Violent Leisure ch 7

[forgottenlover]

Title: Violent Leisure
Co-written with severed_sanity
Pairings: This chapter is Roy-centric, again, we’re going to ultimately end up with at least a GreedxKimbleexRoy
Warnings: Head games, Rape, torture This chapter: none
Rating: NC-17 without a doubt, this chapter? PG
Notes: Look, everyone, Kimblee, Greed. If you’ve been ignoring this because of the lack of them, they’re here now.

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Everything hadn't gone the way he'd hoped but by far things had turned out better than he expected. Who knew how much he'd missed out during his incarceration? Apparently the world didn't deign to stop revolving while he'd been locked away and forgotten. No matter, he was out now and would remind everyone that he still existed. With a pleased smirk, Kimblee brushed his braid behind his shoulder as he thought of one person that would never forget again. He could still taste the sweet fear and forced lust on his lips along with the copper and sweat. The Flame Alchemist was a challenge to banter with on good days, even back in the war the man had a sharp wit and keen focus... but something in the way he was so... well Kimblee didn't exactly know what it was his fellow alchemist was but he liked it. He also didn't understand his urge to let the man suffer alive. Then again, he wanted to visit the excellent fuck later. He was sure that would go over perfectly.

Greed hadn't spared any delay after being set free a few months prior, gathering up a collection of people that would aid him for a time he was sure would last, and he settled everyone in Dublith. Now that everyone was well situated, he was prowling the streets of his city, relearning the territory. He'd been so busy getting everything planned out recently that he hadn't had much of a chance to get out and simply enjoy the sunlight. Most certainly a waste.

The alchemist hated waiting for anything now that he had a choice in the matter. So waiting for something interesting to come along was getting to be bothersome. If things kept up at this rate he would have to find his own fun and that was not what he wanted today. He wanted something to come his way, but he didn't seem to think that was possible. Oh well, all he was doing was looking for a chance to burn off the dredges of chaos that still raged beneath his skin. He scanned the crowd for anyone or anything worth taking out his frustration on. Maybe one of these idiots would be foolish enough to bother him today.

Greed strode around a corner, seeing the rather poorly dressed figure off to the side of the crowd. He looked vaguely familiar, and it took him a few moments to realize he'd been one of those that had escaped when he'd collected his chimeras and fled to here. It seemed he hadn't gotten out as free and clear as he'd thought if he was looking so downtrodden after a few months on his own. He padded in that direction, studying the still too thin figure.

Empty, distant eyes traveled over the passer-by without any real spark of interest. It didn’t seem like he was going to get his wish of relief from any of these morons. They were too common, too docile, too weak. It was enough to turn his stomach. All of them were nothing more than cattle. It was a travesty to what he'd fought for during the war. They knew nothing of sacrifice and oh, but how he wanted to teach them all. It wasn't worth the cost in the end if he did. Instead, he leaned against the wall fully and pocketed his hands.

Padding quietly closer, the sin was just beyond arms reach when he decided to bring the man's attention to him. It wasn’t in his nature to just let himself be ignored. Studying the alchemist though his sunglasses, violet eyes taking in the rather ragged attire, the frayed edges and almost holes, he shook his head. "No funds to get new clothes?"

Agitation prickled along Kimblee's nerves at the words. As if he cared what he wore or who saw him in it. He wasn't some vain pragmatic fool that thought of how he looked to others or himself. What the hell right did anyone have to tell him how he should dress? True, the clothes were a bit old but they were his from before the war ended. He was surprised they survived in his old hideaway. Surprised, because all the others had been tossed or cleared out. These were of his concern only, not some bastard's from off the street. But he chose to keep his cool. Maybe this was the excitement he'd been waiting for. The man wasn't more than a length away, just a twist and press... BOOM he'd go and Kimblee would have his fun for the day. "I don't believe it's any of your concern." He answered back coldly, not bothering to look at the man. "Pike off."

"Just an question. Really, I would have thought you'd have found something better than that by now." He waited, curious to see if he'd even be remembered. The man had refused to come with him once they'd gotten out after all. Not that he hadn’t tried to convince, but he’d had a couple wounded people on his hands, and he hadn’t really had the time to spare for this particular handful just then.

He was being spoken at like he was some wayward child. It was grating on his nerves and even more so on his patience. He finally turned a critical eye towards the owner of the voice and nearly groaned in realization. For the love of all that was fucking holy or what the fuck ever! How in the hell did he always run into familiar faces that he did not want to see ever again?! "Well isn't this a happy reunion. Go away, I do believe I told you to pike off back then as well. I don't want, nor appreciate, your comments on my attire since I see you still have sore taste in your own. I'll stick to what I've got, thank you very much, until something better comes along." Again he was cold and dismissive. Without a further glance, he turned his attention back to the milling people in the market area.

"Have a place to stay?" Just because he’d been in too much of a hurry last time they’d crossed paths didn’t mean he was completely without interest now. The alchemist was a renegade, could be useful if made loyal, and certainly more than interesting enough to keep around on the merits of appearance. They were shallow reasons, and the man had a horrible attitude, but that could change. "If not, you can come stay with me."

The alchemist's hands itched to reach over and ruin the man's day. It wouldn't take much, just a bit of contact with his skin then that annoying smirk and condescending voice would be forever muted. He resisted the trembles of rising rage in favor of scoffing. "You don't seem to listen to well. I didn't go with your little freak show the last time, nor am I inclined to join it now. Do I look like I'm a follower?"

"You mean you'd so easily turn down a warm bed, free food, and clean clothes? Very well. What's your name? All I got out of you before was what you liked to do, not who you were." Greed watched him casually, unwilling to go anywhere just yet. Not everyone understood first chances, some people needed several of them.

"From you I'd gladly turn down anything. Quite presumptuous to think an offer from you would be well received." He turned a lazy eye back towards the man and shook his head. "Kimblee. Now go away."

"Don't even want to know my name in return? How cruel of you." He tisked, inclining his head a little to peer over his glasses, a small smirk on his lips. "There's no need to be like that. I've been nothing but generous to you."

Kimblee pushed away from the wall so he could turn and face the man fully, giving him the benefit of his unimpressed glare. "I'm not sure we are on the same page then, I believe I should rectify that quickly. You asked my name because obviously you wanted to know, I didn't return the gesture because I do not want to know you. The last time we saw each other we were both escaping something and I had hoped it would have been our last encounter. I do not take kindly to those that continually pry into my life no matter their cause. You don't like the way I look, that's tough for you, I seem to be doing just dandy with my appearance. Do I have to make an example out of you before you'll leave me alone?"

Greed laughed quietly, noting that a few differences in phrasing might have made the man sound almost eloquent. Maybe there was more to him after all. "And I want you to know my name, I was giving you a chance to ask properly. It's Greed. As to your appearance, I didn't say I found anything wrong with it, I just expected to see you in something less beaten up by now. And then the example, no, I don’t believe I'll let you do that at the moment."

The alchemist narrowed his eyes slightly at that smug expression. He didn't take kindly to be laughed at, nor being talked down to. True, he had a flair for the dramatic overreaction but it was just who he was. Honestly, what was he without his extremes? He frowned deeply, bringing his hands to cross over his chest. "What makes you think anything about me is proper? I believe I failed etiquette quite nicely back in grade school. And what kind of name is Greed?"

"It's what I am." He raised an eyebrow, hands resting against his thighs in a casual gesture. There weren’t many ways more obvious to declare he didn’t feel threatened without actually saying so. "Besides, I thought you weren't interested."

"Thinking isn't your strong suit, so kindly stop before you hurt yourself." That sounded like a five-year-old’s retort he knew, but he was to busy berating himself for showing any sign of interest in the stranger. The last time he saw that face it had struck him as odd. The eyes were shadowed then, so were all of those of the prisoners from the 5th laboratory, but here they were, clear and unshielded by those damned sunglasses. Kimblee didn't really take note of the odd coloring of the eyes since he'd seen far more interesting colors before, but the pupils themselves drew his attention. He leaned his shoulder against the wall as he regarded those eyes, wishing he could knock that smirk right off the man's mouth. "Now I think I get why you were in the laboratory." He said it more as a statement than a real question.

"I doubt you do, they certainly weren't expecting to see me." He smirked more widely and pushed off the wall, straightening up with a small tug to right his vest. He peered over his sunglasses for another moment before pushing them up, his expression all teeth. "But, let me know if you change your mind Kimblee."

He barely registered that he was about to spring forward and wrap his hands around the man's neck before he actually did it. No matter how much he wanted to just kill the arsehole and be done with the matter, there was something holding him back... his damned curiosity. Goddamn it. He didn't like being ignored either. He moved to stand upright again and glared at the man's chest. “So why were you there?"

"I wasn’t a very obedient little Greed." He shrugged, as though that answered all possible questions, then he turned to walk off. "Hungry?"

"No." It was the truth, he may not have eaten very much the past few days but he couldn't bring himself to eat anything. He wasn't hungry, but that wasn't the only thing that could be bothering him on that front. "Rather a drink actually." Even though he had protested about it earlier, he was following the man, returning his hands to his pockets. What was the harm in getting a drink anyway? And damn it, he wanted to know what that meant!

Greed didn't bother to contain his amusement, and meandered back in the direction where his bar was set up. He kept a light glance on him from the corner of his eye. "That shouldn't be a problem."

Kimblee made it a point to memorize the route they were taking. He wanted a clear exit if he needed one, and getting lost in the turns and crosshatches they were taking wouldn't do him any good. Especially not if things were to turn ugly. Vaguely, he wanted that even more than the dry tightening of his throat wanted something cool and stinging to slide down it. He made it a point to ignore the bastard, not amused that he was on the receiving end of some private joke.

Greed pushed into the bar, looking around a bit. Mostly empty at this hour. It was too early in the day to have customers anyway. He glanced over his shoulder as Kimblee halfway paused before entering. "Coming?"

"Why the hell would I follow you this far if I wasn't?" He growled, pushing past Greed to settle against the bar top. He kept himself in profile so he could watch his host with one eye while the other took in the surroundings. It had been a hard trick to learn, but there were many things one could accomplish when a war was on.

Greed slipped behind the bar, turning to collect a couple glasses easily. He was acting as though he owned the place, which made sense, as Kimblee didn’t know that he did. "Some ingrained need to be contrary perhaps? Some people are just like that you know."

"You're starting to grate on my nerves again Greed." Well, this had been a waste of his time. He shouldn't have followed even if he wanted to know more. As they said, curiosity killed the cat, though he thought it should have been foolish since that's how he felt. He wanted to turn around, walk out the door, and turn this little hole in the wall into a pile of rubble. What he actually did was turn to fully face the man with a dull glare.

Greed raised an eyebrow and set a filled glass in front of Kimblee, a small smirk hovering on his lips. "That will do, won't it?" He leaned on the bar, sipping his own.

He picked up the glass cautiously, though his outward demeanor didn't readily show that fact, as he checked the liquid for something. Apparently it passed whatever he had in mind because the next moment he brought it to his lips and took a pull. Ahhh, it stung just right as it inched down his throat, chasing away the gnawing thirst from earlier. "If it hadn't then neither of us would still be here."

"You might not be, but I certainly would. Were you considering blowing up my lovely little bar while you were here, was that it?" He turned, facing Kimblee more fully as he nursed his glass, enjoying it.

"Keep annoying me and we'll soon find out." He replied with no real intent behind the words. He tossed back the rest of his drink then made to get up from the stool. "As fun as this has all been Greed, you're quite boring and I've no intention of continuing along that line."

"And you think someone out there will bring you more entertainment than I can?" He finished his drink, then moved around the bar with quick steps to smirk down at him.

"At this rate I think a trained monkey could do a better job." A smirk of his own flew to his lips at his own bad humor. He sat his glass back onto the counter and tried to move past Greed, intent on leaving behind this waste of time along with a nice going away explosion for the trouble.

"Did it hurt much?" Greed leaned on the bar top, picking up his half empty glass. He had the feeling the man had tampered with it since he'd seen him finger it after he'd put it down.

He scrunched his eyes up in confusion. At what point did this conversation turn from him leaving to something pulled out of thin air? Or was the man just off his rocker like Kimblee had previously thought? "Did what hurt much? What the hell are you on about?" Well, he supposed he wasn't leaving quite yet after all.

He didn't feel like drinking broken glass, so he set it down again, going for intelligence over thirst this time around. "The brands of those lovely weapons of yours. Did it hurt much?"

Instinctively Kimblee flipped his palms upwards to trace over the marks with a critical eye. These two little arrays were what made up his being in his mind, the ones that controlled his fate. He let those marks lead him in action and train him in sloth. Did it hurt when they became a part of him fully? The real answer was complicated. He didn't think it was something he would like to share so he decided being vague was the easy way out. "Not as much as when they came off. What do you care again?"

"Because you caught my attention before. I don't lose interest that easily." He tilted his head, then moved lazily over to stand near the man. "If nothing else, my time there has taught me patience."

"Mine taught me nothing useful. Hmm, well, maybe the urge to deal with my problems with more force than reason." He wasn't really paying attention to Greed any longer so he didn't react when he was almost to him. His mind was still working through the memories of the laboratory and those damned scientists that thought they could break him. They tried to take away his will and only ended up incurring his wrath. Kimblee smiled fondly. They didn't last very long after all.

Greed leaned in, resting his fingers on Kimblee's shoulder as he considered that smile. "Any knowledge is useful."

The voice was a lot closer than he remembered Greed being earlier and with a start realized it was because the man was right in front of him. He would have kicked himself over letting his guard down, even for a moment, but was to busy bristling at the proximity of the other body. He raised his hand to knock away the touch, backing away quickly. "It's only useful if it serves a purpose." His eyes were screaming of violence and blood when he stared up into those sunglasses. "Don't. Touch. Me."

Greed followed him with his gaze, not seeming at all unnerved by the display. If anything, the little smirk that couldn't seem to leave his lips grew toothy. "You're spoiling for a fight, aren't you?" He crossed his arms, amused.

"It's what I was looking for earlier to alleviate my boredom. But right now it's what you'll get if you even think about touching me again. I don't care who or what you are, nobody touches me unless I touch right back." He gestured with his palm. "And I don't leave much behind afterwards."

Greed shook his head, watching him closely. "No need to be so grouchy. What did you think I'd do, hmm?" He didn't drop his hand, gesturing in the air in front of him almost teasingly.

His hands were twitching with need again. He nearly grabbed one of the standing chairs just to have something to throw at the arrogant bastard. Why he would resort to that instead of marching straight up to Greed and setting his world on fire... why didn't he just do that? It was disturbing to admit he didn't know the answer. "Doesn't matter what you want to do. I don’t want to be touched. End of conversation. Or are you looking to loose a few spare body parts if this persists?"

"I won't lose anything." He waved his hand in the air in front of him a moment later with a smirk, then gestured in a plainly dismissive manner. "Even if you attacked me, you wouldn't manage to do anything to me. I'm not that weak."

"Might have to test that one day then." Kimblee practically growled at the man before turning towards the door. He was going over the pathway out of this place when another realization came to him. So that's what the name was for was it? The bastard wanted something from him that he could provide... interesting, but not enough to keep him here.

Greed watched him march for the door and cocked his head, a small smile breaking its way free of his smirk. "Alchemists are such strange creatures. Always under-thinking things before acting."

Kimblee sent a glare over his shoulder. "As opposed to you thinking in general? You're one fucked up creature yourself Greed. I think we can both agree that the best solution to our little problem is for you to mind your own fucking business and stay out of my life. Otherwise we'll be working through our differences with more than words."

"I can't really say I'd mind. It's been a while since I had a decent fight." Greed leaned on the bar, hands resting on the smoothed surface. "Isn't there anything you want Kimblee?"

"Revenge." It came out before he could stop himself. He silently cursed himself, trying to think of a way to salvage that long kept secret to himself. "What does anyone want Greed? By your name I can tell you want something more than what you have. You want it all. Well, you're screwed. No one can have it all; it's not possible. Sure, for awhile you'll be content and wander around aimlessly before you grow weary, bored and go looking for something else to occupy your time. Your life is a complete circle. A complete utter waste!"

"Perhaps, but it's what I am. Just like you are what you are. What do you want revenge on?" He pushed off the bar top and strode across the room, long lazy steps. The smirk had faded, and he seemed genuinely interested in knowing.

"What the hell do you think?!" His voice rose slightly with his temper. "You were there, your little chimeras were there. I'm sure they wouldn't pass up the opportunity for a little revenge themselves if they could. But I'm not just interested in the scientists, nor just the ones that had it ordered... my revenge is a bit deeper than that. And what the hell do you care?!" Stress was having him repeat himself, he knew, but he didn't mind. Yelling made him feel better. It brought his temperature up just enough that he could believe his blood was bubbling with the heat. It made things so much easier to focus on.

"So you want to deal in those who tried to take you apart, and trapped you, and controlled you? It's a perfectly understandable goal, especially since you seem to be rather against any pretense of an order." He got within Kimblee's range. "But do you have any plans? Any ways to not be obvious?"

"It's none of your fucking concern Greed. I've gathered what intel I could and will deal with what I need later. One way or another I will get what I want." He smiled grimly. "I always do."

"Then you wanted to be there? You were rather well secured down in there." He circled around him with a slow smirk.

He bared his teeth at Greed in something that couldn't be mistaken as a smile nor taken as a threat. "It was better than being dead, though death would have been a hell of a lot kinder. I'm human, so the will to live is far better than letting yourself be killed."

"I wouldn't know, I didn't have those options. I was even more forgotten about in my cage than you were in yours. You're free now, you already have plans of what to do?" Greed came to pause.

"Of course I do. I may be perceived as rash and unstable, but there's a fucking brain inside this demented head." He threw himself into a nearby chair, growling near ferally. "The idiots think you can just waltz into the military with nothing but talent and become a state alchemist! My plans may not be perfect, but they'll work out eventually."

"I never claimed you were an idiot. You seem rather brilliant to me, and I've seen all manner of things over the years." He shook his head slightly, once again following him with his gaze.

"First you insult me, then you compliment me. I think you're more than screwed in the head Greed. You're fucking nuts. I've known a great many in that group, but you take the cake. What the hell is your deal anyway? You're like an eccentric collector with skewed tastes in what he likes."

Greed considered that description for a moment, cocking his head to the side as he went over the components that would make up such a description. "Yes, I would have to say that's about right. I've always hated letting good things go to waste."

"Good things go to waste?" He rolled that thought around in his head a moment. It did make sense in an off center kind of way. The scruffy litter of chimeras were anything but useless, even more useful than humans he knew. But why keep them around for so long if they weren't being of use? Kimblee hadn't heard of anything remotely resembling a report on rouge chimeras terrorizing anyone, nor did he hear about strange occurrences around town. Nothing but the norm for this place. "Your little chimeras are good things you don't want to waste then? Doesn't seem they are very useful to me."

"If I ever need them. Then they will be there at my call, what other reason could be better? Instead of the Military keeping you on their call, they locked you away in a waste of your abilities. Does that mean you weren't useful then?"

"Means they wanted to keep me at bay. Bastards use and abuse those they have under their power. Just like your chimeras. We were all pawns during the war and once it was over they locked us away at the lab where they thought they could turn us into something far better than what we were... bastards." He ignored the initial question. He didn’t care to answer it because he was afraid that was the case.

"But they didn't lock you away to forget about you." Greed shook his head a little, then he smirked a bit. "If you want to get back, I can help. You can't think I don't have plans that may benefit, it's not in my nature. You'd just need to stay."

"I don't presume to know what anyone is thinking anymore. Landed me in hot water enough for me to learn my lesson." He grumbled under his breath. It still bothered him, Greed wanting him to stay with his freak show attractions. He didn't have a problem with them other than the fact they were there. He didn't need another distraction getting in his way. Not that the pony was much of a drawback in his scheme. It was actually a perk in the end, but a damned distraction none the less. "And what do you get out of all this?"

"I like to think of it as a bit of everything." Greed leaned on the table beside Kimblee's chair and peered down at him. "Does that sound like a decent enough deal?"

Kimblee mulled the offer over in his mind. The upside to the deal would be he'd have a place to hide out, food, and a place to rest... the down side would be relying on the creature and his chimeras for everything. He didn't like having to depend on anyone for anything anymore. When he was locked away in the 5th laboratory he lost all faith in hierarchy in general, and if he accepted Greed's offer he would be setting himself into another one. Greed was the top dog, as it were, and he would be among the lowest ranks once again. Kimblee did not like that idea one bit, but then again, who said he had to follow what the thing said anyway? Suspicion kept him from readily saying yes, but weariness was winning him over. "It's not much of a deal you know."

"It's better than any other deals you've gotten recently, isn't it?" He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head a little after speaking.

"Only one thus far that hasn't ended in red splatter and smoldering concrete." The alchemist mumbled to himself. He turned narrowed eyes towards Greed and gave a curt nod. "Fine. Don't expect me to be one of your lackeys. I don't do orders anymore."

Greed smirked and tilted his head, regarding him for a moment. "If that's how you're going to be, then fine." He extended his hand, a smirk hovering on his lips.

A thin eyebrow rose a fraction. "Did you expect something different from me? You should know better."

"No, I expected nothing different from that at all. In fact, I think I would have been sorely disappointed if you so easily changed your stripes." He shook his head, lifting his hand to push up his glasses when no move to take his hand was forthcoming.

The brow came down when he turned to stare at the table. It was weird to be under someone's rule again after so long. Years of subjugation after his time of willing devotion to the military, now this. It was a slight turn he never thought would come. Though it couldn't be all bad, and if it was he could blow them all to hell before skipping town.

"You want a room right? C'mon." He studied the line of Kimblee's back and smiled. He needed patience here, otherwise he might fumble the little boom baby. Nothing subtle either though, since he was sure that would get just as bad of a reaction.

"You don't waste time do you?" He wasn't really asking, but couldn't keep the question sequestered. He didn't argue though. He was tired, wanted a shower, and his hands ached with the need to blow something up. Maybe if one of the chimeras pushed it he would get a chance to solve the last problem before he grabbed a shower.

"Of course not. Keep those pretty weapons away from the others though unless you want me to keep you closer than I intended." He tilted his head a little, looking Kimblee over. "I wouldn't mind that, but I think you might."

A scowl quickly replaced the neutral expression he tried to keep after he accepted Greed's offer. It seemed the arsehole wanted to continual grate on his nerves for the duration of their professional relationship. He gave the man a cold glare, "I believe I already mentioned the no touching policy, Greed." He flashed a palm, "I believe that's a given enough answer."

"You're under the impression that I'm afraid of your pretty weapons, aren't you?" He raised an eyebrow, glancing over his shoulder as he turned to walk off. "I just like to be clear."

"Awww, sentimental about the mutts? Sappy shit like that makes my stomach churn." He sneered, glare firmly fixed in place. He flexed the fingers on both hands before shoving them into his pants pockets. If he couldn't use them, then he might as well quell the temptation by keeping them hidden. No fun at all. Though he smirked with a thought, "Exactly what are you afraid of then?"

"It's none of your business what I'm afraid of Kimblee, now is it?" He smirked, turning forward again as he started to walk. "Though I doubt you'd be able to puzzle it out anyway."

"Ah, now who is being rude? Just idle conversation Greed, don't take it so personally." Kimblee secretly was more than pleased with the other's reaction, though he kept an amused scowl plastered across his features. So Greed had more to hide than the obvious after all. Why would he find it such a big deal to share his fears? Maybe there was something about them that could be used against him... though it couldn’t be anything normal, because Greed wasn't normal.

The sin, for his part, merely rolled his shoulders with a bemused air. "I wasn't, really, what did you expect me to react with?" He shook his head, opening a door that led to the area behind the bar.

"I, personally, don't give a rats arse how you react. Was a simple question, you refused to answer. No fucking big deal. We all have things we want to hide from the world."

Greed laughed quietly. "Of course. I guess I need to work on my social skills. I'm still not quite used to being out in the world after so long away."

Kimblee huffed with a roll of his eyes. "Yours sorely lacks something if you ask me... but since we're being kind to one another... on second thought, fuck kindness. I don't really care what you are or aren't afraid of. I'll figure it out eventually." He grinned more for himself than for anyone else’s benefit. "It will give me something to do in this hell hole."

"Just what were you going to ask me?" He moved down a hall and stopped near a door. Most of the rooms were rather bare, but it made sense as they hadn't been there all that long. He glanced to Kimblee then stepped into the room, taking off his glasses to clean them.

"What makes you think I want to ask you anything?" The room wasn't any better than the one he'd been staying in the last few days. Not even cleaner though it was larger. Nothing was relatively out of place either. Just some form of neat and clean box with a bed and window. Go figure, but Kimblee wasn't going to complain, yet. It was a place to stay. He padded over to the bed and sat on the floor to lean against the frame and mattress.

"Usually if a tone of question is started, it tends to be rather obvious, no matter how it's expressed." He paused, looking around. "You'll need to tell me what you want in here, all the rooms started like this."

Kimblee chuckled humorously, "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. What would I need that isn't already provided?" He gestured at the bed with a wave of a hand. "All I need is what's already here. Unless, of course, you want to provide me with suitable targets."

Greed didn't quite know how to approach that one. Everyone wanted something beyond a few toys, didn't they? The lack of want wasn't quite something he'd had to deal with before. "I'm sure you'll have some opportunity."

"Let's just hope none of your little freaks present to much temptation for me then. Otherwise I believe they'd make perfect practice tools." His smile was a bit dark. "But you wouldn't like that, so you've said."

Greed gave him a dark look. "If try do, I'll be sure to keep you very close until you learn when you get to keep your hands to yourself, and when you can play." He shook his head. "I think I'm going to get you something else to wear."

Kimblee removed his hands from his pockets to rub the arrays together. He didn't like the implication of what Greed said, at all. No one was allowed to tell him what he could and couldn't play with. Not anymore... but he had a deep and disturbing sense that if he tried anything the end result wouldn't be something he liked. "Threats, however implied, won't get you anywhere with me Greed. I ignore them promptly enough. And what I have on’s just fine, so whatever."

"I wasn't threatening. I don't see the point in saying something that wont be carried through." He laughed lowly, and shrugged, moving his left hand to put his sunglasses back on as he pushed away from the wall, the action showing the symbol on his hand more obviously. "As to the clothes. Well, maybe I just want you to wear something else."

"Living up to your name then. Always wanting something." His voice dropped slightly with his next statement. "You can't always have what you want, you know."

"With enough time, you can get anything. Certainly you realize that." He smirked and shook his head, watching him for a moment. "And I have all the time in the world."

"Not everything." Kimblee mumbled to himself. To Greed he offered his own smirk. "Then go wait for whatever it is somewhere else. I think I prefer to sleep alone. Don't care much for any argument you've got about it either." The alchemist dismissed the man after that, instead concentrating on rising from the floor and settling on the edge of the bed.

"If you don't make me keep a closer eye on you, then you'll have time to yourself as you want it. If you do..." He shrugged, then moved to step out. "I'll be back later with those clothes Kimblee."

"Fine." He didn't say much after that, opting to ignore Greed all together. The man was getting under his skin already. Too damned cocky, that was for sure. How he wanted to wipe that smirk off the bastard’s face. Kimblee laid back against the mattress, folding his arms underneath his head and wondered idly how much it would take to actually get close enough to blow the man's head off. He knew that the direct approach was definitely out. Something about the way the man moved told him that it would take more than just agility to accomplish the task. His mind drifted to scenarios of using bits of the building or even one of those fucking chimeras as an obstacle to slow the bastard down... oh well. It was just a thought anyway. He would figure it out eventually, but for now he allowed his eyelids to drift closed. He might not find sleep but the darkness was welcome.

It was a while before Greed came back, not bothering to knock as he pushed the door open, a bit glad he had gotten around to making sure nothing in the place creaked too badly. He moved to the bedside to put down the outfit he'd located. The near black red color just suited the man in his mind.

Kimblee's eyes cracked open slightly. Only Greed, but he knew that without looking. The man did say he was coming back after all, and he highly doubted the other things roaming around the place would be stupid enough to enter the bedroom without announcing themselves. He doubted Greed would ever announce himself before entering here. Kimblee bent his head up slightly and took in the choice of clothing before laying back down closing his eyes. "Thought I said I preferred sleeping alone. Means lingering isn't prefered."

"But you aren't asleep, now are you?" He looked over to the bed, letting his gaze slide over him, considering his slightly less tensed stance for a moment.

His eyes went through the motions of exasperation. "That was a very stupid question. Hadn't pegged you for an imbecile Greed, doesn't seem to suit you."

"It was more a case of me pointing out the obvious, as I'm sure you're well aware. You just like to insult people, don't you Kimblee?" He tisked softly, shaking his head.

"Comes naturally when given the right ammunition. Idiots should be told of their incompetence quickly before something can go wrong in their presence." The alchemist stretched slightly before propping himself up on his elbows. The long braid fell over his shoulder when he cracked his neck to the side to get rid of a small kink. "I insult people, you annoy people. Not much of a difference between us."

"I think you might not be entirely wrong on that one. You must be the most bloodthirsty human I've had a chance to come across. It's refreshing." He smirked and shrugged a little, straightening up.

"I'll take that as a compliment. Call it a by product of my childhood." His smirk returned. "Let's just say I didn't play well with others."

"It certainly doesn't seem like it. You would have been intriguing to watch turn into this. Predators are always admirable." He ran his hand through the air over Kimblee, about a foot away from him, in a vaguely petting motion. "I'll let you get back to sleep."

Kimblee drew back instinctively with a snarl on his lips though he kept himself from fully retreating onto the bed. Damned man needed to keep his hands to himself or run the gambit of loosing them. To hell with his rules.

Greed seemed almost amused by the reaction and shook his head. "Yes, you are a feral thing, aren't you?" He didn't quit though, even though he was far from touching him at all, instead seeming to have no problem pretending he was actually close enough to actually be petting for a moment more before he dropped his hand.

"Don't do that either. I'm not your fucking pet." His voice was harsh if a bit stunted with rage. He wanted to let the arrays do the talking at this point, but knew it wasn't a good idea. He was tired and his energy reserves were starting to run low as it was. He needed sleep and probably tomorrow he would have to force himself to eat something. He just wasn't hungry.

"No, pets are tame." Greed cocked his head, studying him. "You aren't that at all. Go back to sleep, you need it." Smirking a little, he turned around and started to walk away from him.

"Bastard." The word was spat at the sin's back, but Kimblee didn't do anything further. With one last glare, he lowered back against the mattress and closed his eyes. One day he would use that prick to take this entire place down. Tomorrow sounded just as good as next week. As he slipped into something resembling sleep he smiled at the images of raining blood and white fur collars.

-o-o-o-o-

Eventful was the only real definition of his day. The night's sleep hadn't been exactly enough for Kimblee to regain his complete energy stores but the shower, shave, and new clothes seemed to do the trick. In no time flat he went from grumbling and ready to blow the place sky high to being a bit more calm and ready to rouse trouble. To hell with Greed once again. He was going to have his fun one way or the other, and if the thing wanted to stop him, well he was ready for a fight. He braided his still damp hair tightly, wrapping the freshly washed (and still quite wet) band around his hair to keep it in place. Tossing the long braid over his shoulder, he depositing his old things back into the room he'd been given before trying to seek out those lovely chimeras. If his memory served him correctly, there were three or four that Greed kept with him at all times. The snake he knew well, along with that larger of the bunch. He wasn't quite sure about the other one or two... things were a bit hazy about the day they escaped.

Greed was the first one that Kimblee came across in the later evening, after he’d been reintroduced to the others and set to his own devices, the chimeras having seemed to avoid the gold eyed man’s presence once attendance was no longer required. It could be because he was an alchemist, possibly because of his reputation from before prison, or merely due to the fact that he had been a bastard the few times anyone had tried to speak with him. In any case, Greed was the one that found him shortly after he'd stepped into the big open room they used for sparring, thus interrupting his wanderings.

Well there was the one per… thing he didn't exactly feel like dealing with today. But all was fair in war, and he had long since decided that life was a war. He slowly padded his way into the room, staying near the doorway once he was far enough in to look around. He retreated a step so he could lean against the wall once he was satisfied. "Not exactly a sight for sore eyes Greed. All this space and I still manage to run into you. Lucky me."

"Well, it's not as though I had anywhere to go. For the moment you are much more entertaining than prowling the city." He shrugged slightly, stepping further into the room as he watched him. "You had given the impression you couldn't care less about changing your clothes." He didn't ask the inherent question behind the words, instead just looking him over. "The color does suit you. I thought it would."

"I may not like the idea of wearing something that isn't mine but that doesn't mean I won't take the opportunity to put on fresh clothes after a shower." He mirrored the shrug before pulling his braid over his shoulder. The wet track against his back wasn't a pleasant feeling, neither was the slight chill he got when the air hit it when he moved away from the wall. "Besides, 'bout time my things got a wash."

He moved closer, deciding to test how close the man would let him get now that he'd had a chance to rest up, something he was sure he'd been lacking. "I'd imagine, they didn't look to be in particularly the best shape." Greed smirked a little and shrugged. "And I never said those weren't yours. Just because I gave them to you doesn't mean I expect them back."

Kimblee eyed him warily, trying his best not to let any emotion show in his features. Years of training helped him school the nonchalant and the neutral expression he showed the world. Still, he was incredulous. He may not expect them back, but he didn't give them just to give. He was sure this was going to come back to haunt him later but there was no point dwelling on the maybes. "Ah, but everything from you comes with a price, doesn't it?"

"Yes, but you already agreed to that, remember?" He stepped within arms distance and tugged off his sunglasses, tucking them away into a pocket inside his fluffy vest. "Or did you forget that so soon?" Greed seemed unconcerned for being so close.

"I'm still not clear on exactly what your terms are Greed." He spat the name out like it was acid on his tongue. While he didn’t mind showing his dislike, he realized he needed to calm down a bit, since he found himself focusing far too much on how easy it would be to just destroy the man. Maybe later, but not now. That could wait until he figured a few things out.

"A bit of everything, remember?" He lifted a hand and did one of those air motions again, his smirk just daring Kimblee to go and do something about it. Greed wanted to see what the man could do when he wasn't in a hurry. He was in the mood where losing a limb for a moment wouldn't upset him too terribly, even if it did hurt like a bitch.

In annoyance, Kimblee's opposite hand darted forward and grabbed Greed's wrist in disgust, pulling away from the wall slightly. He nearly growled. Pinning the sin with an unamused and quite annoyed glare he repeated the words he knew the man hadn’t forgotten. "I'm not your fucking pet. Don’t. Do. That."

"But it upsets you so easily." He smirked widely, bringing up his other hand to circle Kimblee's wrist loosely in turn, antagonizing him intentionally. "And I didn't even need to touch you to piss you off either. Why would I stop doing that?"

The tingle of his alchemy rippled lightly off his own palm so he knew the other man had to feel it. His frown turned into something a bit more disturbing and far darker along with the slight malicious glint tinting his eyes. Greed knew what he could do, didn't he? Knew that he could just as easily blow his arm off as he could take out a wall? Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps the man liked to play dangerously. "Because it can get you killed otherwise. I don't like it and that should be more than enough incentive."

"Hmm, I don't think it is sufficient actually. I'm not that easy to kill Kimblee." He made sure to keep his shield down, as he didn’t want to clue the alchemist in on that little detail just yet. He tightened his fingers in an almost affectionate squeeze.

Oh that was it. The man was just itching to get under his skin and knew he would take the bait. He had to wonder if Greed had a death wish. With a flare, Kimblee released a partial charge into the wrist as his eyes narrowed dangerously. The light squeeze was not appreciated, nor wanted. When he was sure it would be just enough to scorch the skin down to the inner layers of the fatty tissues, he jerked his hand free of both Greed's hands. "We'll see about that bastard."

Greed sighed and threw his hand out to his side quickly so that the air would cool the burning sensation that immediately beset the tissue, then he turned to look it over, ignoring to healing as he made sure that none of his bangles had been damaged in the upset. He was rather pleased to find that they hadn't been. Kimblee was more precise than he'd realized.

The alchemists eyes widened a fraction before returning to their narrowed state. The involuntary press against the wall wasn't welcome either, but it was automatic and couldn’t be helped. He couldn’t stop himself from staring as he watched the man's tissue reconnect and lighten back to a normal shade of pale cream. "What the hell are you?!"

Greed turned his attention back to Kimblee, amusement clear on his face. "That stung you know. Burns always hurt longer than the other wounds do." He brought his hand back, tracing the air over the other man like he had twice before. "As to what I am... Haven't you got any guesses?"

Kimblee winced away from the illusory petting, almost darting his hand out to give the man another burn he knew wouldn't stay. But he was a bit more on edge after that display, not to mention cautious. He'd never been witness to anyone or anything that could heal like that. Sure, he knew some alchemists that could heal wounds by using the skin of the victim or themselves to cover over... even seen one slightly successful muscle knitting. But what Greed had done was so far beyond that botched attempt. The wrist was perfect again. "How the hell should I know?! Definitely not a chimera as I previously thought. You're something far different."

"I thought that was obvious. Even the chimera didn't end up with eyes like mine. They didn't end up with a title like Greed, and they certainly don't live as long as I do." He wanted the alchemist to guess. It wasn't something he felt like just coming out to tell. "Don't you know any... 'myths' of alchemy?"

"You're fucking annoying. Of course I know a few here and there but I don't believe in fairy tails!" Of course, he was rethinking that matter when the little pieces of some old forgotten legend or some crap like that flitted across his memories. It couldn't be possible, they were just stories to scare little children into obey the taboo. Little fairy tale to keep the alchemists in line and away from that stem. But now that he'd witnessed something so close to one of those stories... he was inclined to start believing. "You're... one of those things." His mouth felt dry and his throat scratchy. "Something that's created from... you can't exist!"

"Something created from what? What am I, hmm?" Greed leaned closer, smirking widely as he pressed his fingers lightly along the collarbone of the alchemist’s shoulder, and he traced the bone. Then he flicked his gaze up to meet the golden one. "Why can't I exist Kimblee?"

Absently, Kimblee reached up to push at the offending fingers from his shoulder. He missed them horribly while staring into those inhuman eyes. His heart was pounding in his chest when he thought of the what it could mean... it couldn't be. "Because there's no such thing."

He laughed lowly, leaning so that why were almost touching noses, that smirk never once slipping. "Really Kimblee? You should realize that there's no such thing as no such thing. Now, what am I?"

"Fuck... Homunculi do not exist." He flinched away from that grinning face, still unable to fully except the truth that was clearly staring in his face. "Homunculus..." The more he said it out loud and in his head, the more he began to be able to accept. It was disturbing no matter how he looked at it.

"That wasn't so hard to admit, was it? I exist. I know others like me exist." He moved his other hand to rest on his other shoulder, deeply amused by the sheer disbelief.

Kimblee shook his head roughly, breaking eye contact, only to reinstate it when he turned back. He didn't even register the new touch nor was he fully registering the old one. Everything he believed in seemed to be crumbling with the realization that something that shouldn't, and by all alchemic laws couldn't, exist... did. It was impossible, but as Greed said, he did exist so it stood to reason that more could as well. He repressed a shudder at the thought that more inhuman and such immortal creatures were roaming... "It's supposed to be impossible."

"It isn't. If the will is strong enough, then it's wholly possible." He kneaded his hands a little, seeing just how far Kimblee was ignoring the contact. "Anything is possible." He tilted his head, a grin crossing his face, replacing the smirk. "But they don't teach you that do they?"

Kimblee shook his head numbly. He felt slightly jaded, more so than usual. The realm of possibilities that this opened up swept half a dozen years of his research and study out the door! It wasn't supposed to be possible... and even if it was, it would cost to much in trade for a success. Well, failure... now why?! He couldn’t understand it. There were plenty of people to sacrifice for a weapon this great during the war! Why didn't the brass... Kimblee stopped that thought in its tracks. Of course they weren't told about this nor left with any desire to pursue it. Something like a homunculus was far too unstable... too dangerous. To volatile for common uses. What a bunch of bullshit.

How to snap the feral human out of the daze he'd inflicted on him. So many choices. He seemed to be entirely unaware of the fact that he was kneading his shoulders and upper chest. He also couldn't seem to really break off the eye contact. How useful. Only flicking his eyes down once to give him a warning, Greed dipped his head to give the alchemist a kiss. That should do the trick.

Wherever his mind had gone during their little exchange, the action brought him swiftly out of it. He sputtered against the creature’s mouth, eyes wide in shock and something bordering on disgust. Not that the act itself was disgusting but the... well it wasn't that bad. Kimblee ground his teeth against the offending lips with a growl, roughly shoving at the man's chest to push him away.

Greed licked his lips, and he laced his fingers behind his back as he bounced on his heels, regarding Kimblee with bemused violet eyes. "You're more predictable than you think you are." He shook his head. "You didn't have to bite so hard."

The back of his hand was against his lips wiping away the residue left behind. His sneer was back full force. "Next time I'll blow the damn things off. What the hell is your problem Greed?" He supposed he deserved something so simple and unwanted for dropping his guard around this one. Maybe he should press his palm against his thigh for a reminder. Later, not around that thing. He'd probably find amusement in it.

"You were getting a little too deep, and nothing else I was doing was getting your attention. It was either that or moving my hands somewhere more attention getting. Would you have preferred the other?" He raised an eyebrow, fishing in his pocket for the sunglasses.

"You wouldn't have hands anymore." That was all he managed. He pushed down the boiling rage that threatened to erupt from under his skin. His palms itched to wrap around that exposed neck and squeeze. It didn't matter if the creature wouldn't die, Kimblee would be rid of him for however long it took for it to reconstruct itself. Bastard. If he thought he could get away with something like that without punishment... dead wrong.

"Thought so. That out of the way, was it the kiss that bothered you, or the fact that it was me doing it?" He didn't unfold his hands, just watching Kimblee with a bemused look. He was sure he'd be having a lot of fun with this man in the future. A person could learn to enjoy that explosive temper.

"Fuck off Greed." The strained words were sharp, and his fingers twitched against his thigh, wanting nothing more than to blow the sin up for his trespass. Hell, it would be satisfying. He pushed away from the wall, intent on secreting away to his room, far away from Greed.

"If you get so upset over a little innocent kiss, then I think you'd be even more upset if I took you up on that particular offer, don't you agree?" Greed moved a little, watching Kimblee with a bemused sort of attention as he blocked the way. "You can't even answer the question before you go?"

The alchemist's eyes sparkled dangerously in their angered intensity. His rage sought an outlet, something to disintegrate beneath his palms. But it would be useless to try it again on Greed. Satisfying, but pointless. He'd only grow back whatever part was blown away, or burned, then Kimblee would have to suffer him once again. Though, as an afterthought, he wondered if that smirking face would grow back so quickly. "Move."

"Answer and I will." He stared back, reading the bloodthirsty intent in the gold gaze, and he had to say he found himself intrigued. Would he act on it now that he knew it was very likely he’d recover?

Kimblee had had quite enough of this encounter. There were certain things he would and would not discuss. Though the answer would have been simple to just give, he still believed in equivalent exchange, Greed didn't even understand what that meant. A pale hand crested his vision, turning over so he could read the lines beneath the array. His expression dropped, the frowning sneer to be replaced by a neutral turning of his lips. Over the fingertips he stared at Greed before charging the array and stuck it on the man's chest. "Not a persuasive offer... I prefer to make you."

Greed knew already this would hurt like hell, getting killed always did. That wasn't his worry however. "Be glad I'm in a mood to see what you can do. But, you can't damage the clothes." He moved back, just barely keeping Kimblee from actually touching him, and he shook his head. He still didn’t get out of the way.

"I'm not in the mood to be your entertainment. Move, I won't say it again. And I sure as hell don't care if you want your precious threads to stay intact. It's nothing to me, just like you. I may have agreed to stay here for whatever brush of insanity but I refuse to follow your twisted rules unless they benefit me. You should have figured this out by now Greed." He made another pass at the man's upper torso but didn't move quite far enough to open himself up for attack. He was pissed, not stupid.

Greed tilted his head and sighed. "Really, I just want to know if it was what I did or if it was me doing it. Tell me that and I'd have no reason to keep you from leaving at the moment." He made sure he was just far enough back that blowing him up would equate Kimblee opening his guard.

He really should have known better. His training should have screamed the extremes of wrong through his mind or at least prepared him for this. Though he had expected it, what he hadn't was the white hot rage that blinded him from everything else. He hadn't felt something like this since his capture and it was over something so inane... He must be losing his touch. When the sin made no move to get out of his way, and even seemed amused by his attempts, something snapped inside of Kimblee's resolve and he lunged at the man with clear intent of murder. "I don't feel like sharing!"

Greed dodged his hands, then leaned swiftly up under his guard, catching him in the stomach as he swerved to the side. Kimblee may have lost his temper, but Greed had been paying full attention, and he wasn't about to have anything blown up of himself at the moment, thank you very much.

To his credit, he didn't reel away though the hiss of pain and the slight curling around the pain gave him away. This was degrading into something that had nothing to do with their conversation, just his own grudge against the creature for being. He narrowed his eyes and straightened himself as best he could over the ache. "You're an annoying bastard that doesn't know when to leave things be."

"So I've been told. I suffered for it, I'd say I earned the right to do as I please." Greed shrugged, then raised an eyebrow at Kimblee. "I wasn't even being mean either, and you go and try to blow me up. No manners at all."

"You forget so easily... I never bothered to learn any." This wasn't going to get him anywhere. He wrestled his anger back down, pushing it low in his chest before sucking on his pride. Such a little thing could break him later, but for now he would concede. "It was neither. Happy now? Now move."

Greed let a smirk feather across his face and nodded before stepping to the side, clearing the path out. He gestured for him to go, tilting his head. "Now that wasn't such a big deal, was it? See you later Kimblee."

He gave him a withering look, then strode out the door with no real purpose. He might have been intent on heading to his room earlier, but now he didn't feel like being alone. Probably because he needed something to blow up. "Hopefully not soon."