Compass - Banana Fish x Reader

CHAPTER TWELVE: Not So Bad

"I bought you food. Legally, you're not allowed to be mad at me anymore."

Angrily nibbling at the (F/Pastry or cake) Shorter had bribed me with, after finding me in the bakery down the street, I glared ahead, making sure to walk as loudly as possible.
"I want my phone back." I demanded, immediately shaking my hood back off when Shorter tried flipping it back up.

"Not after that little threat. Joke or not, I'm not about to risk it. Don't worry, I won't go through your stuff." I didn't believe him for a second, not that I had anything worth looking at on there anyway. We were almost back to the hideout now, and I was beyond frustrated. He didn't seem to realise that if I went off the grid, Arthur would start a riot. Papa, too.

I guess I'll just throw away my pride, then...

Stopping, I turned to the taller man and frowned, making sure to widen my eyes, just a smidge. Bottom lip sticking out just the right amount, I shuffled my feet, head tilting to the perfect angle.
"You're right. I'm sorry...You've been so nice to me the last few days, and I've been mean. Can you forgive me..?"

Shorter was confused for all but a second before he puffed out his chest, looking pleased with himself.
"That's more like it. Apology accepted, sweetheart." Ruffling my hair, he let his guard down, just like I had anticipated. Tossing the remainder of the (F/Pastry or Cake) in the trash can beside us, I took his hand, pulling it down close to my chest and clinging tightly.

"You know, it was kind of hot...When you came to protect me last night..." I breathed sweetly, tracing the lines in his palm with my thumb. "A big, strong man like you? I'm so lucky." There was that rosy hue I had aimed for, spreading across his cheeks. It was easy enough to walk him backwards once it set in, almost up against the wall, but not quite.

"Well, couldn't let a pretty girl go out alone in the dark, n..now could I..?"He chuckled, the fluster overtaking his voice. Two steps closer, and I was pressing against him, one hand on his chest, the other still linked with his. Anybody else on the street would have thought we were a cheesy couple.

"You think I'm pretty? You mean it, Shorter?" Trailing my hand down from his chest, across his stomach to his hip, I couldn't help but admire his build beneath my touch.
"Oh yeah, real pretty..." He murmured, his eyes kind of wide as they peered out from over the rim of his shades. My hand had curled behind him now, so very close to his rear, and I could feel him buzz with excitement.
"Oh, Shorter..."

Yoink!

In a swift move, I had my phone in hand, jumping away with the slyest of grins on my face, leaving the purple-topped hoodlum speechless.
"...You're such a fucking pervert." As he stammered, I walked on ahead, all too pleased with myself. Growing up the way I did, surrounded by wealth, I knew how to work a crowd. Male, female, I was simply good at reading people and using it to my advantage. That was how I had gotten so far without needing help from my dear old Papa.

My walk quickly turned into a sprint once I realised he was after me, and I ran all the way back to the hideout, nearly collapsing on the floor in a panting mess. I likely would have if there hadn't been a bunch of men sitting around the table.

"Who the hell are you?!" The smallest of the lot leapt up, reaching for his pocket, but Shorter burst in shortly after, grabbing me by the scruff.
"That was cruel, and you know it!" He whined, seeming to have only chased me to show me his pouty face. "Oh, yo, Sing. What's up?"

The literal child snapped out of his defensive state once his name was spoken, and he slowly moved his hand away.
"Thought we'd stop by to check in...Who is that?" The way he pointed at me was annoying, but I didn't make it known. I just stood there, catching my breath.