khjj
C
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.
20