Tainted

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Me and Dan had been training flat out for the past 4 days. I now had faint muscle lines in my arms and legs. My fitness had improved hugely, I could now lift massive weights and run for hours.

Dan would come over almost every night and we would have a feast, courtesy of room service, and then watch films on my TV. Often we would fall asleep, sprawled across my bed, then waking up to each other. I never thought I would feel so comfortable with someone other than June and Lois, especially him.

We hadn't had any more moments, like before, but we had got a lot closer. Part of me was grateful, because I loved our friendship how it was, but other times, I wished it was different.

I had to take three physical assessments earlier today; stamina, then strength, then speed. Luckily, it was everything me and Dan had been working on, so I managed it fine, confident on how I'd done.

Now, I was getting changed into my freshly washed sports bra with a black strappy top and baggy grey jogging bottoms. I left my apartment and knocked on Dans door. He opened it a moment later, looking like he'd just woken up.

"Maisie, what are you doing here?" He croaked, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

"Um, training?" I said, confused about why he wasn't ready yet.

"Oh god, I forgot to tell you. For combat, you will be training in a class." He paused, noticing my confused face, before carrying on hurriedly.

"It's ok though, it's only from nine until one, and then you can come back into the fitness suite with me until five." He rushed, smiling at the end.

"Oh." I answered quietly, looking down.

"Oh no, don't make me feel bad, it's not my decision. There's nothing either of us can do about it." He whined, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me into his warm chest. I hugged him back, breathing in his comforting scent. I really had to find out what spray he used, because it was amazing.

We pulled apart and bid our goodbyes before Dan went back inside his apartment. I headed to the fitness level, a group of people in mine and dans usual suite. I stepped inside and spotted Lauren. She looked over and ran up to me, pulling me into a hug.

"I didn't realise you would be in this class Maisie!" she grinned.

"Well, yep, here I am!" I responded awkwardly.

Just then, the teacher walked in and we began to train.

We did lots of basic skills and techniques, working on specific moves. After an hour, we got put into partners. I was with Lauren. Each pair had to go into combat, the first to hold the other down for 3 seconds won. Me and Lauren stood opposite each other. She went to punch me but I ducked, and then rugby tackled her so she fell onto the crash mat. I was trying to hold her there but she kneed me in the stomach. She threw me off and straddled me before punching me on the jaw. I punched her in the nose as she leant forward, but then the buzzer went, signalling the end of the fight. She had won. Oh well, I'm new.

She got off me, wiping her nose free of blood, with the back of her hand. I clicked my jaw back in place and we both looked at each other. After a second or two, we both burst out laughing, before shaking hands.

"Well played." I giggled.

"Not too bad yourself." She winked back.

"Ill get you back soon enough." I winked.

The rest of the training went by quickly, I was learning so much. We finished at one, like Dan said. I was exhausted.

Me and Lauren headed to the canteen. I got some food and sat with her at a table. We talked non stop, about our childhoods, how she got into the agency, everything really. It was great. I loved her company so much, she had such a good aura, you couldn't help but feel happy when you were around her.

I had become more comfortable with myself while I was here as well. I smiled at everyone who stared, and tried to be friendly to everyone I met. I was a lot happier here I realised. More than I had ever been at home, unless I was with June and Lois. But generally, here was where I was happiest, in myself.

--

I'm sorry!!

It will get more intense and interesting from now on.

I just had to get into the story but it will speed up from now on, I promise.