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"No," Greed says back firmly. His fingers dribble between his knees and sway every so often. "I'm not too interested in hurting anyone unless I have to. I just had something to take care of."
His face falls a bit. Waning between exasperation and something a bit more. There's no scratches on his hands, no damage to anything. But there's a distinct smell of wet; of something raw that's been laying around for quite some time now. Greed grunts, shifting his shoulder up as he moves to stand.
"Eh- guess there's no use hiding it." The Sin turns his head over his shoulder, looking back towards the door. "I think you're smart enough to figure it out."
The bullets, the disarray: it tells a story. Simple to read between the lines that when everything went to hell? There were a few caught in the crossfire. Greed's teeth set, his upper lip pulls. "A few of mine," he starts, almost too low. Almost growling, a bit feral at the tongue. "-never did get what was owed to me."
His face falls a bit. Waning between exasperation and something a bit more. There's no scratches on his hands, no damage to anything. But there's a distinct smell of wet; of something raw that's been laying around for quite some time now. Greed grunts, shifting his shoulder up as he moves to stand.
"Eh- guess there's no use hiding it." The Sin turns his head over his shoulder, looking back towards the door. "I think you're smart enough to figure it out."
The bullets, the disarray: it tells a story. Simple to read between the lines that when everything went to hell? There were a few caught in the crossfire. Greed's teeth set, his upper lip pulls. "A few of mine," he starts, almost too low. Almost growling, a bit feral at the tongue. "-never did get what was owed to me."
Kaede doesn't quite understand. She's still a child, one who hasn't experienced anything like this in her short life. So she looks around in the light starting to come in and sees a bar in serious distress, dust and dirt. So she squints, trying to find something she's missing. Her head tilts slightly, then she spots it. The spray of bullet holes across one wall. But what does it mean?
She looks back to Greed with creased brows, trying to understand. A few of mine. He's called her that. She's felt it from him. Had something happened to other people he considered-
It comes to her all at once and she looks around sharply, then back to him. "Who? Why?" What had happened, here?!
She looks back to Greed with creased brows, trying to understand. A few of mine. He's called her that. She's felt it from him. Had something happened to other people he considered-
It comes to her all at once and she looks around sharply, then back to him. "Who? Why?" What had happened, here?!
[As he tells his story, Greed disappears again. He slithers around the bend, opening up another cupboard that rattles when he tries the hinges. Killing and murder; it always came back full swing. Stab one guy and he was bound to have a friend or two to seek revenge. It was and is why humans had been so easy to manipulate.]
[And why him and his were ordered to pull the strings.]
[It's also why Greed left, but that's not important. Not now, anyway. He snatches a bottle of brandy and his knuckles frame the cork ten and two.] Corvo, huh? [Pop it goes and the outer shell is flaky, the glass less than perfect. The Sin places the lip to his teeth and drags out a swig. It's longer than most, heartier than others. As if there's a thirst he just can't quench and only when he comes up for air, does he let out a loud, dramatic groan.]
Guess someone else had other intentions. [The liquor ploops and plops as he lets it swing at his side. Greed's slow when he moves. Sauntering forward, his thumb traces his lip to clean the residue over. The flavor is rich berry, dark with aged mahogany: a good blend despite the outer shell.]
[Though one really couldn't judge based on looks alone.]
[There's a squealing-skip as a box is kicked over. It flows across the dust, running a track that knocks a few books out of its path. The Sin takes it not a second later; spreading his legs out to settle down on top. The brandy in tow makes room between his legs and Greed leers forward. It's now that he can really see those haggard eyes, the lines on Corvo's face.]
[Greed's smile turns feral, dangerous. That want, need, desire - it's all there. Without hidden masks, without the need to lie. The truth of it just as naked and ugly.]
[He skates a nail down the edge of the bottle.] I have to give it to you - for a human, you're built pretty tough. [A stillness takes him as he sizes Corvo up. The guy could turn tail right then and there, but Greed doubts it.]
First thing's first - [The jug tips back, butt-end going to Corvo. It's a passing along, a silent gesture of mild camaraderie.] - then you can tell me your story.
[And why him and his were ordered to pull the strings.]
[It's also why Greed left, but that's not important. Not now, anyway. He snatches a bottle of brandy and his knuckles frame the cork ten and two.] Corvo, huh? [Pop it goes and the outer shell is flaky, the glass less than perfect. The Sin places the lip to his teeth and drags out a swig. It's longer than most, heartier than others. As if there's a thirst he just can't quench and only when he comes up for air, does he let out a loud, dramatic groan.]
Guess someone else had other intentions. [The liquor ploops and plops as he lets it swing at his side. Greed's slow when he moves. Sauntering forward, his thumb traces his lip to clean the residue over. The flavor is rich berry, dark with aged mahogany: a good blend despite the outer shell.]
[Though one really couldn't judge based on looks alone.]
[There's a squealing-skip as a box is kicked over. It flows across the dust, running a track that knocks a few books out of its path. The Sin takes it not a second later; spreading his legs out to settle down on top. The brandy in tow makes room between his legs and Greed leers forward. It's now that he can really see those haggard eyes, the lines on Corvo's face.]
[Greed's smile turns feral, dangerous. That want, need, desire - it's all there. Without hidden masks, without the need to lie. The truth of it just as naked and ugly.]
[He skates a nail down the edge of the bottle.] I have to give it to you - for a human, you're built pretty tough. [A stillness takes him as he sizes Corvo up. The guy could turn tail right then and there, but Greed doubts it.]
First thing's first - [The jug tips back, butt-end going to Corvo. It's a passing along, a silent gesture of mild camaraderie.] - then you can tell me your story.
[Ah, right. His smile chases the line of his jaw, his eyes drop, and Greed slips on the retreat again. A few shifts in the dark have that heat of his leaving; letting the lick of warm-cool air in as it drifts haplessly through the strewn open window.]
[But that absence doesn't last long.]
[Greed's at Alec's mouth - almost touching, but barely there. Signature smiles at the ready and teeth made to snap, the Sin makes a growl lodge and hold in his throat. Tuning like a fork against the smooth side of his razors. The noise says it louder than words; than any sort of tricks and traits he may have:]
[He isn't human and he never would be.]
[His fingers are hot and slick; soaked in the bottle of choice and lathered just right. Greed sways his head away and his eyes peel open at half-mast in the dark.] Demanding as always - guess I owe you that much.
[But the second time, he doesn't hesitate. Sliding his hand, a forearm, between Alec's legs. The Sin's taken a place at his partner's side, holding himself just out of the action for a moment longer. A press of an index first, middle knuckle second; he hooks with one and lengths the other. Pressing inside with a quick-fast jerk of the wrist.]
Gotta show me - [Greed hisses at Alec's ear, tentatively hovering the tips of his wicked teeth at the skin.] - exactly what you want. You're good at ordering things out of me - seems only fair.
[But that absence doesn't last long.]
[Greed's at Alec's mouth - almost touching, but barely there. Signature smiles at the ready and teeth made to snap, the Sin makes a growl lodge and hold in his throat. Tuning like a fork against the smooth side of his razors. The noise says it louder than words; than any sort of tricks and traits he may have:]
[He isn't human and he never would be.]
[His fingers are hot and slick; soaked in the bottle of choice and lathered just right. Greed sways his head away and his eyes peel open at half-mast in the dark.] Demanding as always - guess I owe you that much.
[But the second time, he doesn't hesitate. Sliding his hand, a forearm, between Alec's legs. The Sin's taken a place at his partner's side, holding himself just out of the action for a moment longer. A press of an index first, middle knuckle second; he hooks with one and lengths the other. Pressing inside with a quick-fast jerk of the wrist.]
Gotta show me - [Greed hisses at Alec's ear, tentatively hovering the tips of his wicked teeth at the skin.] - exactly what you want. You're good at ordering things out of me - seems only fair.
"Doesn't really matter now, does it? They don't come back like I do."
And it isn't something he entirely wants to dredge up either. But something is owed, an explanation at best. He can see it in her eyes - that needle-point precision that's entirely like a child to have. Adults usually know better, kids like the pry. The who(s), what(s), where(s), when(s); it's a nagging trait.
Greed raps his nail against the floorboards.
"The military," he starts, not without the usual smarmy expression. "-eventually they found out I was here. Usually it wouldn't have been a problem, but they had something I wasn't expecting."
Wrath. For a second, his shoulders stiffen and his lips pull back. "Wasn't exactly prepared for it."
And it isn't something he entirely wants to dredge up either. But something is owed, an explanation at best. He can see it in her eyes - that needle-point precision that's entirely like a child to have. Adults usually know better, kids like the pry. The who(s), what(s), where(s), when(s); it's a nagging trait.
Greed raps his nail against the floorboards.
"The military," he starts, not without the usual smarmy expression. "-eventually they found out I was here. Usually it wouldn't have been a problem, but they had something I wasn't expecting."
Wrath. For a second, his shoulders stiffen and his lips pull back. "Wasn't exactly prepared for it."
Kaede listens in silence as she tries to understand what happened back then. The military - the one he had warned her about - had come in and hurt (killed, she knows it's killed) the people Greed had with him. The idea of having anyone killed always makes her sick, but in this case, it's someone she cares about. ...Cares about in a very weird fashion, but does.
"Why? ...Why would they suddenly hurt you? Why did they have to hurt you and your people?" Still trying to understand, but realizing that maybe it's because of who-- what-- Greed is. He had warned her about being 'different' and the military, after all.
"Why? ...Why would they suddenly hurt you? Why did they have to hurt you and your people?" Still trying to understand, but realizing that maybe it's because of who-- what-- Greed is. He had warned her about being 'different' and the military, after all.
You'll thank me for that later. [When Alec is slick and smooth around him, and when Alec wants to do this again, rather than calling it an experience and enough. Despite the pleasure pushing through him, the intense satisfaction of knowing that this is what Greed wants, what Greed chooses to do with him, Alec's voice is scornful, mocking.]
[Greed might not be human, but he's a monster in control of himself, and Alec's willing to give him what he wants.]
[Wants to give Greed what he wants.]
Am I showing you or am I using my words?
[He's almost certainly better at the latter -- or at least controlling it, making sure that the story he wants to be believed is the one that he puts out there -- but then Greed knows that, and that might be reason enough for him to want the former.]
[Right now Alec feels relaxed and anticipatory enough that he's confident he can manage anything.]
[Greed might not be human, but he's a monster in control of himself, and Alec's willing to give him what he wants.]
[Wants to give Greed what he wants.]
Am I showing you or am I using my words?
[He's almost certainly better at the latter -- or at least controlling it, making sure that the story he wants to be believed is the one that he puts out there -- but then Greed knows that, and that might be reason enough for him to want the former.]
[Right now Alec feels relaxed and anticipatory enough that he's confident he can manage anything.]
Usually when someone hears things like that, they don't spill it so easily. [Or they never get the chance to, he fails to mention. The six left are ruthless. Cunning and tenacious - if anything, the Sin's surprised the guy made it all the way to Dublith without being torn apart for knowing too much.]
[Still.]
[Greed flashes daggers when Grit starts the name dropping.] She's not one to let anyone go. Not that easily. [But charms only work so much. For men hungry to the appeal - Grit's right: Greed can easily read the fine print.]
[Those charms and tactics won't work if the guy just isn't interested.]
[The homunculus barks, throwing his head violently back with a snap.] Ha - ! Flattery will go you no where, friend. [Weight shifts as Greed throws his ankle over the opposing knee. It's easier to dip forward like this - pressing his face, his hand a bit more into the barrier separating himself from his would-be guest. Light catches in his sunglasses as he leers in. Churning, circling, then gobbled in those inky-black shades.]
Depends on what I need done. [His lips press back together and he coils one inside to wet.] All I need is a little loyalty. Room and board is covered, but - [Index goes sky high before the Sin cocks it at the wrist.]
- you work for me. That means you'll be one of mine. Sure you're still interested?
[Still.]
[Greed flashes daggers when Grit starts the name dropping.] She's not one to let anyone go. Not that easily. [But charms only work so much. For men hungry to the appeal - Grit's right: Greed can easily read the fine print.]
[Those charms and tactics won't work if the guy just isn't interested.]
[The homunculus barks, throwing his head violently back with a snap.] Ha - ! Flattery will go you no where, friend. [Weight shifts as Greed throws his ankle over the opposing knee. It's easier to dip forward like this - pressing his face, his hand a bit more into the barrier separating himself from his would-be guest. Light catches in his sunglasses as he leers in. Churning, circling, then gobbled in those inky-black shades.]
Depends on what I need done. [His lips press back together and he coils one inside to wet.] All I need is a little loyalty. Room and board is covered, but - [Index goes sky high before the Sin cocks it at the wrist.]
- you work for me. That means you'll be one of mine. Sure you're still interested?
I'm multi-talented. I don't let things go without hearing them first for myself. [He's a heavily wanted man. If people knew of his knowledge, of course he'd be deader than a door stop. So hiding out was probably the wisest idea. Thank god there was a place. If it all went well.]
Then men fall too easily for her. [He grins and leans forward a bit more, looking right into those shades.] It's too bad she didn't have another form to use. She might have caught me that way. But not everyone can be so smart, right?
[The thing is, if Greed's name were Lust? Easy pickings. There's a heavy sexual tension from Grit's side and if he didn't think it would cause trouble, he would be acting on it right now.] Aww, it won't? Then all my previous plans have been ruined. [He chuckles and moves to sit up on the table a bit more, sliding his hands over to where Greed's body is.]
So long as it's not too hard, I think we can make this work. [The laugh he gave off clearly stated he was joking... right? Sure. Whatever got him in. He reached over and slipped those sunglasses off onto the table to look right into those beady eyes. Getting nice and close into almost a staring contest.]
If you don't sell me out, I'm interested. Just give me some good work to do.
Then men fall too easily for her. [He grins and leans forward a bit more, looking right into those shades.] It's too bad she didn't have another form to use. She might have caught me that way. But not everyone can be so smart, right?
[The thing is, if Greed's name were Lust? Easy pickings. There's a heavy sexual tension from Grit's side and if he didn't think it would cause trouble, he would be acting on it right now.] Aww, it won't? Then all my previous plans have been ruined. [He chuckles and moves to sit up on the table a bit more, sliding his hands over to where Greed's body is.]
So long as it's not too hard, I think we can make this work. [The laugh he gave off clearly stated he was joking... right? Sure. Whatever got him in. He reached over and slipped those sunglasses off onto the table to look right into those beady eyes. Getting nice and close into almost a staring contest.]
If you don't sell me out, I'm interested. Just give me some good work to do.
"Because," Greed has his pointer down and his whole body is stark still. "-they were working for one of mine at the time." Orders passed through one of his kin via his would-be creator. A whole government pulled on the strings of a master that would see his plan through. The Sin's lips pull back, his teeth flare out.
He had just removed himself from the picture long-since prior.
"Remember what I told you? I don't work for anyone else, sweet heart." He bows his head forward, thighs spreading just a bit more. "Good ol'Daddy sir wasn't too happy when I told him the same answer." And the answer had been a firm no. "I'm sure things have changed since then. The world hasn't ended - more than likely they actually took the opportunity."
He extends his hand, shoving it to the top of her skull. "It was a long time ago, kid. No use worrying about it now."
He had just removed himself from the picture long-since prior.
"Remember what I told you? I don't work for anyone else, sweet heart." He bows his head forward, thighs spreading just a bit more. "Good ol'Daddy sir wasn't too happy when I told him the same answer." And the answer had been a firm no. "I'm sure things have changed since then. The world hasn't ended - more than likely they actually took the opportunity."
He extends his hand, shoving it to the top of her skull. "It was a long time ago, kid. No use worrying about it now."
That's a stupid question. [He hooks his fingers, prodding a bit deeper. A grin chases and ghosts across the shell of Alec's ear when he's close. Just inches apart; the space so minor, so insignificant it's almost terrible. But wickedness is a trait he embodies - that he lives by. Greed's eyes shiver with the smallest opening. He's picking up a rhythm with his first inspection. Extending his fingers and curling them back, keeping up a steady beat.]
Both. [An order. Hushed through the points of his teeth as he breathes and speaks into Alec's ear. It shouldn't be hard to guess: his avarice running rotten, demanding as much as his partner is willing to give. Which is to say, all of it. Every whisper, every demand. Every plea beckoned on whimpering pleas.]
[It's a confession. Turned upside down and coaxed out. Not with a promise of savior, but with every intent to damnation.]
[Greed releases Alec's ear with a nip and in the same second his coaxing motions hold still.]
Both. [An order. Hushed through the points of his teeth as he breathes and speaks into Alec's ear. It shouldn't be hard to guess: his avarice running rotten, demanding as much as his partner is willing to give. Which is to say, all of it. Every whisper, every demand. Every plea beckoned on whimpering pleas.]
[It's a confession. Turned upside down and coaxed out. Not with a promise of savior, but with every intent to damnation.]
[Greed releases Alec's ear with a nip and in the same second his coaxing motions hold still.]
They always met at the same time. When the sun gave up its light; when the moon returned the favor. Time seemed to still at this hour. Doors were locked, flames were lit. Windows were latched, though that never ended up being much a problem.
Not for him, not for the other. And certainly, she always made sure to keep the handle just a little bit loose.
The window to the balcony swayed open. A light breeze took it the rest of the way, making it bang and flap uselessly against the adorning frame. The air was a chill-cool. Wafting in from a far-off shore that smelt of salt still thick from the day; with the undertone of sticky oil holding. And like the very substance, he came. Birthed from a blackness that he seemed to adore. It crept into his everything - the leather on his legs, the bend of his boots. To the shivering-sharp spikes of his hair.
A criminal to most, a monster to some, and the devil in this would-be meeting of unlikely bed-mates.
Greed ran his fingers down his chest, raising his head to take a look inside. He chased the furthest reaches of the wall. Following where moonlight touched him, turning him an ashy gray. This was the way it had to be; the way she silently demanded it to be. A place of solitude and scheming.
Of which it was a private party of three.
A sliver of gold was pulled from his pocket: his calling card. The coin was small, smooth. Rough at the edges. He placed it on the corner of a desk in plain sight.
It was only a waiting game now.
Not for him, not for the other. And certainly, she always made sure to keep the handle just a little bit loose.
The window to the balcony swayed open. A light breeze took it the rest of the way, making it bang and flap uselessly against the adorning frame. The air was a chill-cool. Wafting in from a far-off shore that smelt of salt still thick from the day; with the undertone of sticky oil holding. And like the very substance, he came. Birthed from a blackness that he seemed to adore. It crept into his everything - the leather on his legs, the bend of his boots. To the shivering-sharp spikes of his hair.
A criminal to most, a monster to some, and the devil in this would-be meeting of unlikely bed-mates.
Greed ran his fingers down his chest, raising his head to take a look inside. He chased the furthest reaches of the wall. Following where moonlight touched him, turning him an ashy gray. This was the way it had to be; the way she silently demanded it to be. A place of solitude and scheming.
Of which it was a private party of three.
A sliver of gold was pulled from his pocket: his calling card. The coin was small, smooth. Rough at the edges. He placed it on the corner of a desk in plain sight.
It was only a waiting game now.
Some people were natural sneaks, natural creepers in darkness and shadow. They could be at home in it, at one with it, but that was not true of everyone. Some people hid in plain sight; they blended in with the crowd.
But others could hide at the center of that crowd, at the center of attention, and he was one of them. He was not someone able to wait quietly or arrive secretly.
He was not carried on a salt-rich air from the sea, air that smelt of tar and oil and sweat. He arrived on a breath of sugar-sweetness, on air warm from the bakers ovens, on honeyed over-tones and the hint of vanilla spices. And he'd arrived hours ago, laughing and drinking and telling stories under a high-roofed hall, hidden in plain sight.
Now darkness had well and truly fallen however, and his companions had taken themselves to bed- theirs or someone else's, or settled onto the floor in content stupors, he was free to go as he pleased. He moved as if he owned the place, a certain swagger in his walk as he headed down corridors, slipped through doorways and up stair-cases. And then he was there, a familiar door with it's familiar tapestries on either side, and despite the best advice in the land, unbarred.
He let himself in.
But others could hide at the center of that crowd, at the center of attention, and he was one of them. He was not someone able to wait quietly or arrive secretly.
He was not carried on a salt-rich air from the sea, air that smelt of tar and oil and sweat. He arrived on a breath of sugar-sweetness, on air warm from the bakers ovens, on honeyed over-tones and the hint of vanilla spices. And he'd arrived hours ago, laughing and drinking and telling stories under a high-roofed hall, hidden in plain sight.
Now darkness had well and truly fallen however, and his companions had taken themselves to bed- theirs or someone else's, or settled onto the floor in content stupors, he was free to go as he pleased. He moved as if he owned the place, a certain swagger in his walk as he headed down corridors, slipped through doorways and up stair-cases. And then he was there, a familiar door with it's familiar tapestries on either side, and despite the best advice in the land, unbarred.
He let himself in.
"I don't plan on worrying about it." Giving him a bit of a scowl for the headpat. She's not five or something. She pulls her head out from under his hand and crossed her arms. "So it was whoever this guy is that .... made you? He sent the military after you?"
What a jerk of a dad! Her nose wrinkles at the mere idea. "But now you're free, right? No one even knows you're here. You can do what you want." She looks around, gestures a little. "Fix this place up, even, or go somewhere else and do it. Make something else your own."
What a jerk of a dad! Her nose wrinkles at the mere idea. "But now you're free, right? No one even knows you're here. You can do what you want." She looks around, gestures a little. "Fix this place up, even, or go somewhere else and do it. Make something else your own."
[Greed unfurls his hand, hovering it just at the frame of the glass. He lets Grit explain himself; how it was he had such incriminating information and yet stood in the flesh. Living, breathing, without a mark to his name. Most weren't so lucky.]
[Scratch that: no one was so lucky.]
[The tips of his nails skip across the side of his drink. Caressing at the droplets, smearing them to thinner beads. The Sin leans back a bit, his foot bouncing on the cliff-side of a knee. A grin chases his jaw, opening lips to reveal the wet-slick points of his teeth.] Most do. Her charms didn't work then.
[Not that he cares. Greed makes that clear with a shrug of the shoulder.] I don't really give a shit about that. What's good, what's wrong - you humans are so quick to judge. [Though he doubts Grit has a pointer finger ready. To cast opinions, to draw lines. He came all the way here; it'd be pretty stupid to start.]
Oh-? I'm sure we could work something out. [Behind his sunglasses, a reptilian glance flickers. Pinging to the closeness that Grit made all by himself. He whistles, a bit impressed by the sheer blatant disregard, and he unfurls his legs.] Now why the fuck would I sell you out? You came to me, friend.
[Greed doesn't move when fingers grab his shades. He doesn't even flinch when Grit boldly takes them off. His eyes are slits; expanding and retracting to that needy beat of his. To a thirst that's tangible; that's as dry as a desert desperate for a drink.] The question really is -
[A dip has him closer, a breath has him near. With pointed razors ready to bite and nails used to leaving a scratch or two.]
- what can you do for me?
[Scratch that: no one was so lucky.]
[The tips of his nails skip across the side of his drink. Caressing at the droplets, smearing them to thinner beads. The Sin leans back a bit, his foot bouncing on the cliff-side of a knee. A grin chases his jaw, opening lips to reveal the wet-slick points of his teeth.] Most do. Her charms didn't work then.
[Not that he cares. Greed makes that clear with a shrug of the shoulder.] I don't really give a shit about that. What's good, what's wrong - you humans are so quick to judge. [Though he doubts Grit has a pointer finger ready. To cast opinions, to draw lines. He came all the way here; it'd be pretty stupid to start.]
Oh-? I'm sure we could work something out. [Behind his sunglasses, a reptilian glance flickers. Pinging to the closeness that Grit made all by himself. He whistles, a bit impressed by the sheer blatant disregard, and he unfurls his legs.] Now why the fuck would I sell you out? You came to me, friend.
[Greed doesn't move when fingers grab his shades. He doesn't even flinch when Grit boldly takes them off. His eyes are slits; expanding and retracting to that needy beat of his. To a thirst that's tangible; that's as dry as a desert desperate for a drink.] The question really is -
[A dip has him closer, a breath has him near. With pointed razors ready to bite and nails used to leaving a scratch or two.]
- what can you do for me?
[He laughs at the comparison to other humans, sliding a bit more on the table.] I've been judged plenty before. It's not somethin' I like to return the favor on, if you catch what I'm sayin'. [He shrugs his shoulders and keeps the distance small. Greed doesn't scare him much. The distance between the two of them is small and sweet and if he so wishes, he could steal Greed's breath with one swift move.]
[But he currently doesn't wish that. At least, not at this moment.] Y'never know with people. One moment they're your friends, kissin' up to you and promising you'll stay friends forever, and the next, they'll send you down the river to get ahead in life. [He taps the table with a fist, sliding completely on it now and swinging around to be right in front of Greed, legs hanging in between his. He slides the drink to the side and runs his hands up into Greed's dark hair.] I'm still figuring you out.
[He breathed down a bit, breath heavy from being close like this and seeing Greed's dark little eyes. He can't connect with them. But he's not here for a connection. He's here to stay alive. But he's also here to gather his own information.]
My job is information gathering. Now, working here, a bartender position might work best...
[But he grins and takes a drink of Greed's booze.]
But... I imagine you don't have any men to service the men like me here. Why don't I do that for you? And take care of what needs to be taken care of, if you catch my drift. It ain't ideal for me, but I guarantee I'll make it work.
[He hopes.]
[But he currently doesn't wish that. At least, not at this moment.] Y'never know with people. One moment they're your friends, kissin' up to you and promising you'll stay friends forever, and the next, they'll send you down the river to get ahead in life. [He taps the table with a fist, sliding completely on it now and swinging around to be right in front of Greed, legs hanging in between his. He slides the drink to the side and runs his hands up into Greed's dark hair.] I'm still figuring you out.
[He breathed down a bit, breath heavy from being close like this and seeing Greed's dark little eyes. He can't connect with them. But he's not here for a connection. He's here to stay alive. But he's also here to gather his own information.]
My job is information gathering. Now, working here, a bartender position might work best...
[But he grins and takes a drink of Greed's booze.]
But... I imagine you don't have any men to service the men like me here. Why don't I do that for you? And take care of what needs to be taken care of, if you catch my drift. It ain't ideal for me, but I guarantee I'll make it work.
[He hopes.]
[The hands in his hair beckon out a coy grin, a heavy look. Greed leans into the touch, unafraid and none-too-bothered by the crossed-line. The drink's abandoned not too soon after and his fingers run down across the table, leaving behind two watery smears.] Maybe not with people, no. Humans are unpredictable. You'll find I'm a bit different.
[When Grit's practically in his lap, Greed's thighs spread on instinct. No, it's not his first choice. Not when there's plenty of women ready and waiting. But it isn't as if he's about to complain; absolutes. Rights, wrongs - they don't apply to him.]
Information, huh? You'll find that a lot of it passes through here.
[Via a drunken slur or a good tip. Between the whining confessions or something else. Information is a commodity he's got full territory of. And those that know just what really lurks in the south-side of Dublith are quick to bring it.]
[Greed plants his elbows behind him. A gesture that doesn't need any explanation: he doesn't intend to touch - not when the other is so willing to ease into him. To swallow up any sort of comfort and force the door wide open.]
[Instead, he raises an index lazily up.] And eventually, all of that comes back to me. [From Central, from the North. The word of the underworld is quick and easily preyed upon.] You guarantee it, huh? [Finally, he leans forward. Threatening teeth oh-so-close to Grit's throat.]
Hope you can keep that promise. I'm not interested in someone who isn't loyal - or someone who plans on trying to trick me out of what's owed. If that works for you - [His wrist turns, his fingers fan out, and the rest of his sentence falls away with purring hum.]
[When Grit's practically in his lap, Greed's thighs spread on instinct. No, it's not his first choice. Not when there's plenty of women ready and waiting. But it isn't as if he's about to complain; absolutes. Rights, wrongs - they don't apply to him.]
Information, huh? You'll find that a lot of it passes through here.
[Via a drunken slur or a good tip. Between the whining confessions or something else. Information is a commodity he's got full territory of. And those that know just what really lurks in the south-side of Dublith are quick to bring it.]
[Greed plants his elbows behind him. A gesture that doesn't need any explanation: he doesn't intend to touch - not when the other is so willing to ease into him. To swallow up any sort of comfort and force the door wide open.]
[Instead, he raises an index lazily up.] And eventually, all of that comes back to me. [From Central, from the North. The word of the underworld is quick and easily preyed upon.] You guarantee it, huh? [Finally, he leans forward. Threatening teeth oh-so-close to Grit's throat.]
Hope you can keep that promise. I'm not interested in someone who isn't loyal - or someone who plans on trying to trick me out of what's owed. If that works for you - [His wrist turns, his fingers fan out, and the rest of his sentence falls away with purring hum.]
"No - they just got lucky."
A hundred years of hiding; it had done him well. For a while, at least. Not that he had made it that hard, but those back in Central kept to their own. Chance had changed the circumstances; one mistake leading to a snowball effect. Greed reels away, forming into his back and spine as he slithers on the retreat. "But that's right - I wasn't born like you were."
Created, artificial. The Sin's mouth peels open, his teeth shine through. "Free enough. No one knows I'm here and you're right - " Whatever he wants. Oh, it's too good, too rich. Enough to make an almost inaudible pitch rumble in his gut. Sure, things have changed: he's changed.
But some habits are just a little harder to kick. "-there's still a whole world out there."
He fails to mention other things. Histories that still had some fixing, intel to paint the rest of the picture. There's gaps that are missing; details that are lost. It'll take some time, but thankfully?
Time's always been a commodity he had.
Greed presses his thumb into the back-dip of his hip. "Who says I'm not?" His head lulls to the side, his eyes flare open.
"The name is Greed - wouldn't be me if I just sat this out." His mouth presses together and his index hooks in the same space allotted between him and his. "The real question is - what do you plan to do?"
A hundred years of hiding; it had done him well. For a while, at least. Not that he had made it that hard, but those back in Central kept to their own. Chance had changed the circumstances; one mistake leading to a snowball effect. Greed reels away, forming into his back and spine as he slithers on the retreat. "But that's right - I wasn't born like you were."
Created, artificial. The Sin's mouth peels open, his teeth shine through. "Free enough. No one knows I'm here and you're right - " Whatever he wants. Oh, it's too good, too rich. Enough to make an almost inaudible pitch rumble in his gut. Sure, things have changed: he's changed.
But some habits are just a little harder to kick. "-there's still a whole world out there."
He fails to mention other things. Histories that still had some fixing, intel to paint the rest of the picture. There's gaps that are missing; details that are lost. It'll take some time, but thankfully?
Time's always been a commodity he had.
Greed presses his thumb into the back-dip of his hip. "Who says I'm not?" His head lulls to the side, his eyes flare open.
"The name is Greed - wouldn't be me if I just sat this out." His mouth presses together and his index hooks in the same space allotted between him and his. "The real question is - what do you plan to do?"
Then Greed turns it back on her. She frowns uncertainly and brushes some hair back behind her ear, looking to the side as she thinks about it. What does she plan to do? Well, isn't that obvious? There's only one thing she really can do, right now. So she looks to him after that undecided moment and meets his gaze without fear.
"I have to find my family. This isn't my world, right? If I got put here, there has to be a way home. Zelien's always brought everyone together, and I don't know why this seems to be different, but my family could even be out there somewhere!"
But how she's supposed to do that? She has no idea. She doesn't have time like Greed does, and she's only a child. A child who has a power that could get her in deep trouble if anyone finds out.
"I have to find my family. This isn't my world, right? If I got put here, there has to be a way home. Zelien's always brought everyone together, and I don't know why this seems to be different, but my family could even be out there somewhere!"
But how she's supposed to do that? She has no idea. She doesn't have time like Greed does, and she's only a child. A child who has a power that could get her in deep trouble if anyone finds out.
It would always be trickier for her in some ways, to slip away. Not that there were more or less demands on her time, simply that she was so very constantly surrounded by people, but friend and foe. They watched her, constantly. One little misstep was enough to them, she knew.
It made her bold most often, if they were going to look, she would give them something to look at. She must glitter and shine and be as much like staring into the sun. Which most often, was tiring if grand, but it had some benefits. Queens did not skulk, did not hide themselves away.
The expectation meant she slipped by guards easily enough. Hood pulled down and her red, red hair tucked away. She did not look so much for confirmation as she simply knew they would be there. The door pulled free, and she stepped through. A smile playing quietly as she pulled back the hood, content for however long to simply be away from responsbilities. "Good evening." The door clicked shut behind her, and she leaned on it. Content for a moment to do nothing more than look at them both. "I see I am last again, as usual."
It made her bold most often, if they were going to look, she would give them something to look at. She must glitter and shine and be as much like staring into the sun. Which most often, was tiring if grand, but it had some benefits. Queens did not skulk, did not hide themselves away.
The expectation meant she slipped by guards easily enough. Hood pulled down and her red, red hair tucked away. She did not look so much for confirmation as she simply knew they would be there. The door pulled free, and she stepped through. A smile playing quietly as she pulled back the hood, content for however long to simply be away from responsbilities. "Good evening." The door clicked shut behind her, and she leaned on it. Content for a moment to do nothing more than look at them both. "I see I am last again, as usual."
[ He'd been told by the only one to love him, that there was an elegance to his name. A sleek thing, a black bird, but he knew himself to be little better than carrion now.
It's with the same eyes of a crow he stares at the liquior as it moves about in its bottle. He likes to drink more now, than he did before. But he likes food in the way only the half starved can appreciate, and it shows. He's starved in his soul and it's left him wanting.
At least before he looks up to the same hungry eyes, and he doesn't flinch from it. Only sucks in a breath and waits for whatever it is to come. ] Not all human. [ it's the simplest explantion, because he knows he's talking to one who seems to not be completely mortal either.
He isn't going to run, because he has no where to run to.
It's not the first time, he knows with a sardonic twist of his lips, that he's seen the dark and chosen to step into it instead. With ragged breath and the desperation that comes when you truly know you have nothing left in this world.
But he takes the drink, and swallows down a moutful like it was water. It clears his mouth and he shudders for how it burns. Better tasting than he'd had for months. ] Not much to tell, and it's all blood. [ it started with it, and he was sure it was going to end with it as well. ]
It's with the same eyes of a crow he stares at the liquior as it moves about in its bottle. He likes to drink more now, than he did before. But he likes food in the way only the half starved can appreciate, and it shows. He's starved in his soul and it's left him wanting.
At least before he looks up to the same hungry eyes, and he doesn't flinch from it. Only sucks in a breath and waits for whatever it is to come. ] Not all human. [ it's the simplest explantion, because he knows he's talking to one who seems to not be completely mortal either.
He isn't going to run, because he has no where to run to.
It's not the first time, he knows with a sardonic twist of his lips, that he's seen the dark and chosen to step into it instead. With ragged breath and the desperation that comes when you truly know you have nothing left in this world.
But he takes the drink, and swallows down a moutful like it was water. It clears his mouth and he shudders for how it burns. Better tasting than he'd had for months. ] Not much to tell, and it's all blood. [ it started with it, and he was sure it was going to end with it as well. ]
It smelled sickly sweet; the way the three of them entered, all from different corners, different lives. The rich trickle from Gabriel, the subtle waft of the hourly Queen. And him. Greed peeled away from the shrink of shadow, his toothy grin the only thing giving him away.
"It's not like we don't have the time, lovely."
He stepped without a whisper. Every clack of his heel an announcement, a punctuation. It was the practiced waltz of a predator - of a creature that lived for the underbelly. That was trained on instinct to hunt and hunt he did. But not like his kin; not like the one who had made him. Instead, Greed slunk like a feline in waiting. Shoulders dipping and rising as he spine easily loosened. He touched up the leather of his thigh, running streaks that groaned against his rough-smooth fingertips.
They intersected like the triangle they were and Greed made the last point. An acute shape that could have been symbolic. A thumb fell loosely into the loop of his slacks, then the other. As flame caught in his sunglasses. Licking at the black glass before racing across the stark-silver trim. "And we don't exactly have unwanted company," Greed charmed from his throat. He could easily slip away from business and no one questioned. No one dared.
They knew that the boss had business on the other side of town. And it wasn't something to pry too deep into.
The homunculus raised his chin, seizing the opportunity to flick a glance between the powers. The arrangement was simple, the entanglement anything but. They were a trifecta; a struggle of rising powers that somehow found a common goal.
He sucked in his lower lip briefly.
"It's not like we don't have the time, lovely."
He stepped without a whisper. Every clack of his heel an announcement, a punctuation. It was the practiced waltz of a predator - of a creature that lived for the underbelly. That was trained on instinct to hunt and hunt he did. But not like his kin; not like the one who had made him. Instead, Greed slunk like a feline in waiting. Shoulders dipping and rising as he spine easily loosened. He touched up the leather of his thigh, running streaks that groaned against his rough-smooth fingertips.
They intersected like the triangle they were and Greed made the last point. An acute shape that could have been symbolic. A thumb fell loosely into the loop of his slacks, then the other. As flame caught in his sunglasses. Licking at the black glass before racing across the stark-silver trim. "And we don't exactly have unwanted company," Greed charmed from his throat. He could easily slip away from business and no one questioned. No one dared.
They knew that the boss had business on the other side of town. And it wasn't something to pry too deep into.
The homunculus raised his chin, seizing the opportunity to flick a glance between the powers. The arrangement was simple, the entanglement anything but. They were a trifecta; a struggle of rising powers that somehow found a common goal.
He sucked in his lower lip briefly.
Edited 2014-07-23 01:45 (UTC)
Try me.
[Like the last handshake of the devil, Greed's fingers retreat. Giving a lick to the glass and stealing from it its shimmer. He lowers himself a bit more, spreads his thighs just a tad wider. Both elbows sag across his knees and he pecks into the small space between them.]
[Blood isn't a factor to make him uneasy. He's seen his share, done a few himself: murders. Killings. Mass genocide to tip the scale to a day far set in the future. But it was a future he wasn't a part of anymore. Buried and burned like the ashy flavor still lingering on his tongue.] Ah - [The homunculus raises his head, perked up ever so slightly.] - right. That's not how it really works, is it.
[He shuffles his boot over, walking it by the heel as he whirls about for inspection. There's a silver hook on the floor - probably used to seal an item or to break it wide open. Greed grabs it, shaking dust off as he goes.]
[He hands it over to Corvo.] Show me.
[An index goes to his throat, running down the dips. Touching and grazing the side of his neck.] You won't hurt me, friend.
[Like the last handshake of the devil, Greed's fingers retreat. Giving a lick to the glass and stealing from it its shimmer. He lowers himself a bit more, spreads his thighs just a tad wider. Both elbows sag across his knees and he pecks into the small space between them.]
[Blood isn't a factor to make him uneasy. He's seen his share, done a few himself: murders. Killings. Mass genocide to tip the scale to a day far set in the future. But it was a future he wasn't a part of anymore. Buried and burned like the ashy flavor still lingering on his tongue.] Ah - [The homunculus raises his head, perked up ever so slightly.] - right. That's not how it really works, is it.
[He shuffles his boot over, walking it by the heel as he whirls about for inspection. There's a silver hook on the floor - probably used to seal an item or to break it wide open. Greed grabs it, shaking dust off as he goes.]
[He hands it over to Corvo.] Show me.
[An index goes to his throat, running down the dips. Touching and grazing the side of his neck.] You won't hurt me, friend.
Oh, you could make a case for it being complicated, you could say it was tricky, even, but for Gabriel it was the simplest thing in the world. He enjoyed their company. There was a little back-scratching going on, sure, but that's what you did or you might find yourself without any of the blankets next time they found themselves together.
"Glad you could slip away, Queenie." Gabriel said brightly, moving towards her and pressing a kiss to her cheek. "It's never exactly the same without you." Maybe in that dim light she noticed the wink, maybe not, but it was implied with his teasing tone.
There was something to be said about this meeting in darkness, the room barely light. All this sneaking around might have been better suited for people whose purposes weren't exactly kosher, but although there was the embodiment of Sin, Greed wasn't exactly evil. And Gabriel thought that he pretty much balanced it out. Having a Queen along for the ride- one that was Head of the Church too- probably tipped this little meeting into the realm of almost saintly.
...Depending on exactly what those saints got up to, of course.
"And now we three are here," Gabriel said, grinning. "I'll get the drinks. Usuals?" Wine for her, rich and deep and old but not too dry, something fit for a Queen. Scotch for him- something with a kick, a bite that he could bite back, something that got those feet tapping. And for himself something sugary sweet, thick. Not that it said much about him.
"Glad you could slip away, Queenie." Gabriel said brightly, moving towards her and pressing a kiss to her cheek. "It's never exactly the same without you." Maybe in that dim light she noticed the wink, maybe not, but it was implied with his teasing tone.
There was something to be said about this meeting in darkness, the room barely light. All this sneaking around might have been better suited for people whose purposes weren't exactly kosher, but although there was the embodiment of Sin, Greed wasn't exactly evil. And Gabriel thought that he pretty much balanced it out. Having a Queen along for the ride- one that was Head of the Church too- probably tipped this little meeting into the realm of almost saintly.
...Depending on exactly what those saints got up to, of course.
"And now we three are here," Gabriel said, grinning. "I'll get the drinks. Usuals?" Wine for her, rich and deep and old but not too dry, something fit for a Queen. Scotch for him- something with a kick, a bite that he could bite back, something that got those feet tapping. And for himself something sugary sweet, thick. Not that it said much about him.
[It's nigh unto impossible for Alec to control his body, for him to force himself into holding himself loosely if he feels frightened, but right not that's not a real issue. After all, he wants Greed, and he is plenty willing to let his body betray his control. In this sort of situation more than most, he can let go enough to find out where he's going to end up.]
[Alec's body presses back towards the stilled fingers, trying to move around them if Greed won't move them again, even as Alec can guess at what the game plan is, can only presume that Greed's trying to encourage Alec to want, and the way to do that is for him not to be having without asking. That's fine, Alec doesn't mind, and Greed had warned him.]
Then get on with it. [Alec's voice is still an elegant drawl, words drawn out like he's in no rush to have them heard, like he's not lying in the bed of a man whom he wants badly to fuck him.] Fuck me.
[Alec's fingers reach out, groping blindly, trying to find Greed's cock, to touch him, to make the message that much clearer.]
And not with your fingers.
[Alec's body presses back towards the stilled fingers, trying to move around them if Greed won't move them again, even as Alec can guess at what the game plan is, can only presume that Greed's trying to encourage Alec to want, and the way to do that is for him not to be having without asking. That's fine, Alec doesn't mind, and Greed had warned him.]
Then get on with it. [Alec's voice is still an elegant drawl, words drawn out like he's in no rush to have them heard, like he's not lying in the bed of a man whom he wants badly to fuck him.] Fuck me.
[Alec's fingers reach out, groping blindly, trying to find Greed's cock, to touch him, to make the message that much clearer.]
And not with your fingers.
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