Spar

Chapter 2-3

By the end of class, Jaime was tired and happy to bow out. Sensei Melissa was feeling particularly energetic and ran them through a double set of basics. Jaime was among the many kyu-ranked students shuffling out of line like zombies, stiff-legged and groaning from the effort. When the floor was almost empty, he took advantage of the space to practice his kata. It wasn’t until he finished that he noticed Sempai Tyler was the only other person still on the dojo floor in uniform.

“Sayonara, Sempai.” Steve and Ed said in unison as they bowed at the door.

“Sayonara,” Sempai Tyler returned their bow. “Good class.”

Jaime ignored the scowl Steve gave him. He hoped Sempai Tyler had missed it or thought it was only a matter of jealousy about another student sucking up by staying after class. A certain level of competition was common among students of different ranks. As long as Jaime didn’t have to sit through some uncomfortable talk about how he should stop being himself to make others more comfortable, he could put up with a few dirty looks.

“What’s the story between you and Steve?” Sempai Tyler asked Jaime as soon as the dojo door closed behind Steve and Ed. “The two of you don’t seem to get along.”

Jaime’s gaze remained fixed on the floor. This was not a conversation he wanted to get into in any detail. Better to play it off as nothing serious. He liked Sempai Tyler enough to give him some explanation.

“I don’t think he likes working with me.” Jaime shrugged with the trace of a wry smile on his lips. “Must think I’m contagious.”

“What?”

The joke sounded a lot more serious saying it out loud. It would be easy to be jaded and bitter, but life was too short for that. He sighed and shrugged.

“Nothing,” Jaime mumbled.

“You mean he thinks he might get gay if he trains with you?”

As Jaime feared, Sempai Tyler knew exactly what he’d meant and didn’t pull any punches about calling Jaime out on the unspoken. The expression on Sempai Tyler’s face was so honest. Amusement built up in Jaime until he let out a lyrical laugh.

“Something like that, Sempai.” Sempai Tyler seemed to appreciate Jaime’s reaction. “Straight guys always worry about doing something I’ll think is gay. Because there’s no way I’d be able to keep my hands off them.”

“I’m sure you’ve got better taste in men than Steve.” Sempai Tyler spoke in an unguarded tone.

“Much better,” Jaime agreed.

“Is that why you don’t change with the other guys?”

Jaime’s smile faded. Another uncomfortable topic Jaime would have preferred to avoid. Sempai Tyler had a way of dragging him into plenty of uncomfortable situations and conversations. It was tempting to close off and refuse to speak about things that were difficult to face. However, he wasn’t sure he could do that without coming off as a complete jerk. The last thing he wanted to do was make things weird between him and Sempai Tyler.

“Guys get a little edgy around me, especially when it comes to taking off clothes.” Jaime shrugged. “I don’t want to make trouble.”

Sempai Tyler frowned, although Jaime couldn’t figure out what he’d said that would trigger that reaction.

“It’s your changing room as much as theirs.”

When Jaime looked at him, the bile taste of anger rose in the back of his throat. Only well-practiced resignation washed it free.

“Are you saying you wouldn’t be nervous getting undressed in front of me, Sempai?”

Sempai Tyler’s lips twitched with a suppressed grin. He seemed to actually be enjoying pressing Jaime in conversation just as he did on the dojo floor.

“Granted, I’m pretty irresistible.” Sempai Tyler puffed up his chest. “But I’m sure I could put up a good fight if you tried to take advantage of me.”

This time Jaime barked out a sharp laugh that drew an irreverent smile from Sempai Tyler.

“How about we do some sparring before you try to seduce me?”

Jaime nodded. “Hai, Sempai.”