Leia had just taken a fairly large bite of her own waffle when he replied and couldn’t respond right away. A half snort like giggle did escape though at his explanation, he was trying to make a pun? It was a fairly good attempt at one, least she thought it was, although she felt a bit bad for not picking up on it right away.
“Mmmm..!” She nodded, another chuckle escaping as she took a moment to finish chewing and then swallowing what she had in her mouth, not wanting to talk with her mouth full. “I see what you mean now, sorry I didn’t pick up on your word play at the beginning.” Did she need to apologize? Maybe not, but she still did anyway as he had to explain his joke to her, making it less fun at that point.
She smiled softly while watching him rub the back of his neck a bit embarrassed at her suggestion, though a wide smile did appear on his face at the thought for a moment. “I’m sure we’ll both be great at it! Even when we aren’t trying too, you know? Just be your kind self and I’m sure you’ll do fine.”
Leia wasn’t expecting Achim’s voice to come out a bit quieter and softer when he spoke next, making her think he was going to tell her he wouldn’t be good at it. But instead he told her something quite personal, something she doubted he’s shared with anyone else before, or perhaps one person beside herself. This made her a mixture of happy he was comfortable enough to share this with her, while also sorry that it had happened to him in the first place.
“Achim….” She reached over to hold his hand, or even touch his arm gently, but she decided not too as he might not want to be touched at the moment. Or want him to feel like she was pitying him about his previous situation, which she wasn’t at all! She was much more concerned he had such a rough time and had to literally fend for himself. “I’m sorry that happened to you, but I’m glad you are in UA now and don’t have to worry about were your next meal and or place to rest will be.” Also not eating wild animals… it was a miracle he didn’t get sick from eating them, maybe his wolf quirk helped with that?
Come to think of it… how did he get into UA without money? Maybe- no, no she shouldn’t be asking this right now, it wasn’t the right time. Even if he doesn’t seem to be too upset about his previous situation, though he might not want to worry her about it and tried to play it off as not a big deal.
“I think that’s a wonderful and sweet idea.” Leia smiled at him warmly, it was so kindhearted of him to want to make sure other kids didn’t end up growing up on the streets like he did. “If it’s okay? I’d love to help you out too however I can. I could get some plants from my grandmother’s garden so you’d have some fruits and vegetables for them. Or maybe a babysit when I can to help you.”
Leia was about to continue, but some movement over Achim’s shoulder caught her attention, making her lean to the left a bit to see what was going on. A tiny part of her felt she was being nosy as it could be nothing, however Hawks had taught her to always be aware of her surroundings and follow her gut after working with him.
It didn’t take her long to spot the large looking individual who looked to be picking up speed, was getting closer to where they were. More items were being shoved to the side as if they were nothing as they ran, showing they were indeed moving swiftly and in their direction. Wait…! The kids! The direct path of this person was going to run through where the kids were playing!
Quickly she jumped to her feet, tossing the bit of waffle cone she had left into the trash nearby. “We need to hurry and get the kids out of the oncoming danger, NOW!” She didn’t have time to fully explain as the threat was fast approaching and if they didn’t act now it would be too late.
Immediately Leia bolted to where the kids were currently playing, hoping her speed would be enough to grab as many kids as she could out of harms way. Along with Achim who wouldn’t be too far behind her, even with her very short explanation on the situation.
Keen gaze picked on her attempted gesture and his heart sank a little bit when she decided against holding his hand. Would it be selfish to reach out himself now? Leia is such a nice and sweet and compassionate person he’d almost feel ashamed to get involved too much or get too close. Because he did not think he was good enough to reach her level. Only a small smile is given as he listens to her replies and Achim enjoyed for a brief moment that warm, fuzzy feeling he got in his gut. It felt... nice. A rare feeling he’d definitely add to the archives of his mind and cherish it like a precious memory.
Though, that last remark of hers didn’t quite register because suddenly he was distracted by something. Pointy ears twitched lightly as he picked on subtle, distant sounds and vibrations. Abnormal ones that had no place in a crowded mall, like a large animal charging into an attack... One small look back at Leia’s face and her expression was enough to send him into an adrenaline rush.
“What the fu-!!!” jumping to his feet, his whole body jerked when he saw the large figure charging towards them. Unlike her, his cone is dropped carelessly as his brain is registering the current development; people rushing away from their path as he plowed like a tank through stands, benches, trashcans whatever it could. The individual’s grave voiced echoed threateningly ‘FOOLS! NOTHING CAN STOP THE RHINO!” followed by a maniacal laughter. It was heading their way, aiming for a jewelry store and cutting right through the play spot of the kids.
“LEIA, WAIT!!! YOU CAN’T-!!!” shit, she’d already gone in!
His brain immediately went into auto pilot.
One, two, three, four, five, six, SEVEN. One could fly, that leaves SIX. Leia can’t pick up more than TWO, that leaves FOUR. If he could grab the last four there’s no GUARANTEE that he won’t harm them while picking/tossing them out of harms’ way.
Strong legs propel his body forward into a rapid sprint in the direction opposite of Leia, perpendicular to the trajectory of the villain. With one precisely timed lunge and a twist of of body, Achim body slammed his right shoulder as hard as he could into the large man. It wasn’t enough to stop him, but it was enough to make him lose his balance and trip, hitting the ground with a loud thump and leaving a crack into the pavement.
‘What the HELL!!! Who did that!? YOU TWERP! The RHINO WILL CRUSH YOU!’ yup, that’s a natural reaction, time to get on his feet and scurry the fuck out of there. Fuck, his arm hurt. Luckily this villain is as slow as a drunk, overweigh panda so while he struggled to get back up, Achim was already sprinting back towards Leia, gesturing frantically with his good arm.
“We gotta get inside a store, NOW!”