gocirclegogo | Because Erika

[It means very lady-like hanging off his arm, too, and possibly to an outsider, it might look like an odd little sister leaning against her brother. But a cat owner can probably recognise the self-satisfied affection easier.]

A shame. I have no choice but to accept a pin in the future and be further in debt.

[It really could pass for a set of siblings. Ignoring the vast height difference and the mismatched hair colors. But with that kind of an answer, it's hard to tell if she's actually showing affection for her gift, or if she's sucking up to get more stuff. Probably the latter. His fault for spoiling the cat.]

I don't have that much extra to spend on cat toys. Especially gold ones. [A uniform is one thing, custom-made jewelry is an entire other bag of lost paychecks, payment plans and debt. Alas.]

[The latter indeed. What cat gives up so easily when a person keeps pampering them? Certainly not this one. Erika isn't the least bit deterred by this whole idea of money or not having enough or whatever silly reason it is.]

I did say the future. I know you wouldn't break a promise, Willard, especially one you reminded me of from time to time.

[The weirdest but most brilliant logic ever: say she'll get one eventually, mean it, and use it against her. Sure, enough whining could get it but being fair here.]

[That really is the weirdest brilliant logic. Not because it works, but because Erika's suggesting blackmailing herself. Which means she must want that pin more than her own dignity. The fact he can't do that for her even with an offer like that is almost sad.]

...I don't break promises. It's why I'm not making one.

[To be fair it was also a gambit that Erika had hoped would work. And it failed, even in the different ways she thought it might go. So her reaction is to groan a little pathetically.]

Why is it you can't be a jerk when it would be convenient?

[Maybe he feels guilty. Maybe. But it's a very small bit of guilt, so all she gets is a shrug to her despairing.]

Sorry I'm not predictable.

[Oh Will. Erika cocks an eyebrow at him and makes a disapproving sound.]

You should never apologise for being interesting. It means I have to think of a new angle of attack.

[She can be as disapproving as she wants, he's going to be the boring one and be steadfast in not moving from his decision.]

I won't tell you to give up... but I will advise you to find something else to bother me about. [The best way he can bluntly say 'no'. If she wants to keep pestering after that, then go ahead. He made his peace.]

[If anything, it just lifts her mood again and she shoots him a grin.]

I don't think that will be a problem at all, Willard. So I will take that advice.

[Really, Will, don't suggest she find more things to annoy you about.]

[He knows that it's damning him to future tortures, but it also means she's kept in a good mood instead of depressing over that she can't get a pin out of it. Distraction at the expense of oneself, no one can ever say he wasn't nice to her.]

Good. Keep it in mind for once.

[As long as he knows. It does keep her good mood, well, good. Erika can think of all the little ways to broaden her horizons when it comes to pestering Will. The best use of her time.

Also gains Will +1 Contented Cat, which has no stat bonuses but does look nice on his arm.]

Because Erika

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