The day started off well enough. Kas went to classes as usual but something seemed strange in combat class. She saw another redhead girl standing at the back of the group as they all watched the others spar. She reminded Kas of herself a bit. Mostly in how her hair had that same exact bright, fiery orange than she used to have. Kas ran her fingers through her paler auburn locks and sighed. Her eyes locked onto this seemingly shy girl in black glasses. Her stance seemed… shaky to say the least, almost like she is terrified to be here.
Izzy's familiar voice snapped Kas' attention from the girl. "I thought you weren't into taco, Kas," she said.
"What the hell are you going on about?" Kas asked, raising an eyebrow and planting her hand on her hip.
"Don't think I don't see ya oglin' at that cutie across the room." Izzy answered, raising an eyebrow in return.
Kas glared back, full death beam mode. “Christsake, Mate. Is there any thing ya won't fuck?” she snapped back.
A wicked smirk curls onto Izzy’s lips. “You know me, Kas. I’m more of a lover not a fighter.”
“I’m starting to think there is such a thing as too much love. Can ya stop tryin’ ta cop a root for five seconds and bugger off.” Kas crossed her arms and turned away from her.
Izzy’s eyes widened as she grinned at her friend. “Alright alright, Mate. I’ll back off for now. Talk to ya after lunch.” she replied, as she walked away singing quietly to herself. “Kas has a crush, Kas has a crush.” Her head bobbed back and forth as she sang.
“Kassie, why don't you come on up.” Jackson’s powerful voice boomed around her, snatching her from the Izzy-fueled cloud of anger. Kas quickly moved to the front as Dako and Warren stepped back into the crowd of students.
Jackson’s eyes landed on Kas but shifted to the direction she stared. “Ginger, would you please come up too.”
The shy, red-orange haired girl nearly jumped out of her skin as she stared back at him. “Y-y-yes, of course. Right away, sir.” Ginger answered quiet, just above a whisper.
His smile was gentle as ever. “Just call me Jackson. No need to be so formal.” He leaned over to Kas and whispered, “Take it easy on her. This is her first day. I'm not even sure if she has ever been in a fight before.”
Kas’ eyes narrowed as she thought for a moment but smirked, whispering back, “Let me take the lead on this one, alright?” She asked and Jackson slightly cocked his head. “Jacko, just fuckin’ trust me, ‘kay.” He nodded at her and both of them refocused their attention back on Ginger, who seemed to be delaying her debut.
The class seemed to go silent as the girl slowly approached but Kas stood before her, lifting her fists. Ginger stood there slightly shaky and stared back at Kas awkwardly. There was an unnerving silence between them.
“Put up your dukes.” Kas finally called out, breaking the deafening silence.
Ginger shuffled in place a moment, seemingly trying to get her footing right. “Y-y-yeah, sure thing.” she said, shakily raising her barely clenched fists into the air. Kas shook her head slightly as she saw this nerd ready to collapse if a gentle breeze blew by. She lunged at her and threw the hardest left hook she could. Ginger had no time to react and Kas landed clean, dropping her to the ground. Her body hit the floor with a hard thud and Jackson stepped forward to intervene but Kas glared at him.
“Back off, Jacko. I told you to trust me.” She barked at him and he stopped in place. Kas kneeled down, reaching a hand down to Ginger as the poor girl gasped and moaned in pain. When she turned to face Kas, she paused but did eventually reach for her hand. The moment she took her grasp, Kas yanked her hard, but back to her feet. Ginger gasped into a slight squeak.
“How do you feel?” Kas asked, releasing the girls hand.
She stared back over to Kas with a raised eye-brow as she rubbed her jaw. “My face hurts."
“No, not there. Right here?” Kas asked as she pointed to her chest with her thumb.
Ginger cocked her head to the side and squinted her eyes slightly. “I feel like my heart is going to burst from my chest.”
“Good. That means ya are still alive, Mate. Now hit me.”
Her eyes stared blankly through the lenses of her black frames and she shook her head in confusion. “What?”
“I took a cheap shot, so you owe me one. Now hit me… as hard as you can alright. Can you do that for me there Gingersnap Cookie?” Kas ordered as she rolled her eyes in annoyance.
“Well, you see. It's… well, my name is Ginger… Snapp.” she replied with a half smile.
Kas’ face grew bright red. “Just fuckin’ hit me, alright!” she shouted.
In a flash, her vision sparked and went black. A sharp pain ripped through the side of her head. What was that? She thought as a second thud pounded into the other side of her head. The world vibrated around her but everything was dark, darker than black. Kas stood up from the gym floor, blinking as her vision came back. One image became clear, Jackson, as the world around him blurred.
She blinked for a moment, clearing her vision as she rubbed her jaw. "Did I just get floored by a cookie?"
Jackson extended his hand toward her. "Yeah, you did." He answered as a slight smirk appeared. "Now you want to try again? Only this time without the sucker punches?"
Kas grabbed his hand and pulled herself up. "No promises," she replied, shifting her natural glare back to Ginger, whose face was bright red as she favored her hand. "You got a good left hook, Weasley." Kas extended her hand toward Ginger.
"I-i-i do?" she asked. Ginger hesitated to grab Kas' hand as she practically shook where she stood.
Kas scoffed in annoyance. "I mean yeah, didn't ya see me on the ground like five seconds ago?"
The terrified girl eased some of her tension as she sighed a breath of relief. "So, you aren't mad?" She asked, reaching her hand forward but stopped before grabbed her hand.
A chuckle bellowed out of Kas as a smirking grin curled onto her lips. "Hell no, Mate. I told ya ta do it. I just didn't expect that big of a wallop back." She answered as she gripped Ginger's hand firmly and yanked her in close as she whispered into her ear. "Now stand and fight. You know what it's like to take a hit now. So, don't fear it."
"R-r-right," she stuttered.
"Now put up your dukes and let's do this proper." Kas said as she lifted her own fists once again.
Luckily combat class was Kas' last class for the day and after all the sparring matches were over, all of the students headed into the locker rooms. Kas was still unsure about going in but she knew she had to. Her body was mostly healed so her embarrassment about her wounds was gone but residual nerves lingered for her. Regardless she entered and carefully watched as the other girls changed and gossiped. Some took showers, washing the grim of the work out off. Kas found her locker and took a deep breath as she stared at the fresh change of clothes inside. She closed her eyes and carefully pealed her shirt from her body. It was sticky with sweat but when she opened her eyes, her body appeared completely healed, at least on the outside. It's not like she expected different, her recovery period helped greatly. She began to breathe more regularly but still wanted to hide in shame. She quickly reached for the shirt hanging in front of her when she felt two small hands slide around her waist.
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"What do we have here?" Izzy's familiar voice sounded behind her as she whipped around with he fist cocked back but calmed as she realized who it was.
"Fuck off, Mate. I need to get dressed." She barke as she turned around, snatching the shirt from the locker.
"Damn, what crawled up your ass?" Izzy teased.
“Why don't ya ask your pervy fuckin’ hands?” Kas growled as she quickly pulled the plain black t-shirt over her head.
“Alright, alright. I’ll see ya back at home.” She answered and walked back to her own locker.
The locker next to hers clinked and Kas peeked over. Ginger sorted through the locker but Kas caught her staring at her, several times.
Kas glared at her, slamming her own locker shut. “What does a cookie like you want with me?” She asked.
“N-n-nothing. I just wanted to th-th-thank you, that all.” Ginger answered, quickly turning away as she faced her locker.
Kas raised an eyebrow and squinted at her. “Thank me? For what?”
“Well… you showed me that I need to have more confidence in myself, and to stop being such a coward, and how I should learn to calm down, and you started to teach my to fight. I mean, I've studied fighting a lot before but I’ve never put to practice and besides…” Ginger rambled on and on as her excitement built.
“Stop, just stop.” Kas replied, putting her hand over Ginger’s mouth. “You are welcome. Will you just fuckin’ stop now.”
Ginger tried to speak but Kas’ hand got in the way before she quickly removed it. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I can't stop once I get excited.”
Kas scoffed as she listened, but quickly reached for the long black yoga pants in front of her. “It’s fine cookie girl, just try to relax though, alright.” she replied, dropping her pants and stepping out of them. “Ya know for a cookie, you really caught me with me pants down.”
Ginger giggled as she watched her remove her pants. “Yeah, I seem to do that a lot. Everybody says I should have more confidence but I just can't seem to work up the courage. When my adrenaline starts flowing, I… get scared.”
“It’s called fight or flight, mate. Flight is for losers, so remove the L and fight instead.” Kas replied as she pulled her clean pants up.
The girl next to her simple go quiet for a moment as she stared forward. “You… are… right but it's not that simple. Not all of us are fighters you know.”
“In this world there are only two things that matter. Fight or die. You just need to decide which you are gonna do.” Kas explained as Ginger quickly got quiet again.
Kas finished changing clothes and walked out of the room. Just as she stepped into the hallway, she heard a voice behind her.
“Hey, Kassie!” Jackson called out as he jogged up to her.
“Yo, Jacko. What's up?”
“So, some of us are gonna hang out at my place in a couple of hours, you wanna tag along?” He asked as a soft, small grin complimented his rugged chin.
Her face lit up but she held back, refusing to show her true emotions. “Y-your place? Like… where ya live?" Kas asked.
"Yeah, where else would I mean?" Jackson asked back with a grin and a raised eyebrow.
"Sure thing, Mate. Text me the address." She answered as glee coursed through, barely containing her excitement.
"Yeah, definitely. I'll let you know later on when I know a time." He replied. "Until then, catch ya later Kassie." he waved a casual two-finger salute as he walked away. A smile crept onto her lips, slowly stretching from ear to ear as he rounded the corner.
Without a moment to lose, she quickly found her locker and swapped out what she needed for homework. She made a b-line for the elevator and tapped the parking garage button at the top of the panel several times as the doors closed. When they reopened, the waves of vehicles revealed itself but she knew exactly where she parked and headed straight there. As she swung her leg over the seat, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She swiped it open and smiled as the street address of Jackson showed up, plain as day on the screen. She screenshot it quickly before she shoved it back into her pocket and started Rosie, speeding away immediately.
The wind blew across her face as her bike sliced through the air. Kas liked driving a bit faster than the speed limit. It matched the speed in her mind. Her thoughts always raced, but this plan to visit Jackson at his home, even with others there, had her mind spun out of control. The next couple hours flew by and she didn't even stop at home before she found herself pulling up to Jackson's house.
She parked behind an old blue mustang out front. As she approached the front door, she saw Jackson's familiar beater of a car in the driveway. The white side paneling on the house was bright against the clear, sunny winter sky. She knocked twice on the plain stained wood door and waited. A moment later it opened and Jackson stood in the doorway.
A warm smile greeted her. "Hey Kassie, glad ya made it." He said, stepping aside. "Come inside and grab some pizza."
Kas quickly stepped in and smiled at him. "Pizza? Fuck yeah, mate." She replied but glanced back outside. "Who drives Eleanor?"
"Oh, that's Dak's car." He answered, closing the door behind her.
That punk really is a spoiled rich kid. She thought but stepped further inside, following Jackson after he closed the door behind her.
"C'mon back. Everyone else is already here," he said, leading her into the living room. Dako and Charlotte sat on the sectional couch with several pizzas in front of them on the coffee table.
Kas grew a half-smile but tried to hide it as she entered. "Yo, Dako. Where'd ya get that cherry ride outside, mate?" She asked, genuinely curious as to how he would answer.
He cocked his head to the side in confusion as he raised his eyebrow. "You want to know about my car? I thought you were more into those rice rockets."
"I can appreciate a fine piece of machinery in all forms." Kas replied. "So, where did you get it? I know that thing aint cheap."
His face lightened and a short smile found his lips. "My dad gave it to me before I left for the hunter academy." He answered but his eyes dropped to the floor and a frown replaced the smile.
"Why're ya sulkin'? I'd be stoked if my dad gave me a sweet ride like that." She asked.
Jackson leaned over to her and whispered. "Dak and his dad aren't exactly on good terms, Kassie."
Kas shrugged and shifted her attention to the girl with neon blue hair sitting next to him. "Hey, pixiedust. How the fuck are ya?" She asked with an almost cheery tone.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow at her but smiled, almost giggling. "I'm good, Red. I'd ask you, but you seem to be in a better mood than usual. Not trying to shake the boat but what has you out of your usual sulky self?"
Kas shot her a glare but found herself smiling again a moment later. "I dunno, Sparkles. Maybe now that I'm healed up, I'm feelin' good for once. Is that a problem?"
"No no, not at all. Actually it's a little refreshing." Charlotte answered.
"What the hell is that supposed ta mean?" Kas barked, narrowing her eyes.
"She means you got a nice smile." Jackson said as he seemed to just appear near the archway into the kitchen.
A shade of red matching her hair painted her face and no matter how hard she tried, the smile on her face refused to disappear. Kas tucked both of her hands into the front pocket of her black hoodie as she twiddled her thumbs within. She turned her head away as Dako and Charlotte snickered at her. A moment later Jackson sat down next to her and pulled over two paper plates, each had two slices of pizza on it.
"Here, try the pizza, best in the state." He said, sliding one of the plates in front of her on the table.
Kas took a deep breath and pulled her hands out from her pockets, facing forward again. "Ya know, Izzy says the same thing, Jacko," she replied, picking up a slice. "About my smile, I mean." She chomped down and pulled back as a bridge of stringy cheese stretched to her mouth.
Jackson smiled, taking his own bite. "How's the pizza?"
Both of their attention's snapped to Dako and Charlotte as their discussion rapidly became heated.
"Get real, Char. Men are physically superior to women and you know it." Dako challenged as he flexed his bicep.
Charlotte's eyes narrowed at him. "Dako Williams, are you really gonna go there?" She beckoned popping her knuckle on each hand.
Jackson sighed into a light chuckle. "I'll get the arm-wrestling table. C'mon, Kassie. Give me hand?" He asked as he stood up.
Kas raised an eyebrow but stood up. "Arm-wrestling table?" She asked but followed as he led her out of the room and down the hall.
"Yeah, that's how we solve most confrontations over here."Jackson answered. He opened a door and stepped inside. Kas followed him and stoppes in her tracks.
The room was filled with a random assortment of items range from an arm wrestling table to a set of kendo training gear to a vast assortment of musical instruments and much more. Jackson stepped behind the table and Kas stood opposite of him. They carried it into the other room where they found Dako and Charlotte sitting at opposite ends of the sectional sofa.
A few minutes later the coffee table was pushed aside and their contest platform was prepared. They stood opposed and Dako planted his elbow down first and Charlotte slowly prepared herself, following his lead.