At End's Gate

AIM

The next day they woke up ready to learn self defense. They alternated shifts in watching the screen. It had been a while since the last explosion. This lowered the burden of keeping records of explosions and mapping out potential sites so they had more time for learning self defense. Conner opened up the weapons bag. He took out a gun. James took the first shift. He was knowledgeable on how to use most of the weapons so he was willing to give the others ample time to learn. Conner handed the gun to Blake." Do you want to demonstrate the stance and how to hold the gun?"

"My baby brother doesn't know how to use a gun," Paige complained.

"You never know how much a man knows dove," Conner said laughing.

"You hold the gun like this," Blake instructed," and you stand like this." He showed the girls.

"How do you know that?" Paige asked with a threatening stare.

"I learned a thing or two," he chuckled," the benefits of watching reruns of action movies."

Paige smiled." Okay, I'll pretend as if that is true. Hand me the gun," she said standing up.

Blake gave her the gun." Like this," she said standing in an awkward stance.

Blake and Conner laughed." That stance will do if you want to get killed," Conner commented laughing.

James had seen his sister's stance with the corner of his eye." Paige you were standing like princess holding a lamp. You weren't even intimidating." James laughed.

Annoyed, Paige fixed her gaze on Conner." Show me!!"

"Okay, okay calm down princess," he said mockingly as he stood behind her. He moved his hands towards the girl's fingers. Paige felt Conner's chin on her shoulder. He intertwined their fingers adjusting her fingers. Paige felt the warmth of his long hands on hers. There was silence for a while as he fixed the way she was holding the gun." There we go," he said finally stepping away from her.

Blake laughed." Finally the princess turns into a warrior."

"Shut up!" Paige choked handing over the gun to Conner.

Lisa stood up and demonstrated her stance.

"Now that's the stance of a gladiator," James commented as he stared with the corner of his eye.

Lisa smiled." My dad taught me how to use one years ago. He was always overprotective of his only little girl."

"He did a good job," Conner commented.

"Your turn bell," Blake said smiling.

Alexis stood up, took the gun and showed off her stance.

"Confirmed Paige is the only one who can't hold a gun." They all laughed. Paige was annoyed but amused as well.

"The last thing I can't teach but you have to learn yourself. You have to know how to aim because in as much we dislike it we're in a war. Shoot to kill. That's the only way to survive," he warned with a serious tone." I know you don't want to be like that and if there was another way we would opt to that but for now I need you to be prepared for anything. If you see anyone coming towards you in a threatening manner you shoot. When they come to you in a vulnerable light remember to trust no one. In such a scenario always watch your back. If at anytime they try something on you you're prepared. Are we clear?"

They nodded.

"Good. Now I'll show you the other weapons."

Conner took out the other weapons and showed them how to use them. He taught them how to throw a dagger and how to use a crossbow. The bag even included grenades. He taught them how to activate them as well. They learnt a lot from the green eyed gentleman. After the lesson the Lexi, Lisa and Blake went to join James on the screen. Paige stayed behind to talk to Conner." Now how would a museum guide's son know how to use every weapon there is?" Paige commented with a grin.

"Let's just say watching old crime shows has its perks," he smiled.

"So one episode of Quantico now you're a trained professional in using weapons," she laughed.

"Oh my God. You watched that show. Your taste in shows is impeccable my dove."

"Stop calling me that," she warned.

"Calling you what?" Conner laughed.

"Your dove. I have a boyfriend."

"I know."

"So why call me that?"

"Don't friends give each other nicknames?"

"They do but...."

"Consider dove your new nickname," he cut her off before she could finish her statement.

"Okay fine from now on I'll call you hippo."

"Of all the animals you can think of, you liken me to a hippo," he said with an annoyed smirk.

"You call me dove," she barked defensively.

He laughed." At least a dove is beautiful, vulnerable and a bird that gives hope. What does a hippo do?"

Paige chuckled." You're crazy you know that?"

"Yes but in a good way."

Corner noticed strands of hair escaping to the side of Paige's cheek." May I?"

"May you what?" she said with a confused look.

He quickly tucked the hair behind her ear before she could remove his hand. Paige remained silent for a few seconds." Thank you for the lesson," she said walking towards where the others were seated.

There's a lot of chemistry between Paige and Conner. Tell how you feel about the two. Have a great day:-)