An Adventurous Life (Alternate Addie Story)

Trust (Part 1)

Victor's POV

"Come on Addie, you're not even trying!" I bark, staring down at a clearly frustrated Addie-the one currently being pinned down by me . . . Again.

"I am trying." She snaps as I get up and pull her with me. "Not everyone is built for this."

"True, but anyone can learn. Plus not everyone has an out of control mutation. Now defend yourself." As I speak, I step forward and go at her again.

"My mutation hasn't acted up in weeks!" Addie protests as she blocks my arm from contacting her side. I swing again, this time stepping forward, and again she blocks-sliding out of my reach as she does. The forms and methods are coming easy to her. It's the instinct and aggression she isn't getting. I allow her to push me back and take a swing at me, then block her arm at the last second.

"Until last night." I remind her as we continue.

"Last night was an accident, and your fault for startling me." Addie responds while dodging another blow from me. She uses the momentum from her block to spin and swing her elbow into my side. I can't help but grin slightly. She's becoming faster and more forceful with her attacks-meaning she's getting angry. I look her over briefly and find her error: she's left her legs unbalanced in the haste of her retaliation. My eyes meet hers and I smirk, watching as she realizes her mistake. Before she can react, I slide my right leg under her back one, knocking it out from under her. The moment she hits the ground I move above her, once again pinning her down.

"You should be used to me startling you by now." I say, keeping her trapped beneath me by her wrists and waist. She lays there, breathing rapidly from a mix of effort and anger, not fighting me.

"I shouldn't have to worry about you burning something down every time." I finish, allowing her to catch her breath. The glare she sends me contradicts her argument. Addie definitely has a fighter in her; she just needs to learn how to unleash it. I might have to force it out if she keeps pushing her aggression down.

"Maybe you shouldn't startle me then." She responds. I smirk. "And miss the chance to hear you scream?"

Addie rolls her eyes. "Get off me."

I comply, pulling her up with me. "Besides, you need to learn how to protect yourself."

"Why?" She smiles. "I've got you for that."

"I can't protect you twenty-four-seven, Addie."

"You can't?"

She's playing, not fighting-I'm losing her focus. I shake my head. "Brace yourself."

The moment she's in a fighting stance I move towards her. She blocks my first blow. "When am I actually going to need any of this? I mean, honestly, if someone attacks me, we both know I'm going to run for your help."

"Not if it's me attacking you."

Her guard falters as she catches my meaning. "You wouldn't do that."

I punch straight forward and she quickly reacts, blocking with one fist while jabbing my side with the other. I step back, wait, and then catch her wrist when she tries to strike.

"Unless I lose control." I point out.

Addie meets my gaze. "You won't."

"You don't know that."

"Yes, I do." She pulls out of my grasp.

"Well, just in case, I'd like you to be able to defend yourself."