['what the heck else would i need you for?' she had said, and yet... here she is, sitting at the table with a plate filled with her words, just ready to get eaten. how embarrassing, but. she can't think of anyone else beyond him who can or would fulfill her request.
so greed will feel a familiar tingle if he just so happens to be wearing his mask, blindfold, or whatever he uses. a crow flapping and perching on a tree branch, pecking at her feathers before cawing, to let him know she is here: ]
[After hours of wading through the wet, the grime, the nest of things tangled and strung about the canal like a clog, years in the making, the Sin has found himself a little spot along the pathway to rinse himself off. A bottle of half-spent vodka waits next to him - its label, peeled and faded with muck. He lifts it up between his knuckles and as he dips down to rip it open, that's when he feels it: a familiar ping. The sensation of her, the tickle of it, turning his lips sly around the cork.]
[Greed sinks his teeth into it, tearing it from the neck with a soft plnk.] Pissant. [He starts, the tone of his voice wheezing like exhaust. It's affectionate, the way he says it - his grin, obvious and smokey through the Murmur.]
Sorry, haven't found anything yet. But something tells me that isn't why you're - [He spins his wrist, gesturing at nothing in particular.] - eh you know what I mean.
Prick. Scumbag. Street trash. Take your pick, asshole.
[and she was about to make her exit until she spots the sun gradually making its disappearance. groaning in frustration, jinx swallows her pride and pushes onward.]
[Smarmily, the former homunculus shrugs and with the bottle in hand, he tips it over to soak his claws.]
Oi, oi. Don't take it personally, huh? [He flits his fingers, sending a splatter of liquor speckling across the canal like a brief spit of rain.]
[His feet come next - the gurgle of vodka, all but sliding sleek over his boots.] Mn? [Using his pinkie, he digs at the back of his heel to peel away a soggy piece of paper.] Found a little spot in town. The Double Down Saloon.
Early afternoon. The sun is still high up, so there's time for this side trip. After preparing what he needs, Caelus heads out on a skateboard and beelines for Paradise Lost. Prior, he had to look up the location and ask for assistance among his roommates, as he can't read the local languages. Now with direction, he soon arrives at the… incredibly red entrance of The Devil's Nest.
Well, a fitting name for the look of this place. At least it's easy to find because of how much it stands out. It looks like a public establishment, so he doesn't knock when he enters. Maybe there'll be a bell at the door to signal his arrival for him. He leaves his skateboard somewhere near the door, then heads further in. Fully curious. ]
[But what answers him isn't a man at all, but a bird. Well, what used to be a bird at any rate. And while it is very much missing its eyes, as soon as Caelus announces himself, the toucan bounces excitedly down the bar; its small hops, punctuated by the soft pit-ta-pat-pat of its talons.]
[It gives its wing a short preen, making its feathers plume out like static before they flatten down again almost unanimously. All in all, it doesn't seem bothered by the sudden visitation. No, instead, it's more calm, unfazed. As if it's either been waiting or expecting for someone, anyone, to come waltzing through the door.]
[The toucan picks mindlessly at its foot, tearing off a flake of skin. It's easy work, all things considered. And as its wiry, split tongue lashes out, it throws its head back in celebration - the clap of its saw-toothed bill, echoing through the bar like spent brass.]
[And ah, if that just isn't a calling card - ]
Oi, oi, oi. What is it, 'Lört? [The ceiling above groans, and the former homunculus languidly begins his descent down the stairs.] Less you've got something for me, I'm expecting a little company - [The Sin's voice rumbles the closer he gets. It snakes through the building like a pulse. As if it's coming from everywhere and no where as drifting and dreamy as the years of cigarette smoke clung to the walls.]
[Greed winds around the bottom of the staircase and as he catches a face (an unfamiliar, unknown face) in the lenses of his shades, he pauses - the length of his tail, coiling soundlessly against one of the flight's crooked, lopsided posts.] Oh, ho. Guess you found 'em before I did. [He hums, and the toucan takes off, disappearing to perch on one of the many exposed pipes hanging from the ceiling.]
[The former homunculus flattens his hand on the railing, pushing himself away from the steps.] You must be Caelus, that right? [He doesn't bother looking at the other man as he moves.] Glad to see you found the place. Though, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. [Turning his back, the Sin slinks behind the other side of the bar - the scorch of his heels, leaving behind a light, dying trail of soot.]
Edited (html and i going head to head in a parking lot) 2026-02-11 03:40 (UTC)
[ Having no idea what to expect, the… very unique appearance of this bird faintly surprises Caelus. Though he's seen so many strange things at this point (even back in his universe, there's plenty of strange enough things), he still can't really get used to the mutations of Hosts entirely. And he's someone who doesn't hesitate to eat Host meat… But he only does that as a means to survive. They can't exactly be picky with their food options here.
It's not that he's afraid or anything. It's just his sympathy crawling at the back of his mind. This world has suffered so much, and he can't get used to that idea at all. There wasn't a day when he didn't think about the future of this ruined place. Maybe it's idealistic of him, but he doesn't want to give up hope. He wants to believe that things might still get better for those living here. If there's a chance that he can help make that happen, he will take action at any time.
Those are his thoughts as he watches the bird fly away. Then, his focus shifts when he hears an unfamiliar voice. He recognizes it, but it's unfamiliar in the sense that they're still both strangers to each other, and he doesn't know what to make of this person yet. Still, being himself, he tries to give a friendly smile regardless of whether the man is looking or not. ]
Don't worry, I just arrived. And yes, it's me.
[ The trailblazer looks around a bit more, out of precaution, since he did promise to be careful. But he doesn't want to be rude either, so he shortly walks further in, taking a seat on the bar stool beside the counter. ]
Nice to formally meet you, Greed. So, was there something you couldn't tell me on the Murmur?
[ There has to be a reason the man wants to see him personally, right? ]
[While Caelus finds his seat, the former homunculus crouches down, disappearing behind the bar. He fumbles through his cache (bottles of beer that are probably far beyond their expiration date, a couple of glass jars filled to brim with something or another, a few odds and ends) until he spots what he's looking for. Curling his finger, he slips his nail under the tab of a loose can, dragging it out of the depths.]
[Greed straightens his legs to a stand and with a snap of his wrist, the can hisses open; its artificial juice, dripping red-thin over his claws.] Good. Would be a little rude if I left you waiting, hmn? [He tips his hand, taking the tab clean off on the crook of his claw.] Yeah? Well, it sounds to me like I owe you a bit of an apology. Think you and I got off on the wrong foot. Sorry about that.
[He sets the can down in front Caelus, swiping away some of the spillover with his thumb.] That's simple, but we'll get to that. [The former homunculus nudges the can forward on the point of his knuckle.] There was a reason I came in pretty hot there. You could say I have a bit of experience with alchemists and homunculi. But first thing's first - you said something before. About how someone from your world made a Philosopher's stone.
[He pulls back, then; the subtle clap of his heels, clicking sharp on the floor.] It's probably different where you come from, but like I told you, it takes a lot to make a homunculus. And usually, you'd need a Philosopher's stone to do it. [Almost as if he already has the place memorized, the Sin settles the small of his back into the prep station behind him, leaving both his hands clamped on its lip.] So when you said you did it without one, you got my interest. Most alchemists I know didn't even think a homunculus could exist, let alone make one. Call me impressed.
As for your question - [Trailing, the former homunculus bows his head. He lifts his hand to his face slowly and surely; the pace of it as if he's waiting and holding out the minutes for every second of their worth. Greed fans his fingers and as he frames out his sunglasses with his thumb, the tattoo across his knuckles seems to broil against his skin. His own, personal red letter, marking him for what he is.]
[He folds his sunglasses up. Clp.] - it's a little personal, and information's still worth a whole lot, even here. Call it a guarantee. [Slumping his shoulder, he sinks one of the earpieces of his shades behind the collar of his shirt.] Because what you were talking about - you're looking at one.
[Greed tilts his head and as a smile begins to stretch along his jaw, he eases his eyes open. In the bar's low light, the slits of them breathe wild; like a big cat feverishly stalking a potential prey.]
Homunculus. That's what I am. Least, before all this.
[ Sharon had started to notice it over the past week or so, a quiet sense that Greed was working toward something, but it isn't until after the dream, after a bit of his not-so-subtle nudging, that she finally decides to act on it. ]
What've you been plotting, Greed? [ No lead-in, no soft entry—she goes straight for the question. ]
[She catches him when he's already out. When he's already out, retracing one of the faint lines drawn about the pavement in a circle. It isn't a huge shocker that she picked up on something. A note, like a flame from his end, hovering over a warehouse that was soaked in gasoline months before.]
[Now, however, he plans to drop it. To drop it and let the whole thing go up, as he laughs in the face of it all.]
Caught that, did you. [His voice is level. Level, calm, and as smooth as it's ever been.] Or was it schatz that tipped you off? [There's no venom in his voice, though. Actually, it's almost fond. A devil's admiration, purring its quiet, sweet nothings.] No point in hiding it, then.
It's time our friend learns just how touchable she really is.
It was a little of both. [ There's no missing the fondness that slips through. Schatz—that must be what he calls Silco. Is there something there between them?
But—oh. Her heart thumps. She sits up, leans into the connection. He's got her undivided attention. ] How are you going to do that? [ A beat before she adds, her brand of fiery determination flooding through: ] And how can I help?
[Through all his burn, through all his promise of starting a fire, there is something else. A tick as distant and flighty as a coin, skipping down the pavement.]
[It seems Silco had made good on his end. And ah, is it just one more thing he'll have to thank the man for someday.]
[Greed flattens his hand over his knee, pushing himself upright.] It's something from where I come from. A little bit of counter alchemy and what the ones from the East call alkahestry. [His mind wanders, then. To his fingers, sticky with something. The Sin rubs his thumb and as whatever it is slowly begins to fleck away, the corner of his mouth pulls to the side; his slice of teeth like a short knife, wet clean.] Depending on how it's done, you can purify and heal some of the damage left behind. It won't reverse the mess she's already made, but it just might put a damper on the next, stupid fucking idea she gets in her head.
But - [The former homunculus hums. He shakes his wrist, and the sensation from his side is a drip. A drip, a smear, painting itself on the pavement.] I need Tokens to do it. I can teach them some of the basics, see what works and what doesn't. Homunculi can't do alchemy, Shar. And even in this new body, that hasn't changed.
[ His tone isn't any different than it usually is - friendly, airy. Living in the Nest means that he gets to see things that he "can't ignore." However, this sort of talk is better in a chat like this than in person. ]
The face you've been wearing lately doesn't seem like yours.
[The Sin's tail drifts, wafting up from the tip and back again as slowly as a cat, recovering in its corner. Yuuto's voice isn't an unwelcome one. Not entirely. But given the static in his skull (how it blacks out his eyes and peels every inch of him open, piece by piece), the lack of company had almost been a mercy. If not for him, but for his, and he's always been the type of creature that would rather scurry away and deal with things on his own terms than have an audience to watch.]
[They didn't need it. And he could handle it, would handle it, like he has a million times before.]
M'fine, you little pissant. [His face might not be, but he is. Fine, he means. As fine as his head will let him, at any rate.] Tch. Saw all that, did you? She really does have bad tastes -
[He stands, feeling the cool of the floor between his talons, and for the first time in a while, the former homunculus holds a breath in his lungs. In his mind, his hair is too long, his body is too slender, and the coat he's wearing is frayed at the tails. Two years of being on the run and a world-ending scenario would do that to a jacket.]
- just restin' up, is all. Been busy these past few weeks. You know how it is. [Again, he isn't lying. He had been busy. But he's dodging the truth of the matter as he's wont to do. Better to avoid the complications of it all.]
I have no desire to drag up any painful memories for you, nor have you tell me anything. None of that is any of my business, after all.
[ Yuuto can admit that he doesn't quite feel like himself, but that is about it. His words about the same. The tone is about the same. Yet he is the one that's needling Greed under the guise of being polite and concerned. ]
I've heard about how busy that you've been. Something that may spill back on me which is why you had Silco-san offer his protection, right? Well, those plans don't concern me, either, since I wasn't part of them...
[ He is offering a smile. ] ... however, you're certainly suffering. If you are, and don't want us to worry, could you do a better job at hiding it? [ A soft laugh. ] But I do believe Greed-san is someone who doesn't want to be alone even if he says he does, is that not right?
[Despite the static running circles in his skull, the Sin manages a smile. A deadly one, sharp to every point, and daring to stay in the thick of it all, no matter how hot he may have burned or how likely he is to burn again. It's not the first time he's towed the line of oblivion, and it certainly won't be his last.]
[So, he levels himself to his feet, even as he feels the snap of a coat that isn't there, slithering between borrowed legs he abandoned on a similar gamble.] No, it isn't. And who said anything about it being painful, Suits? [He snaps; a warning, clipped on the tips of his teeth. The cigarette waiting for him tableside easily finds a home between his claws and as his mouth wraps around it, he imagines his face split down the middle. Both halves dangerous, even if the latter could be easily mistaken for innocent.] Ha - ! Is that right? Sounds like schatz made good on his word, after all. Call me surprised.
[He snorts, and whatever is left of Ling Yao fades away in a skitter of ash that'll never see the light of day.] Tsk. I'll keep it in mind, demanding little shit. [The former homunculus flicks his eyes towards the door and as the red of them bleeds halos, he lets himself swallow up the tobacco. The slowness of his drag, savoring every scorch it'll give him.]
Mn. Maybe, maybe not. But that's a secret. [He pats his foot, spreading his talons along the floor, and one of the exposed blanks squelches in response.] What? Can't get enough of me? [He winks through the Murmur. Unpolite, unbothered, and all the bit of sin he really, truly is.] Didn't take you for the sort, Yu.
[The memories of the friends he attack while he was a Seeker haunted him when he woke up. What had he done? He had always been afraid of what he would become when his memories faded away and the mage part of his soul consumed him and Sleep gave him a nightmarish glimpse into that future.
The comforting presence of his tethers now made his soul ache and he left his bookstore before any of them came looking for him. The more he isolated himself, the more he felt himself slip away. But where could he go where he wouldn't hurt anyone else? A memory guided his steps to the Devil's Nest, his loneliness pulling across their tether as he approached Greed. His eyes were partly clouded with darkness as he struggled not to lose himself to his wraith's nature.]
[He feels it. Even under the scratch that's starting to form, that's starting to pull at every connection he's got, as if it's trying to tear them apart at the seams. It's loneliness. A loneliness he knows all too well, reaching right to the core of him and gripping it with what little strength it had left.]
[Greed's eyes turn to the door (daggered thin, running red, waiting), and a frown digs into the meat of his cheek. Their last encounter had been what feels like months ago. Two men, lost in a sea that drank everything they were only to spit it back up again. Honestly, he's a little surprised to see Sirius. He figured the man had decided it wasn't worth the trouble. Too much uncertainty or, perhaps, too much second-hand knowledge that the bar in question could bring more bad than good.]
[The Sin slinks out of his place on the bar stool, one heel first, then the other. He can only take a wild guess as to why the man showed up here, now, of all times. Something isn't right. The calm of it all, holding like it's readying itself for a storm. But he's aware that prodding won't do either of them any favors. Wanting dogs rarely needed the push, and he's not sure how hard Sirius can actually bite.]
[So, he steps forward; his hands in his pockets, his tail making screws around his thigh, and his wings as thin as they can be, planted at the strong of his back.] Ah - ? What kind of question is that? [He purses his lips, showing off the faintest hint of a smile. Kinder on better men, but as close enough as he can get.]
Oi, oi. Don't be stupid, Sirius. [The former homunculus eats away the space between them. With his heels, his body, and the drift of tobacco, long-since spent.] I told you, you could. And you might not believe me, but I've made it one my rules never to lie. [However, he is looking the man over - the run of his eyes, checking to see if there's any hint of physical damage.]
Got plenty of rooms upstairs. Think you can walk on your own?
[Sirius hadn't forgotten the dream they shared. Greed's tempting offer was never far from his mind but the events of the last few months had taken their toll. He hadn't meant to forget the promise he made to Greed, it just felt like he has so little time to breathe before something terrible happened again. It was also difficult for him to ask for help, although he was trying to get better at that.
He also didn't have anywhere else to go and the quiet gratitude in his expression was reflected by the hesitant warmth that flowed through their tether.]
Thank you. I didn't mean to doubt your word. I just didn't want to impose.
[The darkness that bled into the edge of his eyes stopped its advance as Greed's tether helped ground him. Greed's scrutiny however stirred the wraith's nature inside him and the black bandages around his arms discreetly loosened with a predatory aggression. The movement revealed a small glimpse of something glowing underneath his bandages.
With a small wince, Sirius struggled to control the wraith's violent impulse that momentarily clouded his mind.]
[The Sin's eyes go steady; the weight of them frozen, chilly, cold as he watches the glow beat itself through the bandages. However, the look on his face isn't as challenging as it usually is. It's something else: empathy, understanding. A little sympathy from the devil, silently passing between them like a sack of water when all else has run dry, dry, dry.]
[Greed pockets his hands, and the tip of his tail licks off the floor. A waft to taste the wood and scorch the dust settled between the boards.] Save it. That thanks. Wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it, Sirius. [His tone is light, yet there's a scratch to it. The barest hint of a bite, twitching at the forks of his tongue and pressing hot behind his teeth. How long was his list going to get? How many more names was he going to have to add? Of the people he knew, of his, and all life owed them, time and time again.]
[It's a later conversation. Or maybe, it will never be one at all. He's always made it a point not to pry too much if he doesn't have to. It had to be because they wanted to. Because they wanted to lay down their confessions and let sin, sin of all things, add them to a pile that he would collect on later.]
[Greed irritably snorts, yanking one of his hands out of his pocket.] Yeah, I'm sure you could. Seems to me you've already had a time getting here, though, hmn? Figured you're owed the favor. [He extends his arm, then; an elbow, should Sirius decide to take it.]
I deeply apologize for the great inconvenience due to reaching out to you in the murmur. I foolishly believed that I had any right to tell you how to carry on with your day to day living and what you may be processing in your own time. A lowly employee like myself has nothing to say to their boss beyond "yes, sir."
I cannot promise that this will not happen in the future as I do not know what Sleep will have in store for us.
I also am uncertain if you can read this, at all.
Which renders much of what I am doing moot, but I believe you will understand the meaning behind what I have done.
Please understand I will work even harder for you, if you so desire.
Once more, I deeply apologize for my mistakes.
Kigai Yuuto
joke tag i will get something better later but i am feeling silly
[No, on second thought, he still (actually) can't fucking read this. The scribbles on the paper, the way they tie themselves together that's something close, but not quite, Xingese. And even then, he hadn't bothered learning it. No matter how many times the brat had tried.]
[So instead, he goes with the tried and true. An equivalent exchange written in chicken scratch that's no better, on a slip that had (once been) the former bar's balance sheet, slapped haphazardly atop Yuuto's door.]
don't know what you were trying to say, you little shit. i can't read that. but i know it's not xingese so i won't bother asking if it is. close enough i guess.
doesn't matter. whatever you had to say, save it. i didn't take it personally if that's what you're worried about. but if you wanna make it up to me
talk to schatz. ask him how our supplies are doing, and if we need more, make me a list. then i'd say we're even.
[ Yuuto glances at the letter that is pushed underneath his door.
He picks up, squinting at the letters. It looks like English but isn't close enough for him to be able to parse what it could say. However, he does get the impression that perhaps he has messed up --
-- and going to go have a sleepover at someone else's house until he's forgiven.
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telepathic message (text) ◆ week 2
so greed will feel a familiar tingle if he just so happens to be wearing his mask, blindfold, or whatever he uses. a crow flapping and perching on a tree branch, pecking at her feathers before cawing, to let him know she is here: ]
Hey.
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[Greed sinks his teeth into it, tearing it from the neck with a soft plnk.] Pissant. [He starts, the tone of his voice wheezing like exhaust. It's affectionate, the way he says it - his grin, obvious and smokey through the Murmur.]
Sorry, haven't found anything yet. But something tells me that isn't why you're - [He spins his wrist, gesturing at nothing in particular.] - eh you know what I mean.
So, what can I do for you?
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[and she was about to make her exit until she spots the sun gradually making its disappearance. groaning in frustration, jinx swallows her pride and pushes onward.]
Where are you crashing?
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Oi, oi. Don't take it personally, huh? [He flits his fingers, sending a splatter of liquor speckling across the canal like a brief spit of rain.]
[His feet come next - the gurgle of vodka, all but sliding sleek over his boots.] Mn? [Using his pinkie, he digs at the back of his heel to peel away a soggy piece of paper.] Found a little spot in town. The Double Down Saloon.
Why?
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Early afternoon. The sun is still high up, so there's time for this side trip. After preparing what he needs, Caelus heads out on a skateboard and beelines for Paradise Lost. Prior, he had to look up the location and ask for assistance among his roommates, as he can't read the local languages. Now with direction, he soon arrives at the… incredibly red entrance of The Devil's Nest.
Well, a fitting name for the look of this place. At least it's easy to find because of how much it stands out. It looks like a public establishment, so he doesn't knock when he enters. Maybe there'll be a bell at the door to signal his arrival for him. He leaves his skateboard somewhere near the door, then heads further in. Fully curious. ]
… Hello?
CW: Mild Mutated Animal Description
[It gives its wing a short preen, making its feathers plume out like static before they flatten down again almost unanimously. All in all, it doesn't seem bothered by the sudden visitation. No, instead, it's more calm, unfazed. As if it's either been waiting or expecting for someone, anyone, to come waltzing through the door.]
[The toucan picks mindlessly at its foot, tearing off a flake of skin. It's easy work, all things considered. And as its wiry, split tongue lashes out, it throws its head back in celebration - the clap of its saw-toothed bill, echoing through the bar like spent brass.]
[And ah, if that just isn't a calling card - ]
Oi, oi, oi. What is it, 'Lört? [The ceiling above groans, and the former homunculus languidly begins his descent down the stairs.] Less you've got something for me, I'm expecting a little company - [The Sin's voice rumbles the closer he gets. It snakes through the building like a pulse. As if it's coming from everywhere and no where as drifting and dreamy as the years of cigarette smoke clung to the walls.]
[Greed winds around the bottom of the staircase and as he catches a face (an unfamiliar, unknown face) in the lenses of his shades, he pauses - the length of his tail, coiling soundlessly against one of the flight's crooked, lopsided posts.] Oh, ho. Guess you found 'em before I did. [He hums, and the toucan takes off, disappearing to perch on one of the many exposed pipes hanging from the ceiling.]
[The former homunculus flattens his hand on the railing, pushing himself away from the steps.] You must be Caelus, that right? [He doesn't bother looking at the other man as he moves.] Glad to see you found the place. Though, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. [Turning his back, the Sin slinks behind the other side of the bar - the scorch of his heels, leaving behind a light, dying trail of soot.]
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It's not that he's afraid or anything. It's just his sympathy crawling at the back of his mind. This world has suffered so much, and he can't get used to that idea at all. There wasn't a day when he didn't think about the future of this ruined place. Maybe it's idealistic of him, but he doesn't want to give up hope. He wants to believe that things might still get better for those living here. If there's a chance that he can help make that happen, he will take action at any time.
Those are his thoughts as he watches the bird fly away. Then, his focus shifts when he hears an unfamiliar voice. He recognizes it, but it's unfamiliar in the sense that they're still both strangers to each other, and he doesn't know what to make of this person yet. Still, being himself, he tries to give a friendly smile regardless of whether the man is looking or not. ]
Don't worry, I just arrived. And yes, it's me.
[ The trailblazer looks around a bit more, out of precaution, since he did promise to be careful. But he doesn't want to be rude either, so he shortly walks further in, taking a seat on the bar stool beside the counter. ]
Nice to formally meet you, Greed. So, was there something you couldn't tell me on the Murmur?
[ There has to be a reason the man wants to see him personally, right? ]
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[Greed straightens his legs to a stand and with a snap of his wrist, the can hisses open; its artificial juice, dripping red-thin over his claws.] Good. Would be a little rude if I left you waiting, hmn? [He tips his hand, taking the tab clean off on the crook of his claw.] Yeah? Well, it sounds to me like I owe you a bit of an apology. Think you and I got off on the wrong foot. Sorry about that.
[He sets the can down in front Caelus, swiping away some of the spillover with his thumb.] That's simple, but we'll get to that. [The former homunculus nudges the can forward on the point of his knuckle.] There was a reason I came in pretty hot there. You could say I have a bit of experience with alchemists and homunculi. But first thing's first - you said something before. About how someone from your world made a Philosopher's stone.
[He pulls back, then; the subtle clap of his heels, clicking sharp on the floor.] It's probably different where you come from, but like I told you, it takes a lot to make a homunculus. And usually, you'd need a Philosopher's stone to do it. [Almost as if he already has the place memorized, the Sin settles the small of his back into the prep station behind him, leaving both his hands clamped on its lip.] So when you said you did it without one, you got my interest. Most alchemists I know didn't even think a homunculus could exist, let alone make one. Call me impressed.
As for your question - [Trailing, the former homunculus bows his head. He lifts his hand to his face slowly and surely; the pace of it as if he's waiting and holding out the minutes for every second of their worth. Greed fans his fingers and as he frames out his sunglasses with his thumb, the tattoo across his knuckles seems to broil against his skin. His own, personal red letter, marking him for what he is.]
[He folds his sunglasses up. Clp.] - it's a little personal, and information's still worth a whole lot, even here. Call it a guarantee. [Slumping his shoulder, he sinks one of the earpieces of his shades behind the collar of his shirt.] Because what you were talking about - you're looking at one.
[Greed tilts his head and as a smile begins to stretch along his jaw, he eases his eyes open. In the bar's low light, the slits of them breathe wild; like a big cat feverishly stalking a potential prey.]
Homunculus. That's what I am. Least, before all this.
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Week 1 of Take Aim & Give
What've you been plotting, Greed? [ No lead-in, no soft entry—she goes straight for the question. ]
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[Now, however, he plans to drop it. To drop it and let the whole thing go up, as he laughs in the face of it all.]
Caught that, did you. [His voice is level. Level, calm, and as smooth as it's ever been.] Or was it schatz that tipped you off? [There's no venom in his voice, though. Actually, it's almost fond. A devil's admiration, purring its quiet, sweet nothings.] No point in hiding it, then.
It's time our friend learns just how touchable she really is.
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But—oh. Her heart thumps. She sits up, leans into the connection. He's got her undivided attention. ] How are you going to do that? [ A beat before she adds, her brand of fiery determination flooding through: ] And how can I help?
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[It seems Silco had made good on his end. And ah, is it just one more thing he'll have to thank the man for someday.]
[Greed flattens his hand over his knee, pushing himself upright.] It's something from where I come from. A little bit of counter alchemy and what the ones from the East call alkahestry. [His mind wanders, then. To his fingers, sticky with something. The Sin rubs his thumb and as whatever it is slowly begins to fleck away, the corner of his mouth pulls to the side; his slice of teeth like a short knife, wet clean.] Depending on how it's done, you can purify and heal some of the damage left behind. It won't reverse the mess she's already made, but it just might put a damper on the next, stupid fucking idea she gets in her head.
But - [The former homunculus hums. He shakes his wrist, and the sensation from his side is a drip. A drip, a smear, painting itself on the pavement.] I need Tokens to do it. I can teach them some of the basics, see what works and what doesn't. Homunculi can't do alchemy, Shar. And even in this new body, that hasn't changed.
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mid-april; event ; "i'm mean now" (telepathic message) | keeping promises
[ His tone isn't any different than it usually is - friendly, airy. Living in the Nest means that he gets to see things that he "can't ignore." However, this sort of talk is better in a chat like this than in person. ]
The face you've been wearing lately doesn't seem like yours.
Are you all right?
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[They didn't need it. And he could handle it, would handle it, like he has a million times before.]
M'fine, you little pissant. [His face might not be, but he is. Fine, he means. As fine as his head will let him, at any rate.] Tch. Saw all that, did you? She really does have bad tastes -
[He stands, feeling the cool of the floor between his talons, and for the first time in a while, the former homunculus holds a breath in his lungs. In his mind, his hair is too long, his body is too slender, and the coat he's wearing is frayed at the tails. Two years of being on the run and a world-ending scenario would do that to a jacket.]
- just restin' up, is all. Been busy these past few weeks. You know how it is. [Again, he isn't lying. He had been busy. But he's dodging the truth of the matter as he's wont to do. Better to avoid the complications of it all.]
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[ Yuuto can admit that he doesn't quite feel like himself, but that is about it. His words about the same. The tone is about the same. Yet he is the one that's needling Greed under the guise of being polite and concerned. ]
I've heard about how busy that you've been. Something that may spill back on me which is why you had Silco-san offer his protection, right? Well, those plans don't concern me, either, since I wasn't part of them...
[ He is offering a smile. ] ... however, you're certainly suffering. If you are, and don't want us to worry, could you do a better job at hiding it? [ A soft laugh. ] But I do believe Greed-san is someone who doesn't want to be alone even if he says he does, is that not right?
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[So, he levels himself to his feet, even as he feels the snap of a coat that isn't there, slithering between borrowed legs he abandoned on a similar gamble.] No, it isn't. And who said anything about it being painful, Suits? [He snaps; a warning, clipped on the tips of his teeth. The cigarette waiting for him tableside easily finds a home between his claws and as his mouth wraps around it, he imagines his face split down the middle. Both halves dangerous, even if the latter could be easily mistaken for innocent.] Ha - ! Is that right? Sounds like schatz made good on his word, after all. Call me surprised.
[He snorts, and whatever is left of Ling Yao fades away in a skitter of ash that'll never see the light of day.] Tsk. I'll keep it in mind, demanding little shit. [The former homunculus flicks his eyes towards the door and as the red of them bleeds halos, he lets himself swallow up the tobacco. The slowness of his drag, savoring every scorch it'll give him.]
Mn. Maybe, maybe not. But that's a secret. [He pats his foot, spreading his talons along the floor, and one of the exposed blanks squelches in response.] What? Can't get enough of me? [He winks through the Murmur. Unpolite, unbothered, and all the bit of sin he really, truly is.] Didn't take you for the sort, Yu.
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Take Aim & Give, Beginning of Week 1
The comforting presence of his tethers now made his soul ache and he left his bookstore before any of them came looking for him. The more he isolated himself, the more he felt himself slip away. But where could he go where he wouldn't hurt anyone else? A memory guided his steps to the Devil's Nest, his loneliness pulling across their tether as he approached Greed. His eyes were partly clouded with darkness as he struggled not to lose himself to his wraith's nature.]
Can I stay here for awhile?
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[Greed's eyes turn to the door (daggered thin, running red, waiting), and a frown digs into the meat of his cheek. Their last encounter had been what feels like months ago. Two men, lost in a sea that drank everything they were only to spit it back up again. Honestly, he's a little surprised to see Sirius. He figured the man had decided it wasn't worth the trouble. Too much uncertainty or, perhaps, too much second-hand knowledge that the bar in question could bring more bad than good.]
[The Sin slinks out of his place on the bar stool, one heel first, then the other. He can only take a wild guess as to why the man showed up here, now, of all times. Something isn't right. The calm of it all, holding like it's readying itself for a storm. But he's aware that prodding won't do either of them any favors. Wanting dogs rarely needed the push, and he's not sure how hard Sirius can actually bite.]
[So, he steps forward; his hands in his pockets, his tail making screws around his thigh, and his wings as thin as they can be, planted at the strong of his back.] Ah - ? What kind of question is that? [He purses his lips, showing off the faintest hint of a smile. Kinder on better men, but as close enough as he can get.]
Oi, oi. Don't be stupid, Sirius. [The former homunculus eats away the space between them. With his heels, his body, and the drift of tobacco, long-since spent.] I told you, you could. And you might not believe me, but I've made it one my rules never to lie. [However, he is looking the man over - the run of his eyes, checking to see if there's any hint of physical damage.]
Got plenty of rooms upstairs. Think you can walk on your own?
(cw: undead and fungi body horror)
He also didn't have anywhere else to go and the quiet gratitude in his expression was reflected by the hesitant warmth that flowed through their tether.]
Thank you. I didn't mean to doubt your word. I just didn't want to impose.
[The darkness that bled into the edge of his eyes stopped its advance as Greed's tether helped ground him. Greed's scrutiny however stirred the wraith's nature inside him and the black bandages around his arms discreetly loosened with a predatory aggression. The movement revealed a small glimpse of something glowing underneath his bandages.
With a small wince, Sirius struggled to control the wraith's violent impulse that momentarily clouded his mind.]
Yeah I can walk. I'm just tired.
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[Greed pockets his hands, and the tip of his tail licks off the floor. A waft to taste the wood and scorch the dust settled between the boards.] Save it. That thanks. Wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it, Sirius. [His tone is light, yet there's a scratch to it. The barest hint of a bite, twitching at the forks of his tongue and pressing hot behind his teeth. How long was his list going to get? How many more names was he going to have to add? Of the people he knew, of his, and all life owed them, time and time again.]
[It's a later conversation. Or maybe, it will never be one at all. He's always made it a point not to pry too much if he doesn't have to. It had to be because they wanted to. Because they wanted to lay down their confessions and let sin, sin of all things, add them to a pile that he would collect on later.]
[Greed irritably snorts, yanking one of his hands out of his pocket.] Yeah, I'm sure you could. Seems to me you've already had a time getting here, though, hmn? Figured you're owed the favor. [He extends his arm, then; an elbow, should Sirius decide to take it.]
When's the last time you ate?
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a letter slid under his door
「マーマー」を通じてご連絡し、多大なるご迷惑をおかけしましたことを深くお詫び申し上げます。私は、あなたの日々の生活や、プライベートな時間に何を考えているかについて、口出しする権利があるなどと愚かにも思い込んでいました。私のような身分の低い従業員が、上司に対して「はい、承知いたしました」以外のことを言うべきではありません。
「スリープ」が今後どのような展開を見せるか分かりませんので、このようなことが二度と起こらないとはお約束できません。
また、あなたがこれを読めるかどうかさえ、定かではありません。
それゆえ、私の行動の多くは意味をなさなくなるかもしれませんが、私の行動の背後にある意図については、ご理解いただけるものと信じております。
もしあなたが望まれるのであれば、私はこれまで以上に一生懸命働きますので、どうかご理解ください。
改めて、私の過ちについて深くお詫び申し上げます。
麒飼 遊人
Translation: Salutations, Greed-san.
I deeply apologize for the great inconvenience due to reaching out to you in the murmur. I foolishly believed that I had any right to tell you how to carry on with your day to day living and what you may be processing in your own time. A lowly employee like myself has nothing to say to their boss beyond "yes, sir."
I cannot promise that this will not happen in the future as I do not know what Sleep will have in store for us.
I also am uncertain if you can read this, at all.
Which renders much of what I am doing moot, but I believe you will understand the meaning behind what I have done.
Please understand I will work even harder for you, if you so desire.
Once more, I deeply apologize for my mistakes.
Kigai Yuuto
joke tag i will get something better later but i am feeling silly
[He can't fucking read this.]
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[So instead, he goes with the tried and true. An equivalent exchange written in chicken scratch that's no better, on a slip that had (once been) the former bar's balance sheet, slapped haphazardly atop Yuuto's door.]
don't know what you were trying to say, you little shit. i can't read that. but i know it's not xingese so i won't bother asking if it is. close enough i guess.
doesn't matter. whatever you had to say, save it. i didn't take it personally if that's what you're worried about. but if you wanna make it up to me
talk to schatz. ask him how our supplies are doing, and if we need more, make me a list. then i'd say we're even.
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He picks up, squinting at the letters. It looks like English but isn't close enough for him to be able to parse what it could say. However, he does get the impression that perhaps he has messed up --
-- and going to go have a sleepover at someone else's house until he's forgiven.
Weh-weh. ]