prismatica | Sermon #2

Entry tags:

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ciao, ciao Father~

That's really nice of you to offer your services like this for others. Personally I feel I'm doing fairly well [ he's not, but he'll pretend ] but more than that, I wanted to ask you something very serious.

[ it's at this point he brings his hands together thoughtfully ]

Have you been eating well? Do you have any food allergies I should be aware of? I want to be able to provide you with a well-balanced diet.

Ciao, Italia! Fancy seeing you here.

Before I answer your questions, I still want you to know that, even if you feel you're doing well, I'll listen to even the slightest worry you have. It's always people like you who fall the hardest and I'd rather avoid that, wouldn't you?

[Four fingernails in quick succession, tap-tap-tap-tap quietly in the background as he hums and acts like he's mulling this generous offer over...But the gratitude in his voice when he replies betrays how he had no plan of that at all.] ...I feel as though I've been eating healthily, but I still lack the skills to cook food as I'm used to eating, I admit. The best I've been able to do is all basic business.

I'm allergic to shellfish, and I'll gladly take your kindness with profuse thanks. How can I repay you?

Of course, it's such a noble cause so how could I resist checking in on how you're doing as well as offering to make sure you have plenty to eat?

[ there was only a slight pause at this, settling on a gentle smile in response ]

I assure you Father, I'm doing quite well and appreciate your concern. I do a lot of drawing, painting, some sculpting and practice my instruments. These activities alone are rather therapeutic on their own. Besides, any thoughts or concerns I may have seem so minuscule that it's not really worth so much.

[ ah, but here it was, the moment of truth! ]

Oh that won't do at all Father, afterall, it's been a long time since the church changed their ruling of enjoying good food to be a sin. A happy diet makes for a happy person, while basics alone can get you by there's so much more needed to get one through the day.

I'll be sure to start making meals for you to enjoy, and will steer clear of shellfish.

As you insist. [Your damn funeral, buddy. Now he's just extra convinced there's something fucky going on, and hey, if he can't fix it then Pucci...Will have to try and take advantage of it. Somehow? DUN DUN DUN...

But not yet because hey, it's basically Uber Eats right now. How could he ruin that? He even laughs softly, almost in disbelief at Italy's insistence on this charity work; there should be guilt there for not knowing how to perform basic life skills, but it is what it is, right?]

...I can't disagree, but we both know that we're passionate about food, so I wouldn't have argued in the first place. If you're going to stand by this plan, however, I'm going to repay your generosity once I learn to bake properly. I have a very skilled teacher, so I'm led to believe; are you fond of mostaccioli napoletani?

[ please pucci, not the subtle priestly guilt. Even though italy knows all about that it's not a thing to be reckoned with. Instead there was a sort of fluster and a wave of the hand in response ]

Ah, that wasn't meant as a slight against your capabilities Father, I honestly would never do such a thing. It's just... I had a conversation with a close companion not too long ago where I have trouble with expression... It's a matter of it either being too much or not enough. There are just certain matters I feel unable to really openly express, even if it's probably best to do so. I'll honestly take your offer into consideration if I feel I could get to that point though.

[ a soft sigh, not even realizing the colour that was still tinged to his cheeks as he'd looked anywhere else but to the camera, as if he were really face to face with the other ]

A skilled teacher? I'm envious, but also proud that you're taking up such a hobby. I'd be more than happy to try anything you make in return. But remember, it isn't really necessary, I simply just can't pass up an opportunity to try something made by someone putting their everything into it.

[ oh look, this is a safe conversation, something that brings a smile from the nation ]

Of course, how could I not be? Is that something you're setting your sights on in this endeavor?

[Ah, that's better! All things are things he can worm his way into, but it's better to be someone's confidant, isn't it? Pucci's smile is entirely genuine, and entirely audible when he speaks.] I'm glad that you're working on that. You do seem like the sort to try and bottle up things for everyone else's sake, which is why I was...Pushy. Forgive me, but it was done out of concern alone. I'll trust your judgement on this, however!

[A clap, just to really drive home his happiness at Italy working on his flaws, before he lets out another bark of laughter.] You say that like you wouldn't also be a skilled teacher! But I at least believe that you and my current teacher have different areas of specialisation, so I'm starting off small and then branching out. Still, if I can get my mostaccioli to taste like I remember it, then...You're getting a batch. An entire batch for you to do as you please with it.

It's what I remember most about my trips to Italy, so it's comforting. I'm...Hoping that the spices and warmth can comfort people too, even if they don't have the nostalgia to boot.

I greatly appreciate your concern Father, you're truly a kind man. I'd been doing well to keep things together, but it seems that more recently I've been finding myself in conversations that I felt were better left unacknowledged if that makes any sense. It's too much to go into detail openly, but maybe some other time we can talk about it.

[ embarrassing pucci, you're being too embarrassing ]

A-ah, well, I mean... I have offered to help people learn. I think it's important to help others cultivate their interest in the kitchen. And when you get to that point of mastering your goal, I would like nothing more than to enjoy the batch with you.

Whenever you're ready, and no earlier or later. Just remember that you're as important as everyone else, hm?

Which is why I might be taking lessons from someone other than you-- Well no, that's not true. But it makes me feel a little more justified if I don't add to your burden, and I know that's what it'd do! So I'll have to promise you my finest efforts instead, and hope that they do you justice. That seems to be the main appeal of cooking for yourself, apart from dealing with allergies; seeing other people enjoy something you worked hard to make.

… 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.

[ITALY. That is some genuinely concerning language, son. But pushing isn't going to get them anywhere, of course; Pucci huffs softly, impatiently, but drops it there.]

I can't wait to have coffee and sweets together, and watch you try to mask your grimace-- no, I tease. I'm sure it won't be quite so bad as I'm imagining; I have expert tutelage, and so it'll definitely be edible. And then I'll broaden my horizons and cook you dinner one night!

And maybe, if you can do a better job of convincing me that you're not more stressed than you'll admit, I might ask you to help me learn how to cook a full meal!

[ pucci, listen, listen. it's not easy being a nation... repressed feelings are just a sort of requirement, how can they complain to the people about all their troubles? ]

Dinner? Oh my, that's something I would greatly look forward to... It's not very often that others cook for me.

But more than that... you seem very driven in all aspects here Father, perhaps we could have merenda sooner than later and see how things go from there.

Maybe it's a little ambitious, to aim so highly right off the bat, but I like having some goals when I start a new endeavour! And I figure that perhaps it's a little rare for you, so it'd at least be a novelty somehow.

...I don't know if I'm prepared to push my progress that fast, though. And I'd hate to ask you to cook for me, if that's what you're offering instead? You're a busy man as is...

Of course, it's always good to have a goal to work towards. I'd be more than happy to enjoy the fruits of your labour and it would hardly be a novelty, in fact it would be an honour to be able to taste what you can create.

A-ah! Oh no, please, this would be different from the great cake reveal. I'm not really quite as busy as one would imagine, but if you'd prefer it, we can go out to make it easier all around.

Psssh, you know what I meant by 'novelty'! I know you'd treasure it; you're that sort of person, gentle and appreciative. [There's a soft chuckle, barely affected, before Pucci audibly taps his fingernails along something wooden once more.]

I'm happy with whatever's most convenient for you, of course. Spending time together and enjoying a meal-- or merenda, I suppose-- is the main aim of this, so it doesn't have to be some grand endeavour. Just let me know when you'd like for it to happen, and I'll be there.

Of course, but I want you to be sure that I appreciate everything you do and everything you are. Though it turns out that you've started to compliment me way too much Father, please don't feel like you need to do it so much.

[ tap tap tapping, there may have been a little bobble to follow along with that rhythm ]

Merenda is a lot more relaxing and there's a cafe I've been meaning to go to, being able to share the experience with you would only make the visit so much more enjoyable. Perhaps if you're free tomorrow afternoon, though I know it's such short notice.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sermon #2 | video

video;

voice B]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject