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[The Sin is oddly quiet while he watches Caelus think it over. How his eyes seem to breathe (purple, red, then back again). How that smile of his stays curled on his face as if it's been chiseled out of hard, cold carbon. No, he doesn't expect it to be that easy. Sleep had her claws in every inch of the place. In every crack, every corner, every heartbeat like an infestation, glued and stuck. He'd be lying if he said he didn't have the same doubts.]
[But what is it? What's his phrase again?]
["Nothing's impossible."]
[Greed's tail loops behind him, twitching as jaggedly as an impatient cat.] Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. Doesn't hurt to try, hmn? [He taps the counter with his claw as if to add to his point.] We won't know unless we give it a shot. Worst case, it ends up being nothing. But if it does work, well - it would be worth it, don't you think?
["What exactly would you have me do?" he asks, and the former homunculus sluggishly slithers away from the counter; the pull of his torso, a snail's waiting pace.] That part's simple. It'll be easier to use the Murmur to do it, and I'll show you something easy first. As for the rest? [Greed turns his wrist to splay his fingers out in a wide, spiraling fan.] You can leave that to me.
[Because he knows the laws, he knows the rules. And payment for something like this?]
[Oh, will it be personal.]
[But what is it? What's his phrase again?]
["Nothing's impossible."]
[Greed's tail loops behind him, twitching as jaggedly as an impatient cat.] Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. Doesn't hurt to try, hmn? [He taps the counter with his claw as if to add to his point.] We won't know unless we give it a shot. Worst case, it ends up being nothing. But if it does work, well - it would be worth it, don't you think?
["What exactly would you have me do?" he asks, and the former homunculus sluggishly slithers away from the counter; the pull of his torso, a snail's waiting pace.] That part's simple. It'll be easier to use the Murmur to do it, and I'll show you something easy first. As for the rest? [Greed turns his wrist to splay his fingers out in a wide, spiraling fan.] You can leave that to me.
[Because he knows the laws, he knows the rules. And payment for something like this?]
[Oh, will it be personal.]
[ While Caelus thinks it may be impossible by himself, the story might change if he isn't by himself. He's always believed in collective efforts making a huge difference. If he can't do it alone, then he can simply reach out to others and change the scenario together. That's always been the way he operates, even before arriving in this world.
That's why he's always cooperative when good chances present themselves. But… this one, is it a good chance? How large is the risk? What if Sleep catches wind of all this and punishes them all for it? However, if they're constantly in fear, then that's exactly what Sleep wants. It may be worth trying at least once. He lowers his head a bit, staring at the partially drunk juice in his hands. ]
… Okay.
[ Worst case ending up as nothing seems way too unlikely, but Caelus will pray that it is the case. He doesn't want anyone getting hurt because of their attempts. Once he agrees to do it, he lifts his head, looking quite determined. ]
I'll do it. What's the plan, then?
That's why he's always cooperative when good chances present themselves. But… this one, is it a good chance? How large is the risk? What if Sleep catches wind of all this and punishes them all for it? However, if they're constantly in fear, then that's exactly what Sleep wants. It may be worth trying at least once. He lowers his head a bit, staring at the partially drunk juice in his hands. ]
… Okay.
[ Worst case ending up as nothing seems way too unlikely, but Caelus will pray that it is the case. He doesn't want anyone getting hurt because of their attempts. Once he agrees to do it, he lifts his head, looking quite determined. ]
I'll do it. What's the plan, then?
[Greed waits as Caelus mulls everything over. Patiently, silently, but no less locked on like a predator, stiff in the brush. No, in all honesty, the whole idea is a dangerous one. People like Sleep, things like Sleep - they never give up their power willingly. And rebellion? Well, they tended to take it a little personally, if his history is anything to go by.]
[Then again, it's in his nature. If she brought him here, then she shouldn't be all that surprised that this was how things were eventually going to fall into place.]
[The Sin's eyes go heavy and as a soft, stretched whistle slides over his teeth, the corner of his mouth screws up tight into his cheek.] That's it? You're just gunna accept? Ha - ! [He keeps his laugh short, waving at the air with his hand.] I gotta say kid, you're even more impressive than I first thought. So be it, then. It's a deal.
[He folds his arms across his chest, leaving his claws to drape over his elbow.] Give me a couple of days. I'll reach out to you. [He stretches his fingers up to tap the mask dangling halfway down the center of his chest.] Like I said, we'll start with something simple first. One of the basics an alchemist might learn. Once you think you've got the transmutation circle right, we'll put it to the test, see if it actually works.
[Greed pries his nail off his mask, making the chains quiver like a front-door bell.] And just to make sure we aren't missing anything, make me a list of some of the materials you usually use. [He touches the inside of his cheek with his tongue, tasting nothing but the same dryness he's come to expect.] As for what I'll bring, I'll save that for when you're ready.
[Their business done, the former homunculus tilts his head, shooting Caelus a wink. It's dastardly, playful. A devil's smile with all the sincerity of sin, sin, sin.]
Until then, Caelus.
[Then again, it's in his nature. If she brought him here, then she shouldn't be all that surprised that this was how things were eventually going to fall into place.]
[The Sin's eyes go heavy and as a soft, stretched whistle slides over his teeth, the corner of his mouth screws up tight into his cheek.] That's it? You're just gunna accept? Ha - ! [He keeps his laugh short, waving at the air with his hand.] I gotta say kid, you're even more impressive than I first thought. So be it, then. It's a deal.
[He folds his arms across his chest, leaving his claws to drape over his elbow.] Give me a couple of days. I'll reach out to you. [He stretches his fingers up to tap the mask dangling halfway down the center of his chest.] Like I said, we'll start with something simple first. One of the basics an alchemist might learn. Once you think you've got the transmutation circle right, we'll put it to the test, see if it actually works.
[Greed pries his nail off his mask, making the chains quiver like a front-door bell.] And just to make sure we aren't missing anything, make me a list of some of the materials you usually use. [He touches the inside of his cheek with his tongue, tasting nothing but the same dryness he's come to expect.] As for what I'll bring, I'll save that for when you're ready.
[Their business done, the former homunculus tilts his head, shooting Caelus a wink. It's dastardly, playful. A devil's smile with all the sincerity of sin, sin, sin.]
Until then, Caelus.
Edited (USED THE SAME WORD TWICE ... ) 2026-03-06 02:23 (UTC)
[ When it comes to decisions involving Sleep, it's more than likely to be always dangerous. That's why Caelus expressed concerns. However, he also understands that being too cautious all the time will prevent them from actually progressing. If no one wants to do anything and only continues to play safe, how are they going to stand against someone trying to be god?
This is why Caelus decides to take his chances, especially since it's something not easy for others to pull off. If he can do it for others' sake, then he will. ]
I understand. I'll be waiting, then.
[ Before standing up from the bar counter, Caelus finishes the juice, then starts writing the requested list on a raccoon post-it note that he always carries around. It's written in childish-sounding English because he's still learning Earth's languages slowly. But he's come a long way from studying them since his arrival here, so it should be legible enough. It's basically the same materials he mentioned to Lortel from that earlier broadcast.
When finished, Caelus moves off from the bar stool, and leaves the note on the counter. There are also a few pieces of candy beside the note. A little something for the juice. Equivalent exchange! ]
Take care until then, Greed!
[ With that, Caelus turns to head out. He waves to the toucan on the way out, grabs his skateboard by the door, and quietly leaves. ]
This is why Caelus decides to take his chances, especially since it's something not easy for others to pull off. If he can do it for others' sake, then he will. ]
I understand. I'll be waiting, then.
[ Before standing up from the bar counter, Caelus finishes the juice, then starts writing the requested list on a raccoon post-it note that he always carries around. It's written in childish-sounding English because he's still learning Earth's languages slowly. But he's come a long way from studying them since his arrival here, so it should be legible enough. It's basically the same materials he mentioned to Lortel from that earlier broadcast.
When finished, Caelus moves off from the bar stool, and leaves the note on the counter. There are also a few pieces of candy beside the note. A little something for the juice. Equivalent exchange! ]
Take care until then, Greed!
[ With that, Caelus turns to head out. He waves to the toucan on the way out, grabs his skateboard by the door, and quietly leaves. ]
[ 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. ]
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.
[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?
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.
[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.
[ She listens closely, a restless mix of nerves and excitement stirring in her chest. So that's why he'd been asking about alchemy—he'd been gathering pieces, looking for people, for answers. Building toward this. ]
All right, I'm in. [ There's no hesitation, no pause to weigh it out. Greed hasn't given her a reason to doubt him, not once. He's willing to drag the Order through hell for her—she can be one of the Tokens he needs to make it happen. ] I'm willing to do just about anything to piss in that bitch's Cheerios. [ If it rattles Sleep, it's worth it. Whatever it takes. ] I might not know anything about alchemy, but I'm a quick study.
How big of an area are you trying to purify? Have you tested it yet?
All right, I'm in. [ There's no hesitation, no pause to weigh it out. Greed hasn't given her a reason to doubt him, not once. He's willing to drag the Order through hell for her—she can be one of the Tokens he needs to make it happen. ] I'm willing to do just about anything to piss in that bitch's Cheerios. [ If it rattles Sleep, it's worth it. Whatever it takes. ] I might not know anything about alchemy, but I'm a quick study.
How big of an area are you trying to purify? Have you tested it yet?
[The nervousness, the excitement: they ping off the back of him like an echo. Like a sound bouncing off the wall that made it, willing and ready to return the favor. He hadn't wanted to get Sharon involved if she didn't have to. She already had plenty else to worry about: the people here, her plan with Silco. The Order, and its constant, looming threat. Still, she hasn't exactly made her disdain of Sleep a secret. And denying her a chance? Well.]
[That wouldn't be very fair of him, would it?]
[Greed touches his lips together, tasting their lick of copper.] Only if you're sure. Though, something tells me that I won't have to ask you twice. [Because there's no hesitation. No pause, no second-guessing as she mulls it over. She's already made her decision whether he likes it or not.]
[A laugh (low, deep, resounding) cooks in his throat like a quake, and the former homunculus rolls his foot out on his heel.] Hoping to do a little more than pissing in 'em, whatever they are. [He lets it come through simple at first. A basic outline, sketching itself like neon, flooding a tube.]
We're starting small, first. No reason to blow the whole thing just yet. Least, not until we figure out how people's abilities here work. [As for the results, they're still in the air. A work in progress, heading to one, singular conclusion.]
[The Sin slaps the toe of his boot down and as it cracks off the concrete, a reaction forms in the back of his mind. Of the lines drawn, of a payment secretly made, and of a lashing current, nipping back at its source.]
[If Sleep wanted to play her games, she was going to learn some rules. About equivalent exchange, and the price that came with it.]
[That wouldn't be very fair of him, would it?]
[Greed touches his lips together, tasting their lick of copper.] Only if you're sure. Though, something tells me that I won't have to ask you twice. [Because there's no hesitation. No pause, no second-guessing as she mulls it over. She's already made her decision whether he likes it or not.]
[A laugh (low, deep, resounding) cooks in his throat like a quake, and the former homunculus rolls his foot out on his heel.] Hoping to do a little more than pissing in 'em, whatever they are. [He lets it come through simple at first. A basic outline, sketching itself like neon, flooding a tube.]
We're starting small, first. No reason to blow the whole thing just yet. Least, not until we figure out how people's abilities here work. [As for the results, they're still in the air. A work in progress, heading to one, singular conclusion.]
[The Sin slaps the toe of his boot down and as it cracks off the concrete, a reaction forms in the back of his mind. Of the lines drawn, of a payment secretly made, and of a lashing current, nipping back at its source.]
[If Sleep wanted to play her games, she was going to learn some rules. About equivalent exchange, and the price that came with it.]
[ Greed's right—he won't need to ask twice. Sharon has already made up her mind, and it's not one she's about to revisit. ]
Cheerios. Breakfast cereal. Hard to have a good day when someone pisses in 'em. [ The explanation comes quick, almost casual, despite everything hanging beneath it. She just wants to get under Sleep's skin, to be a problem. Even if it doesn't land exactly how Greed hopes, even if it's smaller, more contained, something is still better than nothing.
A circle within a circle. A triangle nested inside another. Sharon knows ritual work when she sees it. There's meaning there, layered, even if she doesn't fully understand it, but as the shape of it settles in his thoughts, more starts to click. It isn't so different from what the Order used to carve out—circles, triangles, runes, words in languages she never learned but still remembers.
If it were anyone else, she'd hesitate. ]
Tell me what you need from me, and you've got it, Greed. [ There's no pause, no second-guessing. She'll do whatever it takes, and if nothing else, it'll give her something to fill the empty space of her days. ] I know you're ready for whatever she throws back at you, which is good, but... [ Her voice tightens just a little. ] You should know you're putting your Tethers at risk. Last time someone really pushed her, she cut every single one.
[ It rings clear in the connection: this isn't meant to be a deterrent. ]
Cheerios. Breakfast cereal. Hard to have a good day when someone pisses in 'em. [ The explanation comes quick, almost casual, despite everything hanging beneath it. She just wants to get under Sleep's skin, to be a problem. Even if it doesn't land exactly how Greed hopes, even if it's smaller, more contained, something is still better than nothing.
A circle within a circle. A triangle nested inside another. Sharon knows ritual work when she sees it. There's meaning there, layered, even if she doesn't fully understand it, but as the shape of it settles in his thoughts, more starts to click. It isn't so different from what the Order used to carve out—circles, triangles, runes, words in languages she never learned but still remembers.
If it were anyone else, she'd hesitate. ]
Tell me what you need from me, and you've got it, Greed. [ There's no pause, no second-guessing. She'll do whatever it takes, and if nothing else, it'll give her something to fill the empty space of her days. ] I know you're ready for whatever she throws back at you, which is good, but... [ Her voice tightens just a little. ] You should know you're putting your Tethers at risk. Last time someone really pushed her, she cut every single one.
[ It rings clear in the connection: this isn't meant to be a deterrent. ]
[There's a flash. A brief one, as quick as a spit in the pan, but no less bright. Putting his tethers at risk wasn't something he even thought to consider. The whole point, the whole reason he's even trying anything at all, is to keep them from a worse end. To give them something to hold onto, slim as the hope may be.]
[The Sin's eye narrows, chasing a shadow on the wall. And maybe, it's all her tricks at the end of it, but he can swear it's close. Close to a face that's also too young in his years. Too young to have seen some of the things he had and to have gone through just as much, only to come out on the other side missing a whole lot more than he started with.]
[Something snaps (a line of a different kind, a tether by a different name), and it's agony. A plea, yelled by the same face, at the moment when he had to make a horrible choice:]
["But I do. No, wait. Don't do this - !"]
[Greed tests his shoulder.] I'll be fine. Always am, kid. [Not the whole truth, but the kindest honesty he can afford.] As for them, what happens? [The unspoken part is said out loud through the Murmur. Its silence, screaming for an answer.]
["You'll be fine, right? You'll all be fine - "]
As for your part, I just need to know what you can do. Leave the rest to me. [It's his final say on the matter. Any concerns about him, any worries - he'll take care of it as he always has. As he always does, burying it so deep, no one will ever have a chance of finding it.]
[The Sin's eye narrows, chasing a shadow on the wall. And maybe, it's all her tricks at the end of it, but he can swear it's close. Close to a face that's also too young in his years. Too young to have seen some of the things he had and to have gone through just as much, only to come out on the other side missing a whole lot more than he started with.]
[Something snaps (a line of a different kind, a tether by a different name), and it's agony. A plea, yelled by the same face, at the moment when he had to make a horrible choice:]
["But I do. No, wait. Don't do this - !"]
[Greed tests his shoulder.] I'll be fine. Always am, kid. [Not the whole truth, but the kindest honesty he can afford.] As for them, what happens? [The unspoken part is said out loud through the Murmur. Its silence, screaming for an answer.]
["You'll be fine, right? You'll all be fine - "]
As for your part, I just need to know what you can do. Leave the rest to me. [It's his final say on the matter. Any concerns about him, any worries - he'll take care of it as he always has. As he always does, burying it so deep, no one will ever have a chance of finding it.]
Greed-san.
[ 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?
[ 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?
[ Greed had thought about the danger to the people close to him, but the tether side of it hadn't crossed his mind. Sharon can't fault him for that; it's not exactly obvious.
The shout cuts through their connection, something desperate lacing the voice, and then Greed insists he'll be fine, as if he's experienced a pain like the snap of a tether before. Sharon bristles at that, eyes rolling despite herself. Kalmiya hadn't been fine. She doesn't think Greed will be either, not if it comes to that. ] Pain, Greed. It's like having a piece of yourself cut out. [ Her voice steadies, firm despite it all. ] We'll be fine. You will too. It'll just suck.
[ They'll deal with it. She doubts he's tethered himself to anyone who can't handle the fallout, and she'll be there to help put things back together, same as she always is for those who matter most to her. ]
I'm an Illusionist, Greed. I make people believe what I want them to. I can slip into someone's mind, flip the right switches. Make them see what I want, feel what I want. [ A beat, soft at first, and then it grows sharper. A blade between her teeth. ] I can hurt them without ever laying a hand on them. Hide them from the world.
[ Pull a veil over anyone's eyes. ]
The shout cuts through their connection, something desperate lacing the voice, and then Greed insists he'll be fine, as if he's experienced a pain like the snap of a tether before. Sharon bristles at that, eyes rolling despite herself. Kalmiya hadn't been fine. She doesn't think Greed will be either, not if it comes to that. ] Pain, Greed. It's like having a piece of yourself cut out. [ Her voice steadies, firm despite it all. ] We'll be fine. You will too. It'll just suck.
[ They'll deal with it. She doubts he's tethered himself to anyone who can't handle the fallout, and she'll be there to help put things back together, same as she always is for those who matter most to her. ]
I'm an Illusionist, Greed. I make people believe what I want them to. I can slip into someone's mind, flip the right switches. Make them see what I want, feel what I want. [ A beat, soft at first, and then it grows sharper. A blade between her teeth. ] I can hurt them without ever laying a hand on them. Hide them from the world.
[ Pull a veil over anyone's eyes. ]
[If he were being honest, if he could ever be, he'd tell her. Tell her that he did know what it felt like, that he knew what it meant to cut a connection. To sever it with nothing more than a barking order and the single, sweetest lie he's ever told. It made it easier that way. Because if they knew, if they really knew, it would just make things far more complicated than they needed to be.]
[And hasn't he always said it? It's always better to keep things simple.]
[Greed feels out the roof of his mouth (the grooves, the bump, the faintest sting of something melting), and his smile slowly spreads across his face. A challenge, not to Sharon, but to Sleep and anything she may have planned in the aftermath.]
Wouldn't be the first time, Shar. But it doesn't matter. [The Sin fans his fingers across his thighs.] As for you, Bluebird's already made sure there will be more at the 'Nest. If you need 'em - [His thought trails off. A thread, unraveling itself to nothing.] - you'll be fine, as you said.
[The people here, he's finding, are giving in so many ways. Comfort, friendship, business. Changing the topic of conversation so he doesn't have to go too far down that road. The former homunculus tilts his head as he tries to chase the image of her through the Murmur. Of course, Sharon would have an ace up her sleeve. Something kept hidden until the moment was just right. To say he's impressed wouldn't be doing it justice. He's intrigued, he's interested. But above it all, there's admiration from his end. The feeling of it like the light stroke of his forehead touching hers and bringing the only kind of warmth a creature like him could ever hope to share.]
[Greed dips his chin, and the laugh that curls out of him is soft; the wheeze of it, an odd combination of steadfast and resigned.] Oh, ho, ho - ! Glad you and I are on the same side then, Shar. [And he means it. Power like that: it could easily break even the strongest men in half, given the right ammunition.] All right, then. Let's see what you can really do. Think it's about time Sleep learned we aren't the types to be easily fucked with.
[And hasn't he always said it? It's always better to keep things simple.]
[Greed feels out the roof of his mouth (the grooves, the bump, the faintest sting of something melting), and his smile slowly spreads across his face. A challenge, not to Sharon, but to Sleep and anything she may have planned in the aftermath.]
Wouldn't be the first time, Shar. But it doesn't matter. [The Sin fans his fingers across his thighs.] As for you, Bluebird's already made sure there will be more at the 'Nest. If you need 'em - [His thought trails off. A thread, unraveling itself to nothing.] - you'll be fine, as you said.
[The people here, he's finding, are giving in so many ways. Comfort, friendship, business. Changing the topic of conversation so he doesn't have to go too far down that road. The former homunculus tilts his head as he tries to chase the image of her through the Murmur. Of course, Sharon would have an ace up her sleeve. Something kept hidden until the moment was just right. To say he's impressed wouldn't be doing it justice. He's intrigued, he's interested. But above it all, there's admiration from his end. The feeling of it like the light stroke of his forehead touching hers and bringing the only kind of warmth a creature like him could ever hope to share.]
[Greed dips his chin, and the laugh that curls out of him is soft; the wheeze of it, an odd combination of steadfast and resigned.] Oh, ho, ho - ! Glad you and I are on the same side then, Shar. [And he means it. Power like that: it could easily break even the strongest men in half, given the right ammunition.] All right, then. Let's see what you can really do. Think it's about time Sleep learned we aren't the types to be easily fucked with.
[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.]
[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?
[ 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?
[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.]
Can I stay here for awhile?
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?
[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.
[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.
Deflecting will only get you so far.
[ Taking a seat in his room, he crosses one leg over the other. Resting his hand on his knee, he continues to radiate his usual friendliness. Regardless of how his intentions change, he is still a cheerful person. ]
You've gathered so many people and want them to be safe. We are part of your collection, then? I'm touched to be part of it, and I agreed in part, but doesn't that make things uneven for you? [ He interlaces his fingers. ] Everything is an illusion, after all ... even if we are close together, there may not be any security.
Even though you are right next to us, you may not be able to save anyone.
[ He smiles yet again. ] Wouldn't it be better to come clean before you regret?
[ Taking a seat in his room, he crosses one leg over the other. Resting his hand on his knee, he continues to radiate his usual friendliness. Regardless of how his intentions change, he is still a cheerful person. ]
You've gathered so many people and want them to be safe. We are part of your collection, then? I'm touched to be part of it, and I agreed in part, but doesn't that make things uneven for you? [ He interlaces his fingers. ] Everything is an illusion, after all ... even if we are close together, there may not be any security.
Even though you are right next to us, you may not be able to save anyone.
[ He smiles yet again. ] Wouldn't it be better to come clean before you regret?
[ It doesn't matter, Greed says, and something in the space between them shifts—a low, quiet pushback that never quite forms into words. Because it does matter. It matters even if he can endure it, even if he's survived worse—because it's him, and Sharon cares more than she'd ever comfortably admit.
Bluebird—Jinx, obviously—is making sure the Nest isn't empty. Sharon isn't entirely sold on the idea of strangers settling in that close, not yet, but she'll deal with it. They don't really have the luxury of being picky. They need people. People willing to stand against Sleep. Hopefully, everyone Jinx pulls in falls on the right side of the lane. ]
Let's keep it that way, yeah? [ She says, tone light, almost teasing, but there's an edge beneath it that doesn't soften. She hasn't crossed that line yet, hasn't killed for someone's devotion to Sleep, but she hasn't ruled it out either. If it comes down to it... she'll do what's necessary. But one of the last people she'd ever want to turn on is Greed.
A faint smirk touches her lips. ] I'm always down to show off for you, Greed. Can't promise it'll mean much against something like Sleep, but maybe. Hopefully, you'll find a use for them.
Bluebird—Jinx, obviously—is making sure the Nest isn't empty. Sharon isn't entirely sold on the idea of strangers settling in that close, not yet, but she'll deal with it. They don't really have the luxury of being picky. They need people. People willing to stand against Sleep. Hopefully, everyone Jinx pulls in falls on the right side of the lane. ]
Let's keep it that way, yeah? [ She says, tone light, almost teasing, but there's an edge beneath it that doesn't soften. She hasn't crossed that line yet, hasn't killed for someone's devotion to Sleep, but she hasn't ruled it out either. If it comes down to it... she'll do what's necessary. But one of the last people she'd ever want to turn on is Greed.
A faint smirk touches her lips. ] I'm always down to show off for you, Greed. Can't promise it'll mean much against something like Sleep, but maybe. Hopefully, you'll find a use for them.
[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?
[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.]
Yeah I can walk. I'm just tired.
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.
[Whatever comment he has on that, though, doesn't come through. Not with words, at least. However, the Murmur does tug from his end; a warning, as if his claws have wrapped themselves finger over finger around the front of Yuuto's suit, yanking it with little to no kindness; their silence, speaking where he won't:]
["Careful, careful. You might just end up regretting what you're asking for yourself."]
[Greed crosses his legs and again, the familiar form of Ling settles over him. Not as young as the kid was then, but somewhere in the middle. An illusion of 30 or so, yet timeless all same.] Mn. The name is Greed, Yu. I won't abandon what's mine so easily. That's all there is to it. [Mindlessly, he thumbs the butt of his cigarette, letting its stray ash pepper through the floorboards.] And no, it doesn't. It's as fair a deal as any. You all, here, working for me. You've made good on your end, and me, mine. That's just how it is, nothing more.
[The Sin runs his hand through his hair (short to his fingers, long to his touch), and he places the cigarette back on his lip; its burn making a shadow of his face to hold both him and Ling as one.] Between me and Sil, we've got it taken care of. Even if she does bite back, you don't actually believe we wouldn't have additional firepower, do you? [He chases Yuuto through the Murmur. With eyes bright, burning, and as scorched as a two-pronged fork, dipped in the mouth of a vat.]
Oh - ? And what would I regret, exactly?
["Careful, careful. You might just end up regretting what you're asking for yourself."]
[Greed crosses his legs and again, the familiar form of Ling settles over him. Not as young as the kid was then, but somewhere in the middle. An illusion of 30 or so, yet timeless all same.] Mn. The name is Greed, Yu. I won't abandon what's mine so easily. That's all there is to it. [Mindlessly, he thumbs the butt of his cigarette, letting its stray ash pepper through the floorboards.] And no, it doesn't. It's as fair a deal as any. You all, here, working for me. You've made good on your end, and me, mine. That's just how it is, nothing more.
[The Sin runs his hand through his hair (short to his fingers, long to his touch), and he places the cigarette back on his lip; its burn making a shadow of his face to hold both him and Ling as one.] Between me and Sil, we've got it taken care of. Even if she does bite back, you don't actually believe we wouldn't have additional firepower, do you? [He chases Yuuto through the Murmur. With eyes bright, burning, and as scorched as a two-pronged fork, dipped in the mouth of a vat.]
Oh - ? And what would I regret, exactly?
[And he feels it. Feels it, swallows it, and lets whatever it is sink into the pit of him, extinguishing the same as every match he's spent both here and before. He can never get too close. That's simply how it's always been. Because the truth of it is more raw than he has the words to describe. That he has the words to know how to deal with, to express, to explain. Blaming it on his avarice means they don't have to guess; that they don't have to question or dig any deeper, only to find the monster lurking underneath.]
[Still, he manages something for her. A smile, less sharp, more purposeful, trying to plant itself into the top of her head.] Uh huh. Got it loud and clear, Shar. Like I said, I would hate to get on your bad side.
[Just as quickly as his presence is there, it leaves again. A shadow on the wall, returning back from the window it crawled from.] Ha - ! Well, then, sounds like now's a good a time as any. As for what it will do against her, it doesn't matter. Anything is better than nothing. And who knows? Maybe you'll be able to give the old hag a taste of her own medicine.
[The delusions, illusions, she's pulled out of them, again and again. He can't help the sick satisfaction that writhes at the idea. At the possibility of turning it against her, leaving her down on her knees as she clawed her own head in two for a change.]
[The Sin's tail wanders out behind him (a noose, waiting for its neck), and his teeth settle together with a finalizing snap. Rck.] Meet me here. [He starts, and the location slips through their tether. He'd seen the garage a few times during his travels. A building, mostly collapsed, but with enough floors and wreckage to keep parts of it still standing. It's as good a place as any. And while they may have to deal with a host or two along the way, it's not as if Sharon hasn't proved already that she could hold her own.]
[Greed opens his wings, trapping a gust between them, and his hand wraps around the mask latched over his face.] Just tell me when, and I'll make the time.
[Still, he manages something for her. A smile, less sharp, more purposeful, trying to plant itself into the top of her head.] Uh huh. Got it loud and clear, Shar. Like I said, I would hate to get on your bad side.
[Just as quickly as his presence is there, it leaves again. A shadow on the wall, returning back from the window it crawled from.] Ha - ! Well, then, sounds like now's a good a time as any. As for what it will do against her, it doesn't matter. Anything is better than nothing. And who knows? Maybe you'll be able to give the old hag a taste of her own medicine.
[The delusions, illusions, she's pulled out of them, again and again. He can't help the sick satisfaction that writhes at the idea. At the possibility of turning it against her, leaving her down on her knees as she clawed her own head in two for a change.]
[The Sin's tail wanders out behind him (a noose, waiting for its neck), and his teeth settle together with a finalizing snap. Rck.] Meet me here. [He starts, and the location slips through their tether. He'd seen the garage a few times during his travels. A building, mostly collapsed, but with enough floors and wreckage to keep parts of it still standing. It's as good a place as any. And while they may have to deal with a host or two along the way, it's not as if Sharon hasn't proved already that she could hold her own.]
[Greed opens his wings, trapping a gust between them, and his hand wraps around the mask latched over his face.] Just tell me when, and I'll make the time.
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