KHR Hell because fuck

[warmskies]

Comments

[kokuyoyo]

They're chaste.

[Yet his voice breaks on that last word, fragile as cardboard, and Chikusa knows he doesn't come off as firm as he wants. Forcing his gaze downwards again at the words that don't make any sense now even in English, he wets his lips.]

...No. I still need plenty of time before I'm even passable with the language.

[possedere]

Are they now? So then why can't I see them?

[Mukuro canted his head to the side, smirking knowingly at the priest. He wasn't fooled for a second Chikusa Kakimoto, and even if the sketches were chaste, he had no doubt that the thought behind them were not.

He hummed thoughtfully at that admission, leaning back against the sofa, getting comfortable.]

Should we go together? I would take you if you promised to wear ever hat in your collection while we were there.

[Don't think he hadn't noticed all those new hats, priest.]

[kokuyoyo]

....You'd let it go to your head worse than usual.

[Crossing his legs, he shifts away from Mukuro and does an admirable job of not letting it show how really embarrassed he is at admitting even that. It'd be insufferable, how the demon would act, and he doesn't want to deal with that more than he has to already.]

[The offer has him glance back, wary.]

The hats again...

[Quiet so far on going to another country with him.]

[possedere]

You should know just how potent the imagination is, priest. Is it better for me to guess at what you drew instead of showing me? I can be rather creative.

[He let the last bit come out as a suggestive purr, fiddling idly with the overly long sleeves, rolling them up until they were up to his elbows. While it was true Mukuro's ego could always get worse, he wasn't going to give up until he got what he wanted. Even if it meant inviting himself in more often and finding his way into the other room where he assumed the sketchbooks were.

It was somewhat surprising when the priest seemed more willing to go to another country with him than show him his sketchbook, but Mukuro would let that lie for now and allow the idea to take root and grow. He shot the priest a bemused look, expression almost soft.]

The fuzzy hat is still my favorite, but there are some other interesting ones you've collected. Do you wear them often?

[kokuyoyo]

[...Oh. Hilariously enough- at least for anyone who wasn't Chikusa- the very idea of what Mukukro might be imagining has him freeze. That hadn't occurred to him before, but it's the kind of thing a demon might do, isn't it? To just sit there, purring in that delectable- deplorable voice of his all the things Chikusa most certainly didn't draw. He'd even have fun with it.]

[Horrifying.]

...Please don't.

[Really. Please.]

[The next subject is still a bit weird to him, like so many of the things Mukuro fixates on, but Chikusa lets himself be led down it in preference to talking about the sketchbook.]

It's still mostly warm... But a few times. When it's been cold enough.

[He's not sure how he feels about the demon being around for the season where wearing warm hats is going to be more and more common.]

[possedere]

Too late. Maybe you should show me what you've done before I imagine worse.

[It was said with a soft laugh, Mukuro tipping his chin up, eyes glittering mischievously. Or perhaps more aptly, sinfully.

Still, talking about Chikusa Kakimoto's growing collection of hats was also relevant to his interest, and he spent a few moments to appreciate the fact that he had managed to gain control of his host body in time for the winter season.]

I see. [You know that imaging thing you were so against priest? Doing it again and most likely with Chikusa Kakimoto not wearing anything but a hat.] At the very least, I'll know what to get you as a present.

[kokuyoyo]

I only have your word that you're not already at the worst imaginings you can come up with.

[He's starting to regret that he didn't make himself more tea. In the fact of this conversation, there's not much he can do besides determinedly not make eye contact at the more embarrassing things that come out of Mukuro's mouth. Idly, his fingers tease the pages of his book.]

[Blissfully unaware of the things Mukuro is now thinking, Chikusa shrugs.]

I don't ask for much. Please don't bother yourself with it.

[Please don't both him with it. He's worried about what a demon might get him, even for something as inconspicuous as a hat.]

[possedere]

[With a small chuckle, Mukuro held up his hands as if to defend himself, smile almost guileless.]

Guilty. I can only imagine what you wanted to sketch out. Do you prefer to have your subjects somewhat clothed or fully nude?

[It was asked idly, as if he was asking something as mundane as a favorite color or favorite food.

Though that second comment was enough to make Mukuro shake his head, letting his hands drop back down to his sides. Bored of just sitting on the couch, he got up to wander around the living room to inspect everything more closely, stopping in front of the paintings, letting his hands ghost against the tops of any vertical surface as he walked.]

You wouldn't want a hat from me but a trip to another country is acceptable? What a strange man you are, Chikusa Kakimoto.

[kokuyoyo]

[This is exactly what he was talking about, although at least his tone is... normal. In that way, it only makes the situation feel strange and awkward for him instead of humiliatingly embarrassing.]

[...No, it's still a little embarrassing, and Chikusa's posture is decidedly stiff.]

I told you it was chaste. Besides, I've never seen you nude. [...Wait-] Not an invitation.

[Balls.]

[Mouth twitching at his own folly, Chikusa watches the demon roam the room and finally closes the book. Another frown as he puts it to the side.]

I never accepted your proposal, if you'll recall. I know better than to pretend you would behave yourself in such a situation.

[possedere]

[It was probably a good thing that Chikusa Kakimoto was so quick to be clear about his intentions, because Mukuro had already been shooting the priest an amused look over his shoulder.]

Most human bodies are similar. You've never sketched or painted nude models before?

[Once he had inspected the living room to his satisfaction, he wandered back into the kitchen, intending to make more tea for himself since his own cup had long since gone cold and he hadn't had the chance to finish it.

The thought of 'behaving' himself was a ludicrous one, but for Mukuro, he had been 'behaving' so far.]

You never rejected it either, priest. [He combed his fingers through his hair, debating about whether he should put it up now or wait a little longer for it to dry.] And I have been behaving. We're not rutting on your couch, are we?

[If he was talking about earlier, Mukuro had merely been talking. The priest couldn't call that bad behavior.]

[kokuyoyo]

I think you overestimate the amount of training I've gotten from other people.

[This isn't a hobby he's ventured after in any professional manner. It had been something started, well... simply because he was awkward and quiet and distant as a child. Drawing had been a distraction and an excuse. As he'd gotten older, he'd simply... never stopped. An easy habit, easy electives in school, something to do with his hands simply to fill the void in his own self.]

[And these days, now, something to try and give a little more purpose to his life. To make him seem a little more like an actual human instead of something pretending to live.]

[The inappropriate comment draws out the usual flush, and he gets to his feet.]

You came close.

[possedere]

Self-taught? I suppose that's not surprising. Your skill level in other areas exceeded that of your teacher's.

[To keep his hair out of the way, Mukuro tied it back, glancing over when he heard the priest get up, smirking at that tell tale flush. Sometimes it was too easy.]

Hardly. I wasn't the one terribly aroused. [Well, perhaps not as visibly as the priest had been, anyway. He paused, tapping his finger against his lips thoughtfully.] Though that does remind me: I still have yet to collect my payment from last time. When would be a good time for you, priest?

[He turned to face him fully, leaning back against the counter, looking politely interested.]

[kokuyoyo]

Base flattery.

[So he's not going to pay it any mind besides that simple dismissal.]

[Like all their other times together, he knows that's not going to be end of the demon's lewd words. A distraction of some sort is needed, something to drag his mind out from the gutter for even a temporary second. He drifts towards the hall, something in mind, before the demon's words stop him in his place. Even with his usual control, his expression is twisted slightly into a look of incredulous surprise.]

Pardon?

[possedere]

[Wow rude Chikusa Kakimoto. And then he wondered why Mukuro would resort to just saying lewd things. Apparently they were the only thing that the priest would listen to and react to from him.

That look on the priest's face was enough to make him sigh, shaking his head as he took a seat back at the table, waiting idly for tea. If he continued, he had a feeling he'd be kicked out or get more tea for his trouble so he'd continue to 'behave' for now.]

Nothing priest. Are you going to show me some of your other sketches if I can't see what you've drawn of me?

[kokuyoyo]

[Right. That's what he thought.]

[Because as far as he's concerned... the demon lost his chance for payment that final dream they had met one another in. After all, those are only dreams. Supernatural dreams, but still dreams- something in his mind and not his body.]

[To continue like this... Something physical, something concrete.... Chikusa isn't sure he could go through with it anyway, no matter how much his body might long for that skilled touch. He can't just disregard his vows so easily for a little bit of physical fleeting pleasure.]

[If he tells himself that enough times, maybe his body will eventually listen.]

[After a second of thin lipped staring, he slowly nods.]

Yes. Hold on, please.

[He's gone for only a couple of minutes before he's padding back with a worn sketchbook in hand. Wordlessly, he hands it over to Mukuro.]

[The surprise- the first page in it is clearly torn from another sketchbook.... and it's of Mukuro himself with his fruit basket of a sleepy hairstyle , slumped and miserable against a hint of a counter. It clearly doesn't fit the rest of the subject matter in the sketchbook, which is Chikusa's various attempts to get animals right. He's still working on it, but there's marked improvement since the dates scribbled in each corner say he's been going steadily throughout the month.]

[...the Mukuro piece is rather recent, judging by its own little stamp of time.]

[possedere]

[Fight him with your mouth on his priest.

Unfortunately, Mukuro still considered the debt outstanding, but he would wait in order to cash in. Fleeting physical pleasure was correct. He was in this for the long haul, for better or for worse. He wasn't keen on ruining months of hard work just for a few moments of release.

The tea was done by the time that the priest returned, and Mukuro poured himself a cup, glancing over his shoulder.]

Did you want some too, priest? And can you keep it confined in your cup this time?

[He took the offered sketchbook, expecting to see sketches of wildlife or of the city or more Bible verses, but his eyes widened slightly at the sight of himself at the first page. He settled down at the table, turning it over curiously in his hands before really taking it in. Just the one page implies that there are more, and while he can't say that he enjoyed how upset he looked in the picture it was still... chaste as the priest had said.]

I would have thought if you truly sketched me at all it would be burning in the fires of hell. Can I keep this?

[He held the page up just in case there was any question as to what he was talking about.]

[kokuyoyo]

If you keep your hands confined to yourself.

[Still, after the last event, he thinks they should be fine on that front. His thoughts aren't entirely on tea, however. Instead, he's watching the demon's expression carefully, and it's not what he was expecting.]

[...Then again, he's not sure what he was expecting in the first place.]

[Leaving his sketches to be perused, he goes to refill his mug of tea. There's a nervousness burning in the pit of his stomach that he hopes he can drown, so he doesn't want to waste his cup again either. It'd help if he didn't almost drop it at the sound of those words, although thankfully it's still just barely off the counter when the demon speaks.]

...I'm surprised to hear that but... if you really want it, I suppose it's not a problem.

[possedere]

I hardly touched you.

[It was said rather flippantly, since clearly Mukuro wasn't at fault for that incident, but was the innocent victim in the whole process.

He glanced up at the priest's face at that odd atmosphere that fell over them, arching an eyebrow.]

Why are you surprised, priest? You know that I'm a vain creature and that I'll take whatever you give me. Besides, you really are quite talented.

[He started to flip through the rest of the sketchbook in earnest, tucking stray strands of hair back behind his ear.]

[kokuyoyo]

...It's not the most flattering portrait.

[Carefully done, artfully done, but a reminder of the vulnerable mess the demon had shown himself as during that visit Chikusa had made and the time ha had stayed over.]

I thought you would prefer something that put you in a better light.

[possedere]

But you chose to let me see it for a reason didn't you?

[Mukuro flicked his gaze back up to the priest's face briefly, looking amused despite himself.]

I don't hold any illusions that you hold me in any better light, priest. You've made that much clear multiple times.

[Though he didn't sound too worried about it, turning back to the sketchbook.]

But if you do have some, I wouldn't mind seeing those either.

[kokuyoyo]

As I said before: you would get a swelled head and that's the last thing anyone needs, let alone myself.

[Although it seems like even this sort of picture isn't enough to puncture that ego in any manner... Chikusa supposes it can't be helped. Leaning back against the counter, he blows over his tea.]

I hope you don't plan on taking the whole sketchbook. I still have pages to fill, and I don't want to waste money on a new one until I'm finished.

[possedere]

If you really had an issue with it, would you have let me back in so easily? Everyone should be allowed and forgiven for their flaws. Isn't that right, priest?

[Mukuro shot him an amused look, taking a careful sip of his tea, pushing the sketchbook back a bit just in case he managed to spill any.

He snorted slightly at the priest's stinginess, waving a hand airily.]

The one sketch will do for now. Though I thought priests were supposed to be generous. Should I pay for the sketch?

[kokuyoyo]

I'm being plenty generous allowing you into my house despite... everything else.

[Being a demon. Wanting him to betray his vows. So many other things.]

[Still... That is making him think, and his response is a bit distant.]

You don't have to pay for it. I already said you could keep it.

[If he's in a human body with human weaknesses... Chikusa can't help but wonder about things. Does that mean he has what little advantages a human body possesses? Rubbing his fingers against warm ceramic, Chikusa finally gives voice to his thoughts.]

On forgiveness... Can you do good deeds without it distressing you now?

[possedere]

Generous or lonely?

[It was said idly enough as Mukuro flipped through a few more pages, settling on a sketch of an owl, admiring it with keen interest for a few extra moments before flipping the page.

He glanced back up at the question, frowning slightly, resting his elbows on the table.]

Why do you ask, Chikusa Kakimoto?

[While good deeds weren't as abhorrent to him so that it effected him physically now, he still didn't like the idea of them, which was cause enough not to perform them. However, if the priest was looking to rekindle their contract, well. He might be interested.]

[kokuyoyo]

[...That again... Chikusa's fingers curl tighter around his mug. He remembers this method. It could have nearly cut him off from one of the few things in his life that truly matter, left him drifting in the wind and feeling isolated. Or, not feeling, but... realizing.]

[But it's different now. He tells himself that firmly.]

It's not like that anymore.

[Things are changing.]

[It feels better to move onto a different topic, and he shifts. That seemed to get rid of the demon's good mood, so he wonders if this kind of possession isn't enough even now.]

Curiosity. Nothing more or less.