Moonface

The Academy

Kiki sat in her room and stared at the uniform they had put out for her. It wasn't bad as such, just boring and lacking in pizazz. Not her thing. She put is back down and made her way to her first class.

The instructor's name was Sergei, and he was a grumpy old bastard. As soon as she walked in he looked her up and down, and told her to go back and change.

"Fight me for it." She was not going to wear that drab uniform.

Sergei spluttered indignantly. He was not used to being defied. "What?"

"Fight me. If you win, I will wear the uniform. If I win, you will never comment about it again AND tell the other 'mentors' I can." Kiki knew he would be good, but so was she. And who didn't love a good challenge.

"Alright." He said confidently. "Pin me down for 5 seconds, and I'll do it. Same for you."

They walked over to the padded area and took up positions. The rest of the people in the room gathered around to watch the newbie challenging the trainer. If Kiki won this, not only would she gain Sergei's respect, but all of them. And that was what she needed.

She sized up the old man in front of her. He seemed to have a limp, but she could tell this was put on to disarm her, and that was his stronger leg. He had good stance, if a little predictable. He was a teacher. Kiki knew all the 'trainer moves' they would use to teach the students. She definitely knew.

She had done them herself for Rosa.

He lunged first, but she could see it coming and dodged, his fist brushing past her chest. She grabbed his shoulder and pushed him down, using his weight against him. She took out his 'bad leg' (that she had correctly predicted) so he was off balance and placed her knee in the middle of his back, twisting his arm up behind him so he couldn't get up. The students started chanting numbers.

"1...2...3...4...and...5!" Kiki grinned and let him up. Sergei lay wheezing on the ground, defeated and in pain. He never remarked upon her clothes again, apart to compliment her style. She thought he was a little scared of her.

The only other thing that vexed her was Bucky's hatred of her and his refusal to believe she wanted out of the assassin buisiness. Surely if anyone should understand, it would be him. But he continued to put her down and pick on her all the time.

☾

Bucky was bored. Nothing interesting was happening on this stupid island. How had Sam persuaded him to come again?

"C'mon Buck, you need a break." That was what he had said. Bucky couldn't wait until his time was up and he could go. The only exciting thing was when Alkina had destroyed Sergei. She didn't notice him standing it the doorway. The whole thing was over too fast, it was no fun. What was a little fun was riling her up. She took everything to heart, and it was kind of cute...

NO! IT WAS NOT CUTE IN THE SLIGHTEST! SHUT UP! SHE TRIED TO KILL STEVE!

"Quit denying it, we all know its true, you little fucking simp."

Why was Sam here? Telling him he had a crush? What?

"Get out of my head, Sam." He muttered, dusting off his hands and standing up. He was going to do pay Alkina a visit. And no, it was not because he had a crush. Shut up, Sam.