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debauchewy] give me one good reason why i should never make a change
[Illumi calls upon Hisoka twenty-seven hours before he'll need him to arrive in Bauston city. That gives him enough time for a plan b to be developed if he isn't given a confident yes to his request. This isn't the typical setup for calling his ally, after all; in this case, he won't have Hisoka lift a finger toward the meat of his work. The man Illumi's been contracted to kill has no remarkable skill with Nen, and his personal security team is laughably tiny. It's the arena of the kill itself that's well-staffed and armed from basement to rooftop. Seems as if every bouncer, bodyguard, and retired lawman in the area has been hired on to guard some method of entry or exit. By special instruction, it's this very evening that the unlucky target must die, but it couldn't be in a less convenient venue. Or a less pleasant date.
This is Lovers' Day, after all. Once, it was a day to celebrate the birth of some long forgotten fertility goddess, but in the last century it's been transformed into a day for couples to rival against each other by way of draining their bank accounts all in one night. The target and his girlfriend, the wife of yet another man which may be why this job exists in the first place, have decided to attend an exceptionally ritzy party. Most unfortunately, a state official and her actual spouse have decided to do the same and it all piled skywards from there. Security was upped, the building was locked tight, and the only reasonable way Illumi could enter was to have a partner to do so with.
Hisoka was not his first choice. His very first thought was to find a woman he could pin into a state of perfect submission and walk in with her on his arm. In theory, that should be the optimum way to enter. However, leaving her among the other party guests and depending on her to play her part gave way to too many variables. As much trouble as the clown could be, he had yet to let Illumi down when he agreed to provide for his work. That was the key of being allies, one might say. In the future, Illumi would owe him compliance in turn.
Fast forward twenty-six hours and Illumi has donned a suit that costs almost as much as it would be to purchase the vehicle he's rented to carry him and his 'date.' The driver asks no questions when they pick up Hisoka at a street corner which guarantees that he'll survive at least eighty-percent of the evening. All that, it's all very easy. They walk in side-by-side, present the invitation Illumi stole off a corpse he left bleeding out three hours ago, and waste some time pretending to drink in the atmosphere.
Illumi slinks off with barely any farewell, and Hisoka knows to keep himself preoccupied while failing to draw inadequate attention. They haven't played these roles before, but they're easily enough learned.
He locates his target within fifteen minutes and has him gurgling out his last breaths in just under an hour and a half. Would have taken less time if the man wasn't so adamant about staying near the crowd. Illumi finally has him alone when he tells his meager guard unit to stay behind as he goes to take a piss. So sadly predictable; Illumi finds little satisfaction in job well done. As expected, soon as the body shivers no more, Illumi takes a snapshot on his phone, sends it to his employer, and voila. Finished. They can leave now.
He's taken care to wipe the blood off the pin he made use of and his lightly dripped upon shoes. That handkerchief, stained red, has been tucked into the body's breast pocket, and the body itself is in a broom closet where no one's bound to find it for some time to come. This is the opportunity to retreat, except Hisoka is definitely not on the lounge seat where Illumi left him.
For a moment, he stands there, staring at the empty spot he expected his date to stay. No? Gone? Definitely? He lifts his chin, scans the room for a streak of unnaturally colored hair. There. The bar. Illumi isn't surprised, but he's not sure if he's happy, either. With strides neither slow nor swift, he'll approach and take the empty seat to Hisoka's left. There's enough time for him to order something, and seeing as he's the only one who worked tonight, he may as well do it. Once he has the bartender's attention, he'll request brandy, then settle forward with his arms on the bar top.
Found you.]
This is Lovers' Day, after all. Once, it was a day to celebrate the birth of some long forgotten fertility goddess, but in the last century it's been transformed into a day for couples to rival against each other by way of draining their bank accounts all in one night. The target and his girlfriend, the wife of yet another man which may be why this job exists in the first place, have decided to attend an exceptionally ritzy party. Most unfortunately, a state official and her actual spouse have decided to do the same and it all piled skywards from there. Security was upped, the building was locked tight, and the only reasonable way Illumi could enter was to have a partner to do so with.
Hisoka was not his first choice. His very first thought was to find a woman he could pin into a state of perfect submission and walk in with her on his arm. In theory, that should be the optimum way to enter. However, leaving her among the other party guests and depending on her to play her part gave way to too many variables. As much trouble as the clown could be, he had yet to let Illumi down when he agreed to provide for his work. That was the key of being allies, one might say. In the future, Illumi would owe him compliance in turn.
Fast forward twenty-six hours and Illumi has donned a suit that costs almost as much as it would be to purchase the vehicle he's rented to carry him and his 'date.' The driver asks no questions when they pick up Hisoka at a street corner which guarantees that he'll survive at least eighty-percent of the evening. All that, it's all very easy. They walk in side-by-side, present the invitation Illumi stole off a corpse he left bleeding out three hours ago, and waste some time pretending to drink in the atmosphere.
Illumi slinks off with barely any farewell, and Hisoka knows to keep himself preoccupied while failing to draw inadequate attention. They haven't played these roles before, but they're easily enough learned.
He locates his target within fifteen minutes and has him gurgling out his last breaths in just under an hour and a half. Would have taken less time if the man wasn't so adamant about staying near the crowd. Illumi finally has him alone when he tells his meager guard unit to stay behind as he goes to take a piss. So sadly predictable; Illumi finds little satisfaction in job well done. As expected, soon as the body shivers no more, Illumi takes a snapshot on his phone, sends it to his employer, and voila. Finished. They can leave now.
He's taken care to wipe the blood off the pin he made use of and his lightly dripped upon shoes. That handkerchief, stained red, has been tucked into the body's breast pocket, and the body itself is in a broom closet where no one's bound to find it for some time to come. This is the opportunity to retreat, except Hisoka is definitely not on the lounge seat where Illumi left him.
For a moment, he stands there, staring at the empty spot he expected his date to stay. No? Gone? Definitely? He lifts his chin, scans the room for a streak of unnaturally colored hair. There. The bar. Illumi isn't surprised, but he's not sure if he's happy, either. With strides neither slow nor swift, he'll approach and take the empty seat to Hisoka's left. There's enough time for him to order something, and seeing as he's the only one who worked tonight, he may as well do it. Once he has the bartender's attention, he'll request brandy, then settle forward with his arms on the bar top.
Found you.]
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kill the target for him, depending on if he got bored or not, or if Illumi's target was interesting enough. But a normal person like this? Definitely uninterested, but a party? For free? He'll take it. And while the majority there will be normal individuals without anything going for them, there still may be someone of interest. And- free drinks and food. Always a plus. And besides, mingling was usually fun, as well as watching couples on this special day. Romance was always fun to sit back and enjoy.]
[Picked up and left alone, such a rude date Illumi is. But Hisoka does well to find other people to spend time with, much to a lot of males dismay. After all, in his white suit with his hair down and not a touch of makeup, Hisoka is rather fetching. Attracts attention from women especially and does well to keep their interest, only angering their dates. He's doing what he should and not making too much of a commotion, but bringing attention to himself? Definitely. Just in a- more casual and 'normal' sense. At least he's not murdering anyone?]
[One his opposite side to where Illumi sits Hisoka is just finishing a conversation with a girl that's being tugged by her date to go somewhere else. A small wave, a smile, his face his hot, socially drinking. He's not really into getting drunk, to feeling other than himself. Hisoka very much loves being as he is, WHO he is at all times, it's intoxicating enough. But social drinking is easy enough to fall into with enough people to talk to and a free bar. So when he turns to look at Illumi his lids are low and his lips are moist, smiling as he leans his chin on a hand.]
Oh, there's my date, I've been so alone~ [Becaaauuuse they're a couple right? And he smiles, tilting his head for a moment before leaning in. A hand moves to sweep back that long black hair, getting his mouth close to Illumi's neck. Appearances right? But then, Illumi IS the most interesting person here, hands down. it feels good to be near an aura with potential instead of all these pointless civilians.]
I thought you ditched me, I was gonna call and break up with you~ But it's okay now, hm? [Babying up his voice and he'll even more to try and kiss at Illumi's neck, quick, over his collar. A girl he flirted with before somewhere nearby puts a hand over her mouth. No, he's gay! What a bummer. Wait- that long, black haired person in a suit IS a guy right?]
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He sat beside him because he felt he had to, and for the same reason he'll accept being called a date. The job demands he stay in character. His smile is an etched in curve. Yes. His lover, the one he adores and takes out on such frivolous, romantic events. How unfair he'd been to leave him. That's how people who date are, right? Illumi himself has never taken an actual lover. They would detract from the goals. At some point, he'll surely be expected to marry, and then he will, but it will be as loveless as it is a duty.
Hisoka kisses him. Nowhere explicit. A warm, perhaps wet press of lips to Illumi's skin. The curve of his lips goes straight.]
I'm sorry I was gone for so long. I'll buy you another drink.
[He hasn't looked to see how empty or full Hisoka's glass is, but when his own drink is set down, he taps it meaningfully to suggest he'll want another of the same.]
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[That and the liquor in him makes his skin crawl for contact. He's always been a physical person, whether it was through aggression or otherwise. Thew alcohol just makes him more willing to indulge, at least in a playful manner. Often will he hold himself back just to make it better later.]
Mmmnn~ Another one? How nice of you. Money is certainly a way to anyone's heart.
[Good job Illumi. Well- money and needles. Hisoka grins, his brows high, leaning a cheek on his hand, elbow on the marble and glass counter bar.]
Are we gonna stay much longer then? This party's starting to get a little boring. Ah- surely it'd be more fun with just the two of us. [His voice sultry, raising a hand to hold up two fingers before the tender comes back, sliding over the other drink. Hisoka catches his eye, winks, and then moves to sit up and pull the new glass close.]
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[Illumi's pulse is criminally level and fresh goosebumps never creep up along the skin of his arms. Hisoka's flirting could send many off-kilter if they aren't ready for it; Illumi has seen others taken aback or turn a rosy shade of pink when that smile is turned their way. He never stuck around to watch the turnout when he wasn't the recipient, and when he is... Hisoka knows better than to expect a real response.
After all, his 'dear' ally is most attracted to potential. Illumi's may be limitless, but he doesn't push the boundaries. The second he can become comfortable and do his family's work, he stays at that plateau until the next job asks he climb the ladder.]
We can do whatever it is you'd like.
[Said after he takes in their small audience. Some girls that Hisoka must have chatted up haven't taken their eyes off the pair. Casting off their attention is a small matter. Say exactly what a lover would, look at Hisoka with fondness-- as close as Illumi can manage. They'll lose interest soon enough.]
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[Ah, just the two of them? But he knows Illumi. Once he's able to free himself of Hisoka's company, once he doesn't need him anymore, he'll be off. Hisoka was the same, though he was more inclined to stay for things if it meant being entertained. He could only see Illumi doing well- anything- if it meant him getting somewhere. If it meant forwarding himself and his family, or made things... easier.]
[A smile.]
[We'll he could just be annoying enough that complying was easier than objecting?]
What I like, that's so much if it's you... Mmmnnn~ [A drawn out sound, thoughtful, slightly whined. His eyes open and he glances over to him from the corner of his eye. Gets back that look from Illumi. Ah, his best fond smile. It reminded him of Gittarackur and that smile that'd win the hearts of millions. Illumi was incredibly good at faking it.]
[Pft.]
What do you think I'd like?
[This is a test.]
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Would he really want that from him? Illumi took the flirting for what he always assumed it was: a childish ploy to take a dig at him. He believed the attraction to be flippant, as it never lasted very long. The assassin himself has made sure not to be terribly indulgent about it. Someone like Hisoka, how long can they withstand rejection or apathy?
Unless.
If he's made a challenge out of himself, that could be aggravating. Here, it would very much be his own fault; he asked that they pretend to be engaged with each other, knowing that he's not the sort to ever keep steady with another person.]
That would be... to go to bed.
[A girl makes a soft uhhn that could mean she found what he said too forward or comical. Her tone is impossible to decipher when he isn't looking at her. The expression would make all the difference.
Was that too aggressive? Badly worded?]
Am I wrong?
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[His interest right now is a lot more playful though. Booze driven if anything, not that his attraction to Illumi is purely a product of it.]
Ppfbt-
[Fuck. Okay sorry he's- laughing. Definitely laughing.]
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Rude.]
... Something else?
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[Completely monotone this time, and with an edge of self-awareness that he is surely being made fun of.]
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[His tone mocking. Illumi was so dry and stoic at times it neared boring. But the fire that burned cold in him could still be fed here and there at least. Hisoka quite enjoyed those moments, and truth be told- he hung around Illumi for both the potential to prod at him, and to remain close to a potential target.]
[He smirks, moving to down the rest of his drink a and leeeaan, his hands clinging to Illumis arm.]
You to do me? Oh I'd love that. I feel so stimulated right now.
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[Wooing, oh baby, but not really. Illumi knows this isn't all that romantic. He could've picked up a tip or two from his father if he really wanted to be an effective (fake) lover, but he hadn't. And asking his mother would have been a huge mistake and might have ended in something unpleasant like marriage interviews (if she could find any women interested in being wed to an assassin). Things were fine the way they were.
Slightly less fine when Hisoka clings, and then suddenly okay again when Illumi decides it doesn't bother him.]
You shouldn't flirt with other people in front of me, Hisoka.
[He looks at his cup, tone tranquil and not nearly as possessive as it should be to deliver the words correctly. What he needs to work on is his acting. The script itself isn't that bad.]
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Have you been watching me? So sly! [A false sense of surprise and shock as he moves his hand up to his mouth, covering it slightly. He's fully aware of this staying a game, a lie, purely. Illumi doing his best to keep appearances. That's fine.]
[He'll milk it.]
[Though he doubts he'll get much or even anything at all once they're alone. Ah, but if he pushes it enough, Illumi might be more bothered to try and argue it than he would be to just allow it.]
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[Where's the lie, though? Hisoka and Illumi have been allies for a while now, and Illumi knows the magician's mannerisms better than he does Killua's as of late. (Which is a travesty, but the truth.) Naturally, he doesn't find any fault in Hisoka flirting up a storm, but if they're truly going to play this game, Illumi wants better than a love match.
Get it?
'Cause tennis. Also relationships.
Besides, if he gives Hisoka his fill now, he may be more agreeable later. There's always that quiet motivation nestled up in the back of Illumi's mind.]
Were you trying to make me angry?
[That's how people get, he supposes, if they see their one and only cozying up to someone else. It's a traditional mindset, yes, and the only frame of reference Illumi has.]
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Of course not.
[You mean always. Here and now and all the time. Anything to get one over on Illumi even when he's supposed to be 'helping'? It was just fun to see a few lumps in the plan. Too smooth and it goes too quickly.]
[Hisoka leans, moving to set his hand on Illumi's thigh and slide it around to it's inner side, up and closer to his crotch before squeezing there. Can he even feel anything? Is there even a hint of it in that dead eye expression of his? Why does he bother so much with a broken toy that's only fun when he really rattles it?]
I just want you to be happy, huuuh~? How can I make you feel good?
[Say bed with me or something, that was hilarious and awful and he assumes Illumi's going to say something just as terribly acted.]