The last few days have been going great for the trio. Hisoka had made some real progress. He could now walk to the corner store on his own and pick up a few groceries. The hardest part was taking his first step outside, but after that, it gets easier. He always made sure to go early in the morning when it was quiet and there wasn't a lot of people roaming around. Sure he still felt nervous but it wasn't the crippling anxiety he felt at the beginning.

The cashier at the convenience store thought he was mute because he would always toss her the money and practically rush out the store. At first, the people who worked there thought he was rude for throwing the cash but after a few times of observing how jittery and nervous he would behave they figured out something wasn't right about him.

One morning on his daily walks a help wanted sign hanging from a flower shop window caught his eyes. The shop was small, painted pink with white windows and doors and very homely. The mixed scent of dozens of flowers created a serene and soothing atmosphere. Hisoka felt a little safer here than in most parts of town. Something about the array of colors and sweet smells calmed him.

After he literally stopped to smell the roses, the magician quickly made his way back to the hotel. He returned to find the boys playing video games in the living room.

"I'm back. Are rice cakes for dinner ok? I'm stuffing them with fried fish and soy sauce."

"Sounds delicious." Gon called over his shoulders. He refused to move his eyes from the screen.

Hisoka was confident enough to not only cook without the overwhelming fear of burning himself but also using a butter knife.

"Can you make a chocolate cake for dessert?" Killua asked.

"I bought red velvet this time."

"Even better"

Hisoka never thought he would fall into such a mundane lifestyle, much less enjoy it. Even thou those boys were technically protecting him, he had taken the role of caring for them. He cooked, cleaned and even helped Gon with his training.

They all sat together at dinner. Gon and Killua were talking about a show they had seen earlier. Hisoka was happily listing to them and would toss in the occasional comment.

He couldn't remember the last time he felt so comfortable with someone. Hisoka is or was a cold-blooded killer who got his kicks off fighting the toughest opponents he could find. Not a lot of people wanted to get close to a person like that. He had met three...

The first was Illumi. Just like him, he was bred to be a killer. He could connect with Hisoka in that way. They both knew what the other was. Illumi was skilled enough to never underestimate him and strong enough to stand his own against him. The second was Machi. She a brilliant strategist with incredible skills. She had complete faith in her abilities and was mesmerizing. Hisoka knew that every time they met she was developing several strategies to kill him where he stood if he ever stepped out of line. It was thrilling. The last to approach him was Chrollo. He was a genius tactician. His nen capabilities were so powerful he let Hisoka near him, not out of trust but just because he believed the magician could never beat him. Hisoka still longed to crush his arrogance and body under his foot.

Here he had two people willing to help him without getting nothing in return. That was the difference between them and the others. Illumi, Machi and Chrollo, only tolerated him because they wanted to use him. Illumi wanted his help on missions, Machi wanted him to make the spiders stronger and Chrollo wanted to steal his men.

This was probably the first time someone had helped him out of pure kindness. He was grateful to Killua and Gon. These last few weeks have been the best of his life, even if the joy was pure and simple.

Hisoka let out a sigh. He did miss feeling powerful. He missed the enticing blood lust and excitement that came from fighting a strong foe. The thrill running up his spine when he thought he might die or the passion behind each one if his strikes.

The magician had to control his thoughts before his body got too heated.

"I saw a help wanted sign at that flower show east from here. I was considering applying.

"You run out of money already?" Killua asked.

Hisoka had been using his savings to finance their living arrangement.

"My body count will fund much more than just a few weeks in a third-star hotel. Believe me." He said proudly.

"It would be training to help you socialize with people, without having a mental breakdown." Gon said.

"That is correct Gon. I always said you were the smart one."

Killua stuck his tongue out at him. "I'm not walking with you anymore."

"Guess Gon and I will have to eat all the cake by ourselves than."

"Well maybe just down the block"

"You're not going to the interview wearing that, are you?" Gon asked.

Hisoka looked over his clothes. "What's wrong with them?"

"He's right" Killua interrupted. "The pants can be passable but the pink vest and heals gotta go. No elf shoes either."

"How did you know about those shoes? I haven't worn them in years."

"Illumi told me about them. He likes your heals better."

Hisoka saved that little detail away for another time.

"It would probably be a good idea to not wear your makeup and keep your hair jell free" Gon said. "Do you even have a resume?"

"Of course not Gon. What's he gonna write, professional assassin, and sadistic hitman?"

"Under skills, he should write park core and card throwing."

"Under life goals, he should write, 'Killing the leader of the Phantom Troup'" Killua said.

"His interest would be cosplay and murder."

Both boys broke out in hysteric laugher.

"Wait, wait, I think my brother told me he used to be in the circus. He can put ex-carny for the experience part.

Hisoka would eventually have to have a talk with Illumi. The man stressed secrecy so much but apparently, he told everything to his baby brother.

"He can always get a recommendation from Heaven Arena, 'Most bloodthirsty floor master ever'".

Annoyed Hisoka took a deep breath. "Guess nobody is getting cake today."