"Hey there, old lady!"

"We're both the same age, goddamnit! How many times do I have to drill those words in your head!?"

"Try to catch me then!"

His eyes gleamed at her red face fuming in anger. Mischief danced in his sapphire orbs, running down the hallway with the girl chasing after him. Her (Hair Color) locks waving whilst she chased after the boy. (Eye Color) hues mercilessly planning his death while he only laughed.

But he wasn't after her anger- no.

It was so much more than that.

Even though it took days of constant teasing and playing around to realize it, he finally felt something blooming in his chest. And it was only when her attention would be on him and only him. No one else. Just him.

The feeling she would give him felt... nice. A nice feeling of warmth.

It wasn't like Gon and Alluka didn't give him joy, but (Name)'s was... hers was different.

Unlike Gon and Alluka's, he needed it. The feeling of her eyes on him. The feeling of how she would act this way to him. How she made him feel the way he is now. It wasn't even intentional. She knew that he never liked her from the beginning and so she saw this as his way of showing it.

It began to grow into childish bickering and that formed the friendship they have now.

"Ha!" She jumped and sat on Killua's back, a victorious smirk pasted on her face. "Take that, snow-haired demon!" She spoke high and proud, "how does it feel to be beaten by a hag? Or maybe you've finally became the old one here."

The boy scoffed at her response, "I just let you win. If I was gonna use just my normal speed, you wouldn't be able to catch up." He protested and glared at her, pushing himself up. (Name) fell off his back and glared back.

"Rude much..."

"Says the hag-"

"Mittens..."

"I can take that as a compliment."

"Whatever," she sighed, standing up and dusting her pants. "I need to phone my dad anyways."

Killua frowned at how she moved her attention to the phone but reluctantly held the thought back. "I actually noticed how you would mostly call your dad anyways? Why not your mom?" He didn't even think it was a bad thing to question as her face fell and an unknown expression replaced it.

"My dad is somewhere else right now, so I was left alone," she explained. The white-haired boy realized how she said 'alone' and noticed the huge mistake he accidentally caused. Even if they weren't that close, he couldn't stop the dread feeling from eating his pride.

He knew his life was more difficult than anyone's, but that didn't mean they had the same tolerance about it.

He felt guilty at what he said, but before he was able to apologized, she continued. "My mom... she was killed during an accident..." she forced out, her throat now feeling dry. "Assassinated by some asshole..."

(Name) had her head down with her bangs hovering over her eyes.

However, she stared him directly in the eye and what he saw caught him off guard. He was surprised by the strong-willed emotion in her eyes. Even if her tears were trailing down her face, she would easily wipe them off. "I know it sounds sad, but I can't let something like that get in the way," she said, making her voice sound strong.

"We aren't the closest or the best of friends, I know that. But I still need to ask you one favor." She sounded serious.

"Don't give me your pity just because of my past." She requested.

Killua's blue orbs dilated in surprise from her sudden request. It was so unusual, yet it made his curiosity for her grow. "I don't want you of all people to be the one pitying me with those sad eyes..." she grumbled, her tears finally stopping.

Hiding the fact that he admired her, he scoffed and flicked her nose, earning a small cry of pain. "Oi! What was that for, Killua!?" His heart fluttered a little from the sound of his name.

"If you don't want pity, then don't tell me that kind of stuff and just say it's personal," he rolled his eyes. (Name) rubbed her nose and continued glaring at him. If only looks could kill. "Sad for you that you don't have a stare-killing ability. I could be on the ground right now dead," he nonchalantly said.

The (Hair Color)-haired girl scowled before looking away. "Just... promise me that you wouldn't tell anyone. I know it sounds like I'm asking for attention, but I just don't want them to stare at me like I lost an eye or something..." His eyes softened just a bit before shrugging it off. "Can you stop begging? It looks weird when it comes from you."

She irked at his comment. "But," he continued, "if it will stop you from begging, then yeah, I will..." he reluctantly agreed — actually, tried to sound reluctant — with a small blush forming.

It was her turn to blush from his statement, embarrassed. "I-I wasn't begging!" Though, she was grateful about what he said.

"Yeah, whatever," he poked his tongue out to her. "I still don't know why you begged?"

A look of betrayal overlooked her formerly embarrassed expression. "I had a friend once and trusted him with this same kind of information," a humorless chuckle erupted from her throat. "But the bastard decided to laugh at my 'poor excuse of wanting attention' and almost left with the information as blackmail. Thankfully, I was able to give him something more precious to worry about so it's no longer a big deal."

She smiled nonchalantly, close-eyed, "but I still didn't like him. He got what he deserved."

Despite the smile being calm, her voice sounded strain, almost like she'd been offended but said nothing. Once she showed him her (Eye Color) spheres, they looked almost hurt. She wasn't able to see the dangerous glint that flashed in his eyes in just a millisecond because of the hurt clouding her eyes. "Is he still bothering you?"

"Not really. He actually sends me petty insults like you, except they aren't that friendly."

One so hard to miss before reverting back to his teasing face.

"First you act angry, then sad, then embarrassed, and then happy? You have to be a weirdo."

"You're no difference!"

"Bipolar assface!"

"White chocolate-loving shit!"

x•x•x•x•x

Every time he would remember it, it felt like it was a blessing. Mostly because he felt like he was trusted with this kind of information.

He even remember how he told her about his family without a care and very calmly. He laughed at her surprised expression but he felt surprise for her intrigued face. She kept asking questions, not in disgust, but the pure curiosity from the information given to her. It wasn't like she was gonna use it, yet she wanted to know.

And what brought him closer to her was what she said once...

•~•~•~•~•

"Who assassinated your mom anyways?" The ex-assassin asked, arms supporting his head from behind as they both sat on the park bench. (Name) quirked her brow. "You're curious about that?"

"Of course," he said in a matter-of-fact tone. "I wouldn't ask if I wasn't."

"Geez, relax," she waved her hand at him before leaning back. Both of her arms slumped beside her as she blew a few strands of her hair away from her line of view of the cloudy sky. "I guess I could tell," she took a deep breath before exhaling, tilting her head to give Killua a side glance.

"Silva Zoldyck. Your dad."

The boy jolted up from his place and stared at her uninterested face. "Wait! Does this mean you knew that I was-"

"-his son? Yup," she nonchalantly popped the letter 'p' in her tone.

The white-haired boy regained his composure, pulling both of his legs up and sitting legs crossed. "So... you aren't angry at me or trying to get your revenge at me?" He questioned, confused. Sure, he wasn't the one who killed her mother, but with the information she has right now, she could just try and kill him right there and then. It was strange to find someone not searching for revenge when someone they loved was killed by their friend's parent.

She shrugged, adjusting herself so that she could face him. "Nah," she said, "I'm not the type who seeks for vengeance like Kurapika and his hatred for the students of Phantom Institute. Yes, I'm still pissed that your father killed her but I'm not gonna kill you because of that. You had nothing to do with it and I'd gain nothing. Besides, it's obvious that I would get killed first before I could even kill you," she admitted openly and reassured.

As much as he wanted to boast about himself after what she said, he was so deep in thought.

•~•~•~•~•

Her answer caught his heart on a traffic light.

And now that he knew he was in love with this girl, he knew that it was impossible to let her go.

His own mother and older brothers told him that wasn't capable of emotions. That he wasn't capable of love, hate, happiness, sadness. But this girl with beautiful (Hair Color) hair and (Eye Color) eyes full of life and joy. All the hardships he endured was much more than hers, but she still pulled through with tears shedded to prove it. Her hardships weren't as serious as his, but he felt inspired by the constant determination.

That inspiration turned into admiration.

Admiration turned into love.

Love turned into something much more deadly. Just like him.

The warm feeling she gave him. He would never want it to leave. It's his addiction. An unintentional drug he would feed himself with that he could stay high of love for years. If she leaves, would his world become cold again? Would she take that very warmth she gave him away with her?

Killua shook his head, hands clenched into a fist before slamming it against his desk, destroying it completely. No! He denied, gritting his teeth.

If she leaves, what would he be now? If she gave this warmth to someone else, then he could no longer have it. Sharing wasn't his forte and that included what was his. And (First Name) (Last Name) was his. Anyone who tried taking what's his... Well...

Just hope that your death will be painless.

x•x•x•x•x

(Name) finished practicing her (Nen Type) once she realized how long she took. She lifted her wrist up and stared down at the small clock attached on the leather strap. 5:41 already? I've been training for that long!? Panicked, she rushed down the almost emptied streets to her home.

Though she never minded the fact that Killua would cling himself to her, it would always get out of hand. In fact, she noticed the anomalous things about the ex-assassin ever since he brought her home that day.

The way he threw and clung himself at her without her permission, how he would suddenly growl or glare every once in a while whenever she would speak with at least one of her friends, how he wanted her to depend on him for almost every simple thing she could already do.

She could remember one of those scenes completely...

•~•~•~•~•

"Biscuit! Zushi! It's great to see you!" The (Hair Color)-nette grinned and waved at the smaller male. The two did the same as they embraced each other in a friendly hug. All three laughed before pulling away from each other, each one holding an enthusiastic grin. "It's good to see you guys again! How's your Nen training going?"

Zushi was about to reply except the blonde cut him off almost instantly. "You cannot believe how clumsy he is! It's funny seeing him making faces whenever he tries to do Manipulation!" She teased, leaning down to his height while he blushed furiously from embarrassment. "Th-That's not true!!!" He flustered.

(Name) just laughed at the two arguing until pale arms wrapped around her waist tightly. Surprised from the sudden touch, she tried spinning around, only to find herself stuck in place by those same arms. The only way she knew who the person was was from their spiky, snowy locks. "Killua?" The arms tightened around her.

He stayed silent, however a low growl emitted from his throat that only came out as a husky whisper to those who couldn't hear it. What is he doing? (Eye Color) hues conflicted of the boy's sudden attachment.

"Aw! I didn't know you already had a boyfriend!" Biscuit squealed and that made the silverette growl once more. "Oh~ Is he saying something to you? Or is it too private for us to know?" (Name) and Zushi's cheeks flushed at her question, knowing the inappropriate thought hidden. Killua still doesn't respond as he silently pulled her closer, hiding his face in her neck with his hair slowly tickling her.

"Biscuit! What is wrong with you!?" Zushi sheepishly whined, uncomfortable.

"Killua..." she whispered, seeing how the two were distracted. "...could you soften your power? I can't breathe properly..." although no response was said, his arms did weakened. But they were still firm.

She just never noticed from under the locks that helped blocked his face, his sapphire orbs were blazing in envy.

•~•~•~•~•

I know the whole teasing thing was embarrassing, but that was so weird. Even weird for him of all people to try out with being embarrassed, she thought surely. He was acting hella weird alright. I'm not letting him call me a weirdo once we finally talked about that incident. What got stranger was how he became rather silent.

Something's not right... and I'm not liking this one bit...

Her nose perked up from a scent and her eyes dilated in disgust. The scent of metal plagued her nostrils that made her stomach churn and the contents inside wanting to spill. She brought a hand over her nose and scrunched her face. "What the hell... is this smell...?" She muttered under her breath.

Begrudging, she followed the putrid smell. Much to her suspicion, it lead her straight into an alleyway. And with how much sunlight there's left, she knew that a flashlight is completely needed. But she knew that at this moment, she was too curious to know.

Curiosity kills the cat. But it only fuels a human's desperation.

With that thought in mind, she ran down the dark alleyway with cautious steps. Thoughts and ideas racing past her mind in a quick haste, no time for them to be put at rest.

Each step closer and she could feel a powerful Nen just from the distance she's from. She narrowed her (Eye Color) eyes in the darkness for better adjustment. This person's Nen, whoever they are, is hostile... too hostile... Beads of sweat began trailing down her face and onto her clothes.

It was then her eyes widened when her sights fell upon the sight. A small summary of the scene could be called bloody and cruel, but the entire plot, it's far too different yet all the same. Blood splattered across the trash-filled ground with two bodies being the center of attention. Both bloodied all over, except one's breathing was so shallow. So shallow to hear and slow. The other's was thumping loudly. One out of bloodlust and one out of pure fear.

Blood dripped from the extremely pointed nails and created ripples on each crimson puddle. The man- no, the boy below him was barely alive with adrenaline pumping through him. As much as he wanted to be unconscious, his fear was keeping him from closing his eyes, afraid of this thing to move.

"I-I promise t-t-to not h-hurt her! I s-s-s-swear!" She already recognized the scratchy and stammering voice. It's that bastard! "I w-won't t-t-talk to h- AGH!!!" He was cut off from his own screams. The girl cringed from it, however something caught her eyes.

Even when the one above's hair's shadowing his entire face since his head's facing the scared boy, (Name) knew right there. Right there, from that single flash of blue who the person was.

Her teeth ground at each other from realization and disbelief, still in a state of shock.

"KILLUA! WHAT! THE! HELL!?"