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[ He narrows his eyes a fraction as if simply daring him to share what dances on the tip of his tongue. All the same, he follows his good lead and keeps the actual words to himself. Anyone would admire the look, at least that is what he is going to tell himself here. ]
Then I’ll make payments. You do take those, don’t you? Currency is currency. Small increments given weekly or monthly until you’re satisfied with the price. Will that suffice? Fortunately, whatever the price, I know that you won’t swindle me. That’s why I’m willing to pay it.
[ He doesn’t laugh outright but his mouth does quirk up at the corners. But he does get closer than necessary, dropping his voice to a murmur. It isn’t as if the walls have ears or this is some well-guarded secret but someone has to get a little payback for the weight behind that wicked smile he was given. ]
I wouldn’t try to fit you into an unfamiliar mold and you don’t have to hide your tail, I know what you’re thinking just by looking into your eyes. I hope you don’t try making a habit of that either. [ Satisfied, he draws away from him, fingers tracing him from shoulder to elbow as he slides around him. ]
Lute is Adam’s Lieutenant or was until his passing. It’s unlikely that she will take his place, she is a great fighter but all of the hate Adam had in him he passed onto her. Putting her in charge would likely lead to the same outcome, needlessly lost lives, and I imagine she will be looking for revenge. I had hoped to take her under my wing here and see if I could open her eyes to the truth, but we can’t always get what we want.
[ He lingers just out of reach, folding his arms across his chest. ] Exactly. Why do you think I’m going to be looking for volunteers? I’m confident enough in my skill set that I can teach and adequately demonstrate them to a willing class, but I know not everyone is comfortable with fighting. If I can offer them a wide range of choices they may be more willing to attend, or at least hear what I have to say. [ There is a slight challenge there when he looks back at him again. ] One day, if you’re willing, I won’t hold back and I’ll show you what I’m really capable of.
[ Two monsters in the guise of humans, it would be a hell of a time. He groans, his attention turning to the balcony. ] They already have wild ideas and questions thanks to my frequent wall-climbing houseguest. You really are a troublesome man, do you know that? You and your unique brand of fun.
[ This asshole, he immediately looks a little embarrassed over the food despite uttering a quiet thank you when he takes the bags. The close contact has him making a face that screams half surprise and half something else, but the other half gets masked when he walks ahead of him and gestures to the table in front of the couch. If it seems larger than before that is because it is. Slowly but surely, the room is starting to look less like a hospital and more like a home.
On one of the walls is a framed drawing of him that is an impressive likeness, another gift for Christmas. On the wall beside it? A shadow box full of pictures that bring him joy: the picture of Charlie and Lucifer (along with the feather), a picture of him and Nobunaga (he looks annoyed), the thank you polaroid that Alastor sent him (complete with creepy smiley faces), a shot of him and Greed clinking glasses together during a late night chat and the Christmas card he got from this place depicting Lucifer pre-Fall. He is a sentimental bastard.
It also has the sword brooch and coffee mug given to him by Ochako, a pair of sunglasses from Alastor, the hilariously dark reindeer tie given by Runa and the duck and letter opener Greed gave him. These are the first physical gifts he ever received from people, how could he put them in any place but one of honor? ]
I didn’t know what else you liked, I was erring on the side of caution. [ A pause, that would be a lie. ] .. And I may have forgotten to delete the options I changed my mind about. Now, are you going to be using utensils or your claws today? I need to know how many extra napkins I need to grab.
[ Because he likes him but he will still launch a homunculus into orbit if he wrecks his furniture. ]
[With the bags tangled in his claws, the Sin gently presses his toe at the lip of the door to make sure it's firmly shut in place.] You're talking like I'll ever be satisfied. [He teases as he slowly turns away and back towards the kitchen. The plastic handles strain between his fingers, and the former homunculus shifts one or two of them to redistribute the weight.] But sure, fine. Figure out exactly what you need, and we'll work something out.
[A look (cocky and full of himself) eases on his face.] Putting a lot of faith in someone like me. Who says I wouldn't swindle you? [He wouldn't. They both know better by this point.] And if you already know what I'm thinking, then you shouldn't be surprised when I tell you that it won't be cheap.
[Greed crosses through the kitchen, his tail wandering behind him like a fishtail made of thorns. The new decorations on the wall immediately grab his attention. Had this been anyone else's room, he probably wouldn't have even noticed. But Michael, his has always been barren, hasn't it? Anything that wasn't completely necessary either didn't stay long or was never there in the first place. And as his eyes drift over the photographs (of Lucifer and his kid, of Oda probably causing the man his fair share of headaches, of Alastor with his pleasant, daring smile, of him, him and Michael, clicking glasses over something he barely remembers), the former homunculus is so distracted that he slams his shin into the new coffee table, earning a quick, raspy hiss.]
[He shakes it off by dropping two of the bags down on the corner of it.] Tch. Told you before that I'd always keep you on your toes, Blue Eyes. [Greed shoves the food out of the way to set the other two bags dangerously close to the table's sharp-lipped edge. He turns his head up, catching Michael's painted likeness.] You asking me if I'm willing is like asking me if I want something. I've told you to never hold back with me. And there's a few things you should know how to deal with, anyway.
[Like how to take care of a homunculus if it ever comes to it.]
[But he doesn't say that. That's a conversation for another time, when Michael's shown him everything he's got, and he'll be the right monster for the job. The Sin's attention silently bounces between the rest of the objects hung on the wall. Sentimental. Despite how hard Michael may try to come across as otherwise, he's sentimental. And maybe, that's something they share in common. Where they'll never say it, never admit it, but it's all so plain to see.]
[Greed scoffs and shrugs his shoulders as he winds around the other side of the coffee table.] You've never fought something like me, and I've never dealt with something like you. Not fully, anyway. [He shows off a hint of his teeth as he presses his head lazily into his shoulder.] So I hope you realize what you're asking for. Not that I think I'll be able to do much to you, but don't expect me to go easy on ya just because I like you.
[It comes out before he means to, and the Sin quickly waves his hand in the air to dismiss the idea. Thankfully, the Archangel does him the favor, if only by changing the subject. Greed takes a seat on the other side of the couch. He folds one leg over the other and as the small of his back sinks into the cushions, he pins two of his elbows behind him, leaving his claws to dangle at his sides.] Ehh, I might not be Gluttony, but I'm not exactly picky, Blues. [He almost sets his boot on the table, but quickly stops himself partway through. No, that's a sure-fire way to earn himself a one-way ticket right off the balcony, no matter how many times Michael never makes good on the threat.]
[So instead, he stretches out his leg, grinding his heel lightly into the floor.] I can eat with a fork y'know. [The former homunculus bounces his foot. Since when did he care about how he ate in front of anyone?] Just makes it easier this way. [To clarify, he spins his wrist and all five of his fingers fan open; their crooked nails, as smooth as a black, filed-point fork.]
[Greed lets his wrist fall limp.] But if it's gunna be a problem, we'll do it your way this time. [The look he shoots over his shoulder may be sarcastic, but there's something else there too. Something warm, something accepting, and as the former homunculus reaches for the bag, he drops his leg off his knee.] Usually these places pack some anyway. [He starts as he begins to dig through the plastic.] And it would be a waste if we didn't use 'em, right?
[Is it a good save? Probably not. But it's as good enough as any.]
mmm the sauce
Then I’ll make payments. You do take those, don’t you? Currency is currency. Small increments given weekly or monthly until you’re satisfied with the price. Will that suffice? Fortunately, whatever the price, I know that you won’t swindle me. That’s why I’m willing to pay it.
[ He doesn’t laugh outright but his mouth does quirk up at the corners. But he does get closer than necessary, dropping his voice to a murmur. It isn’t as if the walls have ears or this is some well-guarded secret but someone has to get a little payback for the weight behind that wicked smile he was given. ]
I wouldn’t try to fit you into an unfamiliar mold and you don’t have to hide your tail, I know what you’re thinking just by looking into your eyes. I hope you don’t try making a habit of that either. [ Satisfied, he draws away from him, fingers tracing him from shoulder to elbow as he slides around him. ]
Lute is Adam’s Lieutenant or was until his passing. It’s unlikely that she will take his place, she is a great fighter but all of the hate Adam had in him he passed onto her. Putting her in charge would likely lead to the same outcome, needlessly lost lives, and I imagine she will be looking for revenge. I had hoped to take her under my wing here and see if I could open her eyes to the truth, but we can’t always get what we want.
[ He lingers just out of reach, folding his arms across his chest. ] Exactly. Why do you think I’m going to be looking for volunteers? I’m confident enough in my skill set that I can teach and adequately demonstrate them to a willing class, but I know not everyone is comfortable with fighting. If I can offer them a wide range of choices they may be more willing to attend, or at least hear what I have to say. [ There is a slight challenge there when he looks back at him again. ] One day, if you’re willing, I won’t hold back and I’ll show you what I’m really capable of.
[ Two monsters in the guise of humans, it would be a hell of a time. He groans, his attention turning to the balcony. ] They already have wild ideas and questions thanks to my frequent wall-climbing houseguest. You really are a troublesome man, do you know that? You and your unique brand of fun.
[ This asshole, he immediately looks a little embarrassed over the food despite uttering a quiet thank you when he takes the bags. The close contact has him making a face that screams half surprise and half something else, but the other half gets masked when he walks ahead of him and gestures to the table in front of the couch. If it seems larger than before that is because it is. Slowly but surely, the room is starting to look less like a hospital and more like a home.
On one of the walls is a framed drawing of him that is an impressive likeness, another gift for Christmas. On the wall beside it? A shadow box full of pictures that bring him joy: the picture of Charlie and Lucifer (along with the feather), a picture of him and Nobunaga (he looks annoyed), the thank you polaroid that Alastor sent him (complete with creepy smiley faces), a shot of him and Greed clinking glasses together during a late night chat and the Christmas card he got from this place depicting Lucifer pre-Fall. He is a sentimental bastard.
It also has the sword brooch and coffee mug given to him by Ochako, a pair of sunglasses from Alastor, the hilariously dark reindeer tie given by Runa and the duck and letter opener Greed gave him. These are the first physical gifts he ever received from people, how could he put them in any place but one of honor? ]
I didn’t know what else you liked, I was erring on the side of caution. [ A pause, that would be a lie. ] .. And I may have forgotten to delete the options I changed my mind about. Now, are you going to be using utensils or your claws today? I need to know how many extra napkins I need to grab.
[ Because he likes him but he will still launch a homunculus into orbit if he wrecks his furniture. ]
no subject
[A look (cocky and full of himself) eases on his face.] Putting a lot of faith in someone like me. Who says I wouldn't swindle you? [He wouldn't. They both know better by this point.] And if you already know what I'm thinking, then you shouldn't be surprised when I tell you that it won't be cheap.
[Greed crosses through the kitchen, his tail wandering behind him like a fishtail made of thorns. The new decorations on the wall immediately grab his attention. Had this been anyone else's room, he probably wouldn't have even noticed. But Michael, his has always been barren, hasn't it? Anything that wasn't completely necessary either didn't stay long or was never there in the first place. And as his eyes drift over the photographs (of Lucifer and his kid, of Oda probably causing the man his fair share of headaches, of Alastor with his pleasant, daring smile, of him, him and Michael, clicking glasses over something he barely remembers), the former homunculus is so distracted that he slams his shin into the new coffee table, earning a quick, raspy hiss.]
[He shakes it off by dropping two of the bags down on the corner of it.] Tch. Told you before that I'd always keep you on your toes, Blue Eyes. [Greed shoves the food out of the way to set the other two bags dangerously close to the table's sharp-lipped edge. He turns his head up, catching Michael's painted likeness.] You asking me if I'm willing is like asking me if I want something. I've told you to never hold back with me. And there's a few things you should know how to deal with, anyway.
[Like how to take care of a homunculus if it ever comes to it.]
[But he doesn't say that. That's a conversation for another time, when Michael's shown him everything he's got, and he'll be the right monster for the job. The Sin's attention silently bounces between the rest of the objects hung on the wall. Sentimental. Despite how hard Michael may try to come across as otherwise, he's sentimental. And maybe, that's something they share in common. Where they'll never say it, never admit it, but it's all so plain to see.]
[Greed scoffs and shrugs his shoulders as he winds around the other side of the coffee table.] You've never fought something like me, and I've never dealt with something like you. Not fully, anyway. [He shows off a hint of his teeth as he presses his head lazily into his shoulder.] So I hope you realize what you're asking for. Not that I think I'll be able to do much to you, but don't expect me to go easy on ya just because I like you.
[It comes out before he means to, and the Sin quickly waves his hand in the air to dismiss the idea. Thankfully, the Archangel does him the favor, if only by changing the subject. Greed takes a seat on the other side of the couch. He folds one leg over the other and as the small of his back sinks into the cushions, he pins two of his elbows behind him, leaving his claws to dangle at his sides.] Ehh, I might not be Gluttony, but I'm not exactly picky, Blues. [He almost sets his boot on the table, but quickly stops himself partway through. No, that's a sure-fire way to earn himself a one-way ticket right off the balcony, no matter how many times Michael never makes good on the threat.]
[So instead, he stretches out his leg, grinding his heel lightly into the floor.] I can eat with a fork y'know. [The former homunculus bounces his foot. Since when did he care about how he ate in front of anyone?] Just makes it easier this way. [To clarify, he spins his wrist and all five of his fingers fan open; their crooked nails, as smooth as a black, filed-point fork.]
[Greed lets his wrist fall limp.] But if it's gunna be a problem, we'll do it your way this time. [The look he shoots over his shoulder may be sarcastic, but there's something else there too. Something warm, something accepting, and as the former homunculus reaches for the bag, he drops his leg off his knee.] Usually these places pack some anyway. [He starts as he begins to dig through the plastic.] And it would be a waste if we didn't use 'em, right?
[Is it a good save? Probably not. But it's as good enough as any.]