Summary: Kelvin warns Illumi not to be careless about his relationships. Hisoka has a plan to talk Illumi into a one-night stand.
Warning: Shonen-ai. Swearing.
Disclaimer: Don't own any characters except for Kelvin
XXX
2 Hours Ago
Illumi
"Relax man, chill…! Just chill…this is just a game!" Kelvin said, throwing his hands in the air in mock exasperation.
But he made no move to smooth over his mistake. Instead, he comfortably put his hands in his pockets and observed Illumi with a deep, patient look that made the room seem quiet. His cool, mysteriously gentle tone could mean business, or something else, or it was one and the same as he had claimed.
"Why do you think it hurts? Did someone hurt you?"
Father's cold, distant order rang in Illumi's ears. "The only people you can trust are your family." That may well be true, but the only family member who ever listened to him was Mikey, their dog.
"No, it doesn't hurt." Illumi said with a blank face.
"Then who told you it hurts?"
Gorgeous, elegant women sometimes approached Illumi, but he could hardly observe them that way, without feeling Mother's possessive kisses on his cheek. "No one loves us; only our wealth gets respect…so marry a princess...but if I see you as much as look at a girl without my permission..."
"Nobody, I'm just paranoid." Illumi lied. Despite his real feelings, he would never speak ill of his family in public. But Kelvin's interrogation was bringing up repressed memories making his mask of neutrality a strain to maintain. Maybe he should get out before he was caught with his pants down, no pun intended.
"If you can't even handle a little bit of flirting, then you're going to die tonight," Kelvin said with a charming smile.
"You're right. I think I'll leave now. I don't want to flirt with death."
Kelvin laughed. "You're so funny. But why shouldn't we flirt with death? You're good at it, aren't you? Shall we try?" Kelvin held out his hand. The gesture was symbolic since their distance was only 2 meters apart. "You're not blind, you can see what kind of looks people are giving you tonight. I tell you people always know your level of experience just by the way you move. And right now, you're broadcasting…raw innocence. Not a great position to be in because it can attract all the wrong people, but I'm here to protect you. Nothing makes me happier than introducing beginners to compatible long-term relationships."
Illumi wondered if accepting the handshake meant crossing an unspoken line. He folded his arms and stepped away. "No thanks. Flirting is a waste of time. I prefer to go straight for the kill." He stated tonelessly, meaning he worked as an assassin.
His eyes popped open when he suddenly found Kelvin standing very close and playfully tugging on his arm strap. "So do I ..." he barely whispered before laughing.
"Dude man, are you really into BDSM? You're wearing your gear all wrong! That kind of strap should be on your pants leg, between your legs. It's not an arm strap. And your accessories…! If you want to use straps, don't add chains and pins! You'd confuse your Dommie – Oh sorry…which is it, are you the Dom or the Sub?"
"Pardon?"
"I knew it, you're just a poser! Your provocative clothing got me all riled up!"
"… Milluki told me I was supposed to make my own clothing…the more outrageous the better…"
Kelvin sighed. "Milluki is 16…he doesn't get what my party is all about! …PORN and perversion, but that's all he can think of. No, no, no!" Kelvin shook his finger disapprovingly and draped his arm around Illumi's shoulder. "Nooooo, you don't do it like that. I wish I could show him how to do it right…but I don't mind, I'll teach his brother instead." Kelvin giggled.
He stepped away to a more respectful distance and looked steadily at Illumi. He waited quietly for few moments, then said. "We are not just at a party. We are standing on a battleground. And there is no greater battleground than the fight between two individuals to become one."
"No battleground greater than sex? Are you serious?" Illumi scoffed.
"Well, what else do you have in mind?"
"Simple. Even a match at Sky Tower is a lot more exciting than that. And I don't even enjoy point matches that much. But even on a boring day, carrying out an assignment is more satisfying to me."
"Well…have you ever chosen your own target…someone hard to get but possible to reach…and you're willing to wait years to catch him?"
"No…That's a good question. I can't believe I've never wondered about that before!"
"Okay, let's imagine you have no restrictions…is there someone who attracts you whom you would like to fight, just to measure up?"
"Yes! Of course, I would love to fight Mano…the greatest Manipulation user who ever lived! Or maybe Xena…the twisted Henka hero. I hate Henka types, so I think it would be satisfying to destroy him."
"Dude, Mano and Xena are from history! I mean someone around your age, maybe even in the same room…"
"Over here…I think the most powerful fighter is that Sky Tower guy. He's annoying. I wouldn't mind teaching him some discipline….Oh!" Illumi's eyes widened and he covered his lips. "Now I know why…I've been ordered never even to think of fighting outside of work…it's not professional…"
"Now we're getting somewhere. Okay, think of yourself going after him – the Sky Tower guy…to destroy him. Are you there?"
"Yeah," Illumi was not only there, his eyes were frighteningly intense in their single-minded focus. "I'm not sure about his fighting style since I've not had time to watch TV for a while, but his scent and behavior tell me he is Henka. These guys have great creativity but little patience, so I'll probably conserve my energy and prolong the match until an opening emerges…I can sense his strength. But I believe I can win." Illumi detached demeanor reappeared and he coolly ran a hand through his hair in pleasure.
Kelvin smiled. "How cool you look. Would you enjoy the fight?"
"I think so…I'll never give up until the target is destroyed."
"And what keeps you going?"
Illumi spoke in an oddly passionate tone, "I want him. I need him."
"I think I made my point." Kelvin raised an eyebrow and Illumi covered his mouth in surprise. "Emotional ties bind you and your opponent. Love and hate combined, two become one in a battle. That's exactly the same as relationships, except we don't attack minors in battle. But at home, that's where everything goes wrong…isn't it?"
Illumi frowned. "My home?"
"Where is a man more tortured until he loses his mind…than within his own family?" Kelvin held Illumi's gaze and saw the recognition there. It was true, they had instant rapport. Illumi thought it was because they were both rich kids, but the reality was darker.
"Did I ask to be born into a crazy Mafia family? Did you ask to be a Zaoldyeck assassin? Right from the start – did you feel something too? Like we've known each other for years? Because we're children born into a FAMILY HELL. A hell that we can't even talk about to those who've never been through it, because if we did, they'll think we're the crazy ones….. People like us should stick together." He lightly touched Illumi's elbow with a faraway look and smiled.
Illumi was touched…but also defensive. "No matter how bad it gets, these are our roots! What am I without my family? Nobody."
"How nice to remain a fetus forever living in a pink amniotic chamber and never have to fight your own fights."
"Kelvin, you know I'm not clinging to my family like a thumbsucker. This is about keeping to tradition, because I'm loyal! I know for a fact the system works. I'll be stupid not to follow it." Illumi's dark eyes flashed passionately.
"The system that works? Dude, you don't understand. I LOVE systems. I love to construct systems big and small, I stick to the system and I make people toe the line. I LOVE systems! But you're stupid if you think the system is God and you're nobody compared to it. If you lose yourself, you're nothing but a slave. And I'm not talking about BDSM, real slavery is alive and well in our world today."
"Okay…have it your way… I'm a slave." Illumi stopped arguing and expressionlessly moved away, presumably to leave the room, but Kelvin caught hold of his arm strap.
"Don't shut me out, Illumi. Change doesn't have to hurt. Share a bit of my world, tonight. I put my trust in you; can you put your trust in me?" The tone of his voice wasn't playful or flirtatious. It sounded serious and cold, as if he was inviting him to sign a business contract.
"Trust you…with what?"
"I'll show you how I run my life." Kelvin said, letting go and gesturing at the crowd. "My business…take a tour of my little zoo… tell you a little about my family…maybe talk about your arranged marriage…? It's good to talk. Let's just talk…I want to hear your voice." Kelvin put a hand on his own cheek and sighed. "You're like the water, you fade and become invisible. Even your name, Illumi, sounds like "Illusions". But who are you really, what are you like in private?"
"Exactly the same."
"Well I'm not. I want to talk to you one-on-one, in private. But we don't have to be alone. We can have others in the room." He shrugged. "Join me for a while longer, Illumi. Just think of me as your older brother. You can call me …Kellu." He giggled.
Illumi mouth twitched and he shot his host a quirky look. Kelvin did appear more formal than flirtatious. Since he was another rich kid, maybe he might have some advice for him regarding his arranged marriage?
"Hey Kelvin, are you a therapist or something?"
Kelvin grinned at Illumi's first sign of camaraderie. "Oh god, don't get me started on this topic! I'm such a catalyst. Whenever I'm around, my friends start breaking up and they just want to come out and party with me! My phone is always ringing off the hook with all their relationship problems! Dammit, even my own people can't do it properly. They come to me, start crying on my shoulder – EXCUSE ME, THAT'S AN ARMANI SUIT DRY CLEAN ONLY! That's why I started ONLY! I want to show them how to do it right! They wanna play the game, they should do it right!" Kelvin looked comically aggrieved.
"How come you call it a game then you turn around and call it a battlefield. So which is it?"
"It's a battlefield. You'd be ripped apart if you don't know what you're doing."
"Are you suggesting I'm this little girl innocently plucking red flowers in a friggen field while some big bad wolf prowls about waiting to rip me apart?"
"You can't afford to be blind, Illumi! For once, try treating your relationships as seriously as you treat your skills, huh? Fucked-up relationships can destroy lives, even if you don't admit to the tears that poisoned your childhood. Don't fool yourself that you're strong enough to survive anything. You're not. And no offense, I'll say it again. You'll survive any physical events, but it's the memories that have the power to hurt for a long time afterwards. That's the atrocity. But even if we seek out bad experiences, it leaves us with better judgment," his voice softened "of who we are meant to be with. Our one and ONLY."
"I'm not suggesting you change in one night, that's too harsh. In fact, I couldn't even adapt the first time I left my family…The best way is to change slowly and gradually…lentamente, lentamente, facilmente…" He began beckoning gently with a charming smile that had a calming effect on Illumi. "Shall I introduce you to my 'family'?"
Illumi nodded and Kelvin waved for some of the staff to come over. "This is Stray. Rino. Gino. Nana. You've seen surveillance central – that's more for show. The real controllers are our girls tonight, our hosts and entertainers. Monica Electronica is in charge of them. Headman is in charge of security. He's a vet from WW3. I don't know much about security procedures, so go ahead and ask him if you have any questions. We have 532 guests, and 250 crew…." Kelvin began to share his world.
For the first time since arriving at ONLY, Illumi relaxed. Here, he knew the ropes and was in total control. Why would he want to leave this secure position for the unknown, dangerous destination? To fight the greatest battle of all, huh? Suddenly Illumi admitted he was curious. He didn't want the Padokian princess, he wanted the unknown. But how about the money his marriage would secure? Wealth was essential to the survival of Kukuru Mountain, not just for himself but for his family. How could he justify sacrificing xxx,xxx,xxx,xxx zennies for – for what?
XXX
Illumi and Kelvin sat in the backseat of a York Shin cab being driven through the underground tunnel to the secret location. All the windows were blocked and a divider clad in car leather shielded them from the driver's view. Illumi used gyo to track their position.
They were approaching a structure with a very powerful aura. Emission-type nen enveloped Illumi with emotions offear, excitement, hate, love and madness. Illumi short-circuited them with his manipulation nen before he could be devoured, but they still seeped into his bones, making him ache, as if it wasn't blood pumping in his body anymore, it was poison. He was like a container filling up with more poison by the second and his nen was being drained away trying to keep a lid on it. If he couldn't handle this energy somehow, he might have to leave in 1 or 2 hours…
Illumi wondered how come Kelvin wasn't affected. His host had excused himself to dial through his new messages then spoke quietly to Monica Electronica and Headman for an update. He put away his cell with a wry grin. "Nothing ever goes wrong, despite my constant anxiety. Yes, that's the beauty of high-end customers. They are so easy to deal with!" He laughed.
"You know I've admired the Zaoldyecks for so long? You guys know how to create structures that last…it's been what, a family business for 5 generations now? Amazing! I sure hope I'm not messing up the mind of the heir…"
"Who told you I was the heir?"
"You're not? Then isn't that even better?"
Illumi shrugged. "Sometimes I feel I'm a failure for not being good enough to be chosen."
"Why? Did you fail a test or something?"
"No – I'm just not gifted enough."
"Then how about people like us?!" Kelvin looked amazed. "I think you're very gifted. But it seems like no amount of gifts or achievements will make you think you're good enough, as long as you haven't found your own…voice. But that's a long journey…and we're already here. Welcome to the Dancefloor!!"
XXX
Hisoka put his hands in his pockets and stared at the dancefloor. It was Sensual, Exquisite and Xtraordinary. The crowd was composed of the coolest, richest and most beautiful people he had ever seen in one spot. But that didn't mean they were "S.E.X." enough to fire his imagination. He felt like a shopper going to a mall for a pair of jeans and found the perfect fit on the first try. He would have bought it right away but for some reason he still had to drag himself through 3 or 4 other shops when his interest had already been killed.
Tonight, only the long-haired fighter would do, but he wasn't here yet. To kill time, Hisoka casually stalked through the crowd, amused by how the clubbers instinctually stepped away from him yet couldn't help admiring his sexxy fighter's figure with eyes of hope, fear and desire. The savvy, corrupted York Shin crowd recognized his confident, magnetic aura for what it was; the result of consistently going after one-night stands every night for 5 years straight. In fact, Hisoka even wondered if it was time to go the opposite way, one-night stands were getting so routine…As if. He giggled. Long-term relationships were good for business, but as for sex…BOR-RING!!
As flirtatious schemes bustled within his brain, Hisoka smirked suggestively at the admirers he caught staring at him. He liked nothing better than to get their engines started, to plant desires that they would never dare to fulfill for fear of bringing chaos into their well-laid out lives. On the other hand, Hisoka never fantasized about anything he didn't believe he had the power to make a reality. He licked his lips in anticipation of talking the young assassin into sharing a bed tonight. How would he approach it? Attack his most obvious flaw – Pride – and trap him into a battle that he couldn't refuse. No prizes for guessing what's at stake!
XXX
Illumi and Kelvin leaned over the balustrade on the fourth floor of the York Shin Supreme Court and stared amazed at the seething tide of humanity dancing in the shadowy, blood red atrium.
The majestic space was formed from the beautiful rhythm of 12 giant columns holding up a lofty dome 8 stories high. A metal mesh was stretched across the dome like a second skin, tapering off at about 10 meters beyond the arches linking the marble columns. This was the lightscreen, which projected terrifying lightning strikes, meteor showers or simply clouds rain and foliage, depending on the music. Sometimes it would fade into invisibility and reveal sparkling waves of whiter than white diodes embedded into the dome like stars in the night sky. There was a recurring motif. A proud, bright eagle of light often soared across the divide, morphing into a lovely luminous dove, or changing into the blazing green aurora of the infinity symbol "8", the exalted logo of their party.
The lower half of the atrium was plunged into shadowy tones of red, red, red. The dancefloor had red carpets, scarlet walls, rouge booths and crimson cushions. Relief from the overpowering heat was offered by joyous magenta light washing up the 12 huge columns, setting a celebratory, ecstatic mood. Behind each column hung long velvety curtains, concealing the quilted entryway to the private rooms.
Kelvin had already shown Illumi all the functional systems of the event. The security, the F&B, the entertainment and after-party arrangements. Next stop was a private room. They couldn't talk above the adrenaline-pumping house music, but Kelvin was so excited he tried anyway. He cupped his hands over Illumi's ear and shouted:
"…RATIONAL… IRRATIONAL…!!" He actually said: Look at that! I've done the most rational things to create the most irrational results!!
Illumi cupped his hands over Kelvin's ear and shouted back, "SHUT THE FUCK UP!"
Kelvin looked puzzled, he couldn't understand a word but his eardrums hurt so he gave up. "Oh –oh-oh!" He tugged excitedly at Illumi's convenient arm strap and jabbed towards a change sweeping across the mass movement of the crowd. There was their Sky Tower friend, causing visible ripples where he crossed the dancefloor. Kelvin covered his mouth in amusement. Illumi just looked on disdainfully.
XXX
Hisoka waited patiently beside a huge marble column at an obscure corner of the dancefloor, keeping his eyes pinned on the ornamental staircase from which new arrivals were descending. He had settled into Stalk-Mode and was willing to chase his target however long it took.
Well, well, well…he had only to wait 5 minutes and there was the raven haired doll, coming downstairs without a shirt on, followed by Kelvin who almost looked like he had no top on, except he was wearing two delicately knit tank tops, one white and one peach, a black and gold scarf, faded blue denims and white sneakers. They were followed by two petite entertainers with long black princess cuts in cute Gothic Lolita corsets. The four looked as innocent and uncaring as cherubs, but Hisoka wondered how far their association went. Well, whether the young fighter was taken or not didn't matter to his scheme – if it worked out like it was supposed to, then he'd have a harder time keeping his prey away from him than worrying about letting him escape…
Hisoka observed the naturally sensual body of his target descending the staircase, translucent pale skin melded with colored shadows like tattoos. His body was muscled, but not distinctly ripped like Hisoka. Rather, he looked lean and flexible, a real fighter who never trained at the gym, but on the job. His face was expressionless, maybe even hostile as he stared at the crowd. His arms were folded across his chest and his right hand unconsciously brushed across his left arm as if for comfort. Suddenly, the lightscreen adjacent to him came alive in a shimmer of silver rain and the raven looked sideways, startled and amazed at the beautiful light.
Hisoka would remember that fragile moment forever, like a freeze-frame of eternity: Illumi's graceful body was outlined by ethereal fire, his large brown eyes shone like moonlit pools and his lips parted in delight. The dj must have hit the mute because the beats suddenly suspended and so did Hisoka's heart. He felt it pop out of his mouth before the music continued pulsating as if nothing happened. What the hell was that about?! Hisoka had a weird thought, weird even for him…the stakes for tonight just got raised to their highest possible level…
Polaroïd, roman photo
Aimant les flashes sentimentaux
Humanoïde, incognito
Amour impossible et mélo
(Ruth – Polaroid/Roman/Photo)
Hisoka burst into a fit of hysterical laughter.
I HAVE A CRUSH ON HIM!!
He laughed until tears leaked out of his eyes and he hugged the column for support. The other clubbers shot him odd looks but wisely kept their distance. Suddenly, the house music he had grown used to over the years sounded very different…it trembled as if alive with his own hope, fear and desire.
XXX
A/N: Yes, Hisoka fell in love at first sight thanks to the snapshot of eternity. XD; Now he is willing to take even greater risks to convince Illumi to have a one-night stand with him…what is his plan and why is it so risky – even for him?! Revealed in next chapter I promise even you will be shocked. XD
I'll try to update ASAP! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, let me know what you think, :D Reviews are love…!
