Mobster Boy

11

This is a trigger warning chapter that contains graphic details of violence and assault. It is advised that you not read this chapter if you're underage or not stable enough to handle. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Slowly, we rumble into a parking area and Chance kills the engine. Chance had left the speed limit behind and torn through the city streets. "Get off." He tugs his helmet free and breathes deeply, looking up at the building just a short walk away. 'The old observatory?' I put my helmet on the seat and follow Chance. He doesn't wait for me, his hands deep in his pockets as he strides towards the observatory. There's a spot outside, an observation point where you could look onto the city skyline, all of it twinkling beneath you. '...Maybe he comes here to cool down?' Leaning against the rails next to him, I keep my gaze out at the scenic view. It's really beautiful, but I find I can't enjoy it. Sneaking a glance to the side, I see Chance has lost all his fire, reigning in his emotions so tightly he looks carved from stone. 'Or marble, like a Greek god.' Finally, he speaks.

"I thought you were afraid of me." A little caught off guard, I look away from him.

"I think I've run out of fear. It's not very useful for me." That makes him laugh, under his breath.

"Liar." Standing up straight, I put my hands on my hips.

"Excuse you? I'm not lying." I pout.

"Yes you are. You have a tell." I pause and tilt my head in thought.

"...Like in poker?" I frown.

"Exactly." I huff, looking away.

"Okay, so the whole situation is terrifying and unorthodox. But I'm already neck deep in this. I can't turn back now." Settling against the railings more comfortably, I continue gazing out at the city. And then suddenly I see it. I reach for Chance's sleeve, pulling on it gently. "Look, I can see my house from here." I smile.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, right there." I gesture, but he just squints.

"...Don't see it."

"Come on. Look. Look where I'm pointing." He draws closer, bending down a bit so that we're looking from the same angle. Then his eyes light up with pleasure.

"Yeah, I see it now." He's more at ease now, that careful self-control safely back in place. Deciding to test the waters, I throw out a little probe.

"I'm sorry about what happened." A flicker of distaste crosses his expression, but otherwise Chance doesn't respond. "...But you really shouldn't have yelled at Hideyoshi like that." Dry and flat, Chance rolls his eyes at me.

"What do you know?" He growls.

"I know he cares about you." Trying to regain control of myself too, I brace against the railing and fight back any tremors that try to sneak into my voice. "I know he's someone who hasn't left you all alone to fight what's coming." He sighs, bending down to rest his forehead on his arms, crossed over the railing.

"I'm not sure if you of all people would believe me, but I do feel bad about what I said. Hideyoshi's my brother, he has my back." He mumbles.

"Everyone in that house has your back." I reply, frowning.

"I know. I know. I was just...humiliated. I tried to be the man they can rely on and instead I got pummeled." He sighs heavily.

"They still rely on you." Tilting his head so that he's lying on his cheek, Chance's ice cold eyes focus on me. Reading me, taking me apart and putting me back together again. 'Maybe this time he sees something new.'