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.
[Well, this is becoming a mess. Illumi tilts his head almost curiously, like "best friends" (ew) being hurt is news to him. Killua's actions still don't match up perfectly with his words— Hisoka, then? Going to visit the prison is so out of his way, sigh...]
Oh? I told you, you aren't suited to having friends. If you had listened to me...
[That's nonsense and he doesn't care, but he wants to get under Killua's skin and - ideally - put him even more on the defensive so he'll let slip something else that's of use.] What did you do to him?
[He's lost and cornered, and so he acts. It's not an entire lie. There's truth and knowledge and emotion behind it, and that's what makes it easy to react. His fists ball and he takes a step forward to make up for the one he'd taken backwards earlier. One arm swipes out in a violent motion at the air between them.
He doesn't seem to care that people are beginning to stare.]
It wasn't my fault! It wasn't anyone's fault! You don't know what you're talking about!
[So, yeah. Illumi shuts his eyes and ducks his chin slightly, the precursor to an exasperated sigh that doesn't come. He doesn't visibly react to Killua's swipe at- space- but the abrupt sharpening of his gloomy hot topic aura will be noticeable enough where it counts. He's not above giving a strict reminder of Zoldyck training here in the store.
Let the people stare.]
You're not the type of person who can claim it wasn't his fault. You're too dark. But it can't be helped— you're one of us. [so don't?? feel bad?] What did you think would happen if you spent all that time around an outsider?
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no subject
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.
no subject
'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?
no subject
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.
no subject
[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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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?]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[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]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
Oh? I told you, you aren't suited to having friends. If you had listened to me...
[That's nonsense and he doesn't care, but he wants to get under Killua's skin and - ideally - put him even more on the defensive so he'll let slip something else that's of use.] What did you do to him?
no subject
[He's lost and cornered, and so he acts. It's not an entire lie. There's truth and knowledge and emotion behind it, and that's what makes it easy to react. His fists ball and he takes a step forward to make up for the one he'd taken backwards earlier. One arm swipes out in a violent motion at the air between them.
He doesn't seem to care that people are beginning to stare.]
It wasn't my fault! It wasn't anyone's fault! You don't know what you're talking about!
no subject
[So, yeah. Illumi shuts his eyes and ducks his chin slightly, the precursor to an exasperated sigh that doesn't come. He doesn't visibly react to Killua's swipe at- space- but the abrupt sharpening of his
gloomy hot topicaura will be noticeable enough where it counts. He's not above giving a strict reminder of Zoldyck training here in the store.Let the people stare.]
You're not the type of person who can claim it wasn't his fault. You're too dark. But it can't be helped— you're one of us. [so don't?? feel bad?] What did you think would happen if you spent all that time around an outsider?