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[nestingdevil]

[The feed begins with a catch of a door handle. A broken chain hangs haphazardly to the side, its links pried apart with some force. A few pieces still litter the floor, the metal holding them together looking as if they've been sliced right through. On the recording, there's a flash of a wood floor as the angle sways. This way, that way. Leaving blurry images to shift across the screen.]

[But for anyone who's ever been to the 'Falls, the click-clack of clipped heels and the heavy walk should be obvious. Almost as much as the audible grin that follows. A voice sounds outside of the recording - sultry, a-purr:]

Now that's surprising.

[The phone hits the surface of the bar with a plastic-thud. Spinning 'round once in a slow, drawling motion. And as if on cue, the lights go on - the eerie stillness breaks. As red pulses and toxic-neon bulbs struggle to find themselves again. A bottle springs into view; knocked beside the recording as it continues its steady stream of the ceiling above. A thumb chases the cap at the top, forcing it to spin through the notches.] It's been a while.

[Finally, the owner comes into view. Greed splays his arms across the surface of the bar, one hand propped up by the crook of his elbow. He presses his index into the spinning bottle cap, stopping it just before gravity takes it for a plunge.] Missed a few things since last time, but it doesn't look like this place changes very much. [His smile widens - grinding up one side of his jaw and it's just teeth. A deadly set of daggers that slice into a tightly-knit row. The Sin's shoulders rise and the fur at his neck follows. Fanning out in a wild display as it finds the thick of his throat.] The Devil's Nest is open for business. 10% off for tonight - call it a one-time deal.

[A pause. Greed's eyebrows dip together and his thumb snaps. Releasing the choke-hold on the cap to finally let it fall flat-first onto the top of the bar.] Ah, right. That's a little rude, isn't it?

[Colors spin in his sunglasses; from the muted notes of the bar lights above as they crackle and blink. From the looks of it, it's been a while since they've been on. A month, longer. He isn't even sure.]

[Not that it really matters.]

[Instead, he swipes his fingers forward. Scissoring his index and middle to skirt across his collarbone. The bow he gives is a mockery; a lazy dip as his back slumps.] The name's Greed - it's a pleasure.

Comments

Video

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Well look who it is.]

Greed. Back in town?

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[nestingdevil]

[His eyebrows raise as soon as he sees him. A familiar face, though their conversations have been brief. It's been a while since the last time and with a few changes, it's good to see a few have stuck around.]

[Greed's lips press together in a line; running across the strong side of his jaw as he lowers himself to the recording.] You could say that - Jacob, right? [His fingers snap.]

Glad to see you're still around.

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[darkpants_warmfeeling]

That's me. [Jacob punctuates with a nod.] And thanks. Looks like you're planning to get right back in business.

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[nestingdevil]

No point not to, though it looks like this place has been empty since I left. [Which isn't exactly good news. Greed's frown is sarcastic, a bit over-dramatic.] Eh-

If you're in the area, feel free. Like I said, one time offer. [His hand reaches under the bar; knuckling a fresh bottle to pop it up against the other.]

If you have the time.

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[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Time's not really plentiful for me these days. But sure- I'll drop by if I'm available.

[Jacob frowns thoughtfully. The Nest was packed the last time he had visited. Even considering how long Greed has been gone...]

What happened to the bar? Your employees didn't keep it going once you left?

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[resipiscent]

Like, as in the sin?

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[nestingdevil]

That's right - [The flats of his forearms fall against the bar and the tip of his nail sinks into the fallen cap. Greed shoots a sneer into the recording, showing off his set of wicked dentistry in the process.] - the living embodiment of it. Though, that's not really the point.

But since I gave you mine, figure you could at least do me the favor right? [The homunculus slouches close and a few knocks sound off outside the feed.]

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[resipiscent]

That implies there's more than just you running around.

[This guy seems to be trying to be intimidating, but... he's kinda met scarier.]

I'm Riku. Nothing special.

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[nestingdevil]

That's right, but I've never really seen eye to eye with the rest.

[And the only one he knows of that's been here, well -]

[One eye closes behind his shades and Greed leans a bit away from the feed. Behind him, there's a mounted collection of liquor - bottles of varying shape, size and color. They grow blurry in the smoke-stained mirror behind them; turning bulbous and misshapen.]

Riku, huh? [The other comment earns a slight raised expression; which could have been mistaken for sympathy, had it been anyone else.]

Nice to meet ya, kid.

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[resipiscent]

Mmn. There's always someone in any group who feels that way, I think.

[Reminds him of the Organization, a little. He remembers Castle Oblivion, the members there fighting amongst themselves almost more than they fought against him.]

Yeah. Likewise, I think.

[Unless he turns out to be a giant asshole. Riku's not sure how to gauge this guy, yet -- so many new people tends to put him on edge, a little, but he'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.]

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[omajitsa]

[ He's a little less done up than usual. His make-up cleaned off once he remembers where he finally is again. His hair remains in a white tie, though, pulled over bare shoulders. The video barely glimpses the top of the white girdle he wears.

He regards the screen curiously. He still hates these things, but texting can get rather difficult. ]

Greed? [ He echoes, a lilt in his voice. ]

Greedy for what? [ A joke or a real question? ]

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[nestingdevil]

[Cue the face fall, the slack-jaw look. Similar to a deer caught in headlights and Greed's mouth hangs open. A noise curdles in his throat:] Ah-?

[Because really.]

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[nestingdevil]

[But the expression leaves as he tosses out a hand. Wildly flinging it open to spread five-fingers wide. Greed's eyebrows sink under the rims of his shades, his grin chasing to stretch from one side of his face to the other.]

[Well, it should be expected. And there's no use denying it. The homunculus lowers his hand, letting it slip and disappear beyond the recording with a boneless-drop.] I am Greed and I want everything you can possibly think of. Money, women, sex - [A trembling tickles at his voice, his nails bare into the pucker-marked surface. It's hard to make out on the recording, but there's a tenseness in his knuckles. As the skin goes white and oh, that's just the can of worms to open.] - status, glory. Everything this world and the next has to offer.

[But he simmers down, the fever cools. A slight touch of a tongue at his tooth and the homunculus slips back into a nonchalant slouch.]

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[nestingdevil]

But first thing's first - [From the top of the bar, an index sways up. Shooting towards the ceiling as he spins it clockwise with a lazy turn of the wrist.]

- what should I call you, exactly?

[omajitsa]

[ He hadn't been expecting an answer quite like that. He thought more along the lines that his parents had simply named him that.

It ran deeper than that. Anavha watches with wide and curious eyes. So greedy. Greed really did want everything as his name suggested. Anavha marvels at the sheer magnitude of that desire. All things Anavha couldn't dream to even desire. ]

Anavha Hasaria. [ He answers finally, settling slightly, shifting. His discomfort shows and he can no longer look directly at the camera. ]

I'm still new. I was gone and I've returned.

Is that what you were implying had happened to you?

[nestingdevil]

[Running deeper and isn't it the truth. Greed's back lowers, his arms sprawl. Making his backside kick out behind him and disappear as he slouches further into the feed. His hand falls back down, crossing against the opposing forearm.] Ana-what? Sorry. [The Sin's voice simmers in the backside of his throat, rolling as his smile tugs in favor of his life-side jaw line.]

You too, huh? I was here for a while - [A few months, almost a year. He's lost count - time's a commodity he has in spades. The years, months, days - it didn't really matter. Greed brings his shoulder up, giving his spine a light pop] - eh.

You could say that, though I don't really remember how it happened. Either way, there wasn't much to go back to. [Which is an implication in itself, though any further explanation? Forget it.] You said you were here before - don't remember the face, but that doesn't really surprise me.

So - why so interested in the name, anyway?

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[foreshadower]

[ Look at the sharp grin, in a dark room, eyes peering over sunglasses.

Someone looks far more like himself. ]

Welcome back.

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[nestingdevil]

[Oh and isn't it just a sight for sore eyes. The last time the two of them crossed paths, it was with a pane of glass to separate. Leaving the Shade on one side, paled and drained of everything and anything he had been before. Prison - it's a constant theme nowadays, but it seems even that's short-lived.]

[Greed's grin opens wide, his teeth glint.] Oh-? [He lowers his head, making the artificial white-blue of the screen flash stark in his shades. He puckers his lip and his eyebrows dip to press.] Good to see you're still around, friend. Being back here is better than the alternative.

[But there's still a matter - a bit of business left on a cliffhanger and the Sin's fingers spread across the screen. His index presses and suddenly - ]

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[nestingdevil]

[- it's just him and his. Well, sort of.]

It's been a while, but I figured better now than later. [Greed rocks his heel back, letting it pop distantly on the recording.]

Did you do what I asked ya? Before I left - [He starts in. As his elbow cocks, sending his arm fanning out in a horizontal fashion. The rest of his words trail away, as if waiting for the right answer.]

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[foreshadower]

[ LMAO I WENT BACK AND READ I'M SO SORRY FOR DROPPING THAT, I'M A FAILURE... ]

Why -- [ Shade leaned forward, and it was like two people who probably shouldn't have met meeting. Sly grins and dark smiles. Greed was likely a touch worse than Shade, something he would readily admit, but it was nothing for him to fear, either. Shade didn't mind Greed's brand of darkness. He liked the Sin, after all. He was fun to talk to, and that said plenty.

He peered over his glasses. ]

I did. I don't rescind my promises, after all.

[ He barely remembered, but the problem with having a long memory was just that. Sometimes the minute fell in with the rest of it. Prison had been a blur of complaining about the food, which detracted from the other problems. Shade pulled off his sunglasses to wipe them on a cloth -- silk -- while he considered. ]

I almost thought I'd never get to see you again, after that.

➥ PRIVATE | VIDEO - don't even worry about it it's all good!

[nestingdevil]

[Wicked smiles and more deadly promises; the two of them similar in their differences. The Shade held a bit more class to him. An aged experience, like brandy left to stifle while it waited to pop. Greed's expression turns a bit appreciative and his teeth hide away.] Didn't think you would. My offer still stands, y'know.

[The offer for a place to go, should he need it. Though from the looks of it, the prison time hasn't lasted on the other's face. Shadows creep in, drawing to the source like moth to a flame. At one time, it may have set him edge. Similar to someone else he knew, yet the Shade wasn't a threat. Isn't a threat.]

[Greed lifts himself from the bar, pulling a cigarette out from a compartment hidden from the recording. He leans away, striking a match as he throws the smoke to the corner of his jaw.] Ha - ! [A bark comes, ushering in on wisps of smoke that part when met with the jagged angles of his teeth.] Did you really think I'd be gone for that long? You do remember who you're talking to, right? [The homunculus waves his hand, taking the cigarette along for the ride. Outside the view, he taps it once.]

Not really interested in going back. Though it is a bit of a surprise - [He cants his head back to the feed, letting his sunglasses slip a tad. Eye for eye, after all. His thin-slits expand, widening as the glow from the device washes him out.] - gunna guess they finally let you out, then?

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[extirpations]

[Well now, look who it is. He had wondered. Elric had mentioned the homunculus and there had been that odd night a while back... but without seeing for himself he hadn't known for sure. Granted the face is different than he'd expected. He remembers something younger, foreign in appearance but there's no doubt about who or what he's looking at.

It would be rude not to introduce himself. So it is the response comes, Kimblee smiling at the screen, eyes bright with interest.]

Greed. What an unexpected surprise.

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[nestingdevil]

[A few months ago, they came face-to-face. In a matter that had been a little more confusing than anything else. It's hard not to recognize the other - infamy with a name and Greed's head tilts, his throat exposes.]

Kimblee, right? [Least, he thinks so. The memory from that time isn't too hazy - a bit of a back-blur between the last time he was here and the subsequent 'porting out. What time has passed, he's not sure. The date says a month, but it wasn't as if he had much to go back to.]

[No - just oblivion at hand. Nothingness.]

[Which isn't exactly an ideal.] A surprise, huh? [A click snaps in his jaws. As his tongue touches the roof of his mouth and the homunculus plucks the bottle cap from the surface of the bar.] Maybe, but like I've always said - there's no such thing as no such thing.

So - what is it you want, hmn?

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[extirpations]

[A pleased smile and a nod at his name - of course anyone from Amestris will know of him even without prior experience. He does tend to leave an impression. He's almost missed having a reputation here even if being unknown does make some jobs easier.]

Mm, I can't argue with the sentiment.

[Impossible lost it's meaning even before his death and subsequent resurrection in an entirely new world. It seems the universe just gets stranger the longer he's alive. Even Greed still falls into the unexpected side of things even if it's a familiar strangeness.

He chuckles and sits back, one hand cupping his chin thoughtfully.]

What I want? Well, there's always more than one answer to that question isn't there? No matter who you ask. It's the nature of life to always desire more. Ah, but if you're asking what I might at this moment want from you personally? [a shrug] Nothing in particular. It simply seemed rude not to welcome you back. So I suppose a conversation would satisfy for the moment.

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[nestingdevil]

[Under his sunglasses, his eyes hood. Watching the other with a predatory stillness that's a staple of him and his. Greed's lips peel to the side, giving a grin to rival any Cheshire. A cigarette wafts lonely in a tray and smoke slides across the recording. Burning gently as the Sin stills.]

Everyone wants something, Alchemist. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. [The homunculus answers, his voice purring in his throat. He doesn't know much about Kimblee and the basics don't exactly make them friends, nor does it make them enemies. A choice and maybe in the end, the Alchemist chose wrong.]

[Either way, that's history.]

[Greed tentatively tests the backside of his teeth with his tongue. The lights up above are still flickering, but some have finally caught. Neon washes behind him, across him. Touching the leather of his vest, turning the white at his collar a brilliant shade of bluing-purple. He hooks his finger into the ashtray, lazily dragging in towards him.] Y'know, most tend to deny me at first. But you're not really like the rest, are you.

[It isn't questioned. Just stated matter-of-fact(ly). Kimblee cut his own deals, that much he knows. Where those deals ended, Greed's not sure. But there's a matter of pride. The Sin lowers his chin, scooping up the cigarette between the spaces of his knuckles.] I like doing my business in person, but if that's what you want - [A shrug makes his shoulders slump.]

- who am I to deny you?