- Chapter 2: Let's Go -
The night was unsettling. Jack had tried to sleep but found it difficult between her waves of excitement. Tomorrow would be her first day at the academy and all that was left in her was overwhelming joy. Her dream had become a reality. All the pieces were coming together, with the exception of her rather unusual partner. But that could be fixed. All weapons could change their meister in time and she knew that hers existed bearing the name 'Trace'. Wriggling on the couch Charles had let her take roost on, she continued to pass through her thoughts. Her toes curling around the blanket as her red hair laid scattered against the armrest. Her eyes had finally begun to flutter when the front door burst open.
The woman curled herself forward so she could see the door. It was Charles and an unfamiliar man. The boys appeared to be giggling amongst themselves while playfully tapping each other on the shoulders. It made Jack a little awkward, but more so when she saw her meister grab the man's hand and wink. He had a sly smile on his lips as he pulled his company away to his room. The two disappeared behind the door just after Charles took a brief moment to look at Jack, wink, and gesture for silence. Jack just stared at him before slipping back into the folds of the furniture.
The woman wasn't sure how to approach his situation. It was uncommon for her to see two men together. In truth, it was a whole new situation for her to see them together. It hadn't even passed her mind that the well groomed male could have been homosexual. It didn't really bother her, so much as made her curious. She began to question how many other males had the same preference. Perhaps her dream man would be similar. The thought was discouraging. Then the awkward situation turned unbearable when she heard the faint sound of slapping. She knew that it was skin on skin action happening behind that door, which context was confirmed when the new man started crying out Charles's name. "That escalated quickly..." Jack murmured as she shifted uncomfortably on the couch. The grunts and slapping grew more intense and that was when the weapon had heard her fill. Taking in a deep and uneasy breath, Jack tiptoed from the living room and made her way to the balcony. After sealing the door behind her, the noises were replaced with the night life.
The air was silent and only filled with the odd set of footstep or rustling of garbage. It was so different from her home where the night of the forest was louder than the day. There was a strange peace in it that made Jack's mind calm. The events occurring inside didn't matter to her, although it had been a shock initially. Reflecting on it further, Jack realized that a change in meister would be the best thing for her. It wasn't his sexually that she necessarily disagreed with; however, it was one of the main factors that would prevent her ideal training relationship to occur. In her mind, there needed to be romance. Hot, passionate romance that was inspired through hardship and near-death experiences. Even just the thought caused a wistful sigh to slip past her lips. If this was his life, well, she wished him the best. It just wasn't what she wanted. Filing through these thoughts, her mind began to slow, her eyes became tired and Jack fell asleep on the balcony's floor.
"Hey, Lumber, get up." The voice shook Jack awake as she groaned and turned over. Her eyes met with Charles's as he knocked on the glass of the door. "So much for getting up early for school, huh? Hurry up. We'll be late." The man just left the door open as she picked up the towel hung around his shoulders and rubbed it against his hair. "Uuuuuuhg," The woman muttered as she pulled herself up into a sitting position. Her attention moved to the ground below where a several people were passing by. They appeared her age, and one seemed infinitely more familiar. "Trace..." The woman whispered under her breath. Beside him skipped the thin woman, still dressed as if she were going swimming. Again, a pang of jealousy rose from within her. This was not all bad, however. The intense feeling gave rise to ambition which inspired her to action. Her body moved inside the apartment and hastily got ready. Breakfast is what took the longest time, but it gave her some time to understand Charles better. He had been kind enough to make it for her after-all.
"So, about last night, I suppose I should have warned you about my, uh, promiscuity. I have some fun, here or there, with a few people. It won't be such a big issue when your room is furnished since there is more sound insulation there. For now, well I'll try to slow down." He gave her a sly grin, "Unless you want to join. I, at least, have some good WOOD for you, Lumberjack." His smile beamed which indicated that he was proud of his pun.
Jack waited a brief moment before answering, "I'm not sure if I should take you seriously or not. I wouldn't exactly call myself your type from last night." Charles raised an eyebrow as he watched the bacon on pan sizzle, "My TYPE? Strange. I'm not sure you even know what my type is. You know, assumptions are dangerous." He didn't look bothered at all, holding his normal, charming composition. "But I'm sure you'll learn in time. Now eat up." He smiled to her before offering the girl her breakfast. Both meals were eaten, and before Jack knew it, they were at the school and in class.
Three days passed without incident. Jack and Charles had begun to find a small rhythm in their partnership, although it was still strained. At home, the weapon's room was swiftly finished and Charles had another male visitor, dissimilar to the first. Thankfully, the walls of her room prevented any more awkward moments. When the fourth day rolled around, Charles missed class. He had failed to come to the second class and the third. While uneasy, thankfully Jack hadn't been deprived of much. The classes didn't revolve about practical methods and she was able to participate fully. It was after meeting Charles in the fourth class that Jack able to find out why.
"Hey, hey Lumber." The man whispered while drawing closer to Jack. "It's Jack. Why weren't you around for history and defensive methods? I thought we only skipped together." The boy just grinned at her before placing a hand on her thigh. It made her straighten up. The hand was quickly pulled again and what was left was a piece of paper. Trying to avoid looking suspicious, Jack slipped her hand to grab it and quickly peaked at it. Only one name stood out: 'Bloody Mary'.
"What is this?" Jack muttered while their teacher gave the two a firm look. This failed to deter Charles, "It's a mission to kill Bloody Mary. She's an oppressive queen that has been killing her followers ruthlessly. Some call her crazy. I guess we'll find out." The weapon stared at him for a while before asking, "Did you get it approved?" The man just shrugged. "Approved? Sure." It didn't inspire any confidence in her and would have argued more had the teacher not called out both their names to stay after class. 'Great.' She thought.
Jack and Charles stayed after class to clean the chalk board erasers. While annoying, it gave them time to talk. "So, you didn't get it approved, didja?" Jack asked bluntly while forcing two brushes together. Charles just smiled, "Not exactly. But what are they going to do if we take it?" The weapon gave her partner a pained look, "Seriously? If it was this easy, all meisters would do it. There's a catch beyond possible death. You know, like expulsion." "Stop worrying. I know a few people in this school. Why don't you think we're in dorms right now? Because I have some strings to pull. It's fine. You can handle it, can't you?" He teased, nudging her slightly in the arm. "Hey, hey. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for doing it. I just want credit for it." With that, the last brush of hers was done. Charles finished soon after. "I promise you I have this. So, what are you waiting for? Let's go." Jack gave him a long stare before recognizing that he was serious. "Fine. Let's go."
