[The answer comes out immediately and without much thought, but Killua doesn't dwell on it. With the needle still lodged into his head, it's hard to question too much, but he knows enough to realize that for some reason, all knowledge of Alluka had left him until just a month or so ago when she appeared on the network. Even then, it was a struggle to get through to those memories.
He refuses to reveal any part of his knowledge, but he doesn't think past that. Doesn't realize that there's something he's missing and it's right between his eyes (and back in his skull a little bit, details).]
Why not? Blue's cool. [It's his favorite color, after all. He points out the top section of it defiantly, falling back onto a more casual attitude more easily. If he acts like this, like he's guarded and not revealing much, then there's no way of telling what he knows.
That's what he thinks.]
Besides, it has purple.
the joke is he could afford a skywriter just to be annoying
[That answer isn't as helpful as it could be, but the speed with which it's delivered is somewhat more telling. If anything, it tells him that the other people here aren't that impressive, powers or no— and that's something. He can always probe for the rest of the details some other time, now that he knows Killua is here; playing the long game when it comes to his younger brother isn't exactly a new concept. He's spent quite a while waiting for the pieces to fall into place to accomplish his goal.
He can wait a little longer. If Killua lets his guard drop even a little, he'll consider that progress.
So. Jackets.] Ah. Maybe if the entire thing were purple...
[There's a beat, before he holds the jacket up between them, sizing up how it would look on Killua. The size is wrong because this is the real adults section and not the tiny baby section, but whatever...]
It suits you, Kil. Do you need a jacket?
they could have skywriter BATTLES tbh, writing messages above each other
Hahh? [At that, he looks a little exasperated. First of all, was he trying to say he'd buy it for him, or try to pawn it off on him to buy for himself? Secondly, that thing is huge! And third, does he even have enough money for this?! ...Maybe he hasn't realized that he needs new income, here.]
That thing is way too big for me! [As cool as it is, it's not really his style. It's Illumi's! He swears.] How do you even have money for this already, anyway?
[He really does have no idea how long Illumi's been here, but that's not information that he needs to hide. He's seriously wondering, at this point.] You can't do family work here.
that's so petty which means they would. milluki would arrange the planes
[Illumi takes the third option: he's just here looking at jackets with no real intention to do anything about them. He lowers said jacket slightly, like he's disappointed Killua won't just try on clothes in a montage for him, but he won't actually say that.
Nor will he answer how he has money (or does he??) already. Please, maybe he's been here for a year, think about the implications of that.]
There's no need if we're not all here. [Well, this one goes back on the rack, too.] But listen to yourself- are you really going to lecture me on doing family work? Don't be so hypocritical.
[He taps his chin, then turns just his wrist to point to a different section of the store.] Your size would be over there.
and the rest of the family would set up chairs and watch
[Hypocritical? He shoots Illumi a cold look at that, but decides against commenting. It won't get him anywhere. Even now, it's programmed into him-- don't fight a battle you can't win. This petty argument could go in circles for hours, and he's not about to waste time with that.
Huffing out a sigh instead, he turns in the direction that Illumi points. Oh. He'd been looking for that. But no way is he admitting that!]
I already knew that. [He lies, right before turning to move that way. Maybe he came over here to investigate Illumi on purpose?? ...Okay, well it was a better lie in his head. He's not even sure if his big brother is going to follow him over to that section, but still. He'll think as he walks.
'There's no need if we're not all here.' He could easily slip up on revealing something if he replies, all while the question provides no info in itself. Damn.]
[What's this- Killua doesn't want to argue with him? Or-? Hm.
Well if one thing's for certain, it's that big brother is definitely going to follow him. After a beat, with one last vague look at the rack of jackets, just in case - Illumi doesn't trail after Killua like a puppy (like some people, ahem), but rather drifts over a few seconds behind, like it's incidental that he's still here at all.
Which of course it isn't and they both know that, but still. As far as Illumi is concerned, Killua needs the occasional convoluted reminder that his obligations to the family are always going to be a few paces behind. And sometimes a shopping trip is just a shopping trip, but this is the wrong crowd for that.]
You weren't much help... [Look at him, jacketless?? He gives the clothes in this section slightly more studious attention than the ones in his own size. Purple jacket for Kil, hm...]
That's too bad, isn't it, Kil? If Mom were here, you could finally apologize for stabbing her.
You're the one who didn't like the jacket I picked out.
[It seemed fitting, too. This isn't a fight, so he does feel like he can sass at Illumi a bit more (like back home), but it's too tense like this to take it all the way. He's on the defensive and he can't tell Illumi's angle right now. He's too good at this. There's no way he has him beat in this area, either.
He finds a shirt quickly enough, mildly interested but feigning more interest in it than he holds. He doesn't bother looking to Illumi as he snaps back at that last comment though. A point in time reference for a point in time confirmation. He can do that much.]
[First things first- that shirt is perfect, buy it now, buy it and then brotherly matching days can be real.
He clicks his tongue in mild disapproval (it was definitely Killua who rejected the first jacket and then failed to improve the situation), mercifully letting the jacket thing go after that. He looks from Killua to the shirt he's holding, like he's more interested in that than their conversation. Throwing out such an irrelevant and long since passed detail is definitely part of his angle—and Killua is rising to it likely because it's so harmless.
So, they're both that far. He wonders if he can get Killua to drop the next hint, while innocently picking up a knit hat from a shelf on the wall. It has a pom-pom on top and it would look precious, Kil-!!!]
That doesn't matter. Unlike Milluki, she'd listen to anything you have to say. You know that. [you are tearing this family apart... watch him fiddle with this pom-pom like he's a normal person and not a nutcase, ah how fun] Well, give it some more thought.
[He'd already told Illumi what he thought. He'd told them all... He must know that, too, if he's reacting like this, right? It's so far back, it doesn't matter if he's giving it away. He'll seem careless so any lies he might have to tell should work better.
That's the... idea, at least. He puts that flame shirt back down and gives a skeptical look to that hat. (Ah, it does look like something he'd wear, too.)]
If you just keep lecturing me this whole time, I'm going to leave.
[No... Keep the flame shirt. Illumi doesn't frown, but a slight change in cadence when he replies gets across his point - that is, that Killua is missing it entirely. He doesn't have to agree, he only has to do what's good for the family.
It's a very simple concept.] That's right, you only know how to run away. Well, you're still learning.
[Is that- does that count as lecturing, or is he just being a jackass now? Too late anyway, it's out there in the world, so here- he holds the hat out for Killua to look at himself.]
Why don't you talk about something else, if family matters bother you so much?
[The thing with Illumi is that as angry as that comment about running away makes him, he can't deny it. He's right. He's been having a huge problem with only being able to run away, and he's worried it's going to create a gap between himself and Gon. Back home, he was so forgiving about Kite, but after speaking to the man himself here and his certainty of the ending of that battle...
His chest stings with guilt and he snatches that hat away, turning it over in his hands a few times as if he's really uncertain about it. The truth is, he wants to try it on.]
Okay. Hisoka is here. [He brings this up because the subject here happens to be in jail, and maybe he can get across the huge message of don't fucking kill people without being lectured.] Have you gone to see him?
[Illumi silently notes Killua's further lack of strong argument. That alone doesn't mean anything for certain, there's more than one conclusion - as much as he doubts Killua has mellowed out in this city, for how impossible the mere thought seems. Still...
The mention of Hisoka actually pulls his attention away from the time puzzle and he blinks, surprised Killua would mention him out of the blue. In the context of going to see him, at least- his odd association with Hisoka is so unlike whatever Killua is assuming (Illumi can feel it, stop) such that he's never even bothered to bring it up himself. Maybe that's just him.
... so is Hisoka talking about him, why, don't use him to harass baby brother...]
I don't know. He brings you up sometimes and he's stuck in jail so I figured you might want to.
[That particular line is spoken more in hopes of annoying Illumi than anything. But okay. Hasn't visited Hisoka, which means... He may not be aware Gon or Alluka are here. They're usually with him, so the fact that they aren't right now is good. It hides it. Right?
There's still a chance, but he's feeling better about it. It's down to 30%, maybe.]
They took his nen and everything. I guess they're serious about the laws, here.
To say Illumi is annoyed is a stretch; mildly bothered, maybe. That Killua is in contact with Hisoka enough for Illumi to come up more than once gives him pause, but it sounds more like Hisoka is bored than trying to do something to Kil...
you people, doing things without his approval, he doesn't like it!!]
Hm. Without nen he wouldn't be as useful even if he escaped. That's a shame! [He's making a mental note to ignore any hypothetical texts from Hisoka asking him to help with a prison break...] There's no need to rush.
[He'll take what he can get. Finally, he deems it okay to slip that hat on, stepping in front of a mirror to check it out. He's not really going for 'cute', so he's more thinking that it's cool and warm.
'Cool'.
More importantly, though, Hisoka and Illumi are super weirdos. He'll leave it at him thinking he's less useful and not mention that his powers will be restored once he's freed. Ah, it's too bad, Hisoka will probably find out about him and tell him himself. So he's got a countdown? Maybe.]
'No need to rush'? [He doesn't understand this relationship at all. God.] What are you planning on doing here, then?
[But it is cute. Before he can comment on the hat he has to brush off Killua's blatant fishing, though- complete with a dismissive wave of his hand as he peers back at the shelf that hat came from,] Huh? Kil, that's too obvious.
I'm only thinking ahead. What are you doing here, besides training? Do you go to school? It must be a bore.
[He likes knowing where things are in case he needs them. Things here including, at the moment, little brother and Token Only Ally. Now, however, he produces the hat's matching scarf and holds it out very pointedly.] The hat is part of a set.
Ahh, if you won't tell me, then I'm not telling you either!
[Not that he'd tell him at all to begin with, but still. Angrily, he snatches that scarf away, not even giving it a second glance as he tosses it over a rack of windbreakers. What a brat. The hat joins it shortly after (sadly), and soon enough he's storming through a few more of the racks.
Who knew someone could search for clothing in such irritation. But if he leaves, where will he go? If Illumi follows, he could run into someone like Gon or Alluka. Even if he ends up going to a different friend's house, that'll just drag them into it.
...There's Jaime, who happens to know of the situation through certain dream circumstances, but what if he's lying and he would go after him with a stick? Man, this whole thing is annoying. Why'd he have to show up?!
'I like this place.' Anything he says in response to Illumi's comments will just give something away.]
I came here for shirts, so I just want some shirts. [He settles on that with a mumble, pulling out a simple orange collared one. Hm.] If you're trying to find anything out about me... [He tosses a look over his shoulder; it's the first outright threatening one today.] I'm not telling you anything.
[Hat, no?? Illumi watches them both sail away- don't worry, they'll find their way back into Killua's pile of purchases sooner or later. When Killua actually has a pile of purchases and isn't just complaining in Illumi's general direction.
Still, it seems Killua is finally starting to take him more seriously. A passerby wouldn't catch it, but when he takes in Killua's expression something colder and darker clouds over behind his eyes. The thin line of his mouth is set and his strange brand of detached whimsy is extinguished in only a few seconds—he's just so proud.]
Killua... You're being stubborn. [He takes half a step closer, but nothing further.] You'll tell me everything eventually— you always do. Do you think you can back up your intentions right now? You can't. That's always going to be beyond your ability level.
[just in case there was any hotheaded 12yo overconfidence happening here]
[It's only half a step, but it's half a step too much. He tenses, and no matter how hard he works to keep it from showing, his head lowers the slightest and his eyes focus on the ground, wider than normal. The hand he has resting on the shirt rack allows his fingers to twitch a few times, but he holds back from clenching his fist.
Still. Even still, he's right. What could he do? Run. He could run, but that only buys time. He can't beat him. He can't stand his ground and defend himself. He can't do anything but run. Just that darker feeling about Illumi was enough to stop him in his tracks.
Damn. It's useless... He's so useless!
He doesn't know what to say to that. Any words seem like they'd just bring it around to him being closer to spilling without meaning to, and so, abandoning that shirt once more, he takes a half step back of his own, head finally lifting to stare at Illumi. Should he run?]
[Illumi doesn't have to move an inch more to get his point across - that's telling. This reaction from Killua is genuine, not the sort of play acting that fools people like Milluki, and that satisfies him at the same time it stains his thoughts with disappointment. Not because Killua will back down from him easily, no, that's an important trait for a young Zoldyck to have—but.
And there is always a point of contention when Illumi is involved- but if Killua is pinned under his thumb like this, with no voiced defiance, then the chances that his recent rebellion with Alluka has not yet happened become greater. That bothers Illumi, like an itch—he wants and wants, and having to rework his plans is going to be so... hn.
Well, nothing for it. He doesn't move closer again but holds out a hand palm-up, like an offering. To the point:]
[He doesn't realize how telling each of his reactions to this are. How can he help it? Illumi reaches out, and Killua looks afraid again, but it's certainly not the same type of frozen look he'd given him during the Hunter Exam. This one's more stubbornly determined.
Even if he knows he's right and he knows he wants to run (there's a weird throbbing in his head again, sharp and stabbing between dull beats), he has other motivations to worry about. Gon's helped him once, and he's been reunited with Alluka, in a way.
His mouth spreads into a thin line at first and he takes another step back, lowering his whole body like he's prepared to dart away if he has to. But he's not foolish enough to do that right off the bat. It's a crowded store and he hasn't perfected any of his training with electricity to the point where he even realizes it can be used to help speed.]
Are you afraid? [The look is slightly different, Illumi catches that - and catalogs it, remembers it, will use it to his advantage someday, if not today.] Are you going to run away?
[Truthfully, he doesn't want Killua to run. That will mean he has to find him again another time (and he won't buy the hat...), but if Killua has to get his bearings before he does what Illumi wants, he'll endure it. He knows this: Killua's defiance is worthless, and his own win is already guaranteed. With the ending fixed, the acts between have room to shift, if necessary.
Being patient is a decision he has made, and will keep making. Despite the deepening hollow look in his eyes, he drops his hand back to his side and taps his cheek with the other, faux-thoughtfully.]
If Kil runs away without telling me anything, what should I do? Ah— maybe I'll go see Hisoka after all.
[thanks for letting him know about those clown chats]
Previously inconsequential news is now coming back to bite him, and he wonders if there was anything else he shouldn't have let slip. If he reacts to that comment, Illumi will know he should see Hisoka to ask about anything going on. But if he doesn't react, he might go see him anyway... Staying is a statement in itself. Running is a risk now.
He's cornered.]
You tell me first. [Laughable attempt, really, but it's something while he brainstorms for a good way out of this.] If you tell me, I won't run.
I was working. [He answers immediately, without any shift in tone. The demand's such an obvious stall for time that neither of them really needs to point it out, and Illumi can't help himself from adding another layer to this - is Killua really listening to him? Can he pick through Illumi's half-truths while trying to get out of this?] In Yorknew City, a while after Dad let you run off again.
[And that's it, that's all he's willing to "share." At least Illumi doling out pittance details is nothing new, so unsuspicious...
But this is still taking too long.] If you don't say anything soon, I'll go. It won't matter if you stay or not.
[Run off again. It gives him a vague idea, but not enough of one. He should be picking through this more, or better, but the panic running through him and centering in his head is too much.
He needs to come up with an answer now. Even while answering reveals that he doesn't want Illumi to meet up with Hisoka, it could mean many things. Like he doesn't want a team up or Hisoka to be broken out of jail. If he says something right, he could prevent him from even bothering with it. Low chances, but they're there.
Gritting his teeth, he speaks with the first thing he can think to. It's not his own memory, but a lie built from what Hisoka has told him. He'll make it vague enough to be believable. Hopefully. He hasn't realized his own behavior is fighting against it.]
I was helping my best friend. [He words it like that on purpose too, what a rebel.] After he got hurt.
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spells it out with an airplane in the sky
[The answer comes out immediately and without much thought, but Killua doesn't dwell on it. With the needle still lodged into his head, it's hard to question too much, but he knows enough to realize that for some reason, all knowledge of Alluka had left him until just a month or so ago when she appeared on the network. Even then, it was a struggle to get through to those memories.
He refuses to reveal any part of his knowledge, but he doesn't think past that. Doesn't realize that there's something he's missing and it's right between his eyes (and back in his skull a little bit, details).]
Why not? Blue's cool. [It's his favorite color, after all. He points out the top section of it defiantly, falling back onto a more casual attitude more easily. If he acts like this, like he's guarded and not revealing much, then there's no way of telling what he knows.
That's what he thinks.]
Besides, it has purple.
the joke is he could afford a skywriter just to be annoying
He can wait a little longer. If Killua lets his guard drop even a little, he'll consider that progress.
So. Jackets.] Ah. Maybe if the entire thing were purple...
[There's a beat, before he holds the jacket up between them, sizing up how it would look on Killua. The size is wrong because this is the real adults section and not the tiny baby section, but whatever...]
It suits you, Kil. Do you need a jacket?
they could have skywriter BATTLES tbh, writing messages above each other
That thing is way too big for me! [As cool as it is, it's not really his style. It's Illumi's! He swears.] How do you even have money for this already, anyway?
[He really does have no idea how long Illumi's been here, but that's not information that he needs to hide. He's seriously wondering, at this point.] You can't do family work here.
that's so petty which means they would. milluki would arrange the planes
Nor will he answer how he has money (or does he??) already. Please, maybe he's been here for a year, think about the implications of that.]
There's no need if we're not all here. [Well, this one goes back on the rack, too.] But listen to yourself- are you really going to lecture me on doing family work? Don't be so hypocritical.
[He taps his chin, then turns just his wrist to point to a different section of the store.] Your size would be over there.
and the rest of the family would set up chairs and watch
Huffing out a sigh instead, he turns in the direction that Illumi points. Oh. He'd been looking for that. But no way is he admitting that!]
I already knew that. [He lies, right before turning to move that way. Maybe he came over here to investigate Illumi on purpose?? ...Okay, well it was a better lie in his head. He's not even sure if his big brother is going to follow him over to that section, but still. He'll think as he walks.
'There's no need if we're not all here.' He could easily slip up on revealing something if he replies, all while the question provides no info in itself. Damn.]
just another saturday
Well if one thing's for certain, it's that big brother is definitely going to follow him. After a beat, with one last vague look at the rack of jackets, just in case - Illumi doesn't trail after Killua like a puppy (like some people, ahem), but rather drifts over a few seconds behind, like it's incidental that he's still here at all.
Which of course it isn't and they both know that, but still. As far as Illumi is concerned, Killua needs the occasional convoluted reminder that his obligations to the family are always going to be a few paces behind. And sometimes a shopping trip is just a shopping trip, but this is the wrong crowd for that.]
You weren't much help... [Look at him, jacketless?? He gives the clothes in this section slightly more studious attention than the ones in his own size. Purple jacket for Kil, hm...]
That's too bad, isn't it, Kil? If Mom were here, you could finally apologize for stabbing her.
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[It seemed fitting, too. This isn't a fight, so he does feel like he can sass at Illumi a bit more (like back home), but it's too tense like this to take it all the way. He's on the defensive and he can't tell Illumi's angle right now. He's too good at this. There's no way he has him beat in this area, either.
He finds a shirt quickly enough, mildly interested but feigning more interest in it than he holds. He doesn't bother looking to Illumi as he snaps back at that last comment though. A point in time reference for a point in time confirmation. He can do that much.]
I wouldn't apologize. She deserved it.
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He clicks his tongue in mild disapproval (it was definitely Killua who rejected the first jacket and then failed to improve the situation), mercifully letting the jacket thing go after that. He looks from Killua to the shirt he's holding, like he's more interested in that than their conversation. Throwing out such an irrelevant and long since passed detail is definitely part of his angle—and Killua is rising to it likely because it's so harmless.
So, they're both that far. He wonders if he can get Killua to drop the next hint, while innocently picking up a knit hat from a shelf on the wall. It has a pom-pom on top and it would look precious, Kil-!!!]
That doesn't matter. Unlike Milluki, she'd listen to anything you have to say. You know that. [you are tearing this family apart... watch him fiddle with this pom-pom like he's a normal person and not a nutcase, ah how fun] Well, give it some more thought.
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[He'd already told Illumi what he thought. He'd told them all... He must know that, too, if he's reacting like this, right? It's so far back, it doesn't matter if he's giving it away. He'll seem careless so any lies he might have to tell should work better.
That's the... idea, at least. He puts that flame shirt back down and gives a skeptical look to that hat. (Ah, it does look like something he'd wear, too.)]
If you just keep lecturing me this whole time, I'm going to leave.
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It's a very simple concept.] That's right, you only know how to run away. Well, you're still learning.
[Is that- does that count as lecturing, or is he just being a jackass now? Too late anyway, it's out there in the world, so here- he holds the hat out for Killua to look at himself.]
Why don't you talk about something else, if family matters bother you so much?
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His chest stings with guilt and he snatches that hat away, turning it over in his hands a few times as if he's really uncertain about it. The truth is, he wants to try it on.]
Okay. Hisoka is here. [He brings this up because the subject here happens to be in jail, and maybe he can get across the huge message of don't fucking kill people without being lectured.] Have you gone to see him?
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The mention of Hisoka actually pulls his attention away from the time puzzle and he blinks, surprised Killua would mention him out of the blue. In the context of going to see him, at least- his odd association with Hisoka is so unlike whatever Killua is assuming (Illumi can feel it, stop) such that he's never even bothered to bring it up himself. Maybe that's just him.
... so is Hisoka talking about him, why, don't use him to harass baby brother...]
No. Why would I need to see him?
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[That particular line is spoken more in hopes of annoying Illumi than anything. But okay. Hasn't visited Hisoka, which means... He may not be aware Gon or Alluka are here. They're usually with him, so the fact that they aren't right now is good. It hides it. Right?
There's still a chance, but he's feeling better about it. It's down to 30%, maybe.]
They took his nen and everything. I guess they're serious about the laws, here.
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To say Illumi is annoyed is a stretch; mildly bothered, maybe. That Killua is in contact with Hisoka enough for Illumi to come up more than once gives him pause, but it sounds more like Hisoka is bored than trying to do something to Kil...
you people, doing things without his approval, he doesn't like it!!]
Hm. Without nen he wouldn't be as useful even if he escaped. That's a shame! [He's making a mental note to ignore any hypothetical texts from Hisoka asking him to help with a prison break...] There's no need to rush.
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'Cool'.
More importantly, though, Hisoka and Illumi are super weirdos. He'll leave it at him thinking he's less useful and not mention that his powers will be restored once he's freed. Ah, it's too bad, Hisoka will probably find out about him and tell him himself. So he's got a countdown? Maybe.]
'No need to rush'? [He doesn't understand this relationship at all. God.] What are you planning on doing here, then?
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I'm only thinking ahead. What are you doing here, besides training? Do you go to school? It must be a bore.
[He likes knowing where things are in case he needs them. Things here including, at the moment, little brother and Token Only Ally. Now, however, he produces the hat's matching scarf and holds it out very pointedly.] The hat is part of a set.
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[Not that he'd tell him at all to begin with, but still. Angrily, he snatches that scarf away, not even giving it a second glance as he tosses it over a rack of windbreakers. What a brat. The hat joins it shortly after (sadly), and soon enough he's storming through a few more of the racks.
Who knew someone could search for clothing in such irritation. But if he leaves, where will he go? If Illumi follows, he could run into someone like Gon or Alluka. Even if he ends up going to a different friend's house, that'll just drag them into it.
...There's Jaime, who happens to know of the situation through certain dream circumstances, but what if he's lying and he would go after him with a stick? Man, this whole thing is annoying. Why'd he have to show up?!
'I like this place.' Anything he says in response to Illumi's comments will just give something away.]
I came here for shirts, so I just want some shirts. [He settles on that with a mumble, pulling out a simple orange collared one. Hm.] If you're trying to find anything out about me... [He tosses a look over his shoulder; it's the first outright threatening one today.] I'm not telling you anything.
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Still, it seems Killua is finally starting to take him more seriously. A passerby wouldn't catch it, but when he takes in Killua's expression something colder and darker clouds over behind his eyes. The thin line of his mouth is set and his strange brand of detached whimsy is extinguished in only a few seconds—he's just so proud.]
Killua... You're being stubborn. [He takes half a step closer, but nothing further.] You'll tell me everything eventually— you always do. Do you think you can back up your intentions right now? You can't. That's always going to be beyond your ability level.
[just in case there was any hotheaded 12yo overconfidence happening here]
Don't waste my time.
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Still. Even still, he's right. What could he do? Run. He could run, but that only buys time. He can't beat him. He can't stand his ground and defend himself. He can't do anything but run. Just that darker feeling about Illumi was enough to stop him in his tracks.
Damn. It's useless... He's so useless!
He doesn't know what to say to that. Any words seem like they'd just bring it around to him being closer to spilling without meaning to, and so, abandoning that shirt once more, he takes a half step back of his own, head finally lifting to stare at Illumi. Should he run?]
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And there is always a point of contention when Illumi is involved- but if Killua is pinned under his thumb like this, with no voiced defiance, then the chances that his recent rebellion with Alluka has not yet happened become greater. That bothers Illumi, like an itch—he wants and wants, and having to rework his plans is going to be so... hn.
Well, nothing for it. He doesn't move closer again but holds out a hand palm-up, like an offering. To the point:]
Tell me the last thing you remember.
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Even if he knows he's right and he knows he wants to run (there's a weird throbbing in his head again, sharp and stabbing between dull beats), he has other motivations to worry about. Gon's helped him once, and he's been reunited with Alluka, in a way.
His mouth spreads into a thin line at first and he takes another step back, lowering his whole body like he's prepared to dart away if he has to. But he's not foolish enough to do that right off the bat. It's a crowded store and he hasn't perfected any of his training with electricity to the point where he even realizes it can be used to help speed.]
I'm not telling you.
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[Truthfully, he doesn't want Killua to run. That will mean he has to find him again another time (and he won't buy the hat...), but if Killua has to get his bearings before he does what Illumi wants, he'll endure it. He knows this: Killua's defiance is worthless, and his own win is already guaranteed. With the ending fixed, the acts between have room to shift, if necessary.
Being patient is a decision he has made, and will keep making. Despite the deepening hollow look in his eyes, he drops his hand back to his side and taps his cheek with the other, faux-thoughtfully.]
If Kil runs away without telling me anything, what should I do? Ah— maybe I'll go see Hisoka after all.
[thanks for letting him know about those clown chats]
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Previously inconsequential news is now coming back to bite him, and he wonders if there was anything else he shouldn't have let slip. If he reacts to that comment, Illumi will know he should see Hisoka to ask about anything going on. But if he doesn't react, he might go see him anyway... Staying is a statement in itself. Running is a risk now.
He's cornered.]
You tell me first. [Laughable attempt, really, but it's something while he brainstorms for a good way out of this.] If you tell me, I won't run.
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I was working. [He answers immediately, without any shift in tone. The demand's such an obvious stall for time that neither of them really needs to point it out, and Illumi can't help himself from adding another layer to this - is Killua really listening to him? Can he pick through Illumi's half-truths while trying to get out of this?] In Yorknew City, a while after Dad let you run off again.
[And that's it, that's all he's willing to "share." At least Illumi doling out pittance details is nothing new, so unsuspicious...
But this is still taking too long.] If you don't say anything soon, I'll go. It won't matter if you stay or not.
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He needs to come up with an answer now. Even while answering reveals that he doesn't want Illumi to meet up with Hisoka, it could mean many things. Like he doesn't want a team up or Hisoka to be broken out of jail. If he says something right, he could prevent him from even bothering with it. Low chances, but they're there.
Gritting his teeth, he speaks with the first thing he can think to. It's not his own memory, but a lie built from what Hisoka has told him. He'll make it vague enough to be believable. Hopefully. He hasn't realized his own behavior is fighting against it.]
I was helping my best friend. [He words it like that on purpose too, what a rebel.] After he got hurt.
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