Glass Girl [KilluaxReader]

The Testing Gate (Bonus Chapter-ish)

(Y/N) POV - 1210 words

We're all standing outside the testing gate, staring at it. 

"You guys really got through there?" I ask, skeptical. 

"We haven't been eaten, so yeah," Leorio replies, sounding pleased with himself. 

"I'd like to try my luck. You know, see if I've gotten softer over the years," I mutter half to myself and half to the gate guard I know is monitoring us. 

"Is it alright if I do?" I raise my voice even though I'm fairly sure my intent is clear. I get no reply and no disapproval, so I step towards it. 

"It took three of us to open just the first gate, so I don't expect you to be able to get past more than the second. It's a pretty heavy door, even for your skills," Leorio cautions. He almost sounds like he's worried about me. How sweet. I roll my mental eyes, he has no need to worry. 

"How many doors can you open?" I ask Killua. 

"Three." 

"I'm going to do this twice. Once with Korako, and once without." 

No one objects, so Korako—who'd discreetly turned into a hellhound on our way down the mountain—pushed his shoulder against the door. I put my hands on the cold, solid metal and push with all my strength. The ground beneath us begins to shudder, the whole mountain is probably shaking, but neither Korako nor I slow or stop. 

After what feels like a few minutes, though probably was only a few seconds, we push as hard as we can, sending the opened doors wide out to the sides. With both of us working, we're hardly out of breath. Turning around with a smirk on my face, I greet the stunned faces of my companions. Behind us all seven doors stand open.

When I do it alone, it's significantly less impressive, and I only manage to open five of the doors. It's quite a feat, Gon and the others are still awe struck. If anything, it means Korako and I can independently lift over 64 tons each.

I walk through, standing in the clearing. I let out a piercing whistle which carries over the trees. Seconds later, birds fly from trees as a huge presence makes itself known nearby.

"Hello, Mike. Long time, no see."

Korako stands next to me, a proud guard dog next to the massive canine hunting beast. The three of us stare at each other, none of us giving in. Mike caves first, deeming us worthy. I place my hand up and gently pat him. I seem so small next to his massive form, yet he cowers before me.

"Wha– how?" Gon's stunned on the other side of the testing gate, the doors still standing wide open.

"I like being at the top of the hierarchy, and he knows."

Killua walks up next to me and whispers in my ear as he passes, "You're amazing."

It's barely a breath and few could even catch the words floating away on the breeze, but I think I'll always remember feeling the heat of his body pass behind me, the warmth of his breath on the back of my neck, and the two small, insignificant words.

He walks back to the others, gesturing for me to follow, "Let's go, we don't have all day!"

I roll my eyes, but my mind is still firmly on the moment we just shared. His words echo in my brain, "You're amazing."

I feel them etch into my heart, never to be forgotten. I get the sense of how the entire world could drop out from underneath me, how I could be cursed to remember nothing, and I would hear those words bounce around in my skull, deciphering pieces of a puzzle I didn't even know needed solving.

The words cover something I thought had broken long, long ago.

"You're amazing."

It's a simple phrase, how is it affecting me so much? Why is it affecting me so much? Killua turns and smiles at me and I suddenly feel like all those questions have been answered. 

It's nighttime and Gon, Killua, and I got a hotel room together for the night. They're both sound asleep in one of the beds—Gon insisted I take a bed and they can share. Our room has a balcony, so I'm standing staring at the stars. We'd parted from the others only hours before, but it seems like so long ago.

Korako's mind is quiet, too, so I think he's asleep. I don't want to disturb him with my raging thoughts. The stars above us, they're the same stars Killua and I slept under when we were on Zevil Island. They're the same stars Crow and I watched at the estate, the same stars are hanging over the hidden location right now. They're the same stars in the sky everywhere in the world, but to so many different people they mean so many different things.

Maybe I'm feeling philosophical because I feel free for the first time since I can remember, who knows. Killua plays a huge part in that particular freedom. I can feel my emotions tearing through my common sense. It's a dangerous, heady feeling and I'm not sure if it's good or bad. I wonder how many other people are looking at the stars for answers, and I wonder how many of those stars are listening.

If there are any stars listening, watch over us. We're reckless, and insane, and bound to get ourselves hurt one of these days. Please, give us tools necessary to save ourselves from these situations. Please, make this endeavor to Heavens Arena fruitful. 

Do you really think that's going to work? Korako's awake.

No, but it doesn't hurt to try. Sorry if I woke you.

It's okay, I was kind of awake anyway, thinking about Kurapika. 

Oh now?

Not like that. I mean, he's the only other person besides you to actually talk to me. He made me promise not to tell anyone he talked to me, but I think it's okay now. I can feel Korako's mirth at the thought.

I'm grateful to him, for making you feel so accepted.

Yeah... Hey, mom– wait. Oh shit. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I–

I chuckle, It's okay. I am kind of like your mom. You can call me Mom if you want to, I don't mind at all. I actually kind of like it.

This is really embarrassing, I'm sorry.

Don't apologize, Korako, I send as much of my love to him as I can. I remember when he was just a little pup. Hard to imagine it was only a few months ago. 

I'm still embarrassed.

Well, I can't really help you there, but there's no reason for you to be. I know it's hard to take my word for it, but trust me.

I do.... Mom.

If it feels weird, don't force yourself, I reply gently. I feel his acceptance.

It's okay. I... love you too.

I smile up at the stars, I don't know if there is magic in the stars, but if there is... I wish I could preserve this feeling forever.

A/N: BONUS CHAPTER-ish... this is VERY fluffy (in my opinion). I hope you liked it. ;) ~ AnimeChildeX3