maskormenacelogs | Pick a card, any card. [OPEN]

Entry tags:

Pick a card, any card. [OPEN]

WHO: Hisoka and YOU
WHERE: Various
WHEN: Throughout October
WHAT: Various, October Catch-all, can be at prompts given or plotted out and placed here, if you'd like to plot out with me, just private message this journal and we'll get to it!
WARNINGS: Violence, sexual themes.

Prompts below cut. More may be added over time.

General Opening

He's possibly in the most foul mood he's been since arriving here. Which is saying something. While Hisoka can be a treachery, he's usually on the happy side. Being in a foul mood is rare for him, but in this case, not without good reason. He's just not used to dealing with emotional distress, the extent of what he is used to is usually just sour disappointment. But even that fixes itself quickly. This? This is different. And instead of being able to change it or help it out of his system, he knows he's to blame for it at all.

How annoying.

But instead of dwell on things he certainly doesn't want to, he'd rather fill his time, and he has a few ways in mind already. Some promises, and a new job that he's actually a little excited for, even with how rather mundane it would be. But it'd be a good way to keep occupied, if nothing else. And that wasn't all, he knew he had some people to call should he really wish to.

A - Heropa - Night Moves

Ah, dark, but then it's pretty late and a cloudy night. There's really no light to speak of with what of the moon is there, if it's there, covered by the clouds in the dark sky. Same with the stars. So all there really is are street lights and the occasional car. But it's not too busy either. Late night, the sort of time that holds a silence to it, even with the few cars still out. The people out on the street, it's hard to say why they're there, why you're there. Maybe you or they- maybe you got caught up at work, maybe you fell asleep at a friends for too long. Maybe you just wanted to be outside for a bit and your walk lasted longer than expected.

But you're there, and it's dark.

Not a lot further to walk, but you know you can cut through some alleys, and really they're not too dark with the street lights on either side. So you wait till you find one where no one's around because you're not an idiot- or maybe you just take the next one.

The alley's a lot darker once you step into it. And as you walk, you hear... more footsteps. A second set? Behind you- you know you do. But as soon as you're sure you hear them, they're suddenly gone. You can't hear them anymore, but you're sure they were there.

What do you do?

B - Heropa - Lucky Cat Café [Weekday mornings, except Friday]

Well, he took the job because this place is owned by Cass. That and he wanted to fill up some more of his time. He figured he could just quit if it really proved to not be amusing enough, but he didn't think the novelty would fade that quickly. So he might as well try? And if the novelty did start to fade well surely he could make his own fun for a while too.

But some days into the job and he's not as sure. First of all, the t-shirt he has to wear as part of the uniform is not his thing... It's a bit tight in the shoulders and chest and over all is just boring. At least with his suits he could be a bit more playful. And he's sure not going to wear that baseball cap, and doesn't, keeping his hair a bright pink but usually not slicking it back for this job. Well, the shirt's more comfortable compared to the suits for the casino- at least there's that.

Still it's definitely something to see Hisoka in such a place, well working there anyway. He usually keeps to the register but sometimes walks out to bring food and drinks to customers when they're dining in. Depending on if you know him or not, this might be quite the service, or really, it's just weird enough to see it in general without anything in particular happening.

So either you see him at the register, or you've sat down and are waiting for your food or drink to be brought to you. It'll be Hisoka there, and it's hard to say what mischief he might spark up depending on who you are, or the impression you give. But hey, it IS kind of nice to be served in a cafe by a pretty nice looking guy, right? At least there's that, and he's really not afraid to flirt either.

B2 - Heropa - Lucky Cat Café [Weekday mornings, except Friday]

Or maybe- you're 'lucky' enough to catch him on his break. But he won't be doing much aside from sitting at one of the tables with something sweet to eat infront of him. Hisoka's always been known to like company though. Why not join him? As someone he knows or not.

Or ignore him and walk past-

Well, try to walk past. For some reason, your foot sticks to the ground right as you try to walk past his table.

There's an awkward pause and Hisoka slowly turns to look up to you with a slightly confused look on his face. Of course it's a lie, he's the reason you're stuck there at all! But he's pretending like he hasn't a clue.

"Did you need something?" A smile, setting his chin on a hand. "Or are you trying to say hello?"

C - Maurtia Falls - Drink up

Well, you did have a drink. You came to this bar not long ago and are pretty sure you only got a couple sips in, not the whole glass. So where is it? Some looking around and you'll notice whatever you were drinking is being picked up by someone else now. A man with bright pink hair in a white and light blue suit.

He smiles to you, picking up and tipping the glass back despite it definitely not being his own. How rude. Just get your own drink, jackoff.

"Hm?" A thoughtful look over to you. He'll lick his lips, tilting his head a little, and offer a small smile.

"What? Is there a reason you're sitting way over there?" Come to think of it- even if that drink DOES look like yours, how did it get all the way over there to this guy? Wouldn't you have seen him get up and come over and take it?

Wildcard - Make your own

If none of the above prompts appeal to you but you'd like to play out something with Hisoka, feel free to just make something up and post it in here! I'll follow along no problem. Hisoka's pretty active and everywhere so it's likely he'll get into all sorts of situations.

If you want to play something with me and aren't sure about what though, just message Hisoka's journal and I'd love to work out something with you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[How Greys gaze softens when he sees Hisoka isn't looked past, he notices and his smile quirks a little higher in reaction. A twinkle settles in his eye when he notices the words too, intrigued. He leans in a little, peering close at his cheek before looking up to his eyes and smiles, his own eyes going slim.]

I am. Are you unable to speak?

[Said curiously as he stands straight again, not at all afraid to appease his own curiosity with questions. Though that would already be apparent to Grey from their last conversation.]

[ Grey doesn't move back with Hisoka approaches. His idea of what constitutes personal space doesn't really match with most people's, and this doesn't feel like an intrusion to him. He only reacts to the question, by tilting his head and then lifting his shoulders.

No, he can't speak. No, he doesn't know why.

But then he holds out his arms, bare aside from the places where the rolled up sleeves of his shirt have covered them. Tattoos are scattered across his skin, all around his arms and his wrists. His shirt is open, and Hisoka will see that there are more tattoos there, as if he's used his own body as a writing board.

The Porter, of course, has literally made that possible. Fresh words appear on his cheek. ]

i speak like this
is this ok ?

i can text .

[ Hisoka will know that already, of course. Grey doesn't mind doing what's comfortable for people. If his tattoos disconcert them, he'll find another way. ]

[When shown that Hisoka looks him over, still a little close but this man doesn't seem to mind. He'll eventually step back though, looking him over from a more common distance, smiling before he finally looks back up to his eyes.]

It's okay. How interesting. Could you always do this? Do those words appear where ever you want them to?

[A thoughtful look, raising his head.]

Is it just words you can make? And only on yourself?

[ Grey nods. He'll continue, then.

That questions makes him hold out his arms, which are covered in tattoos. They don't move, like the ones on his cheek. Some are phrases and some are names; the majority are simple words, like 'food' or 'friend' or 'die'. ]

i had these
the porter made ones that move

[ Not quite true, but it's the only way Grey knows how to explain his power. He pushes his shirt further apart, exposing more skin, and then as he makes fresh tattoos, they move across his chest. ]

they can go anywhere on me
only on me .

and there is this .

[ The words stop, and in their place, a picture starts to appear on Grey's chest. It's a flower - a rose, yellow, and with petals that curl as though they're real. This is a rose drawn from memory. The ink inside reflects exactly what's on his mind. ]

[Words to point to in order to communicate he imagines. What do you want? Food? Who is that? Friend? That sort, simple but effective. He wonders if it's merely another language he knows or something else. Did his tongue work? Did he have a tongue in there at all?]

Ah, may I? [Said as he reaches out with a hand, fingers extended, barely any space away from Grey's chest but not touching it just yet. How interesting... he really likes looking at it. A near useless ability for others possibly, but so useful for him and just... visually appealing as well. He wants to touch at that skin, feel it it's raised at all like tattoos often do. If it feels different, hotter, colder, if the picture will some how extend onto his skin. Countless questions as he stares, waiting for an answer.]

[ Grey shrugs, and nods. He doesn't mind; he really doesn't have the same boundaries as most people.

If Hisoka touches, the tattoo will feel like the rest of his skin; warm, flushed, but no more so than the rest of him. All that can be felt are the raised bumps of the static tattoos, and the roughness of the skin mottled by scars. His chest has two; a slash over his left breast and one that's smaller, and deeper, in the middle.

He holds the picture in place for as long as he can. Eventually, it will fade away, the colours rippling as though they're sinking back beneath his skin. Words are easier; he uses them more often. Grey watches Hisoka closely throughout this. His shoulders are tense and there's wariness in his frame. He's confused, but pliant. ]

do you like them ?

[ The words don't appear on his cheek, but follow wherever Hisoka's fingers have gone. ]

[The nod results in a smile from Hisoka and he'll push his hand closer, his nails gently scratching over him first before he tilts his hand and smooths his fingers and palm over that spot. Over skin, scars, tattoos. He feels where that picture is but it's like an image projected on him, it feels no different there than what it feels like to slide his hand down closer to his stomach. His own touch is warm, human, and he'll pull back after a short time and nod back finally.]

I do.

[Chuckling softly under his breath, intrigued by how they trail after his fingers, those words. Endearing, definitely.]

Something like this, it must be useful for you. It gives you quite the look.

[ Grey doesn't move, except to shiver a little when that hand floats near his stomach. That tickles, Hisoka.

Still, he allows it, and hesitates when Hisoka speaks. The pause only lasts for a second or two, but Grey nods, and then lifts his shoulder. His gestures back up towards his cheek. ]

i need it
this world is bigger than these

[ At this he holds out his arms again, meaning his static tattoos. Those simple words and phrases had been enough, in a place where nothing was ever different or new, and where the people had known Grey well enough to read sentences in his silent expression. ]

[His smile spreads a little wider, noticing that shiver, though he doesn't ply at him anymore with his fingers. He'll even step back to give the young man some space. Eyes one him, he'll continue to drink him in, Hisoka being rather good at keeping his attention on someone when he means to His gaze might even feel like it has weight sometimes.]

Hm.

[Than these... He gazes down at his arms, then up again.]

The world you knew before, it was that small? How sad to hear...

[ Hisoka is a very strange sort of person, Grey decides. He doesn't so much feel looked at as scrutinised. It makes him want to step back and blend with the crowd, except that there's no crowd to blend into. He is not used to this sort of attention.

Still, he doesn't quail beneath it. His shoulders stay tense, and his jaw remains tight. The question of whether they're still fighting lingers in his mind, unasked. He's wary.

But he answers. ]

it was a train
everything else was dead .
i knew everyone
everyone knew me
i didnt need so many words .

[ There's a large part of him that misses that, too. He doesn't miss the Train, or its conditions, or how hard life was. But he misses the people, his people. Things were simpler there. ]

that interests you ?

[ Why? Why does Grey interest Hisoka? This man is colourful and imaginative, gentle and surprisingly intimidating. Grey doesn't see why his life would even rate as entertainment for someone like this. ]

Mm~

[A smile, reading those words. How strange it is to speak and not be verbally responded to, but he finds it an enjoyable and novel experience.]

You interest me.

[But for how long, that's the question. This man, Grey, a fish from a small fish tan, but how big a fish he's not sure yet. Considering how small his world was, a train, was his ability something to be interested in at all? Would be be disappointed? Perhaps. He's sure he won't really impress him as far a skill goes, but that's not what he's really looking for. After all-

Grey is young.

Should he stay here long, he'll remain alive, won't he? And he'll have time to improve. So his skill right now isn't Hisoka's concern. What IS his concern is his potential. How much greater could he be? And what what sort of intensity in his eyes? Does this man always fight like his life is on the line now, even when it's obvious it's not? Or is he merely getting his hopes up?]

[Eventually, as a few thoughtful moments pass and that smile almost eerie sinks into Grey's mind and glues there, Hisoka will turn, starting to walk away.]

Shall we then?

[ But why? Grey doesn't understand. The fact that he doesn't understand is etched on his face, in his expression, which hides nothing. Hisoka's whole presence is strange to him. What is behind all of that makeup? Why does he smile like that? Why does he ask so many questions, while answering so little himself? Why does he dress in so many layers of beauty?

Why does he smile like that?

He walks, and Grey is already following. He nods his answer. In moving he is almost entirely silent, his feet barely making a sound. His body moves lightly, and quickly. He looks like he's ready to flee, but he never does.

There's a part of him that's anticipating, that's keen. He wants to understand this strange man, Hisoka. He reaches to touch his shoulder, wanting his attention back. ]

after
will you tell me of your world ?

[Hisoka certainly has that mysterious way about him, it's true. Not often does he talk about himself and much of the time when he DOES, it's not something you really want to hear anyway. But otherwise- much of his past sits in mystery, and he's not really looking to share. You certainly have to be the right type of individual, and someone he's invested much in for you to learn much of anything of this man's past.]

[He's investing enough though, in Grey, to give him his time for now. He doesn't flinch at being touched either. In some instances he'd take offense (though not really, only enough to justify making a scene), but this one he's understanding. He turns, his gaze down, over those words, then back up to Grey's eyes again, walking still at a casual pace.]

If you ask, I might. We'll just have to see.

[ Grey follows him. He has no idea where he's going, and his eyes dart quickly around the streets they're passing. He's committing this route to memory, just in case he has to walk back alone. He has no idea what Hisoka's plans are after this.

He has no idea of who Hisoka even is, not really.

But if he's permitted, he will change that. He doesn't seem to mind the less than certain answer. Grey accepts it, and remains a silent companion. Only when they've left the porter building in the distance does he over his skin again - this time the palm of his left hand. ]

where are we going ?

[A glance to that hand, then forward again.]

Somewhere more fitting for our duel. We're still going to fight, aren't we?

[ Grey nods. Hisoka called it a duel. He turns that word over in his head, wondering what makes that different from a straight fight.

No doubt he’ll find out. Withdrawing his hand, he’s content to follow. Hisoka will show him where. ]

[Grey will be privy to a scenic route to the 'run down' part of Maurtia Falls. This area's on the industrial side but is a lot less used now than it had been. Many of the buildings are without light or life, they stand tall along empty, dirty streets. At least the area isn't populated though, it shows Hisoka's not really interested in getting other people accidentally involved- though it could also imply more sinister reasons he'd want them alone too.]

[For now though, he's quiet, calm it seems too, walking with a light saunter that some how is with barely any sounds from his heels.]

[Past buildings, over cracked sidewalks, he leads him into dreary and dark edifice by edifice, scoping out an appropriate stage. He's only decided on the relative location after all, not the exact.]

I assume you fight hand to hand?

[ Grey carefully maps out each place they pass. There’s anxiety for him in this, being so far from home and feeling unconvinced about finding his way back. He beats the feeling down.

When they stop, finally, his eyes flick around the location. Concrete, lots of high walls. Not many trees. Paving, though, and brickwork. Pipes on the outside of buildings. Grey takes note of all of that. His stage is never just the ground he walks on, it’s everything. Walls to ceiling, if there is one, to anything that overhangs.

At the question, he nods. Then he whips his knife from its hiding place, at the small of his back. He flips it over in his hands, catching the hilt again, and he holds it out. His eyebrows lift up, asking a silent question.

Hand to hand, yes. Weapons too, if Hisoka likes. It’s up to him; this is his bout, he can set the terms. ]

[Hisoka won't move at a pace that makes it difficult to remember the route, he doesn't really care if Grey retains it, he's not looking to get him lost.]

[Hisoka gives a glance back to him at the sound of that movement, eyes flicking to the knife and he smiles.]

Would you prefer that? I don't mind either, it's up to you- though I'd rather see you at your best.

[ Grey’s best involves both, he thinks. It’s a mixture of movements and use of the knife, it’s speed and agility and strength at the last moment.

By way of answer, he flicks the knife upwards, making it spin, and then he catches it again, bounces it to his other hand, and holds it at the ready. He gives Hisoka a tiny smile and nods. He’ll keep it.

Then he moves, sliding his jacket off his shoulders to leave him bare-chested. His pants are close-fitting enough that they won’t flap, but loose enough to let him move. This is all he needs. Throwing the jacket aside, he relaxes into an easy, ready stance, and he nods.

Your move is first, Hisoka. ]

[Hisoka's eyes glint, giving him a sly smile in response. So be it then, he doesn't mind. He'll move to lift a hand, flicking up a playing card of all things, and passes it between his fingers a few times before he starts walking again. The card stays in his hand, twiddling it slowly between his fingers as he walks.]

[He'll eventually opt to stay in a larger alley between two buildings, a sort of lot- though abandoned like a good majority of the places here. It's then when Grey's jacket is thrown aside and Hisoka's happy to see it. Slowly his eyes trail up the other man's form and he feels a sort of tingling set under his skin near his shoulders.]

[Not a word when he starts, it's obvious with how Grey waits he'd like Hisoka to go first. And when he does it's fast, whipping himself forward and striking a fast swipe with that card of all things. But will it cut Grey? Grey won't know unless he lets it, unless Hisoka is really just using a regular card? Hard to say, better dodge- unless you're too slow, Grey. Hisoka isn't pushing himself too hard, though he hardly needs to to make an impression on this man.]

[ Grey has never seen anyone fight with a card before. When it's removed his eyes flick to it, uncertain and confused, because it hardly seems a match for a knife.

Hisoka, however, is not someone to be judged so quickly. The sheer strangeness of his weapon of choice is enough to make Grey wary. But in the end, it doesn't matter what Hisoka's actually holding. Grey dodges anyway, turning on the ball of one foot and planting his other against the alley wall beside him. He feels a rush of air as the card skates past his chest. A second later, he's coiling back on his leg and launching himself around behind Hisoka. He lands in a crouch, and sweeps out towards Hisoka's legs with his own knife.

He's not expecting that to connect. He'll be moving again as soon as the sweep is complete, his main aim being not to let Hisoka take hold of him. The rest, he'll play by ear. In all of this he is utterly silent, even managing to land quietly. He's after all used to balancing in environments much more rocky than this. ]

[Grey slides past him through the air, his body on ice and Hisoka's growing in heat. There's finesse there, and passion, he watches Grey to continue upwards from the bar he's already setting up himself.]

[The young man moves past him, a dodge he's already proud of and the cut he leaves on Grey's chest isn't that of a knife. It's only due to Grey's speed that a paper cut traces past his pectorals for Hisoka hasn't altered this card at all. On most occasions in this world he never uses a card at all in a spar, and while he is here- he's not being completely honest. He could very well make that card steel hard and sharp, but it's nothing more than and ordinary card right now. Grey may realize that later, but despite the lack of danger still Grey acts with such ability and urgency.]

[The swipe of a knife behind him misses as Grey suspects. Hisoka is fast to almost teeter forward like some drunk vagrant, barely missing the knife. It's perfectly executed but seems almost lazy in how he moves. A lean forward, crouching low and sort of dragging himself through the before like lightning he spins around in place, leaping up. Spins and whips an arm towards him, aiming to use the noncard wielding hand in a dense, heavy punch to Grey's face as he turns around in place like some human shaped spring.]

[ The way Hisoka moves is more than a little impressive. Grey is fast, shifting his weight rapidly from one foot to the other, but he's not this fast. Again, he tries to dodge. He means to, but the blow glances off the side of his jaw and sends him reeling back, unbalanced.

For a moment he sees stars. In that moment, he reacts instinctively - crouching again, dropping a hand to the ground for balance and stability, and then fixing his eyes on Hisoka. He shakes his head quickly as though to clear it and then leaps sideways, pushing his foot against the side of the building again. This time he leaps straight to the other side, rebounds off it, and moves up in this way until he can grab hold of a metal bar attached to one of the fire escapes. He swings from it, aiming to drop himself down on top of Hisoka. His other hand holds his knife, ready to bring it down as he lands. ]

[The way he moves feels inhuman, it feels both like the wind and heavy earth. He's sure footed and at the same time bends and twists like rubber, like a polished man weaving in step and thrusting himself, at his opponent. Training his body and mind to use his Nen the way he does means he's become something else, and he's devoted his entire life to it now. to fighting, to being better than he was a year ago, over and over.]

[Just barely his fist clips him, watching Grey duck down and acts just as quickly. He lands, using his hands on the ground to better cement him there and pushes up again, sweeping his leg around in a circle to hack at Grey's ankles. He misses this kick as Grey leaps away, but that shake of his head slowed Grey down enough for Hisoka's foot to clip his feet as he leap to the side. Not enough to make him fall, but enough to hand Grey's bound to the wall be less sure footed. Hopefully it slows him down enough to give Hisoka more time to pull away. He'll dodge back from where Grey comes down on him, but this time he leaves something on the ground.]

[Grey won't see it, the pink aura Hisoka leaves behind there. It'll stick to Grey's feet but it won't glue him in place. It'll connect his feet like an invisible strand without him feeling it or knowing of it at all- until Hisoka does something with it anyway. He's still not sure if he wants to use his Nen in this fight, but he likes to leave things just in case- even if he only uses it for some joke or gag later.]

[He dodges, leaving that puddle of invisible Bungee Gum, he'll flip back onto his hands once and land again on his feet facing him before suddenly jolting to Grey in a sprint. A punch will aim to Grey's shoulder, and a second one to his lower side, the second one will have the card in hand too, so perhaps it'll hurt more-?

Or not.]

[He imagines Grey will put priority on the card with a hand though, so he puts more strength in the first punch. Most likely, Grey will assume something is up with the second punch and that card, so he'll opt for the first punch instead, possibly using the force of that hit to help him dodge out of the way of that punch with the card.]

[That's the plan anyway, he's seeing if he can read him.]

Haha aight, wicked.

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sorry for the delay!

Sokay

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