Punk & New Girl Chapter 3 - Bonding
Tatshiro stands outside by the gates. Waiting for Shea to come out from class. Since Tatshiro defended her from the jerk that was hitting on her & they had lunch together, they made it a routine to spend time together.
They didn’t officially; but they made it a regular thing.
He looked ahead of the path that led to the school. The path was a stone path, cherry blossom trees line up on the sides, yet to be in season.
His thoughts trace back to Shea. Wondering where she is right now. She usually doesn’t take long such, as, ten minutes to come from class. He hopes that she isn’t in trouble like when with that asshole. Maybe he should check on her—
He turned around, seeing Shea running toward him. In a rush as she holds her book bag close to her chest but sorta slipping from her grasp but try to hold onto it tight to keep it from dropping.
Tatshiro gave a small smile, Along with a wave. Now in front of him, she bend a little. Panting as she try to breathe for air.
“Hey.” He greeted. Placing his hands on his hips. “Wonderin’ where you were.”
“S-Sorry…! Got… distracted…” she said in between breaths. “But I’m here now.”
Nice recovery. He thought. “Well… let’s going now.”
Now standing up straight, she walks side - by - side with Tatshiro, pressing on down the streets.
Buildings were lined up together. Almost looked like they were attached together. Some were convenient stores, grocery stores, restaurants,karaoke bars, so on & so forth. Some had signs that had bold letters with the words ‘open’ or ‘closed’ depending what days & time they could be open or closed.
Shea stop for a moment, looking to the side where a building that was a restaurant. Transfixed by it. Is she still hungry, even from lunch? He turned on his heels, facing the distracted blonde. “You hungry?” Tatshiro asked. She glanced to him, giving a small nod.
“Yeah. Tend to get hungry after a while.” She scratched the back of her head, swaying a bit. Her eyes didn’t looked at him at first but do meet his gaze. “You didn’t had lunch today, right?”
“I have eyes, Tatshiro.” She teased. A playful smirk with her sapphires gleaming with cheekiness. “I came to eat with you at lunch today, but I saw you weren’t in the best mood so…”
she paused for a moment. Holding her arm.
“I wanted to give you space, so I left you alone. But I look back at you a few times & saw that you didn’t had any food.”
He stared at the girl, dumb - founded. She’s sharp, he’ll give her that.
But does that mean she wanted to eat with me? He realized. Damn, he wouldn’t have mind her company. In fact, he would’ve like her there. Considering that he has to deal with jerks & idiots harassing him, her usual positive, bubbly, aura would have help with his mood when pissed off or frustrated.
She worries too much. He sighed.
“Y’know…” He started. “If you wanted to sit with me, I wouldn’t mind it.”
“Huh?” Her face gave a confused but her eyes still glistening.
“You don’t have to worry about bothering me. It’s fine, really,” He reassured. Tatshiro’s crimson orbs peered at her in reassurance, hoping that his cheeks weren’t painted in red.
She gave a smile, looking away from him as her cheeks have pink coating on hers, not really making an attempt to hide it.
There’s a brief silence that actually felt painful in an awkward sense. He didn’t know what to say after that. What should he say to her?! God, he’s still not used to it. Having a girl have a crush on him. Not that it’s bad, it’s just new to him.
“A-Anyway!—“ She blurted. Breaking the silence, pulling her ponytail to one shoulder. Threading through her blonde locks. “You didn’t had lunch, right?” She asked.
“Yeah. Didn’t grab some on the way.”
“Yep.” He confirmed. “Got some food from a store, yesterday. But not today.”
Shea’s expression changed to nervous. “Did you had any money?”
“Yeah, I figured as much.”
Well she did knew that he lived on the streets before being sent to juvie, so what was she expecting?
“Wait a minute— How the hell you didn’t get caught? Normally shop owners would want to report shoplifting?”
“Who knows.” He shrugged.
Probably they were too lazy to do so. At least he’s off the hook for now. But if he keeps at it, they’ll possibly catch on; and he’s not planning to go back to prison. Back to Shea, with his focus back on her, her face was still the same: anxious. Evident by a sweat drop & furrowed; along with uneasy eyes. Is she seriously still worried by this?
“Hey, c’mon, they didn’t caught me this time, so it’s fine.”
Yeah, but—“ She paused. Looking down to the ground. But lifts it up with more composure but there was a sense of seriousness. “I just want you to be careful, okay? I like you here so if need help like, needing food— I don’t mind.”
Tatshiro was a bit taken aback. Despite how soft her voice is, she said it with conviction. Aside from being way too nice, she takes things a bit too seriously.
“Really, it’s no big deal. I didn’t get caught last time, so it’s fine.”
“Still… can you promise me you’ll be careful, please?” She pleaded. Giving a bit of puppy - dog eyes, her two oceans still shining, her lips pursed.
She’s not gonna give up, is she?
Giving another sigh, he responds. “Fine. But don’t expect much.”
She smiles. “Kay’. As long you’re not gettin’ into trouble & are safe, it’s good enough for me.”
The red paint on Tatshiro’s cheeks grew darker. The genuine sweet smile spread across her face making his heart beat a bit faster.
“Anyway, since you didn’t have lunch today— want to eat here?” She asked. Pointing to the restaurant. “I have some cash.”
Tatshiro hesitated for a moment. He felt a bit bad for letting her pay from her pocket to get him food when he didn’t.
“You sure? Don’t you need that for somethin’ more important.” She shook her head.
“It’s fine. Usually I use it for food & others things, but I got that covered for the time.” She gave her argument. “Plus, I have a part - time job & get payed on Wednesdays, so I should be okay.”
She had a point there. He’s still apprehensive about this but he doubt she’s gonna give up… might as well.
“Fine. You win.” He relented. Her smile grew more. “Sweet! Well, c’mon!” She urged. Grabbing the knob of the fancy, red, door.
Tatshiro gave a chuckle. “All right, all right, I’m comin’.”
With that said, she opens the door, Tatshiro following behind her.”
As the two entered the restaurant, a boy with brown hair watch with a bitter expression & gritted teeth.
Seeing the punk that beat the shit out of him & that blonde chick that got him beat up being all buddy - buddy is ridiculous. The hell she hanging around a guy like that? It irritated him that the bitch was with a guy that is notorious at school & is dangerous
“Like hell I’m lettin’ that chick slip through my fingers.” He said under his breath.
Frustrated, he storms off, heading in a different direction.
Once again, Tatshiro was waiting for Shea. She forgot her books in class. He breathes out a sigh. He’s probably gonna make it a habit to meet up with her at class so she doesn’t forget anything or get distracted.
Though it’s kinda cute that she’s a bit easily distracted & forgetful. He chuckled at the thought.
“Well, if it isn’t scar face.”
Tatshiro whipped his head to where that insult came from but wasn’t surprised by the person who said it.
It was the same asshole that was pressuring Shea. He glared at the brunette. What the hell does he want?
Best for him to not let his anger get to him. He traces back to what he promised Shea. He usually doesn’t do stuff like this, but the way she looked at him with genuine concern & a sense of worry in her softspoken voice made Tatshiro feel a pang of emotion that he would assumed as gulit but there was still more to it then that.
He doesn’t want her to worry. At least… not more than she already has.
Tatshiro directs his eyes away from the guy, trying to ignore him.
“Where’s your girlfriend? Grabbin’ her books while you wait for the Bombshell?” Ryan continued. His voice held an irritating teasing, almost mocking in a way.
The mention of Shea being his girlfriend made the purple - haired punk’s heart skip a beat. But the sense of mockery in his voice made him clench his fist. His blood red orbs went back to the jerk.
“She’s not my girlfriend. We’re just friends.” He refuted.
“You sure? Because you two sure act the part.” Ryan retorted. “Walkin’ home together; eatin’ out together; you two dumb faces turnin’ red as apples.”
Did he really have to list that off? Tatshiro though. They’re just hanging out. Sure, he has a crush on her & he knows that she likes him too. But they didn’t really want further than that. But he would be lying if he didn’t want that, a little. But that’s none of this asshole’s business.
“So what? That doesn’t concern you.”
Ryan scoffs. “Like hell it doesn’t! How the hell you get your hands on a chick like that? You’re just a punk who beats the shit out of people & steals from stores.”
Tatshiro gritted his teeth. The hell does he know? So what if she likes to hang out with him? At least she has common decency & doesn’t judge people at first blush; & the last time he remembered, Ryan was the asshole that was pushing Shea’s boundaries; Tatshiro wanted to help get her out of that situation because he couldn’t leave like that.
“Do you seriously believe that you deserve a hottie like that? The fact she’s dumb enough to fall for a violent person like you baffles me!”
He smirks. “Makes you wonder, huh? She’s a cutie but her taste sucks ass!”
“You son of a— I told you! We aren’t dating! You don’t know a thing; & you better watch it when you’re talking about Shea like that!”
“How ‘bout you make me?” The brunette raised his fists in a fighting pose.
With his anger finally boiling over, he lunges a fist at Ryan… but stops. His fist hanging in mid - air as it almost knocked out the blond that was blocking his punch. Her expression stern but with a tinge of concern. The promise that he made to her came back to his mind again.
“Can you promise me you’ll be careful, please?”
Those words play in his head. He nearly broke that promise. He just hated how the asshole was talking about her. But seeing her stop him; her unusually firmness, compare to her gentle, softness makes him reconsider this. It’s not worth it. He wants to keep the promise he made to her. He lowers his hand, Shea smiling at him, now. Like she was proud of him.
She turns around, her back now facing him.
That was a close one. One moment later, she wouldn’t have stopped Tatshiro from doing some regrettable. With her gaze now focused on Ryan.
“Well look who decide to come & say hello.”
She glared daggers at him. “What are you doin’?”
“Just havin’ a chat with your boyfriend.”
Shea holds out her arm, blocking Tatshiro when trying to get closer. She glances at him, sterness remained but still soft & kind.
“Don’t let him get to you. I’ll handle this, kinda my fault you’re in this—“
“This ain’t your fault.” He cut her off. “He’s the one causin’ problems. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
The blonde smiled. Even though a part of her is still believes that she kinda got him involved in this, but she appreciates his words telling her that this wasn’t her fault. After a second, he backs up. Clear sign that he’s trusting her with this. She redirects her sapphire orbs back to Ryan.
“What me & Tatshiro to each other is none of your business.”
“Oh, c’mon! This scumbag kicked my ass when I was bein’ friendly!”
She rolled her eyes. “Friendly? Really? Last time I checked, you were pushin’ me for my number when I made it clear that I didn’t want to.”
She remembered it pretty clearly. It was the first time that she interacted with Tatshiro after all. She was gonna head into class, ready to start class like she usually does. Then he came up to her, trying to chat her up; asking for her number. before her shyness kicked in, she gave a simple shake of her head. But he kept pushing her; figuratively & literally to get her to give in.
She knows that Tatshiro was only protecting her from getting hurt.
“Oh for the love of— if you just said yes, then that stuff wouldn’t be an issue!”
Why would I say yes to givin’ my damn number to a guy that takes joy in hurtin’ people & makin’ people feel lessen then you!” She shot back. “You’re an ass who does cruel things for the sake of your ego. I want nothin’ to do with you!”
She seen him how he treats people. How he attacks those that are weak & frail; hitting on girls that he found attractive, yet treats them like they were more objects then human beings; and just acts like a bully! She doesn’t want to associate with a person like that.
“Why you little—“ he stops mid - sentence. The anger that washed over his face, changed to him giving a chuckle. Becoming more smug. “That’s rich, isn’t it?”
“You think you’re any better? Nice try bitch, I see right through you.”
“You’re Leon Kennedy’s kid, aren’t you?”
She froze. So he knows about that too. Shadow cast over her face, her stare becoming more intense at the smug jerk.
“Yeah.. so what?” She spoke in a rough voice, almost curt.
“Kinda interesting when you criticize me for being an ass & thinkin’ people are less than me when you’re no better.”
“What are you gettin’ at?”
“I see how you mimic his character. His stance, his energy, his bravery. What’s with that? You think you’re better than him that you can steal what makes him a big deal at central city?”
Shea steps back, getting closer to Tatshiro from behind. “T-That’s—!”
“I mean, c’mon! Your guardian is ten times better than you. He’s strong, charismatic, works for the goddamn government & is beloved by the city. But you? What’s to like about you aside your looks & him bein’ by your side at all times?”
“Whatchu you say?!” Tatshiro snapped.
“You’re just his litt’ sidekick who just have issues like… your mommy & sissy fighting every two minutes.”
Great… he also knows about that.
“Who would want to be with a girl who has her nose in a book, quiet as a mouse. Who tries desperately to be like the big shot that took you in. What did he even see in you?”
His words cut like a knife. Digging into her heart as the facts were layed out verbally. Shea just standing, quietly. Mouth agape as if trying to think of something to say but struggle to get words out. Meanwhile, Tatshiro was seething. Pissed off by a petty individual who was hitting all the lows he could. But trusting Shea can handle it, but clearly can see that Ryan’s words were getting to her. But wanting to give her space.
“What? Cat got your tongue?”
He wasn’t wrong… Leon was a lot more better than she was. He was beloved by the city, having such admiration & trust from the city. While she easily blend into the background. Compare to his strength, charisma & knew how to talk to people without being awkward & shy. She figured that if she like emulate his great qualities, then maybe… she would have something Leon could be proud of, along with hoping that it could help people see her in a more positive light then the girl who’s family she used to have struggling emotionally & mentally.
But she’s not about to let this guy get the satisfaction of getting under her skin.
“What about me & Leon’s relationship is none of your business. Now will you excuse us, we’re on our way & please leave us alone & quit trying to antagonize us!”
Without another word, she grabs Tatshiro’s hand, heading for the front gates as fast she could walking trying to get away from Ryan.
Her hold was an iron grip. Grasping his risk tightly, so much so that it kinda hurt. He try to call out to her so she could slow down & let go before she end up bruising his risk. But no luck.
Finally she stopped. Letting go of his hand, coming to a full stop. Tatshiro hold his risk into his other hand. Trying to help the sorta throbbing pain due to Shea’s strong hold on him. She’s pretty tough.
She turned to face him, looking surprised but changed to guilt & remorse. Backing up a bit.
“Oh, gosh. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize what I was doin’.” She apologized. “Did I hurt your hand?”
“No, no, I’m fine. Just sting a bit.”
He waved a hand. “I said I was fine. Seriously, don’t worry about it.”
She seemed unconvinced. Her gaze off him again. Guilt remained on her face. “Shea… I get it. You were upset with what that asshole was sayin’.”
He stepped a bit closer to her. Shea glanced back to him. Her blue oceans gleaming with worry.
“Are you sure?” She asked. Tatshiro responded with a nod.
She was still on edge. But a smile spread across her lips, a sign that his words easing her at least, a little bit. Earning a similar grin from him.
Tatshiro skim the area. They must’ve drifted from town to a park when Shea made a sharp turn from down town. The park was any typical park. A small playground with swings, slides & an obstacle course. Along with a few benches away a couple distance from the small playground.
They should rest for a bit. Shea is pretty shaken. Like the words that Ryan spout out upset her. Like they hit somewhere that shook her to her core. He just doesn’t want to leave her like this. He turns to her. Speaking in a gentle voice.
“Hey, how ‘bout we go sit down?”
She stared at him confused. “But… don’t we gotta—“
“It can wait. C’mon.” He wasn’t gonna let her finish that & dismissed her feelings or other than that; ignore that she was upset. He shrugs his shoulder to the playground. Gesturing her to there as he goes ahead. With a bit of hesitation, she follows Tatshiro. Plopping herself on the bench, next to him. Hunched over; with her arms resting on her upper legs. Tatshiro leaned his back against the back of the bench, along with his elbow.
Once they sat down, there was nothing but awkward silence. The purple - haired punk not really sure what to say or do. He isn’t really good at stuff like this. But he’s hoping she’ll be okay. She didn’t look good there when that idiot was saying things that possibly felt personal for her.
She sat there, silently. Not sure what to do or say. Her heart at a fast pace of a racing car on a race track. Her body slightly shaking, she didn’t expect his words to get to her so much. She just glad that it didn’t hit her when dealing with him.
She wish though Tatshiro didn’t have to get involved in this becau of her…
“I’m sorry.” She whispered. Her ponytail falling to the side of her face.
“For gettin’ you in this situation. Because he wants me, and you helped me— you’re bein’ attached by a jerk who is bitter.”
She heard what Ryan was saying to him, at least the snippets when she left school. Tatshiro being dragged to this uncomfortable conflict, because a guy that has interest in her wants to date her, even it means involving people that shouldn’t be. Kinda makes her think that Tatshiro would be better if he didn’t defend her.
Don’t get her wrong, she’s happy that he protected her. She just wished that it didn’t have went from there to here.
Her vision that was looking down the cement ground; along with her black flats that she usually wear before switching them with her brown dress shoes, to Tatshiro’s crimson.
“This isn’t your fault. The dumbass was the one causin’ a problem. You didn’t do anything wrong.” He reassured.
“But…” there was more she was gonna say but the words couldn’t seem to form.
“You were just mindin’ your own business, weren’t you?” She nodded sheepishly. “Then he was the one in the wrong. Puttin’ this pressure on you, so you could go out with him.”
He peered into her sapphires, Held gentle conviction as he really believed that. A light flutter flow in her stomach. A small smile form.
“So, don’t be sayin’ it’s your fault. Because it isn’t. Okay?”
He shared a similar smile. Mouthing “good”
His eyes… she didn’t really realized how pretty his fire orbs were. They were like the shade of burning flames when wood was in place that would soon become cinders. But his was going strong. Like it wouldn’t go out no matter what.
The laughter of small children playing on the playground snap her out of the trance she was in. Realizing that she was staring at him, red warmth enveloped in her pale cheeks.
Shyly, she looked away. Bringing her legs up to her chest, hiding her face in between her knees. Tatshiro also seemed to be staring too, as he direct his gaze away from her.
Along with also a red tint under his dark skin.
The fast pace of her heart picks up again. But not due to an anxiety like earlier. More so, to her dorky crush on this boy that she’s been getting to know for about, maybe a month? But, either way, she’s getting anxious again. To calm her nerves, she rummaged through her pocket of her sky blue skirt. Pulling out what helps when she’s overwhelmed.
It was a picture that she had since, she was… eight? The photo was a shot of her when she was still very young. Leon by her side…
Well, more like she was on his shoulders with her tiny fingers holding his shoulders. Her camera shyness showing through her tiny blush & meek face. Leon on the other hand, was standing strong; poise even. Her guardian always stand with self - assurance. Always brave, always charismatic. It’s one of the things she loved about him.
This is one of her fondest memories when she was a kid. Even though things get hectic, she’s grateful that he’s in her life.
Before she noticed, Tatshiro was leaning in. Not too close, but close enough that he can see the picture. Possibly curious about her picture. She shook her head. “No. But he could be.”
“What do you mean?” He perked a brow. Examining the shot of a memory of the past more closely. Scooting closer.
“He’s been with me since I was a kid.” She explained. “But isn’t… really… my father.”
Tatshiro’s eyes widened. “So you’re… adopted?”
“Yeeep. Took me in when I was six. He was a visitor at an orphanage I was stayin’ at for a while before he did.”
To clarify, when Shea was still young her parents passed away after an accident. Because of that, she was taken into an orphanage as she had no relatives in her life that could take care of her. There was one was thought of, but the only ones were her sister. But she skipped town when she was still pretty young so… that was out. The orphanage it is. She didn’t necessarily hate it, but like school, it wasn’t always a pleasant place.
Some of the orphans were schoolmates of hers. Being a few that bullied her a lot as a kid. Since, she already dealt with it so much in elementary so, it wasn’t new for her. But after three weeks of her time there, Leon came. She doesn’t know the details of why he did, but whenever he did, he was always happy to see her.
Sometimes he brings her food or gifts. Even helped her with school work & kept her company so she wouldn’t feel lonely.
Eventually he took her in. Becoming a second parental guardian in her life. During a time that she felt like where she was at - a - all - time - low, got a bit more bearable.
Shea look up to Tatshiro. “Yeah?”
“You okay? You kinda… spaced out.”
“Oh! I’m fine. Just was thinkin’ for a bit.” She said. Taking pieces of blonde strands behind her ear.
“Thanks… for what you said.”
A/N: it is finally done! I wasn’t expect this chapter to take this long that it took possibly two months to finish. But I did it & had a field day with it. Originally I was gonna call this rumors, but it was more of bonding to me so I changed it. This is an original chapter & a few chapters will be original so I hope I did okay with Tatshiro’s dialogue. Pray to god I did. I hope you enjoy Zelda! Let me know what you think but note, it’s a long one! Good luck! ^^;
