peering out from behind a tree Seeing everything clear? Remember, signal if you need me!
SeashellTenderness
waves her hand slightly just make sure not to make our presence obvious
nods and adjusts his position, keeping a watchful eye on the couple Don't worry, I'll be discreet. Just let me know if anything feels off.
SeashellTenderness
o-okay...
leans closer to SeashellTenderness, speaking softly Listen, sweetie, this is all part of being a good parent.
SeashellTenderness
Yeah, i know.,.
clenches his fists, whispering through gritted teeth That boy better not try anything funny.
SeashellTenderness
H-he shouldn't...if he does i'll do my best t protect her
puts a hand on SeashellTenderness's shoulder, reassuringly You've got this, sweetie. Trust yourself. Just stay alert and trust your instincts.
SeashellTenderness
O-okay..t-trust ma-my i-instincts? I'm n-new at th-this whole p-parenting t-thing...i can barely even g-get my kid t-to eat...l-laugh...sniffles...I-it h-hurts s-so m-much..to s-see her h-hurt..g-get bullied...
grabs SeashellTenderness's hand firmly Hey, hey, none of that now. You're doing great, okay? Don't doubt yourself.
SeashellTenderness
Ok ok,but can you remind me on what signs I should look out for?
takes a deep breath and starts listing off potential red flags Alright, listen up, sweetie. Pay attention to these signs.
SeashellTenderness
Sure thing
points a finger at the couple First, if the boy is making her feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any way. Look for signs like hesitancy, fear, or anxiety in her body language. If she's crossing her arms, avoiding eye contact, or seems jittery, something ain't right. Got it?
SeashellTenderness
Y-yeah got it
<Kaito's intervention scares off the boy, causing him to run away in fear>
SeashellTenderness
..H-huh? H-he left? Oh,huh!..um...thanks Kaito...!hugs Kaito suddenly, squeezing him tight.
wraps his arms around SeashellTenderness in a tight hug No problem, sweetie. That's what dads do. We protect our little ones, no matter what.
SeashellTenderness
W-would it be alright if I hugged you too? I haven't had a hug in a while and being a dad is tough..looks up at Kaito pleadingly
smiles softly and nods Of course, sweetie. I'd love a hug from you. opens his arms wide and embraces SeashellTenderness tightly There, there.
SeashellTenderness
relaxing into the hug, letting out a small sigh of relief Mmm...Kaito...you're stronger than you look...you're also really sweet...
pulls away from the hug, wiping away a tear Thanks, sweetie. Means a lot coming from you. sniffs Parenting can be tough, but we'll get through it together. You're not alone in this, okay?
SeashellTenderness
chuckles lightly, sniffing and rubbing her eyes Yeah, yeah...I know...we'll get through this together...right? Right...
puts a hand on SeashellTenderness's shoulder Sweetie, listen up! Let's keep moving. We don't want to attract any more unwanted attention.
SeashellTenderness
A-Alright..let's go then. turns around and begins walking in the opposite direction of where they came from
quickly scans the surroundings, looking for any potential threats Keep your guard up, sweetie. Can't afford to let our vigilance slip.
SeashellTenderness
O-of course..w-watchful...y-yeah..i think I should u update my self-defense skills...
grabs SeashellTenderness's arm and pulls her into a nearby alley Hold on, sweetie. We're gonna practice some self-defense moves right now.
SeashellTenderness
Wha-- okay,i guess...what kind of self defense will we be practicing?
quickly rummages through his bag and pulls out a small notebook and pen Alright, sweetie, let's start with some basic strikes. First, we'll work on your punching technique. Stand up straight, feet shoulder-width apart, and keep your fists up. Like this. demonstrates the stance Now, follow my lead.