Chance Avaritia "Greed" (better_than) wrote in nevermore_logs, @ 2013-07-28 18:13:00 |
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Entry tags: | greed, theseus, zoe hansen |
Who: Greed, Zoe and Theseus
What: Greed gets paid, Theseus gets his boat, everyone's happy not. Talks of trips to Lithuania.
Where: Seafood Resturant
When: Saturday, July 27th
Warnings: Drunk Zoe, fussy Theseus and needy Greed
Status: Complete [more of my armada of logs that have been done weeks ago that need some postin...]
Zoe spoke less and less as they got closer to the restaurant. This wasn't even for her, it was a deal between Theseus and Greed. She was the buffer. But still it was also her grandfather meeting her boyfriend. Okay, they'd met before and not gotten along but this was going to be in a more ready for it setting. She was nervous but looking forward to spending time with her grandfather and was incredibly thankful Greed was there. Again, he had to be, it was his deal-- she wasn't going to over think it. She held his hand tightly as they walked into the restaurant Theseus had chosen, a very up scale Greek restaurant whose specialty seemed to be fish.
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Theseus had a hard time accumulating that kind of money, or even explaining to Poseidon why he had to have such a loan. Going to the bank was out of the question, he had poor credit. He had to concoct some story because Poseidon was not going to freely give him money on a boat that he could use to run away on. That was Theseus’ plan at least, but the deeper he became tangled in this mess on both sides the less likely he was able to just cut the ropes and set sail. It at least could be his sanctuary away from the dark clouds looming overhead. He wasn’t thrilled to be spending double--wait no---triple what he’d paid for the yacht in the first place. A new paint job wasn’t going to be inexpensive either. He carried a leather shoulder bag with the money inside. Carrying around that kind of cash out in the open was not going to be easy. He could have met at a cafe or a little no name restaurant, but he was less likely to lose it to someone else before Greed could get there.
He tried to not look suspicious. He dressed casually to keep a low key approach, no one would think twice about the bag, he could be carrying a laptop inside for all they knew. He did have that earthy feel about him. The table was set for two, he didn’t really expect Zoe to come with, but she was like an accessory on Greed’s arm. He bit back the lump in his throat, trying to hide that sweat that started to form on his brow. He was nervous and he didn’t know why.
Greed’s nose turned the moment they went inside. This wasn’t a street corner Greek fast food place. This was high class stuff, which he could do. It was the fish smell that turned him off. He gagged. “Smells like a brothel.” Like from the old days when no one knew what baths were.
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Zoe nudged him with their joint hands, “You would know.” as she looked around the restaurant and when she spotted her grandfather she instantly tensed. She tugged on Greed’s hand to get him to look at her, “Try....” she wrinkled her nose. There wasn’t much she could say to him. She didn’t like to dictate how he should behave and frankly as much as she (for some reason) wanted her grandfather to see that she had a wonderful boyfriend and Greed was a great guy, she didn’t want Greed to not be himself because then Theseus wouldn’t know the real him. She slowly moved her head back and forth, stuck on how to finish the sentence and went with, “...not to hit him.” she kissed his cheek.
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The look Greed gave Theseus was deadpanned, flat and with eyes that shot daggers. They usually held a pretty blue, but right now they practically burned with loathe. He plastered on that fake smile, not even bothering to take a seat. “We’ll be sitting over there. Away from the whorehouse of fish permeating behind you.” He smiled again intending for Theseus to follow like the lost little puppy he looked like. No wonder Lust had kicked him to the curb, he was disgusting. Even if Zoe wanted to give him another chance, Greed wasn’t so ready to shake his hand just yet.
He took a seat at a table explaining to the waitress that they were a party of three. His smile faded to a prettier one, bright blue eyes and she gushed that it was okay before scampering off to bring the bottle of wine and glasses he’d requested.
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She had high hopes that were all kinda sent plummeting to the ground with the greeting Greed gave the older man. She looked at Greed in disbelief, her mouth open some. She then looked apologetically at Theseus, “Um... it is a bigger table..” she managed to get out as she tried to stay long enough to say the words while Greed was dragging her off with him. No, her boyfriend wasn’t a typical guy. Certainly no gentleman. He didn’t pull out her chair and he flirted with the waitress but Zoe seemed entirely at ease with it all as she pulled out her own chair and had a seat next to Greed since he still had her hand in his.
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Theseus pinched the bridge of his nose, counting to ten before getting up to follow. He took enough orders in a day, he didn’t need another string of them at the request of a juvenile boy who carted his granddaughter around like cargo. At that moment he didn’t feel so bad for having spilled the beans with Lust on his lap. In time he’d feel guilty again, but not right now.
He took at the opposite end of the round table, setting the bag down beside him with one foot looped into the strap. He wasn’t giving it over on command. He needed that drink first so he could swallow down his pride and wonder what had happened to his life. Since when did he not have control of his own wheel?
“Zoe,” he said in greeting, clearing his throat. The place he had chosen was very Greek. He had hoped it made the Sin at least a little uncomfortable, but like with Lust, it was hard to tell when they felt anything at all. Theseus on the other hand looked tired, worn out, a ghost almost.
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Zoe was nervous. Her boyfriend looked like he was contemplating murder. Her grandfather looked like he just got beat up. She offered Theseus a shaky smile and raised her free hand in a wave, “Hi.” oh my god, did she just wave at him? Why did she do that!? She put her free hand on the table and then when the waitress brought the wine and started to pour, she grabbed a glass and took a big sip.
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“I didn’t realize you’d be here,” he said taking his glass next, leaving Greed to get his glass last which made the Sin very, very aggravated. He was itching for his money. It was within grasp and they were exchanging small talk. Was it really necessary? His fingers tapped on the table as if he were impatient.
“It’s been a long day Avaritia. Don’t you think you can wait a few more minutes?” Theseus wanted this done and over with quickly too, but that was before Zoe showed up too.
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Zoe raised her glass to her lips to mask how much Theseus’ comment stung. She thought that he’d come knowing she’d be here.. but it seemed like she was some crappy booby prize he got with Greed. She took another big swallow and set the glass down, “Just came for moral support.” She squeezed Greed’s hand under the table when her grandfather took a dig at him, patience and Greed didn’t mix well but she didn’t want him to lose his cool.
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“I just mean....” he wasn’t sure what he meant. The more he looked at her the more it made him feel worse for squealing like a pig under Lust’s charms. “Nevermind.” He stared down at his glass. Clearly this was going to go as well as gutting a fish. Greed took the wine bottle by the neck and slung it back towards him. Greasy pawed grandpappy was getting something he didn’t ask for. It didn’t mean he wouldn’t be the one paying for it by the end of the transaction.
Theseus tried to keep his eyes towards Zoe, but it just made this predicament worse. “Thank you for calling me back.” That took a lot to even say because right now his boat was all he had, he wanted it more than anything.
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At the unexpected thanks she got from him, Zoe’s eyes softened and she smiled, “Of course.” as if what else was she going to do when her only living family called her up? Sure, he’d tried to sell her to his father and he destroyed her grandmother’s life and her mother grew up without a father but... he was here now. She knew how much that boat meant to him, she had hinted that she’d try to help him get it back on the beach. Now he almost had it within his grasp.
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It put him a leg up from Greed’s behavior, which was still that of an unruly teenage boy that wanted to hang him with his belt. Theseus cleared his throat again. Clearly getting along with Zoe was his best option right now. It not only pissed off Greed but it kept him in a good place with her. She couldn’t say no to family that was making an attempt to be in her life. It was the most effort he ever made once he’d skipped town once.
“The demands were not...easy...but a deal’s a deal right?” Only why did he feel like he’d been fucked twice by the locket and now this?
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Zoe had to tread a very fine line because she wanted to get along with her grandfather but she didn’t want to isolate Greed. She wasn’t entirely stupid, she knew that her grandfather would drop her if things got tough, Greed had been with her through hard times. She knew where her ultimate loyalty lay. She just smiled in response to him and looked at Greed. Deals were his area.
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It was a fine line that both Theseus and Greed thought she owed them. Theseus thought he earned her sympathy, Greed her support automatically simply because she belonged to him. Both were just at the moment gunning for her attention, and it was obvious who would win out. “You do know I’m still adding to your tab don’t you?” Greed said with a quirked brow. Let Theseus wait. Let him chat. Get his fill. He’d be mailing him another fat check in the future.
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Zoe touched her hand to her brow and took another sip of wine before she looked at her boyfriend, “Maybe you might wanna give him a total... so he knows the right amount to give you right now?” she squeezed his hand lightly. She was right there with him, not going anywhere.
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"Well," Greed sat upright with his hands together, leaving Zoe's hand on his thigh. "We are up to 150k now. That sound about right?" He threw Theseus a shark of a smile. It was one Theseus was used to----the same one Poseidon gave him when he insisted this kind of money was an investment.
"150? I thought it was 120!" Theseus couldn't help but choke. This was putting him in a hole.
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Zoe lifted her hand from Greed’s thigh to raise in a calming manner at Theseus, “It’s okay.” she didn’t want him to freak out because Greed would jack up the price more and her eyes were warning Theseus of that. “$150,000 is the price and if you have less than that, you can give him what you have now and pay the rest later. And if you don’t, he’ll repo the boat.” she put her hand back on Greed’s thigh and leaned in to whisper in his ear, “That way you get money today.” and her grandfather didn’t have to end up paying even more.
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"I have 120 as per our original agreement. But," he sounded defeated. This was his entire paycheck for a month or so. He was already hanging by a thread he might as well hang on as tight as he could. "Give me a few more weeks I'll get the extra thirty thousand." Somehow. "If I get the boat today." He needed somewhere to live. It wasn't going to be in one of Poseidon's penthouses with this kind of money rolling out. Greed was about to protest. He wasn't ready to give up anything until he had all his money or Theseus just might make a run for it.
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Zoe stayed quiet and let the men talk it out, she’d already said her piece to both of them and ultimately it was their deal. But she did take her hand off Greed’s thigh to pour herself more wine to drink.
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“Why should I do that?” Greed asked taking a big sip of his wine only to flag down the waitress for another with the simple wave of his hand and point towards the bottle. Between the three of them a second bottle was an order already. “You could make off with that boat and I never see the thirty thousand. I can’t have that.” Greed would make a solid contract before ever letting Theseus get off that easy. “What are you willing to give up as collateral? At least until you have the payment.” Greed was sneaky. It wasn’t as simple as one’s word, because obviously a man’s word was filled with lies.
“I don’t have anything...” Theseus was at a loss, shaking his head. This was crazy. What more could the boy want? He’d forgotten who he was talking to.
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Zoe looked nervously from Greed to Theseus. Her hand still didn’t find its way back to Greed’s thigh. She finished her glass of wine and smiled looking a little green at the waitress when she brought another bottle and got another glass. Both her hands now played with the glass as she sipped her drink. She felt bad for Theseus and any time her eyes went to him, she quickly dropped her gaze back to her wine, unable to look at him.
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Theseus focused on Zoe when he was at a loss of what to give Greed. “What are you going to take the shirt right off my back?” He laughed but Greed followed with a laugh of his own.
“It’s a start.” He snorted into his wine glass filling it again. Theseus took a deep breath, watching how Zoe was downing her wine so fast she almost looked dizzy. He put a hand out towards her arm on the table. “Slow down a bit will you? Get some food in there first?” Or she might just slide right out of the chair. Greed immediately took offense which in Theseus’ eyes looked a lot like control. This Sin was alienating the girl.
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Zoe offered Theseus a weak smile of gratitude. He probably said it because he didn’t want her to throw up and make a mess. But for a moment it seemed like he might actually be concerned. She was feeling a little sick. She didn’t notice Greed’s disapproving look. She felt dwarfed by the two men who both had loud bold personalities. She grabbed a menu and hid behind it, looking at the selections there so she didn’t have to look at either of them.
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Theseus might have cared, it was always hard to tell. He flagged down the waitress this time to order food. Greed sat back against his seat with a spectacular grin on his face. “Order what you want, you’re paying for it.” Theseus was going to end up walking away from this meeting with nothing but his shoes, and he was certain Greed would take those too if he could. Theseus swallowed down that new piece of information giving the waitress a nod. “I’ll stick to water.” He gave Zoe the go-head to get what she wanted, afraid of what her boyfriend was going to do to the bill.
“Why don’t we call this my collateral. Your lunch.” It was about all Theseus had other than the watch his old man had given him.
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Zoe stared at Theseus for a few moments and then ordered what she normally got at the fast food greek place, a gyro and some fries which were always a favorite of hers and Greed’s. She wasn’t really hungry but she was feeling a little sick from having so much wine on an empty stomach. Plus she knew whatever she didn’t finish, Greed would. She set her menu down and slouched a little in her seat, reaching for the wine glass again.
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Greed was a sucker for watches, so the shiny under on Theseus’ arm did not go unnoticed. It was one thing that he collected in bulk. Greed pointed towards his wrist. “I’ll take that,” he mentioned just before ordering appetizer plates on the menu.
Theseus was tired of looking defeated in front of this kid, but the boy was pulling so many punches all at once. He felt like he was going to spin right out of his seat. He was getting dizzy just talking to him. He didn’t seem to take to the fact that Theseus put more emphasis on Zoe than on him, which of course made Greed puff up like a rabid bird ready to poke eyes out. Theseus did not answer him on the watch, not yet at least. How much more was he going to have to give up JUST to get his boat back?
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Zoe saw how tired her grandfather was getting and frankly normal people (immortal and mortal alike) had a rough time dealing with Greed, he was a giant handful. She could do it because she loved his handful, she adored him and loved spending time with him but with her he was also less tense, he relaxed and was himself around her which was a much much less intense version of what he was now. She spoke up offering to Theseus, “It’s just until you’d have the rest of the money.” the watch was a loaner, he had to keep his eyes on the prize.. his home.
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Theseus had a hard time sticking to anything. Yes, he had his pride and he didn’t want to bite it off any faster than Greed was trying to take it. The first instinct was run as fast as he could and get the hell out of there. His knee was even nervously twitching under the table as his foot tapped the floor. All his mind said to him was to bolt like lightening. He took another deep breath, it was the only way he could keep his head from spinning in the circles Greed was taking it. Without a word he unlatched the leather band of his watch.
“I want it back when this is all said and done.” There was little Theseus had to hang onto anymore. It was one trade for another. All he seemed to do with Greed was make insane deals and feel empty handed by the end of it. Instead of handing it off to Greed he gave the watch to Zoe.
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She was surprised when he handed the watch to her and she was hesitant to take it but slowly reached for it. She gave him a brief reassuring smile but she knew better than to keep it, she held the watch out to Greed for him to take. She was not stupid enough to even make it look like she was cornering in on his deals in any way unless it was to help him.
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“We’ll see when you pay your dues.” Greed was a hard man to make a bargain with when he had his sights on something. It was insulting that it wasn’t handed to him first, but he wouldn’t hold it against Zoe. Theseus seemed hellbent on making a statement. He’d made it. Loud and clear. For that Greed ordered a third bottle of wine to take back with him.
It was a nice watch. Expensive looking. Greed petted it like it was a little bunny in his hand. His hands were soft even when his words were harsh. He pocketed it quickly before Theseus had a chance to protest or change his mind. “For your sake you better hope you don’t have any more fancy jewelry to show off.” Greed smiled, Zoe’s plate being set down in front of them after a few silent minutes between the three of them. Greed’s appetizers followed. Theseus could feel his stomach leap for some food but he wasn’t going to buy into more than he was able to pay for. His idea of making Greed uncomfortable in some fancy Greek restaurant had been a bad idea, he knew that now.
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She really wanted Theseus to like Greed and know what a wonderful, amazing-- she looked at him petting the watch and knew that he was just looking like a crazy person. She sighed and picked up her wine again. When the food came she felt really bad that Theseus was just sitting there. She gave Greed a helpless look, tugging on his sleeve so he’d lean in and she could whisper to him, “I’m going to give him some of my food, okay? He is paying for it and I can’t eat the whole thing.. it’s awkward if he’s just gonna sit there.”
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It wasn’t exactly something Greed wanted to hear, and he was sure to steal a fry off her plate before she decided anything. He wasn’t exactly being the doting boyfriend when he had a performance to do. Her grandfather was just getting the story he wanted. He expected Greed to be everything bad for Zoe, it was the face he was seeing. It was hard for Greed to switch over into the boy he usually was around the girl. She didn’t even have the power to keep that side there when there was an audience. “I guess.” he pulled the watch out that Theseus had handed over just moments before and slapped it on his wrist, tying it tight. It was almost just to rub it in his face.
Theseus was about to just hand over the money and be done, but he had a bill to fit for lunch. He wasn’t going to pull out his phone any time soon or that might get swiped too. At least it could entertain him.
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Zoe smiled at him lovingly and kissed the side of his mouth in thanks when he half heartedly agreed to not have a meltdown at her sharing with her grandfather. She split the gyro that was on her plate and stuck the half on a small appetizer plate along with a small handful of fries and pushed it towards Theseus.
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Theseus wasn’t paying attention to the food when he was so graciously given a bite. He’d been picking at the tablecloth between his fingers, hanging onto the only glass of wine he was bound to get out of the bottle. At first he declined. “No, no, Zoe. That’s for you.” He kept his gaze on Greed who was already stuffing his face. Clearly, it was difficult for him to see this boy that she spoke so highly of.
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She insisted and pushed the plate along the table till it was right in front of him, “Eat.” she said it in a way that her grandmother used to say it when someone would get finicky about their meal but she said it was a smile. She liked being able to share something with her grandfather, even if it was something small like a meal. She wasn’t going to let him give the food back to her which was obvious and she picked up a couple of fries from her own plate to show how yummy they were and after she munched on them, she held up a couple to Greed to see if he wanted them. She knew she had to give to Greed too or he’d feel left out.
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All Theseus could see was this boy that would take, take, take until there was nothing left. He seemed sated for now at least with the watch and the food. It kept his mouth and his hands busy so Theseus could try and remember why he was doing all this in the first place. He was here to get the keys to his boat. HIS boat. No one elses. And Zoe was pulling him a pretty big favor because he wasn’t sure he could have handled Greed on his own. It wasn’t like dealing with Lust.
He gave her a thanks with a nod, chewing slowly a bite at a time of what she had given him. He wasn’t a stray dog that needed taking care of, but that hint of Sophia in her eyes he couldn’t help but comply.
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Greed was like a kid and a puppy really. You had to treat him with patience and love or he’d rip your face off. She was feeling a little more relaxed with both men eating, but it might also be because she was on her way to finishing her third glass of wine. She ate more fries and a big bite of the gyro. Yeah, she was feeling good.
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It was still the most awkward meal Theseus had sat down to in some time. Not as awkward as when his past chose to bite him on the ass with more than one wife in one room at a time. That was when his running got the best of him. He was still hanging on to three current wives at the moment (one in Europe), eventually this would look like child’s play when women wanted to rip each other’s faces off and his in the process.
He devoured his food slowly, though by the bites it was obvious that he had been more hungry than he let on. It was a gracious act on Zoe’s part that he was not left completely empty-handed or with an empty stomach. For a while Greed even seemed presentable. It still did nothing to secure his relationship with Zoe in Theseus’ eyes who had taken some sort of fatherly figure to her since last they met.
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It was a kinda awkward meal in the sense that none of them were talking but really the silence was better than shouting or insults she guessed. She was a lightweight when it came to alcohol and after finishing most of the half of the gyro, she leaned towards Greed’s side and rested her head on his arm, still idly picking up fries and chewing on them. She probably wouldn’t have if she’d been sober with her grandfather right there but wine had a way of loosening her up.
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Greed chuckled when she leaned against him. He stopped eating to look down on her happy, slightly flushed face. "Are you buzzed?" He giggled (a little less manic as earlier), giving her a kiss on her forehead. "You lightweight." He took her half filled glass away over towards his where he would finish it off. If she kept going she would be glued to the floor, he'd have to scrape her off.
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She was completely buzzed. “No....” she closed her eyes and smiled when he dropped the kiss on her forehead, staying against his arm. She opened her eyes and frowned, raising her hand lazily as he took the glass away, “Heyyy......” she gave a half hearted protest. She could handle a little more. Maybe.
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Greed drank up what was left of her glass, being sure his own was out of her reach. "You barf in my car I'm not going to be happy," he teased but he was dead serious. He drove the yellow one today. She wasn't making a mess inside.
Theseus watched casually, trying not to look like he was staring.
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She kept her head on his arm but turned it to look up at him, “What if I barf on you?” not that she would. Though she was feeling a bit pukey. Mostly good. But a little nauseous. She grabbed another fry and ate it. She knew her grandfather was looking and was fine with it, she was happy he could see that Greed was just a normal boyfriend.
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Greed was far from normal. Their relationship was a roller coaster. Zoe was basically dating a man who had a myriad of personalities that took a lot of work. He shoved her playfully. "You point it that way. You ruin my clothes I'm not driving you home." He drank up his own wine just as a plate of baklava was placed on the table. Greed nuzzled her nose with his topping it with a little bit of honey when he moved back as if he were playing with a cat. For a moment they looked more normal than they ever were. Theseus noticed, but he wondered what happened when he walked out of the door. Apparently racking up a tab at this restaurant.
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She had a lazy smile on her face and even at the playful shove, she wound up right back against his arm again, “Pfffft I can take a cab...” she wrinkled her nose when he put honey on it, “That’s sticky.” she moved her nose like a rabbit as if that would get it off.
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He dabbed another streak of honey on her cheek, amused at himself more than the sticky mess she had to deal with. Theseus put his clean napkin in a glass of water handing it over to Zoe. "Are we done ordering food so I can get this over with." The silence was getting uncomfortable.
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Zoe grinned at Greed, making a face at him as he smeared more honey on her face. She took a bite out of the baklava in his hand and stuck her tongue out at him as she munched on it. Only for her grandfather to reprimand them. She gave Theseus a look like a scolded child and turned her lips in as she took the wet napkin from him and wiped her cheek and nose with it. Greed’s decision if the food ordering was done, she looked at her boyfriend, “Maybe more wine...”
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Before Theseus could intervene, Greed put his hand over the top of what was left of his wine. "No, no, no. You've had enough of that." It wasn't that Greed was done, or that Greed condoned a halt on anything, but Zoe was a different story. If she had any more wine he had to suffer with the aftermath. He really was not willing to have a mess to clean up. Besides, that way he could have it all to himself. He also wasn't willing to give up his baklava yet. Food then money. Then he could be rid of this rat that Lust could chew on for a bit. He'd like that as long as it kept her busy off that Saint.
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Zoe huffed. “Mean...” She eyed the baklava and sneaked a piece onto her plate when Greed wasn’t looking. She looked at Theseus and then picked up the dessert and put it in her mouth.
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Apparently he had to wait a little longer. "There's three pieces left. Can we get down to business then?" He was pressing Greed to hurry.
"Three?" Greed looked at Zoe, smacking her hand even though she had already munched down the baklava. He pushed the plate over to his side of the table so he could finish up what was left.
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Zoe let out a soft chuckle when he smacked her hand. She nudged Greed, “I think he’s in a hurry.” which she wasn’t thrilled about but her grandfather was ignoring her so she didn’t know what to do. He wanted his boat back and that was that. Her good mood instantly soured and she hugged Greed’s arm, whispering in his ear, “Let’s finish this and go home..”
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Theseus rolled his eyes. He wasn't trying to push her out the door, but he was sick of witnessing them snuggle and coo over each other. He wanted this transaction done.
Greed's arm had become a pillow. Which he condoned until there was the press to get this done. He was done humiliating Theseus. Greed waved Theseus for the cash which was pushed over on the table in the leather satchel. Yes, he had to count it before he handed over the keys. But Greed was fast. He jingled them in front of Theseus taunting him before finally tossing them onto the table.
Theseus took the keys with another roll of his eyes. Finally. This had been excruciating. Greed topped off his wine and dismissed Theseus for the check. "Go tangle with Lust, I'm sure she's waiting to chew you to shreds."
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Greed’s parting words gave Zoe a hurt look that she had trouble hiding. It was bad enough that she had to share her boyfriend who put Lust first but her only living family also happened to be enamored with the same Sin. It wasn’t fair. And right now she wanted to be away from both men. She grabbed the bottle and pulled her glass back to her, she was going to have a drink and she’d like to see either guy stop her.
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And Greed did try to stop her. His hand went for the bottle, that serious tone kicking in. "I said no." He insisted which riled Theseus' feathers.
"You don't own her." It was the wrong choice of words to the wrong Sin. In Theseus' mind he might be a puppet, but he would not let her become one. He was a hero, sometimes he attempted to save lives.
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Zoe glared at Greed, fully ready to insist she was fine and wanted a drink when her grandfather decided to play hero. Part of her was annoyed because she was a woman and she hadn’t needed him before and she certainly didn’t need him now, who did he think he was? Part of her realized that he was concerned for her. Or just hated Greed that much. But through the haze of wine, she recognized something bigger, she recognized the words Theseus had used. She put her hand on Greed’s forearm, “He didn’t mean it that way..” she said in a feeble attempt to defuse the bomb that Theseus dropped on the Sin.
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Greed kept what seemed like a calm face, but he was seething inside. "Bold now that you have those keys to your piece of junk." He nodded with a tight jaw. "Let's get one thing clear. Generosity is not my forte. If you want anything to do with Zoe you will butt out real fast when it comes to me." Greed wasn't going to say it again. The Sin was very protective over his things and this had crossed the line.
"Are you threatening me?" Theseus asked with a laugh of his own. "Because I'm done responding to them---" he was cut off by Greed immediately. "No one cares."
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Zoe stood up and grabbed Greed’s arm, “Come on.. let’s just go.” she pulled on his arm, wanting to get out before something really bad happened. She gave Theseus a warning look, he did not want to push the Sin. She didn’t want to choose between Greed and Theseus, not that she needed to think on who she’d choose but she wouldn’t like it.
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Theseus stood almost one beat after Zoe, throwing his napkin down. He was worried in his own way. She was one of few of his harem of families that he had made an attempt at helping. She was becoming a daughter for him, and shame on him for trying. Part of his dislike for Greed stemmed on the fact he'd sold them out in order to save his own ass. Maybe in some way this was penance.
Greed took the satchel off the table, a glaring look at the man he wanted to murder. He made a slicing motion with his finger across his neck. If it wasn't him that did it, Lust surely would kill him eventually. Greed had no idea she kept the toy around. She seemed hung up on George, and Greed wasn't sure who pissed him off more. A lot of his anger came from the fact that this was all bubbling up inside, latent anger at his sister. Both men were hanging onto it. Whatever greedy secret Theseus was holding onto was mirrored right back on Greed.
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Zoe sighed when Greed made the threatening gesture, “If you kill him, I’m gonna be really sad.” she looked at her grandfather and closed her eyes and quickly shook her head as if to say no, he’s not going to kill you. She tugged on Greed’s arm so they could go, “Come on, let’s go home..” She looked at Theseus as if she wanted to say something but stayed silent.
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"You said that once about the tree." Greed was putting up a front. He was protecting what was his. This thing was moving in on two big aspects of his life. He took it personal. He strapped the bag across his shoulder and headed out.
"Next time you want to buy lunch, let me pick the place." Not that he expected they'd be seeing each other again anytime soon.
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“I still mean it about the tree as well.” she really didn’t want anyone she knew killed by him. Killing in general was difficult but particularly people she knew she had a problem with. She seemed surprised when he said next time. Would there be a next time? She looked at Theseus, her mouth opening as if she was going to say something but Greed was already stalking off with money and her in hand. So she closed her mouth and just looked at him for another moment before following Greed out.
She went with him to his car and before he could get in, she tugged on his hand to pull him close to her. She looked at him and put her arms around his neck, wanting him to feel her and how she was there with him. She knew what Theseus said was really harsh for Greed, she wanted him to know that it wasn’t true.
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Theseus wanted to follow but he was stopped by the waitress with the tab. He reluctantly handed over a credit card because it was all he had left in funds. The keys he rubbed around in his hand gave him some relief. He did watch from the window that overhung the main entrance the two lovebirds. In some way he owed to Sophia to watch out for her, but he really had no idea how to go about this at all.
Greed exhaled loudly with a whine. "Zoe," he really wasn't in the mood for cuddles. His feathers had been ruffled too, and he was still on the defense. The rest of the world needed to fuck off his stuff.
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Zoe knew he was huffy and moody but she didn’t let go. She gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek followed by one on the lips. She kept kissing him in small bites until she’d feel he wasn’t as tense. He was getting cuddled and kissed whether he wanted it or not. He needed it. She nuzzled his nose and looked into his eyes as she said softly, “I’m your toaster.” the way Greed used the word ‘own’ was different than others. And he didn’t steal her, she gave herself to him because she trusted him with having her.
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"I don't want kisses," he grumped. He didn't flap her away though, just stood there "suffering" through it. She had a determined streak of her own that upon first meeting would have never happened. He continued to whine until she had kissed out all the grumpy (for the most part). "You're not my toaster anymore."
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Zoe of course kept kissing him despite him saying he didn’t want kisses. She knew that if he really didn’t want to do something, then he didn’t do it and he would have had no problem shoving her off if he really wanted her to stop. He was grumpy and whiny and if she had waited to kiss him then it would have festered into something she wouldn’t have been able to handle. She kissed his pouty lips briefly, her arms still loose around his neck, “I’m not? Then what am I?”
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"Stop it," he insisted but had no qualms in the little kiss back when her lips fondled his that last time. He didn't answer for a moment, just picked her up in a giant swoop. His arms were tangled around her waist, giving her another quick kiss and looking around as if someone was spying. "You're my girlfriend not my toaster."
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She laughed when he picked her up and pecked her lips. She gave a tiny gasp with a mock surprised look, her mouth open as if she had had no idea she was his girlfriend. “Well lucky lucky me...” she brought her lips closer to his but didn’t kiss him, just gave a soft lazy smile. “Cause you’re my boyfriend and not my toaster. In case you were wondering.” so she was still a little tipsy.
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He wiggled his nose. "No, no I am your toaster. Because I'm on fire when I rub up on you." A cheesy and stupid line, but nothing short of the truth. He nipped at her lips with a kiss and then tug of her bottom lip. "You know I think this was your plan all along just to get me to stay over," he whispered the end of that sentence even though only she could hear him.
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She laughed at the line because it was ridiculous but so him and she was high on wine. He could be smooth when he wanted but she liked him goofy.She hummed with a pleased noise in his kiss, “Pffft... maybe.” she kissed him, “You don’t wanna kidnap me?” then she hiccuped as she tried to kiss him again.
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"Is it kidnapping if you agree to it?" He laughed with a close-lipped smile. "Come on lightweight. Let's go home. Though I could totally book a flight to Kansas and you won't even remember." He unlocked the door, trying to ease her into the car.
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“Hmm... touche.” she practically spilled into the passenger seat, “I am not a lightweight... I am fine.” thought she completely missed trying to get her seatbelt on into the clicker thing. Clearly it was broken.
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He leaned over to lock her seatbelt into place. "Having trouble?" He whispered, close enough to kiss but not giving her the satisfaction. "I'm getting some ice cream." She probably wouldnt even notice that he'd made the pit stop on the way to his apartment. He had two bags full with at least five different flavors. He also got a bottle of water which he demanded she drink.
Once in park it was obvious he was going to have to carry her. Rides and a full stomach of alcohol usually had dire consequences, and he wanted her out of the car before she exploded.
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Zoe puckered her lips at him when he was so close and when he didn’t kiss her, she closed her eyes with a smile, “Jerk...” she scooted so she was snuggled into the corner between the seat and the door as she yawned, “I want ice cream...” but she was seriously full on wine and the meal and the tension of the whole situation had completely worn her out.
She made a face at the water bottle but took a few gulps before resting the closed bottle in her lap and closing her eyes again. She honestly didn’t even know the car had stopped.
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When he popped open the door he had to use his chest as a wall so she didn't slide right out onto the pavement. He couldn't help but giggle while he tried to drag her to the door with the icecream. He looked like a bag lady who had their hands full.
"Work with me here baby," he stood up straight, one arm drapped around her waist, forcing her to velcro herself to him so he could guide her up the stairs and inside. Most boys would have made two trips, leaving her for the second trip. He was determined to get everything he wanted in the door in one.
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Some people when they were buzzed got more energy, Zoe slowly lost hers until she turned to jello. She kinda splatted into Greed when he got her out of the car and she mumbled something but worked with him as best as she could. When they got inside his place, she frowned, “This isn’t my apartment..” Ooo the sofa, lying down sounded good.
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"No of course not. It's mine." He let her fall to couch but he didn't leave her there for long. He propped himself up on one end, icecream in his lap. She looked like a wounded rabbit looking for a hole to burrow into.
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She looked up with a start when he sat down and then she sighed and crawled over to curl up her arms and head in his lap. “My toothbrush and jammies aren’t here...” she reminded him.
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She curled up before he could open up the icecream. "Zoe!" He whined finding that his lap was quickly occupied. She had turned into the cat who refused to sleep in its spot. He moved the hair from her neck.
Didn't she look uncomfortable?
He poked her shoulder but she only writhed around. When she stopped he drug her to bed, watching her like a vulture. She was curious asleep. He drew circles on her face from her freckles, down her arms and to her hands. He slipped off her shoes, rubbing her feet softly and then stripping off her jeans so she could curl around him more freely.
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She squirmed at his pokes and tugs and taking her to the bedroom. She felt drugged. She let him do what he wanted while he curiously explored and rubbed her feet that made her toes wiggle. She only jumped and turned over when he took her jeans off, one leg bending at the sudden nudity.
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He kicked off his own shoes, getting comfortable on his big wide bed. He threw all the pillows onto the floor first, save the one under his head. He wasn't tired like her, and with the curiosity of a cat he played games with her. He tugged on her leg as she tried to curl up, giving her that soft smell of his cologne whenever he came close enough for her to touch.
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She whined in protest when he poked and pulled at her and she opened her eyes just a little, looking grumpy. She looked like she was going to make a grab for him but she didn’t, she grabbed the pillow under his head and pulled it away, turning on her side so her back was to him as she snuggled the pillow under her, sighing as she almost immediately fell back to sleep.
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Only moments later did he jerk the pillow out from under her, throwing it onto the floor with the others. He cackled maniacally, triumphant. As impractical as they were he wished he had a water bed right now so he could mess with her even more.
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She gasped and looked forlornly at the pillow corpses on the ground. She looked at his smug jerky face and then slid to the floor, right in the middle of all the pillows. She smiled as she stretched out, a pillow under her head, one in between her calves and so many snuggled around her body.
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Oh no, no, no, no! Greed jumped up, plucking each pillow to stuff in his arms. Once he had them all he went into the bathroom and shoved them into the bathtub. He shut the door behind him and ran back into the bedroom where he pulled her back onto the bed.
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She sat up when he started grabbing pillows and watched slack jawed as he dumped them all in the bathroom. She went whoa! when he pulled her back onto the bed and she stared at him through heavy lidded adoring eyes, “You’re insane.” she put her arms around him, making him her new pillow, “And way overdressed for a sleepover...”
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"Am I?" He flipped his head back in a big laugh. "What do you suggest we do about it? He hummed against the top of her head which was nestled into his chest like a leech. His little leech.
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She didn't answer him, but blindly grabbed his plaid shirt where it was tucked into his jeans and tugged on it till it came out. She was soooo sleepy now but he got the idea she was sure.
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Greed was highly amused, he continued to cackle like a madman. He helped her along though, undoing the buttons of his shirt so there was bare flesh for her to cling to. "is that what you wanted?" he teased.
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She couldn't even open her eyes but made a face at his non stop cackling. Such a mean boyfriend. "I can sleep in the bathtub you know." she murmured as she used him as a pillow.
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"Noooooo!" he made an attempt to jump the bed but ended up flopping right on her. "you're staying right here!" he wa not giving her up to pillows.
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She oof!'d and kissed him sincerely, "There's nowhere else I wanna be." was all she said before she snuggled into him and was asleep again. She unfortunately was a lightweight when it came to alcohol and had to sleep the buzz off before her brain could function fully again.
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She had become a growth on his side. Just like a cat she managed to make him fall asleep with her warmth. With his head flipped back on the bed he eventually woke up catching his own snore. Zoe was still practically glued to him. He poked her a few times. He had to get up, his arm was falling asleep.
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Zoe took a deep breath at the poking. It was annoying and disturbing so she turned away from him, laying on her stomach on the other side of the bed with her arms folded underneath her. She was awake enough that she was realizing she needed to pee but the urge wasnt great enough for her to get up yet.
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"Oh thank god," he could actually move his hand and fingers. His entire arm was a deadweight as he flapped it around to jumpstart the circulation again.
Once she was on her stomach he smacked her playfully on the ass. "Wearing lace again I see hmmm?" He hovered over her dropping down his weight lightly, his arms squeezing around her. "Are you up yet??" He bounced a little, making the bedsprings squeak
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She groaned when he smacked her butt, "Jerk.." she mumbled and hid her head in her arms. When he squeezed her she lifted her head and sighed, "Okay now I do hafta pee.." she pushed at his arm to get him to let go so she could zombie walk to the bathroom. Ugh, why did she drink that wine.
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He held on as she tried to wiggle out. "You aren't going without me!" Those pillows were being held hostage. She wasn't getting them back.
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She made a face and looked at him, "Are you... I'm gonna pee, you really wanna be there for that? I can use the other bathroom if you're worried I'm gonna fall asleep in the tub with your nemesis." referring to the pillows.
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He rested his chin on het shoulder blade, letting it dig softly. "Hmmmm" he had to think about it. Finally he let her go with another smack to the ass for a jumpstart. "Be quick or I'm sending in a search party."
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She made a face and stretched her legs when he smacked her on the rear again. "You have an unhealthy fascination with my butt." she gave him a quick kiss and got up to go out of the room and use the other bathroom, stretching her arms up above her head so her shirt lifted up some.
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"It's a great ass. I like making it jump." Lust had fantastic shape, but Zoe had curves like no one he'd ever been with. Each day he found a new part of her that he was fascinated with. All her curves bounced. Even when she hopped down off the bed, he bit down on his bottom lip with anticipation for her return. When she did he launched to grapple her back down on the bed.
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She squealed in surprise as she was tackled back onto the big bed when she came back in the room. She squirmed and laughed a little, "Didn't you molest me enough while I was sleeping?" she was always in awe whenever he wanted to still touch her and be with her, he didn't seem bored of her yet and a year together was creeping up on them soon.
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"Not hardly. You stuck to me like glue. You were too cute to peel off." He rolled them around on that giant bed, again and again until they were just laughing and piled on each other. He smacked her butt a third smack. He wasn't tired of watching it bounce any less than her.
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She laughed as he rolled them around and she put her arms around him, squeezing him when he smacked her ass again. She whined, "My butt is gonna be red if you don't stop doing that." she gave him a warning look, "And no that's not a good thing." she didn't want a sore bum.
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"Awww, poor baby." He couldn't but continuing to tease her. He released her only to take a peak at the underwear she was hiding so he could rub where his hand had left a little imprint. "There. Better? Or do I need to kiss it too?"
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She sucked in a quick breath when he started rubbing the tender spot on her bubble butt. "Yes. Loads better. Keep your lips where I can see 'em." she had zero change of clothing or underwear here, it was not wise to go down this road.
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"What don't want to tangle with me?" He hummed in question, more interested in doing so if she said no.
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"Mmmm no, you're being horny and it's dangerous." she poked him, "We're in New York, not Lithuania." not that she was happy about that. After the day they had, there was nothing better than reassurance through physical intimacy.. which they couldn't have.
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"So we have money now, I'll fly to Kansas in a few hours." He was serious. They had a shit load of money that was ripe for the spending.
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She sighed and had that look on her face that signaled this is probably not something he wanted to hear, "Firstly.. you wanted to pay off rent on the apartment and storage units for a few months, remember? And secondly..." she looked down at the sheet, trying to figure out how to say it, "I don't think Kansas is a good idea.." she said the words carefully.
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That was exactly everything he didn't want to hear. She didn't say 'no' but her words were hanging dangerously close. He pouted, that face as sour as he could make it. "You totally killed the moment." He had learned that with her there needed to be moments and often times they were crashed full force.
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She sighed again, "Chance.." she wasn't trying to kill the moment but they had to talk about this, "I love being with you. I've never felt the things I do when we're...." she dipped her head a little and looked at him meaningfully, "...you know." he knew what she was talking about, "But Kansas takes it out of you. And if it's painful for me to just watch you try to recover from it then I can't even imagine how bad it is for you to actually be going through it."
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His head flopped down on the bed, arms loose but still tangled with her. Why was it every time he wanted this, his moment was stolen from reality? It wasn't fucking fair! He grumbled some choice curses while she tried to explain. He heard her but it didn't make a difference. "It only lasts a little bit."
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She felt so bad, knowing how much he hated what she was saying. She kinda hated it too but she loved him and she couldn't just let him keep going through that. "It doesn't tho.." she said quietly but intensely. She shifted so she could look down at him, "If we went for an extended period of time then maybe we could argue it's worth it. But right now we basically get to go for a day. You get violently ill. When we aren't in bed, all your human insecurities eat you alive," she was referencing how he started to question himself and worry about her soul last time, "You get sick again on the way back and it messes with your head for weeks after we get home." she threw up her hand, "And I know the Sin part of you blacks out while we're there and you get jealous of yourself and have this big internal fight." her hand dropped on his chest. She was getting visibly worked up just talking about it. He might be okay with the crap he had to go through but she clearly wasn't.
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Greed bounced back quickly, but as with his past he added layers upon layers onto the things that he held onto. The Sin did not like when he chose to be a boy. He lost sight of who he was. He became weak. No matter how much he greedily took what she gave him----he either wanted more or he wanted to destroy it. Love was something only the boy understood fully. Greed was learning. "So then we go to Lithuania. We go somewhere else. I don't care---" It was obvious in her eyes, the way she pushed him down---she wanted him to listen. She was so worked up, it made him uncomfortable. She looked one step away from a waterfall of tears.
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She adored him for wanting it, for trying but.. "We don't have time for Lithuania.." he didn't have any vacation days left for it, "it doesn't make sense to go there for a weekend. And you just got money again to cover up the hole the last Lithuania trip caused." Lithuania was ideal, it was beautiful and secluded and gave him the right mix of personalities but it was expensive as hell. She was upset, she couldn't help it. She wanted to be with him and she wanted to give him what he wanted but logically it wasn't happening.
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"So what happened to our deal? Anytime anywhere." He was under her now, flopping his head against the mattress. He was in a hole. True. Theseus had paid well over it to get him back on track. It was fantastic. He just wanted to spend his money to get what he wanted. Right now that was her, because getting to have that high---nothing compared. Except when they experimented. There were still limitations on kisses, on touching on all the things his sexual side, his Sin side needed.
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"I know.." she said softly and kissed his lips a couple of times, "I know.. I just.. I don't want you in pain, and I don't want you to struggle financially. Ultimately it's your decision. If you really want to go to Kansas, we will. But it's a lot of strife for one day of pleasure." she kissed him again, "..and if you wanna hold off for just a bit longer then maybe we can do something else."
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At times Greed was as bad as a cat in heat. He would drive someone crazy. When she leaned down he pecked her lips with a heavy, intense sigh. It wasn't as easy as someone going 'okay another time'. It took a lot to keep him cool enough and think through something he wanted right that minute. Sometimes he planned things out, others he just made a run for it. She had her reasons, she had his best interests at heart. In the end he'd loose everything if he was too reckless. He'd get her but he'd come home financially strapped and his apartment up on its head again.
He had some of his own ideas swimming around but he was curious as to where she was headed. "I doubt what I'm thinking is what you're thinking. So hit me first."
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She gave him a defeated look and folded her arms on his chest, "As much as I hate to admit it... I'm out of ideas at the moment. Lithuania even took a lot of research to find." she quickly added, "That doesn't mean I won't figure something out. Just... it'll take time." she looked depressed but raised her brows questioningly, "What're you thinking?"
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"I was thinking of bartering your grandpappy for another favor. I don't know what you were thinking." He nudged her with his finger in her cheek. "He works for the big ol' CEO, I'm sure there's a private jet somewhere with that expensive penthouse and---" he tapered off wondering why he hadn't got a private jet himself. That was a fantastic idea!
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Her brows raised up so high they disappeared into her messy hair, "You want to take Poseidon's jet? I mean he has a big company so probably has a company jet... but do what.. use it to go to Lithuania? And go camping there?" the cottage they stayed in was really lovely but still cost money to rent and wasn't cheap.
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He made a sushing noise with with his finger up against his mouth. "Now, now, expand your mind a little bit. This might require you to do things you don't wanna do." He quieted his voice to a dull whisper, "like breaking and entering. Who said we had to pay. No one probably uses that joint this time of year. No one probably uses it ever." It was surprise enough to the man who rented it out the last time.
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Her eyes went wide when he pressed his finger to her lips. She was surprised by his suggestion, it was something that hadn't even crossed her mind. Her gut reaction was to argue but she stayed quiet as she thought about it. If Greed didn't get sex from her soon, he'd leave her. She was sure of it. And it wasn't like they were going to trash the place or squat there for long... "Ipfin--" she licked his finger to get it off her lips so she could talk, she leaned in closer to him, "If the owner's there and is a big scary dude, I'm using you as a shield." in other words.. she was on board with his crazy plan.
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It was a petty thing for her to fret over. And if she told most normal people that worry, they would think her crazy. They would tell her to dump his ass. But Greed was being shoved right into her arms when Lust publically tried to humiliate him and make him crazy. As much as the Sin hated what Zoe gave, he was curious and liked to watch like the pervert he was. So Lithuania sounded much better than Kansas to him. And it was better than any cheesy porn he could stream offline.
"He comes out with an ax I'll be sire to throw you forward first." He gripped his arms around her waist, teasing his hands down a little lower. "I take that as a yes," he nodded, a nipping kiss on her bottom lip.
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She grinned at him as he teased her, "You're a horrible boyfriend." she moved her arms so she was more comfortably tangled with him, "That is a hell yes!" he could hear the excitement in her voice, her eyes shining. She kissed his lips a few quick times, "I wish we could call him right now." her butt wiggled when his hands started to go too low.
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Convincing her took no influence whatsoever. It had to be a gift of some sort. He thought he'd have to do more to convince her. She wasn't a fan of breaking the law...but this was of dire importance! "So call him right now." Greed wasn't a fan of waiting. "Tell him I'll knock off 15k."
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She bit her bottom lip, "Right now?" the idea hadn't really seemed that real to her and the thought of talking to her grandfather again was a scary one. "You don't think waiting till morning would be better?" she wasn't saying no.. she was asking. And stalling.
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"The sooner the better." The quicker she called him, the quicker they'd have this settled. The quicker they'd be somewhere else they wanted to be. Lust could never give him this. She wouldn't ever be able to, that was what drew the bee to the honey. It was something sacred that was all his. His honey pot that no one else was going to dip in.
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She still looked unsure but then finally nodded, "Alright...." she patted his chest, "Lemme up." her cell phone was in her jeans which were on the floor. He didn't really have to say much to her to convince her to do this. She was nervous but she wanted to be with him. It'd been so long and truth be told she saw how jealous he was getting over his sister. Zoe felt like she might lose him. They both needed this.
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Greed reached over to his nightstand handing her his phone. Did she think she was the only one with the guy's number? It was labeled under 'douchebag with money'. He handed it to her, swiping it away before her fingers could curl around it and then letting it set in her hand. "No back tracking now." He was serious. There were enough rugs being slipped all around him, he needed this to be a solid win.