Clowning Around
The loud shrill of your phone ringing woke you. Groggily, you felt against the bedside table before pressing the answer button and holding it to your ear.
“Hello?” You answered, voice laced with sleep and eyes blurry as you stared into the darkness of your room, sitting up slightly.
“Oh, Y/N, sorry, I didn’t realise how early it was. I can call back later if you’d like?” Chrollo’s smooth voice sounded over the phone and you sat up quickly.
“No! No, I’m okay, is there something you need?” You asked, now fully awake.
“No, nothing like that. I just wanted to see how you were handling things. Are you settling in well? Is anyone giving you trouble?” His voice sounded pleasant but you couldn’t help but feel the hint of a threatening tone to his voice at the last question.
“Everything is going great, no one is giving me trouble don’t worry.” You chuckled, playing with your hair absentmindedly as you laid back down.
“Good, I would hate to have to punish anyone for giving you a hard time... You would tell me if something happened, wouldn’t you, Y/N?” Chrollo’s tone made you shudder and you nodded before realising he wasn’t here.
“Yes, of course. I promise there’s nothing wrong.” You smiled into the phone and heard him chuckle softly.
“Good. Remember, I’m only a phone call away. I will always make time for you. Well, I’ll let you get back to sleep. Goodnight, Little Mouse.” The line promptly went dead and you placed your phone back on the nightstand before pausing.
Did...
Did Chrollo just call you... Little Mouse? You felt your cheeks heat up as you blushed furiously. It was one thing to be given a nickname, it was a whole different thing to be given a nickname by your attractive boss. You laid back down, staring up at the ceiling as your mind overthought the possibilities and reasoning behind the nickname he’d given you.
All this thinking had left you curious and unable to sleep.
You decided to give up on the thought of sleeping when light began to filter through your curtains. You got up and made your bed before going to have a shower. On your way to the bathroom however, you received a shock that promptly dispelled any tiredness you were feeling.
“Oh God, put some clothes on Hisoka!” You shielded your eyes, turning away from the male. Hisoka stood there in full glory, a towel draped around his neck, having just come from the shower. His hair was down and face clear of makeup. You would have taken note of how handsome he was if he wasn’t showing everything off.
“Why?” He asked. You almost could have taken that question innocently if you were dealing with anyone other than Hisoka.
“Why?! Because you’re naked and this is a hallway! You have a towel, cover yourself. Jeez, you’re gonna give someone a heart attack one day.” You flushed a light pink, shielding your eyes from him as you made your way to the bathroom hurriedly. Hisoka watched after you with a smirk before retreating to his room to change.
You showered and retreated back to your room to get dressed. Upon emerging from your room, you received your second fright of the day.
“Goddammit, Hisoka!” You yelled at him, hand on your chest as you tried to calm your pounding heart. He was standing inches from your door.
“What is it? What do you want?” You said with a slight tone of annoyance, watching as he innocently clasped his hands behind his back.
“Are you going to make breakfast? I’m hungry.” He almost seemed to pout and you couldn’t quite comprehend this side of Hisoka.
“Yeah, sorry, I’ll do it now.” Your tone softened, moving past him to walk into the kitchen, he was just one step behind you before moving to sit at the table.
Since it was just the two of you, you made an omelette, it was quick and simple. You set the plates down before sitting opposite Hisoka.
“So...” You began after swallowing a forkful of food. You hated awkward silences and the only time you had been around Hisoka was when he was trying to kiss you or there were other people around. His piercing eyes looked up at you briefly before going back to eating. It almost reminded you of a lion eating it’s meal. You cursed him, of all the times you wished he’d be quiet he choses now.
“You’re a clown.” You wave your fork in his general direction, gesturing to his attire and appearance. He paused for a moment before continuing to ear.
“I am a magician Dear, there is a difference.” He replied curtly and you figured he didn’t much appreciate being called a clown.
“So what, you do magic tricks?” You rose a brow, leaning forward slight. He smirked.
“Yes, would you like to see one?” He mused and you nodded quickly.
He pulled a coin from his pocket and flipped it high into the air, you followed it, watching as he caught it before it hit the table. He put the coin back in his pocket and continued to eat.
“That wasn’t much of a magic trick.” You scoffed and he smirked, brows raised as he used his fork to point at your plate. You looked down and noticed your food was gone and Hisoka was currently eating it.
“Hey! That’s mine!” You whined and he laughed at your reaction before sliding his plate over.
“Well I’m not eating that now!” You huffed, sliding it back to him.
“And why not?” He slid it back to you.
“Because you’ve had your mouth all over it.” You slid it back to him.
“I could put my mouth somewhere else.” He slid it back to you, tone teasing.
“I don’t know where you’ve been.” Your scrunched up your nose, pushing it back to him.
“And I know exactly where you’ve been. What’s your point?” He chuckled lowly, pushing the plate back to you.
“That’s- I- Ugh! You’re so annoying!” You huff, folding your arms across your chest and leaning back into your chair.
“Admitting defeat?” He muses.
“Absolutely not!” You slam your hands down on the table before grabbing the plate, only for his hand to catch your wrist gently.
“How about we share?” He hummed, moving his hand down to yours and bringing it up to kiss your knuckles, tugging you forward gently.
“That way...” His fingers trailed up you arm before cupping your chin. “We both get a taste.” His face was inches from yours, a small blush dusting your cheeks.
“Are we still talking about the omelette?” Your eyes flick to his lips as he swiped his tongue over them, a sly grin spreading across his lips.
“I don’t know, are we?” His nose brushed yours, his lips mere inches away before your phone began to chime loudly in your back pocket.
You shot up, ripping yourself away from Hisoka with a furious blush as you answered the phone.
“Hello?” You answered, voice slightly strained.
“Hello, Little Mouse. Is this a bad time?” Chrollo mused. Hisoka’s ears pricked up upon hearing the Boss’ muffled voice. He stood across from you, watching you intently.
“No, no, not at all, I was just finishing my breakfast.” You laughed nervously.
“Anything interesting?” Chrollo hummed, a muffled noise coming from the background of the call.
“Just omelette. You sound busy though, I could call you back?” You asked quietly.
“I’m never busy enough to not speak to you, Little Mouse, don’t worry. I thought I would give you a call as you seemed tired when I woke you this morning. My apologies again, I didn’t realise how early it was. How are things at the base?” Chrollo chuckled and your bit your lip nervously before turning away; knowing Hisoka was still watching you.
“It’s okay, really! And things are okay, I’m going to do some cleaning so-“ Chrollo cut you off.
“And Hisoka?” He questioned and you frowned, why was everyone keeping tabs on Hisoka, did they not trust him?
“He’s fine, we just had breakfast together. I don’t know what his plans are. Would you like me to ask?” You shot a look to Hisoka who was now sat back at the table, chin in his hand as he smiled at you.
“Yes, ask him if he is staying inside the base today.” Chrollo asked.
“Boss wants to know if you’re staying in the base today. What are you doing?” You asked, watching as he sat back in the chair, a lazy smirk on his lips.
“Well, I was planning on doing you before the Boss rudely interrupted.” Hisoka mused and you choked slightly.
“He’s not doing anything. I think he’s just going to follow me around and annoy me today.” You laughed awkwardly and Chrollo hummed in acknowledgement.
“Okay, I’ll leave you to it. Pakunoda should be back tomorrow evening. She’s ahead of schedule so you will have other company beside Hisoka.” He informed you and you nodded.
“Okay, thank you, I’ll make sure to prepare enough dinner then.”
“Good. I have to go now, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Goodbye, Little Mouse.” The line went dead and you calmly slipped your phone into your pocket before turning to face Hisoka.
“What the hell was that?! I was on the phone to the Boss, you can’t just- you can’t just say things like that!” You were flushed red in anger and embarrassment, running your fingers through your hair to calm yourself. Hisoka just chuckled.
“Hmm, let me make it up to you then. You said you were doing cleaning yes? Let me help you.” He smirked, deciding that, yes, he would follow you around today and annoy you.
“I feel like you won’t be very helpful.” You grumbled and he gasped, feigning hurt.
“You doubt my ability to do chores.” He pouted playfully.
“Yes.” You deadpanned and he just shrugged.
“Fine, I will just watch you until you tell me what to do.” He hummed, hands on his hips.
“Do you really not have anything better to do?” You sighed, moving to wash up. He simply shook his head and followed.
Once you had washed up, you decided to make good use of Hisoka’s strength and his need to follow you around.
“We’re cleaning in here.” You announced as you walked into the large decrepit room. Hisoka looked around and laughed.
“You want to clean in here? Good luck.” He mused.
“/We/ are cleaning in here. You’re helping. Now go to the store and buy this.” You held out a piece of paper that had a list on it. The list consisted of;
- two pairs of gloves
- A sledgehammer
- A saw
- Plasterboard
- Plaster
- Paint brushes and paint
- Floorboards and support panels
- A screwdriver and screws
- Two shovels
Hisoka scanned the list.
“And how do you expect me to carry all this back?” He questioned.
“You’ll figure it out.” You shrugged happily before he huffed, muttering something about you being difficult before leaving.
Now alone, you made a start on clearing the smaller pieces of rubble, tossing them out of the broken windows before getting a dustpan and brush and sweeping away all the broken window panels and tossing it in a bin bag. You’d managed to get all the glass swept up before Hisoka returned, having miraculous transported all of the goods you asked for.
Delighted, you got to work, shovelling small amounts of rubble at a time and tossing it out of the open window while ordering Hisoka to break up the large pieces to be easily moved. You worked in sync together and discovered that he was actually quite helpful, his strength and speed leading to all of the rubble being cleared in a mere couple of hours.
Next were the broken window panels. To begin, you smashed out all of the broken glass before filling in the frame with wooden boards. You figured that you could implement windows in at a later date when the weather wasn’t so miserable. Since there were only a few windows that didn’t take too long either and before you knew it, you were sweeping the floor meticulously while you got Hisoka to scrub down the walls. You had a brief pause for a late lunch and a much needed drink before you both set back to work.
Hisoka held the plasterboard to the wall as you drilled it in, going around the entire room before doing the same to the floor. Next was plastering, both you and Hisoka smoothly applying the plaster to the wall and him complimenting you on how hard working you were.
Once you actually got to know him, Hisoka didn’t seem that bad. Sure, he was a tease and like to be boisterous but you didn’t consider him much of a threat. You felt bad for him, everyone treated him as a nuisance and was brash towards him, yet he had helped you do all this without a single complaint. Your thoughts got the better of you as you slowed down plastering, a small frown of your face.
“What’s wrong, Darling?” Hisoka hummed, pausing to look at you.
“Can I ask you something?” You mumbled and he nodded.
“Why do people not like you?” You saw him freeze for a moment before continuing to plaster.
“There are many answers to that question, my Dear. I’m deceitful, confrontational, and hate working with others. I speak my mind and often play dirty. I don’t care for others, in fact, I rather enjoy killing. Some people don’t think that those are very good qualities for a person to have.” He chuckled and you bit your lip.
“How many people have you killed?” You asked quietly and Hisoka side eyed you.
“Why? Are you scared? Darling if I wanted you dead you wouldn’t have survived your first night here.” He mused.
“No that’s not it. I just- never mind. Let’s get back to work shall we?” You offered a smile and he nodded.
You discovered that Hisoka was quite closed off. He didn’t talk about his past, his family or friends, if he had any, and so he left you to fill in most of the conversation, talking leisurely about the books you liked or about fond memories before your life went to shit. You avoided that subject entirely; occupying yourself with the suggestion of dinner.
Once you finished eating you continued to plaster until you were finished with the entire room. You stretched, feeling your body wince with all the work you had been doing that day. You could tell Hisoka was a little lethargic too.
“I think I’m going to call it a night, I need a bath, I’m so tired.” You sighed, yawning.
“Mind if I join you?” He hummed, stretching his limbs out tiredly.
“That’s not what I meant.” You deadpanned and he let a cheeky smile grace his lips.
“Ah, but we will save water if we bathe together.” You groaned at his logic, sighing softly.
“Fine, but no funny business, I’m too tired, okay?” You offered and he nodded.
“Of course, my Darling.” He followed you as you led the way to the bathroom, promptly running the bath and filling it with bubbles to help relax your aching muscles.
Surprisingly, your shared bath went smoothly, Hisoka kept his hands to himself, aside from when he suggested scrubbing your back for you and you promptly splashed him in response. He offered you a fluffy towel as you stepped out of the water, graciously accepting before making your way to your respective rooms.
Snuggled into bed, it didn’t take long for sleep to hit you, your body sinking into the mattress. Your dreams however, were plagued with nightmares. Your friends, their faces bloody as they ran through a dense forest screaming after you, all of you running as you felt yourself chased by an unseen force that slowly picked off the group one by one. You were the only survivor, running, your legs screaming from the ache of running for so long. You tripped. You met the ground with a thud. A clawed hand wrapped itself around your ankle and dragged you backwards-
You awoke with a fright, sitting bolt upright. Panting, you tried to control your breathing, wiping your clammy forehead with the back of your hand as you clutched the sheets.
It was just a dream. It had felt so real and suddenly your room felt a lot bigger and a lot colder. You felt on guard, unsafe, even though you knew it was your groggy mind playing tricks on you.
You got out of bed and left your room. You weren’t going to cower in your room and lay awake all night. You knocked hesitantly on Hisoka’s door. After a moment, it opened slightly, his eyes glowing in the darkness. His hair was down and face free of makeup. He looked softer like this, safer.
“Well, this is a turn of events.” He hummed, opening his door wider to reveal himself clad only in his underwear. You would have gawked had you not been shaken up from your nightmare.
“Sorry to disturb you, I know it’s late but... can I sleep in here tonight? Just sleeping! I just don’t feel comfortable in my room.” You mumbled. You hoped he wouldn’t make fun of you.
“Of course, Darling. Bad dream?” He questioned, stepping to the side to allow you access into his room. You shuffled in and wasted no time in sliding into his bed and under the covers, watching him close and lock his door before joining you.
“Something like that, yeah.” You didn’t want to elaborate and luckily he didn’t ask. He laid beside you before you shuffled over to snuggle against him and he moved his arm so you could lay your head on his chest, his arm wrapped around you securely. He rested his head against yours, his hair tickling your forehead lightly. He smelled like bubblegum and soap and you felt yourself relax.
“Is this okay?” You asked softly and he replied by moving his other arm to encase you.
“Of course, my Darling.” He whispered back to you. His steady heartbeat and warmth was enough to lull you to sleep and soon you found yourself drifting off to sleep once more. Only this time, there were no nightmares.