Hello, people! Another update once again. First of all, I would like to thank ALL the reviewers!! I can't believe that so many people have reviewed lately! And I can't imagine that my fanfic could scoop up a bunch of different people. I can't explain it, but I really appreciate it. Your feedback really makes me happy. THANK YOU! You've no idea how much it means to me. :D

Anywayyyy, so I've been busy. Very busy. From packing my stuff (I'll be leaving for the dorms in 2 days) to cleaning two bedrooms and a bathroom, as well as the kitchen, since my aunt and her family is moving out. Since everyone else has gone to college, I'm the only "kid" left to help out. :D So yeah.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter X Hunter. I do own Natsumi, and things about her.

--

Chapter 9: Torn

--

Take me away,

To a place where you are everywhere

So I may never lose

My love for you

--

She must be dreaming. She was sure of it. Here she was, on one bed, still wearing nothing but a bathrobe. The most impossible part of the dream was that Hisoka was right beside her, his strong arm wrapped around her torso, like it was normal. Her back was turned to him, but she knew that he, too, still wore just that towel. She shuddered at the thought, and he instinctively tightened his grip around her. She grimaced.

"Hisoka…?" she whispered.

"Hmm?"

"There are two beds in the room."

"Yes, indeed there are. I know you're smart and all, but even the dumb can count beds."

"I wasn't trying to enforce my…intelligence."

"What were you trying to do, then?"

She turned around and glared at his happy face, then attempted to kick him off.

"Will you just get your butt over to the other one!"

He chuckled merrily and plopped on the other bed, bouncing like a kid. And he just sat there, his grin never fading away as he watched her. She still glared at him with fierce eyes, suspicious of every single movement he made.

"That was one of the best nights I've ever had," he sighed like a daydreaming girl.

Natsumi grabbed the pillow under her head and threw it at him, but he caught it instead and pressed it against his ear, like it was a precious doll.

"Don't make it sound like we did anything!!" she yelled, blushing madly. "Nothing happened! I merely fell asleep, and when I woke up, you were right there!"

"Sure, sure, I will no longer say that," he smiled. "But then, I'm sure I am allowed to say that we slept together."

He sighed dreamily again, and Natsumi was on her feet, grabbing another pillow and hitting his head with it multiple times. He let her hit him, though she was sure it didn't hurt him anyway.

"WE," she pointed to the both of them for emphasis, "Did NOT sleep together!"

Hisoka grabbed the pillow from her, pulling her along and making her fall on top of him. He cradled her in his arms, and she couldn't do a thing.

"Of course we did! You slept beside me, and I slept beside you. Two people who sleep beside each other sleep together. You should know that. It's like one and one together makes two."

"Context, darn it! CONTEXT!"

She sighed, defeated; or maybe because having Hisoka's arms around her again calmed her down. She rested her cheek against his chest and listened. She could hear his steady heartbeat faintly. She smiled. He was still human, just like her. He wasn't that far away.

She would have never imagined how utterly… beautiful… he was without anything but that white towel on. She blushed at her thoughts. But it's not like she could help it! He was probably flaunting it. Such smooth, white skin. His arms… they looked even more perfect when they were connected to his bare chest. And the 6-pack abs? He was like a runway model! No. Even better than that. He was an angel! And the way his hair fell down on his shoulders after a shower… A shower. He was probably fully naked when he took a shower. She bit her lip. Of course he was fully naked. Duh. She mentally slapped herself for even having such thoughts. Hisoka in the shower. She was losing it.

She shook her head roughly again, making Hisoka jump from her sudden action. He smirked.

"Thinking about something unpleasant?"

She frowned and jumped off his lap.

"Highly unpleasant."

He chuckled.

"I am glad you no longer stammer when you are with me."

She felt queasy. It was always so awkward when he was around. And yet it was so relaxing, too. Why did he always have to ruin it when he talked? Well, he wasn't a doll. So that couldn't be helped.

"I need clothes…" she said, glancing at him.

He bowed his head.

"Your wish is my command."

He walked over to the sliding door of the closet and threw it open, like a magician would to a surprise. And Natsumi was the bewildered audience.

"What the…"

Inside the closet, the tiny, tiny space, was a rack crammed with clothes. Girl's clothes. There were dresses, shirts, pants, tank tops, tube tops, and even sweats. On the floor, there were around 20 pairs of shoes, flip flops, heels, sneakers, rubber shoes, and even clogs! Sure these weren't meant for her…

"Do you like them? They're all yours!" he cheered, clapping his hands happily.

Her eye twitched as she gazed at the unbelievable number of clothes. How could so many of them even fit in there? She tried to count the hangers, but they were too close to each other to count accurately. Estimating, maybe there were 250 or more.

"They're… what? No! Are you crazy? I said I needed clothes! Not an entire wardrobe!"

Had he gotten these for her? It would've taken a lot of time, at least. Or maybe he just had someone get them for her. But how would he even know her size? Okay, maybe that was easy to guess… or maybe her profile included her sizes. But still… There must be something hidden behind this, right? No man in his right mind would just spend so much on buying someone an entire closet of clothes. And besides, she never even dressed up that much. Jeans and a shirt! That's all she's ever worn!

She frowned and turned to face him.

"Hisoka, I don't-"

But she paused. Hisoka's expression was a sober one, almost anxious. He cast his eyes downwards, like he was saddened by some story that didn't have a happy ending. He stood still, almost like a statue. But his face… it was oh-so human right now.

His pained look triggered the piercing pain she felt in her chest, which she expertly ignored. She softened her glare a bit, looking away guiltily.

"What is it now…?" she asked, like a defeated bully.

It would almost seem funny. The two of them stood there, their bodies facing each other, but their faces turned away.

"You don't like it." He said flatly.

If she weren't completely taken aback by his sudden change of mood, she would've laughed at him. Pouting because she didn't like it? It was funny; she had to admit.

She rolled her eyes instead and looked at the closet one more time. She scanned through the clothes and grabbed a plain pink shirt and faded jeans, then took a pair of white sneakers, and then underwear, top and bottom. Hisoka watched her.

"You're such a weirdo…" she muttered and then went to the bathroom to change.

It took her a few minutes to get ready. Good thing there was a complimentary toothbrush that went with toothpaste and other necessary toiletries. She stepped out, feeling pathetic that his mere expression could make her do things.

"Are you happy now?" she asked, twirling around like she was wearing a fancy dress, although she was just casually dressed.

He grinned.

"I like you better with just the bathrobe on."

She took her shoe off and sent it flying to his face. Like before, he simply let it hit him, and he chuckled in amusement.

"You can't act like this tonight, my princess."

She would've shuddered at his name for her, but she couldn't ignore what he said. Tonight. Everything was going to end tonight.

"It's tonight, huh?" she said, though she really didn't need to ask.

He crossed his arms and leaned on the wall behind him. He glanced at her.

"Today is your birthday," he smiled. "But no birthday presents 'til your time of birth!"

She rolled her eyes.

"You don't mean you have more presents than these clothes, do you?"

"Oh, these clothes aren't part of your birthday present. It seems you really don't like gifts, do you?"

"I have nothing to reciprocate with."

"They're presents. They're giving, not taking."

She fell silent. She didn't deserve any presents at all, especially from him! But setting that aside… today WAS her birthday. She had forgotten. 18 years old, huh? That was quite a feat from someone who was prone to accidents. And she was meeting Alphonse today. What was she going to do? Walk up to him and say, "Hello, father." That wasn't going to do any good. In any case, he's been trying to kill her all this time. Maybe Kurapika's idea of keeping her away was a good one after all. Kurapika…

"I will be with you the whole time."

Hisoka took her in his arms again. She didn't realize that she was spacing out again. Why did he say that? Did she look worried?

"No need to be afraid of Alphonse. He is useless against me."

Oh. So she looked like she was afraid. After a few seconds of reassurance, she pushed him away.

"Okay, enough of the drama, please!" she slapped her own face. "I need to think."

She sat down on the bed and closed her eyes, setting her elbows on her knees and her hands on her face. She had forgotten, too: the thing about Kurapika, the stupid plan that was meant to kill him. What was she going to do? He was obviously going to be there! Alone? Maybe. With Gon and Killua? Likely. But he always liked doing things on his own. How annoying he was! Why couldn't he just ask for help once in a while?

She heard the hangers squeak on the railing of the closet, but she didn't bother open her eyes.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Hmm… Looking for something you could wear tonight."

"I look fine."

"You look like a poor student."

"That's because I am, in case you've forgotten!"

"You need a gown and heels."

"I can't walk in heels!"

"I'm getting you something pretty anyway."

"You're so gay…"

"And you are my boyish lover."

She felt him push her over on the bed, and she snapped her eyes open. Sure enough, he was there on top of her. She gritted her teeth. He grinned widely.

"My lover… it's so scandalous when I say it! It makes my heart flutter."

"Please get off."

He smiled.

"You know, in all the manga I read, the girls should always look flustered and shocked and scared when their boyfriends do this to them. And yet here you are, blushing, but still glaring. Sigh… If I were another guy, you'd probably be as frozen as you were during that Illumi incident. I wonder why that is."

"Easy. You're not my boyfriend."

His smile was gone. Instead, his face went blank and… nothing, really. Just blank. He hopped off and went looking for her dress once again. She sat back up. Was it just her, or did his hands, as they pushed the clothes to one side, become rougher in movement? Was he upset?

'Like I said,' she thought to herself, 'Enough of the drama…'

--

Your smile is enough

To make me strong

If you were miles away,

A single stride will be enough

--

It was awkward walking beside him now. After all, she's never been alone with him for so long before. They were in the streets now, walking to the "meeting place" with the other Genei Ryodan. It wasn't going to be in that old warehouse. It was going to be someplace closer to Alphonse's house.

She hadn't thought of anything to save Kurapika. Why did Hisoka have to break her thoughts? She glanced at him. He carried the box that contained her dress. She didn't even like dresses! She blushed.

"You don't have to carry it, you know. I told you I could carry it myself."

"No."

There he was with his short answers again! Was he really that upset about what she said? So what if he wasn't her boyfriend? It was such a stupid term anyway! And it's not like she said that she liked him. She just returned a hug, and that was it! Her heartbeat raced as her mind wandered.

"Listen, about-"

"We're here."

He cut her off! She rolled her eyes. How immature he was! She calmed down and sighed, then looked at wherever they were. It looked like a small bar, like the ones she'd seen on TV. She reached for the door, since Hisoka had his hands full, but he pushed her hand away and opened it himself. She rolled her eyes again. He was such a child.

Inside, everyone was there.

There was a long counter with high stools that ran along it. A bunch of drunk strangers sat there and glanced at her and Hisoka when they came in. To the left were a bunch of pool tables. Nobunaga, Shizuku, Shalnark, and Franklin played on one of them. Feitan and Machi watched silently while they drank soda on one of the dining tables.

"Hey, Hisoka!" Shalnark greeted. "Looking clean, Natsumi!"

She didn't know how to react. They were her abductors, not her friends! So why did she feel happy to see them? Excited, even. Their very presence even symbolized the danger that was about to come. And here they were, playing pool.

Hisoka left her standing there and went to where Feitan and Machi were. He roughly dropped the box beside him, making a loud thud.

"What's up with you?" Nobunaga asked after his turn was done.

Hisoka didn't reply. Natsumi felt compelled to take the fourth and last seat in their table, but she thought twice. Instead, she went over to the pool table where they were playing and leaned on the ledge.

"Who's… winning?"

Without looking at her, Shalnark replied while taking a nice shot.

"Me and Nobunaga. Franklin's pretty good, though. If only he didn't have such an awful partner."

"Hey!" Shizuku complained. "I'm a fair player!"

"Yeah," Shalnark replied, smirking. "Ask your partner. I'm sure he agrees with you."

Shizuku then pouted at Franklin, as if pleading him to say something nice. The giant rubbed the back of his neck, thinking.

"Yeah, well… of course you're a fair player, Shizuku."

She beamed, happy.

Shalnark scoffed. "Yeah. And when there's fair, there's satisfactory, good, very good, and excellent. Still far off!"

It went on like that for a while, and Natsumi couldn't help but laugh along with them. It was impossible to believe that they were cold-blooded killers. She thought about Hisoka. He was a cold-blooded killer, too. And he liked her. Just because he couldn't kill her, didn't mean he was such a safe person to be hanging around with. She stole a glance at him. And she mentally growled.

There he was, practically less than an inch away from Machi's face! What was he doing? Getting ready to "accidentally" kiss her cheek? Her lips, maybe? He was smiling that malicious smile, too. Machi merely ignored him, answering his questions every now and then. But her face was focused straight on. She didn't even look at him. Feitan didn't even feel awkward. He probably wasn't even paying attention. Hisoka then glanced at Natsumi, then away, grinning.

"What's in the box?" Nobunaga interrupted her thoughts. He flitted beside her, close enough for their hands to touch. She felt uncomfortable. She still hadn't forgotten that kiss on her forehead.

"My dress…" she murmured.

"Oh, right," Nobunaga said, tapping his chin. "You'd have to look like one of the people there. Well, you don't really need to do anything, since you look pretty anyway."

Her cheeks burned.

"Thanks for the flattery, but I know how I look like. 10 layers of make-up would do the job."

He smirked.

"You really have a way with words. Do you want your birthday gift now?"

She just had to look at him. Was he serious? He had the usual smug look on his face, so he must be. But a gift? From him? For her birthday? Since when was he so nice?

"If you're thinking of BRIBING me into Kurapika's downfall, then you are heavily mistaken that I will accept it."

She walked away, but he had pulled her back to him.

Hisoka's gaze was now at the two of them, but she didn't notice. All she could think of now was that the samurai before her was trying to be smart with her.

"I'm not bribing you!" he laughed, "I told you that you'll do it of your own free will, didn't I? So I'm not worried about that. I'm just giving you a birthday gift, like a good friend."

"You and I are not friends, let alone good ones."

"Of course, we are!"

He pulled her closer to him and tapped something on her head. Then he took a step back and admired whatever it was that he put on there.

"Happy birthday!"

Shizuku went beside him and smiled at Natsumi's hair.

"Wow, that's so adorable! I want one, too! Nobunaga, give me one!"

Nobunaga shook his head stubbornly.

"No way, Shizuku! I got that only for her!"

"But we've known each other for such a long time! You've never given me anything for my birthday!"

"Yeah, but Natsumi's cool. You should know."

They argued like that for a while. Franklin put his hand on Natsumi's shoulder. It was a heavy hand, too.

"It looks nice on you. So be nice to Nobunaga, too, eh?"

Natsumi slowly touched whatever it was on her hair. It was something hard and cold, something like a metallic clip, probably. She cast her eyes down.

"But he isn't nice to me. He's forcing me to do something I don't want to do."

"He wants revenge for his best friend. You can't blame him."

"I will never ever do anything that will hurt Kurapika."

Franklin's weighty hand left her shoulder. He patted her head.

"You know," he spoke like a teacher. "Nobunaga never gives presents to anyone except Ubogin. He's always proud of the gifts he gives, you know? And here you are, a person he barely knows. Curious, isn't it?"

He walked away then, leaving her with such a heavy feeling. She looked around and found a bathroom. She was about to enter, only to have Hisoka block her path. She didn't even look at him, and just gazed at the door to the toilet. He stood there silently, waiting for her to look at him. But she didn't.

"Hello…" he murmured.

"What? Talking to me now, are we?" she asked smugly.

"I didn't forget, okay? I just wanted to give my present to you at a later time. And it's better than Nobunaga's gift."

"Yeah, yeah…"

"Anyway, here," he handed the box to her. "Dress up. We're leaving in a bit."

She grabbed the box and tried to push her way through, but he wouldn't let her.

"What do you want now?" she asked, annoyed.

"You are my princess."

She rolled her eyes.

"Go flirt with your Machi and see if your princess cares."

She slammed the door behind her. Tears began to appear now, flowing down and dripping to the floor. She was crying again. Was there ever an end to her weeping? There was just too much happening now. She only turned 18! She didn't have the capacity to deal with such heavy things! Everything…

The meeting with Alphonse, her father who wanted her dead. Nobunaga's plan, and Kurapika's life. Hisoka's stupid behavior and annoying words. Her conflicted feelings of being around killers, like it was something normal.

She looked at herself in the mirror. She's never been this pale before. She was like the walking dead. She looked at her hair, and she inaudibly gasped. Her hair was parted to the side and kept in place by a small black clasp that was shaped like a spider. In the middle was a pink, round, shiny gem that sparkled so beautifully. It was pretty.

More tears fell. She had to do it. This was the best option for her, for Kurapika, and for everybody. She pressed the bracelet's ruby button, and it beeped silently.

"Kurapika," she called.

In 5 seconds, there was a response.

"Natsumi!" he yelled. "Are you okay? Where are you? I'm coming to save you tonight, I promise! You will be safe."

She frowned.

"Don't come after me anymore, okay? I'm happy over here."

"What?! Natsumi! What are you talking about? Listen to me! Don't believe their words! It's a trick! Hey!"

She slid the bracelet off, tears still streaming. With a blank look, she threw it to the ground.

"I don't want to return to my old life. I hate it! It's better over here. It's better for everyone… Just leave me."

"Natsumi! Don't listen to them! Don't believe anything they tell you! They're lying! It isn't better. They are-"

With one swift motion, she stepped on it, and it broke. Sure, it was a real ruby, but with all the little contraptions inside, it was hollow. It sent out a few sparks, and then died. She picked it up and wrapped it in paper towels, then threw it in the trash. Putting on the dress and shoes that Hisoka had given her, she trudged outside. Her tears were gone.

"Let's go…"

Her sad, defeated voice was soft. But everyone heard.

--

So how was that? A little intro to the obvious, so it's short but sweet.

Anyway, I would like to apologize in advance if I do not update in the same pace. Like I said above, I will be moving to the dorms… college is in effect! I am a freshman, so I will be very busy as you would imagine. My school is very big, and I have a lot of classes. I need to do this and that and learn how to go around and stuff. So yeah, I'm sure that I sound like I'm just making excuses but… yeah.

Thank you to everyone once again! You make this writer happy!

Please review! :D