Spar

Chapter 1-3

Jaime hadn’t sparred much since he’d joined the dojo. It used to be his favorite part of class, but he was so out of practice he wasn’t sure jumping right in was a good idea. Besides, Sempai Tyler was a real ball-buster. Nothing was ever good enough for him. No technique sharp enough. No kiai loud enough. No punch hard enough. Jaime could always feel the man’s disapproving gaze on him whenever they worked together. The only consolation was Sempai Tyler held himself to the same high standard. The guy was good, and that only came with years of dedication.

“I haven’t sparred in a long time,” Jaime explained as he pulled on his sparring gloves and warily advanced toward Sempai Tyler, who waited for him at the center of the dojo.

For the first time, Jaime realized how empty the room was. He and Sempai Tyler were the last ones left. An uneasiness fluttered in the pit of Jaime’s stomach. It was always dangerous to be alone with someone he barely knew. Usually Jaime controlled those situations. Now he would have to see how Sempai Tyler behaved when no one was looking.

“We’d better get started then.” Sempai Tyler offered his hand. His grip wrapped firmly around Jaime’s. Even if Sempai Tyler was intimidating, there was no trace of maliciousness about him, unlike with Steve or the other testosterone junkies.

When they squared off in fighting stances, Jaime wasn’t sure what to expect. His body hummed with so much nervous energy he leaped halfway across the room to avoid the first obvious back-fist Sempai Tyler threw. Jaime stayed glued in place and waited for Sempai Tyler to take advantage of the situation. Instead, Sempai Tyler just frowned and signaled for Jaime to return to the center of the room. Jaime’s eyes never left Sempai Tyler.

The next time Sempai Tyler attacked, he matched Jaime’s retreat until Jaime slammed into the wall between the weapons racks. Jaime raised his arms to shield his head and tucked his elbows to cover his ribs. Even if he hadn’t sparred in a long time, it didn’t mean he hadn’t found himself on the wrong end of some homophobe’s fists or boots. The best thing to do was to protect and wait them out. Hitting back only made things worse.

“You can only run for so long.” Sempai Tyler tapped on the wall beside Jaime’s head. “Eventually, you are going to have to stand and fight.”

An angry heat suffused Jaime’s cheeks. Sparring in the dojo was one thing. Getting the crap beaten out of you in a back alley was another matter altogether. Jaime had to fight all his life just to be who he was.

“Hai, Sempai.” Jaime forced the words out.

Sempai Tyler gave him a quizzical look as he backed off to the center of the room and waited for Jaime to follow.

“Have you ever gotten into a real fight?” Sempai Tyler asked.

“I’ve had to defend myself, if that’s what you are asking.” Jaime’s voice strained against the memories of black eyes and bruised ribs. Sempai Tyler looked surprised, but Jaime wasn’t going to sugarcoat the reality of his life.

“Then do it now.” Sempai Tyler was determined to antagonize him. Jaime couldn’t figure out how he’d ended up on his s**t list. “When you don’t give it your all, you cheat yourself and the person working with you.”

The comment struck Jaime as hard as any punch. This wasn’t a fight for Sempai Tyler. It was a sparring match. There was nothing personal about it, the guy just wanted to practice. Jaime still couldn’t detect any animosity in Sempai Tyler. The man had had more than one opportunity to press his advantage over Jaime and inflict pain, but he hadn’t. It had been a long time since anyone had treated him like just a man and not a gay man.

“You aren’t afraid that I’m going to hit on you or touch you inappropriately?” Jaime wasn’t sure whether to trust his instincts or the friendly vibe Sempai Tyler gave off.

At first, Sempai Tyler didn’t respond. How he answered would show his true colors.

“Are you planning to?” Sempai Tyler asked. Then he smiled.

Jaime couldn’t hold back a chuckle from bubbling out of nowhere. The tension drained from his shoulders, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“No, Sempai.”

“Good.” Sempai Tyler struck his gloved hands together in anticipation of the next exchange. “Then it’s settled, no more holding back. Let’s spar.”

“I’m not really good at karate yet.” Jaime hesitated. If he was pressed to defend himself, there was no telling what techniques he’d resort to. “I might slip into some judo moves.”

Sempai Tyler shrugged. “All the better for me. My ground work doesn’t get much practice.”

Jaime nodded and raised his hands as he resumed his fighting stance. Finding some confidence, Jaime led with a back-fist and reverse-punch combo. It was one of the first moves he’d ever learned. His body responded with a fluidity he’d forgotten. Even though Sempai Tyler was slow to respond, he blocked the attack before it had a chance of landing. Jaime didn’t even see Sempai’s fist until it struck his temple. He stumbled backward, shaking his head to clear it. The shot wasn’t hard enough to cause any damage, but it wasn’t a love tap either.

If Sempai Tyler thought a little pain was going to discourage Jaime, he was wrong. Determination fortified Jaime’s resolve.

The next time Jaime attacked, he moved diagonally, leaving his ribs open. Sempai Tyler took the bait and launched his attack. Instead of taking the incoming blow, Jaime slipped just out of range and grabbed Sempai Tyler’s wrist. The distance between them evaporated. With a slight tug, Jaime sent Sempai Tyler tumbling forward over his hip. In a flurry of movement, Sempai Tyler hit the ground but didn’t stop there. Jaime flipped him around until Sempai Tyler’s face was pressed against the mats.

With one arm behind Sempai Tyler’s back and his knee pinned between Jaime’s legs, Sempai Tyler was trapped. Considering how long it had been since Jaime had practiced judo, he was surprised at how securely he’d pinned Sempai Tyler. If Sempai Tyler tried to force his way out, he would dislocate his shoulder or knee, or both.

Suddenly Sempai Tyler let out a sharp grunt. He was pissed, and it was Jaime’s fault. He should never have pinned a higher rank. Guys hated being underneath Jaime, unless it was in the bedroom. Jaime quickly released Sempai Tyler. He scurried to his feet, palms raised to let Sempai Tyler know he wasn’t trying anything funny.

“I’m sorry, Sempai,” Jaime muttered and continued to back up. The last thing he wanted to do was to piss off a higher rank, especially when Sempai Tyler had been kind of nice to him.

“Where are you going?” Sempai Tyler hissed. “I didn’t tap out.”

Jaime froze. It hadn’t occurred to him to wait for a tap out. He was sure he’d upset Sempai Tyler and didn’t want to be on the receiving end of the man’s anger and insecurity. But Jaime saw neither in Sempai Tyler’s eyes, only disappointment at being robbed of a chance to test his ability.

“I don’t want you to cut me any slack just because I’m a black belt.” Sempai Tyler rose to his feet. “You get me on the ground again, and you had better keep me there until I tap out. Otherwise, the match isn’t over.”

“Hai, Sempai.” Jaime was relieved. He was having too much fun sparring with Sempai Tyler.

The next time Jaime had the opportunity to take Sempai Tyler to the mats, he didn’t hesitate or take it easy. The more Sempai Tyler struggled, the tighter Jaime’s hold became until Sempai Tyler had no choice but to give up. There was nothing more rewarding than pinning a stronger opponent and forcing him to admit surrender. Much to Jaime’s surprise, Sempai Tyler seemed to enjoy it as much as Jaime did. Each time Jaime pinned him, Sempai Tyler waited longer and longer before he tapped out.

“Tap out already, Sempai.” Jaime’s breath was hot against Sempai Tyler’s ear. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Not yet.”