2p!America x Reader: Why Should I Worry? (songfic)

~One minute I'm in Central Park
Then I'm down on Delancey Street
From the Bow'ry to St Marks
There's a syncopated beat
Whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo
I'm streetwise
I can improvise
Whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo
I'm streetsmart
I've got New York City heart~


(y/n) followed after Al as they strolled the dark streets of New York. You considered yourself as an apprentice to Al since he taught you how to be tough and to defend yourself. He took you under his wing, regarding violence and how to survive. He showed you all the short-cuts in the huge city as you two cut across Central Park to end up on Delancey street.


“Now look here, if you want to prevent yourself from gettin’ mugged, don’t look scared” Al pointed out as you nodded


“Look mean or mad. Show no fear” Al instructed as your face scrunched up. Your eyebrows furrowed and your eyes narrowed as your mouth curved into a frown.


“Good, chin up. Don’t look down” Al tilted your face up and you blushed lightly.


~Why should I worry?
Why should I care?
I may not have a dime
But I got street savoire faire
Why should I worry?
Why should I care?
It's just bebopulation
And I got street saviore faire~


Al didn’t have much to offer, but you came to the city and needed a friend. Bumping into Al changed your life completely. Since Al wandered around with nowhere to go, you and him shared rent on a small apartment. The man was a native to New York and had lived in the city with his brother and two cousins since he was small.


As long as Al had a roof over his head and food in his stomach, he was content. He eventually showed you the business of delivery. His cousin Oliver ran a cupcake shop and you ran deliveries for decent pay. At night, you and him were loan sharks. You both got a split percentage of the money you retrieved for Francis, the man who loaned these people the money they now owed, and Al’s other cousin.


Being hassled by guys during your day job was why you begged Al to teach you how to be tough. Guys couldn’t resist sexually harassing a pretty girl with baked goods.


~The rhythm of the city
But once you get it down
Then you can own this town
You can wear the crown~


“Ok, kiddo. I’m gonna travel to a certain shop in the city. You gotta find me on your own, and fend off creepers on your own. You gotta find me within the hour. Good luck” Al got on his motorcycle and sped off.


You waited until Al texted you with the address, leaving you to wander the city and search.


You managed to find Al leaning against a streetlamp and smirking.


“Good work. Here’s your reward for passing the test” Al tossed you a jacket and you noticed it was identical to his.


“Now you’re a street pro. I don’t have to hear you whine about being lost anymore” Al chuckled as you pouted at him.


~Why should I worry?
Why should I care?
I may not have a dime
But I got street savoire faire
Why should I worry?
Why should I care?
It's just bebopulation
And I got street saviore faire

Ev'rything goes
Ev'rything fits
They love me at the Chelsea
They adore me at the Ritz~


You and Al’s mission for tonight was to track down a guy that owed Francis thousands of dollars. The man was staying at the Ritz-Carlton hotel.


You adorned your bomber jacket and wore your new tough expression and followed Al inside. The man handed over the money after ‘negotiating’. The manager bursted in the room and realized you were loan sharks and asked you two to leave before tossing you out.


“Good job” Al patted your back as you climbed onto his motorcycle and clung to him as he sped towards Francis’ building with the money.


Al smiled and handed you a wad of cash that was your half of the pay earned.


“I’m real proud of you kid. Not so bad for a tourist” Al winked as you blushed and slapped his arm. Al rolled his eyes and rubbed his arm.


“Let’s head home” You yawned and climbed on the motorcycle again as Al fired up his motorcycle and journeyed home.


~Why should I worry?
Why should I care?
And even when I cross that line
I got street savoire faire~


“Hey (y/n)?” Al looked at you and as you took off your helmet, Al kissed you. You placed the helmet down and kissed back.


“You’re my girl from now on, got it? I won’t let anyone take my rookie away” Al wrapped an arm around you as you smiled and leaned against him.


You had to admit, life with Al in the big apple was pretty relaxed. Neither of you had a care in the world, as long as you had each other’s backs.