Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Zeno Zoldyck lay on a bed as old as he was, its creaks and groans echoing the slow decay of his bones. He was closer to death now than ever before, and he welcomed it with the quiet dignity of a man who had lived far too long.

The fireplace crackled softly, its warm light dancing across the dark, floral wallpaper. Shadows flickered, curling like smoke around the portrait of his late wife mounted above the hearth. Her serene smile seemed to glow in the firelight. Soon, he would join her, together again, this time for eternity.

He turned slowly, his breath shallow, his gaze resting on the only soul in the house with him, his caretaker, his grandson. The only one who had bothered to be here in his final hours.

“And for my very special grandson… Illumi,” Zeno rasped, voice brittle but still sharp, “I want you to have this sealed envelope.”

Illumi stepped forward, silent, his pale eyes reflecting the flames. As he reached for the envelope, his expression twitched with curiosity, his fingers twitching as though to tear it open.

“No, no… Don’t open it yet. Have patience,” Zeno murmured.

Illumi paused, confused, but obedient. He clutched the envelope close, waiting for his grandfather’s next words.

“Now, listen closely,” Zeno continued, voice barely above a whisper. “There will come a day when you feel crushed by the burden of modern life… when your bright spirit begins to fade into a growing emptiness. When that happens, my boy… you’ll be ready for this gift.”

Illumi blinked slowly. He didn’t fully understand, but something in his grandfather’s tone made his chest ache. As if sensing time slipping away, he reached out and gently took Zeno’s hand.

A silent farewell. .

“Now, let Grandpa rest....” Zeno. whispered with a soft smile, eyes closing as peace settled over him like a blanket.

He had said all he needed to say. Soon, he would see her again.

The clack of keyboards had filled the room for hours. The rows of identical office cubicles did little to help air circulation, each box a trap of stagnant heat, only bearable thanks to the steady sweat of overworked bodies keeping things functional.

Illumi sank deeper into his chair, shoulders slumped, eyes fixed on the glaring message on his screen.

SYSTEM ERROR!

Again.

There was nothing wrong with the file. The problem was the company’s ancient, barely functional equipment. They demanded so much and gave so little in return. The salary was hardly enough to cover one person’s monthly expenses.

A voice barked behind him, his boss, berating another unfortunate coworker for something the company’s faulty software had caused. Illumi didn’t flinch. He’d seen this scene play out countless times.

He leaned forward and restarted his computer, forehead coming to rest against the cool surface of the desk. Just a few more hours. Just a few more years. Just—

Ping!

A message lit up his phone screen.

‘Illuu~ when will you be home? Don’t forget to buy that pizza from our favorite place for dinner~’

Illumi groaned into the desk.

“The least he could do is pick up the damn pizza himself,” he muttered.

In this modern age, Hisoka still found a way to make everything into a game, even grocery runs.

But alas, Illumi still bought the pizza and returned to their shared apartment.

Surprisingly, the place was just as neat as when he’d left it that morning. Not a cushion out of place.

The man on the sofa, however, was a different story.

Hisoka was lounging dramatically, a green face mask smeared across his skin and cucumber slices perched over his eyes. He peeled one off lazily, then smiled when he saw Illumi.

Turning around on the sofa like a lazy cat, he beamed. “Welcome home, darlinggg~ How was work?”

Illumi scoffed, placing the pizza box on the counter with a little more force than necessary. “I should be asking you that. Did you get any calls yet?”

Hisoka immediately pouted, pulling off the other cucumber slice and flicking it onto a napkin. “Well, it seems no one these days appreciates a beautiful fighter in MMA anymore.”

Illumi rolled his eyes as he slipped off his suit jacket and carefully folded it before dropping it into the laundry basket.

“Yeah, you should have applied to a drag queen contest instead. Make-up artists, hair stylists, and boutique owners would adore you.”

Hisoka gasped like he’d just been slapped, placing a hand dramatically over his heart as he stood up from the sofa. “Illuu~ how dare you! Self-care is a need, not a hobby.”

He sauntered over to the counter, peeling the rest of the mask from his cheek with practiced flair. “Fighting? Now that is my passion. But moisturizing? That’s survival.” He winked. “Besides, I only pamper others when they’ve been very good... Maybe even you... if you behave tonight~”

A napkin hit him square in the face.

“Clean your stupid mask off first before eating,” Illumi snapped. “I’m not having dinner with a fucking salad face in front of me.”

Hisoka peeled the napkin off with a giggle and dramatically tossed it aside. “Oh, you wound me, my love. But fine, fine—anything to make my Illumi happy.” He twirled away, humming as he made his way to the sink, washing off the remnants of his skincare with a content sigh.

Illumi sat down, already pulling a slice from the box. “If you actually land a job sometime this decade, maybe I’ll consider letting you pick the toppings.”

“Please,” Hisoka called from the kitchen sink, “the job market is brutal, and I’m far too unique for the average hiring manager to understand. Besides,” he added, poking his freshly clean face around the corner, “isn’t being your eye candy and full-time source of chaos enough of a career?”

Illumi didn’t respond right away. He just took a bite of his pizza, chewed, and muttered, “Barely.”

But there was the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips.

Later that night, the apartment was quiet, the soft hum of the city outside their window barely audible.

Hisoka sat cross-legged on the bed, gently brushing Illumi’s long black hair with slow, steady strokes. He’d already separated a few strands and started braiding them, humming a lullaby he probably made up on the spot. Both of them were already in their pajamas—Hisoka’s covered in ridiculous cartoon hearts, Illumi’s plain and dark, as always.

Then Illumi spoke, calm but serious.

“Hisoka. I’ve been thinking of quitting my job at Joja.”

Hisoka’s hands froze mid-braid.

“Huh? Did you really think it through?” he asked, his tone playful but not mocking this time.

Illumi turned slightly to look at him. “Yeah. That company sucks.”

Hisoka stared at him, unblinking. “You do realize you’re our only source of income, right? If you quit... what will happen to us?”

Illumi hesitated, lowering his gaze to the blanket. His hands fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve. He didn’t answer right away, because for a moment, he didn’t know.

But then something stirred in his memory.

“When that happens, my boy. you’ll be ready for this gift”

His grandfather’s words echoed in his mind like they had waited patiently for this exact moment. The thought struck him like a jolt of lightning.

He turned again, this time with a newfound hope in his eyes. “My grandpa left me an envelope.”

Hisoka blinked. “Huh?”

Illumi didn’t answer. He immediately slid off the bed and crouched beside it, pulling out an old box labeled with a simple sticker: Childhood Stuff. He opened it carefully, digging through old toys, photos, and a few faded books.

There, tucked in the corner beneath a cloth was the envelope. Still sealed. Still waiting.

He stared at it for a moment, fingers brushing over the edges like it was some kind of ancient relic.

“Is that it?” Hisoka asked, now leaning over the edge of the bed, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Illumi didn’t speak. He sat down on the floor and finally, after all these years, broke the seal.

Inside the envelope was a single piece of paper, folded neatly. No check. No instructions. Just a letter.

Hisoka tilted his head and squinted dramatically. “Oh? Did your grandfather leave you a check that’ll last us forever?”

Illumi shook his head slowly. “No... it’s a letter.”

He unfolded the page. The handwriting was neat, old-fashioned. Hisoka leaned in slightly as Illumi began to read aloud.

Dear Illumi,

If you're reading this, you must be in dire need of a change.

The same thing happened to me, long ago. I’d lost sight of what mattered most in life… real connections with other people and with nature. So I dropped everything and moved to the place I truly belong.

I’ve enclosed the deed to that place… my pride and joy, Zoldyck Farm . It’s located in Stardew Valley, on the southern coast. It’s the perfect place to start your new life.

This was my most precious gift of all, and now it’s yours. I know you’ll honor the family name, my boy. Good luck.

Love, Grandpa

P.S. If Lewis is still alive, say hi to the old guy for me, will ya?

Illumi stared at the letter in silence.

Hisoka blinked, then let out a low whistle. “Well, well… Looks like your grandpa gave you a whole farm. How retro.” He grinned, leaning closer. “Did you know he even had a farm?”

Illumi shook his head again. “I don’t know… He passed away when I was little.”

“Well? Are you going to take that place?” Hisoka asked, curious now.

Illumi stayed quiet, staring down at the letter. “…I’m not sure yet.”

Hisoka snapped his head toward Illumi, staring at him like he’d just grown a second head.
“Huh? Why not? Farming sounds fun though.”

Illumi folded the letter back up and slipped it into the envelope, his gaze dropping. “I… I don’t exactly know how to farm. And it’s probably been left for too long—too many years. That farm probably looks terrible now.”

Hisoka stared for a moment, then leaned down from the bed and cupped Illumi’s cheeks, gently pulling his face upward until their foreheads touched.
“You know,” he said softly, “it’s rare to see you this unsure of what to do.”

Illumi scoffed and pushed Hisoka’s hands away. “It’s not an easy decision. What would you do in my place, huh?”

Hisoka grinned. “I’d take it, of course~”

Illumi narrowed his eyes. “You’re only saying that to make me do it.”

“Does it work though?” Hisoka wiggled his eyebrows, then easily pulled Illumi up from the floor and settled him onto his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. He wrapped his arms around Illumi’s waist and leaned his head against his shoulder.

“But if you think about it, Illuu,” he murmured, voice playful but a little more serious underneath, “if you’re really going to quit your job… maybe being a farmer isn’t such a bad idea.”

Illumi didn’t answer right away. He rested back against Hisoka’s chest, arms crossed, eyes still fixed on the envelope sitting on the edge of the bed.

Hisoka continued, “We could grow crops, raise some cows, ride a tractor~” He snickered. “And I could be the sexy farmer’s wife, wearing nothing but overalls and a smile. Doesn’t that sound like paradise?”

Illumi rolled his eyes. “You’d get dirt in places I don’t even want to think about.”

“Oh, but you’d help me wash it off, wouldn’t you?” Hisoka teased, brushing his fingers along Illumi’s stomach.

Illumi slapped his hand away. “I’ll think about it.”

Hisoka grinned, clearly satisfied. “Mm. Thinking is the first step to running away from corporate hell and into my arms. Preferably into a hot spring on our farm.”

Illumi sighed. Hisoka’s words… kind of made sense. Life in the city was already hard enough. His job was soul-crushing, his schedule unforgiving, and he lived in a cramped apartment with his expensive but unemployed fiancé.

“I hate it when you sound right,” Illumi muttered, leaning back against Hisoka’s chest and pulling his arms tighter around him.

Hisoka giggled, pleased, and leaned back even more, dragging both of them down onto the bed until they were lying curled up on their sides.

“Well?” Hisoka asked again, voice light and expectant.

Illumi groaned. “Fine… we should pack soon and go see the—probably already ruined farm.”

“We?” Hisoka perked up with mock offense.

“Of course we. You’re coming with me. You’re my fiancé and I’ll need strong arms to help me around the farm.”

“Awwww,” Hisoka cooed dramatically. “I feel used. But I don’t care… as long as it’s the love of my life using me.” He tightened his hug around Illumi, arms wrapping just a little too tight, enough to make Illumi grunt in mild protest.

“Hisoka—”

“Shhhh, just let me suffocate you with love~”

The bus rumbled along the road, surrounded by endless stretches of rolling green hills and a perfect blue sky. The only sounds were the quiet hum of the engine and the occasional bump of the tires on uneven pavement. Inside, the bus was nearly empty—just the driver, Illumi, and Hisoka.

Illumi groaned, “Don’t do that,” referring to the playful nudge.

Hisoka only laughed and slipped his hand around Illumi’s shoulder, gently tugging him down so illumi's head rested on his lap.

“Shhh, just rest, love. I got your back.”

Illumi rolled his eyes. “This position doesn’t seem safe.”

Right on cue, the bus hit a large crack in the road with a jolt. The whole vehicle lurched, and Illumi practically bounced off Hisoka’s lap—head-first into Hisoka’s chin with a loud thunk.

“Ugh! See what I told you!” Illumi snapped, rubbing the sore spot on his head as he scrambled back into a proper seated position.

Hisoka winced and rubbed his chin, still smiling like a fool. “Mmm... worth it.”

“You’re going to carry all the luggage once we arrive. As punishment,” Illumi said flatly, pointing up at the four large bags crammed into the overhead rack.

Hisoka’s eyes widened. “Punishment? What did I even do wrong?”

Illumi turned his face away—not to ignore him, but to hide the tiny smirk tugging at his lips. If Hisoka thought he was the only one who knew how to tease, he was sorely mistaken.

Hisoka slumped dramatically in his seat. “Ugh, alright, p.r.i.n.c.e.s.s.” he drawled, mocking but affectionate.

Then he tilted his head slightly, more curious than anything. “But anyway... what did your father say about all this?”

Illumi glanced at him. “He confirmed that Grandpa did, in fact, own a farm... and he also told the mayor we’d be arriving today.”

“Oh? Just like that?” Hisoka raised an eyebrow. “I thought he’d say something dramatic, like ‘Killua was supposed to inherit all of that because he’s the heir!’”

Illumi shook his head, calm as ever. “My grandpa died when I was still the only grandson. Milluki and Killua weren’t born yet… so the farm was meant to be mine from the start.”

Hisoka let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. “Wow. So you’re technically the firstborn heir to a plot of abandoned farmland. Royal stuff, really.”

Illumi gave him a flat look. “You’re carrying the luggage either way.”

“Ugh, yes, my liege.”

The bus screeched to a halt.

As soon as they stepped out, Hisoka carrying all four oversized bags with absurd ease, someone was already waiting by the stop.

“Oh hi! You’re Illumi, right?” A woman with warm ginger hair greeted with a sunny smile. Illumi nodded stiffly in confirmation.

She lit up even more. “I’m Robin, the local carpenter. Mayor Lewis asked me to come fetch you and show you the way to your new home. He’s already over there, tidying things up.”

“Robin, huh?” Hisoka stepped forward, offering his hand with a charming smile. “I’m Hisoka—Illumi’s fiancé.”

Robin shook his hand cheerfully. “Pleasure to meet you, Hisoka.”

Business-like again, she gestured ahead. “The farm’s just this way. Follow me.”

The pair walked behind her, Hisoka still effortlessly hauling their luggage. He glanced sideways at Illumi with a grin. “So… are you excited to see your farm?”

Illumi gave a reluctant shake of his head. “It probably won’t look good…” His mind conjured up an image of wild overgrowth, debris-strewn dirt, and possibly a few raccoons guarding the ruins.

Hisoka bumped his shoulder gently. “Aww, don’t be like that, dear. Cheer up a bit. Have some spirit—for our new beginning.”

“I can’t,” Illumi murmured. “Not when I think about the fact that… it’s been almost twenty years since my grandpa died, Hisoka. Any place left alone that long won’t look good.”

Hisoka let out a breath, shifting the bags in his arms to free up one hand. Once he did, he placed it on Illumi’s shoulder and pulled him a little closer as they walked.

“Whatever happens,” Hisoka said softly, “you know I’ll be here for you.”

Illumi’s expression softened. He leaned gently against Hisoka’s side, their steps falling in sync. “Thank you…”

“Anything for you, love,” Hisoka smiled, leaning in to press a quick kiss to Illumi’s cheek.

And Illumi didn’t flinch—he let it happen, accepted it without resistance.

Robin turned right after leaving the bus stop, guiding them down a winding path. A few minutes later, she stopped in front of a wide, cluttered clearing.

“This is Zoldyck Farm,” she said with a chipper tone.

At her words, Hisoka dropped all the luggage with a loud thud.

Now he understood what Illumi meant.

The farm looked like it had been abandoned for decades—which, technically, it had. Overgrown grass and wild saplings choked the land. Rocks and branches were scattered everywhere. The fences were falling apart. Even the small pond looked murky with neglect.

Illumi stared in silence. He’d known it wouldn’t look great, but seeing it in person still managed to knock the wind out of him.

Robin glanced at their stunned faces. “What’s the matter?”

When neither answered, she quickly added with a bright, hopeful smile, “Sure, it’s a bit overgrown, but there’s some really good soil underneath all that mess! With a little dedication, you’ll have it cleaned up in no time.”

Robin walked a bit further into the land and led them toward a small cottage with bright orange walls and a red roof.

“…And here we are,” she announced, stopping in front of the porch, “your new home.”

As Illumi and Hisoka raised their heads to look, the front door creaked open, and a man stepped out with a warm smile and a proud mustache.

Illumi stepped forward and extended his hand. “Illumi.”

Then Hisoka, who had just started lugging the bags toward the porch, added with a cheeky grin, “Hisoka, sir,” before sauntering past them to drop the luggage with a loud thunk.

Lewis shook Illumi’s hand enthusiastically. “You know, everyone’s been asking about you.”

Illumi blinked, brow twitching slightly. “Everyone?”

“It’s not every day someone new moves in,” Lewis explained. “It’s quite a big deal!”

Lewis then turned to glance at the cottage behind him, his eyes softening as though mesmerized by an old memory.
“So… you’re moving into your grandfather’s old cottage.”

Illumi stared at the house. It was… okay, he supposed. Probably the same size, or maybe even smaller, than his apartment back in Zuzu City.

“It’s a good house… very rustic,” Lewis added quickly, as if trying to read his expression and cheer him up.

“Rustic?” Robin echoed with a teasing grin. “That’s one way to put it. Crusty might be a little more apt, though.” She giggled behind her hand.

Lewis puffed air out through his nose in irritation. “Don’t listen to her, Illumi. She’s just trying to make you dissatisfied so she can sell you one of her house upgrades.”

Robin huffed, crossing her arms. “Rude!”

Hisoka perked up, a spark of interest lighting in his eyes. “House upgrade, you say?”

But Lewis was quick to change the subject, clearing his throat. “Anyway… you must be tired from the long journey. You should get some rest.”

“Tomorrow, you ought to explore the town a bit and introduce yourself,” Lewis continued with a warm smile.

“Introduce ourselves?” Illumi asked, his voice flat with thinly veiled reluctance. Neither he nor Hisoka were exactly the social butterfly type.

Lewis nodded. “The townspeople would appreciate it.”

“Ah, I also asked Robin to patch up the old coop for you two,” Lewis added with a satisfied nod.

Robin gave them a wink and a thumbs-up. “Good as new—well, almost!”

Lewis chuckled. “I even dipped into the town fund to get you started with a couple of chicks. Think of it as Pelican Town’s little investment in your success.” He laughed at his own joke, clearly pleased with himself.

“We’ve already fed them for today, so no need to worry. Just check on them tomorrow after you've had a good rest. The coop’s just up that way—northwest from here.” He pointed toward the trees, and sure enough, Illumi could spot the edge of a sloped roof peeking out above the canopy.

Hisoka raised a brow, intrigued. “You spoil us, Mayor.”

Lewis chuckled. “Only the best for our new residents.”

He turned to walk away but paused beside a large wooden box stationed just beside the cottage. He gave it a pat. “Oh! I almost forgot. If you have anything to sell, just drop it in this box here. I’ll swing by during the night to collect it.”

With a warm smile, he added, “Well then, good luck. We’re happy to have you both.”

Robin gave a small wave. “Welcome to Pelican Town! See you around!”

With that, the two headed back the way they came, leaving Illumi and Hisoka standing in front of their overgrown land and humble new home.

Hisoka turned to Illumi with a glint in his eye. “Well... ready to see our new home?”

Illumi sighed, hand already reaching for the doorknob. “Yeah. I guess we have no other choice.”

Without a word, Hisoka reached out and gently took Illumi’s hand, offering a quiet bit of reassurance.

They shared a look, then Illumi opened the door.

The cottage was exactly as they expected—small. Smaller than their apartment in Zuzu City. Inside was a modest setup: a tiny TV, two houseplants, a small wardrobe, a rake leaned against the wall, a fireplace with a rug and a cramped little sofa. On the left stood a table with a long bench and a lamp on top. And tucked into the corner near the door—one single bed with a tall night lamp beside it.

It was obvious Lewis only expected Illumi to come… not his fiancé too, because he only gave them one of all the basic things.

Illumi turned to Hisoka with a deadpan look. “There’s no kitchen.”

Hisoka grinned like a cat. “We could always cook outside with a campfire, Illuuu~”

But then Hisoka’s grin faded, his brows furrowing slightly as he looked around the cramped space. “I thought your family was rich. Why does your grandfather’s house look like this?”

Illumi exhaled slowly, not quite frustrated, just tired. “I already told you. This place was left alone for over a decade. The original house probably collapsed from neglect. The mayor must’ve built this cottage for us to stay in for now.”

“Oh, such a pity,” Hisoka said with a dramatic sigh before clapping his hands together. “Well, let me get the luggage in.”

He moved the bags from the porch, propping them in the doorway. Illumi followed behind, dragging them under the table to save space. The small cottage didn’t allow much room to breathe.

Later, Hisoka lounged lazily on the worn-out sofa, eyes half-lidded as he watched the fire crackle in the hearth. The soft glow lit the walls in gentle orange. Illumi sat at the table, his forehead resting against the wood, eyes closed.

Hisoka turned slightly, peeking at him with one eye. “Tired, darling?”

Illumi barely responded, just murmured, “Yes…”

Hisoka stood up from the sofa, stretching his arms over his head. “Well, I guess it’s time to go to bed then.”

Illumi shifted slightly, lifting his head just enough to glance at him. “Where? That bed’s too small. And the sofa looks uncomfortable.”

Hisoka let out a theatrical sigh before walking over to him. “Then I’ll sleep on the bed… and you can sleep on me.”

He nudged Illumi gently, trying to coax him up, but Illumi didn’t budge—too tired to move.

Another sigh, this time softer, more fond. “Alright, alright…” Hisoka slipped his hands under Illumi’s arms and lifted him up like a lazy, overgrown cat. “Let me carry you to bed, okay?”

Illumi just nodded, barely awake, resting his head against Hisoka’s chest as he let himself be carried.

Hisoka carefully eased himself down onto the bed, then settled Illumi gently on top of him. He tugged the blanket up over both of them, wrapping them in warmth.

“Cozy?” he asked softly, brushing a few strands of hair away from Illumi’s face with one hand.

“Mmm… yeah,” Illumi murmured, his voice heavy with sleep. “But your body’s going to ache tomorrow.”

Hisoka chuckled quietly. “That’s tomorrow-Hisoka’s problem. Tomorrow, we’ll figure things out. For now… just sleep, love.”

He pressed a kiss to Illumi’s forehead. Illumi, barely conscious, responded with a soft kiss to Hisoka’s lips.