The alarm is screeching.

He dreads getting out of bed, knowing he has to go back to Reds hideout. Still...things could be worse, he has to admit. So far he hasn't been harmed.

He reaches over, turning the alarm off. Then, he gets out of the bed and heads for the kitchen.
As he opens the bedroom door, he thinks, did I leave the light on in the kitchen last night?

That's when he lets out a loud gasp, surprised by the intruder. There sits Victor, at his kitchen table.

Victor: "Morning little birdy~"

His smile is so awful. This bastard must've followed him home anyways! Not only that...how the fuck did he even get in here?!

Crip: "Are you insane?!"

Victor: "Well yeah, I thought that was pretty obvious."

Crip can feel himself getting worked up but he knows damn well that isn't gonna change anything. Victor can do whatever he wants...and the truth is, Crip isn't gonna do a damn thing about it. Why? Because Victor is scary as hell.

Victor: "You going to work like that?"

He says in a teasing tone, eyes lingering a little too long on his bare legs. Oh right...he has on a white t-shirt and boxers...Crip immediately turns around and goes straight back to the bedroom to put on clothes. This is so embarrassing...why on earth is he even taking it this far? This goes beyond protecting!

He gets ready, even putting his hoodie on that was left on the sofa, before going to make a cup of coffee. Victor looks so satisfied with himself as Crip slumps past him.

Victor: "You should really get a better lock."

Crip: "I see that now..."
He mumbles, defeated in his own home.

They finally get going, and once they get to the hideout, Crip sees more of the old gang. Surprisingly, none of them even try to come near him. StreetRat must've told everyone that Victor is protecting him. Not necessarily a bad thing at all.

Victor: "This way."
Victor whispers, and Crip tries not to look at anybody as they make their way to Thad's office. As they enter, Thad breaks away from the layout in front of him.

Thad: "Ah, there you two are! Come! I want you to see the plan up close."

The plan? Is he talking about doing a robbery?

They approach the table, and Crip can see a very specific photo of a building with red marker on it.

Thad: "I think you two would be most beneficial behind the building. The police will most likely go in through the front, so I was thinking, you two could guard the back, so that the rest of the gang can escape from the back. We can have some of the boys create a blockage through the alleyway, and the van will be waiting on the other side."

He's actually going to have a job to do...

Victor: "Sounds like a solid plan. When is Red wanting this done?"

Thad: "Tomorrow. I'm going to go over the plan with the others today as well, so you two do not have to stick around if you have other things to attend to."

Victor: "Before we go...I think Crip should run to the van with the rest of the gang while I hold the cops off. That ankle may slow him down, and I could give him extra time to make it to the van."

Uh oh.

Crip can feel his mind racing...He'll be with some of the old members from the past. Members that were inside of his body. Members that probably want him dead as well.

Crip: "N-no, I can do it!"

Victor: "And if you don't, you'll be caught by the cops, because I'm not waiting for you. Just go with the others and you'll be fine."

Crip: "But I don't wanna go without you!"

Victors annoyed expression drops. He looks a little shocked. It's quiet for a moment, but finally he gives in, rubbing his fingers between his eyes on the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Victor: "Fine..but you better keep up."

Crip feels relieved. At this point, he'd rather be caught than be with old gang members without protection. Right now, even though it's irritating, he needs Victor.

They leave shortly after, and Victor is quiet as they walk towards the apartment. Crip notices the silence but he doesn't bother trying to strike up a conversation. It doesn't really matter if he's quiet or not.

So he thought.

Before he can pull his keys out, Victor grabs him and shoves his back against the door. The sudden act makes him go into a panic, and as he looks up he can clearly see that Victor is annoyed.

Victor: "Why're you being so stubborn?"

Crip doesn't know what to say. What if he says the wrong thing and Victor hits him?

Victor: "Come on, out with it."
He whispers lowly.

Crip feels so intimidated right now. He's against the door, and Victor is leaning over him, demanding an answer. He has to say something.

Crip: "I-I just...don't wanna be alone with the old gang."

Victor eases up a bit before he speaks again.

Victor: "I get it, you're worried they'll mess with you, but they won't. They all got the memo. They touch you, they deal with me, and none of those idiots want to deal with me."

Crip doesn't speak, and that doesn't seem to sit well with Victor. He leans back in, towering over Crip as he speaks in this threatening tone.

Victor: "You'll learn, embarrassing me, going against what I say, that's not going to end well for you. You can stay with me if you want, but I meant what I said. If you fall behind, I won't wait for you. Understand, little birdy?"

Crip nods gently, not wanting to provoke Victor in any kind of way.
Victor lets out a low growl, but thankfully turns and walks away. Crip watches as he walks down the stairs.

Victor is dangerous. He can feel it in his bones.