[He gets the last swipe of blood out of her fur with a press of the towel, sending it gushing out what little water it has left. A spittle of soap and suds drips over his claws and onto the floor. So, that's it. It's not just that she's been carrying this, but she's gotten her own share of backlash about it. And what does an animal do when it's cornered? It bites. It bites and howls and hoots and hollers until the threat has gone away.]
[Greed gives her hands another quick once over, flipping them palms-up and palms-down to make sure he's gotten most of it.] I didn't say things didn't come without a price, Vel. But that doesn't mean you can't make up for it, hmn? [He finds a spot he didn't quite fully get and with little thought, the Sin pushes his thumb into his mouth it, sucks it, then pops it out.] And it won't cost ya much. Just admit you fucked up, that's all.
[He presses his thumb into the red smear to finally buff it clean.] Sometimes, it's easy to forget that. Yeah, you let those emotions of yours get the better of ya. But now you know you should have done something differently, right? They'll get over it. [His job effectively done, the former homunculus yanks his hands away to settle them on his thighs. The blood on his pants is already starting to do that thing he remembers. Slowly and surely, what was once liquid begins to fade - the ashes of it more similar to a wind blowing away a fire long-since dead.]
[Greed eases up and stretches his knees as he tries to stand.] Want me to talk to them? [He asks as if it's so damn easy. But it isn't. This is complicated. People are complicated, mortal lives are complicated, this afterlife is complicated. And the strings are slowly starting to knot together.]
[Eventually, he'll have to meet Valentino.]
[However, that's another time. Another place. The Sin sighs softy as he tests his neck by swinging it slowly one way then the next.] Think it would be worth a lot more if you did it, if I'm being honest. But just say the word.
[Greed gives her hands another quick once over, flipping them palms-up and palms-down to make sure he's gotten most of it.] I didn't say things didn't come without a price, Vel. But that doesn't mean you can't make up for it, hmn? [He finds a spot he didn't quite fully get and with little thought, the Sin pushes his thumb into his mouth it, sucks it, then pops it out.] And it won't cost ya much. Just admit you fucked up, that's all.
[He presses his thumb into the red smear to finally buff it clean.] Sometimes, it's easy to forget that. Yeah, you let those emotions of yours get the better of ya. But now you know you should have done something differently, right? They'll get over it. [His job effectively done, the former homunculus yanks his hands away to settle them on his thighs. The blood on his pants is already starting to do that thing he remembers. Slowly and surely, what was once liquid begins to fade - the ashes of it more similar to a wind blowing away a fire long-since dead.]
[Greed eases up and stretches his knees as he tries to stand.] Want me to talk to them? [He asks as if it's so damn easy. But it isn't. This is complicated. People are complicated, mortal lives are complicated, this afterlife is complicated. And the strings are slowly starting to knot together.]
[Eventually, he'll have to meet Valentino.]
[However, that's another time. Another place. The Sin sighs softy as he tests his neck by swinging it slowly one way then the next.] Think it would be worth a lot more if you did it, if I'm being honest. But just say the word.
[Velvet watches Greed stand, watches the gore turn to dust on him, and like a child very much almost reaches out and touches it— though when Greed begins to roll his neck, she withdraws her hand. Her fur retains moisture strangely, waterproof, little tufts sticking up on her wrists like they're gelled, and she curls her fingers in toward her palm, standing up as well.]
No— no...
[Velvet takes another breath and shakes her head. That's too many pieces outside of her control, for one thing. Too many things she doesn't get to hear others say, too many variables.]
I can do it. Besides— Ven probably won't even be mad tomorrow.
[She sounds a little less confident saying that than she sounded talking about stabbing Valentino, which is maybe not the healthiest. She carries on, though, rubbing at her own fur on her hands— it's interesting, every time, considering the water isn't wet where she's from, and observing it is distracting enough to keep her from making any worried faces.
She's not confident about saying anythign to Angel, but— knowing Veneer, she'll have to. And Veneer, well.
He'd kicked her out of his room for the night, not out of his life.
He'd... never go that far. She knows it. They're twins.]
...But it's like, cool, if I stick around with you for a while, right?
No— no...
[Velvet takes another breath and shakes her head. That's too many pieces outside of her control, for one thing. Too many things she doesn't get to hear others say, too many variables.]
I can do it. Besides— Ven probably won't even be mad tomorrow.
[She sounds a little less confident saying that than she sounded talking about stabbing Valentino, which is maybe not the healthiest. She carries on, though, rubbing at her own fur on her hands— it's interesting, every time, considering the water isn't wet where she's from, and observing it is distracting enough to keep her from making any worried faces.
She's not confident about saying anythign to Angel, but— knowing Veneer, she'll have to. And Veneer, well.
He'd kicked her out of his room for the night, not out of his life.
He'd... never go that far. She knows it. They're twins.]
...But it's like, cool, if I stick around with you for a while, right?
[Distractedly, Greed dips his hands into the sink to give them a final rinse. The mirror in the bathroom isn't in the best condition. Pockmarks of rust and tarnish eat at the corners to take bites out of his reflection. Kind of poetic, given how their evening played out. She'd taken a piece of him, and he'd stood up again. Stood up again with a smile that was almost a thank you.]
[The former homunculus catches his own eyes in the mirror and the pricks of them go still. He dips his chin.] Sorry Vel, but that's a pretty stupid question, don't you think? [He shoots a half-lidded glance her way and ah, isn't is so awful? So wrong, that a monster could have a heart?]
[With a final turn of the dial, the Sin cuts the flow to the sink. It causes the water to spin down, down, down the drain and with it, all of the horrors of the night follow. Valentino and his deals. Velvet and her losses. He knows them now. Knows them and as such, can plan for when things really take a turn for the worse. Greed sways towards the door and with a yank of his shoulder, he asks her to follow without a single word.]
Don't feel like making the ride back to the hotel myself. We can crash here for the night. That is, if that's something you'd be interested in. [He says cheekily, the forks of his tongue flicking a playful note behind his teeth.] And if you really hate the couch, feel free to use me. Not like I need to sleep much anyway.
[The former homunculus catches his own eyes in the mirror and the pricks of them go still. He dips his chin.] Sorry Vel, but that's a pretty stupid question, don't you think? [He shoots a half-lidded glance her way and ah, isn't is so awful? So wrong, that a monster could have a heart?]
[With a final turn of the dial, the Sin cuts the flow to the sink. It causes the water to spin down, down, down the drain and with it, all of the horrors of the night follow. Valentino and his deals. Velvet and her losses. He knows them now. Knows them and as such, can plan for when things really take a turn for the worse. Greed sways towards the door and with a yank of his shoulder, he asks her to follow without a single word.]
Don't feel like making the ride back to the hotel myself. We can crash here for the night. That is, if that's something you'd be interested in. [He says cheekily, the forks of his tongue flicking a playful note behind his teeth.] And if you really hate the couch, feel free to use me. Not like I need to sleep much anyway.
[For just a moment, Velvet thinks— oh no, she's done the wrong thing. That's a stupid question, don't you think? But then— no, no, once again she is being invited into Greed's space.
Velvet rolls her eyes, flicks her hands through her hair and lifts her nose, huffing as she strides past him, like some kind of spoiled cat. Her tail quivers almost like a cat's, too, like that expression of excitement but somehow more snakelike, more rubbery, more unreal. She turns to face him and walk backward— head first, then torso, then legs— so that she can see him while she talks.
Maybe a diva wouldn't want to spend the night in some seedy bar talking to the first person she's found interesting in a while. But the thing about playing dress-up is that you get to choose what you do in the role and Velvet has already decided that being a Diva means getting what she wants even if it doesn't seem to suit the role.]
You're such a flirt. I've slept on couches, you know.
But, come to think of it, I've never slept on some cool old scary man...
[A tap-tap-tap of her lip before Velvet gives a coy smile.]
That's some kind of achievement, isn't it?
[Maybe it's one she'll hold over Veneer's head.
Or maybe it's one she'll treasure for herself.]
Velvet rolls her eyes, flicks her hands through her hair and lifts her nose, huffing as she strides past him, like some kind of spoiled cat. Her tail quivers almost like a cat's, too, like that expression of excitement but somehow more snakelike, more rubbery, more unreal. She turns to face him and walk backward— head first, then torso, then legs— so that she can see him while she talks.
Maybe a diva wouldn't want to spend the night in some seedy bar talking to the first person she's found interesting in a while. But the thing about playing dress-up is that you get to choose what you do in the role and Velvet has already decided that being a Diva means getting what she wants even if it doesn't seem to suit the role.]
You're such a flirt. I've slept on couches, you know.
But, come to think of it, I've never slept on some cool old scary man...
[A tap-tap-tap of her lip before Velvet gives a coy smile.]
That's some kind of achievement, isn't it?
[Maybe it's one she'll hold over Veneer's head.
Or maybe it's one she'll treasure for herself.]
[He's always amazed how quickly she can pick herself back up, both mentally and physically. Her whole everything seems made for it. Every set back, a minor one. Every hurdle, an easy jump. And just like rubber, she'll always bounce back.]
[Greed slinks in her wake and as he finds himself again (with that casual slouch that's all him, with that stride that takes everything with each solid clack of his boots), his lips crack open.] Oh. And now you're talking shit. I see, I see. [He says it with a humor that's obvious. Something only good friends could understand. Something only creatures, devils, like the two of them could possibly grasp. It comes with knowing someone, even if that knowing doesn't include all the fine details.]
[He doesn't care what Velvet's done, only what she will do. And she's proven herself tenfold tonight.]
[The former homunculus lifts his chin, showing off his throat as a dare.] An achievement? Is that what we're calling this now? Cheeky mink. [He laughs, and gone is that chill from before. Like a hot, summer breeze, his demeanor chases away the cold with just a smile. A smile that bites, that guarantees, the world on a dinner plate.]
[Greed waves his hand.] Yeah, yeah. C'mon, Princess Pissant. Let's get you your beauty rest.
[Greed slinks in her wake and as he finds himself again (with that casual slouch that's all him, with that stride that takes everything with each solid clack of his boots), his lips crack open.] Oh. And now you're talking shit. I see, I see. [He says it with a humor that's obvious. Something only good friends could understand. Something only creatures, devils, like the two of them could possibly grasp. It comes with knowing someone, even if that knowing doesn't include all the fine details.]
[He doesn't care what Velvet's done, only what she will do. And she's proven herself tenfold tonight.]
[The former homunculus lifts his chin, showing off his throat as a dare.] An achievement? Is that what we're calling this now? Cheeky mink. [He laughs, and gone is that chill from before. Like a hot, summer breeze, his demeanor chases away the cold with just a smile. A smile that bites, that guarantees, the world on a dinner plate.]
[Greed waves his hand.] Yeah, yeah. C'mon, Princess Pissant. Let's get you your beauty rest.
➥ Action (CW: nudity and general pillow talk activities)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
darlingdraculina
2024-05-01 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[How long will he tolerate her jingling his horn bling before he tells her off? She's not necessarily trying to test his patience, but they've already done the fucking around part, so naturally the "find out" portion will follow. Though surely putting up with her playing with his jewelry is an equivalent enough exchange for getting to test the plushness of her pillows, isn't it?]
...You're ridiculous, you know. [Says the one having a blast trying to play some kind of tune with the very thing she's poking fun at. Seras snickers teasingly, blinking slow and lazy like a well-fed cat lounging in the sun, watching the sin nestled so cozily in the warmth of her bosom for any sign of life. He doesn't have to sleep, sure, but that doesn't mean he can't be drained.]
Did you always decorate yourself like some sort of king?
[It would make sense, he is Greed, after all. The picture book in her mind's eye is imagining him sitting among piles of gold, decked out in jewelry and crowns and rings... so basically like he is now, but for some reason in a golden toga? She doesn't have a great idea of the era he comes from, just that he's old okay- maybe he was a Roman emporer or something!]
...You're ridiculous, you know. [Says the one having a blast trying to play some kind of tune with the very thing she's poking fun at. Seras snickers teasingly, blinking slow and lazy like a well-fed cat lounging in the sun, watching the sin nestled so cozily in the warmth of her bosom for any sign of life. He doesn't have to sleep, sure, but that doesn't mean he can't be drained.]
Did you always decorate yourself like some sort of king?
[It would make sense, he is Greed, after all. The picture book in her mind's eye is imagining him sitting among piles of gold, decked out in jewelry and crowns and rings... so basically like he is now, but for some reason in a golden toga? She doesn't have a great idea of the era he comes from, just that he's old okay- maybe he was a Roman emporer or something!]
Of course we are!
I'm an achiever, Greed.
I achieve.
[She is energized by his response, despite the fatigue. This is how she always wants Greed to look at her, like she's a brilliant shining star, like he can see the world he wants to own in her eyes. Like she is desired by him, and like she will never see his disinterest again.
She'll make sure she doesn't.]
I do like the sound of that, though. 'Princess' is a good word.
You should say it more often~
[Teasing comes easy. Playing along with that humor, like the both of them are mean to each other, like that meanness can possibly cover up how much and how much and how deep Greed has wound his way into Velvet's vinyl heart.]
I'm an achiever, Greed.
I achieve.
[She is energized by his response, despite the fatigue. This is how she always wants Greed to look at her, like she's a brilliant shining star, like he can see the world he wants to own in her eyes. Like she is desired by him, and like she will never see his disinterest again.
She'll make sure she doesn't.]
I do like the sound of that, though. 'Princess' is a good word.
You should say it more often~
[Teasing comes easy. Playing along with that humor, like the both of them are mean to each other, like that meanness can possibly cover up how much and how much and how deep Greed has wound his way into Velvet's vinyl heart.]
[It's been two weeks since the 'Nest opened, and a lot has changed, hasn't it? Not in terms of anything ground breaking, but there's more of a routine now. A comfort. Sure, not all of his possessions employees are rubbing elbows and chumming it up. Yet, a sense of belonging is starting to form. A little pit of criminals, thieves, outcasts, and all others taking their part of Hell and making it their very own.]
[Greed guides a half-smoked cigarette into his mouth and sucks at it, turning the tip a bright orange.] Mn. Don't know what you're talking about, Seras. [Smoke spools off his teeth when he talks, making shapes that twist and hang like phantoms leaving the scene. The former homunculus lets his arm hang off the bed as he taps a bit of ash into a tray on the floor.] I'm just me. You should know already that I'm not the sort to hold anything back.
[His smile breaks the fumes, cutting them to shreds that skirt and skate away. Greed stretches his legs, forcing his toes to splay out and his claws to stretch like a cat soaking lazily in the sun.] Ah, no. Not exactly. A lot of that came when I got here. [To clarify, he taps the gem in the center of his forehead.] Can't complain about it, though. Least our friends have good taste.
[He takes another thoughtful drag, forcing the burn to pillow in his throat. He probably should have asked before lighting one up, but old habits and all. The Sin takes one last pull before shoving the butt into the tray, smearing it fresh with a thin line of tar.]
[Greed guides a half-smoked cigarette into his mouth and sucks at it, turning the tip a bright orange.] Mn. Don't know what you're talking about, Seras. [Smoke spools off his teeth when he talks, making shapes that twist and hang like phantoms leaving the scene. The former homunculus lets his arm hang off the bed as he taps a bit of ash into a tray on the floor.] I'm just me. You should know already that I'm not the sort to hold anything back.
[His smile breaks the fumes, cutting them to shreds that skirt and skate away. Greed stretches his legs, forcing his toes to splay out and his claws to stretch like a cat soaking lazily in the sun.] Ah, no. Not exactly. A lot of that came when I got here. [To clarify, he taps the gem in the center of his forehead.] Can't complain about it, though. Least our friends have good taste.
[He takes another thoughtful drag, forcing the burn to pillow in his throat. He probably should have asked before lighting one up, but old habits and all. The Sin takes one last pull before shoving the butt into the tray, smearing it fresh with a thin line of tar.]
Edited (BECAUSE I CAN'T READ...) 2024-05-04 14:18 (UTC)
Mm, So I guess if you were some sort of emporer or— [Why does the word "fuhrer" come to mind?] —royalty or whatever, you would've let us know by now, huh.
[She chuckles warmly (and reigning it in quickly, watching his head boounce around on her chest when she laughs just starts an endless cycle of giggles) gently stroking her claws across his scalp, around the base of his horns— she's learned that it feels really good to give herself a scritch around the horn, so why not share the pleasure, right? That's what they've gotten used to doing anyway.]
Mm... Though. I... Do have an... actual question. [And he doesn't hold anything back, she knows. He's done nothing but be honest with her.]
We know of the Seven Deadly Sins in my world, with Greed or... I think it's "Avarice," maybe? Bein' one of one of them. Then there's Lust and Sloth... Pride... Envy... [She's counting off on her unoccupied hand.] Oh! And Wrath, lord, I'd get in trouble for Wrath... I'm... Missing one, but anyway—
That means there's probably more of you, right? More living sins?
[The image in her mind's eye flashes to a small group of black-clad people with one swathed in white, watching her from far below. Her chest aches for a moment, but she shakes herself from the feeling.]
Or... did you name yourself after them? I know it's probably a silly question.
[She chuckles warmly (and reigning it in quickly, watching his head boounce around on her chest when she laughs just starts an endless cycle of giggles) gently stroking her claws across his scalp, around the base of his horns— she's learned that it feels really good to give herself a scritch around the horn, so why not share the pleasure, right? That's what they've gotten used to doing anyway.]
Mm... Though. I... Do have an... actual question. [And he doesn't hold anything back, she knows. He's done nothing but be honest with her.]
We know of the Seven Deadly Sins in my world, with Greed or... I think it's "Avarice," maybe? Bein' one of one of them. Then there's Lust and Sloth... Pride... Envy... [She's counting off on her unoccupied hand.] Oh! And Wrath, lord, I'd get in trouble for Wrath... I'm... Missing one, but anyway—
That means there's probably more of you, right? More living sins?
[The image in her mind's eye flashes to a small group of black-clad people with one swathed in white, watching her from far below. Her chest aches for a moment, but she shakes herself from the feeling.]
Or... did you name yourself after them? I know it's probably a silly question.
Edited 2024-05-04 18:16 (UTC)
Well, now that you mention it - [Greed lifts his arm, tipping his wrist and cocking out his thumb and index finger like a gun ready to fire.] - I was in the body of a prince once. A little shit that was going to be emperor at the end of it all. Does that count? [He doesn't want to think about Ling too much when they're like this, but it's a nice memory. The pissant had a crown in his mind's eye, and he had been all too willing to follow that road to its conclusion. Was going to, even in their final moments.]
[Promises, though. They're sometimes made to be broken. Not often, not even more than once. But that one time had been enough. Enough, enough, enough.]
[The Sin's eyes drearily open to watch the last hints of smoke fade in the hollow of her room. She asks something and she doesn't know. How could she? It's easy to assume there's more of them. After all, seven makes a set. However, that set has never really suited him. The way he was made, the reason he was created in the first place. Greed drops his hand to rest it on her knee. He lets his claws trace the warmth of the sheets, to feel the richness of them that has nothing to do with the fabric count and everything to do with her right here, right now.]
Avarice. Greed the Avaricious. [He speaks his own name, his fully given title, like a secret in the dark.] And yeah, you've got most of them. Lust, Gluttony, Sloth, Pride, Envy - [His voice hitches in his throat, chokes itself there, then squeezes through his teeth like a gunk-covered vent.] - Wrath. [The muscles in him tense before he can stop himself. Because unlike most things, it's that sin in particular he can't let go of. Can't forget because he'll always remember: the drips of a lonely sewer, the stench of blood and sulfur in the air, the sound of screams and gunshots.]
[Greed's nails scratch and this time, he catches himself before he can do any damage; the threads of the sheets merely plucked a bit more loose than before.] Not a stupid question, Seras. You'll hear a lot of people, especially those from that other Hell, talk about the Seven Deadly Sins. But they aren't mine. [The slits of his eyes constrict themselves, turning to needles in his skull.] Except for maybe one. I haven't checked if he stuck around though.
[A weight drops from his shoulders and oh, the crown's a heavy one, isn't it? The former homunculus hums and as he grabs one her hands, he plants his mouth on her fingers.] Don't have any other name, lovely. I am Greed. And that's all I'll ever be.
[Promises, though. They're sometimes made to be broken. Not often, not even more than once. But that one time had been enough. Enough, enough, enough.]
[The Sin's eyes drearily open to watch the last hints of smoke fade in the hollow of her room. She asks something and she doesn't know. How could she? It's easy to assume there's more of them. After all, seven makes a set. However, that set has never really suited him. The way he was made, the reason he was created in the first place. Greed drops his hand to rest it on her knee. He lets his claws trace the warmth of the sheets, to feel the richness of them that has nothing to do with the fabric count and everything to do with her right here, right now.]
Avarice. Greed the Avaricious. [He speaks his own name, his fully given title, like a secret in the dark.] And yeah, you've got most of them. Lust, Gluttony, Sloth, Pride, Envy - [His voice hitches in his throat, chokes itself there, then squeezes through his teeth like a gunk-covered vent.] - Wrath. [The muscles in him tense before he can stop himself. Because unlike most things, it's that sin in particular he can't let go of. Can't forget because he'll always remember: the drips of a lonely sewer, the stench of blood and sulfur in the air, the sound of screams and gunshots.]
[Greed's nails scratch and this time, he catches himself before he can do any damage; the threads of the sheets merely plucked a bit more loose than before.] Not a stupid question, Seras. You'll hear a lot of people, especially those from that other Hell, talk about the Seven Deadly Sins. But they aren't mine. [The slits of his eyes constrict themselves, turning to needles in his skull.] Except for maybe one. I haven't checked if he stuck around though.
[A weight drops from his shoulders and oh, the crown's a heavy one, isn't it? The former homunculus hums and as he grabs one her hands, he plants his mouth on her fingers.] Don't have any other name, lovely. I am Greed. And that's all I'll ever be.
[Seras knows Greed is hot-blooded— sometimes drinking from him can be like downing a fresh pot of coffee —but the burst of heat that comes from him when the word Wrath leaves his lips is like a solar flare in her chest, burning her up from the inside, out. The vampire chooses not to speak on it initially, unsure how to even put that feeling into words... It isn't that the girl hasn't known empathy— she can be quite the crybaby when it comes to certain people, and fight like hell to defend others —but she can't say she remembers it being so strong, before. Not like this.
Still, she chooses not to ask why he feels so strongly about the one named Wrath. Now is probably not the time for that.]
Mm, the hell that Angel's from, yeah. Think I heard'im say somethin' about that...
[Seras can't help but notice the difference between now and a mere ten minutes ago; all that fun and ferocious manhandling traded out for soft, sweet affection. If anyone were to ask why she keeps inviting him to her bed, she would tell them to shut the hell up and mind their business, but the answer would be that she keeps him coming back for this part, especially. She isn't naive enough to think she's the only one that gets this treatment from him— he's Greed and with great avarice comes great appetite, and unfortunately she is but one single meal —but it's nice to pretend, even for a little while, that she could be somebody's favorite.
Humming her approval as he presses his lips to her hand, her eyes fall on the red dragon that adorns his. Her curious gaze lingers there for a moment before she flips the configuration of their hands, lifting them both slightly to get a better look.]
This symbol. ...They have them, too. Don't they.
[Upon an ample breast, someone's leg, a shoulder, in a mouth-
An eye.
Beneath him, her breathing becomes shallow, her chest beginning to rise and fall a bit faster than before.
How many times am I going to have to kill you before you stay dead?
A trembling breath escapes her lips and she fights to suck it back in before Greed notices, returning to its confinement just as shakily as it left. Still, her hands betray her by picking up where her lungs left off.]
I've seen them.
[She murmurs more quietly than before, fingers tightening around his hand to force a stillness and will herself to reel whatever this horrible feeling is back in. Swallowing the knot in her throat, she breathes a soft, though decidedly humorless laugh.]
I- I mean, I think I've seen them. I've seen... this. [Giving his hand a little wiggle.] On someone else. I-in my dreams.
Still, she chooses not to ask why he feels so strongly about the one named Wrath. Now is probably not the time for that.]
Mm, the hell that Angel's from, yeah. Think I heard'im say somethin' about that...
[Seras can't help but notice the difference between now and a mere ten minutes ago; all that fun and ferocious manhandling traded out for soft, sweet affection. If anyone were to ask why she keeps inviting him to her bed, she would tell them to shut the hell up and mind their business, but the answer would be that she keeps him coming back for this part, especially. She isn't naive enough to think she's the only one that gets this treatment from him— he's Greed and with great avarice comes great appetite, and unfortunately she is but one single meal —but it's nice to pretend, even for a little while, that she could be somebody's favorite.
Humming her approval as he presses his lips to her hand, her eyes fall on the red dragon that adorns his. Her curious gaze lingers there for a moment before she flips the configuration of their hands, lifting them both slightly to get a better look.]
This symbol. ...They have them, too. Don't they.
[Upon an ample breast, someone's leg, a shoulder, in a mouth-
An eye.
Beneath him, her breathing becomes shallow, her chest beginning to rise and fall a bit faster than before.
How many times am I going to have to kill you before you stay dead?
A trembling breath escapes her lips and she fights to suck it back in before Greed notices, returning to its confinement just as shakily as it left. Still, her hands betray her by picking up where her lungs left off.]
I've seen them.
[She murmurs more quietly than before, fingers tightening around his hand to force a stillness and will herself to reel whatever this horrible feeling is back in. Swallowing the knot in her throat, she breathes a soft, though decidedly humorless laugh.]
I- I mean, I think I've seen them. I've seen... this. [Giving his hand a little wiggle.] On someone else. I-in my dreams.
[She says it, and it's like a shock going through his system. It stuns him, if only for a second or two. His breath hitches, cutting off just behind his teeth like a spark trying to ignite and finding nothing, nothing, at all. The ouroboros is the one, true thing that marks them; a scarlet-letter brand she couldn't know, unless - ]
[The slits of his eyes expand wildly, catching sight of something that isn't there, before shrinking again. Greed closes them and slowly releases her hand.] So, you know about them. [Not that he hid them from her or anyone else. But she seems to have seen something, a glimpse of sorts.]
[The former homunculus shifts, trying to sit up despite how much he doesn't want to. This is important, though. If she's got some sort of connection (and how the fuck did that happen), she deserves a little more context, doesn't she?] You're right, we all have one. It's in a different spot for each of us. [Greed bends forward at the torso, forcing his necklace to lift up and off his chest in a slow, pulse-beating rhythm.] Don't know how you're seeing that, but -
[He forces his eyes half open to stare at the wall. It won't give him an answer, and neither will all the snippets from before: Lust (with her smile that killed a thousand men), Pride (with eyes everywhere searching him out), Gluttony (with his dumb demeanor and childish outlook), Sloth (always tired and so ready to be done with the burden called living). Then, Envy and Wrath. He doesn't care to give either of those the time of mind. Shit's still worth shit at the end of the day.]
[The Sin hears the stone hanging on his horns choke itself on its chain and he lifts his shoulder.] Sorry you caught a look at them. Not exactly the nicest group to remember. [He says with a smile that's forced. So forced and practiced. The Ultimate Shield is, after all, the ultimate mask. And even if he doesn't have it up, even if his usual face is showing, that doesn't mean he can't fall into its convenient habits.]
[The slits of his eyes expand wildly, catching sight of something that isn't there, before shrinking again. Greed closes them and slowly releases her hand.] So, you know about them. [Not that he hid them from her or anyone else. But she seems to have seen something, a glimpse of sorts.]
[The former homunculus shifts, trying to sit up despite how much he doesn't want to. This is important, though. If she's got some sort of connection (and how the fuck did that happen), she deserves a little more context, doesn't she?] You're right, we all have one. It's in a different spot for each of us. [Greed bends forward at the torso, forcing his necklace to lift up and off his chest in a slow, pulse-beating rhythm.] Don't know how you're seeing that, but -
[He forces his eyes half open to stare at the wall. It won't give him an answer, and neither will all the snippets from before: Lust (with her smile that killed a thousand men), Pride (with eyes everywhere searching him out), Gluttony (with his dumb demeanor and childish outlook), Sloth (always tired and so ready to be done with the burden called living). Then, Envy and Wrath. He doesn't care to give either of those the time of mind. Shit's still worth shit at the end of the day.]
[The Sin hears the stone hanging on his horns choke itself on its chain and he lifts his shoulder.] Sorry you caught a look at them. Not exactly the nicest group to remember. [He says with a smile that's forced. So forced and practiced. The Ultimate Shield is, after all, the ultimate mask. And even if he doesn't have it up, even if his usual face is showing, that doesn't mean he can't fall into its convenient habits.]
[A soft sound, barely that of a whimper escapes her as he sits up and away from her— his memories hurt to feel, to see, but it must hurt most of all to experience. Even seeing it all through his eyes is nothing compared to the rage and betrayal he must have felt in that moment; watching his "family" watch him be destroyed...]
I... don't know, either. But ever since that night— [He knows the one.] —I've been having these... weird dreams. They're not like mine at all. [Her dreams are usually off-the-wall nonsense like manifesting the physical embodiment of her gun as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen from the Dune series telling her that she'll never, ever be happy—]
I kept seeing these... people. They don't... necessarily look like you, but. They have the tattoos. Like you said, in a different spot than yours. A woman with one on her chest, another with one on his tongue. An old man with one where his eye should be...
[She shivers, bringing her now unoccupied hands up to her shoulders to squeeze herself tightly in a self-administered hug. There's darkness, the sound of water splashing, panting, the ache of loss, fear.]
He's the worst of all. It always hurts when I see that one. [Her hands migrate to her collarbones, the places where Greed's arrays would be. She can't see his face from here, but she can tell by the tone of his voice that he's trying to play it off like it's nothing.
She knows that game so well. ]
Don't apologize. It's not like you meant to...
[The young vampire sits up then, scooting forward and moving to slip her arms around him from behind to nuzzle her cheek in the space between his shoulder blades. It may be that she's a vampire or that she's cold-natured, but she can't help but find comfort in the heat that radiates from him, and it's since become one of her favorite parts of her nights with the sin.
And in this moment, above all, all she can hope is to offer even the slightest comfort to him in return.]
I... don't— I can't —understand everything that I've seen, but. I'm... I'm so sorry.
[She grips her own wrist at his hip to stave off the shake, attempting (and failing) at sucking in a steady breath. But her chest hurts, her throat is tight and the telltale burning behind her eyes is threatening to burst open the floodgates.]
You didn't deserve that.
I... don't know, either. But ever since that night— [He knows the one.] —I've been having these... weird dreams. They're not like mine at all. [Her dreams are usually off-the-wall nonsense like manifesting the physical embodiment of her gun as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen from the Dune series telling her that she'll never, ever be happy—]
I kept seeing these... people. They don't... necessarily look like you, but. They have the tattoos. Like you said, in a different spot than yours. A woman with one on her chest, another with one on his tongue. An old man with one where his eye should be...
[She shivers, bringing her now unoccupied hands up to her shoulders to squeeze herself tightly in a self-administered hug. There's darkness, the sound of water splashing, panting, the ache of loss, fear.]
He's the worst of all. It always hurts when I see that one. [Her hands migrate to her collarbones, the places where Greed's arrays would be. She can't see his face from here, but she can tell by the tone of his voice that he's trying to play it off like it's nothing.
She knows that game so well. ]
Don't apologize. It's not like you meant to...
[The young vampire sits up then, scooting forward and moving to slip her arms around him from behind to nuzzle her cheek in the space between his shoulder blades. It may be that she's a vampire or that she's cold-natured, but she can't help but find comfort in the heat that radiates from him, and it's since become one of her favorite parts of her nights with the sin.
And in this moment, above all, all she can hope is to offer even the slightest comfort to him in return.]
I... don't— I can't —understand everything that I've seen, but. I'm... I'm so sorry.
[She grips her own wrist at his hip to stave off the shake, attempting (and failing) at sucking in a steady breath. But her chest hurts, her throat is tight and the telltale burning behind her eyes is threatening to burst open the floodgates.]
You didn't deserve that.
Edited 2024-05-13 23:57 (UTC)
[Remembering. Memories. They're something of a sore spot, aren't they? Not just what happened in the previous incarnation of the 'Nest, but the fact that his everything (his life, his accomplishments, his things) had once been stolen from him too. Stolen and swindled away as the rest of the would-be family watched him burn like a witch for his crimes.]
[Greed's eyes narrow and something in his mouth audible cracks, followed swiftly by the undeniable sound of his stone licking away a wound.] The woman you're seeing is called Lust. [He finds himself again. At least she's not entirely a bad one to think of.] The Ultimate Spear to my Ultimate Shield. [He doesn't remember if he's ever actually told anyone that before. Yes, he's shown it off. And yes, he's proved what it can do. But has he ever said it before? His Father-given gift of all things, and ultimate only when he chose to use it for the right reasons.]
[The Sin's eyes chase over the wall furthest away and as they do, they start flipping. Purple mostly, but that hum of red lingers. Lingers like blood in the air and calls him for filth.] Gluttony's the one with the tongue. He couldn't do anything without Lust and Envy. I almost feel bad for him. He never really knew what we were doing -
[Old man, she says. Old man, and Greed's whole body goes as hard as steel. His upper lip peels away from his teeth and maybe he's never noticed before (or maybe nothing has ever gotten him before), but his teeth are stretching out. Even without the 'Shield, they're stretching out, extending, like a different kind of monster entirely. And all the while, his core drums on; drums and pounds and beats at his chest silently, but no less demanding:]
["Are you an idiot? Who the fuck do you think I am? I'm Greed. Money, women, subordinates. They're all my possessions! And no one takes what's mine!"]
[He inhales sharply through his nose and his teeth shrink back down.] Wrath. King Bradley. He - ["Took everything from me." That's what he wants to say. But that opens up a can of worm he's not entirely ready for. The 'Nest's final days, playing out in blood and bullets. Greed, very slowly, shrugs his shoulders.] Let's just say that he owes me. But the bastard up and died before I had the chance to collect.
[Again, the funny thing about memories: he can picture that moment. That moment where the world's end balanced on the head of a pin, and all he could focus on was Wrath. Wrath's aged, grayed body, splayed out on the floor with his arms missing and that self-satisfied smile planted on his face. The man didn't deserve to smile at the end of it. He didn't deserve that payment. He was in debt, and men in debt should have to suffer out until they've paid back their pounds in flesh.]
[Seras is on him before he knows it and that's when the shock really hits him. Not when she spilled the things she's seen, no. It's this. Greed doesn't breathe and maybe, he can't. Because he can feel the lightest tickle of panic like a scratch in his skull. She should know better. If she's seen it, she should know better.]
[The Sin smothers her hand with his.] Don't apologize to me. It's over, it's done. And who said I didn't deserve it, hmn? You don't know what I've done, Seras. [He says it like he's trying to chase away all of this. Chase it away and bury it again.]
Besides, that was a long time ago. Doesn't matter now.
[Greed's eyes narrow and something in his mouth audible cracks, followed swiftly by the undeniable sound of his stone licking away a wound.] The woman you're seeing is called Lust. [He finds himself again. At least she's not entirely a bad one to think of.] The Ultimate Spear to my Ultimate Shield. [He doesn't remember if he's ever actually told anyone that before. Yes, he's shown it off. And yes, he's proved what it can do. But has he ever said it before? His Father-given gift of all things, and ultimate only when he chose to use it for the right reasons.]
[The Sin's eyes chase over the wall furthest away and as they do, they start flipping. Purple mostly, but that hum of red lingers. Lingers like blood in the air and calls him for filth.] Gluttony's the one with the tongue. He couldn't do anything without Lust and Envy. I almost feel bad for him. He never really knew what we were doing -
[Old man, she says. Old man, and Greed's whole body goes as hard as steel. His upper lip peels away from his teeth and maybe he's never noticed before (or maybe nothing has ever gotten him before), but his teeth are stretching out. Even without the 'Shield, they're stretching out, extending, like a different kind of monster entirely. And all the while, his core drums on; drums and pounds and beats at his chest silently, but no less demanding:]
["Are you an idiot? Who the fuck do you think I am? I'm Greed. Money, women, subordinates. They're all my possessions! And no one takes what's mine!"]
[He inhales sharply through his nose and his teeth shrink back down.] Wrath. King Bradley. He - ["Took everything from me." That's what he wants to say. But that opens up a can of worm he's not entirely ready for. The 'Nest's final days, playing out in blood and bullets. Greed, very slowly, shrugs his shoulders.] Let's just say that he owes me. But the bastard up and died before I had the chance to collect.
[Again, the funny thing about memories: he can picture that moment. That moment where the world's end balanced on the head of a pin, and all he could focus on was Wrath. Wrath's aged, grayed body, splayed out on the floor with his arms missing and that self-satisfied smile planted on his face. The man didn't deserve to smile at the end of it. He didn't deserve that payment. He was in debt, and men in debt should have to suffer out until they've paid back their pounds in flesh.]
[Seras is on him before he knows it and that's when the shock really hits him. Not when she spilled the things she's seen, no. It's this. Greed doesn't breathe and maybe, he can't. Because he can feel the lightest tickle of panic like a scratch in his skull. She should know better. If she's seen it, she should know better.]
[The Sin smothers her hand with his.] Don't apologize to me. It's over, it's done. And who said I didn't deserve it, hmn? You don't know what I've done, Seras. [He says it like he's trying to chase away all of this. Chase it away and bury it again.]
Besides, that was a long time ago. Doesn't matter now.
[She wins and what does she win - ?]
[Well, for a while, it's no answer from him. Because he's laughing. Laughing and howling and holy shit.]
[Well, for a while, it's no answer from him. Because he's laughing. Laughing and howling and holy shit.]
[Eventually, however:]
well wll fucking well HA shouldn't have doubted you at all huh ??
i need that uh . what do they call it ? printed. like fizz's drawing
what do you want for it?
well wll fucking well HA shouldn't have doubted you at all huh ??
i need that uh . what do they call it ? printed. like fizz's drawing
what do you want for it?
[Oh, that's cute. She's going to bring him a million printed photos. Actually, come to think of it—]
let's get a phone printer for the bar
if this backwater town has them anyway. our best bet's heaven but who knows
if we find one you can print whatever your greedy little heart desires
let's get a phone printer for the bar
if this backwater town has them anyway. our best bet's heaven but who knows
if we find one you can print whatever your greedy little heart desires
mm got a point. think i can trust ya to handle that ? not sure what i'm even lookin for
?? whatever ??
?? whatever ??
[Holy shit.]
well what are we waitn for then ? how much does one of em cost? eh nevermind. just let me know what they look like
[He is going to steal a printer.]
well what are we waitn for then ? how much does one of em cost? eh nevermind. just let me know what they look like
[He is going to steal a printer.]
[Not Greed, excited in the bar and almost taking out a rack of glasses in the process. No sir.]
get the gold one
[It's rose gold, fake as shit, but he wants it.]
get the gold one
[It's rose gold, fake as shit, but he wants it.]
Edited (killing me with html smalls) 2024-06-11 02:51 (UTC)
know exactly what i want huh ?
let me know what it comes out to if you pay. if not just make sure none of the feathers catch ya
let me know what it comes out to if you pay. if not just make sure none of the feathers catch ya
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