile. “Aunt Mito, I caught the king just like I said I would!” The giant body slammed down, finally revealing the small boy who was about a third of the size of the monstrous lake creature.

“I see that,” Mito chuckled. She faced back towards him for a moment, placing a pin on the freshly clean sheet she was hanging on the line to dry. “So now that you’ve finally caught him, what’s your big plan?” Are you gonna tell me or is it still some big secret?”

Gon had decided not to tell anyone his plan until he was successful in capturing the king of the lake; which not even five grown men who’d been fishing their entire life could manage to do together. The only one who had ever accomplished this feat was his father, Ging. Gon made it perfectly clear for himself: prove that you’re strong enough to take the hunter exam to yourself and everyone else. Once that’s been done, he’ll be able to take it.

His chest expanded proudly as he stood as high as was physically possible. “I’m gonna take the Hunter exam!”

“WHA-” The clip Mito had in her hand snapped from between her fingers. The towel she had been hanging over the line now slipped off, blowing in the wind. The teenage boy lunged out for it, and he successfully caught, he couldn’t manage to successfully  dodge the basket of clothing that he tripped over, which now spread clothing all about the dirty ground. Gon laughed lightly, realizing he would be forced to wash all the clothes that he just dirtied in his attempt to capture one piece of fabric.

In an attempt to make light of the situation, he held the towel he had caught out to Mito, who had been staring at him with a rather unusual look. Gon wasn’t quite sure what it meant, but he could feel the tension that began to brew around his caregiver.

“Ah, Aunt Mi-”

“Why?” She cut him off.

“Huh?”

“Why do you want to take the exam?” Her fingers tangled into the skirt of her dress.

“I…” Gon began, confused as to why she seemed angry at the thought. Sure his father had left to take the exam around his age but, Gon was at least giving a warning. His father just left on a whim, but Gon was telling her. Gon would never leave her without telling her… “I want to find them.” He pointed to the mark on his left hand. “I’m going to take the exam so that I can gain access to the information that only hunters can. And then I’ll find them.” His voice never wavered.

“Gon…” Mito’s eyes dig deep into his. She was silent for a while, then finally spoke softly. “So this has nothing to do with Ging?”

The boy shrugged. “Not really… I am a bit curious as to why he had decided to be a hunter instead of taking care of me. But I’m grateful for your care over his and now I just need to know that this person is in a safe place.”

“You have to promise me something then…” Mito sighed.

“Anything.” There was no hesitation.

“When you find them, you have to come back home safe with them.”

Gon’s face lit up, his grin practically filling his whole face. “I won’t let you down, Aunt Mito!” His jump pressed himself onto Mito’s stomach, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. “I promise!”

Gon had one week before his departure. Aunt Mito had continued becoming tense as the days continued forward. Gon would have focused more on how she was acting of his mind wasn’t occupied elsewhere.

Gon had noticed the morning after he had caught the monstrous fish that there were no new bruises or marks. None. And when he realized this, part of him was ecstatic. It meant the person wasn’t getting hurt. However, he also felt a bit fearful for them, and was even a bit skeptical as this happened the day after it was confirmed he’d be taking the exam.

Why would they gain bruises everyday then suddenly just stop? Where they in some critical condition? Gon knew from other pairs of soul mates on Whale Island that if one person was severely ill or had a broken bone, the other person would be fine. The only thing that the two spirits shared were marks of the skin.

Which meant that there was a possibility that this person could be in a far worse condition than just scrapes of the skin.

Gon had to find them no matter what.

The morning Gon left sent him off with a soft breeze. The sky was littered with soft clouds, and the temperature was meant for a lazy day; warm, but comfy.

But Gon didn’t have time for a lazy day. He was staying his journey.

But not before saying goodbye to the woman he held closest to his heart.

He gave her a hug suitable to squeeze the life of someone, but not the love.

After they pulled apart from each other, Mito held her pinky i out to him. “You have to keep your promise.” She said sternly.

“Yup!” He locked his pinky with hers as they began the ritual of bouncing their hands while singing “pinky swear made! Whoever breaks their promise has to swallow a thousand needles!” Their thumbs lifted pressing into each other. “Sealed with a kiss!”

[icharchivist]

You know you'd think Kurapika's temper would have come out of his trauma or something because it's so severe. But I remember in his backstory chapter when those guys called Pairo a slur, cripple, Kurapika was 100% ready to literally kill those people. Like he wasn't just beating them up he said "die" like holy shit. Makes me think that even back then Kurapika wasn't as happy go lucky as Gon. (if we're comparing 12 year old Kurapika to 12 year old Gon).

Ooooh ye Kurapika had a really quick temper even as a kid.

I think there’s still some things to compare him with Gon with as a kid. They both grew up in the wilderness, wanting more, wanting to see the world, admiring Hunters. They get excited when talking about the stuff they love.

Even there, they would both get really angry if you threaten people they love - just looking at how Gon reacted to Illumi after the incident with Killua. And in anger, they don’t exactly think through, Gon was ready to climb the wall of the Zoldyck family and Kurapika….. would lash out.

But I think that’s where the comparaison may stop, at least for them as kid, not mentioning their revenge journeys.

Kurapika is really over-protective and have a high sense of justice. He has shown that since for ever. And I think that might be a result also of growing up in such a sheltered village. 

He mentions he used to know all 128 people of his village, he knew them all personally. He was a kid, and it was his whole world. So for him, i think it was clear people would care about each other and like, not be douchebags?

We don’t know much of the Kurta’s culture, but we know this society settled rules to care about each other. In case of danger, they would move out. But also even the Elder mentions when Kurapika talks about how he wants to see the outside world and says “Why don’t i just do what I want then?” and the Elder replies “If that’s what you want to do, then go ahead,but if you break the rule, it’s your family left behind that receives the punishment you know?”

I don’t know how much is a threat  to control a kid who’s ready to run away from home and how much is an actual rule, especially since Kurapika mentions “Leaving the forest is the gravest infraction that can be committed, but no one knows what kind of punishment there is for breaking the rule - No one has ever broken it, after all.” I’d personally say it’s just a threat and that they wouldn’t really hurt anyone, but I guess we can doubt.

Besides we also know that it’s a taboo amoung the Kurta to mention the Non-pureblood Kurta’s eyes. Pairo mentions that he had to press his father to talk about it. It’s a secret, the kids aren’t supposed to know that they would be in danger outside, they shelter their kids so they can feel their emotions frely without feeling like the monsters the legends of the outside world make them out to be.

What we can deduce of that is that therefore the Kurta lives in a really big community that cares for each other, all know each other, have a set of rules, and those rules are set to protect each other.

It explains why Kurapika has such a high sense of justice when it comes to protecting his own in a way. It’s really the community’s lifestyle, always caring about your fellow.

As for Pairo’s disability, adding to that, it’s to remember that… Kurapika feels responsible for it, too. Pairo is his best friend so also Kurapika shares a lot with him, but it’s to remember Pairo’s disability happened because Pairo tried to save Kurapika from falling up the cliff, they fell together, but Kurapika was barely hurt while Pairo got a lifelong disability that the village doesn’t know how to cure.

Pairo never blamed Kurapika for it, even, he calls out Kurapika when Kurapika mentions he wants to find him a doctor, because what Pairo want is Kurapika to be happy. 

Also, there’s an understanding between Pairo and Kurapika have this way to talk about his disability too. Early in the story Kurapika asks Pairo if he wants to see the outside world with him, Pairo says that his health would get in the way of that, and Kurapika enthusiastically replies that it doesn’t matter. Because Pairo can do anything he wants.But also later, when they are doing shopping together, Kurapika seems concerned about Pairo having to carry stuff around, and Pairo calls him out for how Kurapika should not overprotect him that much (”Trust your partner a little bit more!!”) and Kurapika apologizes immediatly, which make me think it’s possible Kurapika feels the need sometimes to accomodate to Pairo’s disability and Pairo can calls him out about it to tell him he can handle himself.(there’s a similar scene earlier with Pairo dropping the eyedrops and insisting he wants to do it by himself, but knowing this is when he switched the eyedrops it can be argued it was just so he was sure he could trick everyone).

What I’m trying to come accross there is that, Kurapika cares a lot about Pairo’s well being, but he knows how to keep his limits to not be overcaring. He does everything so Pairo feel like his disability doesn’t stop him from doing anything, even if sometimes he gets worried about it.

Adding to the fact that Kurapika feels responsible and guilty for what happened to Pairo, and knows Pairo doesn’t blame him, so he blames himself even more in secret. 

So we can put all of that together. Kurapika’s strong sense of community and justice, his guilt toward Pairo’s disability, how he wants to look after Pairo, all without making Pairo feel less able because of that. 

And then a guy come out of nowhere to call Pairo a slur on that direct subject.

All of that together? Of course Kurapika would explode. I’m pretty sure no one in his village would have ever insulted Pairo because of his disability. I’m pretty sure no one called him a burden that clearly, with this much of being mean spirited.

It was a real first for Kurapika. Before those bullies, he always had admiration for the Outside World, believing it couldn’t be that bad, that people didn’t want to actually hurt them like the Elder would be saying. And the lovely people that helped them probably comforted him in that idea.

But them? I don’t think Kurapika ever saw anything like that before. Now also, the bully just kicked Pairo in the leg to make him fall, Kurapika was ready to attack and didn’t only because Pairo said it was an accident. It’s when the bully made it clear he meant it with all kind of mean spirit that Kurapika lost it and wanted to kill them.

How could some people do that?? none of the 128 people in his village would have done that. D-Hunter, Sheila, they wouldn’t have done that. The outside world he learnt about shouldn’t have done that. But there the bully just proved the Bad Side of the Outside World Kurapika was not as much acknowledging.

Honestly Kurapika almost attacked them at different times. Every time those assholes were doing something, he was getting angry, and Pairo was 100% of his impulse control, knowing that the Elder sent them. 

When they attacked Pairo, it became personal. Attacking Pairo could only be seen by Kurapika like the worst thing one could have done. And he didn’t think straight anymore and he attacked.

I even wonder if that’s why he asked the bullies if the Elder told them about Pairo’s disability. It’s like for him, you couldn’t have actually insulted Pairo on that for another reason than to directly piss them off, so it had to be part of a bigger plan, not something anyone would say. 

I think that’s where the big difference can lay between Kurapika and Gon. They both had a guilt to overcome as a child (Gon with what happened with Kon and Kite, Kurapika with what happened to Pairo), but they grew on such different environment. Hell, Kite reminded Gon that it was his fault that he had to kill Kon’s mom, meanwhile Kurapika, who still felt guilty, kept hearing he wasn’t to blame.

In a way it’s where Gon started to try to fix his mistakes no matter what, and where Kurapika started to try to fix his mistakes all alone since no one else seemed to get it as much as he did.

Again, Kurapika lived in a secluded, sheltered community where everyone knew each other, while Gon lived on an Island with only a couple of people he was used to see a lot, and mostly travellers. Gon could see all kind of people, so in the end he would just think that those who are not a direct harm to him and the people he cares about are just passing by and move on. Kurapika didn’t have this mentality since unlike Whale Island, Kurapika was stuck with the same people, and the same people had to react accordingly to their rules and their respect of each other.

Going to the outside world would have been an entiere new adventure for Kurapika in term of understanding the Outside World’s not as sheltered culture. We never got to see that though, since the Massacre happened and Kurapika’s trauma over come everything.

His cynism or his way to push people away can come from how the massacre made him more bitter, realizing how much people could kill because of greed, but it could also be slightly from his desillusions about the outside world.

I rambled much more than i expected but i love Kurapika’s past chapters a lot and I love to think about the Kurta. I really think that the cultural impact of living a sheltered, closed community who cares all a lot about each other, where no one would have been mean to Pairo because of his disability (concerned, yes, mean? no) is why he couldn’t take people being rude for no reason, for people to make Pairo feel like a burden, like lesser of a being.

And for someone who wasn’t expecting this kind of despicable attitude, no wonder Kurapika overreacted directly.

And Kurapika tends to not really think through when he’s angry. He can sometimes, he can force himself to think, but a lot of time, he doesn’t.

And his sense of justice in general is still there, ofcourse with his quest with the spdiers, but not only. It’s like when he threatened to kill Mitanji in the Prison exam, when he pretented to be a spider, and Kurapika told him he would kill him if he ever did that again. It was again a disrespect, impersonating the horrible people who hurt him and his family that way, but this time Kurapika still managed to calm down enough to keep it as a threat. Maturity i guess?

So ye, as much as they have a lot in common, on this point i’m not surprised Kurapika was… more extreme.

Take care!!!

[icharchivist]

Since Illumi is chasing Killua and Alluka, doesn't that mean it will impede Killua's ability to maintain contact with Gon? And on that same note, do you think Illumi's pursuit was the deciding factor in Killua's decision to travel along with Alluka without Gon?

Also replying to this ask since I had it a little after and I think i will end up developping it as well when I will reply there so, sorry, anon cohabitation:

I think indeed Ilumi chasing Killua and Alluka would be a problem on both of those questions.

We don’t exactly know how it is going, and hopefully now, Illumi has no way to know where Killua is (since he doesn’t have Tsubone tracking him anymore). So whereever Killua is going, he can blurr his tracks.

I do think eventually it could happen that illumi tries to get to Gon to get to Killua, but so far it’s speculation. As far as we know, Killua had been comfortable enough to pick up the phone for Kurapika about 6 months or so after the incident with Illumi, so I suppose for now Killua feels safe enough to still use communication’s tools.

I suppose eventually, it could happen that Killua has to momentary cut ties with Gon to escape from Illumi (especially since he didn’t explain to Gon what happened with Illumi, he only told him that “that’s my sister Alluka, she was locked up because she was too awesome” when mentioning her powers) - but i believe Killua will eventually still try to keep a bound between him and Gon and won’t pull a Kurapika on Gon. 

Now however, I do believe that Killua is trying to keep Gon out of the family business. First because well, he didn’t mention Illumi to him, and second, because Gon’s condition isn’t good at the moment.

Gon just almost died, he tried killing himself, which is something that even Nanika’s powers won’t erase. Gon reached his goal and had an opportunity for a rest. I think Killua wanted to give him this opportunity. Honestly it would be just like Killua to not tell his trouble to Gon and try to handle it alone while making sure Gon doesn’t get too involved, especially after what Gon went through.

And as for now, there’s also Gon’s situation: he gave up his entiere Nen when he became Gon-san. Nanika healed the backlash of the Nen consumming his body, but the thing is still that Gon sacrified his Nen in order to fight Pitou.

Killua makes notice of that when he sees Gon-san. If Pitou realizes too that Gon used all his ressources, I think Killua did realize it too.And now we have the confirmation via Gon that he can’t use his Nen anymore. He told it to Ging, and I suppose he could have told it to Killua eventually.

Which means Gon can’t protect himself like he used to, and could be vulnerable to Illumi. Killua already has to protect Alluka, who’s Nenless, I don’t think he would want to drag Gon into it and risk more by having to protect two people who are Nenless.

So will Gon play a part in the storyline with Illumi? I actually do wonder. Like I said, Gon doesn’t know Illumi is chasing Killua and Alluka and if he can help, I think he would want to try and help. He always tried to get Killua out of this abusive cicle after all.

But I also wonder if the fact Gon is staying in Whale Island won’t eventually back fire. I don’t think Illumi has any information about where Gon is, but like i mentioned, I wonder if he would try to get to Gon in order to get to blackmail Killua. This would be the kind of things I think Illumi could pull. The only thing that would really hold him would be to not go on Hisoka’s “prey”, but otherwise, he could do that to get what he wants.

So i do think this whole storyline isn’t over yet. It’s likely Gon will end up involved into it, with or against his will. I really want to see a new confrontation between Gon and Illumi but with Gon’s current situation….

A friend once posted about the Moebius Ribbon, I would seriously recommand you reading it. Long story short, it seems like we’re entering a new cycle which somehow is reminding a lot of their begining. Gon is back in Whale island, without Nen anymore, now without goal. Meanwhile, Killua, who escaped his family, is now back in a storyline in which he has to face the abuse of his family.  If so, it could imply that the story would repeat itself, but slightly differently - and for that I therefore believe Gon will come back again in Killua’s storyline and help him out of his abuse, if Illumi doesn’t decide to go after him.

So ye, tough thing to talk about. I guess we’ll get more of that one day or later, and honestly with Nanika confirmed from the Dark Continent, I wonder if we won’t hear from them sooner than later. 

We’ll see i guess! 

Take care!

[decembercamiecherries]

@chillxpillz: (I apologize for my English, I’m French !) Hi ! I really love your stories, seeing that you’ve written some new stuff always make my day better. You’re without a doubt my fav ! I was wondering if you were still taking random suggestions because I have one : Gon introducing Killua as his boyfriend to Ging and it goes all awkward because Ging is very intrusive or something like that idk haha. I’ve never seen something like that before and I think it might be funny ! xx

A week later and I finally got this done for you ^^; I’m so sorry for the wait, when you sent this to me I had like five requests that I had to finish first, but this is finally done! I hope you like this, I’ve never written Ging before but I tried my best with him ^-^

Canon universe for this one, the boys are not boys in this haha- they’re 18 and visiting Aunt Mito but, surprise! Ging’s there whoops

(part two) (part three)

It was a quiet night on Whale Island. Fireflies danced in the humid air outside, a warm breeze drifted into Gon’s room from the open window, and the sound of crickets and waves crashing into far off shore was peaceful. 

Killua could just barely make out the curve of Gon’s uplifted cheek in the dim light. Gon was probably smiling at him with that love-struck look of his and Killua’s face warmed at the thought. 

Ugh. He was so dumb, getting embarrassed over a smile, jeez. 

Ignoring his horrible blush, Killua refocused on drawing shapeless shapes onto the top Gon’s hand where it rested in the tiny space between their bodies. They were laying side-by-side on Gon’s bed, just like they used to when they were younger.

But they weren’t younger anymore. And sharing a bed had taken on a different meaning now after being reunited four years since saying goodbye in front of the World Tree.

“Killua?” Gon’s breath washed over Killua’s face. They really were close; less than inch distance between their elbows and shoulders. But Killua didn’t move away.

“Yeah?” he whispered back.

“Is…is Ging bothering you?”

Killua was so surprised that his fingers froze on Gon’s hand.

“I’m sorry,” Gon said. Killua couldn’t see his wince but he knew Gon enough to guess his expressions without needing his eyes. “I didn’t know he was going to be here.”

“Stupid,” Killua said after recovering from his initial shock. “You don’t have to apologize. He’s your dad, I was going to meet him eventually.”

“Mm, I know. But.”

“But?”

“I don’t know. He’s been kind of, um.”

“Annoying?” Killua finished with a small grin and the bed shook with Gon’s laughter.

“Shhh!” Killua shoved his hand in Gon’s face in a vain attempt to shut him up. “If you make too much noise your aunt will come in!”

“Sorry!” Gon said breathlessly, soft lips moving under the pads of Killua’s fingers. “I couldn’t help it! That was funny.”

“And true.”

“Heh, yeah.”

They were both silent for a minute, recalling the awkward and extremely uncomfortable introduction a few days ago when they had entered the house to find Ging sitting at the kitchen table.

“Oh! Killua, you haven’t met Ging yet, have you?” Aunt Mito had asked.

“…no,” Killua said, stomach tightening in anticipation as Ging’s eyes- dark brown, so similar to Gon’s but not- appraised him. 

Killua shook himself. It was ridiculous to be nervous about meeting Ging. Ging was Gon’s dad, the very person Killua had scrambled around the world to search for with Gon. He was just another person, even if he was a super powerful Hunter, and that shouldn’t make Killua anxious.

But it was because Ging was Gon’s dad that set Killua on edge. Maybe a few years ago it wouldn’t have mattered. But now, it did. Now Killua was Gon’s-

Gon stepped closer to Killua’s side and their arms brushed. The proximity hid the way Gon’s fingers twisted themselves around Killua’s from Aunt Mito and Ging’s gaze.

“Ging,” Gon said and Ging raised a hand in greeting.

“Yo,” he said with a grimace. Killua nearly snorted; it seemed Gon’s dad was as thrilled as they were to run into him here.

Gon said, “We didn’t know you were home.”

Ging shrugged. “I was in the area. I didn’t know you were going to be visiting.”

“We were in the area,” Killua parroted back and Ging’s focus snapped back to him.

“…you’re one of the Zoldyck’s kids, right?” Ging said after a pause and Killua stiffened. What the hell did that mean?!

“You know, I ran into one of your family members a while back,” Ging continued thoughtfully.

Killua waited for him to continue but he didn’t. Finally he gave in and asked through gritted teeth, “What happened?”

Ging smirked. “I’m still here, aren’t I?”

“Ging,” Gon said quickly before Killua had the chance to react. “Ging, this is Killua. He’s been my best friend since we were twelve.”

Silence. Ging’s expression didn’t change- eyebrows raised, lips pulled down into an unimpressed frown…Killua didn’t get it. His own heart was pounding in his chest like it was trying to urge him to throw himself out the nearest window. His hands were sweaty and he squeezed Gon’s fingers to stop them from sliding away accidentally.

What was Ging waiting for?!

“Okay,” Ging said after a pregnant pause. “That’s great. And how long has he been your boyfriend?”

Gon’s mouth fell open and Killua sucked in a sharp breath, blood rushing to his face so fast that his vision swam.

“I-I,” Gon stuttered. “I- um. We-”

Killua wanted to help. Really, he did. But Killua couldn’t even bring himself to look at Gon. In fact, he couldn’t look at anything- too mortified to help the boy he was currently dating, too horrified to look at said date’s father who had just called them out on their relationship when they hadn’t even told Aunt Mito yet-

“WHAT?!” Aunt Mito said shrilly. “When did this happen?!”

What followed had been a very lengthy and extremely painful discussion on the current status of Killua and Gon’s romantic life, including when they had first started being ‘interested’ in one another, the location and time of their first date, how their first kiss had been-

“What about protection?” Ging interrupted.

Killua’s eyes bulged and Gon let out a tiny squeaking sound as Aunt Mito’s head whipped around to stare at her cousin. “Excuse me?!”

Ging gave her a dubious expression. “C’mon, Mito. You don’t think these two are so innocent and pure that they’ll stop at a kiss? They’ve been best friends since they were twelve, after all.”

Gon shrunk in his chair and Killua could never remember wanting to die more than he did in that moment.

Even now, protected by the darkness of the night, Killua could feel his face radiating with heat. That had been so embarrassing.

As if he could hear Killua’s thoughts, Gon whispered. “That was so bad. Aunt Mito wouldn’t leave us alone together for days.”

“How do you think she’d react if she found out we were sleeping in the same bed, instead of me on the floor in the sleeping back?” Killua asked.

“She would probably make me sleep in the guest room,” Gon admitted sheepishly and Killua let out a tiny laugh. “Hey, that’s not funny! I don’t sleep as well without you…”

Killua’s heart skipped a beat. He swallowed thickly. “Me neither.”

Gon’s hand moved slowly from under Killua’s fingers. He flipped it over so his palm was facing up and Killua easily slid his hand into the calloused one offered to him.

“What if your dad found us?” he asked quietly, rubbing his thumb up and down Gon’s warm skin.

“Umm. I’m not sure, actually.”

“He’d probably make a big scene,” Killua said. “Don’t you remember what happened when he caught us holding hands under the table?”

Gon giggled and Killua couldn’t help but smile in response. That had been another disastrous occasion- they had been eating dinner when Ging had suddenly and very loudly asked what their hands were doing under the table. Aunt Mito’s face had turned very red, very quickly and now Gon and Killua were forced to sit on opposite sides of the table whenever they gathered to eat a meal.

Gon’s grandmother, on the other hand, had to leave the room because she was cackling too hard to sit up straight.

“Ging’s done that a lot,” Killua said with a frown. “He keeps catching us at the exact moment we start doing anything couple-ish.”

Gon made a humming sound. “He’s probably just doing it to see how you react.”

“Maybe. Maybe he’s protective of you.”

Gon laughed at that. “I doubt it. He’s never been like that before.”

“Maybe…” Killua’s heart clenched. “Maybe he doesn’t like me.”

“If he does, too bad,” Gon said simply. His grip on Killua’s hand tightened and Killua could feel the heavy weight of Gon’s eyes on his face even though he couldn’t see him. “I like you. So that’s the only thing that matters. Right?”

Something in Killua’s chest lightened at that, and he let out a long breath.

“Right,” he said softly. 

He felt Gon shuffle even closer and Killua’s pulse started to race. He leaned in, knowing that he could find Gon’s face even if he was blind-

BANG!

Gon screamed in Killua’s ear and Killua promptly tumbled out of Gon’s bed and onto the floor. Wincing, he looked up to see a familiar silhouette in the now open doorway to Gon’s bedroom.

Shit.

“Mito, they’re sharing a bed!” Ging’s holler was loud enough to rattle the house.

“What did you do to them?” Ging asked as Mito stomped back into the kitchen.

She huffed. “I put Gon in the guest bedroom. What else?”

Ging grinned at that, gold-brown eyes glimmering in the kitchen light. Mito knew that smile from years of childhood adventures and mischievous plans that only half worked- that smile was a wildcard. And she wasn’t so sure that she was happy to see it now.

With a sigh she sat down across from him at the table. “Why do you keep causing problems for them? I wouldn’t have checked, they could’ve spent the entire night like that if you hadn’t told me.”

Ging shifted his gaze to the window, where the moon glowed orange and full over the horizon. 

“I’m not sure why, exactly.”

Mito scowled. “Don’t give me that. You always have a reason for everything. Do you not like Killua, is that it?”

To her surprise, Ging shook his head immediately. “That kid’s a good person. He’s nothing like the rest of his family. He’s good for Gon, too. I don’t think anyone else could keep up with Gon like that. I definitely know no one could keep up with me when I was his age.”

Mito kept her expression carefully composed at the confession. It was strange to hear Ging talk like this. Was he jealous of their relationship? No, that couldn’t be it. Ging only ever wanted to be off on his own. He didn’t want anyone to hold him back.

“So…” She still didn’t understand his motives. “What is it, then? Do you just like messing with them?”

Ging rolled his head around to smile widely at Mito once more, and she knew she had her answer.

“What’s life without a little challenge?” Ging said. There was a gleam in his eyes again- it was a look she had seen reflected in Gon’s more times then she could count.

Mito just barely held herself back from groaning. These boys would be the death of her one day.

(part two) (part three)