‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ 𝙵𝚄𝙻𝙻-𝙼𝙴𝚃𝙰𝙻 𝙴𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚈𝚃𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙶 。

⠀ For one, you promised me you’d cough up a small fortune, and secondly … you and I both know you’d throw a fit if I left. Don’t make me sound so willing in this ordeal. ⠀

⠀ It’s just in one ear and out the other with you, isn’t it? I should just quit while I’m ahead. ⠀

⠀ That’s the first piece of good news I’ve gotten all week. Nova. ⠀

⠀ You’ll go broke tenfold if you paid for my usual services. Chrome this ‘preem costs an arm and leg, you know. ⠀

⠀ I’m a few million eddies too early to be caring about that. Don’t make dollars, doesn’t make sense. Easy as pie, ain’t it? ⠀

⠀ It’s taking everything in my power to keep myself from hurling. ⠀

⠀ Just what? Spill it. ⠀

⠀ Work on your poker face. It sucks. ⠀

⠀ I don’t, and I also don’t think I want to. The contents of your wetware terrifies me —— just a little bit. ⠀

⠀ Shouldn’t you be worrying about something else? Clock’s ticking fast, ‘specially on borrowed time. Only one more minute, choom. ⠀

⠀ ( ——— ______ ——— ) 💢 That’s just ‘preem, no … I really mean it. ⠀

⠀ You’re awfully possessive, know that? Sometimes, I think you mistake me for your input. 𝙱𝚉𝚉𝚃! We’re chooms… *😒 ⠀

⠀ ❪ His personal dictionary hadn’t yet defined the feeling swelling in his chrome-plated chest. Equal parts vexation, confusion, and the faintest hint of regret; a mixture straight from hell. ❫ Be chill, okay? Just an expression, for conversation’s sake. ⠀

⠀ ❪ A low, electrical grumble rolls from beneath the shell of his concealment——and against his better judgement, remains planted in place. What a bother. ❫ Yeah, sure, … I’m a charmer, or so I’ve heard. *🙄 ⠀

⠀ Knock yourself out, gonkhead. ⠀

⠀ Three. Take it or leave it. ⠀

⠀ ❪ Though he’d by no means be deluded enough to assume his warning wouldn’t fall upon deaf ears, the mercenary continues to tally off her building bill in increments of a hundred. ❫ ⠀ Such a chrome junkie…. You really should get a hold of yourself before you go broke. ⠀

⠀ ❪ Following a long, overtly drawn out sigh, the mercenary raises a single finger. ❫ ⠀ One and done. Keep your touchy-feelies to yourself, or it comes out your next cut. Got it? ⠀

⠀ Wipe your mouth clean first if you’re going to lie to me. 💢 ⠀

⠀ Not a toy; it is 𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚙𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝… very expensive. Cost many, many eddies. And you aren’t as delicate as you think. ⠀