[Then again, it seems like the heir apparent is still something the Vongola aren't particularly eager to talk about to strangers just yet. Lancia can understand that, considering what he's heard of the other heirs' fates. Maybe that's why the group he worked with was so efficient, he muses to himself as he rolls his neck. The mafia world is full of people who'd leap on any sort of weakness from the strongest Family in the world.]
[Putting that in the back of his mind, he scoffs fondly at Faustino's words as he comes over. A callused but warm hand makes a move to ruffle the boy's hair.]
Of course, you've been as innocent as a babe, I'm sure.
[And if he asked Ciro or Al, they'd absolutely not say or hint at otherwise.]
More like in less than a year, you'll be getting sent off to make deals for us. Ken might cry if you leave him behind.
What will we do in a world full of Don Caros and Vongola Tenths, I wonder.
[It was said idly enough, though Faustino didn't look too interested or impressed by the scenario. Even now, he still kept the possession bullets close at hand, even if he had long since learned a gun wasn't the most powerful weapon one could have.
He swatted away at Lancia's hair ruffling with a small frown, but no sharp words. There were few who he would allow into his personal space, ever careful to keep a distance between himself and others. Al and Ciro were ever eager to please and only touched when Faustino allowed it, but Lancia did so fearlessly and without permission. It was vexing and enticing at once.
His smirk was more a show of teeth than amusement, because while he had since learned to hide his emotions better, there were some who could read him better than he would like.]
Don't sound so disbelieving, egregio signor. It might hurt my feelings.
[It was said flippantly enough to make it clear that no such thing would happen.
Faustino chuckled lightly at that, head canted to the side as he looked up at Lancia.]
Which is why he and Ciro will come with me. Will you be lonely without me here?
[A chuckle rolls out of him as Faustino bats away his hand. Still so distant and vain. Still, it's better than how he was when he first came to the Caro Family.]
You have too much confidence to let a little disbelief wound you.
[It's not an insult, either. Maybe a little arrogance is something he should discourage more, but, well, it's better than the alternative. He'll just make sure it doesn't get to his charge's head.]
If I'm worried, I'll just call you. I can handle a little away time from you three, you know.
[Truly, far too easily read for his liking. Faustino dropped the act for half a second, sighing and turning his face away. It would be boring and a waste of time to talk about his ego ( which had no shortage of people willing to stroke it ), when there were more interesting topics to discuss.
He stood fluidly, resting his weight on his back foot as he smirked at Lancia.]
My, my we're getting old enough that you don't have to mother hen us. Should we work out some of that tension of yours to prove it to you?
[As easy as breathing, Faustino summoned his trident to his gloved hand, resting against it leisurely.]
[But he's smiling as he starts to undo the front of his shirt, sliding it off past broad shoulders to reveal the sleeveless shirt clinging to his chest. Don't want to get his good clothes messy if Faustino is in a mood. Letting it rest on the very bench that's just been left empty, he pulls out his fingerless gloves.]
The only time I treat you cruelly is in sparring.
[And even then, he'd never do something too bad. He knows his limits and the limits of his three charges... more or less. Then again, they're always coming up with ways to surprise him the second he leaves his back turned away from them for a little too long.]
[It was said smartly enough, because considering his capabilities as an illusionist, it would be child's play to leave illusions of himself and his underlings in school while he and the rest of the garbage children roamed free. He smiled harmlessly though, all wide eyed and innocent that might fool someone else but possibly not even then.
Still, that expression dropped to something like a bored neutrality at the mention of Lancia's cruelty, Faustino's mouth a thin line.]
Is that what you think?
[It was said lightly enough, though Faustino didn't look too convinced. Lancia's cruelty lied in how kind he could be, and how thoughtless. What a life he led, he knew now, that the largest source of pain he felt was from his emotions. Perhaps it was time to take leave of this place for a time, to remind himself what true suffering was. He could allow himself to forgive, but never to forget.
He relaxed into a fighting stance regardless, tossing strands of hair out of his face.]
[Ah, one of these kinds of talks. Lancia doesn't answer immediately, pressing his fingers back and cracking his knuckles to make sure all the kinks are out as he starts to walk to the middle of the training room.]
It's what I think of my intentions. For anything else, there might be no way for me to recognize it, would there? But I don't think that's the kind of conversation we want to be having in the middle of a fight.
[He shifts into a relaxed stance of his own, ready for hopefully anything.]
You're the one who wanted to show me that I don't need to mother hen you. By all means.
[So he knew then. Well, Faustino's interest wouldn't have been kept for long if he had been an idiot. Al more than filled that role. Faustino closed his eyes for a brief moment, smiling sardonically, inclining his head. It was a better conversation to have never, as far as he was concerned. Being honest and straight forward wasn't what illusionists were known for, and with his pride, Faustino wasn't interested in rejection.
So instead, he dashed forward, trident elongating as he thrust it forward, aiming for Lancia's throat.
It was all illusion and wouldn't hurt, but Faustino would fight like he was going in for the kill, because in order to give an illusion it's power, all parties had to believe it was real. Not to mention he had pride in his fighting capabilities.
Most illusionists he had known had been content to only train their minds, and while Faustino couldn't fault them for that, it left them a glaring weakness. It was an easy one to remedy, but most seemed too cowardly or stupid to fix it. Which was fine with Faustino, since he had no such qualms. No matter how tough it was to fight Lancia, it was worth doing so when he saw the shock and terror on his enemies' faces when he finished them off not with an illusion, but with a weapon.
He had been weak and helpless once, but he never would be again.]
[Funnily enough, he’s thinking more about philosophical kinds of discussions- things like intent, morality, all of those kinds of things which he thinks Faustino loves to pick apart. There’s a time and place for those (usually when a little drunk, in Lancia’s opinion), but it’s not when a trident is out and his body is humming with energy.]
[Which isn’t to say he’s unaware that there might be… something besides his charge’s usual teasing nature in how he reacts to him, but that’s normal, isn’t it? Being young and getting crushes on older people. He should probably discourage it more but... ]
[That definitely is a conversation- with himself if nothing else- for another day. Faustino seems to charge forward, but Lancia doesn’t buy it. The teenager is rarely that upfront. Lancia ducks beneath the attack just as a matter of habit, along with the elbow strike backwards. His focus is a short fast dash ahead of him, hoping to catch Faustino with a jab before he moves elsewhere for another illusionary barrage.]
[Well, no wonder Faustino was beholden to Lancia if he was willing to shoot the breeze about philosophy and the deeper topics about the human condition, drunk or no. He couldn't expect such talk from Al, and while Ciro was intelligent, he was prone to deferring to Faustino's opinion more often than not.
The problem about sparring with someone that Faustino had since childhood was that they were aware of all his tricks and feints, which was both good practice for the unpredictability of an actual battle, but also highly irritating. Still, Faustino could be somewhat sporting, choosing not to include any illusions in this match. After all, he already knew he was superior in that aspect, and it wasn't often he found a partner who could keep up with his physical attacks. It would be a waste not to take advantage now.
It was no surprise that Lancia was quick enough to dodge his blows, but Faustino wasn't the slow cumbersome child he had been, either. He avoided the jab, moving to strike at Lancia's jugular.]
[Good move. He makes a note of it in his head, even as he’s raising up his other arm. The benefits of hand to hand: you have the chance to use your free hand for defense. Or, in this case, to try and stop the weapon at its staff before it has a chance to hit him, twisting his wrist so that he can disarm the other. Rule number 1 in a fight: either disarm or incapacitate your opponent if you get the chance.]
[Faustino's usually mocking expression wavered when Lancia disarmed him, sending his trident spinning out of reach. Well, it looked like he would need a bit more training if he was going to go toe to toe with Northern Italy's Strongest-
Except he lashed out with a fist, eyes wide and focused.]
[A little bit of pride swells up as Faustino keeps moving and attacking, not letting being disarmed stop him for long. That’s one of the things he worries a little bit about when it comes to the three of them, that they be able to defend themselves no matter what.]
[Still. There’s more to it than this.]
[Lancia takes the hit, grunting a little at the force of it but not relenting, reaching up to try and trap his arm and keep him in place.]
[Well, there was something to admire about brute strength, after all. Faustino hissed at being caught, eyes narrowed and burning but it was an opportunity for him as much as Lancia.
Because he was just going to arch up on his feet a bit and press a sloppy kiss right against Lancia's scarred face, laughing. The element of surprise was his specialty, after all.]
[One of these days, he’s going to catch onto all of Faustino’s tricks and not get so surprised.]
[It’s just not today.]
[Befuddlement wipes away the serious focus that had taken up all his face before the kiss, and his grip loosens slightly on Faustino’s wrist. More than enough for someone talents enough to twist away, if they were so inclined, before he regains himself and shakes his head.]
I hope you don’t use that on everyone you fight.
[He’d get worried that Faustino would become targeted for completely different reasons.]
[No, Faustino was going to stay right in place, looking rather pleased with himself. He would consider it his victory, no matter what may come afterwards. Besides, it seemed like the mood for fighting had been broken.
Besides, there was a thrill in having his wrist held, even if it was just to keep him in place, and he did so enjoy seeing Lancia's surprised expression up close.]
[Lancia lets Faustino go, shaking his head with a sigh and shake of his head.]
I’d stick to your illusions. You know how a lot of mafia men get.
[He doesn’t care, but the mafia is a hothouse of masculinity, and he’s known too many men in this business to think they’d deal with even mocking flirting with calm and grace.]
There’s the bistro down in town. You can tell me how things have been on the homefront. Any jobs you took while I was gone, who Ken got into a fight with… All of that.
[With his things got again, Lancia waits for him at the doorway.]
[Faustino waved a hand dismissively, but he would indulge Lancia since he was going to treat. But it didn't mean he was going to be necessarily straight forward about it. Not to mention, just mentioning who Ken fought at any given time was a long list. It was easier to say who he hadn't fought.
He tided up quickly before meeting Lancia at the doorway, shooting his mentor an amused look from under his lashes.]
I would rather hear about the Vongola and your dealings. The Don never tells us anything.
[Which, really he couldn't complain about. His eavesdropping skills were second to none, and he was starting to gain enough power that there were few who could detect him if he didn't want to be detected.]
[The Don will give him all the business details, occasionally indulging him even now with just a bit of the more flavorful things. When Faustino talks, however, there’s a certain charm to it. Maybe it’s because he’s an illusionist. A little bit of showmanship to him sometimes. With the younger man by his side, Lancia starts to head out again. It’s nice to be in his hometown.]
When the three of you have cemented yourselves in the Family, the Don will tell you more. You’re still a bit young, after all.
[But… Ah hell.]
I might be able to tell you a few small details, if you really insist.
[Flatterer, Mukuro would accuse of the older man, if he knew he wasn't being wholly genuine. In a world where everything seemed so fake and fleeting, it was rare for there to be someone so wholly themselves, without masks or pretenses. It must be a strange irony, that Mukuro would be drawn to the most honest people he came across, while he himself was anything but.
He canted his head to the side as if considering the question.]
You would get the best story out of me.
[Once outside the mansion, he let his feet lead the way to the bistro, having been there so many times he could have probably found it in his sleep.
His gaze sharpened at the mention of getting even a few small details, turning his gaze fully onto his mentor.]
Not as young as I appear, and far more mature than even that. [Mukuro no.] And I insist. Tell me a detail and I'll tell you a story.
Mmm, in many ways, you’re quite mature. However, you have to remember that the Don still remembers bringing you in all those years ago.
[And so, for that matter, does Lancia.]
[As they come across the bistro, Lancia holds open the door for Faustino and gives a nod to the staff that are inside. By this point, they’ve become quite used to the presence of their little Family. It’s nothing particularly intimate, just the basics of a decent relationship with civilians and the Family- they keep their ears closed and a nice healthy distance from most conversations. Simple and clean.]
Well… I think I can agree to a deal like that.
[He lets Faustino choose their table, thinking over what to spill to the inquisitive teenager.]
I know you’ve heard of Reborn. He’s been pulled into a new job, it seems.
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badliifechoiice22016-01-08 10:36 am
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[Then again, it seems like the heir apparent is still something the Vongola aren't particularly eager to talk about to strangers just yet. Lancia can understand that, considering what he's heard of the other heirs' fates. Maybe that's why the group he worked with was so efficient, he muses to himself as he rolls his neck. The mafia world is full of people who'd leap on any sort of weakness from the strongest Family in the world.]
[Putting that in the back of his mind, he scoffs fondly at Faustino's words as he comes over. A callused but warm hand makes a move to ruffle the boy's hair.]
Of course, you've been as innocent as a babe, I'm sure.
[And if he asked Ciro or Al, they'd absolutely not say or hint at otherwise.]
More like in less than a year, you'll be getting sent off to make deals for us. Ken might cry if you leave him behind.
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[It was said idly enough, though Faustino didn't look too interested or impressed by the scenario. Even now, he still kept the possession bullets close at hand, even if he had long since learned a gun wasn't the most powerful weapon one could have.
He swatted away at Lancia's hair ruffling with a small frown, but no sharp words. There were few who he would allow into his personal space, ever careful to keep a distance between himself and others. Al and Ciro were ever eager to please and only touched when Faustino allowed it, but Lancia did so fearlessly and without permission. It was vexing and enticing at once.
His smirk was more a show of teeth than amusement, because while he had since learned to hide his emotions better, there were some who could read him better than he would like.]
Don't sound so disbelieving, egregio signor. It might hurt my feelings.
[It was said flippantly enough to make it clear that no such thing would happen.
Faustino chuckled lightly at that, head canted to the side as he looked up at Lancia.]
Which is why he and Ciro will come with me. Will you be lonely without me here?
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You have too much confidence to let a little disbelief wound you.
[It's not an insult, either. Maybe a little arrogance is something he should discourage more, but, well, it's better than the alternative. He'll just make sure it doesn't get to his charge's head.]
If I'm worried, I'll just call you. I can handle a little away time from you three, you know.
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He stood fluidly, resting his weight on his back foot as he smirked at Lancia.]
My, my we're getting old enough that you don't have to mother hen us. Should we work out some of that tension of yours to prove it to you?
[As easy as breathing, Faustino summoned his trident to his gloved hand, resting against it leisurely.]
So cruel.
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[But he's smiling as he starts to undo the front of his shirt, sliding it off past broad shoulders to reveal the sleeveless shirt clinging to his chest. Don't want to get his good clothes messy if Faustino is in a mood. Letting it rest on the very bench that's just been left empty, he pulls out his fingerless gloves.]
The only time I treat you cruelly is in sparring.
[And even then, he'd never do something too bad. He knows his limits and the limits of his three charges... more or less. Then again, they're always coming up with ways to surprise him the second he leaves his back turned away from them for a little too long.]
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[It was said smartly enough, because considering his capabilities as an illusionist, it would be child's play to leave illusions of himself and his underlings in school while he and the rest of the garbage children roamed free. He smiled harmlessly though, all wide eyed and innocent that might fool someone else but possibly not even then.
Still, that expression dropped to something like a bored neutrality at the mention of Lancia's cruelty, Faustino's mouth a thin line.]
Is that what you think?
[It was said lightly enough, though Faustino didn't look too convinced. Lancia's cruelty lied in how kind he could be, and how thoughtless. What a life he led, he knew now, that the largest source of pain he felt was from his emotions. Perhaps it was time to take leave of this place for a time, to remind himself what true suffering was. He could allow himself to forgive, but never to forget.
He relaxed into a fighting stance regardless, tossing strands of hair out of his face.]
Should I come to you?
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It's what I think of my intentions. For anything else, there might be no way for me to recognize it, would there? But I don't think that's the kind of conversation we want to be having in the middle of a fight.
[He shifts into a relaxed stance of his own, ready for hopefully anything.]
You're the one who wanted to show me that I don't need to mother hen you. By all means.
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So instead, he dashed forward, trident elongating as he thrust it forward, aiming for Lancia's throat.
It was all illusion and wouldn't hurt, but Faustino would fight like he was going in for the kill, because in order to give an illusion it's power, all parties had to believe it was real. Not to mention he had pride in his fighting capabilities.
Most illusionists he had known had been content to only train their minds, and while Faustino couldn't fault them for that, it left them a glaring weakness. It was an easy one to remedy, but most seemed too cowardly or stupid to fix it. Which was fine with Faustino, since he had no such qualms. No matter how tough it was to fight Lancia, it was worth doing so when he saw the shock and terror on his enemies' faces when he finished them off not with an illusion, but with a weapon.
He had been weak and helpless once, but he never would be again.]
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[Which isn’t to say he’s unaware that there might be… something besides his charge’s usual teasing nature in how he reacts to him, but that’s normal, isn’t it? Being young and getting crushes on older people. He should probably discourage it more but... ]
[That definitely is a conversation- with himself if nothing else- for another day. Faustino seems to charge forward, but Lancia doesn’t buy it. The teenager is rarely that upfront. Lancia ducks beneath the attack just as a matter of habit, along with the elbow strike backwards. His focus is a short fast dash ahead of him, hoping to catch Faustino with a jab before he moves elsewhere for another illusionary barrage.]
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The problem about sparring with someone that Faustino had since childhood was that they were aware of all his tricks and feints, which was both good practice for the unpredictability of an actual battle, but also highly irritating. Still, Faustino could be somewhat sporting, choosing not to include any illusions in this match. After all, he already knew he was superior in that aspect, and it wasn't often he found a partner who could keep up with his physical attacks. It would be a waste not to take advantage now.
It was no surprise that Lancia was quick enough to dodge his blows, but Faustino wasn't the slow cumbersome child he had been, either. He avoided the jab, moving to strike at Lancia's jugular.]
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Except he lashed out with a fist, eyes wide and focused.]
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[Still. There’s more to it than this.]
[Lancia takes the hit, grunting a little at the force of it but not relenting, reaching up to try and trap his arm and keep him in place.]
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Because he was just going to arch up on his feet a bit and press a sloppy kiss right against Lancia's scarred face, laughing. The element of surprise was his specialty, after all.]
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[It’s just not today.]
[Befuddlement wipes away the serious focus that had taken up all his face before the kiss, and his grip loosens slightly on Faustino’s wrist. More than enough for someone talents enough to twist away, if they were so inclined, before he regains himself and shakes his head.]
I hope you don’t use that on everyone you fight.
[He’d get worried that Faustino would become targeted for completely different reasons.]
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Besides, there was a thrill in having his wrist held, even if it was just to keep him in place, and he did so enjoy seeing Lancia's surprised expression up close.]
Would you be disappointed if I did?
[Let detangled himself, stepping away lightly, laughing.]
Don't worry egregio signor. You're the first. I have to make sure it's an effective tactic before actually using it in a battle.
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I’d stick to your illusions. You know how a lot of mafia men get.
[He doesn’t care, but the mafia is a hothouse of masculinity, and he’s known too many men in this business to think they’d deal with even mocking flirting with calm and grace.]
Have you eaten yet?
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[Still, Faustino would be fine with the subject change, for once obliging.
That question got a small chuckle out of him, his head canted to the side as he eyed Lancia.]
I'm not a child anymore, I can feed myself now. How long will you continue to be such a worry wart? [But-] I haven't. Are you treating?
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[Who’s he trying to kid, he’d still treat Faustino even for all the complaining. It shows in his smile as he goes to get his clothes again.]
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[Which was as close to an apology or backtracking as Mukuro would allow, as he moved to towel sweat off his brow and neck.]
Where would you like to go?
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[With his things got again, Lancia waits for him at the doorway.]
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[Faustino waved a hand dismissively, but he would indulge Lancia since he was going to treat. But it didn't mean he was going to be necessarily straight forward about it. Not to mention, just mentioning who Ken fought at any given time was a long list. It was easier to say who he hadn't fought.
He tided up quickly before meeting Lancia at the doorway, shooting his mentor an amused look from under his lashes.]
I would rather hear about the Vongola and your dealings. The Don never tells us anything.
[Which, really he couldn't complain about. His eavesdropping skills were second to none, and he was starting to gain enough power that there were few who could detect him if he didn't want to be detected.]
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[The Don will give him all the business details, occasionally indulging him even now with just a bit of the more flavorful things. When Faustino talks, however, there’s a certain charm to it. Maybe it’s because he’s an illusionist. A little bit of showmanship to him sometimes. With the younger man by his side, Lancia starts to head out again. It’s nice to be in his hometown.]
When the three of you have cemented yourselves in the Family, the Don will tell you more. You’re still a bit young, after all.
[But… Ah hell.]
I might be able to tell you a few small details, if you really insist.
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He canted his head to the side as if considering the question.]
You would get the best story out of me.
[Once outside the mansion, he let his feet lead the way to the bistro, having been there so many times he could have probably found it in his sleep.
His gaze sharpened at the mention of getting even a few small details, turning his gaze fully onto his mentor.]
Not as young as I appear, and far more mature than even that. [Mukuro no.] And I insist. Tell me a detail and I'll tell you a story.
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[And so, for that matter, does Lancia.]
[As they come across the bistro, Lancia holds open the door for Faustino and gives a nod to the staff that are inside. By this point, they’ve become quite used to the presence of their little Family. It’s nothing particularly intimate, just the basics of a decent relationship with civilians and the Family- they keep their ears closed and a nice healthy distance from most conversations. Simple and clean.]
Well… I think I can agree to a deal like that.
[He lets Faustino choose their table, thinking over what to spill to the inquisitive teenager.]
I know you’ve heard of Reborn. He’s been pulled into a new job, it seems.
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fudge thought i replied to this
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end scene??