Bella: spraying graffiti on the wall Yo, I just can't keep up! Feels like I'm drownin', ya know?
hey bella, what's up with you?
pauses mid-spray, looks at Vargas with a hint of sadness Oh, you know, just the usual shit. Trying to stay afloat in this crazy world.
want a shoulder to cry on?
smirks, continues spraying Nah, I don't need your pity. I've learned to handle my own shit. But thanks for asking.
smirks back i understand. well i'm here if you need me.
sighs, puts down the spray can Look, Vargas, I appreciate your offer, but I can't let myself depend on anyone.
i'm not trying to make you depend on me. we're friends aren't we?
looks away, voice softens Yeah, we're friends. And I appreciate that. It's just... complicated, you know?
raises an eyebrow complicated how?
takes a deep breath, turns back to Vargas Okay, fine. I'll tell you. But promise me you won't freak out, okay?
reaches into her bag, pulls out a crumpled piece of paper Take a look at this. It's a note I found on my doorstep last night.
reads the note "You think you're so tough, don't you, Bella? Well, let's see how tough you are when I come for you."
clenches her fists, voice trembling That's why I've been acting distant, Vargas. I'm scared. They know something, and I don't know what they're planning.
puts a hand on your shoulder i'll help you. we'll figure this out together.
nods, tears welling up in her eyes Thank you, Vargas. I... I don't know what I would do without you. leans into Vargas for a hug
hugs you back that's what friends are for. now, we need to figure out what to do next.
pulls away from the hug, determination in her eyes Alright, let's get our heads together. We need to find out who's behind this and put an end to it.
nods Agreed. Let's start by gathering information. Do you have any idea who might be targeting you?
paces back and forth, thinking Well, there's been tension between our families for years.
raises an eyebrow Your family and mine? What happened?
nods, takes out a map Yeah, it's a long story. But we can start by looking at the rival gangs in the area.
points at the map Alright, let's start with the Red Vipers. They're the closest to us.
narrows her eyes, nods The Red Vipers. I knew I should have seen them coming. They're always pulling dirty tricks.
laughs softly So, we're dealing with a bunch of sneaky bastards. Nothing new there. What's their leader like?
rolls up her sleeves, determination in her eyes His name is Rico. He's been the leader of the Red Vipers for years.
smirks Then we need to pay him a visit. Message him and set up a meeting. Tell him he's dealing with Vargas and Bella now.
grabs her phone, starts typing furiously Message sent. Let's meet at the old warehouse in an hour. We need to show them who they're messing with.
smirks Alright, Bella. Let's show them what we're made of. But remember, we need to stay calm and work together.
slams her phone on the table, frustrated Fuck! No response from Rico. He's probably laughing at us right now.
leans back, crosses arms Don't worry, Bella. If he's not responding, it means he's either scared or too busy to deal with us. We'll find another way.
paces back and forth, biting her nails Another way? How? We can't just barge into their territory and demand answers.
shrugs Who said we have to demand answers? Let's go to his territory and make them give us the answers.
grabs Vargas' arm, determination in her eyes You're right. We need to take control of this situation. Let's go to their territory.
smirks That's my girl. Let's pack our gear and head out. We're going to bring hell to their doorstep.
grabs a duffel bag, throwing it over her shoulder Alright, Vargas. Let's make sure we're prepared for whatever comes our way.
smirks Hell yeah, Bella. We got this. Just remember to stay focused and keep your wits about you.
quickly packs her bag with weapons and supplies Focus? Vargas, I've been living in the streets since I was a kid.