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The day was steadily approaching. The holiday that was known for overly expensive heart-shaped chocolates and roses that wilted the day after receiving them.
“Seriously, who came up with this dumb idea anyway?” Killua was currently laying on Kurapika’s apartment floor, throwing an apple into the air and catching it before the fruit could hit the floor and bruise. “Let's make all the singles feel like shit because they don't get a pricey bouquet and cheesy love letter.”
Killua wasn't sad he doesn't have a valentine this year (or any other year for that matter). Why would he be? Staying home and eating a party-size bag of Doritos by himself was just as fulfilling. Love was completely and entirely overrated anyway.
“Are you sure you don't just feel this way because you're lonely, Killua?” Kurapika was sitting on his bed, an obnoxiously fluffy teddy bear holding a red heart placed in his lap. Apparently, Leorio had manned up and decided to ask Kurapika to be his valentine this year, and from the looks of it, Kurapika had no problem accepting the invitation.
Killua scoffed, the apple hitting the floor despite his best attempt to catch it. “I am not lonely,” the defensive tone in his voice could certainly be used against him, “I just simply don't see the point of such a stupid holiday.”
Kurapika didn't justify Killua with a response and the latter angrily bit into his apple. Lonely? Pfft, that's laughable. He was not lonely. He just preferred being alone. Right?
—
Kurapikas words hung over his head like a stormy cloud.
Were these feelings towards such an innocent day simply because he wasn't included in the gift-giving and flustered first kisses? Killua was certain he enjoyed laying on his couch, Dorito powder dusting his fingers, and a random marvel movie playing on the TV. He looked forward to it actually. Not that it was unlike any other day in his life though.
Killua didn't work, he didn't have to. His parents supplied him with all the money he could ever need and in turn, he wouldn't get their asses thrown in jail. It was a fair trade-off really and it kept Killua on his feet. Allowed for days like today where he could slump around and question his existence while eating an entire tub of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Extremely unhealthy but Killuas fast metabolism and occasional workout allowed for it.
Despite the fact that cookie dough ice cream usually worked as a fast remedy to his questioning thoughts, it didn't seem to be helping today. All that rang through his head was the fact that he would likely die alone with only his cat around to witness it. Though he was pretty sure she’d just step around his corpse like he wasn't there.
The idea of being alone wasn't necessarily scary to Killua. He didn't mind the thought actually. If anything it was appealing. People like him held no need for friends. He was born and raised to realize such a thing. Friends only get in the way, friends are useless. The only friends he possessed were Kurapika and Leorio. Though that was mainly because they insisted on being his friend (deep down he enjoyed the company but he’d never admit it.)
However, what he did mind was the fact that he’d never know the feeling of loving another romantically. That was the thing that kept arising in his head and each time he would swallow it down with another bite of ice cream. Though the usually delicious treat had turned bitter in his mouth, beginning to taste like solitude and self-doubt.
He was lonely and that was the epiphany that made him wanna leave for a cabin in the woods and lock himself away, unable to be reached by humanity because love was stupid and a giant lie. His own family didn't love him so why would anyone else? Why should he love someone who would only view him as a parasite unable to be shaken off?
His downward spiral was broken by an alarm reverberating through his phone's speakers. Ah, he forgot he was supposed to run today. It was time for his occasional workout and for once Killua didn't mind. His ice cream had melted and he was in desperate need of some fresh air. Something that could ground him and keep his mind from floating away into corrupted thoughts and even worse images.
Killua grabbed his apartment keys and was out of the door in a flash, barely even bothering to tie his shoes. The chilly February air was a relief on his heated skin, the contrast making him shiver in faux coldness. Though even the air around him began to feel too hot as he broke out into a jog, heading for his usual running trail in the woods.
Everything Killua did was isolated. He lived alone (besides his cat but she barely paid him any mind), went out alone, even made sure to pick his running spots in a place no one would bother him. Solitude was just his strong suit and he sought it out like others seek out the warmth of another person. It never bothered him until suddenly it did and this left him wondering what the hell changed? Was this simply a midlife crisis he would be over soon? Or was this emptiness in his heart something permanent?
These thoughts spurred him on more as his jog shifted to a run, breaking through the barrier of leaves hiding the trail his shoes had left from the many times he ran this path. The area was familiar to him, having already mentally mapped out where the roots of trees obscured his path and where the branches were low enough he had to duck under. Though this meant he wasn't looking at his footing, eyes straight ahead and mind somewhere far away in a distant land full of boxed chocolates and corny stuffed animals.
That was precisely why he tripped over his own shoelace that he hadn't bothered to double knot in his hurry to leave the house. His hands came down to break his fall, scraping the palms of his hands on the root of a tree that emerged from the ground. “Shit,” he hissed in through his teeth as he rolled over onto his back, examining his palm that was an angry red and scraped up.
“Aww, you made me miss,” an unfamiliar voice called from somewhere nearby, a lilt of playful sadness in the voice. Killua was on his feet in seconds, spinning around him as his eyes searched for anyone. Had his parents sent someone after him? Finally ready to rid him of the family tree?
“Who's there? Show yourself,” Killuas voice echoed back through the trees, his slight fear showing in the way his voice cracked. His palms burned and he was in no position to fight for his life at the moment - plus he is pretty sure he rolled his ankle and it hurts like hell.
The voice returned, this time much closer and coming from behind him. “I sense you are scared. Not only of me but of yourself.” Killua whipped around, not expecting to come face to face with a flying… person? Angel? Magical creature? He couldn't quite process what he was looking at. His brain was working a thousand miles a minute, trying to comprehend what his eyes were seeing while also deconstructing the words that were spoken.
The entity in front of him was strange, a mythical aura surrounding him. The sash he wore around his body was a pure white, perfectly draping over his shoulder and contrasting against his tanned skin and dark hair. The weirdest factor of it all was the space between the man and the ground, his body being held up by a pair of flapping white wings.
Despite his magical and almost friendly aura, Killua was immediately put off by the weapon in the man's hands. He held a bow, beautifully crafted from wood with intricate arches dipping into the piece. Though he seemed to hold no arrows which make Killua question why. However, he assumed it had to do with the fact that this strange man had mentioned him missing. But who only brings one arrow?
“Who the hell are you? What do you want from me?” Killua stood his ground, unmoving and firm with his words. Despite having to look up to actually meet the man's eye, he tried to seem unintimidated and more so annoyed by his presence. Though in all honestly, he was nervous, for more reasons than one. Reason one being the obvious fact that he was in the middle of nowhere with a man who held a weapon like he knew how to use it. Reason two was a little more embarrassing. Killua found said man to be very (and unnecessarily) attractive.
The creature laughed before flying down to the ground, rendering him about the same height as Killua now. An arrow appeared in his hand, formulated from apparently nothing. The arrow held a red heart at the end, cute but seemingly very sharp.
He lined the arrow up with the bow, pulling the string back and aiming towards Killua. He did this all with an unthreatening smile plastered on his face. It almost made him trust the dark-haired man but Killua was no idiot. And he had an amazing amount of agility when needed.
So when that red heart came flying towards him with an extreme amount of accuracy, he dodged. Arrow after arrow was shot at him as he practically grew a pair of wings of his own, leaping through the trees with the skill of a true assassin. His parents would be proud if they saw how easily he swung off a branch and gripped onto the next, all while dodging a slew of heart-laced arrows.
He was able to get away, finding his way back through the tree line and into the field not far from his apartment. He ran home that night with more questions than answers. On one hand, he was nervous that this mysterious creature would come back, and on another, he almost wanted to get a better look at the pretty boy's face.
When he was finally tucked into bed, his cat curled up on a box instead of taking up Killuas offer to sleep with him in the bed, he was unable to sleep for a while. His thoughts were a confusing mess of heart entwined arrows and a sudden dread for an upcoming holiday. But nevertheless, he was eventually able to fall asleep - with one eye open - and a buzzing mind.
—
When he wakes up the next day, something seems off. Maybe it's his bedroom door hanging open (because he was sure he closed that last night) or maybe it was the fact that when he got up to change his closet seemed to be a few turtlenecks short. Though Killua just assumed he hadn't realized how much laundry needed to be done in his gloomy presence lately. But when he walks into his kitchen, it's suddenly apparent that he was in fact not crazy.
There, standing in his kitchen, was the person from in the woods last night. He's dressed in Killua’s clothing and is staring directly at him with a bag of Doritos in hand.
“What the fuck are you doing in my house?” Killua takes a step back and when the stranger just bites into another chip he's left standing there dumbfounded. How had he gotten in and not only stolen his clothes but also snacked on his food without going noticed? No way Killua was such a deep sleeper.
Cupid shrugs, swallowing his bite of Doritos with a small smile. It's obvious he doesn't have his bow on him, or at least Killua doesn't see it around. Though he was able to produce arrows from seemingly nothing so the same could go for the weapon. “You left the door unlocked. Thought I'd help myself in. What are these by the way? They're so good!” Cupid shoves another chip into his mouth with a satisfied hum.
Killua steps forward and yanks the bag from the intruder's hands much to Cupid's dismay, “give me those. And get out!” He doesn't even care about getting his clothing back, he just wants to be left alone. He's starting to doubt this guy is actually here to kill him. More so probably just around to annoy him until he goes insane. It's working though, and very fast.
“Geez, don't get a lot of guests?” He opened the fridge and pulled out a container of blackberries, immediately digging in but making a sour face like he didn't like them. “These are gross. Super tart.” He puts them back into the fridge and replaces them with a can of coke.
Killua was very annoyed by this point. Had he only come to steal his food and clothes? Didn't he have a home of his own to return to? “Haven't you got somewhere to be? Somewhere that preferably isn't my house.” When Cupid extends the coke can to Killua with a pleading face that speaks for itself, Killua sighs and opens the soda for him.
His face lights up when the can is returned to him, “Thank you!” He takes a tentative sip and makes a noise of approval like it's his first time trying such a thing. “And no, I don't have anywhere better to be at the moment. I'm on,” he pauses like he's searching for the right word “break.”
Break? So he must have a job, right? A paying job that means he does not need to be in Killua's kitchen stealing his food right now. “Go home then. You’re annoying me.” He crossed his arms over his chest in a show of annoyance, his face showing no signs of patience for this strange being.
“Ah, I think you've confused me for a mortal.” Cupid places the soda on the kitchen counter and only then did Killua realize his wings from yesterday were gone. Had Killua imagined them? Was he hallucinating this whole thing? “I don't have a home. I go wherever I please!” Cupid flashes him a large smile and places his hands proudly on his hips.
He was confused now but not necessarily buying into the guy's narrative. “What do you mean a mortal? If you’re not human then what are you?” His voice is laced with sarcasm, not believing half of what the stranger is saying. Sure the wings were strange and the arrow appearing from nowhere was just as weird but he had seen some impressive magic tricks on TV before. Illusions are a powerful weapon by themselves.
“You see, I'm a roman god of sorts,” Killua had to hold back a laugh at that. A god? Just casually in his home, munching on his Doritos? Highly unlikely. “The names Gon but people call me cupid. I'm the god of love, something you seem to be really lacking. Even your cat doesn't love you!” Cupid, or Gon, points to his cat who was sitting on top of the counter with barely any acknowledgment of the two.
Killua scoffs, his eyes rolling with a shake of his head. “Listen, Cupid. I don't care about you or your stupid love. Please just leave me be.” He didn't wake up today with the hope of being insulted by a god who just nonchalantly sauntered into his home like he owned the damn place. Of course, he knew about the legends behind the famously known God. Who didn’t, really? He was a staple of valentines day and one of the more famously known gods. Though Killua absolutely did not believe it was truly Cupid standing in his kitchen right now.
“You're so mean!” Gon's cheeks puffed up, his eyebrows creasing. “I have to go anyway. Valentine's day is so close! Still, so many jobs to work before then.” He takes one last sip of the coke can before returning it to the counter and heading for the door. “You'll get your clothes back soon! I think I'll keep them for now. They're very comfortable. Bye, Killua.”
Killua sighs and turns his back to him in defiance, ready for Gon to just leave. He wasn't even gonna bother to ask how he knew his name. It didn't seem worth the struggle. Last night he had secretly wanted for the stranger from the woods to return, wanted to imprint his face into memory. But now, Killua couldn't find it in him to be anything but annoyed. This was definitely an intrusion and not at all what we wished for.
So why didn't he hear the door push open and latch behind the god? Why hasn't he left yet? Killua spins around just in time to see Gon with his bow and arrow pointed straight at him, the god's fingers leaving the pulled back string and sending the arrow flying in Killua's direction. He didn't have as much time to act as he did back in the woods but he was still able to dodge it, the arrow flying past his face only hairs away from nicking his skin.
Before he can say anything, Cupid is gone and Killua is left standing in his kitchen trying to figure out what the hell just happened. He feels something soft rub against his leg and it makes him jump slightly, looking down to see it's only his cat. Now for likely anyone else, it wouldn't be strange to have their cat show them affection but there's one noticeable difference here. Killua's cat - who he named Luna - hates him.
Luna’s fur is coated in a cloud of pink sparkly dust, another noticeable difference from just earlier when she was perched atop the countertop. Pieces started to link together as he bent down to pet her fur, dusting the pink sparkles away. This must have been a consequence of Cupid's arrow. It must have missed him and hit Luna who was sat just behind him. And now somehow she seems to actually like him. So was Gon really who he says he is?
Is Gon really Cupid?
--
Nearly a week had passed since the encounter with Gon in his kitchen. It's now February 10th and every morning when he comes downstairs he expects to find the man dressed in his clothing and munching on his food. But when he never does, it creates an odd sense of sadness in his heart. The feeling makes him wanna rip out the organ, stop his blood flow altogether and have the feeling cease. It's uncomfortable and makes his skin crawl but weirdly enough he kind of likes the feeling. Though he refused to admit such a thing to even himself.
He gets into bed that night at a late hour, his digital clock telling that it's already 2am. He doesn't know where the time went. Maybe it was spent watching television or possibly he spent it all longing over someone he thought he despised. He didn't ask so he didn’t think. A simple exchange within his own mind. It allows him to finally close his eyes, sleep taking over his mind.
However, he's forced back into his own body by a tapping on his window. It scares Luna into cuddling closer to his side. At first, he ignores it. Plays it off as a tree branch or a persistent bird. But when the tapping continues, only increasing in ferocity he sits up with a groan. He flicks on the lamp that rests on his bedside table and blue eyes meet brown through a raindrop-covered window.
“What the hell..” Killua rushes over to his window, opening it in a swift pull. It's exactly who he thought it was. The god who he had met so unkindly back in the forest and again in his kitchen looks at him with a tired look to his eyes. He doesn't seem as happy and bubbly as usual and Killuas heart softens at the sight.
Gon's wings are flapping lightly behind him but they're soaked through and the clothes he had stolen from Killua are drenched with rain. “Can I come in? Please,” Despite being a god, Cupid looks so small right now. Outside in the pouring rain with a small voice that's laced with sleep. Killua would be a monster if he didn't allow the boy in.
So, he nods and steps aside so Gon can enter through the window. He shuts the pane behind him and hurries to the bathroom to grab a towel for his new guest. When Killua returns, Gon's wings are gone again and his shirt lay discarded in a wet pile on the carpet. That will be an annoying cleanup but when a god is standing shirtless in your bedroom you find ways to not complain.
“Uh, here. I'll get you some new clothes,” Killua hands the towel off with a light dusting of pink on his cheeks. And maybe he pulled a tank top and shorts out of his closet solely because he liked the look of Gon’s biceps (seriously why does a god of love need to be that fit?). And maybe he immediately regretted that decision the minute Gon crawled into his bed like it was nothing. “You're sleeping in here?” Gon looked at Killua as if he was confused like he didn't see the problem with them sleeping in the same bed.
Gon was already getting comfortable under the blankets, “yes. Would you rather I didn't?” Despite the fact he already had the blankets pulled up to his chin and was currently snuggling into them, Killua sensed he would likely leave if Killua really asked him to. Eating his food was one thing but sleeping in the same bed can easily be an overstep of boundaries. Though Killua didn't have any intention of asking him to leave, instead just silently slipped into the bed next to Gon and turned off the lamp.
Everything was normal at first. Killua was already slipping back into the grasps of sleep, the only sound in the room being the soft pitter-patter of the rain hitting the window. Everything was normal. That is until Gon rolled over and placed a strong arm around Killua's waist. His eyes shot open, staring holes into the blank wall in front of him. He couldn't help the fact that his pulse quickened and his cheeks heated up a considerable amount. No, no, this is normal. Of course, the god of love would want to show affection. He can get used to this, it's only for tonight.
--
So it was not ‘only for tonight.’ It wasn't only for tonight at all.
For the next two nights, Gon knocked on his window with the same tired look in his eyes. And each time Killua let him in and gave him a change of clothes. Each time they'd tuck in for bed, Gon would wrap an arm around Killuas waist and pull him closer. And every single time Killuas heart would race, his cheeks would turn red, and secretly he’d wish Gon would pull him even closer. Though he would be gone by morning, Killua would still wake up feeling like he was floating.
It was so strange but so welcomed all at once. Just a week ago if you had retold the story of Cupid to Killua he’d roll his eyes and probably call you ignorant or something along those lines. Now, it's February 13th and he's all alone in his bed wishing the god was here.
Killua assumes Cupid isn't here because Valentine's day is threateningly close and he's likely out flying around doing god only knows what (no pun intended.) Shooting people with arrows or something, Killua never quite asked what those things do. However, if his cat, who's currently sprawled out at the foot of the bed - is any indication, they’re somehow laced with a love potion of sorts.
He waits up as long as he can, hoping Gon will knock on his window like he did the other two nights or even just help himself in. In spite of that, Killua eventually falls asleep as the sun rises, marking another valentines day spent alone.
--
Killua wakes up to the sun's rays beaming directly into his eyes, uncaring whether or not the boy's slumber is disturbed. Killua groans and rolls over, covering his head with a pillow. He's fully ready to just fall back asleep and spend his valentines day in deep hibernation. However, a loud knocking on his door forces him to get up and sourly make his way downstairs.
What he hadn't expected when he opened the door was to immediately be wrapped in a tight hug, a familiar scent of roses and chocolates flooding his senses. He knew that combination very well by now. It smelt of love and sickeningly sweet holidays. But he had grown to love it because now all he could smell was Gon.
“Woah, everything alright?” Killua hugged back but he was slightly concerned by the gods' behavior. Gon was clearly no stranger to physical affection but something seemed off in the way he hugged Killua tighter when he was asked the question. And when he felt Gon shake his head against his shoulder his face softened and he allowed the hug to go on as long as it needed to.
When Gon finally pulled away, his face seemed all too sad to Killua and his eyes lacked that familiar glint of euphoria. “Can I come inside?” Killua didn't hesitate to nod, immediately allowing Gon in and shutting the door behind him. He made them both tea and sat down on the couch with Gon, the god immediately moving closer to him and snuggling into his side. Like this, he looked small. Like one wrong word could shatter him. So Killua didn't speak, he just wrapped an arm around Gon and silently sipped on his tea. Although Killua wouldn't admit it, he was happy they were once again reunited even if it seemed to be under less than desirable circumstances.
“Killua?”
“Yes, Gon?”
“Do you ever feel lonely?” Killua can’t express how lonely he is. Everything he’s ever done has been done alone, only his own shadow accompanying him. Even in a crowded room, Killua can still feel like he's by himself. So when he answers Gon's question it's without falter because he's learned to not be ashamed of what he is.
“Yeah, all the time.” Except when I'm with you, Gon.
“Me too.” This surprises Killua because Gon is the god of love and how can such a being feel lonely? Surely the two are nearly antonyms with each other. “It's so difficult to watch everyone fall in love and not even get to celebrate my own holiday. I fly around, working my ass off to make love happen that I don't even have time to experience such a feeling for myself.”
Killua hadn't thought about that. He never stopped to consider how tired Gon seemed every night he'd come knocking on his window; he likely didn't get to have any free time to himself. Though now that Killua actually thinks about it doesn't he get to rest when it's not February?
“I know what you're thinking. I can practically see it on your face.” Gon takes a sip of his tea, “and the answer is no. Everyone seems to think I'm like Santa and work one month or even one day out of the year but it's entirely untrue. Gods do not rest despite needing it like everyone else. I'm more like the tooth fairy than Santa.”
Killua is still trying to process him being a god, the fact still sinking in despite having known for a good amount of time now. “I see.” Though the thing running through his mind is why Cupid is sitting on his couch right now instead of being out and working. You would think today of all days he’d be needed. “So why not today? How come you're here instead?”
“I don't work miracles. Valentine's day everyone is on their own.” He places his mug down on the coffee table and Killua already misses the warmth on his side.”It's a test, really. If some manage to break up on the most romantic day of the year then they clearly needed more than I could supply them with.”
It makes sense actually. Cupid may be a god but he isn't the solution to everyone's romance problems. If he was, Killua wouldn't have spent most of his life despising anything romance-related (like the very holiday that Gon seems to be the mascot of.) But it could be argued that maybe cupid does work miracles because now when Killua thinks of romance all he pictures is Gon's face.
“Would you maybe wanna go do something? Like as a date.” Killua had never asked someone out on a date and he has to say it's actually rather scary. The silence that follows the question is deafening and he has the urge to take it back, say he didn't mean to say it, and just brush it off. But when a laugh soon erupts from Gon it makes him just want to run. Was it really that embarrassing of a question?
“Are you asking me to be your valentine right now?” Gon sits up and looks over at Killua, both their cheeks mirroring a soft pink hue. When Killua silently nods, Gon's smile only grows and he returns the nod so quickly Killua doesn't have the time to feel embarrassed about it. Instead, his smile grows to be just as wide as Gon’s and his heartbeat quickens when he's wrapped into a hug. “I'm so happy, Killua!”
“Me too,” Killua breathes in the boy's chocolatey scent, so enamored by how someone could make his heartbeat as quickly as it is right now. Now the only question left was where they’d go. Killua hadn’t been on a single date in his lifetime so he had no idea where to take someone for a first date. Luckily though, he knew someone who did.
--
A phone call with Kurapika later and he finally knew exactly where to take Gon for their first official date. The phone call had taken longer than expected due to the fact that Leorio had been closeby and decided he’d tease the hell out of Killua for “finally finding love.” By the time he hung up Gon was already dressed - in Killua's clothing mind you - and practically vibrating in his seat from how excited he was.
When they started driving to the location of their date, Gon was toying with the dials in his car. His expression made it seem like he was fascinated by the way the fans would blast cold air if he turned the AC dial. It was oddly adorable to Killua and he couldn't help but smile. “Have you never been in a car before?”
Gon shook his head, jumping slightly when a button turned the radio on but he quickly turned it off again and moved to play with the CD tray. “Nope, never. I'm technically not supposed to interact with humans I planned on fixing so I've always just had to fly around.”
“But you're interacting with me and I'm pretty positive you've tried to put an arrow in me once or twice,” Killua watched as Gon retracted his hand from the control panel and laughed nervously, his hands coming to fidget in his lap.
“Right, sorry about that! It wouldn't have hurt if that helps.” That absolutely does not help though that does make him feel better about his cat taking the arrow for him. “Buut, I came up with my own rules so it's okay if I break a few now and then! Hence why I'm talking to you. I just couldn't resist! You’re very cute, Killua.”
Killua's cheeks tinted pink and he adjusted in his seat, “don't say things like that. It's embarrassing.”
The rest of the ride was filled with Gon asking questions about the “mortal” world and Killua asking questions about his alter ego as Cupid. He ended up finding out how the arrows work, Gon sleeps on clouds - except when it's rainy cause then “they’re just cold and wet,” - and that Gon was actually not the god of love but more so the god of erotic love (and maybe that fact was a little more hotter than it should have been.) Though Gon was quick to explain it all depended on which type of arrow he used and that not every arrow held the same level of exoticness to them. Killua could only laugh at how flustered Gon seemed to be explaining it all.
--
“We’re here,” They had finally arrived at the destination and Killua turned off the car while Gon practically flew out of his seatbelt. A sense of fondness filled Killuas heart when he watched how excited the god was over such little things. He supposes he would be that way too if he didn't know much about the way normal humans functioned outside of one particular emotion.
“Where is here? I'm so excited! But I'm also really nervous!” Gon bounced his seat with the excitement of a child. At first, Killua was nervous Gon wouldn't like the spot he picked out but looking at it now, he wasn't the slightest bit worried. He was pretty sure he could have taken Gon to the top of a mountain only to push him off and Gon would still be beyond ecstatic. He’d probably thank Killua like he’d had the time of his life.
“Its town square. We’re gonna go shopping and get you some clothes of your own plus this will allow you to see all the sights around town except this time you'll be on the ground.” He unbuckled his own seatbelt and got out of the car, locking the door behind Gon and looking up at the setting sun.
Gon looked around, an expression that practically screamed eagerness written on his face. “This is so cool! I've only ever seen it from the sky but this is totally different.” People around him were giving Gon weird looks but the boy seemed to not really care as he ran from shop to shop to examine everything he could within the two-second window of him looking in before running to the next.
He returned to Killuas side, panting slightly but with a thrilled smile, “this is awesome! Thanks, Killua.” He was wrapped into another tight hug, this time immediately hugging back with a small laugh. “Don't thank me yet, Gon. We’ve barely even done anything.”
“I know,” the boy didn’t separate from the hug and despite all the weird looks they received he felt completely at peace in that moment, “but even just taking me here makes me so happy.” When he finally pulled away, Killua could see a tear roll down his cheek and he panicked.
“Why are you crying? Is this too much? We can go somewhere quieter.” Gon shook his head with a small laugh and Killua registered they weren't tears of sadness but rather pure joy. At first, he had worried it was too much for the normally isolated boy but now he realized that Gon was just truly very happy to be here.
Gon was happy to be with Killua, and Killua was happy to be with Gon.
--
“What about this one?” Killua held up a forest green sweater and Gon inspected it carefully before nodding in approval, “finally something you like.”
They were about 3 clothing stores into their date - which was just walking around the town square and getting Gon some clothes of his own - and Gon had yet to find a single piece of clothing he liked. Until now, that is. They had discovered the God tended to favor the color Green over anything else. Which of course left their options limited but Killua didn't mind how picky the other was. It just meant they could spend more time looking around.
“Are you sure you wanna pay for this? I didn't realize how expensive clothes were.” Gon had repeated almost this exact phrase numerous times throughout the night and Killuas answer was always the same. He’d reply that he really didn't mind and it wasn’t even that expensive anyway.
After a couple more stores and a considerable dent in Killua's bank account (not that he minded at all because at least now Gon didn't have to steal his entire wardrobe), they stopped by an ice cream parlor because how has Gon never had ice cream before?
“I don't know what kind to get! There's so many.” Gon had been staring at the menu for several minutes now with absolutely no progress on what flavor to get. Killua had tried to explain he could get multiple scoops of different flavors but Gon insisted that was cheating.
Eventually, he decided on getting a scoop of chocolate in a waffle cone and Killua landed on pistachio in a bowl. Once they retrieved their ice cream and Killua paid they took a seat outside, enjoying the lights sprinkled around town square. It was surprisingly quiet though it was likely because shopping is not your stereotypical Valentine's day date. Even so, Gon seemed to be enjoying himself immensely.
“Let me try some of yours! You can have some of mine but I bet you've already tried chocolate before,” Killua extended his cone of chocolate ice cream and Killua passed off his bowl of pistachio.
“You got such a basic flavor, Gon.” Killua laughed and licked some of the ice cream anyway. You can't really go wrong with something like chocolate ice cream. It's simple but a classic, loved by many for obvious reasons. Killua originally wasn't the biggest fan of chocolate and the smell made him slightly nauseous but he's started to associate the treat with Gon and suddenly he wishes he could bathe in the scent.
“I wanted to play it safe! Plus I planned on stealing some of yours anyway.” He took a large scoop of pistachio and gulped it down so fast Killua was pretty sure he didn't even have time to taste it. “This ones really good!”
“Hey! Don't eat all of mine,” Killua swiped the bowl away with a laugh and returned the cone to him.
The rest of the night was filled with playful arguing over stolen ice cream and more shopping. Maybe there was a sprinkle of Killua admiring how beautiful Gon looked illuminated by the lights of Town square. And maybe there was a moment where Gon noticed Killua staring and they held eye contact for longer than necessary. And maybe, just maybe, deep inside Killua there was an ever-growing desire to feel the others' lips pressed to his own.
—
“Thanks for taking me out. I had a lot of fun.” They were now back on Killuas doorstep, the pale boy holding onto Gon's shopping bags for him as they exchanged goodbyes. He had agreed to leave the clothes here and Gon could just stop by whenever he felt like wearing them. The deal was good due to not only Gon’s lack of home but also Killua’s need to see the god whenever possible.
“Yeah, me too.” Brown orbs meet blue ones and akin to earlier, they didn't part until Killua’s curious eyes couldn't help but drift down to the others' soft lips.
Ever since he saw the way Gon looked bright and smiling underneath a starry sky that couldn't even begin to shine as bright as him, Killua was enraptured. He wanted nothing more than to feel the plumpness of Cupid's mouth against his, slow and delicate like a blooming rose. Except this one wouldn't wilt the day after receiving it. This one would blossom and grow, tall and unwavering in its stance.
“Can I kiss you?” Killua whispered it into the night like it was a secret between the two. And maybe it was. Selfishly, Killua was glad no one was around to see the way Gon sheepishly nodded and bit back a rosy blush. He was glad no one was around to interrupt the way they both leaned into each other, the shopping bags Killua held hitting the floor and forgotten from memory.
At that moment the only thing that mattered was the two of them, hands finding purchase anywhere they can as lips moved against each other gracefully unhurried. It tastes like everything he has been waiting for. Gon kisses him back just as eagerly, enjoying the moment as much as Killua is. The two can't help but smile into the kiss and they aren’t even bothered by the difficulty it adds on.
For ages, Killua hated valentines day with his entire being. Now he can't wait for the next one.