Set Pattern
it has been far too long since I wrote for the trash clown
Hisoka x reader
Warnings: stalking, blood, mentions of death, depictions of violence, noncon
Word count: 8.7k
….. Was this really where you were supposed to go?
That was the question going through your head when you found what was at the end of the alleyway. Wherever the map was supposed to lead you, it seemed odd that it would lead you here.
Maybe you had messed up at some point along the journey here, perhaps by way of misreading the map completely and making a wrong turn. But when you looked down at the map you'd gotten from the man who you met when you came into port, the directions you had followed appeared to be correct: the route provided to you led to this spot.
But it couldn't be right. Why would the map lead to a dead end?
Looking back up to the area before you, you scanned over it again, trying to see if there was anything of note in the open area. All you saw were piles of garbage sitting next to a metal trash can that looked as though fires had been set in it regularly, and opposite that stood a large but flimsy sheet of plywood with a bit of cloth hanging over the edge as it leaned against one of the four stone walls. Aside from old cobbled surface beneath your feet and the small flight of stairs you had just descended, there was nothing else, and you once again looked back to your map, looking over the highlighted route and trying to figure out where you had messed up and where you were really supposed to go for the exam.
Once again, it didn't appear to be wrong. This was where the map had wanted you to go.
Sighing to yourself, you put the map into your hoodie pocket as you figured that you should at least investigate the area.
Though while your hand was in your pocket, you instinctively reached for the weapon you were keeping hidden in there, your hand brushing up against the hilt. Despite the feeling of apprehension that this spot was giving you, the knife in your pocket gave you some sense of security. Though you knew you shouldn't bring it out now in case someone was watching. Better to keep it hidden and not reveal your hand too quickly.
Now there was a lesson you had learned the hard way.
You shook your head, as if the physical action would send away those thoughts from the past – both past and recent – as you needed to be focused on the task at hand. A lot of time had been spent researching the Hunter's exam. You'd looked over discussion threads and testimonials from people who had claimed to have attempted the exam, and while there had definitely been a few entries where the authors had clearly either been greatly exaggerating or flat-out lying, the one thing you could say for certain regarding the exam was that you needed to be on your guard at all times.
So it was better to not focus on the unpleasant memories regarding your stalker.
You craned your neck as you took a step forward, trying to see around the round metal can without getting too close, though there was nothing to be seen outside of the piles of garbage and a few odd planks of wood. And when you looked to examine the wall behind you, there was nothing aside from the opening to the narrow alleyway and the stairs that led up to it. No doors, no windows, nothing.
Was this really a dead end?
Or was the door hidden?
Ah, that could definitely be it. This place certainly felt a bit odd – why else would an alleyway lead to an open space with seemingly no real purpose? Maybe it was meant to deter those who wanted to take the exam, make them turn themselves around and then get lost trying to find the “right” location, and while they were doing that, they missed out on the window to officially enter the exam and be forced to wait until the next year.
That seemed in line with what these examiners might do, if that ship captain was anything to go by.
Feeling a bit more confident, you began to walk towards the area in the space that seemed as though it was hiding something – the piece of plywood, and when nothing happened after taking the first few steps, you quickened your pace, hurrying over to the wall as you glanced up to the sky above you. It was late in the day, but not close enough to be the evening. The captain didn't tell you how much time you had to make it to the official gathering spot for the exam, but with how fast you had found the other examiner at the docks, you felt that you were getting through the stages at a decent pace.
That certainty increased when you pulled the plywood away and found that there was a door in the wall that had been hidden behind it. A door that was locked, but still, what else could a secret door be for? You probably just needed to find the key somewhere in this area, and then that'd be another part of the exam under your belt.
Another step towards the protection and security that had evaded you for a while now.
Now for the key.
Your eyes naturally went to the trash can and the bags around it, though you questioned yourself on that almost immediately as it felt too obvious. But if not that, then what?
You looked about the area again, glancing at the stairs and then at the cobblestones.
….. Could they have hidden it underneath one of those?
Within an instant you were on your hands and knees, pulling at the individual stone pieces in an effort to find one that was loose. This seemed right. This sort of trickery felt in line with the things you had read during your research. The Hunter Association didn't want just anyone joining them, so you needed to do more than just follow instructions and a map. You needed to have some brain power if you were going to get that license. That was fair.
You paused briefly after having that thought, focusing in particular on the word you had used.
'Fair'
…. No, it really wasn't. It wasn't fair at all.
There was nothing fair about the fact that you needed to go this far just to get some safety.
Your mood fell as those intrusive thoughts came to mind again, and this time you weren't able to push them away so easily.
It really didn't seem like the Hunter's Association did much good for the world. More often than not, it seemed as though the majority of those who worked for the association had joined just to take advantage of the protections that it offered. Before everything with your stalker had started, you had heard in passing about a few horror stories of the deaths of civilians at the hands of Hunters, and how those Hunters in question were rarely punished for it. It was only in the truly gruesome and egregious cases that made headlines where the association was forced to make a statement and do something about it, and those cases were few and far between.
So most of the time, all those Hunters would do when caught was flash that card of theirs and they were off the hook.
A sight you had seen all too often by now.
But it would be okay, you told yourself as you continued moving from cobblestone to cobblestone while prying at them with your fingers. You'd get that Hunter card, and then he couldn't do anything to you anymore. And sure, the exam itself would be tough, but you were confident that you could get through it.
Just keep your guard up and your mind focused.
It looked like you finally found what you were looking for when one of the stones in the middle of the open area moved when you pulled on it. Of course, it wasn't coming out easily, and in an effort to force it out, you changed your position and moved so your back was facing the alleyway opening. The stone came out a bit more when you tried from that angle, but it still didn't want to give.
You continued like that until you stopped to take a break, at which point you reevaluated your thoughts.
Was this right? Would an examiner really hide a key underneath the cobblestone? Was it something more elaborate? Or were you right earlier in thinking that maybe it was in the oil drum? Maybe you were overthinking things.
Fuck, maybe there hadn't even been a hidden key. Maybe all you needed to do was knock on the door and it would open. Maybe you had wasted a lot of time doing something stupid.
You sighed to yourself as you wished that you didn't need to be here, and you began to get up so you could check the door again.
“Is there a reason that you're trying to pull apart the pavement, pet?”
The sound of the voice combined with a presence that was suddenly standing behind you had you freeze in place, and after a few moments as reality sunk in, you felt your heartbeat starting to pound as you were immediately aware that you knew that voice. You knew it better than you wanted to.
There was no mistaking that disgustingly playful tone of voice.
That day he'd been waiting for you when you got home, and he kept quiet until you entered your bedroom, at which point he announced his presence by giving you a cheerful 'hello', like he was supposed to be there.
The sight of him lounging on your bed made you panic, and after a few choice words and demands that he leave which were all met with a flippant refusal from him, you pulled out your phone to call the police.
You weren't even able to put in the first digit before the phone flew out of your hand and straight into his.
Fear and confusion hit you then, while he told you not to be so dramatic.
In that moment, being around him felt far more dangerous than it had in those previous meetings, and all your brain was telling you to do right then was to run.
You managed to turn around and step out of the room-
But that was as far as you got, as something pulled you back in. And just like your phone moments earlier, you were pulled into his grip.
You tried to keep your breathing level in an effort to keep calm. Panicking never helped you when it came to dealing with him. It was hard, but you needed to do that much.
Although you didn't want to, eventually you managed to compel yourself to turn your head and confirm visually what you already knew the instant you heard his voice:
Hisoka had found you.
He stood at the top of the stairs, the signature star and teardrop painted beneath his eyes and clad in one of his usual gaudy outfits. He'd also changed his hair color since you'd seen him last, having gone from orange to back to pink.
Despite your sullen expression, he was as amused as ever when your eyes met his. Raising up one hand, he waved at you as he said “I saw that you were taking a trip to Begerosse, so I thought I'd surprise you.”
When you didn't reply, Hisoka continued with “well, pet? Aren't you happy to see me?”
He was smiling when he said that, knowing full well that you were currently the furthest thing from 'happy' whenever you saw him. And especially now.
No doubt he'd realized what it was that you were trying to do and was here to put a stop to it.
As easy as it would have been to admit defeat while falling into despair, you reminded yourself that you weren't helpless, not completely. For now, try to keep him talking while you figured out what to do from here. At least that part would be easy enough – Hisoka loved to talk.
“So you lied about going to Heavens Arena,” you finally said.
“I didn't lie,” he answered, “but there was nothing interesting going on, so I left early.”
He pulled out a deck of playing cards, and he began to shuffle them from hand to hand as he continued with “it's a good thing I did. If I hadn't seen you heading off to the port, you might be in a terrible situation right now.”
“It's hard to imagine that anything could be worse than being alone with you,” you responded flatly.
Instead of being insulted by your jab, Hisoka smiled. As usual, nothing you said was able to upset him. You could've spewed out the most hateful, vile words towards him (and you had a few times when you'd reached your limit) and he was only ever proud of the fact that he'd managed to get you that angry with him. Nothing ever phased him. Nothing that you were capable of, anyway.
A majority of the cards in his hand disappeared, and he was left with a smaller selection of around five or six. You weren't sure if there was any significance to what he was doing. You were inclined to doubt that there was; Hisoka wasn't one to stay idle for very long.
“Despite how you view me, I'm actually quite nice to you, pet,” Hisoka told you.
You scoffed.
“It's not very nice to stalk people,” you answered.
“And yet, it was quite good for you that I did just that in this instance.”
He pulled out a random card from the selection in his hand and turned it so you could see the face of the card.
Whichever card that was, you didn't know. You were more focused on the bright red blood spatter on top of it.
Somehow, for a few moments, you'd managed to forget that he used those cards as weapons. Though you'd never seen it in person, your curiosity had driven you to watch the recordings from the arena, allowing you to get a glimpse at what the clown was capable of.
“….. You killed someone?” you asked, to which Hisoka smiled while he put the card back with the rest and began to shuffle them again.
Your voice was far more quiet when you asked that, and it shook slightly despite how hard you tried to keep it steady. Truthfully, this scenario happening was one that had crossed your mind. While you had hoped that it could be avoided, it was ultimately wishful thinking that he wouldn't find out and confront you on the way to the exam site.
But it was the fact that he'd killed someone that rattled you. That he was willing to cut down members of the association just to keep you in this game of cat and mouse that he loved so much. That his obsession went that far.
“Won't you get in trouble for killing someone from the association?” you asked. Your voice was stronger that time.
He cocked an eyebrow at that, asking back “who exactly did I kill from the association?”
“One of the examiners.”
“You aren't at the point where you'd be meeting any examiners, pet,” he corrected, “until you reach the starting line, you're only in the pre-exam.”
“… Fine. One of the pre-examiners.”
“And what makes you so certain that I killed one of them?”
“The next checkpoint is right there,” you answered, pointing at the door as you said “if I'd gotten in there before you came, I could've continued.”
Hisoka stopped shuffling the cards as he looked to where you had pointed, staring at the door for a few moments before looking back to you.
And then he started to laugh.
You didn't really want to ask, but knowing that he likely wouldn't tell you on his own, you were compelled to ask “what's so funny?”
“You haven't figured it out? You still think you're in the running for the exam?” he asked.
Your brows furrowed as you answered “of course I am. I got the map from the guy at the port.”
“And that was where you went wrong, pet,” he began, “because you weren't supposed to get any map. The man who gave it to you wasn't working for the association.”
“And how do you know that?” you asked.
“Because the person you were supposed to go to was the woman in the crab boat at the other end of the port.”
“How do you know that?” you asked again.
“From the captain. I overheard him speaking to the three of the others who got off the ship with you,” said Hisoka.
“And he told them and not me?”
“Clearly he must have felt that you weren't suited to take the exam. And I have to agree with his judgment on that. You couldn't even see the obvious trap that you walked right into.”
“What trap?”
“Do I really need to go into that much detail, pet?”
His tone was mocking, and you hated it. And what you hated even more was that you were starting to believe what he was telling you as you thought back on the man you had run into at port.
He was tall and had an eye patch, and he had scared off another man who had approached you with offers to sell you the information you needed to get to the next point of the pre-exam. The man with the eye patch had been polite to you, handing off the map while telling you to be wary of people who were looking to take advantage of newcomers to the exam.
Had all of that been an act? Was that first guy in on it and only there so you would trust the one with the eye patch?
“Why did that guy tell me to come here?” you asked.
Hisoka hummed. He was having too much fun with this.
“Do you know how many people die or go missing during the Hunter's exam?” he asked in response.
“A lot,” you answered.
He nodded.
“On average the number is in the triple digits,” he continued, “and with so many people vanishing or dying around the same time, it's not much of a surprise that there will be those who try to take advantage of that.”
“And how was he going to take advantage of me?” you asked.
“His friends were going to kill you.”
You stayed quiet as Hisoka continued with “that man was part of a group that murdered would-be participants of the Hunter exam so they could sell the pieces of their victims on the black market. And if everything had gone as they'd wanted, the ones who were waiting here earlier would've jumped you the instant you walked down those stairs, and by now you'd be dead in that building while they scooped your organs out through your stomach.”
He clapped his hands together and pulled them away, revealing that the cards in his hands had disappeared completely.
Then he smiled as he said “luckily for you, I prefer that your insides stay where they are.”
… He could be lying, you reminded yourself.
“If these people were known to kill participants, why didn't the association do anything about them?” you asked.
“They likely hadn't found out about them yet,” Hisoka answered, shrugging as he continued “it's not as though they're the only ones to take advantage of the opportunity the exam creates. And I'd guess that they were smart and never took out too many at one time; the ones who get caught are the ones who get greedy.”
“Though they won't be continuing their operations anymore,” he added, “so you're welcome, pet. I saved you from a horrific death. I do hope you appreciate the things I do for you.”
You looked to the door before looking back to him.
“This really isn't the next point for the exam?” you asked.
“Would you like me to break down that door and show you the state those people are in now?”
After a moment, you shook your head; based on that response, it seemed pretty likely that he was, in fact, telling you the truth.
Which just made this whole thing worse.
You'd been tricked. In your desperation to get that license, you went with bad intuition on who to trust at the port, and because of that, you hadn't even managed to get to the true start of the exam before Hisoka found you. Hell, he was aware of what had happened at the port you'd gotten off at, so he'd been watching you for a while. He could've stepped in at any point, no doubt he just chose to do so when he felt that his entrance would be sufficiently dramatic enough.
It left a bad taste in your mouth that you should technically be grateful for him since he did save your life.
Though if he hadn't been the one to stalk and harass you, you wouldn't have even been here.
Hisoka brought your attention back to him when he called out to you.
“Well, pet? Don't I deserve some gratitude for my efforts?”
“….. Thanks for not letting me die.”
“You're welcome,” he cheerfully replied, before continuing with “now, how about we head off?”
“No.”
You finally pulled yourself to your feet while Hisoka watched, staying quiet for once. When you looked at him again, you told him “I'm going back to the port. I need to take the Hunter's exam.”
He cocked an eyebrow as he asked “what makes you think you still have a chance of taking it?”
“I'm sure I'll find that woman. It hasn't been that long since I left and it isn't that late.”
“Hm. I suppose I should rephrase that,” he said.
Those golden eyes seemed to pierce through you when he spoke again.
“What makes you think I'll let you go back?”
…..
You weren't sure what to say at first. When he asked that, there was an intensity in him that you weren't used to, and you weren't sure what to make of it. Was he upset? That would be a first, though since he'd let you go as far as you did, it seemed unlikely.
Maybe he wanted you to give up and go back quietly when he revealed himself to you. Realize that this escape route was just as much of a dead end as the others you'd tried. Go back to that house and let him feel like he'd won. Again.
Fuck him. You weren't going to give up that easily.
Eventually, you asked “what would be the alternative if I can't go back to port?”
Hisoka's more cheerful demeanor returned when he spoke again.
“I was thinking I'd take you back home,” he answered, “the exam simply isn't for you, pet.”
“I can handle it.”
He laughed.
“It's very cute that you have so much confidence in yourself,” said Hisoka, “but if you were to actually make it to the starting line, you would have a very harsh reality check.”
“I'll take my chances,” you replied, “it can't be any worse than living with you constantly breathing down my neck any opportunity you get.”
At that, he actually shook his head, saying “you're a tad delusional, pet. You always say such cruel things about me, but if you were to enter the exam, you'd find yourself at the mercy of hundreds that would have no issue throwing you under a bus if it meant they were one step closer to getting a license for themselves.”
“Some of them wouldn't even do it for the license,” he added, “some would do it just for their one amusement. So despite how you feel, I'm afraid that I have to put my foot down on this matter, as I have no desire to see you kill yourself by way of your own stupidity.”
Hisoka held out his hand towards you and said “now, lets head home.”
You looked at his outstretched hand and then back to him. And then you shook your head.
“I'm not leaving without taking the exam,” you told him.
There was a silence after you spoke, as Hisoka didn't say anything at first.
If he was really having enough of your stubbornness, then this conflict would be over quickly. Hisoka was far stronger than he looked and it took next to nothing for him to restrain you.
But that he hadn't felt the need to go that far yet.
That was at least something in your favor.
After several moments of that awkward silence continuing between the two of you, he spoke again.
“Tell me something; why do you want to take the exam so badly?” he asked.
“Why does it matter?” you asked back.
“Because I've never seen this desire to become a Hunter before,” he replied, “and I'm curious as to where this suddenly came from.”
“Maybe I'll tell you after the exam.”
“Mm, I don't think so. Like I told you pet, I don't want to see you kill yourself doing this.”
“Then I guess you don't get to know,” you said, before adding “I'm not telling you anything without you working for it first.”
That seemed to get his interest, as his eyebrows raised and he hummed to himself.
“You do know that I can just make you come with me if I really wanted to, don't you?” he asked.
“Yeah,” you replied, “but I also know that you wouldn't find that very entertaining.”
He laughed, and seemingly agreed with your statement.
Was this going in a direction where he'd let you go take the exam? With how adamant he was on you not being able to handle it, it was hard to think that would be a possibility.
And as much as you'd rather not do it, you did technically have a plan B if things were to escalate, though the thought of going through with it scared you even more.
You'd never heard of it happening, but it seemed likely that a civilian could get into a lot of trouble if they managed to kill a Hunter.
“It's been some time since I've seen you so determined about something, pet. I can't help but be intrigued about why you want to take the exam so badly,” Hisoka said.
You didn't respond. And in the moments after, it seemed that he had come to a decision.
“Since we seem to be at something of an impasse, how about this: if you can land a single hit on me, I'll take you to the true starting point of the exam.”
“Land a hit?” you repeated.
Hisoka nodded, adding “you can attack me for as long as you like, and it'll only end when you choose to give up. Or if you take so long that you can no longer be part of the exam, though I doubt you'd be able to hold out that long.”
He smiled then, asking “how does that sound, pet?”
The smart reaction would've been to refuse. You'd seen the videos from Heavens Arena – you knew how brutal he could be when it came to beating down opponents. Hisoka was strong. Far, far stronger than you. A true one-on-one fight between you two would be extremely one-sided and end quickly.
But if you wanted that Hunter's license, you needed to be a little tough, right?
For that reason, when you spoke next it was to ask a question.
“What kind of hit are we talking about?”
Hisoka seemed a bit surprised, given the way his eyebrows lifted some when you finished speaking. But he got over his surprise quickly and the grin on his face that formed after was one of excitement.
You didn't comment on that as you added “can it only be a punch? Or am I allowed the use of a weapon?”
“Any attack will count, as long as it lands. Weapons are allowed,” he replied.
“And what about you?” you asked, “if you get a hit in on me, does the fight end then?”
“Of course not,” Hisoka answered, smiling pleasantly as he said “it would be over too quickly if we did that.”
Disregarding the obvious provocation, you were about to agree to his terms when he spoke again.
“And one more thing,” he said, “when you give up, you'll need to tell me why you want the license so bad.”
“…. Fine,” you replied.
But I'm not giving up, you added in your head.
With a deal now in place, Hisoka made his way down the steps and into the open space, stopping a short distance in front of you. With his hands on his hips and an amused look on his face, he told you “whenever you're ready, pet.”
As soon as he said that you launched yourself at him.
You tried to punch him in the face but found your fist punching at the air, the clown taking a step back to avoid the hit.
You threw another punch, and that also ended in you hitting air as he took another step back.
When you threw a third punch was when he acted, stepping to the side instead of straight back. His foot then caught your heel, and because of how unbalanced you were, when he pulled his leg up, your leg went up with it and you fell backwards. In the split second you had, you clenched your eyes shut as you anticipated the impact from falling onto the cobblestone.
Instead an arm caught you.
You opened your eyes to see Hisoka hovering over you, his arm beneath your back as he held you up. He smiled at you, humming cheerfully when he saw you looking at him. He acted like you weren't trying to attack him and that the two of you were sharing a cute moment.
Asshole
When you tried to get a punch in from that position, Hisoka dropped you, and you let out a noise of pain when your back connected with the pavement. He stayed where he was, standing over you while you were in a rush to get yourself back to your feet. You were struggling, and of course the bastard needed to make some comment in that moment.
“I suppose that isn't enough to convince you to give up, is it?”
Still not on your feet, you tried to punch one of his legs.
He stepped backwards again, chuckling to himself as he said “guess not.”
The sun was steadily setting as the two of you continued like that; you, trying your best to get even the weakest punch or kick to connect with him, and Hisoka expertly dodging everything you threw at him with the barest amount of effort. At one point you grabbed one of the wooden boards that lay next to the trash can and used it as a bat, only for him to wrench it out of your grip with one hand and then throw it against the adjacent wall where it smashed into splinters.
Though you hadn't been expecting much when you grabbed it, there was something disheartening about that moment.
He was just too strong, too skilled.
But, you reminded yourself, he was also too smug for his own good.
And as the amount of time the two of you were at this increased and you refused to give in, you told yourself to just keep at it. You didn't need to be stronger than him to get lucky and get in just one hit. You just needed to wait for an opportunity when his guard was lowered enough that you could strike him with the knife that was still hidden in your hoodie pocket.
If you were able to do that, your problems would be over.
That moment felt like it would be coming when you had paused on your assault, hands on your knees and breathing hard while you glared at him. During this time, Hisoka pulled his card deck out again and was making a show of shuffling them, just to further express how little he was worried about you managing to do anything to him. Another slight towards you.
“It is cute how determined you are to win this, pet,” he said, “but you can't get through everything in life on determination alone.”
“Cool. I'll keep that in mind,” you breathed out.
You lunged at him again, this time at a speed far slower than when you had first attacked him.
He dodged it easily, and you collapsed to the ground after, still breathing hard.
At that, Hisoka frowned.
“Even I'm starting to feel bad about this. You should give up now,” he told you.
“I don't want to,” you stubbornly answered.
He hummed as you forced yourself back up to your feet.
A few more times you tried to connect any sort of hit, and a few more times your attempts resulted in nothing. Hisoka would always get out of way at the last moment, having put his cards away again. However, now the clown appeared to be less smug and more thoughtful.
Minutes later and you were on the ground again, your arms holding you up while various parts of your body were aching in pain from how often he had caused you to fall. It didn't feel like you'd be able to get up again.
Hisoka seemed to sense that as well.
His heels echoed within the space of the alley as he walked towards you, and then he was standing in front of you, looking down as he asked “don't you think you should stop wasting both of our times and put an end to this?”
“Fuck you,” you hissed.
“Aw.”
The bastard then had the nerve to kneel down and pull you into his arms, holding you close as one hand began to caress your head. It was yet another way he humiliated you, the way he would act caring at a time like this, belittling you as he made it clear just how little of a threat he viewed you to be.
“There's no shame in giving up, pet,” he whispered to you, “I won't judge you for it.”
All you were able to get out in that moment was a sad-sounding noise, one that had him cooing at you despite how you were able to hear the smirk on his lips.
You just hoped to god that he couldn't tell how hard your heart was pounding at that moment.
When he pulled you up into his embrace, you had used that as an opportunity to move your hand back to your hoodie pocket, and now you were gripping the hilt of the knife.
You didn't even need to fully stab him with it.
Just one scratch would be enough to do him in.
Just one scratch.
You acted when he spoke next, when he said something else about you giving up. This was your best chance.
Grabbing at his shirt with your free hand, you pulled the knife out from its sheath and your pocket and aimed for his side.
Just one-
A hand gripped your wrist and you were forced to your feet as you were pulled upwards by your arm. Suddenly you and Hisoka were now standing and he was holding your arm high enough that you needed to stay on your toes to try and alleviate the pain the position brought you. The knife was still in your grip. You tried to pull your wrist out of his grip, letting out a small noise of discomfort when you failed to do so.
Hisoka didn't acknowledge that, his eyes focused on the knife in your hand.
“Is that a Ben's knife?”
You didn't respond to his question as you continued to pull at your wrist.
This can't happen. He can't win.
Not again
When you failed to reply, Hisoka raised up his hand and pointed a finger at the blade of your knife.
Then he flicked his finger back and the knife was wrenched out of your grip as it flew towards him. He easily caught it, holding it up so as to inspect the design of the blade. And now that your backup plan was literally in his hands, you stilled, uncertain as to what was going to happen now.
“I'm not terribly familiar with these,” he said, “but would I be right if I were to guess that this was one of the knives that has poison on the blade?”
You frowned, and he hummed, looking back to the knife with some amusement.
“You must've spent a lot on this; I know enough about those knives to know that the poison-edged blades aren't cheap,” he added.
Hisoka smirked as he asked “are you that desperate to be rid of me that you want to kill me, pet?”
“How the fuck can you ask that after everything you've done?” you spat.
“Is showing you affection such a terrible crime?”
“That's not affection, you freak! That's just you ruining my life!”
He hummed again, and then let go of your wrist.
Right at that moment Hisoka moved.
And then something rammed into your ribs.
You were sent flying a few feet before you toppled to the ground, your side aching while you gasped for breath. The pain you had felt before this was nothing now, and as you tried to go over what had happened mere seconds ago in your head, the best you were able to guess was that he'd rammed his knee into your side.
Just how much damage had he managed to cause with that?
Your hand instinctively went to press against the area where you'd been hit, and you cried out the instant you pressed down on it. He had broken your ribs. You were sure of it, and the pain was great enough that tears were already starting to run down your face.
Hisoka stayed where he was, the Ben's knife still in hand as he watched you, taking in your cries of pain and how hard you fought against the tears that were falling, obsessively wiping them from your eyes while you struggled to get back to your feet. You were so desperate to not appear weak that all you were doing was hurting yourself. So desperate to fight him that all you were doing was delaying the inevitable.
He couldn't help but smile at the sight.
You noticed when he walked towards you, the heels of his shoes clacking against the cobblestone beneath his feet. Wanting some distance between you two again, you tried to pull yourself up and away from him, but the pain that burst through your side when you tried to move like that forced you back down.
He stayed standing this time, cocking his head to the side as he looked down at you.
“Like I told you earlier; it would be over too quickly if I were to fight you for real,” he said, “I hope you realize now that I wasn't saying that as a slight; there's simply too much of a difference in strength when it comes to the two of us.”
He chose to emphasize that point by pressing the heel of his shoe into the spot where he'd hit you, and from that bit of contact alone you felt the pain was great enough that you might pass out. It was a mercy when he pulled his foot away.
But now you were forced to face the grim reality:
You had lost.
Once again, your efforts to get yourself away from this man were in vain, and once again, you were at his feet, on the ground and sobbing as despair took over you.
You hated this.
It wasn't right.
You hated him, and you hated the people who sat back and let him do as he pleased.
If only the stupid Hunter association hadn't given this psychopath a license, you would've been able to get help.
You looked back up to him then, and found that he was still staring at you with that amused look while he loosely gripped the handle of the Ben's knife.
“Well, pet? How long do you intend to drag this out for?” he asked.
…..
… Ah. Right.
This would only end when you hit him or gave up. And it was incredibly clear that you wouldn't be able to land any sort of hit. Even if you could, you wouldn't be able to handle the Hunter exam after. Not with the condition you were in now.
Hisoka was sticking to the deal you'd made, and he wouldn't be doing anything until you gave the word.
“……. Alright,” you whispered.
“Alright what?”
“I give up,” you spoke, your voice even softer.
“Could you speak up louder? I can't quite hear you,” he told you.
You gritted your teeth in frustration, but you complied anyway.
“I give up,” you answered, adding “I can't hit you, so I give up. You win. Again.”
You didn't need to look at him to know how he was grinning at you in that moment. How wide that smile was across his face as he looked down at your fallen form, watching excitedly as your determination to win broke into a million pieces and was replaced with bleak resignation.
Just like the other times.
“I'm so glad you saw reason, pet.”
With that, Hisoka picked you up from off the ground and placed a kiss on your forehead after you cried out from the pain yet again.
“Lets get you to a doctor, and then we'll head home,” he told you as he began to carry you up the stairs and out of the alley.
Hours later, after a long hospital visit that had lasted well into the dead of night, the two of you were alone again, this time trapped in the confines of an airship cabin. You aimlessly watched the tops of the clouds through the window while you did your best to ignore how close Hisoka was sitting next to you. At first there had been a small bit of hope that he might not crowd you too much, given that this was the first time he had ever hurt you in a way that required a trip to the hospital after. But even with the state of your ribs – that had somehow only been fractured and not broken – Hisoka was determined to cuddle with you and stroke your hair during the long flight back.
Eventually you pushed his hand away, though that did little to stop him from bothering you.
“Sulking isn't very becoming of you,” he said.
“You cracked my ribs,” you answered flatly.
“And you tried to murder me,” he replied, “I'd say that makes us even.”
“Not really,” you said, “not after all you've done.”
“So saving your life counts for nothing?”
“I wouldn't have needed to be saved if you had just left me alone. I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for you,” you snapped.
“Oh?”
His hand returned to your hair, but when you tried to slap it away again, he grabbed your hand and held it while he did as he pleased with your hair. You huffed, but kept your attention on the darkened sky outside.
“That reminds me – you still haven't completed your end of the bargain,” he then said.
“What part of it?”
“You were supposed to tell me why you wanted the Hunter license.”
“…..”
When you didn't reply, Hisoka let out a soft sigh.
And then the hand that was stroking your hair was now gripping it. Hard. Your head was pulled back while he whispered “there's been so much needless pain today, pet. Do you really want to go through even more just because you don't want to answer my question?”
“…. No.”
He released the grip on your hair when you said that, and you sensed the way he stared at you expectantly.
No, there was no more point in continuing to defy him just to end up going to another hospital once the flight was over.
Better to give him what he wanted.
“I wanted the license so I could protect myself from you,” you told him.
At first he said nothing to your admission, and when he did, there was a tinge of confusion in his voice as he asked “what do you mean?”
“Hunters aren't allowed to kill other Hunters,” you began, “and although it isn't written anywhere, I figured that Hunters couldn't kidnap other Hunters, either.”
He understood what you were getting at then, and he chuckled to himself as he said “scared that I'm going to do something to you, pet?”
“Outside of everything else you've done to me? Yeah,” you replied.
You kept your gaze on the clouds outside the window as you added “if I had the license whenever you kidnap or kill me, at least then the association wouldn't be allowed to ignore it. If they're happy to protect you whenever you break the law, they should be fine with protecting me when I haven't done anything wrong.”
Your voice was trembling slightly when that last bit of your sentence came out, your mind going back to all the things that Hisoka had done to you and how no one would do anything about it.
It wasn't right.
Hisoka had made both his presence and his interest in you known early on, almost immediately after you met him for the first time. He had tried to win you over with flowers and gifts for a short while, and when that didn't work, he resorted to forcing his way into your life.
That horrible day where you'd found him in your bedroom, where he had managed to pull you towards him when you tried to run – something that you still couldn't wrap your head around – that had been the start of a long, stressful night that made you want to cry just thinking about it.
When he left in the morning, you'd called the police. Though there was little they could do in that moment, they took your statement and told you to call them if you saw him again.
You followed their instructions and did just that when he returned that next evening, waltzing in through the front door like he owned the place.
The moment where Hisoka had a pair of handcuffs slapped on him and was led away never came. Because when the officers that arrived approached him, all he'd needed to do was show them that Hunter's license and they stopped in their tracks. When they left shortly after, the only explanation that they gave was that they couldn't do anything for you.
So you spent a second night with Hisoka, this time even more confused and horrified at the lack of help that you needed so desperately.
Hunters get special privileges, you learned. Access to exorbitant amounts of jenny, an ability to travel to almost anywhere in the world, and no real consequences if they committed a murder.
Learning that last point had things make a bit more sense to you, because if law enforcement were willing to brush off a Hunter killing someone, then it was no wonder why they would do nothing for you, someone who was 'just' at the mercy of a stalker.
You weren't dead, so they didn't see it as even being that bad.
Calls to any and all lines of help resulted in nothing being done. You would cry and beg for anyone to help you, even getting down on your knees and debasing yourself as you pleaded to be saved from the man who had now forced his way into your life, and all you got in return was uncomfortable silence that was usually followed by a short “sorry”.
The police didn't come around anymore. Your employer let you go. The neighbors didn't talk to you. And when one of your friends wound up missing after having tried to defend you from him, everyone else had cut you off, too scared that just being in your presence would set off your stalker and they would also end up on the missing persons list.
All you had was Hisoka, who was always there to revel in your despair by holding you close.
There wasn't much else you could do but try to act like it wasn't as distressing as it actually was, leading to you putting up a brave front in front of Hisoka. Maybe if you acted like you didn't care anymore, he'd lose interest and move on.
That didn't work, and so you were forced to cope while you looked for any opportunity that arose for a way out.
You thought you had a chance with this – you really did. When you read up on the Hunter bylaws and you saw that Hunters weren't allowed to target each other, you thought you had a way to end all of this. Even if just getting the license wasn't enough to make Hisoka stop on his own, if he continued to do anything after that fact, then the association would have to step in.
But none of that mattered now.
This was another loss for you, another hope of escape for you that Hisoka had made sure to dash thoroughly.
And just like he always did, he was now holding you after having pulled you up against him.
“It was an interesting thought, pet,” he began, “but ultimately, you really had no idea what you were getting yourself into.”
So you keep saying, you thought to yourself.
“And wouldn't it have been a better idea to just use the knife on me instead of going to all of the extra effort to try for the exam?” he then asked.
“I wanted to avoid that, if possible,” you answered, “I wasn't sure what would happen to me if I did manage to kill you without the license.”
“Hm. Still seems like a wasted opportunity to me.”
“…. Whatever. You got all of your answers. Stop talking to me.”
“Don't be like that, pet,” he said, “after all, we have quite a few hours ahead of us before we get back home. I'd rather that we didn't spend all that time being mad at each other.”
He said that just as the hand that was holding yours let go in favor of sliding up your inner thigh.
“After all, I haven't been properly rewarded for saving your life,” he added.
The way his nails trailed up your leg combined with the way he said that sentence with such a sultry tone made it obvious as to where this was going, and your heart started to pound heavily in your chest as you realized that Hisoka was going to do what he wanted regardless of the state you were in.
“Please don't,” you began, your voice cracking as you said “not now. Not like this. I-I can't-”
“You'll be fine.”
Hisoka emphasized that by shoving his hand down the front of your pants, his fingers blatantly rubbing up against your sex.
Despite knowing what would happen, you tried to elbow him in the face in an effort to make him stop, only for both of your wrists to suddenly snap together. And no matter how hard you tried to pull them away, something invisible was keeping your wrists bound together.
Just like that, you were completely helpless.
With one hand still in your hair, Hisoka moved your head and forced you to look at him.
You were crying again.
And Hisoka looked even more excited.
“I truly can't get over it, pet,” he breathed, claiming your lips in a kiss after.
“There's nothing quite like the despair in your eyes when you've realized that you have no other choice but to give in.”
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Home | Yandere HunterXHunter x Fem Reader
“I-I hope the next time you go away you’ll stay gone forever!”
Forcing your lower jaw not to drop any further, you called your son’s name. The sentiment was said with such malice too. It amazed you it even came from his mouth in the first place. Kimmy was such a kind and thoughtful little boy. You knew he missed his father but this couldn’t be a normal response.
“That’s not very nice.”
Of course, Chrollo did what he does best. Antagonizing those weaker than him. Which is the worst kind of response to give to an upset kid. Kimmy puffed his cheeks and angrily used his fork to prick at the vegetables on his plate. He mumbled something with his cheeks filled but you caught it and you’re certain Chrollo did too.
“You don’t deserve anyone being nice.”
“Kimmy. Upstairs now.”
He almost looked shocked when you told him off but he obeyed, quickly shoving what he could in his mouth before putting his plate in the sink. When he looked over his shoulder at you his bottom lip quivered; you held firm even though it hurt.+ He dropped his head turning to the stairs, he made sure to glare at his father as he made his way up. Who in turn had a ghost of a smile on his face as he watched his child stomp up the steps.
When you heard the eventual slam, a muffled apology, and the softer reclosing of the door you let yourself breathe again. Holding your head in your hands you prepared yourself for the talk you needed to have. All too soon the clinking of a fork against ceramic was heard once again. Slowly taking your hands from your face you glared at the thief, who was continuing to eat. Letting out a groan you were once again reminded of why you considered Chrollo Lucilfer a deadbeat. Somehow you sympathized with your son.
“See? You set yourself up for this.”
“It’s a phase. A normal response for a kid his age.”
“A normal response? For the boy who used to celebrate you’re visiting more than his birthday? I don’t think so. ”
You stood up taking your unfinished plate with you as you went to the kitchen. Looking over at the food still on the plate in the sink.
“What’s normal is for a teenager to express their anger this way, not a six-year-old.”
You leaned on the counter waiting for him to turn and defend himself. Chrollo didn’t look up from his plate so you continued.
“Don’t you remember how excited he used to be to see you?”
“Of course, I remember.” He cleared his plate. “But I also remember reading that psychiatrist’s diagnosis. It was bound to happen.”
“Later.”
He silently stood up with the plate joining you in the kitchen, moving to wash the dishes in the sink. You glared at him to which he smiled, making you roll your eyes. Taking your plate with you, you headed up the stairs.
______________________________________________________________
“I saw that you ate all your veggies. I’m really proud of you bud.”
You spoke through the door, sitting with your back to it as you played with the food on your plate. Hearing nothing from the other side, you went on.
“But you didn’t eat your cornbread.”
“‘M not hungry.”
Smiling to yourself. You leaned your head against the wooden door.
“You sure? Then you’re too full to help me finish?”
You caught yourself as the door opened up, closing the door behind you. You joined Kimmy sitting on the floor leaning against the wall. Playfully bumping into him you handed over the muffin-shaped bread over to him while you busied yourself with the rest of your food.
You two sat in silence each eating on your own. Finishing first, you quietly set your plate on the ground, turning to the boy beside you who was woefully looking at his unfinished bread. Letting your head lean onto his you waited for him to playfully push back letting a small smile come on his face.
“What was that about bud?”
He hesitated twirling the bread around in his hands.
“It’s just hard…for me.”
You scooped him into your lap hugging him tight as you kissed the top of his head. Tenderly wiggling your fingers in his black locks and squeezing him tight. He returned the hug holding onto your arms.
“I know it is bud. But I’m here and I always will be.”
*Smek.*
*Smek.* *Smek.* *Smek.* *Smek.*
“Okay okay! I’m sorry for doing…that at dinner.”
“Thank you, mister. Now finish your cornbread, we have to get you ready for bed. You have school in the morning.”
“Okay!”
______________________________________________________________
The hollering and nonsensical cacophony of a children’s playground wasn’t music to many. But it was to Kimmy. For him it meant more than just time to play with the other kids, it was the perfect cover for information exchanges.
“Hey, Kim-Kim do you want to play Cops n’ Robbers with us?”
“Sorry guys I have to go to the bathroom.”
“Oh…uh…right we’ll see you after recess.”
Kimmy couldn't help but smile as he dismissed himself back into the school building from the playground. Shaking his head, he had to come up with a better excuse. In all the comics he’s read the extras get suspicious after using the same excuse after a while. He’ll have to come up with something soon.
“Oya Kimmy-chan you slipped away again. So naughty~”
Kimmy feigned guilt as he put his hands up.
“Uh oh, Mr. Morrow you caught me!”
Like clockwork, they both returned to the classroom where they’d have their secret meeting.
“So I heard he came back yesterday.”
“Yeah, he even tried to win me back with the gifts just like you told me!”
Hisoka leaned his head on the back of his folded hands as he watched the little boy pace. His eyes resembled crescent moons as he smiled.
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, and he was being really kissy with Mom! But I stopped it…or at least I tried to.”
His smile wavered.
“Tried to?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure when I went to bed they did more kissing! It was like no one was mad in the morning. She even hugged him before we left.”
“Hmmm.”
“I don’t know what to do. How can I get him to stay away if they still like each other so much?”
Hisoka held his chin as he pretended to think hard before lifting his finger at a grand idea. Kimmy listened expectantly.
“I have an idea. How about I become your Papa?”
Kimmy’s nose scrunched and his eyebrow raised.
“Think about it he comes back because he’s your Papa if he weren’t you’re Papa anymore he would need to be with (Y/n).”
“T-that’s a great idea!”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah! I just have to convince Mom to marry you instead. It should work! They don’t even wear the ring anymore so maybe…”
The school bell rang. And it wasn’t long before the other children came pouring in. With a final look of confidence, Kimmy made his way back to his seat. Giddy with excitement, he was going to save his mom. Chase away the thieving monster that always came crawling back.
“Alright class, does anyone know the traits of Bungee Gum?”
______________________________________________________________
“Hisoka we need to talk.”
The chirping of birds and the distant sound of children’s laughter took away from your serious visage. Nonetheless, you kept your arms crossed and you’re tone leveled. In turn, your guest remained reclined against the park bench.
“Oh? You didn’t come to simply spend time with me?”
“Haha very funny. Let’s go.” You silently ushered the teacher to the parking lot. Where your car awaits. Wasting no time at all he slid into your passenger seat and you into the driver’s. Turning out from the lot you made you’re way to a familiar cafe, one you both were expected guests of.
“Kimmy is at karate so we have time.” As if he didn’t already know.+
“Ah, I see. I take it you’re treating me then?”
You groaned but relented as you both walked into the building. Ordering your respective favorites you sat in your favorite booth, tucked away from the main floor. Allowing you to have some semblance of privacy.
“Look you know I appreciate you nurturing Kimmy, he doesn’t have many men in his life and it helps him a lot.”
“Well, I’m glad. I can be of help.” You didn’t bother to comment on the fakeness of that comment.
“Which is the only reason why I thought I should bring this up.” You took a pensive sip of your drink before starting,” So recently he’s been talking about me getting married again.”
“Oh?”
“And to you of all people.”
“Oh really?”
His smile and eyes brought no comfort, nor did it convince you that this was some random revelation. But you had no evidence and it very well could be a new aspiration of your suddenly rowdy son.
“Look, I just need you to tell him how that wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“Why should I do that?”
The gleeful smile was held up by his folded fingers. He tilted his head to the side maintaining his faux curiousity. Taking a nervous sip of your drink, you prepared for the lacking logic of a rebuttal he’d no doubt spearhead.
“Because it isn’t right. He doesn’t understand relationships well enough to have any say.”
“Then why be bothered at all?”
You groaned,” Because it’s unbecoming of a kid to claim your his father for no other reason than petty revenge.”
“Revenge? Again, who?”
You clicked your tongue in annoyance as you focused on the wooden grooves of the cafe’s table. You weren’t planning on informing him of the state of your home, knowing Hisoka he’d be the first to pounce on the mess that had sprouted suddenly. To play with the shambles of the family you were in. You didn’t need that.
“None of your business.” You paused when his eyes stopped smiling. “Look, just tell him you’ve got a girlfriend or something…there’s Illumi isn’t there?”
He hid a snicker behind his hand before taking a long drag of his fruity drink. Putting a wistful hand on his cheek he watches you’re fluster at his silence. The lighting does no favors for anyone but under the warm lighting, you still glowed.
To so kindly ask him was the equivalent of reasoning with a hunting lion. He’d already decided he’d enjoy inserting himself into your little home. As small and as unconventional as it was you all were thriving. But Hisoka wouldn’t call a spider’s infestation the trait of a blooming household and he’d enjoy wiping out the infestation.
“Ah, that is true.”
The perimeter was set. A line of traps waiting for the floating arachnid who failed to see the skeleton of a gorgeous life. Too focused on weaving their webs in the next treasure trove; he’d lose them both before he even realized.
“Hey, after this you want to go to the aquarium with me and Kimmy?”
“I’d love to~! But wouldn’t it be right to ask my girlfriend if that’s alright?”
“Please, he’d sooner smile than actually attend.”
“Want to bet?”
____________________________________________________
The sound of glass cracking broke the hacker’s attention, only for a minute though. Looking in the reflection of his bright screen he watched his leader and friend destroy the newest model of phone.
“Another one? Leader?”
It didn’t bother him. The troupe he was a part of had collected over ten shipments of them seven of which we’re going to a client. He only hoped to ease the fury that would no doubt be dictating their actions for the next month.
Chrollo didn’t respond.
A foreboding sign.
So Shalnark had to guess. Was the next heist leaked? The loss of a client? Or was it–?
“(Y/n) and Kimmy.”
The names were familiar but heavy on his tongue. Not because he was scared of them but for whatever reason lies stung the most when reporting to you two. Was it their embodiment of homeliness? Or the sweet warmth that spread just being around you two?
“My eyes were sniped.”
Chrollo wasn’t actually saying his eyes were gone. It was his contact. Employed solely for the purpose of watching the wife and children of one of the most notorious thieving leaders. They were gone.
“Any suspects?”
He was already accessing the satellite CCTV of the town and home of his leader’s spouse. Only to find a formidable firewall identical to that of government intelligence. A convincing copy but the attempt to shut him out wouldn’t be met without a persistent onslaught from this day forward.
“Whoever they are, they work quickly.”
Speaking to the leader who was staring intensely at the pop-up from over his shoulder. The lack of response only promised that Chrollo’s fury would not cease anytime soon.
“Guess we’ll be going back home soon.”
“Yup!”
Shalnark was prepared for the coming bloodshed.
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