What I Would Do For Mora | Dottolone

What I Would Do For Mora

Dottore scowled as he read the documents he had received this morning. Two big projects, and only twenty-thousand mora to cover them both? He rubbed his temple and sighed. It seemed as if Pantalone became more and more stingy as the years went by. But, he has plenty of mora to offer! Does he expect any work to get done on this measly amount? Science is expensive, you know!

Dottore grumbled. He wouldn't allow Pantalone to get away with being so smug. Perhaps he ought to go have a word with him...

He rose from his chair somewhat hastily, documents and other papers flying across the table as he did.

"Theta! You are in charge of tidying up my office. And tell Omega to take care of my work downstairs." He hollered. The segment nodded somewhat reluctantly, getting to work immediately.

He swung the door of his office open, slightly fixing his clothes that were crooked from slouching over his desk all day. It was time for him to come up with a plan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dottore knocked harshly on Pantalone's office door. "Come in," Pantalone called. The door creaked as he opened it.

"Ah, dear Doctor. What brings you here?" The banker inquired, his sly voice both infuriating yet annoyingly attractive at the same time. He scowled.

"I'm sure you know what, banker." He hissed. Pantalone chuckled.

"Oh, is this about the funding?" He purred. "I'll have you know that I have been awfully busy lately... funding our coworkers' missions, paying for travel resources... et cetera."

Dottore propped his hands on his desk, leaning over so his words could flow right into Pantalone's ear.

"Really? Aren't you the almighty Regrator, one of the richest citizens of Teyvat? Surely you have some to spare, hm?" He sneered.

Pantalone smiled.

"No, Doctor. I'm not giving you any more funding."

Dottore clenched his fists.

"Pantalone." He warned.

"No means no, Doctor. You can wait a few more months."

Dottore gripped his chin harshly, the sudden movement making Pantalone jump. Pantalone blinked at him, softly grabbing Dottore's wrist, feeling the muscles relax under his touch. He brought his hand over to his cheek, tenderly resting his head on his palm.

"Aw, how sweet, Doctor~" He cooed.

Dottore froze, and his cheeks flushed with a vibrant pink. Pantalone's violet gaze and shit-eating grin burned into him. Dottore yanked his hand away.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

Pantalone chuckled.

"Oh, Dottore. You're so cute sometimes. Although, not cute enough to convince me to give you more funding."

"Don't get cocky. I will resort to stealing from your personal safes if necessary."

"Well, I'm afraid it's too late for that, darling," Pantalone chucked. "I changed all of the passwords this morning. I predicted something like this might happen."

"Predicted!?" Dottore hissed, fuming now. "You prepared for this!? You asshole..."

Pantalone burst into a fit of wild laughter, tears streaming down his pink-tinted face.

"Do you find some sort of sick joy in toying with me?" He spat.

"Oh, darling, I just can't help myself. You're just so vulnerable." Pantalone purred.