Ralp made himself comfortable, deciding to sleep with Ahni. Balled up at the base of the bed like a dog, Ahni would awake to check on him, shake him, and get him to lay parallel to him to no avail. Ralp was content in his spot. The problem was Ahni had long legs, so his feet kept pressing Ralp's back, but Ralp never complained. It seemed Ralp didn't mind being under Ahni, he acted like a dog anyway. Ralp's yawning even sounded like a faint whine when he stretched to change sides.

The next morning, they all split, Crescent dragging himself and his bag to each class until lunchtime. With his tray, he sits in his usual spot which has now been away from any gang-proclaimed table, waiting for his brother and expecting Ralp.

Kisha isn't anywhere to be found, and it's too risky to look for him right now. He doubts he'll be in the lunchroom as he hasn't been around for a couple of days. Saikai's gone, so there isn't a reason for Kisha to hang around so many people. Crescent lifts his spork, driving it into a piece of cut steak before popping it between his lips.

The lunch menu today is the best. They're serving dinner items. A choice of vegetable: carrots, green beans, or corn on the cob. Meats are either meatloaf or chopped cubed steak in gravy with a heaping side of mashed potatoes. A brownie for dessert. According to the lunch ladies, he has enough money on his tab to afford it today

Not knowing where the money came from, Crescent doesn't fuss about it. They never told him what was on it, but he can only speculate it was a gift from Saikai.

His hues dance around bodies, trying to spot a sign of his brother, but it's hard seeing Ahni amidst the figures. Through his glasses, which make things slightly bigger, he can clearly see some of the ID tags around the students' necks. Top Dog, just as Ralp said. A growing small rival gang. Their ID tag colors are light blue and white. Interesting how, with the blink of an eye, anything can rise from the ashes.

Time is ticking, and so far, Crescent is one of the few who sits alone, not able to converse his thoughts and feelings. It feels good to get a break from the two, but they leave him trailing on to memories and future planned events. The lunchroom level of noisiness is beyond that of a house party.

Before he knows it only a few inedible objects remain in his tray and Crescent sits with the edge of his spork, grinding it against his teeth to get the meat stuck between them. He sucks on them a little, but nothing seems to help. His eyes drift towards any source of time without going for his phone. He thought today would be a phoneless day. At least, if he's contacted by Asho, he can lie and say he didn't see it.

Twenty minutes pass unnoticed. Half the period already.

Boredom sets in, Crescent closes his eyes, left to listen to others' conversations and think of silly responses of his own. The table beside him speaks of a paraphernalia movement and a gathering that requires a bucket of money in exchange for booze.

Liquor, a hard substance his father swallowed daily to cope with his mother's loss. He remembers the faint smell of alcohol laced with the breath of the man he favored most. Those days when he'd tried to get his father to join him in play, met with the grunting and waving of broad hands. Crescent was disappointed in his father. He stumbled a lot. Fell a lot and went to sleep shortly after. Nothing of that sack of human flesh.

Scared him, suffering the image of an older him, yet not him at all. The memories are vague until altogether their father dances somewhere else. Hopefully, it's back with their mother. Crescent vows a drink will never cross his lips.

Clunk.

The sound of an invading tray causes vibrations upon the metal tabletop. Crescent draws back to his surroundings, the focus in his pupils locking onto the source of the noise that disturbed his welcomed calm. Directly in front of him, a tall male dressed in dark purple. Crescent's heart skips a beat, but he keeps his composure without batting an eye. A swift ball of his left fist, he bites down on his jaw.

An elite.

Bald, one eye completely white with a lasting unsightly scar slashed top to bottom. It's clear the white film over his eye means he's blind.

"Delivery from Diamond." The elite has a strong tone. It seems like he has taken a few throat shots throughout his years. A battered and ill-healed man who doesn't favor doctor intervention. Crescent doubts he'd look so ugly if a surgeon had been present. These invading thoughts are but a secret, because though Crescent seems composed on the outside, there's a storm brewing inside of his chest. Elites are the toughest sons of bitches in this school according to every student.

He wonders if their intent matches Diamond's. That just means they're all murderers. 

The male's expression amused beneath the boisterous room; good sky-blue eye dances over Crescent to see his reaction. A piranha waiting for panic. These elite are nothing short of sadistic, enjoying the failures and misery of those around them. Predators, addicted to affliction. It's no wonder they are in love with The Gauntlet.

Pathetic.

A hand reaches out, placing the note on the table which startles Crescent enough that he draws back suddenly, prompting The Elite to smirk at his response. Their interaction is short because a familiar voice comes hurling in, his small frame prying itself between Crescent and The Elite. The Elite allows himself to be backed up, raising innocent hands at the body that had the balls to push him.

"Leave him alone. Fighting is prohibited on school grounds. I'll get the lunch lady's attention." Ralp finally shows with his whispered breath.

The male turns happily.

"Hmph. You think I give a damn, shrimp?" The Elite barks offended.

"I said leave him alone." Those eyes go from soft to a harder gaze, and a small, unsure growl from his lips is faint, but Crescent looks toward Ralp suddenly when he hears the predatorial vibrations. 

Animal's warning.

That's right. No matter how it is turned and even though on their first encounter Ralp didn't tell-- Ralp is just as much a wolf as Kisha. Crescent figured it out by the subtle nonhuman things Ralp does. He's not putting it past anyone anymore. Anyone who showed even the slightest weird act-- wolf! 

The Elite rises to a full stand and leaves the two alone without any other word. Ralp's little display of courage worked. Either that or The Elite didn't think it was worth the fight. Compared to Ralp, that male is still larger. Bulky with muscles too. Ralp turns around, his gaze venturing toward the note. 

"What does it say?" He reaches out suddenly, never mind that he's barging in on someone's privacy, but Crescent cuts him off, snatching the note and shoving it into his pocket.

"Ralp... I'll read it later," Crescent says quietly.

"That was an Elite." Ralp's hand still dangles in the air. "That means Diamond sent that message. I'm telling Ki--" Ralp tries to speak quickly, rushing to grab his phone, but Crescent forces him to pause as he speaks up.

"No!" Crescent reaches out; hand placed on Ralp's arm. He squeezes instinctively, softening his eyes to plead with Ralp's sudden decision. Kisha doesn't need to know of something like this. After all, Saikai wants to avoid them fighting. Any conversation between Diamond and Crescent will alert-- Oh...? Crescent's demeanor changes with the lightbulb going off in his head. 

Will telling Kisha bring him out from whatever hole he's crawled into?

"Saikai asked to protect Kisha, right?" Crescent decides not to act upon impulse. Maybe little theatrics will bring Kisha from his cave. If Crescent falls out and acts utterly distraught, weak, and scared, Ralp will cry about how vulnerable Mr. Bride is and for Kisha to come to save him. Sacrificing who's pride? Crescent snickers at the idea, rolling his eyes.

"Don't tell him, until I read it, ok?"

Ralp nods, looking towards Crescent in worry. Crescent's facial expression and words aren't matching, leaving Ralp to try and decipher what it is that Crescent's communicating right now. With Diamond, threats are real-- they are promises and the actions are worse than what is said. If Diamond threatens, he'll chop off a couple of fingers he means all and maybe some toes.

"But it's him. Diamond has been here the longest... This school has been his home since he was a child. These walls aren't his cell, but his playground. I'm going to ask Fuchsia when he's not at the boss's side to come to join us. If he has to... He will fight for you. Protecting the boss's mate is a part of our duty. If it means, getting hurt..."

Crescent can feel it. Ralp is scared of The Elites, a brave front shattered in a matter of minutes. Everyone knows the existence of Diamond, his influence on students. The curse of speaking his name, but Ralp's more unsettled than Crescent thought he'd be. Anyone who has a wolf beneath their skin shouldn't be scared. So why is this fear so chilling? Is Diamond capable of fighting wolves? If that's the case then, what is he?

"I think it's best I know where Kisha is, Ralp?" The question comes all of a sudden.

"W-what? No. It's a rule..." Ralp's brows furrow. Shaking his head slowly, he reaches for his spork. His food is getting cold. Cold food isn't that appetizing. Ralp drives his awkward attention to his tray, deciding to play around in his mashed potatoes a little bit, stirring the gravy until it's well mixed.

"No, before you just cancel it out, listen. What if there's a time that I can't get to any of you? If I know where Kisha is, then I can run to him. He's the best bet at protecting me, right? Think of Ahni as well. Our survival is a top priority."

"B... But... there's more of us that's--"

"It doesn't matter, Ralp." Crescent's tone whispers as Ralp's unsure eyes reflect his working manipulations. "I need Kisha's location." A quick rise in Crescent's eyebrows, trying to convince Ralp of his grand idea without the need for violence. 

They always have to have a plan B and Crescent in a way is right. If it comes down to it and no one can make it to him, at least he'd have a haven to go to. If Crescent is hurt, Kisha will not be as forgiving, and he'll scold them for choosing his fever over Mr. Bride's safety. 

"You promise to use it during an emergency?" Spork relinquishes from hands, and Ralp begins to awkwardly play with his fingertips, his gaze submitted, unsure, but dancing around frantically at what he's about to do. His lips began to open and close, deciding whether or not to tell Crescent. Either way, this goes, he'll end up in trouble. Who's scarier? Saikai and Fuchsia or Kisha. Loyalty for Kisha grows outside the means of normalcy.

"He's in one of our--"

"What's going on with you guys?" A soft tone grabs both of their attention suddenly.

Crescent looks up frantically, caught off guard and spooked by his brother's voice. He was so focused on Ralp, he didn't consider anyone else. After days of hounding Ralp every chance he got, Crescent chose a different approach which is by far his best. Ralp now understands that what he's doing is something for the greater good. Ralp's an idiot, he fell for it.

Ahni places down his half-filled tray and smiles at Ralp who smiles back weakly.

"You've seen a ghost, eh?" Ahni asks the two. They look like they are guilty of something. Two children in the middle of causing trouble... caught. 

"It's nothing. Me and Ralp were just waiting on you. Took you long enough." Crescent averts the conversation. He glances at Ralp one last time, watching him continue twiddling his thumbs. He hopes Ralp can keep quiet. His actions are suspicious and it's unsettling Crescent. If Ahni picks up on anything Crescent may have done, he will question Ralp and who knows, Ralp may throw them all under a bus to save his ass. Taking in a small breath, Crescent moves his leg forward until it lightly taps at what feels like Ralp's ankle. Ralp pops like popcorn before he straightens up, sighing and scooping his spork up again before he jams a full pile of cold potatoes into his mouth. 

Ahni slips into his seat, turning to Ralp and handing him a chocolate pudding cup which seems to help take his mind off of the situation.

"So, like, I heard a secret Ralp. Is it true?" Ahni asks.

"Yes!" A hard swallow, Ralp's yes comes as a yelp instead.

Ahni frowns. The nerves Ralp sometimes exhibits are over the top. "You don't even know what it is."

"Right."

"Anyway, under the school in the basement. Is it a brothel down there? I want to go."

Ralp's head tilts to one side innocently, his eyebrow raises in confusion at Ahni's weird assumption. Whatever Ahni is talking about he isn't aware of. A brothel beneath the school will mean men being sold, but that requires a boss and there is no one here that can sell humans without being caught. Also, that's a lot of time. Who has that much on their hands when classes take up all day?

No leading gang owns such a thing, though Saikai has been rumored to have a few prostitutes under his belt. It requires power, stature, and a lot of maturity to run something of that nature.

Shrugging, Ralp pulls the thin plastic lid from the pudding once he cups it. The flimsy container bent beneath his grip. He almost lets go to keep the pudding from spilling over, but his carefully shaking hands need more focus.

"Beats me. Why would you want to? It'll be a bunch of naked men. Plus, if you did, you'd have to pay. I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap." Ralp speaks once his eyes fell upon his pudding in a dazed admiration. The way imitation whipped cream sits on top of the chocolate pudding looking like a sugary white mess of pure deliciousness. The smell of sweet mixed with chocolate beckons a mouthwatering man. It always looks so appetizing.

"You think Locklear will come with us? He's handsome. He has power and reputation. Maybe he has money too? I'm sure we'll get the attention then." Ahni perks up. This can be a fun time for them. He'd get the chance to hang out with everyone without his deadweight brother looking over his shoulders. He has so many questions for Locklear.

"No." Flat answer from Ralp has Ahni looking down in defeat. Kisha will never agree to it. In fact, it will make his already sour mood worse. That's the side of Kisha that isn't hard to get on. The amount of unwanted attention by bold promiscuous men, all touching him in places without consent-- talk about throwing gasoline on a lighter. Money wouldn't be the only thing being thrown around.

"Speaking of Locklear, where is he...?" Ahni asks as he looks around, not specifically looking for Kisha, but looking out for him.

Ralp glances towards Crescent who has suddenly matched his eyes, a little glint in that sea of gold. His features twist up a bit, amusement flowing through Crescent's blood. Ralp will never lie to Ahni, will he? Crescent too is focused on this topic. Like a hungry dog that has just been given a bone by stingy hands, Crescent watches Ralp intensely. Where has the elusive white-haired devil gone? They want answers, Crescent wants a clue.

"Doing gang stuff..." Is all Ralp can muster, shrugging off Crescent's creepy stare.

"I'm sure, but where? I should talk to him since he's dating my brother, ya know. Maybe talk him out of it..."

"Uhm..." Ralp averts his eyes to stall the answer, but suddenly the left side of the room grows interesting and Ralp uses that to lessen the friction that's building up. Ralp spots in the distance a taller slim male, scanning the crowd. He knows this individual is looking for them. He's standing at their usual table. None of The Pack members are seated together and will not be for the upcoming days. They are spaced out in the general public due to their leaders being absent. Hiding amongst the students who are not in gangs helps keep them protected. 

Raising an arm, Ralp waves to get his attention. The male dips and jogs in Ralp's direction until he finally stops beside them. The cavalry has arrived. With Crescent's overpowering demands, it is only a matter of time before the sweat on Ralp's brow whispers Kisha's location. So stressful. He needs someone else with a bolder attitude.

"Hey, Ralp. You texted me, but I don't see the danger. I was with Kisha." The newcomer looks at Ralp and nearly rolls his eyes at the situation. Ralp's an emotional mess.

"Fuchsia, we need more security with Mr. Bride here." Ralp lies, and all Fuchsia can do is nod sarcastically.

Fuchsia sighs, looking towards Crescent, then again to Ralp. The only one who needs protection is Ralp with the way he's unfolded. Fuchsia can already tell Crescent's no shorter than a yapper. Complete opposite of Kisha. 

"Why didn't you ask Instaya? You know I have to babysit that mean bastard."

"Boss Kisha hears you talking shit and he's going to make you lay down and roll over. You know... Instaya's thoughts on this. He isn't happy right now. I'll go see boss Kisha, wait here with them."

Ralp pulls from his seat and allows Fuchsia to tuck inside, but not without Fuchsia trying to stop him. Ralp ignores him, jogging away from the table as if he's glad to get out of there. Fuchsia watches Ralp jog his way from the small group until he vanishes behind large doors as if he's escaping a serial killer.

 Ahni looks over, noticing those big, gorgeous eyes Fuchsia is showing off. Every blink from long lashes reveals looks like pinkish glass marbles. They don't look like contacts. No wonder he's called Fuchsia. His slim face, soft features, and thin shoulders. He resembles a walking jewel or someone who dabbles in charm. Alluring, beautiful-- Fuchsia blinks, looking towards Ahni when he subconsciously feels the eyes of someone admiring stare burning a hole into the side of his head, which sends Ahni to avert.

"You holding up alright?" Fuchsia asks Crescent, ignoring Ahni. He doesn't have time to be admired.

"Yeah... I'm not sure I'm the one in trouble. Plus, I don't think you can protect me... You don't look strong... at all." Crescent's being a dick on purpose. The flow of disappointment flowing through his veins right now, he can punch Fuchsia in the face just because he arrived at a crucial time. First, it was Ahni and his decision to appear and now Ralp weaseled his way to crawl like the rat he is. He doesn't want another babysitter. Wanting to bully Ralp more, his patience runs thin. Fuchsia looks less socially influenced and more combative. Those eyes fool no one, this guy has a temper.

Fuchsia releases a small chuckle, banging an open hand at the table forcefully. The insults kind of pissed him off. What warrants him to be verbally attacked by some brown-haired dork in glasses? He knows from Saikai's description that Crescent has a very bad attitude, but this stupidity is something else. 

"I'm capable, Crescent. I wouldn't be here if I didn't know my shit. You're one to talk though. You look like something out of a science class catalog. Piss off~"

Ahni nudges Crescent on his side as a means to shut him up, trying not to press the situation. These are certified gang members they are speaking to. Dangerous people that they know nothing about. Playing with the devil when they are only helping is stupid, but Crescent isn't always the smartest person. Impulsive and immature. Sharp language is uncalled for. What has his underwear in a bunch anyway? They are only here because of something that happened to Kisha. Sometimes Ahni can't figure out why his brother is such an ass. Crescent's social skills are trash.

"Where's Kisha?" Crescent straightens up, rolling his eyes.

"He's tucked away in The Packs VIP office. You need a key to access it. Classes will end early for him. He's getting worse..."

"Then let me see him," Crescent demands. "If there's someone who could help it has to be me. Ya, know... since you can't do shit."

"What?" Fuchsia sucks on his teeth, glaring at Crescent's attempt to rile him up. Though it is slightly working, he decides to bite down on his bottom lip a bit before speaking again. The pain reminds him of what's important and arguing with Crescent is the least of his job descriptions right about now. "At what cost?" Fuchsia narrows his eyes. "You have no idea what happens during fever or what could happen if you're next to him."

Fuchsia taps his slender digit on the table, trying to help Crescent understand that this isn't just some walk in the park. He chooses his words carefully, yet can't help but spit a little fire.

"Your ignorance will hurt more than just you one day. You're acting like you can't just follow simple orders. Whatever impulses you're clinging onto, stop. To think the boss has a fever but you're the only thirsty bitch I see."

Ahni watches the building anger between the two. What are they talking about? Why are they even fighting!? Does Locklear have a fever? Like the flu? There's no reason to have this conversation. They don't make any sense. They are all on the same side, right? He raises his hand, arm extends outward, blocking their vision so they can turn toward him.

"Stop this madness. Come on, the next classes are about to start. Geez~ Childish." Grappling his brother's plate and Ralp's untouched pudding, and piling them on his tray, Ahni slips from his seat to make way toward the trash can.

Crescent pulls himself from his seated position, Fuchsia following immediately.

"You don't have to follow me." Crescent barks, clearly still angry. Ahni's gone momentarily, there are no rules. Wondering if following him around like a puppy is to keep him safe or keep him away. Whatever it is, it's becoming tiring. A shadow, another gang following him. The rumors are sure to get to Asho and who knows what crap he'll have to hear at this gathering.

"Whatever." Crescent growls.

Ahni joins the two, bouncing in between them. He wraps his arms around their necks. Too friendly; just meeting Fuchsia. Not knowing who these people are. Naive, innocent, gullible. Crescent can smack him into wariness. 

"Sleeping with us tonight?" Ahni had to ask. He wants more people around. Doom and gloom Crescent hanging around zapping the room's energy and the more of Kisha's friends around means the more chance for Ahni to get closer to Kisha.

"No, Ralp will return." Fuchsia leans into the kind grasp, not minding Ahni's innocence. It's nicer compared to Crescent's anger.

Crescent remembers the paper when he tucks his hand into his pocket. Pulling it out now, Fuchsia's sure to ask about it. He'll read it some other time... when he isn't watching.

(((A/N

Kisha and Crescent, do they have any chemistry?

Don't be afraid to tell me what you think by commenting.❤️❤️

Drop a vote if you like. 👍👍)))