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[cantilevers]

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telepath message; week 3/4ish? something

[opheliac]

How do you get rid of something that doesn't have a physical form?

Care less or care the same exact amount, I get it. But what else?

[cantilevers]

Depends what that something is. Are we talking a ghost, a memory, an emotion, a hallucination?

[opheliac]

Emotion.

[cantilevers]

Could you provide some context to this emotion that you want to be rid of?

mid-week one

[merged]

You holding up all right? Things have been getting weird. Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings, and turn around if you see any flashing lights.

[cantilevers]

Appreciate the warning. I've found myself in one of those black-out areas after the lights extinguished. Not particularly places I want to venture in unless I have to.

You're holding up okay?

[merged]

Yeah, they're kinda shitty. Who would've thought we'd see a place in an even worse state than Manhattan?

[ That gave her pause. ] As... okay as I can be. These, uh... spots remind me of home a bit. It sucks, but nothing I can't handle. [ She was tenacious. ]

[cantilevers]

It feels like most of the dream realms tend to be worse than this gigantic city. Is the bleed between the two this common or increasing?

You had destitute black holes of energy and emotion sucking terribleness where you're from? How are you still sane?

week iv

[bogeyman]

Seriously... what the fuck all was that?

[ A longer pause. ] I saw some really fucked up things... you, too?

[cantilevers]

Nightmares, I think. And exhaustion.

[He sounded weary, drawn out and a touch off.]

There were so many of those monsters in those Voids. It was... relentless. You made it out with all your parts intact?

[bogeyman]

Yeah...

[ Exhaustion and anger boiling underneath it all. Rage will burn everything away - so he hopes, so he hopes. ]

Got called back when I almost fell into one... it called to me. [ A sneer. ] Tried to shove a dog into some fungus, but they're surprisingly vicious.

[cantilevers]

Sleep or something else in that darkness? [He hummed in agreement. He too had needed to defend himself.] You weren't injured, were you? Need some medical?

end of feb, following Silco's post

[heavensnight]

[Vander said he would return back to their home and Maria believed him. it seemed like she had calmed him down enough that he wasn't about to go running away, never seeing her again. but it was still a possibility, a very real one, and it terrified her. had she made connections here? yes. Maria wasn't going to be alone but Vander was different to her. they'd grown close very quickly and the idea of him leaving her made her feel sick.

she was cursing under her breath as she waited, going behind the bar and pouring herself a glass of the first thing available. it was rum and it was accompanied with a warm, burning feeling. she didn't care. she was too on edge as she waited for him to return and her fingers were tapping against the counter, nails clicking. a very obvious nervous wreck.]

[cantilevers]

[He knew better than what he had done, speaking publicly like that. This wasn't Zaun, and even there, it was dangerous to air grievances. He needed to be more proactive about protecting himself and those close to him, which did require him to start thinking strategically, to fall back on skill that he had perhaps allowed to wane and wither. He had to play the game and be smarter and perhaps even more dangerous than those that would do him and the few he wanted to protect harm.

It wasn't a long walk back to Flashdancers, and he carried with him food and drink supplies back along with some items that he had hoped to utilize for basic repairs to the place. He knew he was walking back into a situation where Maria was residually upset, yet he felt a certain anxiety and determination in her. Her strength welcomed him back into the strip club where they lived.

He slipped in the secure back, locking it up before he dropped off their food stuffs on the floor before he moved to find Maria at the bar, letting the tether lead him directly to her. He looked at her as he approached the bar and moved to rest his arms on the top, stealing a bottle to take a sip directly from it.]

Hey. You feel jittery. Want to sit?

[heavensnight]

[she knew Vander regretted how he'd acted. that much had been obvious even without the tether. but with it, there was still that anger. Maria didn't know who this Silco was to Vander, other than what he had aired out, but it was obvious this was a man who garnered a big reaction from him. Maria would have tried to be more comforting and she had started that way. even now, she was still concerned for Vander. he had seemed like a wall, unbreakable, at times. yes, Maria had seen him admit to painful things and be vulnerable but that hadn't lessened how strong he appeared.

Silco seemed to undo that. if the fact that he made Vander so unsettled that Vander had been ready to leave Maria then that was a problem that would have to be solved.

with him across her now, she took a moment. what was the best way to handle this? should she cry and tell him she was scared to lose him? it wasn't a lie, she was, but crying would be an exaggeration. at this moment she didn't feel like doing that. it might appeal to his protective side but then it might make her seem weaker. perhaps make him think she was a damsel he had to leave behind to protect. hurt her for her own good. the idea of it riled her up inside because they'd been together for a few months. unwisely, maybe, he felt like hers. the person she'd built this sort of partnership with. until now, he had shown no signs of wanting to part from her. not after he'd made the wife joke. no, she wasn't building this deep connection only for it to be taken from her.

and so impulsively, no plan in her mind at all, she grabs his face to kiss him over the bar. hard, intent to dominate and control this moment.]

[cantilevers]

[This close to her, able to read her body language paired with what he experienced in their deep shared tether filled in what distance had made him suspect but now verify. Her anger was not misdirected, and he knew that he had explaining to do with regards to his reactions; it wasn't as if he had been information dumping on her the most painful parts of himself unless forced to by Sleep's machinations. He expected they both had a lot of personal background that they were biding their time to allow to come to fruition naturally or perhaps forced out of them.

He tipped the bottle to examine how much was left before setting it on the counter, and he regarded her again. She had a particular look in her eye that alerted him that she was calculating, and it was a side of Maria that he hadn't seen before. Sly, cunning, intelligent, gauging how it was best for her to respond for a particular outcome that she was looking for. There was a stirring in the tether of her emotional state, and there was something on her end that had him standing patiently waiting for her to make a decision on how she would like to proceed.

His answer came in the form of her hands on his bearded cheeks pulling him in so she could kiss him like they might well go to war with each other. At first, he fought back, pushing his face into her hands, parting his lips like he would use his month as a weapon to incite her further. He needed the battle, he supposed after feeling like he had come back here licking his wounds. He reached out and grabbed the back of her head to limit her withdrawal as he jabbed his tongue against her lips as if daring her to bite him.]

➥ End of February, After Silco's Offer on the Murmur

[nestingdevil]

[He could ignore it. He could ignore it easily. Human lives were complicated - their histories, even more so. But he did make a promise. And if nothing else?]

[Ah, is he a Sin of his word.]

[That is, if Vander is still even entwined with the Murmur at all. By all means, he wouldn't blame the man for ripping whatever mask he has clean off and tossing it to the gutter after having some of his personal laundry flung out and paraded for everyone and anyone to see.]

[The point might be moot, in the end. Yet - ]

[Greed inhales over the mouth of his drink, turning the fumes from the liquor to smog at the rim of the glass.] You don't know me, but I know you. [Sort of. Not a lot, not much, but Jinx had kept things short and to the point. Much like someone else he's starting to know.] Doesn't matter. I'm not here to ask, it's none of my business.

[And it isn't. Silco is living under his roof, and whatever personal vendetta he has is his and his alone. If him and Vander have a score to settle, they'll have to do it on their own terms.]

[Still, there's that promise again, rearing its head - ]

[Maybe that's why the mortal lot are more prone to lying. It makes things much, more simple.]

[The former homunculus sets his drink down, forgetting all about it.] She's staying with me. When she wants to, anyway. [He doesn't think he has to elaborate. There's only one person in this world-gone-to-hell that could possibly connect them all.] And before you get any wild ideas, it was her choice. Couldn't tell you why.

But I'll tell you the same thing I told him. [Fair is fair, and oh, if this isn't another equivalent exchange all on its own.] I won't let anything happen to her, even if she decides to go elsewhere.

As for whatever business you and Silco have, that's your call. But I'd rather keep things from getting too messy if we can help it. [Because Vander isn't his. And truly, neither is Silco.]

[That doesn't mean his avarice isn't already calling the shots.]

[Greed spreads his legs, letting his tail wind around his calf.] Greed, by the way. I'd say it's a pleasure, but I don't really think that cuts it this time. [His tone is lofty - its note similar to spun coal dust.] I'm not going to hold whatever history you have against you or Silco. That's for you two to decide.

But - [He tears the crook of his claw off his glass, sketching a new line into the surface.] - don't bring it here. This place is mine, friend. Hope you can understand. [And if necessary? He won't fight Vander. He won't get in the middle of it if he doesn't have to. However, he knows damn well that if something does happen?]

[That nature of his will bring him right 'round to pick up the pieces.]

[cantilevers]

[He had taken a break from the Murmur, preferring a more direct face-to-face type of interaction, and he also had plenty to consider about the confrontation that was plainly public. He knew that people would take sides as was everyone's curious or ambitious nature would dictate; both he and Silco had methods of operation and delivery.

So honestly, when he finally allowed himself to settle back on the Murmur, he was not particularly surprised to be greeted with someone he had never met, never heard about aside from a name, and certainly had no dealings with. It was clear from the get-go why this person was here, and a part of him was left wondering if his daughter had been upset enough to call in an ally to make a statement against him. It was likely independent.]

No. You know of me; we've never met so I wouldn't say you know me much at all. [If this was going to be some sort of territory setting session, he wanted them to be on the same page. He was not about to be pushed around by anyone, least of all someone he knew little about.] I know of you; she mentioned you.

[He was left to assume the 'tell him' was Silco, since they apparently weren't utilizing names. He suspected it was a potential power tactic to wield against him, and if that was true, there was higher than average potential that this one and Silco were working together or at least weren't against each other.

Was that what this was about? It wouldn't surprise him. At this point, he found very little actually surprised him anymore.]

I'm curious why you feel the need to assure me or anyone that you have an alliance and protective nature over the person I think you're referring to. Is this an assurance in case there in an incident of mutual destruction between other people?

[He huffed, keeping himself guarded in the Murmur. He had a name, but it again, meant very little to him. Great introduction though.]

Define 'here'? Because right now, I'm being given the impression that you and I are going to have a problem with one another when you make a gangster-type introduction to me.

[He wasn't interested in whatever game was being played.]

CW: Depictions of Military Violence, Blood, Murder in the Image Links

[nestingdevil]

[Ah, shit.]

[This isn't how it was supposed to go, this isn't what he had planned. And as soon as he gets Vander's answer, the reaction from his side is instant. How stiff he goes, the way everything about him seems to freeze up like a gargoyle caught in the middle of trying to free itself from its perch. It's isn't regret (he's never regretted anything in his life), but it's close. The feeling more akin to that of a jaguar that's just been cold-cocked by a tightly wound newspaper.]

[The former homunculus slouches, leaving his hands to dangle between his knees.] You're right. I don't know you. But you're important enough to her that she let us know who you were. In case we ran into you before she did. [His voice hushes between his teeth; a pitch as whispered as centuries' old dust, fleeing the pages of a book.] So, yeah. You've got me there, friend.

[Without thinking about it, the Sin thumbs the coin out of his pocket, letting it run sleepily over his knuckles.] Ehh, it's not what I meant. I'm not here to fight you, Vander. [No, quite the opposite in fact. And as the gold piece makes its third run between his fingers, the former homunculus bows his head. He could explain it. He could clear things up. However, given his history, humans always seemed to have the wrong idea when it came to greed. The wrong assumptions. What it meant, what it could be.]

[Easier to show it, right?]

[Greed traps the coin between his thumb and index finger. Tck.] You could say I know a thing or two about how this could go. [To make his point, he lets a few memories slip through the Murmur. They aren't the full picture, simply snapshots: of a sleepy, backwater town, of a bar with the same name as the one he's started piecing back together.]

[And what happens when the whole thing goes south.]

[It's probably the most he's shared with anyone. Willingly at least. A small price to pay, if he can keep what's - ]

[Greed opens his eyes, and the coin snared in his claws fumes back red, bright. Hot.] I'm not interested in having a problem with you. I already said, I'd rather keep things peaceful. [A bitterness (like bile, like a frazzled current) scratches at the back of his throat. Whether he realizes it or not, a kind of loneliness seems to writhe from his side of the Murmur. The note of it, struggling like a snake that's had its head chopped off more than once.]

As for here, if she's told you about me, then you probably already know about the place. The Devil's Nest. [The Sin rocks his heel back to slowly pivot out the toe of his boot.] Whatever you and Silco have is yours. It's your decision what you two do about it. Think I made it pretty clear that it's none of my business. But if it comes here, I expect both of you to remember who owns the place.

[The distance, the cool touch of his voice: it's clear that they aren't for Vander. They're for his own history. His own history, taken out in bullets and blood.]

[Greed deflates, pushing his weight onto one of his elbows.] I'm not good, Vander. Doesn't mean I'm entirely bad, either. [He closes his hand around the coin and as it hisses against the flat part of his palm, the Sin lets a low sigh slink from his nose.] But I do take care of what's mine.

[He eases open his fingers.] Take that any way you want.

➥ Forward-Dated to Post Dream, Sometime at the End of March

[nestingdevil]

[It's better to get it over with. To rip the band aid off and face the music, whatever the tune will happen to be. He doesn't hate the man. Hell, part of him admires him, in his own, little way. But there's a million things he has to think about now. A million things, and he has to make sure that, at the end of it, there's no loose ends.]

[He hopes the man will understand. Even if it's a pill he probably won't like swallowing.]

[Greed nudges a tap closed with his knuckle, watching the last of the water drip from the faucet.] Neutral ground. You and me. [He says - his voice, a bar's closing-hour whisper.] There was a spot I checked out when I first got here. It's safe for the most part, and far enough away from the 'Nest that we won't have any extra company. I'll even bring something for the trouble.

[He pushes out a thought: a bottle of partially cracked scotch, and a half-pilfered pack of cigarettes. Bent, torn apart, stained, but still salvageable.] And after, you can do whatever you want. I'm built pretty sturdy, Van.

[Everything from his end, though. It's not simply resigned anymore. He's at a turning point and ah, hasn't he said it before?]

[There's no coming back after this.]

[cantilevers]

[Vander was missing time. The entirety of the dream was stricken from his own memory, and it was deeply uncomfortable to know that. He had kept to himself, gathering supplies and fortifying his current two abodes so that either would feasible to utilize at all times. He was a tad out of sorts as he was trying to piece what he could of that darkness where only heat, misery and pain was a layered blanket over a soft white protective peace and quiet.

Without memory to fall back on, he fell back on old habits. Shoring up resources first, make the necessary trades for alliances, sweet talk who he needed to. He was behind, but that didn't mean he wasn't aware of the game and how quickly it could change.

So, when there was an intrusion to his current activities, there was a deep almost resigned sigh from his end as he stoppered the bottle and set it aside. This not-human - Greed - was back in his business, was he? He considered for a long quiet moment, yet he made it clear that he was listening.]

Why would I trust any spot that you happened to pick out ahead of time and call neutral ground? I want to check the place out first; no offense but I like checking for torture dungeons before I walk into the fun house for some private paid time.

[He went back to bottling some more amber liquid, setting the second aside once he screwed the lid on. The bottle was unlabeled, for now.

There was a soft snort of amusement.]

That's quite the offer, so that seems to come with the expectation that you are under the impression that I wander into place with other men and pound them into the ground. I wonder where that idea was put into your head...

[He doesn't wonder; he knew exactly who would fill Greed's head with that unfiltered nonsense. Little snake was pissed when he fought, and then pissed when he didn't fight. Still a hypocrite ruled by the past. Nothing changed; neither of them had stepped out of the shadow of that night...

Suddenly, he chuckled.]

Okay, Gre-gre, we need to work on your charm skills. I'll teach you a thing or two about how trenchers operate over a drink and a smoke. Send me the location details and I'll tell you when I'm satisfied then we can have a kiss and tell session.

[nestingdevil]

[Greed lowers his chin to his chest, causing his grin to slide smooth up his jaw. Honestly, it would have been more surprising if Vander had a different response. He can't well blame the man for being apprehensive. After all, it isn't the first time, nor does he think it will be the last, that a human doubted him for his honesty.]

[But as he slowly crosses his legs, the feeling coming off him isn't biting. It isn't clawing or scratching or even demanding Vander to meet him half way. Instead, it's a silent ask. A wordless ask, drifting through their connection like men, smoking over their terms.] Fair enough. Can't fault you for that. [The Sin plucks up a glass nearby - the smell of grain alcohol, warming smooth in his nose.] You won't believe me, Van. But I'm really not interested in hurting you.

[He gives the location, then; a glimpse of it from the corner of his eye, beaten down yet still somewhat standing in the thick of it. The front windows are shattered, most (if not all) the useful stock's already been picked clean. And if there's a body of a Host or two that's been torn right through and scorched? Well.]

[He did say he made sure it'd be a safe location.]

[The former homunculus shrugs, taking a sip of his drink.] Don't know. Even if you aren't, I can't say you'd be wrong if you wanted to do more than chew my ass out for a while. [He sets the glass down with a twinkling crck; the laugh on his tongue, snappish and drained.]

HA - ! Sorry, old timer. It's just Greed. [Though, it isn't the worst thing he's been called.] Sure. But keep in mind, I'm over 200 years old. Might just be that you humans like to make things a whole lot more complicated than they have to be.

[He traces his claw around the rim of the glass and as the liquor inside pitches itself to a soft tune, the Sin unwinds his legs.] I'll leave a flare by the front door. Once you've decided it's clear enough for you, shoot it off. I won't be too far.

mid-week one

[merged]

Hey, Vander, you up for a chat?

[cantilevers]

[He was tired, somewhat guarded, but he was present on the Murmur.]

Depends on the subject matter, I suppose. What do you want to chat about?

[merged]

I mostly wanted to chat about the dream—and mention that I'm dating Jinx now. [ She credited him for that final nudge she'd needed. ]