The portal split open with a low blue hum, light spilling across the cracked court.
A figure stepped out carrying Larenzo over his shoulder.
The portal sealed the second his boots touched the ground.
Jay dropped him onto the court.
Larenzo hit the concrete hard and a strained groan slipped out before he could stop it. Pain shot through his ribs, forcing him to stay still for a second just to breathe.
The air smelled like dust and old rubber.
They were inside an abandoned basketball gym, lights dim, ceiling high, nets half-torn. The place looked forgotten, but not empty.
Five people sat on the bleachers across from them.
Four men spread out loosely.
A woman in the center.
Relaxed posture. Legs crossed. Chin resting lightly against her knuckles like she'd been waiting.
Her eyes landed on Jay first.
Charlotte:
"My, my… look what the wind dragged in."
Jay rolled his shoulder once, completely unfazed.
Jay:
"I did what you asked. Don't act surprised."
He jerked his head slightly toward Larenzo.
Jay:
"I expect a favor back."
One of the guys on the bleachers leaned forward, elbows on his knees, looking Larenzo up and down.
LJ:
"Damn… gang."
Sid let out a quiet laugh beside him.
Sid:
"Bro got his ass deep fried"
Another dude muttered under his breath.
"Man breathing hard as hell too…"
Larenzo shot them a look but didn't say anything. He didn't have it in him.
Charlotte lifted one finger slightly.
The talking stopped immediately.
She stood up and walked down from the bleachers, footsteps echoing softly against the court.
When she got closer, her eyes moved over to Larenzo, the burns, the blood near his hairline, the way he favored one side.
Charlotte:
"You look terrible."
No pity.
Just observation.
Larenzo let out a weak breath that almost sounded like a laugh.
Larenzo:
"…Feel worse."
Charlotte nodded once, like that confirmed something in her head; then her attention shifted back to Jay.
The air changed.
Subtle.
But heavy.
Charlotte:
"You're asking for a favor..and what may that be."
Jay:
"I don't move for free."
Charlotte tilted her head slightly, studying him.
Charlotte:
"You never do."
A small smile pulled at her lips, confident, knowing.
Charlotte:
"You know most people would be concerned about the MP being involved."
Jay:
"I'm not most people."
They held eye contact.
Neither blinking.
Neither backing down.
There was familiarity there.
Respect.
And the quiet understanding that if things ever went bad between them…
There would be heavy bloodshed.
Charlotte tilted her head slightly, a slow smile forming like she was entertained more than anything.
Jay didn't smile. Didn't shift. His voice came out calm and flat.
Jay:
"Im not here to waste my time."
One of the guys behind her muttered:
"Man swear he untouchable…"
Charlotte didn't even look back, but the dude immediately shut up.
She folded her arms, gaze still locked on Jay.
Charlotte:
"You asking me for resources? Territory? Or information?"
Jay:
"Access."
That word lingered.
Charlotte's eyes sharpened just slightly.
Charlotte:
"…That kind of favor isn't cheap."
Jay smirked faintly.
Jay:
"Good thing you like me."
Charlotte laughed once under her breath.
Charlotte:
"You're lucky you're useful."
Another pause.
Then she nodded.
Charlotte:
"Fine. I'll hear you out."
Behind them, Larenzo finally pushed himself up onto one knee, breathing steadier now.
Charlotte glanced back at him again.
Charlotte:
"Sure you don't need help."
Larenzo:
"…I'm good."
He clearly wasn't.
But she didn't push it.
Larenzo staggered forward a few steps before dropping onto the front bleacher with a low grunt, one hand pressing against his side.
Charlotte:
"I can get you in."
Jay stood across from her, hands still in his pockets, expression unreadable.
He tilted his head slightly.
Jay:
"And what's the requirement?"
Charlotte shrugged lightly.
Charlotte:
"You need a better face card first."
Jay frowned faintly.
Jay:
"…What does that even mean."
Charlotte pointed loosely toward him.
Charlotte:
"It means people gotta know your name. See your face. Hear what you've done. Right now you're strong… but you're not known."
Jay clicked his tongue softly and flicked the bridge of his nose, clearly unimpressed.
Jay:
"…Sounds annoying."
Charlotte grinned.
Charlotte:
"Welcome to reputation."
A blue portal shimmered open behind Jay.
He turned toward it.
Jay:
"K."
He started walking, then paused right before stepping through.
Jay:
"Almost forgot."
A portal appeared to the side of him above his head and dropped an unconscious Sam onto the ground
Then he disappeared into the portal.
Charlotte watched the space for a second after it closed, a slow smirk spreading across her face like she'd just set something in motion.