Hisoka and Illumi boarded their airship before other passengers. They had decided that at least while they were still in Padokea, Hisoka should continue to move around under the name Hiro and appear as Illumi's butler. It would be cause for suspicion if anyone looked into the boarding records and saw Hisoka's actual name boarding with Illumi. Even if the airship line promised confidentiality, they both knew it didn't take someone of Milluki's caliber to access those records.

Nonetheless, Hisoka could feel himself relax more the further they got away. The aircraft was headed to the other side of the Padokean continent, near heaven's arena. It was their first stop on this trip. From there they would head to Yorkshin. Illumi carefully planned their Itinerary so they could move as discreetly as possible.

The pair sat in a lounge area across from one another. Illumi read over the files of the job in his phone while Hisoka watched calmly. Illumi sat upright, legs crossed and his free arm resting on his lap. Hisoka also sat with one leg crossed over the other, although his stance was much wider than Illumi's.

"This is nice," Hisoka sighed.

Illumi's eyebrow raised at the magician sitting across from him. Hisoka watched him glance around the airship's lounge. The accommodations were adequate at best for two first class tickets. The couches and coffee tables were outdated, although he'd admit they weren't worn. The bar area was quiet today and from what he could tell, their selection of alcohol was your average run-of-the-mill bar selection. A large digital clock hung above the entryway to the area, and Illumi couldn't help but note that it clashed with the décor.

"If this is what you think luxury looks like you are sorely mistaken." Illumi finally spoke after surveying everything.

Hisoka chuckled. "I wasn't talking about the airship. I meant this. Us. I like sitting with you."

Hisoka noticed a brief blush on Illumi's cheeks, which he soon regained control over. "Aren't you bored?" Illumi glued his eyes back to his phone as he spoke.

"Yes, but I'm excited for the things to come. And watching you concentrate so much is... what's a good word for it?" Hisoka's eyes looked up, seemingly searching the air for the word he needed. "Delicious."

Illumi lifted his gaze and squinted at Hisoka. "Delicious?" Illumi repeated.

"Yes."

"Absurd." Illumi shook his head as he looked back down at the job files. Hisoka smiled. He could almost visibly read Illumi's thoughts now. He knew it would probably make Illumi uncomfortable to continue to compliment him. It was one thing to compliment him in the confines of his room where he was safe from peering eyes, but here, they were in public. People could see him. He was on guard.

Perfect.

"Your face looks so serious, Illumi. It's kind of hot."

Illumi's eyes darted up at Hisoka, who sat there with a smug smile. Illumi stared at the magician, saying nothing.

Hisoka continued, "I can tell you're as ready for bloodshed as I am, the way you look over your targets. Let me ask you, do you always deal with them quickly? Or do you ever savor the kill?"

Illumi sighed and looked around the vicinity before glaring at Hisoka. "There's a gym on this airship somewhere. Maybe if you're feeling antsy you should work off some of that energy there."

"Or we could step into an empty corridor and figure out a way to burn off some energy there."

"We have a perfectly good room on this airship. If you're that pent up I'll entertain you later." Illumi glanced back down at his phone, scrolling further.

"But it's more fun if there's a chance we'll get caught."

Illumi squinted at Hisoka, studying him. "What are you trying to do?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

"It looks like you're trying to seduce me in public."

"Then that's what I'm doing."

"No, I know you. You're up to something."

"Oh? And what exactly do you think I'm up to? What can your assassin's eyes tell you? "Hisoka smiled, placing his hand under his chin and leaning forward.

Illumi surveyed Hisoka's posture, looking for tells. Hisoka's smile was the familiar display of weaponry that Illumi knew too well. The way the muscles on his face would crease his skin, Illumi could tell that Hisoka was anticipating amusement. Whatever Hisoka was trying to do, it was for his own entertainment. After a short silence, Illumi said quietly, "I don't know yet."

Hisoka's grin softened, Illumi knew his answer surprised him.

"Come on, Illumi, you're smarter than that. Tell me what you think I'm doing."

"I'm not going to play your little game, Hisoka I have work to do."

"This airship won't land until this evening. You have plenty of time. We have plenty of time."

The hungry look in Hisoka's eyes was something Illumi hadn't seen in a while. And although he wouldn't mind having a little fun, he didn't like it when he felt like Hisoka was going to make fun of him.

"You're right. We have plenty of time on this airship."

"So, you want to make use of that time?" Hisoka perked up.

"Of course. We'll make excellent use of our time. You go to the room, I'll stay here reading through the job files, and you get rid of that black hair."

Hisoka blinked. "What?"

"Dye your hair back. I like it red." Illumi scrolled through his screen as he spoke.

"This entire trip is only a little over a week long I'm not bleaching my hair again just to dye it back when we have to return to the mansion." Hisoka's face was amusingly less excited than before. In fact, it was visibly annoyed. His brows were furrowed and his lips curled into a near frown. Illumi kept his face still, but he was decidedly amused.

"I don't care. I liked your hair better when it was red and worn up."

"Do you want my hair to fall out?" Hisoka's pitch raised as he spoke. "It's bad enough that I dyed my hair black because that shit's never coming out."

Hisoka's exasperation grew, he just needed a push in the right direction and Illumi knew he'd leave him alone.

"Your roots are showing." The final nail in the coffin.

"What? Are you serious?" Hisoka's hands made his way to the top of his head by instinct. "You're kidding, right?"

"Nope. I can see them plain as day. The red makes me miss your natural hair."

Hisoka grunted, displeased. Illumi looked back down at his phone. "I'll be here." Illumi spoke dismissively.

Hisoka stood up, defeated, but not deterred. Illumi knew he'd be back, but only after he dealt with his hair. Illumi knew by now that Hisoka's attention to every detail about himself was important to him. He always wanted to appear flawless. Even in his butler's uniform, he would make sure it was always pristine. Pointing out a flaw was the easiest way to get him to be elsewhere. As Hisoka walked away, Illumi smiled knowing he knew one of Hisoka's many weaknesses and successfully used it against him.

…...

Prytania wandered the halls of the Zoldyck mansion. It was impeccably clean, and vast. The majority of the rooms and halls were often dimly lit, with not much sunlight. The outer rooms did allow for beautiful sunlight to peak in through stained glass. Her favorite room was a tea room overlooking the gardens. She could easily see herself wasting hours there, but she was on a mission. She needed to take the time now that Illumi and Hisoka were both gone to find out what happened to the missing Zoldyck child.

"Where are you going, dear?"

Prytania stopped walking. She recognized the voice behind her as her mother-in-law, Kikyo. She mustered up her best smile.

"I was just headed to the north tea room."

"Ah. Well, you're going the wrong way. That hallway leads south."

Prytania hoped Kikyo hadn't sensed her lie. Without missing a beat, she said, "My mistake. It's just such a grand mansion I must have gotten turned around."

"Without Illumi here it must be difficult finding your way."

"Yes, that's precisely it!"

"No worries. I'll show you to the tea room, and we can have tea together!"

Prytania had never really been afraid of another woman before, at least not like this. Everything about Kikyo screamed manipulator. After hanging around Illumi for so long, Prytania thought she'd be used to it by now.

"Certainly."

Kikyo stepped in front of Prytania and walked towards the tea room. Prytania followed, walking behind her at a small distance.

"Prytania, you may walk beside me. You're a Zoldyck now, no need to keep your distance as if you were a butler."

"Right." Prytania sped up her pace to walk beside Kikyo. Her mother-in-law was by no means as tall as Illumi, but she was not a short woman. Prytania was barely above five feet tall, and next to Kikyo she felt tiny even with pumps. They walked in near silence, the only sound about them was the sound of Prytania's heels clacking against the smooth floor. As they walked, she noticed that only her shoes were making any kind of noise. Kikyo's steps were more silent than death.

They made it to the tea room and entered. The furniture in this particular tearoom was not traditionally Padokean, like most of the rest of the house. The seats were more Yorkshin style, beautifully fabricated around what appeared to be some kind of red wood.

Prytania made her way to one of the cushioned chairs while Kikyo reached her gloved hand to pull on a white and gold tassel rope which hung near the entrance.

"Tea will be here shortly." Kikyo beamed. She sat down across from Prytania and neatly folded her hands in her lap.

Prytania swallowed.

"So, Daughter-in-law," Kikyo began, "you've been here for almost a month."

"Yes, I have. It's been such an experience."

A hidden door in the wall opened, and Chrollo walked in. He held a tray with a teapot and two teacups. Prytania watched as he set the tray down and poured the seeped tea into their cups.

"Don't worry, Prytania." Kikyo's voice brought Prytania's attention back to the woman across from her. "The other butlers are instructed to watch this one when he prepares tea. Considering his track record of poisoning you, we wouldn't want a repeat of your wedding ceremony."

"Aha." Prytania laughed dryly. She still watched Chrollo carefully. She didn't trust him at all. She had not been present when they Zoldycks decided to keep him alive, but had she been she probably would have called them all crazy for keeping him around.

"Milk and sugar?" Chrollo asked Prytania.

"Yes. Two please."

Prytania watched as he prepared the tea to her liking. He had already fixed Kikyo's tea, and Prytania assumed she took her tea the same every time.

Chrollo sat the teacups and their saucers on the table before them, and bowed before leaving, never looking Kikyo in the eye. The door closed behind him, leaving the wall back as it was, with only the seam of the outline of the door to indicate that it ever moved.

Kikyo picked up her tea cup and softly blew on her tea to cool it. The red dot in the middle of her visor didn't move, but seemed to be kept forward, aiming right at Prytania.

"You're not going to have your tea?" Kikyo asked. Prytania realized she had been staring at Kikyo without picking up her tea cup.

"Ah, I was just letting it cool some." Prytania lifted the cup and mimicked Kikyo, blowing on it to get it to cool. She sipped it, and the hot tea burned her mouth.

"Ouch!" Prytania exclaimed in a small voice. She glanced down at her teacup and saw what looked like a scrap of paper. Her eyebrows furrowed.

"Too hot?" Kikyo asked in a sweet voice.

"Yes, I ought to let it cool some." Prytania picked up the saucer from the low coffee table in front of her and set the teacup down on top of it on the table to her right. She hoped Kikyo hadn't already seen the paper in the cup.

"You know, Prytania. I was surprised that Illumi took a job this week, leaving you behind."

"Oh. I expected that he'd need to eventually work. I wasn't too surprised by it."

Kikyo set her tea down on the table to her left. "My boy had been slacking off recently, and what with having a new wife to entertain, I imagined that he would be slacking off even more. Nonetheless, I'm glad he's back out there."

Prytania shifted her weight. "Do you not like it when he leaves?"

Kikyo smiled. "Call me crazy, but a Mother worries for her children. No matter how old they become."

"Right."

"When it comes to Illumi, I feel much has improved. He understands his role is to the family again. He's my son before anything else, and I think he understands that now."

Prytania nodded.

"Prytania?" Kikyo's tone was questioning, and Prytania's heart raced.

"Yes?"

"Are you pregnant?"

Prytania smiled. "I don't believe so."

Kikyo's mouth was flat, almost a frown. "I had hoped that the reason Illumi left was because he knew he didn't have a duty to perform."

"Well, it's not from lack of trying-"

"Believe me, we know."

"Sorry?"

"The butlers who launder often see poor Hiro washing your bedsheets. I don't blame you, I know you're trying. It just concerns me that after all this time of trying, the work bears no fruit."

Prytania cleared her throat. Illumi hadn't touched her once the whole month except to throw her out of his room. It was beyond uncomfortable for her to know that the same bedsheets she slept on were the bedsheets her gay husband got fucked on.

"I'd like you to visit the family doctor today."

"Certainly."

"Dr. Ito is our trusted physician. She'll take very good care of you."

Prytania nodded and took up her tea. There was no longer any steam coming off it, and she sipped it without burning herself again. A question came to her mind.

"I know it is not my place to ask, but why did you marry Illumi off?"

"Pardon?"

"I mean, if I understand correctly, he isn't the heir. Any of his children will not have claim to the estate, so why push for it?"

Kikyo sighed. "You are right, it is not your place to ask."

"Forgive me, madam." Prytania watched as the red dot on Kikyo's visor focused on her hands. Prytania quickly grabbed the slip of paper that was in her teacup and held it in her hands. Kikyo didn't appear to notice.

"I guess there's no harm in telling you." Kikyo looked back up at Prytania, who leaned in with curiosity.

Kikyo sighed again. "I just want grandchildren, and there's no rule that says Illumi can't get married. In fact, if something were to happen to Killua, although that boy is so strong I highly doubt it, it's always good to have a backup."

"A backup?"

"Yes. Illumi is my first-born son, and the most loyal to the family in my opinion. He would better serve the family as the heir, and although I am bursting with pride for Killua, he is not the son I would have picked to take over the estate."

Prytania sipped her tea. Kikyo continued.

"I don't want to have favorites, but Illumi is the child that made me a mother. He's my pride and joy. My eldest. Not to mention, he's always been the most obedient one."

"Obedient?"

"He's always done what we've asked him to. He takes care of his younger brothers. He does the jobs he is told to do. Sometimes, his intentions don't match our entirely, but his will is closest to mine. I believe he'd make the best Zoldyck heir."

Prytania thought to herself. It made sense that Kikyo would push for Illumi to have children. If he became the heir, he would just do what she says. He's the obedient one, in her eyes. If he became the new head of the family, she could easily control him. She would manipulate her own son so that she would have true control.

"It also wouldn't hurt for Killua's future children to have cousins to look up to. Our family is very small, you see. There's only a handful of us left because of this ridiculous expectation that only the heir should have children. Zeno opposed it at first but agreed that our family is small and more assassins couldn't hurt our budget in the long run."

Prytania squinted for a moment but remembered Kikyo was watching and she relaxed her face quickly. She lifted her tea to her mouth and sipped. It didn't make any sense. Illumi having children would not benefit the estate in any way except for the purpose of Kikyo's benefit. The fact that Zeno and Silva allowed it without much resistance was surprising.

"But enough about me. I'm interested in you."

"Me?"

"Yes. Why are you with this company?"

"I believe in a better, stronger future."

Kikyo scoffed. "Prytania, honey. I come from an agency much like yours. Don't give me that artificial corporate mantra. Why are you with this company? What did you do to land yourself there? You kill someone?"

Prytania was almost shocked at the realness of Kikyo's question, but it was more refreshing than anything. A fellow contract wife, a successful one, was asking about her life. She wanted to trust her. She wanted a friend, but the devil sitting in front of her was not a friend, and Prytania knew better than to tell her whole story.

"Yes."

"Who did you kill?"

"An ex-boyfriend."

"Did he deserve it?"

"Yes."

"Good. Justice was served, then." Kikyo finished her tea and set it down on the coffee table.

"Oh, look at the time. It's been good talking with you, but I must be going. I hope you don't mind that I leave you here."

"It's not problem."

"I'll have a butler escort you to wherever you'd like."

"Oh, I don't mind getting a little lost trying to find my way."

"Nonsense. This estate is huge. I can't have Illumi come home only to find that we've lost his wife." Kikyo chuckled, and Prytania did the same. She wondered if Kikyo knew she was sneaking around trying to find out information and wanted to keep an eye on her.

"Alright. Oh, and don't forget to visit with our physician. In fact, I think you should go as soon as possible. Now, even."

"Yes, ma'am."

"See? I knew you'd be a great pick for Illumi. You're so... obedient." Prytania kept her classic fake smile as Kikyo left the room. She quickly opened the piece of paper that was in her hand. It was laminated, to protect it from the hot tea.

It said, "I know what you did, and I know who you are"

Chills ran down Prytania's spine. She looked up from the paper and nearly screamed. Chrollo was sitting in the seat where Kikyo was just moments ago. She didn't even hear him come in. He sat with his arm resting on the table to his left, and his legs crossed widely.

"Sorry if I startled you, Britannica."

"It's Prytania."

"Whatever. I know what you did."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're right, you probably don't know what I'm talking about. I bet you assume I'm trying to blackmail you on the basis of what you did to those poor girls in the lab."

Prytania squinted at him. "Then what exactly are you talking about."

"It's best not to talk about sensitive subjects in this room, you know."

"I don't follow."

"I'm sure you noticed earlier that the lady of the house pulled on that tassel over by the door when you came in."

"Yes, but what does that... wait."

"Ah, now you get it."

"You came in with two tea cups."

"You do have a brain! Congratulations."

"There's a peephole somewhere in here for the servants to check how many people need tea."

"Yep! And guess which trio of idiots I saw talking in here the other day."

Prytania exhaled. "You overheard Illumi, Hisoka, and I talking."

"You fucked the clown."

Prytania wrinkled her nose in disgust, faced with the truth that she had, indeed, fucked the clown.

"He's a magician."

"You know, I never imagined that Illumi would end up being contractually married to someone exactly like him. A clown fucker."

"What do you want?" Prytania raised her voice.

"Feisty, feisty! I've never heard you speak to anyone like that. Your voice all raised and demanding... Did you talk to Hisoka like that when you let him put his-?"

"Shut up!" Prytania yelled and stood up, anger seeping through her pores. "Tell me what you want already!"

Chrollo leaned forward, keeping his eyes locked with Prytania's. "I don't want anything from you, Prytania. I want to help you."

"Help me? By blackmailing me?"

"The blackmailing is, unfortunately, necessary. I hate to do it but I need to have some kind of leverage."

"You're not making sense."

"The child's name is Alluka, and she has unbelievable powers."

"I already figured that much."

"But you haven't been able to search for her."

"Kikyo wants me to move around with an escort."

"Because she doesn't trust you."

"She doesn't trust you either."

"Right. But she trusts the other butlers."

"So? The other butlers don't trust you either."

"That's not the case with everyone. Some of them think I'm a good person."

"You must be very charismatic."

"When I want to be."

"So, the other butlers trust you. What are you saying?"

"I'm saying I know where she is, and I know you want that information."

"You found her?"

"Not I, I can't even go near that part of the estate. But some of the other butlers can."

Prytania sat down, smoothing out her skirt and looking intently at the man in front of her. "Do you think you can get me to go down there myself? Even I know that Alluka is dangerous."

"No need to go down there yourself, Patricia."

"It's Prytania."

"Right, right. All you need to do, is tell whoever it is you report to the location I give you."

"You think I'm reporting to someone about this?"

"I know you are."

"And if I don't, you'll tell Kikyo about Hisoka."

"I won't tell her about Hisoka, oh no. I still need him. I'll just tell her that you were seen... cavorting... with a butler."

"A case of adultery would break my contract and be cause for expulsion or even death."

"Hey, I'm not the one who had sex with your husband's lover on your wedding night. That's on you."

Prytania said nothing, thinking everything over in her head.

Chrollo chuckled to himself. "You know, funny you should use the word adultery. It is one of the big no-no's, not even in just your contract. Everyone agrees it's one of the worst sins you could commit. It's one of the big ten sins, and the wages of sin is death."

Prytania's eyes opened wide, and she looked up. "I guess I need to make a phone call."

"That's right, sweetheart."

"Ugh. Don't call me that. Just learn my name, won't you?"

Prytania stood up again, ready to leave.

"Hey, hey hey." Chrollo grabbed her arm gently. She ripped it out of his hand.

"Don't touch me."

"There's no need for us to be enemies, you know." Chrollo moved closer to her. "I don't have any beef with you. In fact, I could use someone like you. That clown thinks he has you figured out, doesn't he? And Illumi must trust you to some extent. Considering you're not dead right now even after boning his precious magician."

Prytania moved away from Chrollo as he advanced. He continued, "When all is said and done, you realize you have the power to gain so much. Imagine how much your company will praise you when you deliver to them such a powerful weapon. And in the end, maybe you and I can be... friends."

"What makes you think I'd want to be friends with someone who doesn't even remember my name?"

"Prytania, you know I was just messing with you."

Prytania found herself backed into a wall. Chrollo placed his hand above her, looking down. "I thought since you're a clown fucker you'd have a little sense of humor."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't think you're very funny at all."

Chrollo leaned in close. "You know, I can see why Hisoka liked you. He probably left with Illumi because had he stayed, he'd rip you to pieces. You know he stays awake at night thinking about ways to murder you."

Prytania swallowed.

Chrollo leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "If you ever want to have some fun, we could always..."

"What is WRONG with you?" Prytania pushed Chrollo away from her, disgusted.

Chrollo laughed hard, holding his chest. "Now THAT is precious. If you could see the look on your face!" You're too fun. Hisoka was right."

"What do you mean Hisoka was right?! Did he-"

"He told me to have a little fun with you while he was gone. 'Said it'd be worth seeing you squirm. He was right."

Prytania's face was redder than radishes. "That asshole."

Chrollo caught his breath. "It still stands, though. My blackmail is real, although the proposition for sex wasn't. Please don't try to fuck me."

"Believe me, I'm not going to." Prytania crossed her arms.

"Good. Make that phone call, I'll be waiting for their response." Chrollo winked at her, and she rolled her eyes. He disappeared through the servant's side door.

"Guess I have to make a phone call." Prytania said to herself.

…...

Illumi had thoroughly read through each file and decided on the best course of action for each target. He glanced at the digital clock. He'd been sitting alone for about an hour. Hisoka was probably finishing up his hair by now.

Illumi stood from his spot and began to walk towards the exit passageway, which was near the bar. As he approached, he noticed some people huddled around a small television set. Different people mumbled here and there, and normally, Illumi would ignore people huddled around a TV at a bar, but he could clearly see it was a newscast and not just some useless TV show.

Getting closer, he could hear the newscaster speak clearly.

"Officials are still on the hunt for a man who may have answers to who killed successful business woman Nadya Morrow and her son, Albert Morrow. The man is none other than Nadia's estranged husband, Hisoka Morrow."

Hisoka's face showed on the screen as Illumi watched on.

"Morrow is a notorious Heaven's Arena Champion who has been missing since before his wife and son's murder. Many remember the grizzly story of the woman, her son, and a hotel receptionist who were found dead by housekeeping in early April. Rival businessman Lagola Tigre, was arrested under suspicion of hiring an assassin to dispatch the family but has since been released. Yorknew authorities plead with citizens of the surrounding Heaven's Arena area to contact local authorities if anyone has any information about Hisoka Morrow's whereabouts. Officials in Heaven's Arena have been cooperative, the game master speaking out that Morrow has not been seen at all this year in any of the tournaments. We have correspondent Butch Yakov at the Heaven's Arena first floor with local fans of the fighter. Yakov?"

Illumi watched as a reporter stood surrounded by weeping fans, most of them wearing shirts with Hisoka's face on them. The majority of them were young girls. The reporter asked a question to one of them, holding out his mic. Illumi didn't care for hearing the rest of the broadcast. He turned to walk away but could still hear all of Hisoka's fans crying over how much they missed him. Illumi scoffed.

Illumi left the lounge and headed towards his and Hisoka's shared room. Hisoka lay on the bed with his hair wrapped up in a towel. He was completely naked otherwise. A house of cards, which Hisoka was apparently working on, fell as Illumi closed the door.

"Illumi, darling!" Hisoka piped up, ignoring that his cards were now scattered.

Illumi looked at him with a cold expression. "You must really be itching to fight someone."

Hisoka raised a brow at Illumi. "Fighting is optimal, but since we're on this airship we can't exactly go all out."

Illumi crossed his arms. "How many fans do you have near Heaven's Arena?"

Hisoka sat up at the question. "I don't know. A lot probably. Why do you ask?"

"Because as you know, that's where we're headed. I just saw a newscast naming you as a person of interest in a certain murder case."

"Ah, well. That happens from time to time. Nothing ever sticks, I assure you." Hisoka relaxed on the bed amongst his cards, propping his head up with one hand and resting his other on his side.

"You didn't commit this one." Illumi spoke as he walked over to the bed, glancing at the fallen house of cards.

"Oh. Well at least I have my loyal boyfriend to vouch for me, but if someone thinks I killed someone it is usually the case." Hisoka flicked his wrist, and the cards flung towards his hand, landing in a perfect deck in his palm.

"Not this time. It's your late wife."

"Ah. Her. That was your handiwork." Hisoka shuffled his deck nonchalantly.

Illumi sat on the bed now that it had been cleared of cards. "Do you think any of your fans will be able to recognize you under your disguise?"

"I hardly recognize me."

"I'd rather not take any chances."

"What do you me-" Hisoka felt needle pressure plunge into the side of his face, and another in his shoulder. His bones felt as if they were moving and breaking out of place. He couldn't see it, but Illumi watched as his skin stretched to give him a different face and shoulder width. His hair turned blonde and his face slimed while his shoulders grew wider.

Four agonizing seconds passed. Hisoka's pain tolerance was commendable, Illumi noted. He didn't scream, he didn't flail. He just let it happen. Once the transformation was over, Hisoka grunted.

"That hurt."

"You deal well with pain."

"Am I ugly now?"

"Very."

"Change me back."

"No."

Hisoka reached to pull the needle that was in his shoulder out. Illumi stopped him. "Hisoka, if you take that out I'll have to put it back in once the airship lands."

"Don't you think that's up to me to decide?"

Illumi blinked. "Absolutely not. I can't risk you- Hey stop!" Illumi protested as Hisoka pulled out the pins, first his shoulder, then the other on the side of his face. This time, Illumi could see Hisoka gritting through the pain as he changed back.

"You big baby." Illumi scoffed as he lay down on the bed.

Hisoka was sweating, and he huffed. His skin was red with blood pulsing through him.

"Hey, Illumi?"

"Hm...?"

Illumi didn't blink as Hisoka punched him in the face. It was unexpected, and Illumi looked over at the man with his arm outstretched above him. Hisoka had held back his punch so as not to injure him, but it hurt nonetheless.

"What was that for?"

Hisoka inhaled before saying, "Don't mess with my bones and shit without my permission."

"Your permission?"

Hisoka laughed softly, looking down at the privileged rich boy underneath him. "You don't own me, Illumi. You can't just manipulate my body like that without warning."

"But isn't that exactly what you are? You changed your appearance so you could hide and be with me in the mansion."

"That was different. I chose to hide my true appearance from your family. That was of my own doing. You cannot choose for me what I do with my body."

Illumi tilted his head, studying Hisoka. Up until now, it hadn't really come up, but Illumi always assumed that relationships always went like this. That they belonged to each other and therefore could do whatever they wanted with each other. "Then what's the point of being in a relationship?"

Illumi's question came as a surprise to Hisoka. "For fun, but mostly for fucking." Hisoka shrugged.

Illumi's puzzled face was priceless. Hisoka laughed.

"Hisoka," Illumi started, "as much fun as intercourse is, even I know that's not the only reason."

Hisoka sat back on his knees, still straddling Illumi on the bed. "You're right. Some relationships are purely business."

"What's the objective of our relationship, Hisoka?"

"Objective?"

"What purpose does it serve?" Illumi stared up at Hisoka.

"For what purpose do you keep me around, you mean?" Hisoka placed his hand on Illumi's abdomen. He smiled. "If you don't have any obvious use for me, you could just get rid of me, right? I'm not helping you achieve any goal as of right now. You don't need me, really. In fact, I'm a nuisance, aren't I? Sneaking around your family, planning your jobs so as to be able to also spend time with me... I'm causing you to expend extra energy. And for what? For what purpose?" Hisoka slid his hands up Illumi's torso.

"I asked you the question, you were supposed to answer it for me." Illumi said, annoyed.

"I do have an answer."

"And what is it?"

"You want to use me." Hisoka shifted his weight, sliding himself against Illumi.

"That's not true." Illumi slid his hand up Hisoka's abdomen to his torso, his perfectly manicured hand passing over Hisoka's nipple. Hisoka shivered.

"Tell me what you want to use me for."

"I'm not trying to use you." Illumi caressed Hisoka's neck, gripping it tenderly, but just firm enough to flirt with the idea of choking him.

Hisoka licked his lips, grinding on Illumi in a downright obscene manner. Illumi sighed. His body always betrayed him. He wanted to assert control over Hisoka, to show him that he was very much owned, but right now Hisoka's movements and his position kept him in control of the situation.

Illumi began to sit up, but Hisoka approached his face with a kiss. Illumi kissed back. This was Hisoka after all, kissing him couldn't hurt.

Every affection given thus far had served Illumi well. Hisoka had willingly became a butler in his home to serve Illumi because of his loyalty for him even after Illumi had murdered Hisoka's contract wife and child. Hisoka had even promised to take Illumi out of his household. Hisoka belonged to him, and all Illumi had to do was pay him with his body and attention. This was the arrangement Illumi had mapped out rationally in his head. It made sense to him. It made perfect sense. So, letting Hisoka think that he wasn't, in fact, owned, probably was for the best.

Hisoka ran his hands up Illumi's sides and to the back of his neck. He broke their kiss and whispered into Illumi's ear, "Would you kill me if I said I wasn't yours?"

Illumi's breath caught in his throat.

Hisoka kept speaking. "Would you gut me if I told you again that you don't own me?"

It was Illumi's turn now to shiver.

Hisoka purred, "Do you think about killing me?"

Illumi's shallow sigh was more than an answer.

Hisoka gripped tighter into the back of Illumi's hair. "Do you think about killing me?" Hisoka asked again, his voice low, a sinister whisper.

Illumi tightened his grip on Hisoka's throat, digging his nails into the sides of his neck. "You'd like that to occupy my mind, wouldn't you?" Illumi smiled, controlling his breath.

Hisoka smiled back, his teeth gleaming. "So, then you won't mind if when we step off this airship, I stay in Heaven's Arena?"

Illumi pushed Hisoka away gently to look at him. Hisoka's towel had unwrapped and fallen to his side on the bed, showing his newly dyed hair. It was red.

"I thought you said you didn't want to dye your hair red if we were going to go back so soon?"

Hisoka watch Illumi's eyes carefully, releasing his grip on his hair gently. "Just for the week. I'll be good and stay in Heaven's Arena."

"No." Illumi's voice was dry as he spoke. He tried pushing Hisoka off of him so he could walk away, but he couldn't move. He looked around himself and realized his whole torso was covered in bungee gum.

"Let me go, Hisoka."

"Only if you say you'll let me go."

"The only way you're leaving me is in a casket." Illumi's voice was deadly and commanding. It was hypnotizing, even. Hisoka even wondered if Illumi was currently attempting to control Hisoka's mind.

Hisoka pushed Illumi back down to the bed with ease. "Ah, there it is. That wonderful temper, rearing its beautiful head again. Tell me, Illumi. If you were going to kill me, how would you do it? Would you kill me from behind, like you did my wife? Or would you look me in the eye like you did my son?"

"I thought that didn't matter to you."

"I was only jealous that they got to see the look on your face as you killed them." Hisoka's words were dripping with something untethered. Illumi had almost forgotten how twisted Hisoka really was, but it thrilled him.

"If you keep on like this then you might see it." Illumi threatened. His hands were bungee gummed to the bed. He was completely helpless against Hisoka. If he truly wanted to, Hisoka could kill him right there on the first-class airship bed. Such a shameful death it would be.

Hisoka sighed, rubbing his hand over Illumi's shoulder. "Would you kill me if...?" Hisoka opened Illumi's shirt, exposing the x-shaped scar on the left side of his chest. "Would you kill me if I broke our promise again?"

Illumi's vision drifted away from Hisoka, and focused somewhere on the ceiling. Hisoka caressed Illumi's scar. It hadn't raised like Hisoka's had. Instead, it was a deep, dark mark contrasting Illumi's pale skin.

"What was it we said again? 'Cross my heart and hope to die?' Whatever it was, I broke it, didn't I?"

Illumi's breathed harshly, remembering what Hisoka had done.

Hisoka continued. "You know she asked about what my scar was. She asked about all my scars."

Illumi looked directly into Hisoka's eyes now.

"You never asked about my scars, Illumi."

Bloodlust like Hisoka had never seen before swirled around them both, creating an almost unbreathable pressure. Hisoka cackled like a mad man, until he felt the sudden grip on his throat, nearly crushing his windpipe.

"YOU. WOULDN'T. DARE."

Illumi's voice was barely human. It was a glorious monstrosity, and Hisoka was its target.

"NOT. AGAIN." Illumi spoke again, the sound deafening.

Hisoka slipped out of Illumi's grasp and leapt away from him.

Hisoka laughed from his gut as he stood there in the room, still naked. "Come at me, Illumi! Come at me with all you have!" Hisoka released his bungee gum grip on Illumi.

Not even a second after he had let him go, Illumi was on him. He punched him, and Hisoka's body went through the door, breaking it as he went through it and into the hallway.

He briefly noticed a woman scream in the hallway when she saw the naked man crash into the corridor. Hisoka was smiling as he stood up. "Don't worry, I get that reaction all the time, miss."

Hisoka ducked as Illumi's fist flew past him and into the wall behind him, cracking the wall. Illumi slowly turned to look at Hisoka, who straightened up to look at him.

"You know, that looks like that would have hurt." Illumi threw another punch, and then another, and another. Illumi and Hisoka eventually made their way back into the lounge, leaving a trail of crumbling walls behind them. The open space was more than a friend to Hisoka. He moved like a circus acrobat, dodging every blow with a flip or a high jump. Mothers covered their children's eyes at the scene and ran.

"Come on, Illumi! Is that all you've got?"

Illumi landed a punch to Hisoka's torso, knocking the air out of him and propelling him against the window in the lounge. People gasped.

Hisoka coughed, trying to get air back, he barely had time to breathe before having to dodge another attack. Illumi's fist met with the thick glass overlooking the clouds. A loud crack resounded throughout the lounge. Dust fell from the ceiling and the lights flickered.

"H-Hey now, Illumi." Hisoka said shakily. "Are you really trying to kill me?"

"You're mine, Hisoka!" Illumi's eyes were fearsome balls of rage, his bloodlust twisting the air around him in a black haze.

"You got to catch me first, babe!" Hisoka ran around Illumi, and Illumi attacked, sending the lounge furniture flying across the room.

Hisoka ran back around Illumi, his back facing the large window again. Illumi pinned Hisoka to the window.

Illumi threw his punch at Hisoka, but he dodged the right, and again Illumi's fist met with the window, and the crack in it grew. The lights shut off and the emergency backup lights turned on. People screamed and ran around as an alarm began to sound.

"I'll kill you, Hisoka!" Illumi punched Hisoka in the chest, forcing his back against the widow. Hisoka coughed up blood and the window cracked again. Illumi readied his arm to punch him again.

"You know, Illumi, I've never lost a fight before." Illumi stopped, looking at Hisoka. His bloodlust calmed.

"You haven't defended yourself once." Illumi said softly.

"Your wife called." Hisoka smiled, his teeth bloodied. Illumi's brows furrowed, searching Hisoka for answers.

Hisoka chuckled. "You're a little scary when you're trying to kill me."

"What is this about, Hisoka?!" Illumi's voice raised.

"Let's break up." Hisoka whispered.

Illumi looked at the bloodied man before him, laughing like a madman.

"Break... up?" Illumi repeated. His blood boiled all over again. "Break up? Hisoka? I'll break you!" Illumi thrust his fist forward, and as he did Hisoka unpinned himself from Illumi's other hand and dodged his fist, embracing Illumi just as the window shattered against the force of Illumi's punch.

Immediately, the air rushed around them as the pressure in the airship destabilized. The window broke entirely, forcing everything in the lounge to be sucked out, Hisoka and Illumi included.

...

Chapter 19, Fin~

Note:

EHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE

It's not over, folks. I promise.

Damn that was a satisfying chapter to write.

Pretty please let me know what you think of the story so far, reviews make my day.

And thank you to everyone who have written reviews in the previous chapters, you are my motivation lol.

I'm thinking of doing an overhaul of some of the earlier chapters, mostly because I wrote those whist drunk off my ass and didn't do any spell checking lol. I think you as readers deserve at least half-decent writing and I read my old chapters recently and cringed so hard.

This story was just going to be a side project that I was going to finish quickly and then I fell in love with the story and now we're Nineteen chapters in holy moly.

So, yeah. Thanks for reading!

Love, Fluff Papa.