“Hai, Sensei.”
Tyler followed behind Sensei Melissa as she congratulated each student. She always had a compliment and a point of improvement to offer. It was a tradition that her husband had started and one Tyler was glad she continued. He still remembered fondly those rare personal moments with Sensei Hunt that always made Tyler feel like a member of Sensei Hunt’s family rather than a customer. The formal handshake was always followed with a warm embrace.
“Congratulations.” Tyler shook Jaime’s hand when Sensei Melissa moved toward the next student. “How’s the eye?”
Jaime looked confused for a moment then reached up to feel the cut above his eye that was crusted over with dried blood.
“Guess, I shouldn’t have let him back me up.”
“Exactly.”
Tyler patted Jaime’s shoulder. It was always so awkward to give another guy a hug, especially Jaime. The physical proximity without the distraction of sparring was suddenly unnerving. Tradition and the desire not to single Jaime out overcame Tyler’s hesitation. When he put his arms around Jaime, he was surprised at how natural it felt. Jaime’s soft hair brushed against Tyler’s cheek. They were so connected. They could have been grappling. Without the need to defend or attack, Tyler was even more aware of the racing of his heart and the shallowness of his breathing. It had never been that way with any of the other guys. With Jaime, it was different, more intimate somehow. Tyler tried to convince himself it was because he knew for Jaime it could mean something more. Tyler pulled away abruptly and moved on to congratulate Eddy and the rest of the students.
* * * *
“Jaime,” Sensei Melissa called, just as he was getting the last of his congratulations from the other students.
It was all a little overwhelming between the grudge match with Steve, passing testing, and Sempai Tyler’s congratulation; Jaime was about ready to go home and call it a night. His body ached—not the least from the shots Steve had gotten in. Sempai Tyler’s stilted but affectionate embrace had kindled all the sensations Jaime had wanted to avoid when it came to his favorite sempai. It was just too easy to sink into those secure and accepting arms. More than once Jaime had to remind himself how one sided those emotions were. It was better he focused on his training.
“Hai, Sensei.” Jaime jogged over to his teacher.
“You’ve come a long way in the last few weeks.”
Sensei Melissa’s compliment wasn’t one Jaime could accept completely.
“Sempai Tyler has been helping me with my sparring,” Jaime admitted. Sempai Tyler deserved a lot of credit for any improvement Jaime had shown.
“Indeed.” Sensei Melissa smiled that knowing smile all senseis had. Jaime wondered how much she could read about him. “But not many students are willing to put in the time you have. Seizing the opportunity is as important as having it. You should give yourself credit at least for that.”
“Hai, Sensei.” It was the first time Jaime had felt like he’d earned the compliment. “I am grateful for the opportunity to train.”
“Good.” Sensei Melissa motioned for Jaime to stand beside her. “Let’s get started on your next kata. Let’s make sure you have every opportunity to excel.”
By the time Jaime had finished learning half of his next kata, the dojo floor had emptied. It wasn’t until Jaime had bowed to Sensei Melissa and headed toward the changing rooms that Jaime spotted Sempai Tyler waiting for him. Jaime was still trying to go over the moves in his head, fearful he’d forget them if he didn’t.
“How do you like your new kata?” Tyler asked as they headed to the changing room together.
“I’m not sure if I’ll be able to remember it.”
“We’ll work on it.”
“Hai, Sempai.”
In the changing room, Randy and Steve were getting dressed. They were talking about sparring when Steve stopped midsentence at the sight of Jaime. Jaime should have known there would be other guys in the changing room. It was one thing to change with Sempai Tyler, who was cool with Jaime’s sexual orientation. Jaime could easily have guessed at the slurs running through Steve’s head as soon as he saw Jaime.
“Where do you think you are going, twink?” Steve dropped his gi top and looked ready to take up where he’d left off at the end of their sparring match. Twink was probably about the least offensive name Jaime expected to hear. Maybe the guy was trying a little restraint. Very little.
Sempai Tyler gave Jaime a confused look that quickly morphed into something far more protective. He might not have understood the insult, but he certainly understood the threat. The tone alone was enough to make Jaime bristle even though he had expected worse. It was time to make a strategic exit.
“I’ll just grab my bag,” Jaime said with his eyes fixed on the floor. He started toward his gym bag but didn’t get far.
“Watch your mouth.” Sempai Tyler stepped between Jaime and Steve.
There was no way Steve was going to get past him to Jaime. The gesture would have made Jaime blush if it also didn’t mean he couldn’t make as hasty of a retreat as he intended. He just hoped Sempai Tyler wasn’t going to do anything stupidly noble. Something told Jaime that was exactly the kind of guy Sempai Tyler was, which didn’t help him on the not-blushing front.
“Just because he walloped your butt in sparring doesn’t mean he wants any more of you than that.” Sempai Randy broke the tension with a deep laugh. “Don’t worry, Sempai Tyler and I will protect you if he tries anything.”
“He didn’t beat me. He cheated.” Steve turned on Sempai Randy, who looked as concerned with putting on his socks as he was with Steve’s anger.
“You’re just pissed you didn’t think of it first.” Sempai Randy pulled on his other sock. “You’re done changing anyway.”
With an indignant huff, Steve grabbed his bag and headed out
