nestingdevil | ➥ VOICE-MAIL / TEXT

Er, hello, M-- Greed. [ She catches the slip just in time. ]

It's Yako. [ Like her voice could be mistaken for anyone else's, and a part of her is already regretting the call, but she pushes on. ]

You haven't registered, have you? [ She pauses. ] I was thinking of signing up for one of the assignments. If you haven't found someone to partner up for the first week yet, would you like to work together?

Just let me know if you're interested.

[She's relentless, isn't she.]

[He listens to the message only once. At mid-afternoon, he returns it. His voice on the other side is just as slick and smooth as it was when they first met.]

I told you before, didn't I? I'm not very good at taking orders. [His heels clack on the other side of the line. Despite his tone, he's on the move.]

[After all, it'd be easier to get a view of the city under the guise of actually being helpful. Sure, he's gained access here and there. But with a metaphorical badge to flaunt, he's sure there's more doors to open.]

[Even if it is a bit dull.] I won't lie to you - I doubt I'll be much help.

[There's a thunk when his glass hits a nightstand. It may be a little under-handed, but at least he's up front about it.]

When?

I'm not sure it's going to be the most interesting experience for you either. [ She pauses. ] I work in the forensic department of the university, so, er, starting on a weekday might be best, unless you wanted to do vigilante work. That isn't so much my specialty.

[ Not here, anyway. ]

A what?

[1915, remember? Greed scratches at the base of his neck.] Wouldn't know, but might as well. It's not as if I'm doing much.

[Still, doesn't sound like it'll be a really thrilling day.]

[ She's not sure exactly which part is causing confusion, so to be safe... ]

It's a school that teaches people how to investigate crimes using scientific methods. Gathering evidence that can be used in court, or to figure out how a crime was committed... that sort of thing.

[And there's that thing again: court.]

[There's a muffle on the other side of the line. As he pinches the phone between his ear and shoulder.] Eh - not exactly what I'm used to. But I guess I still owe you, don't I.

[ She can't think of what she's done to make Greed feels like he owes her anything, but as it works to her convenience, she doesn't contest it. ]

It helps you too, doesn't it? Maybe you'll learn something new.

Maybe.

[But probably not. He doesn't say that, though. Instead, he sets something down on the counter with a hollow clunk.]

But I'm interested. Just hope you won't regret it.

I won't unless you give me a reason to. [ Cheeky response; she must be in a good mood. Then again, it is around dinner time. ]

I'll see you, then.

[His teeth click together.]

See you then.

I Need A Second Prize And A List Of Qualified Judges
For That Role I Will Volunteer Myself As One Given The Matter That Will Be Judged

We Forgot To Include A Costume Contest

a what nw? jeez youre makin this more than it hs to be

[Though, he did ask.] secnd prize huh. not intrsted in giving away the extra money. gve em a free drink on the house. jst one.

if thats wht you want to do im nt about to stop you.

This Isnt For Second Place Its First Prize In A Second Contest
A Single Free Drink Is Woefully Inadequate
It Can Be Less Than The Drinking Contest Since It Has No Buy-In I Could Understand That
But If You Promise Prizes Youll Have More Interested Customers Who Spend More Money
And A Contest Will Have More Costumes Around Too Which Will Mean More Discounts Which Will Mean They Can Afford To Drink More
Trust Me It Will Be Good For Business
Especially With How Minor A Discount It Is To Begin With

Will I Have To Pay This Out Of My Own Pocket
Fifty Dollars Thats All Im Suggesting

[If there's a slight delay on his side, it's mostly because he's rereading the text a couple of times. Eventually, he gets back to it:]

yeah yeah llright. no you wouldnt have to do that wouldnt be right after all. besdies if its bettr for business cant really say no

fifty for thissecond contest, whatevr it is

[ that many words, in that quirk, it's bound to be a pain. ]

I Already Told You
Its For The Costume Contest
Feel Free To Join The Judges Panel If Youd Like

right

no realy intrested but put down desmond elric and yomiel if ya nede the help

[Godspeed.]

will do
now which one is elric exactly i dont recall having met them

isnt round mch bt hes worked for me bfre

shrter kid wears red cnt miss him. edward elric

ill be sure to inquire on his interest directly then
should i say you sent me

ill snd him your way

very well
and ill need money to buy candy also
yes i do mean that literally

heyhey now noone said anytgin about that

how much now?

we need a lot of candy its a halloween tradition
how could anyone tell you about halloween without mentioning candy and costumes theyre the most central conceits of the event
maybe 100 dollars

he mentined it jst didnt think we needed all that

fine fine tke it from the safe below jus maek sure we get it bck by the end of the night

im just thinking in bulk
with aggressive enough advertisement we can expect a rather busy night
so the need and the earnings would both be justified

or if any trick-or-treaters get the silly idea to go on our side of town
ill probably just give them a fair amount and send them home directly

seems so guese thats more of a rson why i hired you right

nt rly a place for kids but not like im about to say no. just mke sure its worth it

thats precisely why
i may mind the bar and the customers at times
but the real job has always been crunching the numbers and ensuring we are well-stocked
trust me ill handle it

and no it really isnt a place for children [ says the 17yo. ]
but thats why id send them home safely

nt about to deny you feel free

yeah it s theres a reson i hired yiu lovely i dont doubt it

good kids tnd to be more trouble than theyre worth

[ she can barely parse half of that, and what she does get from it is a total misunderstanding of what he says. ]

so i guess that must make me one of the bad ones

?

one of the bad ones ? no i wouldnt say that

well if good kids are too much trouble
where by elimination would that leave me

heyhey thats not what i meant at all

dont telme youre offended

i expressed neither offense nor disagreement

i thought it would be courteous to inform you of my release yesterday
unfortunately it doesnt mean ill be returning to work
im still under increased scrutiny so such a flagrant disregard for employment laws would poorly serve the both of us
if the position is still available in may then i suppose we can negotiate it then

figured as much

rules, laws and youve already mde yourself clrear. just dont think i agree withn it

but woulndt be me if i forced nything

just ltme know not aout to tell you youcnt come back. ill be hre if youdcide tochngr your mind

as i said this isnt about a decision
all things being equal id be there tomorrow
ive already reduced my commute
what this is about is my mess not being done with and i dont want to have you dragged through it
so i wont risk you being branded a criminal alongside me

cant say it isn't a bad idea but i relly dont care what they think

never been much foranyoneelse's rules nwyay kanaya dont thinkk thats changed

you in heropa still or are they moving you somehwhere else?

im in the process
ill be a local by the time its all finished
but not quite your neighbor as i wont be in the official housing

Edited 2015-02-27 03:55 (UTC)

a local?

wll no harm in at least cming for a vist or two

that we could do
just give me the little x marks on my hands

i wouldnt mind doing other work of course
as long as it isnt in the bar

X mrks? dont knw whyyoud hve to dothat but

thres som numbrs you culd run ifyouhbe the time

if the books need to be balanced i can manage that
im sure that a surplus of time is something ill have while this probation lasts

x marks are something you normally draw on the hands of minors
you know to communicate that they cant and wont be drinking

figred as much any othr rules i shoudl know?

sounds liek alot more trounle than itsworth bt if thats wht youwnt

you do realize that you are legally prohibited from serving alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 right
i really hope this is a thing you are aware of
like knowing circumvention of law is one thing but
ignorance isnt exactly an excuse

[Just put it all out there why don't ya.]

place rlly isnt forkds anyway whtdoyou tke me for exctly?

[But - ]

figrd more things towrry about

see this is why i need to stay away until may
despite the contradicting truth of the matter
the laws here still define me as a child
its actually really frustrating and entirely bullshit but in my current position my hands must remain clean
so youll have to let me worry about this one

mays nothat long bt are you rlly that surprised?

the proople here are wrired about that seems abit toomch trouble if yousk me

eh suityourself notbout to frce you anyway and ya cnt rlly say it isntbulshit bt itsnot ike things hve been easy

fine fine jst mke sure to keepme updted

it is all bullshit and none of it is ever easy
but such is life unlife and whatever comes later

either way send me the books
i can still get those balanced

ill hve somone drop them off

life nd unlife huh guss youcould sayuthat

dead girls have their prerogatives
but ill keep an eye open and my pen ready

[Ring a ding ding!]

[When he picks up the line, Greed's voice sounds pleasantly surprised. Rough, but coherent enough.] Ah-?

[A pull away has him checking. While the technology of this world is certainly more advanced, the few months have had him catching on quick. Not entirely, but enough.]

[The Sin places the phone back to his ear.] Sorry lovely - business.

[A beat.] Now - what can I do for you?

Hey, pal. I can wait.

[He does, a moment, and then he's all charm and smiles when Greed is back on the line.]

How's business going? I was going to be in the neighborhood-- physically-- so I thought I'd drop you a line.

Can't really complain - [His feet hit the floor and he hums slightly. There's some ruffling on the other side of the line. Another indication that he probably isn't alone.]

Oh-? Feel free - [It's all too clear; that crooked expression practically coming through on audio.] - I'll be here.

I actually had a question. Something I wanted to run by you before I make any assumptions.

[He goes quiet for a few seconds, as though considering his phrasing. This is all a big "what if" at this point, because if everything goes according to plan, then this won't be necessary.

However, it would be unlike Yomiel to be careless. Every loose end must be tied up.]

You said your place is for people who aren't... normal. Right?

Hmn? [A bed groans and Greed pads forward. A turn of the phone has him placing a cigarette into his mouth.]

That's right - those that couldn't live a normal kind of life. [He drawls on and a lighter flicks a few times. Before the flame finally catches and the Sin inhales through gently-smiling jaws.]

Though that's a bit of an odd question. Why - you interested? [There's a knock of hollow wood and while it's not seen, Greed's half-cocked into a door frame.]

I'm interested. I just needed to ask a few more questions first.

[Another pause. This time, there is the sound of metal clinking against metal. He's digging around in a toolbox.]

I'm working on a little project down here in Heropa. It's going well so far, but if it doesn't work out... I may need somewhere else to go.

[Greed tilts his head on the other side the line. The noise coming from the receiver could be anything.]

[He taps his foot a few times and pauses to flick ash away onto the floor.] A project, huh? [A quick lick to the backside of his teeth and the Sin snaps his tongue.] Guess you're not going to tell me about it, are you?

[But there is it; the hook. "But if it doesn't work out ..." The laugh that follows is quick and sweet.] Thinking of coming here, then? I'm not interested in the trouble.

[A hesitation and it's all quiet on his end for a moment. Save for the pitter-patter of someone else rising to attention.] But I'm not one to deny anyone either. You've got a deal, but remember this: you'll be working for me.

[Greed clips a glass as it's handed off to him. A solid clack, almost to finish off his point.] If that's something you're interested in, then by all means.

Now, who said this was a troublesome project?

[Let's not kid ourselves. It is. But Yomiel is fairly confident in his own ability to keep authority at bay. He managed it for years back home, and a guy like him always did well at hanging in the shadows.]

Like I said, it's going well. But I'm the type of guy who likes to have a backup plan. I think you'll find I'm a very trouble-free roommate.

[He chuckles at the offer of working for Greed. He was just about to get to that, actually.]

I wouldn't ask to stay there without making it worth your while, of course. I'm a man with a wide variety of skills.

[Greed's fingers bite into the wood above him. He has to have a laugh at that; loud and it simmers out as his lips close back around the dregs of smoke.] Ha - ! No, you didn't. Still, doesn't seem like you don't have your own concerns.

[A pleasant sort of lull comes through the line. The Sin's a bit closer to the receiving end of the feed. It's baritone, hushed.] A back-up plan then. Just in case.

[In case of what, he's not sure. But he knows all-too-well that word travels fast. Faster than it had back home at any rate.] Worth my while, huh. [Oh, that's just music to his ears.] Fine. You've got yourself a deal.

[Ice rattles as Greed sways his hand.] Just make sure you're not followed.

Well, it's never good to take anything for certain. [He chuckles right back. Greed is sharp, a guy after Yomiel's own heart. And best of all, willing to make a deal even while hearing very few details.]

I can't be followed. My body is a different story. All I really need is a place to keep it safe and sound.

[A little thump as he drops a tool back into the toolbox, then slumps back against his chair.]

Other than that, I don't eat, drink or sleep. And I'm sure we can find something for a guy separated from his body to do for you.

Ah- right.

[Greed listens as he drags himself away from his perch. His footsteps ring out wherever he's wandering off to, but his attention stays on the line.] That little trick of yours. [It's a handy one; transferring his soul out and Greed swallows a bit thickly.] I'm sure we could find somewhere to put it for the time being.

[There's a sizzling on his side when he pinches the cigarette with his fingers. Rolling it until the fire's gone.] Pretty useful - [How he speaks is almost purred. As if the concept is a little too enticing.] - I'm sure we could. It's quite the ability you've got there.

Just remember - I'm not interested in anyone who can't work for me. Just don't go regretting the decision later.

Edited 2014-05-23 04:22 (UTC)

It can be a closet for all I care. [Sort of has to be, given that Yomiel minus his ghost is literally a dead body. Such a thing would be bad for business. So shove him in a closet or a crawlspace and worry no more!]

I don't foresee it being a problem on my part. After all... the dead don't have regrets.

[He pauses another moment as he thinks of an idea.]

In fact, if it'd make you feel better, I could give you a free sample of sorts.

It won't be someplace the rest can find. [He's got an idea in mind. Something away from prying eyes; deep down in the pit below and it's one of the reasons he chose the site in the first place.]

[Plenty of rooms with plenty more to hide.] I'm not one for regrets either.

[But he perks up at that. Something freely given and who's he to say no. Greed scratches down his throat.] I'm not stopping you. Go ahead.

I'd be much obliged. I'm dead and immortal, but I still don't want anybody poking around it.

[Not to mention if his body goes missing, he'll just be a plain, old, regular ghost. Physically, anyway.]

Well, I don't know what kind of things you'd like to find out. Who you'd like to spy on. What kind of information you're interested in.

Whatever it is you want to know, I can get it. I can go in and out with nobody knowing I'm there, through the phone lines.

[Well, that's an easier solution to a growing problem.]

Basement - [Greed knocks his heel into the floor and it rings back. There's plenty of room down there and not many tend to wander too far.] - I'll make sure it's set for whatever it is you're doing.

And in exchange? [Other than the fact that Yomiel might become a permanent part of the 'Nest, the fine print's just a nice addition.]

The guy named Holiday - [Greed heads down a set of stairs.] - and anything you can find on a particular woman. I'm sure it'd be easy for you to figure out.

[There's a brief lapse. The sounds coming in are soft; people moving, maybe a table or two having its legs jerked around on the floor.] Eh- don't need to tell you this, but try not to get into too much trouble. I do take care of what's mine after all. Wouldn't want to have to do something I don't have to.

All I really need is a working telephone somewhere nearby.

[Upstairs, in the building next door, he'll be able to reach it regardless.

Yomiel commits the name to memory.]

It will be easy. A guy named a Holiday and a particular woman. Which woman might this refer to?

I'll see what I can do. [No promises on the location. Or whether or not it's up to date.]

[As to the other question, Greed slides his finger down the side of the phone. It should be easy enough to guess, but:] Lust. I don't need the history, just anything that came after she arrived here.

[He throws his hand back and forth, as if ushering the thought out completely.] Let's just say it'll be a personal favor. No need to get involved more than that.

As long as it's plugged in, it works. [No worries, Yomiel's apparently from a freak alternate dimension where rotary phones are commonplace.

A guy named Holiday and a woman named Lust. Friend of his, he guesses. Or "friend" of his. Either way, it's none of his business.]

Don't worry. I don't get involved with things. I'll tell you whatever I find out, and that's all.

That easy? [He tilts his head to the side when he speaks. Throwing the receiving end to his ear and Greed's all too intrigued.] Gotta say, I like you. Fine - I'll make sure it's there.

[Rotary phones are a thing he knows. And while it might raise some suspicion around the rest, he plans on informing them later.]

[Him and his after all.]

[Greed flicks on a switch and there's static on the other side of the line. As music tries to beat against the worn-down speakers.] Good. It's nothing you should get involved in anyway. They're not exactly a friendly bunch. Just needed to know a few things.

[It helped to have an upper hand, even if is just a little one.]

[His mouth parts. Wet, wide and the Sin has a light tone to his voice. Deadly, sure. But charming:] Welcome to the Devil's Nest. [And with that, he hangs up with a flick of the wrist.]

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voicemail; backdated to friday or something

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