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[Maurice drinks, and he waits. For an answer, for a suggestion, for a reaction of any sort. And all the while, he's eerily still; like a viper tasting the air, searching for a flicker of something (anything) to pass on by. Because it is true, isn't it? The age-old phrase about devils and how it's always better to go with the one that's familiar.]
[Greed's eyebrows drift up his forehead, silent yet focused all the same. He plucks his claw off the glass, making it shiver out one, last, finalizing note. Shrrr.] Ha - ! Now see, that wasn't so hard, was it? [The Sin's mouth knowingly shrinks and as he plucks up the glass, he shuffles it underneath the lip of the bar. A task to take handle later, no doubt.] But that's interesting. What makes you think you aren't respected, Maurice? From everything you've told me, you sound like a pretty interesting guy. You haven't been running into any trouble here, have you? Because if you are - [He swipes his tongue behind the cuts of his teeth.] - well, you can just tell them they can come talk to me, hmn?
[Tilting his head, he gives off a glimpse of his throat and all the jewels and gems strung about it catch like pennies in the limelight.] Ah, but before we get to that, suppose I owe you one in return, don't I? [He taps the top of the bar with his nail, leaving behind a fine prick in the wood.]
So, go ahead. You get one ask. Then, we can get to this respect of yours.
[Greed's eyebrows drift up his forehead, silent yet focused all the same. He plucks his claw off the glass, making it shiver out one, last, finalizing note. Shrrr.] Ha - ! Now see, that wasn't so hard, was it? [The Sin's mouth knowingly shrinks and as he plucks up the glass, he shuffles it underneath the lip of the bar. A task to take handle later, no doubt.] But that's interesting. What makes you think you aren't respected, Maurice? From everything you've told me, you sound like a pretty interesting guy. You haven't been running into any trouble here, have you? Because if you are - [He swipes his tongue behind the cuts of his teeth.] - well, you can just tell them they can come talk to me, hmn?
[Tilting his head, he gives off a glimpse of his throat and all the jewels and gems strung about it catch like pennies in the limelight.] Ah, but before we get to that, suppose I owe you one in return, don't I? [He taps the top of the bar with his nail, leaving behind a fine prick in the wood.]
So, go ahead. You get one ask. Then, we can get to this respect of yours.
[All along his face, the smoke plays its tricks. From the tip (bright orange and burning low) to the swirls that finger around his chin like a dead-lover's caress, it knots itself around him; the thin trails tightening and loosening between the neon glow as softly as secrets, whispered through the cracks.]
[Greed inhales, and the tip of his cigarette bristles; the crackle of crinkling paper, brisk and sharp.] Mn. Can't say you're wrong. There's always rumors, Michael. And you're right. Information is worth a lot in my line of work. That much hasn't changed. So, I guess we'll just leave it that, then. A little secret between you and me.
[The tips of his teeth sink into the filter, causing it to bleed out a leak of silvery-blue along his lip. It's stagnant and still; the look of it like incense rolling over its burner. The former homunculus settles his back against the sofa and as the leather meets his skin with a damp groan, he folds one leg over the other and a small snort puffs around his nose.] Ha, not sure you'd like the other nicknames I got for your brother. [He charms in, the smile on his face merely a crack. He reaches down to press Michael lightly on the chest with his finger.] Not that I got anything to hide, mind. But fine. Luce it is.
Y'know, I was ready to fight you then, right? [Using his chin as a tipping point, he urges his head lazily against his shoulder and the earring in his ear pats softly against his cheek.] Glad we kept things peaceful. Believe it or not, I like you, Blue Eyes. Even if you do have a habit of making things a lot more complicated than they have to be. [With his other hand, the former homunculus cups the cigarette as he takes another long drag. And while the tip of it shrinks, while the ash grows, he lets it all tumble down; the small dump of dust all but forgotten on the floor.]
[Greed places his arm back across the sofa, leaving the smoke to fume between his fingers. When he barks again, the sound is much softer than before. Softer, but no less demanding.] Gahaha! Nothing modest about me. I am Greed, remember? I want everything you can think of. So, you're right. My avarice doesn't have any limits. [Without thinking about it, he thumbs the end of his cigarette, sending a sprinkling soot into the air.] Just hope you're not gunna hold it against me.
[He shifts then when the subject of Wrath comes up again. It's a subtle movement - a slight twist of his hip, the way his shoulders seem to pull inward just a hair. The former homunculus lifts his arm and as he guides the cigarette back to his face, he eats away at it. He lets the tobacco pillow on his tongue, bitter and dry. Because he can still see it all as clear as day: his charging blindly into a fight they could never win, the drowned lumps of bodies floating in a sewer, the hot cut of steel slicing cleanly through his throat, leaving him pinned up against cold brick like a trembling, dying bug. Wrath, at the end of it all, with a smile on his face he never truly deserved.]
[The Sin exhales and pinches the end of his cigarette, snuffing it with a hiss.] Wouldn't do you much good, anyway. No one stays dead here, right? What's the point? [He examines what's left of his cigarette and as the embers blink out, he tosses it into a nearby tray.] No, if he does show up, you won't like what I plan to do, Michael. Besides, he doesn't have the same things we do. It'd be too easy for either of you, and he already died on me once before I had my chance. So, best to avoid it.
[And oh, how close he is to a threat. In the form of his teeth as they walk the line between sharp points and curving tusks. Thankfully, they settle on the former and as Greed shrugs, he shoos the whole thing away with a lazy, half-hearted flick of the wrist.] Ehh, Luce is trying to make a new life for himself here. Can't say I blame him for avoiding things like that. Leave it guys like us, right? [He peels open one of his eyes, shooting a look towards Michael.] I'm no stranger to war, Michael. Kinda a whole thing back where I'm from. And maybe you should. Don't think just because I left the rest of 'em it means I'm entirely innocent either.
[Hearing Michael laugh (actually laugh), the Sin arches an eyebrow. Then, without missing a single beat, he joins in; the noise in his throat, short and wheezy.] You could try. But again, strangling me isn't gunna really cut it. I'll just come back. Now, if you really want to kill me, you'll have to try a bit harder. [Greed taps the side of his temple with his claw once, twice.] Still won't do much, but it'll save you a whole lot of time over choking me out.
[But then, everything changes. Everything changes and as Michael grabs his face, the Sin goes stark stiff. He can hear Michael talking (with those words, those old words, those foreign words), can feel his breath on his forehead, and all he can do is watch. Watch the wall and all of its grit and layered-over graffiti as a whisper of someone (someones) tickles at the back of his skull:]
["Friendship isn't something you can just forget!"]
["Do you want to be allies?"]
["Wait - !"]
[Greed feels Michael slip off his lap and the grin on his face creases up one side of his jaw.] Saying a little prayer for me now, are you? Wouldn't worry yourself too much, Blues. I'll be fine. I always come back, right? [He hums. Whether he's thinking about it or if it's just simply his nature, the former homunculus drops one of his hands onto Michael's leg. And it isn't a lewd gesture, nor is crude. It's simply a weight; a weight of a touch, and ah, if anyone could have ever guessed it would be them, the two of them, here - ]
[The last of the cigarette smoke thins on the ceiling, and the Sin rolls his ankle.] Guess you'll just have to try harder, won't you? [He teases as his knuckle runs circles on Michael's skin.] Ah, well. Another time. But you should get some rest there, Blues. I'll make sure no one comes in to bother you. Fair enough?
[Greed inhales, and the tip of his cigarette bristles; the crackle of crinkling paper, brisk and sharp.] Mn. Can't say you're wrong. There's always rumors, Michael. And you're right. Information is worth a lot in my line of work. That much hasn't changed. So, I guess we'll just leave it that, then. A little secret between you and me.
[The tips of his teeth sink into the filter, causing it to bleed out a leak of silvery-blue along his lip. It's stagnant and still; the look of it like incense rolling over its burner. The former homunculus settles his back against the sofa and as the leather meets his skin with a damp groan, he folds one leg over the other and a small snort puffs around his nose.] Ha, not sure you'd like the other nicknames I got for your brother. [He charms in, the smile on his face merely a crack. He reaches down to press Michael lightly on the chest with his finger.] Not that I got anything to hide, mind. But fine. Luce it is.
Y'know, I was ready to fight you then, right? [Using his chin as a tipping point, he urges his head lazily against his shoulder and the earring in his ear pats softly against his cheek.] Glad we kept things peaceful. Believe it or not, I like you, Blue Eyes. Even if you do have a habit of making things a lot more complicated than they have to be. [With his other hand, the former homunculus cups the cigarette as he takes another long drag. And while the tip of it shrinks, while the ash grows, he lets it all tumble down; the small dump of dust all but forgotten on the floor.]
[Greed places his arm back across the sofa, leaving the smoke to fume between his fingers. When he barks again, the sound is much softer than before. Softer, but no less demanding.] Gahaha! Nothing modest about me. I am Greed, remember? I want everything you can think of. So, you're right. My avarice doesn't have any limits. [Without thinking about it, he thumbs the end of his cigarette, sending a sprinkling soot into the air.] Just hope you're not gunna hold it against me.
[He shifts then when the subject of Wrath comes up again. It's a subtle movement - a slight twist of his hip, the way his shoulders seem to pull inward just a hair. The former homunculus lifts his arm and as he guides the cigarette back to his face, he eats away at it. He lets the tobacco pillow on his tongue, bitter and dry. Because he can still see it all as clear as day: his charging blindly into a fight they could never win, the drowned lumps of bodies floating in a sewer, the hot cut of steel slicing cleanly through his throat, leaving him pinned up against cold brick like a trembling, dying bug. Wrath, at the end of it all, with a smile on his face he never truly deserved.]
[The Sin exhales and pinches the end of his cigarette, snuffing it with a hiss.] Wouldn't do you much good, anyway. No one stays dead here, right? What's the point? [He examines what's left of his cigarette and as the embers blink out, he tosses it into a nearby tray.] No, if he does show up, you won't like what I plan to do, Michael. Besides, he doesn't have the same things we do. It'd be too easy for either of you, and he already died on me once before I had my chance. So, best to avoid it.
[And oh, how close he is to a threat. In the form of his teeth as they walk the line between sharp points and curving tusks. Thankfully, they settle on the former and as Greed shrugs, he shoos the whole thing away with a lazy, half-hearted flick of the wrist.] Ehh, Luce is trying to make a new life for himself here. Can't say I blame him for avoiding things like that. Leave it guys like us, right? [He peels open one of his eyes, shooting a look towards Michael.] I'm no stranger to war, Michael. Kinda a whole thing back where I'm from. And maybe you should. Don't think just because I left the rest of 'em it means I'm entirely innocent either.
[Hearing Michael laugh (actually laugh), the Sin arches an eyebrow. Then, without missing a single beat, he joins in; the noise in his throat, short and wheezy.] You could try. But again, strangling me isn't gunna really cut it. I'll just come back. Now, if you really want to kill me, you'll have to try a bit harder. [Greed taps the side of his temple with his claw once, twice.] Still won't do much, but it'll save you a whole lot of time over choking me out.
[But then, everything changes. Everything changes and as Michael grabs his face, the Sin goes stark stiff. He can hear Michael talking (with those words, those old words, those foreign words), can feel his breath on his forehead, and all he can do is watch. Watch the wall and all of its grit and layered-over graffiti as a whisper of someone (someones) tickles at the back of his skull:]
["Friendship isn't something you can just forget!"]
["Do you want to be allies?"]
["Wait - !"]
[Greed feels Michael slip off his lap and the grin on his face creases up one side of his jaw.] Saying a little prayer for me now, are you? Wouldn't worry yourself too much, Blues. I'll be fine. I always come back, right? [He hums. Whether he's thinking about it or if it's just simply his nature, the former homunculus drops one of his hands onto Michael's leg. And it isn't a lewd gesture, nor is crude. It's simply a weight; a weight of a touch, and ah, if anyone could have ever guessed it would be them, the two of them, here - ]
[The last of the cigarette smoke thins on the ceiling, and the Sin rolls his ankle.] Guess you'll just have to try harder, won't you? [He teases as his knuckle runs circles on Michael's skin.] Ah, well. Another time. But you should get some rest there, Blues. I'll make sure no one comes in to bother you. Fair enough?
[ Maurice looks down into his empty glass. ]
Well...the folks back home talk to me like I'm dumb. Probably 'cause I'm fat and don't have a good job and didn't finish college. It's like they either think I'm stupid or feel sorry for me and I can't...I can't stand it! Horas was supposed to teach me how t'be a vampire (I was a vampire) but he kept just...I dunno, fucking around. And then when we almost get caught by hunters they blame ME! And here, the angels all give me these looks...I ain't done nothin' to them! All I do is--don't tell nobody this--go to the library and read freakin' plays! If they want me to be a problem just so they can feel right, I'll BE a problem!
[ The more he speaks, the more he begins to get just a little heated. Maurice doesn't get heated over much. ]
And my boss is always tryin' to scare me and, I mean, it works, but I wish he wouldn't do that. I got enough to deal with outside of work!
[ His tail is lashing so hard behind him that he is tipping over chairs. ]
Okay--I want another drink. Make it stronger. Uh, please.
Well...the folks back home talk to me like I'm dumb. Probably 'cause I'm fat and don't have a good job and didn't finish college. It's like they either think I'm stupid or feel sorry for me and I can't...I can't stand it! Horas was supposed to teach me how t'be a vampire (I was a vampire) but he kept just...I dunno, fucking around. And then when we almost get caught by hunters they blame ME! And here, the angels all give me these looks...I ain't done nothin' to them! All I do is--don't tell nobody this--go to the library and read freakin' plays! If they want me to be a problem just so they can feel right, I'll BE a problem!
[ The more he speaks, the more he begins to get just a little heated. Maurice doesn't get heated over much. ]
And my boss is always tryin' to scare me and, I mean, it works, but I wish he wouldn't do that. I got enough to deal with outside of work!
[ His tail is lashing so hard behind him that he is tipping over chairs. ]
Okay--I want another drink. Make it stronger. Uh, please.
That suits me just fine, I’ll be there in ten minutes. Do you need anything while I’m up here?
And you know I’m not a china doll, I can handle your worst. They were adamant about the stipulation and I’d rather not spend the entire day getting punched by people unwilling to commit.
And you know I’m not a china doll, I can handle your worst. They were adamant about the stipulation and I’d rather not spend the entire day getting punched by people unwilling to commit.
[A slight flick of movement hints behind his sunglasses as he listens to Maurice tell his story. And while it isn't exactly a familiar one, it is similar. Not to his, but to others he's known before. The world (any world, really) is kind to no one, and given his line of business, he's heard it all. From the once-star lounge singers to washed-up military men who had nothing left to give, the theme is always the same: life isn't always fair, and for those that don't (can't) live a normal one? Cruelty is a commodity in spades.]
[Greed pinches Maurice's drink by the brim, dragging it away.] There's always going to be those. The self-righteous types. [He starts in, his voice as smooth as a velvet chaser.] And when something doesn't go their way? They look for someone else to blame. That's the thing with people like that. They tend to forget what others are worth.
[At the last bit, his teeth snap together; a light tck. The Sin shoves the glass underneath the counter and as he stretches his back, the fur along his neck slowly rises; its movement more similar to the pull of lifting static. He lets the side of his head sag near his shoulder.] Sounds like it's more their problem than yours, hmn? [The question tickles on his tongue, making the split of it flutter behind his teeth.] Our friends up above have the whole thing wrong. What's good, what's bad. It's never mattered to me.
As for that other thing - [Setting down a fresh glass with one hand, the former homunculus snags an orange with the other. He eases the edge of his thumb against the skin and with a sharp jerk of the wrist, he begins to peel it.] - everyone's got their secrets. We'll just leave it at that.
[Ah, but there's that heat. That simmering, bubbling heat and he knows it, doesn't he? That fine line between frustration and anger that can so easily boil over to wrath. Greed sinks his claw into the orange and as its skin bursts, he levels it over the shaker.] Careful there. As much as I don't blame you, think about it, huh? Would do you no good to make things messier than they have to be. But -
[He swipes his claw and the orange peel rolls off in a single curl.] - might be time to remind some of 'em that this isn't their afterlife, and their rules don't exactly apply. [The Sin pours in some liquor, capping the mix with a delicate tnk of steel on steel. He gives it a slight swirl and the ice inside rolls like rocks in a tumbler.] Ah, but I'm getting a little ahead of myself, aren't I? You still haven't gotten your ask.
[The drink he pours out this time is a heavier one. A simple mix of half vodka, half orange juice with a lick of bitters for good measure. Greed holds the peel over a candle nearby, turning the edges of it to a slight char. He shoves a toothpick through it before setting it on the rim of the glass. Then, with a push, he sends it over to Maurice.]
[Greed pinches Maurice's drink by the brim, dragging it away.] There's always going to be those. The self-righteous types. [He starts in, his voice as smooth as a velvet chaser.] And when something doesn't go their way? They look for someone else to blame. That's the thing with people like that. They tend to forget what others are worth.
[At the last bit, his teeth snap together; a light tck. The Sin shoves the glass underneath the counter and as he stretches his back, the fur along his neck slowly rises; its movement more similar to the pull of lifting static. He lets the side of his head sag near his shoulder.] Sounds like it's more their problem than yours, hmn? [The question tickles on his tongue, making the split of it flutter behind his teeth.] Our friends up above have the whole thing wrong. What's good, what's bad. It's never mattered to me.
As for that other thing - [Setting down a fresh glass with one hand, the former homunculus snags an orange with the other. He eases the edge of his thumb against the skin and with a sharp jerk of the wrist, he begins to peel it.] - everyone's got their secrets. We'll just leave it at that.
[Ah, but there's that heat. That simmering, bubbling heat and he knows it, doesn't he? That fine line between frustration and anger that can so easily boil over to wrath. Greed sinks his claw into the orange and as its skin bursts, he levels it over the shaker.] Careful there. As much as I don't blame you, think about it, huh? Would do you no good to make things messier than they have to be. But -
[He swipes his claw and the orange peel rolls off in a single curl.] - might be time to remind some of 'em that this isn't their afterlife, and their rules don't exactly apply. [The Sin pours in some liquor, capping the mix with a delicate tnk of steel on steel. He gives it a slight swirl and the ice inside rolls like rocks in a tumbler.] Ah, but I'm getting a little ahead of myself, aren't I? You still haven't gotten your ask.
[The drink he pours out this time is a heavier one. A simple mix of half vodka, half orange juice with a lick of bitters for good measure. Greed holds the peel over a candle nearby, turning the edges of it to a slight char. He shoves a toothpick through it before setting it on the rim of the glass. Then, with a push, he sends it over to Maurice.]
kind of a stupid question blues. i always need something. but no. just make sure you bring it your all. i wont hold back and i'll expect the same.
ha ! this place is really making you work for it huh? fine then. but skip the suit this time. think you can manage that?
i;ll be in the basement. just let yourself in
ha ! this place is really making you work for it huh? fine then. but skip the suit this time. think you can manage that?
i;ll be in the basement. just let yourself in
Edited (gunna wwe html in the back of the parking lot) 2024-11-25 03:48 (UTC)
Greed? Are you down here?
[ He doesn’t reply back but, true to his word, he is walking into the basement less than ten minutes later, carefully descending to search for him. ]
It was far from a stupid question, by the way. It was my attempt to figure out what I could get you to thank you for helping me. Now you’ll simply have to settle for what is in this bag.
[ Which he waggles noisily to lure him out of whatever corner he is hiding in. Inside of it? An assortment of bath bombs which, after last month, he knows he enjoys. As if he was going to find himself in a strange bathroom and not survey it.
When Greed does emerge, he’ll find that Michael did opt to forego the suit in favor of something a bit more comfortable and casual, with his sleeves hiked up. Greed is right, best not to bloody up one of his suits. ]
Thank you for humoring me.
[ He doesn’t reply back but, true to his word, he is walking into the basement less than ten minutes later, carefully descending to search for him. ]
It was far from a stupid question, by the way. It was my attempt to figure out what I could get you to thank you for helping me. Now you’ll simply have to settle for what is in this bag.
[ Which he waggles noisily to lure him out of whatever corner he is hiding in. Inside of it? An assortment of bath bombs which, after last month, he knows he enjoys. As if he was going to find himself in a strange bathroom and not survey it.
When Greed does emerge, he’ll find that Michael did opt to forego the suit in favor of something a bit more comfortable and casual, with his sleeves hiked up. Greed is right, best not to bloody up one of his suits. ]
Thank you for humoring me.
[While he doesn't answer, by the way the door to the basement waits open and wide, it's all too clear where he is. Without a crowd to drown them out, a few of the bulbs down below hum in the quiet; their sound a white noise, electrified and dim. The basement itself isn't exactly bright. Between the grit-speckled lights and sprawling halls, it stands like a maze of sorts. A maze of dark corners, darker shadows, and endless turns that seem to go on forever in a maddening loop.]
[And of course, there's stuff: barrels of liquor, crates with only God-knows-what inside, cash, junk, what may have once been a grandfather clock, now stripped bare. A single rat scampers when Michael makes his way down, its whiskers twitching worriedly.]
[Finally though, the Sin chimes in and when he speaks, his voice shudders. A low, raspy note:] Where else would I be? [He asks, dragging himself out from one of the backrooms. With his claws wrapped around the doorframe, he slips from the gloom and the red of his eyes shrinks away.] And it's still a stupid question. I want everything, Michael. Haven't we gone through this already?
[He lightly touches his lips together, smarmy and cool. From the look of things, he's been busy doing something. His vest is missing, a thin smear of oil touches along his cheek. Greed tilts his head and as he turns his attention on Michael, he thumbs his chin.] Thanking me? For what? Don't think what I'm about to do to you is something you typically thank someone for.
[Still, he plucks up the bag by the handle and the tips of his claws sink through the paper.] After. [He slurs, showing off a sliver of teeth.] You can decide on whether or not to thank me then. Just don't take it personally. It was you who asked for it, after all. [The length of his tail swipes behind him, throwing up a cloud of rich, char-thick soot. Greed leads on ahead and as he moves down the hall, he elbows a switch, causing the lights up above to shiver; their brightness masked in a milky, hazy film.]
[Without an event to be had, the room for Fight Night is a little less cluttered than usual. The chairs that would normally circle around the cage have been stacked against a far wall, leaving most of the floor empty. Greed sets the bag down near a corner. He settles the side of his boot against it, urging it up along the concrete wall with a gentle shove.] So, one punch? That's it, and you get that sword of yours back? [The question comes with a roll of his neck and as his bones pop, the former homunculus languidly runs the butt of his palm against the back of his head.]
Suppose it's not a bad deal, but it still seems like a whole lotta trouble. [While his arm drops back to his side, his 'Shield rises. Up, up, up his arms, it goes; its shine of carbon glinting like black ice. Greed turns on his heel and as two of his hands find his hips, he pats his foot against the ground.]
So, should we do it here, or would you rather we make this official?
[And of course, there's stuff: barrels of liquor, crates with only God-knows-what inside, cash, junk, what may have once been a grandfather clock, now stripped bare. A single rat scampers when Michael makes his way down, its whiskers twitching worriedly.]
[Finally though, the Sin chimes in and when he speaks, his voice shudders. A low, raspy note:] Where else would I be? [He asks, dragging himself out from one of the backrooms. With his claws wrapped around the doorframe, he slips from the gloom and the red of his eyes shrinks away.] And it's still a stupid question. I want everything, Michael. Haven't we gone through this already?
[He lightly touches his lips together, smarmy and cool. From the look of things, he's been busy doing something. His vest is missing, a thin smear of oil touches along his cheek. Greed tilts his head and as he turns his attention on Michael, he thumbs his chin.] Thanking me? For what? Don't think what I'm about to do to you is something you typically thank someone for.
[Still, he plucks up the bag by the handle and the tips of his claws sink through the paper.] After. [He slurs, showing off a sliver of teeth.] You can decide on whether or not to thank me then. Just don't take it personally. It was you who asked for it, after all. [The length of his tail swipes behind him, throwing up a cloud of rich, char-thick soot. Greed leads on ahead and as he moves down the hall, he elbows a switch, causing the lights up above to shiver; their brightness masked in a milky, hazy film.]
[Without an event to be had, the room for Fight Night is a little less cluttered than usual. The chairs that would normally circle around the cage have been stacked against a far wall, leaving most of the floor empty. Greed sets the bag down near a corner. He settles the side of his boot against it, urging it up along the concrete wall with a gentle shove.] So, one punch? That's it, and you get that sword of yours back? [The question comes with a roll of his neck and as his bones pop, the former homunculus languidly runs the butt of his palm against the back of his head.]
Suppose it's not a bad deal, but it still seems like a whole lotta trouble. [While his arm drops back to his side, his 'Shield rises. Up, up, up his arms, it goes; its shine of carbon glinting like black ice. Greed turns on his heel and as two of his hands find his hips, he pats his foot against the ground.]
So, should we do it here, or would you rather we make this official?
[ Living by your own rules sounds so cool...but also kind of lonely. He wonders if this cool cat ever feels lonely. He makes it look so easy. ]
I thought the extra drink was my ask...
[ He grabs his drink and takes a moment to appreciate the unique smell before taking a sip. Oh! That's different! He likes it a little more than the Widow actually. ]
Uhmmm...let's see.
[ His usual electric nerves that run through him when In A Social Situation have started to quiet their incessant buzzing. His shoulders un-hunch and he rolls his head from one side to the other as if making sure to coat all surfaces of his brain with the alcohol.]
Can I pet you? You're like a...big kitty.
I thought the extra drink was my ask...
[ He grabs his drink and takes a moment to appreciate the unique smell before taking a sip. Oh! That's different! He likes it a little more than the Widow actually. ]
Uhmmm...let's see.
[ His usual electric nerves that run through him when In A Social Situation have started to quiet their incessant buzzing. His shoulders un-hunch and he rolls his head from one side to the other as if making sure to coat all surfaces of his brain with the alcohol.]
Can I pet you? You're like a...big kitty.
greed you hear about people that dont fuck even though they clearly want to???????? in the afterlife? where nothing matters? you know about this shit?????
Edited 2024-12-03 23:32 (UTC)
[It takes him a second. Because someone? Denying themselves? In front of his whole avarice? Oh, no, no, no. That simply won't do.]
ah ? i know a few who arnt interested. and othrs that are lookin for a little more. no shame in either. but what youre talking about. thats a little different. what do they think they dont deserve it or something? gunna have to give me a little more showstopper
who are we talkkin about exacty?
ah ? i know a few who arnt interested. and othrs that are lookin for a little more. no shame in either. but what youre talking about. thats a little different. what do they think they dont deserve it or something? gunna have to give me a little more showstopper
who are we talkkin about exacty?
something something work comes first something something
but work ends EVENTUALLY?????? AND THEN WHAT??????
you know Big Daddy Lucifer's brother? good pal of mine, helped me with a lot of shit, but then he turns around and does this??
but work ends EVENTUALLY?????? AND THEN WHAT??????
you know Big Daddy Lucifer's brother? good pal of mine, helped me with a lot of shit, but then he turns around and does this??
eh for some maybe. job's a job but i've never let that get in the way of somthing i wanted
[But now, oh does it all fall into place. And if there's a howl coming from one of the backrooms at the 'Nest? Well, it's always the devil you know, isn't it?]
HA blue eyes huh ? you could say i know him. denies himslf a lot more than just that. dont understand it myself but thats just his nature showstopper. can't fault him for it
still youre not wrong. guy needs to get out a little more. experience people. suppose its a family thing. morningstars and their lack of selfworth. maybe its about time we give him a remindr huh? might not be somthing you and i would want but everyone wants something. even ol feathers
big daddy lucifer huh? 💖
[But now, oh does it all fall into place. And if there's a howl coming from one of the backrooms at the 'Nest? Well, it's always the devil you know, isn't it?]
HA blue eyes huh ? you could say i know him. denies himslf a lot more than just that. dont understand it myself but thats just his nature showstopper. can't fault him for it
still youre not wrong. guy needs to get out a little more. experience people. suppose its a family thing. morningstars and their lack of selfworth. maybe its about time we give him a remindr huh? might not be somthing you and i would want but everyone wants something. even ol feathers
big daddy lucifer huh? 💖
as much as i hung out with lucifer i never did get to know a lot about him. same with mikey
come on man!!! hes the devil!!! you gotta have it bad for the devil!!!
come on man!!! hes the devil!!! you gotta have it bad for the devil!!!
everyones got their secrets beetle. but luce well. he had the same problem. just hope he took my advice
blues isnt a bad one either. just thinks he doesnt deserve it. didnt sit well with me before. doesn't now. hes at the nest some nights. when the rest of ya head back to the hotel. why dont you stick around some time? i'm sure youd be able to show him a thing or two. and i dont mean to fuck. guy needs to see that there's a lot more to this afterlife than whatrvr plan that other heaven had in mind for him
HA all right all right. if youre gunna have it bad for anyone guess luce isnt a bad choice
blues isnt a bad one either. just thinks he doesnt deserve it. didnt sit well with me before. doesn't now. hes at the nest some nights. when the rest of ya head back to the hotel. why dont you stick around some time? i'm sure youd be able to show him a thing or two. and i dont mean to fuck. guy needs to see that there's a lot more to this afterlife than whatrvr plan that other heaven had in mind for him
HA all right all right. if youre gunna have it bad for anyone guess luce isnt a bad choice
[ Beetlejuice puzzles over what else Greed could mean. He's sure Michael won't talk. He's tried to talk to him about his feelings before, but he just kept deflecting to BJ's--which worked because even if he's learned empathy he's still pretty self-absorbed. ]
it cant hurt to try. maybe a few drinks and a little karaoke will loosen him up
it cant hurt to try. maybe a few drinks and a little karaoke will loosen him up
[He'd be lying if he said he wasn't avoiding talking about certain things himself. Certain complications, certain unexpected(s), certain people. Greed idly taps the side of his phone with his nail before replying.]
no harm in trying right? might not loosen him up but maybe itll get him out of his head for a while. besides who knows how to have a little bit of fun more than you?
just remember what i said. everyones got their secrets. and sometimes theyre just not worth telling
no harm in trying right? might not loosen him up but maybe itll get him out of his head for a while. besides who knows how to have a little bit of fun more than you?
just remember what i said. everyones got their secrets. and sometimes theyre just not worth telling
that i can do! on it, boss!
[ Beetlejuice will ponder on secrets for a little while. ]
[ Beetlejuice will ponder on secrets for a little while. ]
[ Following the fiasco with tea, he finds himself locating his phone to send out a short, but sweet, message to Greed. Of everyone here, he knows he will not ask unnecessary questions.
Because this? This is something he will take to his grave. ]
I’m going to have to take a rain check on tonight, something came up and I am not myself at the moment.
Please give Miss Kamora my regards, I sent someone to deliver her fish. Thank you for understanding.
Because this? This is something he will take to his grave. ]
I’m going to have to take a rain check on tonight, something came up and I am not myself at the moment.
Please give Miss Kamora my regards, I sent someone to deliver her fish. Thank you for understanding.
[He's halfway onto the saddle of his motorcycle when he sees the screen light up. Beneath Hell's newfound spell of rain, the glare from the phone cuts at the mist. It bites at both the air and his face with a flash of bright white; the look of it more similar to a search lamp waving in the dark.]
[Greed rolls a toothpick on his lip. The message is just a little concerning. Michael never misses an appointment, especially one planned. And as a fog of hot air snakes out from the corner of his mouth, the former homunculus swipes at the screen. It could mean anything, really. Things come up, plans change, but given all that's happened to the Archangel so far - ]
[He shakes off a bit of rain from his shoulders.]
yknow you dont have to tell me. about not coming i mean. its not like i'd be offended blues
speaking of a rain looks like things down her e arent their usual either. feels like how it used to get back home round this time of year. might be somthin to do with it
ha ! shes got her claws in yuo already does she? dont let her fool you. but sure i;ll let her know
[There's a pause, then:]
ah well. need to get somthing up there anyway. tell whoevr you sent the fish to to leave it in your balcony
[Greed rolls a toothpick on his lip. The message is just a little concerning. Michael never misses an appointment, especially one planned. And as a fog of hot air snakes out from the corner of his mouth, the former homunculus swipes at the screen. It could mean anything, really. Things come up, plans change, but given all that's happened to the Archangel so far - ]
[He shakes off a bit of rain from his shoulders.]
yknow you dont have to tell me. about not coming i mean. its not like i'd be offended blues
speaking of a rain looks like things down her e arent their usual either. feels like how it used to get back home round this time of year. might be somthin to do with it
ha ! shes got her claws in yuo already does she? dont let her fool you. but sure i;ll let her know
[There's a pause, then:]
ah well. need to get somthing up there anyway. tell whoevr you sent the fish to to leave it in your balcony
When I make appointments, I am in the habit of keeping them. It might not offend you but it bothers me.
If you have to go out in it, be careful. It could be the calm before the storm, I don’t trust this place to make us anything less than miserable during the holidays.
Fool me? Not at all, it is just common courtesy. Underestimating her capabilities would be foolish for any man, she did not get where she is today by being a pushover. Respect is earned.
[ An even longer pause: ]
It would be ill-advised to come here. I will leave it out there nonetheless.
If you have to go out in it, be careful. It could be the calm before the storm, I don’t trust this place to make us anything less than miserable during the holidays.
Fool me? Not at all, it is just common courtesy. Underestimating her capabilities would be foolish for any man, she did not get where she is today by being a pushover. Respect is earned.
[ An even longer pause: ]
It would be ill-advised to come here. I will leave it out there nonetheless.
yeah yeah i know. can't have somthing out of place even if it is just the usual. youre predictable blues
already am. told ya i had somethings to take care of. havent run into any trouble yet and maddys still working. don't worry about me. but if it makes you feel any bettr i'll keep it in mind
no. a few have learned the hard way when it comes to kam. but i douobt shes going to hold it against you
[She will.]
wouldnt be the first time someones told me that. i'll be fine, M. whatvr you got going on. well we've already been through some things havnt we?
promise i wont pick your lock this time. that fair enough for ya?
already am. told ya i had somethings to take care of. havent run into any trouble yet and maddys still working. don't worry about me. but if it makes you feel any bettr i'll keep it in mind
no. a few have learned the hard way when it comes to kam. but i douobt shes going to hold it against you
[She will.]
wouldnt be the first time someones told me that. i'll be fine, M. whatvr you got going on. well we've already been through some things havnt we?
promise i wont pick your lock this time. that fair enough for ya?
I am a creature of habit, yes, but at least it means I am rarely out of sorts. There is nothing wrong with having a routine, it staves off the monotony of the day.
I have a sneaking suspicion that, even if the world was coming to an end, you would venture outside if something caught your eye. In short: I’m not surprised you would travel in this. Stay warm, please. If you need warmer clothes then ask, I will bring them to our next meeting.
I know for a fact that she would, and so do you.
Not this. It is precisely because it is so out of the ordinary that I am suffering. You have seen me at my worst, however, yes. Which is why I am being candid about this.
Greed. I haven’t locked my door since the last time you snuck in here. It is more of an office than a room, so it will always be open. Knowing what awaits them if they do, no one else has been foolish enough to enter without permission. There is nothing if value for them here.
[ When he drops by to scoop up Kam’s prize, there is also a reusable grocery bag containing a bunch of winter apparel for men, women and children. Unlike a certain thieving rogue, he purchased these with his own money. ]
I have a sneaking suspicion that, even if the world was coming to an end, you would venture outside if something caught your eye. In short: I’m not surprised you would travel in this. Stay warm, please. If you need warmer clothes then ask, I will bring them to our next meeting.
I know for a fact that she would, and so do you.
Not this. It is precisely because it is so out of the ordinary that I am suffering. You have seen me at my worst, however, yes. Which is why I am being candid about this.
Greed. I haven’t locked my door since the last time you snuck in here. It is more of an office than a room, so it will always be open. Knowing what awaits them if they do, no one else has been foolish enough to enter without permission. There is nothing if value for them here.
[ When he drops by to scoop up Kam’s prize, there is also a reusable grocery bag containing a bunch of winter apparel for men, women and children. Unlike a certain thieving rogue, he purchased these with his own money. ]
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