prismatica | Sermon #2

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Sermon #2 | video

[Oh look, for once Pucci's putting his face to a post on the network! ...As username: viadolorosa still, but that's how it is sometimes. There's a few seconds of him trying to get a good angle on bracelet cam, before he smiles warmly and offers everyone a little wave.]

Hello. If we haven't met, I'm Father Pucci, and...I think that I can be of use to at least some of you. I've been under the impression that, even after some months here, adaptation to our need for chroma generation and the methods the moons drive us to use can still make people feel...Uncomfortable, I suppose. Amongst other things. And generally being in a new place with such differing morality can be hard.

So, what I'm offering is simple! We all have our social networks for the tough times, and services to assist with that besides. But if you just want to talk to someone, perhaps I can help you come to terms with this new place. Or simply listen if you have anything on your mind. I'm experienced with listening to people, as well as practicing confidentiality, for what that might be worth.

I'm sure you'll catch me around, if you're not willing to try and organise some sort of meeting at the moment. I hope that we can talk soon!

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[ Germany watched him in awe, the way that this was almost a completely different person talking to him. It was endearing, to say the least, in a good way that put him more at ease than he'd been in a long while. He was listening to every word, even if he was focused on that twinkle in Pucci's eyes; the folded corner of that page telling him that this was something he'd been considering for a while.

He really did want to answer earnestly, but as soon as he opened his mouth a laugh fell from his lips as he reached out to rest a hand on the other man's shoulder. ]

I like seeing this side of you, it's refreshing...

[ And sadly still attractive, not that he would actually voice that. ]

I'd be happy to do all of that with you; you should know by now that I enjoy your company no matter what, so please don't think that I wouldn't keep you here until we're done with the project. Decorating is part of it, I'm not likely to throw you out before we get the chance to make something meaningful together...

[ Germany, seriously, it's just gingerbread. ]

...I'm sure between the two of us they'll turn out perfectly.

[ it should be unforgivable, really, but these things—namely unconditional and boundless forgiveness—come more naturally to dextera now that he’s god. a year ago, it might have been different. he might be coping with it all in a more violent way.

for now, his shoulders seem to relax, like he’s completely forgotten how terrifying pucci had been in between the touches. ]

It makes more sense… when you put it that way.

[ an escape. isn’t it? ]

I hope it helps you, too.

...I can, yes. I've even met people in similar situations to you. ...And I assume that you've considered exposure therapy and found it wanting?

[Since that's worked on the most prominent example he's encountered thus far, if only because Pucci has little disregard for the personal space of people he's fond of. Still, if it works it works.] If not...That's met some measure of success, in my personal experience. But then-- I'm interrupting! Sorry, sorry.

[Oh, Dextera honey. Honey. The one person who should never be forgiven, and here you are doling it out to him.

Not that Pucci's complaining! Already he's more at ease, slips into his second skin without chafe and puts on some saccharine grateful smile all for Dextera's benefit. Shit, he's even reaching out to gently cup his face in a disgustingly paternal manner. Awful.]

You're too kind. ...If I can ask one more thing of you, before I let you go? Just a little homework, nothing that needs a lot of effort! ...But if you think of any ways you'd prefer for this to happen, any tools you think I should get, please let me know. You have my contact details now, obviously! So just...Slip me a note and I'll see what I can do for you. And materials, too! I don't want to get something in leather if you're allergic, for example.

[Great, we're out here discussing whips and shit with a serene look on our face now, apparently. But hey, there's no need to turn this into something shameful. It is what it is, and here is the one place that they can get away with casual discussion about this sort of thing.]

While I'm glad you're flattered, I don't flatter pointlessly. The way I see it, no matter your views on religion...We live in beautiful times, surrounded by beautiful things and people. To ignore that, to act like it doesn't exist, is to insult the source of existence and its creations.

So yes, you're stunning. It's a fact, and one I'll stand by. In fact...I don't believe I've ever seen such vibrant colours on a person, even with the assistance of dye. I do hope that doesn't mean you're dangerous too! [Listen to him chuckling away. What a dickhead.]

[oh wow just fucking drag him why don't you, Germany??? There's just silence for a solid two seconds, before he snaps the cookbook closed and buries his face in the back. God. God save him. He's acting like this over gingerbread and it's refreshing and that's not how he should be seen! This isn't right!

Oh well. Deep breath. He can work with this. If Germany likes this side of him, then he'll fucking get it in spades, bitch. Gravity. Gravity gravity gravity.]

...As long as you're alright with it, then. [It's okay, feign proper embarrassment. A little look to the side, a little worry of the bottom lip, some heel-scuffing. Who's nearly 40? Not this bitch.] I bought some candies to use for decoration anyway, and food dye; I wanted to make the frosting by hand though, if that's not too much trouble either. I also remember reading somewhere that if you put the decorated gingerbread in the oven for a little, it might help harden it? But it seems like a specific temperature range to do that within [And that might just be honey jumble icing OOPS] so we might have to stick to air-drying.

Shall we get started? I think we have to mix the dry ingredients together first, if we go by the recipe...But if you have a particular way of doing it, then I'm all ears.

I didn't realise exposure therapy for that was a thing. But considering that before I got here most of the physical contact I'd had in months was people trying to kill or otherwise hurt me... I'm not sure it would be a good idea.

It's not just that though. I- I don't have an interest in... in sex. Never have really, even when I was actually in a relationship. I don't look at people and feel some- some wash of lust. It doesn't really occur to me most of the time. So here- well.

I'm all right with anything that you'd like to do...

[ Truthfully, he liked all the sides that he'd seen so far, but this was far more endearing than he could have ever thought. A gentle squeeze of Pucci's shoulder, letting his hand linger there for just one more moment before pulling his hand back. He looked genuinely happy, a smile on his face and cheeks coloured with a very delicate pink. ]

If we go by the book we'll have a better chance of success, though I don't see how we can fail when you've planned everything out so carefully.

[ This was something that he had never shared with anyone else and somehow that made it different. Or special? Special seemed like it was going a little too far, the look on his face once again just a little too telling. He pulled himself out of his mind, though, shaking his head just a little as he moved to the cupboard to pull out mixing bowls. Focus, that's what he needed, thankful for a moment that he had his back toward the other. ]

Does it say how many bowls we'll need? I know one for dry ingredients...

[ He trailed off, mumbling a little to himself as he pushed things around in the cabinet. It was more organised than it seemed, he just needed to center himself. ]

Ah, that...Is something that I won't advise exposure therapy for, no. It's quite alright to feel this way, though-- to not desire sex, I mean. Although my last workplace wasn't exactly the best place to find people like yourself, I've definitely heard of people with a similar lack of sex drive. [The joys of being from the Noughties, with ample internet access.]

So you really are in a jam, aren't you? Here, at least. I wouldn't worry too much about the sex matter; you can get done with less physically intimate touch what you could get done with more, it's just the matter of...Overcoming your issue with that, too. So...I want to try something, at least. If it's alright with you?

[He drains the last sip of coffee-ice cream slurry, before holding both hands out over the table.] Completely optional touch that you're expecting. I think that knowing beforehand would be half the battle, in your case...So if you choose to do it, then it mightn't be so much of a shock to the system.

[ anyone at all with a brain would find it awful, but dextera is good at turning off his logical reasoning when he’s being touched and when he wants something. no matter how kind he tries to be, at the end of the day, he’s a selfish person with selfish desires. he’ll gladly look the other way if it benefits him. ]

I don’t think I have any allergies…

[ when you’ve been experimented on your whole life, it’s likely that many allergies have just been worked out of you, honestly. he closes his eyes for a moment, thinking, and he looks very much like a pet enjoying the company of his owner.

yikes!! ]

I’ll… research what I want. And… thank you.

[He wasn't expecting to get into a philosophical debate here. Granted, it's not his wheelhouse, he doesn't expect it anywhere. Does he even remember all the words to Hail Ma--yes. It just popped up unbidden into his brain fully formed.]

Huh. That answers one question I didn't really need an answer for...

[No offence, but he wasn't looking for information on how busy the local priest has gotten. He sounds a little amused--just a hint.]

Mostly I'm just bugged about bein' on an alien planet. [Pause...] And the animal people are weird. Like, no offence.

I'm not sick. It's not something that needs medication.

[He doesn't think it is. He isn't interested in fixing it, if it is. Even if it means he's broken. It's fine. It isn't relevant anywhere but here anyway.]

Yeah. It's not... it's a struggle. I'm introverted and prickly and uncomfortable at the best of times, so you can see my dilemma.

[Not exactly a winning combination. He's still barely accepting that Hal and Angela might want to be around him.]

He regards the offered hands for a moment, then looks back up.]

Uh... okay. I do prefer not being touched by surprise.

[And he doesn't know this man. He's a stranger. He eyes him for a moment before reaching out to take his hands. He feels like the most awkward person in the world, ridiculous.]

Good effort! I'm proud that you chose to do this at all.

[Pucci's smile widens as he squeezes Jon's hands, genuinely pleased at minor progress.] And you can, of course, take your hands back whenever you start to feel too uncomfortable. But try to hold on a little longer than you'd like, if you can.

Anyway! I...Can honestly relate a little. When I was younger, I was a little like you. Introverted and uncomfortable, definitely. The difference, other than my sudden acclimatisation to affectionate touch from people outside of my family, was faking confidence. Not that I'll ask you to do that, just consider if it's an option viable for you. ...Though that can lead to people assuming comfort levels of you that you won't have, so perhaps not...

Do you have people you're close to, here? I assume so, since you look to be in good health.

[Welcome to conversation with Pucci: it's time to get philosophical and be reminded that HE FUCKS.

...Well, the latter's usually accidental on his part, to his credit. You get people asking to fuck on your bracelet cam sometimes, you get numb to that sort of thing-- but he's still a little flustered from the sound of him clearing his throat, at least?]

Well, I'm fairly certain that much is understandable. As is the whole 'wow, those people have animal parts?' thing. You get accustomed to seeing everyone sprout new parts now and then, but I haven't yet gotten used to growing them myself, and I've been here for a few months now. It's like a psychological horror about the human condition or something. How many animal parts do we have to grow before we're no longer human? That sort of thing.

[god Pucci do you ever shut up] But-- my point. My point is that it's a strange place. But you do get used to it. That they have a few things similar to home helps, and there's someone here running a fast food joint that's straight out of the 50s, I swear. You'll find your niche here.

[OK so he's not prepared for either of those things?? Intentional or not.]

Hold on, back up.

You grow.
Animal parts.

Like, that's a thing that people just DO here?

[GUESS WHO TUNED OUT ORIENTATION. He just doesn't tend to listen to people for that long, okay. The thought of normal burgers can't even assuage him right now.]

That's–people just think that's normal?

...Wow, they did not do so well on the initiation with you, did they? Yes, even us outsiders grow animal parts, temporarily. That's why we're called Moonblessed, I believe? Because we all take on traits dependant on the moon we're aligned with.

So you'll do it too. And it'll become...Well, not normal, but...Something you have to live with while you're here. I, personally, grow feathers; they itch when they fall out, and owls are stupid creatures, but you take what you're given with good grace, unfortunately.

Weeeelcome to Prismatica.

[Ah, cute...He wants to snap him in half. Or maybe dote on him! Either or, really. But first, gingerbread. Already, he's starting to crave it; even some trashy storebought stuff would be good, but hopefully handmade will be twice as good...Right?]

What, all this expertise and you won't have some better way of doing things than a cookbook that might be as old as I am? Perish the thought. But your supervision and gentle guidance will be plenty...Hopefully. But-- bowls, yes. Let me read here...

[The cookbook gets cracked open again as he skimreads for the word 'bowl', genuinely intense once more, before--] Three! One for dry, one for wet, and one for the frosting. Or we could just wash up while the cookies cool, and save getting out three bowls...Should we get the trays out, too? And preheat the oven? Where's that part again...?

[Another skimread, and he darts back in closer to Germany with a little hum.] I'll let you handle the oven, since it's yours. But we need it on...350 degrees! Fahrenheit. Do you want help to get the bowls out? I'd be happy to help more.

[ My my my, the good father seems to have a honeyed tongue on him, too! But Fish is absolutely drinking in every word. ]

Well, father, I wouldn't consider myself dangerous unless you wanted me to be.

[ There's a bubbly laugh there. Fish is absolutely having fun with this. ]

[ If you snap him in half you lose someone to mess with, be a good friend, Pucci. Germany couldn't help that absolutely pleasant smile, as he pulled out far more bowl than they needed. He could always put them back and he would in just a moment. ]

Like I said, going by the book gets you perfect results, it doesn't matter how old the recipe is; though I feel that it begs to be said that you're still rather young, don't sell yourself short.

[ His cue to put bowls back had come, keeping two out. Washing one did seem like a sound idea and it was a conclusion that he would have come to himself. Points for you, Pucci! This was warm, perhaps a little too comfortable but he didn't mind at the end.

And the enthusiasm of the other man was certainly something else, something so intriguing to watch that he still couldn't help but watch him closely as he flitted between the book and offering assistance. ]

It's fine, really, I've got them. The trays are over there, if you could...?

[ He pointed with his foot, Pucci would find them easy to locate in the cabinet. It didn't matter whether Italy made a mess in the kitchen, Germany would always be the one to restore order and really what was the point of storing things if you didn't have the foggiest of where to look? There was a slight flush as the other had come in closer, but at least it was easy enough to bat away for now. Just enjoy the time you have, Germany, don't think of anything else.

Oven on, now he would get a better look at the recipe and the book itself. ]

...this means a lot to you, doesn't it? The book I mean, not being here with me.

[ He could see that it was indeed an older book, but still well taken care of aside from the lovingly dogeared pages. ]

I can try.

[Even if it's awkward and a little uncomfortable. Even with Georgie he'd never been entirely comfortable with it in public and they'd been a couple.]

I have a couple of people. Somehow. And I'm frugal.

[And he has other hungers that are far more pressing to keep at bay.]

… Please Father, you needn't go that far. I'm just someone doing the best they could do...

[ honestly, saying so much was very difficult for italy to take, how often did he receive words like this? It was enough to cause a visible fluster as he tried to keep smiling ]

Oh it's quite alright, I'm not really as overwhelmed as one would imagine. Honestly, most people seem too nervous to try their hand in the kitchen, others have mentioned causing fires so I don't want to push them too much if it caused too much trauma.

[ and you know, he doesn't want to risk burning down the apartment building ]

So long as you put everything you have in trying, it'll come through in your efforts. So please never feel discouraged, I want to look forward to tasting the feelings you have to show through your projects. I'll be sure to make coffee to accompany anything you have to offer.

Of course! Hold on--

[And he's wheeling away to go find those damn trays, delicate as a palaeontologist in a dig site. Trays out, all good-- oh! Right, yes, the book. Still clutched to his chest after juggling the trays and setting them down, but he opens it back up and hums thoughtfully.]

...Not really. I just bought this a week ago at a second-hand bookstore, if I'm honest...But I was definitely drawn to it because of the obvious love put into it. I feel like that proves it's full of good recipes, if someone marked out their favourites.

But I do try to care for books as a whole. And, for what it's worth? It means a lot to me to be here with you as well. I know you're a busy man.

Ah, I wouldn't say that I'm all that busy, though even if I were I would still make time for someone that's become a dear friend to me.

[ He'd been trying desperately not to make eye contact with him up until this point but that was far too endearing and he felt like his heart might burst. He needed a moment, turning his back away and leaning against the counter as he tried to gather his thoughts. ]

There's certainly something to be said about the way that you picked it out, so if I'm ever able to get some of my books from home I'll be happy to lend you some. I have a great deal of respect for people that have a desire for knowledge. It shouldn't be too hard to get some of them brought here, other things have arrived from home before so it's not outside of the realm of possibility.

I'm glad, I'm glad. I wonder if I know them...Will you tell me about them? What you like most, maybe; the way they're seen through the eyes of someone who cares deeply about them is a person's finest moment.

[A distraction tactic, naturally; there's no way he can likely help Jon completely forget the fact that they're holding hands in public, but lessening the impact is better than nothing, surely.] Or-- if that makes you uncomfortable, which I'd understand, I'd like to hear about what you do to pass the time here. I'm looking for ideas on that front, since my days are mostly spent reading and fussing over the friends I've made.

[AHHH, CUTER STILL...Germany, uuuuuu...Well at least that confirms the theory of eye contact being a trigger, right? Does that mean he's going to stop trying to make it though? FUCK NO. It's Pucci here, even if he's less-more Pucci than normal.

For example, the way that he practically lights up at the thought of being lent books! Without thinking, he rocks back on his heels and makes a pleased little noise, thumb running over the cookbook's pages and ruffling them happily.] You're really too good to me, you know...I can't imagine the books you must have. So much I'd never get the chance to read-- Oh, that reminds me! I got the bird box thing, so I can listen to music from home. I should've brought it, so we could play some Handel or whatever you'd like while we cook! Next time, I promise.

But I'm getting distracted, I'm sorry. Cooking, cooking. Trays are out, bowls are out, oven's preheating, right? So...[Back to the recipe!] Dry ingredients. Three cups of plain flour, half a teaspoon of salt, three-quarters a teaspoon baking soda, two teaspoons ground ginger-- Ground! Wonderful! --one teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg and ground cloves respectively. I know I brought ginger and flour! ...Maybe not the others though, I'm sorry.

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Sermon #2 | video

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so hard, man

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we legit bout to rp bake a recipe from joyofbaking.com i stan