The needle trembled in his grip and his eyes narrowed, moving from his grandfather to me. "So we meet again, Illumi." I nodded at him. His undivided attention on my person made my skin crawl, I decided to lighten it up. "It seems to me that you never manage to complete your assassinations in this Manor."
He stared at me for a second, before turning to Zeno once more. "Grandfather, she is the target." Apparently, my future husband didn't appreciate light banter. Good to know. Might as well learn that sooner rather than later, really. Panic started to settle in as I realized I didn't have a very thorough plan... I had too little information...
"No. The process has already started. She'll be family." Zeno's voice was oddly cheery, considering his grandson was still holding onto his needle and intending to kill me. It surely is easier when it's not your life on the line.
Illumi's head tilted, and his silky hair followed the movement. His voice was still eerily melodic and with no particular sentiment when he said, "Since when?" Good lord, was that his only possible tone? Creepy.
"Hm... when you accepted the job." The old man nodded, his hand waving away dismissively, "Since then."
My lips stretched into a smirk, so he knew all along. "You're a cocky old man."
He crackled, produced a single wheeze and decided to take a gulp from his cup of tea before clearing his throat to reply. "Please, Y/N. You already had it decided, you just wanted a show of my influence."
A small giggle escaped my lips, and I too reached for my teacup for a very graceful sip. "You're going to be so much fun." I said, eyeing him over the rim, and hiding my maniacal smile with the cup.
"Ah-ah- Save it for your husband." Zeno pointed towards Illumi. His face gave nothing away, he didn't seem confused with my amicable relationship with his grandfather, he didn't seem annoyed either... He was just... Neutral. How could he be more fun than this old man? Maybe this had been a mistake.
"Boring..." I shook my head, it didn't matter if it was a mistake. I had accepted the game and would play it, even if my future husband gave me the shivers. He was beautiful... but it all became eery with his stillness. My teacup clattered over the saucer and I cringed. Too much strength. A deep breath later, I clapped my hands and looked straight into beautiful cold blue eyes. "Well, it was lovely having you here, Zeno. I have a lot to discuss with Illumi."
His hand landed over his heart, almost theatrically. "Sending me away?"
"You've done your part." I stated more callously than I would've for anyone else. Politeness didn't seem to matter to the old man, so why bother?
"Heartless." Zeno threw at me, chuckling to himself something akin to "Made for each other" under his breath as he left.
We were left with a very awkward silence, broken only by Zeno's faraway voice. He seemed to be cheerfully greeting every butler. I wondered if his good mood was due to the fact that he had got this strange man out of his hair and into mine. I stared him down, taking in his slim build and odd garments. A purple crop top, with golden accents, was punctuated by a myriad of golden needles. His torso was covered by a lavender skin tight shirt. His baggy trousers matched the top in colour and tightened around his ankles. It was a good look on him, somehow. I assumed that anything would match his ethereal beauty and stillness.
When my roaming eyes returned to his face, I noticed he, too, was inspecting me slowly. It was odd that I hadn't seen him blink yet. He must be feeling dreadful with dry eyes... The void like circles met mine soon after, and I fought the urge to run or cower away, curl my limbs around myself for protection or any of the matter. I had to stand my ground... even if he still hadn't blinked.
I knew that speaking first would mean I had lost whatever kind of game this was, but I simply couldn't take it. I'd accept my first loss. What was a battle worth for a war, anyway? I put on my most friendly façade, and donned a welcoming smile, "Do sit. Would you like some tea?"
"No." His reply was quick, and I realized that he, much like his grandfather, didn't need pleasantries. His game was of a different nature. He did take some steps into the room, and I considered that a small victory.
"How awfully uncooperative... Such a shame, I'd rather work with you than against you." My smile felt fake over my lips and I hoped he could see it too, the edge hidden in my words. He couldn't kill me just yet, right? I was almost sure that the Zoldycks had a no killing rule for family members... I still didn't qualify, but it was already in motion, so... I'd take the risk. I'd be bold. It felt exhilarating to be playing like this, to feel the danger so close to my skin and still snap back at it... The old man was right to a certain extent... Now I had to know what my future husband was made of.
His eyes narrowed, and his hands landed over the back of the chaise across from me. "What did my grandfather ask of you?" When had his needle disappeared from his hand? I didn't remember seeing any movement. Dangerous. Really dangerous. I had to find a way to counter his manipulation abilities.
"To keep you busy." I provided, I wanted cooperation, so I had to give some things away, sadly. "Do you have any idea as to why? It seems like your grandfather wants to distract you, and your father agrees with it."
He simply hummed, and I focused on his face. He had to be in deep thought, and it would show somewhere. I just needed to find his little cues. They would be somewhere, right? Right?
"It really would be for the best if you were interested in a partnership." I picked up my teacup, only to have something to do so my fidgeting didn't show on my hands, I had a single sip left, so I took it slowly. Giving him time to think. It usually wasn't the case, but he had to think a partnership would be advantageous... I fought the urge to pull him in with my aura. It wouldn't work... It wouldn't but... something in me wanted to test it against the powerful nen user standing in front of me. "Don't take me wrong. If you want to fight me, I will enter your manipulation game, and we'll have a lovely time getting into each other's businesses like your grandfather suggested. But it seems like a pain when I have nothing against you... just yet."
I could cut the tension with a dessert spoon, Melody was standing frozen a few steps into the room, Mr. Doln had managed to get to the door, his complexion paled beyond belief.
My future husband moved, and my eyes moved back to his lithe figure as he circumvented the chaise facing me to gracefully sit on it. His large, blackened eyes took the room in, before zeroing in on mine. It was obvious that this was a perilous situation, my skin broke in goosebumps as his predatory gaze inspected me once again, waiting for my next move.
"Mr. Doln, get us fresh tea." I managed to order, surprising myself with my stable and calm voice. All those years of faking gracefulness and hospitality suddenly became worth the hassle. The butler took a few seconds to enter the room, finally shook from his daze. "Do you have any preference, Illumi?"
"None." He stated as my butler started gathering the tea set onto its respective tray.
"Something fragrant and soft, then, Mr. Doln." I nodded as he rose, balancing the china perfectly. He, too, must be thanking all his years of experience, I mused.
"Of course, my Lady, I'll be right away." His pace was faster than usual as he left the tearoom.
My eyes followed him shortly, abandoning his bent back for the short bodyguard's round face. "Melody, what was it that broke?"
"A glass, my lady, I... dropped it accidentally." So, Melody had heard Illumi's approach and panicked. Thankfully, she knew to keep that very vital information to herself. I could only hope that Illumi hadn't looked too deeply into my bodyguards. It was vital that I kept some of my aces hidden.
"Good, good. I would be extremely disappointed if it had been Illumi breaking a window." I saw his slim eyebrow arch from the corner of my eye, and my smirk grew larger. So he did have emotions... That was good to know. "Surely a master of stealth wouldn't cause such ruckus." I turned to wink at him before facing Melody once again. "Take some time for yourself, dear. I hope you weren't hurt."
"Oh, no. I didn't hurt myself, thank you for worrying, my lady-" Her soft voice calmed me, and I considered sending Kurapika a fruit basket as thanks for the suggestion to hire her. I gave her a curt nod, and she continued, "I'll be going then."
The pale door to the tearoom closed behind her short figure, and silence ensued.
I sighed, not willing to go through the whole stare down in complete silence again, I simply broke it right away. "Not much of a talker, are you?"
"This is an unexpected situation." He muses, leaning back on his seat. And just like that, he was suddenly more human, his rigid posture was still there but at least his back was no longer fully straight... it felt odd, it looked incredibly uncomfortable. I allowed my eyes to drift from his broad chest to his legs that had crossed at the ankles, forcing his knees to part slightly.
My life was much easier when my husband wasn't attractive. I forced my thoughts away from his form and considered his words. He wasn't prepared for the situation... neither was I. This had been dropped rather forcefully on both of us... which made the possibility of cooperation much higher.
Why were the Zoldycks in a rush to rid themselves of Illumi? What was wrong with the man? Never trust a gift too quickly given... and never trust a gift offered by a stranger... they always hid ulterior motives. "I understand. Do take time to consider it."
He hummed, and it didn't take long before his soft melodic voice echoed again. "And what would a partnership entail?"
"I am not quite sure just yet." It was hard to admit that I had no plan... but what was it that I could do? I had no information nor clue of what I was supposed to do... I had no goal... Yet. "Your grandfather thinks we are about to enter a manipulation contest... I'm not sure if he even expects one of us to win."
It was chilling to have his undivided attention. I paused, waiting for him to intervene, yet he kept staring at me with his unblinking eyes in complete silence. What an odd man. "I wouldn't have a problem with the contest, I honestly think I will learn a lot from you... The timing just isn't the best, for both of us, I assume."
Why was I the one pleading here? Ah right, I would lose in a match of manipulation at this moment... "I'm simply proposing we delay our games until we've both achieved what we were set to do before our marriage was so appallingly forced." What a gamble this was... I needed more information and experience to take him on... I was simply grasping at straws... Panic was settling in, and I abhorred it. This wasn't my place. I shouldn't be feeling this unfit!
"What is it that you're set to do?" As if asking about the weather, Illumi's long, slim fingers started playing with the ends of his silky black hair.
"Oh, darling... That is the million-jenny question... but not directed at me." I inched forward, placing my elbows over my thighs and supporting my head between my rather cold hands. "What is it that you are set to do? How wicked must it be for your grandfather to throw the first unassuming woman he meets into a marriage with you?"
His face remained impassive, a vacant mask that would never be removed... At least not willingly. His poker face was perfect, but he did give me some cues, his eyes narrowed just slightly and his tone was not accusative, it was simply fake cheery, "You're hardly unassuming."
Oh... how fun. My husband was evading questions already, my lips twitched and I defended the idea. "I was a rushed choice, though... Your grandfather picked up on my shrewdness, but if he hadn't, I still would have been thrown to the wolves. And with wolves, I mean you." And as soon as I said it... everything clicked.
It wasn't that I was the best option, or that I could handle Illumi whatsoever. I was simply in a rough spot, I would eventually be a target for the Zoldycks which made me just the right person to slide the proposition to... This would've happened whether I had wanted it or not. I wasn't in control for longer than I had thought... I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves and my rushing heart. This was bad. This was very bad. Could I handle this family? Was I going to be eaten alive by a beautiful but cruel husband?
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
I hoped my indifferent mask was still on, I had a game to play, even if I had just realized that my chances for winning were either low or zero. His voice cut me out of my daze, "So the partnership includes the temporary truce..." and I noticed his eyes still on me, never having strayed, during the entire conversation.
Oh, sweet heavens, he was considering it. He was considering the partnership. What the fuck was he planning? Should I take his side against his family? What choice did I have? "Upon consideration, if we are both amenable to divulge our current plans, a mutual help system can be included. And, of course, it includes the deception of your family, regarding the existence of the partnership."
"I see. What if you are not agreeable with my plans, if I ever divulge them?"
"You'll find that my morality is restricted to what benefits me." Were his lips tugging upwards? Panic couldn't make me imagine things... right? I didn't break my line of thought, sounding calm and in control was half the battle. "Even if I don't agree with your plans, I shan't obstruct your way. I would appreciate you to do the same."
He nodded, and his thin pale lips opened, interrupted only by a soft knock. Both our heads snapped to look at the source of the sound, the tearoom doors, I called out, "Come in."
Mr. Doln opened the door with one hand while holding his tray perfectly straight with the other, "Your tea, my lady."
My eyes left the butler to check my future husband out, only to notice him already watching me. Hm... I forced a polite smile as I mentally told Mr. Doln to hurry. He, unaware of my struggle and not yet in tune with my thoughts, took his time, placing the saucers and teacups within reach. He finished his set-up by serving the tea and leaving the teapot with its handle towards me.
The door closed, Illumi had not stopped his intense staring contest with me, so I simply matched his stillness and tried to familiarize myself with his face, his presence, his body.
"The truce won't bring you any significant advantage, you'll learn about me, but I will gain information about you..." He explained, breaking both the silence and his continued stillness, while reaching for his teacup.
I took a sip, too, before humming to him in agreement. "It is not about the advantage."
Another knock interrupted us, and I allowed my eye roll before calling them in. To my surprise, Melody opens the door and announces softly, "Forgive this interruption, my lady, some policemen arrived and are in the foyer."
"Ah... right. The alarm was triggered." I turned back to Illumi, tilting my head in confusion. "You didn't do it though..."
He nodded, "I did not."
"Gah- What a pain... Melody, did someone manually trigger it?" Maybe Melody had triggered it, to create more confusion, that would be a possible explanation. I could only hope that she read me well enough to lie.
"I believe so, word of Mr. Zoldyck's presence might have created some panic." Her wide eyes met mine with assurance. A well worded truth, the best of lies for either side.
"Hmm... Oh well, I'd already be dead by now, if either of them meant to do it." I continued to play along, taking a last sip before getting up from my seat, and looking at Illumi.
He followed my movement with his eyes, before answering to the question in my eyes. "Correct."
Sadly, I hadn't been looking for assurance from him, I just wanted to know if he felt like meeting the policemen. I nodded, nonetheless, he had seen the questioning look in my face and simply assumed. It was calming to know he didn't have me figured out, so I voiced the real question out loud. "Do you wish to accompany me or would you prefer to stay here, Illumi?"
"I'll stay."
"You'll find nothing." I smiled, following Melody out of the room before giving him a final look as my hand closed around the doorknob. "Be careful while venturing out of the room, the corridors have been designed to keep outsiders confused and lost."
"I memorized the floor plan." He added as I moved to close the door.
I left him with a truth, a reward for his honesty, "The only existing floor plan isn't accurate where it might matter."
I followed Melody in silence for the biggest part of the stretch to the foyer, praying that I was out of earshot of a certain assassin.
"Melody, you'd notice if I was being manipulated, right?" I didn't need to elaborate further, she caught the meaning immediately before nodding. "Mmm... Stay alert."
Melody bit her nails with a worried look, and stopped right before the door that led to the foyer, "What is going on?"
"I find myself playing a far more dangerous and exciting game... and I start to realize there may be some things I have no choice over." I shook my head and patted her shoulder, as if to calm her, along with myself. "I cannot abandon the boat, so I'll learn how to swim in the meantime."
My hands pulled the door open and I found two policemen waiting patiently. "Good afternoon, officers."
"Mrs. Vedridian, I am sure you know why we are here." The taller one with kind blue eyes started. He was slightly older than me but... he looked good for his age. Kindness wasn't something I was used to seeing in policemen. Then again... anyone with money and power is always well received by those aware of it.
"You're here because of the alarm... There is nothing to worry about, I am sorry for making you come all the way here." Now... I needed a decent enough excuse, something that was believable but didn't incite many questions...
The shorter policeman, frowned, taking a step forward and crossing his arms defensively over his body. "Are you sure? How was it triggered?"
"I am very sure. My lover was trying to sneak in and one of my workers caught sight of him... they ran to trigger the alarm since they noticed a stranger walking inside the estate. I was never in harm's way, his visit was planned, I just wanted to keep it... a secret." I forced myself to fidget and look away from both men, the act had to be flawless, even if I wasn't feeling up for it.
"I see. Next time, you should simply let him walk through the front door." The shorter one ground out, trying his best at politeness over his general annoyance.
"I... yes... I shall. I am deeply sorry for causing you trouble. Could I ask for two small favours?"
The short policeman, Mr. Fawkes, I had finally managed to read his tag, snapped his mouth open to refuse but his partner talked over him with the smoothest of voices. "It was no trouble. What is it you need, Mrs. Vedridian?"
"Please, keep quiet about this... mishap. And I've been waiting to hear from Detective John-"
Mr. Fawkes cut my word without a thought, "Yeah, John's dealing with a big case right now."
I held back a well deserved eye roll and explained further. "I know, I submitted some evidence for it, I was just waiting to hear about the development."
"We'll tell him." The blue-eyed policeman promised, and I smiled at him.
"Thank you, officers. Mrs. Soter, please offer these kind men a beverage before they leave." The door lady, sprung to action right away, as if awakened from her quiet stance next to the door, and led them away.
I dashed to the tearoom as soon as the policemen left through a secondary door, my mind working on overdrive. I knew they wouldn't keep quiet about my new lover... It did work out in my favour though, it kept my ruse with Hyperion going until I had managed to finish the game and perhaps present Illumi as the lover. Gosh... I really needed some pieces to fall into place.
I opened the doors to the tearoom with a calm I didn't quite feel and I took two careful steps inside. Illumi was standing by the coloured glass windows, staring at the garden outside. "Was your perusal successful?"
He turned to face me slowly and graced me with a dramatic pause before answering, "No."
A chuckle left me, "You'd tell me the same if it had been." He looked mystical, otherworldly, while covered with the blues and greens of the cast by the light traversing the coloured glass. I hoped he made my gamble worth it... because, it felt good having someone's entire attention, even if his reasons weren't the best. It felt good to know that his eyes followed me as I sat where he had once sat before, so I could still face him.
It was surprising for him to break the silence that had so comfortably settled, "You won't be able to get rid of me once you grow bored with marriage again."
"I know. I'm not much of a gambler you know, I'm trusting that you'll entertain me until death do us part." It was bold and based on absolutely nothing, because I had no plans... yet... it felt so freeing.
Illumi didn't seem to take it in the wrong way... He hadn't given me that tight-lipped smile from before, so I assumed he simply didn't care for my answer. He squinted softly, "Your aura is different."
"That it is. Should we get to know each other?" My lips stretched into what I could only guess to be a very nasty and threatening smile.
He didn't seem bothered by it, though, "I already know about you."
"Hmm... Words on a paper, surely not coming from the closest sources." I waved away, and he took two steps toward me, taking my previous spot on the chaise facing me. "Level the ground for me, what good would a clueless wife do to you?"
He leaned back, inspecting me in silence, as usual. "What do you want to know about me?"
I had an opening to ask about anything, yet the question that left my lips surprised us both, I could tell by his slightly widened eyes. "How amenable are you to attend some balls with me?" It seemed I was tired of attending social events alone... I had never considered it to bother me so much until now.
"Hm... If it is payment for your help, I shall do it should there be no work scheduled for those days." His truthful answer was... shocking. He didn't need to sugar me up to manipulate me? Would he simply force it with his nen? That was... no fun at all.
"That's fair." I mused, trying to grasp at his personality. Who was Illumi Zoldyck? What moved him? What did he thirst for? "What is the most important thing to you?"
"Family."
Hm. "That's surprising." Was it? Why were they hindering his plans then? Did he have a different view of how things should run? Zeno told me he was the eldest... The oldest siblings used to be the heirs... yet they wouldn't throw me an heir like that. Why was he not the heir? Could he... eventually get to that place? Was that the best course of action?
"Is it? What is yours?" His tone was the blandest thing ever. He didn't seem curious or even invested in this conversation... but I found myself stunned. What was the most important thing to me? Money? Power? Myself?
Why was I even trying to answer truthfully? His bland honesty was throwing me off balance. How would I know if he wasn't twisting his words to lie to me with a twisted truth? Why did it matter?
Minutes passed, and he didn't press for an answer. He was probably not interested in it... Did he ask out of politeness? It was contradictory. The Zoldycks weren't ruled by courtesy, they spoke as they wished, and the others would bow. They didn't have to care for others.
I shook my head and stored the question away for later, deciding to change the subject, "Don't cheat on me, Illumi."
"Sure." He reached across the table for his teacup, hand almost touching my knee. The tea had to be cold by now, but he gulped it down with more grace than I could ever have done it.
"This includes staff members." I added.
"No problem. Does it often happen?" Oh my lord, was that a tiny smile on his lips? Was that his version of teasing? No way. I had to be seeing things.
A scoff left me, "Once was enough." It had been enough disgrace. What kind of manipulator has their target seduced out of their grasp? The shame!
"You shan't worry, while there are no feelings to this marriage, I will honour it and all my vows." That was... shocking, and honest, and annoying because I felt like I, too, should honour it.
"Then, so shall I." How was I meaning it? Well... I could always go back on my word later. Some silences were more unbearable than others, the current one was eating me in small bites as I felt my whole self-doubt and considered my goals. I had goals once. But... hadn't I already achieved them? I was powerful, I had money, I had influence... What else could I set my eyes on? "Are you staying for dinner?"
"Yes."
I roused from my sit and held my hand out, "Let's take a walk around the manor, then."
He nodded, and stood without taking my hand. Rude. "Tomorrow, you should visit Kukuroo Mountain."
I stopped in my tracks, and he managed to reach the door first, opening it for me, "Why?"
"That's where I live."
Author's Note: Hum... Confusion?