➥ VOICE-MAIL / TEXT

[nestingdevil]

[Greed's voice purrs out in metallic static. There's the faintest catch of the radio - something sultry, jazzy.]

"If you've got the number, it means I like ya. Sorry to disappoint, but I'm out right now - all work and no play. If you're looking for a face-face visit, head down to The Devil's Nest. I'll be glad to entertain."

[Thunk go a pair of boots.] "If you're looking for something personal, you know what to do."

[Click.]

* To Page This Person, Press 1. To Send a Numeric Page, Press 4 now.

[Beep.]

Comments

voicemail; backdated to friday or something

[topslug]

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.

➥ AUDIO |

[nestingdevil]

[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?

[topslug]

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. ]

[nestingdevil]

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.]

[topslug]

[ 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.

[nestingdevil]

[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.

[topslug]

[ 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.

[nestingdevil]

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.

[topslug]

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.

[nestingdevil]

[His teeth click together.]

See you then.

➥ TEXTS |

[nestingdevil]

➥ VOICE MAIL |

[nestingdevil]

➥ OOC DROP BOX |

[nestingdevil]

5/22

[vengefulshades]

[Ring a ding ding!]

[nestingdevil]

[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?

[vengefulshades]

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.

[nestingdevil]

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.

[vengefulshades]

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?

[nestingdevil]

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.]

[vengefulshades]

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.

[nestingdevil]

[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.

[vengefulshades]

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.

[nestingdevil]

[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.

[vengefulshades]

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.

[nestingdevil]

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.