[IC] Who Will Break? ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

[Merule]

"It's a nice house," Zack said, sending a tentative little smile the priest's way inbetween bites of bacon and eggs. The food was a lot better than anything he'd managed to get his hands on since he came to the town. If it had been up to him, he would rather have forgone eating human food entirely, but since it was such a big part of life on the streets he'd decided he needed to keep up appearances. Appearances that led him to stand in line for ages in the freezing rain for a bowl of stew of indeterminate origin that he then had to pretend to want to eat. No, at least this food wasn't a chore to swallow and it left him with a pleasantly warm feeling.

He lets his eyes light up when the priest brings out the syrup. He wasn't particularly fond of sweet things, but humans seemed to thrive on it. He smothered his pancake in the sticky substance and made sure not to show a smile on his face when the priest tried to pry some information out of him. This was exactly why he had spent those miserable weeks building his cover story, and he didn't hesitate to spin his tale in between sickly-sweet bites of breakfast.

"Well, I moved around, really," he said hesitantly. "Not that easy to find a place that'll have you, let alone for more than one night." He casts his eyes down to his plate for a moment, as if overtaken by memories. There were more than a few nights spent huddling in in some alcove, of course, and plenty of other tramps should be able to tell the priest about that. The more tragic part of his story would be formed by the nights where he had traded his body for a place to sleep, a meal to eat. To him it had been the most natural thing he'd done for the past month, but to a human it would probably seem like exploitation of the worst kind. Even as an incubus it wasn't optimal. Sure, he could take what he need from the arse end of humanity, but their energy was... tainted. He lived off desire, and those people didn't do what they did out of desire.

"It... it was fine, really," he said weakly before starting on his pancakes again. He put on a brave smile as he looked at the priest again. "I'm not a kid or anything and I know how to take care of myself." He paused, considering the vivid bruises that were still adorning his head and body. "Heh, well mostly anyway. Besides, I managed to get here, didn't I?"

[PopeAlessandros]

Something about the haunted look in his eyes as he speaks of his experiences seems a little off, but Kiel ignores the feeling. 'Most kids start off lying about one thing or another. I can't expect him to be truthful right at the get go. I mean, on the streets, a good spin can be better than a pretty face when looking for shelter' His hands work quickly as he turns out another pancake, throwing another dollop of butter into the pan and swirling it around so it will melt quicker. 'And he has the kind of face that could get him a lot out there. He doesn't seem to be too hesitant about it, so I'm guessing he's be on the street for quite some time, poor thing. . . .' His thoughts trail off as Zach puts on a brave face, claiming not to be a kid. He chuckles at the boy's joke and pours the next cake.

“I know you're not a kid, but that doesn't mean I won't accidentally treat you like one on occasion. I kinda do it without thinking.” He chuckles again. “A lot of the kids in the street tease me about it. 'The youngest father they never asked for'.” He smiles down at Zach as he finishes up the last bit of breakfast an turns off the hot plate. Dumping the cookery and utensils in the sink he plops the last cake on to a separate plate and scoops on some eggs and bacon. With a wink he pours syrup over the whole mass and begins cutting the cake into pieces. “The nuns all thought I was gross as a kid, pouring syrup on anything and everything. Half the time think I did it to make them gag, but eventually I just fell in love with the taste.” He smiles warmly and begins digging in. Between bites he does his best to tell the boy his plans.

“I have to go to morning mass in a little bit. You're free to come or to stay here. On that string, you can stay here as long as you like.” He takes a sip of milk before going on. “I don't want you to feel as if you have to stay, but I think it would be best if you stick around here for now. Whoever attacked you may know the neighborhood and will have guessed where you came after the beating. As such, it would be best, if you decide to stay, that you stay away from the front gate, or even the front yard. If they spot you, there's no guarantee that they won't be able to take you out of here before me or my order notice.” He gives the boy a reassuring look. “You're safe, as long as you stay out of sight. But you don't have to stay cooped up inside. There's a garden out back. It isn't much, but you can get some fresh air back there, and look at the flowers.” Spearing some eggs he points at his shelves with a fork. “If you promise to be careful, you can even take some books back there and read.”

Humming softly he turns to look out the window on the other side of his bed. The rain has almost stopped, the faint drizzle of rain off the roof making a curtain of little lines across the window. “It looks like the rain will stop soon, and once it dries there's a nice stone bench out there to sit on.” He turns his face back to his guest, a vary fond look in his eyes. “I've spent many a day and night back there lost in the little worlds in my beloved books. The sounds and smells really add to the experience.” With a cough he comes out of his revery. “Well, to me at least, heh.” He gives the boy a little sheepish grin.

[Merule]

Zach tried not to make a face when the priest smothered his pancakes in syrup, but he was pretty sure he was not succeeding. His owm pancakes held even less appeal now, but he soldiered on and even made a pretence of enjoying them. There was not much to answer, but did his bed to nod and make affirmative noises every once in a while. In his experience humans enjoyed a confirmation that the other was listening, even when there was nothing else he could possibly focus on at that moment.

When the priest offered up his books, he summoned a light blush onto his cheeks and poked into the remnants of his breakfast morosely. "I'd love to sit in the garden for a bit, but I can't...I mean, I won't need your books," he said quietly. "And you don't have to be afraid I'll go out and do something stupid. I know I need to be healed up a bit so I can avoid them once I go out. Besides, they probably won't carry too much of a grudge." Not even a gullible old lady would be convinced by that last sentence.

"I just... I really don't want to be any more trouble to you than I already am," he finished, unable to look the priest in the eyes. He was still pushing the last pieces of pancake around on his plate, but he figured feeling down was as good an excuse as any not to have to eat them.

[PopeAlessandros]

Kiel can't suppress a chuckle at the obviously disgusted look on the boy's face when he covers his plate in syrup, however he quickly swallows his mirth when he seems to get uncomfortable again. 'This kid seems all over the radar. I'm not sure what it is, but his mood shifts don't make as much sense as I'm use to' He give Zach and understanding look about the books, but gives off a sigh at the boy's obviously false tough guy front. Gulping down the rest of his breakfast Kiel stands and carefully takes the plate and fork from the downcast teen. Stacking them atop his own plate he reaches up and lays a hand on the young man's head for a moment before ruffling the dark hair. “I know you're not foolish, I'm just a little over protective of my charges.” Slipping a hand down so he can turn the boy's face towards him Kiel looks deep into his eyes. “Which is what you are now, Zach, and nothing you need will trouble me to do or get. It is my calling to help kids like you, and I take it as a gift, not a burden.” Giving the boy's head a final pat the priest moves over tot he sink to rise off the sticky mess from the syrup coating both of them.

Outside a bell tolls overhead from the direction of the church and Kiel quickly dries his hands. “I have to go to mass now, don't worry about the dishes I'll take care of them later.” Turning to look at Zach he give him a warm smile. “I'll check on you before I hit the streets and change your bandages. You should try and get some rest today.” With that he reaches out and gives the boy's shoulder a comforting squeeze, throw on his robe, then heads outside. The rain has all but stopped, but the ground shows no sign of drying any time soon. Large puddles create little marshes in the thick grass and Kiel smiles at the memory of driving the nuns crazy on days like this with his love of crashing through those puddle. However he has no time for that today. Slipping in the side door to the church he makes his way through the kitchen then into the front hall. Slowing his pace he walks at a respectful speed up to the main doors and slips inside.

~*~*~Time Skip~*~*~

As morning mass ends Kiel stands and stretches. A few of the older men look at him disapprovingly as he groans away some of his kinks from sitting in the stiff, scantly padded wooden pews. The large stain glass window behind the pulpit shines brightly with the new day's sun but the dark colors keeps it from blinding the people below during the head pastor's sermon. Kiel squints, tracking Father Renolds as he makes his way to his study next to the dais. Ducking through the crowd, careful not to run into anyone, Kiel makes his way to the study door and knocks softly. When he's bidden to enter he steps inside, closing the door softly behind him. Father Renolds, a baling old man with a sharp eye and with wrinkles that show that he's spent most of his life with a stern look on his face, is already at his desk hard at work. He glances up to see who entered and give Kiel a little wave before motioning him to take a seat.

The room is well furnished, much of the stuff several generations old as each head priest used this office then left their belonging here for the next head priest. It even has a large working fireplace which currently crackles merrily to warm the small room, keeping the chill of the rain at bay. Kiel walks over to one of the more comfortable high back chairs before the Father's desk and takes a seat. He waits until the man puts down his pen and looks up to begin speaking. “Good morning Father, it was a lovely sermon. I'm just stopping by to let you know I have taken in another lost soul. His name is Zach, street kid, black hair. A group of street kids really laid into him, but nothing too dire. He's scared though so I'm going to do some snooping while he heals.” His glance darts to the window beside the desk which looks out towards his little house. “I've told him to stay away front the gate, but if the other Fathers could keep an eye out for anyone suspicious looking in that would be very helpful Father.”

The old priest listens quietly, giving Kiel a nod at his request. The young man smiles and stands. Giving a little bow he turns and walks out of the small study to the now empty room beyond. 'When he's not preaching, Father Renolds really doesn't like to talk much. It always seems like he's got better things to think about. Sometimes it makes me wonder if hears what I'm saying, but then he's never failed to register what matters I suppose' He walks quickly back towards the kitchen and makes his way outside. The rain has completely stopped now and the faint sunlight shinning through the trees makes the ground glisten. Kiel takes a deep breath, letting the fresh clean air fill his lungs. He hold it in for a moment then lets it out with a rush, smiling at the crisp feeling of the damp air against this face and hands. Moving forward again he strides back up to his small house and slips inside, closing the door behind him.

[Merule]

Zach answered the priest's smile with a small one of his own, nodding at the suggestion to take it easy. He suppressed a small shiver at the sound of the church bells, and waved the priest off with yet another smile. He waited carefully until he was out of his sight before relaxing his pose and rolling his shoulders in relief. 'That went really well,' he thought with a satisfied little grin. He decided to take a look through the small house, movements loose and fluid now that he wasn't pretending to be an injured human for a bit. He'd gotten a chance to look at most of it already, but now he was picking up books here and there, reading through them a little before putting them back exactly as he found them.

After going through the living area, he sneaked into the priest's bedroom, carefully memorising exactly how everything looked. While he supposed it wouldn't be out of character for 'Zach' to snoop around, he would rather the priest trust him as early as possible. Which probably meant he had to start going to mass at least a couple of times. He made a face as he pulled open a few drawers to see if he could find anything interesting. It wasn't like it would harm him, of course. There was little to no chance that an unimportant little place like this would be warded against the like of him. Demonic protection was both expensive and hard to maintain, but when applied it was distressingly effective. Which was where he would come in, when he passed this test. As with everything, the weak link in the church' defences were the humans involved. And if there was anything Zach could work with, it was humans.

Sadly, there didn't seem to be any obvious secrets stashed in the priest's quarters, at least not somewhere he could easily get to them. All in all the man seemed to be quite genuine. Zack smirked slightly as he made his way back to the door before closing it behind him, leaving the room as he had found it. On the one hand that would make his job more difficult. One the other, however, it would make his victory so much sweeter once he earned it. It had been a while since he'd preyed on a pure soul, and he knew he was going to savour it.

He could still hear the voices of humans raised in song when he walked into the garden, so he supposed he would have to wait a bit for the priest to come back. He settled himself onto the stone bench, which was thankfully sheltered from the worst of the rain by the vines and plants growing overhead. It took some time to get himself comfortable on the cold stone, but when the sun started to come out he ended up lying on his back, small beams of sunlight warming up patches of his skin as he dozed. Wounded humans needed a lot of sleep, right? Plus, he knew he looked completely innocent with his face slack as if in sleep. It would be the perfect position for the priest to find him in when he came back.

[PopeAlessandros]

The small house is silent as he makes his way around the main room. Deciding that if the boy is asleep he shouldn't disturb him until the last minute for the bandage change. 'The more sleep he gets, the better, and if he can sleep through the cleaning. . .' He chuckles lightly, cleaning up the little mess left over from the morning and the night before. Picking up the boy's blood splattered clothing he gazes at the dried red patches for a bit. With a sigh he tosses them, unsure if the boy will still want them, but feeling that they should be trashed none the less. Running his hand through the pants pockets before adding them to the rest in the garbage he makes his way to the back, into his own room. After picking up his own laundry he glances out the window at the garden before turning to go check on Zach.

Suddenly he pauses, his hand on the handle, and his brow furrow. Turning he looks out the window again and with a smile he heads tot he front room. Scooping up his first aid kit he leaves the house and heads around it to the back garden. He walks slowly, not wanting to startle the boy by rushing up. When he comes into view he stops, a warm smile on his lips. 'He looks so peaceful. Even with the bandages and bruises, he looks almost innocent' He shakes his head lightly with a sigh. 'The only thing taking away from him seeming completely innocent is my knowledge of street kids. All of them have something they regret. Something they've done or had done to them, that takes it away' After watching for a few more seconds he strides softly forward and kneels beside the bench. Setting the kit down carefully on the grass Kiel reaches out and touches Zach's shoulder gently. “Zach. . . Zach wake up, it's time to change your bandages little one.”

[Merule]

Zach kept quiet as he heard the priest's footsteps get closer, breath coming slowly and evenly as he keeps his body relaxed. When the human came closer to wake him up, he frowned slightly and groaned a little before fluttering his eyes open sleepily.

"Huh," he muttered, blinking himself awake as he pulled himself upright. "Kiel? Wha-" he broke off into a yawn for a moment before trying again. "What time is it?" Once he was sitting up straight again, he slowly stretched himself out, shirt riding up to show a sliver of skin as he raised his hands over his head. He let them down slowly, mindful of his injuries.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep," he said sheepishly. "Heh, guess I was more tired than I thought. How was mass?"

[PopeAlessandros]

'So cute. Like a big cat' Kiel laughs silently inside his head as the boy stretches and leans up to sit next to Zach. “Mass was mass, not much different from most other masses.” He says with a smile. Reaching down he tugs on the hem of the clean shirt. “Seems I may need to find you a longer one, that one seems a little short.” he murmurs. Shaking his head he reaches up to ruffle the young man's hair. “And don't worry about falling asleep back here. I know how comfortable one can get in the garden. . .” His voice trails off as he looks around to all the plants. Each bush, flower, and tree feels like an old friend, even if they are new this spring.

A ghost of a memory flashes behind his eyes but he's far too concerned with the task at hand to take in anything more than a warm feeling. 'I should hit the streets as soon as possible' With a nod to himself he turns to Zach. “We should get those bandages changed.” His gaze becomes soft an understanding. “If you like we can head inside to do it, but if you'd rather stay out here in the garden I have the things I'll need right here. Don't worry about being seen, the only window other than my own that looks upon the garden is the head priest's and he doesn’t ever look out of it. Wherever you are more comfortable Zach.”

[Merule]

Zach patiently let himself be fussed over, and even tilted his head into the touch a bit. He didn't need to fake that he liked the attention. His kind were tactile by nature, and it was rare to get touches like this without some sort of agenda behind it. Rare enough that he still took the opportunity to enjoy them when they came by, at least.

"That doesn't sound like fun. Aren't you supposed to be all... happy about religious stuff, being a priest and all?" he asked, watching the priest watch the garden. He still didn't have a concrete plan or anything, but he always preferred to work on instinct anyway. Right now the first priority would be to stop the priest thinking of him as a 'little one'. Zach doubted there was a shortcut for that one, so he would just have to see if he could find some common ground with his target.

"I'm comfortable here," he answered the question with a small smile. "It's very... peaceful. There's not a lot of green in the city, unfortunately." He helpfully took his own shirt off so the priest could get to the bandages. It was a bit of a challenge to get it over his head considering his ribs, but he got it off soon enough.

[PopeAlessandros]

Kiel chuckles at the boy's comment about mass. "Yes, well, you're a boy. Shouldn't you be all macho and tough and not admiring something so 'girly' as a beautiful garden?" He shakes his head. "I'm sorry for teasing, but just like the races are different, and we all like different things, not all priests are the same. In fact, a few of us could even be considered kinda cool." With a sigh he reaches out to help him with the last bit of getting his shirt off. His fingers brush lightly across the boy's arms as he does so, but he doesn't seem to notice. Once it's off he places it on the bench beside Zach and kneels down on the grass in front of him.

Snapping open the kit he begins checking each bandage, figuring out which ones need changing and which ones will be fine until he gets back. As he begins working,cutting away the dirty bandages and cleaning them with the antibacterial cleanser he hums out a soft tune for a bit. 'These wounds seem to be doing very well. They must still be very stiff, but I think if we keep up with them they should be healed in no time' Glancing up at Zach his humming stops and he says, "I'm almost done here. I can bring home dinner tonight. Is there anything in particular you like? My treat!"

[Merule]

"Psh," Zach huffed with an amused air. "Posturing is for kids. I, for one, am secure in my masculinity." He grinned at the priest, spreading his legs a little so the other could sit in front of him and reach all the bandages. He kept his eye on the priest as he methodically went over the bandages, only wincing a little at the sting of the antiseptic that the human dabbed on. What a pain it must be for humans to end up like this every time they got in the least bit of trouble. Add to that the constant need for sleep, pitifully short lifespans and obliviousness of the general population and it was hard to imagine how they could even form a threat to demonkind. Of course, Zach knew perfectly well that the humans had their ways to ward off or destroy even the most powerful demons. Sometimes it felt like the only reason they hadn't tried to exterminate demons yet, was because of those short lifespans and the amount of infighting between humans...

"As long as it's hot I'm happy with anything," Zach answered the priest's question. "Although..." he hesitated for a bit, glincing off to the side before continuing. "It's not dinner exactly, but I would love some chocolate. The bitter stuff, really dark. I mean, if it's not too much of course."

[PopeAlessandros]

Chuckling low in his throat Kiel shifts in a little closer so he can get his arms around the boy to wrap the last bandage securely. “Dark dark chocolate, I can do that.” He murmurs, looking up at Zach with a smile. His fingers are nimble and move quickly as he finishes wrapping and secures the bandage in place with a strip of medical tape. Tucking away the rest of the supplies he scoops up the kit and stands up. Still directly in front of the boy he reaches up and brushes his hair back so he can look at his face better. “I'll be back right around the time the sun goes down. The cook from the parish will bring out a meal around lunch time, and the entire parish knows to keep an eye out for anyone trying to come on the grounds after you.” Ruffling the hair beneath his fingers he steps back with a smile. “You just get some rest for now. Everything will be alright little one.”

With that he turns back to the house and after dropping the kit just inside the front door and snatching up his wallet and pocket knife he heads out through the front gates. All morning he cases the west side, looking for anything new or out of place. The streets are as hard and rugged as ever, but right around noon a familiar looking pack of boys close in on him. Kiel smiles at them, and a couple new members seem ready for a fight. However a young man, about sixteen and a head shorter than the rest of them waves a hand for quiet. He steps forward, his hand held out in greeting. “Hey Kiel. Long time since you been on this side. We missed you.” His voice is rough, his habitual smoking habit evident in the ragged sound. With a smile Kiel moves right past the hand and the boy lets out a groan as the priest pulls him into a one armed hug. His other hand comes up to ruffle his hair and the teen pushes him away halfheartedly. The new kids exchange glances while the rest of the gang relaxes and begins wandering about the area.

The rather large ally is flanked on both sides by very tall apartment buildings, one of the ones nearest the street long abandoned. Smiling wide Kiel gives the young man a look of apology. “I'm sorry Den. A whore house on south side went out of business a couple months ago and I've been trying to help as many as I can before they split for. . . . “A better place” to ply their trade.” Den gives him a vaguely haunted look before looking away.

“Yeah, that's important man.” After a second his gaze returns to the father. “So, what are you doing over here then? Everything all taken care of now?”

Kiel shakes his head sadly. “Nope, just more bad new I'm afraid Den.” motioning to a nearby pile of crates and pallets he moves over and takes a seat on the rough wood. Den follows close behind and sits on a stack of crates. Fixing the teen with a serious look he asks, “Den, have you heard of any new gangs around. They would be violent, and willing to bloody up newcomers.”

The boy looks back at him, knowing better than to ask for more information than the priest was willing to give. “Nope, not in this area, but I will have my boys keep an eye out from guys like that.” A silent communication passes between the two and Den nods. 'No way I'll get anywhere near specific about who asked, and I won't even tell my boys about the “Attacking newcomers” part. They may be my boys, but for the right price, they'd sell out in a minute about Father Kiel and some new kid' Sliding off the crate pile he stands still and puts up with another hug before letting out a whistle and leading his gang out of the alley.

Kiel watches them go, a smile firmly planted on his lips as they push and play fight as they walk off deeper into the labyrinth of alley ways. With a sigh he checks his watch. 'They should be serving lunch about now. I hope Zach was able to get some sleep. . . .'

[Merule]

Zach smiled as if the thought of priests watching his every move was a comforting one. He figured it didn't matter is he looked a little sceptical, since he doubted boys off the street were a lot more comfortable with the clergy than demons were. When he'd waved the priest off, he wasted some time sitting out in the sun before going for a cursory round of the grounds.

He made sure to walk carefully as he slowly made a round of the church grounds. He tried to look like just another harmless human, but in reality he was checking out the more supernatural defences in the area. He didn't actually search anywhere per se, but even from just walking around he could feel nothing more than a faint aura of holiness lingering around where he assumed was the altar. The most he would get from going in the church was goosebumps, and perhaps a light rash if he felt the need to actually touch the altar. It meant he could easily join the priest in mass if the occasion called for it, even if that wasn't how he would like to spend his time.

As he walked around he was pretty sure he could feel eyes on him occasionally, but no one seemed interested in approaching him. It occurred to him that he had very little idea how many people actually lived on the church grounds, and he decided to see if he could bring it up in conversation sometime. He muct have taken longer than expected, because by the time he came back to the cabin, the cook had left a plate of food on the table. It wasn't particularly inspiring as far as food went, but it was still better than anything than he'd eaten the past few weeks, barring perhaps the bacon from that morning. He took the plate out to the bench in the garden en enjoyed his meal in silence.

[PopeAlessandros]

“Thanks Kiel.” The twin's voices resonate in unison as each clings to him and smiles. The priest rolls his eyes but keeps an eye on the man who had been getting a bit rough with the girls. The tall man stalks off, shouting about how 'It just wasn't worth the trouble' and 'he can find cheaper tail'. As soon as he's out of sight Kiel gives the girls a hard look and they both simply giggle back at him.

“One of these days. . .” he starts, however they both lean up to kiss him on the cheeks.

As they drop back on to their heels, still clutching his arms they say together, “you're gonna end up in a hard trick and I'll be the one carving your grave stones.” They giggle again and the priest can not help but smile back for a moment.

“We know Kiel.” The one on his left chimes.

“But hey, at least we'll have someone at our funerals now. Right sis?” the other adds. The one on his left nods and they both give him a squeeze before moving off to continue working their beat.

With a sigh Kiel scoops up his shopping bag and continues towards the church. The rest of the day had been a bust. 'No one seems to know anything about this new gang. I really hope my contacts can find m some leads soon. Zach needs time to heal, but if the gang gets a hold of anyone else. . .' He shakes his head, chewing his lip lightly. As he passes through the archway leading on to the church grounds he heads straight inside. A couple of the regulars are cleaning the front hall and wave at him as he passes. 'I almost forgot it was cleaning day. They are so good to volunteer. I hope some of my kids will try it again this year'

Making his way down the stairs to the basement he takes in a deep breath and smiles at the smell coming from the kitchen. As he slips inside the cook and her assistants give him smiles. The head cook wanders over, tasting the food as she passes and ends up standing in front of Kiel. He gives he a happy look, but her eyes go to the bag in his hand. When she looks back up with an eyebrow raised he holds up his hands in the 'Don't shoot me' position. “It's just something my guest asked for. Don't worry, I'm not trying to step on your toes sister.”

Sister Caroline has only been the cook for the parish for six years, but she has become fiercely protective of what she refers to 'Her turf' and doesn't even let anyone so much as use the microwave without telling her first. She rolls her eyes and behind her Mrs. Henasi chuckles good-naturedly. “Good, because it's too late for me to be taking requests Kiel.”

'No one really calls me father around here' he muses, giving the sister a pat on the arm. 'I suppose my age doesn't help that' “So, Sister, would you be able to set me up with two plates? I'm sure my guest is hungry, and I know I am.”

She raises an eyebrow at him again. “Oh, so you actually WANT my cooking now. I thought you were all into cooking for yourself now.”

Mrs. Henasi makes a tutting sounds. “Now dear, don't pick on the poor dear. He just wanted to learn a new skill! Isn't that right Kiel?” The young priest nods vigorously and Caroline just snorts as she turns away. Mrs. Henasi gives him a wink as the younger woman stalks around the kitchen preparing what Kiel asked for.

[Merule]

After he'd finished the meal and washed off his plate, it didn't take long for Zach to get bored. The last few weeks had been a constant string of making, executing and reajusting plans, and though he had occasionally found it tiresome, he missed it now that it was gone. He might be where he wanted to be, but his mark wasn't. He supposed he could try to read, but he didn't feel like putting up with the itch that handling some of the religious texts would bring. Besides, he was trying to play illiterate and it was far too risky to start moving books around.

Eventually he scrounged around for some paper and pencils, before making himself comfortable in the garden. The weather hadn't turned yet, and the priest had truely cultivated a wonderful collection of flowers. It wasn't long before he was absorbed in his drawing, tracing the outlines of intricate little flowers in crisp lines, petal by petal. If pressed, he would have to admit that it wasn't a very demonic type of hobby, but he'd always enjoyed it. It was in his nature to appreciate beauty, after all, and putting what he saw on paper grounded him. He was so absorbed that he didn't even notice the shadows lengthening, or the light getting dimmer in the evening.

[PopeAlessandros]

Humming softly to himself Kiel place one trays atop the other, the convenient covers allowing for easy stacking. With a wave to the sisters he makes his way carefully out the back door, his plastic shopping bag swinging back and forth from his wrist. The cool evening air hits him and he welcomes the little chill that runs across his skin. 'I love this time of year. The day are not too hot, nor the evenings too cold, and every moment can be appreciated in a different way' He continues to hum an old hymn to himself as he makes his way towards his house.

The hard stone beneath his feet makes sharp clicking sounds with each step and he smiles at the faint echo of the noise off the stone walls of the church. 'Some sounds are so nostalgic' Humming a little louder he pushes his way inside carefully. He calls out to Zach but receives no answer. 'Not panicking, not panicking. . . .' he assures himself as he sets the trays down on the table. Knocking lightly he peeks inside the small side room. Not finding his guest he moves to his own room and peeks out the back window.

His face curls into a warm smile and with a chuckle he crosses his arms over his chest. 'He looks so relaxed. Makes me happy to think he's already so comfortable here. I've had so many nearly jumping out of their skin at the slightest sound or refusing to leave their room. . . .Perhaps I'm getting better at this, heh' Shaking his head he moves back the the door and slips outside. Moving around to the back garden he pauses at the corner of the building. Watching the boy for a few seconds he takes a step back before calling out. "Time for eats Zach! I brought chocolate!" Turning on his heel he moves back inside quickly and sets the table up so they can both sit at it.

[Merule]

Zach's head jerked up at the sound of the priest's voice. When he heard the human get back inside, he allowed a frown to come ove his face. He hadn't even noticed him coming back, so absorbed had he allowed himself to become. That just wouldn't do, even if the first phase of his plan had gone well. He simply couldn't take any chances with this assignment. Any other time it wouldn't matter if he screwed up. 'Plenty of fish in the sea,' as the human saying went. He couldn't forget that he actually needed to catch this particular human this time.

"Are you a priest or a ninja?" He said with a chuckle as he let himself back into the house. "I didn't hear you come back." He tilted his head as he watched the priest set up the table, hugging the papers he'd drawn on to his chest.

"I left the plate on the sink, I hope that was okay? Um... I also took some papers to draw on..." he said slowly, trailing off uncertainly. He still wasn't quite sure how to approach the priest now that he was in, but playing on his sympathies seemed a safe bet to start with.

[PopeAlessandros]

Kiel chuckles lightly. “Feel free to use as much paper as you like, I have plenty.” Peeking into the small sink he nods as he grabs a couple cups from the shelf above it. “The sink is fine, I can bring them back to the parish with the dinner dishes.” Moving back over to the table he sets down the cups and wanders over to the fridge. “I assure you, I am no ninja, just a humble servant of God.” Glancing towards the boy he adds softly. “Perhaps you were just too interested in your work? I find that when I'm concentrating on something hard enough a herd of elephants could stampede by and I would notice nothing.” He chuckles again and kneels by the fridge. Opening his mouth to ask what Zach wants to drink he pauses before closing it again.

'I'll just grab everything. Not like it's the widest variety' Pulling out a carton of milk, orange juice and a small jug of ice tea he stands and moves back over to the table. “Have a seat.” he murmurs, gesturing with the tea to a newly cleared seat. Setting down the drinks he takes a seat himself and smiles at his young guest. His eyes trail over all the visible injuries, his over protective nature making him ache slightly at the sight. 'I can not imagine what it is like to go through the pain these street kids do. How they survive at all still remains a mystery to me. Not physically of course, but living in the constant danger of not only the evils of this world, but of each other and their battle for survival' He lets out a sigh and turns his eyes to the meal.

[Merule]

Zach tentatively smiled back before settling himself at the table, depositing the papers on top of it as well. He noticed the priest's eyes roaming over his injuries again, the look on his face a clear indication of how he still felt about them. It still surprised him how extreme cruelty and extreme care stood side by side in humanity, often even within the same human. He'd watched turn their backs on each other in the street every day, and then reach out to an orphaned animal of all things and cry when it died. He'd seen people help a perfect stranger and stab their closest family in the back. He wondered what it would take for this priest to betray someone. On the outside, he pulled the milk towards him with a small smile on his face.

"I don't know anything about elephants, but I think I know where you're coming from. I guess... I guess I've just been so used to watching my back that it kind of took me off guard that I didn't think to do it now," he said quietly, not quite meeting the priest's eyes. Let's see how far he could get with disarming honesty.

"It's nice out here. Peaceful. I bet everyone tells you that, though. You get a lot of strays like me?" the last words were said with a self-deprecating tone that made it clear he didn't think very highly of 'strays like himself'.

[PopeAlessandros]

He lets out a soft noise when Zach mentions having to watch his back all the time. The sound is nothing intelligible, and is his effort to not sound too over protective of the young man. 'If I start molly coddling he's more likely to close up than if I treat him as if he knows how to take care of himself. Street kids feel the need to be strong all the time' He raises an eyebrow at the boy's last comment, a small twinge running through his chest. However, the twinge is truly mixed in it's effect. 'He sounds so defeated' he muses, watching the boy silently as he thinks. 'It's odd. Most kids take a while to get to know. He looks tough, so he doesn't seem to be one who's needed to rely on his looks or timidness to get by. Though, he could be kinda new, and that would explain how he has as of yet to develop a full front around others' He mentally shakes his head. 'I'm just over thinking it. It's obvious he is in need, and making an effort to get the help he needs. I should stop doubting him'

He smiles warmly at Zach, bringing a hand up to touch him on the arm gently. “I do see a lot of lost young ones in need of a little help.” He lets his hand move to his plate, turning it so the meat is closest to him. “I am always surprised at the resilience of young people. The things you all go through, and still you never lose yourselves.” He beams at his guest. “The fact that you can relax here, that you trust enough to let your guard down so quickly, only shows how your confidence is not broken. It takes more strength to trust, than to doubt.” With that he cuts a bite sized piece of meatloaf with his fork, stabs it, scoops up some mash potatoes with it, and puts the whole mess into his mouth. A bit of the gravy drips down his chin, but he ignores it in favor of pouring himself a cup of tea.