[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.
He will view me as that child until his dying days. [It was said with a small sigh of irritation, but also no small measure of fondness. Faustino could imagine just how terribly his life could have gone if the Don had not adopted him and his brood, and he would repay his debts if it took him this life and the next. He shot his mentor a questioning look, a small smirk on his lips.] The question is, do you share his same viewpoint?
[Because he was only going to get hotter and hotter with age. And also less and less fashion savvy but ssh.
Faustino chose a booth near the window so he could watch people in case he got bored, nodding towards the proprietors almost in unison with Lancia.]
Oh? What sort of job?
[Even Faustino knew and was wary of the famed best hitman in the world. He had only caught glimpses of him, illusioned each time, but the small infant had only looked straight through him, smirking in amusement. 'Fear' wasn't an emotion Faustino had felt since he was caged in that laboratory, but wary cautiousness he felt around that small child was as close to it as anything was.]
[Ah, it figured he wouldn’t be able to run from that question forever…]
It’s not easy to forget what you looked like when you could still hang onto me, you know. But then you do things that remind me that all three of you are growing up so fast. I’m going to feel old soon.
[child please don’t with the fasion sense]
[Chuckling at Faustino’s curiosity, Lancia glances over to the daily specials like he hasn’t gotten it memorized by heart by now.]
Who knows. I think they were trying to keep me from hearing about it at all, in fact, but it’ll probably come out eventually. Everyone knows his reputation, after all.
[That not answer was acceptable enough for now, and Faustino shot the older man an amused look.]
You're hardly old, egregio signor.
[He said it with enough silken heat that it couldn't be misconstrued, but he'd leave it at that. Even though he was curious as to what they were doing exactly, that made Lancia feel they were older.
Faustino hummed as he looked over the menu, thoughtful.]
I wonder who his new student will be, and if they're going to turn out as successful as Don Cavallone.
[Because wasn't that an interesting story. Mukuro wished he could have been there during some of the key transformation events, but he supposed hearing about it and verifying the facts were close enough.
And since this was a deal:]
Ken picked a fight with two twins down the road. [Not exactly a lie, since they were murderous twins and they were down the road, a few turns, and in a prison.] I thought they might have dumped water on him because he was getting so rowdy, and well, you know how he dislikes to bathe. [If acid could be considered water.] It's still an ongoing fight, but we might be getting some closure soon.
If it’s Reborn, I don’t doubt they’ll turn out fine.
[After all, while the Cavallone turned out to be, ha, quite the dark horse when Cavallone Decimo took the reins, there was a reason for that. While an old Family, they’d gotten smaller within recent history, and Lancia can still remember some of the rumors of what a lost cause their then-heir was. After all, they’re not too far apart in age.]
[And yet here they are: a powerhouse of a Family, more financially set than some who had struggled for years, and with a variety of individuals trying to vie for the young boss’ attention.]
[Relaxing, he listens to Faustino’s story with an amused curl of his lips. He has a lot of questions, but he supposes he’ll start with the simple ones first.]
Even with his aversion to water, I’m surprised he’d get so rowdy as to get your attention like that.
[He asked it casually, trying not to sound too interested, but well, for a hitman that had been around for so long, there was surprisingly little known about him. Even Faustino was having difficulty separating the truths from the lies, the myths from the facts, the original from the imitators. He couldn't say why he needed to know this information, only that he trusted his instincts, and his instincts said to know this man who could be an enemy or an ally.
Faustino only chuckled softly at that observation, waving a hand airily.]
Why do you think it's solely to get my attention? He's at that phase where his blood is constantly boiling in some form or another. He leaves everyone constantly exhausted, these days.
I know skill and reputation, and only that. I’d be lucky to know him, honestly. Any one of us in the Family could learn a lot by just watching him work.
[The world’s best hitman… That’s not a title given idly, and it’s been the same title on the same person for as long as Lancia can remember. Considering he was a child when he was first taken in by the Family and first started hearing those whispers of reputation, that alone is impressive.]
[Sometimes he ponders running into the hitman, just so he could see what he thinks of his own charges…. But he’s willing to put that to the side as an idle daydream and more than a little pride in how the three of them have grown.]
[But who knows? If they keep working with the Vongola like this, anything could happen, and Faustino is crafting a little reputation all his own.]
[Hearing about their own little troublemaker is enough to draw Lancia’s thoughts from that, and he chuckles as well.]
Oh, so does that mean even you can’t control him now?
[While Lancia was far too humble for his own good, Faustino still respected what he had to say and what he thought. If he believed that Reborn was someone worth watching, then Faustino would do everything in his power to make it so that was possible.
The implication that he couldn't control Al made him huff slightly.]
He's his own person. He was always free to do what he pleases.
[Though conveniently, it was typically what Faustino wanted him to do.
Then, to help derail the conversation he added helpfully:]
You will be pleased to hear that Ciro is still a model student. All of the teachers adore him.
[Mostly because he was quiet and tended to keep his other shit friends in line, but who was keeping track? Not Faustino.]
[Faustino, please don’t get in trouble trying to spy on the Vongola and/or the Arcobaleno, find your chill]
[Hearing about Al “free to do as he pleases” has Lancia huff a laugh into his hand. They all know- the entire Family at this point, let alone Faustino and Lancia himself- that Al still gladly looks to Faustino for attention and approval. At least it’s not as bad as when they were all children. But before he has a chance to point it out, the conversation is being shifted along.]
Good to hear. I’m certain that everything he learns will be useful in the future.
[Whatever Ciro decides to do, whether it’s strictly working with the Family or something else. Lancia would put his money on the former option, however. At least, so long as Faustino and Al are here as well. That much, he doesn’t think will ever change.]
And what are his thoughts on the latest fight Al has been picking?
[He'll only get in trouble if he gets caught ayyyy. Or maybe a job offer.
Faustino canted his head to the side in amusement, nodding briefly to the waitress as she deposited drinks for them ( they really came here far too often ), turning his attention back to Lancia.]
You might be the only one who believes that, egregio signor. Anything worth learning is rarely in books or from the mouths of adults. [A small pause, Faustino's mouth curving up.] Present company sometimes excluded.
[Ciro's thoughts, to some extent, are just as simple as Al's, though perhaps Ciro considered more possibilities and the consequences. But they rarely meant anything in the face of what Faustino or Al decided. One day, Faustino was sure that might lead to some contention, but for now, they were together and whole. Infighting, he was sure, would be a good sign. They had been together for far too long, to the point where he was sure they were on their way to growing stagnant. It might be time soon to branch out, to include new people in the inner circle he was building for himself, and for his Family.
He flicked his bangs out of his face with disinterest, before using his index and middle finger to push up imaginary glasses, heaving a disinterested and resigned sigh.]
Troublesome.
[Okay it was a bad impression for an illusionist but surely Lancia could understand it.]
[Nodding his thanks to the waitress, Lancia smirks at the utterly typical answer from Faustino’s mouth.]
A lot of people would disagree with you, you know. In fact, I’m pretty sure entire cultures would.
[But then, that’s Faustino. Even when he was a child, he seemed to view himself above else who tried to teach him something. The fact that he’ll even say ‘present company sometimes excuded’ is a little badge of honor that Lancia is quite pleased in.]
[That’s why he’s smiling to start with, but then it’s at that ridiculous impression.]
I hope you don’t mimic him like that in front of his face.
Just because there are many people who disagree doesn't make them any more correct.
[It was said matter of factly as Faustino busied himself with pouring more sugar into his drink, pleased that such an answer that was typically seen as offensive was enough to bring a smile to his mentor's face.
He started stirring his drink with an air of indifference, smirking up at Lancia through lowered lashes.]
Was it not a good enough impression?
[Al seemed to enjoy it well enough, at any rate.]
Tell me more about your trip.
[He'd already offered up what Ciro had been up to, after all. It was Lancia's turn.]
[Then again, that could be said for a lot of Faustino’s acting. It’s probably just his youth, Lancia suspects, a fact which makes him more happy than it really should. Faustino seems to act so old sometimes, knowing more than many adults and holding himself taller than others his age. It makes it easy to forget he’s still something of an inexperienced child.]
[Is it because of that eye in his socket, or the other things that were done to him? Lancia can’t say. In the end, it doesn’t matter. He’s glad that there are still parts of Faustino that know how to be young.]
[Faustino steering the conversation back to his trip isn’t surprising, and Lancia hums as he sprinkles just a little bit of cream into his own coffee.]
Let’s see… What do I know that you haven’t yet found out through your own snooping? I have to think hard when I keep that in mind.
[Taking a sip of coffee, he glances up at Faustino over the rim.]
This is far more minor, but have you heard of the Smoking Bomb Freelancer?
[For anyone else, it would have been said sharply, rudely, but for Lancia it was more amused than anything. For reasons that Faustino couldn't fathom, he seemed to be most pleased not when Faustino grew stronger, but when he acted immaturely. He couldn't understand it, not really, especially when he was in such a hurry to stop being seen as a child.
He chuckled softly at the mention of his 'snooping', wondering just how much Lancia knew about and how much he didn't. As long as it was the harmless 10% he knew about, then Faustino could be satisfied for now.
The mention of the freelancer who was about his age made him still slightly, not sure where this conversation was going.]
It seems like the Vongola have hired him for something recently.
[Resting his cup back on the table, Lancia quirks up an eyebrow.]
From what I can tell, some of the older members I was hanging around with didn’t seem too confident in even the idea of him. Still, it’s chances like this that lead to big breaks for freelancers. In a few years, when the boss has you and the others on jobs and working with the Vongola, you never know- you might be working alongside someone your age.
You're always so eager to pair me off with people my own age.
[Faustino said it casually enough, an amused, almost fond observation. It didn't mean it didn't irritate him slightly. He had been a child, yes, but he had never felt like one. In the beginning, it had been difficult to keep ahold of who he was amongst all the memories that had been implanted into him, feelings and lives that had not been his own threatening to swallow him whole. It wasn't the sort of experience that would leave one's innocence intact, and idly, Faustino had to wonder what he would have to do in order to prove he wasn't a child.
( Though he would diligently look into the Smoking Bomb and gauge whether or not he was a threat. )
He nodded to the waitress as she came to take their orders, before turning his attention back to Lancia.]
I find most people my age to not be worth the effort. Most have been far too coddled for my liking. What if I prefer those who are more mature?
[Faustino please try to find some subtly please and thank you.]
Ha. I’m not trying to pair you up with anyone. I’m simply saying-
[The waitress’ arrival distracts him, and Lancia gives his own order. He waits for her to be far enough before picking up where he left off.]
I’m simply saying, there’s a chance you’ll work with him one day. Once you’re high enough on the ladder, it doesn’t matter how old anyone is, only how skilled they are at their job.
[And with the Vongola… If there’s a faster way to race up the underworld ladder by proving yourself, then he can’t think of it.]
[Hearing the word ‘coddled’ alongside the Smoking Bomb’s reputation has Lancia snort quietly. As someone who was young and in the mafia himself, he knows it’s tough enough when you’re firmly aligned with a Family that’s there to watch out for you. Being a freelancer, aligned to no one and picking up what jobs you can from whoever you can… And at that age? Well, he doesn’t envy that kind of life, for sure.]
[But he has a feeling Faustino isn’t really invested in the freelancer himself so much as the idea around him. He raises an eyebrow at the younger boy.]
With how young you are and all your energy, I can’t imagine you’ll care for working around old men like me for long.
[because we’re totally talking about work and stuff, right, that’s the topic they’re doing]
My, my, I'm flattered you believe that I'll be such an important and skilled person.
[Though it was said in a flat, displeased tone. He had no intention of climbing up the ladder of the mafia, kissing up to senile old men with no true skill or intelligence. To forming alliances with untalented people who swarmed together like insects, fueled only by greed and the hunger for power, but who had no will to reach their goals on their own. He still had not forgotten how the mafia had idly sat by and watched the atrocities the Estraneo had committed, and that it wasn't anyone who had saved him, but it had been Faustino alone who had clawed and killed his way out of his fate.
And for all his talents, it wasn't like the Don was going to leave the Family to Faustino.
Still, he forced himself to calm down, to reign back in that killing intent. It wasn't Lancia's fault, after all, and he shouldn't be the brunt of his rage. No, instead Faustino would punish those who had let those events unfold and let them suffer a worse fate.
He canted his head to the side, smirking sharply.]
Don't worry, egregio signor, you'll always be my favorite old man to work with. You're not completely devoid of energy and youth just yet.
[Ah. Even a deaf man could pick up on the tone in Faustino’s voice, let alone the feeling he’s radiating. Having been in this business for years now, Lancia knows his intuition isn’t the best but it’s still sharp enough to pick up on that killing intent.]
[Ignoring the base flattery for now, he reaches over to brush his hand against his charge’s own.]
[Normally, that touch was enough to make Mukuro recoil, to bare his fangs and strike in the areas he knew would hurt the worst.
He guarded his personal space like he did all else in his life, jealously and overzealously. He almost jerked his hand away on pure instinct, but this was Lancia. He trusted him above most others, and would let him get away with liberties most others would never know.
He scowled at that tone, turning his face away from him. It must have been a poor showing, if he was being treated like this.]
What?
[Was a tired annoyance better than petulance? Or was there any difference?]
[After so long, he’s well aware of his charges’ various quirks. Al can’t stand scented shampoo, Ciro needs a certain level of cleanliness on his person or he starts to get agitated, and Faustino… Faustino needs his space, touching when he deigns it necessary or the other person is worth it for whatever reason. For a long while, only two people really could claim a place in the latter category. It’s why Lancia only offered the barest of touches instead of something more concrete.]
Have you ever thought of setting off on your own?
[Even if Lancia is fairly certain that “on his own” isn’t something Faustino will get to experience if Al and Ciro have anything to say about it.]
[The question made Faustino laugh, tipping his head back slightly as his shoulders shook.
What would Lancia think of the small band of misfits that he had been gathering? The aliases he had started to accumulate for himself and Ciro and Al? Of the reputation one of them, Mukuro Rokudo, was building? It wasn't setting off on his own, not even close, but it was a start. Testing the waters and building up his own forces. He wouldn't go against the Don and his wishes, but they were both aware that was a tenuous boundary at best, thin as a piece of paper.]
Then who would you worry about? Who would look after you?
Oh, do you think I'm old enough that I need a caretaker now?
[Still, Lancia doesn't think he can believe that laugh entirely. He knows Faustino. If it were Al, sure, he'd buy that he'd never have thought about taking off on his own. Al has simple wants and desires. Ciro? Smart, has probably considered it, would never really do it. In a way, he shares that simpleness with Ken- he's fine with having a place to be.]
[But Faustino... Faustino isn't just smart, but he's charismatic, full of a larger than life personality that gets people's attention for better or worse sometimes. Lancia knows he can see his own potential, more than likely, and that there might not be a chance it can fully bloom in such a small Family like theirs.]
Haven't you always? You've always advised me not to work alone.
[He didn't appreciate being told to 'be honest' anymore than he had appreciated the touch, but as always, Lancia would get away with things others could not.
Sighing slightly, he turned away from the older man's gaze, frowning. The lie was an easy one, on the tip of his tongue. However, he had the distinct feeling that Lancia would know it for what it was and continue to call him out accordingly, even more suspicious. He might even dig a little deeper into his activities, and while Faustino wasn't exactly ashamed of what he was doing, he wasn't ready to reveal the depths of his dealings to anyone just yet. Not to Al or Ciro, and not even to Lancia.]
I've considered it. [Short, succinct, odd for Faustino.] But this is my Family, and I owe the Don and you a great deal. Not just anyone would have taken us all in and protected us.
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badliifechoiice22016-01-08 10:36 am
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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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[Because he was only going to get hotter and hotter with age. And also less and less fashion savvy but ssh.
Faustino chose a booth near the window so he could watch people in case he got bored, nodding towards the proprietors almost in unison with Lancia.]
Oh? What sort of job?
[Even Faustino knew and was wary of the famed best hitman in the world. He had only caught glimpses of him, illusioned each time, but the small infant had only looked straight through him, smirking in amusement. 'Fear' wasn't an emotion Faustino had felt since he was caged in that laboratory, but wary cautiousness he felt around that small child was as close to it as anything was.]
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It’s not easy to forget what you looked like when you could still hang onto me, you know. But then you do things that remind me that all three of you are growing up so fast. I’m going to feel old soon.
[
child please don’t with the fasion sense][Chuckling at Faustino’s curiosity, Lancia glances over to the daily specials like he hasn’t gotten it memorized by heart by now.]
Who knows. I think they were trying to keep me from hearing about it at all, in fact, but it’ll probably come out eventually. Everyone knows his reputation, after all.
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You're hardly old, egregio signor.
[He said it with enough silken heat that it couldn't be misconstrued, but he'd leave it at that. Even though he was curious as to what they were doing exactly, that made Lancia feel they were older.
Faustino hummed as he looked over the menu, thoughtful.]
I wonder who his new student will be, and if they're going to turn out as successful as Don Cavallone.
[Because wasn't that an interesting story. Mukuro wished he could have been there during some of the key transformation events, but he supposed hearing about it and verifying the facts were close enough.
And since this was a deal:]
Ken picked a fight with two twins down the road. [Not exactly a lie, since they were murderous twins and they were down the road, a few turns, and in a prison.] I thought they might have dumped water on him because he was getting so rowdy, and well, you know how he dislikes to bathe. [If acid could be considered water.] It's still an ongoing fight, but we might be getting some closure soon.
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[After all, while the Cavallone turned out to be, ha, quite the dark horse when Cavallone Decimo took the reins, there was a reason for that. While an old Family, they’d gotten smaller within recent history, and Lancia can still remember some of the rumors of what a lost cause their then-heir was. After all, they’re not too far apart in age.]
[And yet here they are: a powerhouse of a Family, more financially set than some who had struggled for years, and with a variety of individuals trying to vie for the young boss’ attention.]
[Relaxing, he listens to Faustino’s story with an amused curl of his lips. He has a lot of questions, but he supposes he’ll start with the simple ones first.]
Even with his aversion to water, I’m surprised he’d get so rowdy as to get your attention like that.
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[He asked it casually, trying not to sound too interested, but well, for a hitman that had been around for so long, there was surprisingly little known about him. Even Faustino was having difficulty separating the truths from the lies, the myths from the facts, the original from the imitators. He couldn't say why he needed to know this information, only that he trusted his instincts, and his instincts said to know this man who could be an enemy or an ally.
Faustino only chuckled softly at that observation, waving a hand airily.]
Why do you think it's solely to get my attention? He's at that phase where his blood is constantly boiling in some form or another. He leaves everyone constantly exhausted, these days.
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[The world’s best hitman… That’s not a title given idly, and it’s been the same title on the same person for as long as Lancia can remember. Considering he was a child when he was first taken in by the Family and first started hearing those whispers of reputation, that alone is impressive.]
[Sometimes he ponders running into the hitman, just so he could see what he thinks of his own charges…. But he’s willing to put that to the side as an idle daydream and more than a little pride in how the three of them have grown.]
[But who knows? If they keep working with the Vongola like this, anything could happen, and Faustino is crafting a little reputation all his own.]
[Hearing about their own little troublemaker is enough to draw Lancia’s thoughts from that, and he chuckles as well.]
Oh, so does that mean even you can’t control him now?
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The implication that he couldn't control Al made him huff slightly.]
He's his own person. He was always free to do what he pleases.
[Though conveniently, it was typically what Faustino wanted him to do.
Then, to help derail the conversation he added helpfully:]
You will be pleased to hear that Ciro is still a model student. All of the teachers adore him.
[Mostly because he was quiet and tended to keep his other shit friends in line, but who was keeping track? Not Faustino.]
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[Hearing about Al “free to do as he pleases” has Lancia huff a laugh into his hand. They all know- the entire Family at this point, let alone Faustino and Lancia himself- that Al still gladly looks to Faustino for attention and approval. At least it’s not as bad as when they were all children. But before he has a chance to point it out, the conversation is being shifted along.]
Good to hear. I’m certain that everything he learns will be useful in the future.
[Whatever Ciro decides to do, whether it’s strictly working with the Family or something else. Lancia would put his money on the former option, however. At least, so long as Faustino and Al are here as well. That much, he doesn’t think will ever change.]
And what are his thoughts on the latest fight Al has been picking?
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Faustino canted his head to the side in amusement, nodding briefly to the waitress as she deposited drinks for them ( they really came here far too often ), turning his attention back to Lancia.]
You might be the only one who believes that, egregio signor. Anything worth learning is rarely in books or from the mouths of adults. [A small pause, Faustino's mouth curving up.] Present company sometimes excluded.
[Ciro's thoughts, to some extent, are just as simple as Al's, though perhaps Ciro considered more possibilities and the consequences. But they rarely meant anything in the face of what Faustino or Al decided. One day, Faustino was sure that might lead to some contention, but for now, they were together and whole. Infighting, he was sure, would be a good sign. They had been together for far too long, to the point where he was sure they were on their way to growing stagnant. It might be time soon to branch out, to include new people in the inner circle he was building for himself, and for his Family.
He flicked his bangs out of his face with disinterest, before using his index and middle finger to push up imaginary glasses, heaving a disinterested and resigned sigh.]
Troublesome.
[Okay it was a bad impression for an illusionist but surely Lancia could understand it.]
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A lot of people would disagree with you, you know. In fact, I’m pretty sure entire cultures would.
[But then, that’s Faustino. Even when he was a child, he seemed to view himself above else who tried to teach him something. The fact that he’ll even say ‘present company sometimes excuded’ is a little badge of honor that Lancia is quite pleased in.]
[That’s why he’s smiling to start with, but then it’s at that ridiculous impression.]
I hope you don’t mimic him like that in front of his face.
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[It was said matter of factly as Faustino busied himself with pouring more sugar into his drink, pleased that such an answer that was typically seen as offensive was enough to bring a smile to his mentor's face.
He started stirring his drink with an air of indifference, smirking up at Lancia through lowered lashes.]
Was it not a good enough impression?
[Al seemed to enjoy it well enough, at any rate.]
Tell me more about your trip.
[He'd already offered up what Ciro had been up to, after all. It was Lancia's turn.]
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[Then again, that could be said for a lot of Faustino’s acting. It’s probably just his youth, Lancia suspects, a fact which makes him more happy than it really should. Faustino seems to act so old sometimes, knowing more than many adults and holding himself taller than others his age. It makes it easy to forget he’s still something of an inexperienced child.]
[Is it because of that eye in his socket, or the other things that were done to him? Lancia can’t say. In the end, it doesn’t matter. He’s glad that there are still parts of Faustino that know how to be young.]
[Faustino steering the conversation back to his trip isn’t surprising, and Lancia hums as he sprinkles just a little bit of cream into his own coffee.]
Let’s see… What do I know that you haven’t yet found out through your own snooping? I have to think hard when I keep that in mind.
[Taking a sip of coffee, he glances up at Faustino over the rim.]
This is far more minor, but have you heard of the Smoking Bomb Freelancer?
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[For anyone else, it would have been said sharply, rudely, but for Lancia it was more amused than anything. For reasons that Faustino couldn't fathom, he seemed to be most pleased not when Faustino grew stronger, but when he acted immaturely. He couldn't understand it, not really, especially when he was in such a hurry to stop being seen as a child.
He chuckled softly at the mention of his 'snooping', wondering just how much Lancia knew about and how much he didn't. As long as it was the harmless 10% he knew about, then Faustino could be satisfied for now.
The mention of the freelancer who was about his age made him still slightly, not sure where this conversation was going.]
What of him?
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[Resting his cup back on the table, Lancia quirks up an eyebrow.]
From what I can tell, some of the older members I was hanging around with didn’t seem too confident in even the idea of him. Still, it’s chances like this that lead to big breaks for freelancers. In a few years, when the boss has you and the others on jobs and working with the Vongola, you never know- you might be working alongside someone your age.
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[Faustino said it casually enough, an amused, almost fond observation. It didn't mean it didn't irritate him slightly. He had been a child, yes, but he had never felt like one. In the beginning, it had been difficult to keep ahold of who he was amongst all the memories that had been implanted into him, feelings and lives that had not been his own threatening to swallow him whole. It wasn't the sort of experience that would leave one's innocence intact, and idly, Faustino had to wonder what he would have to do in order to prove he wasn't a child.
( Though he would diligently look into the Smoking Bomb and gauge whether or not he was a threat. )
He nodded to the waitress as she came to take their orders, before turning his attention back to Lancia.]
I find most people my age to not be worth the effort. Most have been far too coddled for my liking. What if I prefer those who are more mature?
[Faustino please try to find some subtly please and thank you.]
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[The waitress’ arrival distracts him, and Lancia gives his own order. He waits for her to be far enough before picking up where he left off.]
I’m simply saying, there’s a chance you’ll work with him one day. Once you’re high enough on the ladder, it doesn’t matter how old anyone is, only how skilled they are at their job.
[And with the Vongola… If there’s a faster way to race up the underworld ladder by proving yourself, then he can’t think of it.]
[Hearing the word ‘coddled’ alongside the Smoking Bomb’s reputation has Lancia snort quietly. As someone who was young and in the mafia himself, he knows it’s tough enough when you’re firmly aligned with a Family that’s there to watch out for you. Being a freelancer, aligned to no one and picking up what jobs you can from whoever you can… And at that age? Well, he doesn’t envy that kind of life, for sure.]
[But he has a feeling Faustino isn’t really invested in the freelancer himself so much as the idea around him. He raises an eyebrow at the younger boy.]
With how young you are and all your energy, I can’t imagine you’ll care for working around old men like me for long.
[because we’re totally talking about work and stuff, right, that’s the topic they’re doing]
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[Though it was said in a flat, displeased tone. He had no intention of climbing up the ladder of the mafia, kissing up to senile old men with no true skill or intelligence. To forming alliances with untalented people who swarmed together like insects, fueled only by greed and the hunger for power, but who had no will to reach their goals on their own. He still had not forgotten how the mafia had idly sat by and watched the atrocities the Estraneo had committed, and that it wasn't anyone who had saved him, but it had been Faustino alone who had clawed and killed his way out of his fate.
And for all his talents, it wasn't like the Don was going to leave the Family to Faustino.
Still, he forced himself to calm down, to reign back in that killing intent. It wasn't Lancia's fault, after all, and he shouldn't be the brunt of his rage. No, instead Faustino would punish those who had let those events unfold and let them suffer a worse fate.
He canted his head to the side, smirking sharply.]
Don't worry, egregio signor, you'll always be my favorite old man to work with. You're not completely devoid of energy and youth just yet.
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[Ignoring the base flattery for now, he reaches over to brush his hand against his charge’s own.]
Hey, Faustino.
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He guarded his personal space like he did all else in his life, jealously and overzealously. He almost jerked his hand away on pure instinct, but this was Lancia. He trusted him above most others, and would let him get away with liberties most others would never know.
He scowled at that tone, turning his face away from him. It must have been a poor showing, if he was being treated like this.]
What?
[Was a tired annoyance better than petulance? Or was there any difference?]
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Have you ever thought of setting off on your own?
[Even if Lancia is fairly certain that “on his own” isn’t something Faustino will get to experience if Al and Ciro have anything to say about it.]
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What would Lancia think of the small band of misfits that he had been gathering? The aliases he had started to accumulate for himself and Ciro and Al? Of the reputation one of them, Mukuro Rokudo, was building? It wasn't setting off on his own, not even close, but it was a start. Testing the waters and building up his own forces. He wouldn't go against the Don and his wishes, but they were both aware that was a tenuous boundary at best, thin as a piece of paper.]
Then who would you worry about? Who would look after you?
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[Still, Lancia doesn't think he can believe that laugh entirely. He knows Faustino. If it were Al, sure, he'd buy that he'd never have thought about taking off on his own. Al has simple wants and desires. Ciro? Smart, has probably considered it, would never really do it. In a way, he shares that simpleness with Ken- he's fine with having a place to be.]
[But Faustino... Faustino isn't just smart, but he's charismatic, full of a larger than life personality that gets people's attention for better or worse sometimes. Lancia knows he can see his own potential, more than likely, and that there might not be a chance it can fully bloom in such a small Family like theirs.]
Come on. Be honest, now.
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[He didn't appreciate being told to 'be honest' anymore than he had appreciated the touch, but as always, Lancia would get away with things others could not.
Sighing slightly, he turned away from the older man's gaze, frowning. The lie was an easy one, on the tip of his tongue. However, he had the distinct feeling that Lancia would know it for what it was and continue to call him out accordingly, even more suspicious. He might even dig a little deeper into his activities, and while Faustino wasn't exactly ashamed of what he was doing, he wasn't ready to reveal the depths of his dealings to anyone just yet. Not to Al or Ciro, and not even to Lancia.]
I've considered it. [Short, succinct, odd for Faustino.] But this is my Family, and I owe the Don and you a great deal. Not just anyone would have taken us all in and protected us.
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fudge thought i replied to this
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end scene??