KHR Hell because fuck

[warmskies]

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[kokuyoyo]

[For a second, he’s not sure what to do. This is a matter for the church, for him as an exorcist. Letting it be handed over to a demon…]

[But then… is it bad if demons go after each other? Certainly it would mean less trouble for the church… So long as it’s kept to the realm of the spiritual instead of directly affecting humanity on earth… After some moments of struggle, he finally reaches into his pocket to pull out his keys.]

...Nigella… Whatever you do, you won’t hurt the host, will you…?

[possedere]

[The keys in his hand feel like victory, like being given a flaming sword to slay his enemies. He smirks, but it's a feral, beastly thing, and he tucked them safely into his pocket. He leaned forward to give the cab driver the priest's address, before turning to assess Chikusa Kakimoto smartly. His eyes, at least, are fading back into their fake blue, and when he smiles, this time it is closer to normal. But it still promises malice and destruction.

Nigella... It isn't a name he knew, but it wouldn't matter. In a few hours, its very existence would be wiped from every imaginable plane.]

If I don't, will I be rewarded?

[Slaying demons was all well and fine, but doing good deeds in his natural state would be irritating to him all over again. Perhaps it would be worse, since now he was so susceptible to sensation, having given himself over to a mortal vessel for quite some time.]

[kokuyoyo]

[Of course... His expression shifts back into the usual neutral displeasure he's so often worn when around the demon. He should have expected it would be like this, shouldn't he? Shoulders tense, he starts to duck into the cab.]

If you're responsible for the harm or death of that child... I'll find a way to tear you out from that shell of yours.

[possedere]

[It had been worth a try, Mukuro shooting the priest an amused look as he climbed into the cab.]

You catch more flies with honey, my cute little priest.

[Still, his eyes hardened, mouth curving up into a vicious smirk.]

Don't worry. The only thing that will be harmed is that demon.

[kokuyoyo]

[So he says…. Chikusa can’t help wonder if that will turn out to be the case. And yet just as much as that, despite how he had told himself he would firm his resolve at being reminded of how demons are…. His hand reaches up to brush against Mukuro’s arm.]

Don’t do anything foolish.

[And with that, he tugs the door shut, shoulders hunching up.]

[possedere]

[The touch was enough to startle Mukuro, his eyes flicking over to the priest, surprised by the genuine concern he seemed to be displaying. He would take it, he supposed, as a sign that he was slowly but surely winning him over. It was about time, considering he had all but taken him out on dates and blew him already.

He canted his head to the side, though his normally condescending and smug expression softening slightly at the edges.]

Is that concern, Chikusa Kakimoto?

[kokuyoyo]

[THE BLOWJOB HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS, MUKURO.]

[Stubbornly, he tries to keep his away, at least in an upfront way. There’s certainly a glance from the corner of his eye, heart throbbing uncomfortably at that look.]

At this point you’re my responsibility… And I know how you overdo things.

[possedere]

[Is it because the priest had caught feelings long before then?

Mukuro chuckled lightly at that poor excuse, leaning back into his seat, allowing the priest this one white lie. There was also an easy joke about what else he'd like to overdo, but perhaps later. There were more pressing concerns for once than what he could do to his priest.]

My, my, I don't mind being kept by you in that case. What other perks can I expect?

[kokuyoyo]

[Yes. Regret. And other things, which he regrets even more.]

[He particularly regrets encouraging the demon in any way, and he resists the urge to shake his head. And to think that only a moment ago, and he’d felt so breathless at Mukuro’s words… Crossing his arms and holding them against his body, he makes sure to keep his gaze focused elsewhere.]

Access to my car, apparently- please don’t make copies of the key or something…

[possedere]

[Well no said dicking a demon would be easy ayyy.

That closed off body language was enough to get a small sign from Mukuro, and he let the priest have a bit more breathing room, leaning away from him and inching slightly to the side.]

Don't worry my cute little priest, I wouldn't need to if getting your car was what I wanted.

[Because that was supposed to make it better.

As they pulled up to Chikusa's apartment and after tipping the driver, he went around the side to help the priest out of the cab should he need it.]

Next time, reschedule.

[kokuyoyo]

...Reassuring.

[Mukuro pls]

[Still, as he opens the door to find the demon waiting for him, he hesitates only a moment before sliding his hand into his to rise to his feet.]

I thought your ego would be stroked more.

[possedere]

There are better ways to stroke it that don't involve your pain.

[It was said with a hint of carelessness and lightness, lacking in the usual amount of innuendo it normally did, Mukuro helping the priest up to his feet and heading towards his apartment.]

Though since when have you been interested in stroking my ego?

[He glanced over pointedly at the priest's face, interested.]

[kokuyoyo]

[At least he's not making this worse.... Chikusa side eyes him in a way that's not particularly subtle.]

I was preparing myself for having to deal with your overwhelming smugness. That's the only reason I ask.

[possedere]

If that is what you insist, I'll believe you my cute little priest.

[Though an 'overwhelmingly smug' smirk that overtook Mukuro's expression might beg to differ. He paused once they were outside of the priest's apartment, flickering his gaze back to Chikusa Kakimoto's face, weighing the pros and cons of what he was to say next.

Eventually, with a small sigh, he asked quietly:]

Should I have someone watch over you tonight?

[As if he didn't every night, but it wasn't like the priest had to know.]

[kokuyoyo]

[Mukuro, why does he tell you anything? Still, he knows he's brought it on himself, so Chikusa merely sighs and allows himself to be escorted in otherwise silence. As he's fishing for his keys, however, he pauses at the demon's words.]

'Someone'?

[Mukuro has friends? Or other people who can stand him?]

[possedere]

An associate.

[Like that clarification means anything, really, and Mukuro only looked over at the priest with a small touch of amusement.]

I know people who could see to your wounds. Should I make the call?

[Listen, doctors are one of the leading groups of people to sell their souls to demons, and some for actual good reasons. Save this dying child, let this person pass peacefully, murder the director of medicine so I can take their job, blah blah blah.]

[kokuyoyo]

Somehow, the idea of what associates you could have doesn’t fill me with confidence…

[This is still Mukuro, although that he’s bothering to bust out personal resources for him is… flattering? Still, he unlocks his door and steps inside, although he still looks to Mukuro as he does so.]

It’s just some minor things… They’ll heal up on their own. I can last for that long, even as a human.

[possedere]

I associate with you, don't I, my cute little priest?

[Still, he wouldn't press the matter. He was loathe to have his worlds intersect, considering how difficult it was most days to get the priest to forget he was a demon without flaunting all the morally bankrupt and sinful activities he was engaging in right underneath his nose.

There was a temptation to follow the priest inside, to soothe those 'minor' wounds with his mouth and his hands, but he had a more important job to do. Besides, the priest was looking wary enough, so there was no need to make him even more skittish.]

Then I'll leave you to heal. I'll see you when my work is complete, Chikusa Kakimoto. Until then...

[He reached out, brushing a gloved hand almost affectionately against his cheek.]

Keep out of trouble.

[kokuyoyo]

[He wishes he wouldn’t do this to him, how he can make Chikusa’s heart thud painfully against his chest with only a simple brush of a leather covered hand. There’s probably a blush spreading from where those fingers grazed him, but he at least manages to keep his calm otherwise.]

Since I’m involved with you, I think it’s a bit late to say that…. [And then after a second-] Don’t hurt yourself.

[And he closes the door before he can see what Mukuro’s expression becomes like.]

[With nothing to do now but pass the time, Chikusa tries to occupy himself. He takes a bath, always relaxing, tries to watch the news…. Even finds himself drawn to sketching out that gorgeous intense expression that had been on the demon’s face, his heart twisting in his chest as he does so.]

[But unable to help himself… He keeps glancing to his phone, wondering if he’ll get a call- whether from the Church on whatever happens to the demon he’s supposed to exercise, or Mukuro himself.]

[possedere]

[Words were inherently meaningless, didn't Mukuro know that better than anyone? Promises were made just as easily as they were broken, people misread and misunderstood them either on purpose or on accident but the results were the same, and the most important things would often go unsaid. So why was it when the priest offered that small bit of caution, Mukuro felt such a keen satisfaction and warmth at it? Was it perhaps his vessel's body reacting, or worse, was it his own? It was probably for the best that Chikusa Kakimoto shut the door as quickly as he did, because the temptation to step inside had strengthened a thousand fold, to reach for him and make that blush extend further than just his face, and he wasn't quite sure his expression was as he wanted it.

For a few moments, he stood in quiet shock before shaking himself out of his stupor, laughing softly before taking his leave. Sometimes he forgot just how distracting the priest could be, how much of a temptation, and he had work to do.

Prying himself out of his vessel was as painful as it was exhilarating. It felt like ripping every nerve out of the body, followed by the rush and relief of being free. He had forgotten how confining his vessel had been, and just how powerful he was. In order to preserve his vessel, he had done his best to lock away most of it, but now, now...

It was laughably easy to find the demon who was possessing the child. It was just as easy to destroy that demon without even having to harm a hair on the child's head, but Mukuro's rage wasn't content with just that. Over the next month, he led a one demon campaign against those in his area, slaughtering any who didn't submit to his will, drunk both on anger and power.

There was a definite draw to stay in his natural form, to continue this war on indefinitely until he ruled hell again with an iron fist, but there were few challenges that had surfaced while he had been away. It grew wearisome and tiresome, and once he was satisfied that no real threats were anywhere near his precious little priest, he returned to his vessel. Re-synchronizing with his host was less tedious than the first time, but it still took time for him to get comfortable enough to contact the priest. ( Who, if he had bothered to contact him at all during his absence would be met with short, polite, but vague replies from his vessel. His apartment would similarly be empty and met with no response ).

Briefly, he wondered if he had been missed when he sent the priest a short message.]

Did you miss me?

[kokuyoyo]

[With Mukuro absent from his life, Chikusa does as he’s always done: he works.]

[After all, even with the demon’s assistance, the exorcism is still technically scheduled, so Chikusa does what he needs to. He does as he’s done for ages, just in case the demon was playing with him or did a half assed job, and then he makes sure to speak with the parents. Being a priest, he doesn’t lie. That the demon is out of their child is true. That they should also make sure, if possible, to get her checked out at a doctor is also just common sense. So…. Technically, he doesn’t lie… except by omission.]

[But then, that’s always how it’s been ever since he met this particular demon, hasn’t it? Staying quiet about Mukuro’s presence in his life, the things he’s requested of him, what’s been done to him that he’s let himself be tempted into…. Yes, he’s stayed quiet about all of that. If he spoke now, either it’d be of this sole incident in which case he doubts he’d be believed, or… He would have to reveal everything.]

[So Chikusa stays quiet, continuing to do his duties around the church, organizing events and figuring out paperwork, on and on. It’d be a simple soothing monotony, a return to as his life should be…. But, with each passing day, no attempt at communication, he can’t help but find his gaze lingering on his phone. Honestly, the things he does to himself… He should be relieved that, once more, the demon is gone for at least a while longer. This is time that he can use to strengthen is convictions, and cleanse himself of the sins that he’s let himself fall prey to. So why is he quiety worried? Why does he bother to wonder about the demon’s condition? It takes all his strength not to pick up the phone and call him, or text him. Already, he’s show so much weakness to the demon when his life’s goal is to banish them. He can’t show anymore. That’s what he tells himself, every time, hoping to find strength once again.]

[He’s doing some archival work for the church when he feels the phone in his pocket buzz, and Chikusa heart nearly leaps out of his throat. How he manages to otherwise stay calm, carefully putting away the last of what he was doing before pulling out his phone, is a mystery even to him. Seeing that name actually there, real, has him letting out a breath that he feels he’s been holding in forever.]

Didn’t I tell you to be careful?

[possedere]

[His cute little priest was so cold sometimes, not even a phone call or a text to see how he was doing after all this time. Still, he was heartened that his text was responded to so quickly at all.]

I'm only careless when it comes to you, Chikusa Kakimoto.

[Then before the priest can misinterpret that:]

When are you going to come reward me for all my work?

[kokuyoyo]

[So does that mean he did get hurt? But Chikusa doesn't have the time to question him about that before that question is sent through and he pauses.]

Tonight, actually. I want to talk with you.

[possedere]

[That... Actually made Mukuro pause. He hadn't been expecting to see the priest so soon, and he was still exhausted after having possessed his vessel again. He hadn't had time to hear the reports proper from those he had left in place to watch over his investments, and Mukuro hated walking blind into a situation. His relationship with the priest was already precarious enough, and yet-]

My, my, missed me that much did you? Your place then. Seven?

[kokuyoyo]

That works fine for me.

[And, a moment later after much deliberation-]

Do you want dinner instead of only tea?