The slow turn of your head towards Grim is enough to let him know that he's doomed. The monster gulps, unsure which party he's more afraid of: the two six foot tall twins who eerily smile at him with their sharp teeth or the h/c haired girl sitting beside him.

"I don't know what you're talkin' about!" He tries to deny it.

You deadpan. I know you're lying.

Floyd smiles and crosses his arms. "A talking cat? Now THAT'S something you don't see every day! Can I squeeze you 'til you pop?"

"Uh, no?! Stay away from me, weirdo!"

"I'm afraid I don't know anything about stolen food," you tell the twins. "But we really must be going. Have a good night!"

"Awww, look at you, scurrying backwards like a shrimp afraid of being someone's lunch!" Floyd grins at you, giving you a full view of his teeth. He smirks. "And on that note... You're so teeny, I'ma call you 'Little Shrimpy' from now on!"

"...what."

"I'm afraid your cat stole a freshly caught fish from our kitchens that we had purchased this morning." Jade interrupts, steering the conversation back onto its original course. He offers a smile that you suppose is meant to be sympathetic, but only feels teasing.

You swallow and ask the pressing question: "How much did it cost?"

"The meat was that of a turbot fish, which is highly sought after in fine dining." Jade, his smile vanishing. His voice becomes serious. "Wild caught turbot fish can cost up to 70 gold pieces per pound."

"Oh bother." You pale, vowing to wring that stupid little furball's neck for this.

"Luckily, we only paid 52 gold pieces per pound for the fish that was taken." Jade breaks out into another smile as your stomach drops. You know this tactic- let you know the highest price to make you feel like you're getting a bargain. Unfortunately, you are still too poor for 52 pieces to feel lucky.

"This fish, however, was slightly larger than average. It was 21 pounds."

Grim will rue the day he met you.

"Soooo, 21 times 42 is-"

"52!" Floyd jumps in helpfully. You force a smile, wishing he hadn't noticed your intentional switch.

"Right..."

"The cost adds up to 1,092 gold pieces." Jade laces his fingers together and smiles at you calmly.

"For a fish?!"

"For a gourmet fish, yes. I trust you have the means to pay for it?"

"...I have twenty eight silver pieces and three gold ones. I don't suppose I could give you what I have and we call this an IOU?"

"I'm afraid not." Jade shakes his head. "Do you truly have nothing else?"

"Yeah, Shrimpy." Floyd agrees, face dropping as he curls his fist and swings his arm like he is catching invisible prey in the air. "We don't like deal breakers."

"Well, I never made a deal with you, and that's all the money in my pockets. I don't have any extra money to spend on fish." You send Grim a withering glare, making him scoot closer to the twins just to get away from you.

"That's truly unfortunate." Jade smiles at you, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "But I'm afraid we cannot simply let you go now you have racked up a debt. But we are not monsters."

You glance at his teeth, unconvinced. "Uh huh."

"Aww, look at her." Floyd coos, making you scrunch your face. "She's closing up like an oyster."

"You need not be afraid." Jade assures you. "We only wish to settle the money taken- if you truly have a good reason you can't pay it, we can sort out another method of reimbursement. Azul is most benevolent that way."

"Azul?" You ask. You don't like how there's three of them now.

"He's the owner of the Mostro Lounge, the restaurant we work at." Jade explains kindly. "I believe you would be well-served discussing the matter with him in person."

"Yeah! Azul's a real problem solver." Floyd grins, moving a hand to his hip.

Jade nods. "Absolutely. Just remember: you can't get something for nothing."

The story of my life. You stand up with a sigh. "Fine, let's go. C'mon, Sparky."

You grab your backpack and follow the two into the building you saw earlier. The minute you step inside your eyes dart around for an exit. You're ready to jump out of a window if you have to.

"Have a seat. Azul will arrive in a minute." Jade gestures to a booth. You nod and take a seat, setting your backpack on the space next to you as you scoot in.

"Thank you."

"Can I get you anything to drink?"

"I-"

"I'll take a big cup of milk!" Grim grins from the other side of the table. You shoot him a look.

"...fine. I'll take..." you think for a minute. What's the tea Crowley makes me? "...English Breakfast tea?"

"Milk?"

"Uhhh..." You pause. "Yes please?"

"One lump or two?"

Lump? "...none, thank you."

"Coming right up." Jade disappears into the kitchen whilst Floyd slumps his body into one of the stools at the bar as if he is bored. You watch him for a moment before turning your gaze to Grim. The moment the little monster sees your stare, he squeaks.

"Look, I didn't-"

"Hours, Sparky. You just had to behave yourself for a few hours. Not even a day! Hours."

"I was hungry!" He pouts. "And besides, you weren't up for sharin' that tart! I had a hankerin' for some fish, and it was just lying out in the open! How was I supposed to know the place was run by debt collecting maniacs?"

You put your head in your arms on the table and let out a long throaty sigh. This heist is cursed. You saved the Princess, but the story is barely on track. It will also be so much harder to steal the necklace if you end up being hunted down by authorities the whole time for something that you (for once) are not responsible for stealing.

"Wha'cha thinking about, Shrimpy?"

You jump when you hear Floyd's low, teasing voice right next to your ear. He pulls back with a giggle. "Did I scare ya?"

"Yes." You huff. "Yes, you did."

"Hey, do something cool. Entertain me."

"...huh?"

"I'm bored." He whines. "Hey, Shrimpy. Doodle somethin' with me."

You blink, processing his request. "You want me to draw with you!"

"Yep!" He grins, grabbing some wadded up paper from his pocket (are those receipts?) and a fancy pen with a crystal on the end. "Be right back, I'll grab you something." He jumps up and grabs another writing utensil from the counter (a pencil that is far less ornate than the pen) and comes skipping back, sliding into the booth beside you. You glance at the kitchen.

Where is his brother?

"Here ya go, Shrimpy."

"Ooh, ooh!" Grim hops up onto the table. "Draw me!"

"Heh, alright." Floyd agrees with a smirk. "Just don't be boring."

You look down with a sigh and concentrate. You're not an artist, but you've spent so much time with Grim you figure you must have some sort of advantage. You're careful not to miss any details, and check over every part of him to make sure you've included it in your picture.

You're so invested in your picture you almost don't notice when the drinks are set on the table in front of you. "I thought it was unusually quiet out here."

"We're both drawing Sparky." You tell him.

"Oh, are you?" Jade asks, amused. "Let me see then."

You can tell Jade is trying not to laugh.

"Aha ha ha! Looks just like him!" Floyd snickers at the drawing, and you sink into your seat.

Jade snickers. "Floyd, don't laugh at the poor thing. That's just mean."

"He looks like he's in his forties." You deadpan.

"Ahahaha!" Floyd doubles over laughing.

"Hey! You didn't even draw me!" Grim whines at Floyd.

"Sure I did, Sealie!"

Grim goes quiet, staring at him with a baffled expression on his face. You lean over and look at Floyd's drawing.

"I see it."

"As do I." Jade smiles.

"I'm not a seal!"

"Oh great." You deadpan at the realisation. "Sparky, we're ocean twins."

Jade and Floyd exchange a grin. "That you are."

"What's that?" You ask Floyd, pointing at the strange shape on the lower part of the seal.

"That's the fishie he stole in Sealie's stomach!"

Your mouth forms a straight line. "Oh great."

"My apologies for the wait." A smooth, rich voice cuts through the room. You look up and see a handsome man with silvery hair and pale bluish purple eyes. "The VIP room is ready now. Right this way, if you would."

Nervously, you pick up your drink and follow the man into the back. The room is lined with books and a large safe is embedded in the wall across from you. Just looking at it makes your stomach drop, and you feel queasy. You move your eyes downward and lock them on your cup. You take a sip to try and calm your nerves, hoping that the liquid will warm your insides. It doesn't work. It's too bitter- you like it how Crowley does it.

"Have a seat." The man encourages. "You're blocking the doorway."

"Oh, sorry." You move to sit on one of the couches and set your tea on the table in front of you. Grim hops up beside you, and you both bounce on the cushions a few times to truly appreciate the softess below you. Azul takes the opposite couch, and you don't miss the way Jade closes the door before the twins go and join him. If you sit at a certain angle, you can't see the safe past their head.

"My name is Azul Ashengrotto, and I am the owner of this establishment." He informs you. "And you are?"

"My name is Y/n L/n." You introduce yourself. "This is Grim."

Grim, for once, does not correct you; instead he shrinks back, lacking his usual prideful demeanour.

"I see. And he is the thief, I presume?"

"Yep!" You nod, giving Grim the side eye. "This one was all him."

"I see." Azul nods. "We need to discuss the subject of payment. At the moment, you owe us 1,092 gold pieces for the fish, and another 18 for the drinks."

"What?!" You yelp, sitting upright. "I didn't know those would be charged! You should have told me!"

"But I did tell you." Jade points out. "When we were outside, I warned you that you can't get something for nothing. Remember?"

You gape at him furiously, but you're unable to argue. You hate this tale more and more by the minute.

Azul sighs at you. "I'm afraid I can only help you as much as you are willing to help yourself."

"Fine." You bite out. "I'm sorry. I can't pay you the money as I genuinely don't have it, but surely we can find another way to settle this."

"Hmm..." Azul hums, thinking it over. You sit silently in the room for a minute as he seems to go through all his options. Your heart sinks. Is there really no other way? Are you really going to be arrested because of a FISH out of all the crimes you've been involved in?

"...alright." Azul says slowly. "I think I may have an idea."

"Really?" You sit on the edge of your seat and look at him hopefully. Whatever it is you'll take it, so long as it keeps your heist going. Maybe Azul was like Jack in his own way- trying to figure out a way to help people in need, even if Azul's henchmen suck.

"Yes." Azul smiles, though regretfully. "Though I don't know if it's appropriate to suggest."

"What is it?"

Azul looks over at Jade, who nods encouragingly. "Well... alright then. My suggestion is that you work here until you can repay us."

"Is that it?" You ask, eyes widening.

"Well, you would have to stay overnight." Azul explains. "I need someone here around the clock- you see, the cooler we use to keep our ingredients fresh has been faulty, so if the ice starts to melt I need someone to keep a record of ingredients that are unsalvageable, try and preserve the cold until morning... you get the idea."

"I'll do it!" You sit forwards with a smile, your leg starting to bounce up and down. This is perfect! "I haven't got anywhere else to go anyway."

"Oh, you poor unfortunate soul." Azul brow furrows sympathetically. "Had I known that I would have suggested this sooner. It's much warmer in here than outside."

"It's fine, really." You smile to assure him. "I'm used to it."

"Poor little Shrimpy, all lost and alone in the world." Floyd coos. "I just wanna give you a big squeeze."

"Uhh..." your face flushes as you fumble for a response. Now that you think about it, you can't remember the last time you had been hugged... you kind of want one, especially right now with that safe on the wall. Plus, Floyd is really pretty...

"Come now Floyd, stop teasing her." Jade chides him. "We will endeavor to help you however we can."

"...thank you." You nod, heart still beating. You hastily have another sip of your drink. You still don't like it.

"Of course." Azul smiles. "I'm always willing to discuss any problems you may have. Helping people is what I live for."

You soften your gaze at him. What a kind man! "Shall we discuss payment?"

"I'd be happy to. Now, let's see here... you owe 1,110 gold pieces. We would need you until opening at 11:30, and after closing at 10:00... that's about thirteen hours, though we want you to of course sleep through most of it." He smiles at you gracefully. "We would, of course, expect you to assist in the preparation and cleaning before and after opening, which is about two hours each."

"That makes sense." You agree.

"There's two of you, so you each need to cover 555 gold pieces." Azul continues, doing the math on the paper in front of him. "We normally pay 17 gold pieces an hour to our employees on the clock at this time, so we will pay you the same."

You watch him as he works through the math, impressed he's able to do most of it in his head. You doubt most people could. "That sounds fair."

"We will have to pay you less for your time spent overnight, as we would already be providing accommodation."

"That's fine." You tell him. You realise with amusement that this will technically be your first real job.

"Thirteen gold pieces an hour should make sense." Azul nods to himself. "Thankfully, we should be getting the cooler fixed in... how long will it be?"

"Three days." Jade answers helpfully.

"Of course." Azul nods. "So after that I'm afraid I won't be requiring your services any longer. Thankfully though... let's see... 17 times four, add the overnight pay, that's nine hours... times two, multiply by three... oh, would you look at that!" Azul looks up with a triumphant smile. "That's the exact amount you need to pay us!"

"Really?" You ask excitedly, eyes shining. You could use a lucky break!

The three chuckle at your enthusiasm, cleary entertained by your enthusiasm. Azul gives you a dazzling smile. "Really."

"That's perfect!" You cheer, sighing in relief. You're so happy you could sing.

"Woo-hoo!" Grim crows.

"Quiet you." The smile is wiped off your face in an instant as you shoot him an icy glare.

Grim squeaks. "You're scary when you do that."

"Anyways," you turn back to the men in front of you. "This sounds great. Thank you so much!"

"Whadid I say, huh?" Floyd grins. "We just loveeeeee helpin' people out."

"One more thing." Azul says. "Go ahead and sign the scroll, right here on the dotted line." He holds out a quill with a large plume on the end and rotates a contract in your direction. You take it slowly, and look down at the paper.

"Uh... why?"

"It's just a worker's contract." Jade assures you. "We have all our employees sign them when they first start working."

"Yeah, just procedure." Floyd hums. "Nothing to worry about."

"Oh." You look down at the paper, suddenly feeling very small.

"Just put your name." Azul urges after a moment. You stay still, staring at the paper with a pit in your stomach.

"C'mon, Shrimpy!" Floyd whines. "Let's get this show on the road!"

"Are you not satisfied with one of the terms of the contract?" Jade asks worriedly.

"No, it's not that..." you mutter, finding yourself very interested in fiddling with the pen's large plume.

Azul frowns. "Then what?"

"...I don't know how to write my name."

The room goes quiet as shame fills you, making your face go warm and eating at your insides. You refuse to look at anybody in the eyes- you can't bear the judgment you feel certain would be in them. Your heartbeat pounds in your ears. You feel small- so small. It isn't your fault, but it still stings. It's embarrassing to struggle with something everybody else can do so easily. You're so stupid... you should have known things had been going way too well. When things are too perfect, they usually are- there was going to be a catch.

It's so quiet.

You can't look up. Tears of shame and humiliation fill your eyes and threaten to fall. You're sure that they're judging you- why wouldn't they? They're all smart and talented and successful, and you apparently can't get away with stealing a fish.

Why won't anybody say something?!

"That's no problem at all." Jade breaks the silence, which probably wasn't as long as it felt. You look up and see him giving you a gentle smile. "Will Grim be able to sign the contract?"

"Yeah." Grim nods, then shoots you a smirk. "I'll sign it for the both of us, and then you'll get a private lesson with the Great Grim teaching you how to spell your name later. Kay?"

You feel a surge of affection for the stupid cat and blink away your tears. "Thank you, Grim."

Grim takes the plume from your hands and quickly signs the scroll. Azul takes the paper and rolls it back up. "It's a deal."

"Thank you again." You nod, your face still hot.

"Of course." Azul assures you, and you feel your heart beat faster. "I will do everything I can to make your life more enjoyable."

***

The next day when the restaurant opens, you and Grim both slip out quietly and head toward the beach.

"Right," you begin. "We need to track down Prince Tomato Head and Princess Swimderella. However, there's no way I'm letting you out of my sight ever again, so we're going to have to do this slowly."

"Aww..." Grim whines. "But this'll take so long!"

"Oh, well, you're right." You laugh dryly. "But unfortunately someone got us over a thousand gold pieces in debt last, so there's absolutely no way that somebody is being left alone ever again."

"Myah!" Grim's ears flatten and he falls into step behind you. "Whoops?"

"Aha." You say dryly. "Whoops."

"Where are we going, anyway?" Grim asks. You can tell this is his attempt to change the subject, but you go along with it.

"Ariel- or whatever their name is, should have gone and made a deal with the sea witch by now. Hopefully that means that he will be washing up on the beach soon. Assuming the entire plot isn't messed up by Princess almost dying, this will probably be the easiest way to catch him."

"Yeah." Grim agrees. "That was real inconvenient. Wonder why the dog never showed."

"No idea." You lament, heading onto the beach. The sand makes you run much slower than you would normally, much to your annoyance. "But whatever the case, we'd better hurry. We aren't out as early as I would have hoped."

"Woof!