[A/N: This chapter is pretty much just fluff, although I did add a bit of an introduction to the hunter exam here. If you feel like it, you can skip it and not miss anything except, well, fluff and some bonding moments.]

III: A Day x Of x Shopping

January 4, 1999

Levi looks excitedly out the window, contantly pointing out random things he finds interesting to the amused jester sitting beside him.

They had tried to exclude Hisoka in their little trip but by the time they reached the car, it was too late as he was already sitting inside, sticking cards into the back of the the front seat. When asked how he got there before them, he replied with a sly, "A magician never reveals his secrets~"

They were about to kick him out or just change cars after that but Levi started to insist. The others sighed at his innocence but obliged.

Machi is sitting in the front passenger seat, Phinks drives, while Hisoka is sitting in the middle (so everyone could keep an eye on him), with Shalnark on his right (with orders to pierce him with his antenna on the first sight of his weirdness) and Levi on his left (Paku decided not to come when she found out that the store she wanted to go to wasn't in the mall).

The trip is a bit long. They have to start from the outskirts where the warehouses are situated to reach the mall in the central district of the nearest city.

They finally reach the city in two hours but there is still quite a lot of ground left to cover. Not to mention, the amount of red lights to run and the traffic to navigate through.

Levi still gapes at the surroundings which annoys them a little bit. Machi decides not to care by keeping her focus on other things, like keeping Hisoka from making eye contact with her and giving her his creepy smile. Phinks focuses on the road while internally sulking over the slow car in front of him. Shalnark closes his eyes, enjoying the music from his headphones. Hisoka busies himself in checking out Machi and Levi's faces. Levi's facial expressions are especially amusing to him. They are soo innocent... tooo adorable...

Another long hour passes by and they finally reach the huge glittering pink building known as the Sakura mall.

"Pretty!" Levi jumps out of the car.

"I know, right!" Shalnark chirps, his headphones now around his neck.

"Aww! I wish we could have taken Levi too!" Levi whines as they enter the atrium.

"Don't worry. Maybe next time?" Shalnark pats his head.

"So, are we gonna split up or what? I doubt the stores we wanna go to are the same ones." Machi asks.

"Yeah okay, but who's gonna babysit the kid?" Phinks frowns, definitely not wanting to take care of a kid instead of enjoying himself.

An awkward stare-off reigns.

Shalnark finally turns to Levi. "Who do you wanna be with?"

"Huh? I don't know!" Levi pouts.

"We'll be staying in the mall for about five hours, right? He can be with each of us once for an hour. We can eat lunch together after two hours. Hm?" Machi suggests.

"Alright, but what'll be the order?" Phinks asks.

"We could go according to our Spider numbers!" Shalnark perks up.

"You know your chance will be the last one." Machi narrows her eyes. "But, I guess it does work. I'll have to be the first one but, alright, I guess."

And so, Levi tags along with Machi for the first hour.

"So, I doubt you have any other set of clothes left, correct?" Machi asks Levi as he excitedly follows behind her.

He answers with an enthusiastic nod.

"Fine, then. We'll shop for clothes."

"Yay!"

A few people around smile at his cuteness. Machi rolls her eyes. She isn't very fond of babysitting, although the kid really is quite cute. He's got very Shalnark-like vibes-- easily making her forget that he's a criminal too.

"Woah!" Levi's eyes light up as he gapes at the rows and rows of clothes around him.

"That's the men's section. Yours is over here." She leads the boy by the wrist, him being too captivated by the bright lights to pay attention.

The store is not too crowded, but with Levi's wandering tendencies, she decides to keep a very close watch on him.

After about half an hour of looking around, she decides she wants something for herself too. So, she leaves Levi in the shoes section with strict orders and a secret In needle in his arm, and goes off to the lady's section.

When she comes back, he has already made friends with half the people there. She sighs and pulls him away from a candy-giving grandma. She doubts that old lady is a hunter in-disguise giving him poisoned candy or even that poison affects Levi, but with only a few minutes left, she really needs to hurry up.

"Go inside and put this on. When you're done, call for me. Got it?" She orders as she hands him a dinosaur shirt and a pair of blue shorts.

"Got it!" Levi beams and rushes off to the nearest changing room, leaving Machi to find and go to one as well.

After much internal debate, she finally decides that the blouse would look much better on Pakunoda-- hell, even Shizuku-- than her.

"Machi-san! Where did you go?" Levi's concerned voice calls.

Sighing, she steps out of the changing room, still wearing that stupid blouse-- still better than letting that kid get lost.

"Hey! You look great in that!" Levi gasps.

Machi frowns. Ignoring the comment, she runs a quick examination of his clothes.

"Good enough. Go change into the other one." She sighs again and returns to the room to change back into clothes that actually look good on her, as Levi runs back off.

Halfway through changing, her phone starts ringing. Quickly putting her clothes back on she picks up the call.

"Machi, dear~ You're late." A sickly sweet voice greets her from the other side.

"I know. I'm getting there in a minute."

"Very well, dea-"

She scrunches her nose as she pockets her phone. That bastard manages to creep her out even just by his voice. Damn! Is it even okay to let that clown stay unsupervised with Levi for an entire hour?

Speaking of Levi--

"Machi-san!" He returns, an innocent smile on his face.

He looks so vulnerable... so easily corruptible. Should she try to--

"Machi-san!" Levi's brows furrow as he bounces in front of her.

"Yeah! Yeah! You look great. Go change back into your clothes so we can leave." She rolls her eyes at his pout. "What now?"

"I don't wanna change back!" He whines. "I love these clothes!"

"Fine! Anyways, the hour is up now. It's Hisoka's turn to babysit you. Let's go."

"Got it!"

They quickly check-out using a trusty stolen credit card and exit the store.

"Hey there~" Hisoka hums, finding them just outside the store.

He stretches out an arm, as if asking for a pencil back. "I believe it's my turn to play now~"

Machi internally sulks, still unsure whether to give him over or not. Any chance of turning back shatters when Levi walks over to the jester himself.

Fine. Danchou does trust his ability enough. He shouldn't be a complete idiot.

"Care to join us, dear Ma--"

Machi purses her lips and disappears from sighs before Hisoka can finish his invitation.

"Rude~" He childishly pouts before turning to Levi.

Even after crouching down, he remains taller than the boy. Putting a finger under his chin, he pulls his face closer until they're mere centimetres apart, his bright blue eyes gazing into his golden ones.

"You changed your clothes." Hisoka comments as he runs his eyes over Levi's new attire-- a yellow sweatshirt with a brown fur teddy bear on it, and a pair of mustard pants.

"Machi-san bought me some new ones! So, what are we gonna do?" Levi chirps, unfazed by the awkwardness of his situation.

Hisoka hums and stands back up. "Do you like candy?"

"Candy? What's that?"

The jester chuckles. "I have a very sweet surprise for you if you really don't know."

While they walk-- or rather Hisoka walks while Levi skips-- over to the destination in mind, Hisoka decides to set up some future amusement.

"Have you ever heard of hunters, Lev?"

"Hunters? Mhm. I have! They are professional nen users, aren't they? And they usually take up jobs to... well, hunt something or someone." Levi replies.

"Hmm~ Quite correct. Do you know how you can be a hunter?"

"By learning nen?"

"And?"

"Uh... I dunno? Getting recognised by the hunter association? Oh, and I also heard that there's an exam every year... well, what about it?"

"I'm participating in this year's exam. It's only a few days later. Interested?"

"Sure! But only if Chrollo-san says yes."

Oblivious to Hisoka's unsatisfactory hum, Levi bounces in excitement as they stop next to a pink-themed store.

"Pretty! Is this the candy?" He asks, almost jumping in, only for Hisoka to catch his wrist to keep him in place.

"Huh?" He turns around to find a wide grin plastered on his face.

Something churns in Levi's stomach-- a bad feeling bubbling inside of him. The fingers around his wrist tighten, nails digging in. His breath turns uneven as blood drips to the floor.

"Hi- hisoka-san!" He finally cries out, breaking the tension.

"Your eyes are quite ravishing." Is all the explanation he gives as his grin fades away with his bloodlust, leaving only an eerie residue behind.

Levi frowns as they step into the store together, his wrist still in Hisoka's hand-- at least, his grip is a lot less tight now.

He really doesn't know what to make of the jester. He's super nice one second and super scary the other.

His thoughts are interrupted as the inviting shop's endless distractions greet him.

Hisoka finally lets go of him and he runs to the nearest interesting thing-- a big transparent sphere filled with many colorful balls, standing on a counter with a small cavity and a lever.

"A gumball machine." Hisoka answers before he can utter the question. "You want some? It's sweet and delicious." He licks his lips.

"If you like it, I'm sure I will too!" Levi beams.

An hour later

"Hisoka, you're late." Phinks grumbles as a jester and a boy come into view.

"Better late then never~" He hums and sits down across the other two, with Levi beside him.

"And better on time than late!" Ohinks growls

"Those clothes look great on you! Did you have fun?" Ignoring the two, Shalnark greets Levi with a cheerful smile. "Seems like you got a lot of candy too!"

"Hisoka-san made me have loads of fun! We got chocolates, gummy bears, gumballs, chewing gums, and so much more! He even taught me how to blow a bubble with bungee gum!" Levi pushes the big paper bag towards the three in front of him. "Here, want some?"

"Hmm... I'll have a watermelon-flavoured gummy bear." Shalnark mumbles, going through the bag.

Phinks ignores it while Machi takes a pink gumball.

"So, what are we ordering?" Phinks asks, once the dust settles down.

"The barbecue here has great reviews. Maybe we should try it? " Shalnark suggests.

"I want chocolate!" Levi raises a hand, barely visible thanks to the high table.

"You already got some." Phinks reminds him.

"But I want more!" Levi whines.

Phinks thins his lips but ends up asking Shalnark to order a waffle for him.

"Yay!" Levi bounces on his chair (nearling knocking the table off and earning two special glares) as the waiter arrives.

"Waffles!" His voice falters as he tries reaching out for them. "Waffles... that I can't even... touch..."

Shalnark chuckles and pushes the plate towards him.

Just as he's about to meet with his glorious delicious waffles, Phinks slaps his hand away.

"What now?"

"Eat some steak first." He snaps.

"But--"

"Phinks is right, Levi. You shouldn't start with the dessert. It'll fill up your stomach before you can get to the actual food" Shalnark adds, replacing the plate of waffles with one of some sizzling steak.

Levi scrunches his nose but digs in. As soon as the first piece of meat touches his tongue, his cheerful and excited nature returns.

"Reall good!" He chimes, taking another bite of it.

"See, you would have missed out on it if you would have eaten your dessert first." Machi points out.

Levi nods through a mouthful of meat.

Hisoka steals a glance at everyone on the table. Nothing out of the ordinary. Everyone is too predictable, providing him with no means of entertainment.

He sighs. How boring. Perhaps, he should go to the hair salon next. His hair does need some trimming. Besides, the hair dresser is such a charming lady. She can even use nen, although she doesn't even know it yet. How cute. Maybe, he should introduce her to the concept soon. She would surely make for a good toy in a few years.

"Hisoka-san! Aren't you eating? It's really good!"

Aww! Adorable little Lev! Asking him to eat like that.

"Hisoka-san? Is something wrong?"

Those innocent sparkling little eyes. A potential rivaling dear Chrollo's... he can't wait to see him in action... perhaps he could intice something here--

"Hey, Hisoka! Could you stop being a creep for one damn minute?" Phinks irritated voice cuts his musings short.

"Hisoka-san, are you okay?"

"Such a sweet little boy~" Hisoka hums. "Don't worry about it, Lev. I'm perfectly fine~"

"Aren't you gonna eat? The food's almost cold." He pushes his half-finished plate towards him.

"Oye! Don't find excuses to not finish your food!" Phinks scolds as Hisoka accepts Levi's plate with a fox grin.

"Too late!" Levi chirps as Hisoka pushes the waffles towards him as a return gift.

Shalnark's smile turns into a grin when he sees the annoyed expression on Phinks' face. "Looks like someone is concerned."

Phinks shoots his a dark glare laced with bloodlust, before returning to his own plate.

Machi simply rolls her eyes.

After finishing their lunch, the five get ready to stand up.

"It's Phinks' turn now!" Shalnark declares in a teasing voice.

"Yeah! And it's yours next." Phinks adds, wiping the grin off his face.

Once they're out of the food court, they split up, leaving Phinks to deal with Levi.

"You look like a squirrel on crack. Could you maybe not bounce so much?" He sighs.

"Where are we going, Phink-san!" He chrips, blatantly ignoring that remark.

"Where the hell do you wanna go?" He raises his non-existent eyebrows

"Uh..." Levi pouts. "Hisoka-san mentioned a--"

"Wait a damn minute. Is that blood?" He crouches down to grab Levi's sleeve, quickly rolling it up his arm. "The hell happened?!"

"Oh!" Levi scratches the back of his head with his other hand. "Hisoka-san got excited about going to the candy store... probably... he said my eyes looked quite... relishing? Or was it ravishing..."

"He said what?"

"I just told you--" Levi mumbles.

"That bastard. He can't keep his hands to himself for even just an hour." Phinks mutters, his aura livid as he examines the grip marks on Levi's arm.

After a little while, he takes a big handkerchief out of his pocket.

"It's my extra one, kid. It's clean." He clarifies as he wraps it around his injuries.

"Thank you!" Levi chimes. "So, where are we going?"

"Dunno, where do you wanna go?"

"Huh? I don't know! I've never been in a mall before!" Levi pouts.

"For real?"

"Hai!"

"What?"

"I mean, yes!"

"What the hell was that then?"

"Nothing!" Levi flashes him an innocent smile.

"Alright then, where have you been so far?"

"Well, Machi-san got be some new clothes, while Hisoka-san got me candy!" He answers.

"Fine then, how about a suit?"

"A... suit?" Levi frowns.

"Yeah, it can be used for infiltration missions, I guess. Mine got a little too bloody now that I think about it, so I guess I need to get one too." Phinks explains.

"Okay!"

The boutique is the fanciest shop he has come across so far.

"Don't gape." Phinks warns him as they enter.

Levi doesn't respond, too busy gaping. Phinks sighs.

Click-clacking of heels on the marble floor and a tall imposing lady walks over to them.

"I can find one for me myself. Fit the kid in a suit, will ya?" He says and simply walks away to some aisle.

The lady lands her piercing black eyes on the boy. "Follow me, young man."

"... Man? I'm six!" Levi frowns.

"Hurry up, young man!" She turns around, ignoring his protests.

Levi puffs his cheeks but follows.

They turns many corners through the giant store, passing through various different style, some more controversial than others. Aside from the normal stuff, the boutique seems like a haven for oddities.

She grabs many clothes from the endless aisles and finally leads him to a changing room.

Producing a measuring tape from practically nowhere, she carefully measures him.

After that, she puts a few of the clothes she grabbed earlier, in his arms and whisks away without a word.

Levi blinks. He frowns and closing the door, changes into a set of clothes, careful not to ruin Phinks' hasty yet neat bandaging of his arm.

Out of the five pairs of clothes, three fit him comfortably enough.

After changing back into his normal clothes, he steps out in search for Phinks. Fortunately, the man stands waiting just outside the changing room.

"Did you like it?" He asks, looking quite bored.

Levi nods.

Phinks' ringing phone cuts off the rest of their conversation.

"It's Danchou." He informs Levi as he puts the phone to his ear.

A few minutes of talking later he pockets his phone back.

"Alright, the hour is up. It's Shalnark's turn to babysit you." He says as they walk out of the boutique.

"But we just got started! We didn't even get to do anything!" Levi whines.

"Yeah, I know. We started a bit late anyway." He shrugs.

A minute later, they meet up with Shalnark in front of a café.

"Did you have fun, Levi?" He beams.

"Kind of, but it was too short!" Levi complains.

Shalnark brushes it off with a laugh. Phinks disappears from sight before he can address him. He shrugs and moves on.

"I bet Phinks also only focused on clothes." Shalnark smirks.

"You bet!"

"Very well then, we'll get ourselves some more essentials."

"Okay!" Levi gives him a mock salute and giggles.

Another hour passes by like the wind and all five Spiders gather back up at the parking lot. Sighing, they get themselves in the car again after a long day of shopping.

Levi falls asleep five minute in. Despite many glares and Phinks' protests, after a coin toss, he spends the remaining ride with his head in a certain jester's lap with thankfully no incidents.

[A/N: I didn't expect writing fluff to be this complicated. You can see how I just breezed through Shalnark's time because I got too exhausted (maybe time to stop writing an entire chapter in one sitting).

Anyways, Levi, as I stated in the original version of the story, is from West Gorteau. Since, my native tongue is English, I'll be making the most common tongue of this version of the hxh universe English. The Gortese in this version will be Japanese.

The reason the Spiders know the meaning of 'san' even though it's a Japanese/Gortese word, is because it's common enough for them since Meteor City gets many refugees from East Gorteau. They don't know the whole language though.

I hope it makes sense. I'm learning Japanese and I just wanted to get some practice through it.

Lilphantomtroupelady: Thank you very much. Your positive words mean a lot.

PurpleMindKat: I know, right! I love writing Levi because he's just soo cute!]