The City (Merome AU)

23

~*Jerome*~

My mind races as I wipe down the counter, I barely notice the bell chime quietly. I'm too busy thinking about what Mitch told me earlier. He really does care.

"Excuse me," a man's voice interrupts my thoughts. "May you help me with something?"

"Oh, sure. What do you need help with?" I look up from the counter to see a curly haired brunette looking at some of the display items by the door, not noticing me. He seems familiar...

"I need some supplies. A few friends and I are heading out for an exhibition to the wasteland." He set down a packet of food before looking at me. "Say, are you a new employee? I've never seen-"

I interrupt him. "No, I'm not a new employee. I've been working here for almost ten years. You've probably been coming in while I'm on break." I say calmly, trying to figure out where I know him from.

"I see." His face had a slight grin. Why is he smiling? I don't think I said anything funny. "Anyways, could you help me carry everything? It's going to be a lot, and I came alone."

"Great friends you got." I joke. "But yeah, I'll help. You'll have to pay extra though."

"Speaking of money, is it possible that I can postpone the pay until after we get back? We are kinda low on funds."

"It depends on how long it's going to take. Our maximum wait time for a payment is six months. After that, you will be charged for robbery." He nods before rubbing his chin.

"Six months should be enough, but we don't know exactly how long we're going to be out there."

"I cannot let you take our supplies without a proper payment, or one planned within the allotted time."

"The old man is much easier to deal with." The man groans.

"Unlike my grandfather, I'm much harder to negotiate with; as stated by everyone who has visited this shop."

"As I can tell." The man sighs. "Fine. But can I at least show you what we're going to need?"

"What makes you think I'm going to give you the supplies?" I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow at him. He's so sure that he's going to get them, even known he lacks the funds to pay.

"Just trust me. It won't be much. We are good with rations." He holds the door open. "I have the list outside."

"Why didn't you bring it in with you?" This guy is strange... I feel like I shouldn't trust him.

"It didn't cross my mind."

"Right, right. So let me get this straight. You came into a trading shop without a list of your required supplies, and lacking the funds required to pay for the items; expecting me to let you take my family's products? You're either crazy for considering that I would vaguely consider it, or you're trying to kill me.
"Either way, I'm not leaving. So please, escort yourself out before I ask officer Leonheart to do it for you."

"You're a city brat with spunk. I'll say that much," the man snaps. "I'd like to see all that spunk when the sun isn't up."

"Don't make me repeat myself." The man glares at me for a few more moments before taking his leave. I better warn grandpa about him. Ever since I met Mitch, more and more wastelanders have been popping up. Maybe he's drawing them here...

~*Woofless*~

I should kill this kid now. Get it over with. I'm getting bored of the waiting game. Sighing quietly, I glare at Nooch as he rambles on about how important the piece of old metal in his hand is. No Robert, it's risky. His goons will try to get revenge afterward, I'll have to kill all of them, and it'll just be a big mess. But the again, I'm known for being risky...