The Inner Circle

~ ONE ~

"No, no, no." You instantly reject the idea your best friend Zeplin tells you over the phone. He had this crazy suggestion on you moving to Lovell where he lives. Your first thought on that is that he was crazy. "How would that benefit me in anyway?"

That city is filled with rich people with its boarders infested with crackheads. There is no middle class around there. You're either in or you're out but supporting the 'in' with everything you got. You knew exactly where you would end up if you did move there.

In a fucking shack.

You didn't believe in living off someone, you wanted to work for it yourself. You hated the idea of owing anyone anything. Which is why you didn't move with him when he did.

"You already know you would have a secure job with me when you get here." You wanted to groan at his words, and you did which made him laugh.

About a year ago you and Zeplin was working three jobs each just to come up with each's part of the rent money. It was horrible and Zeplin eventually got sick of it and he got sick of you not realizing how mentally and physically ill you were for doing this. You didn't understand what was wrong at the time and so you kept working as hard as you could to keep up with the bills. Once again you pushed your mental health and self-care to the side, to work your life away. To barely survive.

Zeplin wasn't around for a while, but he always came up with his share of money plus some. But he left it on the counter every time it was due. With how much you worked, you couldn't worry about what he was doing, he is a grown man. He can take care of himself.

When you saw him again, he looked different? Still the same, but he upgraded in a way. His black hair was changed to a bright burning blue, freshly cut. He wore gold and diamonds on his ears and around his neck. His clothes looked- well he looked expensive. Your mind couldn't process what was happening until he mentioned moving to Lovell, New Bork. Then you knew. He was/is dirt rich. You didn't know what to think. But you knew you couldn't move there with him. You wanted to work your way up, yes. But not that way.

When you don't respond to him, he continues.

"Its not that bad. Its easy money Sakura-"

"Why would I agree to anything I know nothing about?" You cut him off as you started to get irritated. He didn't say anything, so you continued. "Every time I ask when we are on the phone with each other, you claim you can't talk about it on the phone. Then you refuse to come and visit me, and you left so fast- "

"So, come here." He deadpans and sounding like he got closer to the phone. "You won't be in danger if you're apart of the Inner Circle."

Your heart froze. Excuse me? The only information you knew about the Inner Circle is that they are in the middle of Lovell City. Right in the middle of the rich. You knew that it made up of six guys. But you didn't care enough to find out their names. He couldn't possibly be one of them.

The timing of his move and the timing of the sudden rumor of a new member does link up...

"Look, I've already said a lot. Just come for two weeks. And if you don't like it by the end of the two weeks, then Ill pay for an apartment anywhere in the world for you. I just either want you safe and near me or somewhere safe period. I don't want you living on the streets anymore." He says seriously. You heart always dropped when he used that tone on you.

"H-how did you know that?" You couldn't bring your voice above a whisper at that point. You were evicted from your home about six months after he moved out. You lost pretty much everything you've worked so hard for. You had a backpack on your back full of clean clothes, your work uniform, and the small savings you had building up.

You were currently working at a small diner in the middle of town. It was open from seven a.m. to five p.m., and you were trying to work everyday all day. You had this plan of maybe going back to school so that you can have other outputs. Also, they have dorms that you can stay in.

"Kura, you're one of the most important people in my life and I finally convinced Doku to help me out and bring you out here. I can't stand hearing about you sleeping on a bench in the middle of the park." He grumbles on, but you still didn't get an answer.

"Zeplin." You state and you hear a sigh on his end.

"I've put some eyes on you ever since I left. There was no way I'd leave you there alone if you weren't moving with me."

You can't lie and say that you've never thought about his life and what he could possibly be doing. You'd hope that he found a nice pretty girl or guy and settled down. But now...

It's clear as day what he does, and why does it suddenly sound like something you want to find out more about.

Not that you want to join him, and his dirty ways. But your body is sore from sleeping on benches and the ground. You could use a full meal. You could use a lot, and if Z seen you now. You don't even want to know what he would say.

"I don't think I can even look you in the eyes at this point." Your voice came out soft and small. Very much unlike you, throwing Z off a little. "I don't really have anyone, and I'm working with nothing. I won't be homeless for long, I swear." You stand against a brick wall in one of the cleaner allies. You honestly wanted to cry. You don't understand why you got a sudden wave of sadness.

Maybe because you know that living the way you are, it isn't going to get you anywhere.

"See, that's where you fucked up. You will and forever have me, in any way you need me. Please let me help you." His voice pleads to you through your phone. You couldn't help but to clench your jaw, breaking down your stubborn ways for him.

"If you really want to help me, I'm in a alley on North and 15th street." You deadpan and then hang up. Once you do you felt like you could finally breath. You hated being convinced, even though its probably the better choice.

You slouch down on the ground against the bricks and you pull your bag into your lap. You pull out a sandwich that you were saving for dinner out; you got it from a convenient store.

After you ate, you propped your bag up as a pillow and you lay your head on it. You pull your jacket over your upper body and you close your eyes. If he seriously had 'eyes' on you, they should be here in no time.

If he really wanted to help that is.