Vierapril 2025 Day 21

[gaiages]

Vierapril Day 21 - Benefit
Compensation

It's better that you don't ask.

Rating: General Audiences

545 words
Relationship(s) / Characters: WoL & Tataru
Tags: compensation ; pay
CWs: none

Tataru is truly the most terrifying person. She doesn't care if you saved the world, you better pull your weight. Kris learned his lesson real quick.

Other links: Tumblr | AO3

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"Why don't I get paid?"

Tataru looks up from the shirt she is sewing to give Kris an incredulous look. "Why what?"

"Ah, look at the time! I need to… um… not be here." Alisaie quickly stands, grabs her brother's arm before he can say anything, and flees the room—making it obvious that Kris made a very bad mistake.

The Viera watches the two with a frown before returning his attention to Tataru. "I mean… I do happen to do… a lot. As… as the Warrior of Light. Saving the world…" Kris nervously runs a hand through his hair. "It'd be nice to have… financial compensation."

Tataru eyes him angrily. "Financial compensation? With what gil, Mr. Warrior of Light?"

"What do you mean what gil?" Kris gestures around Seventh Heaven. "Someone didn't just give this to us, did—"

"Yes, one of our benefactors paid for it."

"…Oh." Kris's eyes dart around before landing on the storeroom's door. "Surely not all of the—"

"Donated."

Kris lets out a small growl of annoyance. "What about the other Scions? I assume they get paid."

Tataru rolls her eyes. "Of course they do, for the jobs they take on."

"Are you saying I don't take on jobs?" Kris waves his hand vaguely around the room. "Is saving the world not a job?"

"You're so annoying. Where is Laurent, he can pick you up and lock you in your room or something—"

A voice comes from the storeroom, barely audible. "I'm not getting involved."

"Ugh!" Tataru throws her arms up before glaring at Kris again. "Do you actually pay for anything, Kris? Like your inn rooms? Weapons? Transportation?"

"…Well…"

"And for that matter, do you know how much you cost us?"

"Cost you?" Kris's brow furrows. "What would I cost you?"

Tataru pinches the bridge of her nose. "Every time you get in a big godsdamn fight, I have to fork out money for damages! Not to mention all the times I have to bribe people for information or to be quiet or—"

"Alright, I get it." Kris sullenly traces his finger along the table.

"No! I'm not done. When do you take on odd jobs anyway? You don't bring in any gil, so why should I pay you? You get enough benefits from people wanting to thank the Warrior of Light."

"No one recognizes me most of the time, though." Kris pouts at the table, not wanting to lift his gaze to the fuming Lalafell.

"Isn't that want you wanted!? You are such a pain." Tataru crosses her arms in thought momentarily before giving a clipped laugh. "Actually, you know what? I have a job for you, and you'll even get some gil out of the deal."

"That's alright, Tataru, I don't ne—"

Tataru's eyes narrow dangerously, and Kris pulls his chair back slightly, as if to flee himself.

"I didn't say you could refuse."

** **

"Hey, Laurent."

"What is it?" Laurent turned away from counting supplies to look over at Thancred, who was leaning against the door frame.

"Why is Kris delivering clothing to every corner of Etheirys?"

"He asked Tataru about getting paid."

Thancred chuckles. "That'll do it. And you didn't stop him?"

"Why would I want to get on Tataru's bad side? I value my life."

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