Gone Quiet

✹

Illumi, woke up earlier than usual, deep, dark eyes taking in the light as it filtered through gaps in his curtains. As he sat up, he felt an emotion he could not name gnawing at the edge of his awareness. Rather than examine it, he pushed it out of mind.
He took extra care as he began getting ready. For this job in particular, he went through the motions more thoughtfully.
A long, hot shower, the water dripping down soft skin. Many silent moments staring at his pale reflection in the mirror without really knowing why. Lost in thought as he brushed through his hair, long and dark. His hands skimmed through his closet, trying to find something that felt right for the occasion.
This might be one of the hardest jobs he'd ever been assigned to if he was honest with himself— Although he hardly ever was.
It was a simple sentence, an easy murder— and yet the words felt heavier the longer he considered the task.
Hisoka Amorous life in his capable hands.

He'd spent days contemplating why it was that he felt so hesitant.. He'd always found the man rather irritating... A distraction he was often forced to put up with through no decision of his own— But something about his colorful fashion sense and ridiculous ideas and the way he was never put off by Illumi's dark eyes and vacant personality had become almost comforting after all this time.
The black haired man picked up his phone and checked a text chain from the other week when he'd organized a meet up. When he'd asked if Hisoka was available he'd simply responded,
'Always free to see you, darling <3'
Something about that made the corners of his mouth twitch for a brief moment. Too close to a smile for his liking— He quickly stifled whatever feeling wanted to be born within his chest. His eyes scanned the room, catching the clock on the wall. Not yet time to leave. He'd arranged for them to meet at 7 o'clock. Early enough to pass things off as just another night out.
He sat with his thoughts for a long while, letting the light outside his window slowly begin to fade away. He sat, back straight, fingers idly playing with the purple fabric.
The outfit had been a gift.. Sporting a matching pattern that could be seen on one of Hisoka's flashy red tops.  It had been a birthday gift. One of very few Illumi had ever received in his life. He ran his thumb along the silk, eyes glancing back to the clock.
It was time to leave. If he didn't go now he'd be late and Illumi Zoldyck was never late.
As he left the house, he was silent. It was different than his usual silence. His usual silence was simply an absence of noise. This silence was full of something. Something he did not have the words to name.
He started his car, beginning his drive to their usual meeting place.

It was a long drive, but somehow it seemed as though it went by too quickly. His steps were soundless as he made his way down the pavement. As he stepped into the alleyway, he was a bit surprised to find Hisoka already there..The magician usually made a point to be fashionably late which Illumi remarked upon nearly every time they saw each other. Without the fallback of annoyance, Illumi felt almost unsure how to proceed. He pushed back his long, dark hair as he watched Hisoka carefully.
The man was stacking cards with such concentration it was almost laughable. Illumi did not laugh of course.
Illumi Zoldyck did not laugh. Especially not around Hisoka.
"Good evening, Amorou.. Early for once in your life?" He murmured, trying to sound cold. It was odd.. He'd never needed to try before. Hisoka looked up, a grin forming on his face.
"Oh hello, darling~ Such an honor to be summoned by my favorite dark haired beauty. I thought I'd actually be polite just this once." The man chuckled, stepping towards him. His heels click-clacked against the asphalt, gold earrings swayed as he walked. Illumi suddenly felt a hand gliding over his silky black hair. "How do you manage such perfect hair, darling? You're always as pretty as a doll~" Illumi rolled his eyes, lightly smacking Hisoka's hand away.
He was always so touchy..
Illumi couldn't tell whether it bothered him immensely or if it was just unlike interacting with anyone else. The thought troubled him so he did not dwell on it.
It was then that Hisoka looked down and smiled. He pinched the fabric of Illumi's shirt between his finger and thumb. "How sweet.. Why didn't you tell me? We could have matched~" Illumi did not respond. He took a half step back.
"I was thinking you and I might have a little training session. I have a big job that I need to be ready for and you're one of the few people who I feel might be an adequate match for me." Hisoka raised an eyebrow, tilting his head to the side.
"You know I'd never refuse~"
Illumi nodded, not saying a word. He began pinning up his hair tightly so it wouldn't get in his eyes. He needed his aim to be sharp.. Hisoka was quite fast.
Once he was ready, he nodded at the magician whose body tensed, ready for anything that might come his way. Almost anything...
Illumi took a deep breath, subtly making sure he had his pins easily accessible on his hip. He got into a fighting stance, taking no time to fool around. He was on the attack with his hands alone at first. He wanted Hisoka to think this was one of their normal sparring sessions. He needed the man to let his guard down just enough for Illumi to deal a fatal blow.
The two moved gracefully in a whirlwind of precisely honed skill. He could tell Hisoka was enjoying himself..
Throwing smirks his way or licking his lips. The man certainly had an impressive libido...
They were caught in a rhythmic dance, landing blows, hitting and missing. It took a little longer than usual, but Hisoka began to get more cocky in his attacks, using less effort to defend. Illumi's dark eyes tracked him, waiting for an opening. He didn't need much to work with.. Just enough to slip through the cracks.