"Do I need a reason to be nice?" She asked simply, blinkingly looking at him. Terry found it odd that he was questioning her kindness. In her book, he apologized and that was that for now. If he ever crossed the line again or in a far worse manner she would deal with it. On the other hand, Atem was unable to tell if hat slight doe eyed look was of confusion, innocence, or curiosity-maybe a mix of all three. It definitely threw him off guard much like her response.
What do you mean 'do I need a reason'? A scowl pursed his lips as he looked from the food to her. "Of course you need a reason." He stated matter-of-factly, his tone and gaze questioning her intelligence almost.
"Why?" The simple answer made one of his brows twitch as he rested a hand on each of his knees as he sat cross-legged, hunching over a bit to move closer to her. How could she possibly be asking this question to him?
She can't be serious! I was an ass to her! What good is there to be nice to me? It boggled his mind how she was unable to see why she should be wary or unkind to him. It was human nature to be vengeful and self-satisfying after all. The thought suddenly seemed odd to him, but he was unable to decipher how. It prickled him in a way, like a slight itch just beneath the skin that was insatiable and came and went as it pleased.
"What do you mean 'why'? Isn't it obvious? I was an ass to you. I bullied you and my ex was no better from what I understand. I picked at you whenever I got the chance to and without fail every time." He listed on his fingers. "Do you need more reason than that?"
"You confronted your ex on my behalf, or at least I thought so, when she made comments about my family. You thanks me for helping out your brother and apologized for what you've been doing." She fired back at him. "Looks like you're pretty even on the board there. It's a big ol'goose egg of a score." She grinned, taking a bite of her food before motioning him to try some as well. "If you're not going to eat any of it, I'm gonna eat it all."
"H-hey, no fair!" He quickly jumped the topic to food, grabbing something without though and throwing the firm triangular shape in to his mouth. His sneered at her triumphantly for the steal, but that was short lived as steam seemed to billow out of his ears and he huffed out in agony. The muffled word of 'hot' as he danced in his spot had her cracking up. The sight was certainly not what she expected, but it was much appreciated before he swallowed and guzzled down water. "That wasn't funny!" He snapped at her, but that did little to stop her laughter. The sound of contagious. He joined in on her laughter instead of lashing out more. It was funny, he had been so proud of the steal only to burn his tongue from the heat of the food. The spice factor was no help.
The rest of the lunch period was spent with Terry teaching Atem the new dishes, explaining what they are and what they consist of to the best of her knowledge. Some foods were simple to make snack dishes from other countries she had visited while the main dish was from her father's ethnic origin. The names were difficult to pronounce, and some far too spicy to his like while others not enough; but overall he enjoyed the variety and the small lesson on other places.
Time ticks away quick as she delved in to stories of her many adventures that were food oriented and how she would have to train and pass before being able to eat. There were times where she snuck food out to the workers that she had befriended as well as learned to cook from their wives or daughters. It was a variety of worlds all new to Atem. The way she lit up and her eyes sparkled with delight was enough to grab anyone's interest alone. The way her voice rose and fell with the stories, her body animated to emphasize various things. He sat there ensnared by her enthusiasm, curious to know more about her and this world she lived. He could practically taste the arid desert wind and feel the granules of sand when the bell tore it apart and brought him back to the warm concrete.
"Ah, we better get going. C'mon, no skipping for you mister! If you skip I won't share my lunches or stories with you!" Terry firmly wagged a finger at him before extending a hand to him. He stared at her in slight awe, confused and amused by her. Unable to stay upset, he grinned and took her hand.
"Yeah, yeah, we'll see about that." He snickered and grabbed his trash off the ground. The two headed down back to their classroom, Jonouchi surprised by the site of both of them in once piece and a smile on their faces. Atem scowled at the attention almost instantly and stalked off to his desk as she headed over to her seat by said blond.
"We talked things out. I think things will be better from here on out." She smiled and the teacher walked in to the room. Class was to begin and the little lunch was for her and Atem alone.