“Tomatoes! FRESH TOMATOES!”

“Meat Pies! Get them while they’re HOT!”

“Pets, we got pets here! Yellow tail parrots, only today!”

I wanted to make one more stop before we went back to the penthouse. Luckily, the flea-market was within walking distance, meaning I didn't have to convince Ranva not to drive. Now the two of us were surrounded by a mass of people. Both those peddling their wares, and those that were buying them. The Southern Chrono-Haven Flea-Market was one of the biggest in the area. I feel like you could literally find anything.

“Wow, Donny, this place is amazing!!!”

When I told Ranva where I wanted to go she was skeptical, it was clear that she's never been somewhere like that, so I didn't know what to expect from her when we got here. But thankfully, she was acting like a kid in a candy store. Her gaze was flying around everywhere, approaching almost every stand just to inspect their wares. It's only been 15 minutes since we arrived and I’ve already lost her six times!.

“Donny… This place is amazing!” This is the tenth time she's said those exact words. Everytime she sees something that piques her interest she'd say it again. “There are so many things! I don’t even know where to look anymore! Food, Pets, Clothes… Is that the new GEN X 3HD 85 inch model!?! I thought they hadn't been shipped from Kerlex yet!!!”

The stall owner who was selling the TV immediately noticed Ranva’s attention. He was a Rodent Beast-Kin with small stature and long round nose. In one leap he covered more than 3m and was in front of Ranva with a huge salesman smile while rubbing his hands, clearly excited for the sucker– I mean the customer in front of him. “You have a very good eye sister *chi-chik-chik*! This new model is very rare! There are no plans for it to come to our area for at least another three months *chik-chik-chik*!”

“Wow! Yeah, I know! It’s amazing that you have it!“ By the void, this is too funny! It’s so clear what’s going on here. Anybody with just a little experience knows how this TV has been… acquired. But Ranva’s reactions are just too innocent and cute, I couldn't help but watch the show unfold a little more. The rodent continued overselling his merchandise, like a predator smelling prey. “Yes sister! You have a good head on your shoulders, it's clear you’re smart as you’re pretty *chik-chik-chik*!”

“Hehe, stop! You're embarrassing me!” –PFffff!!!! By the void, keep a straight face, keep a straight face if you want to live!!!

“Very well sister! Since Vladimir is in such a good mood today *chick-chik-chik*! And Vladimir can see you really love this TV! I will sell it to you for only 4500$! Deal?!”

“ONLY! REALLY!?!” Ranva was already unzipping her jacket and pulling out her wallet– Holy shit she’s only wearing a crop-top! I can see those ab— Wait! Wallet!!!

“Yes sister! My children work overseas in Kerlex so it's fine! *chick-chik-chik*” You know… I’m really at an impasse here. Vladimir did an amazing job on the sale, he would make any salesman proud of how he played this. And on the other hand I got to see Ranva’s amaz– *cough*. But still, I need to stop this.

“OK! That’s enough Vlad! Go get another victim!” To my words both Ranva and Vlad looked towards me in surprise.

“*chik* Beat it Donny! I’m talking with this pretty sister! And I still don’t have any info, for that headset you wanted!”

Hey, no judging! Do you know what my salary was?! If you don’t like it, sue me.

“And like I said, NO! The beautiful sister there is with me. Ranva lets go.”

Without giving him another chance to protest, I grabbed Ranva’s hand gently and started pulling her deeper into the flea market. I could even hear Vlad cursing me, yelling about how his 17 children are going to starve because of me– Yeah right! Those children all have private bedrooms and are going to boarding school because of that bastard’s business.

“Wait– Wait a minute Donny! We wanted to buy this model but it’s still not here! And it's only 4500$ and--” I couldn’t hold it anymore. As we kept walking and she started talking it was a chuckle, then it turned into full on laughter. Ranva on the other hand stopped talking as she stared at me with annoyance… Can’t blame her really. I was busting a gut for another few minutes until I was finally able to get it together.

“Listen Ranva! Let me teach you an important lesson today regarding the Flea-Market. If somebody says their children work in Kerlex, the best producer of tech in the world… It’s stolen or fake.”

The annoyed expression melted as her eyes went wide in shock, then an added open mouth and you’ve got a good combo. Ranva then threw a glance towards Vlad who was still cursing at me, he also dropped that fake *chik-chik-chik* bullshit. According to him it helps with fishing in suckers, selling the story or something. That's what happens when somebody like him reads a book about psychology. Then he noticed Ranva's stare and the professional smile came back. He was even dropping the price to 3500$ just to reel her back in.

“R-r-really?!”

“Yep! It’s a common tactic here. And something of an unspoken rule. The Flea-Market lets you sell anything and everything to everyone and anyone. But you have to give all the information… in some way or another. That’s why some words have a completely different meaning, but universally they are the same to the veteran shoppers. ”

I still remember the last time I fell for the trick. Diana actually let me buy that NES from my allowance money to learn my lesson the hard way. I got so broken when I came home and it turned out that the inside was replaced with bricks… I will find that motherfucker one day, and I will make him pay!!! Mark my words you Celestial bastard– Huh! I think I found my reason for my Celestial dislike. Go figure.

“I see… I guess you have experience here?” Ranva was now paying way more attention to the stalls, but I could see the skepticism in her face on some of the wares.

“Mhm… I am a regular flea-market shopper. First in my hometown, then Chrono-Haven. I have mastered the way of cheap shopping.”

We made it to my destination before I even realized it. And this first stop was the food market portion of the flea-market, as I had an old friend to visit now that I had some spare cash.

“Good Morning Nikola.”

A huge man, who could easily rival Tolgan in size, grunted as he turned around. The first time he turned around like that I nearly pissed myself. He was a giant, hairy man with a biker scarf over his head and a crooked nose. He started wearing it ever since people made fun of his Man-Bun. He gave me a huge, feral grin, showing off the massive tusks coming out of his mouth..

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Donny! Haven’t seen you in a long time, boy. And who’s this pretty thing with you? Your girlfriend?”

I went a little red from his words. To begin with, being called “boy” at my age was a bit embarrassing, but what got me all bothered was his unnecessary comment about Ranva. Although, out of the corner of my eye, I think I saw her smirking a bit, so at least she was amused..

“Ha-ha-ha, very funny old man. And stop with the boy bullshit. You're only five years older than me! And I bet you’ve never used that girlfriend line before– Please! Be original!”

But unfortunately for me, Nikola’s grin and attitude only got wider and more confident… Shit!

“Oh… Well, not really. My regulars usually don’t show up holding hands with their girlfriends, so I don’t get the chance.”

What is he– And that's when I noticed it. I was still holding Ranva’s hand from when I pulled her along to get away from Vlad. I dropped her hand at light speed and I could feel my face visibly heat up. If this was a cartoon, steam would be coming out of my ears now.

But the shaggy bastard was enjoying himself, clearly, based on his hearty, breathy laughter. “Hahahahaha! Careful, Donny! If your face gets any redder then someone will mistake you for a DEMON! HAHAHAHA!!!”

Nikola was giving a loud laugh as he was holding his sides, And even Ranva was snickering on the side as she threw me a glance. It only got worse when she grabbed my hand again and spoke.

“Don’t be like that honey! You did tell that guy that I was with you– Pfffff! Hahahaha!”

Great… Just great! They’re teaming up. Fine, enough of this bullshit!

“*Ahem*” I cleared my throat trying to get some control back. Thankfully Ranva let go of my hand, even though she was still snickering quietly to herself. “Anyway Nikola, I need to do some shopping. I’m also buying a big batch today, so I’m expecting a big discount. Also can you do me a favor and let Ranva have a taste test??”

He gave a happy nod as he picked up a juicy looking yellow apple, and cut it up into sample sizes. After she took a bite, her eyes went wide and Nikola, who was expecting that reaction, just offered her the rest of the fruit. Within three seconds of Ranva getting her hands on the fruit, it disappeared.

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“This is beyond delicious!” I’m surprised she could eat it that fast and still have any breath left to speak. Thankfully her comment didn't go to waste, as Nikola gave a large warm smile in response. Good job, girl! Time for haggling for a big fat discount! Mwahahaha!!!

“I’m glad you like it! I saw your fridge last night and you girls seriously need something aside from eggs and cold cuts. And supermarket produce just isn't as good compared to the real fresh stuff that we can find here.” Ranva just continued nodding while chewing on another apple– Wait, when did she even grab that one!?!

“*Ahem* Anyway! Nikola here is the best man when it comes to fruits! He’s got a wide selection, always perfectly in season, and they’re always fresh!”

Nikola just wiped his nose with a smug grin clearly enjoying the compliments he was receiving today. I wasn’t lying though, the guy did have the best fruits in my opinion. Plus, his prices were always the best and he never gave his regulars any trouble when they wanted to start a tab when they were short on cash.

“Yeah, this is beyond good! We should also get something for the other girls!” Ranva closed her eyes, deep in thought for a moment or two until she began to speak again. “I would definitely love to get some bananas! I can already see they'd be really fresh!” Nikola was stuffing a bag with a goofy grin… Wow, I guess she really hit his weak spot with so many compliments! “Luna… Well, she’s not really a fruity person, but I guess we can get her some cherries. Xera is an apple person through and through, and Vermilia…” She opened her eyes and started staring at me with a serious tone in her voice. “Strawberries… But I’m warning you… Maybe she’ll hate it, just because!”

What in the name of the void is that supposed to mean! Why do I have a feeling I’m entering dangerous territory now… Well, screw it.

“Umm… Ok?! Well, you heard her Nikola! Make it 2 kg of apples, 1 kg of both cherries and bananas… And about 3 kg of strawberries… Make sure they're extra juicy!”

Without any delay, Nikola started picking out the best looking fruits and packing our stuff. While we were waiting for him to finish, Ranva cocked an eyebrow and gave me a confused look.

“Well I also like apples, and I have a feeling that if I bring more strawberries than anything else it might get me some bonus points.” The comment she made about Vermillia maybe not liking it scared me, so I wanted to try and win her over. But there was no way I was admitting it scared me, and thankfully Nikola came to my rescue just in time.

“Here we go Donny, that’s going to be $42.27!”

Now it was my turn to arch an eyebrow.

“Really, that’s the best you can do? Sir! I am clearly buying in a bulk here. How about we make it 20$ don’t you know what supply and demand is! Please, get your act straight!”

Nikola just suddenly lost his friendly smile as it was replaced with anger veins and an expression that screamed pissed off.

“Oh, I know what supply and demand is, boy. You clearly have demands and I have supplies, boy. But since you’re a friend, I’ll give you the “friends” discount of $42.20 then… BOY!”

“Ha-ha-ha I am so flattered! I was actually thinking more of $20.22... Actually, scratch that old man. The banana over there has one black spot, make It $20.21, old man. On second thought, Let’s make it $18 since I allowed you to see a beautiful lady today. So how about it, OLD-man!”

Ranva started to back away from the aggression with a shocked expression, even showing a bit of fear. Can’t blame her, since Nikola pulled out a giant knife, and slammed it straight into the melon in front of me. I wasn’t any better. I picked up the said melon and started pointing at the softness and clear age inside while waving it in front of Nikola's face… THIS OLD FUCKING PIG IS GOING DOWN!!!

***********

“Well that went well!” I was humming happily as we were going further down inside the market “It was only 29$ in the end! Thanks for the help with the good comments”

But contrary to my good mood, Ranva was frowning at me. I could clearly see she wanted to say something. I stopped and motioned with my hand for her to speak. After a few more moments of internal debate if she should say what she wanted to, Ranva let out a sigh. By her expression and tone I could see she was upset.

“Hey Donny… Why did you haggle like that? “

“Huh?!” I could only stare at her with a face full of wonder. Ranva then let out another sigh, as she continued speaking while scratching the back of her head, making it apparent she was uncomfortable with the conversation.

“I mean… You did say you were going to pay for this. You even basically told me to piss off!” Oh yeah! At one moment, Ranva started to pull out her wallet, but both Nikola and I screamed at her not to interfere… Shit, I really get into it when it comes to haggling. “If you were going to haggle so much, you should have just let me pay for it! I already told you that money is not an issue! Why did you fight with Nikola so much?! You were so fucking rude! And the shouting from you two drew everybody’s attention!” The fuck is she talking abo– Ohhhh! Ooooohhhhh! I see what’s going on here!

“That was really not cool man! I understand maybe you had some money problems in the past, but the w– Why are you laughing?“ I tried to control myself… But it was too late.

“Hahahahahh! Ah, no! Sorry–Pffffffff, Ahahhaha! Sorry, sorry! Wait– HAHAHAHAHA!” I was waving my hand around while using the other one to hold my sides since I couldn’t control myself, but the laugh started to pass as I noticed Ranva’s face. It was screaming “I’m going to punch you now”.

“Wait! Ranva, wait! Sorry about that, I actually forgot you were a first timer.” After a few more moments of me getting my bearings together and wiping the tears out of my eyes, I spoke slowly and gently as I could tell I might have pressed a button or two. “OK! Let's see how I can explain this… Hmmm. Ah, perfect! Please go to that stall over there, and buy something. Doesn’t matter what!”

Ranva just arched her eyebrow, with a tinge of frustration still on her face. But after a growl and some internal debate on whether she should punch me or not, she complied and went over to old Betty… Poor girl. But this will be the quickest way for her to learn.

After a few moments…

“WHAT?! Fuck off silverspooned bitch! Go back from where you came from! *SPIT*!”

Ughhhh!!! Nice reflex on the spit dodging though! I still remember visiting the old hags stall my first time. Ranva walked back to me with a face of utter shock.

“So how did it go?” I had to wrestle with my self control to not be a smart ass again, but after a few Nat 20s on the will save I was completely impassive and normal.

“I…I… I just asked for some carrots… and after I pulled out my wallet the old lady screamed at me…”

Yep! Crazy old bitch Betty. Never fails

“Well that’s because you didn’t want to haggle” She was staring at me with a blank face “Most of these people here are lower class, they go day by day here, surviving with just enough not to be homeless and hungry. Haggling is their way of life here… Nay! It’s their one rule in life!”

“Did you just use “Nay” again?” I acted as if I couldn't hear the ignorant comment and continued.

“Not all of them are extreme like Betty. But by refusing to haggle, It comes off like you think you're better than them, like you don't need to haggle to survive. Or you're new here, and that just means they get to eat you up.“ Ranva’s eyes were wide with shock. “Even that TV, the one when at the entrance! That one… Half the price if you push a little."

Ranva was quiet for a few moments until she finally spoke.

“I’m… Sorry, Donny. I didn’t know- About you and Nikola, or how things work here. I'm sorry for being angry with you.”

I just smiled as she apologized, which she joined me in doing after I responded. “Don’t worry about it. Next time we can have you practice on somebody less extreme than Betty.”

“Yeah! Hate to admit it, but your explanation worked wonders.”

Her comment made me chuckle as we continued moving. “Well I hope so, I did want to be a teacher after all.”

Her small smile widened as she gave me a look of excitement, and then of confusion… Oh no… Not that question!

“Seriously! That’s so cool! Why didn’t you in the end?”

“Because… I’m a Gray… A powerless.”

My tone was dark and low, and Ranva picked up on that quickly, leaving no followup, only silence. Ah shit, I didn't mean to kill all the fun. I took a deep breath, to keep my emotions in check. I wanted to apologize for ruining the mood and my tone, but Ranva was nowhere to be seen.It took a few moments of diligently searching until– Holy shit! Her eyes were practically shining.

“Ummm… Ranva– AGH!” As I approached, before I could react, Ranva grabbed my arm and pulled my so quickly and with so much force, my feet left the ground for a moment.

“Donny they are beyond COOL! LOOK AT THAT BEAR NINJA!!!“ Holy shit, the grip on this woman, she was grabbing me by the shoulders and shaking me back and forth with glee. Good thing my stomach was empty or something would be coming out the wrong way But contrary to my plight, the older woman holding the stall just smiled as she looked at the bear ninja Ranva was pointing at.

“Well… I can see you like it dear. They are usually $10, but I’ll give you one for $5!”

“REALLY! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!”

I was still recovering from the shake, so I couldn’t react to the bad feeling I was getting. By the time I could speak… It was too late. Ranva did the worst possible thing you can do at the Flea-Market, even worse than haggling… Even worse than straight up murdering somebody! She pulled out a credit card… Oh brother.

“Miss… this isn’t funny… Are you messing with me? Actually, I’ve changed my mind! Go awa--“ Ranva’s complexion got paler with each word the stall owner spoke, until I jumped in and stopped her mid sentence..

“Sorry about that grandma! She’s actually a first-timer, and one of our friends thought it would be funny at her expense. Sorry one more time! Anyway, I’ll take the ninja bear… And, ummm… Also that one over there, and give me that one… Oh, and definitely that one in the corner!”

The lady gave Ranva the stink eye one more time, then started bagging up the order while she complained to me that there wasn't anything funny about the joke. But in the end she still bagged up each item I asked for… but the discount was long gone.

After I was sure the old lady couldn’t see us. I pulled out the Ninja-Bear and gave it to Ranva. Her dejected face lit up once again after she got her quarry.

“Bad idea to pull out a credit card?” She snickered as she accepted the bear

“You’re lucky she didn’t stab you.” I also started to laugh.

“Haha, yeah, thanks! I’ll pay you back later.”

All I could do was arch an eyebrow. “Don’t be ridiculous, it’s a gift from me to all of you.”

Ranva gave another thank you as she smiled fondly at the bear… Well, excluding the lift she gave me earlier, today was a good first day at work.

“Anyway! Let’s just buy some clothes and we can go back. Our hands are getting full anyway.”

Ranva put her hand on my shoulder, and as I turned to face her, I was met with a complicated expression..

“Seriously…!? Here!? You can’t be serious!!!”

I let out a sigh as I closed my eyes and started shaking my head in disbelief.

“Ranva, Ranva, Ranva! Don't you have any idea how many clothing boutiques buy their latest trend from the flea-market, only to mass produce it and throw a tag on it?! And I’m still expected to buy my clothes from those boutiques?! No way! I refuse to go to a store to pay triple the price for--” But as I opened my eyes, there was no more Ranva in front of me. She was a few stalls to my side, holding something that looked like a bike part. Oh brother… So the only thing I could do was drop the bags and walk over to her, grab the back of her jacket and forcefully drag her along.

“Donny WAIT! It’s the new Gx-213 Runner Exhaust part! And I even asked if his children work in Kerlex!!!”

“Did it fall out of a truck?” I asked

“Uh… Yeah?” She said

I sighed as I pulled the squirming Ranva along, who was giving a faux level of resistance. I know this girl could throw me if she wanted to.

“There you go. Another lesson regarding the flea-market.”