It seems like the Vongola have hired him for something recently.
[Resting his cup back on the table, Lancia quirks up an eyebrow.]
From what I can tell, some of the older members I was hanging around with didn’t seem too confident in even the idea of him. Still, it’s chances like this that lead to big breaks for freelancers. In a few years, when the boss has you and the others on jobs and working with the Vongola, you never know- you might be working alongside someone your age.
You're always so eager to pair me off with people my own age.
[Faustino said it casually enough, an amused, almost fond observation. It didn't mean it didn't irritate him slightly. He had been a child, yes, but he had never felt like one. In the beginning, it had been difficult to keep ahold of who he was amongst all the memories that had been implanted into him, feelings and lives that had not been his own threatening to swallow him whole. It wasn't the sort of experience that would leave one's innocence intact, and idly, Faustino had to wonder what he would have to do in order to prove he wasn't a child.
( Though he would diligently look into the Smoking Bomb and gauge whether or not he was a threat. )
He nodded to the waitress as she came to take their orders, before turning his attention back to Lancia.]
I find most people my age to not be worth the effort. Most have been far too coddled for my liking. What if I prefer those who are more mature?
[Faustino please try to find some subtly please and thank you.]
Ha. I’m not trying to pair you up with anyone. I’m simply saying-
[The waitress’ arrival distracts him, and Lancia gives his own order. He waits for her to be far enough before picking up where he left off.]
I’m simply saying, there’s a chance you’ll work with him one day. Once you’re high enough on the ladder, it doesn’t matter how old anyone is, only how skilled they are at their job.
[And with the Vongola… If there’s a faster way to race up the underworld ladder by proving yourself, then he can’t think of it.]
[Hearing the word ‘coddled’ alongside the Smoking Bomb’s reputation has Lancia snort quietly. As someone who was young and in the mafia himself, he knows it’s tough enough when you’re firmly aligned with a Family that’s there to watch out for you. Being a freelancer, aligned to no one and picking up what jobs you can from whoever you can… And at that age? Well, he doesn’t envy that kind of life, for sure.]
[But he has a feeling Faustino isn’t really invested in the freelancer himself so much as the idea around him. He raises an eyebrow at the younger boy.]
With how young you are and all your energy, I can’t imagine you’ll care for working around old men like me for long.
[because we’re totally talking about work and stuff, right, that’s the topic they’re doing]
My, my, I'm flattered you believe that I'll be such an important and skilled person.
[Though it was said in a flat, displeased tone. He had no intention of climbing up the ladder of the mafia, kissing up to senile old men with no true skill or intelligence. To forming alliances with untalented people who swarmed together like insects, fueled only by greed and the hunger for power, but who had no will to reach their goals on their own. He still had not forgotten how the mafia had idly sat by and watched the atrocities the Estraneo had committed, and that it wasn't anyone who had saved him, but it had been Faustino alone who had clawed and killed his way out of his fate.
And for all his talents, it wasn't like the Don was going to leave the Family to Faustino.
Still, he forced himself to calm down, to reign back in that killing intent. It wasn't Lancia's fault, after all, and he shouldn't be the brunt of his rage. No, instead Faustino would punish those who had let those events unfold and let them suffer a worse fate.
He canted his head to the side, smirking sharply.]
Don't worry, egregio signor, you'll always be my favorite old man to work with. You're not completely devoid of energy and youth just yet.
[Ah. Even a deaf man could pick up on the tone in Faustino’s voice, let alone the feeling he’s radiating. Having been in this business for years now, Lancia knows his intuition isn’t the best but it’s still sharp enough to pick up on that killing intent.]
[Ignoring the base flattery for now, he reaches over to brush his hand against his charge’s own.]
[Normally, that touch was enough to make Mukuro recoil, to bare his fangs and strike in the areas he knew would hurt the worst.
He guarded his personal space like he did all else in his life, jealously and overzealously. He almost jerked his hand away on pure instinct, but this was Lancia. He trusted him above most others, and would let him get away with liberties most others would never know.
He scowled at that tone, turning his face away from him. It must have been a poor showing, if he was being treated like this.]
What?
[Was a tired annoyance better than petulance? Or was there any difference?]
[After so long, he’s well aware of his charges’ various quirks. Al can’t stand scented shampoo, Ciro needs a certain level of cleanliness on his person or he starts to get agitated, and Faustino… Faustino needs his space, touching when he deigns it necessary or the other person is worth it for whatever reason. For a long while, only two people really could claim a place in the latter category. It’s why Lancia only offered the barest of touches instead of something more concrete.]
Have you ever thought of setting off on your own?
[Even if Lancia is fairly certain that “on his own” isn’t something Faustino will get to experience if Al and Ciro have anything to say about it.]
[The question made Faustino laugh, tipping his head back slightly as his shoulders shook.
What would Lancia think of the small band of misfits that he had been gathering? The aliases he had started to accumulate for himself and Ciro and Al? Of the reputation one of them, Mukuro Rokudo, was building? It wasn't setting off on his own, not even close, but it was a start. Testing the waters and building up his own forces. He wouldn't go against the Don and his wishes, but they were both aware that was a tenuous boundary at best, thin as a piece of paper.]
Then who would you worry about? Who would look after you?
Oh, do you think I'm old enough that I need a caretaker now?
[Still, Lancia doesn't think he can believe that laugh entirely. He knows Faustino. If it were Al, sure, he'd buy that he'd never have thought about taking off on his own. Al has simple wants and desires. Ciro? Smart, has probably considered it, would never really do it. In a way, he shares that simpleness with Ken- he's fine with having a place to be.]
[But Faustino... Faustino isn't just smart, but he's charismatic, full of a larger than life personality that gets people's attention for better or worse sometimes. Lancia knows he can see his own potential, more than likely, and that there might not be a chance it can fully bloom in such a small Family like theirs.]
Haven't you always? You've always advised me not to work alone.
[He didn't appreciate being told to 'be honest' anymore than he had appreciated the touch, but as always, Lancia would get away with things others could not.
Sighing slightly, he turned away from the older man's gaze, frowning. The lie was an easy one, on the tip of his tongue. However, he had the distinct feeling that Lancia would know it for what it was and continue to call him out accordingly, even more suspicious. He might even dig a little deeper into his activities, and while Faustino wasn't exactly ashamed of what he was doing, he wasn't ready to reveal the depths of his dealings to anyone just yet. Not to Al or Ciro, and not even to Lancia.]
I've considered it. [Short, succinct, odd for Faustino.] But this is my Family, and I owe the Don and you a great deal. Not just anyone would have taken us all in and protected us.
Doesn’t an illusionist have an easier time of things if they have someone else working alongside them to distract other people?
[Also, yes, sometimes he worries.]
[The next answer is one he’s been expecting all along, although he suspects Faustino’s shortness with him is a sign of how unhappy he is that he has to be dragged into this conversation at all. A bit too open for any illusionist, although Lancia will admit their Faustino is the only one he can ever say he truly knows. Finishing off his drink, he crosses his arms on the table.]
[It was said with no small smattering of pride, since Faustino clearly regarded himself as first rate already. Whether or not his boasting could be supported, well. His reputation was starting to proceed him, and that was the best an illusionist could ask for.
He sighed softly when the fleeting notion of 'happiness' was brought up, since talking about such a thing was tiresome. Many people had wasted their whole lives trying to chase after it, same as with love. Faustino would settle for 'satisfaction'.]
Is that important? Being part of this Family is better than the alternative, and there are some people whose company I do not mind.
[As though Faustino needs anymore strokes to his ego. Yet it’s hard to deny the facts. Lancia is no expert, but his charge’s skills are marvelous. So much so that it’s almost a shame to see them used for violence. A shame about a lot of things when it comes to his charges, really, even though they’ve all grown and healed so much from the scrawny vicious strays he’d first seen when they were children.]
[Which is why a sigh leaves him, although he saves his words until after the waitress has brought their food.]
Well, the don and I don’t want you miserable, so it’s important to the two of us.
[It was a fact that Faustino knew, one that he didn't need others to repeat to him in order for it to gain validity, but he would be lying if he didn't preen slightly at the praise. He knew that Lancia wasn't the type to flatter anyone just for the sake of lip service, and it was a difficult habit to shake. Wanting approval from the strongest man he knew, wanting to be noticed and recognized. Wanting to be able to stand by him side by side not as a ward, but as an equal.
Faustino took some time to eat before answering, reigning in his wayward emotions as he smirked.]
My, my, I never thought I'd hear the tried and true 'it's not you, it's me' from you, egregio signor. Are you so eager to be rid of us already now that we're no longer small and cute?
[He can’t help the surprised snort he makes at Faustino’s quip. Leave it to him to tease using a phrase like that, as if he and his charge are dating.]
No, I suppose none of you are small and cute anymore. [...Well, maybe Al, sometimes, on his good days.] But I’ve heard sometimes that the local girls and even a few young mafia women think you’re all quite handsome, or is the rumor mill wrong there?
[Not that they’re going to get much luck, unfortunately. Lancia is fairly certain on that. It hasn’t escaped his notice the kind of eyes Al and Ciro have made at each other, even with the latter as reserved as he is. As for Faustino, well, heaven help whoever gets his attention. He could be a heartbreaker if he wanted. ]
[The next question has him tap his fingers along his fork, raising an eyebrow.]
Do you think I need to give this kind of talk to either of them?
That's rather incorrect. I expected more from your information network.
[It was said with a small sigh, even though it was tinged with no small measure of affection. He glanced up from beneath his lashes, grinning.]
It's not just 'sometimes' and it isn't just the fairer sex.
[Though before he would let Lancia respond to that, he moved along to the next topic.]
While it's true those two are rather simple in what it takes to make them happy, shouldn't you still be concerned with them too? Or are the both of you worried I will soon desert you and spill all the Family's secrets to the highest bidder?
[Well. He’s not surprised, not really, but there’s no space to say anything before Faustino is filling it with words. Ah, to be young. Lancia makes a note to leave condoms for all three of his charges, just in case, but lets the subject by dropped.]
Weren’t you the one who was just talking about how much you owed the Family? [He shakes his head, snorting fondly.] Neither of us think you’ll do that. Besides, this is something I decided to talk with you about on my own. The boss isn’t involved, for once.
Still, if you think they need it, I’ll talk with Al and Ciro as well. You’re right, they deserve to know their options too.
[Now that caught Faustino's interest when nothing else did, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward, gaze almost predatory. He would be a fool if he called Lancia a mafia lapdog, but there was no denying that Lancia's loyalty ran deep and strong. If the Don had taught him how to be human ( or at least pretend at it ), Lancia had helped teach him about Family and loyalty. He rarely did anything without taking Family or the Don into account.]
I'm flattered you thought of me and my happiness then. If it helps you sleep at night, I'm content enough as they are. [He paused, tilting his head to the side with a small smirk.] Can you say the same? Your happiness is dear to me as well.
[Though concerning Al and Ciro, Mukuro waved a hand graciously.]
Al might be a lost cause, but it would be good to give Ciro this talk too. If only so he can't complain that I'm the obvious favorite.
You say that like you’re not his favorite as well.
[On the ridiculously minimal chance that Ciro ever decided to marry a woman and settle down with a nice little family, well. Lancia can almost imagine how jealous the hypothetical wife would get with Ciro’s attentions and devotion to Faustino. Probably for the best that he probably won’t marry a woman and will just continue his life with Al at his side. At least then his partner has the exact same feelings, so it’s not a problem.]
[But anyway… Taking another bite, he gestures idly with his fork.]
Why wouldn’t I be happy? I have a good job, an excellent Family, and I’ve gotten to watch all of you grow up to be amazing.
[Faustino let out a small laugh at that, working on finishing off the rest of his plate.]
It's not without it's perks.
[Through Al and Ciro, Faustino had been able to test what would work in earning a person's undying loyalty, and what wouldn't. It was better to rule through love, he found, than fear. After all, there were still so many people who were stronger than him, those who could truly horrify his followers and steal them away. But love, love was a harder emotion to break.]
Am I your favorite as well?
[While it was true, he was sure Lancia was content with his life and his lot, it didn't mean that there wasn't a glaring flaw in that scenario.]
True, but aren't you lacking in companionship? Most men your age are settling down and getting married, egregio signor.
If I say you’re my favorite, I think Al’s heart might break.
[But he says it with a grin, teasing. It’s hard to choose between the three boys- how could he? They all have their talents, their best qualities. Al he’s taken under his wing as a proper bodyguard, and is always a bright spot of energy no matter when Lancia sees him. In contrast, always in contrast, Ciro is quiet and intelligent, growing to be a steady presence who balances so many others out.]
[And Faustino… Well. It hardly needs to be said, with his charisma and sly commentary. Although that reminds him- Draping back against his chair, Lancia snorts.]
Many men my age don’t do the work I do. But I’ll tell you which of you is my favorite if you tell me another story like you promised. Don’t think I’ve forgotten.
[While Al might indeed, take it as a severe blow, all Faustino would need to do was assure him he still cared for him. Al may be easy to knock over, but he was just as easy to pick back up. It was one of his best traits, his simpleness.
He snorted slightly at the mention of the 'work' that Lancia did, shooting his mentor an unimpressed look.]
Yet there are still some that do and see fit to settle down.
[While normally he wasn't so easy to bait with such ploys, Faustino was willing to humor Lancia with more harmless stories. Besides, he was willing to gamble he was the favorite.
Tracing a finger along the rim of his glass, he tried to pick out one that would be rather innocuous.]
I have a French pen pal that I've been exchanging letters with for the past few months. Her name is M.M. and she is very rude, but she's proven to be entertaining.
[And useful. How many women could melt a man's insides with only a clarinet?
Not telling Al means you’d have to keep from boasting about being the favorite, you know.
[No hiding the fondness, even as he says it. If he were someone else, maybe Faustino’s pride would be grating, but Lancia likes him as he is.]
[Hearing about this pen pal is certainly new, and Lancia raises an eyebrow curiously. He wants to ask a lot more: has he seen her picture, what do they talk about, are there plans to meet? But Faustino doesn’t need him hounding on him like an old man. He’ll simply save his questions for later. Now that he knows she exists, he can bring it up now and again later.]
[Faustino, after all, seems much more interested in something else entirely, and Lancia chuckles as he gestures for the waitress to refill his drink.]
Fine, fine- it’s you. But don’t let it go to your head, alright?
[Which could be a lie or most likely Faustino had been telling everyone anyway that he had been the favorite. Either scenario was pretty likely.
His lips curved up wickedly, completely self satisfied by that answer, looking up at Lancia from underneath his lashes.]
Too late. Why am I the favorite?
[Because if Lancia thought he would get away with just admitting he was the favorite, information Faustino already assumed, then he had another thing coming. He should know how vain his charge was, right?]
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badliifechoiice22016-01-08 10:36 am
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[Resting his cup back on the table, Lancia quirks up an eyebrow.]
From what I can tell, some of the older members I was hanging around with didn’t seem too confident in even the idea of him. Still, it’s chances like this that lead to big breaks for freelancers. In a few years, when the boss has you and the others on jobs and working with the Vongola, you never know- you might be working alongside someone your age.
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[Faustino said it casually enough, an amused, almost fond observation. It didn't mean it didn't irritate him slightly. He had been a child, yes, but he had never felt like one. In the beginning, it had been difficult to keep ahold of who he was amongst all the memories that had been implanted into him, feelings and lives that had not been his own threatening to swallow him whole. It wasn't the sort of experience that would leave one's innocence intact, and idly, Faustino had to wonder what he would have to do in order to prove he wasn't a child.
( Though he would diligently look into the Smoking Bomb and gauge whether or not he was a threat. )
He nodded to the waitress as she came to take their orders, before turning his attention back to Lancia.]
I find most people my age to not be worth the effort. Most have been far too coddled for my liking. What if I prefer those who are more mature?
[Faustino please try to find some subtly please and thank you.]
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[The waitress’ arrival distracts him, and Lancia gives his own order. He waits for her to be far enough before picking up where he left off.]
I’m simply saying, there’s a chance you’ll work with him one day. Once you’re high enough on the ladder, it doesn’t matter how old anyone is, only how skilled they are at their job.
[And with the Vongola… If there’s a faster way to race up the underworld ladder by proving yourself, then he can’t think of it.]
[Hearing the word ‘coddled’ alongside the Smoking Bomb’s reputation has Lancia snort quietly. As someone who was young and in the mafia himself, he knows it’s tough enough when you’re firmly aligned with a Family that’s there to watch out for you. Being a freelancer, aligned to no one and picking up what jobs you can from whoever you can… And at that age? Well, he doesn’t envy that kind of life, for sure.]
[But he has a feeling Faustino isn’t really invested in the freelancer himself so much as the idea around him. He raises an eyebrow at the younger boy.]
With how young you are and all your energy, I can’t imagine you’ll care for working around old men like me for long.
[because we’re totally talking about work and stuff, right, that’s the topic they’re doing]
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[Though it was said in a flat, displeased tone. He had no intention of climbing up the ladder of the mafia, kissing up to senile old men with no true skill or intelligence. To forming alliances with untalented people who swarmed together like insects, fueled only by greed and the hunger for power, but who had no will to reach their goals on their own. He still had not forgotten how the mafia had idly sat by and watched the atrocities the Estraneo had committed, and that it wasn't anyone who had saved him, but it had been Faustino alone who had clawed and killed his way out of his fate.
And for all his talents, it wasn't like the Don was going to leave the Family to Faustino.
Still, he forced himself to calm down, to reign back in that killing intent. It wasn't Lancia's fault, after all, and he shouldn't be the brunt of his rage. No, instead Faustino would punish those who had let those events unfold and let them suffer a worse fate.
He canted his head to the side, smirking sharply.]
Don't worry, egregio signor, you'll always be my favorite old man to work with. You're not completely devoid of energy and youth just yet.
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[Ignoring the base flattery for now, he reaches over to brush his hand against his charge’s own.]
Hey, Faustino.
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He guarded his personal space like he did all else in his life, jealously and overzealously. He almost jerked his hand away on pure instinct, but this was Lancia. He trusted him above most others, and would let him get away with liberties most others would never know.
He scowled at that tone, turning his face away from him. It must have been a poor showing, if he was being treated like this.]
What?
[Was a tired annoyance better than petulance? Or was there any difference?]
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Have you ever thought of setting off on your own?
[Even if Lancia is fairly certain that “on his own” isn’t something Faustino will get to experience if Al and Ciro have anything to say about it.]
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What would Lancia think of the small band of misfits that he had been gathering? The aliases he had started to accumulate for himself and Ciro and Al? Of the reputation one of them, Mukuro Rokudo, was building? It wasn't setting off on his own, not even close, but it was a start. Testing the waters and building up his own forces. He wouldn't go against the Don and his wishes, but they were both aware that was a tenuous boundary at best, thin as a piece of paper.]
Then who would you worry about? Who would look after you?
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[Still, Lancia doesn't think he can believe that laugh entirely. He knows Faustino. If it were Al, sure, he'd buy that he'd never have thought about taking off on his own. Al has simple wants and desires. Ciro? Smart, has probably considered it, would never really do it. In a way, he shares that simpleness with Ken- he's fine with having a place to be.]
[But Faustino... Faustino isn't just smart, but he's charismatic, full of a larger than life personality that gets people's attention for better or worse sometimes. Lancia knows he can see his own potential, more than likely, and that there might not be a chance it can fully bloom in such a small Family like theirs.]
Come on. Be honest, now.
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[He didn't appreciate being told to 'be honest' anymore than he had appreciated the touch, but as always, Lancia would get away with things others could not.
Sighing slightly, he turned away from the older man's gaze, frowning. The lie was an easy one, on the tip of his tongue. However, he had the distinct feeling that Lancia would know it for what it was and continue to call him out accordingly, even more suspicious. He might even dig a little deeper into his activities, and while Faustino wasn't exactly ashamed of what he was doing, he wasn't ready to reveal the depths of his dealings to anyone just yet. Not to Al or Ciro, and not even to Lancia.]
I've considered it. [Short, succinct, odd for Faustino.] But this is my Family, and I owe the Don and you a great deal. Not just anyone would have taken us all in and protected us.
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[Also, yes, sometimes he worries.]
[The next answer is one he’s been expecting all along, although he suspects Faustino’s shortness with him is a sign of how unhappy he is that he has to be dragged into this conversation at all. A bit too open for any illusionist, although Lancia will admit their Faustino is the only one he can ever say he truly knows. Finishing off his drink, he crosses his arms on the table.]
And are you happy here even with that debt?
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[It was said with no small smattering of pride, since Faustino clearly regarded himself as first rate already. Whether or not his boasting could be supported, well. His reputation was starting to proceed him, and that was the best an illusionist could ask for.
He sighed softly when the fleeting notion of 'happiness' was brought up, since talking about such a thing was tiresome. Many people had wasted their whole lives trying to chase after it, same as with love. Faustino would settle for 'satisfaction'.]
Is that important? Being part of this Family is better than the alternative, and there are some people whose company I do not mind.
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Of course. And you’re anything but, I know.
[As though Faustino needs anymore strokes to his ego. Yet it’s hard to deny the facts. Lancia is no expert, but his charge’s skills are marvelous. So much so that it’s almost a shame to see them used for violence. A shame about a lot of things when it comes to his charges, really, even though they’ve all grown and healed so much from the scrawny vicious strays he’d first seen when they were children.]
[Which is why a sigh leaves him, although he saves his words until after the waitress has brought their food.]
Well, the don and I don’t want you miserable, so it’s important to the two of us.
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Faustino took some time to eat before answering, reigning in his wayward emotions as he smirked.]
My, my, I never thought I'd hear the tried and true 'it's not you, it's me' from you, egregio signor. Are you so eager to be rid of us already now that we're no longer small and cute?
[He shrugged, a delicate movement.]
Have you given this talk to Al or Ciro yet?
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No, I suppose none of you are small and cute anymore. [...Well, maybe Al, sometimes, on his good days.] But I’ve heard sometimes that the local girls and even a few young mafia women think you’re all quite handsome, or is the rumor mill wrong there?
[Not that they’re going to get much luck, unfortunately. Lancia is fairly certain on that. It hasn’t escaped his notice the kind of eyes Al and Ciro have made at each other, even with the latter as reserved as he is. As for Faustino, well, heaven help whoever gets his attention. He could be a heartbreaker if he wanted. ]
[The next question has him tap his fingers along his fork, raising an eyebrow.]
Do you think I need to give this kind of talk to either of them?
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[It was said with a small sigh, even though it was tinged with no small measure of affection. He glanced up from beneath his lashes, grinning.]
It's not just 'sometimes' and it isn't just the fairer sex.
[Though before he would let Lancia respond to that, he moved along to the next topic.]
While it's true those two are rather simple in what it takes to make them happy, shouldn't you still be concerned with them too? Or are the both of you worried I will soon desert you and spill all the Family's secrets to the highest bidder?
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Weren’t you the one who was just talking about how much you owed the Family? [He shakes his head, snorting fondly.] Neither of us think you’ll do that. Besides, this is something I decided to talk with you about on my own. The boss isn’t involved, for once.
Still, if you think they need it, I’ll talk with Al and Ciro as well. You’re right, they deserve to know their options too.
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[Now that caught Faustino's interest when nothing else did, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward, gaze almost predatory. He would be a fool if he called Lancia a mafia lapdog, but there was no denying that Lancia's loyalty ran deep and strong. If the Don had taught him how to be human ( or at least pretend at it ), Lancia had helped teach him about Family and loyalty. He rarely did anything without taking Family or the Don into account.]
I'm flattered you thought of me and my happiness then. If it helps you sleep at night, I'm content enough as they are. [He paused, tilting his head to the side with a small smirk.] Can you say the same? Your happiness is dear to me as well.
[Though concerning Al and Ciro, Mukuro waved a hand graciously.]
Al might be a lost cause, but it would be good to give Ciro this talk too. If only so he can't complain that I'm the obvious favorite.
[Which Ciro would never do but still.]
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[On the ridiculously minimal chance that Ciro ever decided to marry a woman and settle down with a nice little family, well. Lancia can almost imagine how jealous the hypothetical wife would get with Ciro’s attentions and devotion to Faustino. Probably for the best that he probably won’t marry a woman and will just continue his life with Al at his side. At least then his partner has the exact same feelings, so it’s not a problem.]
[But anyway… Taking another bite, he gestures idly with his fork.]
Why wouldn’t I be happy? I have a good job, an excellent Family, and I’ve gotten to watch all of you grow up to be amazing.
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It's not without it's perks.
[Through Al and Ciro, Faustino had been able to test what would work in earning a person's undying loyalty, and what wouldn't. It was better to rule through love, he found, than fear. After all, there were still so many people who were stronger than him, those who could truly horrify his followers and steal them away. But love, love was a harder emotion to break.]
Am I your favorite as well?
[While it was true, he was sure Lancia was content with his life and his lot, it didn't mean that there wasn't a glaring flaw in that scenario.]
True, but aren't you lacking in companionship? Most men your age are settling down and getting married, egregio signor.
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[But he says it with a grin, teasing. It’s hard to choose between the three boys- how could he? They all have their talents, their best qualities. Al he’s taken under his wing as a proper bodyguard, and is always a bright spot of energy no matter when Lancia sees him. In contrast, always in contrast, Ciro is quiet and intelligent, growing to be a steady presence who balances so many others out.]
[And Faustino… Well. It hardly needs to be said, with his charisma and sly commentary. Although that reminds him- Draping back against his chair, Lancia snorts.]
Many men my age don’t do the work I do. But I’ll tell you which of you is my favorite if you tell me another story like you promised. Don’t think I’ve forgotten.
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[While Al might indeed, take it as a severe blow, all Faustino would need to do was assure him he still cared for him. Al may be easy to knock over, but he was just as easy to pick back up. It was one of his best traits, his simpleness.
He snorted slightly at the mention of the 'work' that Lancia did, shooting his mentor an unimpressed look.]
Yet there are still some that do and see fit to settle down.
[While normally he wasn't so easy to bait with such ploys, Faustino was willing to humor Lancia with more harmless stories. Besides, he was willing to gamble he was the favorite.
Tracing a finger along the rim of his glass, he tried to pick out one that would be rather innocuous.]
I have a French pen pal that I've been exchanging letters with for the past few months. Her name is M.M. and she is very rude, but she's proven to be entertaining.
[And useful. How many women could melt a man's insides with only a clarinet?
He glanced up at Lancia with a small smirk.]
So, who is it?
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[No hiding the fondness, even as he says it. If he were someone else, maybe Faustino’s pride would be grating, but Lancia likes him as he is.]
[Hearing about this pen pal is certainly new, and Lancia raises an eyebrow curiously. He wants to ask a lot more: has he seen her picture, what do they talk about, are there plans to meet? But Faustino doesn’t need him hounding on him like an old man. He’ll simply save his questions for later. Now that he knows she exists, he can bring it up now and again later.]
[Faustino, after all, seems much more interested in something else entirely, and Lancia chuckles as he gestures for the waitress to refill his drink.]
Fine, fine- it’s you. But don’t let it go to your head, alright?
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[Which could be a lie or most likely Faustino had been telling everyone anyway that he had been the favorite. Either scenario was pretty likely.
His lips curved up wickedly, completely self satisfied by that answer, looking up at Lancia from underneath his lashes.]
Too late. Why am I the favorite?
[Because if Lancia thought he would get away with just admitting he was the favorite, information Faustino already assumed, then he had another thing coming. He should know how vain his charge was, right?]
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A lot of it would be things that you’ve already heard before. Does your ego really need the additional fuel?
[Still, if he insists- Lancia smirks a bit.]
You look after Al and Ciro more than you openly admit, and I like that kind of caring and dedication when the small hints of it show through.
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fudge thought i replied to this
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end scene??