[ Through their connection, he lightly rests his hand on the sensation - the one of grabbing at the front of his suit. He lightly pats the top of those claws. There, there. It's just a friendly chat. ]
Greed-san. You may lose all of your tethers. Silco-san said he would assist you if something might happen. I'm sure the rest of us would feel like doing something for you, as well.
[ However -- ] It would be easier to just harm what you care about than to cause you pain, if you ask me. You are our leader, after all, and it seems as though you are willing and able to take in everything that may befall you. [ And it seems like he has a lot of faith in Silco, as well. Yuuto has no opinion one way or the other, but he simply feels like saying: ]
It feels as though you have a lot of regrets that you're running from, is all.
[ Another smile. ] I don't know what they might be and it's none of my business. [ His favorite line. ] Unfortunately, you're the one that is suffering and so I felt I should, at the very least, say... you should stop running.
Greed-san. You may lose all of your tethers. Silco-san said he would assist you if something might happen. I'm sure the rest of us would feel like doing something for you, as well.
[ However -- ] It would be easier to just harm what you care about than to cause you pain, if you ask me. You are our leader, after all, and it seems as though you are willing and able to take in everything that may befall you. [ And it seems like he has a lot of faith in Silco, as well. Yuuto has no opinion one way or the other, but he simply feels like saying: ]
It feels as though you have a lot of regrets that you're running from, is all.
[ Another smile. ] I don't know what they might be and it's none of my business. [ His favorite line. ] Unfortunately, you're the one that is suffering and so I felt I should, at the very least, say... you should stop running.
[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.]
When's the last time you ate?
[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?
[After days of isolation Sirius was parched and he gladly accepted the little sympathy from the devil, although he didn't see Greed that way. Not when he was kind enough to let someone like him stay here. He was trying not to see himself as a monster anymore but Sleep reopened those old wounds.
But that was later conversation, one that he might be willing to have when the wounds from the dream weren't so raw. He wanted to, but he needed more time.
He was too tired to argue with Greed's observation and he gave in with a ghost of a smile.] Fair enough. [The aura of cold that radiated from him hungrily wrapped around Greed's warmth as he took his arm, taking advantage of his exhaustion to lean into the other's comforting touch for a moment. His eyes narrowed slightly at the question.]
I'm not sure. Several days maybe but I don't need normal food anymore.
[He craved something else and a shadow crossed over his expression. When was the last time he had that?]
But that was later conversation, one that he might be willing to have when the wounds from the dream weren't so raw. He wanted to, but he needed more time.
He was too tired to argue with Greed's observation and he gave in with a ghost of a smile.] Fair enough. [The aura of cold that radiated from him hungrily wrapped around Greed's warmth as he took his arm, taking advantage of his exhaustion to lean into the other's comforting touch for a moment. His eyes narrowed slightly at the question.]
I'm not sure. Several days maybe but I don't need normal food anymore.
[He craved something else and a shadow crossed over his expression. When was the last time he had that?]
[The Sin huffs (a short sound, a defiant sound, and slick all the same), and his grip loosens. The sensation of his hand, flattening across the lapels of Yuuto's suit once. Twice.]
Yeah, I've been warned. Wouldn't surprise me if the hag decided to pull a stupid fucking stunt like that. But it wouldn't be the first time. [He's sure it won't be the same, but the concept isn't a strange one to him. Back then, he'd had Lan Fan do the dirty work. A call to her, over the shoulder he shared with the very face he's wearing, barking his final order.]
[He pockets his hands, feeling slacks that aren't leather, and the snug of a coat, gripping his shoulders tight.] Yeah, well, you can count on schatz for one thing. He knows how to get the job done. If it's necessary, he'll let you know. He owns half the place, Yuuto. And credit where credit's do, the man's got a talent for getting things done.
[The Sin walks, tossing the memory of a ponytail over his shoulder.] Sorry, that's something I can't do. Hurting mine is the same as stealing, friend. Don't think I need to tell you what that means, hmn? [The trail of his cigarette burns smoke between his fingers; a lacework of blue and silver, finding themselves in the dark.] Oh, ho - ! Leader is a strong word. Boss is more like it. I'm no hero, Suits. Don't start getting this wild idea in your head that I'm anything other than what I am.
[Running, regrets, and oh, does he have a few. He ran for 100 years, and two more on top of them. A fugitive that belonged no where and would end up in exactly the same spot he started.]
[Greed pinches his cigarette between his nails, grinning into its fumes.] And what do you think I'm running from? [His tone shifts again. Dangerous, sharp, and as cutting as the crooks of his claws, hovering over his face.]
Go ahead, and spit it out. Told you before there's no point holding anything back with me. And I think we both know how bullshit you can be sometimes. [It isn't mean how he says it. More the kindness of a criminal, passing along his admiration.]
Yeah, I've been warned. Wouldn't surprise me if the hag decided to pull a stupid fucking stunt like that. But it wouldn't be the first time. [He's sure it won't be the same, but the concept isn't a strange one to him. Back then, he'd had Lan Fan do the dirty work. A call to her, over the shoulder he shared with the very face he's wearing, barking his final order.]
[He pockets his hands, feeling slacks that aren't leather, and the snug of a coat, gripping his shoulders tight.] Yeah, well, you can count on schatz for one thing. He knows how to get the job done. If it's necessary, he'll let you know. He owns half the place, Yuuto. And credit where credit's do, the man's got a talent for getting things done.
[The Sin walks, tossing the memory of a ponytail over his shoulder.] Sorry, that's something I can't do. Hurting mine is the same as stealing, friend. Don't think I need to tell you what that means, hmn? [The trail of his cigarette burns smoke between his fingers; a lacework of blue and silver, finding themselves in the dark.] Oh, ho - ! Leader is a strong word. Boss is more like it. I'm no hero, Suits. Don't start getting this wild idea in your head that I'm anything other than what I am.
[Running, regrets, and oh, does he have a few. He ran for 100 years, and two more on top of them. A fugitive that belonged no where and would end up in exactly the same spot he started.]
[Greed pinches his cigarette between his nails, grinning into its fumes.] And what do you think I'm running from? [His tone shifts again. Dangerous, sharp, and as cutting as the crooks of his claws, hovering over his face.]
Go ahead, and spit it out. Told you before there's no point holding anything back with me. And I think we both know how bullshit you can be sometimes. [It isn't mean how he says it. More the kindness of a criminal, passing along his admiration.]
Well, I wonder if you really understand but I suppose you won't know until you know. In any case, I won't tell you I told you so after.
[ Because he isn't that cruel. Kicking someone while they are down is against his sensibilities. ]
Rest assured, I have already accepted him as another employer. [ He interlaces all his fingers save his index - those he lightly taps together thoughtfully. ] I have not seen what he can accomplish and so I'll just have to believe what you say, Greed-san.
[ A neutral response to the boasting of Silco. ]
I believe you are far more human than you believe yourself to be. The Sin of Greed has more humanity than he's willing to admit. Because to admit would mean that he might end up hurt.
[ His voice shifts to something sympathetic, something kind, but it is only something. ]
I believe you're running from something painful and attempting to soothe yourself here to avoid acknowledging that agony.
[ Lifting his head, he looks up - like he's making eye contact. His gaze calm, serene, gentle; friendliness baked underneath the resolve. ]
To protect yourself, you should try to come to terms with it... or you'll always be running scared... afraid that it will show up in the new horror Sleep decides to show you.
[ A slight pause. ] It is why your face doesn't know what shape to be, isn't it?
[ Because he isn't that cruel. Kicking someone while they are down is against his sensibilities. ]
Rest assured, I have already accepted him as another employer. [ He interlaces all his fingers save his index - those he lightly taps together thoughtfully. ] I have not seen what he can accomplish and so I'll just have to believe what you say, Greed-san.
[ A neutral response to the boasting of Silco. ]
I believe you are far more human than you believe yourself to be. The Sin of Greed has more humanity than he's willing to admit. Because to admit would mean that he might end up hurt.
[ His voice shifts to something sympathetic, something kind, but it is only something. ]
I believe you're running from something painful and attempting to soothe yourself here to avoid acknowledging that agony.
[ Lifting his head, he looks up - like he's making eye contact. His gaze calm, serene, gentle; friendliness baked underneath the resolve. ]
To protect yourself, you should try to come to terms with it... or you'll always be running scared... afraid that it will show up in the new horror Sleep decides to show you.
[ A slight pause. ] It is why your face doesn't know what shape to be, isn't it?
グリードさん、こんにちは。
「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
「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
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
nestingdevil
2026-04-23 03:36 am (UTC)(link)
[...]
[He can't fucking read this.]
[He can't fucking read this.]
[ Sharon feels him there in the connection, as close as he's ever been, the edge of his presence softened just enough to dull its usual bite. And then, just as quickly, he slips away again, putting distance between them like it's something required, something he has to do. She doesn't want that, even if she lets it happen.
A taste of her own medicine, he says, and Sharon can't help the faint curve of her smile—thin, fleeting, almost ghostlike as it flickers through the psychic link. There's nothing she wants more. It's what she's done for decades: giving people back exactly what they've handed her, letting them feel it in full. And with Sleep? She'd go to nearly any length to make that happen. ]
All right. [ The thought brushes after him. ] How about tomorrow, then?
A taste of her own medicine, he says, and Sharon can't help the faint curve of her smile—thin, fleeting, almost ghostlike as it flickers through the psychic link. There's nothing she wants more. It's what she's done for decades: giving people back exactly what they've handed her, letting them feel it in full. And with Sleep? She'd go to nearly any length to make that happen. ]
All right. [ The thought brushes after him. ] How about tomorrow, then?
[He takes his arm, and the Sin smiles. Something sly, something slick, something knowing. Really, he couldn't possibly have any idea of what Sirius has gone through (in the world where he came from, in another dream of Sleep's design where she took her pleasure in pitting whatever she had against them). That exhaustion, however: he's seen it countless times. Seen it and, maybe, lived it once or twice before. Not that he had ever gotten tired. Not in the same way, at least.]
[Still, it's all semantics at the end of the day. He understands, even if he doesn't have the whole picture yet.]
[Greed hums, guiding Sirius as gingerly as he can up and away from the bar proper.] That right? Something from before, or is that thanks to our friend here running the place? [Friend, he says, yet his tone says otherwise. How it rattles on the forks of his tongue like a lick of hot-ready venom.] Doesn't matter. First, let's get you upstairs. We can get to all that later.
[One day, he's going to have to thank Jinx for her efforts. The elevator, which had been stuck at a standstill for months, is an easier alternative. And it's where he leads Sirius on; the colorful lights of the bar and its eye-popping decor, drifting past them as smearing as traffic signs in the rain.]
[Greed shoves his elbow into the outside console, turning the button for "4" yellow with a glow.] Figured this floor will be a little more quiet. It's still pretty empty, for the most part. [Save 'Lört, but the bird had a habit of being anywhere he wanted, when he wanted, no matter who took up residence.]
[The elevator chimes (offkey, grinding), and the former homunculus nudges one of its sticky doors open with the toe of his boot.] In the meantime, think about some things you may need. We'll get you settled in, and then I can see what I can do on my end, hmn?
[Still, it's all semantics at the end of the day. He understands, even if he doesn't have the whole picture yet.]
[Greed hums, guiding Sirius as gingerly as he can up and away from the bar proper.] That right? Something from before, or is that thanks to our friend here running the place? [Friend, he says, yet his tone says otherwise. How it rattles on the forks of his tongue like a lick of hot-ready venom.] Doesn't matter. First, let's get you upstairs. We can get to all that later.
[One day, he's going to have to thank Jinx for her efforts. The elevator, which had been stuck at a standstill for months, is an easier alternative. And it's where he leads Sirius on; the colorful lights of the bar and its eye-popping decor, drifting past them as smearing as traffic signs in the rain.]
[Greed shoves his elbow into the outside console, turning the button for "4" yellow with a glow.] Figured this floor will be a little more quiet. It's still pretty empty, for the most part. [Save 'Lört, but the bird had a habit of being anywhere he wanted, when he wanted, no matter who took up residence.]
[The elevator chimes (offkey, grinding), and the former homunculus nudges one of its sticky doors open with the toe of his boot.] In the meantime, think about some things you may need. We'll get you settled in, and then I can see what I can do on my end, hmn?
[Something jumps from his side. Something harsh, something static, biting across both their connection and whatever's been shoved into the pit of his chest. Oh, he hates it when they do that. When they try to dig deeper and push against something they had no way of knowing how far it actually goes. Greed's teeth set (a clap like sharp glass), and that grin of his stretches. A maw that'll smile through everything if only to avoid the inevitable.]
Do you, now? Think you've got me all figured out? [The Sin's eyes turn, and a whiff of heat floats past his face; a sigh of steam, peeling off his skin.] Dunno, Yuuto. Takes a lot more than that to hurt me. [Physically, anyway. He's not going to get into the details of the rest of it. Not here, not with him, not with anyone. Sleep's already done enough damage, pulling out some of his secrets. And avarice, ah. How it does like to hold onto what's his.]
[Which may be why he meets Yuuto's gaze through the Murmur without a hint of hesitation. As he leers forward, wild as ever, like a fire-line of brush, inching towards a main road.] Comes to terms with it? GAHAHAHA - ! [The former homunculus throws his head back, false ponytail and all, as he barks smoke at the ceiling.]
You sure got some crazy ideas, Suits. Just what do you think I have to come to terms with? I don't really care what she does. She's just another dwarf in the flask, far as I'm concerned. [A tell, perhaps, of how far his defiance really goes. Whatever he means.]
[But then, Yuuto shoves in the pick, and the Sin bows his head. His smile never leaves (couldn't, really), yet the tension of it: it's forced. Forced because he knows no other way to be, no other way to react, no other way of understanding, save the pulse of his want, pounding constant behind his ribs.]
[So, he gives a simple answer:] It's because it was the last one I had. [Ah, and that's a truth he hasn't shared with anyone.] Call it an old memory.
Do you, now? Think you've got me all figured out? [The Sin's eyes turn, and a whiff of heat floats past his face; a sigh of steam, peeling off his skin.] Dunno, Yuuto. Takes a lot more than that to hurt me. [Physically, anyway. He's not going to get into the details of the rest of it. Not here, not with him, not with anyone. Sleep's already done enough damage, pulling out some of his secrets. And avarice, ah. How it does like to hold onto what's his.]
[Which may be why he meets Yuuto's gaze through the Murmur without a hint of hesitation. As he leers forward, wild as ever, like a fire-line of brush, inching towards a main road.] Comes to terms with it? GAHAHAHA - ! [The former homunculus throws his head back, false ponytail and all, as he barks smoke at the ceiling.]
You sure got some crazy ideas, Suits. Just what do you think I have to come to terms with? I don't really care what she does. She's just another dwarf in the flask, far as I'm concerned. [A tell, perhaps, of how far his defiance really goes. Whatever he means.]
[But then, Yuuto shoves in the pick, and the Sin bows his head. His smile never leaves (couldn't, really), yet the tension of it: it's forced. Forced because he knows no other way to be, no other way to react, no other way of understanding, save the pulse of his want, pounding constant behind his ribs.]
[So, he gives a simple answer:] It's because it was the last one I had. [Ah, and that's a truth he hasn't shared with anyone.] Call it an old memory.
I don't know. I believe I could hurt you quite easily.
[ Interlacing his fingers, he believes this very much to be true. While he can't do anything about the physical state of Greed; he is certain he could peel away his smile. ]
But I'm not that mean.
[ A dismissive reply, even though he is attempting to kill him with a million tiny, little cuts. ]
However, as you are asking me, I believe it's something too painful to name or even talk to anyone about, which means it will one day choke you.
[ His head lifts to meet his "gaze" through the Murmur. His smile just as placid as ever, just as empty, just as friendly in its emptiness. Still, there is something sympathetic in how he talks to him. ]
I'll call it an old memory, then.
[ A beat. ] How long do you intend to be mired in your old memory?
[ Interlacing his fingers, he believes this very much to be true. While he can't do anything about the physical state of Greed; he is certain he could peel away his smile. ]
But I'm not that mean.
[ A dismissive reply, even though he is attempting to kill him with a million tiny, little cuts. ]
However, as you are asking me, I believe it's something too painful to name or even talk to anyone about, which means it will one day choke you.
[ His head lifts to meet his "gaze" through the Murmur. His smile just as placid as ever, just as empty, just as friendly in its emptiness. Still, there is something sympathetic in how he talks to him. ]
I'll call it an old memory, then.
[ A beat. ] How long do you intend to be mired in your old memory?
[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.
[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.
Weh-weh. ]
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. ]
[It's the chasing thought that catches his attention; how it brushes up against the tether, stroking at the back of his head like a scratch he hasn't had in years. If he had the time (any time, really), he might take a moment to mull it over. To think about it and admit something, little as a creature like him is willing to.]
[But he doesn't. Not now, not when they're close to actually landing a blow or two of their own. And hasn't he said it before?]
[How it's better, easier, kinder to keep it simple.]
Tomorrow. [Greed lifts his shoulders and as the fur of his collar fans across his neck, he lets a few sensations bleed through: the stale tobacco clinging to his vest, the soft tickle, touching his jaw. The safety of claws and their promise to rip the throats out of the shadows, chasing at her feet.]
[The former homunculus adjusts his sunglasses, and the line from his end dims down to a light, breathing coal.] I'll take a look around beforehand. Make sure there aren't too many Hosts crawling about the place. In the meantime, watch your back, Shar. Don't know how much of it she's already caught onto, if at all. Better to keep your wits about ya, just in case.
[With that, he tests his wings. And as the skitters of his handiwork skip down the street, the Sin lets out a heralding bark. His laughter, a thunderclap, aimed right at the source.]
[No matter what the results may be, there's no doubt in his mind that him (that them) were at least going to give Sleep the wake-up call she deserved.]
[But he doesn't. Not now, not when they're close to actually landing a blow or two of their own. And hasn't he said it before?]
[How it's better, easier, kinder to keep it simple.]
Tomorrow. [Greed lifts his shoulders and as the fur of his collar fans across his neck, he lets a few sensations bleed through: the stale tobacco clinging to his vest, the soft tickle, touching his jaw. The safety of claws and their promise to rip the throats out of the shadows, chasing at her feet.]
[The former homunculus adjusts his sunglasses, and the line from his end dims down to a light, breathing coal.] I'll take a look around beforehand. Make sure there aren't too many Hosts crawling about the place. In the meantime, watch your back, Shar. Don't know how much of it she's already caught onto, if at all. Better to keep your wits about ya, just in case.
[With that, he tests his wings. And as the skitters of his handiwork skip down the street, the Sin lets out a heralding bark. His laughter, a thunderclap, aimed right at the source.]
[No matter what the results may be, there's no doubt in his mind that him (that them) were at least going to give Sleep the wake-up call she deserved.]
[His smile is obvious. Not kind, not vicious, but menacing all the same. A tiger showing its teeth while it dared men to try.]
You think so, huh. [Greed wanders, numb, and his claws find the comfort of a shallow glass.] All right, Suits. Call me curious. [The tips of his nails circle, then; their points, running the rim like hooks, dragging loathsome on the floor.] How do you think you can hurt me? Ah, but be careful. You might not like what I have to say, after.
[A warning, though, it's a mild one. He's already claimed the man as one of his. And there still are rules, after all.]
[The former homunculus lifts his drink, taking in the faint smell of smokey scotch. He's pulling from the top shelf today. He deserves it.] Mn. Good thing I don't have much of a gag reflex then, huh. [He lifts the glass to his mouth and as he breathes against it, it's fire. Fire and brimstone, baking into the surface like boiled lead.]
As long as the hag wants, I suppose. Don't exactly have a timer for this sort of thing. [With little ceremony, he throws back the liquor; every lick of it, sucked to the bone. Greed tosses the glass somewhere and as it screams on quickly drying sweat, he tips over his hips; the lean of his body as hovering as a vulture, trying to peck itself in, in, in.]
How long do you intend to ask questions you might not like the answer to?
You think so, huh. [Greed wanders, numb, and his claws find the comfort of a shallow glass.] All right, Suits. Call me curious. [The tips of his nails circle, then; their points, running the rim like hooks, dragging loathsome on the floor.] How do you think you can hurt me? Ah, but be careful. You might not like what I have to say, after.
[A warning, though, it's a mild one. He's already claimed the man as one of his. And there still are rules, after all.]
[The former homunculus lifts his drink, taking in the faint smell of smokey scotch. He's pulling from the top shelf today. He deserves it.] Mn. Good thing I don't have much of a gag reflex then, huh. [He lifts the glass to his mouth and as he breathes against it, it's fire. Fire and brimstone, baking into the surface like boiled lead.]
As long as the hag wants, I suppose. Don't exactly have a timer for this sort of thing. [With little ceremony, he throws back the liquor; every lick of it, sucked to the bone. Greed tosses the glass somewhere and as it screams on quickly drying sweat, he tips over his hips; the lean of his body as hovering as a vulture, trying to peck itself in, in, in.]
How long do you intend to ask questions you might not like the answer to?
[ It's through the Murmur that he reaches out to lightly poke the Sin's forehead. ]
Don't ask me to hurt you then threaten me with a good time.
[ His smile returns just as friendly and pleasant as always. He retracts the feeling of him reaching out to literally poke the bear, as it were. ]
I'm one of yours and working with you under my own volition, of course. [ A soft laugh follows after. ] If you vanish from this place, if you die, I am certain there are those that will mourn that passing but I'm afraid... I will forget all about you because your memory isn't worth holding onto after you're gone.
[ However, that is how he feels about anyone. Even someone he attempted to save the life of. He doesn't dislike anyone. ]
You're just a life of one sin who burning ever so brightly yet obviously crying out for something he doesn't have the courage to name.
[ Again, his hand lifts as he lightly chuckles. ] I don't know what that might be, but I do think it's painful to watch.
[ However, it isn't just Greed. ] Everyone's running from something, I suppose... but you should try to make it a little less obvious how much you're sprinting. [ And he interlaces his fingers and smiles. ]
I suppose I'll keep asking until you decide to turn around and face me.
[ A casual reply. ]
Don't ask me to hurt you then threaten me with a good time.
[ His smile returns just as friendly and pleasant as always. He retracts the feeling of him reaching out to literally poke the bear, as it were. ]
I'm one of yours and working with you under my own volition, of course. [ A soft laugh follows after. ] If you vanish from this place, if you die, I am certain there are those that will mourn that passing but I'm afraid... I will forget all about you because your memory isn't worth holding onto after you're gone.
[ However, that is how he feels about anyone. Even someone he attempted to save the life of. He doesn't dislike anyone. ]
You're just a life of one sin who burning ever so brightly yet obviously crying out for something he doesn't have the courage to name.
[ Again, his hand lifts as he lightly chuckles. ] I don't know what that might be, but I do think it's painful to watch.
[ However, it isn't just Greed. ] Everyone's running from something, I suppose... but you should try to make it a little less obvious how much you're sprinting. [ And he interlaces his fingers and smiles. ]
I suppose I'll keep asking until you decide to turn around and face me.
[ A casual reply. ]
[ Greed bleeds through the connection—sensations that feel unmistakably him, wrapping around her with a sense of comfort and security. Not parental, not quite, but something closer to a guardian—sharp claws, sharper teeth, and that familiar, instinctive sense of safety she leans into without hesitation. Like she's been starving for it without ever quite realizing. ]
Don't worry, Greed, I will, but... I don't think we have to worry about her right now. She'll only care once we actually succeed; until then, she'll see all these plans as something cute. [ There is a bitter edge to it. Sleep doesn't see them as a threat, not really. Just small, harmless things playing at something bigger. ]
Don't worry, Greed, I will, but... I don't think we have to worry about her right now. She'll only care once we actually succeed; until then, she'll see all these plans as something cute. [ There is a bitter edge to it. Sleep doesn't see them as a threat, not really. Just small, harmless things playing at something bigger. ]
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