KHR Hell because fuck

[warmskies]

Comments

[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.]

[ballandchained]

I’m fairly certain I’d go to Hell if I took any physical complaints with you, Father.

[But with that, he gives his order, waiting until the waitress has left once more.]

I hope it's not something you have to deal with often.

[catastrophuck]

Most sins can be forgiven and absolved. You just have to ask the right person.

[The question though gave Mukuro pause, and he flicked his gaze up to Lancia consideringly.]

More often than I would like. It would be nice, if I had been blessed with your physique on those occasions.

[ballandchained]

If you wish to use it, all you need to do is ask.

[He offers it without really thinking twice about it. Why should he? Priests may be protected spiritually by the grace of God, but a little physical help doesn’t hurt now and then.]

[catastrophuck]

[If only it were that simple. Not for the first time, Mukuro mourned his decision that had been made fueled mostly by spite, but then again, perhaps if he played his cards carefully...

He straightened slightly, watching Lancia thoughtfully.]

How well can you keep secrets? Would you call yourself judgemental?

[ballandchained]

[Mukuro’s questions draw Lancia to straighten in turn from the sudden change. Secrets? Well, he is a priest; people confess and approach him for all manners of things. Confidentiality must be key. Slowly, he nods.]

I’m good at keeping secrets, there’s no doubt about that, and I doubt I’m in a place to judge anyone.

[Which didn’t stop some people, but he was trying to better himself.]

[catastrophuck]

[Lancia, for all the faults he must have, was not dishonest. Mukuro was especially adept at reading people, and found them easy and predictable creatures, and nothing about Lancia's demeanor or words made him doubt him.

Humming thoughtfully, Mukuro drummed his fingers lazily against the table.]

And how strong would you say your faith is?

[ballandchained]

[This is beginning to sound like a test of sorts, something he’s only heard of and never experienced for himself. All he had was a revelation about his life, and wanting to better himself with the miracle of a second chance he was given. So it’s not a question he takes lightly, frowning down at his clasped hands as he thinks over it carefully.]

...I want to say it’s strong. My conviction, at least, I don’t doubt, but plenty of people say they have strong faith without having been challenged on it, don’t they?