…...

Prytania walked towards the black car in front of her, leaving the Gates of Testing behind her. The windows were tinted, typical of the company she worked for. The car was stylish, but not flashy. The driver's side door opened, and the driver got out to open the backseat door for her. She didn't recognize him personally, but she guessed he was sent at request by her father.

"Thank you," Prytania smiled politely, a habit she was growing accustomed to hating.

"Agent Prytania, the check please," The man spoke curtly as he held his hand out in front of him.

That's not protocol, Prytania thought to herself. She shifted her weight to a firmer stance. "Excuse me, but that's not usually how we do things. This check is made out to me, only I can cash it."

"Your father instructed me to collect the payment you received from the Zoldycks and deliver it to him. It is meant to go towards your debt to the company."

Prytania squinted at him suspiciously. "I can deliver it to him directly."

"I'm afraid you won't be seeing him." The man drew a gun and pointed it in Prytania's face. "The check, if you please."

"So, that's how it's going to be, is it?"

"I'm sorry. This contract was your last chance." In a split second, Prytania used her left hand to quickly disarm him with a good whack. The gun fired as it was ripped from his hand, leaving a bullet hole in the side of the car.

Zebro, the Zoldyck's guard stirred awake from his morning nap at the sound.

Prytania kicked the driver into the backseat and closed the door. Before he could reach to open the handle to let himself out, Prytania locked the car from the driver's side door. She quickly picked the gun up off the ground as the man tried to crawl into the front seat. Prytania got inside the car, shoved him into the backseat and in a split second shot him square in his forehead. She closed the door just as Zebro began to scramble out of his station. Prytania started the engine, and as she looked to her right, she could see the gates of testing beginning to open, and a worried little face poke out from the doors.

Prytania drove off down the road and away from Kukuroo Mountain.

…...

Illumi stepped into his and Hisoka's shared hotel room. The Heaven's Arena Metropolis was much warmer than Kukuroo Mountain, and he had put on a black crop top with matching harem pants which made for easy movement as well as kept him cool in the heat. He walked past a mirror and was reminded of his disguise. His face wasn't his own, and although he could take off his disguise when he was alone with Hisoka, he prefered not having to do it at all. It had already been three days since Hisoka and Illumi crash landed in The Mimbo Republic. Luckily, Hisoka had brought his and Illumi's Gittarackur Hunter ID, which they could use for mostly anything. A majority of what they spent Hisoka's money on was clothes and travel to the Heaven's Arena Metropolis. Illumi sighed, thinking about all the screaming fans of Hisoka that awaited them.

"Hisoka, are you up?"

Hisoka yawned. "Yeah, but at what cost?"

"We should go. You said you wanted to get to the Heaven's Arena building today."

"Yeah," Hisoka groaned. "I did say that."

The two of them checked out of the hotel room and walked down the already bustling street in an older part of the city. They found themselves in a busy marketplace in large plaza. Alleys surrounding the plaza wound to and from old, dilapidated buildings and vendors sold food and other goods all around them. Illumi's eyes couldn't help but soak it in. He had been to this area before on a job, and he had remembered how the narrow streets were perfect for hiding.

Hisoka's body went tense, and Illumi registered it immediately. He watched Hisoka gauge his surroundings for a quick exit. He decided on an alley to their right. Hisoka pulled Illumi into it, the shade from the buildings beside them giving Illumi a slight reprise from the sun.

They moved further into the labyrinth of the old city, further away from where Illumi knew Heaven's Arena would be. They turned a corner, and Illumi watched as Hisoka stole a sheet from a nearby clothing line and hang it up on the alley's entrance.

"Texture Surprise?" Illumi asked, knowingly.

Hisoka nodded.

Ahead of them, the alley opened up to a courtyard. Hisoka peered around for a moment before turning to Illumi. "The police are following us."

"We could kill them, why are you worried?"

"We could, if we run into them in one of these back alleys. There were too many witnesses in the plaza."

"Why are we hiding, then?" Illumi crossed his arms.

"They didn't attempt to make an arrest at all. Most cops I've met are idiots who will often try to outright approach me."

"Well, they know you're a powerful fighter at the Heaven's Arena. Maybe they're just trying to keep their distance."

"Possibly..." Hisoka sighed. "If they've done their homework, they know I wasn't in Yorknew when Nadya died. They probably just want to ask a few questions... and If they're smart..." Hisoka grinned and licked his teeth before continuing. Illumi's nose reflexed in a wrinkle of disgust. "I might be able to have some fun with them."

"I don't like that idea."

"It'll be fine. We might even learn something." Hisoka pulled Illumi into the courtyard. It was bustling much like the plaza they had just come from.

Two men approached. One was bald, and the other had short brown hair. Hisoka held his hand on his waist.

The bald man stepped addressed Hisoka. "Mr. Morrow, I'm officer Roth and this is my partner Xiu." we need you to come with us.

A group of young girls sitting in an outside seating area of a restaurant gasped. Hisoka nodded and followed the police officers without another word. Illumi walked next to Hisoka, and grabbed hold of his arm, ignoring the young girls who seemed to be filming the arrest.

"Are you sure about this?" Illumi whispered.

"If I was sure about everything in life I'd never have any fun."

…...

Hisoka sat cross-legged, leaning comfortably back against his chair. The table in front of him was gray like the walls around them, and to his right a large two-way mirror reflected Hisoka and the officer sitting across from him.

"Hisoka Morrow. You haven't been seen at Heaven's arena at all this year."

"That's correct. It's been a busy year so far." Officer Roth sat across from Hisoka, leaning back in the same manner Hisoka sat, with several documents in his lap.

"You were seen last leaving your apartment in February. You were not seen at all by your landlord although there seemed to be someone living in the apartment. Then, your wife and son turn up dead in a hotel in Yorknew in April. Not far from where your apartment is located. And interestingly enough, you've been making payments on rent for your apartment in Yorknew on time every month, but no one has been living there since April. Is that right?"

"That's correct. I found alternative living arrangements for the time being."

"And now it looks like you are headed to Heaven's Arena."

"That's correct."

"You came back about a week after your estranged wife and son were found dead in their hotel. Where were you when your family was brutally murdered?"

"Playing dodgeball."

"Playing... Dodgeball? Do you expect me to believe that you were playing dodgeball for over a month?"

Hisoka grinned. "Of course not. The actual game of Dodgeball was just the most fun part of my trip."

"Your trip? What, did you take a vacation?"

"Sort of. I was looking for an acquaintance in a place called Greed Island. Maybe you've heard of it?"

"That's a tall tale if I've ever heard one. What's your friend's name?"

"Tell me something first, officer Roth."

"I'll be asking the questions here."

"I think not."

"Excuse me?"

"Your acting is decent, and I like playing good cop bad cop as much as the next person but it's not as fun when you're the one getting interrogated, so I think we'll call it a day."

"You're not going anywhere."

"Oh, but I am. You are way out of your jurisdiction and I've committed no crime in this country. You're either very stupid, very desperate, or you have ulterior motives. So, tell me, why did you really bring me in?"

The bald man sighed and leaned forward.

"There's an officer I'm sure you're familiar with from Yorknew by the name of Taft."

Hisoka's brow perked up. "You mean Chief of Police Robin Taft?"

"So, you know her. Although, she's the Captain, not Chief. She's a good friend of mine from when I worked in Yorknew. She kept contact with me for years up until around May. Nobody had contact with her for over a month, and then I get a phone call from her yesterday, out of the blue. She said when I spot you to give you a hard time."

Hisoka exhaled through his nostrils. "That sounds about right. What else did she say?"

Officer Roth held up a small microphone from his sleeve and spoke into it. "Xiu, bring me the envelope."

Hisoka sat patiently as the other officer with the short brown hair brought in a manila envelope. He handed it over to his partner, who then held it up for Hisoka to see. "She told me to give you something, and that if you needed anything to give her a call." Officer Roth slid the envelope across the table to Hisoka. It had Hisoka's name on it, and the only thing written as a return address was Palacio de Asesinos. Hisoka picked it up and squinted at it, using gyo to check for Nen. Sure enough, the envelope was sealed shut with a Nen adhesive. Hisoka's brow furrowed. He was certain Prytania couldn't use Nen the last time he had seen her, but in three days she had either gotten someone else to seal this envelope so that the officers wouldn't open it, or she herself sealed it. He chuckled to himself.

"What's so funny?" The bald man eyed Hisoka suspiciously.

Hisoka inhaled, calming his laughter. "Did she leave a call back number?"

"She did not, but she said you'd know how to contact her when you saw what's in the envelope. I'm guessing you know where that return address is."

Hisoka's slim gold eyes looked down to the envelope briefly, then back to the bald man before him. "I do."

"Where is it?" The officer leaned in carefully.

"It's not a place, Officer Roth." Hisoka smiled at both the men in the room.

"We know it's real." Officer Xiu stepped forward from where he previously stood in the corner.

The officers shared a glance. Officer Roth leaned forward. "Tell us where it is."

Hisoka sighed. "That's the problem with all of you cops, you never listen to the people you talk to." Hisoka cleared his throat and stood. "Now, I think I'll be leaving."

The bald man stood from his seat and opened the door for Hisoka. "Be aware we're on to you, Hisoka Morrow."

Hisoka smirked and winked at the officer. "In that case you should get comfortable with being uncomfortable." Hisoka left the room and made his way towards the lobby, manila envelope in hand. He found Illumi staring out a window silently.

"Ill-" Hisoka stopped himself from saying Illumi's name in public. "Babe."

Illumi nodded, and they left the police station and made their way to Heaven's Arena.

…...

At the Heaven's Arena lobby, Hisoka was nearly swarmed by fans as he went to check in at the front desk.

The receptionist there was a young woman with strawberry blonde hair. She looked over Hisoka's ID.

"Hisoka Morrow, it looks like you were a floor master."

"Yes."

"You haven't been seen since December, thus it's been over 90 days since your last fight."

Hisoka sighed. "Yes, I know."

"You've been demoted to floor 200. You will need to regain your Floor Master status."

Hisoka waited silently as the woman handed Hisoka's ID back to him. He snatched the card back between his two fingers with an annoyed smile, then turned and walked to where Illumi stood, ignoring the swarm of fans asking him about his next fight.

"Babe." Hisoka addressed Illumi with the pet name Illumi was starting to get accustomed to. There was an audible gasp among the fans as they watched the interaction. Illumi felt the pairs of eyes latch on to him immediately. Hisoka smirked, apparently loving the attention they were both getting.

"I'm challenging a Floor Master today."

…...

Chrollo walked into Hisoka's apartment in Yorknew City.

"Honey, I'm home." Chrollo called out musically as he held his knife in his hand, creeping through the living room. The television was on, but there was no one in the living room. Chrollo could hear someone in the kitchen, so he moved slowly along the wall. He silently thanked Hisoka for the white shag carpet that hid the sound of footsteps.

He lowered his knife once he saw Machi sitting at the table, drinking coffee from a familiar bright red mug that had the word "Fuck" on it.

Chrollo chuckled. "Of all the mugs in Hisoka's collection, that one's my favorite."

Machi smiled when she saw Chrollo and stood. She walked over and hugged him, before stepping back to take a look at him.

"You look like shit."

"Gee, thanks, it was totally the look I was going for," Chrollo said, sarcastically.

Machi gave a short laugh. They stood for a second before she cleared her throat. "There's coffee on the counter if you want some."

"Sure."

Chrollo opened Hisoka's cabinet and grabbed what looked like a plain white mug at first glance, but when he turned it around it read "Man Whore" in a pretty cursive font. Chrollo grunted, but considering his other choices, decided to go with that one.

"I'm guessing Hisoka isn't here." Chrollo spoke as he poured himself a cup of coffee. He looked up from the mug and could see movement on the counter.

"Nope. He'd be dead already if he was." Machi said while Chrollo investigated what was alive in the kitchen.

He took a sip from his mug before placing it on the counter. At the noise, the critter jumped, startling Chrollo.

"What is it?" Machi said, moving to stand. Chrollo gestured to her to stay seated. "It's just the Wolf Spider I got when I still lived here. I'm surprised it's still alive..."

"You got a wolf spider?"

Chrollo nodded, grabbing a glass from the cabinet and approaching his eight-legged pet.

"Why did y-"

"Shh."

Chrollo quietly approached, then trapped the spider underneath the glass. "It's venomous. Wouldn't want to let it continue to roam." He stood back, admiring his work, then after a brief pause walked over to the table to sit with Machi. "Do you think Hisoka really died on that airship?"

"I doubt it. Hisoka wouldn't be killed that easily."

Chrollo nodded. "Like my little wolf-spider pet, I'm sure he figured out a way to survive. Either way, that man probably has enough money in his account to keep this place functioning for a while. I don't expect the lights to ever be off at this apartment."

"Why would he keep this apartment running?" Machi said, eyeing the spider in the glass.

"He needs places to hide or lay low whenever things in one region gets too hot. He's got places like this around the world where he likes to do his killing."

Machi sighed. She turned to the TV, and began scanning through the channels, not necessarily wanting to listen to Chrollo go on about Hisoka.

"Is Shalnark here in the Yorknew?" Chrollo asked her.

"No, he and a few of the other troupe members decided it was best to head to Meteor city on their own. The rest of us have been waiting for you."

"So where is everyone?"

"At the usual meeting place. I figured you'd be back here to check for a certain clown."

"He can't be dead. I won't allow it."

Machi chuckled. "You really want to kill him yourself, don't you?"

Chrollo's leg bounced. "I don't just want to kill him. I want to annihilate him. I want see his face when he realizes he's trapped and I've beat him."

"Why didn't you fight him at the Zoldyck Mansion? You have your Nen back, right?"

"It wasn't the right setting. I can't just fight him anywhere. There's too much of a chance that he could win. He's too unpredictable in a fair fight."

"Don't you already know his abilities and his tactics?"
"Yes, but that would only take me so far in the spur-of-the-moment. I know how I would defeat him, but it's really a matter of when and where."

Machi nodded and took another sip of her coffee, then glanced over at the TV. "I think I might know where Hisoka is."

"Hm?" Chrollo turned to look at the screen, and Machi raised the volume.
"That's right, you've heard it here first. Hisoka Morrow has returned to Heaven's Arena! Police apprehended Hisoka Morrow this morning for questioning but was released shortly after. Police in Yorknew have been searching for Morrow since April following the murder his estranged wife, international businesswoman Nadya Morrow and their son, Albert Morrow. Police released a statement saying Hisoka has been released and will not be extradited to the United States of Zaherta for the investigation ongoing in Yorknew. Here is footage of Hisoka Morrow being taken in by the local Heaven's Metropolis Police."

Chrollo's eyes widened. "Machi, pause it."

Machi paused the newscast and Chrollo stood up and quickly moved towards the living room. He approached the TV and pointed at the still frame of Hisoka.

"Machi."

"Yes, I know, Hisoka is alive."

"Look." Chrollo pointed to the person standing next to Hisoka, someone neither of them had seen before, with long black hair, and a pin in their hair - A familiar pin. Chrollo smiled.

"Illumi's alive, too."

…...

Hisoka had missed this.

Damn, how he missed this.

His opponent before him, throwing everything they had at him.

Their confused face when Hisoka got into their head, watching the gears turn in their brain trying to figure him out - but he was always one step ahead of them and two times too fast for them to even see what was happening.

And finally, the final blow and the feeling of blood underneath his nails.

It was a work of art, really. The way he could paint the arena's floor in magnificent plumes and splatters of blood, like flowers - Roses.

Hisoka relished in the glorious metallic scent. Only here in Heaven's Arena he was praised for his work. He hated killing people in secret. He wanted to show it off, and here he could - in front of thousands. Chrollo was right, he did love killing. The fight itself was enjoyable, but the kill felt like the release of something deep within him finally getting satisfaction.

Hisoka's return to Heaven's Arena was long overdue, but he was home now. He looked up in the stands. The lights were too bright for any person to be singled out by sight alone, but he could feel Illumi's eyes watching him. He stared at where he knew Illumi was and licked his lips.

Tonight was going to be fun.

…...

Illumi watched in the stands as Hisoka slaughtered his opponent. The commentator announced the winner as the crowd around him erupted uproar. Hisoka's opponent seemed to be a crowd favorite, and Hisoka had just slaughtered her with ease.

What a show off.

Hisoka looked up from the arena and directly at Illumi.

His eyes were hungry again, lively, and Illumi shivered. He hadn't seen the gold of his eyes shine like that in so long.

Illumi slipped away through the masses and found a quiet spot to take off his pins and needles to return to his natural state.

"Illumi." Hisoka's voice called out to him, and Illumi saw him approaching from around a corner. Illumi looked him over: his limbs were still intact, although he limped on his left side and he was covered in bruises.

"Feel better?" Illumi asked.

Hisoka said nothing as he approached Illumi, grabbing his waist and pulling him in for a kiss.

Illumi wasn't surprised in the least. Hisoka was in his element now.

They stumbled around, clinging to each other desperately as Illumi guided them towards the elevator. Hisoka quickly swiped his key card, and the doors closed. An automated voice greeted them. "Welcome, Floor Master Hisoka. For assistance, feel free to page the receptionist desk at any time." The air around them felt hot as they kissed, the blood from Hisoka's opponent still sticking to him now smeared across the elevator walls.

The doors opened and they stumbled onto the floor of the suite, their hands pulling at each other's clothes.

Illumi ended up on top of Hisoka, who laid on the floor. He rubbed his hips against Hisoka as he bit his bruised lip, slightly ticked off that he wasn't the one who bruised him.

"Behold your champion, Illumi."

"Shut up." Illumi grabbed Hisoka's collar and pulled him up, closer to him. "You're nothing but a slut."

Hisoka smiled, breathing in sharply the and relishing in Illumi's delicious words. "Fuck me like a slut, then."

Illumi slapped Hisoka's face, making him yelp. "Don't tell me what to do, slut."

"Fuck me, please" Hisoka begged.

"Hmm, I don't think you deserve it."

"Pleaaaase fuck me." Hisoka whimpered.

Illumi smiled, then gripped a handful of Hisoka's hair, pulling him up off the floor and dragging him further into the suite. He took a moment to find the bedroom and pulled Hisoka, still by the hair, into it and shoved him onto the bed.

"You think you deserve to be fucked? You think after the sloppy work you did on the arena floor that you deserve it?"

Hisoka looked up at Illumi silently, reaching for his pants, trying to touch him- but Illumi grabbed his hand away and held it tightly. "You're filthy. Covered in blood. You played with your opponent..." Illumi smoothed his palm over Hisoka, from his pants up and to his torso, then further up his chest. "You're a disgrace." Illumi punctuated his statement with a grip to Hisoka's throat. "And yet you still have the audacity to believe that you deserve to be fucked." Illumi rested his knee on the bed in between Hisoka's thighs, pressing up on him to make him squirm. Illumi leaned in close to Hisoka and whispered. "You're a slut, and you know it."

Hisoka whined. "Please fuck me. Please, Illumi"

Illumi slapped Hisoka again, using the hand that was around his throat then placing it back firmer. "Again."

"Please fuck me"

Slap.

"Again."

Hisoka whined.

"I said, say it again."

"Please fuck me."

"Good boy."

Illumi flipped Hisoka around on his stomach, and Hisoka quickly reached into his pocket for a vial of lube and handed it to Illumi.

"Did you have this on you the whole time?"

Hisoka nodded against the bedspread.

"Fucking slut." Illumi said again, making Hisoka smile. Illumi undressed Hisoka, then pulled his own pants down. Hisoka grinned as he felt Illumi prepping him, and he pressed back into him, lifting his ass off the bed and pressing against Illumi's fingers.

"Eager?"

"Mm-hmm"

Hisoka could feel his dick dripping onto the bed as Illumi opened him up with his fingers, and he wanted so desperately for Illumi to fuck him already.

"Please give it to me."

"What was that?"

Hisoka could feel Illumi's fingers pull out, and Hisoka whined, wanting to be filled.

"Fill me up."

Illumi slapped Hisoka's ass, and again Hisoka yelped. "Didn't I tell you not to tell me what to do?"

"Fill me up, please. Please give it to me." Hisoka could feel Illumi's tip against his ass, teasing him.

"I don't think you want it enough."

"Please! Please fuck me, Illumi, Please! I want it so bad." Hisoka begged, trying to press himself onto Illumi's dick.

"Mm, you really don't deserve it."

"Please!"

Illumi pushed into Hisoka, and Hisoka's breath caught in his throat as he slid in.

"Relax." Illumi said firmly.

Hisoka breathed in, relaxing, and Illumi went further in. Hisoka bit his lip as Illumi started thrusting- slow at first.

"I-Illumi..." Hisoka sighed out his name like a prayer.

Illumi leaned forward and gripped Hisoka's neck, choking him. "Try saying my name now."

Hisoka's breath hitched as he tried to speak against Illumi's hand. He could almost feel Illumi's smile behind him. He knew that Illumi found pleasure in finally getting him to shut up.

"That's a good slut." Illumi growled.

Hisoka could feel Illumi reach around him to touch him, and he shuttered at the sensation. Everything was so much – the hand around his throat, the hand around his dick, Illumi thrusting into his ass – Hisoka came with a whine, and Illumi chuckled to himself, letting his hand off Hisoka's throat.

Hisoka gasped, and he could feel Illumi pull out. Hisoka lay on the bed, catching his breath waiting for Illumi to finish himself. It wasn't long before Hisoka could feel Illumi's cum on his back. Hisoka sighed, satisfied. Illumi stepped away to find a towel.

"That was good." Hisoka said lazily.

Illumi flung a towel at Hisoka's face, and Hisoka let it hit him, too tired to try to catch it.

"You did alright." Illumi teased.

"You're so mean." Hisoka and Illumi smiled as they wiped themselves down. "Come here." Hisoka said, rolling on his back after having cleaned it. Illumi slid next to him, and they wrapped their arms around each other skin to skin.

"You really are something." Hisoka whispered.

"I could say the same about you." Illumi said lowly. "Something awful."

Hisoka laughed. "Yeah, I'm pretty bad... but you're just as bad if not worse."

Illumi's smile faded. "You have an envelope with you that you haven't told me about."

"Ah, yes. I figured it could wait."

Hisoka rolled over to the edge of the bed and grabbed his pants. "You're a perceptive one, aren't you?" Hisoka said as he pulled the envelope from his pocket. It had gotten a splatter of blood on it during the fight, but otherwise unscathed. "We got a letter from Prytania."

"How did she know where we'd be?"

"She has a brain." Hisoka quickly broke through the weak Nen that sealed the envelope, opening it with ease. "And she apparently is able to us Nen now."

"Hmm, that's new."

Hisoka pulled out a letter and got comfortable with Illumi again before reading it aloud.

"Hisoka and Illumi,

Thank you for pulling off your elaborate stunt, although did you really need to destroy the entire airship? Over two hundred people died and..."

"Yada yada blah blah blah" Hisoka mocked as he skimmed through the letter, looking for the first sentence where she wasn't scolding them.

"…All that said, I appreciate it. I was able to leave the Zoldyck Mansion. Unfortunately, Chrollo also escaped. I don't know where he went, but I'm sure knowing you three boneheads he'll probably seek you out. If I could figure out where you were headed, he's probably not far behind.

I'll be busy for a while, dismantling my father's business from behind the scenes. I need to get stronger first, but once that's over, I'm taking the whole operation down. So, if you need me, I'll be in the Palacio de Asesinos.

Hisoka chuckled. "Our little hero."

He continued,

"Best, Prytania.

P.S. I'm sure you already noticed, but I can use Nen now. If you're wondering how, Chrollo broke my arm, and since then I've been...different. I'm still new to this, but I've found someone who has been gracious enough to teach me.

P.P.S. Officer Roth and Officer Xiu will most likely try to tail you for a while, please don't kill them, they are my friends.

P.P.P.S. Illumi's parents are taking the news of Illumi's 'death' pretty hard. I hope you know what you're doing."

Hisoka set the letter on the table. "She worries too much." Hisoka glanced at the kitchen through the open bedroom doors.

"Want a drink?" Hisoka asked but didn't wait for an answer before standing up and heading over to the Kitchen area. There was a small wine cooler, and Hisoka opened it to review his options.

Illumi was still sitting on the bed, eyeing the letter. He picked it up, reading it over.

"Palacio de Asesinos?"

"It means Palace of Assassins," Hisoka spoke, grabbing two glasses from a cabinet once he had selected a drink.

"I've heard of them. They're an organization of assassins that operate in this region."

"Yes, I'm sure they sometimes give your family a run for their money."

"Hardly. Those low-level heathens barely make a scratch globally." Illumi leaned his head back against the couch, listening to Hisoka pour wine.

Hisoka chuckled. "You should learn to swallow your pride now that you're not a Zoldyck anymore."

Illumi sighed "Oh, right. I'm dead."

"You might need their help getting off the ground."

"I'd rather die for real."

Hisoka walked back over to Illumi with the glasses in hand. "That can be arranged," he said, holding out one of the glasses. Illumi squinted at the glass, then at Hisoka.

"Is that poisoned?"

"It's not, but it can be. Want me to throw something in there to take the edge off?"
Illumi's eyebrow perked up. "Maybe."

Hisoka set the glasses down on a side table next to the bed and pulled a small paper packet out of one of his pockets. He ripped it open and poured it into each of the glasses.

Hisoka sat next to him as Illumi threw back the drink.

"Slow down!" Hisoka laughed, watching Illumi finish his glass.

"No." Illumi's voice was like a growl as he recovered from the burning in his throat.

"You're supposed to enjoy the drink."

"I don't like the taste of alcohol. I just like the effect."

"Fair enough. Hisoka drank the rest of his drink in the same manner, only wincing a little at the taste. The both of them laid on the bed, looking up at the ceiling.

"Want another drink? I should just bring the bottle he-"

"Chrollo will eventually come for you."

"Yes, he will. I'm looking forward to it, actually."

"And if you die?"

Hisoka smiled. "If you're so worried about what happens when I die, maybe you should marry me."

"What?" Illumi blinked, turning his head to look at Hisoka, who maintained his gaze at the ceiling.

"Marry me. You'll get all the money I have if I die."

Illumi sighed, turning to look back up. "I don't want you to die by Chrollo's hand."

"How would you have me die, then?"

"Only I can kill you."

Hisoka smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"It's settled then. We'll get married. And you have to promise not to die if Chrollo kills you."

"I don't know if I have control over th-"

"Promise me!"

Hisoka blinked. "Okay? I promise not to die if Chrollo kills me."

Illumi relaxed.

"Good. I'm holding you to that."

Hisoka chuckled.

Illumi could feel the drugs running through him. It was familiar, this lull. "Is this real?"

"What?"

"This feeling."

"What feeling?" Hisoka looked over to Illumi, who was smiling from ear to ear.

"I feel... really good."

"It's because you love me."

"Yeah, I do." Illumi looked to Hisoka. His pupils dilated and his face flush.

"You're also high right now."

"I'm calling my parents right no-" Illumi started getting up, but Hisoka pushed him back down to the couch.

"Woah, you don't want to do that."

"Yes, I do."

"No, you're dead, remember?"

"I have to tell them I'm getting married." Illumi attempted again to stand, but Hisoka pulled him into his lap and held him there.

"Illumi, I won't stop you if you decide to tell them when you're sober, but right now, just relax."

Illumi sunk into Hisoka's embrace, resting his head on his shoulder.

Hisoka kissed Illumi's face. "You're too cute."

"I know."

They laughed together, moving closer to hold their foreheads against each other.

"I'm going to remember this, you know." Illumi said, pouting.

"I know."

"I want it in writing."

"You just said you'd remember this."

"I want it. In writing. Is that a problem?" Illumi spoke firmly.

"It's not a problem. Can we do that when you're sober?"

"Fine."

"Okay."

...

Kikyo sat in the east tea room, staring off into the distance. She hadn't done her hair in days, and she was wearing her night robes even well past noon. Her hand rested against her forehead. SIlva sat with her, fully dressed and groomed, but in a much similar state of being.

Gotoh entered and approached them.

"Madam, Sir." Gotoh bowed deeply as he addressed both of them.

"What is it, Gotoh?"

"There's someone you need to speak with on the phone."

"The both of us?" Silva asked.

Gotoh's bow deepened. "Yes."

"Tell them to call us back. Now is not a good time." Kikyo's voice was monotone as she spoke unenthusiastically.

"Forgive me, but this is very important. It's about Illumi."

For the first time since Gotoh walked in, Kikyo looked at him. "Fine."

Gotoh moved quickly to the servant's door, pushing it open and disappearing for a moment, coming back with a rolling stand with a phone sitting neatly on top.

Gotoh handed the phone to Kikyo.

"Hello?"

"Mom, It's me."

Kikyo's heart nearly stopped at the voice. "Is... is this some kind of sick joke?" Silva looked at his wife's face, disbelieving as it was, curiosity pooling inside him.

"No, it's me."

"Illumi? You're alive?"

SIlva's eyes widened once he heard the name. He took the phone from Kikyo's hand. "Who is this?!" He asked, furiously.

"Dad? It's me, Illumi."

"You survived the crash?"

"Hisoka saved me."

Unsure of what he had just heard, Silva repeated, "Hisoka?"

Kikyo snatched the phone back from her husband. "What's this about Hisoka?! Did he do this?"

"Mom, Hisoka protected me."

"I don't understand, wha- what do you mean? How is this... How is- What is... Are you real? Is this real?" Kikyo looked at Silva, and Silva shrugged, just as surprised as she was.

"I'm real."

Kikyo bit her lip, thinking.

"I don't believe you."

"I know. I guessed you wouldn't. If you go into my room and look in the top left drawer in my dresser, you'll find a secret compartment. Inside, there's a single playing card. It's a shiny golden Ace of Hearts. Find it, and you will know it's me."

Kikyo dropped the phone and made her way quickly out of the room. Silva called after her, but she was already out the door and down the hallway. Silva picked up the phone.

"What did you tell her?"

"Proof that it's me."

"What proof?"

Kikyo made it to Illumi's room and pulled the top left drawer. Images of Illumi's face flooding her mind. Could he be alive? Could he really be alive? She threw clothes out of the drawer and felt her hand along the wood it until she felt gap. Her finger pried open a flap in the side of the drawer, and out fell a smooth gold playing card. The Ace of Hearts. Kikyo held it in her trembling hands as she walked back to the tea room.

Silva and Gotoh stood upon her return. She held up the card.

"It's my boy," her lip shook into something like a smile, and she licked her lips, tears welling up in her eyes. "He's alive. He's alive!" She said, choking up. "And he says Hisoka... Hisoka saved him."

Kikyo gasped for air as she breathed harshly in a state of newfound exasperated joy. Silva embraced her, letting her fall into him.

"My boy's alive!" Kikyo said.

Silva took the card from Kikyo's hand. "How is this proof that he's alive?"

Kikyo blinked. "He knew where it was."

Silva squinted. "Are you sure it wasn't planted there by someone?"

"Silva, why can't you just accept that maybe-"

"Because Illumi has too much to gain by being dead." Silva broke the embrace and walked back to their room, Kikyo following close behind. When he reached the phone, he picked it up, but the line was dead.

…...

"Did they believe you?" Machi said as Chrollo stepped out of the phone booth.

"His mother did, and that's enough. She won't rest until she finds him, and you can always count on a mother to not give up on her son."

"What you're doing is cruel."

"Illumi's the one who made them believe he's dead. I'm telling them he's alive. That's not cruelty, that's grace."

Machi sighed. "What are you going to do now?"

"Right now, not sure. But I know what I'm going to do soon. I'm gonna kill Hisoka."