[Which was all that Mukuro would say on the subject, instead turning it to more trivial matters until they parted.
For the next few weeks, Mukuro nor the other priests showed any outward signs of watching Lancia, but Mukuro made sure to keep the other man in his sights whenever he was able. When he delivered his sermons, his eyes strayed to Lancia more than he liked to admit. The family of the afflicted too, went out of their way to include Lancia in church activities to get a feel for him. This sort of exercise, after all, was fine for the rumor mill, but to include an outsider... Well, that took some neat and subtle convincing.
Once everyone was in agreement, Mukuro took Lancia aside after mass one day, resting a hand gently on his shoulder.]
[There’s no need to rush things, as far as Lancia is concerned. If this is meant to happen, whatever it is, then it will. Until then, he simply has to keep working hard and living the proper life he’s established for himself here. So, he does, keeping the apartment well maintained and going to work and, reliably, always attending church and putting everything he can into this second chance at life.]
[It’s working out, he thinks. People talk with him a little easier, the longer he stays in town, and he likes to think that his appearances at church make him look good. All of it adds up to comforting evenings spent on his own, letting himself be reassured by the schedule he’s quietly established.]
[However, that schedule gets disrupted, and he pauses where he’d been getting ready to leave.]
[It was honest men that were the easiest to take advantage of, and Mukuro had a difficult time quelling both his thoughts and his tongue to give an inappropriate response to that. Instead, Mukuro smiled in relief, giving a small nod as he gestured for the other man to follow him.
He led him back to one of the more secluded rooms in the church, which was usually used for quiet prayer. As such, it was simply furnished, though Mukuro bid Lancia to sit down across from him.]
[But he’s grinning a little, teasing. To be honest, it’s nice having someone check up on him, watching over him. It’s a bit of security that he doesn’t think he’s ever really had for a long time now.]
I’ve been getting to know a few people- there’s the man who delivers the meat to the butcher shop, and, lately, a particular family here in church has been very generous and kind to me.
[Of course he already knows the family. Lancia has long resigned himself to the fact that young Father Rokudo probably knows everyone in the town. Really, it shows how dedicated he is to being a priest here; Lancia has a feeling he’ll still only be able to get close to handful and maybe know another outside of that.]
Fortunately, I can keep up with a little rambunctiousness. [Curiously, he tilts his head just slightly as he leans back in his seat.] Is there a particular reason you say that, or just glad to see people coming together?
Perhaps you can pass your secret onto me. Some days I don't have the energy.
[He let out a small sigh as he leaned back in his chair, grinning slightly ruefully. A falsehood, for the most part, since Mukuro knew his limits and knew them well, but it never hurt to look like he needed help. Especially with what he was going to be asking of Lancia.
On anyone else, he would have found that perceptiveness irksome and irritating, but it did help in these matters, and he found that he appreciated someone who didn't seem to have their head full solely of dirt. Mukuro's eyes sharpened slightly, and he canted his head to the side.]
When we last spoke, I mentioned a family that was afflicted with something that would test anyone's faith. The Joshimas are that family.
[But then, maybe not too much so? He’d noticed that they had seemed a little ragged around the edges when he’d talked with them, but he’d been willing to brush that off. It’s not in his nature to be too nosy and pry to people who don’t offer the information themselves. That kind of thing, as far as he’s concerned, just leads to trouble. Besides, sometimes people just worked themselves hard, right…?]
[Except this sounds a lot more serious than that.]
[It was difficult, exactly, to pin down what was wrong with their son. They had countless doctors come and go, but neither medicine, isolation, or psychology could seem to help Ken. It was only a matter of time before they had brought in a priest, and while Mukuro was young, there was no denying he was talented. Even in the face of the devil himself, Mukuro didn't forget the verses he needed to say, his hand never wavered from counting the beads along his rosary, and he never lost his composure. One might call it a miracle from god, but Mukuro knew what it truly was.
It was curiosity, to be able to stare into the void of the afterlife and glimpse that perhaps there was something dark and disturbing waiting for them after death.
Mukuro sighed, softly, hand touching his eye, the bruise long since faded.]
You understand what I am about to tell you is to be kept secret. The Joshimas have trusted me with their secret, and it is with their blessing I will impart it onto you. But it carries a heavy weight, and one I do not want to give to anyone else lightly.
[Lancia goes still at that, mind stuttering for a second. It’s not something he’s ever really considered before, having to ever deal with demons in his life. He supposes most people, not even most Christians, consider it a regular worry or something to think about often. It’s… a pretty serious thing to say, but if they’ve gone to doctors about it…]
[His hands clench and relax against each other as he absorbs the information.]
...I can’t say I have much experience in that area, honestly.
Before we go any further, I want you to truly think about if you would want to entangle yourself in such matters. The danger is very real, and I wouldn't want to ask this of you or anyone if I didn't have to.
[He stood, patting Lancia on the shoulder as he headed towards the door.]
I'll give you all the time you need to process and decide.
[The sudden physical contact startled Mukuro, who turned to look back at Lancia after he had smoothed the surprise from his expression.]
Due to his condition, the youngest Joshima often needs to be restrained. While I have a better time at it than the more elderly members of our clergy, it's always a battle.
[In order not to elaborate further, he touched his eyes that had been bruised, even though it had long since healed.]
[Mukuro smiled, allowing some of his tiredness to seep into his tone, his expression.]
No, I'm asking for you to help me save him. The rest of the clergy has given up on him, but perhaps as someone who strayed from your faith only to return to it, you could provide a unique point of view and a unique solution.
[His shoulders roll in a shrug, hand falling back to his knee again. Theoretically, it should be simple, even if there are plenty of simple things in life that are incredibly hard to actually do. He’s never gone against a demon, although he’s gone against plenty of other men in the world who’d compare themselves as such, so he’d simply have to hope that he did the best and his faith held out to help the poor family out.]
[But it’s the next point that makes Lancia look a bit uneasy, glancing down at his hands. A unique solution, huh…?]
I’m not sure what I could offer there… but I would like to help, if you think I’m able.
[Mukuro gave him a small smile, turning to clasp the hand that had caught him gently.
While he was tempted to let Lancia tag along right here and now, there was some decorum he had to uphold. Besides, the Joshimas might not be prepared for such quick action. He let his touch linger for a few heart beats before letting go of the other man's hand, inclining his head gratefully.]
But I would really like you to consider this fully. I'll speak to you of it next week, if you're willing.
[Even as he says it, however, Lancia has a feeling that his mind is completely and fully made up. He knows himself, after this long, and he knows how it feels to subconsciously dig his feet in as he gets ready for a choice. Not that long ago, he’d felt more or less the same when he’d first considered starting his life anew.]
[True enough, as the week passes by, he turns over the answer carefully in his head each night. It’s a lot to take in, he knows. Honestly, even with the things he’s faced, he’s left wondering if he’s really enough to help with the existence of demons. Of even one. He’s faced gunmen, hired thugs, been under threat of losing his life at any moment… But this is something different. Something that strikes deeper than just flesh, if anything he’s heard about demons is even faintly accurate.]
[It’s a hefty risk.]
[But he’d made an offer, and he won’t go back on it. Especially not when there’s a kid who needs help.]
[So as Sunday service passes again, Lancia waits until most of the congregation has left again before quietly approaching Mukuro.]
[Mukuro hadn't been expecting Lancia to approach him so quickly. He had thought the other man might have had second thoughts or doubts, but he had come to him rather quickly after mass. That would change, perhaps, when he actually saw the afflicted child in question.
He slanted his gaze up to look at Lancia, mouth curling up in a small, slightly tired smile.]
My, my, made your decision already? Should we go someplace quieter?
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badliifechoiice22016-01-08 10:36 am
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[Which was all that Mukuro would say on the subject, instead turning it to more trivial matters until they parted.
For the next few weeks, Mukuro nor the other priests showed any outward signs of watching Lancia, but Mukuro made sure to keep the other man in his sights whenever he was able. When he delivered his sermons, his eyes strayed to Lancia more than he liked to admit. The family of the afflicted too, went out of their way to include Lancia in church activities to get a feel for him. This sort of exercise, after all, was fine for the rumor mill, but to include an outsider... Well, that took some neat and subtle convincing.
Once everyone was in agreement, Mukuro took Lancia aside after mass one day, resting a hand gently on his shoulder.]
Do you have a moment?
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[It’s working out, he thinks. People talk with him a little easier, the longer he stays in town, and he likes to think that his appearances at church make him look good. All of it adds up to comforting evenings spent on his own, letting himself be reassured by the schedule he’s quietly established.]
[However, that schedule gets disrupted, and he pauses where he’d been getting ready to leave.]
Of course, Father. Always for you.
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He led him back to one of the more secluded rooms in the church, which was usually used for quiet prayer. As such, it was simply furnished, though Mukuro bid Lancia to sit down across from him.]
Have you settled in?
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Everything has been going well, thank you. I think it’s because of you that I’ve had a slightly easier time of things, in fact.
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[But Mukuro preened inwardly, pleased that Lancia had such a high opinion of him without having had to do too much work for it.
He smiled, the expression almost sincere.]
Though I am glad to hear that you have been adjusting well. Tell me, have you been making friends here?
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[But he’s grinning a little, teasing. To be honest, it’s nice having someone check up on him, watching over him. It’s a bit of security that he doesn’t think he’s ever really had for a long time now.]
I’ve been getting to know a few people- there’s the man who delivers the meat to the butcher shop, and, lately, a particular family here in church has been very generous and kind to me.
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[Mukuro shot him a small smile, folding his hands delicately beneath his chin as he leaned forward, interested.]
The Joshimas, correct? They are a bit rambunctious, but good hearted people. I'm glad they've taken a liking to you.
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Fortunately, I can keep up with a little rambunctiousness. [Curiously, he tilts his head just slightly as he leans back in his seat.] Is there a particular reason you say that, or just glad to see people coming together?
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[He let out a small sigh as he leaned back in his chair, grinning slightly ruefully. A falsehood, for the most part, since Mukuro knew his limits and knew them well, but it never hurt to look like he needed help. Especially with what he was going to be asking of Lancia.
On anyone else, he would have found that perceptiveness irksome and irritating, but it did help in these matters, and he found that he appreciated someone who didn't seem to have their head full solely of dirt. Mukuro's eyes sharpened slightly, and he canted his head to the side.]
When we last spoke, I mentioned a family that was afflicted with something that would test anyone's faith. The Joshimas are that family.
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[But then, maybe not too much so? He’d noticed that they had seemed a little ragged around the edges when he’d talked with them, but he’d been willing to brush that off. It’s not in his nature to be too nosy and pry to people who don’t offer the information themselves. That kind of thing, as far as he’s concerned, just leads to trouble. Besides, sometimes people just worked themselves hard, right…?]
[Except this sounds a lot more serious than that.]
What’s wrong?
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It was curiosity, to be able to stare into the void of the afterlife and glimpse that perhaps there was something dark and disturbing waiting for them after death.
Mukuro sighed, softly, hand touching his eye, the bruise long since faded.]
You understand what I am about to tell you is to be kept secret. The Joshimas have trusted me with their secret, and it is with their blessing I will impart it onto you. But it carries a heavy weight, and one I do not want to give to anyone else lightly.
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I promise that you have nothing to fear with me, Father. I’m not one to gossip or break oaths.
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The Joshimas have a young son. Ever since he was young, he's suffered from an affliction no doctor has been able to accurately diagnose or cure.
[He paused, canting his head to the side, mouth in a grim line.]
My fellow priests believe it is the work of demons, and frankly I have little reason to disagree with them.
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[His hands clench and relax against each other as he absorbs the information.]
...I can’t say I have much experience in that area, honestly.
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[He paused, smiling as comfortingly as he could.]
Before we go any further, I want you to truly think about if you would want to entangle yourself in such matters. The danger is very real, and I wouldn't want to ask this of you or anyone if I didn't have to.
[He stood, patting Lancia on the shoulder as he headed towards the door.]
I'll give you all the time you need to process and decide.
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[Before the priest can go too far, Lancia reaches up to catch him by the hand.]
I meant when I said that I wanted to help you in whatever way I could. Are you certain I could do so this way?
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Due to his condition, the youngest Joshima often needs to be restrained. While I have a better time at it than the more elderly members of our clergy, it's always a battle.
[In order not to elaborate further, he touched his eyes that had been bruised, even though it had long since healed.]
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Is that all you would need my help with, then? Restraining him?
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[Mukuro smiled, allowing some of his tiredness to seep into his tone, his expression.]
No, I'm asking for you to help me save him. The rest of the clergy has given up on him, but perhaps as someone who strayed from your faith only to return to it, you could provide a unique point of view and a unique solution.
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[His shoulders roll in a shrug, hand falling back to his knee again. Theoretically, it should be simple, even if there are plenty of simple things in life that are incredibly hard to actually do. He’s never gone against a demon, although he’s gone against plenty of other men in the world who’d compare themselves as such, so he’d simply have to hope that he did the best and his faith held out to help the poor family out.]
[But it’s the next point that makes Lancia look a bit uneasy, glancing down at his hands. A unique solution, huh…?]
I’m not sure what I could offer there… but I would like to help, if you think I’m able.
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[Mukuro gave him a small smile, turning to clasp the hand that had caught him gently.
While he was tempted to let Lancia tag along right here and now, there was some decorum he had to uphold. Besides, the Joshimas might not be prepared for such quick action. He let his touch linger for a few heart beats before letting go of the other man's hand, inclining his head gratefully.]
But I would really like you to consider this fully. I'll speak to you of it next week, if you're willing.
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[Even as he says it, however, Lancia has a feeling that his mind is completely and fully made up. He knows himself, after this long, and he knows how it feels to subconsciously dig his feet in as he gets ready for a choice. Not that long ago, he’d felt more or less the same when he’d first considered starting his life anew.]
[Getting up to his feet, he nods to the priest.]
I’ll let you know my answer next week, then.
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[Mukuro inclined his head in return, opening the door for Lancia to go out first.]
I appreciate you hearing me out. Take care of yourself until I see you next.
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[It’s a hefty risk.]
[But he’d made an offer, and he won’t go back on it. Especially not when there’s a kid who needs help.]
[So as Sunday service passes again, Lancia waits until most of the congregation has left again before quietly approaching Mukuro.]
Father?
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He slanted his gaze up to look at Lancia, mouth curling up in a small, slightly tired smile.]
My, my, made your decision already? Should we go someplace quieter?
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