Toman's Black Cat

Follow-Through & the Dark

It took almost no time at all before I was grabbed. I was more than ready to take whatever beating I had to so I could be around these guys. What I wasn't ready for was....

"'Sup, babe! Been a while, yeah?" Ran's infamous smirk greeted me once again as a lackey dropped, pretty literally, right in front of him.

I couldn't help but stare at him in confusion.

I know he's in Tenjiku, but dude is a gang boss and somehow manages to always have his hair look better than mine. Why does that piss me off now of all times?

He approached me and bent down a little to be eye to eye with me before tilting his head to the side. "Surprised to see me or are you just admiring my beautiful face?" His smirk returned.

"Honestly I freaking hate that you always look good. Better than me even. It makes no sense and yet I can't get past it." The words tumbled past my lips before I could really consider what I should say without seeming more odd than usual.

This is seriously one of those face palm moments.

The pure frustration I knew showed on my face and all I could do was turn to stare at the ground instead.

I'm so stupid. This is seriously not the time...

Hearing laughter from not just Ran, but others out of my line of sight jerked my attention back to Ran.

That could be good...I guess?

"Oh babe, you should've told me you're in love with me when we met before! Would've saved you time." His words made it hard to put rage mode down.

"You always get angry with him and yet here you are in front of us. Again." Rindo's comment sounded less than entertained, but I shrugged.

"I'm a glutton for punishment, I guess." I said through clenched teeth.

Ran looked over my shoulder behind me for a moment before grabbing me by the throat to hold me still. His speed was more terrifying than I wanted to admit, but even still, I didn't fight back.

"Were you looking for us to spy?" A voice from behind me asked, "If so, we'll just kill you now to save time." The statement sent shivers down my spine.

"I was looking, but not to spy. I have a question." I tried to speak in a way that sounded confident, but looking at Ran, I knew I didn't.

"What could you possibly need to ask?"

I took a few deep breaths to steel myself for whatever would happen to me. "I am looking for a white tiger..."

A confused look from Ran and whispers throughout the building sent fear straight to my heart. When his grip suddenly began to tighten, I knew I was wrong.

I'm not totally surprised. I thought it was him, but I guess not.

I closed my eyes in an act of defeat. Suddenly the grip was gone and my head was covered covering me in complete darkness.