Who: Killua Zoldyck and ANYONE! When: throughout August Where: Aefenglom city and the Wilde around it What: full moon, quests, shenanigans, etc. Warnings: undead-creature-related gore; awkward full moon teenage ust......
[ Being able to use his nen. At least, he was going to say that before realizing suddenly that even when they got home, Gon still wouldn't have his. Killua amends his thought quickly, with barely a stumble. ]
--knowing what I'm doing. There are so many stupid rules and rituals and magic words and crap. I thought I'd just be able to go zap! whoosh! and make a fireball shoot out of my hands or whatever!
[ Naturally, he's not at all surprised that's not the case. But it would have been cool, regardless.
Killua turns to watch Gon wander around the kitchen. His own apple sits half-eaten in his palm. Killua glances down at it, then back up at Gon while he talks.
The earnest observation on Gon's part makes Killua's chest squeeze, and his heart thump weirdly.
...even knowing it's selfish and stupid, he doesn't really like to hear that Gon would be having just as much fun without him (or so Killua construes it).
He takes another bite with a loud crunch, tearing into the fruit as though it's suddenly offended him. His mouth is still full when he speaks. ]
Good, you should be grateful. Considering how many people are here from all sorts of other worlds, the odds are crazy we happened to arrive together.
Gon is meandering back towards Killua as he talks rudely around his mouthful of apple, and Gon grins cheekily with another airy little laugh, shoulders raising as his fingers link behind his back, arms straight.]
You're probably right, but it also feels kind of obvious. Like it would be more surprising if it went any other way.
[more disappointing at least, certainly. Gon's confidence in their friendship is obviously slowly rebuilding; when he'd first arrived in this place, it would have been in his place in his penance, of course, so obviously, to not arrive with Killua.
but from how immediately they clicked back together (even with some expected hiccups, circumstances and consequences considered), how immediately and how earnestly fun spending time together became, and how their Bond was only delayed by Gon's own anxious trepidation and not by any means an unwillingness on Killua's part...
of course they arrived together.
but on the other hand—what would have been more fair would have been if Killua had at least arrived with Alluka. Gon's been wondering about it, but doesn't want to prod a sore spot so soon; Killua's now without the purpose he'd finally found... but maybe it's best for a child younger than them not to be here.]
[ Killua worries about her. Often. But what can he do? His best chance is to study magic and try to keep tabs on the Coven, hoping they'll figure out a spell to send them home again soon-- and at the correct rift in their dimension so that he won't have been gone too long.
That's a lot of ifs. Killua has to push the worry aside (at least until he's alone at night again, unable to sleep).
He swallows his mouthful, strolling past Gon to go throw away the core. ]
There are a lot of parts that are fun and interesting. And we've only really seen the city-- and not even all of it. There's lots to take in.
So... I'm... glad you're here too.
[ He means it. Despite the awkwardness and the both of them still clearly struggling a little with how their friendship is supposed to work now, Killua's immensely relieved to at least have Gon.
Gon thinks he'll have had fun even without him here. Killua doesn't think he could say the same. ]
[Gon's expression lights up with excitement, and he balls his fists. and though Gon's thoughts are always curiously clinging to Killua's whereabouts, he's actually found himself perfectly content to spend just as much time away from Killua as he feels to spend his time with Killua. he's liking that they're both branching out in their own directions, meeting new friends...
but at the end of the day, Gon feels like he can't get enough of Killua's company to be satisfied. even if they spent every minute together. it's like his yearning and his remorse, all tucked away back home as he was, culminated in this weird, impossible craving.
as Gon and Killua continue to chat, snack, playfully pester one another and light-heartedly bicker, Gon's feeling increasingly energized. then he complains a little bit of a dry mouth, and a headache... the anxious energy Gon had been feeling all day is suddenly swelling, even if he doesn't necessarily feel bad.
sitting in Killua's living room, the two have more or less come to anticipating...whatever is to come as finally arriving. Gon's taken off his jacket and his boots, his body temperature having suddenly skyrocketed, and now he's groaning and holding his head, feeling quite fed up with suffering within eye-shot of Killua and worrying him.
the pain's bad enough that Gon's forehead is creased from the tension between his brows, teeth grit and eyes closed tight, his skin breaking out in a bit of sweat—and though Gon hasn't noticed, his horns have subtly grown...almost twice the size they were an hour ago. agitated, Gon scratches at his upper arms and squirms, huffing through his nose.]
Ugh, this is so annoying! My head is killing me... Are full moons always this painful?? No wonder Fauns are always drinking... "Celebrating" the full moons must be polite language for "coping with"...
[ They'd ended up on the sofa, with some juice to drink and a pack of cards sitting on the table that Killua had brought out in case Gon wanted a distraction. It's gotten increasingly difficult for both of them to focus on the conversation as Gon's discomfort becomes more and more obvious-- both visible and through their Bond. Killua can't feel his pain, but he can tell.
The way his horns have grown looks like they'd cause headache all on their own at this size, and never mind the growing pains. Yeesh. ]
Well, I don't have any alcohol, if that's what you're asking for.
[ Killua huffs, knowing that's not what Gon meant. He scoots a bit closer along the couch. ]
I've heard being with the person you're Bonded with is supposed to help. Like... touching and stuff...
[ Of various kinds. The book had been... a bit more explicit than he'd expected, but of course Killua's not about to bring something like that up. It just makes his cheeks flush as he offers his hand, palm up. ]
[it's not too weird, honestly; they touch all the time, though Gon doesn't think Killua ever thinks consciously about the casual arm slung here or the back-slap or high-five there... so what's rare is Killua's frank suggestion, but Gon actually isn't that surprised by it.]
Oh... you're right. I've heard that too, [Gon answers with a mumble, palming his temple irritably.] A friend told me that before the Lunar Eclipse festival, even. [so, a while ago. back when Gon was first cautioned to get a bond, though Sora had been talking about transformations; Gon hadn't considered the same benefits would apply to full moons. he hasn't heard a lot about it outside of that; he certainly hasn't seen the material Killua has... but Gon has kept his nose out of books, for the most part.
predictably, Gon isn't shy when he takes Killua's offered hand, and he notices the warmth in Killua's complexion. it's not unexpected—he's still a shy person, for all his maturing, gained confidence and general machismo.
the effect is immediate, such that it makes Gon blink in surprise; a warm, soothing ripple is felt from his hand down nearly all the way to his chest, and Gon is immediately intrigued. the pain does diminish somewhat, and it feels... amazing besides.]
...Wow. I can feel it. It feels kinda funny...
[in the sense that it's beyond anything Gon's ever felt, anyway. hard to describe.
inspired and deeply curious, Gon blinks again, and actually guides Killua's hand after grasping it—right to the base of his steadily, slowly growing horns, by Gon's brow, his dense, dark eyelashes fanning against the swell of his cheek in relief.
the pain is dulled much more immediately, given the localized nature of the contact, and Gon tilts his head somewhat into the fleshy plush of Killua's soft palm. Gon's voice is soft, coming out almost as a sigh of relief through his words.]
[ Killua watches his face, a little concerned, intrigued and mesmerized all at once to see the way Gon's expression changes, the subtle smoothing of his brow and how his shoulders begin to relax. ]
Gon?
[ Surprised, Killua blinks but holds patiently still, letting Gon guide his hand however he likes. To his... forehead. The horns.
Gently, Killua wraps his fingers around the base of one, the pad of his thumb softly rubbing the skin where it meets keratin and bone.
Somehow, he didn't expect the effect to be so immediate, or so pronounced. ]
[Gon doesn't respond when Killua raises his name with concern and curiosity, content to enjoy the soothing effects. and of course, selfishly, the borrowed benefits of extended contact—such that Gon always wants and politely restrains himself from seeking constantly.
his eyes closed, Gon's expression cracks with a bit of a toothy smile as he lets out a breath from his nose that's almost a laugh, seeming amused with how Killua's instincts lead him to put his hand around one of the horns. it's just thick enough for the size of Killua's hand, like that; the contact against his skin feels nice, the way Killua rubs. unsurprising gentleness.]
Yeah, [Gon agrees, still smiling as he flutters his eyes open again. it still hurts, but the pain relief aside, there's also something calming. Gon's mind had been whipping itself into a frenzy. it wasn't just the pain, he's realizing.]
I wonder when this is all gonna stop...
[Gon sighs a little, and on the same horn that Killua's grasping the base of, Gon taps the tip curiously to gauge its growth.]
Wow. That's a lot. My head's gonna be heavy if this keeps going...
[and steadily as well, while Gon's been permitting himself to bliss on his Witch's touch, Gon's felt an uncomfortable sensation—like crawling pins and needles across his shoulders and down his spine, even prickling beneath the stiff canvas of his shorts. his fur is getting a bit longer, and it's extending further.
as well, there's... some discomfort in the seat of his pants, causing Gon to shift his seating position antsily here and there, feeling as though he's badly bruised his tailbone and kinked his lower back.]
[ Oh, no... this is weird. Why is this so weird? Killua's not sure what to do, watching Gon go through the changes slowly and uncomfortably, aware of his pain and unable to do much more than just... be here. Touching him.
It feels so awkward, and yet at the same time, he's somehow grateful for it too. He's glad that Gon isn't suffering through his alone. ]
Yeah, your horns've gotten pretty big... is it uncomfortable?
[ Especially considering how he's fidgeting. The night's barely started.
Yeah, [Gon admits to Killua's first question.] But I'll adjust...
[and to Killua's concerned inquiry about the funny little sound Gon made, his eyes fly wide and he snaps his grip on Killua's wrist out of thoughtless reflex, his back suddenly going pin straight. it's then that Gon realizes that he has almost a bristly mane beneath his A-shirt, because he feels it uncomfortably rise against the fabric—all the way down to where the extremely awkward pain is the most pronounced.]
Ah!! Ow!
[Gon gently removes Killua's hand, whipping his head to stare over his shoulder to peek at his own ass, lifting a leg as he scowls.]
My butt!
[WHY IS THIS THE WORST. Gon huffs irritably through his nostrils, not totally unlike the irate chuffing of a bull, and urgently fusses with his belt to undo it. he looks Quite Annoyed.]
Ugh, it's probably a tail! That's one of the only traits I'm missing right now, besides hooves... [Gon groans, dropping his head miserably—and mindfully, because the horns have almost come in by now, though it might take another 15 minutes or so. his posture goes from furious to deflated, defeated in how he's holding the open ends of his belt.]
This is so embarrassing and weird.
[while not unheard of, it's...a rare sentiment from Gon.]
[ Killua lets go, taking half a step back in his panic as Gon's discomfort becomes more and more obvious. On top of the physical changes that are also becoming more pronounced. What is he supposed to do?!
The way Gon so bluntly laments his butt pain has Killua blushing awkwardly, looking quickly away when he sees Gon reach for his belt. His heart is beating so fast it makes his chest feel weird.
It seems he's not the only one embarrassed, though. Killua's worry returns over his awkwardness, and he peeks over at Gon again, resting a hand on his shoulder. It's unusual to hear Gon admit he's embarrassed. ]
It's super weird, but it's not like you can help it. C'mon. [ Killua gestures toward the sofa. ] Can you sit down or is... that not an option?
Oh... I dunno... Maybe I should lay on my belly? But that might be awkward with the horns...
[only for a little bit, though. Gon huffs again, his brows knit crossly once again, seeming to be set on pouting angrily instead of pathetically.
seeming suddenly decided, Gon undoes the button to his fly with a resolved little frown, and just like that, Gon stubbornly rearranges himself belly first on the couch. Gon carefully turns his head (cuz he's barely used to his smaller, normal horns, much less the room these ones coming in take up) to look over his shoulder once he's laying on his stomach. dark eyes focused on the agonizing, throbbing spot of his lower spine, his button fly undone and his belt loose, Gon shimmies the high waisted shorts to be situated kind of more around his hips. it would probably hurt more if the tail got stuck in his shorts...
then, scowling in a fabulously mature fashion, Gon crosses his arms to angrily plop his chin atop the furry bed of them. but he still looks distracted, forehead creased in thought.]
Maybe... um...
[Gon's expression softens, looking towards Killua in a way that's both exhausted and pleading.]
Killua, could you maybe get a towel or something to throw over my back? If I'm really getting a tail in, it's probably gonna be pretty weird to see.
[and gross. Gon doesn't really care to put that out there so plainly. how did other Monsters usually deal with this crap?? seriously!!]
[ Killua for now just hovers around the couch, trying to figure out his own next move and what the best way would be to soothe Gon's pain. With the horns, Gon had him touch the spot where they were growing in, so--
Killua stares, alarmed, at his butt. As Gon starts to tug his shorts down...
His ears and the back of his neck feel like they're on fire. ]
Uh-- yeah, sure. Be right back.
[ Killua's not actually grossed out by the tail. It's weird, for sure, but he's kind of curious. He can't, however, keep awkwardly staring at his best friend's butt like this, tail or no.
So, towel it is!
Killua tosses it over him lightly when he returns (having spent a few more seconds than needed in the bathroom trying to calm down) and then comes back around to the front of the couch to sit too, near Gon's head and his crossed arms.
He rests a hand on Gon's hair, gently mooshing it down. ]
You're gonna have to find pants with tail-holes cut in them soon. You can't walk around with your shorts down outside.
[ A lame attempt at humor. Though also probably true... ]
Killuaaa, [Gon whines dramatically as Killua rests his hand atop his hair, purely just falling into theatrics at this point in his frustration. he arranges the towel a little, then settles to rest on his arms again as he huffs.
Killua hadn't lifted his touch for more than a couple minutes, and already Gon is reminded of the difference it makes. so however petulantly, Gon does seem to be truly settled.]
I bet I can get my shorts altered by a tailor... I met someone on the network who said she'd make me a pair of shoes once I got hooves, so I bet there's people who can convert clothing for Monster people who have tails.
[Gon's eyes widen again and he suddenly jolts and tenses with discomfort before settling again uncertainly, definitely feeling the sprouting of...something. it's painful, and extremely weird feeling.]
You bet? Gon, of course there are tailors here who can do that. Half the population's got tails of some sort, and they don't run around without pants on.
[ The reminder that he'll get hooves too makes Killua almost wince. He's seen Gon hurt plenty of times, of course, many of those fairly standard when it comes to training and fighting in general (and some times he doesn't want to think too deeply on anymore), but he's rarely seen Gon this fussy about physical discomfort. This is different.
And the discomfort isn't just physical, is it? Gon has to contend with the knowledge that this is his new reality. This is what it's going to be like from now on-- or worse.
It'll take time to get used to. For both of them. ]
...what does it feel like?
[ He's curious. Maybe he should be trying to distract Gon, but it seems unlikely that'll work anyway. Talking through it might be better.
Scooting surreptitiously closer, Killua slides his hand over the back of Gon's head and neck and down his spine, gently rubbing his back, though he's not brave enough to reach too close to the tail. ]
It feels so weird! It's really sore, and prickly, and kind of hot...
[part of it is Gon's own impatience, really; he knows it'll be over quite quickly, and he wants it to be, for all the reasons previously described. he's been anticipating (perhaps dreading) those changes for a bit, and he's told Killua casually and in no uncertain terms that he wasn't really looking forward to changing physically with no control over it.
but since when has Gon ever been precious about his body? to him, it's almost a poetic punishment, so he's willing to eat it. but right now? he is being bratty.
when Killua's hand curves along the back of his head, then down his spine from his neck, Gon stiffens a little, his eyes widening. the hawked mane is stiff and coarse, just like Gon's hair—but contextualized with the fur and the hair growth pattern, it maybe illuminates that Gon's hair has always been nearly coarse like mane. the soft tickle of Killua's hand makes Gon's face hot, and it seems to squarely stun him out of his loud whining.]
[as Killua rubs his back, Gon tucks his hot face against the swell of his folded forearms to hide, his ears flicking as one of his horns stubbornly dents the fabric of Killua's couch.]
[ Good thing Gon's not looking right now; Killua feels his face grow hot at the muffled thanks, on top of already being embarrassed about... petting Gon's back.
He clears his throat. ]
Is there a difference if I'm just near you or touching you? Or if it's... like this or...
[ He strokes his palm down Gon's back over his shirt. Then, slides it up to the back of Gon's neck, above his open shirt collar, fingertips curving around bare skin. ]
...like this?
[ They're figuring it out. It's not weird. It's for science and practicality! ]
[Gon's muscles almost tense, but he consciously catches it, instead rolling that tension up through his shoulders so that he kind of stretches a bit—but then the muscles lock, and he buries a little further against his arms, horns denting against his flesh. the touch around the backs of his neck causes Gon goosebumps, and subtly, his new fur lifts.
Gon lifts his head so that Killua can actually hear him, his mouth momentarily a little wobbly, but he manages to get his head straight. somewhat. again, he isn't unused to contact from Killua—but it's never like this. Gon understands Killua's just doing what he thinks is his job, quite literally feeling it out, but...
Gon realizes he forgets Killua's question for a moment, then blinks.]
Y-yeah, there's a difference, [Gon answers somewhat uncertainly. there's...all kinds of differences between Killua being close and being far away, touching and not touching.]
Um... It's...a little hard to describe...
[it's certainly quite distracting, at least; the soothing of the pain and the frantic static of his mind is alleviated by Killua's touch noticeably, but it's also pulling Gon's attention in such a way that he's noticing the tail growth less as it elongates subtly, hair bristling on its middle and end slowly.]
Like that, I'm not really noticing any of the pain or discomfort anymore.
[but not for the reasons Killua might expect. Gon doesn't let on as much, however.]
[ The way Gon reacts makes Killua's heart flutter oddly in his chest. He can feel the hair rising into his fingertips. There's a sense of tension and relief somehow at once -- coming from their Bond? From Gon or from himself? Killua can't quite tell.
He stares, wide-eyed, down at Gon and his new horns, eyes gliding over the patches of fur visible here and there, and the now-longer tail peeking out from beneath the towel. It's... so weird. He doesn't bring attention to it.
Instead, Killua tentatively rubs the back of his neck some more, squeezing, pressing his fingers in along the muscles on either side of his spine despite the fur and down to his shoulders underneath the partially-unbuttoned shirt in a slightly awkward-angled massage. ]
Watch your horns if you move your head.
[ Just a warning, not annoyed. Killua's thigh is very close to his head now. ]
[wow. how is it possible to feel so absolutely on edge, ready to jump out of your own skin, and impossibly sedated and relaxed at the same time? Gon's ears flatten and swivel backwards as he murmurs vaguely in response to Killua's warning, retaining it but more or less unable to respond.
Gon's face is a little red, his eyebrows flat and somewhat slanted back as he focuses on Killua's touch—there's been times where one or the other helped them work out their cooling muscles after training using massage, and this is exactly as practical, Gon reminds himself. but back then... things were different. for Gon, anyway. weird monster stuff aside, things have changed since then.
and then, those touches were never necessarily meant to be comforting. they were solely practical.
the antsiness is winning, though; it's not the same feeling that was making Gon feel frenetic and stressed out, even if this is weirdly a little stressful. but it's also nice. too nice. so nice.
when Killua presses against either side of the muscles bracing his spine, Gon feels it tingle all the way down it, right to his budding tail—which shoots up in reflex in time to Gon setting his jaw.]
Ah! Wow.
[Gon cautiously peeks over his shoulder, doing his best to not move his head too much since the horns are fully in, now, and they are truly fucking ridiculous. but Gon's almost grateful for a distraction, despite his enjoyment. as if shy upon being spotted by its owner, the tail slowly falls back down, but Gon's eyes are wide at the sight of it. the end of it is covered in dark, coarse hair, a shock of it just like the hair on Gon's head and down some of his back.]
Whoa!!
[it's not quite fully there, but it's already close. Gon wants to grab it, wide eyed and curious, but knows while it's coming in, he should let it be.]
That's definitely a bovine tail...
[Gon hadn't been too sure, though he suspected he was most likely some kind of cow. but he'd been lacking traits!]
[ It's kind of funny how the tail stands straight up like that... What's going through Gon's head? He eases up on the massage a bit, thinking maybe he'd pressed too hard since Gon was probably achy while going through all this... weirdness. ]
A cow?
[ Yes, Killua. That's what bovine means. ]
Your horns look like it too, now. They were so small before.
[ He hopes they don't stay that way. It seems so annoying. ]
Sometimes they're deer, too... Maybe it's anything with a cloven hoof.
[the brief consideration that there might be pig fauns makes Gon almost laugh. carefully, Gon eases himself up onto his knees, more able to turn around to look at his tail. of course Gon doesn't know it, but it's a bit thicker than what it would be typically. curiously, he reaches backwards as he sits on his heels, grasping it to inspect. it seems done.]
Feels funny...
[Gon tries to twitch it or something, but finds he hasn't quite seemed to figure out that wiring so intentionally, just yet. he drops his tail, then rolls his eyes up, touching the tips of his horns.]
Jeez, these are definitely adult bull horns, even though I'm a teenager...
[he tests the sharpness of their tips with his fingertips, then winces a little bit. and it's then that Gon realizes that nothing else really hurts anymore, aside from the very minor injury he just gave himself.
Gon laughs, seeming delighted. not with his changes, but because it's over.]
Well, nothing's hurting anymore, so I guess I'm done changing for now! I bet it'll be easier next time.
[Gon grabs his tail again, opting to harass Killua with it, since he's still sitting on the couch. he bats it across his arms back and forth.]
[ What the hell does Killua know about cows?? Now he's trying to picture a cow. Do they have cloven hooves? Or hooves like horses? Things he's literally never had to consider before.
He watches Gon examine his changes, even stupidly poking his own horns. They're sharper than Killua expected, judging by that reaction. He notices that the minor pain doesn't transfer over their Bond. In fact, Gon's transformation pain hadn't been pain recognizably to him either, but an echo of discomfort that had made him more anxious than he realized; Killua only realizes it now that the feeling is dissipating.
In his musing, he's unprepared for Gon's tail attack. ]
Wha--? Gon! Hey!
[ Killua jumps, startled. The tail looks so weird. It doesn't look real.
when Killua reaches to grab it, Gon lets go of a loud, cheery laugh, his legs arranging in a more comfortable position as he's sat there with Killua.]
Haha! Surprised?
[he lets Killua have it, since he insisted, though the temptation to make a game of keepaway from his new appendage is tempting. and also not a good idea, but Gon doesn't have a lot of sense when it comes to treating his extremities with care.]
The fur is silky, but kinda coarse. Especially at the top; it feels like the hair on my head. Does it feel like the fur down my spine?
[Gon now seems..... quite peppy. maybe it's the endorphins from the sudden release of the transformation pains, or the full moon, or. testosterone. but whatever it is Gon hasn't noticed it, yet; he just feels giddy for it to be through.]
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[ Being able to use his nen. At least, he was going to say that before realizing suddenly that even when they got home, Gon still wouldn't have his. Killua amends his thought quickly, with barely a stumble. ]
--knowing what I'm doing. There are so many stupid rules and rituals and magic words and crap. I thought I'd just be able to go zap! whoosh! and make a fireball shoot out of my hands or whatever!
[ Naturally, he's not at all surprised that's not the case. But it would have been cool, regardless.
Killua turns to watch Gon wander around the kitchen. His own apple sits half-eaten in his palm. Killua glances down at it, then back up at Gon while he talks.
The earnest observation on Gon's part makes Killua's chest squeeze, and his heart thump weirdly.
...even knowing it's selfish and stupid, he doesn't really like to hear that Gon would be having just as much fun without him (or so Killua construes it).
He takes another bite with a loud crunch, tearing into the fruit as though it's suddenly offended him. His mouth is still full when he speaks. ]
Good, you should be grateful. Considering how many people are here from all sorts of other worlds, the odds are crazy we happened to arrive together.
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Gon is meandering back towards Killua as he talks rudely around his mouthful of apple, and Gon grins cheekily with another airy little laugh, shoulders raising as his fingers link behind his back, arms straight.]
You're probably right, but it also feels kind of obvious. Like it would be more surprising if it went any other way.
[more disappointing at least, certainly. Gon's confidence in their friendship is obviously slowly rebuilding; when he'd first arrived in this place, it would have been in his place in his penance, of course, so obviously, to not arrive with Killua.
but from how immediately they clicked back together (even with some expected hiccups, circumstances and consequences considered), how immediately and how earnestly fun spending time together became, and how their Bond was only delayed by Gon's own anxious trepidation and not by any means an unwillingness on Killua's part...
of course they arrived together.
but on the other hand—what would have been more fair would have been if Killua had at least arrived with Alluka. Gon's been wondering about it, but doesn't want to prod a sore spot so soon; Killua's now without the purpose he'd finally found... but maybe it's best for a child younger than them not to be here.]
I hope you're having fun too, Killua.
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That's a lot of ifs. Killua has to push the worry aside (at least until he's alone at night again, unable to sleep).
He swallows his mouthful, strolling past Gon to go throw away the core. ]
There are a lot of parts that are fun and interesting. And we've only really seen the city-- and not even all of it. There's lots to take in.
So... I'm... glad you're here too.
[ He means it. Despite the awkwardness and the both of them still clearly struggling a little with how their friendship is supposed to work now, Killua's immensely relieved to at least have Gon.
Gon thinks he'll have had fun even without him here. Killua doesn't think he could say the same. ]
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[Gon's expression lights up with excitement, and he balls his fists. and though Gon's thoughts are always curiously clinging to Killua's whereabouts, he's actually found himself perfectly content to spend just as much time away from Killua as he feels to spend his time with Killua. he's liking that they're both branching out in their own directions, meeting new friends...
but at the end of the day, Gon feels like he can't get enough of Killua's company to be satisfied. even if they spent every minute together. it's like his yearning and his remorse, all tucked away back home as he was, culminated in this weird, impossible craving.
as Gon and Killua continue to chat, snack, playfully pester one another and light-heartedly bicker, Gon's feeling increasingly energized. then he complains a little bit of a dry mouth, and a headache... the anxious energy Gon had been feeling all day is suddenly swelling, even if he doesn't necessarily feel bad.
sitting in Killua's living room, the two have more or less come to anticipating...whatever is to come as finally arriving. Gon's taken off his jacket and his boots, his body temperature having suddenly skyrocketed, and now he's groaning and holding his head, feeling quite fed up with suffering within eye-shot of Killua and worrying him.
the pain's bad enough that Gon's forehead is creased from the tension between his brows, teeth grit and eyes closed tight, his skin breaking out in a bit of sweat—and though Gon hasn't noticed, his horns have subtly grown...almost twice the size they were an hour ago. agitated, Gon scratches at his upper arms and squirms, huffing through his nose.]
Ugh, this is so annoying! My head is killing me... Are full moons always this painful?? No wonder Fauns are always drinking... "Celebrating" the full moons must be polite language for "coping with"...
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The way his horns have grown looks like they'd cause headache all on their own at this size, and never mind the growing pains. Yeesh. ]
Well, I don't have any alcohol, if that's what you're asking for.
[ Killua huffs, knowing that's not what Gon meant. He scoots a bit closer along the couch. ]
I've heard being with the person you're Bonded with is supposed to help. Like... touching and stuff...
[ Of various kinds. The book had been... a bit more explicit than he'd expected, but of course Killua's not about to bring something like that up. It just makes his cheeks flush as he offers his hand, palm up. ]
It can't hurt to try.
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Oh... you're right. I've heard that too, [Gon answers with a mumble, palming his temple irritably.] A friend told me that before the Lunar Eclipse festival, even. [so, a while ago. back when Gon was first cautioned to get a bond, though Sora had been talking about transformations; Gon hadn't considered the same benefits would apply to full moons. he hasn't heard a lot about it outside of that; he certainly hasn't seen the material Killua has... but Gon has kept his nose out of books, for the most part.
predictably, Gon isn't shy when he takes Killua's offered hand, and he notices the warmth in Killua's complexion. it's not unexpected—he's still a shy person, for all his maturing, gained confidence and general machismo.
the effect is immediate, such that it makes Gon blink in surprise; a warm, soothing ripple is felt from his hand down nearly all the way to his chest, and Gon is immediately intrigued. the pain does diminish somewhat, and it feels... amazing besides.]
...Wow. I can feel it. It feels kinda funny...
[in the sense that it's beyond anything Gon's ever felt, anyway. hard to describe.
inspired and deeply curious, Gon blinks again, and actually guides Killua's hand after grasping it—right to the base of his steadily, slowly growing horns, by Gon's brow, his dense, dark eyelashes fanning against the swell of his cheek in relief.
the pain is dulled much more immediately, given the localized nature of the contact, and Gon tilts his head somewhat into the fleshy plush of Killua's soft palm. Gon's voice is soft, coming out almost as a sigh of relief through his words.]
It feels so much better already...
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[ Killua watches his face, a little concerned, intrigued and mesmerized all at once to see the way Gon's expression changes, the subtle smoothing of his brow and how his shoulders begin to relax. ]
Gon?
[ Surprised, Killua blinks but holds patiently still, letting Gon guide his hand however he likes. To his... forehead. The horns.
Gently, Killua wraps his fingers around the base of one, the pad of his thumb softly rubbing the skin where it meets keratin and bone.
Somehow, he didn't expect the effect to be so immediate, or so pronounced. ]
That's good. That it feels better.
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[Gon doesn't respond when Killua raises his name with concern and curiosity, content to enjoy the soothing effects. and of course, selfishly, the borrowed benefits of extended contact—such that Gon always wants and politely restrains himself from seeking constantly.
his eyes closed, Gon's expression cracks with a bit of a toothy smile as he lets out a breath from his nose that's almost a laugh, seeming amused with how Killua's instincts lead him to put his hand around one of the horns. it's just thick enough for the size of Killua's hand, like that; the contact against his skin feels nice, the way Killua rubs. unsurprising gentleness.]
Yeah, [Gon agrees, still smiling as he flutters his eyes open again. it still hurts, but the pain relief aside, there's also something calming. Gon's mind had been whipping itself into a frenzy. it wasn't just the pain, he's realizing.]
I wonder when this is all gonna stop...
[Gon sighs a little, and on the same horn that Killua's grasping the base of, Gon taps the tip curiously to gauge its growth.]
Wow. That's a lot. My head's gonna be heavy if this keeps going...
[and steadily as well, while Gon's been permitting himself to bliss on his Witch's touch, Gon's felt an uncomfortable sensation—like crawling pins and needles across his shoulders and down his spine, even prickling beneath the stiff canvas of his shorts. his fur is getting a bit longer, and it's extending further.
as well, there's... some discomfort in the seat of his pants, causing Gon to shift his seating position antsily here and there, feeling as though he's badly bruised his tailbone and kinked his lower back.]
Eck...
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It feels so awkward, and yet at the same time, he's somehow grateful for it too. He's glad that Gon isn't suffering through his alone. ]
Yeah, your horns've gotten pretty big... is it uncomfortable?
[ Especially considering how he's fidgeting. The night's barely started.
That noise Gon lets out makes Killua jump. ]
Are you okay? Gon?
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[and to Killua's concerned inquiry about the funny little sound Gon made, his eyes fly wide and he snaps his grip on Killua's wrist out of thoughtless reflex, his back suddenly going pin straight. it's then that Gon realizes that he has almost a bristly mane beneath his A-shirt, because he feels it uncomfortably rise against the fabric—all the way down to where the extremely awkward pain is the most pronounced.]
Ah!! Ow!
[Gon gently removes Killua's hand, whipping his head to stare over his shoulder to peek at his own ass, lifting a leg as he scowls.]
My butt!
[WHY IS THIS THE WORST. Gon huffs irritably through his nostrils, not totally unlike the irate chuffing of a bull, and urgently fusses with his belt to undo it. he looks Quite Annoyed.]
Ugh, it's probably a tail! That's one of the only traits I'm missing right now, besides hooves... [Gon groans, dropping his head miserably—and mindfully, because the horns have almost come in by now, though it might take another 15 minutes or so. his posture goes from furious to deflated, defeated in how he's holding the open ends of his belt.]
This is so embarrassing and weird.
[while not unheard of, it's...a rare sentiment from Gon.]
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[ Killua lets go, taking half a step back in his panic as Gon's discomfort becomes more and more obvious. On top of the physical changes that are also becoming more pronounced. What is he supposed to do?!
The way Gon so bluntly laments his butt pain has Killua blushing awkwardly, looking quickly away when he sees Gon reach for his belt. His heart is beating so fast it makes his chest feel weird.
It seems he's not the only one embarrassed, though. Killua's worry returns over his awkwardness, and he peeks over at Gon again, resting a hand on his shoulder. It's unusual to hear Gon admit he's embarrassed. ]
It's super weird, but it's not like you can help it. C'mon. [ Killua gestures toward the sofa. ] Can you sit down or is... that not an option?
[ cuz of his butt pain and tail and all. yikes. ]
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[only for a little bit, though. Gon huffs again, his brows knit crossly once again, seeming to be set on pouting angrily instead of pathetically.
seeming suddenly decided, Gon undoes the button to his fly with a resolved little frown, and just like that, Gon stubbornly rearranges himself belly first on the couch. Gon carefully turns his head (cuz he's barely used to his smaller, normal horns, much less the room these ones coming in take up) to look over his shoulder once he's laying on his stomach. dark eyes focused on the agonizing, throbbing spot of his lower spine, his button fly undone and his belt loose, Gon shimmies the high waisted shorts to be situated kind of more around his hips. it would probably hurt more if the tail got stuck in his shorts...
then, scowling in a fabulously mature fashion, Gon crosses his arms to angrily plop his chin atop the furry bed of them. but he still looks distracted, forehead creased in thought.]
Maybe... um...
[Gon's expression softens, looking towards Killua in a way that's both exhausted and pleading.]
Killua, could you maybe get a towel or something to throw over my back? If I'm really getting a tail in, it's probably gonna be pretty weird to see.
[and gross. Gon doesn't really care to put that out there so plainly. how did other Monsters usually deal with this crap?? seriously!!]
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Killua stares, alarmed, at his butt. As Gon starts to tug his shorts down...
His ears and the back of his neck feel like they're on fire. ]
Uh-- yeah, sure. Be right back.
[ Killua's not actually grossed out by the tail. It's weird, for sure, but he's kind of curious. He can't, however, keep awkwardly staring at his best friend's butt like this, tail or no.
So, towel it is!
Killua tosses it over him lightly when he returns (having spent a few more seconds than needed in the bathroom trying to calm down) and then comes back around to the front of the couch to sit too, near Gon's head and his crossed arms.
He rests a hand on Gon's hair, gently mooshing it down. ]
You're gonna have to find pants with tail-holes cut in them soon. You can't walk around with your shorts down outside.
[ A lame attempt at humor. Though also probably true... ]
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Killua hadn't lifted his touch for more than a couple minutes, and already Gon is reminded of the difference it makes. so however petulantly, Gon does seem to be truly settled.]
I bet I can get my shorts altered by a tailor... I met someone on the network who said she'd make me a pair of shoes once I got hooves, so I bet there's people who can convert clothing for Monster people who have tails.
[Gon's eyes widen again and he suddenly jolts and tenses with discomfort before settling again uncertainly, definitely feeling the sprouting of...something. it's painful, and extremely weird feeling.]
—Y-yep, tail.
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[ The reminder that he'll get hooves too makes Killua almost wince. He's seen Gon hurt plenty of times, of course, many of those fairly standard when it comes to training and fighting in general (and some times he doesn't want to think too deeply on anymore), but he's rarely seen Gon this fussy about physical discomfort. This is different.
And the discomfort isn't just physical, is it? Gon has to contend with the knowledge that this is his new reality. This is what it's going to be like from now on-- or worse.
It'll take time to get used to. For both of them. ]
...what does it feel like?
[ He's curious. Maybe he should be trying to distract Gon, but it seems unlikely that'll work anyway. Talking through it might be better.
Scooting surreptitiously closer, Killua slides his hand over the back of Gon's head and neck and down his spine, gently rubbing his back, though he's not brave enough to reach too close to the tail. ]
1/2
[part of it is Gon's own impatience, really; he knows it'll be over quite quickly, and he wants it to be, for all the reasons previously described. he's been anticipating (perhaps dreading) those changes for a bit, and he's told Killua casually and in no uncertain terms that he wasn't really looking forward to changing physically with no control over it.
but since when has Gon ever been precious about his body? to him, it's almost a poetic punishment, so he's willing to eat it. but right now? he is being bratty.
when Killua's hand curves along the back of his head, then down his spine from his neck, Gon stiffens a little, his eyes widening. the hawked mane is stiff and coarse, just like Gon's hair—but contextualized with the fur and the hair growth pattern, it maybe illuminates that Gon's hair has always been nearly coarse like mane. the soft tickle of Killua's hand makes Gon's face hot, and it seems to squarely stun him out of his loud whining.]
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That feels nice, though, [Gon mumbles, feeling sufficiently soothed.] Thank you, Killua...
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[ Good thing Gon's not looking right now; Killua feels his face grow hot at the muffled thanks, on top of already being embarrassed about... petting Gon's back.
He clears his throat. ]
Is there a difference if I'm just near you or touching you? Or if it's... like this or...
[ He strokes his palm down Gon's back over his shirt. Then, slides it up to the back of Gon's neck, above his open shirt collar, fingertips curving around bare skin. ]
...like this?
[ They're figuring it out. It's not weird. It's for science and practicality! ]
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Gon lifts his head so that Killua can actually hear him, his mouth momentarily a little wobbly, but he manages to get his head straight. somewhat. again, he isn't unused to contact from Killua—but it's never like this. Gon understands Killua's just doing what he thinks is his job, quite literally feeling it out, but...
Gon realizes he forgets Killua's question for a moment, then blinks.]
Y-yeah, there's a difference, [Gon answers somewhat uncertainly. there's...all kinds of differences between Killua being close and being far away, touching and not touching.]
Um... It's...a little hard to describe...
[it's certainly quite distracting, at least; the soothing of the pain and the frantic static of his mind is alleviated by Killua's touch noticeably, but it's also pulling Gon's attention in such a way that he's noticing the tail growth less as it elongates subtly, hair bristling on its middle and end slowly.]
Like that, I'm not really noticing any of the pain or discomfort anymore.
[but not for the reasons Killua might expect. Gon doesn't let on as much, however.]
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[ The way Gon reacts makes Killua's heart flutter oddly in his chest. He can feel the hair rising into his fingertips. There's a sense of tension and relief somehow at once -- coming from their Bond? From Gon or from himself? Killua can't quite tell.
He stares, wide-eyed, down at Gon and his new horns, eyes gliding over the patches of fur visible here and there, and the now-longer tail peeking out from beneath the towel. It's... so weird. He doesn't bring attention to it.
Instead, Killua tentatively rubs the back of his neck some more, squeezing, pressing his fingers in along the muscles on either side of his spine despite the fur and down to his shoulders underneath the partially-unbuttoned shirt in a slightly awkward-angled massage. ]
Watch your horns if you move your head.
[ Just a warning, not annoyed. Killua's thigh is very close to his head now. ]
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Gon's face is a little red, his eyebrows flat and somewhat slanted back as he focuses on Killua's touch—there's been times where one or the other helped them work out their cooling muscles after training using massage, and this is exactly as practical, Gon reminds himself. but back then... things were different. for Gon, anyway. weird monster stuff aside, things have changed since then.
and then, those touches were never necessarily meant to be comforting. they were solely practical.
the antsiness is winning, though; it's not the same feeling that was making Gon feel frenetic and stressed out, even if this is weirdly a little stressful. but it's also nice. too nice. so nice.
when Killua presses against either side of the muscles bracing his spine, Gon feels it tingle all the way down it, right to his budding tail—which shoots up in reflex in time to Gon setting his jaw.]
Ah! Wow.
[Gon cautiously peeks over his shoulder, doing his best to not move his head too much since the horns are fully in, now, and they are truly fucking ridiculous. but Gon's almost grateful for a distraction, despite his enjoyment. as if shy upon being spotted by its owner, the tail slowly falls back down, but Gon's eyes are wide at the sight of it. the end of it is covered in dark, coarse hair, a shock of it just like the hair on Gon's head and down some of his back.]
Whoa!!
[it's not quite fully there, but it's already close. Gon wants to grab it, wide eyed and curious, but knows while it's coming in, he should let it be.]
That's definitely a bovine tail...
[Gon hadn't been too sure, though he suspected he was most likely some kind of cow. but he'd been lacking traits!]
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A cow?
[ Yes, Killua. That's what bovine means. ]
Your horns look like it too, now. They were so small before.
[ He hopes they don't stay that way. It seems so annoying. ]
I thought Fauns are usually goats and stuff.
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[the brief consideration that there might be pig fauns makes Gon almost laugh. carefully, Gon eases himself up onto his knees, more able to turn around to look at his tail. of course Gon doesn't know it, but it's a bit thicker than what it would be typically. curiously, he reaches backwards as he sits on his heels, grasping it to inspect. it seems done.]
Feels funny...
[Gon tries to twitch it or something, but finds he hasn't quite seemed to figure out that wiring so intentionally, just yet. he drops his tail, then rolls his eyes up, touching the tips of his horns.]
Jeez, these are definitely adult bull horns, even though I'm a teenager...
[he tests the sharpness of their tips with his fingertips, then winces a little bit. and it's then that Gon realizes that nothing else really hurts anymore, aside from the very minor injury he just gave himself.
Gon laughs, seeming delighted. not with his changes, but because it's over.]
Well, nothing's hurting anymore, so I guess I'm done changing for now! I bet it'll be easier next time.
[Gon grabs his tail again, opting to harass Killua with it, since he's still sitting on the couch. he bats it across his arms back and forth.]
Touch it!
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...do cows have cloven hooves?
[ What the hell does Killua know about cows?? Now he's trying to picture a cow. Do they have cloven hooves? Or hooves like horses? Things he's literally never had to consider before.
He watches Gon examine his changes, even stupidly poking his own horns. They're sharper than Killua expected, judging by that reaction. He notices that the minor pain doesn't transfer over their Bond. In fact, Gon's transformation pain hadn't been pain recognizably to him either, but an echo of discomfort that had made him more anxious than he realized; Killua only realizes it now that the feeling is dissipating.
In his musing, he's unprepared for Gon's tail attack. ]
Wha--? Gon! Hey!
[ Killua jumps, startled. The tail looks so weird. It doesn't look real.
He reaches out to grab it. ]
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when Killua reaches to grab it, Gon lets go of a loud, cheery laugh, his legs arranging in a more comfortable position as he's sat there with Killua.]
Haha! Surprised?
[he lets Killua have it, since he insisted, though the temptation to make a game of keepaway from his new appendage is tempting. and also not a good idea, but Gon doesn't have a lot of sense when it comes to treating his extremities with care.]
The fur is silky, but kinda coarse. Especially at the top; it feels like the hair on my head. Does it feel like the fur down my spine?
[Gon now seems..... quite peppy. maybe it's the endorphins from the sudden release of the transformation pains, or the full moon, or. testosterone. but whatever it is Gon hasn't noticed it, yet; he just feels giddy for it to be through.]
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