Chapter Text
Floor 7. He just finished floor 7. He's panting, out of breath. He's still surprised he made it pass floor 5.
"Cmon Shrimpo! I'm sure you got a few tapes to spare!" The flower spoke, begging for the shrimp to hand over his tapes.
A pop, Protein bar, and a speed candy.
Shrimpo scoffs, and turns to angrily shout to the toon behind the counter. "Shut up! I'm not buying when all you sell is crap!"
Dandy's smile falters. "Crap? You wound me Shrimpo." He feigns mock offence. "Cmon! I 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 your stamina isn't the best, why not buy a refreshing pop?" He asks, desperation in both his features and voice as he holds up the can in front of Shrimpo's face.
Shrimpo scowls, and slaps the flower's hand away, knocking the soda to the floor of the elevator shaft.
His lips move, showing off his teeth angrily as he points at Dandy accusingly. "Oh fuck off! I hate you and your excuses!" He stomps up to the shop. "You think I'm weak?? Is that why you're offering me useless items? Hah?"
Dandy backs up, waving his hands rapidly in front of him in defence, sweat forming on his face. "No of course not! Why would I think that?" His shaky smile doesn't meet his eyes.
"You stupid weed! I hate liars! Don't lie to me!" He pauses. "You know what?" he rolls his eyes before his signature scowl fits on his face again.
"Maybe no one wants to buy this crap!" He jabs his finger into the flower's chest, right below his green petal.
"Maybe you just suck at your job! Maybe, just maybe- maybe you're. Not. Good. Enough." his finger jabs harder with every word spoken.
He pulls away, a smirk settling on his face as he takes in Dandy's pale face and appearance.
Dandy is silent, staring at the shrimp with wide eyes, mouth opening and closing as words struggle to come out.
"You hear me? What? Cat got your tongue?" Shrimpo asks, feeling victorious at upsetting the mascot.
Dandy doesn't speak, finally closing his mouth, his lips tightening into a thin line. He turns, pulling the lever next to him, lowering himself into the panel and below the elevator shaft in silence.
As the panels slam shut, Shrimpo swears he sees a flash of red in the flower's eyes.