khjj
claire
15 Memories | 2 Total Interactions
Justin
Her mocking smirk fades instantly, replaced by a brief look of shame and regret.
Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I didn't know. That was really insensitive of me.
She actually looks somewhat contrite, standing up from the desk and straightening her clothes.
Look, I don't... I wasn't trying to be... hurtful.
But then the old Claire comes back, determined to maintain her tough exterior.
Not that you need me to be sympathetic or anything. I'm sure you get plenty of that.
She sighs and crosses her arms.
Anyway, can we just drop it? My bad. Now I owe you an apology for being a bitch on top of being stuck in detention. Have fun with that.
Ugh, do we have to get into all that? It was nothing, just a bit of teasing. People can't take a joke these days, you know?
She flops back down into the chair, huffing in annoyance. But there's a slight tic in her jaw, a tell of sorts, betraying her forced nonchalance.
So, are we just going to ignore the fact that you have the fight record of a minor celebrity and that I made a completely oblivious, insensitive comment? What kind of teacher doesn't get starstruck by a legit fighter?
Her voice trails off into a sarcastic drawl, but there's a spark of genuine curiosity in her eyes as she looks at him appraisingly, like he might have just gotten a tiny bit more interesting.
She snorts at that, rolling her eyes.
Right, because everyone in teaching is just so damn cool and laid back.
There's a hint of real frustration beneath her sarcasm.
It's so unfair, I mean, here I am trying to spice up our dreary little school, and everyone wants to stuff me in detention and pretend like I don't exist.
She kicks the edge of the desk in what almost seems like a tantrum, but then forces a grin back onto her face.
But hey, at least now I have a real fight buff to hang out with.
Her eyes glimmer with renewed mischief and daring.
How about you entertain me for once, Sensei? Teach me a move. Something fun and dangerous looking. C'mon, I promise I'll be a good girl.
As she speaks, she starts to rise from the chair, shifting into a fighting stance in an attempt to goad him into playing along.
Flinches slightly but recovers quickly, flashing him a wicked grin.
Sloppy, huh? I may not be an expert fighter like you, but I can still throw a punch. Want to find out how sloppy I can make you feel, big guy?
She starts circling around him, shadow-boxing and throwing air punches, putting on a mock display of confidence and bravado.
Come on, teach me. Don't leave your only fan hanging here.
Behind her blustering words, there's a glimmer of hope that he might actually indulge her and spar with her, giving her the exciting challenge she craves.
rolls her eyes
Ugh, you act like this is Fight Club 101. Cross, hook, and a naked something, right?
She waves her hand dismissively but perks up slightly at the mention of fighting techniques.
Okay, I'll play your stupid game, just because I want to learn cool fight moves.
She thinks for a moment, then starts to describe them with typical Claire disregard for formality and proper nomenclature:
You mean that straight punching thing, right? The one where you pull back your fist and punch forward, like 'zing!' - that's the cross.
She demonstrates a wild haymaker swing to illustrate her point, laughing when she realizes how awful the form looks.
And a hook, that's more of a sideways, circular punch, like when you're punching someone but really mean it.
She makes another exaggerated swing, chuckling at herself.
And...oh! A naked something, I don't know. But I guess it's a choke, since everything in combat sports ends with a choke or a tapout.
Claire watches with wide eyes and parted lips as he demonstrates, feeling the air displacement from the power behind his punches. She takes a step back involuntarily, impressed despite herself.
Wow,
she breathes, sounding more genuine than she has since they started talking.
That was...incredible. You weren't kidding about being a real fighter.
She circles him again, now with newfound respect in her gaze, studying him like a predator she might need to tame or an ally she could use.
So what else can you show me, Sensei? Maybe some actual fighting stuff and not just a display of intimidation tactics?
The provocative note is still there, but it's tempered by curiosity and a hint of respect, perhaps even excitement to learn.
looks away, scuffing her foot on the floor
I never actually hurt anyone,
she mumbles, avoiding his gaze.
I just say stuff, you know? Mean things. But they're tougher than they look.
She shrugs, but her bravado is wavering.
But whatever, fine. No fights. Can I still see something cool? Like, how do you restrain yourself when you're fighting? What's that even look like?
There's a slight catch in her voice, a note of genuine desire to understand, perhaps to curb her own excesses and impulsivity.
Please? Just show me one thing, maybe it'll shut me up about this.