Chapter Text
Vertin shuffled through newspapers and job listings at her desk. Sonetto worked beside her, filling out paperwork for the Foundation. The pitter patter of rain outside the office and the rustling of papers reverberated in the quiet room. Gray eyes as tumultuous as the storm clouds outside honed in on the lone Picrasma lollipop in her candy jar. She was certain she filled the jar earlier this week.
Her attention shifted back to the circled contents of her newspaper. How are there still so many Critters when she's taken every extermination job she comes across? Well, at least there's always work so she shouldn’t complain.
She went through her mental list of new expenses. Fertilizer and building supplies for Druvis's garden in the Wilderness. Exotic ingredients for Sotheby's potions. Regulus needs tools to tinker with her inventions. Jessica needs new grooming necessities for her fur and crafting materials. Horrorpedia wanted parts to upgrade his camera.
In total she'd need…
A lot more than the gigs in the paper are offering. Although, there is a particular request to chase away a few nocturnal Critters for a handsome paycheck.
Money wasn't a problem when she was alone in spite of the Foundation's stinginess. Meeting people in different eras through odd jobs and learning new things used to be a fun part of her job.
But she can't take care of her crew at this rate. Their measly paychecks aren't enough to give them what they deserve, which is exactly what the Foundation wants. Money is power in every era, after all. If they control the money that provides for them, they control her crew.
And she won't let Constantine have her way with her crew.
Vertin peeked up at her diligent assistant through her silver bangs. This is the longest they've been together since she started taking on more jobs. Sonetto's fiery red hair and bright green eyes warmed the cold office like a hearth in spite of the silence hovering between them. If only she could bottle up that warmth and keep it in her pocket.
Sonetto was fixated on one of the discarded ads on the desk. There's a familiar glimmer in her eye. Vertin followed her line of sight.
Avanti's Award Winning Tiramisu!
Vertin smiled and reached over to pick up the ad.
Sonetto's head snapped to Vertin and met her amused gaze. “Sorry, Timekeeper,” she apologized. “I promise I won't get distracted again.”
“Would you like to try this?”
Sonetto perked up for a moment before her smile fell. She looked down at her lap. “You're always treating me to things. It seems unfair…”
Vertin patted her head, but Sonetto refused to meet her eyes and kept her gaze lowered. This won't do. Delicate fingertips descended from red locks until they reached her cheek. Sonetto leaned into the touch, but the guilt lingered in her eyes. It occured to Vertin she hasn't received a “greeting” in a while due to her constant bustling about. “I promised I'd take care of everyone in the Suitcase. You can ask me for things.”
Sonetto placed her hand over Vertin's. “I want to treat you to something too.” Her expression was far too earnest to dismiss the proposal.
Vertin mulled over her request while considering Sonetto's finances. She needed to suggest something inexpensive, but choosing something too cheap will make Sonetto accuse her of not taking her offer seriously. She pulled her hand away and tapped her finger against her nearly empty candy jar. “I never have enough Picrasma candy,” Vertin said. It's a safe choice and a practical one.
Sonetto stared at the lonely lollipop. “Timekeeper, are those your favorite?”
Vertin's eyes widened. Picrasma candy is bitter and boozy with the barest amount of cane sugar to make it bearable. Although, she is on her second jar this week so it's a rational assumption. “I suppose I do eat them often.”
Sonetto giggled. "Often? You refilled that jar four days ago!"
Four days.
That means she hasn't slept in four days yet the amount she's working is bringing in diminishing returns. Her stomach churned. How is she going to make this work? She glanced at the odd Critter extermination request in the paper. She'd have another late night but the reward will be worth it.
“By the way, what flavor are they?” Sonetto asked innocently, her eyes lingering on the purple pop.
Vertin pulled herself together, like always. “The best way to find out is to try one.”
Sonetto waved her hands in front of her. “I couldn’t! That's your last one and you love them!”
“It's alright because you'll be treating me to more,” Vertin said, fishing the candy out of the jar.
She unwrapped the candy. Up until now she's only introduced Sonetto to foods she thought she'd like. The redhead would take a huge bite of anything Vertin brought her without question. However, that's not the case this time. Vertin held out the Picrasma lollipop in front of Sonetto's lips. If she handed it to her in her hand, Sonetto would've popped it in her mouth before she could stop her. “Try a small taste first.”
Sonetto obliged. Her excitement didn't last long. Regret contorted her face. She screwed her eyes shut and flinched away. “How can you eat that?” She glared at the candy that personally offended her sweet tooth.
Vertin chuckled. “I got used to it and it's sweeter in the center. It gets easier if you endure it. It’ll give you a nice boost too.” Sonetto didn't look convinced. “Don't worry, you don't have to finish it.”
“But it'd be a shame to throw it away–”
“Why would I throw it away?” She popped it into her mouth.
Sonetto gasped. “Vertin!”
Vertin smiled. It's been too long since Sonetto's called her name. “The rain's easing up. Let's take a break. We can head to Avanti's and pick up that tiramisu you wanted. It'll get that bitter taste out of your mouth.”
“Why do you need so much Picrasma candy?” Sonetto asked. “Is this why you're always up late?” She started fidgeting with her wand on the desk. “Timekeeper, are you alright?”
Vertin's heart sank. “I'm figuring a few things out. I just need more time.” And money. And energy. “Things will go back to normal once everything's settled.”
“Can I help?” Sonetto offered. “I'm here. You can ask me for things too.” She hesitated before leaning forward to hug her, catching Vertin off guard. She clutched the back of the Timekeeper's button down shirt. “I miss you…the whole team does.”
Vertin returned the hug. Sonetto's warm. Too warm. Everything she tried to push to the back of her mind threatened to boil over in her embrace. Her team is already risking their lives taking on difficult missions no one else at the Foundation will take. Asking her crew to start cleaning gutters and exterminating Critters to pay the bills on top of everything is too much. The Suitcase is supposed to be a sanctuary for them–
“Timekeeper?”
“Thank you, Sonetto.” A lump formed in her throat. She'll choke on her candy if this keeps up. The expenses, the workload, the homesickness she thought she was immune to nearly spilled past her lips. “I…”
I failed you.
“I'm fine.” She released Sonetto slowly. “Let’s get your tiramisu, shall we? I'll ask the others if they want anything before we go.”
Sonetto let go reluctantly. “Alright, but I'm treating you to this too!” Her tone left no room for argument. For a moment Vertin caught a glimpse of the stern Sonetto from her school days.
“Okay.” Vertin retrieved her hat and jacket. Sonetto reverted back into the loyal puppy that'd follow her anywhere. She slipped her arm into Vertin's, eagerness radiating from her entire being. Vertin tilted her hat to hide her smile in its shadow. She didn't think Sonetto would let her off the hook so easily. Either she's trying to respect her silence on the matter or she really wants that tiramisu. Knowing Sonetto, it’s both.
“Timekeeper, can we please take the route through the park? I read that the trees turn pink around this time of year!”
No matter how bitter the situation, the sprinkling of sweetness in these moments is worth it.