cutting_edgex23 | (no subject)

(no subject)

Out by the lake, in a cleared area surrounded by a few large rocks, two people are fighting.

They are very fast.

And vicious.

And, all appearances to the contrary, they are not trying to hurt each other.

Much.

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It's the sort of thing that draws attention, though.

Sam follows the sound of blows toward the lake, slowing as he draws near.

The thing is, they've been at this a while. She heals, and bully for her: 494's still carrying his injuries.

But he uses them, and if they hurt more, well, they make him better. He throws a punch at X's cheek, faster than any ordinary can see.

He's focused, damn it. This will make him better.

She staggers sideways and down under the hit, shoulderblades slamming into the ground.

That momentum is useful, and she moves with it, curling her knees into her chest for a second before slamming them into 494's midsection.

The inclination to help vanishes as soon as he realizes they're sparring. Instead, Sam leans against a nearby rock and watches.

They're both good; very good.

The fall catches him on the chin; blood leaks out the corner of his mouth briefly.

He heaves himself to his feet quickly, though, dancing just outside the range of her legs.

It's an invitation.

She doesn't hesitate in taking it (because pausing with 494 is never a good idea), darting close for a knee-to-elbow-strike combination.

494 never told her not to hit him in the face.

Sam swallows a laugh.

"... that's gonna hurt in the morning," he observes, instead.

494 catches X's latest swing inches from his face and holds it there. He frowns at Sam: the expression could not telegraph thanks for the newsflash, Edison more clearly with a neon sign.

He makes a point of not anticipating X's next move. "Did you order running commentary? 'Cause I could have done it myself if I'd wanted some."

Apparently X fails to appreciate 494's sense of humor, because halfway through his wisecrack she's twisted around to grab his wrist and spin him over her hip.

And down to the ground.

She follows, straddling his ribcage and resting

snikt

her claws in the hollow of this throat.

"It is better not to be distracted."

Beat.

"Or to show off."

She still hasn't looked at Sam. Even though she knows he is there.

"She's got you there, Fred."

In more ways than one.

Sam's smirking.

Okay, for one, he hates that freaking name. And Sam's face is going right up beside it on his list of things he hates.

He's game about it, though, and smiles, because nothing ruffles him. "Nah, she's got to get her kicks." He grasps her wrists, and very gingerly nudges her claws away from his throat. "She's just mad because I broke her back on our first date."

No, that's not a euphemism. Though it could be, given the chance.

And once X's claws are sheathed, 494 has no compunction pushing her off him and pulling himself to his feet.

X shifts sideways, putting more space between herself and 494 before she, too, stands.

Her eyes are slightly wider than before, even though she's frowning a little.

494 does not make sense.

"We are not dating."

Edited 2008-09-24 04:36 (UTC)

"... good to know, I guess."

Sam raises one hand -- the one not in a cast -- in mock surrender and gives them an easy smile.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting."

"Interrupting what?"

He splays one scraped-knuckled hand across his chest.

"Sam," he exclaims, eyes wide with affected dismay, "were you exploiting us?"

Edited 2008-09-24 04:52 (UTC)

X tilts her head, watching Sam for a moment.

"He does not have a camera."

Beat.

"It is okay."

This next pause is half as long, and when she speaks it's directed at Sam.

"You are hurt?"

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