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Of Games And Assassins Part 11-14 by Cherrie
part 11	part 12	part 13	part 14	part 15
Part 11
Disclaimers: *sighs* This is getting old. See, if Hunter x Hunter had been mine, Hisoka would be openly throwing himself over Illumi even just for the sake of making the whole of the Zoldick clan sick, Illumi would be wearing black leather pants with a taste for silver, and Kurapika would secretly have a fetish for chains. Meh. Author's Notes: *digs a hole on the floor to bury her forehead on for a deep deep bow* My only excuse is that inspiration left me! >.< *holds an Illumi plushy to her chest* Or maybe it was the sudden epiphany that this fanfic is starting to suck. Royally. Ooh nooo, not again!!! *throws a fit* I've had enough of this waning quality in fanfics. Either that or I need a psychiatrist to straighten out my self-confidence. Where does that thin line between megalomania and insecurity start and end anyway? OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( <tartarus000@yahoo.com ) Chapter 11 - Twists Thump, thump thump... "Hisoka." . . . Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump, thump, thump... thumpthumpthumpthumpthu-- "Will you stop that!?" A protruding vein was passionately throbbing from somewhere above his ears. Illumi had to stop himself from mid-action before he could hit his companion on the head with a metal bin, or maybe something closer to that. Closing his eyes, he plucked one of his hands from wherever it was - his feelings were so faint he didn't even know where his feet were and where his ears were supposed to be in - and tilted his head upon its fingers to ease away the irritating humming inside his head. They were sitting on the seats in the waiting room, somewhere in the back because Hisoka insisted he wanted to sit against the wall. They were ten minutes past their official time. Something about the flight being delayed because of something regarding the seats and their backrests. He really didn't understand much from what the woman was talking about just a few minutes ago, he was too busy minding his own business of wondering whether or not they'll be given a blanket during their flight because he'd be damned if he'll have to sit in an air-conditioned space when he's already uneasy in room temperature. Wow, and he thought he was immune to coldness. His companion, apparently lost in his own thoughts - although the fierce lip-biting kind of unnerved him (I don't think I ever saw him do that before...) - could only blink at him. "What?" the man asked, a look of innocent confusion in his eyes. 'Innocent' and 'confusion' were words never associated with this guy, was the assassin's first thought upon seeing the other. But Illumi didn't dwell much in his own thoughts. Dwelling kind of made his extra-sensitive head hurt. "That," he said instead, giving the other's right foot, the one previously tapping against the floor, a sharp look. "Stop it. What do you want to do, team up with my headache to make an orchestra?" "Two sounds can make an orchestra?" A glare. Damn, glaring was worse than dwelling when it came to the pains they gave off. But somehow it's just difficult not to glare at Hisoka. Somewhere deep within him, he knew that the magician was smarter than he let on, but really. It was times like those that made him doubt that fact. Thankfully (or maybe not), he was awakened from his thoughts by Hisoka's voice. It was pitched an octave higher. Or was it two octaves? He wasn't sure. He didn't think he'd want to know actually. "Of all the days to have a technical problem, why this!?" whined the magician in, yes, that higher than usual pitch. A small part of him wondered if it was still decent for a man reaching his 30's to whine. Again, there's that headache with it's big drums. "Oi, Illu?" There was a light tap on his shoulder. "You okay?" I'm fine, he wanted to say. He could feel the exasperation ebbing from his thoughts. He knew it would trickle through his voice if he spoke, so he decided to keep his silence and continued to keep himself busy with his thoughts. Had he known better, he would've thought that Hisoka was deliberately trying to drive him mad. He wondered if Hisoka would maim him with his cards if he would poke him right on the eye right then and there. Had he done that five years ago, maybe he'd already be dead. Or something close to that. He wasn't sure if he could say the same this time. Hisoka was acting really strange, ever since that night in the park, the one time he got so close and almost did not recognize the man in front of him. Damn, that didn't sound like he planned it to. But before his thoughts could go on, he could already picture his headache solidify like a devil child in diapers holding up a pitchfork against his throat. And there it was again...he had a feeling he was starting to go insane. "Hey, you wanna sleep for a while?" It was hard trying to stay comfortable when his thoughts kept fighting with his diaper-clad headache. Illumi had to spare a pause and an eye roll for that last thought, convinced that he was somehow in the verge of madness. Must be the company, decided Illumi. But despite his earlier thoughts about the magician - they were almost fading out anyway, 'short attention span' somehow rang a bell here - he found his eyes drifting closed. Those words somehow found their way in his mind, and he was starting to calm down that he didn't even mind realizing that he was falling asleep on Hisoka's shoulder. He can blame it on momentary insanity later on. Damn, he really must be desperate. Or really really sick. Ah, hell with it. Oblivious to his surroundings, Illumi didn't see the growing grin on his companion's face as the assassin started to drift off to sleep. Okay, so maybe this isn't so bad, decided Hisoka as he shifted around for a more comfortable position while pulling out his cellphone from his pocket in the process. But the fun shouldn't end so soon, ne? * * * * * There was something about crying women that made his life utterly miserable. Either that or loud, immense crying just ran in their family, extending even to godparents' children, as was currently being proven right in front of his very eyes. "Why!? I don't understand, we were getting along so well! It's that weird guy's fault, I just know it!" There was a small blowing sound right after that, followed by a pathetic sniffle. It's strange, watching his...supposed future sister-in-law - although he doubted if Illumi would appreciate him referring to the young lady as so - crying in his mother's white handkerchief. There was also something about that white handkerchief that he also found sickeningly familiar. The life of that simple cloth was just sad. "You know what, auntie? From your story, I bet that it's that guy who keeps on putting such dirty thoughts inside Illumi-san's head. I just know that he's also the one who convinced him to run away. I know Illumi-san is not like that, he usually wouldn't do anything to harm us, right?" A prompt snort broke the girl's speech. Eyes wandered towards where Killua stood. Sillva gave his son a warning look. "Killua-chan, don't be like that." Kikyou shifted her gaze back to Hannah. "Don't worry, dear. We'll find Illumi just as we will get rid of that bastard he's with. If you'd like it, you could have the honors of punishing him for what he has done to you. The training room would suffice, perhaps?" Killua watched and listened - not on his own free will, mind - more series of exchanges between his mother and his brother's whatever-you-might-call-her. He doubted if their little plans for Hisoka would actually be that easy to accomplish, seeing that with the way Hannah was acting, everything that had been said about the magician were but presumptions of a love-sick young lady desperate to lay claim on her sweetheart. Pause to wince here. It would've been quite amusing on his part had it not been for his skin crawling with the fact that he referred to Illumi as a "sweetheart". Fortunately for him, his thoughts were cut short by a light tugging on his sleeves. Dark eyes met with brown as Gon turned his gaze from the pitiful scene in front of him to Killua. "What now?" he asked with the clueless ignorance he usually wore. Killua made a nonchalant shrug and whispered back, "I don't know. Wait until Hisoka declares that he'll take Illumi in as his own personal bitch, I suppose." Or vice versa. Hisoka may look like the more aggressive one, but who knows? The guy's a mystery, maybe he's on the masochistic side. But what he made out as a joke earned him yet another sharp glare from his father. Killua withered at the look and threw Sillva a guilty but apologetic grin. It was probably a good thing that Killua was known to be the joker in the family, if one was even allowed to be one, but Killua had always been favored above his siblings anyway so a few cracks could pass his more considerate elders by. Still, he avoided his father's eyes and looked back at Gon. As for Gon, blessed innocent that he was, he was blinking widely at him. Granted, the boy wasn't as innocent as a five year old might be, but Killua highly doubted if his friend knew what being a bitch meant. For all he knew, Gon might still be thinking that a bitch is a female dog. The most likely thought, which also explained the dark-haired boy's confused "Huh?" as he stared back at his friend. Killua shook his head and just turned to his mother. "Hey ma, " he called, stepping closer to the light. "Are we still going to go after Illumi or---?" "Of course we are!!!" All eyes turned towards the source of that outcry. Alluka was all but stamping his foot on the ground at the look he was giving Killua. "I can't believe that you'd even ask such a question! Have you forgotten what that man has done to aniki!? We can't trust him! You've seen him do it, I've seen him do it, Milluki have seen him do it!!! It's not everyday you see a man ki--" Further outbursts were ceased as Milluki's chubby hands grabbed a hold of Alluka to cover his mouth. "Well, actually, it isn't something you do to someone. It's something you do with someone. Well, usually anyway," he contributed unnecessarily, which only earned him a dangerously hyperactive boy out to bite his hands off him. "From where we stood, we didn't know if Aniki reacted to him, did we?" "Thanks for the tidbit, Millu," remarked Killua sarcastically. "What are you all talking about!?" asked Kikyou, impatience, worry, horror and many other things mixing with her voice as she looked at her three sons. Killua was quick on his reply. "Hisoka 'brainwashing' aniki. I mean, Illumi's the expert in that department (fuck, I've experienced it firsthand) so why should we underestimate him by saying that Hisoka is capable of actually manipulating him? In other words," he gave Hannah a pointed stare, "Illumi is not that weak." He then shrugged, ignoring the sharp look the young woman gave him. "Just something I thought you should think about." "Demeaning Illumi-san is none of my intentions! All I'm saying is that somehow, this Hisoka was able to steal him away off to somewhere. That's my sentiment, and it's all because I'm concerned about him!" "And what made you think that Hisoka's actually the one behind this? Did it ever occur to you that Hisoka couldn't have come here, passed through all of our guards, and snatched Illumi by saying, 'Hey, mind if I borrow him for a while?' What if I tell you now that Illumi was the one who ran away, brought out his cellphone in the middle of the bustling crowds of Quenya and started cursing Hisoka for all he's worth because he couldn't find the damned hotel he's staying at when he needed the sanctuary the most?" Oh yeah, his mother was going to grill him for not telling that he knew what happened back then, but hey, they'll get over it. Just ignore your father's glare, Killua, and everything will be all right. Gon's here, and you'll both run off if anything funny happens. Anyway, Hannah had it coming. A healthy growing boy can only have enough bawling, spoiled girls obsessed with his creepy brother for a day. Silence reigned for a moment, the sound that ended it all merely being Zeno's "I'm going back to work" and fading footsteps. Gon was the only one who watched the man move, and he could've sworn there was a small grin on the old Zoldick's face. For a moment, Sillva seemed to be planning on saying something as well, but decided against it and quickly followed his father. Well, that didn't go as badly as he feared it to be. Somehow comforted that he wouldn't have to face his two elders, Killua continued. "Now, if we're done here, I'll just be making a few phone calls, because even if Illumi cannot be reached right now, nobody seems to remember that Hisoka is also a part of the modern world and, consequently, owns a cellphone himself." "Killua!" The sound of Kikyou's voice stopped the light-haired boy's tracks. The woman was on her feet, fists clenched on her sides. "You said you didn't know when we asked you!" Killua shrugged. "I didn't, back then. But Hisoka has my cellphone number, so go figure. I think he finds it fun to poke around and rub it in our faces that we're sucking in this little game of chase." He then turned to the others. "Come on guys, Hisoka dropped a clue for us. I say we study it first before deciding what to do next." A moment of silence ensued, Killua's footsteps fading out in the background. With a last hesitant glance at the people around him, Gon quickly ran after his best friend, not daring to call his name lest he breaks the spell that drifted around the rest of family. Alluka, upon greatly debating within himself whether or not he should follow Gon and Killua, looked towards his mother, as if looking for the right decision from her face. He seemed to falter for a moment, but remembering Illumi and the news that he was sick, accompanied with the memory of what he knew about the man named Hisoka, his expression quickly changed and without another beat, the youngest Zoldick son disappeared in the darkness of the hallway as well. Alluka's footsteps were the last things to be heard before Milluki's ungraceful snort broke through the heavy silence. "That's it!" Throwing up his hands, he turned his back and stomped towards the door right across from where the others went through. "I had it easier just tracking down random targets and illegal auctions. I'm out of this. Like I can relate in the first place anyway. Stupid, insane maniacs..." The door slammed on the Zoldick child's wake, leaving the two women to look at each other in disbelief. * * * * * The airport lobby was thankfully quiet, not nearly as busy as Hisoka would remember it to be. A quick glance over to his dark-haired companion gave him the idea that the other was just as grateful. The assassin had his eyes closed while leaning his head on one hand while holding a bottle of drinking water, almost half empty. Hisoka grinned and leaned over him. "Feeling better?" Illumi took one more gulp to finish his bottled water before throwing it out on a trash bin they were passing. "I guess," he mumbled, before throwing a quick glare at Hisoka. "If you had those aspirins in your briefcase all along, why didn't you give them to me in the first place?" "Hey man, you never asked. If I remembered correctly, you said you've never relied much on medicine because the sicknesses pass anyway," pointed Hisoka, holding out a finger to prove his point. Illumi just gave him a weird look. "But that was when I was, what...?" "Sixteen?" "Yes, sixteen," said Illumi, frowning with a confused look this time. "How the hell can you remember that?" He was merely met wit a blank look, as if Hisoka himself found it strange for Illumi to ask what he just did. Shaking his head at his companion, the assassin just sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "As I grew I've been having minor migraines every once in a while. I figured that it's better off if I just take a small pill instead of bearing with the distraction as I work." Hisoka grinned and patted him on the back. "Oh well, no use talking about two sick days wasted," he had to hold up his hand for a moment to defend himself from Illumi's glare, "I mean, at least we're here and our little friends are miles away~!!!" Hisoka all but sang that last part, which made Illumi wince just a little bit. "Speaking of which," Illumi stopped his tracks and grabbed Hisoka by the arm. The magician looked at him with a touch of confusion, but said nothing and just waited for Illumi to continue. "I've been thinking about it. Do you remember the time when I first came to you?" "Yeah," replied Hisoka, giving the assassin a knowing grin. "It still freaks me out remembering how you just barged in, but you know what they say. Variety adds to the spice of life. A normally soft-spoken young man cursing like there was no tomorrow is definitely a nice spice if you ask me...among other things..." Illumi winced when Hisoka wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "I wasn't talking about that, you lunatic. I meant to ask you if you've decided on what you're going to charge me with." Hisoka stared at him for a moment. "Why the sudden interest? You should be glad I haven't charged you yet at all!" Illumi was quiet for a while, frowning in a way that just made his head ache even more. "It's not like that, I..." he paused, choosing his words. He couldn't exactly tell Hisoka how uneasy he's been feeling those past few days; how the magician's attention was making him feel strange. Almost afraid, although he wouldn't normally admit that. Hisoka was starting to change before his very eyes and yet he couldn't exactly describe how and in what way. All he could pin-point was the man's sudden amusement in spending time with him, which he didn't show before. Years ago, the most he could get from Hisoka was companionship, and that didn't include the light conversations accompanied with the magician laughing. Hisoka didn't laugh much before (unless one would include the insane bouts of cackles he'd go through every time he kills) and Illumi was even satisfied to believe that he just wasn't the type who cared much for a social life, and that he just kept Illumi there for the same reason Illumi had used to kept him - for an image. Used to would be the operative term, of course. Out of the corner of his mind, he could still see Hisoka watching him, waiting for his answer. But it wasn't until the man waved a hand to his face that he was able to awaken from his daze. "Oi, Illu?" asked Hisoka, now snapping his fingers repeatedly in front of his eyes. "Don't doze off on me now, 'luv, we're still talking here." Snap. A sudden wave of dizziness hit Illumi at that second that he almost felt himself losing his balance. He reached up a hand to steady his head, eventually finding his footing when he grabbed hold of the first thing that came to his reach - namely, Hisoka. But he didn't realize that immediately, and with a significant amount of frustration, hissed out a curse. "Shit," his eyes were beginning to steady, but the cold chill still pricked his pale skin. "I see you're still not well," was Hisoka's useful remark. Illumi grit his teeth as he felt his companion pull him steady. These constant attacks were starting to royally piss him off, remarkably so since he would've almost believed his body was immune to physical illnesses by the time he reached puberty. Apparently not. Curse the human race. Yes, the whole lot of them. He vaguely noticed when Hisoka hailed a cab and pulled him in. Illumi sardonically noted the hint of de ja vu that the action gave him, briefly remembering that time back in Quenya when Hisoka did the same thing. For him. Without even a word of mockery or ridicule. Following his line of thought just a few minutes ago, had this been the Hisoka of earlier years, he would've looked at Illumi with perhaps a hint of scorn and would most probably leave him by himself, trusting that someone like himself would've known what to do. Or if not, someone who couldn't even manage himself at that certain situation wouldn't have been worthy enough to merit his companionship. He had said it before, he would say it again: this was not the Hisoka he used to know. Illumi watched Hisoka from the dark veil of his own hair as the magician spoke with the driver, asking around for a hotel to stay in. The man was the very epitome of all that was strange and could change accordingly based on the situation or by his own whims. Perhaps, yet again, he was thinking too much and giving the man little to no credit, that maybe he was still the same Hisoka, and perhaps there was something going on that he didn't know about. Maybe it just all went down to Hisoka actually finding the whole situation amusing and was bored enough to take part in such a chase, or maybe he just disliked Hannah so much he wanted to make her miserable. Based on experience, Illumi knew that Hisoka would do such a thing if the person is irritating enough. There were a thousand possibilities, some he may not even realize for all he knew. After all, this was Hisoka he was talking about. Somewhere in his head he felt the car starting to move, but the driver and Hisoka's voices were still droning on somewhere. It took Illumi a while to realize that the voices weren't inaudibly low just because of his headache, but because Hisoka truly was all but whispering as to not bother him too much. Again, Illumi gave this a moment's thought before pushing it aside on his list of items under Hisoka's unexplainable behavior. He then shut his eyes to fight off the pain in his head, and almost succeeded in falling asleep had it not been for yet another of Hisoka's words flashing through his mind. One that he missed, but should've caught his attention sooner. Don't doze off on me now, 'luv, we're still talking here. His eyes snapped open. End of chapter 11 A/N: Is it just me or is Illumi getting a bit paranoid? Bah, at least he's starting to think about Hisoka. That's a good thing... right? Right. Wow, I need to work on my self-assuring skills. On a lighter note, feedbacks are always welcome! Feel free to hit me for the late update, at least, unless you can present more reasons to do so. Really, I deserve it. *sighs* I want Hisoka and his cards again. Yeah, creepy-Hisoka is nice too... I wonder how I could get Hisoka back to his old self without spoiling what I've already established? Hm... *runs off to plot the bloody murder of a random somebody*
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Part 12
Disclaimers: If Hunter x Hunter had been mine, Illumi would have a wide collection of chains and silk, and Hisoka would have had Illumi on his bed even before Yorkshin Arc. Unless these actually prove true, I am not in any way connected to the production Hunter x Hunter. I'm just one of them pitiful fans. ;p Author's Notes: Okay, I decided that bloodlust does not suit this fanfic. At all. Sucks royally, but meh. I'll just stick to Hisoka and his sexual harassments then. I also noticed that I suck in changing point of views. Probably got used to 1st POV. Meh again. Ehehe... but I'm trying my best here, okay? Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed! *bows deeply* This chapter is a tad shorter than the others, but I'm working on it ^^; OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( tartarus000@yahoo.com ) Chapter 12 - Fixation Gods... women and their issues. Milluki scanned through the flashes emitted by the monitor as the computer continued to load the files from the fifth bank he'd hacked for the day. The small window at the bottom-right corner of the screen presented a beeping 89%, and the boy continued on his progress as thousands of names were listed on the screen, a hundred at a time, or so it looked like. It also sucks that in every list, our names just have to be on the very bottom. 100%. Reaching over for a handful of potato chips, Milluki stuffed them into his mouth and pulled his chair closer to the computer. Wiping dirty fingers on his pants, his skilled fingers then hovered over the keyboard and started typing at lightning speed. Computers were his specialty, after all. Without encountering any problems, he was able to get inside the 'Zoldick' files in no time. He scanned through the names under the surname, and it wasn't long before he found the account he was looking for. Illumi Zoldick. Account no. 226-70053187. Amount stored: 859,000,031.13 Milluki sighed and shook his head. Once again, he couldn't believe he was doing this. It was nothing short of cruel, he'd think to himself. Perhaps he wouldn't have minded it so much if this was another person, but this was his elder brother for cryin' out loud. The guy earned the sum - and a huge sum at that; he must admit that it surprised even him that his brother had reached the billion spot if he'd add up the amount of money he'd taken off from the other four bank accounts - and it just felt wrong to do what he was doing, even if it was from his mother's orders. Aniki, I swear I'll double these numbers once this is over, he thought, cringing still as he pushed the single button that would terminate Illumi's account information. He watched helplessly as the long line of numbers all went down to a disturbing 0, ruining the near perfect account of his brother. For the meantime, I'll just be in hiding, just in case you do decide to come back even just for the sole purpose of ripping my head off.   "Okay, so this is Hisoka's offer." A group of three preteen boys was huddled atop Killua's bed, giving the impression of having a serious meeting. Killua was in the middle, Gon on his right, Alluka on his left. A small, light blue cellphone was laid in the middle, facing Killua, the unanimous head of the said group. "He said he might tell us where they are, under one condition," continued Killua, pressing a few buttons on the cellphone and retrieving the last message he had received. Upon opening the message, he presented it to the other two and read, "I want you boys to be good and won't tell any grown-up anything that I tell you." "Well that sucks," said Alluka with a scowl. "What use do we have of that information if we can't even get the help of Otou-sama or someone else? We can't take him by ourselves, can we, Killua?" "We have as much chances of it as an elephant does on going through a mouse hole," was Killua's sarcastic reply. "We can't do anything about it too, 'cause it also said in this message that if we even plan to tell even if we swore not to, he'll make sure that there'll be serious consequences." Killua sighed and gave Alluka a look. "Hisoka hacking through heads, dislocating joints and slicing out limbs for piranhas to eat is just playing around. A serious Hisoka is just too scary." Alluka winced, thinking that with all of Killua and his lies, he was probably serious about that one. He briefly wondered, again, how in the world his brother would even want to be in the company of such a man. He never thought of Illumi as the aggressive killer, and outside work, he would only kill if he found it fit. This Hisoka guy was a crazy man as far as Alluka's assumptions were concerned. "Not to worry though," Killua pressed a few more buttons again and presented a whole new message to the other boys. "See, here is an update of how they're doing. They have just recently boarded a plane. One clue Hisoka left to us is that they are in a different continent." "Big help that gives us," it was Alluka's turn on sarcasm. Gon blinked and stared at the message some more. "Has he said anything about Illumi-san?" he asked, a question to which Alluka took an immediate interest in. "Uh, yes, a while back. It was his first message to me actually. Let's see," a few more buttons pressed, "Here we go: Hey Killua! Remember me? I hope Gon-chan's--blah blah blah blah..." Alluka caught the winces on the other boys' faces as Killua passed through those lines, "blah blah...okay, this part makes better sense. As you already know, I'm here with Illumi. I'm helping him, you see. Tell dear Hime-chan that no, she is not the victim here, and no, neither is Illumi because he's actually the one bossing me around (huhu...), plus no, she shouldn't worry her cute little pink pedicures over Illu-chan because he's in good hands. Pause for obligatory gag." Gon obediently did so. Killua nodded and continued. "You may call me in this number if you wish to know more. I don't have much time, Illumi's calling for me. He's sick by the way, although I think you already know that. Tell your brother that Illu's getting better so he need not worry, the kid might pee on his pants if he think about it too much. Ja, tell Gon that I-- okay, I don't need to share that one. But that's it as far as what Hisoka wrote is concerned." Killua closed his cellphone and looked at his companions. On his side, Gon was busy hitting a fist to his chest to regain the ability to breathe. The dark-haired boy seemed to look a bit pale. "Promise me you'll never let me read that whole message ever," he said between sick wheezes as he rubbed goose bumps off his arms. "Aa, gladly," said Killua, who then reopens his cellphone to erase that certain message. Alluka, on the other, hand was seething in place. "That--that sick bastard, I'll kill him!!!" The boy then proceeded on clawing one of Killua's pillows and actually succeeded in pulling out a handful of feathers from it before the other pulled it away from him. "Oi, pull his hair out for all I care, but leave my things alone!" he said, bopping Alluka's head once, but succeeded in doing nothing but spread a mist of feathers all around, creating an even bigger mess. Before he could react, Killua then found himself choking on feathers as Alluka jumped on top of him to shove any bunch of feathers within his reach. "Oi Killua?" asked Gon, poking Killua on the cheek to switch his attention to him instead of spraying feathers and spit all around. When he got the other boy's attention, he raised a hand to ask, "Are Leorio and Kurapika adults yet?" Killua blinked at that. "Oh yeah..." "Leorio and Kurapika?" asked Alluka, looking from Killua to Gon. "They're the two guys we met with at the mall," explained Killua. "You weren't able to officially meet yet, I think. Gawd, Hisoka and his timing. I'll introduce you to them next time we meet them, although I'm not entirely sure if they're considered as the 'adults' Hisoka was talking about, Gon," he said, saying this to his dark-haired friend. "Can you ask Hisoka if we can tell them, then?" "Now wait a second here!" Alluka waved his hands around and gave Gon The Look. "You mean you're actually going to just agree with that Hisoka guy!?" All Gon gave was an innocent blink. "Do we have a choice?" "I don't know--" "Come on, Allu, it's Hisoka we're talking about here. You should've been there with me during the exams--" "I was out studying, Killua, unlike someone I know..." "Hisoka is the devil reincarnate, and no, Alluka, I have no idea what you're talking about," Killua pauses to stick a tongue out at his brother. "Still, I'm going to try to negotiate." "Of course, you have to know if such a word actually exists in Hisoka vocabulary," added Gon. "Yes, that too, but it'll be easy if I use Kurapika against him," Killua then gave Gon a considerable look. "And probably your name too if I'm desperate. You kind of have that effect on Hisoka." Gon and Alluka promptly turned green.   The insistent ringing of a familiar song on high-pitched cellular phone tones rang through Illumi's ear like a death call. With a groan that clearly spelled out his annoyance, he pushed himself up from the comforts of his pillow to glare at the accursed thing that woke him up. And the damned thing actually had the nerve to still go on ringing. Hissing out a curse that would've had Hisoka pouting on his heels (an image that did not appeal to him whatsoever), Illumi stared down at the lump beside him and started tugging at the covers. It's been a while since he started sleeping with Hisoka beside him that he somehow got used to finding the magician whenever he would do as much as move his hand an inch to the one side. It didn't bother him anymore, so long as Hisoka would keep his hands to himself. The magician was usually a quiet sleeper, but there were moments when he would intrude on Illumi's space, albeit accidentally. Still, that didn't change the fact that the assassin was territorial. Plus the fact that Hisoka can be a bit... intimidating when it comes to his expertise in making someone uncomfortable. Illumi had decided long before that Hisoka was doing it on purpose, and that he would not give the guy the satisfaction of thinking about those things for longer than a few minutes. "Oi," he mumbled out when the big lump for a body refused to wake up. "Answer your damn phone before I throw it out the window." A faint grumbling was heard before Hisoka's hand finally shot up to retrieve the phone from the night table. Illumi peevishly watched Hisoka pulling in his cellphone with him beneath the covers. "Hello?" Hisoka could feel Illumi sliding back beneath the covers, his grumpiness evident even in his silence. Had Hisoka been any more awake than he was, he would've given a smug smirk at that. But he wasn't, and really, it was 4:00 in the morning. "What in the devil's name do you think you're doing calling me up this early in the morning, you sick fuck?" There was supposed to be more threat in that, but he was probably just too sleepy. "Oh please, don't degrade me as much as to put me on the same level with you, Hisoka," said the voice from the other line. "And besides, the last time I checked, I had no idea where you are, much less the timeline your ass is sitting in." Aah, of course. Killua. Only one person in the entire world would talk to him like that and actually live to tell about it. Damn that brat. "And what, pray tell, do I owe the honor of hearing your voice at this ungodly hour?" he asked with as much fervor as the boy he was speaking to. "For your information, it's still 8:30 in the evening here." "Whatever kid, what do you want?" Hisoka was in the midst of falling asleep again. He couldn't help but yawn, not even trying to stifle it at all. "I am very flattered by your obvious enthusiasm, Hisoka," drawled Killua. "If I were you, I'd speak before this phone call is cut short." "Bah. I just called to ask about that thing you said last time. We're just wondering if we could include Leorio and Kurapika in this?" Hisoka snorted. If he remembered it right, Leorio was the more mature-looking one in their group, the one aspiring to be a doctor if his mind was serving him well. He really wouldn't care if he was dead for all he cared, but it'll be a cold day in Hell before he would allow that Kurapika to ever step near him again. It was very seldom for someone to actually use him for their own selfish whims and step out of it unscathed. Or alive, even. And they called Hisoka himself manipulative. "What was the condition, brat?" he asked irritably, annoyed at the prolonged conversation and the memory of that humiliating moment outside Yorkshin. "Do you really expect us to blindly follow you around with only us three kids involved? Come on, we're not that stupid." "Oh? For a moment there I almost doubted that." A snort was immediately heard from the other line. "No. The Kuruta kid still pisses me off. Isn't he busy wrecking havoc on some other bad guy's life?" "You are such a child, Hisoka." Hisoka scowled, and was just about to give another retort for that when the man beside him stirred. Illumi's head poked out from the covers, hair slightly disheveled from the unceremonious pulling down of the blanket. Completely forgetting about Killua, Hisoka suddenly had the urge pull the assassin in and kiss him. For the nth time. Although one had to give him credit even for just the fact that his urges had weakened down from pushing Illumi up a wall and doing him until they're both sore to just simple, unadulterated kisses. But like all the other urges, the threat of being castrated for something so simple still remained. "Who are you talking to?" asked Illumi, a frown on his face. Illumi still didn't know about what Hisoka was doing. He clearly didn't seem to be interested in eavesdropping on phone calls either. It looked as if it's because he didn't really care, but Hisoka still wished to believe that Illumi's just too preoccupied. Or something. With what he hoped to be an innocent grin, Hisoka spoke. "Nobody important, love, go back to sleep." The assassin, not at all oblivious to the endearment (although it would be kind of hard to be given that Hisoka seemed to use it every time he would get the chance to do so), gave the other a hard, long stare before rolling his eyes and diving back beneath the covers. "You are so sick, Hisoka," he said for his final words before burying himself back to bed. Hisoka sighed, noting still the dismissive tone in Illumi's voice. Of course it was just a joke to probably piss Illumi off, but the other didn't have to be that harsh about it. Okay, so maybe that's not really out of the ordinary for the assassin to be all cold and cruel at times, but still. Somehow you'd think, with all his obvious stunts to show interest, the other would've had a faint idea on what he's on about. But trust Illumi to have saltwater slapped on his face and still doubt that he's still on a boat. Well, there went his last hopes of getting enough gusto on staying awake. Back to Killua. "Oi," he said, a little more tired this time. "Unless a 'no' would be an acceptable answer for you, I'd just call you back, probably when it's at least past sunrise." He could hear Killua snickering somewhere on the other line. "Ooh, you're keeping secrets from Aniki! You know, he'll eventually find out and you are so dea--" The line was cut short even before the boy could finish what he was saying. Really, Hisoka knew what he was going to say anyway, and he couldn't really say that he minded. After all, one would almost think that he's only trying to test Illumi's patience because that's the only way he could get the other to respond. End of Chapter 12
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Part 13
Standards disclaimers apply. Uhm, I'm flat broke, and Hunter x Hunter is still not mine. The world is cruel. Oh, and the little pause in the middle? I didn't start writing until March, ehehe... The last days of February were spent worshiping Mana and Malice Mizer and wondering whether or not I would give Mana justice if I like Gackt. Rea-life yaoi fandom is a painful thing, but they're just so cute~!!! I did nothing other than that. I didn't even play my favorite games in mIRC and I'll probably lose the next time I join Trivia again, but meh. Mana's androgynous and he's hot, so I'm happy. (How can a guy have a face shaped like a woman's anyway??) He reminds of Illumi too when his hair is black. ^________^ Doesn't help that Gackt looks like Hisoka. I think that's where it started anyway. Damn... OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( tartarus000@yahoo.com ) Chapter 13 - A Foreboding Breathe. That was what Illumi's brain told him to do, and seeing that it seemed like a good advice since he realized that he just stopped doing so seconds ago, he took a deep intake of air, and breathe he did. Though it did help the sudden darkening of his eyesight, it did not change the message that was flashing before his eyes. "What is it, what is it?" came Hisoka's insistent questioning as he left the post Illumi assigned him to stay in and positioned himself behind the assassin. He looked over the other man's shoulder and peered at the screen in front of them. He blinked for a couple of seconds, but eventually muttered, "Oh my..." Well that was the understatement of the year. Illumi rolled his eyes before shifting them back on the ATM screen, damnable thing that it was. A small beeping sound pulled his attention to the small slit above the screen as a small piece of paper was ejected. He pulled the paper out and read what was written. Amount stored on account: 0.00 "Gee, no shit?" came Hisoka's helpful comment as he, too, obviously looked over what was written. Well, at least he was being supportive. Illumi sighed, pitying himself for even thinking that last thought, and crumpled the sheet into a tiny ball before throwing it out on the trash bin beside him. He could feel Hisoka's eyes on him as they stepped out of the small room and back on the street. He could feel the question coming up as well, so instead of waiting, he raced his companion to it and said, "I'm going to look for a job." Hisoka was a bit slow on the uptake, but once he was done staring at Illumi as if grown a third eye on the middle of his forehead, he immediately asked, "Why?" "Because, unless it isn't so obvious," said Illumi, fully aware that the other was testing his patience without knowing it for probably the first time since he knew him, "I'm broke. That was the last bank, and you know what happened with the others as well." He said it without even a glance of the man behind him and didn't even bother looking back if he was actually there. Hisoka would probably follow him to Hell with the rate he's going through, so if there was anything he had to worry about, Hisoka disappearing soon was not one of them. As expected, light footsteps came beside him in no time. "What for? I mean, money was never a problem between us, I pay for almost everything," said the magician, falling in step with the other. Illumi gave him a sharp look. "Yes, and they all add up to my debt." Hisoka grinned. "What debt?" Earning Illumi's sharpest glare upon saying that, the magician knew that that wasn't the best thing to say. Illumi was never one to take having to owe favors lightly. Damn proud of him really, in the magician's opinion, but then again, perhaps he would've felt the same way had he been in the other's position. Money was almost never a problem when you're a Hunter, but Illumi's just like that. "But isn't it strange," he said once the atmosphere cleared out, "What happened to your bank accounts?" 'My family is the devil reincarnate separated into different persons,' muttered Illumi, fully knowing whose fault it was. He swore that he was never going to do Milluki any more favors in the future, if they ever meet again. "What was that?" asked Hisoka. He didn't quite catch what the other just said. "Nothing." Illumi sighed, stopping in front of an internet cafe. He paid on the front desk and took the farthest computer on the corner. Upon seating himself on the seat, he entered a random search engine and started typing away. One would know that Illumi had done it many times before, as he didn't even stop long enough to read where he was going. "Need a license or did you bring yours?" asked Hisoka, referring to his Hunter license card. "No need. I have my connections," said Illumi, and was almost immediately inside a website that was a blank, black page except for a small strip of white asking for the password on the lower-left corner. Beside that space was a small, animated green frog. Illumi paid the frog no heed, knowing that it was just a facade to hide what the website was (as if the URL being purplecurry.com didn't hide that enough) and just typed fast enough for Hisoka to miss the first password. And the second. And the third.(1) Upon seeing yet another similar screen, Hisoka frowned and tapped Illumi's head. "Forgot the password?" he asked playfully, grinning as Illumi entered another set of keys only to come back to the same screen again. "No," muttered the assassin, typing another set of keys again. "You need to type five different passwords to get in." And upon saying that, he tapped the enter key once again and was immediately brought to the website he was after. He scanned through the front news, reading a few of the articles before continuing on his scanning. "Mafia-affiliate," said Hisoka, his voice low. He looked over his shoulder just in case someone heard him. Sure that there was no one, he grinned and rested his chin on Illumi's head. His grin widened when he received no negative reaction. "Not bad. Are you sure it's safe to access their site in a public place like this?" "It's the least of my concerns," replied Illumi, in the midst of reading one certain document. "Besides, that's what the passwords are for. I'm sure they have their own ways to secure information anyway. But the site isn't that secret. A lot of bounty hunters know about it too." "How come I don't know about it then?" asked Hisoka, now mindlessly playing with Illumi's hair. "You're not a bounty hunter, Hisoka," was all Illumi said before confirming the print command. As the printer beside the computer started to work, a faint ringing sound was heard somewhere inside Hisoka pockets. The magician pulled away from the assassin (pity really, he was just getting comfortable) and took his cell phone out. An eyebrow raised at the name flashing on the screen. "I'll just be outside, Illumi," said Hisoka. Illumi gave a quick nod before snatching the paper from the printer once it was done. * * * * * Killua tapped the wooden surface of the table as he waited for the other line to be answered. The young boy grinned when it was picked up. "Hello, Hisoka. Having fun molesting my brother yet?" A faint laughter was heard from the other line. "You can say that," was his reply, before the laughing continued. It was more on the cackle side, thought Killua. A hybrid between a cackle and a giggle. Completely Hisoka-like. The Zoldick heir scoffed. "Does he know about your little games yet?" "Not yet," answered Hisoka. "But if you're still worrying about me being unfaithful to your brother, you needn't have to. I'll tell him soon. Probably when things are already working out well." There's that cackle-giggle thing again. "You are so twisted, clown. I pity Illumi already," said Killua, shaking his head. "Oh, and about that Leorio and Kurapika thing... care for some blackmail?" "You actually need my permission to blackmail me?" "Well, technically no, but unlike you, we're the good guys. We give warnings," was Killua's answer. Hearing Hisoka's snort from the other line, the boy merely rolled his eyes and continued. "Okay, so point 1: Gon will hate you forever if you don't include our two friends in." "When has that child ever liked me anyway?" "Wow, you actually know that Gon hates your guts to the point of disemboweling you? You're not as clueless as I thought you were!" Killua feigned surprise and started barraging Hisoka with another set of insults. "Enough, you brat, I get the point! Besides, like me or not, I'll go after Gon when the time comes." "Not when you're rotting corpse is tied on top of a lightning pole you're not," said Killua sarcastically. "Anyway, we can always give Hime-neechan your number. I suggest you buy a pair of ear plugs for that." "Must you call her 'neechan'? She's not even your sister." "Heh, jealous?" Killua grinned upon hearing the other's disagreeing grunt. "You know, I'd rather drop dead than actually call you 'niichan, just so you know, Hisoka." "Oi, that's hitting below the belt, boy," growled Hisoka. Killua had to wonder if the other meant the offense or not. Hisoka being Hisoka, nothing was for sure, but Killua could tell that there was a hint of injury in that last remark. He probably went too far on that one. Hey, maybe Hisoka really did care for his brother and none of them even knew it. Heh. Yeah, right. Still, that really seemed far too harsh, so even just for Gon and his good heart's sake, Killua sighed and said, "Yeah, I guess, sorry. Geez, you don't need to be so uptight about it." "But I 'wuv my Illu-chan and you hurt my feelings~!" Now that was just too much. "STOP!" Killua had to hold the head board of his bed to keep him from falling off the edge. His hand immediately flew to his throat as he almost choked. He did not just hear Hisoka say what he just said and especially not in the way he just did! "God Hisoka, what the hell are you trying to do, give me a heart attack!?" Another laugh. "Serves you right. Anyway, this is taking too long. Do whatever you want, kid, but next time, go with the flow and don't give me too much trouble on this. Technically, you can say I'm still working for him. I fail and Illumi hates me, you're all dead. I haven't seen myself all crazy and vengeful, and I don't think you'd like to be the receiving end of my first time on that, would you?" Again, Killua wasn't sure if Hisoka was actually serious, but he didn't want to take any chances. "Sure thing." He then hung up. * * * * * Blue-gray eyes gazed out into the vast, open sea, one that seemed rather endless even when you're standing on top of the highest tower in the city. The cigar stick was giving its desired effect, and for those few seconds that one deep breath gave him the satisfaction of being intoxicated, Reiji closed his eyes and succumbed to the feeling. He could almost feel that headache wearing off. "Sir?" The man turned away from the glass window to face his young secretary, a boy probably around 40 years younger than he was. He never really bothered asking him how old he was, only that his skills were adequate enough for him to deserve his current position. Pulling the cigar away from his mouth, Reiji nodded to the young man to acknowledge his presence. "Mr. Rose just called and asked about your previous arrangement and why it has to be moved," said the young man. Reiji closed his eyes and sat down, setting the stick of cigar aside before facing the young man again. "Just tell him that my schedule could not permit me to see nor speak to him any time soon." He said this almost painfully, the ill twist in his face betraying his dislike for the topic. He cursed his current situation, knowing that he could not hide the secret for too long. Patiently, the young secretary stood before him, waiting for further instructions. The man on the chair looked up again, deep in thought, then added, "Tell him that my daughter also sends her regards to his son." It may probably ease the tempest for a while more. End of chapter 13 [1] I have absolutely no idea how top-security sites work, so I kind of just played with it and had fun. Hehe, curry. Oh Mana... *hugs a Moi Dix Mois poster* Author's Notes: I know the chapters are short, but bear with me on this, okay? I'm beginning to see a plot here, but I'm still playing with it. I can't believe I lasted for 13 chapters without an actual plot in mind. Gods, pathetic. But it was fun. Pathetic of me to start a project like that, but maybe that's just me not used to being spontaneous. Gaah, my head, got me 5 more bottles of my medicine, yay! 500 capsules is good. Will last me for almost one more year of sanity. *manic grin*
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Part 14
Standards disclaimers apply. Uhm, I'm still flat broke, and Hunter x Hunter is still not mine. The world is cruel. Anyway, consider this chapter as the time Hisoka finally snapped. Oh, yeah. Obligatory warning. This is what makes this fanfic yaoi. *points at chapter* And for the first time, I think it's not entirely Hisoka's fault o.O Yeah, I think it's creepy too... I'm not entirely comfortable with this chapter (as I have been with the previous chapters lately), but unless I want to start another one from scratch, you guys will still have to bear with me right now >.< Inspiration is running scarce and the weather isn't helping any, y'know? (damn summers...) Oh, and to Pillow, maybe it's just me, but mostly, Hisoka reminds me of Gackt. Well, not Gackt-in-the-JPop-world kind of Gackt. Geez, Gackt, despite that libido and that take-me-and-do-what-you-will image, is the type of guy who cries easily and faints after concerts. (*sighs* Although trust me to fall for a guy who cries... darn that man) I mean Gackt while he was in Malice Mizer (with matching sharp eyes and interesting hairstyles) plus the libido/take-me add-on I pointed out back there. Have you seen him as Death? Gaah, 'tis the best costume ever given to him. Mana's cuter, but I'm biased. Meh. Anyway, Gackt's image drastically changed when he left Malice Mizer, his features became significantly soft and... er, cute o.O (I'm going to get killed saying that...) To Mica, thank you again for the wonderful feedbacks. I hope this makes you happy. I told you sadomasochism will somehow be involved... but hey, at least there's blood. =P OF GAMES AND ASSASSINS by: Cherrie ( tartarus000@yahoo.com ) Chapter 14 - Meeting the Brink The phone was set down with little to no grace, with the light 'bang' as a clear indication of the contempt with which the action was done with. An indignant scoff soon followed, all of which being faithfully followed by two keen ears. "Who does that fool think he's playing with?" said the man responsible for the earlier commotion. The smooth leather executive chair shifted as its occupant turned none-too-gently to the pair of eyes from across the room. A snarl grew on the old man's already wrinkled face, making him look like a white-haired lion just about to strike. "I hope you're happy with yourself. This is all your fault for not following orders." The other man, a young man in his mid-20's, pushed himself off the wall and stepped into the light. Strands of black hair fell on the smooth surface of the pair of glasses covering the lad's eyes. Not even bothering to push away the minor annoyance, he made the move to turn away, his direction leading him to the oak doors of the office. "Mark my words, Lee. If this brings shame to the family name, you know who I will be pointing the blame to," threatened the older man. But all words were ignored as the footsteps that moved away from the speaker never faltered. Coming only to stop to open the doors, the young man, the one called 'Lee', uttered words that were lost to the older one's ears. "That's the least of my concerns, sir." * * * * * "Yes, 7:00 will be fine," said Illumi, the pen in his hand twirling in between his fingers the moment the place and time were jotted down on the small piece of paper. There was a moment of silence as the assassin received further instructions, an unconscious hand that still held the pen going up to press on the his temples, then eventually the bridge of his nose, eyes closing for a moment as a wave of discomfort passed itself through his body. "Yes, I understand. Thank you." The phone was set down, and automatically, dark eyes shot up from the table to the other pair of eyes that had been watching the assassin's every move since the phone call started. Illumi sighed, giving the magician on the bed an exasperated glare. "What is your problem now?" he asked, quite disturbed, not because of the gaze that followed every step he took, but because of the fact that he seemed to be starting to get used to it enough to actually find being watched by the other so commonplace that it was as if it was as normal as him breathing. Not to say that he didn't mind, but he was starting to tolerate it after a few days. It also didn't help that every time the magician would shift his eyes elsewhere, Illumi would find himself watching him in return. Damn that man. Hisoka could feel the corner of his lips lifting, undoubtedly gaining some sort of amusement from the discomfort of the younger man. It somehow developed into a trait, seeing Illumi that way. "You said 'thank you'," he said, pointing a playful finger at Illumi. Illumi, giving out a sigh in between relief and frustration, rolled his eyes. "Hisoka, I say it when it's called for. And besides, I said 'thank you' to you once before," he said, staring back at the piece of paper he just wrote on. "Although right now, I can't remember how you even deserved such a thing." Great, this seemed to be a start of another inane conversation with Hisoka. Not a good thing. "Aah, now that's just mean," the magician started, his cheerful expression immediately falling from his face. "And besides, good deed or no, you're still kind of scary doing that. You don't eat people, do you?" he teased. He gained a raised eyebrow at that, but the tension eventually waned when Illumi's muffled, 'As if you're not scary yourself,' brought another grin back in Hisoka's face in two seconds flat. Hisoka eyed the assassin for a few more seconds before saying, "Ne, Illu? Are you still sick?" Illumi winced at the thought. He's been sick ever since he stepped on this new country, and to him, he already handled enough of his share of such ill discomfort to last him a lifetime. He was a Zoldick, damn it! Sure he was on his way of getting himself disowned (disturbing thought, that), but he still carried the family traits. "No. Probably just an upcoming headache. That phone call took longer than necessary," he said, the knuckle on his forefinger still kneading the same spot on his temple. He was just about planning to stay like that, but it was Hisoka's hand that made him look up, beckoning him to where the magician laid. For a moment, he stared at the hand offered, wondering if it would be a good idea. But when the magician showed no signs of taking the offer back, Illumi gave a yielding sigh and a light shrug before walking over to where the other was. He sat himself on the carpeted floor, leaning his head back on the soft side of the mattress when he felt the others fingers on his head, massaging the same spot that he preoccupied himself with just a while ago. Hisoka rose from his position to sit behind Illumi, both hand's fingers gently yet firmly clawed through the assassin's hair, working on the scalp and removing the heat that was trapped beneath the thick mass. Cool fingers replaced the heat that was being radiated, and the younger of the two leaned back to the touch. Hisoka couldn't help but provide a raised eyebrow at that. Illumi was probably feeling worse than he let on. He wouldn't normally be as complacent to him. Whoa. Was that him being insecure? Damn, that's bad. "I need a name." Fortunately, Illumi's voice pulled him back from that dangerous line of thought. He could feel his ego going down a notch, and that was definitely not healthy. "What was that?" he asked instead. Satisfied that the heat trapped under Illumi's hair had cooled enough to be comfortable, he started pressing on certain points on the assassin's face, starting with the places where the eyebrows began, sliding down to the temples, then around and under the eyes. Whatever Hisoka was doing, he was certainly doing it quite well. Illumi allowed himself to lean down on the cross from which the magician's ankles met sitting down. Finding his voice, he replied, "I meant a false name. I don't want to risk my family prodding in on my personal accounts from here on again. And besides, I don't think it would be a good idea if I use 'Zoldick' right now, seeing my case." "That wouldn't be so hard," said Hisoka, who was busy taking note of the faraway look in the other's eyes. Of course, that was right before he had to look away lest he develop the same dazed look himself. It wasn't like it was helping things. He was starting to think that this was a bad idea. As if he wasn't sexually frustrated enough, but no, he just had to forget the little things, didn't he? "Most assassins use false names. I think your family is only one of the very few who actually give their real name." "Like I said before, we have nothing to hide." "No, you people are just too damn proud." That, at least, earned a smirk. Cute. Hisoka wondered if he should start getting his head checked. "Perhaps," said Illumi, shifting in place. He groaned at the sudden lightheadedness that waved past him at the slight movement. The sound, of course, did not escape Hisoka. That, of course, was not a good thing. "Maybe it's just jet lag or something," he offered. Illumi opened his eyes halfway. Hisoka didn't even notice them closing a while ago. Shit, that's just too sexy-- And double shit for ever thinking that. So Illumi's being too submissive. Remember that he's got the ability to disembowel you if you do so much as try anything. His life sucked. "I can only wish it's just that," said the assassin not without a hint of spite, his gaze straight on the wall across them. "You'd think my first experience with the flu was enough, but someone up there seems to hate me so much." Hisoka smirked despite himself. "You acknowledge the presence of someone greater than your father?" he teased, pulling the assassin's head so their eyes met. "That's new. You must've done something really wrong, huh?" "Yeah, well everything seems to be going wrong," said Illumi, sighing yet again. "Oh, not exactly everything." There was silence after that, but Hisoka didn't mind as he continued on with what he was doing. He briefly wondered if Illumi had his own soap or was he also just using the ones the hotel provided. How come his skin looked and felt so much better than his? That's almost not freakin' fair. Illumi's a man and an assassin. Where does beautification get in between? "You still up for that meeting tonight?" he asked instead, referring to the previous arrangements the other just made over the phone to once again cut off his train of thought. Conversation seemed to be getting rather difficult. "Of course," said the assassin, but Hisoka could spot the light hint of soreness in the response. He was now working on the muscles on Illumi's nape, his thumbs alternating in movement as he dragged them along the length of the pale neck, feeling the vibrations as Illumi spoke. "The assignment seems urgent. Involves some family feuds or something. But the amount offered would be enough to at least cover a small part of one of my previous accounts." "I guess that issue about giving me the expenses for now is really out of the question, huh?" Illumi sighed again, though from exasperation or from the massage he was being given, Hisoka wasn't sure. "We're not fucking married, Hisoka," said the assassin. So much for that last thought. That same deadpan answer and yet despite all that, Hisoka laughed. He. Freakin'. Laughed. You'd think he would be in the least bit upset, but not really. He supposed he must've cracked from being set aside like that for too many times that he somehow grew immune to it. Besides, he realized that most of the time Illumi didn't mean the fowl words. Most of the time, at least. The man could have a sharp vocabulary if he wanted to. And to think that Illumi had a limited grasp on language. Apparently, his little eruption caused the person under him to look up and give him a weird look. "You really are crazy," came Illumi's wry comment, but that's it as far as movement was concerned. He was still letting Hisoka work on him despite the looks he was shooting the other with. He settled that he needed it more than he needed to get away from the other man anyway. "And tact seems really non-existent with you," replied Hisoka, now combing through the assassin's hair with his fingers. "You know, with me helping you out and all, you can at least cut the smartass cracks. What do you think?" This was said by tilting Illumi's head up to him again.. And that was what triggered it: his fingertips on that white, graceful neck, both thumbs rubbing against two smooth cheeks and that sharp look he received upon meeting those coal black eyes. Hisoka seemed to feel something snap, and for a moment he stopped. Something in his eyes shone like faint gold as a new wave of need flowed through him, different and much more stronger than those before, washing over him uncontrollably, pulling him down to close the gap. Briefly, Hisoka remembered that he made a promise to himself that he will cut the kills for as long as he could. Why the thought actually crossed his mind then, he wasn't quite sure. But there was something about the situation that sent a giant wave in him, although he couldn't pin-point what it could mean. Their noses touched, and for a brief second he pulled away, the better half of him pounding on his head with the same warnings that kept him away from the other for the past weeks, and perhaps it was his initial fear - if that's the right term - of the assassin that kept him still. But when their eyes met again and he could see the other's steady gaze, he realized that Illumi hadn't even spoken, and merely seemed to wait for his next move. Satisfied that there were no signs of restraint from the other, the magician lunged for the nearest touch of skin he could reach. Starting from the area behind the assassin's ear, he played the soft lobe between his teeth. Unable to contain himself, his arms wrapped around the assassin's waist and shoulders, pulling him as close to him as humanly possible. It was Illumi's moan that became his undoing and whatever held him against claiming the assassin's lips just seconds ago was immediately pushed away. Now, he was already able to kiss him before, during that time back in Quenya with Illumi's brothers chasing after them. But that was just a brief touch, and he wasn't even able to do much nor last for too long because Illumi didn't seem to be in the position to respond positively to that intrusion. And besides, Killua and the others were there. Though that wouldn't have been a problem for Hisoka, he didn't think Illumi would ever forgive him if he did anything worse than what he had done in front of the his younger brothers. But this. This was more than a kiss. There were no restrictions, no limits, and they were behind the confines of four closed walls. There was no audience to fool, no family to deceive into believing anything. Just them. And somehow that was the very thing that brought him back his past madness, reminding him of that almost unquenchable hunger that made everything seem to radiate heat underneath his touch. He didn't notice himself sliding down to level with Illumi, nor did he notice it when he was already straddling the other's thighs, tearing through cloth and skin for a reminder of that crimson stream from which he had been deprived of for so long. It was that, the mixing of blood and his built-up desire for the younger man underneath him that pushed him to the brink of insanity, and he growled at that unsatisfied craving, his hands clawing and practically not knowing what they wanted to do first before Hisoka finally pushed in to run his tongue along the pale skin, the thick, metallic taste of the assassin's very essence pouring through him like an elixir. Too much into his own daze to realize anything else, it was Illumi calling out his name that somehow woke him up. Narrow eyes snapped open, gold fading back into that recognizable black, and he would've pulled away completely had Illumi not taken a firm hold of his bloodied wrist. The assassin stared at the crimson-stained hand for a while, ragged breathing being the only sound that could be heard inside the room. But his face remained blank, and eventually his gaze shifted back to the fire-haired magician in front of him. "Just don't get any of my blood on the sheets. I don't want to cause any commotion around this hotel." Hisoka gaped - and no, there was no other word for it - and stared hard. Waiting. And... That's it? No needles up my throat, no death threats, nothing? But that wasn't all. The magician could only sit still as Illumi extracted himself away from his legs and weight. The raven-haired man stood, wincing slightly as he touched the wound from which Hisoka had somehow clawed his way through the skin. It had been a while since he bled that much, but he supposed that humoring Hisoka for a while wouldn't be so bad. A pale hand was in front of Hisoka after that. "Come with me," he beckoned. Having no other choice but to follow the more sensible of them both, Hisoka took the offered hand and allowed himself to be helped up. Illumi wasted no time after that and pulled Hisoka with him, going around the coffee table and the towels that littered the floor and into the closed bathroom. He shut the door, opened the glassed shower stall and pulled Hisoka in without another word. The next thing the other knew was his shirt being pulled out of his pants along with the pull on his belt buckle. "Uh... Illumi?" "Shut up." Okay, so that deadpan tone was at least Illumi-like. Hisoka could only watch as his companion's quick hands deftly worked on the buttons on his shirt. Dark eyes drifted closed as the piece of clothing fell on the tiled floor, followed by the sound of the metal of his belt crashing onto something somewhere outside the shower stall. He wasn't given the chance to dwell on whatever it was that it hit though, because soon after that, Hisoka lost all his senses as soft lips descended down to his once again. Something else was also poured into the kiss, like a thick fluid flowing from the assassin's mouth to his, a cross between tangible and intangible, liquid and gas. It wasn't just the effect of the kiss. He was sure that it was something that really came from the assassin himself. [2] He wasn't able to think on it too much though because soon, Illumi's tongue had invaded his mouth and was being too much of a pleasurable distraction. Although whatever it was that was given him, it was quick to act. From his lips alone, everything seemed to spread at a steady pace, covering every inch of him with heat and electricity that can almost be compared to mild static, leaving him only with the feel of soft strands of silk rubbing on the skin of his neck and shoulders. He gritted his teeth and let out a small hiss as the initial softness turned into hard points, slitting the skin just below his shoulders, three cuts on each side that resembled the work of sharp claws. He arched back against the wall as he felt a feather-like touch running through the fresh wounds, and when he opened his eyes, he met Illumi's gaze, now fired and intense and so much unlike the way he had looked at him in the past. He could feel the corners of his lips lifting into a grin. "I thought you'll have to get ready for a business meeting?" he teased, not entirely powerless now that he's gained some of his senses back. His fingers lifted up to tangle themselves between the strands of black hair. "Nice trick, though. I forgot that the strongest path of nen to another body is through the mouth. I actually planned to offer it when you were sick, but I didn't think you'd want it." [1] The other gave a smirk. "Learn from your mistakes then," was all he said. Hisoka couldn't help it. He gave the assassin another weird look. "You're acting weird, you know that?" Illumi shrugged. "So you're contagious." "Ooh, that's harsh. I still regret not offering the nen thing, though," said Hisoka with a dramatic sigh, half-mockery, half-truth. Illumi shook his head with an expression of amusement. "It's all right. You gave me the aspirins, anyway." "Yeah, but wouldn't it be more fun if we used the easier way?" Illumi gave a small smirk before turning thoughtful for a while, watching his own fingers playing with the small droplets of blood that fell from the wounds he inflicted. Right. This was already a sudden move for a first time but still there's already sadomasochism coming into play. Trust Hisoka to be obsessed like that. Illumi leaned in once again, whispering in the other's ears in a way that sent a shiver through the magician's body. "We've got an hour." * * * * * "Damn it, it just goes on ringing," said an exasperated Killua. The cellphone was pressed to his ears with an effort, and he looked like he might bang the thing to the nearest wall if he had to wait any longer than he already was. Of course, his insistent brother pulling on the hem of his shirt might contribute to his agitation. Alluka really never got over the whole Illumi-is-with-a-stranger issue. "Killua, don't you think you're crowding Hisoka with all those phone calls? With what I've heard, you never get off the phone," said Kurapika, who was leaning on the far wall just beside where a sleeping Leorio was laid out on a three-person couch. He and the other man just met up with the three kids just hours ago, when Killua gave them this twisted sort of an 'okay signal' for them to follow. There never really was a clear explanation as to what was truly happening, but the young Kuruta decided that there better be one soon or else his head will explode with all the surprises. Hisoka alone was bad enough, but throw in Illumi? That, he just can't take. "I have a bad feeling about this," contributed Alluka, who was busy twisting around with the covers on his bed after being pushed away by his older brother. "Yeah, for 624 hours straight and I think you better give your mind a break from all the worrying before you blow up," came Killua's retort. With a final sigh, he set the phone back down on its rest before plopping down to sit on the bed with Gon. "I say we just go there straight. Kurapika, where is Daventri anyway? How come I never heard of it before?" "It's probably because that country actually goes by two names. The name was just recently changed to Interterra for political reasons. They've just modified the maps last year or perhaps earlier, but Daventri is still a known name. Also, some people still use Daventri, some for nationalistic purposes, some for the familiarity, some perhaps--" "Okay, so with history books set aside, where is this Daventri, or Interterra, as you say it?" Kurapika, not too happy with being cut off, glared at Killua but continued with his explanation anyway. "It'll take about 6 to 7 hours to get there by flight. You did notice the difference in time as compared to this place, right?" The Kuruta stopped in mid-speech when Leorio started to stir from his place. As the doctor sat up and rubbed his eyes, Kurapika spoke again. "Although... don't you think it strange? I mean, why would Hisoka want us to follow them there?" "Because, as I've been saying all these time while you people are there ignoring me, this guy is just fooling around with Aniki!" retorts Alluka, who was beyond anxiety by then. "He thinks it's fun for us to go there because of the chase. We won't even see them, that's for sure. Of course it's better than being in another country, but still! He's playing with us, he's playing with Aniki, I don't even think he'd care if we actually get a hold of Aniki. He keeps him with him so this little game of his will go on, but once he loses, he'll be upset, but will he do anything to get Aniki back? No, and that's just not fair because doesn't have the right to play with Aniki's feelings!" Leorio, although still in a daze from his nap, was quick with his reply. He snorted before saying, "What feelings?" Before Alluka could say anything - which he was obviously planning to do at the intensity of his glare at Leorio - Kurapika spoke up again. "Perhaps, but how do you explain Hisoka refusing you to take any adults with you? When you look at it, the only reason why he could've wanted that is because if ever they were to be faced with your elders, there might even be no contest. Illumi-san, if necessary, might even be taken against his will and Hisoka can do nothing about that." "So there's no fun with fighting people you can't defeat. Illumi has the same ideals, perhaps he passed it on to Hisoka," said Killua off-handedly. Kurapika shrugged. "Again, perhaps, but you've got to keep in mind that with Hisoka's antics, his relationship with Illumi-san lasted for years. Not even Kuroro," insert small wince here, "gained Hisoka's attention for so long." "Oh good gods, he said relationship..." was Alluka's prompt moaning before he buried his head beneath his pillow. "I didn't mean that in a romantic sense, Alluka-kun," said Kurapika, a bit awkwardly. He still didn't believe Hisoka and Illumi being lovers despite what the others said. He tried to keep an open mind still, but he supposed that his perception of the two just bounced the whole concept. At least, he needed more time. Not that he actually wanted to think about it. "Do we have to care whether or not Hisoka's being faithful? 'Cause I kind of thought that I'm just here to bring Illumi back," said Killua, still looking bored with whatever he was doing. "Aaw, come on Killua, don't be like that! Shouldn't you care about Illumi-san? I mean, he's your brother," said Gon, who finally spoke from where he was sitting beside the white-haired Zoldick. "Of course I care. I mean, it's not like he's just your typical cold-hearted bastard who takes me under his little spell so I can kill an innocent old man who did nothing to me and whom, might I add, Leorio took time to be allowed to heal after a certain sadist who has a penchant for cards scared the shit out of him. I mean, Aniki may be ghastly, cruel, selfish and creepy, but he's still my brother~!!!" said Killua with an exaggerated accent before clutching his chest to complete the drama. After an awkward pause wherein everyone took their own definition of weird faces, Leorio spoke. "Uh... okay. With all these personal issues set aside, maybe we can start that whole Daventri thing again? 'Cause though I still don't know what this is all about, it seems pretty important to you guys," Killua snorted at this, at which he earned himself a smack on the head care of Gon, "...or at least, to Alluka-kun. But same thing, it's urgent." Killua, who was still rubbing the sore spot where Gon's hand landed ("Damn kid's too strong for his own good... not to mention mine as well," he muttered to himself), looked around and shrugged. "Fine. All this lying around is getting boring anyway. Maybe we can also fill you in on the details on our way." End of Chapter 14 [1] Regarding the transfer of nen through the mouth, it was never actually said in the series. As for nen transfer in general, I will say that yes, it has been done to inanimate objects through touch, but never to another person. While it is possible that you can transfer nen to another person through touch (that is, provided that it can be done), it is more effective if we would take an element out of one of Mr. Togashi's past works. Yuu Yuu Hakusho has the ki, which is somehow similar to nen in a way, and that is transferred through the mouth, as Keiko had done for Yusuke to revive him. I'm talking here in a way that nen is given to a person, not inflicted on a person, wherein the person can utilize the nen given to him for himself. I kind of pictured it before like this: sickness weakens a person, which may affect the nen power as well, which then means that Illumi would not be able to heal himself. But if Hisoka has the same ability as Kurapika (battle with Ubougin, but Kurapika has 100% access to his nen abilities... what a cheater... love him anyway, darn bishies) and saying that my theory on nen transfer is correct, (which it is, at least in this story being my fanfic and all ;P) it would be possible for him to heal Illumi. [2] Okay, before you reprimand me for my counting ability, I explained the first issue first because this second point I'll raise up is a bit more far-fetched. But this is my fanfic, I get to be the one spinning the world ^^; Okay, Illumi is Sousaka. Don't argue, he is - the last episode bears witness to that. He controlled a corpse, and that's basically control and manipulation, isn't it? Besides, Hisoka agrees with me on this (Hisoka's way of determining nen through personalities). Now, this being my fanfic, as established, I will back this up a bit more by giving Illumi the ability to not just control others, but also to render them immobile (which I know he can do even without my meddling), not necessarily because he can stop the muscles from moving, but in a way that Gon described as "heavy and disturbing," like weights being put on you to keep you still. But that's Illumi with a dark intent. For all we know he can use it for sexual purposes too if he willed it. Yes, I'm just making Hisoka's life a lot more pleasurable, I know. He kind of bribed me to do it. *goes off to look for Hisoka and her promised bag of candies* Author's Notes: *twitches* I'm starting to get more and more insecure by the day. Uh... how's this chapter? I don't like it. I was kind wondering about this fic for a while... is it going the way it should? o.O' Gaah, whatever, have it you!!! *runs off to trash some random public tourist spot in frustration* Damn, Kurapika's here. Now I'm required to think.XP
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