Not So Tough (Garnet x LuckyStar)

[Garnet]

Nina had just finished work at the cafe and changed back into her regular clothes off a simple thin sweater and an a line skirt with tights. Her legs ached from her shift but she had made a good amount of tips and she did genuinely like her customers. She had class tomorrow and being a history major, she would have a lot of reading to do after. Her blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail but there wasn't really anything on Earth that could control her wild curls. She was walking home pulling her coat closer over her bouncy chest but keeping up her speed. This wasn't a bad neighborhood but it never hurt to be a little extra cautious especially when the streets were so deserted. Nina wondered if she should have switched shifts with Catelyn this week, she'd wouldn't finish till late at the cafe tomorrow either. Her skirt's movements just highlighted the sway in her wide hips the faster she walked.

Her train of thought was cut off by a sudden high pitched yip. It was the sort of sound that an animal would only make if something was very wrong. The curvy blonde paused looking around to see if she could spot the animal making that pitiful sounds when she heard loud laughter down an ally way. Nina reached into her purse making sure her mace was in reach. This wasn't a smart thing to do but she couldn't just ignore those pitiful sounds. The blonde edged closer to the alleyway walking deeper into the maze of backstreets. Another bark and set of jeering laughter made her jump back to hide behind a dumpster clutching her mace close.

Now she was closer, she could see the shadows of maybe two guys smoking and one guy who was playing with something.

"Fuck Mark why you gotta be such a creep. You'll get fleas." Laughed one of the guys having a smoke. None of them looked particularly friendly. When she poked her head round, rage filled her. That Mark guy had hold of a small mutt by its hind leg and was dangling it right above a burger pulling the poor thing away when it got close for a bite and snickering like an asshole. The bubble butted blonde was furious and just the angle the poor dog was being held at looked painful! Still there were three big guys and they'd spot her straight away...

 

[LuckyStar]

Rath was one of the toughest guys around this town, most never got in his way because of his talents. Which were taking on over twenty guys in a brawl, taking over his high school for most of his four years and all over getting accepted to a decent university because he threatens the headmaster? The last one wasn't really true, but many believed it as he tended to just have his lackeys get what he wanted. There was nothing wrong with him, he wasn't dumb, he liked to study, but he could use his strength to his advantage to get through life for the time being.

It was on one of his off days that he would come to his favorite place, a little dog that he loved to feed was in an alleyway near a cafe. He couldn't take it home with him, but he was trying his best to find the puppy a home. Once he would be in the area, he could hear some voices in the alleyway and then looked over to see some thugs grabbing at the puppy. It was crying and Rath was really pissed right now as he would walk up to them all.

"Yo, looks like we got a kid coming up to stop us from hurting this dog."

Rath would only glare at them. "That dog? Don't make me laugh. You're on my turf. So beat it, before I break your face in." He said with a chuckle as he walked closer with his hands in his pockets.

The three of them would get up, letting the dog free as they came in for a punch. Rath only meets one of them with a harsh punch to his skull sending him into a dumpster as the others would back off. Amazed by that strength, only slowly realizing who this guy really was as they looked scared now.

They tried from either side of him as they tried to punch him. Rath only blocked both the punches, then returned some with his own. Hitting one of them in the midsection causing him to buckle towards the ground in pain as for the other. Rath would grab him by his shirt and spun him around as he threw him into the other guy that was just getting back up.

"That wasn't a fight at all. Get out of my sight and never come back here again." He said as they would rush off with fear of what he might do if they came back. Running past the girl they didn't notice but didn't even stop for a moment to look at her.

Once they were gone the dog would come back out of it's hiding place as it approached Rath. Rath just rolled his eyes at the dog.....but then he looked around like he was trying to keep a secret. Getting down on his knees he would pull the puppy over to him as he started to give it a belly rub. "Oh that is a cute little girl, those guys didn't hurt you did they?" The puppy would bark again as it licked his face.

"That is a good girl, I got you some food." He said with a bright smile that he never showed anyone, as he pulled out some dog food for the little puppy dog. Letting her eat as he watched and petted her taking his time to enjoy his time with her today.

 

[Garnet]

Oh no not another one! Maybe she should can the police but they probably wouldn't take things seriously or even arrive in time... Nina poked her head round the dumpster watching the guys rush at him and thankfully drop the puppy who ran behind a couple dented trashcans. She knelt down to see it better making eye contact with the pup and trying to coax the little dog over to her. Both her and the pup jumped when one of the three thugs was smacked into the dumpster the blonde was hiding behind. Maybe the pup was in a better position than Nina was.

She stayed tucked out of sight but watched the new guy fight of the others through a gap between the wall and the dumpster. He was amazing! They didn't stand a chance and soon they were running off making her press herself against the wall. They were too busy running to really register her so soon it was just her the ridiculously strong intimidating light haired man and the puppy.

Nina told herself that it didn't matter how tough he was. If he hurt that puppy, her mace would hurt him right back. I mean if it could take down bears, than it would take down him. Luckily though, she didn't have to resort to that. The dog went over to the man and clearly recognized him. What was he doing though? When there curvy girl noticed just how hard he was trying to play it cool, she nearly melted. He even had dog food with him! Just watching him play so affectionately with the puppy was just far too sweet for words. Nina had to restrain an 'aww' from leaving her.

Instead she timidly came out from behind the dumpster giving him a little wave. "Is she okay? Those jerks were so horrible! It was really sweet of you to step in like that. You're not hurt are you? I wasn't sure how to step in myself." Said Nina walking over to him shyly with concern for him in her eyes. She hadn't had the best view of the fight but she really hoped he hadn't been hurt.

"Is she your dog? She's awfully cute." Asked the blonde kneeling down next to the pup who gave a bark before nuzzling into Nina's hand. The maid happily gave the puppy attention as she barked at Rath to also give her attention. Quite the spoilt puppy.

"Oh I'm so sorry! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Nina. It's nice to meet you. You were so cool back there..." She smiled a little flustered blush in her cheeks from forgetting her manners.

 

[LuckyStar]

Rath would keep playing with the puppy, she was such a good little girl. He would need to try his best to find her a good home, but he would be sad the day she would leave him. He couldn't dwell on that now, punks were going to hurt her like that and he was going to make sure to keep a closer eye on her. That was when he froze up at the sound of another voice close to him as he turned towards the blonde girl in front of him. Pausing as if someone had died and didn't know what to say to her at all.

He would turn a little to the side as he was embarrassed at his actions. "Yeah she is a tough puppy.....I'm okay. Those punks can't even lay a scratch on him." He said puffing out his chest a little to look strong as he didn't want people to find out about his weak side. Rath didn't want to let go of the puppy! It was snuggling him even more as the girl came over and he couldn't just drop her.....damn it!

"....No, she is a stray like me. So you know we take care of our own or something like that." He said trying to play it off as if he didn't just cuddle the puppy with a bright smile on his face. The puppy would only bark at him as he just chuckled a little our of how cute she was being. "I'm trying to find her a home, so I don't need to watch her back, but no one wants her." He said as petted the puppy some more alongside the blonde girl in front of him.

"Nina......I'm Rath. It's good to get to know you." He said with a calm smirk on his face, but once he heard about how cool he was standing up to those punks something changed. He would start to blush a little without noticing and just tried to look away from her once again. "So you live in the area?" He asked trying to change the topic as he wanted to recover before he loses his street cred!

 

[Garnet]

Her lips quirked slightly as she suppressed her smile. He just seemed like a deer in the headlights when she stepped out. Quite the far cry from the badass fighter who had just tossed a punk into a dumpster. Nina gave a shy little wave the closer she came before joining him on the ground. She gave a sigh of pure relief so glad that the poor thing hadn't been hurt and gave her a scratch behind the ear. "I'm glad both of you are okay. I guess you're both pretty tough." she laughed softly looking up at him curiously.

He seemed so awkward now as if he was trying to be gruff. It was actually having the opposite affect. "Aw she's so cute!" smiled Nina focusing on the puppy snuggling up in the tall man's arms. "How could anyone want to hurt such a little sweetheart? Guys like that make me so mad..." growled the blonde before her expression softened.

"Oh I see... That's still rather kind of you. She's really healthy and energetic too. You've been doing a good job 'watching her back'." she said giggling when the puppy licked her hand making her tickle her tummy in return. The little pup seemed to adore all the attention she was getting and Nina was loving spoiling her. She had grown up with dogs but had never had the chance to get one when she moved out since she was living in pet free apartments. Now she had an apartment in a small block owned by a lovely old woman who had quite a few pets herself.

"Really? I can't imagine why. I would love to come home to such a cutiepie." Nina flushed pinkly when his hand brushed against hers as they petted the puppy but she didn't look up not wanting him to know how flustered she could get. "You too Rath... Um yeah I actually live just a few blocks away. Right by the park. Um this is strange because we've just met but um..." stuttered Nina looking up at him nervously "But I could take her. You can visit too to see how she's doing! Not to say that you haven't been doing a good job but...like you said there are people who will pick on her..."

 

[LuckyStar]

Rath would come to notice her, she was quite a pretty girl and just kept that to himself. He didn't want to be a jerk to her, after all, he trying to protect the puppy in his arms. She came first other than him, it was his code of honor to protect woman most of all. The puppy was getting all the attention it could ever want as he nibble on his fingers and licked the girls. He trusted the dog judgment over his own as she liked the new girl.

"Well if they ever tried, they would need to answer to me." He said as he grumbled a little at what poor fool might get in his way.

He was keeping up his best poker face as he wanted to keep alive! The puppy was going to be his best friend, it had been for a few months and once she would announce that she would gladly take the puppy with her. He was smiling towards her, he almost jumped as he couldn't be any happier. "Really? You would do that for her!" He said with much joy in his voice as the puppy would jump into her arms and start to lick her.

"That would be great, she will have a great home I bet! Thank you so much!" He said as he would be smiling without himself noticing as he looked back at the puppy. "Is there anything I can do for you!" He asked his hands now grasping onto her own as he looked directly at her now. His eyes searching for her own as he was forgetting about being a cool guy and just really nice with the way he perked up. "Nina your the best!"

 

[Garnet]

"She'll be untouchable then with such a cool guy protecting her." grinned Nina liking that protective side of him very very much. He really did seem cool to her and strong too but seeing him caring so much for his dog, just made him seem even more attractive. She giggled at the little tickly laps and continued giving the blissful pup pets.

Nina was taken aback by the huge smile lighting up his face but gave him her own little one. It really did suit him and seemed to make him look like a different person altogether! The blonde jolted a little when he knelt up so suddenly but caught the puppy bursting into laughter at the licks and holding her carefully against her chest letting her laughter faded to soft giggles. "Of course as long as its okay with you. You're the one who's been taking care of her. I promise I'll give her lots of attention and treats and a warm bed and you can visit whenever you like." she promised. Nina had fallen for the scrappy little pup and clearly wanted to give her all the love the puppy could ever want but it was up to Rath.

"Huh? You really don't have to thank me!" insisted the blushing blonde as he took her hand. He just kept complimenting her and making her turn pinker by the second. "A-actually..." said Nina pausing, he seemed quite puppy like himself and that was just too sweet. "There's a supermarket round the corner from me that should still be open...would you mind coming with me to held pick out some food and things she would like? You could come back to my place after so you know where to come to visit." Nina could be a little too trusting at times. Rath was a perfect stranger and she was letting him into her home, but she didn't seem to think anything was wrong with that because...he just didn't seem like a cruel person.

"Oh! I never asked, what's her name?"

 

[LuckyStar]

Rath was focused on the good news that he didn't even notice his own expression was getting too happy. It was causing him to look like a fool, it was fine with just her and the puppy in her arms. Yet, he couldn't let others see it as he kept playing with the puppy. "No, it's fine. She needs a new home and I can't take her with me. I would be happy to visit anytime, it would be great to see how she is doing."

He didn't let go of her hands as he looked at her now with a blush on his face. Trying to get back to normal was the hard part for him, but he would nod to her suggestion. "Yeah, I can help you out." Rath would get up from the ground and helped her up afterward. "I will protect you from those threats around the market." He said being a tough guy like before as he turned for a moment at the mention of the puppies name. "I call her lily...." Rath would say with a soft smile, before shaking his head and trying to look away trying to be tough as he followed her to the supermarket.

 

[Garnet]

"It's a shame that you can't take her but I really will give her a nice home." She assured him looking relieved that he would visit. Sure the puppy would get over not seeing his eventually but right now he was her one friend and Nina didn't want either of them to lose that. Rath was just too sweet.

"Thanks..." Mumbled the curvy woman as he helped her up noticing just how tall he was as he loomed over her. "Heh I'm counting on you then." Said Nina gently repositioning the pup to hold her better. The dog certainly seemed happy and snuggled into her arms with it's tail slowly wagging. "Such a good girl." Cooed the blonde and grinned up at him."That's a lovely name. Lily."

Nina walked with his to the supermarket handing him Lily before shuffling a few things around in her bag and shoving things into her pockets instead before helping him rest Lily inside. It was a perfect fit with the pup's head sticking out. "Okay, it's been a while since I had a dog. So, dog food first?" Asked the blonde grabbing a small cart. Wandering the shelves with Rath was nice and calming as he helped her pick out dog food, a bowl, a couple toys and a bed. While they shopped, she paid extra attention to his expression loving the little things that could light him up.

"I guess the last thing would be a collar and a leash although it looks like someone's pretty tuckered out." Giggled Nina scratching the sleepy puppy's head affectionately earning a yawn and a nuzzle back.

 

[LuckyStar]

"I'm glad you like her enough to give her a home." He said giving her another smile as he helped her up. It was strange to be around a woman that didn't fear him, what was he going to do?

They made there way over to the store, it was a wonderland of things that Lily could use for herself. "I like it too." He said blushing a little, but looking around now inside of the store. There were other people or those that might know him and he grew a little more rough around the edges. "Yes, she likes this brand." Rath said pulling the bag towards her, then helped get the rest of the supplies. His face was lighting up every time he helped picked out something for lily and even got a collar for her.

"She looks tired. Let's go to your place now, so she can get used to her new home." Rath would chuckle a little as he carried most of the bags so that she could let the puppy take a nap in her arms.

 

[Garnet]

"That's great. I'll make sure to give her a nice be spoiling." Promised Nina staying close to him as they shopped. She loved seeing that stern face light up with happiness and did what she could to make that smile last longer getting just as excited herself. The collar was cute, red with a little silver tag that she would get engraved with Lily's name and her own address and phone number at a small machine in the corner of the store.

"Yeah let's go. Thanks for helping with the bags." Smiled the blonde holding the puppy gently. She couldn't really carry much with the pup snuggled up against her chest. She led him passed a park and through a narrow gate between two hedges and shifted to unlock the main door leading him to her apartment and letting him in. "You can put the bags when anywhere." She said carefully laying the puppy down on the couch.

Nina got the bed out of the bag and set it up in the corner of the room near a small fireplace. Her apartment was cozy and a touch on the small side but it was warm and had everything she needed. She started unpacking the items and put down side newspaper before moving Lily to her new bed.

"Thanks for helping with the stuff Rath. Oh! I should give you my number in case you want to come over. ... I'm really grateful that you let me take her home." Smiled Nina shyly brushing her long curls behind her ear.