Chapter Text
Even if the previous class had passed smoothly, Penny’s day was far from over. The next part of her day would test her resolve, her spirit, and her digestive capabilities.
Penny was cautiously optimistic. “It’s finally lunch.”
Blake turned to her, wearing an overly serious expression. “Yes, lunch.” The two stared up at the building, which seemed to exude a menacing aura.
“Shut the fuck up its just lunch.” Yang seemed to materialize from out of nowhere, sidling up to the others. Blake seemed puzzled, head tilted at an odd angle as if contemplating the blonde.
“Aren’t you supposed to be in lit mag or whatever cursed art form you partake in?” Yang did a double take at the suggestion.
“And miss the maiden voyage of the SS Hazard over here? You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Penny sighed a tiny bit, it was barely audible yet Blake seemed to pick up on it almost immediately.
“Yang, I know this may be a difficult concept to grasp, but maybe, just maybe, you should be a tad bit more sympathetic.” Yang was clearly taken aback, and Penny could see a subtle shift in her posture, almost as if this were some kind of bizarre boxing match, both fighters knowing each other so well that the outcome was irrelevant in comparison to the fight itself.
The retort was delivered in a lilted voice, it would almost have been funny if it wasn’t so insincere.
“ Penny, I must apologize, for it appears I have been rather uninformed to your plight. It must be difficult, having to adjust to a new social situation. I would imagine you have been feeling a good amount of stress, and your particular situation likely isn’t helping.” This was topped off with a mock bow, Yang was clearly so far gone she hadn’t even realized what she had just said. Blake, however, was very much keyed into the response and expressed a noticeable interest in the final words.
“Situation? Yang, if this is some familial bullshit then I’d rather not be involved.” With that Blake turned and started up the hill, leaving a visibly red Penny standing next to a frowning Yang.
Penny was unsure what this situation called for. While she was very much angry, Yang was likely going to be a good ally to have here. Best to try and resolve this peacefully.
“Yang? Why would you say that?” The taller girl refused to look her in the eye.
“Look. You know me. You know that I don’t particularly deal well with tough situations. I tend to resort to some pretty underhanded shit. That was my bad. But while the two of us are here, we should talk.” Penny wasn’t sure of much right now, but she was absolutely positive she didn’t want to have this conversation.
“I can handle myself. I don’t need you to look after me. I made a choice, and so far that choice seems to have worked for me. If you don’t agree with it, then why did you convince me to make it in the first place?” Yang was struck by the words, showing what Penny was pretty sure was the only genuine emotion she had seen from the blonde thus far.
“That isn’t fair. I’m worried about you. This is a pretty small town, and you could encounter some major problems if anything ever came up. As much as I hate to say it, maybe it would have been better if Asher had shown up today.” The words were out of her mouth before she even realized what she had said. Penny was as livid as her cheerful demeanor could allow her to be. She considered a retort, choosing instead to start sprinting down the hill as fast as her legs could carry her.
The sprint was brought to a screeching halt as Penny slammed into someone walking up.
“Oh my, are you okay? That was quite the run.” Pyrrha’s concerned gaze was enough to put Penny at some ease.
This ease was quickly forgotten as soon as realized her legs were spread wide apart. Penny watched in terror as Pyrrha’s gaze followed her own, both of them blushing profusely. Pyrrha was the first to say something.
“Ah. Well, I suppose that explains a bit.” Penny was too mortified to speak, choosing to simply rod, already planning another mad dash.
“You know, I myself don’t particularly care about that, but if that was your reasoning for not wanting to run with others, I believe I may be able to help you. We have someone on our team with a similar situation.” Pyrrha clearly wanted to say more, but her politeness was reassuring.
“I would be honored to join! You are sure such a thing would be okay?” Pyrrha looked at Penny, mulling it over.
“As I said, we have another individual similar to yourself, and we also happen to have a certain red blur on our team. She thinks the world of you, and I doubt she would let anyone bring any actual harm to you. Now, I myself need to get something to eat, care to join me?”
“That sounds wonderful!” The two girls started back up the hill, each feeling a little better than they had before.