Disclaimer - Hunter x Hunter does not belong to me, all characters and such are the marvelous product of Yoshihiro Togashi.

Summary - Hisoka agrees to make Illumi an outfit for an animal-themed masquerade ball involved in Illumi's latest job. In exchange, Hisoka is making Illumi come with him on a quest to retrieve some mystical hair gel said to have the ability to 'make your head shine in all the colors of the rainbow if you apply it to your hair'.

-----------------------------------

Chapter 2

Hisoka was busily trying to figure out what to bring along for the trip when Illumi arrived. Eyeing Hisoka's suitcase, he saw that half of it was filled with decks of cards. "Where, on your person do you keep all of those anyhow?"

"It's a secret." Hisoka responded mischievously. "Probably the same place you keep all your pins." He walked over to the closet and pulled something out, holding it up for Illumi to see.

Illumi stared at the offered garment, if it could be called that. "Didn't I tell you I did not want something so…revealing?"

"Oh, this isn't your costume. This is just something I would like to see you in." Hisoka smirked and placed the rack of leather and chains back into the closet. He pulled something else out, and presented it proudly to Illumi. "This is for your masquerade."

The costume Hisoka held forth was all black, part felt, part velvet. Judging from the tail, ears, and whiskers Illumi deducted it was supposed to be a panther. The ensemble was skillfully crafted Illumi observed with some pleasure. The large soft paws had sections cut out between the fingers so he could easily grasp his pins. Even the delicate ears were complete with light pink for the lining. But there was one part which irked the assassin. "Shorts? Since when have you ever known me to wear shorts?"

"I assumed it would be much too warm to cover yourself from head to toe all in black. Besides, shorts would allow for more freedom of movement," was the straightforward answer Hisoka gave despite his wide smirk.

Illumi decided that even though Hisoka was ever the pervert, he did have some valid points. Removing the outfit from the magician's hands, Illumi walked over to the restroom. "I'll try this on now if you don't mind, to see if it fits." And to make sure Hisoka didn't add any vulgar additions that I cannot see.

"Go ahead, but you don't have to go all the way over there to change." The only response Hisoka got was the closing of the bathroom door. After wondering for a second if he could sneak a peak he settled for deciding on what outfits to bring along on the trip.

A few minutes passed by and Illumi stepped back out in full costume. As Hisoka looked up at the assassin he had to resist the urge to pounce the other man as if he were the one who was a jungle cat. Hisoka managed to gasp out, "You look delicious. Very nice legs, you really should show them off more often."

Illumi contemplated the thought of throwing pins at Hisoka's eyes. It would give me some practice in handling my pins with these paws. "I came out to ask you how to attach this tail." Holding up the item mentioned, he pointed to the buckled end.

Hisoka giggled, "Take off your shorts and I'll show you how to put it on them." He smoothly dodged as a pin came flying his way. "I'm crushed, is that the thanks I get?" Hisoka feigned sadness.

Illumi impatiently tapped a foot, "Attach it now and I will just leave it on. Don't try anything while you are fastening it." He handed the tail to Hisoka and craned his head around to watch what Hisoka was doing.

"All you have to do is put this end here and loop it through this D-link and bring it back through the original point." Hisoka explained easily and the tail was set, he let it go and watched it slowly swing from side-to-side. Ah, how perfectly adorable. I probably could have made the shorts a bit shorter without being disemboweled by Illumi, Hisoka reflected regretfully.

"Since you actually came through with your end of the deal, I will have to accompany you on that fool's quest now." Illumi unwillingly admitted. He walked back over to the restroom to change back into his standard attire.

Hisoka went back to tossing a few more deck of cards into the suitcase. One can never have too many cards.

When Illumi appeared from out of the restroom once again he was no longer wearing the panther set of clothes. Hisoka noticed in delight that the assassin had forgotten in his haste to remove the more charming part of the outfit – the ears. The ears now sat somewhat crookedly on his hair, no doubt moved by Illumi's redressing. Hisoka decided not to tell the other man what he had neglected to remove. "So, do you have the tickets and everything for the trip?"

Illumi held up two tickets. "I would have used one of the family's private jets, but that would have alerted them to my activities. I have everything I require with me, have you completed packing?"

Still gazing at the kitty ears perched on Illumi's head, the magician picked up his luggage, "Got everything I need here. Shall we go?"

Illumi nodded and headed towards the door. Hisoka fought off the desire to brush his hands across the ears and followed the assassin out the door.

---------------------------------------

End Note - Another chapter to come whenever I manage to bribe my bf into proofreading it :P