It's a new day, and Crip enters the hideout without Victor. This immediately catches Charlie's attention.

Charlie: "Where's the creep?"

Crip: "He won't be around as much, unless I need him."

Charlie and J-Dog share a look, one of confusion.

Charlie: "Hm. That so? Maybe you'll come with me then? O'Riley wants me to scope out a store."

What he's really saying is, follow me and let me screw you later. Still. It's better than trying to outrun him and have him threaten him.

Crip: "Sure."

Charlie looks rather surprised by his response. The two of them head out after a while, going to this uppity store. Crip can see why O'Riley wants to target this place. They're selling expensive jewelry and clothes. There's no telling how much they make in a day.

Charlie: "I only see two cameras in here."
He whispers, and Crip slowly looks around. He's right, there's only two, and there's about three workers. One register, two stocking the shelves and waiting to assist customers.

Crip: "This doesn't seem too bad a place."

Charlie nods.

Charlie: "Easy money."

Crip starts to speak but someone else's voice emits from behind them.

"Ah, didn't realize you shopped here."

Crip looks over to Charlie, who immediately looks like a deer caught in the headlights.

The two turn around and it's an older man with brown hair. He looks..similar to Charlie.

Charlie: "Y-Yeah, I was showing my friend here the store."

The older man stares down at Crip, judging him, quite obviously.

"Friend?"

Charlie: "Helping the poor dad..it's good for my reputation."

"Ah."

He says lowly.

Dad huh? So this guy is Charlie's father. So..Mr. Chapman?

Charlie: "Anyways, we were about to leave so-"

Mr. Chapman: "Actually I wanted to speak with you face to face. I've found you a suitable bride. She's agreed to marry you and receive a portion of the companies income."

Charlie suddenly looks worried.

Charlie: "Dad, I already told you, I don't want an arranged marriage."

Mr. Chapman: "Nonsense, don't be so selfish. That's how I met your mother."

Charlie: "But I'm not interested in getting married."

Mr. Chapman: "You haven't even seen her yet. She's a model-"

Charlie: "But I-"

Mr. Chapman: "Stop thinking about yourself. You need to grow up and settle down."

Crip: "Sounds like you're the one thinking about yourself."

Both men look over to Crip, and Mr. Chapman frowns deeply.

Mr. Chapman: "Excuse me?"

Crip: "He said he's not interested. Why not listen to your sons wants in life? Or is it all about your reputation and how he makes you look? Charlie is always living his life on eggshells, worried about how he makes you look. The least you could do is not force some money hungry whore on him, just because it'll make him and you look good. Just because someone controlled your miserable life doesn't give you the right to destroy his."

Mr. Chapman: "-and who are you? Some little street rat that nobody even knows? You don't know how the world works boy, and I suggest you mind your own business."

Charlie: "No."

There's silence for a moment, and Crip looks up to Charlie.

Mr. Chapman: "No?"

Charlie: "He's not just a street rat..his name is Everett, and he's been there for me more than any of my family has. He's also right. I don't want a wife and I'm not getting married. You might disown me, you might take away my inheritance, but I'm tired of you controlling every inch of my life."

The older man doesn't speak, he just blinks a bit and looks down.

Charlie: "Do what you're gonna do. I've had enough."

Mr. Chapman: "Charles-"

Charlie grabs Crips wrist and pulls him outside, only letting go once they're a good distance away.

Crip feels bad..maybe he shouldn't of said anything at all. It just didn't seem fair, for Charlie to just take it.

Crip: "I'm..sorry I opened my mouth.."

Charlie: "No..I'm glad you did. I realized back there, if someone as abused as you can stand up for me, maybe I should start standing up for myself."

There's silence. Crip isn't sure what to say.

Charlie: "I didn't expect you to do that..didn't really think you cared."

Crip can feel himself getting warmer.

Crip: "The Reapers are my family..you're like my family."

Charlie: "Even though I'm gonna fuck you as soon as we get home?"

Crip: "Yeah..I need you guys. Even you."

Charlie suddenly grabs Crips wrist and pulls him over. His eyes look..pained. What was running through his head? He definitely didn't seem like the Charlie that's always harassed him.

Charlie gently wraps a hand around Crips back, pulling him closer, until their lips were connected. It wasn't just a little peck either. It was passionate, and as his tongue left Crips mouth, Crip felt like he could barely catch his breath.

Charlie: "I need you."