Like Illumi hasn't been throwing back drinks in a row here already. He's never pushed the very, very edges of the limits to Zoldyck alcohol tolerance - it could very well be considered a poison, couldn't it, but it burns going down all the same - but he certainly isn't... some kind of lightweight.
Don't liquor-patronize him. He shrugs.
"Why not? It doesn't sound like anything impressive."
Then think of this as- studying your limits? Makes it seem useful doesn't it.
"Well you haven't eaten anything in a while, have you." That's where it's easy to fuck yourself when it comes to liquor.
Hisoka passes his gaze to the bar tender and he looks befuddled for a moment at Hisoka's order before he describes it. Heard it by another name it seems, but it's not long before he's pulling out ten shot glasses and those nearby are getting a little interested. This is a flashy sort of bar after all, it's odd to see two people get that heavy handed with their liquor here- and such nice liquor too. Needless to say they have a good amount of eyes on their little endeavor as soon as the tender starts picking up bottles and filling up crystal glasses. All until he fills the last one and goes to get a lighter.
"He won't light it till we tell him to, and we have to drink every one in a row at the same time. Okay?" Speaking to him in a way that may suggest Illumi's age compared to his own- younger. This is meant to be a game after all, they can't take it slow! He's taking it quite a bit easier too on a stomach full of horderves and only a drink and a half.
Ah yes, for the next job that requires him to drink instead of breaking the end off a champagne glass and shoving the stem in someone's throat. Sure.
The spectators they suddenly gain aren't to his tastes, neither is the way Hisoka is talking to him- didn't he object to that "slow boy" thing earlier? Spare him. Without answering he reaches for the first glass and picks it up. But if Hisoka really wants to direct this little display that badly, fine- Illumi looks at him, waiting.
What about getting really extreme at all times is not fun? That seems great.
But alright, shot one down. He reaches for the next, ready to go down the line with as much mechanical precision as is probably expected of him. Hisoka said all at once, so...
Second, third, fourth, tender lights the fifth, and fifth. Even Hisoka's making a slight face at the burn in his throat before he smiles and sends a slim eyed look to Illumi.
"Eughlleh-" Sticks out his tongue. Gross. He mostly hates the taste of liquor, to be honest, but this is still fun.
Illumi has no complaints about the taste. He's already decided it's more about drinking them all at once than caring about how they taste, though he does take a moment at the end to savor the shock of drinking so many in quick succession. He looks at the last glass still in his hand, tips a last drop of liquid into his mouth and licks another off his lip, and turns to Hisoka.
"Not bad." Someone cue SHOTS in the background already.
Well 'caring' about the taste is one thing, he still tastes it and dislikes it, harsh in his throat. Too savory if anything, he's much more for sweets. But this little endeavor has a point and his eyes move to glue to his companion once the fifth shot's fire is blown out and it slides down their throats.
"Hmm--" Leans in a little, staring at him him. Nothing? Not a falter? Maybe he seems more- relaxed? A different sort of relaxed from Illumi's usual emotionless one anyway.
Boring...
"You thought so? That's good." A chuckle, ordering a cosmopolitan. Pink, not that he has much on right now.
He might be a little more relaxed. Illumi doesn't go in for these kinds of drinks usually- because he's terminally uptight- and because they're more of a spectacle than a drink meant to be enjoyed for its taste and worth. He doesn't especially need his liquor to entertain him.
That said, when he says Not bad, it's a high enough compliment. He'd do a row of shots that may or may not be on fire again, although he won't order another right now.
However, he still has some of his second purple disaster drink, and sips at it contemplatively when the shot glasses have been cleared away.
"I did think so." Thanks, Illumi. "Still, it was overly elaborate." Which he means in the nicest way.
"Things are often overly elaborate for you though, aren't they?" Everything's always too complicated, could be made faster, simplified, everything is a hassle for Illumi. Hisoka understands hassles, sure, but he's willing to get elaborate to get his money out of it. Literal or not.
"You only ever drink for your job, or idly when talking about something." Not a question, an observation.
"Your lack of enjoyment in life is so depressing, Illumi." Poking fun, smiling as he says it. His eyelids are low though, and their's heat in his skin. A bit more than tipsy for Hisoka, but he's enjoying it, basking in the feeling. Illumi might notice his looser posture, about the only thing that will tip him off. Otherwise Hisoka normally has that ever there small smile and that slim stare.
"Hmm," Illumi says, and then, "You're not wrong. Drinking isn't one of my hobbies, you know." As if he has hobbies, by any stretch of the definition. There's nothing to object to in that observation, so he won't.
The second one, though... Well, he still doesn't object, but he looks sideways at Hisoka with an expression that's difficult to place. Possibly because it's there at all, though muted, an eyebrow barely raised and the minute tug of a frown at the corner of his mouth.
Depressing?
"Says you." Thank you, Illumi. Ordinarily he wouldn't bother to respond, but there's more alcohol in him than usual and it's loosened his tongue if nothing else. "Maybe your standards for enjoyment are too high." Not 'I enjoy things,' no— rather, 'You're probably wrong.'
"What are your hobbies?" A 'plllllease' look, one brow pushing up and his lips puckering a little at one side. Hobbies? Assassin stuff is work, not hobbies.
"Says me ah- but what does that mean." A smile, turning away. Yes, he's going to pick at it, out loud too. "That it's not depressing that you don't enjoy life, or that you do enjoy life so it can't possibly be depressing. We have time for elaboration now. Work is done ah, it's time for play."
Ah huh.
Sure Illumi.
"Too high? My standards for myself are, yes, but I'm better than most people." :^)
Assassin stuff is hobbies. Probably, in some circles (his own circle, all by himself). But what he says is simply, "Nen." Which is true to a point (aha). Leaving aside that his nen usage might as well be lumped under "assassin stuff"; he plays with needles often enough and idly enough to count it.
Barely.
But god, listen to Hisoka go on. Illumi turns sideways on his stool to prop one elbow on the bar and give him that same muted look. Eyebrow a little higher, maybe. He's not used to people picking at his life - well, when he can hear it - and it's... odd. Why does Hisoka want to pick at it at all? It isn't his life.
"You're too specific," he says in return for Hisoka's standards. Ah, "Picky, really. I don't know why you bother." He'll never understand that intense fight-lust when a good hand to the throat gets the job done. But anyway.
"Anyway, I'm only saying you're wrong. It doesn't have to be one of your options at all." A beat; somewhat stiffly, like he's not considered the words in this order before, "Life is enjoyable."
Assassin stuff is work. You get paid for it, job, family, all together, lumped up. Hobbies are something you do for yourself. And if doing all that stuff does fall under for yourself then yes- you are pretty depressing. How do you manage to be so selfish and selfless at the same time? It's a gift.
"Nen." All right- No he'll take that. Though it does kind of fall under assassin stuff. Not that he needs Nen to be a competent assassin.
Let him pick. He's always been one fondle of idle chit chat, why not with one of his best friends? Can't he know more about you? Besides the assassin stuff and the needle stuff and how adorable you were covered in children at one point in time.
"You think so?" Aww Illumi. 'Life is enjoyable just- makes him smile a little. What a cute thing to say.
Ah, can being covered in children be a hobby? Not that he is- anymore- despite his best (read: shoddy, half-assed) efforts. Milluki still thinks of him well enough, but...
Being the best older brother in the world is a hobby, anyway.
"You don't believe me?" He raises an eyebrow. Well, okay, so his delivery is not the most convincing, but let it never be said that he dislikes life. He might be made of ice, but he doesn't have to sing the praises of creature comforts to enjoy life, does he? He's not- depressed, so- it counts.
He's going to say it counts no matter what Hisoka thinks, naturally.
"Maybe not the way you enjoy it, but your tastes are so..." That, he lets drift away. So flaming shots and bubbly pink drinks, really.
Full time babysitter maybe, in another life. In another place...
"So-?" He smiles, laughing at that as he tips back a glass and sits with his elbows on the counter, eyeing down someone from across the angular, oval bar. They catch Hisoka's eyes on them only to- divert their gaze. Another smile from him, and he rests his cheek on a hand, slowly looking back over to Illumi.
"But then, you enjoy what you do, your- hehe- job." Though yes, certainly not as much as he does but- " Did you ever enjoy it that much?"
Illumi doesn't elaborate on that 'so'; so unlike his own, uncharted territory for sure. Does he enjoy his job?
Objectively, he doesn't not enjoy his job. He gets no special thrill out of any part of it, the killing or the money that comes in as a result, but he is compelled to keep doing it for the sake of his family. What is he without his job?
Bored, usually.
"I'm satisfied by a job well done," he says, like that doesn't sound- clinical, at best. "Sometimes I like a challenge." Sometimes.
"A challenge?" Said with a tilt of his head, moving to slide his fingers through what hair of Illumi's is closest to him. A challenge you say. He could give you a lot of ideas- or a few very good ones. Though those ideas might be rather apparent considering a) who this is and b) the amount of liquor he's had in such a short time.
Illumi glances at him, not immediately tilting his head to pull his hair out of reach. That's probably the surest sign that he doesn't just absorb alcohol with no effects yet, as seemingly insignificant as it is. So- a challenge.
"Sure." A beat. "Go on- you might as well." Just say it, he knows that itching to say something look.
No leaning away, that is certainly different. Hisoka smiles to himself, focusing on the silkiness of his hair as he slides his fingers through it again.
"Mmm-" Leans away, sighing to himself, eyes closed. "I'm not sure you're ready for it..."
Hisoka. Illumi's not patient enough for this; he's letting the hair thing go on, but how long does he have to play twenty questions about this mystery thing.
A laugh, sitting up in his chair and moving to brace himself on the counter with a hand, getting close. Close enough that Illumi might feel his breath. Hisoka smiles, looking up through the dyed strands of his hair before glancing down and tucking his head near Illumi's neck, pushing into his hair and lightly kissing at the side of his neck.
"I do, yes." No, figure it out. The liquors getting to him now and Hisoka's not the sort to inhibit himself, besides, it'll be fun to continue and test the waters. He's sure Illumi barely has- IF he has any at all, experience with this sort of situation. Has the younger man even kissed anyone? He can't even imagine it. Makes it even more amusing to pry.
Experienced- well, no. He's too tightly wound for that kind of thing, although that tightly wound characteristic of his is mostly an intentional choice—so. Inexperienced, yes, but oblivious... He'd have to be blind and stupid to miss this cue.
"Oh," he says, and draws a blank. He hasn't reacted negatively, hasn't shoved Hisoka off or stuck needles dangerously close to his eyes or anything like that, but he hasn't moved at all, actually. Inexperienced.
But. Not particularly embarrassed about it, which is both his own demeanor and the alcohol reacting. He tilts his head slightly, as much an unspoken invitation and a suggestion that Hisoka make a point here, before Illumi decides it isn't worth the effort. Of course, what he bothers to say aloud is only, "That's it?"
A snort, moving to push up under Illumi's chin with a finger.
"'That's it'? How rude." Smiling, pulling back to sit up straight again, eyes on him. While the reaction was rather boring it was interesting enough to keep him amused. Illumi had a tendency to bat him away, usually when he got a little physical. Most of the time in a playful manner, of course, but this time it's a bit more and he didn't even lean away.
"I'm not sure if an answer like that means disinterest or apathy. And really, only one of those I can work with." Because he doubts there's any desire there on Illumi's part. Either he's in interested in it at all, or he doesn't care enough to fight it. Both kind of
eh.
But Hisoka's skin is heating and better Illumi than some weak stranger he'd meet anywhere near by.
Well, he isn't about to throw himself at anyone, half-bored alcohol-born willingness or not. That much is probably obvious, from someone as muted as Illumi is. He wonders if he can be convinced.
Maybe he can let himself be convinced, which might as well be the same thing. So, following Hisoka with his gaze,
"You haven't been clear on which part is the challenge." He reaches up to trail a hand through his own hair now, maybe fixing some imaginary mess Hisoka made of it, maybe just following the motion. "So, how should I pick my response?"
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Don't liquor-patronize him. He shrugs.
"Why not? It doesn't sound like anything impressive."
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"Well you haven't eaten anything in a while, have you." That's where it's easy to fuck yourself when it comes to liquor.
Hisoka passes his gaze to the bar tender and he looks befuddled for a moment at Hisoka's order before he describes it. Heard it by another name it seems, but it's not long before he's pulling out ten shot glasses and those nearby are getting a little interested. This is a flashy sort of bar after all, it's odd to see two people get that heavy handed with their liquor here- and such nice liquor too. Needless to say they have a good amount of eyes on their little endeavor as soon as the tender starts picking up bottles and filling up crystal glasses. All until he fills the last one and goes to get a lighter.
"He won't light it till we tell him to, and we have to drink every one in a row at the same time. Okay?" Speaking to him in a way that may suggest Illumi's age compared to his own- younger. This is meant to be a game after all, they can't take it slow! He's taking it quite a bit easier too on a stomach full of horderves and only a drink and a half.
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The spectators they suddenly gain aren't to his tastes, neither is the way Hisoka is talking to him- didn't he object to that "slow boy" thing earlier? Spare him. Without answering he reaches for the first glass and picks it up. But if Hisoka really wants to direct this little display that badly, fine- Illumi looks at him, waiting.
Just tell him when.
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Ope, first shot glass up! He'll pick up his. Good. Nice and simple.
A pointed look, and he downs the first.
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But alright, shot one down. He reaches for the next, ready to go down the line with as much mechanical precision as is probably expected of him. Hisoka said all at once, so...
Here goes.
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"Eughlleh-" Sticks out his tongue. Gross. He mostly hates the taste of liquor, to be honest, but this is still fun.
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"Not bad." Someone cue SHOTS in the background already.
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Well 'caring' about the taste is one thing, he still tastes it and dislikes it, harsh in his throat. Too savory if anything, he's much more for sweets. But this little endeavor has a point and his eyes move to glue to his companion once the fifth shot's fire is blown out and it slides down their throats.
"Hmm--" Leans in a little, staring at him him. Nothing? Not a falter? Maybe he seems more- relaxed? A different sort of relaxed from Illumi's usual emotionless one anyway.
Boring...
"You thought so? That's good." A chuckle, ordering a cosmopolitan. Pink, not that he has much on right now.
kneeslides back in here
That said, when he says Not bad, it's a high enough compliment. He'd do a row of shots that may or may not be on fire again, although he won't order another right now.
However, he still has some of his second purple disaster drink, and sips at it contemplatively when the shot glasses have been cleared away.
"I did think so." Thanks, Illumi. "Still, it was overly elaborate." Which he means in the nicest way.
oh it's you
"You only ever drink for your job, or idly when talking about something." Not a question, an observation.
"Your lack of enjoyment in life is so depressing, Illumi." Poking fun, smiling as he says it. His eyelids are low though, and their's heat in his skin. A bit more than tipsy for Hisoka, but he's enjoying it, basking in the feeling. Illumi might notice his looser posture, about the only thing that will tip him off. Otherwise Hisoka normally has that ever there small smile and that slim stare.
i came back for you
The second one, though... Well, he still doesn't object, but he looks sideways at Hisoka with an expression that's difficult to place. Possibly because it's there at all, though muted, an eyebrow barely raised and the minute tug of a frown at the corner of his mouth.
Depressing?
"Says you." Thank you, Illumi. Ordinarily he wouldn't bother to respond, but there's more alcohol in him than usual and it's loosened his tongue if nothing else. "Maybe your standards for enjoyment are too high." Not 'I enjoy things,' no— rather, 'You're probably wrong.'
Depressing. Is not.
did you
"Says me ah- but what does that mean." A smile, turning away. Yes, he's going to pick at it, out loud too. "That it's not depressing that you don't enjoy life, or that you do enjoy life so it can't possibly be depressing. We have time for elaboration now. Work is done ah, it's time for play."
Ah huh.
Sure Illumi.
"Too high? My standards for myself are, yes, but I'm better than most people." :^)
i'm here now aren't i. bats eyes
Barely.
But god, listen to Hisoka go on. Illumi turns sideways on his stool to prop one elbow on the bar and give him that same muted look. Eyebrow a little higher, maybe. He's not used to people picking at his life - well, when he can hear it - and it's... odd. Why does Hisoka want to pick at it at all? It isn't his life.
"You're too specific," he says in return for Hisoka's standards. Ah, "Picky, really. I don't know why you bother." He'll never understand that intense fight-lust when a good hand to the throat gets the job done. But anyway.
"Anyway, I'm only saying you're wrong. It doesn't have to be one of your options at all." A beat; somewhat stiffly, like he's not considered the words in this order before, "Life is enjoyable."
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"Nen." All right- No he'll take that. Though it does kind of fall under assassin stuff. Not that he needs Nen to be a competent assassin.
Let him pick. He's always been one fondle of idle chit chat, why not with one of his best friends? Can't he know more about you? Besides the assassin stuff and the needle stuff and how adorable you were covered in children at one point in time.
"You think so?" Aww Illumi. 'Life is enjoyable just- makes him smile a little. What a cute thing to say.
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Being the best older brother in the world is a hobby, anyway.
"You don't believe me?" He raises an eyebrow. Well, okay, so his delivery is not the most convincing, but let it never be said that he dislikes life. He might be made of ice, but he doesn't have to sing the praises of creature comforts to enjoy life, does he? He's not- depressed, so- it counts.
He's going to say it counts no matter what Hisoka thinks, naturally.
"Maybe not the way you enjoy it, but your tastes are so..." That, he lets drift away. So flaming shots and bubbly pink drinks, really.
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"So-?" He smiles, laughing at that as he tips back a glass and sits with his elbows on the counter, eyeing down someone from across the angular, oval bar. They catch Hisoka's eyes on them only to- divert their gaze. Another smile from him, and he rests his cheek on a hand, slowly looking back over to Illumi.
"But then, you enjoy what you do, your- hehe- job." Though yes, certainly not as much as he does but- " Did you ever enjoy it that much?"
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Objectively, he doesn't not enjoy his job. He gets no special thrill out of any part of it, the killing or the money that comes in as a result, but he is compelled to keep doing it for the sake of his family. What is he without his job?
Bored, usually.
"I'm satisfied by a job well done," he says, like that doesn't sound- clinical, at best. "Sometimes I like a challenge." Sometimes.
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"Sure." A beat. "Go on- you might as well." Just say it, he knows that itching to say something look.
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"Mmm-" Leans away, sighing to himself, eyes closed. "I'm not sure you're ready for it..."
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"You know how to find out." Tell him.
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"I do, yes." No, figure it out. The liquors getting to him now and Hisoka's not the sort to inhibit himself, besides, it'll be fun to continue and test the waters. He's sure Illumi barely has- IF he has any at all, experience with this sort of situation. Has the younger man even kissed anyone? He can't even imagine it. Makes it even more amusing to pry.
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"Oh," he says, and draws a blank. He hasn't reacted negatively, hasn't shoved Hisoka off or stuck needles dangerously close to his eyes or anything like that, but he hasn't moved at all, actually. Inexperienced.
But. Not particularly embarrassed about it, which is both his own demeanor and the alcohol reacting. He tilts his head slightly, as much an unspoken invitation and a suggestion that Hisoka make a point here, before Illumi decides it isn't worth the effort. Of course, what he bothers to say aloud is only, "That's it?"
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"'That's it'? How rude." Smiling, pulling back to sit up straight again, eyes on him. While the reaction was rather boring it was interesting enough to keep him amused. Illumi had a tendency to bat him away, usually when he got a little physical. Most of the time in a playful manner, of course, but this time it's a bit more and he didn't even lean away.
"I'm not sure if an answer like that means disinterest or apathy. And really, only one of those I can work with." Because he doubts there's any desire there on Illumi's part. Either he's in interested in it at all, or he doesn't care enough to fight it. Both kind of
eh.
But Hisoka's skin is heating and better Illumi than some weak stranger he'd meet anywhere near by.
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Maybe he can let himself be convinced, which might as well be the same thing. So, following Hisoka with his gaze,
"You haven't been clear on which part is the challenge." He reaches up to trail a hand through his own hair now, maybe fixing some imaginary mess Hisoka made of it, maybe just following the motion. "So, how should I pick my response?"
Sell it to him. Any method works.
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