[Hm? Sounds serious. Nobu's not too sure what this is about, but there's really only one guess that immediately comes to mind: Hisoka.
The thing is, though...he didn't say anything to the boss about their misgivings regarding the clown, and he doubts that Uvo or Paku would have, either. The plan was to figure out how involved Hisoka was with the Chain User first, wasn't it?
Ahhh, but maybe this is because of the fight with Hisoka that he'd had recently? No, wait, that didn't involve Uvo...
Troublesome, troublesome...and now his head is full of theories. Either way though, he's certain this is somehow about the clown. What else could it be? It's not as though they've made a bunch of racket and attracted attention to themselves, right?
...oh, but there was that fight with that long-haired kid that Uvo'd had. Could it actually be about that? They'd both been there, after all. And anybody who'd been nearby might have felt their energies during that little match. Given Uvo's position to watch over Gamagori, maybe picking that spot for a spar wasn't wise? Had they drawn unwanted eyes after all?]
[...Uvo gets about as far as noticing who's being questioned here and, more specifically, who isn't, before just sighing and getting on with it unlike some people.]
We're not discussing Paku. We're discussing the two of you.
[There's the sound of a flipping book page. Which is probably a bad sign.]
If you were concerned about something, or had doubts about me... or if the Spider were wounded in some way... I would like to think it would be brought to my attention. Of course, as I am not infallible, I could easily be wrong.
[Of course he's not wrong. Always they have spoken their minds before and to one another, some of them even at inappropriate moments.
Ahem.
But there is more to it than that. They speak up when they're more certain of the ground upon which they stand. And when they're not? They stand silent.
Nobu explains...]
If we had concerns we hadn't mentioned...it'd be because we weren't sure how worth mentioning they were just yet.
[After all, Hisoka has been useful. He's also been fairly well behaved. Nobu and the others still don't trust him, but...those are still factors that can't be totally swept under the rug. Along with Chrollo's feelings for the clown. If none of those things were a concern, however? Chances are that the three legs of the Spider would have already addressed the Head about everything.]
[He definitely doesn't like the sound of that page flipping on top of everything else that feels wrong about this.]
Nobu's right. I don't know what happened to make you come to us like this, but if it concerns the Spider, there's no way we'd keep something from you for good. What the hell's the point of that? You're our boss.
What happened no longer matters. Paku and I had a conversation and she apologized. It's forgiven.
Even so, I am... unsettled.
[...flip.]
For information to be shared... that's to be expected. I didn't go into the details of my association with that man because it was unseemly, and because no one asked. But of course Uvo would tell you. I don't care about that. But the rest...
[A deep breath. He flips the book closed.]
I could explain myself, if you asked. My priorities, my experiences, what led me to where I am - with Hisoka, or with anything else. If you asked, I wouldn't mind. I have no secrets from you, save the ones you ask me to keep. There is nothing of myself that I would hide.
So tell me. Have I done anything to justify these concerns? Have I made a misstep that I'm unaware of? Do I seem as though my priorities have shifted?
[Nobu sighs heavily, and although he still sounds calm when he begins speaking, the volume of his voice inevitably begins to raise a little.]
Boss, with all due respect...Hisoka turned his back on the Troupe. He was only ever in it for himself, and his meddling ultimately cost us Uvo and Paku! Not to mention you and your Nen, too.
[In other words, the wound Hisoka had dealt the Spider had been as grievous as the one doled out by Kurapika.]
But now you're screwing around with him? That's worrisome! Can you really hold it against us for not liking it one bit? For not understanding how you could let yourself get emotionally wrapped up in that two-faced clown?
[He'll simmer down now, but it takes a second. A breath, maybe two...and probably a little unintelligible muttering.]
Maybe...well, I for one'd like to hear you explain things. 'Cause I don't get it. But I'm trying to understand. Real hard.
[Now it's Uvo's turn to be silent for a moment. He'd certainly heard a bit of Chrollo's reasoning, having been there before any of the others (and having to drag him drunkenly away from the bar one night), but hadn't pressed the issue because he didn't consider the details much of his business.
Yet he'd filled in the others, because they should at least know what they're dealing with.
It's all the kind of messy emotional crap that had never been an issue before now, and yet...]
Don't get so rattled, Nobu... but since we're being direct, fine. I think I already made my point on what's so worrying about it. That guy's trouble, boss, and we've already had more than enough of that as it is.
Maybe we just don't understand... [maybe he's been okay just being mad and not understanding actually, but--] If you got an explanation, I'll listen.
[Chrollo takes a deep breath. Because he's willing to talk to them, and wouldn't have offered if he weren't... but it's still... tough territory. Just because of the history. And because of the landmines.
So all right, a deep breath. He steeples his fingers together, not that they can see it, and closes his eyes.]
Two points of contention.
First, it's best to stop attributing the seals on my Nen to Hisoka. He wouldn't have agreed to or been complicit in something like that.
Second, in the end, we were the instrument of our own undoing. We are, all of us, aware of our status as Class A Bounties. We're aware that of all we've done and how it hurts others, how much our heads are worth. With that in mind, it has always been our responsibility to steel ourselves so that no knife, no matter how covertly or openly brandished, could make its away through our armor. But we were arrogant, and so we exposed our own throats.
In this, we failed. I failed, as your leader, to foresee it. And I would have paid that appropriate price for that, if Paku hadn't acted against my instructions. In making that choice she failed.
In the end, I don't blame the chain-user for his actions - he sought revenge for what we did to his people. That's natural. Just as it's natural to respond in kind. That cycle never ends. Nor should it. Of course, even if I can't blame him, that doesn't mean I forgive him.
[He opens his eyes now, stares at the ceiling.]
None of which is meant to defend or excuse Hisoka. Only to contextualize my choices. Hisoka is who he is, and he acts as he does. My bargain with him - his assistance in exchange for that deathmatch he sought me out for - that reaches back farther than this place. At home, he was the only piece of my life I could contact without death, after all. And here, he was the only piece of my life that existed in this world.
[Rattled? He's not rattled! Not yet. Bristling a little, maybe. But as far as he's concerned, he has a right. Even so...he really does have an interest in the boss's explanation. He wants to know where Chrollo's coming from and thinks it should never have been sat on for this long. The Spider was always at its strongest when they were communicating with one another, after all. When the rules were respected. But now there's just...tension. And Nobu wants to see that tension gone.
First step? Doing as the boss asks and not blaming Hisoka for the loss of Chrollo's Nen. Even if Hisoka's involvement isn't unrelated. So he makes a noise of assent when opportunity arises. Reluctantly, but he does.
As for the next step? Nobu's not sure what that entails because he still doesn't get how the boss could allow himself to get so tangled with the clown. Even if they'd been the only two present here from their world for a time, or the only two either one could openly talk with...
...well, maybe that makes sense. Some. A little. They'd grown close because Chrollo hadn't had anyone else to go to, or depend on, or talk with.]
So what happens after he gets what he wants?
[That's really the big question at this point, especially with death being an impermanent state in this world. Not that it's the only question.]
[Of course now that Uvo has addressed Nobunaga for that bristling earlier, he does so himself as he listens to Chrollo's explanation.]
...Hang on. Let's get something straight first. I can buy Hisoka not wanting your nen sealed, but if you're saying you and Paku were the ones to blame for what happened to us, I can't agree with that. I'm the one who put us at risk by going after the chain-user. But she was just trying to keep things together by letting you survive that meeting.
[Okay yes the responsibility of leadership and blah blah whatever, but as far as Uvo's concerned, Paku's choice was the same as his own in the end; a sacrifice to preserve the Spider, and where would that be without keeping Chrollo alive?]
[As for the rest of it...]
Anyway.. if you're saying that clown's changed his mind about taking you out, maybe that's a different story. But how do we know if that's even the case?
I think what the boss is saying is that the blame's not something that can be pinned to a single party.
[Which, as detestable a notion as that is, makes sense. They all made their own beds, and some of them were forced to lie in them...
No one forced Hisoka to turn traitor to the Troupe and try to kill the boss; No one forced Uvo to go after Kurapika following his capture; No one forced Pakunoda to disobey Chrollo's instructions; and No one forced Chrollo to enter into a contract here with the clown.
These were all decisions they'd made on their own. Influenced, yes, by other factors, but they'd always had a say in whether they did one thing or ultimately chose to do another.]
I got the same question as Uvo, though. How can we be sure Hisoka's motivation's any different now than it was before? How can we be sure he's not gonna cost us again, when this time we really can't afford the losses?
[Truth be told, he blames himself more than anyone else. But if he says that... they'll only argue with him. He knows that even as he opens his mouth to object. Which is why he closes it again. A discussion for another time, maybe - when he's gathered his thoughts on it. So for the moment...
That's rather close to what I'm saying, yes.
And incidentally I never said he wouldn't kill me. As far as I know, that deal remains intact. But as death is impermanent, it's less concerning than it could be.
[Uvo gives a small grunt of... displeasure, maybe, but no further disagreement. Of course everyone had been responsible for their own actions, but something about how it was put still doesn't sit well with him.]
[Not that much of this does, actually, especially when it comes to their "deal".]
It's still pretty concerning to me. As far as you know, but isn't that something you should know? That's what I'm asking. And if that hasn't changed...
Nobu had the right question. What happens after he gets what he wants?
...Boss.
[The tone is almost demanding, but not harshly so. More a reminder that the uncertainty is what's worrying the rest of them rather than needing an immediate answer to the question.]
I kinda figure the impermanence could be a pro or a con.
[Depending on who wins. Not that Nobu questions whether the victor would be Chrollo or not. But even then, it's possible Hisoka would only be more determined if he lost and was given another chance. In this world, he has infinite time to strengthen himself, after all...]
So I wouldn't count it as less concerning. Not really.
[Especially when it comes to Hisoka. He so loves to do what's unexpected...]
I don't have a clear answer for that. My original intention was to cut contact with him once our arrangement had reached its end, but I... admit to being emotionally compromised. On that.
Unfortunately, I'm incapable of predicting my own future. That said...
[..... and here's the part he's not sure about saying. Because he's aware that it makes him sound hopelessly naive. But.]
I don't believe he'll cost us anyone or anything else. He has no loyalty to the three of you, but as I said, I'm not the only one who has failed to emerge unchanged.
[Hey guess what, that makes him sound hopelessly naive.]
[But then that's what they're here for, right? ...oh god help them all.]
You really believe that, huh? I just hope for his sake it's a good change. [Well, good for Chrollo and the Troupe, anyway. Who really cares if it's good for Hisoka.]
...ah, hell, boss, how'd you get mixed up in this? Couldn't you just stick to reading all day?
[Nobu'd like to hope for the best, too. He often prefers to be realistically optimistic when it involves the Troupe. But even he can't deny that the boss sounds terribly naive right now. In fact...]
I'm kind of wondering that myself. Because you sure didn't need Hisoka's help before to copy powers.
I didn't need him necessarily. But it made things easier, in a world where I knew no one and preferred to keep my head down, so to speak.
It was convenient. Besides, I--
[...honestly? He frowns.]
When I arrived, he was imprisoned. It was... disturbing to see, despite our history. In that sense, I suppose you could say each of us lessened the other's burden.
Yeah... I remember you mentioning that - this is the kind of place that can even catch up with someone like him. But I didn't think about what else that might've meant.
[Like whatever Hisoka's burdens were, for one. Or that he ever has any. It's hard to tell with him.]
[Uvo sighs again and adds, in a mutter maybe only half intended for the others-]
Could've been any one of us showing up to find him like that, but somehow it ended up being you.
[That luxury didn't accompany them when they'd been transported into this world. Though...not a lot of luxuries did. For example, they'd been separated. That was detrimental. If Chrollo hadn't been alone, or if he hadn't been the one to find Hisoka locked up...maybe they could have avoided this whole mess.
But it was Chrollo. And that explains a lot.]
So...have you actually asked him what he wants? I mean, I figure he's still gunning for your fight, but if he isn't...it'd be good to know. Wouldn't mind knowing what he'll be aiming for once he gets the fight, too. Especially if you aren't gonna be going your separate ways.
Things aren't as simple as simply asking, with him. He doesn't think clearly about his emotions, and his desires confuse him when they deviate from his norm. These things... are often confusing to me as well.
[Yes.. though Chrollo is more than capable of reading most people, Hisoka's mindset is... strange. That's part of his appeal. But it's also the reason Chrollo finds himself so flummoxed around him at times.]
Ahh, it's difficult. Asking directly would probably do very little good. That said, I do believe he would remain beside me if I allow it.
[...and probably even if he didn't, but he's not going to say that because it definitely wouldn't support his argument. So he takes a deep breath again. This is. A little thorny.]
I'll sort it out.
However, I do need to be clear: whatever else I may do or be, my essential role remains what it was. It will never interfere with us.
When it comes to the animosity between the Troupe and Hisoka... I admit I'm not surprised that it has come to blows from time to time. I asked him to keep your squabbles non-lethal, and I do believe he'll try to the best of his ability, for my sake. However, Hisoka is Hisoka, and his intentions can change from moment to moment, as can his will to follow them. I'm aware of that.
If something does come up and you can contact me, please do so. Nobu... you, more than anyone else, are aware that I can contain the situation. [In a bag if necessary.] However, if that isn't possible, I don't expect you to play victim.
If he does betray me again... that is something I would not forgive.
And if the three of you object so strenuously to him, then I --
[--he'll what? Leave Hisoka? Can he really promise that? For them, maybe. But it would hurt him. He'd resent it, and that... isn't the sort of thing he wants infecting their rapport. Then again, if he chose Hisoka over them, that would be even worse. Which means there's only one real option -- one way to deal with it in a way that would hold the bitterness at bay.
In the end, it always comes back to their own rules, after all. He laughs a little, quietly.]
--then, I suppose we'd need to flip a coin.
Of course, we would need Paku present, if it came to that.
[Of course Hisoka makes things more complicated just by being himself, of course getting a straight answer out of him would be impossible. It's too unsurprising to even be exasperated by.]
[But that suggested solution almost makes him laugh, too. Almost.]
I guess it's only fair that way.
[...and for a moment, he debates saying this, but.... hell with it.]
Speaking of Paku, why not just have her deal with Hisoka? Then we could get some real answers out of him. At least we'd know for sure where he stands.
[Sheesh. Everything is complicated with Hisoka. Always complicated and never simple. Nobunaga is getting a little tired of it. No, to be more precise, he was beyond tired a long time ago! Exasperated is a word that better fits the bill now.
Still, when the boss says he'll sort it out...Nobunaga believes him. He has no reason to doubt, and so he doesn't.]
Alright.
[...he wants to say he doubts it'd come to a coin toss. Wants to, believes in fact that it won't, but also believes Chrollo and Uvo both probably already feel the same. So it doesn't need saying. His simple agreement is enough.
As for Paku...]
Uvo's right. It's one thing with him and I, we can't really do much one way or the other to help sort out matters, and Hisoka himself, like you said, doesn't really think clearly about his emotions. But Paku should be able to tell.
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cephalothorax) wrote2015-12-16 04:57 pm
no subject
The thing is, though...he didn't say anything to the boss about their misgivings regarding the clown, and he doubts that Uvo or Paku would have, either. The plan was to figure out how involved Hisoka was with the Chain User first, wasn't it?
Ahhh, but maybe this is because of the fight with Hisoka that he'd had recently? No, wait, that didn't involve Uvo...
Troublesome, troublesome...and now his head is full of theories. Either way though, he's certain this is somehow about the clown. What else could it be? It's not as though they've made a bunch of racket and attracted attention to themselves, right?
...oh, but there was that fight with that long-haired kid that Uvo'd had. Could it actually be about that? They'd both been there, after all. And anybody who'd been nearby might have felt their energies during that little match. Given Uvo's position to watch over Gamagori, maybe picking that spot for a spar wasn't wise? Had they drawn unwanted eyes after all?]
That's not exactly direct, boss.
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unlike some people.]I'm guessing you aren't talking about loot here.
What's this about? Something happen with Paku?
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[There's the sound of a flipping book page. Which is probably a bad sign.]
If you were concerned about something, or had doubts about me... or if the Spider were wounded in some way... I would like to think it would be brought to my attention. Of course, as I am not infallible, I could easily be wrong.
Am I wrong?
no subject
You're not wrong.
[Of course he's not wrong. Always they have spoken their minds before and to one another, some of them even at inappropriate moments.
Ahem.
But there is more to it than that. They speak up when they're more certain of the ground upon which they stand. And when they're not? They stand silent.
Nobu explains...]
If we had concerns we hadn't mentioned...it'd be because we weren't sure how worth mentioning they were just yet.
[After all, Hisoka has been useful. He's also been fairly well behaved. Nobu and the others still don't trust him, but...those are still factors that can't be totally swept under the rug. Along with Chrollo's feelings for the clown. If none of those things were a concern, however? Chances are that the three legs of the Spider would have already addressed the Head about everything.]
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[He definitely doesn't like the sound of that page flipping on top of everything else that feels wrong about this.]
Nobu's right. I don't know what happened to make you come to us like this, but if it concerns the Spider, there's no way we'd keep something from you for good. What the hell's the point of that? You're our boss.
no subject
Even so, I am... unsettled.
[...flip.]
For information to be shared... that's to be expected. I didn't go into the details of my association with that man because it was unseemly, and because no one asked. But of course Uvo would tell you. I don't care about that. But the rest...
[A deep breath. He flips the book closed.]
I could explain myself, if you asked. My priorities, my experiences, what led me to where I am - with Hisoka, or with anything else. If you asked, I wouldn't mind. I have no secrets from you, save the ones you ask me to keep. There is nothing of myself that I would hide.
So tell me. Have I done anything to justify these concerns? Have I made a misstep that I'm unaware of? Do I seem as though my priorities have shifted?
I'm. Troubled.
no subject
Boss, with all due respect...Hisoka turned his back on the Troupe. He was only ever in it for himself, and his meddling ultimately cost us Uvo and Paku! Not to mention you and your Nen, too.
[In other words, the wound Hisoka had dealt the Spider had been as grievous as the one doled out by Kurapika.]
But now you're screwing around with him? That's worrisome! Can you really hold it against us for not liking it one bit? For not understanding how you could let yourself get emotionally wrapped up in that two-faced clown?
[He'll simmer down now, but it takes a second. A breath, maybe two...and probably a little unintelligible muttering.]
Maybe...well, I for one'd like to hear you explain things. 'Cause I don't get it. But I'm trying to understand. Real hard.
no subject
Yet he'd filled in the others, because they should at least know what they're dealing with.
It's all the kind of messy emotional crap that had never been an issue before now, and yet...]
Don't get so rattled, Nobu... but since we're being direct, fine. I think I already made my point on what's so worrying about it. That guy's trouble, boss, and we've already had more than enough of that as it is.
Maybe we just don't understand... [maybe he's been okay just being mad and not understanding actually, but--] If you got an explanation, I'll listen.
shh i didnt completely rewrite this at 7am.
So all right, a deep breath. He steeples his fingers together, not that they can see it, and closes his eyes.]
Two points of contention.
First, it's best to stop attributing the seals on my Nen to Hisoka. He wouldn't have agreed to or been complicit in something like that.
Second, in the end, we were the instrument of our own undoing. We are, all of us, aware of our status as Class A Bounties. We're aware that of all we've done and how it hurts others, how much our heads are worth. With that in mind, it has always been our responsibility to steel ourselves so that no knife, no matter how covertly or openly brandished, could make its away through our armor. But we were arrogant, and so we exposed our own throats.
In this, we failed. I failed, as your leader, to foresee it. And I would have paid that appropriate price for that, if Paku hadn't acted against my instructions. In making that choice she failed.
In the end, I don't blame the chain-user for his actions - he sought revenge for what we did to his people. That's natural. Just as it's natural to respond in kind. That cycle never ends. Nor should it. Of course, even if I can't blame him, that doesn't mean I forgive him.
[He opens his eyes now, stares at the ceiling.]
None of which is meant to defend or excuse Hisoka. Only to contextualize my choices. Hisoka is who he is, and he acts as he does. My bargain with him - his assistance in exchange for that deathmatch he sought me out for - that reaches back farther than this place. At home, he was the only piece of my life I could contact without death, after all. And here, he was the only piece of my life that existed in this world.
no subject
First step? Doing as the boss asks and not blaming Hisoka for the loss of Chrollo's Nen. Even if Hisoka's involvement isn't unrelated. So he makes a noise of assent when opportunity arises. Reluctantly, but he does.
As for the next step? Nobu's not sure what that entails because he still doesn't get how the boss could allow himself to get so tangled with the clown. Even if they'd been the only two present here from their world for a time, or the only two either one could openly talk with...
...well, maybe that makes sense. Some. A little. They'd grown close because Chrollo hadn't had anyone else to go to, or depend on, or talk with.]
So what happens after he gets what he wants?
[That's really the big question at this point, especially with death being an impermanent state in this world. Not that it's the only question.]
/oops interrupts here
That begs the question of what he wants. I'm not the only one who has found themselves affected.
WOW RUDE~~
...Hang on. Let's get something straight first. I can buy Hisoka not wanting your nen sealed, but if you're saying you and Paku were the ones to blame for what happened to us, I can't agree with that. I'm the one who put us at risk by going after the chain-user. But she was just trying to keep things together by letting you survive that meeting.
[Okay yes the responsibility of leadership and blah blah whatever, but as far as Uvo's concerned, Paku's choice was the same as his own in the end; a sacrifice to preserve the Spider, and where would that be without keeping Chrollo alive?]
[As for the rest of it...]
Anyway.. if you're saying that clown's changed his mind about taking you out, maybe that's a different story. But how do we know if that's even the case?
no subject
[Which, as detestable a notion as that is, makes sense. They all made their own beds, and some of them were forced to lie in them...
No one forced Hisoka to turn traitor to the Troupe and try to kill the boss;
No one forced Uvo to go after Kurapika following his capture;
No one forced Pakunoda to disobey Chrollo's instructions; and
No one forced Chrollo to enter into a contract here with the clown.
These were all decisions they'd made on their own. Influenced, yes, by other factors, but they'd always had a say in whether they did one thing or ultimately chose to do another.]
I got the same question as Uvo, though. How can we be sure Hisoka's motivation's any different now than it was before? How can we be sure he's not gonna cost us again, when this time we really can't afford the losses?
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That's rather close to what I'm saying, yes.
And incidentally I never said he wouldn't kill me. As far as I know, that deal remains intact. But as death is impermanent, it's less concerning than it could be.
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[Not that much of this does, actually, especially when it comes to their "deal".]
It's still pretty concerning to me. As far as you know, but isn't that something you should know? That's what I'm asking. And if that hasn't changed...
Nobu had the right question. What happens after he gets what he wants?
...Boss.
[The tone is almost demanding, but not harshly so. More a reminder that the uncertainty is what's worrying the rest of them rather than needing an immediate answer to the question.]
no subject
[Depending on who wins. Not that Nobu questions whether the victor would be Chrollo or not. But even then, it's possible Hisoka would only be more determined if he lost and was given another chance. In this world, he has infinite time to strengthen himself, after all...]
So I wouldn't count it as less concerning. Not really.
[Especially when it comes to Hisoka. He so loves to do what's unexpected...]
Anyway, what happens then?
no subject
Unfortunately, I'm incapable of predicting my own future. That said...
[..... and here's the part he's not sure about saying. Because he's aware that it makes him sound hopelessly naive. But.]
I don't believe he'll cost us anyone or anything else. He has no loyalty to the three of you, but as I said, I'm not the only one who has failed to emerge unchanged.
no subject
[But then that's what they're here for, right? ...oh god help them all.]
You really believe that, huh? I just hope for his sake it's a good change. [Well, good for Chrollo and the Troupe, anyway. Who really cares if it's good for Hisoka.]
...ah, hell, boss, how'd you get mixed up in this? Couldn't you just stick to reading all day?
no subject
I'm kind of wondering that myself. Because you sure didn't need Hisoka's help before to copy powers.
no subject
It was convenient. Besides, I--
[...honestly? He frowns.]
When I arrived, he was imprisoned. It was... disturbing to see, despite our history. In that sense, I suppose you could say each of us lessened the other's burden.
no subject
Yeah... I remember you mentioning that - this is the kind of place that can even catch up with someone like him. But I didn't think about what else that might've meant.
[Like whatever Hisoka's burdens were, for one. Or that he ever has any. It's hard to tell with him.]
[Uvo sighs again and adds, in a mutter maybe only half intended for the others-]
Could've been any one of us showing up to find him like that, but somehow it ended up being you.
no subject
Yeah, it's not as though we don't exist here.
[That luxury didn't accompany them when they'd been transported into this world. Though...not a lot of luxuries did. For example, they'd been separated. That was detrimental. If Chrollo hadn't been alone, or if he hadn't been the one to find Hisoka locked up...maybe they could have avoided this whole mess.
But it was Chrollo. And that explains a lot.]
So...have you actually asked him what he wants? I mean, I figure he's still gunning for your fight, but if he isn't...it'd be good to know. Wouldn't mind knowing what he'll be aiming for once he gets the fight, too. Especially if you aren't gonna be going your separate ways.
no subject
[Yes.. though Chrollo is more than capable of reading most people, Hisoka's mindset is... strange. That's part of his appeal. But it's also the reason Chrollo finds himself so flummoxed around him at times.]
Ahh, it's difficult. Asking directly would probably do very little good. That said, I do believe he would remain beside me if I allow it.
[...and probably even if he didn't, but he's not going to say that because it definitely wouldn't support his argument. So he takes a deep breath again. This is. A little thorny.]
I'll sort it out.
However, I do need to be clear: whatever else I may do or be, my essential role remains what it was. It will never interfere with us.
When it comes to the animosity between the Troupe and Hisoka... I admit I'm not surprised that it has come to blows from time to time. I asked him to keep your squabbles non-lethal, and I do believe he'll try to the best of his ability, for my sake. However, Hisoka is Hisoka, and his intentions can change from moment to moment, as can his will to follow them. I'm aware of that.
If something does come up and you can contact me, please do so. Nobu... you, more than anyone else, are aware that I can contain the situation. [In a bag if necessary.] However, if that isn't possible, I don't expect you to play victim.
If he does betray me again... that is something I would not forgive.
And if the three of you object so strenuously to him, then I --
[--he'll what? Leave Hisoka? Can he really promise that? For them, maybe. But it would hurt him. He'd resent it, and that... isn't the sort of thing he wants infecting their rapport. Then again, if he chose Hisoka over them, that would be even worse. Which means there's only one real option -- one way to deal with it in a way that would hold the bitterness at bay.
In the end, it always comes back to their own rules, after all. He laughs a little, quietly.]
--then, I suppose we'd need to flip a coin.
Of course, we would need Paku present, if it came to that.
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[But that suggested solution almost makes him laugh, too. Almost.]
I guess it's only fair that way.
[...and for a moment, he debates saying this, but.... hell with it.]
Speaking of Paku, why not just have her deal with Hisoka? Then we could get some real answers out of him. At least we'd know for sure where he stands.
Or is that off-limits, too?
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Still, when the boss says he'll sort it out...Nobunaga believes him. He has no reason to doubt, and so he doesn't.]
Alright.
[...he wants to say he doubts it'd come to a coin toss. Wants to, believes in fact that it won't, but also believes Chrollo and Uvo both probably already feel the same. So it doesn't need saying. His simple agreement is enough.
As for Paku...]
Uvo's right. It's one thing with him and I, we can't really do much one way or the other to help sort out matters, and Hisoka himself, like you said, doesn't really think clearly about his emotions. But Paku should be able to tell.
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