nestingdevil | (no subject)

[Once the shaker's closed up again, the Sin gives it a toss over his shoulder before catching it with his claws. Scrrtch.] Ehh, don't worry about it. It's just a rumor, after all. Who knows? Maybe someone was just talking bullshit.

[With that, he begins to mix the whole thing up and as the ice cracks and splinters behind steel, he hooks the glass with his finger, spinning it across the bar top as smooth as a skater.] I'm just glad you were able to come down here at all.

[He rips the topper off again, slides a strainer over the lip, and begins to pour.] Honestly, I'm surprised this is your first time. Figured I would've seen you here before. You're a pretty interesting guy, Maurice. You should get out more often. [The drink done, the former homunculus finishes it off with a garnish of basil and a single blackberry skewed with a small, plastic sword.]

What finally changed your mind? [He asks as he pushes the cocktail over.]

its a nickname chief. dont tell me hyou dont hve those where you come from

dont know much about robots or whatever a karaoke machine is. but i should be able to find some of the things on your list

[There's a pause before he answers again. Just who has Oda sent his way?]

ha! thatd be a little stupid friend since i am a demon now. but theres a couple of things ive been looking to do here. tell you what. i'll see what i can find. and then we can talk abou t what you can give me in return. fair enough?

"Y...You're a demon?!" [She asked horrified. Desire for parts warred with the fact that she was a Goddess and was supposed to be at war with the Demons. But they had just helped Hild... and she was as bad as they came. And there was Mara... She wished Belldandy was here to ask.... She... should probably get some good luck charms. Just to be sure....]

?? well i wasnt before all of this if thats what youre asking. oda did tell you right ?

its hell friend. think that kinda comes with the territory. but dont get the wromng idea. like i said i wasnt a demon before this. ah doesnt matter.

dont tell me youre one of those. the self righteous sort. what did youu think i was? the name is greed afterall

"I'm a Goddes..." [she said, still unclear why this wasn't obvious to anyone just instantly.] "We've been in a market share war with the Demons since what feels like forever.... But I've never met anyone named Greed among Demons or Goddesses or even humans...."

oh ho ! a goddess huh ? isnt that somthing

ah thats the thing. i was never a demon to begin with. not a humman either. homunuclus. wouldnt happen to know what that is would you ?

"An artificial being that isn't mechanical, usually small. Rare, but various ways of creation, including human style birth."

[That one she knew.]

[ Maurice starts looking at the decor again. ]

Well...I've walked by a few times. Told some people about it...you know, since you told me.

[ His ears twitch as he looks for the best words to say. He doesn't want to be annoying. He doesn't want to tell Greed some sob story about his self esteem. So, as he accepts the cocktail and takes a moment to appreciate its color, he says: ]

Just busy I guess. I've got a couple jobs.

[ He takes a drink. His furry ears perk up and his long tail starts lashing back and forth on the floor behind him. ]

This is really good!

[ Maurice, by and large, does not drink cocktails. He might have a vodka coke, but usually he just drinks the cheapest piss beer he can find and drinks it until he can't stand. Shit he could just come here any time and have a drink that tastes good??? Shit! ]

well you got part of it right. but theres nothing small about me friend

and i wasnt born like humans. none of us were. but we're artificial through and through. thats what i am. or was befre here

"Huh. Well, if you're not mechanical, I can't really fix you. Even if you are artificial. I mean... I am a genius so I could probably figure it out... but... I really probably should just stick to robots."

[And not Demons. She wasn't quite sure what would happen if she made a mistake - not that she ever would! Genius and all! But... still.]

ah thats the thing. theres nothing about me to fix sweetheart. and even if you tried it wouldnt last

so we;ll just keep it simple. drop by the nest in the next couple of days. shouldnt take me too long to find some of it

ah and is it just miss goddess or do you have a name ?

"I didn't mean you are broken, I meant if you break. You... live in a nest?" [Confused Goddess was confused.]

"I'm Skuld, Goddess Second-Class, Type One (limited). Super genius."

would take a whole lot more to break me than you thinkk friend. don't worry about it

the nest. the devil's nest. it's a bar my bar

skuld then. pleasures all mine. so how fast do you need all this exctly?

"You called a bar a nest? What kind of birds could nest in that?" [Was it a chocolate bar? A candy bar? Or like a wooden bar or a metal bar? She was so confused. And as a genius with an ego larger than the Earth, she wasn't used to being confused this badly.]

"Um, a few hours before whenever the party for Klaus is..."

Do I have to remind you who my brother is? Worrying is my second job, he may be the oldest but that hardly means he makes the greatest decisions in life. But I don’t need your secrets, nor do I put a price on them. I enjoy obtaining knowledge but not at the cost of another’s privacy.

What you’ve told me about yourself, as I’ve said before, does not leave the room it was shared in. [ while Greed fusses with his boots, Michael stretches his wings out sharply to rid them of any lingering water. he snaps his fingers and one portal opens behind him, with another appearing over the bathtub—so the excess water drops into the tub rather than all over the floor and Greed.

that’s the extent of his magic tricks for the day. the portals disappear just as quickly as they appeared, giving Michael time to get a better look at his arm now that he isn’t covered in gore. ]

For a man of planning, his oversights were numerous. When you give life to something, you can hardly complain when it doesn’t go according to plan. Life has never and will never work like that. The experiences accumulated in life shape the person, not the will of anoth—

[ an amusing sputtering sound erupts from beneath the towel he was using and his feathers puff up like a startled cat’s tail when he steps on some feathers and nearly slips. despite catching himself, he still gives the floor a look that is half surprised, half exasperated. rather than comment on it, he eventually wraps the towel around himself. ]

Everyone is always reaching for more when they should be happy with what they have been given. There is no blessing in immortality, it is a cursed life. Seeing the world fall victim to the same evils over and over again, despite the attempts to better it, is disheartening. [ he studies the man carefully, eyebrows furrowing as he touches his ear. how rude. the silence drags on longer than it should before Michael begins, hesitantly: ]

To say no when something comes across my desk that I don’t believe in, to fight for souls that can be saved rather than battle against the ones that can’t. To make up for the time Lucifer and I lost, and get to know Charlie. And I want them, Sinners and Winners alike, to know that they are not alone here. Whatever problems they have, I will help them—not because it’s expected of me, but because I want to.

I want them to know that, if they are in peril, someone will be there to catch them. [ because he knows all too well how difficult it is to fight a losing battle alone. he could add to his list, but that seems like enough to satisfy his companion for now. ]

Only if you let your Father know that he pales in comparison to you and your siblings. .. No, I haven’t met them, and I imagine they aren’t all like you, but they have the chance to be if they want it. To be better than him, to do better. [ he crouches down to grab a handful of discarded feathers, then moves onto another pile. ]

I understand you wanting more time for them. The world can be cruel and take them far too soon, but they were always meant to burn brightly and die out. Before this place, I might have called you selfish for wanting to extend their lives, but I’m beginning to understand. Especially knowing what they are returning home to.

[ he bites back a comment about being a warrior, he is no stranger to injuries or ointments. ] It’s precisely the simplicity that makes it difficult to read you. You make no excuses and your intentions are clear, you don’t care who hears them or if your words might be misconstrued. It should be a refreshing perspective, but I still feel like you are hiding something deep down. Something that I’ve no intention of pressing you about.

[ some secrets, after all. ]

Why, Greed, if I didn’t know any better I would think that is a threat. Or is it a promise? Either way, it— [ he is cut off by a sharp hiss, sucked in through gritted teeth. despite the offer to grab onto him, he settles for balling up the fist of his other hand and letting his nails dig into his palm. ]

You’re right, I revoke my thanks. [ he does not. ]

[Greed has to take a good, long minute to stare at the ceiling. Is he not being clear? How could he not be more clear?]

[SOS: Save Our Sin.]

the devil's nest sweetheart. its the name of it. its not. ahh jeez

its where people go to get drunk. or have fun. spend their money and spill some info. dont you have those where youre from?

hyeah yeah fine you;ll get it. just tell the little pissant he owes me

[ the contents of the message contain two attachments: one is a close up of a cat and the other is that same cat laying on top of his paperwork, stretched out as if purposely keeping him from his work, with Michael in the background looking exasperated. ]

Is this another one of your unnecessary favors? He refuses to move and is just as stubborn as you are.

"Oh, Urd goes to karaoke for that mostly, I think. Well, except when she drinks her booze at the temple. But we can have fun lots of places. And spending money is best at a mechanical parts shop, isn't it?"

"Thank you for the parts, though." [She wasn't sure what that word meant though... Maybe his mispronounced peasant?]

[It's his eyes that move; how they skirt along Michael, cold-blooded and hot just the same. He could swallow the world with those eyes. Swallow it down, drink it up, and still be wanting for more. Yet, there's something else, isn't there? A desire beyond all the material, small and ticking behind those sinister, viper(ing) slits.]

No, you don't have to remind me, and I wouldn't know. I haven't asked. It's none of my business. He hasn't asked for mine, only seems fair I do the same. [He closes one of his eyes with a wink, sarcastic and flirtatious even now.] And he's free to make his own decisions, right? Good or bad, he's got that choice here. Just as you do.

[He slips his fingers through his hair again, coaxing the spikes of it to an upward slant.] Like I told you before, there are some things about me that'll just make it complicated. And I don't think either of us want that, do we?

[Of course here, he's referring to Lucifer. But it could apply to any of them: to the people who call the 'Nest their home, to those he's taken in and claimed as his. Adding on extra baggage wouldn't do them any good. Nothing can take back what's happened and histories don't rewrite themselves. The point's all moot.]

[So, he drops it and instead turns his attention on Michael and the portals that suddenly appear out of no where. He shouldn't (and isn't) surprised that the Archangel comes with tricks all his own. And he's about to ask more, about to pry just a little on the subject, but then Michael puffs up like a spooked cat, and ah, a Sin can't help himself, can he?]

[Greed barks out a laugh, a real, genuine laugh as he claps one of free hands on Michael's shoulder; his cold-carbon skin warmed like a heated stone.] Ha - ! Watch it there, Feathers. Don't need ya crackin' your skull open on top of everything. Wouldn't look good for either of us, and I really don't wanna be the one to explain to your brother how you ended up unconscious in my bathroom.

[The Sin's eyebrows crease up his forehead, and his lips squeeze together, egotistical and sly.] Are you forgetting who I am again? How many times am I gunna have to tell you before you get it? It's never enough for me. And immortality? Real immortality? [He presses the forks of his tongue behind the flats of his upper teeth.] That's always been on the top of the list. [A knowing look passes by his face and as he slowly (tentatively, reluctantly) peels his fingers off the other man's shoulder, the former homunculus hums to himself.]

Then you've already got your answer, don't you. Tch, you heroic types - [He trails off, looking up towards the ceiling as a distraction while he mindlessly tries to shoo a piece of Michael's hair from his face.] Can't help yourself, can you? [For a second time, his fingers linger. As if he's holding the moment for all it's worth and keeping it for him and him alone. Eventually though, he settles his hands around the thinnest part of his waist and grips his nails into his hips.]

[The name Morningstar may mean Lightbringer, but for him? For him, he's got a new definition. A word that begins with P and ends in Ant and oh, will it always prove to be trouble, trouble, trouble.]

[Thankfully, he's a creature built for it.]

[Greed momentarily goes quiet. He should have known the subject would come up one day. But as he maps out the angry marks on Michael's skin (with a cool look, with a distant look), he can't stop himself from sneering a little. It's a vicious expression. Like a devil being told the details of a ridiculous bargain. The Sin sways his head to the side and the points of his eyes flicker between both the blow-out point and the stillness of a twitching, trembling needle.]

Maybe one or two of 'em, sure. I'll give you that much. But you don't know them like I do. Don't give them so much credit. [His jaw grinds up a smile from somewhere deep, deep down in the cesspool he calls a core.] Envy's here, if you have to know. And while I don't trust a single fucking thing he says most of the time, it looks like he may finally be taking my advice. As for the rest -

[Using a free hand, he touches the necklaces around his throat, letting the tips of his claws skirt his skin.] - don't underestimate them. Because you're right, I'm not like them. Even at the end of it all, they thought they were better than everything else. Humans, chimeras. [His lips stretch and spread across his teeth so taut, it's a miracle in itself his skin doesn't crack.] I left them twice, Michael. And both times, they didn't change. I don't think being here would make much of a difference.

[The spite leaves just as quickly as it came; a blip, and no more. And as his tail chimes steel against the tile below, the former homunculus turns on his heel towards a small, linen-closet door. He knuckles the knob between his fingers.] See, I don't think it's difficult at all. I'm a pretty simple guy, Blues. [He yanks open the door to rummage through it. Towels, hand cloths, plastic bottles: they all get dropped to the floor as he digs deeper, uncaring and oblivious to the mess he's making. He pauses once, and only once, when Michael mentions something about hiding, but he's quick to collect himself.]

[Greed sinks his nails into a roll of bandages before shutting the door with his knee.] And what if I don't? [He pivots on the balls of his feet, causing his claws to scrape new gashes into the tiles below.] Could just be you're overthinking it again.

But I guess you're just going to have to find out, aren't you? And who knows, Michael. Maybe, it's a little bit of both. [Ah, and there's that sarcasm again, rearing its head with a rattling tail and a smile as slick as a puddle of mud. The Sin unwinds the bandages.] Now, think you could do me the favor and stop being a pain in the ass for a second?

[He has four hands, he could use those four hands, but old habits are hard to break. As such, the Sin takes the end of the roll into his mouth, yanking it tight.]

[Excuse him, he's basking in this for a second. There's nothing quite as sweet as just desserts, is there?]

can't take credit for that one blues. looks like someones takin a liking to you. ha ! and the cats got the right idea. havent we alredy had a talk about that papr work of yours ?

you wuldnt like me as much if i wasnt. wonder if its one of kams. old bat does know a few of em down here

urd ?

eehh if thats what youre into i guess. wouldnt know. onmly needed an automail mechanic a few times

yeah yeah save your thankss woould ya ? dont need em. if you cant make it tell oda he can come grab whtever i find from the bar

and dont forget to tell him he owes me

It seems you and Alastor are cut from the same cloth in that respect. He was dumbfounded when I explained the terms of Lucifer’s deal with him, I don’t think he ever truly considered that the only thing he wanted out of it was his company. [ he lets out a sigh, gesturing vaguely at the air. ] He is, I know. Is it selfish to want to protect him from himself?

Lucifer plays his part well. To the eyes of someone on the outside looking in, he may very well be the cocky and charismatic ruler of Hell — but he hasn’t changed as much as he thinks he has. When we struck our deal, I told myself I would protect what little happiness he has managed to hold onto. If they make him happy, then who am I to get between that?

I just.. [ he cuts himself off, looking down at the clump of feathers in his grasp. while it doesn’t hurt to admit it, it does feel strange. ] I’m afraid, afraid that one day all of the reassurances in the world won’t be able to bring him back. It sounds foolish, yes, I realize that.

No, we don’t. All the same, if you do need to talk about anything, you know where my office is. [ Michael is still giving Greed an unimpressed look at his laughter when he cocks his head off to one side, as if lost. ]

Have you become a champion for my virtue? You make it sound like this is some sort of forbidden tryst. You found me in a state, cleaned me up and helped me regain my strength. There is nothing to confuse, I have every intention of telling him I was here. Why wouldn’t I?

[ the talk about immortality changes things, however. he actually looks concerned, continuing on gently. ] It would be an eternity, Greed, a life that you would be unable to share. If you could share it, what if your people declined it? You would have to watch them grow old and die, then repeat the process with those who take their place. How many would have to disappear before you regretted your choice?

I’m not being argumentative but, as someone who has that life, I’m curious. Human companionship is new to me, I’m trying to understand it through your eyes. [ to emphasize his resolve, he tips his face to look back up at him. ]

Heroic deeds aren’t my motivation and it may not be entirely altruistic of me to offer those things. The system in place right now is faulty, so I am trying something new in hopes of being able to implement it back home. Hate will get us nowhere but, perhaps, if we try to understand them, we can find common ground. It would ease the burden on Lucifer and Charlie and, in time, the animosity between Heaven and Hell may fade.

[ he is trying so damn hard to make this a reality, these are the types of notes lining the numerous journals in his room. ways to prevent conflict and eventually put a treaty in place. if the two sides can coexist here, it means there is a chance for them as well. ]

I was always taught to give someone the benefit of the doubt and to never judge a book by the cover. I just have to believe that if one Deadly Sin is capable of breaking free, then it’s achievable for the others as well. I think, maybe, that is why I feel so comfortable around you. You understand what it’s like to be one voice in a sea of thousands, going against the grain because you know what was asked of you was wrong. You did what I couldn’t.

[ he admires that aspect of his strength, more than he will ever be willing to convey. ] Maybe not, but did you ever think that maybe being separated from the others made Envy more willing to try? Siblings, in my experience, are often prone to foolish bravado and are eager to please their Fathers. Away from them, they are much more willing to hear an opinion that differs from the one they have been fed their entire lives, especially if it unburdens them.

[ after cleaning up the last of the feathers, he turns to watch him, making a face when he starts throwing things around. true to form, by the time Greed has turned around, Michael is on his way over to start cleaning them up — but then the sin closes the door. really, are you a homunculus or caveman? ]

I’m prone to overthinking, I will give you that much. All I know is what I see with my own two eyes. I suppose I could have misread someone once or twice in the past. [ no, no, he will not push, but he does raise an eyebrow and shoot him an amused look in return. ]

I will do my best. Fortunately for you, the idea of being manhandled this evening is on the bottom of my list. [ he steps closer and lifts his arm, diligently offering it to him while those tired eyes take in the process quietly from here on out. the likelihood that he is thinking about the closet mess is quite high. ]

[ he won’t be laughing when kitty pets his new jacket. ]

His company is enjoyable when he isn’t chewing on my work.

He followed me home from there, it’s a possibility. I’ve decided to name him Argus, it means watchful guardian. Considering where he came from, I thought it was fitting for him to have this.

"Okay, I'll tell him. But Belldandy said that saying thank you is magic, so I should always say it when I am grateful. So thank you."

is that righbt. ha ! call me surprisd blue eyes. finally takin the hint ?

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Sorry, paid ran out >.<

no worries at all!

Re: no worries at all!

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[ text ] un: godsgoodestboy

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