"So you asked me for gil before -- I can look past that," the elezen hums, waving his hand nonchalantly, "We're all struggling out here.. but I asked you for a favor months ago. Where's your end of the bargain? You know how my bargains and services work. Everyone in Ul'dah knows what kind of pharma I run here."
A dark-haired viqo'te sits with his head down, ears lowered in order to look smaller than the elezen speaking to him.
He also doesn't utter a word to retort.
"Actually, don't answer that," Jerome continues, crossing his arms once more, "I'm not in the mood for excuses from rats that constantly mooch and don't give back to our little community here. You shook on it like a man and you signed the parchment for my services. You're not a kid anymore -- I don't take cater to moochers."
The boot on V'nitas's shoulder presses against it more and pushes off harshly to tilt the young man's chin up more so Jerome could see it better.
"Where's that bite now, V'nitas? You understand how everything works in these streets. I need repayment and I believed you had the balls to see my little favor through; do I need to send someone else to finish it and teach you a lesson here and now? Miqo'te fur is soft and your tail would sell for a pretty penny in the underground -- jet black is always in season, son. I have no issue paying myself back with something of yours."
Nitas breathes slow through his nose regardless of his heart beat speeding up.
"..Yes, Jerome--" Nitas starts, but is cut off by the elezen shaking his head and clicking his tongue.
"No no, that won't do. You lost first name privileges, little rat -- Mr. Daro would be better now."
Nitas glances at the foot that has removed itself from his chin and settles back on his left shoulder.
"Yes...Mr. Daro. I'll finish the task."
Jerome nods and removes his foot, stomping on the floor and wiping it on the boards as if there was something sticky there.
"Hm... scum doesn't come off easy, does it, Nitas?" He sighs, stretching his arms before he gets up.
"Atta'boy now! Once you finish the favor, come back to me. I need to let the family RELYING on this favor that they will have food on the table tonight."
Nitas nods and stands, not bothering to dust himself off as he turns.
"Oh! And V'nitas?"
The viqo'te's ears flick back and he turns to face Jerome once more.
The elezen leans forward, looking down on him.
"I always keep my promises no matter what. I am a very gracious man and grace those who need it the most, but..you fail again, I'm taking your pride away. Just wanted to remind you."
Nitas nods. "Yes, Mr. Daro."
V'nitas has not been keeping up on his end of any of his bargains 😬
Jerome is here to remind him how the streets of Ul'dah work...the underground especially.
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Remember! Read ALT text for story!
I haven't shown Jerome and Nitas in a hot MIN!
#storyposts | #jeromedaro | #vnitastinolqa
