Ha - ! I do owe you that too, don't I? [Greed keeps his head back while he rolls his wrist, making the liquor in his glass spin.] Yeah, after.
It's not really my story to tell, even if he is my sibling. He deserves his secrets. [Finally, he takes a sip and it's a long one. Like he's putting out a fire in his chest.] But he never got a chance to get out. And I'm not talking about me and him. I'm talking about the rest of 'em. Humans would call it a family, but don't get the wrong idea.
[He pries one of his eyes open to look across at Azul.] It was never anything like that.
Still....your existence is unique. Even if you're not family....no one can better understand your existence than each other. Out of curiosity....How much did it cost to make you?
Tch. [Greed's teeth slide together as he shoots off another exasperated groan towards the ceiling. Envy, really?] Y'know, you're not very subtle. Coming out here, asking a question like that -
[The Sin lulls his head from one side, the other, and back again, sending a flurry of cracks down his spine.] Suppose Envy told you, didn't he. [Not a question.]
I don't know. Besides, is that really important right now? Why do you want to know?
No, suppose you can't, huh. [He watches the ceiling before closing his eyes again; his whole body language exasperated and lazy.]
[But when Azul mentions alchemy, the former homunculus perks up, if only slightly.] Ha - ! Is it now. Didn't care to mention that before? Cheeky - [Greed lifts one finger up from the back of the couch to waggle it.]
Does it bother you...? Not knowing. There is little you can do about it, whether you know or not. If it were me though...I wouldn't be able to help but wonder.
[Greed squints a bit.] Why would it bother me? Seems like a moot point, anyway.
And that's you, and I'm me. We're not the same. [The Sin lifts his fingers off the sofa, flicking them up and down as if there's a bug nearby.] And that's fine. People are different, Azul. That's what makes 'em interesting.
No, just thought I should make myself clear. Had a bit of a misunderstanding before, hmn? [Greed slouches into his right shoulder.] Anyway, we're not here to talk about me.
[Greed cocks out one finger and points it at Azul.] But you did have one.
A little something from me to you - [The Sin ties his ankles together, letting the toe of his boot sway up at the ceiling.] - Envy is exactly what he was made to be. There's no stopping his nature just like there's no stopping mine.
And if you hide anything from him, he'll find out eventually. Better to keep it honest. Whatever it is you plan on doing.
Of course, everything comes to the surface sooner or later. I don't pull of large scale cons these days. Too much drama, too much magic use....all bad for my health. And even if I'm dead, I'd rather not double-die. I don't even know if I can overblot in Hell, but I'm certainly not about to test it.
Loosely... My ~nefarious~ plan is to date him and help him figure out who he is and what he wants. Help him find a wish and then grant it for him. He's had me at his disposal this whole time, but he hasn't asked me to grant a single wish. To be fair, he has realized that the wish that gets granted first is always my own.
[He sinks into the couch, bringing his head back again.] Little too late for the drama, friend. But that's not your fault. People - they really have to make things so complicated, don't they?
[Greed brings one of his hands up to his face and rubs his eyes.] Ehhh, what a bunch of pissants.
[He drops his arm weightlessly into his lap.] I really don't care what you do, I just care if there'll be a mess after. Envy isn't known for having the greatest temper in the world. And, from what I've gathered since this whole shit show started, neither is Kento. So, I'm trusting you to keep things peaceful, all right? For both our sakes.
[He lifts his shoulder.] Now, unless you've got anything else, I have a shift with the 'Sisters in half an hour. Feel free to use one of the pool tables downstairs.
[Greed shifts out of his seat, swinging his legs down and throwing himself up into a stand.] I know. [His voice is clipped and distant.] Just .. keep up with it, would ya?
[He pushes his palms into the small of his back and leans forward.] Eh, it's easy enough work. [He tilts his gaze to Azul.] Ya wanna come with? Might not be your usual scene, but. [The Sin shrugs.] Could take your mind off things for a while.
[Greed slides two of his hands into his back pockets while raising a third.] The Cackle Sisters. [He corrects.] And they run a place down in the sewer.
[Y'know, like normal fucking people do.]
[The Sin heads into the basement.] To tell you the truth, it's where men get beat to shit and shoot their rocks off at the same time. But that's not what I do there. [Down the hall, he goes.] The lady of the house has certain needs. And I'm good at my job.
[When he gets to a particular room, the former homunculus slips in, crouches down, and tosses a manhole cover out of the way like it's nothing.] Surprised? You shouldn't be. I like money just as much as anything else, Azul. C'mon -
[Greed's laugh echoes softly along the walls of the sewer.] People pay them for that service, Azul. Not the other way around. And you're right. Takes all sorts, doesn't it?
[But as they head in deeper, the Sin begins to slowly raise his arms above his head. He laces two of his hands behind the dip of his neck while holding the other two out in front of him like a man primed for an arrest.] Ah, right. A couple of rules before we get there. You need to know the password. But don't worry, I got that one covered.
[He straightens his back.] Secondly, men can only enter with their arms either behind their head or their back. Since I have four, I gotta make due. So, get those hands up, would ya? Wouldn't want Ella to bite 'em off.
[When they get to a steel door somewhere along the twists and dives, the former homunculus pads up to it. His heels strike twice and a tiny slot opens at the top. A woman from behind the door snarls and asks:]
What is six inches long, two inches wide, and makes everyone go crazy?
[And Greed, with the absolute cockiest smile on his face, answers:] A $100 bill.
[There's a few minutes as whoever is on the other side of the door begins to unlock it, and the Sin turns a look over his shoulder at Azul.] As for what I do here, you're about to find out, aren't you?
[Glances up to watch where Greed puts his hands before putting his own behind his head....and looking entirely awkward...instead opting to put his behind his back, lacing his fingers loosely which looks....slightly less awkward. He fidgets a bit in place as they approach the door.]
What...are all the rules for? I am assuming they already have enough returning clients that they do not need to worry about appealing to new customers. I feel like this all could be mitigated by an appointment system... Or is this part of whatever experience they offer?
[Goes quiet while Greed handles the conversation at the door, waiting to speak up again until the door is unlocked]
I am, but that requires patience which is a virtue I have in very low supply. I will do my best to go with the flow though.
[The door slowly groans open, and what waits on the other side shouldn't be too much of a surprise. There's hellhounds everywhere (specifically hyena hellhounds), and the inside looks like a dungeon that's taken the post-apocalyptic theme to heart. Burning barrels, chains, exposed brick, graffiti: it's all here.]
[Greed tilts his chin up a bit higher.] Because the ladies said so, simple as that. [He talks while a rather tall hound grins wildly, following both him and Azul with her sick-yellow eyes.] And I don't know. Never asked if that's part of the package.
[Despite the cackles and the obvious looks being thrown specifically at Azul, the Sin marches on.] Oi, oi, oi. Don't get all offended about it. [He's walking past a long table in the center (which looks as if it served a particularly bloody meal recently) and towards a single door in the back.] Not all the clients here are easy. And what does a woman, what does anyone really, need at the end of a hard day?
[The former homunculus stops at the second door, and it opens right on cue. The lady behind it (another hyena, though much taller than the rest) drapes in the frame. She's decked out in a red, silk slip and a cigarette burns in the long holder she has wrapped in her knuckles.]
[She flicks a look to Azul, then Greed, and inhales on her smoke.] l' avidité. I see you have brought a friend.
[The former homunculus beams back.] Yeah, sorry about not giving you a heads up, El.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2024-07-01 02:17 am (UTC)[Brings his legs up onto the couch, resting his chin on his knees]
Not as much as you might think.
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Date: 2024-07-01 02:25 am (UTC)It's not really my story to tell, even if he is my sibling. He deserves his secrets. [Finally, he takes a sip and it's a long one. Like he's putting out a fire in his chest.] But he never got a chance to get out. And I'm not talking about me and him. I'm talking about the rest of 'em. Humans would call it a family, but don't get the wrong idea.
[He pries one of his eyes open to look across at Azul.] It was never anything like that.
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Date: 2024-07-01 02:37 am (UTC)Still....your existence is unique. Even if you're not family....no one can better understand your existence than each other. Out of curiosity....How much did it cost to make you?
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Date: 2024-07-01 11:50 pm (UTC)[The Sin lulls his head from one side, the other, and back again, sending a flurry of cracks down his spine.] Suppose Envy told you, didn't he. [Not a question.]
I don't know. Besides, is that really important right now? Why do you want to know?
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Date: 2024-07-01 11:56 pm (UTC)[Perks up just a little, eyes brightening and leaning in]
As for why…I’m just curious. Alchemy happens to be my best subject, you see!
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Date: 2024-07-04 03:35 am (UTC)[But when Azul mentions alchemy, the former homunculus perks up, if only slightly.] Ha - ! Is it now. Didn't care to mention that before? Cheeky - [Greed lifts one finger up from the back of the couch to waggle it.]
- but sorry, I can't give you that answer.
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Date: 2024-07-04 03:49 am (UTC)[Leans over, staring down at his face, his own browns furrowing slightly]
Why can you give me an answer?
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Date: 2024-07-06 02:05 am (UTC)[Then, he turns his eyes down towards Azul. And there's a seriousness in his expression that is miles, years, away.]
Because I don't know. Simple as that.
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Date: 2024-07-06 04:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-07-06 05:47 pm (UTC)And that's you, and I'm me. We're not the same. [The Sin lifts his fingers off the sofa, flicking them up and down as if there's a bug nearby.] And that's fine. People are different, Azul. That's what makes 'em interesting.
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Date: 2024-07-06 06:44 pm (UTC)Do you deal with people suggesting we are all the same quite often?
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Date: 2024-07-07 05:00 am (UTC)[He slides his eyes back to Azul.]
Envy. What do you plan on doing with him?
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Date: 2024-07-07 05:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-07-07 09:10 pm (UTC)A little something from me to you - [The Sin ties his ankles together, letting the toe of his boot sway up at the ceiling.] - Envy is exactly what he was made to be. There's no stopping his nature just like there's no stopping mine.
And if you hide anything from him, he'll find out eventually. Better to keep it honest. Whatever it is you plan on doing.
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Date: 2024-07-07 09:36 pm (UTC)Loosely... My ~nefarious~ plan is to date him and help him figure out who he is and what he wants. Help him find a wish and then grant it for him. He's had me at his disposal this whole time, but he hasn't asked me to grant a single wish. To be fair, he has realized that the wish that gets granted first is always my own.
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Date: 2024-07-10 12:08 am (UTC)[Greed brings one of his hands up to his face and rubs his eyes.] Ehhh, what a bunch of pissants.
[He drops his arm weightlessly into his lap.] I really don't care what you do, I just care if there'll be a mess after. Envy isn't known for having the greatest temper in the world. And, from what I've gathered since this whole shit show started, neither is Kento. So, I'm trusting you to keep things peaceful, all right? For both our sakes.
[He lifts his shoulder.] Now, unless you've got anything else, I have a shift with the 'Sisters in half an hour. Feel free to use one of the pool tables downstairs.
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Date: 2024-07-10 12:39 am (UTC)Mm…have a good shift then.
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Date: 2024-07-11 01:14 am (UTC)[He pushes his palms into the small of his back and leans forward.] Eh, it's easy enough work. [He tilts his gaze to Azul.] Ya wanna come with? Might not be your usual scene, but. [The Sin shrugs.] Could take your mind off things for a while.
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Date: 2024-07-11 03:23 am (UTC)[Looks around before picking up his jacket and standing from the couch]
What sort of establishment is the Sisters? I'm a bit surprised you have another job.
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Date: 2024-07-12 02:19 am (UTC)[Y'know, like normal fucking people do.]
[The Sin heads into the basement.] To tell you the truth, it's where men get beat to shit and shoot their rocks off at the same time. But that's not what I do there. [Down the hall, he goes.] The lady of the house has certain needs. And I'm good at my job.
[When he gets to a particular room, the former homunculus slips in, crouches down, and tosses a manhole cover out of the way like it's nothing.] Surprised? You shouldn't be. I like money just as much as anything else, Azul. C'mon -
[And without waiting, he leaps into the abyss.]
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Date: 2024-07-12 02:27 am (UTC)[Squints down into the sewer before timidly following him down the hole]
And what ‘certain needs’ are those? It’s going to be something tame, isn’t it?
[Glancing around as they walk]
I was about to ask ‘what about your free time’, but I have no right to talk. At least in life. I’m not as busy these days…yet.
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Date: 2024-07-13 12:33 am (UTC)[But as they head in deeper, the Sin begins to slowly raise his arms above his head. He laces two of his hands behind the dip of his neck while holding the other two out in front of him like a man primed for an arrest.] Ah, right. A couple of rules before we get there. You need to know the password. But don't worry, I got that one covered.
[He straightens his back.] Secondly, men can only enter with their arms either behind their head or their back. Since I have four, I gotta make due. So, get those hands up, would ya? Wouldn't want Ella to bite 'em off.
[When they get to a steel door somewhere along the twists and dives, the former homunculus pads up to it. His heels strike twice and a tiny slot opens at the top. A woman from behind the door snarls and asks:]
What is six inches long, two inches wide, and makes everyone go crazy?
[And Greed, with the absolute cockiest smile on his face, answers:] A $100 bill.
[There's a few minutes as whoever is on the other side of the door begins to unlock it, and the Sin turns a look over his shoulder at Azul.] As for what I do here, you're about to find out, aren't you?
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Date: 2024-07-13 01:54 am (UTC)What...are all the rules for? I am assuming they already have enough returning clients that they do not need to worry about appealing to new customers. I feel like this all could be mitigated by an appointment system... Or is this part of whatever experience they offer?
[Goes quiet while Greed handles the conversation at the door, waiting to speak up again until the door is unlocked]
I am, but that requires patience which is a virtue I have in very low supply. I will do my best to go with the flow though.
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Date: 2024-07-14 04:21 am (UTC)[Greed tilts his chin up a bit higher.] Because the ladies said so, simple as that. [He talks while a rather tall hound grins wildly, following both him and Azul with her sick-yellow eyes.] And I don't know. Never asked if that's part of the package.
[Despite the cackles and the obvious looks being thrown specifically at Azul, the Sin marches on.] Oi, oi, oi. Don't get all offended about it. [He's walking past a long table in the center (which looks as if it served a particularly bloody meal recently) and towards a single door in the back.] Not all the clients here are easy. And what does a woman, what does anyone really, need at the end of a hard day?
[The former homunculus stops at the second door, and it opens right on cue. The lady behind it (another hyena, though much taller than the rest) drapes in the frame. She's decked out in a red, silk slip and a cigarette burns in the long holder she has wrapped in her knuckles.]
[She flicks a look to Azul, then Greed, and inhales on her smoke.] l' avidité. I see you have brought a friend.
[The former homunculus beams back.] Yeah, sorry about not giving you a heads up, El.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-14 04:52 am (UTC)Hello, ma'am. My apologies....allow me to introduce myself.
[Inclines his head a bit]
Azul Ashengrotto. Greed was kind enough to bring me along. Again, my apologies for the lack of notice.
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