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WHO: Greed and Lust [NPC Devlin and Stella Moore]
WHEN: 1816
WHERE: Devlin/Lust's estate
WHAT: Marriage isn't all it's cracked up to be, Greed's dark side pokes it's head out a little further.
WARNING: I don't know where this is going to go, but it could get bloody and possible character maim murder!

Greed was playing second fiddle to Devlin. Lust wasn't allowed pretty things when he'd lost his own. There was something going on between her and her mortal husband that he didn't like. Something akin to what he'd had with Josie (or thought he'd had). But Lust was using her influence less and less on the disgustingly nice boy toy.

It had been longer than Greed had anticipated with this charade of theirs. He was loads richer, but his anger was not satisfied. Greed took it out on the little blonde bride he'd obtained almost all the time. She was useful when he wanted someone to bat around, but when Lust got involved it turned ugly. When Greed wanted something, he stopped at nothing to get it and what he was contemplating was far worse than Devlin's friend putting a bullet in his own mouth after losing his entire estate to bad business. That, Greed had a hand in and right now he was smug about it.

Stella had been crying for days over the loss, she'd grown up with Frederick. It had been a harsh blow to the family to lose such a close friend. Greed however hadn't seemed the least bit affected. In fact when she broke down he laughed. Stella sat on the bed wiping her eyes. She would have done anything for Greed, but lately, he unnerved her. "You're the one that that gave him advice.." she wrung a handkerchief around her fingers watching him as he situated the tie around his neck. "Yeah, but who put the bullet in his mouth?" he brushed off her sentiment, he didn't want it. Nervous Stella stood up, shaky hands trying to fix the tie for him. "Stop crying already," he shifted his gaze away from her. He couldn't even look at her some times, it made his stomach lurch. She was pretty, but she had worn out her welcome.

They were supposed to go on an outing in the carriage with Devlin and Lust, an outing Greed actually looked forward to because with one wrong look and he would put Devlin six feet under. The thought made him grin. Stella would join him. He kissed her on the cheek taking over his tie and walking out of the room down the massive staircase.

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Lust really didn't care about Fredrick dying, as long as Greed let loose his steam elsewhere and left Devlin alone she was fine with it. She comforted Devlin as best as she could and tried to spend as much time with Greed as possible to satiate him but they were Sins.. they were designed so that there was no such thing as enough.

She'd gotten into a fight with Greed over it just the other day about her spending time with Devlin. She'd yelled at him that if he hadn't pushed Fredrick to suicide, she wouldn't have to spend so much time consoling Devlin! Greed didn't think. He never thought, that was his problem. Normally she could think for the both of them but right now it wasn't a partnership, he was trying to claim her and as much as it annoyed her, it worried her. Greed literally possessed things, he obliterated anything in his way.

As he came down the main staircase, Lust's laughter could be heard outside through the open door. Her eyes, normally naturally seductive, actually looked.. there was no other word to describe it except human, as they gazed at Devlin. He was yammering about something, showing her a beautiful flower from the garden, twirling the stem in between his fingertips before placing it in her hair behind her ear. She found she wasn't using influence on Devlin very much, often she simply forgot. But it was because she didn't need to.. the mortal was in love with her.

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Lust didn't understand anymore. She wasn't there for him, her time was not only divided but it actually seemed like she gave a damn about this one. That look in her eyes, it was bright and cheerful.

His pace down the staircase dropped immediately to a slow pound with each step. He didn't like the way she was changing when he was still dangerously unhappy. This arrangement was in his way from what he wanted, what he needed right now.

Before he could say a word, hitting the bottom of the stairs, Stella had caught up to him, taking him by the arm and clinging to it. She felt something bad gearing up, and in her little mind no matter how scared she was of it she wanted to help.

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If Lust could love it's what she'd feel for Greed but he was a Sin and inherently they were all bastards. He would always put himself first but Devlin.. Dev put her first. He was selfless, giving, everything she wasn't. And while it was disgusting.. it was intriguing. She gravitated towards him like he was some rare thing that she wasn't allowed to have and accidentally had tripped over. Her laughter died as she could feel Greed nearby, her arm going protectively around Devlin's middle as he talked to the man that was going to take them on the carriage ride.

Dev was oblivious to the inner Sin workings happening. He wasn't stupid. Lust's brother was an odd one and there was something disturbing about him but he had such blind faith in Lust that he would let her lead him into hell and consider it paradise. If Lust loved her brother that much, there was no reason to think ill of Greed.

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There was a darkness in his eyes that hadn't disappeared. He shrugged off Stella who was clinging to him like a leech all the time. It was a nervous twitch to his skin, he didn't like her hovering. If he got rid of one of them first it would have to be her.

Greed projected that fake smile, giving Devlin a high nod, but cutting his eyes to Lust. She hadn't seen him the night before, he was always just an afterthought.

"Nice day isn't it?" Though from a distance it seemed as if it could rain.

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Stella was hurt and shrank back, feeling jealousy burn her as Greed left her, once again, for his sister. Comparably Stella wasn't a flower.. she was a weed trying to masquerade as a beautiful flower in a garden she had no business being in.

Devlin smiled broadly at Greed, answering instead of Lust, "It is. I think we might be able to squeeze in a bite by the lake before some rain might ruin the day." Lust just glared at Greed, her arm around Devlin like he was some toy and she didn't want Greed to have it. She'd probably want to see him more if he didn't behave like such an asshole these days. She hated this darkness in him. She was used to her happy bouncy annoying Greed. Not this.. thing he'd become.

Stella hustled out of the house and tried to grab onto Greed's arm again, she didn't plan on letting him out of her sight for one second on this outing.

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Greed almost looked like a shadow the way he stuck close by. He gave Lust a small kiss on the cheek in greeting. Bold, but could be taken as a simple sign of affection by the blindest of men. Stella however took it differently and she pinched his arm to remind him she was there. The jealously she felt was as strong as his hate when Lust was around.

The rumor mill had also taken a liking to the famous brother and sister pair. Something that could set a crack in this perfect world Devlin thought he had.

"The lake?" he turned giving Stella just an ounce of attention, it usually made her calm. "Sounds refreshing." His grin was happy, but his eyes gave him away.

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Lust kept her eyes on Greed as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. There was nothing chaste about it, it was a simple gesture but she and Greed were always electric when together. Even the tiny touch of his lips on her cheek and it got them a side eye from the carriage driver. She looked at Devlin who appeared least bothered as usual.

Lust watched Greed and touched Devlin's arm, "Maybe we should skip the lake today.." Devlin dismissed the notion, "Nonsense.. besides, I agree with Eugene, it'll be.. refreshing. The house, the town.. has become a bit stifling lately." his smile wavered as he patted her hand. Even Devlin, as much as he tried to show he wasn't affected by the mood and rumors.. he wasn't entirely blind or deaf even though it was easier to play dumb.

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"Sister, I'd hate to waste a gorgeous afternoon. I've been looking forward to this so." He settled himself across from them in the carriage where he could look at Lust directly, while Stella copied her brother's actions and took Greed's hand into his own.

Greed tried small talk. He felt like poking wounds today. "How is Frederick's family doing? His wife?" Stella's eyes went a little wide, swallowing heavy. Of all things...

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Lust sighed tensely but smiled at Devlin when he helped her in the carriage. She leaned against him as she watched Greed. Maybe they could find some time alone at the Lake and she could sleep with him to take his mind off of whatever vicious demons were playing in his head.

Devlin immediately turned somber, "They're still in mourning. She told them yesterday that she's.. she's expecting." he looked at the floor of the carriage, clearly distressed. Lust put a hand on his thigh and then said icily to Greed, "Maybe we can enjoy the rest of the trip in silence."

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Greed was digging in slowly. He didn't want to wash his hands of this quickly--he wanted to enjoy it. There was a slight smirk when Devlin's mood flipped to sadness. He would have gloated in it had Lust not jumped in to the rescue. Once again, putting her toy before him. He stared at her for the longest time as if he'd just been struck by a whipping branch.

"We should pay her a visit within the next few days. I feel awful for catering to his interests." It was no secret either that Frederick enjoyed gambling, it was how Greed was able to convince him to gamble his estate and all his money. "I feel responsible in some way..." he got a little choked, not having expressed any of this concern before. Stella looked at him positively confused. He'd just been arguing with her as if he enjoyed hearing of Frederick's death. Now, he was shaken, she could feel it in his hands. She clung to the hand she held, running a soft hand against his cheek. "Eugene?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he sat upright, clearing his throat and turning to look out the window.

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Greed could give her the hurt boy look all he wanted but he was deliberately doing this to hurt her. She wanted to have fun with and enjoy Devlin but because Greed had petty jealousies, he couldn't let her have it.

Devlin seemed to grow more and more distressed with the more Greed spoke, "It wasn't your fault, of course not. No one forced Fredrick to gamble his life away like that.

Lust glared at Greed. She knew it was an act, of course it was an act! He'd never been capable of giving a rat's ass about another person in his entire life. When the carriage went over a bump in the road, jostling everyone, Lust's foot under the folds of numerous petticoats lashed out and kicked Greed hard in the leg. Fucking whoops.

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Of course he was ruining it for her. He wanted her. She wasn't giving it to him.

He was about to respond when he felt her shoe slam into his leg. He doubled over, seething through his teeth. That glare he returned was one that said 'watch your back'.

Stella practically fell into his lap. "Are you okay?" she asked, throwing herself all over him in concern. She could still see the tears in his eyes. She couldn't wait now for the carriage to come to a stop so they could stretch their legs. Already this was one of the worst rides she'd had in a long time.

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Lust gave him a smug smirk, "Do be careful, brother dear. Otherwise your clumsiness might land you in a serious accident one of these days." she didn't care at this point, her own look one of 'bring it on'. She actually did hope they got to fuck at the lake, she was really mad and wanted to take it out on him.

She rolled her eyes when Stella fawned all over him and snapped at the girl, "Oh stop it, Stella! Your lack of dignity is disgusting at times." her tone venomous but there was jealousy in her eyes. She might hate Greed but she still didn't like watching the blonde stick drool all over him.

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While Stella cooed over him he took it as more of an opportunity to hit Lust where it hurt. He knew she was mad, but she would be more mad later. Good. She deserved it for putting him in this situation in the first place. He had money, he had an estate, but it wasn't enough.

Stella jumped back at Lust's words, feeling uncomfortable at being snapped at. Greed always seemed to pay her mind when Lust jumped in. "Watch how you talk, sister. She's just concerned." Stella seemed to lose her propriety when she was around Greed. He didn't care.

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Devlin tried to take Lust's arm and say something calming but Lust was too mad. She narrowed her eyes at Greed, luckily their destination had arrived! Devlin got out first and then held his hand out. Whether Stella was going to go next or not, Lust purposely bumped into her as she got up, "Out of my way you little wretch." she hissed at her, while her ass was right in Greed's face.. before she stepped outside and Devlin's hand got to be on it thanks to a burst of influence on her part.

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He held it together with a tight lipped smile, imagining slapping her ass as it brushed by him.

Almost immediately Stella started to burst into tears. Christ she was going to make him strangle her right there in the carriage. He decided soothing words would get her out of the carriage faster, but as soon as they were out he wanted nothing to do with her. He let her keep her arm wrapped around his, wiping her tears off on the back of his coat.

Devlin looked like he was in a daze. Good. Because even Lust's influence wouldn't save him if he pushed Greed. The driver brought the picnic basket out from on top of the carriage with the quilt. While he laid it out Greed unhooked himself from Stella and asked politely to speak to his sister from a safe distance, though still within eyesight.

"Keep it up, Lust. I'm tired of playing nice." He was threatening her, but this time he meant it even if she thought waving it off was an option.

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Lust politely but coldly went with Greed to talk to him. Her green eyes narrowed into dangerous slits when he threatened her, "Do you think I'm some stupid mortal you're talking to, Greed? Don't forget who I am." she jabbed him hard in the chest with her finger, not caring if Stella or Devlin saw at this point. "You're making things much more difficult than they have to be."

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This was not the time for Lust to treat him like a child. When he'd first coke to her he had expected nothing to become a barrier between them. All her threats did was make him grow cold. He slapped her hand away. "Just remember you caused this. You put someone between us when I needed you." He was madly obsessed with having her when his heart was broken because Lust could fix things.

He stalked off away from her, passing Stella as she seated herself on the quilt. "Come on honey, I need a walk first." He held out his hand to her helping her up. The lake was a good walk away. Stella didn't argue, she could see he was angry. Almost like he'd had a lovers quarrel. She glanced at Lust and Devlin over her shoulder before Greed pulled her along with him.

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Lust wanted to strangle him, "You have me but you don't own me, Greed." her voice was practically a growl. Lust was her own entity, she wasn't created for Greed's needs. He was born of her, she was desire and he was wanting more of desire. It was why she mothered him but to her, it didn't mean that she didn't get own toys to play with and her own time to do it in. Greed was being a selfish brat.

Lust was equally seething and had a seat next to Devlin, when he tried to ask what was the matter or if they should join them. She shook her head, "Let them go." she didn't want to see either of their faces for awhile.

She watched them go with anger and jealousy snaking its way around her thoughts. Stella might be wary of Greed's anger but there was no concealing her happiness at him choosing her over his sister. Which is how it was supposed to be and maybe he was finally realizing that.

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He drug her behind him like a dog on a leash, the wind whopping against them the closer they reached the lake. The sky started to turn black, an angry cloud advancing closer with each second. The thunder rolled, clapping against the clouds.

They were out of eyesight. Greed couldn't even stand the look on Stella's face as she curled into him. Getting rid of her would force Lust to cater to him. It would break Devlin down. He wanted to break him even slower.

The thunder rolled again and Greed edged closer to the water just as the rain started to fall. "Eugene, let's go back," Stella insisted tugging his arm as he stepped into the edge of the water. The harder she pulled the harder he resisted before flinging her right in with him. She couldn't swim that well. He pretended to try and help but eventually he just let her body go limp.

It was minutes before he dragged her back out, her body just dead weight. She looked peaceful like this with her eyes closed and her mouth not moving. He pressed his ear to her chest feeling no heartbeat. When he looked back up, rain pouring down his face he reached out to brush his thumb against get cold lips. "So sorry. You were so young." But weeds had to be plucked.

He worked up the tears, gathering her in his arms and heading back toward the picnic spot. He looked a wreck on the outside, but inside he was gloating.

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When the rain had started, Devlin had escorted Lust back to the carriage so she wouldn't get wet. His face was twisted with worry as Greed and Stella still hadn't come back and he kept glancing at the path they had taken. Lust was still fuming but frowned when Devlin suddenly took off. What in the..

She stuck her head out of the carriage and raised a brow at Greed coming back with Stella's limp body. She wasn't surprised... but she hadn't expected him to do it so soon. It pleased her really.. because Stella was an uppity bitch and deserved it. But at the same time it meant that now Greed had nothing to occupy his time with.

Devlin was beside himself, "Stella? Stella?" he repeated her name as if that would bring breath back into her body as he took her from Greed and laid her on the ground, still craddled in his arms, moving her hair out of her face.

Lust casually walked up the pair and she was uncomfortable at Devlin's heartbreak but other than that really had no emotion to spare. She stood next to Greed and asked quietly, "Did she trip, fall, and drown?" batting her lashes at him.

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"It was raining so hard," he confessed, tears mixing with the rain. "Couldn't see the edge. She fell in. I couldn't get to her fast enough." He looked at Lust over Devlin's crumpled body. "I....I can't believe..." He chocked back a sob. Lust had a look that said this wasn't changing anything. He looked to Devlin then her, loosening his tie. He would have draped it around Devlin's neck, but no he wanted this to be slow. A slow burn. When Lust least expected it.

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Lust gave Greed a look like this was the worst act he'd ever done. She wasn't convinced in the least and she didn't know if Devlin was buying it. But one look at how broken he was over his sister's death.. how he held her and wept.. Lust was pretty sure he wasn't thinking of anything nefarious and she and Greed were white noise at this point.

She probably should pretend to give a crap. She leaned in close to Greed, "All you've done is force me to spend even more time with him." she said to him quietly. And with the death of his sister? Devlin would need Lust more than ever. He'd want her by his side to console him and comfort him. Her grieving husband would have to come before her grieving brother. Not that Lust was too thrilled, Devlin wasn't going to be much fun like this. Even though her eyes were still drawn to him, something in her features showing that she cared for her pet and it was hurting her to see him so sad. And she left Greed's side. To go to Devlin's. Her arms going around his shoulders from behind as she whispered something soothing in his ear.

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He had put on a better show before. His anger was seeping in, he needed to pick this up in his court. Lust was punishing him more now. Greed wrapped the tie around his hand ready to sink it into Devlin's throat. When she started to soothe him Greed broke them up, picking Stella up himself and making a humble show of getting her back home. He mumbled a lot, talking in riddles of all they'd planned to do.

Maybe he should have waited, but he knew he couldn't have dealt with her much longer. She was a puppy that needed more than he was willing to give. Her suspicions had also started to go up.

As he pulled her into the carriage with him, her head laying limply in his lap he almost felt bad. He could have molded her, but eventually the outcome would have been the same. Like Josie. That thought hurt, so the tears that fell were real this time.