When a Lynx Meets a Leopard [Ash Lynx x fem reader]

Chapter 86: You Call Yourself A Boss

Song: Falling Apart
By: Michael Schulte

(Y/n)'s POV

I sat with Ash for a while, trying my best to think straight again. After about half an hour, I was able to stand and walk, not without any pain, however. "C'mon, let's meet with the others. I have an idea of where they might be." Ash said loudly, gently pulling away and helping me up.

Once we got to the abandoned building, Cain and Sing pushed open the heavy doors. We were greeted by multipul voices, all calling out the three gang leaders names. I stood behind Ash, holding tightly to the back of his shirt. Eiji was next to me, smiling gently but not attempting to come any closer than a few feet. As we walked into the building, that looked like some sort of warehouse, Ash gently reached behind him and took my hand.

I simply stood close to Ash and Eiji as people talked around me. I payed no attention to them, focusing solely on Ash's thumb rubbing over my knuckles. In all honesty, I did not want to be there. All I wanted was to be alone for a while, but that wasn't possible, and I knew it.

I overheard Lao asking Sing what happned to a couple of their guys. "They were caught. Them and about ten others." Sing answered sadly, his eyes cast down to the floor. "What?!" Lao shouted back, his fands balling into fists. "I know where they went." Ash said calmly, gently sitting me down on a crate, my back to the large group of guys. "The National Mental Health Institute." He carefully undid the buttons of his jacket that I was wearing, making sure nobody else could see. EIji brought over some bandages, looking away as he handed them to Ash. "I can do that myself."  I muttered, wincing as I lifted my arms so Ash could wrap a clean bandage around my torse. "I know, but I think it's finally time I bandage you back together. Eh?" He chuckled, tying the wrap off neatly. I lowered my arms and did up the jacket buttons. I saw Ash's face frown as he reached up to my neck, his fingers trailing along the red mark left by the rope. I flinched away, and Ash retracted his hand just as Lao marched over.

"If you knew, why didn't you help them?" He demanded, voice raised and fists tight. Ash stood up, walking behind my back, putting himself between me and Lao.  "I was caught too, and so was (Y/n)." His voice was level, adressing Lao's anger in a calm manner. "Sing and Cain saved out lives." 

Lao spun around to face Sing, his blood boiling. "You left our guys to die, and saved them instead?" He yelled, walking towards Sing. "I didn't have a choice!" Sing retaliated, Cain cutting in and taking Sing's side. "There were more than 20 of them, all pros too. We'd just get caught if we tried anything." He was visably u happy with the situation, as anyone would be, but Lao wasn't having it. "Since when were you Ash's shadow, Cain?" He blurted out, takng hasty steps towards the named gang leader. The men behind Cain started to mutter threats towards Lao, but he quickly shushed them. "Don't act like you aren't. Being bossed around by a white boy like that." Lao spat on the floor, maintaining eye contact with the irritated men before him.

I sighed, watching the scene play out. I was already barely holding it together, and this wasn't helping.

Another wave of threats and challenges flew at Lao, and eventually, it came to a stop. "Nothing better to do?" Ash said quietly, instantly catching everyones attention. "Have it your way. But don't get in my way anymore." I was slightly taken aback by the authority Ash held within the room. The moment he spoke, everybody else shut up. He was respected by everyone, if not for himself, then for his skills and knowledge. Even Lao, who had made it obvious he detested Ash, was smart enough not to challenge him head on.

"He's right. If you're not serious about this, get out." Cain added, his eyes glancing over all his men.

After that, people started to filter out of the room quickly. I had no idea where they were going, but I was relieved by the sudden stillness. It was just me, Ash and Eiji left behind. Ash was knelt down before me, hand resting on my knee. Once again, he reached up to touch my marked neck. I flinched when his fingertips brushed the sore skin, looking away from his eyes. Ash sighed, placing his hand on my cheek. We stayed like that for a moment, Ash's thumb rubbing my cheek, while Eiji stood off to the side nervously waiting. 

I pulled away from Ash when I heard shouting. I could just make out it was Sing and Lao. Ash stood up, and offered his hand to me. I took it, leading him to where I heard the voices coming from. We waked through a door, and down a couple flights of stairs as Lao sprinted past us. Sing was calling his name, but he was simply ignored. "Sing?" I said quietly, catching the young boy's attention. "Damn it!" He cursed, snashing his fist against the banister rail. " 'You call yourself a boss', right?" Sing growled, staring directly at Ash. 

"Nah." He replied simply, staying cool and collected. "I don't call myself a boss, that is just what everyone else calls me." 

And with that, Ash walked back up the stairs. I smiled softly at Sing before following, the young boy close behind.

~~~

I intended to update sooner, but y'know, life happened
Anyways~
Have an amazing day/night,
~Author-Chan❤