Combat
Taz was staring incredulously at Up, her lips parted and her eyebrows raised so high they looked like they would fly off her forehead.
"What?" Her voice was low, poisonous.
Up shrugged as he stuffed himself with rice and chicken. "I'm just saying," he said with his mouth full, "That you're a small woman. Yeah, you're tough but-"
"But what?" She snapped. "You said it yourself! It's all about technique and hard work. Size has nothing to do with it."
Up ignored her and continued eating.
Taz pushed her tray away from herself, her appetite gone, and replaced with fury.
"You know what, Commander? I could beat you in hand-to-hand combat any day." She knew she was way off, but her bluff was fueled by the fact that Up was coughing as he tried not to choke on his food while he laughed.
"What's so funny? You don't have the guts to accept my challenge? You have an obligation to help me train and become a better Ranger. You have to fight me."
"You're being ridiculous, Taz."
"It's your job."
Up dropped his fork and glared at her, "Fine. Meet me at the gym thirty minutes before lights out, but I'm warning you Taz. You're really being too proud.
She stood up, "I am." She picked up her tray and left.
Up shook his head. "If that arrogant girl wants a brawl, she'll have it."
xxx
Up crossed his arms when Taz walked in. She was wearing her usual tank top, but instead of her camo pants, she wore a loose pair of black shorts.
"Do we really have the need to do this?" He asked her, exasperated.
"Yeah." She tightened her red bandanna and stepped onto the wrestling mat used to train.
Up sighed and followed her, "Alright, Taz. Ready?"
Taz raised her fists and began bouncing back and forth slightly, keeping constant motion as Up had taught her.
He smirked.
Taz raced forward. Up stretched out his hands to stop her, but she side-stepped and delivered a roundhouse kick to his ribs. They were barefoot, but she managed to kick hard enough to make him wince.
Up realized Taz didn't want to spar, she wanted a real fight.
She wants to get her ass kicked.
He laughed, "Fine, Tazzy. Let's do this."
Taz didn't miss a beat, she punched Up's shoulder and aimed for his stomach, but he grabbed her hand and twisted it towards her back hard enough to make her fall on the ground.
As she squirmed on the mat, he knelt, placing his knee on her neck. "This is why you can't beat me. I know every single body lock needed to beat you." He chuckled. "And this one is basic."
Taz rolled away from him and scrambled to her feet. She just glared at him before pouncing on him so hard he crashed backwards with a thud.
"No body locks. No throws." She smiled as she sat on his chest. "What do you think?"
"We should finish this. Some other time." He replied.
"Other time?"
He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her down for a kiss. She stopped him, but instead of rolling off him, she unfolded her body to lie on him.
"That's cheating." She whispered, and his grin made her lean down to meet his eager lips.
He placed his hands on her waist as they kissed, his tongue exploring her mouth. Suddenly he laughed, breaking the kiss.
Taz pulled back, puzzled, "What?"
"I won." He replied and kissed her once more.