I can only nod in response, unsure how true his words are.
“I’d also be careful of Wren today, she has a crazy glint in her eyes, and whenever she does things can go to shit.”
Great.
We pull up outside Combat and I get out without a word. I’d just like a drama free day, just one, but it doesn’t look likely.
Red is waiting by the entry for me and we head to the changing rooms together. She’s quiet today. Not in a ‘be worried’ sort of way. More, ‘I’m comfortable and confident in your presence so I don’t need to make noise’ kind of way.
I’m obviously growing on her. I just hope it’s not a bad thing.
We are such a stark contrast in gym clothes, me rocking the all black as always whilst she has pink shorts and a white tank top.
All flowers and shit.
Wren’s in here but she talks quietly in the corner with her friends, and it has my guard up. I expected her to be in my face by now, I can feel it building.
Joining everyone in the main space, it is literally a massive room with the floor completely covered in different colored mats, and the occasional ring dotted around the large space. The open space above us gives the feel of an old warehouse, you could probably add three floors in here and still have high ceilings.
The guy who met me on arrival is the teacher here. Maverick was it? The guy who helped drop me in the shit. Fabulous.
“Morning, I’m Maverick Miller, you can call me whatever, I could care less. The track around the outside of this hall is a kilometer. Let’s start off with two laps, see how you do,” he grumbles, and claps his hands to encourage everyone into motion.
A run around this place sounds like a dream right now.
I look to Red as she says, “Don’t worry about me, go. Run your brain out.”
I offer an appreciative smile and do what she said.
I can’t tell whether people are lagging on purpose to drag this out or if they really are that unfit, but I’m not waiting around. I zone out and just feel the rhythm of my arms, the bounce in my step and the beating of my heart. I love this feeling.
I make quick work of going round twice, followed quite closely by the Aceholes.
I slow as I approach Maverick, who doesn’t seem ready to begin anything else yet.
“Err, you can go again or take a seat,” he says dismissively, waving his hand at me.
I don’t hang around and make for another lap.
I hear footsteps approach and hover to my left. Glancing, I see its Parker.
“I hope Oscar’s mouth didn’t ruin my chance of you being my friend,” he says softly.
Taking in the slight crinkle of stress on his face, I continue my pace as I answer.
“Parker, I never make a decision on friendship based on someone else’s actions, and I don’t think I could judge anyone except Oscar based on that goddamn mouth of his. Okay?”
The sigh of relief is instant, and he smiles genuinely at me.
“Sorry, I won’t say anymore. I love running, and now I know you don’t hate me, I can get my rhythm again.”
With that we jog together in silence. I know he’s there, but he isn’t a distraction and it actually feels kind of ... nice? Who knows but it’s not something I’m familiar with.
Once Maverick has everyone’s attention, he decides to split us off into groups so he can see what we already know.
“Each group can take a blue mat to sit on, around the large red one in the middle. Then we can work through some moves, see where everyone’s at. That will then allow me to better group you at the same levels in future classes.”
Wow he actually sounded professional for a moment there.
Split into six groups, we each take our spots. I’m not familiar with anyone I’m with, but I notice Red has been grouped with Wren. Fuck. Roman is also there too, so hopefully Wren will want to partner with him, and not fuck with my girl.
We slowly make the rounds throughout the groups, some know nothing about defense and can barely throw a mock punch, whilst others are more aware. No-one has been at Ace level though.
Oscar, one to always show off, bragged the whole-time shouting encouragement for his opponent, only to block every move and land every mark, and to be fair his opponent would have been decent against anyone else.
Kai’s moves were so smooth and practiced there was no possible way to fault either his attack or defense. It was hot, seeing his body move.
But nothing … nothing could have prepared me for Parker.
I don’t know why I feel so protective of him. Maybe it’s because I saw a vulnerable side to him, and now I can’t see past that. See the Ace everyone knows him to be.
Holy shit.
When he attacked, he was beyond precise and his skill level exceeded my expectations. His guard was likely stronger. The power he demonstrated blew me away. I already liked his mind, his soul, but god help me that body could cause havoc and it had me burning up.
Nope.
Stop letting these guys get under your skin with their knockout bodies.
I’m called next, my opponent being a guy named Tyler, who I believe is in Diamond, and he’s built like a house. The sneer on his face makes him look like a thug, especially with his buzz cut and neck tattoo of a gun.
How original.
“Tyler attack first, Luna defend.” Maverick guides.
Tyler is coming straight at me, grabbing around my waist. Having me instinctively shove my elbow into his neck harshly, while kicking the inside of his thigh. He releases his grip quickly and we go again.
This time he’s
