Hisoka waits patiently despite everything else in his body bursting with anticipation. He was about to perform and he was more than just excited. Dressed in Illumi's costume, poised perfectly even though he wasn't even on stage, in the spotlight yet. Just waiting to walk out, to feel the gazes on him, to feel the rhythm in his heart, and the dance coming from his soul.

He was performing for a very wealthy family tonight... indirectly. They were putting on a party of sorts, a party big enough that his performance was broadcasted on live television tonight. They were big influencers in the city which meant this performance, having a connection with them, was very good for his reputation.

Over the loudspeaker, his name is said and he gracefully walks out. Applause hits him, making him feel on top of the world. He couldn't really see anyone, lights burning so bright into him to make him shine, a sensation he was used to. He didn't need to see them to know their eyes were on him.

On comes the music.

His dance captivates, as it always does. The tune completely taking over his body, feeling every little note in the song. Then the aerial hoop drops and he smirks toward the crowd. He grabs it with one hand and begins to spin, spinning the hoop in a performance always added something else. Another sense of danger. The hoop lifts him in the air and he continues, pulling beautiful tricks, mixing all his skills as he performs. Oh, how he loved getting lost in the music, as he was now. Lost in its rhythm...

He drops off the hoop as the song comes to an end and bows as the crowd is silent for a few moments, waiting, to make sure it's really over. He tended to have that effect...

The applause roars and he makes his way out. He sits in a private room, drinking from his water when his entourage decides to barge in.

"HISOKA THAT WAS SO AMAZING!" Gon cries out, his eyes shining as he engulfs Hisoka in a hug. Hisoka pours a little water on the boy to get him off.

"It was peaceful," Hisoka says as Gon glares at him. Hisoka turns back around, practically ignoring everyone who had come in, knowing Illumi had come in too. He felt so alone despite being surrounded and he had no idea why. The high of his performance had left and he just wanted to curl up in bed.

"Hisoka... you okay?" Gon says slowly, walking over.

"Yeah, fine, sorry," he puts on a fake smile. Gon, however, sees right through him. Of course, he does, the kid can be real sharp despite being stupid.

"Hey we'll wait out in the party, you have to change anyways," Gon smiles and ushers everyone out. Hisoka plops in a chair and looks to wear his clothes for the party are hanging. Sometimes, Gon really did save his ass. With the people all gone, he felt more relaxed. He locks the door before gently peeling off Illumi's beautiful costume. He changes into the dress pants and button-down Illumi had forced him to wear and calms himself down. He looks at himself in the mirror, hair styled up, makeup still on. He looks fine. Yet he felt insecure. Why though? It just doesn't make sense... Hisoka walks out and makes his way into the fancy party. The camera from the TV station broadcasting them finds him all too quickly.

"Do you mind a couple of questions? It'll be real fast," the beautiful hostess asks him.

Of course, he obliges, he couldn't pass up this opportunity. They wait a few minutes before it comes back to them and the hostess smiles, introducing Hisoka to those sitting at home watching.

"First of all, we must ask, who were you wearing and who did your makeup?" She says excitedly.

"I was my own stylist for hair and makeup," he smiles softly towards the camera. "However, my beautiful costume was made by aspiring fashion designer Illumi Zoldyck."

"Zoldyck? As in the famous Zoldyck family?" She asks. Hisoka nods in response and her smile brightens. "What connections you must have Mr. Morow," she muses. "So please do tell us, where did you learn to dance?"

"I taught myself," Hisoka closes his eyes for a moment. "I've been teaching myself since I could stand and I've just worked hard."

"I see, who raised you to become such an incredible performer?" Her question, although innocent, has him tense up.

"I more or less raised myself," Hisoka offers, trying to remain cool about it. "I was brought up in an orphanage and at the circus."

"Oh... I am so sorry..." Her pause is short lived as she tries to make it happy again. "Well, we have already seen you perform here. Where will you be performing next for those eager to see you again?"

"My school will be holding a showcase that I would love for you all to attend," Hisoka brings back his classic charisma. "I'd be honoured to have a fan come say hello there."

"There you have it, folks! Head to Hisoka Morow's school showcase for a chance to not only watch him perform again but to see him personally! Thank you very much, Mr. Morow."

"No! Thank you." Hisoka offers his biggest smile and then they pause before they go off the air. He relaxes a little and talks with the hostess for a while before noticing his entourage waiting. Hisoka excuses himself and walks towards them.

"Someone's famous," Gon winks.

"So are the Zoldycks," Hisoka's eyes flicker to Illumi and then Killua. "She recognized your name right away."

Killua shrugs a little, hands in his pockets. "Your performance was real good by the way."

"Thanks," Hisoka nods. "I'm going to raid the food table, anyone wanna come?"

"Of course," Gon smiles and they walk over together.

Hisoka is silent as he picks up a glass of wine and some kind of snack they had sitting out. He'd prefer beer over wine... Or vodka really. But it's alcohol, so. He sips from the glass, feeling Gon's gaze on him.

"Are you feeling okay?" Gon pushes, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You're acting kinda strange."

"I just want to go home," he sighs, looking over at Gon.

"Hmm... I could probably cover for you."

Hisoka laughs lightly. "Thanks for the offer, but I have to stay for a while, I'm a guest after all."

"Fine then, just don't be so salty towards Illumi. You're making a public appearance as a guest and your pettiness looks bad. I don't know what he's done to you, but like come on!"

Hisoka blinks, being lectured by Gon, how lovely. He finishes his wine glass and picks up another. "Let's go over to them then."

The music in the background was slowly going from soft to dance music as the night continued. Party-goers going from mingling to dancing and getting drunk. Turning the place into more or less a club as the night went on.

That excited Hisoka. The loud music, the sweaty dancers crowded together, the dark lighting, no one truly caring because they were on the dance floor out to have a good time.

Although he and his entourage had stayed together most of the night, he really wanted to pull someone to dance with him. Maybe Illumi would... No, Illumi wouldn't.

"Oh come on," Machi sighs, taking Hisoka's hand. "I can see it on your face, let's go dance."

She pulls him onto the dancefloor and his smile widens, moving with her happily. She wasn't a terrible dancer, and like many women, she had her dancing charms. She had rhythm and she used it. Machi looked beautiful in her dress, dancing with him. Before Illumi, he might have even been tempted to check her for tattoos. But alas, his mind instead brought up Illumi. How Illumi looked in the dark lighting... How he would look dancing like Machi...

Machi's smirk catches him off guard and he narrows his eyes as she pushes herself up onto him.

"Machi?" He questions, raising an eyebrow. Not that he minds dancing with her, but she is normally repulsed by him. So why would she be dancing so close? So suggestive? "Are you drunk?"

"Completely sober," she whispers into his ear. Rolling her body onto his, smiling softly. Okay... What in the world is going on with her? Normally she's roasting him for something.

"Machi," Illumi's voice comes from beside them and Hisoka looks over. Machi's hands are on Hisoka's chest, her face dangerously close to his. "I'd like to dance too."

She smiles deviously, putting up her hands and walking off.

"I didn't take you as someone who would dance to this music," Hisoka tilts his head.

"I'm not," Illumi replies before pulling moves rather close to Machi's. Moves that had such a devilish feminine touch it hurt. Hisoka couldn't resist when he took Illumi's waist, dancing with him. Like before, Illumi is no dancer but dear gods, he could still work it. Just like any average person... Though in the moment, he wasn't average. No Illumi is the most beautiful and sexy person in the room. Their hot bodies pressed against each other, Illumi teasing him but Hisoka doing the same back. Neither fully committing but neither wanting to really leave the other.

"Hisoka..." Illumi murmurs and Hisoka can barely hear over the music. "You danced beautifully tonight."

Hisoka pulled him closer. "Now? Or before?" He can feel Illumi's breath on his neck and he looks at the man curiously.

"Both," Illumi puts a hand on his cheek. It's a moment before Hisoka lets go of Illumi, slightly backing away.

"Glad there's something else you like about me," Hisoka sneers and walks away. Alright, Gon may have told him to forget his petty side but he could never... Illumi now shows interest? Like what the hell? He hadn't done anything to prove himself, had he? Hisoka leaves the party, walking out into the brisk air outside. Home is definitely too far to walk, but despite that, he continues to walk towards it.

Frustration had just completely built up within him. Hisoka just wants Illumi to love him, and he just wants to love Illumi, but at this rate... They were both too stubborn to fall to the other... Hisoka perks up a little, a game... Why not make it a game. Whoever falls for the other first loses. If he just keeps that in his head, maybe it'll help him get over falling for Illumi since Hisoka didn't lose games.

That's all he has to do...

"Get in you idiot," Leorio says from the car passing beside him. "You'll get sick out here."

Hisoka follows his order, sliding into the vehicle that was already full with everyone else. Hisoka raises an eyebrow at the driver, realizing they were in some sort of extra fancy uber. Gon elbows him when he sits next to him.

"Leorio got super worried when he realized you went outside without a coat." Kurapika offers.

"And you gave a great excuse to finally leave the party," Killua smiles, putting his hands behind his head.

Hisoka shakes his head a little and his stomach growls rather aggressively in the otherwise quiet vehicle.

"Are you hungry?" Gon snorts.

Hisoka chuckles. "I'll eat when we get home. I was just anxious about the performance I must've forgotten to eat."

Once again Leorio snaps. "You need a good healthy meal, you cannot just perform on an empty stomach that's not good for you!"

"Leorio, it's Hisoka, he's pretty tough," Gon defends. "Like his for his finals last year, he was so stressed he didn't sleep or eat for the three days leading up to it."

Leorio chokes on air while Hisoka glares at Gon. "That's /kind of/ personal information," Hisoka hisses at Gon.

"You dumped water on me."

"You interrupted my beautiful self-reflection on my dance," Hisoka scoffs.

"Right, when I see you actually self-reflect on a dance, I'll believe you." Gon rolls his eyes.

The two smile at each other before the vehicle pulls up at the hotel the others were staying at. Hisoka moves to get out but Gon stops him.

"The driver will take us the rest of the way, Illumi offered." Gon says.

"Right..." Hisoka glances up at Illumi. "Thanks."

Illumi is poker-faced as he nods and leaves the car, everyone following.

"You and Illumi really gotta figure your stupid shit out," Gon says as soon as the car door closes. "Like, Illumi is annoying and all but I don't understand why you're so mean to him. You're normally so charismatic with like... Everyone."

"We just have different perspectives..." Hisoka rests his head on the window... Yeah. That's the best way to put it.