I was getting very drowsy. Could still feel the rage, but it wasn't screaming any more. Only one other person had ever made me calm down like this, and she'd done it through pain. I wasn't used to anyone being nice, even if she was forcing herself to do it. After what I'd done, this had to be at least partly out of fear.
Brushed my hand over her cheek. The bruises she'd had when I'd pulled her out of prison were almost totally gone now. When Faith didn't flinch, I did it again, letting my fingers trace over her skin. She was mine, I could do anything I wanted to her. Could take most of what I dished out and still keep fighting. Stronger than most people would be. Even Buffy would have cracked by now. But not her.
"Do you want anything before I go to sleep?" I knew she wouldn't be able to get off the bed to get anything without putting herself through more pain. If she thought her feet hurt now, they'd be even worse when she put her weight on them. "Didn't mean to hurt your feet so much, I just couldn't make myself stop." That was the closest thing to an appology as she was going to get.
"I know." I replied automatically for about the tenth time. He only hurt me because he loved me. Shit. We were startin' to sound like a wicked psycho after school special or some pamphlet you could find at a homeless shelter for women. This went beyond that, because those men? They had souls, even when they were doing all that fucked up shit. He was human, but he had no soul. Nothing but black nothing.
Maybe that was why he wanted the warmth now, the tenderness. Kill that inner beast when I was all sweet to him. Because his heart beat and he needed it now. Needed me to show him that it didn't have to be all ugly and black all the time. His skin longed for it even when his mind told him it wasn't what he wanted. He wanted to own me because I could show him what it was like to be human. To feel things that you couldn't feel when you were all dead inside. He just needed love.
Holy shit. Someone lock me up in the fucking looney bin. The places my brain had started traveling was way out of my comfort zone and this was comin' from a former psychotic slayer. Just had to remember who I was, if I kept track of Faith I wouldn't get lost in him. Because that was what he wanted me to do. I wouldn't. Was too strong to just break down.
"Can I have the cigarettes?" I asked him, mustering up the nicest voice I probably owned. "Unless you don't want me to have them." I quickly backtracked in case that was the wrong thing to say. I never could tell.
I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open. Hadn't been this relaxed in ages. I'd never be able to keep myself under control like this for the rest of the time we were together, but if we could do something like this every night, she'd be able to rest and heal in her sleep. Work on fixing her body during the day, her mind at night.
The cigarettes would help her to relax more. She was still very tense, as if she was expecting me to snap out of this and beat the fuck out of her. Not tonight though, I was too tired and she needed to recover. "Top drawer of the nightstand. Lighter's in there too. Just don't fall asleep while you're smoking. Not in the mood to wake up to find the bed's on fire." Not when I can't heal like I used to.
Took a deep breath and let it out slowly, closing my eyes. My body felt very relaxed. I let my arm fall to the mattress so she could move if she wanted. Just had to rest for a little bit and I'd be feeling like my old self again in no time. "If you need anything, wake me up." Tomorrow we would start fresh and maybe I could actually train with her before things got violent again.
Wake him up? Yeah right, did I look like I had another death wish? I'd just...fend for myself until he woke up again. Kinda hard to do that when you can't walk, but I'd manage I always did. Was too afraid to move until I heard his heart slow in his chest and his breathing deepen. He was asleep and now I was free, at least momentarily. It shocked the hell outta me that he trusted me, for the first night since I'd been with him. Trusted me not to slit his throat in his sleep. Dammit, the urge was fucking strong too. Kinda sucked that I'd have to crawl anywhere to get any kind of weapon. Better not. Better wait. Better hope tomorrow wasn't a repeat of today.
Finally I turned over and seperated myself, finding the lighter and the pack of Marlboros in the nightstand drawer. Lighting a cigarette up I thought about turning the television on and decided immediately too. I'd already been left with my own thoughts long enough. I wanted a colorful distraction.
Sinking back into my pillow I turned on some old movie. Now this was comfort. Remembered my number one parental figure growing up. The television. Now I wanted it to hold me and tell me it was all gonna be okay, that I was gonna survive this. That I was gonna be okay. Instead a Streetcar Named Desire came in. I loved this one, used to watch it with Mom all the time.
After I finished smoking my butt and put it out in the ashtray I sank further into the pillow. Finally drifted off to the faint sound of Marlon Brando screaming for Stella.
Woke up and found myself still whole and breathing. She hadn't tried to kill me in my sleep, at least not that I could remember. Bet it had been very tempting though. I glanced over at her sleeping form and smiled. Didn't think she'd really be all that gung-ho about walking around today, but the sooner she got back on her feet, the sooner she'd get used to that pain.
Should wake Faith's ass up and have her make me some breakfast. Could picture myself slapping her face, pulling her to her feet, and shoving her down the stairs to the kitchen. She whimpered a little in her sleep and I shook my head. Maybe I should just let her rest. I needed to get some shit done, and if she wasn't there to distract me, I couldn't get pissed and beat the shit out of her again.
Got out of the bed and slowly made my way down to the training room. Walked arond, checking out the excercise equipment. Found a punching bag and stretched a little before I began my workout. My fists slammed into the bag over and over, the sound reminding me of hands on flesh. I kept at it for a while, focusing all that wonderful rage into my target.
By the time I made myself stop, my hands not only hurt, but they were raw and bleeding. I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath. This was a very good way to get the aggression out. Wiped some of the sweat away from my forehead and went over to the wall, grabbing a kendo stick. Used to be very good with these when my reflexes were better. Went into a routine I used to do and soon lost myself in the movements.
When I woke up, it was to the faint sound of yelling. My heart immediately pounded loudly in my chest and my eyes flew open waitin' to defend myself against the next succession of blows. But they never came, and I realized that the noise had been the TV. Some movie on and people were yellin' at eachother. Not real. Not real. Took me a minute but I calmed down, my breathing and heartbeat slowing down to a reasonable pace. Glancing next to me I realized that Angelus had already gotten up and gone....somewhere. Could vaguely hear the sound of flesh meeting fabric forcefully down the hallway. The training room.
He was in the training room and I wasn't dead or tied up. Maybe he was in a good mood today. Who the fuck was I kiddin'? Good mood, bad mood. There was no difference because neither of them last for very long. He'd forget about bein' nice later on and I'd find my ass locked up in the trunk again. Had to be smart, smarter than him cause I wasn't stronger anymore. Needed to get myself the hell outta this little situation I seemed to be stuck in.
With a wince I glanced down at my bruised feet. Fucking bastard with his stupid 'touch me' crap. Course I'd given him whatever he wanted cause I was so desperate to escape his wrath. Still I could feel myself startin' to slip away. Everything that was Faith would go until there was nothing but him left. Then I was nothing, except an extension of him. I wouldn't let that happen to me. I wouldn't let him make me go away completely, I'd still be here.
Swinging my legs over the bed, I frowned down at the clothes he had put me in. Jesus. Where was Angel's good fashion sense? Shit. I'd kill for a pair of leather pants right about now. Well, not kill kill. I mean, I wasn't crazy again...I didn't think.
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed onto the nightstand and used it to support my weight as I stood up. The sore flesh groaned and protested against my weight as I slowly made my way to the door, leaning on the wall. It hurt so bad, but I didn't care. At least the pain let me know that I was still alive, that I was still me. Brought back everything that Faith was with a rush. Because I was made of pain.
Hobbling down the hallway, I stopped in the doorway and watched him pound on the punching bag until his fists were raw and red before he picked up some kinda stick lookin' weapon. Maybe comin' down here had been a bad idea. I lingered in the doorway waitin' to see if he'd notice me or not.
He never moved like I did, never let himself be free while did anything. Always holding back, never using his full strength. Afraid and disgusted of what he was, of who we were. It was as if he would become me just by letting loose every once in a while. But what he never understood was that he was me. He was me wearing a false face. He had done things that even I wouldn't do and hadn't felt guilty about it.
I swung the kendo stick, listening to it whistle through the air, my arms moving faster. Wasn't as strong as I used to be, but I was slowly building myself back up. Spun, thrusting the stick towards th wall and that's when I saw her there, watching me. How long had Faith been there? Why hadn't I noticed before? I'd been lost in what I was doing, too distracted by my own actions.
Breathing hard, I walked over to her, wiping the sweat from my eyes. She shouldn't be standing on those feet, that had to hurt like hell. That's my girl. "You up to doing some training?" I tossed the kendo stick to her and then turned around, grabbing another one off the wall. Rolled it around in my hand, getting used to the weight, moving back towards where I'd been working out before.
Glanced over my shoulder to see her slowly following me, trying very hard not to limp. When I faced her, there was a very small smile on my face. I didn't think she'd be much of a challenge yet, but I could see what she had and build on it. "Forget that you're weaker than you used to be. Clear your mind of everything but that hate that I see in your eyes. Use the pain in your feet, in your battered body. Feed off of it, channel it through your arms, and come at me."
I swung the stick at her, and she managed to bring her own up in time to block a blow to her shoulder. "That was good. If I don't think you're trying your best to attack me, then I'll just have to punish you again." Maybe try out that little box. This time my smile was bigger, and I did a little 'bring it' gesture at her.
Was I up to playing more of his psychotic games? The answer was a big fucking no, but it looked like I didn't have much choice cause suddenly I was snatching one of the kendo sticks out of the air. My fingers closed around it quickly and deftly and I narrowed my eyes at it. I hadn't thought about it, just reacted. Maybe he was right, I mean...I still remembered all the moves. Just wasn't fast and strong like I used to be. But it was all in my head, it was still there. I was still a slayer, even if I didnt' feel like one.
He swung his stick at me, and I instantly lifted mine to block it from pounding into my shoulder. Just instinct. Had to follow my instincts, but I was afraid it would land me back in the trunk or worse. Because he wanted me to come at him full force but if I hurt him I knew my ass was as good as grass...or sand since we were in the desert.
Swallowing hard I tilted my chin up to look into his face when he gestured for me to attack him. Was he crazy?! Okay, that was obviously a stupid question for real. I didn't...I didn't know what to do and I was pretty sure he saw the confusion in my face cause he came at me again. The stick jutting out at me as he came closer and closer. Systematically I blocked every single attack until he'd backed me into a wall.
"You told me not to." I said quietly. "I don't know what to do." I felt helpless and stupid because really I wanted to beat him over the head with the stick in my hand until he stopped moving. But I was scared. Always so fucking scared. Hated it. Hated him. My feet already hurt wicked bad, I didn't need him smacking the shit outta me again. Just had to tow the line, except the line kept changin' and shifting. Confused.
Why wasn't she fighting back? All I saw was confusion and it started to seriously piss me off. Not a good thing to do when I had a kendo stick in my hands. These things could do a hell of a lot of damage. Not just bruise flesh, but break bones, dislocate shoulders, and even put someone's eye out.
I launched myself at her and Faith blocked every one of my swings. She was moving backwards though, almost running away from me. In a moment I had her up against the wall. I brought the stick up, putting it across her throat, adding just enough pressure for her eyes to widen. Now I knew why she was holding back on me.
"I give you permission to fight back. Make me bleed, Faithy." I moved my bare feet until they were on top of hers, pushing them down against the floor. She gasped in pain and I fought the urge to really grind down. "I'm going to take a step back, and if you don't come at me with everything you've got, you'll be very sorry." I took a couple of steps back, balancing on the balls of my feet, and waited.
The stick grinded against my throat and I swallowed hard, tryin' to breathe slowly, but I gasped when his feet grinded down on the bruised flesh. Fuck! Make him bleed? I'd fucking kill him. What was it about that that he didn't get? Course he did seem to get off on me bein' all kinds of pissed off at him sometimes.
I didn't give him time to recover. He wanted me to fight? Then I'd fight, and I wouldn't hold back. He told me to, only had himself to blame. Not that it mattered when I pissed him, didn't matter whose fault it was then cause he'd still kick my ass. 'Cept now he wanted me to fight back. So I swung the stick at his head, only to have him block it. This time I came at him, attack after attack which he kept blocking. I remembered it and now it seemed easy. Ignoring the screaming of my feet, I kept goin' at him, watchin' him carefully.
Finally I faked right and went left instead. The stick crashed into his ribs and sent him staggering to the side. I didn't give him time to recover, instead I hit him again. Again and again before dipping the stick down and catchin' him behind his feet. He fell hard to the floor and I knocked the stick out of his hands. Standin' over him I pressed the tip of my kendo into his throat hard, keepin' him locked on the floor. For now anyway.
"That what you wanted?" I asked him curiously, tryin' hard to keep the smug satisfaction out of my voice.
There we go, that's what I wanted to see. Not just the hate, but the fire that had been missing. She came at me just like I'd asked and I blocked everything, but could feel the blows all the way up to my shoulders. Faith could remember how to fight, and right now she wasn't weak. ALmost looked like her old self again.
Her stick got me in the ribs and she kept raining down blows before finally knocking me off my feet. My back hit the floor and I was breathing hard when Faith knocked my own weapon from my hands. I looked up at her and waited to see if she would try to finish me off. Didn't even want to swallow with that tip pressed up against my skin.
Not only did my ribs hurt, but there were going to be bruises in other places. Very slowly, a smile crossed my lips as I kept my eyes on hers. "That's exactly what I wanted." Look at her, all smug and pleased with herself. Had to do something about that.
My hand darted out, wrapping around her ankle. I twisted my body, bringing her to the floor. Was on top of her in a heart beat, tossing the stick away. Pinned her arms to the floor with my knees. "Didn't feel weak at all, did you? Told you how strong you were." Leaning in, I kissed her hard enough to taste blood before pulling away. I licked my lips. "You did very good, Faith. Up for another round, or you want some breakfast first?"
I was about to say something to him when his lips pressed down on mine hard, so hard I could feel my teeth digging into his lips. Should bite down wicked hard and see if that was what he wanted. After all, he did tell me that I should make him bleed. But I didn't, just watched him as he pulled away from me. He always had to be on top. Was that what he was tryin' to prove to me? I bet him down so now he had to show me who was wearin' the big Daddy pants? Fuck him.
Still layin' flat on my back was preferable to standing up with the way my feet kept stingin'. He was makin' me rise above it though, blockin' it out and makin' it work for me at the same time. Wanted to wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze until he passed out and see how he liked it. Kinda hard to do when your arms are pressed into the floor. He was heavy too. Wanted him off.
Calmly I looked up into his face, before running my tongue against my bottom lip. Could taste the familiar coppery tang of blood, before I let go of a deep sigh.
"I can go another round." I forced myself to say. It wasn't gonna be easy, cause my feet were killin' me. But I wanted it, wanted to fight him. Wanted to hurt him, wanted to get better, faster, stronger.
What I really wanted to do right now was fuck her brains out, but I really didn't think the feeling was mutual. There was plenty of time for that to happen. With a chuckle, I slowly rolled off of her and got to my feet. Reached out my hand and helped her up, paying attention to how much she limped. Feet had to be feeling even worse now.
I picked up her stick and then found mine. Stretched a little, wincing when my ribs pulled. Have to be careful now, she knew where I was hurt, would try to take advantage of that. Slid Faith's over to her and spun mine around in my hand. I was also getting tired, which wasn't good. Wish I still had that wonderful vampire stamina.
Waited until she'd picked the stick up and then I went at her again. The air was full of the sounds of wood hitting wood. Traded blows for a few minutes, with each of us seeming to get more pissed off as the fight went on. I barely missed her shoulder and she almost got me in the ribs again.
Dodged another swing and I brought the end of the stick around, catching Faith in her bad shoulder. She staggered a little and I did it again, really putting my weight into it. Heard that familiar popping sound and her arm went limp.
With a growl, I hit her in the chest, sending her backwards. I soon had her up against the wall, pinned by my body. The stick fell from her hand, rolling across the floor. Dropped my own and slammed my hand into her shoulder, making her cry out. "Game's over, Faithy. I win."
Wasn't as good this time, and maybe I had worn myself out already. Got so tired so easily now. But his weapon finally nailed me in the shoulder and I heard it pop back out of the joint again. Gasping, I barely had time to do anything before he had pushed me back to the wall and he slammed his hand against my shoulder. Almost had to bite my tongue off not to scream. He liked it when I screamed too much and if I started he would want me to keep goin'. So instead I just gasped and looked up at him through wide dark eyes.
I guessed that was the end of that little excercize then. He said he wanted me to hurt him before but I didn't think he really meant that. There was still some small sense of triumph when I'd pinned him to the floor with the stick pressed to his throat. I could jumped on it, leaned on with all my weight until bones cracked and popped. Why didn't I? Was it really cause I thought I'd be too slow?
Angrily I shoved him away with one hand, before reaching up and wincing at the pain in my shoulder. Grasping it with my good hand I yanked it back into place, and had to clamp my mouth shut not to scream out. Fuck! Why did he keep doin' that? Get a new trick, asshole.
"You always win." I shot back at him quickly, and I didn't know why I was bein' bad again. I wasn't being that bad but I'd probably already pissed him off. It was so easy to do. I'd scratch his face off if he came any closer to me. Fucking kill him. No more tying me down. I was too strong.
Wondered what he had in mind for next. Maybe it would just be breakfast time. That didn't sound so bad.
Brushed my hand over her cheek. The bruises she'd had when I'd pulled her out of prison were almost totally gone now. When Faith didn't flinch, I did it again, letting my fingers trace over her skin. She was mine, I could do anything I wanted to her. Could take most of what I dished out and still keep fighting. Stronger than most people would be. Even Buffy would have cracked by now. But not her.
"Do you want anything before I go to sleep?" I knew she wouldn't be able to get off the bed to get anything without putting herself through more pain. If she thought her feet hurt now, they'd be even worse when she put her weight on them. "Didn't mean to hurt your feet so much, I just couldn't make myself stop." That was the closest thing to an appology as she was going to get.
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Maybe that was why he wanted the warmth now, the tenderness. Kill that inner beast when I was all sweet to him. Because his heart beat and he needed it now. Needed me to show him that it didn't have to be all ugly and black all the time. His skin longed for it even when his mind told him it wasn't what he wanted. He wanted to own me because I could show him what it was like to be human. To feel things that you couldn't feel when you were all dead inside. He just needed love.
Holy shit. Someone lock me up in the fucking looney bin. The places my brain had started traveling was way out of my comfort zone and this was comin' from a former psychotic slayer. Just had to remember who I was, if I kept track of Faith I wouldn't get lost in him. Because that was what he wanted me to do. I wouldn't. Was too strong to just break down.
"Can I have the cigarettes?" I asked him, mustering up the nicest voice I probably owned. "Unless you don't want me to have them." I quickly backtracked in case that was the wrong thing to say. I never could tell.
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The cigarettes would help her to relax more. She was still very tense, as if she was expecting me to snap out of this and beat the fuck out of her. Not tonight though, I was too tired and she needed to recover. "Top drawer of the nightstand. Lighter's in there too. Just don't fall asleep while you're smoking. Not in the mood to wake up to find the bed's on fire." Not when I can't heal like I used to.
Took a deep breath and let it out slowly, closing my eyes. My body felt very relaxed. I let my arm fall to the mattress so she could move if she wanted. Just had to rest for a little bit and I'd be feeling like my old self again in no time. "If you need anything, wake me up." Tomorrow we would start fresh and maybe I could actually train with her before things got violent again.
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Finally I turned over and seperated myself, finding the lighter and the pack of Marlboros in the nightstand drawer. Lighting a cigarette up I thought about turning the television on and decided immediately too. I'd already been left with my own thoughts long enough. I wanted a colorful distraction.
Sinking back into my pillow I turned on some old movie. Now this was comfort. Remembered my number one parental figure growing up. The television. Now I wanted it to hold me and tell me it was all gonna be okay, that I was gonna survive this. That I was gonna be okay. Instead a Streetcar Named Desire came in. I loved this one, used to watch it with Mom all the time.
After I finished smoking my butt and put it out in the ashtray I sank further into the pillow. Finally drifted off to the faint sound of Marlon Brando screaming for Stella.
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Should wake Faith's ass up and have her make me some breakfast. Could picture myself slapping her face, pulling her to her feet, and shoving her down the stairs to the kitchen. She whimpered a little in her sleep and I shook my head. Maybe I should just let her rest. I needed to get some shit done, and if she wasn't there to distract me, I couldn't get pissed and beat the shit out of her again.
Got out of the bed and slowly made my way down to the training room. Walked arond, checking out the excercise equipment. Found a punching bag and stretched a little before I began my workout. My fists slammed into the bag over and over, the sound reminding me of hands on flesh. I kept at it for a while, focusing all that wonderful rage into my target.
By the time I made myself stop, my hands not only hurt, but they were raw and bleeding. I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath. This was a very good way to get the aggression out. Wiped some of the sweat away from my forehead and went over to the wall, grabbing a kendo stick. Used to be very good with these when my reflexes were better. Went into a routine I used to do and soon lost myself in the movements.
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He was in the training room and I wasn't dead or tied up. Maybe he was in a good mood today. Who the fuck was I kiddin'? Good mood, bad mood. There was no difference because neither of them last for very long. He'd forget about bein' nice later on and I'd find my ass locked up in the trunk again. Had to be smart, smarter than him cause I wasn't stronger anymore. Needed to get myself the hell outta this little situation I seemed to be stuck in.
With a wince I glanced down at my bruised feet. Fucking bastard with his stupid 'touch me' crap. Course I'd given him whatever he wanted cause I was so desperate to escape his wrath. Still I could feel myself startin' to slip away. Everything that was Faith would go until there was nothing but him left. Then I was nothing, except an extension of him. I wouldn't let that happen to me. I wouldn't let him make me go away completely, I'd still be here.
Swinging my legs over the bed, I frowned down at the clothes he had put me in. Jesus. Where was Angel's good fashion sense? Shit. I'd kill for a pair of leather pants right about now. Well, not kill kill. I mean, I wasn't crazy again...I didn't think.
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed onto the nightstand and used it to support my weight as I stood up. The sore flesh groaned and protested against my weight as I slowly made my way to the door, leaning on the wall. It hurt so bad, but I didn't care. At least the pain let me know that I was still alive, that I was still me. Brought back everything that Faith was with a rush. Because I was made of pain.
Hobbling down the hallway, I stopped in the doorway and watched him pound on the punching bag until his fists were raw and red before he picked up some kinda stick lookin' weapon. Maybe comin' down here had been a bad idea. I lingered in the doorway waitin' to see if he'd notice me or not.
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I swung the kendo stick, listening to it whistle through the air, my arms moving faster. Wasn't as strong as I used to be, but I was slowly building myself back up. Spun, thrusting the stick towards th wall and that's when I saw her there, watching me. How long had Faith been there? Why hadn't I noticed before? I'd been lost in what I was doing, too distracted by my own actions.
Breathing hard, I walked over to her, wiping the sweat from my eyes. She shouldn't be standing on those feet, that had to hurt like hell. That's my girl. "You up to doing some training?" I tossed the kendo stick to her and then turned around, grabbing another one off the wall. Rolled it around in my hand, getting used to the weight, moving back towards where I'd been working out before.
Glanced over my shoulder to see her slowly following me, trying very hard not to limp. When I faced her, there was a very small smile on my face. I didn't think she'd be much of a challenge yet, but I could see what she had and build on it. "Forget that you're weaker than you used to be. Clear your mind of everything but that hate that I see in your eyes. Use the pain in your feet, in your battered body. Feed off of it, channel it through your arms, and come at me."
I swung the stick at her, and she managed to bring her own up in time to block a blow to her shoulder. "That was good. If I don't think you're trying your best to attack me, then I'll just have to punish you again." Maybe try out that little box. This time my smile was bigger, and I did a little 'bring it' gesture at her.
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He swung his stick at me, and I instantly lifted mine to block it from pounding into my shoulder. Just instinct. Had to follow my instincts, but I was afraid it would land me back in the trunk or worse. Because he wanted me to come at him full force but if I hurt him I knew my ass was as good as grass...or sand since we were in the desert.
Swallowing hard I tilted my chin up to look into his face when he gestured for me to attack him. Was he crazy?! Okay, that was obviously a stupid question for real. I didn't...I didn't know what to do and I was pretty sure he saw the confusion in my face cause he came at me again. The stick jutting out at me as he came closer and closer. Systematically I blocked every single attack until he'd backed me into a wall.
"You told me not to." I said quietly. "I don't know what to do." I felt helpless and stupid because really I wanted to beat him over the head with the stick in my hand until he stopped moving. But I was scared. Always so fucking scared. Hated it. Hated him. My feet already hurt wicked bad, I didn't need him smacking the shit outta me again. Just had to tow the line, except the line kept changin' and shifting. Confused.
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I launched myself at her and Faith blocked every one of my swings. She was moving backwards though, almost running away from me. In a moment I had her up against the wall. I brought the stick up, putting it across her throat, adding just enough pressure for her eyes to widen. Now I knew why she was holding back on me.
"I give you permission to fight back. Make me bleed, Faithy." I moved my bare feet until they were on top of hers, pushing them down against the floor. She gasped in pain and I fought the urge to really grind down. "I'm going to take a step back, and if you don't come at me with everything you've got, you'll be very sorry." I took a couple of steps back, balancing on the balls of my feet, and waited.
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I didn't give him time to recover. He wanted me to fight? Then I'd fight, and I wouldn't hold back. He told me to, only had himself to blame. Not that it mattered when I pissed him, didn't matter whose fault it was then cause he'd still kick my ass. 'Cept now he wanted me to fight back. So I swung the stick at his head, only to have him block it. This time I came at him, attack after attack which he kept blocking. I remembered it and now it seemed easy. Ignoring the screaming of my feet, I kept goin' at him, watchin' him carefully.
Finally I faked right and went left instead. The stick crashed into his ribs and sent him staggering to the side. I didn't give him time to recover, instead I hit him again. Again and again before dipping the stick down and catchin' him behind his feet. He fell hard to the floor and I knocked the stick out of his hands. Standin' over him I pressed the tip of my kendo into his throat hard, keepin' him locked on the floor. For now anyway.
"That what you wanted?" I asked him curiously, tryin' hard to keep the smug satisfaction out of my voice.
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Her stick got me in the ribs and she kept raining down blows before finally knocking me off my feet. My back hit the floor and I was breathing hard when Faith knocked my own weapon from my hands. I looked up at her and waited to see if she would try to finish me off. Didn't even want to swallow with that tip pressed up against my skin.
Not only did my ribs hurt, but there were going to be bruises in other places. Very slowly, a smile crossed my lips as I kept my eyes on hers. "That's exactly what I wanted." Look at her, all smug and pleased with herself. Had to do something about that.
My hand darted out, wrapping around her ankle. I twisted my body, bringing her to the floor. Was on top of her in a heart beat, tossing the stick away. Pinned her arms to the floor with my knees. "Didn't feel weak at all, did you? Told you how strong you were." Leaning in, I kissed her hard enough to taste blood before pulling away. I licked my lips. "You did very good, Faith. Up for another round, or you want some breakfast first?"
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Still layin' flat on my back was preferable to standing up with the way my feet kept stingin'. He was makin' me rise above it though, blockin' it out and makin' it work for me at the same time. Wanted to wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze until he passed out and see how he liked it. Kinda hard to do when your arms are pressed into the floor. He was heavy too. Wanted him off.
Calmly I looked up into his face, before running my tongue against my bottom lip. Could taste the familiar coppery tang of blood, before I let go of a deep sigh.
"I can go another round." I forced myself to say. It wasn't gonna be easy, cause my feet were killin' me. But I wanted it, wanted to fight him. Wanted to hurt him, wanted to get better, faster, stronger.
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I picked up her stick and then found mine. Stretched a little, wincing when my ribs pulled. Have to be careful now, she knew where I was hurt, would try to take advantage of that. Slid Faith's over to her and spun mine around in my hand. I was also getting tired, which wasn't good. Wish I still had that wonderful vampire stamina.
Waited until she'd picked the stick up and then I went at her again. The air was full of the sounds of wood hitting wood. Traded blows for a few minutes, with each of us seeming to get more pissed off as the fight went on. I barely missed her shoulder and she almost got me in the ribs again.
Dodged another swing and I brought the end of the stick around, catching Faith in her bad shoulder. She staggered a little and I did it again, really putting my weight into it. Heard that familiar popping sound and her arm went limp.
With a growl, I hit her in the chest, sending her backwards. I soon had her up against the wall, pinned by my body. The stick fell from her hand, rolling across the floor. Dropped my own and slammed my hand into her shoulder, making her cry out. "Game's over, Faithy. I win."
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I guessed that was the end of that little excercize then. He said he wanted me to hurt him before but I didn't think he really meant that. There was still some small sense of triumph when I'd pinned him to the floor with the stick pressed to his throat. I could jumped on it, leaned on with all my weight until bones cracked and popped. Why didn't I? Was it really cause I thought I'd be too slow?
Angrily I shoved him away with one hand, before reaching up and wincing at the pain in my shoulder. Grasping it with my good hand I yanked it back into place, and had to clamp my mouth shut not to scream out. Fuck! Why did he keep doin' that? Get a new trick, asshole.
"You always win." I shot back at him quickly, and I didn't know why I was bein' bad again. I wasn't being that bad but I'd probably already pissed him off. It was so easy to do. I'd scratch his face off if he came any closer to me. Fucking kill him. No more tying me down. I was too strong.
Wondered what he had in mind for next. Maybe it would just be breakfast time. That didn't sound so bad.
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