Chapter Three: Combat Training

[backinthsaddle]

Cole's managed to get signed up, last minute, for one of the self-defense courses at his college to use as a refresher, and to learn some new techniques. But for now, he plans to start passing along what he already knows, so long as he can figure out the best way to be a teacher.

He has the workout room outfitted with floor mats and cleared of machines so there's enough room to spar without tripping over or falling into things, and he has handwraps in case things stray into boxing type territory. But he's going to see what she seems more comfortable with first, then go from there.

Comments

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

"Okay. So. Boxing." He clears his throat again. "If you feel like you need to block, do whatever feels natural. But the main goal will just be to try to evade me, whether that means ducking or stepping back or trying to lean out of the way. Do you feel okay with that?"

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

"I do." She takes a deep breath, links her fingers and stretches her arms out, and her knuckles crack a little when she does, and she shakes out her arms and legs. "Let's do this."

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

"Okay. Hands up, like this. And remember your feet."

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

She lifts her hands, nods her head, chewing on the inside of her cheek.

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

He's not quite doing the boxer bouncing thing, but he is settling into the mindset, and makes a few exploratory jabs at her, deliberately pulling his punches.

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

She scuttles backwards, more like a scared animal than anyone that has any form. She is fast, but that's about all she has going for her.

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

He stops right away, not exactly surprised by the reaction, but not wanting to scare her more. "Whoa, okay. You're fast, at least?"

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, I guess," she says, glumly. "But otherwise I suck."

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

"It's okay. You've never done any of this before."

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

"At least I was... kiiiinda dodging."

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

"That's true. And one of the best ways to deal with a fight is to get out of the fight, so running away isn't bad." Not what they were going for, granted, but it does help sometimes.

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

"Yeah. But I need to learn how to do this right." She steps toward him again, hands up.

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

"Just remember, we're in a big open room, and if you want me to stop, I will." He wants her to feel as safe as possible, and that's top priority over getting her fighting, or her equivalent thereof.

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

"I'll be okay," she says, with a reassuring smile, though she's a bit twisty on the inside. "Thank you. For bein' so sweet, and patient, and all."

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

"Not a problem. I just want to make sure you feel safe and as comfortable as possible." He smiles faintly, almost unconsciously.

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

"You're a really good dude."

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

"I do my best." And sometimes he worries, given the family history. It's good to hear it from someone else, even if she is a bit biased.

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

She shifts forward a little bit, cautiously, and touches his elbow in a way that she hopes is reassuring and friendly. Then she scoots back a bit. Smiles at him.

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

He smiles back, mostly on autopilot, but still grateful anyway. And a little bit of that shyness is creeping back in, though he hides it well. "Ready to try again?"

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

"I am." She takes a deep breath to get herself ready, smiles winningly. She can do this. She will not run like a little wimp.

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

He nods, and puts his hands back up, waiting for her to do the same before he tries another short jab, gauging her reactions as much as he is her reflexes.

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

She brings her arm up to counter him, quick as a lizard, wide-eyed and watching every move. It's not a refined motion, but it's fast, and forceful, and it might just block.

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

He pulls this punch too, and is satisfied that she's not rabbiting away like before. He tests her with another pair of jabs, one-two, just like how people think of boxing.

[victormakesart.livejournal.com]

Another wild block with the flat of her forearm, and she leans back to limit the impact of the one she doesn't block, and she reaches out, hands on his chest, and pushes him backwards, telling herself don't-run-don't-run-don't-run.

[backinthsaddle.livejournal.com]

He's a little surprised that she did that, since she didn't want to try hitting anyone, and lets himself be shoved back. He holds his hands out to his sides, palms open, to make himself look non-threatening.