Zoe (history_repeats) wrote in nevermore_logs, @ 2013-01-05 20:08:00 |
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Entry tags: | greed, lust, raiden nakashima, zoe hansen |
WHO: Greed, Raiden, Lust, Zoe
WHEN: New Year's Eve [Backdated]
WHERE: New York
WHAT: A non-date among some other things
WARNING: Sins and heartache
It'd only been a couple of days since Zoe last saw Greed but it was New Years Eve and she was planning on spending it home alone. The yellow silk rose, which she didn't realize not only represented Greed but being silk and not real meant it would last for pretty much ever, was intertwined in the railing loops of her bed's headboard so it was close to her while she slept. Not that Greed would ever see it there. She wore PJ bottoms and a tank top, Gabe was out celebrating but she just wasn't feeling it. She was trying to decide between pizza and Chinese for dinner when there was a knock at the door. She frowned and padded over and cracked open the front door, large brown eyes peeking out that went wide, "Chance..!?" hadn't she specifically said they shouldn't spend new year's eve together? That they'd see each other after the 1st? Was she being punished?
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Greed had a snazzy new coat on, tickets for an after party and a nice spot on the roof of a perfectly tall building to watch the ball drop. "It's New Year's Eve Zoe, no one should be spending it alone." Meaning Greed wasn't going to spend it alone. That was just more torture than Satan could possibly put in his head.
He slinked inside, immediately looking ariubd for the tree he'd have to cut down. When he saw Zoe he slapped his forehead. "What is that?" He motioned over her clothes. "That is not a party dress."
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Zoe's mouth was hanging open partly cause she was shocked and partly because Greed was ridiculously good looking. "You're right. No one should. I'm spending it with the delivery boy from Fu Manchu Chinese, and you can spend it with some random hot girl. The streets are full of them."
She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him, "It's a ball gown. They're my PJ's! Ugh, you insane person, I told you we shouldn't spend New Years Eve together and you'd agreed!" she dropped her face into her hands and really was at a loss.
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His hair was perfectly styled, clean shaven with a pair of tight jeans and ridiculously expensive shoes. "That was until I realized you'd hole yourself up in this apartment with sushi. I bet you were even going to watch the ball drop on tv." He groaned grabbing her hand to push her towards the bedroom. He'd brought a white handled paper bag with him. "Here..." He pulled out the dress. "Try this on."
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Zoe grabbed onto the sides of the doorway to her bedroom as if refusing to go in, "Maybe I wanted to stay in?" she didn't but he didn't know that. She looked at the dress, it was a little short but classy but she shook her head, not budging from the grip in the doorway, "No, this is a bad idea. In fact, it's a horrible idea."
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"I'm not going in there with you," though he did take a peek around. "Just put on the dress. It might be a little tight, it was the last one." He'd fallen for it because it would show off her curves and those stems for legs. Sometimes she wore things a little too baggy. He liked seeing every angle. "I'm just here to take you out. I'll be a chauffeur. And a date...well non-date date." Yes, because it made perfect sense.
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Zoe gave him a dull look, "Stay here in comfy pajamas with food and have you harass me or wear a suffocating dress and be with you. Wow, what a choice." but she grabbed the dress from him, "Escort. It's what you call guys who are non-date's." because this was not a date. She didn't go in her room, it would make more sense to change in the bathroom where she could fix her hair and makeup. But she didn't make a move towards it. She just looked at him, tilting her head, "If I say no, what're the chances you'll just give up and leave in twenty minutes?"
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Okay, an expensive escort." He grinned happily when she took the dress. "You'll look good in it I promise." It was a great color set off her skin tone. "Mmmmmm," he pondered that for a second, scratching the back of his neck. "Not likely."
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Zoe closed her eyes and gave an exaggerated and exasperated sigh, "Have I told you lately how much I hate you.." but she shoved past him and disappeared into the bathroom with the dress. She took about ten minutes. She changed and fixed her hair in a way that was a bit more classy. Couldn't just leave it open with a dress like this. She put on some smoky eye makeup since it was a big night out and her hand reached for her compact but she paused. She looked at her face in the mirror, the pads of her fingers trailed along her cheekbone slowly where her freckles were that Greed hadn't been able to stop touching. She looked at the closed bathroom door and decided against covering them up, She stepped out of the bathroom barefoot, trying to think of what shoes to wear.
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Greed didn't come all this way with a dress and no shoes. He'd thought about the ones he'd stolen for Lust in his car, but those wouldn't work with this. Zoe was more delicate. She deserved more delicate shoes. The ones he pulled out of the bag were strappy numbers, glittery. Not shoes for practicality to keep her feet warm. Seriously, who dressed for practicality?
But the rest of her, it came together nicely. The hair and the makeup. He was proud. "Well look at you," he handed over the shoes, showing no shame in the gawking of her legs.
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Zoe pressed her lips together to keep from smiling as he presented her the shoes and said what she could only guess was a compliment. "Thank you.." she took the shoes from him and sat on the couch to put them on, at this rate she was like his personal barbie doll. "If I freeze to death have them write, 'I hate Chance' on my tombstone." she said with a flourish of her hand across the air. He had a nice jacket to keep him warm.. she wondered if any of her warm things would match this dress to keep her warm.
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"Why not Greed? Sounds a little more drastic." It was his real name. She only called him Chance.
Once the shoes were on he waved for her to stand so he could look at the whole package. "Turn," ah he'd done good. He kicked the bag over to her. "Thought of that too." Inside the bag was an ivory coat since she wasn't pretty as a popcicle. "Now you look ready to party."
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Zoe looked thoughtful as she stood up, "Do you want me to call you Greed?" as friends, she'd call him whatever he was most comfortable with. She just shot him a look when he told her to turn and refused to do it. She pulled the coat out and smiled, "You just thought of everything then didn't you." she put the coat on and made a face, "That actually seriously worries me."
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"Sometimes it would be nice. It is my name..." But he had to admit, he'd grown used to her calling him Chance.
"I would have gone for some lingerae but I thought you'd find it inappropriate." He had bought it for Lust though, whenever she showed back up from her date with Satan. "I notice you're still wearing the super heroes undies." He hadn't just sat still while she got ready. He'd taken a peek in her room.
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Zoe looked at him with soft eyes and seemed to be considering it. She never called him Greed mainly because the one time on accident she'd said it, his hormones wen through the roof. But the way he was saying it now seemed like he wanted her to say it because it was part of him. And she could do that. She had grown accustomed to the fact he was a Sin, in the beginning she just couldn't handle it. It was easier to call him by a human name. But now she'd started to learn that his name really wasn't what made him human, it was something else entirely.
She ugh'd and lightly shoved him as her cheeks turned a little pink, "Friends do not go through friends underwear drawer you pervert. Those are private." She walked over to the TV and swiped a wrapped gift that was sitting next to it that was about the size of a DVD case. "I was going to give this to you when we met up to see Wicked but now I don't know if I should." she shook her head while narrowing her eyes at him as if she was contemplating it.
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"Mmmmm, yes," he fisted the air like he'd just won an epic race. He took her hand, twirling her around in his own, silent dance. She was on stilts practically now, and at eye level. Now who was the real escort?
At the wrapped package his eyes got wide as he grabbed it immediately. "What is it?" He shook it as he put it up to his ear.
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Zoe grinned when he twirled her and shook her head. He was such a doof. But her mouth dropped open when he grabbed the package. She snatched it right back out of his hands, "It was going to be a gift. I guess belated Christmas gift." she moved it behind her back to keep it away from his reach as she eyed him, "This is not a reward for being an utter jackass to me for the past month, it's supposed to be a gift to go forward with our newfound friendship... which would work a lot better if you'd listen."
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"Hey!" He stuck out his bottom lip reaching past her to the present she now kept hidden. "I want it!" He didn't even know what it was, but it didn't matter. He had to have it! He even stomped his feet as she kept him away from it, which was easier with their height equally matched.
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Zoe looked at him with a short laugh and exasperated expression, "Did you hear a word I said? If you can tell me what I just said then you can have it." she kept moving her body to protect the gift behind her back, not willing to let him have it till he showed some sign that he actually listened.
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Greed sighed loudly with a big roll of his eyes. He made sure to mimic her mouth with his hand as he talked. "This is not a reward. This is a gift for friendship." He dropped the pitched voice and his hand making a lunge for the gift again.
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Zoe smiled and narrowed her eyes, "Wow. How attractive." her words dripping sarcasm of course. When he lunged for it again, she turned around so he got her back, the package clutched to her chest. She looked over her shoulder at him, "And your'e an asshole." she bonked him on the head the package lightly and let him have it. When he'd rip into it, he'd see it was that zombie video game he loved playing so much. Which he already had.. but not this one, it was the next version that was coming out but hadn't hit stores yet and wouldn't for another couple of months. Zoe had given him an advance copy as a gift.
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He ripped into the paper like it was Christmas morning, immediately his eyes lit up. It was kind of cute how much she remembered about him. She probably thought he didn't do the same, but he had his own surprises.
"Awww how cute." He pulled her into a tight squeeze. "We should play it," he gave her a wink.
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Zoe rolled her eyes with a small smile, "Yes, I'm adorable." she let him hug her and laughed, "Me? With zombies? We never even finished Friday the 13th. I'll play Mario Kart or something with you." that sounded simple and safe enough. She patted his chest to get him to let her go, that was a long enough hug.
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He pulled away but kept his hands nestled in the curve of her hips. "No you're not." He shook his head, pawing a strand of her hair forming it to the up style she'd put it in where it hung over her eyes. He noticed the little freckles too, splattered across her nose. "Tonight you are a babe." It was amazing what a little heel and some hairspray could do.
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Zoe looked in his eyes when he fixed her hair and she looked like she almost believed him when he paid her that compliment but ultimately just gave him a look like 'yeah right' she wasn't going to forget who his girlfriend/sister was any time soon. "That's great. Can we go? And can I know what the plan is?" she stepped back so he wasn't touching her anymore, focusing on finding her keys.
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"Zoe!" He griped, "you have curves all over the place, stilts for legs, look at yourself!" It irked him that she couldn't see what he could. He saw a beauty. He'd be jealous as hell if anyone else got that New Years kiss tonight.
He held out his arm like a perfect gentleman when they walked out the door. "The plan is showing you off, watching the ball drop and then a fantastic after party. Tickets for two," he reached in his coat pocket to draw them out. "In that order hot stuff. We're gonna rock it tonight."
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Zoe blinked at how insistent he was and her mouth hung open. "Um..." she blushed. She gave him a helpless look, not really knowing what to say to that but gave him a slight smile of appreciation. Greed was gorgeous, if he found her attractive as that, it was a high compliment.
She took his arm without thinking about it and laughed, "Right, because when we go anywhere, it's me people will be looking at." clearly implying that Greed looked good enough to claim everyone's attention tonight. "I hope there's food included in one of those things. Some hot dogs even would be great." she took the tickets from him and looked at him letting out a low whistle, this was some fancy shindig he was going to take them to. She absently added as he finished with the itinerary, "As friends." there would be no kiss at midnight or any other time.
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"You better like to dance because heels or not you're going to be using those legs for more than walking." His car was parked outside (the black one), but he went right past it to stand on the sidewalk. "Lookie..." He pointed to the stars that glittered the sky. It was easier to see without all the lights, which still hid a lot. "Well you can't really see from there," he pouted dragging her back to the car. "Come on." First stop was going to be the rooftop of a restaurant in Times Square.
He escorted her to and from the car as if she was the showpiece for the night, though a lot of eyes scanned over him. He took her through the restaurant, out the back door (without stopping), up the stairs and to the roof. There may have been a little table set up with a set of Greek fries and a hamburger. Gormet style of course.
"Now! Now you can see the stars." He scanned his hand out. "Oh yeah. Food too. Buuuut..." He dragged her to the edge of the building. "The ball drops right over there. So eat up then," he rubbed his hands together, "midnight."
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Zoe held on to his arm and nodded, "I can always take them off." implying that even if her feet hurt in heels she'd still dance just shoeless. She raised her brows but had no idea what he wanted her to see before she could say anything he was dragging her back to the car.
She was impressed at how gentleman like and nice he was being. He wasn't the type really not that he was cruel to her (on purpose) though the past month had effectively killed her trust in him and there was a certain amount of wariness there that hadn't been before. It was something that would only go away with time. She opened her mouth looking at the food they were walking by, "But--" man she was hungry.. wait where were they going? She blinked her jaw hitting the ground when she saw the rooftop set up.
She grabbed a handful of fries as they went past the table and he escorted her to the edge of the building. She looked to where he pointed at then up at the stars, munching on some fries. She was blown away. She looked at him and was so bewildered as she offered him a fry, "You... set all this up?"
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Greed crossed his arms over the wall side. "I love the view." Though he could have very well meant her as much as the sky. "Reminds me of your--" he motioned over his nose where her freckles were and pointed up, grabbing for the offered fry.
If this had been a real date, he didn't realize how awesome he was making it, but Greed never half assess his way through anything. He wasn't Sloth.
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Zoe was still overwhelmed and decided it was safer to think he was talking about the view from the roof. She blinked, did he just compare her freckles to the stars? She looked at him as if he was growing a second head as she absently touched her nose. She ate another fry and then gave him another one too, "Wow... this.. I mean... you really didn't have to go through all this trouble." it was insanely thoughtful and kinda devious, "I mean.. I don't know if.." she didn't know what to say, it wasn't a date. it wasn't. But why did it feel like one?
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"It's an expensive evening, enjoy it," he said practically crawling on the side wall to look at the crowd forming in the square already. "You know we will be front row right?" He'd get them there, pushing and shoving. There was a stage set up for the musical acts before the drop.
He grabbed the fry with his teeth. "Fuck those are good." He twirled her towards the table. He kept dancing aroubd not the Sin that had her trampled down by a convict, but as an excited boyfriend. What better way to get what he wanted than by going through the biggest obstacle? Himself.
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Zoe stood next to him and looked down at all the people that were down below, "I don't know.. I kinda like our seats now." she didn't look at him when she said it but she enjoyed the private little view they had, just the two of them.
She grinned when he twirled her and danced with her, "You're really good at this.." though whether she was talking about romancing her or dancing she didn't say.
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"Why wouldn't I be?" He sounded offended, hand to his chest as he pulled out a few moves she hadn't seen before. "Watch this," he held up a finger and spun around. He liked swing the best, so while she had her dinner he gave her a little show. It usually stopped crowds but she was his only view right now. It was okay, he liked her as an audience.
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Zoe said with a wince, "Cause you're kinda a goof.." she had a seat and let him be the entertainment for the evening and no matter what celebrities were going to be on that stage not too far away from them, Zoe would much rather see Greed preform.
She laughed and clapped when he did his moves, "Wow, you are shockingly good! Where did you learn to dance like that?" she shook her head and offered him two fries, looking in awe, "I mean I thought the only type of dancing you knew involved taking your clothes off."
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"Well, I know those moves too. Is that a request?" He threw her a wink, fanning the lapel of his coat. "I'm quite good at that too."
He took a seat finally, munching down what she wouldn't eat. "Dancing keeps you on your feet," and for someone as spastic as Greed it was a good way to use energy.
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Zoe grinned, "It might be." she said teasingly, "But if you did those moves you'd probably freeze to death and I'd have no way of getting home."
She nodded and ate some more of her food, "I can see how that's a good fit for you. I had to take cotillion when I was younger and kinda hated it. All the boys were taller than you and awkward and it was kinda fun learning waltzes and foxtrots and tangos but when you're 11, those dances are useless and by the time you're old enough to use them, no one else knows how and then you tend to.." she shrugged with a fry, "..forget."
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"Little Greed doesn't do well in the cold." He bopped her nose with his finger, where the cold air had kissed it pink. "That's the easy stuff." Greed liked more involved dancing. He also liked it when it rubbed up others against him. The senses were high with adrenaline pumping, it was a fantastic way to spend an evening out.
"Catillion?" He didn't think he'd been to one of those before.
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Zoe wrinkled her nose and pouted a little, "It's not easy for all of us.. not that I remember much anymore. I think.." she scrunched up her face in remembrance, "I think I still know the box step and that's it. She ate another fry, actually not only enjoying the food but the atmosphere, and being there with him. This was the first time they actually go tot finish greek fries since.. she paused and looked at a fry as it dawned on her it was what they ate when they first met.
His question snapped her out of her thoughts and she looked at him with raised brows and a huh? face. She shook her head, "Sorry. It's this thing parents sometimes force their kids to go to, you're like 10-11 and you go to this ballroom and dress up and learn all these old fashioned dances and proper manners in how to be a gentleman or lady. The best part used to be sitting down to eat these dainty finger sandwiches but we'd just throw them at each other." she shrugged, "Really hard to teach a bunch of kids how to act like mini adults."
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"That's it?" His voice hitched in disgust. How did that ever happen? "Once you're done with that I'll show you a thing if two." His smile free devious. She would regret telling him that.
"Sounds like a bore," but Greed was practically a child most days, but he did enjoy fine things. A chance to dress up was always necessary. She had learned that with his casual splurges on clothes. "How many years did you go to that?" He watched her face. When her face lit up while she talked, the cold keeping a permanent color on her cheeks, her freckles darkest a little. It made this little spotlight on her face thanks to the frosty air. It highlighted her eyes which he couldn't stop looking at.
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Zoe chuckled and waved her hands as if to say no in front of her, "Are you kidding? You'd leave me in the dust."
She nodded, "It was a bore. I went for... eight months?" she looked mischievous as she bit the nail of her thumb and wrinkled her nose, "I.... kinda.. caused this thing and got banned for life. There was this big punch bowl," she gestured a circle with her hands, "... on this dessert table... and we were bored.. so were doing dares." she sighed with an embarrassed smile and shook her head. "It's a long story." and she stuffed a couple of fries into her mouth.
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"I could teach you a few moves." There was a lot he found show her that would make her face firm into a tomato.
Greed clasped his chin in his palm. "That I want to hear about. Sounds so dirty." He watched her with the gleeming eyes of a curious child.
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Zoe seemed to consider it, "I wouldn't mind learning.. something simple though." and she eyed him warily, she wouldn't be able to keep up with the fancy footwork he'd displayed earlier.
She laughed, "I was ten years old!" she tapped his nose with a french fry, "There was nothing dirty about it. Well not like you're thinking. It's just innocent kid stuff, trying to steal some desserts and get out of the parade they make you do before you sit down for dinner and all hell breaking loose. No where near the realm of mischief you cause."
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"You could in time. I bet you," he snapped his fingers quickly, "you could be swing dancing in a few weeks." He could do it, then hed have an attractive partner all to himself. Even if four or five usually fit the bill. He was kind of excited at having something new to do with her.
"Just some? I'd have gone with the whole table. Imagine taking Glutt to a buffet." He snorted.
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Zoe blinked, "Swing? Me?" she shook her head, "That's not simple at all. I mean I can do some dances but that's kinda complex. Start me off slow." she wasn't averse to Greed teaching her to dance but he was so fast paced, she didn't know if he'd have the patience to teach her.
She smiled, "Yeah well, we were kids and we don't have bottomless pits for stomachs. Though we were greedy little rugrats and that's how we got in trouble. I think that's probably where I got my sweet tooth from come to think of it.. all that money spent on fancy pants classes and all I walked away with was a yearning for eclairs all the time." she bit into another fry and had a joyous smile. They tasted delicious and how content she was right now could be seen her in face and demeanor. She was perfectly relaxed and didn't even realize it.
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"Why not? Swing is fun, gets you up in the air." He swayed his hips a little. "Or you know more modern stuff. Get up close and personal." Also a chance to put his paws all over her.
"Fuck Zoe, now I want eclairs." They were both relaxed, a different scenario than just a few days before.
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Zoe shook her head, "Sloooooow. Have to take baby steps before you go flying in the air. And I don't know, do you have enough patience to teach someone? Or are you going to get frustrated if I don't get it right away? Cause otherwise I could learn somewhere else and then when I'm ready dance with you." the idea of him whining about her not getting it right was already making her sigh in her mind.
"I'll make you some." she responded. She was kinda full but picked up another fry, "I promised Wrath I'd send her some things so I can make something for you too."
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"It's not THAT hard!" He stood taking her hand to pull her up. "I can show you some slow moves..." He teased into a waltz.
"Wrath? What?" Was Wrath sneaking behind his back now too? Fucking selfish siblings!
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Zoe laughed, "For you! You act like everything is easy and natural." she smiled softly as he led them into a slow waltz, "I didn't think you knew how to do anything slow..."
She frowned, "Oh I thought I told you.. your sister contacted me a day or two ago about you being an idiot and if I was okay. She's actually kinda..." she looked off to the side and said with surprise, "..Sweet." she looked back at him and said, "She gave me her number and said to call her if you were ever stupid to me and she'd bitchslap you. I told her I'd bake her some things and send them to her."
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"I know a few slow moves," he pushed her gently up against him. The waltz wasn't meant to be so close, but he couldnt resist. "I know a lot of slow, seductive moves."
"That bitch!" He felt a bit slighted even in the play tone in his voice.
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Zoe grinned and shook her head, "Oh no, I know you know those moves. I've seen those moves. They're trouble." she leaned back a little to put a tiny bit of space between them. "Or do I have to call your sister?" but she was already laughing as she said it. "And you know, she was really nice."
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There was a puppy dog whine when she put space between them. To Greed it was a blockade. She was the castle and now there was this giant ass moat to cross.
"You're talking about Wrath right?" He threw his nose into the air. "She's still a bitch." Lights started to flicker down the street, signaling that it was about ready to start the real party. "Time to go hot stuff!" He grabbed her hand and made his way down the roof.
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Zoe grinned, "Right and you're prince charming." she held his hand tightly and said, "Whoa! These heels were not meant to move fast in.. next time you wear them." she wore heels regularly but not these things that she felt like she was on a ladder. She kinda didn't want to join any other party tonight.. she liked it just her and Greed. They normally never had problems when it was just the two of them.
Before he could drag her too far, she squeezed his hand and pulled on it to get him to stop, "We kinda already have the best view already, don't we?" she looked over her shoulder to the spot they were standing at before that was empty and then looked back at him. If he still wanted to go in the crowd, she would but the roof had been good to them so far.
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Greed was already padding his way down the stairwell when she squeezed his hand tight. "What?" He scanned her face, eyes bouncing from her to the open space.
"You want to stay here?" She still had his hand when he climbed back step by step. It was a great view but he'd been looking forward to getting in the middle of it. He had to admit this was nice too.
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Zoe immediately backtracked, "No, no.. I mean, we can go of course. I was just thinking there's the party after, we're gonna be squished with people all night--" oh god, what was she doing. She was about to start rambling so closed her mouth, pressing her lips together to keep from any more wayward words escaping that would get her in trouble. The corners of her lips turned up as she she just said, "You know what, nevermind, let's go."
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He kept her hand in his, his fingers squeezed lightly like he was pondering her idea. "Wait wait a minute here." He looked at the ledge where the lights cascaded over the sky. "You really want to? To be alone with me?" He'd wanted to show her off, but the promise of getting to keep her to himself was far more tempting.
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Zoe looked embarrassed and tilted her head at him saying wryly, "Well when you put it that way.." she gestured with her free hand to the stairwell to suggest maybe they should just go before she burst into flames.
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He dropped her hand as soon as she backed up with her words. She'd confused him, now he felt a tad rejected. "Which is it?" Before she could answer he crossed his arm in front of her to keep her still, "we stay here." He wasn't giving her an option anymore damn it.
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Zoe felt awful, she'd had a moment of weakness and she didn't want it to spoil the night. She opened her mouth to reply to him and then quickly closed it and placed her hand over it as he wouldn't let her answer. She dropped her hand and looked like a scolded child who knew she did something wrong, "I'm sorry.." she said softly. She looked at him with earnest eyes and held her hand out to him as she turned her body towards their former spot on the roof abiding to what he'd said about them staying there, though she'd understand if he wouldn't take it.
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Greed eyed her hand hard. She wanted him to trust her after that slap. That look on her eyes groped his heart strings. She wasn't just tugging, she was fondling it and those feels that were nestled deep down.
"Fine," he quipped, taking her hand and following her to that spot. His hands didn't leave her there but he parked himself behind her, draping his arms around her and linking them together at her front. He nestled her back against his chest. "Ten minutes."
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A smile blossomed on her lips when he took her hand. Everything was going really well, she'd have hated it if she ruined things. She was surprised when he took up a post behind her and snuggled her, she turned her head to the side so she could look at him a little, "You think I'm gonna run away?" but she wasn't fighting him on it.
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"That's a mighty fine ledge. You might be tempted for a jump. Mmmmmmmm." He hummed into her ear, his cheek warmed up against hers.
In the distance one of the musical acts took the stage, flopping around , the crowd chanting in return for their voice.
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Zoe burst out laughing, "To get away from you? That's a bit extreme. I much rather just go to Fiji. Or Paris. Paris might be nice." but when the band started playing Zoe recognized the opening chords and looked over, "Ohmygod.." she said softly and then her mouth dropped open, "Oh my God!" she said excitedly, bouncing a little in Greed's arms, "That's Fleetwood Mac!" she exclaimed with a big smile. And sure enough they were the band performing before the ball would drop. Her eyes were wide and sparkling kinda like the look Greed got when he saw something super shiny and wanted it.
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It was as of he were holding her in the middle of a trampalene. He didn't remember ever seeing her do giddy. He bounced right along with her but not from the performance. His eyes were glued to her as he unfolded his arms, linking his fingers into hers.
The shiny ball twirled around up until the end of the song. The host for the night stood on stage, chatting with the crowd until the countdown.
She was beautiful. All his for the night. With his lips hovered by her ear he started the countdown in a whisper. "10...9...8...7..."
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Zoe watched the stage in awe saying, "My dad loved them, he played all their albums when I was a kid. I've never seen them perform live." she knew Greed didn't care for sentiment but she wanted to tell him. This was incredible and she liked being able to share it with him. She moved to the music, singing along with parts of the song, only looking at him when he linked their hands.
Zoe watched the shiny ball start it's descent. She bit her bottom lip as she grinned while Greed whispered in her ear but she didn't look at him until it got down to 3...2....1. As the crowd below exploded and celebrated, Zoe just looked at him with a loving smile and then touched his cheek with her free hand, leaning in to kiss his opposite cheek. But she kept her hand there to keep him close, her lips leaving his cheek so they could go to his ear, her nose brushing it lightly as she whispered just for him to hear, "Happy New Year, Greed..."
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He didn't care for the sentiment, but what she said wasn't completely lost on deaf ears. It could serve as bait later to remember the little things that mattered. Not just because she cared about them, but because he was determined to have her. That meant all she entailed. Sentiment and all.
Her breath was a feather against his skin, tingling it with a soft brush. His eyes flitted closed ready for that almost-could-have-been moment that was immediately broken the minute his phone rang.
So close....
At the unknown number he picked up...
"Hello, Greed. Guess what I unboxed today." Greed was stiff as a board now, his jaw tight before he responded.
"Do you still have balls I hear a squeak in your voice."
He and Satan went back and forth a little before he hung up. Now his voice wasn't as playful. He was serious. "I gotta go. Now."
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The moment was broken when Greed's cellphone rang and Zoe stepped back to give him some privacy though not going too far since he still had her hand. She rubbed her lips together as she looked at the noisy crowd, most of his conversation getting drowned out.
She was taken aback by his abruptness and blinked, "Oh." was all she managed and then shook her head to snap out of it, "Um.. yeah, of course." she tried to untangle her hand from his so he could go as she asked, "Everything okay?"
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Raiden had been passing by. She waved vigorously up at Zoe when she recognized her but she wasn't sure the other girl saw her. She hoped when she rounded the corner to the restaurant that she would get to see her, as she and her guy looked like they were leaving the roof.
Greed whined as he talked, stuffing a few of those left over fries in his mouth. "Satan's date with Lust is over." He eyed his watch. He didn't have a big window to get her in.
He dragged Zoe with him down the stairs and back through the restaurant. He still had her hand when Raiden bounded into their space.
"Hey!" She said with bright pink cheeks and smiles. Now Greed was cornered. He had to leave, though he'd questioned taking Zoe with him. It probably wasn't the most sanest of ideas.
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Zoe had sorta only been looking at Greed, it was why she'd wanted to stay on the rooftop so it could be the two of them. Zoe again said, "Oh." the look on her face clearly said The Girlfriend. But she didn't say anything other than, "Is she okay?" Greed had told her that when Satan tortured him it was a nightmare and horrible.
She tried to keep up with him and was totally surprised when she saw her bubbly (slightly weird) friend. "Hey Ray! Happy New year..." she looked at Greed and to get him out of the situation because there wasn't time for introductions and all that mess, she stopped moving forward so she could chat with Ray and let his hand go so he could continue on. It wasn't like he could drop her home first or anything. She just looked at him and said, "I'll see you later." she didn't know when.. but she'd see him again.
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"Happy New Year!" She bounced a little on her feet. The girl was kind of cute, and she left a window of opportunity by being sure Zoe didn't go home alone. There were crazies out there.
Twirling his keys ariubd on his finger he started off to the car, turned, ran back to plant a kiss on Zoe's perfectly freckled cheek. "You're a babe. See ya later." He spoke low enough just for her ears. That was a promise.
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Zoe smiled at the girl and explained, "Sorry, my friend had to run. His sister is.. uh.. sick." Of course Greed had to choose that moment to run back and plant a kiss on her perfectly freckled cheek which was now pink. She looked back at Ray as Greed took off again and asked, "So! Are you here with anybody?"
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He droveoff like a bat out of hell, tires peeling and exhaust. Lust would not like him late though it felt like he was dragging a bit to get there. Something was missing, or it was still sitting inside him ready to pounce. He didnt feel when she died, she would skin him over it too. Something was different so he had no reaction on getting her. He was just pissed Satan took so long.
Raiden smiled, looping her arm with Zoe. "Is that the not really boyfriend?" They'd looked pretty cozy. "Now, I came out with a few girls from school, but I think they ditched me." Takashi was busy, so she opted to go out even though she really felt like staying in. At least her bright, cheery aura had come back. "How are you?"
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Zoe gave the younger girl an affectionate smile, "No. That was the not at all boyfriend. Well.. not anymore." she sighed a little, "We tried being a couple, it didn't work out so now we're going to be just friends." she narrowed her eyes playfully at Raiden, "Nothing more."
She actually wasn't too shocked to hear the girl got ditched. It might be mean but Ray was a special cup of tea that wasn't right for everyone. She put her free arm in her coat pocket, "I'm okay and you seem more yourself. You can spend it with me since I got left too." she frowned as she felt something and pulled out the two tickets Greed had showed her earlier that she'd forgotten to give back, "Oh."
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"Oh?" Raiden gave her a curious glance. "If you say so. He's cute." She nudged Zoe's side with her elbow. "Really cute actually."
"I feel a little better. I called papa this morning. I think its time I go see him." The horrors of her mothers death still rooted inside her. The darkness had really opened up the resentment she had at losing the only family that believed in her.
"What's that?" Raiden's eyes bounced at Zoe's pocket. "That reminds me I have a Christmas present for you."
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Zoe grinned, "Yes. He is really cute but he's also really trouble so.." she frowned and said, "Well.. I'll still go with you if you want." she wasn't thrilled about it but she'd made the promise before she had known about Theseus. Though she wanted to talk to him soon.
She made a winced face and closed her eyes, "Crap.. Ray, I'm so sorry, you really shouldn't have. I just.. Christmas was not a good time for me this year. I just.. I'm sorry." she looked at the tickets in her hand and twisted her lips, "You know what, Chance has to take care of his sister so he won't mind if we use them. Apparently it's the hottest party in town tonight." she handed the girl one of the of the tickets and sheepishly smiled, "Merry christmas?" Ray wasn't old enough to go to a club but Zoe doubted they'd ask for ID if they had the coveted tickets.
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"Please?" Raiden asked with pleading eyes. "I haven't seen him in months." It hurt her that her father had not reached out. He seemed genuinely interested in finishing off the thing that had taken her mother, but after the storm, the darkness and the birth of his newest she had seen nothing of him. She wanted to talk to him. She stopped putting her thoughts to Zoe. "Trouble? You seem really sweet together. Is he?" She started nudging about immortals again. "Like my father?"
"It's not much, just a little something I made. I thought you'd like it. That means I have to see you again so I can give it to you." Raiden took her ticket. "Can I even get in?" She asked in a little voice.
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Zoe smiled, "Suuuure. Just.. give me like a week? I have some stuff to sort out first but I'll go with you for moral support for sure." she didn't know if she had the strength to face Zoe's family problems without taking a stab at her own first. She didn't know what to say to being called sweet with Greed but when Raiden asked questions again, Zoe just said, "He's like.. candy. Really yummy but sooooo bad for you and will ruin your life forever." Zoe had apparently had some pretty traumatic candy..
She smiled again, "I'm sure I'll love it and we will definitely hang out again soon." she wrinkled her nose at the question and winced, "Well... we'll sneak you in." Greed would have been proud she was sure.
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Raiden was a tiny thing, she might be able to just slip in without notice. She looked sweet and innocent in her purple party dress. Still too young. No one ever believed her age. She trusted Zoe, so she looped her arm again with a thin lipped smile. "Let's go," she nodded with a quiet voice.