Thankfully Illumi has already learned he looks trashy in red, so he can be mildly stunned by how red that suit is before he rethinks and reclassifies and decides, well, it's Hisoka. It's fine.
It is... really red. It's as if the concept of "red" took physical form as a suit- that's how red. Illumi looks at it again for a moment, then back up at Hisoka with one of his odd little almost-smiles. It's so fucking red-
"I'm the assassin, not you. Besides, making a spectacle is one of your bad habits." He waves a hand, like, it's going to happen anyway. If Hisoka could get someone to follow him around holding a spotlight, Illumi is pretty sure he would. One of the idiosyncrasies he'll never understand...
"It goes with your hair." No it- well- not really, but in Illumi's world, color theory just doesn't exist.
Hey- sure makes it easy to hide in the shadows when you're the one holding the light.
A laugh, moving to put the suit over and arm and use the now open hand to slide fingers through his hair.
"Oh, I'll dye it something else, believe me. Red suit it is~" Said as he strolls back over, smiling wide and then bowing forward a little. "To the register then?" And you'll- be paying- yes, of course.
Ah, someone who is not otherwise employed already as a shadowy lurker to hold a spotlight. Chrollo has nothing better to do these days, that's an option.
Illumi's gaze drifts up to Hisoka's hair. "Again?" he asks idly, as if his track record for actually noticing when Hisoka's various palette swaps happen isn't something like one in three. Ironically, he'd notice immediately if it were dyed something reasonable, like black. The concept seems alien.
But yes, the register, and yes, he is going to pay. This cashier isn't nearly as star-struck-slash-deeply-uncomfortable as the one at the smoothie stand, so it won't take long. Illumi is halfway out the door when he pauses and says, "Oh, what about a hat?"
time skip to the party/job or just cut the thread soon?
Hisoka has other plans for Chrollo, believe him. You don't want to know anything about what they are either.
Reasonable? And who are you to judge that? Do you even know his actual hair colour? Do you actually know anything about Hisoka? -Does anyone?
"No hat." Dismisses it with a wave of his hand holding the smoothie, other hand holding his bag. "You have to remove it as soon as you go inside anyway, do you think it'll rain or something?
Honestly, no... but only because Chrollo isn't one of his Concerns. Have fun with him. And—no again. Knowing anything about Hisoka other than how to get in touch with him and what various useful skills he has is also a little beyond Illumi's capacity for concern. He's certain that knowing wouldn't change anything for him anyway, so - that's fine.
But why can't he have a hat. Hats make everything more subtle. He sighs without any force behind it and continues out. "I'll send you the information. Try not to be late."
The information, as it comes later, includes a place, time, and a helpful reminder rounding it out at the end:
Show up on time Dont try to go in without me
-which is entirely Illumi being a finicky perfectionist and not actually anything relevant to this job, because the time is of his own choosing and the place is a different building entirely. It is not, at least, a rooftop- his suit might get wrinkled- but a lobby of a recently abandoned building populated by the rare drunk squatter. It's great, really.
He'll just be waiting here, doing his tie. His hair is still its usual length, but you know, time limit. It gets in the way.
Hey, as long as Chrollo doesn't become a concern of yours, they're good. The last thing he wants is for you to go after the Phantom Troupe leader for a job. He'd- have to stop you and that wouldn't be pretty at all. Though he wonders if you would not take the job knowing it would end any 'friendship' you and he have. Hisoka is QUITE useful, isn't he?
He gets the text with his hair soaked in toner and chuckles as he lifts it, moving to the shower of the hotel he's in, already close by the place of Illumi's job. Easy peasy.
Hisoka kicks back, nude, towel over his shoulders, sitting in the living room with the buzzing something on the news. He clicks it off, lifting his cheap track phone to read and reply.
wow so rude, but im ur +1 i have 2 wait 4 u. ♥
Whatever man, he won't question it. With that he'll toss the phone to the side and move to go shower. Sorry if you send any messages since then. Hopefully it's not important situation, but he'll be sure to meet you. Red suit, spades tie, nice white shoes, matching his new white hair. Red contacts in, matching his red suit.
If it came down to a job that meant going after Chrollo... Illumi would more likely just let Silva take it again. That's becoming a thing, anyway, and he does prefer as few complications as possible. The main one in this hypothetical case being Chrollo himself, but trying to kill him with Hisoka getting in the way would be way too complicated. So. That's good? It's nothing personal.
Standing around in this soon to be hovel, Illumi does have a reply to that text that will be piteously ignored-
Just making sure youre on schedule
His schedule, mind. His job, his schedule, his rules. His plus one- that part is probably frowned upon by at least ten Zoldyck rules, but oops, too late. Mercifully he has nothing important to say over text- that would be stupid, the real information is only delivered in person and in private, that's Assassin 101- and has just finished with his tie when Hisoka turns up.
Somehow, the suit looks even redder when it's being worn. Illumi briefly thinks his well-crafted dull gray subtlety is now shattered, but no, no—he'll dissolve into the background while Hisoka... is Hisoka. It's still fine.
"You look ten years older." That's for the choice of hair color. And as for his own hair, good timing- "Hang on."
Illumi focuses on his nen, looking straight ahead at nothing on the opposite wall. This modification isn't as creaky as molding himself into Gittarackur (or Hisoka, for that matter), but there is a faint kind of hissing sound as his hair seems to recede into his head. Once it's the length he wants, cropped short around chin length, he blinks himself out of his stare and reaches inside his coat. This probably isn't necessary, given how long this should take, but just in case - he takes out a single one of his needles. It's small compared to the ones he throws, but the shape is the same. He reaches up with both hands to pull his hair aside behind his ear and, without any ceremony, drive the needle in there up to its rounded hilt.
The line of his mouth twitches briefly into a frown, but one needle is only a precaution and not a precursor to being unable to control his body perfectly, so that's all. He smooths his hair back into place and looks at Hisoka. "Okay."
No don't let Silva do it, he'd go through with it but also Hisoka would probably try and stop him. Either that would end in Hisoka dying or- Silva dying. Though honestly Hisoka gets a bit of what he wants in either situation. Still- he's rather sure Chrollo could defend himself were that silver haired bear to come after him, to be true. He just would want to make sure Chrollo didn't- he wants that fight, needs it- needs him.
Always his schedule, always. Illumi, for as apathetic as he likes to come across- or JUST comes across at times, he sure does like calling the shots.
He arrives and pulls on a smile that only turns to a heavy frown when Illumi says that. Ten years older, really? Glances up, twisting some hair between fingers. Well he won't do white again then- he thought it looked all right, especially as a contrast to the red suit.
Ah- oh well.
"Ten? Really?" Ugh, pushing forty?? Upset! But his frown is as fickle as he is when his eyes catch hold of what Illumi's doing next. Watches, and slowly smiles, finding it just as interesting and fascinating as always. "Your little anchor set in nicely then?" A smirk, eyes slim. He knows the needles tend to 'hold it in place' once he shifts it. Poor thing, such a test on his body but Illumi really knows a thing or two about discipline.
Hisoka steps forward, reaching out with a hand to flit his fingers softly against the now short strands of hair. pulling back his hand, he sets it near his cheek and cocks his head.
Well, it's always possible Silva and Zeno will finally make good on their little quips about the dough for Chrollo not being worth dealing with his fighting skills... Still, take it up with them. Illumi does not need Chrollo in any way, alive or dead; very much not interested.
Hisoka's ten years problem is the suit more than the hair, though— if he dressed the way he always did with his hair all in white, it wouldn't be so... Reserved is hardly a good word for a bright red suit, but given the way they both usually dress, it's something like that. Illumi shrugs in response, straightening his coat again when Hisoka brushes against his hair. Ordinarily he would move his head away, but the brief touch is as much an informal confirmation that his nen has taken hold as it is... whatever Hisoka gets out of it.
Ah.
He hums, tilting his head from side to side a few times to be sure he can thoroughly ignore that needle while working. The physical feeling of it registers as a dull weight behind his ear rather than a point of pain, so it takes a second. The feedback loop of his own nen takes a slightly longer second - he might have gone a little overboard, to practice - but he notes with mild satisfaction that it's a brief adjustment overall. Good.
Wait, what did Hisoka call it... "Anchor? Hm. It's a little strange." A good show, huh. He checks the time on his phone. "We have a few minutes. Let's walk slow and I'll tell you about the target."
Who has enough money to pay to down the head of the Phantom Troupe? No one, and Hisoka likes it that way. He especially likes when his interests do not cross. Illumi having no interest in going after Chrollo is good. Illumi not going after Gon that one instant? Good.
No tug away from his hand by Illumi has him smiling. He won't push his luck though, and doesn't try to push his hand into more hair, despite the desire to.
"Anchor, isn't that just what it is? Your pins are 'anchors' to keep things in place, hm?" Smiles, shrugging up his shoulders and moving to pocket his hands. Lead the way, Illumi. He really- doesn't care about the target at all, that's true. But he could care about him in the next moment perhaps. Maybe kill him with a stray card for shits and giggles? Who knows. Depends on how he feels. He doubts Illumi will run into any trouble with this job, so Hisoka will just take the opportunity to mingle and eat for free.
Ugh, Gon. That boy is trouble- do something about him already, preferably something that will edge him away from Killua. How annoying...
Illumi hums again, moving past Hisoka to lead the way out of there. 'Anchor' is an interesting term for it, he'll have to keep that in mind— his brutally utilitarian application of nen to make it do what he wants leaves ironically little room for finesse. It does what he needs and he's forcing his way through to perfection slowly but surely, but it's likely true that going through all of the steps to learn nen fully before hammering out a personal skill would, well, help. 'Anchor'— if he stopped to visualize more deeply, just calling it that would probably do wonders.
Thanks? Hmm. "Something like that." As they walk he recites the description of his target he was given by the client, businesslike; older gentleman, balding, likely going to have his young wife on his arm and gravitate towards a certain set of people at this event with more influence than the rest... It's honestly all very dull, but Illumi goes through it so Hisoka knows which paranoid old man to stay away from.
He does realize how this could backfire, yes, but that's the usual consequence of giving Hisoka information. Hopefully that red suit will get him enough attention to be entertained.
When they come up across the street from the event hall he pauses, watching the entrance and thinking. Although they've teamed up before, they don't usually do the actual work side by side... but if he's pretending to be someone else with a plus one, then- uh. Looking convincingly plus-oned is not his forte. To Hisoka, like he's totally repeated this all out loud and not just thought about it, he says, "Can you convince them?"
Do nothing about him and keep your best friend, how about that. Hisoka would prefer if they just remain friends, what's the harm in that? Why do you gotta be so controlling? It can't be good for your blood pressure.
Hey man. He could always help you better learn Nen principles if you asked, just saying. You just kinda rushed everything else in order to learn your little tricks. Not really the best way to go about it. Sure- Hisoka himself learned everything by himself with little hints from others, but he atleast spent a lot of time hammering through it. Not everyone's spoiled like you~
Anchor is the best way to word it in Hisoka'a opinion, and were Illumi to speak to him more on the subject, he could probably get a better idea of how to control this ability. While Hisoka himself isn't a teacher of any kind, he knows his way around Nen to be able to properly assist someone should they ask- and should he care to help. Anchor, as in- something to 'pin' his nen in place. Using Nen to manipulate his own body into shifting appearance, which takes some concentration. Using Nen alone to keep it there would be incredibly difficult, but the pins assist. Needles holding pictures in place, 'anchoring' his body and Nen in place. Visualizing the pins sinking into his aura and pores releasing his aura alone would help Illumi better get an idea on how it works, and thus get closer to mastering it. But eh-
Who asks Hisoka things?
"Ah ha-" Smirks, looking to the door men and then back to Illumi. "Can you keep quiet?" Winks, sticking his tongue out a little and going to pinch at Illumi's cheek.
"Course you can, you sneaky assassin you." Cutie patoot. Shakes Illumi's face a little with the hand pinching at his cheek before letting go and moving to walk ahead. Why yes, Illumi, he is A+ and lying and bullshitting. He will sweet talk either of them right into the event without so much as a list looked at. There's just something about a guy in a bright red suit with that much- confidence. Like he can do anything- like he would've done anything to get passed them... The idea of questioning a man like that- doesn't occur to them, was it intimidation? Charm? Hard to say. Sure easier than killing them and having to clean up after yourself.
But he's no good for Kil... Illumi's blood pressure would be much better if Killua listened to him, is that so much to ask? Yes? Awful.
The problem with asking Hisoka for help- other than the enduring uncertainty that he's not lying through his teeth for kicks- is that Illumi doesn't want... help. Doesn't want someone else's hand involved in honing his nen usage, even if it's only through suggestions and tips for dealing with aura. If he's steeped in ideas from someone else for too long he thinks he might lose his vice grip on his skill as it is now. It might creak and jerk uncomfortably and it might not stay for as long as he needs without so many obvious needles, but it's his. That's too important to risk, he tells himself, and he believes it.
He's getting there, regardless. Picking up ideas piece-wise wouldn't be effective for anyone else, but for someone as ruthlessly efficient as Illumi it has a much better success rate. He can do it, really.
—And Hisoka is pinching his cheek, already at it before Illumi draws his attention away from the door. That's—not the answer he anticipated, and certainly not ideal, that's his face... This time he does lean his head away a bit, raising a hand to push pointedly at Hisoka's elbow even as his face is released. Just so everyone's clear that he's not a big fan of unsolicited pinching. A beat, and he takes a couple long strides to fall into step beside Hisoka again. He'll just look terminally disinterested in chatting while Hisoka gets them in, then- keeping quiet it is.
Illumi, someone really needs to teach you about how to properly support growing boys. They need to learn some form of independence and social skills, otherwise well--
I mean just look in a mirror, honestly.
You can't even lie to get yourself into a fancy party. Sometimes you just need help though, them's the breaks. Sometimes you need to ask guys you can't really trust either, sometimes they purposely will try and fuck you over too. But who's to say what will happen here! Either way- everyone needs help eventually, taking it the hard way? Why- then you end up older than you want to be, just learning things you could've learned ages ago. If Hisoka had more help, with how far he is now? Just imagine if he had someone actually help him learn when he was younger... hone his skills young-
Ah, but what a silly thing to dwell on.
Better for Hisoka to drop little hints of things here and there. 'Anchor'.
They're in in no time and the elegance of the inner walls is quite nice. Hisoka stands enamored by it for a few moments before moving on. There seems to be a good amount of people already gathered and Hisoka already finds a small group to slide into, speaking to them with a smile and getting names and small greetings. Though he keeps himself aware of where Illumi is, his aura, at the same time trying to be perceptive of any potential auras worth while near by.
What about him isn't- in...dependent? He can feed himself. Look, not everyone can be a mysterious vagabond.
Once they're inside, Illumi doesn't bother with the facade of being there with Hisoka longer than it takes Hisoka to ooze into an existing group; he just vanishes, aside from the presence of his aura. He likes to get to work as quickly as possible, but it's also just to keep up the plan of not being remembered by more people than is absolutely necessary; the longer he hangs around the bright red suit, the more his face will stick in other guests' memories- so there he goes.
Of course, he's not invisible- if Hisoka glances around the event hall at the precisely correct times he'll be able to catch a glimpse of Illumi drifting just outside the crowd or slipping out of sight behind a partition. His target moves much less but amasses a crowd around himself in a vain attempt to look more important than he is- true, but unimportant, as Illumi doesn't need to know why his client wants this man dead to do it. Asking is one of those Zoldyck rules he actually tries to keep up with; that is, don't ask. There's no point whatsoever.
When the job itself is done, it isn't a brutal and bloody affair. The feeling of Illumi's aura spikes for the briefest fraction of a second, and a gray sleeve disappears out into a hallway at the same time the target gets up without any grand ceremony and walks out a different exit, a needle embedded unseen in the back of his neck and hidden by his shirt collar. It goes without saying that he won't be coming back- it takes longer to force-walk him to an obscure location than it does for Illumi to carry out his task and make a call to the client, honestly.
All in all, it's barely pushing thirty minutes after walking in the door that Illumi reappears at Hisoka's elbow, looking for all the world like nothing more than a reserved- but innocent- young man who got seriously, seriously lost trying to find a restroom.
Surely that's where he was all this time. Not a single person has actually spoken to him directly yet, so this is going just fine so far- simple. How long will he have to endure mingling...
Is he a mysterious vagabond? Does he really deserve that title? But he dresses so nice.
Right, he doesn't want to be 'that guy with the red suit guy', heaven forbid. But Hisoka doesn't even question the disappearance. There's most likely no reason for Illumi to use zetsu here, so he'll sense his aura all along the way. Would he USE zetsu well- then he'd assume something else might've happened, perhaps his job has a guard with nen? If that was the case Hisoka miiight come take a peak.
But none of that. Aura spike, and it's not nearly as large or long winded as his own, Hisoka will admit he tends to go a little overboard when he's in the right mood. But while Illumi can be boring as a rock, he IS efficient- for the most part.
"Ah- hm?" His brows peak, seeing the change in expression on a woman's face he had been speaking to. Her eyes glancing over his shoulder and he follows them, turning his head to see Illumi behind him.
"Haha- where'd you go off to? You always get so long- if you'd excuse me." Looks to the woman again, bowing his head and giving a goodbye before turning and heading away from her at a casual pace. "I have a little more food to eat- ah, they chose a grand sparkling wine here." Smiles to him, going to pick up one of the slim glasses from a passing waiter.
He dresses nice on Illumi's dime, Illumi gets to give out whatever titles he wants. So there. Vagabond.
He blinks. "Bathroom," flatly, by way of explanation solely for the benefit of woman looking at him. Then he's turning to walk away as well, ignoring that same ray of wine glasses in favor of glancing innocuously over the crowd. No one is wondering about the absence of one man—and they probably won't for a while yet, but done is done and he doesn't make a habit of hanging around.
This, truly, is the peril of bringing a plus one. Having to stand there looking sociable. The next waiter passing with wine he does take a glass from, if only to look busy. "It looks like you're having a good time. I wasn't planning on staying all night."
"Yes honey- that's where you were." A smile, nod, glancing back to his company and whispering with a hand against the side of his mouth.
"He's a little slow." Said before he pushes Illumi to move away and get that food and drink.
"Oh we won't, I'm just taking advantage of the situation." A smile, tipping his glass back, eyelids low. "You really sound get better with people, it could do you well in the future." Chuckles, sliding his tongue over a lip, tasting the crisp liquid still left there in drops.
"Mmm, but then I might have to share you." Illumi with other friends. . . .
Scoffs, laughing to himself. "Nevermind nevermind."
Wow, Hisoka, you are just a delight at all times. Illumi is almost offended. He doesn't even know how to pretend to be a bit dim, that's beyond his acting capacity, who let you make this decision-?
He considers the wine instead. It's probably a very nice wine, but he'll more than likely leave it on an unassuming table on the way out without drinking any of it. While he watches bubbles stick to the inside of the glass- "I don't need more allies." That they can agree on, at the very least. People skills aren't a requisite part of being an assassin- they detract from it, in his opinion, thank you very much- and it probably doesn't help that he finds most people to be vapid and useless in the end anyway.
A tray of hors d'oeuvres passes them next and he plucks one off of it. While he'd prefer to have left already, he isn't antsy or overeager - just bored. But he's had the feeling of being watched for a few minutes now, which might be a concern if not for the identity of the person intermittently trying to stare a hole through his back- "That guy I told you about keeps looking this way." Client, he won't say in a crowded room. "I think he's getting nervous about me still being here."
Illumi pops the hors d'oeuvre in his mouth, casually. The money for this job already hit his bank account, he checked, so now he's nothing but a harmless party guest and it must be just terrible, being a paranoid client. He feels for the man, really.
"Ah," but also, "'A little slow,' though?" Must you.
If you're dim they'll have less of an interest to try and spark conversation with you, as well as try to interact or remember you at all, really- he's doing you a favour, sheesh.
"No, I guess you don't." A knowing smile. Allies are- useless for the most part but then- he finds his own reasons for them. Most of the time though? He helps because he just- wants to, and not because he owes them any boon. Illumi would be considered an ally he supposes- her certainly doesn't pay him as he does with Machi- infact, Illumi spends a lot of money on him. Though- that's due to his limitless supply and lack of any sense how money and saving works.
"Ah- so he is..." A bored look, glancing over Illumi's shoulder subtly. "Let him suffer, we're not making a scene hm?" But he'll meander closer to the exit to settle both the 'client' and Illumi's nerves.
"Since when did you care about how others saw you, hm?" Grins, tipping back his glass to finish most of it off in one swallow. "Besides, what interest would a woman have in some slow boy? I was thinking of you, really."
Do him a favor without calling him slow, maybe- just a suggestion. Remember, Illumi's middle name is "egregious self-importance."
"It's a pain," he says, for both the eyes boring into his back and being aware of how people see him. He runs a finger around the rim of the wine glass idly, making it hum, then continues in a somewhat lighter tone. "Work aside, this party is a waste of time. I nearly felt bad for the other old man- coming with me was the most exciting part of his night."
He tilts his head slightly as if thoughtful, then shrugs. What Illumi thinks about the people he kills for money, if anything, is anyone's guess. He doesn't feel remorse - ever - and it's as if he forms no opinion at all until after he mentally classifies them as "dead," despite their actual state of life or death. Of course, his opinions are largely just detached pity, empathy-free— but it does explain why he gets so chatty about dead people.
Ah, is this what they call a hobby... A beat.
"I'm not going to drink this." The wine; holding it out. "Want it?"
Well, when it comes to other people, he is a bit slow, let's be honest. You gotta recognize your faults there too, buddy, Hisoka does. He just embraces it all.
"Probably, I'm used to being the life of the party anyway, hm~?
"I do." Takes the glass, finishing his own and then drinking down the second, having two empty glasses, one in each hand. A sigh, looking to them. "I guess we really should go, we're really just crashing now. And I wouldn't want you to bother that guy anymore, right?" A pout.
"Pity, this was all I had planned for the night then- ope!" Sets glasses on a passing tray aaand takes a third glass. "Let's go."
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"Yes." He picks great ties, see. "With that?"
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"Think I could pull it off? Won't I make too much of a spectacle in this?"
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"I'm the assassin, not you. Besides, making a spectacle is one of your bad habits." He waves a hand, like, it's going to happen anyway. If Hisoka could get someone to follow him around holding a spotlight, Illumi is pretty sure he would. One of the idiosyncrasies he'll never understand...
"It goes with your hair." No it- well- not really, but in Illumi's world, color theory just doesn't exist.
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A laugh, moving to put the suit over and arm and use the now open hand to slide fingers through his hair.
"Oh, I'll dye it something else, believe me. Red suit it is~" Said as he strolls back over, smiling wide and then bowing forward a little. "To the register then?" And you'll- be paying- yes, of course.
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Illumi's gaze drifts up to Hisoka's hair. "Again?" he asks idly, as if his track record for actually noticing when Hisoka's various palette swaps happen isn't something like one in three. Ironically, he'd notice immediately if it were dyed something reasonable, like black. The concept seems alien.
But yes, the register, and yes, he is going to pay. This cashier isn't nearly as star-struck-slash-deeply-uncomfortable as the one at the smoothie stand, so it won't take long. Illumi is halfway out the door when he pauses and says, "Oh, what about a hat?"
time skip to the party/job or just cut the thread soon?
Reasonable? And who are you to judge that? Do you even know his actual hair colour? Do you actually know anything about Hisoka? -Does anyone?
"No hat." Dismisses it with a wave of his hand holding the smoothie, other hand holding his bag. "You have to remove it as soon as you go inside anyway, do you think it'll rain or something?
let's party
But why can't he have a hat. Hats make everything more subtle. He sighs without any force behind it and continues out. "I'll send you the information. Try not to be late."
The information, as it comes later, includes a place, time, and a helpful reminder rounding it out at the end:
Show up on time
Dont try to go in without me
-which is entirely Illumi being a finicky perfectionist and not actually anything relevant to this job, because the time is of his own choosing and the place is a different building entirely. It is not, at least, a rooftop- his suit might get wrinkled- but a lobby of a recently abandoned building populated by the rare drunk squatter. It's great, really.
He'll just be waiting here, doing his tie. His hair is still its usual length, but you know, time limit. It gets in the way.
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He gets the text with his hair soaked in toner and chuckles as he lifts it, moving to the shower of the hotel he's in, already close by the place of Illumi's job. Easy peasy.
Hisoka kicks back, nude, towel over his shoulders, sitting in the living room with the buzzing something on the news. He clicks it off, lifting his cheap track phone to read and reply.
wow so rude, but im ur +1 i have 2 wait 4 u. ♥
Whatever man, he won't question it. With that he'll toss the phone to the side and move to go shower. Sorry if you send any messages since then. Hopefully it's not important situation, but he'll be sure to meet you. Red suit, spades tie, nice white shoes, matching his new white hair. Red contacts in, matching his red suit.
"Oh Illumi, you make my heart skip a beat."
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Standing around in this soon to be hovel, Illumi does have a reply to that text that will be piteously ignored-
Just making sure youre on schedule
His schedule, mind. His job, his schedule, his rules. His plus one- that part is probably frowned upon by at least ten Zoldyck rules, but oops, too late. Mercifully he has nothing important to say over text- that would be stupid, the real information is only delivered in person and in private, that's Assassin 101- and has just finished with his tie when Hisoka turns up.
Somehow, the suit looks even redder when it's being worn. Illumi briefly thinks his well-crafted dull gray subtlety is now shattered, but no, no—he'll dissolve into the background while Hisoka... is Hisoka. It's still fine.
"You look ten years older." That's for the choice of hair color. And as for his own hair, good timing- "Hang on."
Illumi focuses on his nen, looking straight ahead at nothing on the opposite wall. This modification isn't as creaky as molding himself into Gittarackur (or Hisoka, for that matter), but there is a faint kind of hissing sound as his hair seems to recede into his head. Once it's the length he wants, cropped short around chin length, he blinks himself out of his stare and reaches inside his coat. This probably isn't necessary, given how long this should take, but just in case - he takes out a single one of his needles. It's small compared to the ones he throws, but the shape is the same. He reaches up with both hands to pull his hair aside behind his ear and, without any ceremony, drive the needle in there up to its rounded hilt.
The line of his mouth twitches briefly into a frown, but one needle is only a precaution and not a precursor to being unable to control his body perfectly, so that's all. He smooths his hair back into place and looks at Hisoka. "Okay."
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Always his schedule, always. Illumi, for as apathetic as he likes to come across- or JUST comes across at times, he sure does like calling the shots.
He arrives and pulls on a smile that only turns to a heavy frown when Illumi says that. Ten years older, really? Glances up, twisting some hair between fingers. Well he won't do white again then- he thought it looked all right, especially as a contrast to the red suit.
Ah- oh well.
"Ten? Really?" Ugh, pushing forty?? Upset! But his frown is as fickle as he is when his eyes catch hold of what Illumi's doing next. Watches, and slowly smiles, finding it just as interesting and fascinating as always. "Your little anchor set in nicely then?" A smirk, eyes slim. He knows the needles tend to 'hold it in place' once he shifts it. Poor thing, such a test on his body but Illumi really knows a thing or two about discipline.
Hisoka steps forward, reaching out with a hand to flit his fingers softly against the now short strands of hair. pulling back his hand, he sets it near his cheek and cocks his head.
"Cyy-uuute~"
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Hisoka's ten years problem is the suit more than the hair, though— if he dressed the way he always did with his hair all in white, it wouldn't be so... Reserved is hardly a good word for a bright red suit, but given the way they both usually dress, it's something like that. Illumi shrugs in response, straightening his coat again when Hisoka brushes against his hair. Ordinarily he would move his head away, but the brief touch is as much an informal confirmation that his nen has taken hold as it is... whatever Hisoka gets out of it.
Ah.
He hums, tilting his head from side to side a few times to be sure he can thoroughly ignore that needle while working. The physical feeling of it registers as a dull weight behind his ear rather than a point of pain, so it takes a second. The feedback loop of his own nen takes a slightly longer second - he might have gone a little overboard, to practice - but he notes with mild satisfaction that it's a brief adjustment overall. Good.
Wait, what did Hisoka call it... "Anchor? Hm. It's a little strange." A good show, huh. He checks the time on his phone. "We have a few minutes. Let's walk slow and I'll tell you about the target."
You know. Inconspicuously.
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No tug away from his hand by Illumi has him smiling. He won't push his luck though, and doesn't try to push his hand into more hair, despite the desire to.
"Anchor, isn't that just what it is? Your pins are 'anchors' to keep things in place, hm?" Smiles, shrugging up his shoulders and moving to pocket his hands. Lead the way, Illumi. He really- doesn't care about the target at all, that's true. But he could care about him in the next moment perhaps. Maybe kill him with a stray card for shits and giggles? Who knows. Depends on how he feels. He doubts Illumi will run into any trouble with this job, so Hisoka will just take the opportunity to mingle and eat for free.
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Illumi hums again, moving past Hisoka to lead the way out of there. 'Anchor' is an interesting term for it, he'll have to keep that in mind— his brutally utilitarian application of nen to make it do what he wants leaves ironically little room for finesse. It does what he needs and he's forcing his way through to perfection slowly but surely, but it's likely true that going through all of the steps to learn nen fully before hammering out a personal skill would, well, help. 'Anchor'— if he stopped to visualize more deeply, just calling it that would probably do wonders.
Thanks? Hmm. "Something like that." As they walk he recites the description of his target he was given by the client, businesslike; older gentleman, balding, likely going to have his young wife on his arm and gravitate towards a certain set of people at this event with more influence than the rest... It's honestly all very dull, but Illumi goes through it so Hisoka knows which paranoid old man to stay away from.
He does realize how this could backfire, yes, but that's the usual consequence of giving Hisoka information. Hopefully that red suit will get him enough attention to be entertained.
When they come up across the street from the event hall he pauses, watching the entrance and thinking. Although they've teamed up before, they don't usually do the actual work side by side... but if he's pretending to be someone else with a plus one, then- uh. Looking convincingly plus-oned is not his forte. To Hisoka, like he's totally repeated this all out loud and not just thought about it, he says, "Can you convince them?"
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Hey man. He could always help you better learn Nen principles if you asked, just saying. You just kinda rushed everything else in order to learn your little tricks. Not really the best way to go about it. Sure- Hisoka himself learned everything by himself with little hints from others, but he atleast spent a lot of time hammering through it. Not everyone's spoiled like you~
Anchor is the best way to word it in Hisoka'a opinion, and were Illumi to speak to him more on the subject, he could probably get a better idea of how to control this ability. While Hisoka himself isn't a teacher of any kind, he knows his way around Nen to be able to properly assist someone should they ask- and should he care to help. Anchor, as in- something to 'pin' his nen in place. Using Nen to manipulate his own body into shifting appearance, which takes some concentration. Using Nen alone to keep it there would be incredibly difficult, but the pins assist. Needles holding pictures in place, 'anchoring' his body and Nen in place. Visualizing the pins sinking into his aura and pores releasing his aura alone would help Illumi better get an idea on how it works, and thus get closer to mastering it. But eh-
Who asks Hisoka things?
"Ah ha-" Smirks, looking to the door men and then back to Illumi. "Can you keep quiet?" Winks, sticking his tongue out a little and going to pinch at Illumi's cheek.
"Course you can, you sneaky assassin you." Cutie patoot. Shakes Illumi's face a little with the hand pinching at his cheek before letting go and moving to walk ahead. Why yes, Illumi, he is A+ and lying and bullshitting. He will sweet talk either of them right into the event without so much as a list looked at. There's just something about a guy in a bright red suit with that much- confidence. Like he can do anything- like he would've done anything to get passed them... The idea of questioning a man like that- doesn't occur to them, was it intimidation? Charm? Hard to say. Sure easier than killing them and having to clean up after yourself.
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The problem with asking Hisoka for help- other than the enduring uncertainty that he's not lying through his teeth for kicks- is that Illumi doesn't want... help. Doesn't want someone else's hand involved in honing his nen usage, even if it's only through suggestions and tips for dealing with aura. If he's steeped in ideas from someone else for too long he thinks he might lose his vice grip on his skill as it is now. It might creak and jerk uncomfortably and it might not stay for as long as he needs without so many obvious needles, but it's his. That's too important to risk, he tells himself, and he believes it.
He's getting there, regardless. Picking up ideas piece-wise wouldn't be effective for anyone else, but for someone as ruthlessly efficient as Illumi it has a much better success rate. He can do it, really.
—And Hisoka is pinching his cheek, already at it before Illumi draws his attention away from the door. That's—not the answer he anticipated, and certainly not ideal, that's his face... This time he does lean his head away a bit, raising a hand to push pointedly at Hisoka's elbow even as his face is released. Just so everyone's clear that he's not a big fan of unsolicited pinching. A beat, and he takes a couple long strides to fall into step beside Hisoka again. He'll just look terminally disinterested in chatting while Hisoka gets them in, then- keeping quiet it is.
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I mean just look in a mirror, honestly.
You can't even lie to get yourself into a fancy party. Sometimes you just need help though, them's the breaks. Sometimes you need to ask guys you can't really trust either, sometimes they purposely will try and fuck you over too. But who's to say what will happen here! Either way- everyone needs help eventually, taking it the hard way? Why- then you end up older than you want to be, just learning things you could've learned ages ago. If Hisoka had more help, with how far he is now? Just imagine if he had someone actually help him learn when he was younger... hone his skills young-
Ah, but what a silly thing to dwell on.
Better for Hisoka to drop little hints of things here and there. 'Anchor'.
They're in in no time and the elegance of the inner walls is quite nice. Hisoka stands enamored by it for a few moments before moving on. There seems to be a good amount of people already gathered and Hisoka already finds a small group to slide into, speaking to them with a smile and getting names and small greetings. Though he keeps himself aware of where Illumi is, his aura, at the same time trying to be perceptive of any potential auras worth while near by.
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Once they're inside, Illumi doesn't bother with the facade of being there with Hisoka longer than it takes Hisoka to ooze into an existing group; he just vanishes, aside from the presence of his aura. He likes to get to work as quickly as possible, but it's also just to keep up the plan of not being remembered by more people than is absolutely necessary; the longer he hangs around the bright red suit, the more his face will stick in other guests' memories- so there he goes.
Of course, he's not invisible- if Hisoka glances around the event hall at the precisely correct times he'll be able to catch a glimpse of Illumi drifting just outside the crowd or slipping out of sight behind a partition. His target moves much less but amasses a crowd around himself in a vain attempt to look more important than he is- true, but unimportant, as Illumi doesn't need to know why his client wants this man dead to do it. Asking is one of those Zoldyck rules he actually tries to keep up with; that is, don't ask. There's no point whatsoever.
When the job itself is done, it isn't a brutal and bloody affair. The feeling of Illumi's aura spikes for the briefest fraction of a second, and a gray sleeve disappears out into a hallway at the same time the target gets up without any grand ceremony and walks out a different exit, a needle embedded unseen in the back of his neck and hidden by his shirt collar. It goes without saying that he won't be coming back- it takes longer to force-walk him to an obscure location than it does for Illumi to carry out his task and make a call to the client, honestly.
All in all, it's barely pushing thirty minutes after walking in the door that Illumi reappears at Hisoka's elbow, looking for all the world like nothing more than a reserved- but innocent- young man who got seriously, seriously lost trying to find a restroom.
Surely that's where he was all this time. Not a single person has actually spoken to him directly yet, so this is going just fine so far- simple. How long will he have to endure mingling...
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Right, he doesn't want to be 'that guy with the red suit guy', heaven forbid. But Hisoka doesn't even question the disappearance. There's most likely no reason for Illumi to use zetsu here, so he'll sense his aura all along the way. Would he USE zetsu well- then he'd assume something else might've happened, perhaps his job has a guard with nen? If that was the case Hisoka miiight come take a peak.
But none of that. Aura spike, and it's not nearly as large or long winded as his own, Hisoka will admit he tends to go a little overboard when he's in the right mood. But while Illumi can be boring as a rock, he IS efficient- for the most part.
"Ah- hm?" His brows peak, seeing the change in expression on a woman's face he had been speaking to. Her eyes glancing over his shoulder and he follows them, turning his head to see Illumi behind him.
"Haha- where'd you go off to? You always get so long- if you'd excuse me." Looks to the woman again, bowing his head and giving a goodbye before turning and heading away from her at a casual pace. "I have a little more food to eat- ah, they chose a grand sparkling wine here." Smiles to him, going to pick up one of the slim glasses from a passing waiter.
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He blinks. "Bathroom," flatly, by way of explanation solely for the benefit of woman looking at him. Then he's turning to walk away as well, ignoring that same ray of wine glasses in favor of glancing innocuously over the crowd. No one is wondering about the absence of one man—and they probably won't for a while yet, but done is done and he doesn't make a habit of hanging around.
This, truly, is the peril of bringing a plus one. Having to stand there looking sociable. The next waiter passing with wine he does take a glass from, if only to look busy. "It looks like you're having a good time. I wasn't planning on staying all night."
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"He's a little slow." Said before he pushes Illumi to move away and get that food and drink.
"Oh we won't, I'm just taking advantage of the situation." A smile, tipping his glass back, eyelids low. "You really sound get better with people, it could do you well in the future." Chuckles, sliding his tongue over a lip, tasting the crisp liquid still left there in drops.
"Mmm, but then I might have to share you." Illumi with other friends. . . .
Scoffs, laughing to himself. "Nevermind nevermind."
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He considers the wine instead. It's probably a very nice wine, but he'll more than likely leave it on an unassuming table on the way out without drinking any of it. While he watches bubbles stick to the inside of the glass- "I don't need more allies." That they can agree on, at the very least. People skills aren't a requisite part of being an assassin- they detract from it, in his opinion, thank you very much- and it probably doesn't help that he finds most people to be vapid and useless in the end anyway.
A tray of hors d'oeuvres passes them next and he plucks one off of it. While he'd prefer to have left already, he isn't antsy or overeager - just bored. But he's had the feeling of being watched for a few minutes now, which might be a concern if not for the identity of the person intermittently trying to stare a hole through his back- "That guy I told you about keeps looking this way." Client, he won't say in a crowded room. "I think he's getting nervous about me still being here."
Illumi pops the hors d'oeuvre in his mouth, casually. The money for this job already hit his bank account, he checked, so now he's nothing but a harmless party guest and it must be just terrible, being a paranoid client. He feels for the man, really.
"Ah," but also, "'A little slow,' though?" Must you.
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"No, I guess you don't." A knowing smile. Allies are- useless for the most part but then- he finds his own reasons for them. Most of the time though? He helps because he just- wants to, and not because he owes them any boon. Illumi would be considered an ally he supposes- her certainly doesn't pay him as he does with Machi- infact, Illumi spends a lot of money on him. Though- that's due to his limitless supply and lack of any sense how money and saving works.
"Ah- so he is..." A bored look, glancing over Illumi's shoulder subtly. "Let him suffer, we're not making a scene hm?" But he'll meander closer to the exit to settle both the 'client' and Illumi's nerves.
"Since when did you care about how others saw you, hm?" Grins, tipping back his glass to finish most of it off in one swallow. "Besides, what interest would a woman have in some slow boy? I was thinking of you, really."
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"It's a pain," he says, for both the eyes boring into his back and being aware of how people see him. He runs a finger around the rim of the wine glass idly, making it hum, then continues in a somewhat lighter tone. "Work aside, this party is a waste of time. I nearly felt bad for the other old man- coming with me was the most exciting part of his night."
He tilts his head slightly as if thoughtful, then shrugs. What Illumi thinks about the people he kills for money, if anything, is anyone's guess. He doesn't feel remorse - ever - and it's as if he forms no opinion at all until after he mentally classifies them as "dead," despite their actual state of life or death. Of course, his opinions are largely just detached pity, empathy-free— but it does explain why he gets so chatty about dead people.
Ah, is this what they call a hobby... A beat.
"I'm not going to drink this." The wine; holding it out. "Want it?"
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"Probably, I'm used to being the life of the party anyway, hm~?
"I do." Takes the glass, finishing his own and then drinking down the second, having two empty glasses, one in each hand. A sigh, looking to them. "I guess we really should go, we're really just crashing now. And I wouldn't want you to bother that guy anymore, right?" A pout.
"Pity, this was all I had planned for the night then- ope!" Sets glasses on a passing tray aaand takes a third glass. "Let's go."
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kneeslides back in here
oh it's you
i came back for you
did you
i'm here now aren't i. bats eyes
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