The First Punch [t.h.]

Chapter 6 - Tension

SJ and Harrison went on their date. They ate together and actually both had a good time. They pushed their conversation from before out of their minds to at least enjoy the night. If they had to be on a date, they might as well have fun. And it was. The two found out they get along quite well and in SJ's words, if it weren't for everything going on, they'd be great friends anyway. Harrison felt relieved through the entire date knowing SJ was on the same level he was. He felt at ease with her for the first time since everything with Arthur had started. Harrison isn't stupid so his guard is up but it's nice for it not to be to the skies.

After they'd finished their desert, Harrison took SJ back to Mikey and Matty's by SJ's request. SJ didn't feel like being alone so she'd be staying with her friends for the night and Harrison didn't even question it. He was a complete gentleman and even opened the door for her when they pulled up to the curb. They were going to say a goodnight but Harrison had a few more questions he was dying to know and seeing as the night had gone so well, he'd been hoping she'd give him an honest answer.

"Alright, gotta know," Harrison leans against the car door. "Why didn't you go for Tom first?"

"Didn't I explain this?" SJ raises a brow, crossing her arms but there's a smile at her lips.

Harrison gestures a handout. "Did you?"

SJ laughs and nods. "Look, honestly?"

Harrison nods. "Yeah, honest."

"I don't do the feelings thing. I don't have the time, ya know? I dig him. He's cute. But, feelings, I just...don't."

"Are you scared?" Harrison asks and his brows pinch together as if to feel a pain for her.

SJ shakes her head. "No, not really." SJ moves to stand beside Harrison, leaning against the car. "Between you and me, I told Mikey and Matty that I was afraid Tom would distract me but...." SJ pauses and she looks up to Harrison, his eyes a prettier shade of sapphire in the light of the night. "He wouldn't." She lets out a gentle scoff. "But, if or when we'd have to fight each other, I couldn't do that. I mean, I would because it's my fuckin' life here but I wouldn't want to and I wouldn't want to make him have to decide on putting a fist to face or living the life Arthur has planned for him if he loses."

Harrison nods in understanding. She has a point. It wouldn't be fair for either of them to really, really have feelings for each other that are more than surface deep and then be stuck being pinned against each other. If SJ is right about Arthur, that is a hell of a situation. Literal hell but SJ also says she's literally going to die if she doens't win. If something were to happen between SJ and Tom, it's put a new meaning to finding someone to die for. It'd be literal.

On a good note, however, SJ did say she was going to try and help. Try to figure something out to help them and hopefully help herself. Harrison isn't sure what her plan is and SJ doesn't exactly have one yet but she'll think of one. Harrison needs her and she needs him. But, what SJ doesn't realize is that she also needs Tom. She needs him no matter what her plan is.