AN: I decided to leave out Valentine's lisp… it was getting annoying writing it out, and I'm sure readers find it annoying as well… so yeah. ENJOY!

Chapter Three-

"Baldy," a voice murmured from in the shadows. Turning his head towards the sound, Valentine smiled.

"Hungry? I got you a Happy Meal." He held up the bag, giving it a little shake. "It'll get cold soon." The girl padded silently towards him, taking the bag from him with two hands and hugging it against her chest. She watched him curiously.

"Why are you back? Did you bring more candy?" she asked. Her english wasn't very good- her thick accent caused the words to blur slightly.

"Nuh-uh," he replied, shaking his head. He got up from where he was sitting, dusting himself off. "I just thought you might be hungry." He realized that had been the wrong thing to say the second it came out of his mouth. Her expression turned hostile, and she backed away from him.

"I don't need your help."

"Woah," he backtracked, holding his hands up in surrender. "I never said you did. I just thought you might want a snack or something." When she continued to glare at him, he sighed. "Listen to me. When I was five years old, my momma died. My daddy left her before I was born. I had a younger brother to take care of. We were dirt poor." Richmond wasn't completely sure why he was telling her all this, but it felt good to share it… maybe she'd be able to relate to him. "And when my momma died, we had nothing. We lived on the streets, my brother and I, scavenging for food… like animals, or something." She took a step closer to him, enraptured. "But then… one day, we met this guy. He was tall and thick, and he had arms this big," Richmond continued, spreading his hands out to show the size. The girl giggled slightly. "He took one look at us and picked both of us in his big arms and carried us to his house." He sighed, shaking his head in wonder. "There, he cared for us, fed us loads, and gave us a roof over our heads." Richmond squatted on his knees, taking her little hands in his, the McDonald's bag clenched between them. "And look where I am now?"

"Standing in an alley with me with a bag of McDonald's," she replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Exactly!" he exclaimed. "Do you know Oprah?" She shook her head. "Damn, I have to show her to you. She's fucking awesome, man. Anyways, do you know what she said once?"

"What?"

"You get in life what you have the courage to ask for." He looked her in the eye. "So don't be afraid to ask for help. Okay?" She frowned, thinking. Finally, she nodded.

"Okay." He straightened, letting go of her hands, only to hold out his right for her to shake again.

"I never introduced myself. Richmond Valentine. And you are?"

"I don't have a name," she whispered. "But… I call myself Gazelle." And when the word left her mouth, Valentine could easily see the resemblance. He smiled, letting his hand transfer to her shoulder.

"Hey, listen. Even though I love McDonald's, it isn't that healthy for you. I'm taking you out for dinner tomorrow night, okay?" Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Really?"

"Yeah, of course. We can go shopping as well."

"Sh… shopping?" she whispered, eyes sparkling with delight. Even the sun seemed to shine a little brighter. Richmond chuckled.

"Hell yeah." He winked at her. "I'll be here at four o'clock tomorrow. Don't be late." With that, he turned out of the street and headed back to where his limo was waiting.

Next time- Valentine takes Gazelle shopping… and says she can have whatever the fuck she wants. Not the best idea, especially when they pass by a culinary shop that sells very, very, very sharp knives… XD

Hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for the reviews and follows and favs.

Also- this story will go pretty much up to only a few years B.E. (before Eggsy) and ail include how she got those damn fine legs. XD

Stay tuned.

-happynomnom