KHR Hell because fuck

[warmskies]

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[kokuyoyo]

[So vain. Maybe if he feels like being a liar, he can use that to his benefit later.]

[Still, he will give the demon this: it's prompt. Almost immediately he can see the difference in his teacher as the steam from his skin starts to fade away, and his face goes slack. This time instead of steady slowness, Chikusa's words quicken for the closing prayers and blessings so that he can drop down to kneel besides the older man. All of his vitals, he checks immediately before the Bible snaps shut.]

[Chikusa is by all means religious. Incredibly so, in fact. However, he's not the type to be so blinded by his faith to think his book is going to be a suitable replacement for first aid.]

[Predictably, his teacher is dazed and tired from his purely human body having been mistreated and malnourished while used as a puppet. Demonic possession and its after effects aren't the only thing to worry about. Chikusa acts promptly, finishing up the cleansings before calling for assistance. Other priests and nuns hurry in, helping where he can't on his own. Chikusa stays nearby, for a while, until they've helped the man into a car to get him to the nearest hospital.]

[Chikusa doesn't go with them.]

[Instead, as composed as when he'd first stepped into that room, he returns to the church. That's out of his hands, now, and the Lord knows just how much he needs to put into his prayers today especially. Bowing his head at this point and clasping his hands in prayer is almost as familiar to him as walking or breathing by this point in his life.]

[It's been one of the only stable things he's ever possessed.]

[What life he could have had was robbed from him long ago, after all. A single child to first generation parents in a foreign country, left on his own after a disastrous accident... The row of foster homes that had come after had left him adrift, unanchored, until finally one worked out for longer than only a few months or meager year. So much religious fervor in one household could have probably kept a hundred demons out, or at least that's what it had certainly felt like to a child. The other children in that home had never cared for such strictness, but Chikusa had welcomed it. It had moored him when he couldn't find any such thing with his peers, too quiet and distant to easily make friends.]

[There's something reassuring in knowing that merely bowing his head and believing will have his words heard to someone who cares. Anyone.]

[After prayer, he spends the rest of the day making sure he's cleansed of any sin and given whatever blessing he can receive. Will it stop a powerful demon from taking his body? Of course not. The day's exorcism has proven it can come for him whenever it wants and not be stopped. However, that doesn't mean he has to make it easy for it.]

[Prayer, cleansing, blessings, and then helping tend to the church... It takes up the rest of the day easily, and, by the time Chikusa leaves, night has fallen. He doesn't let it worry him as he sets off for his home, a rosary wrapped around his wrist and palm with his thumb rubbing at the beads. He recites verses in his head the whole way home. Usually, it's only half devotion, and just as half something to occupy his mind.]

[However, making a bargain with a demon makes things seem a little more relevant than usual.]

[It's that same thinking which has him bless every inch of his apartment when he gets there. There's not much ground to cover. He's never wanted for much, and that includes living space. The decor is plain, too, but that just leaves less for him to worry over, right? It's what he often tells himself whenever he's fixed a plain dinner and eaten by the window. Tonight, however, that's not what's on his mind. Instead, as one hand helps him eat, he sketches lightly in a small journal. Its pages are filled with a lot of things, often idle sketches from a particularly noteworthy individual he'd seen at the church, or a scene from outside his apartment.]

[Today, it's of his teacher- expression twisted into a smug smirk, one eye distinctly different from the other.]

[Heterochromia. It's a notable trait. Perhaps if he does run into it again, he'll be able to take notes for the church. It may make future exorcisms of it easier.]

[Despite how he's perfectly prepared for his humble abode to be turned upside down... Nothing happens for the rest of the night, and Chikusa recites his evening prayers with a slight frown. His mind is elsewhere. Was it just a bluff, to hide weakness that wasn't immediately apparent? Perhaps he just needs to be patient, and not let his guard down.]

[For now, however, he turns out the light and thinks of it no longer as he drifts to sleep with a cross resting over his chest.]

[possedere]

[Really Chikusa, imaging that Mukuro would visit him so soon was what bordered on vain. There was a thrill in anticipation, in building up apprehension, and Mukuro was more than content to follow Chikusa with quiet steps. There were ways of masking his presence even to someone who was looking for him so carefully, and he watched curiously as Chikusa didn't follow his mentor to the hospital. Ah, so perhaps sparing him wouldn't endear him to other man as well as he had previously believed.

As he shadowed Chikusa's routine, he took in everything, missing nothing. The lack of people who checked up on him after exorcising a powerful demon. No one who took him aside to tell him to be careful. No one had accompanied him home to make sure he would be fine. Curious. Did people fear him as much as the demons did?

He followed him home on light steps, looking around his small home and seeing a lack of personal items that spoke volumes. This could have been an apartment he had just moved into, not a place he had lived for years. Mukuro had been in ruins that had more personality of its owners, and that was after treasure hunters had stripped everything dry.

With an unabashed amusement, he watched Chikusa sketch his eyes with great care, settled on the edge of his bed when he fell asleep, before turning away from him. There were others to pursue after all, even if Chikusa was his current preference, and he didn't want to be too predictable after all.

Mukuro would wait a week before appearing to Chikusa in his dreams, molding it after the priest's apartment, nestled near the windows, the moonlight streaming in to frame his distinct pineapple hair in a silver sort of halo, a thin ponytail draped over his shoulder, reaching his waist easily. To play favorites with favorites, he'd chosen the form he liked the most, a youthful looking man with fair skin, a wicked grin, and mismatched eyes. Many a mortal had found the appearance beautiful, though he doubted such petty tricks would be effective against Chikusa. Still, it couldn't hurt.

He was humming softly as he flipped through Chikusa's sketch pad, amusement curling his lips upwards.]

Everything you imagined, Chikusa Kakimoto?

[kokuyoyo]

[Even as he 'wakes up', things seem strange.]

[It's hard to explain. At some points in his life, he's felt similar: like the world is only half there, foggy and distant. It's a side effect of particularly adrenaline filled moments, he thinks, but that's not something he wakes out of bed for. Carefully, he removes the covers from his legs and gets him, trying to shake his head. Nothing. It's all very confusing until he shuffles out from his bedroom into the rest of the apartment.]

[Ah.]

[Things make sense now.]

[Removing his hand from his messy hair, he observes the man sitting at his window. The shine of mismatched eyes doesn't escape him.]

I suppose it's not surprising, considering how you were when we first met.

[Even as he makes his way into the kitchen area, he keeps an eye on the demon cautiously.]

This isn't real, is it?

[possedere]

Kufufu a demon?

[It was asked almost idly, Mukuro still leisurely flipping through Chikusa's sketchbook. Even if it wasn't real, he had taken great pains to recreate it, right down to the minute details in each talented sketch.

That astute observation made Mukuro look up, amused, gaze sharpening. This one was an intelligent one, but not one of the humans who boasted about it like it was such a great thing. No, this one seemed to know the price of what intelligence brought. Isolation. Loneliness. Nothing but trouble. Though, perhaps Mukuro was contributing more to the last than anything else.]

Is anything you know real? That book you cling to so fervently, those prayers you know by heart, the god you supposedly pray to?

[Gdi Mukuro this is why you have no friends.]

[kokuyoyo]

It's a bit late to try that when it worked so well on you, isn't it?

[At least, if nothing else, it had certainly shut him up more than regular water would have done.]

[Coming to a stop, he rests his hands on the counter overlooking the little room. Never before has he had to deal with this kind of dream. What kind of protection does he have? It's hard to say, but treating it lightly can't be an option.]

Is a theological discussion all you came to have?

[possedere]

Are there any other kinds you know how to have? You didn't seem to like flattery or flirtation.

[It was said dryly enough, the sting of holy water still memorable after a week's worth of time. Mukuro closed the sketch book decisively, getting up to stretch. It had been a while since he had tried to walk in a human's dreams, and while it wasn't as stifling as possessing one, it was still constraining. He wandered a bit closer, canting his head to the side as he smirked.]

Or have you been isolated for so long you can't remember how to have a proper conversation?

[kokuyoyo]

I'm not isolated.

[Just... on his own.]

[But it's fine, he reminds himself firmly. He's still living a good life. For now, he focuses on the demon on the other side of an imaginary counter space.]

I'm simply disbelieving that a demon wants to talk and nothing else.

[possedere]

Are you so certain? Despite agreeing to be visited by a demon, there are no other priests to accompany or protect you here. No one has come to check up on you since the exorcism. Your apartment has little sign of anyone coming here but you.

[Mukuro paused, leaning against the counter, smirk curling at the edge of his lips.]

Well, except perhaps me.

[How does it feel priest, he was curious to know, to have a demon as his only visitor? Though for now, he would tread carefully.

He let out a small chuckle at Chikusa's ( well-founded ) disbelief, propping his chin up with an upturned palm.]

Are there other things you are willing to offer me then, Chikusa Kakimoto?

[kokuyoyo]

[Having the utter hollowness of his life picked and prodded at draws an immediate reaction out of him. Nothing obvious, more subtle- a tension gathering in his shoulders, pale eyes seeming to darken, and his arms crossing over one another. It's an attempt at seeming authoritative but it's only half successful. Instead, it more gives off the impression that he's holding himself together.]

...Everyone has been concerned with Father Morgan's condition, and I can tend to myself.

[But it's not something he truly wants, no. Admitting such weakness to a demon, however, is asking for trouble.]

[As much as he wants to distance himself from the creature, Chikusa stays where he is on the other side of the counter. He's not going to be chased off in his own home, even if it is a shadow of such.]

The only thing I agreed to was to let you visit me. I have no desire to give you anything else.

[possedere]

[Earlier, when Chikusa had assumed his teacher to be weak, Mukuro had wondered what sort of weakness he had seen in the man. And what sort he saw in himself. That shallow posturing screamed weakness, cracks in Chikusa's armor that Mukuro could slither into and extort. Maybe he would, gently and almost lovingly. Tearing a person apart required a delicate hand, especially if Mukuro wanted to piece him back together. So, he only let out a small chuckle, leaning back away from the counter to saunter around the room, taking it in.]

We both know that your mentor will make a full recovery. Though it is admirable of your clergy, knowing full and well that a demon has taken an interest in you, are trying to distance themselves further still from you. I hadn't thought it possible.

[He turned back to face Chikusa with an amused smirk, red eye glowing ominously.]

Do you really value your company so little? [As for 'no desire' well. That would get an almost fond chuckle out of him.] Liar.

[kokuyoyo]

[Demons lie. Demons will say whatever they need to in order to drag humans down into sin. Believe in nothing a demon says.]

[They're lessons he's listened to and committed to heart for years. He knows this. Still, the words dig in like nails on the back of his neck. As the demon walks off, Chikusa finally lets himself close his eyes and compose himself. Hail Mary, full of grace... That's right. Slowly, his shoulders straighten out, and he opens his eyes again to meet that eerie stare.]

It doesn't matter if other humans distance themselves from me.

[He has someone who will never leave him.]

Can a demon of all creatures really go around calling others "liars" and believe to be taken seriously?

[possedere]

A martyr, then?

[Also known as the most difficult ones to get to. They would suffer in eternity with a damnable smile on their faces, and Mukuro could never bring himself to want to deal with them. Understanding them was bad enough, but comprehending them. Well.

He should have known really, since Chikusa Kakimoto seemed to find his peace rather quickly despite Mukuro's barbs, and with a light sigh, he turned away from him, heading into the bedroom. This place was far to small for his liking. Anything man-made typically was.]

Shouldn't that be taken more seriously than anyone else's word? A demon would know a liar better than anyone, wouldn't they?

[kokuyoyo]

[This time, it's his turn to scoff, a quiet huff of air that's directed down to his chest than to the demon.]

I'm hardly deserving of a title like that.

[All he does is his duty, and he tries not to complain. Sometimes it's not completely successful, but that's just a sign of how young and inexperienced he is, isn't it?]

[As the demon starts to drift towards his room, Chikusa finally makes a move to follow after him with a slight frown. Dream this might be, and demons don't exactly care about privacy or personal space, but it doesn't mean he has to like it just snooping about there. Especially since, in comparison to the rest of his apartment, there's a little more there. Sketchbooks that have been filled to the brink are nestled inbetween holy texts. A small shelf has its own collection of psychology books, studying the mental health of a person. Near the door, even, a rarely touched small rack of varying hats.]

And a demon can't be relied on to tell the truth, so accusations from one such as yourself are inherently untrustworthy.

[possedere]

My, my, then what do you feel you deserve Chikusa Kakimoto? To be ignored by your unhearing lord? Shunned by your fellow man? [A small pause as Mukuro turned back to smirk at him, lashes lowered.] To be haunted by a demon?

[As if he was unaware or unknowing of Chikusa following him, Mukuro entered in the bedroom casually. He ran his hands gently over the spines of each of the books, taking in the titles and how many sketchbooks there were.]

Because all men are known to be completely honest? [He turned to look back at Chikusa Kakimoto, mouth curled up in amusement, though his eyes were sharp.] Or are you just picking and choosing what to believe, like so many of the faithful? So quick to label us as beyond saving but forgetting we were angels once, too.

[He plucked out a sketchbook at random, settling down to sit on Chikusa's bed.]

You're rather talented.

[kokuyoyo]

Please don't act like you inviting yourself into my life is by any means something I requested, thank you.

[Following after him, he frowns and ignores the rest of the statement. It's becoming more and more obvious that humoring such a thing merely encourages the creature.]

Perhaps you were once angels. However, that does not get rid of the fact that, whenever your kind interact with humans, you attempt to drag them into sin. That is the difference between believing you, and believing a fallible human.

...And thank you, I suppose. [Even if he's wondering at the sincerity of the compliment.]

[possedere]

Didn't you? [Mukuro paused in his perusing of the sketchbook to look up at Chikusa Kakimoto, one eyebrow delicately raised.] You have dispatched more of my brethren than any has in your generation. Yet instead of being hailed as a saint or savior, you're feared and shunned.

[He let the book snap shut as he stood at Chikusa's retort, stepping close enough to him that he could reach out and touch him if he felt like. He resisted the urge for a moment, leaning forward with his lips quirked slightly at the corners.]

I merely help grant wishes that are held quietly in the human heart. Most were grateful to know that someone had heard their prayers and cared enough to respond. Are you sure it's not in human nature to 'sin' and be forgiven in endless cycles? What joy is there to be had to be alone and righteous?

[That being said, Mukuro only let out a small laugh, going to return the sketchbook to its rightful place, instead plucking out a textbook.]

You're welcome. Have you shown these to others?

[kokuyoyo]

[Having the demon so close is setting something inside of him completely on edge- like static electricity prickling in the air, feeling an earthy smell fill his lungs before a storm. He's expecting anything to happen, and having the demon turn away lets him breathe again.]

...I hardly think I'm feared. [But he doesn't deny 'shunned'.] Can you really say what your kind does is out of "caring"?

[He's seen too many possessions to believe that. Staying where he is, he purses his lips at Mukuro's casual invasion of his books, but doesn't tell him off.]

No. I haven't.

[There's never truly been anyone to show them to, now that he's become an adult.]

[possedere]

Kufufu are you so sure? Those who have crossed your path once are not eager to do so again.

[Which had been what had caught Mukuro's interest in the first place. While he did not fear or respect many other demons, there were some he has listened to with interest or followed out of boredom. To keep hearing the name Chikusa Kakimoto amongst them was a warning to many, but for Mukuro it had been an invitation.

That retort would only make Mukuro cluck his tongue in dismay as he shook his head.]

I can no more speak for all of demonkind than you could mankind. However, I have never had any who complained about my methods.

[And if they had, he wasn't above cutting their tongues out or making them bite it off themselves.

He met Chikusa's gaze at that, frowning slightly.]

A pity. Not even your beloved mentor?

[kokuyoyo]

[One eyebrow quirks up in disbelief that there's not a single soul who's complained about him. That sounds like the most blatant lie of all. It's almost insulting, even. Before he can make any claims about that, however, that question comes towards him and he shifts.]

My teacher is a busy man. I shouldn't bother him with trivial things like that.

Although it seems like you certainly have a lot of spare time if you're investigating the sketches done in a human's spare time.

[possedere]

Kufufu are you inviting me to come back and look at them more?

[He put the textbook back in its place, taking the newest sketchbook out to turn back to the pages where Chikusa Kakimoto had sketched him, shrugging carelessly.]

It is as you say. You humans talk about eternity with no real understanding or comprehension to the word. I have lived a long, long time and it feels like any reason to continue is hard to come by.

[He paused as he sat back down on the bed, laying down on it so he could flip through the sketchpad, hair fanning out around him.]

It was no lie when I said you were a rare human, enough to pique my interest. It will be a pleasant way to pass the time, getting to know you.

[Because you fascinate me Corvo, etc etc.]

[kokuyoyo]

[Honeyed words. A feeling of importance. Chikusa reminds himself that this is how demons work, even as he comes further into the room to finally take a seat at his desk.]

And what would you do instead of continuing on? If I wasn't here for you to bother, that is.

[It's something he's extremely curious about. Humans such as himself can't kill demons. That's not within the meager amount of power that they've been granted. Such strength is for the higher powers. All they can do is chase them out, really.]

[But could they die completely? Just waste away? He doubts he'll get an honest answer... but it's worth trying anyway, so long as the demon is talkative.]

[possedere]

[It doesn't escape Mukuro's notice, this sudden interest in his, and he will seize what little victories he can. Chuckling lightly, he sits up, tracing the sketches Chikusa had made of him with a gloved hand.]

I've already said far too much for. Allow me to visit you again tomorrow and I might tell you.

[Because as powerful as Mukuro was, it was easier to get a human's consent. If demons were able to possess and take over just by willpower alone, Mukuro could have armies at his feet and slaughter on a mass scale. Instead, they were still bound by arcane rules and laws. Just because they had been thrown out of heaven didn't mean they still didn't have a higher power to answer to.

Besides, if he was going to visit as often as he wanted to, Chikusa would still need to have some sleep or else the signs of a demon visiting him might become apparent far earlier than what Mukuro would like.]

[kokuyoyo]

[Just like that, Chikusa closes himself and withdraws with his usual blank expression sliding perfectly into place.]

I don't have much interest in things that "might" happen.

[It's a weak promise, after all, although he'll give credit where credit is due- at least it's honest in some way. After all, with "might", deciding not to do something is still perfectly within its bounds.]

[possedere]

Even if I agreed to it, would you trust the word of a demon? You seemed not to put much stock in it only minutes ago.

[Mukuro canted his head to the side, lashes lowered.]

Should I tell you 'yes' then to get what I want?

[kokuyoyo]

[There's no immediate answer. Chikusa leans back in his chair, fingers grinding against cheap plastic, and thinks. Honestly, tempting fate is probably going to be one of this worse decisions, but his curiosity is still tugging at him.]

...Tell me something I can find out and prove is truthful on my own, and I'll put more stock into you telling the truth.