*cries b/c I can only write Karneval stories lately* wow Idk where this one came from but I like it UuU (i'm trash please save me) anyway on to the story!

Hirato sighed "We don't have a guy with the right skills. Jiki's to tall. We need somebody young with black hair and the ability to look after himself."

Tsukitachi laughed "Good luck with that."

Yogi stepped forward "Eto... I may know somebody like that."

Hirato looked at him, clearly surprised "Who?"

Yogi sighed "His name is Gareki. I knew him from... from before."

Hirato and Tsukitachi exchanged looks before Hirato looked back to Yogi "How old is he?"

Yogi counted in his head "He should be about 18 now."

Hirato smiled "That could work."

Yogi smiled back, he knew this wouldn't be pleasant. Gareki wouldn't take this well at all. Their past wasn't the most... conventional and he knew that Gareki probably hated him. He didn't have a choice though. It was Gareki or nobody and they didn't have the liberty of choosing nobody.

~~pov change~~

Gareki closed the door behind him and flopped onto the bed. He knew he should put the money away and take a shower but really he was to tired.

He sighed and rubbed his eyes, he was getting fewer customers than usual and most of the time that wasn't a bad thing but now that Gareki had lost his other job it meant money was tight and he might not get to eat for a few days.

Gareki turned over when a vision of blond hair flashed over his eyes and viciously pushed the image away. Those days were over and he didn't want them back. He'd been a fool. That's what had gotten all this started anyway and now he couldn't stop.

He sighed and finally pushed himself up. A shower would help clear everything, even his thoughts. He put the money in his floor safe and went to take a shower. As he washed he relaxed, letting everything flow away. When everything was clean he dressed in a simple pair of shorts and a soft shirt. He was dead tired. He fell asleep almost as soon as he hit the bed.

~~pov change/slight time skip~~

Yogi swallowed as he stared at a door he hadn't seen in years. He was confident Gareki still lived here. Gareki wasn't one for moving around. He could feel Hirato's eyes on him as he reached up and knocked on the door. A few seconds later there was a shuffling sound from inside and the door opened to reveal a tired looking Gareki but that wasn't what shocked Yogi. It was the obvious bruises and hickies all over his skin.

Gareki blinked once before recognition set in and Yogi saw the flash of anger and slight panic right before Gareki slammed the door in his face. Yogi hadn't had time to get a word in. Yogi knocked again and waited. Nothing.

Hirato stepped forward "Allow me." he muttered before pounding on the door several times in quick secession. It opened again a few minutes later and Gareki peeked out reluctantly. He barely spared a glance for Hirato. All he did was glare at Yogi. Yogi squirmed a little. He hadn't know Gareki would be this angry, though it made sense. After all Yogi was the one who had left, he'd left Gareki in this place for years and not once had he made an effort to see him or even talk to him again.

Hirato smiled despite the tension "May we come in?"

Gareki gave Hirato a flat look before shrugging and stepping to the side, opening the door wider as he did.

Hirato bowed a little "Thank you." and stepped inside, Yogi following close behind.

Gareki closed the door behind them and stormed past to sit in the single chair, forcing Yogi and Hirato to take the couch.

Yogi looked around as he sat. Nothing had changed much since he left. It was still the same tiny apartment it had always been. The only thing that had changed was the boy sitting in the beat up chair they'd found behind a dumpster. It had been difficult to drag it back here. Yogi smiled a little at the memory but the way Gareki was looking at him forced it off his face rather quickly.

Hirato just smiled. He clearly wanted Yogi to say it. Yogi took a deep breath "We.. Circus needs your help."

Gareki just raised his eyebrow "So? Why do they want me?"

Yogi cleared his throat a little "Well we need somebody capable of going undercover for a mission. I said you'd fit the part. Will you please help?"

Yogi bit his lip at the look on Gareki's face. He looked really angry at that. Gareki laughed dryly "Of course. Of course you need my help. Why else would you be here?" Gareki rubbed a hand over his face and closed his eyes for a second. "Sure. I'll help you."

Yogi sighed in relief but Gareki smirked "But-" Yogi frowned. Gareki looked between Yogi and Hirato "If I help you guys I want paid. Money doesn't grow on trees and helping you guys will take me away from my job. I want compensation."

Yogi looked at Hirato who just smiled and stood up "You have yourself a deal." and held out his hand for Gareki to shake. Gareki eyes him wearily for a minute before reaching out. They shook hands and Yogi's gut twisted a little. He knew that look, in both of their eyes. This wouldn't end well.