Heh.

This is all really pathetic. I'm sprawled out in what smells like a puddle of sewage, crying my eyes out like a 12 year old. It's not my fault I pick pocket people! It's just… I need the cash. Those punks don't know anything! What gives them the right to call this place "Their Turf"? Like anyone really cares about that! Color gangs are totally last month! I wiped at the tears and snot on my face. It's just not fair…

"Some would say life isn't fair."

I turned to the alley opening and looked at the silhouette of a man. Tensing I squared my shoulders and looked up into his shadowed face.

"J-just leave me alone! Haven't you guys had enough fun? Picking on a 15 year old! Seriously you're pathetic!" My voice shook and the snot from my nose began dripping over my lips. I wiped at my mouth and felt more tears falling.

"Chie-chan~ Please don't get me confused with those hooligans."

The man stepped closer towards me and I could now make out his face. No, he definitely wasn't one of those yellow-scarves. He seemed too…high class…to be a dumb gang member. His fuzzy-trimmed jacket looked more expensive then all of my clothes combined. He stepped closer and looked at my face. I flinched and looked towards the opposite wall.

"T-then who are you?" I asked. I was too scared to move. This one man, he was ten times scarier than the three thugs who jumped me. I tucked my legs in close to me, trying to appear smaller.

"Hmmm~ Don't be scared Chie-chan. I'm here to offer you a job."

"A job?" I asked glaring at him. No way was that the real reason he was here. Also, he was too shady a person to run your everyday shop. No way. He was totally in the mafia or something.

"Yes. A job." He jumped in the puddle and splashed water all over me. "I've been watching you for some time now." He squatted down next to me at poked my head. I flinched and scooted away. "I wanted to talk to you so I tipped off those thugs about your pocketing and, well, here we are." He stood up and twirled a full 360.

I sat there horrified. How can this guy be so calm after he just sent thugs after me! Wait. This is the prick who tipped them off!

I jumped up off the ground. "Why the hell should I work for you? You're the one that did this to me!" I motioned to my bruised body and torn clothes. "My answer is NO!" I screamed at him and then stood there fuming. This guy was seriously sick in the head! To think he would expect me to work for his obviously shady business.

"Now Chie-chan, think rationally for a minute," "I AM!" I screamed and sarted for the exit he blocked. I was too slow and he grabbed my arm, twisted, and forced me to the ground.

"I said rational Chie-chan. Now, you can go on and continue with this pathetic life as a part time pickpocket, which will most likely end with you being jumped again, maybe even raped or, for all I care, dead." I shivered. This man was voicing my constant worries. I knew this 'Job' was dangerous…but I need the cash. Tears began to pour down my face, again.

"Or," he continued, "you can come work for me. I can guarantee your safety, and I can pay you triple what you make on a good day as a pickpocket." After one last twist he let go of my arm and it dropped to my side.

"What do you say Chie-chan?" he stooped down next to me. "Yes? Or…"

"Your name, what is it?" I asked.

I heard him smile. "Orihara, Izaya."

My eyes widened. Orihara? Then-

I looked into his face. "Alright. I'll do it. But only if you guarantee I'll be safe."

He lifted up his right hand. "Scouts honor." Smiling he stood and offered me his hand. I took it and stood up next to him. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled something out. Grabbing my hand he put the object in it. "Tell my sisters I say hi!" and with that Izaya left.

I stood there for a minute before looking into my hand. It was a cell phone wrapped in a charger. I looked at it and it had my name engraved on the back. It was like he knew I'd agree.

That man…