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Yeah, no, I know! I really don't know what his deal is! He gave me shit like I was trying to say I owned him. And I don't! I mean, not really! We have contracts or whatever, but it's more of a mutual ownership type thing I guess.
[To say they arranged a type of marriage wouldn't really be incorrect, but it was purely for tax magical benefits! It's a marriage of power! And a bed some(most of)times! That's all! Don't think about it too hard! Envy would sooner eat a cement block than admit to such a thing. Ignore all of this, they're talking about the accountant, now!.]
I can't believe you couldn't tell he has a jealous streak. Look at him, he's the living embodiment of selfish greed. You're at least a generous greed! You share your things with your people, and your people share your people. I mean, you don't even care what they do with themselves as long as come back to you, right? That and, like, not get hurt or, like... narc on you.
[He takes the bottle and eyes it suspiciously, not really trusting that this isn't going to suck. Still, not one to be a wuss, he takes a swig and fights the muscles in his face trying to screw up from the burn.]
[Greed's eyes slide towards Envy, and ah, is that a look. Satisfaction, smugness, knowing: they play across his face as broiling as heated oven coils. Because he knows about Envy's little deal with Velvet, but to hear that there are more?]
[Oh, ho, ho.]
[The Sin makes a show of it when he places the cigar back between his teeth. He arcs his hand, skirting a line of smoke towards the ceiling.] Now that's interesting. I didn't think you'd be one to make a deal, never mind two. Call me surprised. [His teeth bite into the cash wrapper, and he pulls a plume of smoke into the back of his throat.] Ha - !
[Greed shoves his feet out of the tub and laces his ankles on the lip of it.] Yeah, well. [He presses his shoulder blades together.] I'm also selfish, Envy. Don't forget that. [The tip of his cigar burns red with he sucks on it one, last time. And then, he's exhaling; exhaling a whirl of smoke that's thick and sticky with his want.] But you're right. I don't care what they do, who they fuck, where they've been. I'm a big fan of choice. You know that.
[He idly runs his fingers down his throat. Then, Envy takes a swig, yelps, and the former homunculus barks out again. The way in which he moves (erratic, wild thing) almost makes him drop his entire cigar into the tub.] Truth fucking help you, have never drank before? [Greed opens his eyes and there's a crease in the corners of them that's entirely cat-like.] That's not even the strongest stuff I've got. Did you ever try Drachma moonshine? Now, if you want something that'll really put hair on your chest -
[He trails off. Just what the hell had he been up to for those 100 missing years?]
...But you don't even have chest hair... That's not the point-- Show me on the homunculus where you're selfish! Letting all your little puplings run around off-lead is just making a mess of everyone's gardens and you don't even care. They're out here eating cats and biting mailmen and you're like "Yep, that one's mine. Ain't he precious?" You're the worst, you spoil them.
[Ugh, that's still not the point either, he's just looking for things to dig at when Greed has already got him pinned for the "deal" thing.]
Grruh-- Fine, look. I wanted my power back, Greed. I wasn't me without it. You saw how I looked when they spat me out here! It was awful! I couldn't stand it! [Now with that power back, he's uses his energy to maintain his former facade, just with the added horns, ears and tail-- which is to say that he only did away with the extra arms, the yellow sclera and being too green in some places. You know, the parts that made him look a little too close to his "true" forms.]
I was desperate. That little shit looked at me, saw a poor unfortunate soul in need and gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. Now, I have my shapeshifting back and endless wishes at my disposal! It worked out! [He sucks in a hit before sinking into the water up to his ears, blowing bubbles of irritation that float into the air and pop with little plumes of smoke. He will stay there to sulk for now, feeling so incredibly judged rn.]
Show you? [He begins to trace himself out, starting at his shoulders and moving down, down, down. And that? That's when his smile turns to absolute sin. All four of his hands frame the space between his legs, and Greed hoots out a sound.]
AHAHAHAHA! No, I am selfish. But who would I be if I got in the way of what they wanted? [He slides his hands back under the water (save the one holding his cigar), and the former homunculus sleazily lifts both of his shoulders.] If they're pissing anyone off, that's on them. They're all clever enough to get themselves out of the shit if they have to.
And if they can't, well. [Greed pockets the cigar in the corner of his mouth, wetting the bills with his tongue.] That's when I step in. Though, they'll hear about it later. Pissants. [It's a loving nickname, even if it does have a bite to it. He's no stranger to cleaning up a mess or two. That's just how it goes. His simply get a little more leeway, a little more give than most.]
[The Sin sighs smoke out of his nose like some sort of infernal dragon.] I'm not accusing you of anything, Envy. I might have done the same thing. [But he'd been lucky for whatever reason. Sure, the regeneration is still dragging a little on the slower side than he'd like, but he'd arrived with all of his given gifts without a need to trade for them.]
[Greed purrs to himself.] I'm sure he did, and you fell for it hook, line, and sinker. [He squeezes his lips together.] What, did you forget everything I told you once I left? Thought I taught you better than that.
Fell for it?! I didn't fall for anything! [Except, you know, mostly in love.] If anything, he fell for my grift! Out of me, he got a live-in lackey and a promise that I won't use his face. [Which still irritates the SHIT out of him, but he's only going to let the scowl on his face insist that little point.] Out of him, I got my abilities back and the promise to have any wish I want fulfilled--
[He hates that look oh his face, he wants to wipe it off so bad--]
You know what, you little shit-- [He growls, just barely resisting the urge to drag him under and drown his ass for a couple of deaths. Instead he takes it out on the butt of this jazz cigarette, smashing it into the tray at his side.]
Tell me, Greed. What is it about each individual person you've claimed here that makes you want to "keep them" in the first place? I know there's a process your mind has to go through, because you don't pick just anyone. If I didn't know any better, I'd be starting to think you're not very selfish about people at all, you just think you can cover that big stupid soft heart of yours with your 'Shield and no one will notice what you're actually doing!
[Is he listening to Envy's rant? Is he even paying attention? Hard to say. But he is grinning, and it's so full of that shit of his he can barely contain on a good day.] Uh huh. And that leaves him with you at his beck and call whenever he wants. Did I get that right?
[Don't fool a deal maker, and don't kid avarice. Sure, he's not making those kinds of deals here, but he's always been a man for a bargain. A little trade. Greed sets his cigar on the side of the tub, and his expression turns a little vicious. Not threatening, but vicious.] Little shit. That's a bit rich coming from you, baby Envy.
[He picks his tail up out of the water and flicks it to spray a little mist the other Sin's way.] Now, who said I don't just pick anyone? Everything's mine, Envy. That's how it's always been. [He pauses, peeling himself off the tub to rub at his shoulder.] But you know better than anyone else: it's usually the ones that can't live a normal life. The ones that people forgot. They all come to me sooner or later.
[But now, Envy is being a brat, and he's gotta be the older brother in this situation, doesn't he? Thing is, older brothers are assholes. So, Greed cups his hand at the surface of the water and immediately flings a wave towards Envy.] Keep telling yourself that. I am what I am. Nothing more. So unless you want to be wrong, stop thinkin' like you've got it all figured out.
[Yeah, he's digging his heels in here. Don't look at it too closely.]
Yeah well, when have I ever not been at somebody's beck and call. At least I had a choice in this. I could have walked away and picked literally anyone else to get my powers back. But I didn't. And I don't regret it.
[Slumping back against the wall of the tub just in time to get splattered. He sputters and wipes his face, flinging water back at his brother with the unoccupied hand.]
No, you know what! Fuck you! I'm tired of being all that dad said we could be. And so are you! You've been done! For decades! You said "Fuck you dad, I'm more than your pawn!" and you left! You already defied your purpose, what's stopping you from going further?!
[The fire in his eyes burns out, extinguished by a sudden, saddening realization.]
Don't you want to change? [It's all Envy has ever known. Learning other people so he can be them. Anything other than who or what he has been.] Are you happy being only what Dad said you were? Is that really all you think there is to you?
Good. [Greed taps the side of his head, bringing a bit of water to dribble down his face.] No regrets, Envy. No point in them.
[Ah, but there's that tirade, that yelling, that screaming, and the former homunculus rolls his shoulders back, feeling each and every one of the bones in his spine snap with a bit of stuck-in air.] Now when did I say that? Putting words in my mouth, Envy. [Greed runs his hand through his hair, slicking it back, and tilting his head into the touch.] You're right, I did. I left and I never looked back.
[But that question gives him pause: "What's stopping you from going further?!" Envy doesn't know. He wasn't there. He's from a time, a few years prior, before the whole saga came to a closing end.]
[Greed shuts his eyes, heavy with thought, and slowly pulls himself out of the tub. His 'Shield is all the way up to his chest, leaving the necklaces around his throat to stand out like a shadowbox.] You already know the answer to that question. I couldn't live under him. My greed wouldn't let me. As for what I think there is to me -
[The Sin brings one foot out of the tub, stretching his toes to a sound like steel skating stone. Shrrrrnk.] - I'm happy just being me. Nothing more to it than that. Whatever good Dad's intention was, it's not mine.
[Ah, but Envy is giving him that look. That look he's seen before, so many years ago. Greed reaches out, sets his hand on top of Envy's head, and gives him the slightest ruffle.] Best not to think about it too hard.
It's metaphorical-- it's like. The way people talk now. [Flaps his hand dismissively.] Like you said it more with your actions than with your mouth. And don't think you can't interpret meaning to actions! Cos you said aaaall you needed to say with that.
[Watching him retreat, he gives one last ditch effort.]
...C'mon, man. [He doesn't put any of that effort into pushing Greed's hand away from his head, but he's a little sluggish and quite clearly nearing the edge of defeat with this conversation.] I just-- I need you to be on the same page with me. Who else am I gonna get to understand what the hell is going on in my head? There's nobody like us. It's just us. I need to know if I'm going crazy or not, because I feel like I am!
[Grumble, pout.]
If I could just not think about it, I woulda turned it off day one! I don't want to think about it!
[That is enough to give him pause. Because Envy isn't wrong. Sure, there are those that have similar stories, similar makeups, similar sins to bear. But at the end of the day, they aren't like them. Stronger, faster, more powerful, maybe. But they aren't like them.]
[Greed hesitates on the edge of the tub, his gaze going far away again. He brings his cigar to his mouth and traces the tip out with his tongue.] You're not going crazy, if that means anything. [He's watching anywhere else. He has to. Because he can't face what all of it means. All of his half-confessions behind closed doors he made vague on purpose, adding up and up and up:]
[One to a woman who wants the world to watch her, one to a man who thinks he deserves his just deserts, a third to a vampire struggling with her demons, a fourth to a spider that gave it all to a man who couldn't care less, a fifth to a spacer who saw the stars but never a home, and another to an angel that fell, fell, fell - ]
[The former homunculus lets a long sigh roll from his nose, and the smoke trapped in there spirals out of control.] It's complicated. Wasn't before, but ever since - [Greed squints his lips with a hefty smile.] - eh. Just keep being who you want to be, all right? Don't need advice from me. You're doing just fine on your own.
[With that said, he slips out of the tub, bringing his feet to the floor with a soft pck of his claws.]
[Frowns, sinking into the water up to his ears for a moment to stew on his frustration. It's so irritating having the knowledge that he does, and having to acknowledge that despite everything they are capable of, they truly are no better than humans. It disgusts him to his core, and yet he's already given up on fighting it. He knows Greed did a long time ago, and even he has refused to acknowledge it.
Maybe delusion is genetic.]
Don't run off just because you can't handle a little heart-to-heart, Greed. You're responsible for so many, now... and if you run away from them like you run away from me, they're not going to stick around. You can only throw stuff at them so many times before they realize what you're doing.
[Greed lets out loudest, longest, and most dramatic sigh possible as he tosses his head forward and runs a hand wet through his hair.] Fuck, Envy. I'm just going to grab this - [He reaches over to one of the tables Ella has set out for them to snatch a bottle of champagne and a skewer of (maybe) questionable meat.] - could you knock that shit off for a second?
[But can he blame him? Can he really hold it against him? Envy only knows what he knows. He was never one of his, not really, so he can only assume. Actions and consequences. The former homunculus sits on a nearby oil drum as he shoves the stick of meat into his mouth and tears off a chunk or two with his teeth.]
You still don't get it, do you? Ehh - [He chomps twice then swallows, making his throb bob. Greed gestures out with the wooden spear and the two or three slabs of something precariously pinned on it.] - I don't abandon what's mine. Couldn't then, won't now. You were never mine. None of you were. You all made that pretty clear.
[The Sin tears the bottle of champagne open with a pop, causing a bit of it to bubble over his knuckles.] Anyway, what does it matter to you? Since when have you gave a shit about me and mine?
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no subject
[To say they arranged a type of marriage wouldn't really be incorrect, but it was purely for
taxmagical benefits! It's a marriage of power! And a bed some(most of)times! That's all! Don't think about it too hard! Envy would sooner eat a cement block than admit to such a thing. Ignore all of this, they're talking about the accountant, now!.]I can't believe you couldn't tell he has a jealous streak. Look at him, he's the living embodiment of selfish greed. You're at least a generous greed! You share your things with your people, and your people share your people. I mean, you don't even care what they do with themselves as long as come back to you, right? That and, like, not get hurt or, like... narc on you.
[He takes the bottle and eyes it suspiciously, not really trusting that this isn't going to suck. Still, not one to be a wuss, he takes a swig and fights the muscles in his face trying to screw up from the burn.]
Nnhnhghhgaaah!! Shit, that hurts--
no subject
[Greed's eyes slide towards Envy, and ah, is that a look. Satisfaction, smugness, knowing: they play across his face as broiling as heated oven coils. Because he knows about Envy's little deal with Velvet, but to hear that there are more?]
[Oh, ho, ho.]
[The Sin makes a show of it when he places the cigar back between his teeth. He arcs his hand, skirting a line of smoke towards the ceiling.] Now that's interesting. I didn't think you'd be one to make a deal, never mind two. Call me surprised. [His teeth bite into the cash wrapper, and he pulls a plume of smoke into the back of his throat.] Ha - !
[Greed shoves his feet out of the tub and laces his ankles on the lip of it.] Yeah, well. [He presses his shoulder blades together.] I'm also selfish, Envy. Don't forget that. [The tip of his cigar burns red with he sucks on it one, last time. And then, he's exhaling; exhaling a whirl of smoke that's thick and sticky with his want.] But you're right. I don't care what they do, who they fuck, where they've been. I'm a big fan of choice. You know that.
[He idly runs his fingers down his throat. Then, Envy takes a swig, yelps, and the former homunculus barks out again. The way in which he moves (erratic, wild thing) almost makes him drop his entire cigar into the tub.] Truth fucking help you, have never drank before? [Greed opens his eyes and there's a crease in the corners of them that's entirely cat-like.] That's not even the strongest stuff I've got. Did you ever try Drachma moonshine? Now, if you want something that'll really put hair on your chest -
[He trails off. Just what the hell had he been up to for those 100 missing years?]
no subject
[Ugh, that's still not the point either, he's just looking for things to dig at when Greed has already got him pinned for the "deal" thing.]
Grruh-- Fine, look. I wanted my power back, Greed. I wasn't me without it. You saw how I looked when they spat me out here! It was awful! I couldn't stand it! [Now with that power back, he's uses his energy to maintain his former facade, just with the added horns, ears and tail-- which is to say that he only did away with the extra arms, the yellow sclera and being too green in some places. You know, the parts that made him look a little too close to his "true" forms.]
I was desperate. That little shit looked at me, saw a poor unfortunate soul in need and gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. Now, I have my shapeshifting back and endless wishes at my disposal! It worked out! [He sucks in a hit before sinking into the water up to his ears, blowing bubbles of irritation that float into the air and pop with little plumes of smoke. He will stay there to sulk for now, feeling so incredibly judged rn.]
no subject
AHAHAHAHA! No, I am selfish. But who would I be if I got in the way of what they wanted? [He slides his hands back under the water (save the one holding his cigar), and the former homunculus sleazily lifts both of his shoulders.] If they're pissing anyone off, that's on them. They're all clever enough to get themselves out of the shit if they have to.
And if they can't, well. [Greed pockets the cigar in the corner of his mouth, wetting the bills with his tongue.] That's when I step in. Though, they'll hear about it later. Pissants. [It's a loving nickname, even if it does have a bite to it. He's no stranger to cleaning up a mess or two. That's just how it goes. His simply get a little more leeway, a little more give than most.]
[The Sin sighs smoke out of his nose like some sort of infernal dragon.] I'm not accusing you of anything, Envy. I might have done the same thing. [But he'd been lucky for whatever reason. Sure, the regeneration is still dragging a little on the slower side than he'd like, but he'd arrived with all of his given gifts without a need to trade for them.]
[Greed purrs to himself.] I'm sure he did, and you fell for it hook, line, and sinker. [He squeezes his lips together.] What, did you forget everything I told you once I left? Thought I taught you better than that.
no subject
[He hates that look oh his face, he wants to wipe it off so bad--]
You know what, you little shit-- [He growls, just barely resisting the urge to drag him under and drown his ass for a couple of deaths. Instead he takes it out on the butt of this jazz cigarette, smashing it into the tray at his side.]
Tell me, Greed. What is it about each individual person you've claimed here that makes you want to "keep them" in the first place? I know there's a process your mind has to go through, because you don't pick just anyone. If I didn't know any better, I'd be starting to think you're not very selfish about people at all, you just think you can cover that big stupid soft heart of yours with your 'Shield and no one will notice what you're actually doing!
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[Don't fool a deal maker, and don't kid avarice. Sure, he's not making those kinds of deals here, but he's always been a man for a bargain. A little trade. Greed sets his cigar on the side of the tub, and his expression turns a little vicious. Not threatening, but vicious.] Little shit. That's a bit rich coming from you, baby Envy.
[He picks his tail up out of the water and flicks it to spray a little mist the other Sin's way.] Now, who said I don't just pick anyone? Everything's mine, Envy. That's how it's always been. [He pauses, peeling himself off the tub to rub at his shoulder.] But you know better than anyone else: it's usually the ones that can't live a normal life. The ones that people forgot. They all come to me sooner or later.
[But now, Envy is being a brat, and he's gotta be the older brother in this situation, doesn't he? Thing is, older brothers are assholes. So, Greed cups his hand at the surface of the water and immediately flings a wave towards Envy.] Keep telling yourself that. I am what I am. Nothing more. So unless you want to be wrong, stop thinkin' like you've got it all figured out.
[Yeah, he's digging his heels in here. Don't look at it too closely.]
no subject
[Slumping back against the wall of the tub just in time to get splattered. He sputters and wipes his face, flinging water back at his brother with the unoccupied hand.]
No, you know what! Fuck you! I'm tired of being all that dad said we could be. And so are you! You've been done! For decades! You said "Fuck you dad, I'm more than your pawn!" and you left! You already defied your purpose, what's stopping you from going further?!
[The fire in his eyes burns out, extinguished by a sudden, saddening realization.]
Don't you want to change? [It's all Envy has ever known. Learning other people so he can be them. Anything other than who or what he has been.] Are you happy being only what Dad said you were? Is that really all you think there is to you?
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[Ah, but there's that tirade, that yelling, that screaming, and the former homunculus rolls his shoulders back, feeling each and every one of the bones in his spine snap with a bit of stuck-in air.] Now when did I say that? Putting words in my mouth, Envy. [Greed runs his hand through his hair, slicking it back, and tilting his head into the touch.] You're right, I did. I left and I never looked back.
[But that question gives him pause: "What's stopping you from going further?!" Envy doesn't know. He wasn't there. He's from a time, a few years prior, before the whole saga came to a closing end.]
[Greed shuts his eyes, heavy with thought, and slowly pulls himself out of the tub. His 'Shield is all the way up to his chest, leaving the necklaces around his throat to stand out like a shadowbox.] You already know the answer to that question. I couldn't live under him. My greed wouldn't let me. As for what I think there is to me -
[The Sin brings one foot out of the tub, stretching his toes to a sound like steel skating stone. Shrrrrnk.] - I'm happy just being me. Nothing more to it than that. Whatever good Dad's intention was, it's not mine.
[Ah, but Envy is giving him that look. That look he's seen before, so many years ago. Greed reaches out, sets his hand on top of Envy's head, and gives him the slightest ruffle.] Best not to think about it too hard.
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[Watching him retreat, he gives one last ditch effort.]
...C'mon, man. [He doesn't put any of that effort into pushing Greed's hand away from his head, but he's a little sluggish and quite clearly nearing the edge of defeat with this conversation.] I just-- I need you to be on the same page with me. Who else am I gonna get to understand what the hell is going on in my head? There's nobody like us. It's just us. I need to know if I'm going crazy or not, because I feel like I am!
[Grumble, pout.]
If I could just not think about it, I woulda turned it off day one! I don't want to think about it!
no subject
["It's just us."]
[That is enough to give him pause. Because Envy isn't wrong. Sure, there are those that have similar stories, similar makeups, similar sins to bear. But at the end of the day, they aren't like them. Stronger, faster, more powerful, maybe. But they aren't like them.]
[Greed hesitates on the edge of the tub, his gaze going far away again. He brings his cigar to his mouth and traces the tip out with his tongue.] You're not going crazy, if that means anything. [He's watching anywhere else. He has to. Because he can't face what all of it means. All of his half-confessions behind closed doors he made vague on purpose, adding up and up and up:]
[One to a woman who wants the world to watch her, one to a man who thinks he deserves his just deserts, a third to a vampire struggling with her demons, a fourth to a spider that gave it all to a man who couldn't care less, a fifth to a spacer who saw the stars but never a home, and another to an angel that fell, fell, fell - ]
[The former homunculus lets a long sigh roll from his nose, and the smoke trapped in there spirals out of control.] It's complicated. Wasn't before, but ever since - [Greed squints his lips with a hefty smile.] - eh. Just keep being who you want to be, all right? Don't need advice from me. You're doing just fine on your own.
[With that said, he slips out of the tub, bringing his feet to the floor with a soft pck of his claws.]
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[Frowns, sinking into the water up to his ears for a moment to stew on his frustration. It's so irritating having the knowledge that he does, and having to acknowledge that despite everything they are capable of, they truly are no better than humans. It disgusts him to his core, and yet he's already given up on fighting it. He knows Greed did a long time ago, and even he has refused to acknowledge it.
Maybe delusion is genetic.]
Don't run off just because you can't handle a little heart-to-heart, Greed. You're responsible for so many, now... and if you run away from them like you run away from me, they're not going to stick around. You can only throw stuff at them so many times before they realize what you're doing.
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[But can he blame him? Can he really hold it against him? Envy only knows what he knows. He was never one of his, not really, so he can only assume. Actions and consequences. The former homunculus sits on a nearby oil drum as he shoves the stick of meat into his mouth and tears off a chunk or two with his teeth.]
You still don't get it, do you? Ehh - [He chomps twice then swallows, making his throb bob. Greed gestures out with the wooden spear and the two or three slabs of something precariously pinned on it.] - I don't abandon what's mine. Couldn't then, won't now. You were never mine. None of you were. You all made that pretty clear.
[The Sin tears the bottle of champagne open with a pop, causing a bit of it to bubble over his knuckles.] Anyway, what does it matter to you? Since when have you gave a shit about me and mine?