KHR Hell because fuck

[warmskies]

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[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?

[possedere]

[What had happened to Chikusa Kakimoto in the time he had been gone and was this a good or bad change? Mukuro couldn't help but feel a bit disquieted.]

So accommodating, priest. Dinner would be fine. I look forward to it.

[He would even be perfectly on time, looking put together if exhausted, cradling a bottle of wine in one arm as he knocked on the door.]

[kokuyoyo]

[At least one of them looks decent as Chikusa opens the door, clearly in good health and having long changed out of his 'work clothes'. He purses his lips at the sign of exhaustion, but opens the door wide for him.]

If you were tired, you didn't have to come.... [A pointed stare at what's in his arms.] Or bring wine...

[possedere]

[Of the two of them, Mukuro was glad that he was the one who looked worse off for once. For one, Mukuro still looked better no matter how tired he may be, and he also carried it better. He was pleased to see that the priest's wounds had healed nicely, and that it seemed like he had dressed up for the occasion. Though he couldn't really say he minded the cassock.

At having words similar to the ones he'd thrown at the priest tossed casually back at him, he gave a small chuckle, sweeping in, depositing the wine carelessly into the priest's hands.]

Who am I to deny you when you're so eager to see me?

[As for the wine, he smiled innocently, though his eyes were sharp and cunning.]

If it bothers you, pretend it's the blood of Christ or of the many demons I slew in your honor.

[kokuyoyo]

[...He swears to-]

I thought it was only one demon that was the problem?

[But he closes and locks the door, just in case, and makes his way back to the kitchen. The work day was tiring enough, to not even mention how much his heart had twisted when the demon had contacted him after so long, so he hadn't gotten anything special. Short notice, and all of that. Instead, there's a roasted chicken from one of the nearby stores ready, along with some simple vegetables he was able to quickly heat up from Mukuro arrived.]

[Nothing fancy, but... Well. That's what happens on a work day.]

I suppose you insist on having that with dinner...

[possedere]

Aren't all demons the problem?

[Which might be laughable, coming out of the mouth of a demon, and Mukuro didn't seem to miss the irony of it, smirking as he made his way into the kitchen. He whistled lightly at the fact that there was indeed dinner, settling down contentedly at the table. He had almost thought the priest had been joking, but he supposed the priest's unflagging honesty was one of the traits he liked most about him.]

It'll pair nicely with it, won't it? Though you shouldn't have gone through all the effort.

[It might make Mukuro's ego swell dangerously, after all.]

[kokuyoyo]

Consider it your reward.

[So keep your hands out of his pants and your mouth off his dick for like one night, okay?]

[Still, he goes to retrieve some glasses along with the plates, setting them down one after the other onto the small table. Not for the first time, he realizes how small the space is- how much more intimate it makes this whole affair seem. But it can't be helped. He bought this apartment with only himself in mind, content to the knowledge that only he would be in this place. No more foolish ideas like when he'd bought his first apartment, that others might visit him or fill up the emptiness.]

[It's been freeing, in a way... even if it leads to situations like this, always with the demon.]

[Sitting down himself, his gaze flickers up to him. There's news he wants to tell him, but...]

...It was rushed, so don't expect anything opulent...

[possedere]

My, my, in that case do I get dessert too? The child was unharmed, were they not?

[Request denied. Dessert was definitely going to be in one of their pants, and Mukuro wasn't picky about who was eating what.

Mukuro made sure to fill both of their glasses generously, extending his legs so that they could brush against the priest's, shooting him a sly, amused look. He had dined in grand palaces, on food that would only be fresher if he had gone out and hunted it himself, with people who had shaped history and civilization, and yet he couldn't say that he preferred any of it to this quiet and intimate makeshift dinner with Chikusa Kakimoto. He started to cut into the chicken, putting pieces of meat onto both of their plates, mouth curving up into a smirk.]

The fact that you considered me at all makes it opulent enough.

[He popped a piece of chicken into his mouth, humming at the taste before washing it down with wine.]

Was there a reason you had to see me tonight?

[kokuyoyo]

When I said your interference was unnecessary…

[But what’s done is done, and he focuses for now on making sure they both have a decent portion of mixed vegetables while the demon takes care of the chicken. It’s- almost domestic, what they’re doing. Could he ever have imagined this between them, when the demon first intruded in his life? When he slipped into his dreams, arguing and teasing him?]

[How low he’s come. Sin is truly nefarious, with how it sneaks into one’s life like this.]

[But there’s a point to this meeting, and Chikusa stares down at his plate for a moment. He’s been going through it the entire day in preparation. It’s simply that coming out with it is harder now that the moment has come.]

...The Church thinks that, despite my young age, I’m more than fit to be sent out throughout the rest of the country for exorcisms outside of this city.

[possedere]

[Oops, well he had interfered anyway, though it seemed to be pointless to say such a fact when his mouth was full and the priest was doting on him so. He watched in amusement as he doled out the vegetables, wondering if this was the reception he would get each time, if he should leave more often. He also couldn't help but ponder just when the priest had learned to share a meal, and just how much significance this simple, every day scene had on him as a person who had been alone more often than not.

He paused in bringing vegetables up to his mouth when the priest mentioned what seemed to be a promotion of sorts, raising an eyebrow. Was he trying to cut ties? If so, why even bother with dinner? Unless he assumed ( correctly ) that Mukuro would be angry and thought that this meager offering would soften the blow.]

Congratulations, though it's not surprising. You're the most competent I've seen in quite some time.

[He straightened, fixing Chikusa Kakimoto with the full weight of his stare.]

Have you gotten to travel often?

[kokuyoyo]

[It's a stare he can't meet, looking down at their shared table. Again with the compliments from him...]

We both know I haven't.

[This city has been his whole life, and he's never dared venture out of it. If asked, he'd say there was never any need, or that he had school to finish, and then his job, but...]

[He thinks of what it will be like, now. Passing from motel to motel, each of them empty places with the bare minimum to pass as a place where others lived even if only temporarily... "Liminal Spaces" he's read on the internet, and the whole experience matches what's been so much of his life too well. Enough that he's frightened of them, in a way, scared as if he will just fade away himself until he's nothing but a ghost passing from one place to another with the only thing making him material being his actions as an exorcist.]

[Once, that would have been enough for him. Any mark he could leave on the world was satisfying, even if only in a one off occasion where he got rid of some spiritual trespasser. But here, with Mukuro's legs brushing against his and the small table keeping them so close, it's...]

Do you want to come with me?

[The words are out of his mouth before he can stop himself, and his fingers curl tighter around his fork. He has touched neither food or wine, but he isn't sure he could keep them down with the lump in his throat. The truth of the matter is that only two things in the world make him feel like he exists: his connection to God, which has been the entire foundation of his life since he was young, and the demon sitting opposite of him, arguments and sensual touches making him feel as if he actually has a body instead of just being an intangible spirit in life.]

[As guilty as it makes him feel... Mukuro makes him feel alive. And how sad is that?]

[possedere]

[It was good to see that his priest hadn't become completely unrecognizable in the time that Mukuro had been gone. He smirked into his chicken, taking another bite happily when the priest couldn't meet his gaze.

He was about to say it sounded like a good idea for him to travel, to find time to miss him and that next time he'd have dinner ready for him when he returned when- He opened his mouth to speak, only to close it again at the invitation, eyes wide. My, my, apparently absence did make the heart grow fonder. He couldn't help the warmth that spread through his limbs, the way his expression softened, how he leaned forward so that their knees were brushing, his eyes burning.]

Why would you want that, Chikusa Kakimoto? Wouldn't it only trouble you more if I accompanied you?

[He shouldn't be questioning him, he should be jumping at this opportunity, but he was still aware of how tenuous their relationship still was. Why was the priest inviting him? Was he afraid of being lonely on the road? Had Mukuro proven how adept he could be against demons? Or was he just looking forward to being able to sin far away from anyone he knew?]

[kokuyoyo]

[Of course he couldn't just accept the offer as it was. Of course he'd have to push and pry- what more could he expect from a demon? Chikusa can't be surprised, but he does narrow his eyes down at his plate.]

[Perhaps this was a mistake.]

....The opposite, actually. If I at least know where you are, you can't go running off doing anything reckless again.

[possedere]

Really?

[Mukuro looked like he was on the verge of laughing, his eyes never leaving the priest's face. He wouldn't push anymore then, since it seemed like the priest was already regretting his invitation.]

While I'm flattered you worried about me so, you know I'll always return to you.

[He reached over, briefly enveloping the priest's hand in one of his own, eyes searching his face.]

And you should eat.

[kokuyoyo]

[Honestly, maybe he should just kick the demon out. If he's going to laugh at him like this... Yet even as he fantasizes about it, that hand slipped over his, and Chikusa snaps out of it with a soft flush overtaking his skin. Embarrassed, he pulls his hand back.]

[It's hard to admit how pleased such a simple statement makes him feel.]

It's the things you do before you return that have me worried.

[Still, he doesn't need to be told twice as he finally begins to work on his food.]

[possedere]

[It was good to know that Mukuro still managed to have an affect on him after all this time. He withdrew his hand, chuckling, focusing on the food now that the priest seemed to be doing the same.]

Destroying other demons is worrisome to you now?

[That was news to him. He still nudged their knees together again to show he was teasing, taking a moment to fill his glass with more wine.]

What about what you have been doing in my absence?

[kokuyoyo]

[No one besides the demon has ever teased him like this, legs brushing, and he continues to not know what to do. Awkwardly, he nudges back, glancing up at the demon over the rim of his glasses. There's plenty of room in his apartment, small as it is, and yet, here, right now.... Should he feel this close?]

The same things as I've always done... I don't appreciate having to cover up the fact that it was a demon that actually rid that couple the one haunting them, you know.

[Taking the wine in hand, he pause before having a sip of it. It's... good. Better than any other wine he's had before.]

...You're sure you're okay? I didn't think it would take that much out of you.