Red Crow Blue Raven //SARUMI//

Ripped - Chapter One

"We could head back, its half past the hour" Rikio said, checking his watch.

"You can, I'm staying out" Misaki told him. Rikio brought his pop can to his lips, taking a sip of his cola. The two of them were eating at a quick sit in bar, long night patrolling meant easy dinners. They sat across from one another in a two-seater table, finishing their main course of fried rice and golden wings.

"That was good, but I could go for another round of spring rolls" Rikio laughed, hailing the waiter to ther table.

"You don't need any more food Rikio, you eat shit all day then wonder why you feel like shit" Misaki yawned, stretching his arms.

"You never sleep and wonder why you're tired, we all have our flaws" Rikio said, sliding his card into the debit machine. Misaki rolled his eyes and stepped out of his chair.

"I could walk you back if you want" Misaki offered. They exited the bar and continued down the street, protecting it from any threat.

"Yata, I'm bigger than you, I don't think anyone would wanna pick a fight with me" Rikio chuckled. Rikio Kamamoto is as optimistic as they get. He's a jolly young man with tanned skin and choppy blond hair. His partner Misaki Yata on the other hand was very hotheaded and immature for a 19 year old. He wasn't very tall and had reddish brown hair and hazel eyes. Both of them were clansmen for the Red King and clan named HOMRA. With the current blow up of mafia and gang related terrorists, HOMRA had to stay on their toes to protect their King from any danger that might arise. Late night and early morning patrolling was to be expected, Yata always taking the job upon himself. Nothing about tonight was any different. The sky was clouded with light pollution, loud music blasted from the underground clubs and drunk men were hitting on out of town women around every corner. Tonight was just about average.

Misaki held onto his deck in one hand and phone on the other, "You're quiet.... What's wrong?

"Huh?" Rikio snapped out of his daze. "Nothing Yata, just taking in the night life" he shrugged. Misaki looked at him from the corner of his eye to see Rikio staring at him.

"What the hell Rikio? Spill it" Misaki yelled, putting his foot in front of Rikio. They stood in the middle of the street I'm silence, Misaki grinding his teeth.

"Yata- its a nice night..." Rikio said looking to the ground. " I don't know what you want me to say? I guess I'm just trying to appreciate life before its too late. I want to take in everything before I'm rushing to do so"

"The hell are you talking about?" Misaki stiffened his position.

"To be honest, I'm not sure for myself" he shrugged, looking down at Misaki.

"Whatever" Misaki huffed and continued walking again, though he put his phone in his back pocket to take in the night as well.

The two of them arrived at HOMRA base but were too invested in conversation to notice. They picked up late night ice cream and laughed at strangers, gave their loose change to the homeless and pushed each other into puddles. They talked about the clouded stars they could hardly see, and reminisced of when Misaki first got drunk and peed in a flower bed. The night was their's to enjoy, and they did.

Sitting at a bus bench, Misaki pulled out his phone.

3:48 am

17 missed calls: HOMRA

"Shit" Misaki hissed. "Fuck, we gotta go back Rikio"

"Huh? What time is it?" he asked

"Its practically 4:00am, damn it..." his voice faded.