Majutsu-shi no noroi

Chapter 14: Uncertainty

Hisoka watched as the girls dark eyelashes fluttered closed and she settled into the clean silk sheets. He stood from the bed and proceeded to pulled on his orange track pants on, sauntering out of the room. 

Illumi sat on the couch with his eyes closed. Even though the assassin appeared to be asleep, Hisoka smirked--he was well aware that conscious or unconscious, Illumi would be tracking any movement he made. 

He groaned, stretching his arms above his head as he made his way to the small kitchenette and brandished a bottle of whiskey. He gingerly poured half a tumbler glass and shot it back, then proceeded to pour another. 

"Trying to drink your thoughts away Hisoka?", the assassin's voice was calm and level. 

Hisoka smiled and narrowed his eyes at the assassin who sat motionless on the couch, "just celebrating our halfway mark is all", he replied smoothly as he downed the second glass. 

"The girl is becoming attached to you, you must carefully think about what your objectives are", the assassin opened his eyes, cocking head to meet Hisoka's slanted glare. 

Hisoka frowned as he poured another shot and swished it around the glass. "And since when do you care about the girl's feelings Illumi?", he scoffed. 

The alcohol had given him an edge, coupled with his own tormented opposing feelings it made him agitated. Illumi could sense this, the assassins face lit up with evil glee.

"I don't. But you'd take me for an idiot if you told me you didn't either", Illumi cocked an arched brow as a small grin spread over his lips. 

Hisoka chugged the next shot and set the glass on the table to pour another. 

"You might as well just drink the whole bottle", Illumi said standing. 

He walked over to meet Hisoka in the kitchen and extended his hand. 

"Alcohol doesn't even affect you", Hisoka spat with a glare as Illumi grabbed the bottle from his hand and proceeded to tip a generous amount of the amber liquid into his mouth. 

Illumi shrugged, "I'm drinking with an ally, what's the problem?". 

Illumi's empty gaze danced menacingly, Hisoka knew he was trying to provoke him. 

He leaned back against the counter and lit a cigarette. 

As he admired the burning tip through hazy eyes Illumi spoke again, "she is becoming attached. But as are you. I can tell by the way you treat her, the fact you've kept her around for so long... you haven't killed her yet. Not to mention, you are very protective of her". 

Hisoka turned to meet his gaze carefully, Illumi took another swig and continued, "you must choose what path you want to take Hisoka. You and she kill Chrollo, maybe the whole troupe and then what? You ride off into the sunset happily ever after?", he remarked with a mocking grin. 

Hisoka shot a piece of bungee gum and stuck it to Illumi's sweater, dragging him across the island towards him, "I don't appreciate being mocked Illumi ♠", he hissed as his aura pulsed with bloodlust. 

Illumi held his hands out, "I was merely asking, I just want to know. If you should end up doing just that, your usefulness as an ally would greatly decrease". 

Hisoka grabbed Illumi's collar and brought his face to his, "I'll do whatever I please. My usefulness is not determined by the girl or what I plan to do with her". 

"And what exactly is your plan?", the assassin asked unfazed by Hisoka's rough bravado. 

Hisoka loosened his grip and released his bungee gum, the assassin sat back and rested crouched on the counter. Hisoka laughed softly brushing strands of his magenta hair back with his hand.