KHR Hell because fuck

[warmskies]

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[catastrophuck]

[As prompt as Mukuro would have liked to be in this engagement, he had duties to attend to. As the newest priest to the area, it meant a lot of undesirable jobs fell on him. Such as tending to the quite mad and often violent parishioners whose family believed to be possessed by the devil, but Mukuro was more sure were just the unfortunately product of so much inbreeding.

After saying the necessary amount of prayers over the afflicted and sporting a bruise on his cheek for his trouble ( typically, he was quick enough but this one proved to be far more violent and capable than most ), he made his way over to the coffee shop, for once the coffee not merely a vehicle for social interaction.

Once he spotted Lancia, he raised a hand in greeting.]

My apologies for being late. My duties ran over. Were you waiting long?

[ballandchained]

[Every time he’s heard the door open, he’s idly glanced over just to see if it was who he’s been waiting for. He was expecting a casual meeting, but seeing the bruise on the priest’s cheek even from a distance has him standing up.]

No, it’s more than fine- are you alright?

[catastrophuck]

[Mukuro waved away Lancia's concern with a brisk smile.]

It's nothing but an unfortunate happenstance of the profession. It makes me envious of your stature and muscles, but other than that, I'm fine. Shall we?

[ballandchained]

Still… If there’s anything I could do to help..

[Going back to his seat, he nudges out the chair for him before sitting down as well.]

Do you want any ice?

[catastrophuck]

[Mukuro inclined his head in thanks as Lancia pulled a chair out for him, smiling wryly. If only the other man was aware of what kind of help from him Mukuro was truly interested in.]

Some ice would be appreciated, thank you.

[ballandchained]

[Calm your thirsty ass down, Mukuro, goddamn]

[Fortunate that the staff are willing to help fairly quickly, and it only takes a few moments before Lancia has gotten some ice wrapped in a washcloth to hold out to Mukuro.]

Is it alright if I ask what happened?

[catastrophuck]

[Listen the other fugo scrubs in the village were nothing to look at. Mukuro hadn't seen someone half-way decent that wasn't in the mirror in a long time.

Mukuro accepted the ice with a small inclination of thanks, smiling up at the other man as he pressed it gingerly against his bruise.]

It's nothing you need to worry about. It's unfortunately not uncommon in my line of duty.

[His voice was probably a bit blunted and odd, considering the placement of the washcloth.]

I'm more interested in how you've been busying yourself since I last saw you.

[ballandchained]

[Stop trying to fuck your reflection, Mukuro]

[There’s a frown that things aren’t uncommon, but Lancia lets that rest of the moment. He’s not going to start being nosy now, especially when he’s still trying to make a good impression on those in the town, and that includes the priest.]

Nothing too riveting, I’m afraid, Father. I’ve taken up some work, and I help my landlord with some things where I’m able. I’m sure they’re all things you’ve heard before.

[catastrophuck]

[Don't kink shame him.

Mukuro hummed to let the other man know he was listening, settling himself down comfortably in his seat, giving Lancia a soft smile.]

I haven't heard them from you, so it makes them new. Has your landlord been taking good care of you?

[ballandchained]

Touche, Father.

[He huffs out a laugh as he folds his arms across the table.]

I’ve been treated well. It’s not the most extravagant place, but that suits me just fine. I feel better when I’m doing something, and that includes taking care of the apartment.

[catastrophuck]

[At that, Mukuro only smiled, wincing slightly at how the expression irritated his skin.]

Sometimes a lack of extravagance is best. It'll help you find what is truly important.

[He canted his head to the side, thoughtful.]

Is this your first apartment of your own?

[ballandchained]

No, I had a place in the city I lived in before. It wasn’t bad, by any means, but… I guess I was missing a certain closeness or care it all. A lot different than living here.

[His reputation and the things he was mixed up in kept his landlord or any neighbors he didn’t know from ‘business’ from really wanting to get to know him, after all, and that house… His gaze drifts off for a second as he thinks about it. A place to just sleep in at the end of the day, cared for about as much as he cared for his body back then, which wasn’t much at all with the bad habits he’d cultivated. It was never surprising that any women he brought back never stuck around.]

[Shaking his head, he focuses on the conversation again.]

I’m liking the change. Are you sure you're alright, Father?

[catastrophuck]

I see. It was more of a house than a home then. I'm glad that you've found it more welcoming here.

[There was a shuttered look on Lancia's face, and it made Mukuro curious to know more about their newest parishioner. He supposed he could look it up, since Lancia was rather distinguished and he was sure he could dig up whatever was haunting the man. However, there was a certain satisfaction in formulating a hypothesis and having the man confess everything to him without prodding.

Mukuro nodded to the shop owner's daughter as she came over, no doubt eager to hear what they were talking about and to be able to pass on gossip to the rest of the town. She dropped off a complimentary plate of scones and to ask if they were ready to order.

He took the distraction to dodge the question, instead glancing over at Lancia with a small smile. The shop owner's daughter was making little effort to hide her curiosity, after all.]

Would like a moment more before ordering?

[ballandchained]

[What timing. Maybe he should take that as a sign, although Lancia can’t say where it’s one from God or simply that gossip is as valuable as currency in this town. Well, that much he understands, at least. Smiling up at the owner’s daughter he shrugs.]

Another espresso for now, thank you. What about you, Father?

[catastrophuck]

Some tea, if you wouldn't mind.

[He nodded his thanks as the shop owner's daughter sauntered off, watching the exaggerated sway of her hips for a moment, before turning back to Lancia.]

Though are you hungry as well? Everything on the menu is very rich and delicious. When I first came here, I must have gained ten pounds from this cafe alone.

[ballandchained]

It seems you’ve had plenty of chances to work it off, then, considering how you were only a few days ago.

[He chuckles a little. It’s impossible, even with the usual priestly wear, to not see how slim Mukuro is. The duties of the church keep people on their feet, he guesses.]

Anyway, I’m unsure I would even know where to start with the food. Everything looks good, honestly.

[But then, anything tastes good after prison food. He’s still savoring even mundane dinners.]

[catastrophuck]

[Oh, so then Lancia had noticed then? He tried not to let his vanity become too readily apparent, but he couldn't stop the small smile that curved his lips.]

That's rather kind of you to say, Lancia. I appreciate it.

[At that response, Mukuro gave a small smile, gesturing vaguely.]

If you're fond of seafood, the shrimp here is delicious.

[ballandchained]

Then… I suppose the ciopinno would be nice to have. Something filling.

[The day is nice. Good food with good company will make it even better.]

And yourself?

[catastrophuck]

Buridda would be nice.

[He wanted something light and easy to eat, so it wouldn't hurt so much. He put the ice pack down on the table, watching Lancia closely for a few contemplative moments.]

Do you have a favorite dish?

[ballandchained]

Hm? Risotto, actually. I’m actually not much of a cook… [Folding his hands on the table, he gives a slight shrug, lips quirked up.] But I’ve always remembered how to make that, with beef most of the time.

[catastrophuck]

I'd like to try some, sometime. I've never been a very good cook.

[Mostly out of sheer laziness and because the church provided, but ssh who was keeping track?]

[ballandchained]

What- [More amusement flickers across his face.] Would you like me to invite you to my humble home then, Father?

[catastrophuck]

Only if you wish to, I would hate to impose.

[Mukuro smiled charmingly enough, even though he was putting the ice pack back to his face to help soothe the irritated bruise.]

I wouldn't ask you to make anything for free. I could bless your place, if you'd like.

[ballandchained]

[He’d meant it as a joke, but now that the offer is being returned… Lancia looks thoughtful.]

I had meant to get it blessed at some point, I just haven’t made time for a request… If it wouldn’t be any trouble, I really would appreciate it.

[catastrophuck]

It's no trouble at all. It's part of my duties, and so long as you're not going to have any physical complaints about my work, we should be fine.

[Mukuro gestured to his eye wryly, before nodding the waitress back over to take their orders.]