[It's quiet in the bar's dim basement, but as Vander goes on, he can hear the sounds at a distance. The drip of a pipe, broken and cracked, plunking the seconds between them. The jangle of lightbulbs, trying their best to fight the constant in and out of power. No, he knows damn well where Vander is coming from, even if he doesn't have the whole story. There's isn't an offer or deal good enough to fix that bridge - it's already been burned to ash.]
[Greed sets his foot down as he reaches into his vest.] Yeah, I get it. Doesn't make me look too good from your side, does it. [Not that he's going to judge. The man's allowed to think of him any way he wants.] And no, not exactly. I met him the last time our good pal pulled us into that dream of hers. [And isn't that a tell. The hiss to his voice is a clear indication:]
[He has no love, no love at all, for Sleep.]
[The former homunculus taps his pack of cigarettes against his thigh.] I'm used to his type. Just made it easier, knowing he meant something to her. [Huff, goes a match, and the Sin takes a couple of quick, sharp puffs to light the tip of his smoke.] I ran into him first, simple as that. Might have been different if it were the other way around. [Even that though, he doubts. Silco had called himself a monster, and him? Well, it wasn't as if he didn't have his own blood on his hands. It isn't as if he's entirely innocent. And where humans made themselves into monsters, he has always, always been one.]
[A creature, built of the sacrifice of thousands and thousands of souls.]
[Greed exhales slowly through his teeth, letting the smoke drift in front of his face. Yeah, he can feel that sympathy.] Save it. Can't really change what happened, hmn? [He opens one of his eyes, chasing ghosts on the wall.] Things are as they are. That's all there is to it. [The tip of his tail loops back on itself, winding tight and loose again.] Now, who said anything about that? Silco may be staying here, but this place is still mine. Long as she's here, the door's open. Call it neutral turf. [A clump of ash drops off his smoke, and the former homunculus pinches his cigarette between his fingers.] Long as both of you can keep up your end of the bargain.
[And oh, can he feel that, too. That beast, lurking at the outer edge of the Murmur, pacing like a wolf in a cage. It's another thing Jinx had mentioned. That there was a strong, strong chance of Vander becoming something far more dangerous. And while it hasn't bared it's fangs yet, the Sin acknowledges it with silence. With a look in his eyes that's sympathetic to its violence.]
[Chimera, he's reminded. A chimera from somewhere else, called something else, yet still (most likely) put together just as cruelly.]
[Maybe, he's reading too much into it. Assuming and all. Makes an ass out of him every, single time.]
[Which may be why the sensation from his end suddenly changes when Vander asks his question. Where he'd been distracted, distant, the former homunculus immediately snaps back to the conversation. At first, the note from his end is bewildered. Then, after a few seconds, he throws his head back, letting out a loud, barking laugh.] GAHAHAHA - ! Working for him? Who do you think I am? [Greed tosses his cigarette into an empty glass, letting it burn its smoke.] No, Vander. I'm not working for Silco. The name's not just something cute, after all. [Setting his hands on his knees, he pushes himself out of his seat.]
I am greed, the living embodiment of it. Not really in my nature to take orders from anyone else. He's working - [For him? With him? What are they, exactly?] - with me, I guess. Least for the time being.
[It was interesting to immediately know what people brought here thought of their overlord within a few bites of a conversation. It always came up, generally without much in the way of nuance either, but then again, so many people here had experienced this place longer. They had had more time deciding how this place affected them and the source of those discomforts or comforts.
It also said a lot about this man's associates if he was used to Silco's type. If Greed truly knew Silco, then that made them both a danger to everyone else as far as he was concerned. His alliances were not well-formed at the moment, which meant that he was in the process of fast-tracking what he could for the protection of those that associated with him. He couldn't fail them like he did the Lanes, Benzo, his boys.]
We all make decisions on who we choose to ally ourselves with, and those are a reflection of how we may conduct ourselves in future. The fact you know his type tells me about you too. [It wasn't a judgment; he associated with slimy scummy people as well regardless of the clean upper crust he might appear. He did have a hand in the thriving trade of the Lanes, which was essentially a black market.] And it doesn't matter who met who first; he would have been there regardless to be close to her.
[By Janna, he craved a cigarette or cigar. He hadn't been all that successful finding them, so he's had to wean off. Perhaps it was for the best, but that kick of nicotine reduced other cravings which he was far less willing to travel down to road of seeking out. The original Shimmer was the biggest high and worst low all in one. Still, a smoke would be nice right about now.]
You can call that place whatever you like, but I won't be wandering my way there unless it's too the front door to drop her off and leaving again. [There was no need in his mind for a potential confrontation, so he would remove himself entirely from that situation.] I haven't agreed to any bargain either; what's the cost and benefit of a bargain with you? Nothing in this life or the next is free, and we both know that.
[He kept his own location and details of what he was doing out of the Murmur as much as possible. Since the open confrontation, he was guarding himself and where he was actively living. Just a black abyss around him, housing that part of himself which was keen to care very little about what was discussed but always assessing potential sources of danger to lash out at.
Well, at least the guy could be amused. Laughter was sometimes the great unifier.] Living embodiment of greed? Shit son, no wonder you let Silco close... it's like two heads on the same mirk wolf then. [It was his turn to have a small snort of amusement.] You two clapping hands together is enough information for me. Besides, I don't have anything of value to offer you and your embodiment in this poker game where everyone is cheating. [Politics.]
[A light drops only to click on again, and the Sin lets a small smile tug at the corner of his lip. Sometimes, he thinks it would be a whole lot easier if the mortal lot could see things differently. If they could see beyond their own drawn lines, where black and white are more a muddied, comfortable gray. But that's not how things work. That isn't how anything works. And while he will admit he does understand Vander's stance when it comes to Silco, the rest - ]
[Greed tests his shoulders, letting the collar of his vest drop from his neck.] Don't know about that. There's always a lot more to it, but sounds to me like you've already made your decision. I won't hold it against you. Choice, right? [His vest falls off his back, and the Sin numbly catches it with his claws.] You won't believe me, but I've always been a big fan of choice. So be it.
[He has to scoff, then. No, nothing in this world or the next is free. It's something he's said before. And ah, if he can't help but admire the man just a little bit for it.] You're right about that. Everything's got a price, and nothing comes free. And maybe you do, maybe you don't. But there's one thing you've got wrong, friend.
[Greed watches his cigarette burn out, snuffing silver-blue inside the glass.] Humans always think greed's just for money and power. That isn't everything, though. [His bones are stiff, his muscles are tense, and at the moment? He's almost feeling his 200+ years. The sensation from his side, simple:]
[It's tired, exasperated. Resigned.]
[He'll never be able to convince them, not matter how hard he tries.]
[Greed turns his finger clockwise, drawing up a spin of dust and soot.] You want to protect those you care about. Maybe you want to bring someone back from the dead. Way I see it, it's no different. [The Sin sets his coin back in his pocket now that it's had a chance to cool down.] It might not be the same where you come from, but don't think anyone's ever said there's anything wrong with too much hope. Eh -
[He shrinks in on himself. A devil, surrounded by his kingdom of broken pieces.]
- doesn't matter. Everyone wants something they can't have. Guess that's how it'll always be, huh? [A shame, really. But he can't change what's happened between them just as much as he can't change his own past, no matter how much he'd prefer otherwise.]
[Vander's made his line clear. He won't push it further.]
[Greed loops his pinkie claw into the corner of his mask, pulling at the latch.] Take care of yourself, chief. And I'll take care of mine.
[With that, he undoes the chain clinging his mask to his face. He has a visitor coming, after all. And he'd rather keep the company pleasant.]
Protection, actually. [Vander understood that he was on the backfoot in this conversation and a few before this, and he hadn't moved fast enough to set something up for him to surround himself with those that he could protect and perhaps receive protection in return. He'd failed before, over and over and that blood and debts were on his hands. But yes, choice on his part: selfish, uncomfortable, a tendril of anxiety.] I assume you've potentially had difficulty with others honouring the idea of choice then.
[He was very, very aware that greed came from all places and half of it wasn't even of the material world either. People made greedy choices, had greedy thoughts and motivations, and yes, they wanted more resources, more money, more lovers, more, more, more.]
You don't have to preach to me about greed. I'm well aware of the broad spectrum of what you likely represent. [He hunched over, rolling his shoulders forward and his hands wringing together as he contemplated this conversation on a multifaceted level.] You never mentioned what your costs were for this or anything. I suppose it depends what you're offering.
[That was food for thought of a comment though: nothing too wrong with too much hope? He rubbed his fingers on one hand against his forehead. Hope was so dangerous and yet it was uplifting and motivational.]
Perhaps someday we'll have a discussion of the things we want that we can't or won't ever have. Neutral ground and all that.
[He'll leave the door open just a crack then. No point burning the bridge completely when this person had a direct connection to Powder. No. Jinx, Jinx.
He hummed at the abrupt end of the conversation.] As you say, pal.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2026-03-02 04:17 am (UTC)[Greed sets his foot down as he reaches into his vest.] Yeah, I get it. Doesn't make me look too good from your side, does it. [Not that he's going to judge. The man's allowed to think of him any way he wants.] And no, not exactly. I met him the last time our good pal pulled us into that dream of hers. [And isn't that a tell. The hiss to his voice is a clear indication:]
[He has no love, no love at all, for Sleep.]
[The former homunculus taps his pack of cigarettes against his thigh.] I'm used to his type. Just made it easier, knowing he meant something to her. [Huff, goes a match, and the Sin takes a couple of quick, sharp puffs to light the tip of his smoke.] I ran into him first, simple as that. Might have been different if it were the other way around. [Even that though, he doubts. Silco had called himself a monster, and him? Well, it wasn't as if he didn't have his own blood on his hands. It isn't as if he's entirely innocent. And where humans made themselves into monsters, he has always, always been one.]
[A creature, built of the sacrifice of thousands and thousands of souls.]
[Greed exhales slowly through his teeth, letting the smoke drift in front of his face. Yeah, he can feel that sympathy.] Save it. Can't really change what happened, hmn? [He opens one of his eyes, chasing ghosts on the wall.] Things are as they are. That's all there is to it. [The tip of his tail loops back on itself, winding tight and loose again.] Now, who said anything about that? Silco may be staying here, but this place is still mine. Long as she's here, the door's open. Call it neutral turf. [A clump of ash drops off his smoke, and the former homunculus pinches his cigarette between his fingers.] Long as both of you can keep up your end of the bargain.
[And oh, can he feel that, too. That beast, lurking at the outer edge of the Murmur, pacing like a wolf in a cage. It's another thing Jinx had mentioned. That there was a strong, strong chance of Vander becoming something far more dangerous. And while it hasn't bared it's fangs yet, the Sin acknowledges it with silence. With a look in his eyes that's sympathetic to its violence.]
[Chimera, he's reminded. A chimera from somewhere else, called something else, yet still (most likely) put together just as cruelly.]
[Maybe, he's reading too much into it. Assuming and all. Makes an ass out of him every, single time.]
[Which may be why the sensation from his end suddenly changes when Vander asks his question. Where he'd been distracted, distant, the former homunculus immediately snaps back to the conversation. At first, the note from his end is bewildered. Then, after a few seconds, he throws his head back, letting out a loud, barking laugh.] GAHAHAHA - ! Working for him? Who do you think I am? [Greed tosses his cigarette into an empty glass, letting it burn its smoke.] No, Vander. I'm not working for Silco. The name's not just something cute, after all. [Setting his hands on his knees, he pushes himself out of his seat.]
I am greed, the living embodiment of it. Not really in my nature to take orders from anyone else. He's working - [For him? With him? What are they, exactly?] - with me, I guess. Least for the time being.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-02 05:15 pm (UTC)It also said a lot about this man's associates if he was used to Silco's type. If Greed truly knew Silco, then that made them both a danger to everyone else as far as he was concerned. His alliances were not well-formed at the moment, which meant that he was in the process of fast-tracking what he could for the protection of those that associated with him. He couldn't fail them like he did the Lanes, Benzo, his boys.]
We all make decisions on who we choose to ally ourselves with, and those are a reflection of how we may conduct ourselves in future. The fact you know his type tells me about you too. [It wasn't a judgment; he associated with slimy scummy people as well regardless of the clean upper crust he might appear. He did have a hand in the thriving trade of the Lanes, which was essentially a black market.] And it doesn't matter who met who first; he would have been there regardless to be close to her.
[By Janna, he craved a cigarette or cigar. He hadn't been all that successful finding them, so he's had to wean off. Perhaps it was for the best, but that kick of nicotine reduced other cravings which he was far less willing to travel down to road of seeking out. The original Shimmer was the biggest high and worst low all in one. Still, a smoke would be nice right about now.]
You can call that place whatever you like, but I won't be wandering my way there unless it's too the front door to drop her off and leaving again. [There was no need in his mind for a potential confrontation, so he would remove himself entirely from that situation.] I haven't agreed to any bargain either; what's the cost and benefit of a bargain with you? Nothing in this life or the next is free, and we both know that.
[He kept his own location and details of what he was doing out of the Murmur as much as possible. Since the open confrontation, he was guarding himself and where he was actively living. Just a black abyss around him, housing that part of himself which was keen to care very little about what was discussed but always assessing potential sources of danger to lash out at.
Well, at least the guy could be amused. Laughter was sometimes the great unifier.] Living embodiment of greed? Shit son, no wonder you let Silco close... it's like two heads on the same mirk wolf then. [It was his turn to have a small snort of amusement.] You two clapping hands together is enough information for me. Besides, I don't have anything of value to offer you and your embodiment in this poker game where everyone is cheating. [Politics.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-04 02:34 am (UTC)[Greed tests his shoulders, letting the collar of his vest drop from his neck.] Don't know about that. There's always a lot more to it, but sounds to me like you've already made your decision. I won't hold it against you. Choice, right? [His vest falls off his back, and the Sin numbly catches it with his claws.] You won't believe me, but I've always been a big fan of choice. So be it.
[He has to scoff, then. No, nothing in this world or the next is free. It's something he's said before. And ah, if he can't help but admire the man just a little bit for it.] You're right about that. Everything's got a price, and nothing comes free. And maybe you do, maybe you don't. But there's one thing you've got wrong, friend.
[Greed watches his cigarette burn out, snuffing silver-blue inside the glass.] Humans always think greed's just for money and power. That isn't everything, though. [His bones are stiff, his muscles are tense, and at the moment? He's almost feeling his 200+ years. The sensation from his side, simple:]
[It's tired, exasperated. Resigned.]
[He'll never be able to convince them, not matter how hard he tries.]
[Greed turns his finger clockwise, drawing up a spin of dust and soot.] You want to protect those you care about. Maybe you want to bring someone back from the dead. Way I see it, it's no different. [The Sin sets his coin back in his pocket now that it's had a chance to cool down.] It might not be the same where you come from, but don't think anyone's ever said there's anything wrong with too much hope. Eh -
[He shrinks in on himself. A devil, surrounded by his kingdom of broken pieces.]
- doesn't matter. Everyone wants something they can't have. Guess that's how it'll always be, huh? [A shame, really. But he can't change what's happened between them just as much as he can't change his own past, no matter how much he'd prefer otherwise.]
[Vander's made his line clear. He won't push it further.]
[Greed loops his pinkie claw into the corner of his mask, pulling at the latch.] Take care of yourself, chief. And I'll take care of mine.
[With that, he undoes the chain clinging his mask to his face. He has a visitor coming, after all. And he'd rather keep the company pleasant.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-04 03:05 am (UTC)[He was very, very aware that greed came from all places and half of it wasn't even of the material world either. People made greedy choices, had greedy thoughts and motivations, and yes, they wanted more resources, more money, more lovers, more, more, more.]
You don't have to preach to me about greed. I'm well aware of the broad spectrum of what you likely represent. [He hunched over, rolling his shoulders forward and his hands wringing together as he contemplated this conversation on a multifaceted level.] You never mentioned what your costs were for this or anything. I suppose it depends what you're offering.
[That was food for thought of a comment though: nothing too wrong with too much hope? He rubbed his fingers on one hand against his forehead. Hope was so dangerous and yet it was uplifting and motivational.]
Perhaps someday we'll have a discussion of the things we want that we can't or won't ever have. Neutral ground and all that.
[He'll leave the door open just a crack then. No point burning the bridge completely when this person had a direct connection to Powder. No. Jinx, Jinx.
He hummed at the abrupt end of the conversation.] As you say, pal.