(；๏д๏)

Contrary to popular belief, Uvogin was not an idiot.

Sure, he wasn't exactly the brightest crayon in the box but that didn't mean that he was incapable of making sound judgements and displaying remarkable problem solving skills from time to time. If anything, he was simply a bit daft and had a rather one track mind when it came to food and fights.

Nobunaga, being Uvogin's best friend (and perhaps only friend) for the past couple of years was aware of this, and as such,trusted in his friend's decisions and life choices.

But that didn't mean that he was supportive of all of Uvo's life choices.

In particular, Nobunaga wasn't appreciative of how Uvogin – bless his large heart—had apologized to him with a stranger in tow, claiming her to be their new buddy. Nobunaga had eyed her from head to toe in barely concealed distaste and wariness, as he made an assessment of her. The woman…was fairly pretty, he supposed, with an oddly nervous disposition as she fidgeted anxiously while her eyes darted between himself and Uvo.

But what bothered him the most was her softness. She was soft, unnaturally soft and, and clean. And Meteor City did not host such soft women. If anything, this dump of a city only gave birth to street rats and the scummiest of scum, hardened by the unforgiving environment they were in.

But lo and behold, this girl stood here, in their own home (Uvogin insisted it was a home when really, it was just a small ragtag shack they had built), looking at him with a soft yet nervous gaze that no one born and raised in Meteor City should ever have.

It put Nobunaga on edge.

Faster than anyone could comprehend, he was by the woman's side, pressing a sharpened wood against her jugular. He inched his face near her own to the point that wispy strands of his hair brushed against her skin.

She smelled…sweet, it was kind of nice, and if he just inched a little closer then—

Nope. Nobunaga was not going there.

Damn this woman and her womanly wiles!

"Uvo," A strangled voice left his throat and Nobunaga turned to his friend. "This girl's bad news. Don't you see what she's doing? She's trying to seduce us and then kill us in our sleep. I've heard of some gangs using this trick to expand their territory. "

The woman spluttered, her face a bright shade of red. "I—Wha—I am not seducing you!"

"She's trying to seduce you Uvo." Nobunaga quickly corrected.

A dust of pink settled on Uvo's cheeks. "Oh, Hazuki! Shucks . You're makin' me blush. No one's ever tried to seduce me before and lived. Maybe you'll be the first!"

"I am not seducing anyone!" Soft and dainty hands curled around Nobunaga's rough ones but before it could even fully wrap around it, he withdrew from her, as if he'd been scalded.

"Your womanly wiles won't work on me! Back woman, back! " He shrieked as he put on an offensive stance. "I may not have a steel blade right now but make no mistake! This hard wood is more than enough to penetrate you!"

"…"

"…"

An awkward silence descended between the trio as they stared at each other. More specifically, Nobunaga looked at Hazuki with barely restrained hostility, Uvogin gaped at Nobunaga in shellshock wonder, and Hazuki 's eyes darted nervously between the two teenagers in mortification.

A beat, then. "Bwahahahahahaha! Nobunaga, I didn't know you had it in you!" Uvogin sounded like a dying dolphin as he bent over and slapped his knees in laughter. "And you tell me off for being all crass and shit!"

A soft giggle left Hazuki's lips as well but she was quick to slap a hand to her mouth, but the deed had been done and her eyes twinkled in laughter as her gaze met Nobunaga's own confused eyes.

"Huh, why are you two—" Nobunaga blinked once, then twice before the realization of his earlier words sunk in.

"I—Shit, I didn't mean it that way! Oh God. Uvogin stop rolling around! And you!" He turned to Hazuki, his face as red as a tomato, while Uvogin was chortling—Nobunaga sourly hoped that he choked on his own spit—loudly in the background. "Goddamnit, stop laughing! I'm threatening you! It's rude to laugh when people are threatening you!"

(ノ*゜▽゜*)

Meeting teenaged members of the Phantom Troupe was not on the top of my to-do list, nor was it a part of my to-do list ever , nor was it a part of any list of mine. If I had a choice in the matter, I would have opted to meet Gon and Leorio instead, as they were wholesome, nice, and unlikely to be an immediate threat to my pathetic self.

But of course, nobody really cared about my opinion and thus I found myself in the middle of a decrepit shack, stuck with two future members of the Phantom Troupe.

Just freaking peachy.

After being carted off by Uvogin in a barbaric fashion (my stomach still hurt a bit after his potato sack carry), I found myself being threatened by Nobunaga. Admittedly, a large part of my brain was more preoccupied with seeing a younger Nobunaga rather than registering the bite of his threats. He was just, so, so, young. But once he had brandished a weapon at my direction—seriously, what is it with people and my jugular—I quickly sobered up and let an expression of fear take over my face.

Said fear was fortunately short-lived when Nobunaga had unwittingly thrown a misplaced innuendo at me. I probably should've felt offended at the meaningful suggestion but Nobunaga's face was just priceless and I couldn't suppress my obvious amusement.

"Quit laughing," Nobunaga hissed to a thoroughly entertained Uvogin. "If you start choking, I'm not going to save your sorry ass."

"B-But, you said hard wood, pffttt—and penetrate!" Uvogin had been laughing for a good ten minutes. It was pretty impressive actually.

"People make mistakes okay?! And it's been ten minutes! Sheesh, stop laughing!" A scowl marred Nobunaga's face as he punched Uvo on his back. He glowered afterwards once he realized it was futile with Uvogin's steel hard skin. "Stop making me look bad in front of the enemy!"

"Aw, come on , Nobu! Lighten up! Hazuki's not an enemy!" Uvo responded as he wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes. "She's my—no, our new buddy! You can even say that she's like my goddess of good fortune! Ever since I ran into her today, only good stuff's been happenin' to me yeah? She got me out of that blasted steel and I made up with you."

"Good fortune," A raised brow from Nobunaga. "Really now."

"What." Oh God. I was beginning to sense a pattern here. Why did people insist on referring to me as a goddess?! Granted, it was my fault the second time around but the occurrence happening for three consecutive times was a likely predictor for a pattern.

A pattern that I would later lament on.

"If this woman – right, Hazuki or whatever ," Nobunaga amended as soon as Uvogin reminded him of my name. "Is really the goddess of good fortune like you say she is, then a simple demonstration of her powers should be enough to show me she's trustworthy right?" A cruel smirk twisted on his lips as he tapped his fingers against the hilt of his wooden blade.

Okay, first of all, that logic did not make an ounce of sense. Uvogin said , and I quote, '...like my goddess of good fortune.' He did not state that I was an actual goddess. I bet that Nobunaga just wanted to use this opportunity to intimidate me into submission or death.

Surely, even Uvogin, with his well-meaning but misguided attempts at affection would see through this and maybe protect his new buddy from his clearly provoked best friend?

"That's a great idea!" Uvogin beamed.

I wilted.

Was this it? Was this my end? Was my adventure about to come to its conclusion with barely a sign of plot progression?

My heart sunk as I forlornly stared at a grinning Nobunaga who had his dagger wood-like thing – I actually had no idea what it was – pointed at me once more.

If I died here, I was going to make sure to haunt this boy throughout his whole career as a spider.

The wood creaked silently under Nobunaga's geta and I soon found myself with an eyeful of the boy, his weapon raised above his head to swing at me. My survival instincts kicked in and I attempted to dodge him of course, but I sincerely doubt that I could outmaneuver any Hunter x Hunter character who was worth their salt. However if I were to perish here, it would definitely not be because of lack of effort at survival on my part.

So I clumsily threw myself to the ground as what looked like the blade of his weapon neared my face but it was of no use as Nobunaga read my movements and expertly adjusted to my sudden movement.

I stilled, anticipating for the inevitable pain that was to come but a loud growl interrupted the thick tension in the air.

"Uvo," Nobunaga halted in his assault and a bemused expression overtook his face. "I guess it's time for dinner then?"

"All that fighting earlier got me hungry. Hey, let's get some chicken and beer for tonight! Let's have a party with Hazuki!" Uvogin shot me yet another adoring look which I dodged by subtly hiding behind Nobunaga who gave me the stink eye but didn't move from his position. At this point, I didn't know which scared me more; Nobunaga's threats of harm, or Uvogin's sudden if not misdirected affection.

"Uvo, I don't think chicken is enough to satisfy that endless pit of yours."

"Then let's grab a little bit of everything!"

"Your definition of 'a little bit' is a bit off, but yeah. I'm getting a bit hungry too."

"Yeah, yeah! Let's go! Last one to reach the marketplace is a rotten egg!" Uvogin dashed away, the thought of food motivating his action.

Uvogin, no! You can't just leave me here with him!

My eyes darted nervously to the other teenager. "Um, are you going to kill me now?" I sure hope not.

"It's not worth it. You know what, let's get one thing straight," Nobunaga turned to me, his weapon carefully tucked away under his haori. "I don't trust you. Nor will I ever trust you. But, one wrong move." He made a slicing motion to his throat. "And you're a goner, you got me?"

I nodded my head vigorously.

Seemingly satisfied by my response, Nobunaga called out to Uvogin. "Hey, wait up, Uvo!"

.

As it turns out, in Meteor City language, to grab dinner meant to literally grab dinner from the market stalls and make a mad dash for your life as vendors chased you down the streets.

Dear mother and father back in the real world, your beloved and only daughter has become an accessory to a most nefarious crime.

I wanted to cry.

"Hazuki, run faster!" Uvogin shouted at me from a couple of feet ahead. I began to feel a little touched at the smidgen of concern, until. "The beer's gonna get warm!"

Of course, why did I expect anything different?

Tightening my hold on the paper bag of food, I shot back. "I'm trying!" Despite being a reluctant part of this crime – Uvogin and Nobunaga tossed me bags and bags of loot and I was helpless to do anything else – I still ran with all my might. Sadly, I was only human and had such limitations that I was a considerable distance away from the pair who ran without even breaking a sweat.

"Get back here you heathens!" I could hear the voice of the vendors getting louder and I forced my feeble legs to run faster. But it was all for naught as I heard the footsteps increase in volume.

I can't believe I was going to be implicated for a crime just because I had been in the wrong place and the wrong time!

To my surprise however, I felt the load on my arms lessen before I was unceremoniously tossed onto a bony shoulder.

"Augh, you're heavier than you look." It was Nobunaga who picked me up and scowled as if it offended him to touch me. "Uvo, catch!" He threw the bag of supplies he took from my arms to a waiting Uvogin, who scampered to a run as he began chewing through the bags of meat.

"Foo gaf schno we' to me' mi!" (You guys know where to meet me!)

"Yeah, yeah, just don't finish everything! Leave some for me."

I'm surprised Nobunaga even understood that.

"Um." I awkwardly began, once Nobunaga broke into a brisk pace. This position was a bit embarrassing as my butt was literally next to his face. But if he wasn't going to mention it, then I most definitely wasn't about to. "You know, I can run on my own." I said instead.

"You're slowing us down. I don't know what it is that Uvogin sees in you but I don't want to hear wailing tonight so I might as well help you live another day."

"Wailing?"

"Uvogin has a tender heart."

"Ah."

With nothing else to say, I tried to make myself comfortable on the boy's shoulders, squirming to find a position that wouldn't make my stomach hurt. I struggled to pull my legs up, afraid that he would accidentally drop me.

"Hey, stop squirming!" Nobunaga hissed from beneath me as I jabbed my elbow against his head by mistake. I felt his calloused hands curl tighter against my torso. "Do you want me to drop you?"

"Sorry!" I tucked my arms closer to my body. "I was just trying to be a little more comforta - Eep! Nobunaga-san! BAD TOUCH!" A flush colored my cheeks as a hand was pressed against my upper thigh, causing me to feel a little ticklish and absolutely mortified. Was Nobunaga trying to cop a feel?!

"Don't be an idiot!" The hand that was manhandling me was gone as soon as it had came. "I just needed this!"

I blinked at the small serrated knife on Nobunaga's hands. Wasn't that the knife Feitan had given me for 'protection'? Oh. I must've shoved it in my pocket when I was changing my clothes earlier. But how did he know I had it on me?

As if he'd read my mind, Nobunaga spoke. "Something hard with a decent length was pressing against my shoulder. And if it's not that, then the only other thing you can have in your pocket is a weapon."

"Oh." That was some pretty impressive deduction actually.

"Besides, nobody can survive this dump without having some sort of protection. And even though you look like an idiot, I'm sure you're not that dumb."

Ouch.

In an instant, my word tilted in a dizzying myriad of colors. I felt sick at the sudden change in position but before I could even voice out a complaint, I heard a groan and a loud thump. Looking up, I saw one of the men who was giving chase incapacitated on the ground, clutching a bleeding arm.

"That wound isn't fatal." I scrunched my face as I tried to make a brief assessment of the man's health. We were already a considerable distance from him but even I could tell that the wound was just a flesh wound that would heal on it's own. "Why didn't you kill him?" Genuine shock laced my voice. Weren't these guys supposed to be brutal murderers who cared for no one but themselves?

"Don't be stupid." If I could see Nobunaga right now, he'd probably be rolling his eyes at me. "If we killed every single shop owner who chased us for stealing, then there wouldn't be anyone left to steal from."

He...actually had a point with that. I knew that Meteor City was a junkyard city and birthplace of many unsavory characters but I never really gave much thought on it and simply accepted the details that Togashi provided his readers. I mean, how did Meteor City's economy work if they were a closed and hard to find city? I distinctly recall Togashi explaining that the Mafia had some ties with them, so was their economy sustained by their technically mercenary forces?

Hm. How interesting. An academic pursuit for another day perhaps?

"But still, I'm surprised. I didn't expect you to have such a lethal knife. I expected you to be more…harmless." My train of thought was suddenly broken by Nobunaga's voice.

"Ah, thanks!" Suddenly feeling bashful, I clutched my hands tighter against his haori. "But it's not mine, a—" I hesitated." – Friend gave it to me for protection."

"That wasn't a compliment." Nobunaga retorted.

"Oh."

.

Once the skirmish was over, I felt Nobunaga none too gently plop me down on my ass on to the dirty pavement.

"Thank you," I smiled up at him, despite the pain that shot through my bum. While I was not appreciative of his less than gentle handling of me, I wasn't entirely ungrateful of his assistance. "I wouldn't have made it this far without your help."

"I didn't do it for you." Nobunaga rolled his eyes.

"I know. For Uvogin-san right? You treasure him a lot don't you, Nobunaga-san?"

Nobunaga leveled me with an unreadable gaze before nodding. "He's the only one I trust in this world. So if you do anything to him , I swear to God—"

"Yes, yes, I know. You'll kill me." I laughed nervously. "Uvogin-san is lucky to have a friend like you."

"…No, it's me who's lucky to have ever met him." He said quietly.

"Huh, what do you mea—"But before I could even finish my question, a voice cut me off.

"Nobunaga! Hazuki!" Uvogin skid to a halt next to us, his eyes lighting up in wonder. "You guys are alright! See, Nobu? Told ya that Hazuki was on our side!"

"I'll admit that her knife was useful." Nobunaga drily remarked.

Finally conceding defeat to Uvogin, Nobunaga simply shrugged at him in resignation, to which the former rejoiced at, going on a spiel about how the three of us were going to be the best of friends.

Yeah. That was never going to happen.

"Oh right! I almost forgot!" Uvogin bellowed a moment later. "A true man doesn't forget to show his gratitude!"

In one swift movement, Uvogin pulled me to his side and I felt a wet and sloppy kiss press against my cheeks. I paused in my stride, stiffened, and stared at Uvogin shell-shocked. "W-W-W-Whaaaa?! Uvogin-san!"I flushed, as I cupped my hand to the cheek he just slobbered on.

Did a fictional character just kiss my cheek?!

"Haha! A thank you kiss for helpin ' out my pal Nobu back there."Uvogin grinned as he slapped me in the back good-naturedly, but because this was Uvogin, his friendly slap almost caused me to tumble headfirst into the pavement. Luckily, his friendly slap did not break any of my bones.

It's the small miracles that count, you know?

"She did not help me out." Nobunaga narrowed his eyes.

"Awww, you jealous Nobu? I can give you a kiss too—"

"AUGH DAMN IT UVO GO AWAY!"

"I know you want to kiss me too, Nobu!"

"Mmmpphh-!"

An uneasy laughter bubbled from my lips as I stared at the two's antics until I felt an odd tug at the bottom of my stomach. At first, I thought it was indigestion and promptly ignored it but the tugging became a little more insistent and I began to feel a small sense of urgency fill me.

Weird. Was I getting the rumblies?

A blue light from my periphery caught my attention and huh, would you look at that. My bathroom door was glowing ephemerally as if beckoning me to come close.

Well. Wasn't that just mighty suspicious?

If there's one thing I learned from videogames, anything that glowed and sparkled usually meant a main quest or at least a side quest was about to begin. It probably didn't apply to real life situations but this situation was anything but normal.

Ignoring the bickering of my two temporary companions, I slowly made my way to the door as if making sure that it wouldn't harm me and the tugging became a little more insistent the closer I got. I tentatively raised a hand to push it open, paused for a bit, but once I gathered my courage, I raised both hands to push at it.

I never knew the sight of my tub could fill me with so much joy.

.

Uvogin and Nobunaga made for surprisingly fun companions, much to my astonishment. Despite my initial misgivings about spending some time with them – courtesy of their future brutal murders—I have to admit that out of all three excursions I've had to their side, this was by far the only one I actually enjoyed.

Oh no. Did this make me a criminal in the making?!

I shook my head in frustration. Now was not the time for such philosophical thoughts!

Forgetting my earlier worries, I stripped my clothes before submerging myself into the pink bubbly water I prepared in a haste. This bath was not going to be as grand as my regular baths but god damn it, I needed one. Once my entire body was sunk inside the tub, a moan escaped my lips and I nearly cried at the comfort it provided to my sore muscles.

At least now that my 'expedition' was over, I had some time to myself before my door started acting up again.

So imagine my shock when I was in the middle of one of the best baths of my life (but to be fair, all baths were the best for me) singing my favorite songs off key only to be rudely interrupted by the sudden slamming of my door.

"You have such terrible tastes in music as usual, Hazuki~" A playful voice purred out next to me, small puffs of breaths tickling my ear.

"Eek!" I jumped in the water to cover my ears. "W-W-Wha?! What the hell?!"

I turned my head so fast that I felt my neck strain in response. To my utmost horror and surprise—and trust me on this one because I've been through a lot of surprises these past few days—it was Hisoka, with a look of dangerous amusement on his regrettably very handsome face.

I paled.

Hisoka freaking Morrow was in my bathroom.

And I was naked.

Aaaaaand that's a wrap for this chapter.

I made some art based on Chapter 2 and 3 with Hazuki and Feitan, so feel free to check it out at yagisa at deviantart dot com. Or you can pm me for the link.

Some minor things I'd like to bring up is Hazuki's manner of calling the other characters. Since she's Japanese, she uses honorifics when talking to people and she actually uses a lot of keigo or formal / polite speech, but it's a bit hard to reflect that in my writing so I'll do my best in future chapters haha. But when it comes to her thoughts, she's a lot more casual.

Hazuki calls the characters by the name they're referred to in the series + san / kun / chan / etc. Although to be honest, Hazuki would rather call them by surname + honorific because that's just the more polite thing to do as she was raised that way. Unfortunately in the HxH world, it's much more common to be called by your first name and in this chapter, Hazuki does not receive a full introduction from Uvo and Nobu so she's forced to call them by their given name .

Chapter Beta'd by : Steph557