It Happened One Heist

The Dojo

A few days wait became weeks.

As Monty changed his bandages for the day he found that his wound had healed up enough that it had closed and no longer tender to the touch. He was well enough to return to his kung fu drills.

With the dojo to himself, he began with a few yoga stretches. The fact that he could keep any of these positions without his side aching was an excellent sign.

He drew in a deep breath as he assumed the cat position, back arched and head low with his hands and knees on the floor. He heard footsteps and opened his eyes to see Maggie leaning against the wall of the entryway, seemingly upside-down from his perspective.

"Feeling better, I see," she smiled.

Monty took a seat in the lotus position in hopes that she would leave, but she was dressed in her own workout ensemble of a T-shirt and sweat pants. She was there to use the dojo as well.

"I really need to write up a schedule for this place..." he sighed.

Maggie removed her sandals and set her towel down on the platform. "Oh, it's not that. I was just thinking since you're feeling better I could give you that capoeira demonstration I promised."

Monty switched to the crane position, balancing on his palms with his knees to his chest. "That won't be necessary. I can manage just fine by myself, thank you."

"You sure? Oh, that's too bad." She grinned. "It probably wouldn't have been much of a challenge anyway, what with your inability to defeat a couple teenagers."

Monty raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"Not to mention your joints are probably rusty. I know that divorce can automatically age you. Can't imagine what turning to stone can do..."

"Oh ho ho ho!" Monty boldly stood up. "In that case I'd say we're even-keeled, aren't we?"

"Now that's more like it..." Maggie descended from the platform she pulled her white T-shirt over her head, left with her black sports bra as she shook out her hair.

Monty was slightly caught off-guard by the hint of musculature beneath Maggie's slender form as she assumed a light-footed fighting stance.

He wasn't going to let her intimidate him. He flared his nostrils as he slid off his gi and threw it to the side, letting his own lean athletic physique speak for itself. The Wufu pendant still hung from his neck like a green bullseye on his chest. He narrowed his eyes and assumed his own fighting stance, daring her to try and take it from him.

Maggie smirked, and made the first move, cartwheeling forward to kick him in the chest, only for him to block her. It was on.

Even though she wasn't blindfolded this time, she still snapped her fingers to keep her rhythm. She might have been shorter than him but her sweeping kicks were heavy and powerful. She caught Monty by surprise when she managed to strike him across the jaw with her heel.

He couldn't land a hit as she was always moving, but she could still feel the air brush past with his near-missed blows.

Similarly, Maggie couldn't land a hit either. At best she could manage a light graze when he wasn't blocking. Her style might have been graceful but his was quick and precise. Not to mention he anticipated when she was going to make a move based on her rhythm.

She made an attempt to snatch the pendant off his chest, but he evaded the attack. He gave a low kick and he grabbed hold of her leg with his opposable foot, throwing her to the side.

She slid along the mat and looked back up at him more determined than ever. She sprung back to her feet. He wanted to play dirty? Two could play at that game.

She eyed the thick wooden tree-like apparatus used for balancing exercises and darted towards Monty. She sprung herself up from his shoulders and firmly hooked her claws into the black wood, hanging upside down by her feet.

Monty gritted his teeth in frustration. "That's out of bounds!" he objected.

"You never said anything about environmental boundaries, Monty!" Maggie grinned. "Or are you not up for the challenge, old man?"

Monty snarled and followed suit, climbing up the opposite end of the dual tree and bending backwards, planting a firm grip on the branch with his feet as they resumed their fight.

The Wufu pendant slid from his neck, but he caught it before it could fall to the floor. Gripping it firmly in his fist, he looked forward to seeing her try to snatch it from him now.

With their feet firmly clasped around the shared branch they were limited to punches and dodging. Neither of them were unfamiliar with an upside-down world, but the change in gravity proved difficult. The blood rushing to their heads didn't help either. It was a challenge for both of them, but Maggie only found it exhilarating.

With his multiple failed attempts to keep from swaying, Monty's hold on the tree started slipping. He was bound to fall anytime, while Maggie had the advantage of her claws securely locked into the wood.

With that, Monty spotted the gong that was set up several feet behind her. With the fist that held the pendant, he motioned like he was making a chop at her head and she dodged. However he threw the pendant straight at the gong and it rang on impact.

Its loud, carrying vibration shook Maggie to her core. She recoiled and covered her ears, just long enough for Monty to make a grab for her leg again with his foot. He unhooked her claws and took her down with him as he fell.

They landed on the mat, knocking the wind out of the both of them, and the gong's vibrations finally ceased.

When Maggie opened her eyes she saw Monty above her and holding her wrists down, declaring himself the victor.

"You cheated," Maggie panted.

Monty panted with exhaustion. "You left me at a disadvantage, Margaret."

"Oh, did I?" Maggie teased with a coy smile.

He unhanded her wrists and was about to stand when Maggie reached out and coiled her arms around his neck. She drew him in closer, and despite his puzzled expression he didn't flinch or pull away. A warm, gentle embrace. An odd way to end hand-to-hand combat, but he found it most inviting. He leaned in closer and rested his elbows on the mat.

Maggie seized her long-awaited chance and kissed Monty.

Maybe it was the blood rushing through his head or the adrenaline clouding his senses, but he was drawn in to the warmth of her lips and the sensation of her heartbeat against his. He leaned in further and kiss her back.

Maggie couldn't deny the rush. Her heart was still racing from the fight. She resisted the urge to tug at his hair between her fingers, and instead she opened her mouth to let his tongue in. Her fingers gently explored down his neck and his collarbone, caressing the long-faded scars of heists past.

But as her palm brushed at his chest Monty gasped and bolted up.

What am I doing...?

His head cleared as he finally broke out of his adrenaline-induced stupor, while Maggie just remained on her back, confused by his reaction.

Before he could attempt to make an excuse he was saved by the ringing of his scheduled meditation chimes.

He sighed with relief. "Excuse me..."

Monty returned to his feet and slipped his gi back on, retrieving the Wufu pendant where he left it in front of the gong. He assumed position at his shrine and lit some incense.

Maggie sat up. She was left dumbfounded. She hadn't expected that from him. Was he interested in her or was he not? Did she touch him somewhere he didn't like to be touched?

She wanted to just ask him but he was already deep in his meditation.

Maggie let out a frustrated sigh as she got back to her feet. She didn't know what to expect from him. Rightfully guessing that he needed some time to himself for now, she retrieved her things and left the dojo, patting the sweat away from her forehead as she ascended the stone staircase.