Not ours.

Chapter 3 Bring Out the Best

-ε- En Garde

My head was fuzzy. The interaction with Bella rattled me enough, but then Garrett's innuendos pissed me off. Who did he think he was? Seriously, I didn't even know this guy, and he acted like he had me pegged. The rub of it was, he pretty much did.

I left the Y and headed straight for the City Athletic Club. I needed to work through this frustration I was feeling. I wasn't sure whether the physical or mental was getting to me more.

Of course the first person I encountered when I got the CAC was Jessica. She was like ants at a picnic. Bound to be there no matter how hard you tried to avoid them. Annoying as hell every time.

"Hi Edward, you're here early. Do you need a partner today?" She was practically begging in her tone.

"No thanks," I answered curtly, hoping she'd take the hint. She wasn't bad, but I needed something a little rougher, and she didn't have it in her to give that kind of response.

"Oh well, maybe another time," she sighed. "Do you want to get a drink or something tonight?"

I knew what "or something" meant. And it was tempting. Her "or something" was usually a good way to spend an evening and it would sure as hell help with the frustration. Just two interactions with Bella had me worked up. I could use the release, but I wasn't really in the mood. Not with her anyway.

"Not tonight," I responded. With a wave I pushed past her and headed to the locker room.

What was wrong with me? I had sex offered up to me on a silver platter, and I walked away. Granted it was from one of the fencing hags, but she was the one I liked the best out the whole lot. She talked less and screamed more. I didn't know fencing even had groupies, until I got good. And when I got really good, well, there was no stopping them. In the beginning, I actually thought I should date them. I didn't quite get the whole concept.

Lauren informed me of the error of my ways. We'd been going out a few weeks. I took her ice skating and bowling, trying to be fun. We were on the fourth frame, and I was about to throw my bowling ball, when she asked, "So are we going to fuck tonight or what?"

I dropped the ball on my foot.

We never even bothered with dinner after that.

So my dating experience was extremely limited. I dated one girl in college. She competed for an opposing team. I thought she was in love with me, but it turned out that she was just trying to get secrets on our training.

I gave up after that. I'd been too focused on medals to have a real girlfriend anyway.

Tonight though, for the first time in a while, I thought it might be nice. I could see the appeal of having someone to talk to, someone who wanted to be with you without motive.

A few hours and a lot of sweat later, I headed home. Alone. It was a poor substitute for the way I wanted to work up a sweat.

It was early by my standards because of the meeting with Bella. It left me time to do something I really didn't want to do. I called Esme.

"Hello?" She answered in her usual chipper tone.

"Hi Esme."

"Edward?" The surprise was obvious. "To what do I owe this treat?"

"Well, actually, I'm calling about one of your students. It looks like he might take my class."

"Oh!" She exclaimed as realization dawned. "Is this about Seth?"

"Yeah, that's his name. His social worker came by today, and she may sign him up. Just thought maybe you could give me some insight in case he does." I was leaving out the part about wanting to impress his social worker.

"Well, sure. That's good of you, Edward. He's a sweet boy. Quiet most of the time, but he's also on edge. You never know what might set him off."

"Do you think he'll have problems with the intensity of fencing?"

"Hard to say, but I don't think so if he has some control of response. A goal, you know? I really think it could help him channel his energy. One thing I would say is that he is very protective of other kids, so if he perceives someone else is being picked on, he tends to lose control. He is very creative though, so if you can pull anything musical or artistic, I bet he'd respond well."

"Thanks, that helps."

"I know it wasn't under the best of circumstances, but this experience with teaching at the Y seems to be a good fit for you."

"It's growing on me."

"Edward, I appreciate your calling. I know you probably could have gotten that information from Bella."

"It's not a big deal."

"It is to me."

"Esme, I'm not really . . ." I started, but she cut me off.

"It's okay. Anyway, I haven't talked to you since the Grand Prix, congratulations! I looked up the schedule online, and I'm excited Nationals is so close. I would love to make it the World Championships this fall, but I'm not sure with work. . ."

"That would be great. Irina has all the details, if you want, I can get her to send them to you."

It was a low blow, and I knew it, but it wasn't untrue. Irina had been more involved in all aspects of my life growing up and had basically become my manager in a way.

"Oh, um, sure. If she wouldn't mind." The pain was evident, and I felt guilty, so I tried to soften it a bit.

"I'm sure she wouldn't. Managing my schedule is about the only thing she does anyway."

That gave my mom a chance to snicker a bit.

"Well, listen, I should go, but thanks for the information. If Seth comes to class, it will help to be prepared."

"Goodnight. I was glad to hear from you. I miss you," she said softly.

"I know. We'll get together soon. 'Night Esme." I hung up before she moved into the 'I love yous.'

I didn't know whether Bella would bring Seth along on Saturday, or whether she would show up at all, but I pulled out those books Alice gave me, and I started looking for anything on music and pedagogy. Even if she didn't come, the class would probably be better for it.

I didn't fall asleep until two in the morning. Same thing the next night. By Saturday, I had a kick ass class planned. I was also exceptionally tired.

-β- Allez

I didn't sleep well on Friday night. It had been a long and busy week, and I tried to chalk it up to too much work and no time to cool down.

But memories of my last conversation with Edward kept sneaking into the periphery. It was infuriating. I found myself actually getting flustered as I recalled him catching me; the look of wonder and surprise as he stared into my eyes just as much of a mystery as it had been in the moment.

Saturday morning dawned rainy and gloomy. A good day to stay in bed with a book and a big mug of hot chocolate. Normally, that would be exactly what I'd do, but today I had somewhere to be.

I took a ridiculous amount of time getting dressed to go to the Y of all places. I changed outfits a few times, trying to find something that would allow me to move while not making me look like I played for the other team. The irony of trying to look good wasn't lost on me. This was for work, not a social event. It shouldn't matter what I looked like.

Or how I felt for that matter.

At 9:30 a.m. on the nose, I stood in the doorway of one of the smaller activity rooms at the Y, watching a group of kids go through a series of motions. Edward walked behind them, talking them through the steps and periodically correcting posture. They all wore miniature versions of Edward's white fencing jacket. Their helmets were down, which prevented me from seeing the intensity of their expressions. Their giggles told me that even if they were focused, they were having fun.

He didn't realize that I'd arrived, which gave me a chance to get a watch him. My two previous interactions had been too muddled, too confusing, and altogether too fast to get a real sense of who Edward Cullen was. He seemed to be truly in his element here, guiding and correcting these kids as they went through the motions. Periodically he would pick up his foil and demonstrate a point. Everything he did was incredibly fluid, graceful.

One of the little boys had flipped up his visor to ask Edward a question. Whatever it was made him throw back his head and laugh. It wasn't the arrogant smile that I'd seen in the past. This was a genuine smile of happiness. And it changed the whole air about him.

The pull I felt when he caught me was back, creating a tight fist in my chest. I desperately wanted to try and force myself back to my initial assessment of cute jerk. Yet to see him being a real person with these kids, laughing and joking, with no sarcasm or haughty demeanor…I couldn't describe it. There was just something there.

And underlying all that, there was something little boyish about him. Moments where he seemed so awkward, almost naïve, which was totally at odds with the flashes of arrogance I'd witnessed. The combination was perplexing yet almost endearing.

There were a lot of things I could say about Edward Cullen. Maybe the easiest way to say it was that he confused the hell out of me. And the more I saw him, the more I wanted to know.

A motion from behind me must have caught Edward's eye, causing him to pivot in my direction. His eyes widened as he registered that I had been watching. It was quickly replaced with a smile. Not as big as he'd given the little boy, but not the cocky one I'd seen the other day.

He looked like he was genuinely happy to see me.

"Okay gang, that's it for today. Colin, good job on your riposte. Just be patient okay?" He tousled a little boy's head and gave him a gentle shove in my direction.

I stepped out of the doorway to allow the kids to filter their way out.

"Hi," I greeted him, suddenly uncomfortable. He'd pretty much caught me checking him out, and I felt like knew exactly what I was thinking.

"Hi back." His smile didn't change. "Do you have Seth with you, or are you flying solo?"

"Flying solo this time. I thought it would be a good idea to give this a test run before exposing Seth. I'm pretty tough so I figured if I can handle it, then he would be in good shape."

"Are we talking mentally or physically?" Edward asked.

I wasn't sure if he meant me or Seth.

"Both." It covered the question either way.

"Well, I guess we should get you started with the basics. I don't think it makes sense to spar your first time out. So let's start at the beginning. Stance, basic movement, that sort of thing."

Edward pulled of his gloves and unfastened his white fencing jacket. "Since it's just you, I won't make you suit up for this go. Let's focus on you getting a feel for the basics."

He peeled off his jacket to reveal a snug but faded college t-shirt. He tossed the jacket on the floor next to a stack of equipment, retrieved a foil, and turned to face me.

"We are going to start out with your stance. I am going to need to touch you to get you into position, is that okay?"

I swallowed and nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I'd thought about the potential of this last night while lying awake in bed. And I'll admit that my brain went other places beyond proper posture. It wasn't appropriate. It wasn't professional.

But I couldn't help it. I wanted him to touch me. I didn't know a thing about him, but I couldn't help but react to him.

"Okay, so first things first, move this leg forward a tiny bit." He stepped in behind me, and nudged my knee forward with his. "Good. Now step back a bit with your other leg and turn your foot at a 90 degree angle."

I did as he directed.

"Spread your legs a little wider."

"I bet you say that to all the girls," I quipped as I took a step further back. I was trying to lighten the vibe that swirled around us in the hopes that he'd start joking around. It would make being this close to him a little bit easier.

"Don't ask if you don't want to know. Now take this," he held the foil out to me. "And hold it in front of you with your arm bent at a 45 degree angle."

"Like this?" I asked, bending my arm.

The sincere smile was back. "Yes, very good. Now other arm out to your side."

I smiled back at him and moved my arm as he directed.

"No, bend it a bit more. Like this." I felt his hand on my wrist as he bent my arm up a bit. "Much better. Now when you move, you always want to lead with your front foot and follow with your back. If you are going backwards it's reversed. This allows you to keep a defensive stance. You ready to try?"

"I think so." I forced myself to focus on the foil in front of me while concentrating on what he said.

"I'm going to move you; I want you to follow my motions, okay? It will feel a bit awkward, but it will give you a sense for how it works."

His hand slipped around mine on the grip of the foil. His other hand flattened on my stomach.

"I'm going to guide you, so don't fight against it, okay?" I felt the pressure of his chest against my back, slowly pushing me forward. "Focus on moving with the front foot first, then the back."

I tried, I really did. I'd make one or two steps gracefully, and then stumble or get snagged, and it would slam me back up against Edward. He would laugh lightly, and correct my stance or hold on tighter to keep me on balance. The entire thing was ridiculously unnerving. I had one of the most arrogant men on the face of the earth for a brother; I should know how to deal with this. Yet the simple confidence he exuded while taking me through the motions was a million times more provocative than any innuendo laced conversation.

Which made the knot in my chest tighten just a bit more. I was getting in over my head, fast.

Where was the goofy arrogant guy that I'd met the other day? I'd been all set to deal with that, not this calm, self-possessed man, who at the present moment could have said "your place or mine" and I would have said yes please, and then been devastated when he never called.

"You're doing fine. I am going to guide you into a lunge, okay? You are going to extend your arm fully, and step forward like you are stabbing someone. Once it's executed you need to return to the position you started in. Ready?"

I nodded again, waiting for his guidance.

"Okay, step forward, arm out." He drove my arm forward into position. I wasn't prepared for the velocity of the motion, and it threw me off balance. I stumbled, trying to keep from pitching forward, but couldn't right myself. With my free hand held out at an odd angle, my equilibrium was totally thrown off.

"Relax, I've got you." His voice was quiet in my ear.

I knew that he meant that I wasn't going to trip or fall. But I couldn't help but wish that he might mean something else.

-ε- Riposte

The tension between us was palpable. It was taking a lot of effort to keep my hand in place around her waist. It seemed to want to move higher, or lower. It wasn't picky.

After she stumbled, I held her close. We didn't say anything, and neither of us tried to move. I didn't know if she was still afraid to fall or if like me, she was just afraid to let go.

I thought it would be a good time to make a move, but I realized I didn't know what the move would be from here. I knew I was attracted to her physically, but this pull seemed to go deeper. That was obvious every time she fell or got hurt; it was as if my very purpose were to save her.

My brain was wrestling with its uncertainty. What happened next was involuntary really. My face was so close to her head, and her hair was getting all caught up in my nose, and I really couldn't help it if I liked strawberries, but I inhaled. Through my nose. Loudly.

I felt her stiffen. "Did you just sniff me?"

"Um, no?"

"You did too! I heard you take a whiff," she said as she pulled away from me.

I shrugged. I wasn't sure what to say. 'Gee your hair smells terrific' might not go over too well. What I said was equally suave. "I, uh, like your shampoo."

I don't have a word to describe her facial expression. It was part appalled, part hysterical, part humored. I tried to look innocent. "Shall we continue?"

"You know, I think I'm good for today. Um, that was . . .enough . . . for now. I think that Seth would be in safe hands with you." She started taking awkward steps away, creating space between us. The farther away she got, the easier her speech came. With each step she took back, more of her professional demeanor returned. "Do you think he would feel too far behind the rest of the class?'

"He's not too far behind, but if you wanted, I could work with him one night this week, so he had the basics down."

"Oh, yeah, that would probably be good. I'll have to talk to his foster mom to see what her schedule is like."

"You wouldn't be the one bringing him?" Of course she wouldn't. I didn't know why I'd expected that she would be.

"I don't know, actually. It's not really my job to transport him all over. Heck, none of this is really my job, but I know Vera is busy, and her husband works a ton, so I might offer to give him a ride if she can't."

"I see. I understand. I mean. I just . . . I like seeing you."

She smiled awkwardly but she didn't make a sound for while.

"Well, I suppose I should get going then. I don't want to take up any more of your time." She set the foil down with the rest of the equipment, and bent to pick up her purse.

"Let me give you my number," I said hastily. She looked up perplexed. "You can pass it on to Seth's foster mom or whatever, but that way someone can let me know what night is best. I can make just about any day work."

Her expression softened, and she handed me her phone. "Thanks. Just add it to my contacts."

"Should I take a picture so you remember me?"

She chuckled lightly. "Thanks but no thanks." I handed her back her phone, and she headed toward the door. I wanted to see her again, but I was hoping she wouldn't turn back because it seemed every time she did that, she ended up running into something. She kept her eyes forward as she said, "Like I could forget."

It felt like something in my chest was doing flips. I wanted that statement to mean so much, but I had no way of knowing what she was really thinking.

She walked out the door, and right after she turned the corner, I heard, "Oops, sorry. I didn't mean to run into you."

I smiled at the image of her bumping into an unsuspecting person in the hall.

I didn't move for a while, trying to process whatever was happening between us. At some point, I realized she had my number, but I didn't have hers. What if she thought I was a total ass and never called? What if the kid's foster mom started bringing him, and I never saw her again? Would my mom help me get in touch? Would I have the guts to ask?

I almost ran after her. I walked to the door to see if I could spot her down the hall.

I didn't get far. Garrett came around a corner. "Looking for something, Edward? Or should I say someone?"

"Fuck you, Garrett."

He laughed at me. "Sounds like fighting words. Care for a go?"

"Why not?"

He gave me a work out. I was starting to get the feeling I was being hustled. There was no way this guy merely had a casual interest in the sport. Either that or my thrust really was off. I just couldn't seem to connect.

He didn't resist the opportunity to goad me. "She's really got you, eh?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." But of course, at that moment, I missed a lunge and stumbled forward. It reminded me of Bella. "Shit."

"Don't worry young Edward, I have a feeling about this girl."

"You do huh?"

"Yup, sometimes, you just have to sit back and let fate take over."

"Screw fate, I'd rather have cupid on my side with this one."

"Trust me. You do not want anything to do with that sadistic little fucker who shoots people in the ass. Besides, you never know. I might be able to do you one better."

I'm sure I looked at him funny. He spoke like cupid was real and not some manufactured holiday character. If I didn't know better, I would think he had a grudge against a mythological character. Garret was a very strange man. But for some reason, I liked him. I spent the rest of my weekend with my phone by my side, hoping I'd hear from her. I never did.

-β- Displacement

I picked up my phone more times than I could count Sunday. And every time I started to hit send, I'd talk myself out of it.

What was it about this guy that had me so turned around? He was arrogant one minute, sweet the next. He went from asshole to goofball in the blink of an eye. Add in an adorable smile and a killer body, and I was confused as hell.

Edward was nothing like the typical 'Bella' guy. Yes, he was athletic, but not in the traditional way. He wasn't a cop. And try as hard as he could, there wasn't an edge to be found in him.

And I didn't really care.

I spent lunch staring blankly at my computer screen, trying to dissect just what it was that had me so turned around. Yes, it had been a long time since I'd dated. But that was my own choice. I was tired of frivolous relationships that ended up being all about sex. I wasn't in a hurry to settle down, so I'd simply stopped dating. It was a heck of a lot easier. No expectations that way.

But expectations and hope are very different animals. I didn't have expectations of Edward, as I didn't know him. That didn't prevent me from hoping that I would see him again, that maybe he felt the same way.

My calendar was light on Tuesday afternoon. I had moved things around so that I could pick Seth up from school and take him by the Y to look around. Before I introduced him to Edward, I wanted Seth to get a feel for the facility. It was important that he be comfortable where ever he was.

I debated for a long time about calling Edward. I wanted to see him, but not in a professional manner, and that wasn't appropriate at the moment. I needed to focus on Seth and his needs over my own. That included focusing on the task at hand, and not the really hot fencing instructor.

Take him on a tour of the Y, I rationalized. Let him get comfortable. Then you can call Edward.

Seth was excited to see me. He stood outside the school with Esme, jabbering excitedly.

"Hey Bella! Did you know that Ms. Platt's son is going to teach me how to duel?" He shouted as I approached.

"Yes sir. Want to go see where?"

"All right!" He fist pumped and turned to give Esme a hug. "Will his medal be there?"

Esme smiled and smoothed Seth's hair away from his face. "No, he keeps that at home. But I bet if you asked him, Edward would let you see it. He might even let you try it on."

Seth turned to me, smiling. "Can you imagine it, Bella? I get to wear his medal?"

"I bet Edward has all kinds of medals and trophies. I'm sure he'd be happy to share." I had no clue what types of awards were given out in fencing, but Seth and Esme didn't correct me, so I must not have been too far off the mark.

Seth rolled his eyes in irritation. "Not any medal, Bella. THE medal!"

"Okay, Seth, THE medal. Now come on, we need to go."

We waved goodbye to Esme and made our way to the car. Seth continued to jabber the entire way about how amazing Edward was. Apparently Esme had done quite the sell job.

Our drive to the Y was uneventful. Seth yammered on, all fired up over his new best friend. It was cute to see him so excited over someone that he'd yet to meet. But then again, Edward Cullen did have that effect on people.

Traffic was bad getting into downtown. As we sat in gridlock, I had a flash of inspiration and pulled out my phone. I didn't think; I just hit the call button.

He answered on the first ring.

"Hi Edward, it's Bella Swan…"

He cut me off before I could continue. "Hey, Bella, I am so glad you called."

"I was wondering if you were busy this afternoon. Seth and I are on our way to the Y. I was going to give him the tour, but I think your mom got him more than a little wound up to meet you."

"I can be there in fifteen." He answered without hesitation. "Tell Seth that I'll meet him there."

"Thank you, Edward." I disconnected, refusing to read into his enthusiasm. He was just being helpful. Maybe his mom had called to tell him how excited Seth was. It most likely didn't have anything to do with me.

Traffic started to lighten up, and we made it to the Y with a few minutes to spare. Seth was out of the car in a flash, running across the parking lot.

"Hey, wait up!" I called after him. "You can't get in without me, you know."

Seth turned, hands on hips, his foot tapping like an exasperated old woman. "Well come on then! You are way too slow!"

"Oh stop it, I'm not slow, I'm simply enjoying the…."

A screech of tires drowned out my words. A large black SUV whipped around the corner, accelerating as it barreled across the parking lot.

Directly at Seth.

"Go go go!" I shouted, running towards him. The SUV wasn't slowing down. The driver had to see him.

I reached Seth first, pushing him between two cars to get him out of the way. Once he was clear, I realized that there was no way I could make it safely across in time.

A sharp tug at the collar of my shirt yanked me backwards, off balance. I was falling, then rolling, someone's arms cradling me as we came to a rest in between two cars. I heard a squeal of tires again. Then everything was quiet.

"Are you okay?"

I shook my head, trying to get my bearings. Cars were on either side of me. Edward was half laying on me, his arms a warm and safe buffer against the damp concrete.

The logical thing would have been to say yes. To tell him that I was okay. But I'd almost been hit by a car. I could have died. Logic wasn't going to cut it right now. And he was here, so close, with such a look of concern that it made my breath catch.

I grabbed the front of Edward's shirt, and pulled him in as hard as I could. He was off balance from trying to support me, and easily collapsed on to me. He wore a confused expression, not understanding what I was doing.

When he was close enough, I pressed my lips to his. My intent had been to kiss him once. Just once. I had to do it. I needed to. But the minute I kissed him, he relaxed his rigid posture and his arms tightened around me. I let go of his shirt and slipped my hands up his neck and into his hair so I could anchor him in place. But he wasn't going anywhere. He kissed me back, slowly at first, but quickly mirroring the intensity that I threw into it.

As clichéd as it sounds, for a moment, it felt like time stood still. And with it came the realization that somehow, everything in my life had been leading me here, and there was absolutely no way I could stop it.

"If you two needed a spot to make out, I can think of better places than flat on your back in a parking lot." A voice rang out.

Kate's friend Garrett stood over us, a small smile on his face.

"Although, if you need a bit more time to deal with all that traumatic fallout life affirmation stuff, I can step away."

I could feel my face flush red, and my gaze shot back to Edward.

He was staring at me a strange expression that I didn't know how to interpret. His hand shot up to brush some dirt off my face.

"You're okay now. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

-ε- Corps-à-corps

I stroked her hair, and held her tight. She was always falling around me, and maybe I was half joking in my head the other times when I said I'd save her. I wasn't joking anymore. When I saw that SUV careening toward her, something snapped. I never felt that committed to a single action in my life. I had to get there in time. There would be no failure.

It was the oddest feeling because all of my accomplishments in life rolled into one didn't hold a candle to what I felt in that moment. I made it. She was in my arms. She was breathing. I could feel her pulse racing where her hand gripped my arm.

She was alive. And she kissed me.

It was a damn good kiss. The best kiss I ever had. I'd always thought of kissing as something I wanted to get through to get to the good stuff, but I didn't want that kiss to end. It was the good stuff. Logically, I knew it was all about gratitude and relief. Who wouldn't want to make out with the guy who saved you after your life flashed in front of your eyes? She was probably in shock, and kissing was a good way to release that energy. I didn't mind being used.

I was stunned at first, and I wasn't sure how far she was going to take it, but I couldn't help myself from responding. I could tell you I was just being polite, but it would be a lie. I wanted every second of that kiss.

At some point, I forgot about the kid, and the SUV, and the fact that we were lying prone in a parking lot. I might have even tried to cop a feel, but then Garrett had to open his big mouth.

We found ourselves breaking away quickly. She was nervous and a little embarrassed. She called out for Seth, but he didn't come. We all scanned the area until we saw him curled up in a ball against the building. Rocking back and forth, his head tucked into his knees.

Bella went to stand up, but she wasn't prepared for how sore she was. I didn't know if she'd broken anything, but I knew I wasn't going to keep her from Seth. Garrett and I helped her up. She limped her way over, waving a hand back to me to wait.

Garrett put his arm around me. "You alright man?"

I could hear the sirens as I watched Bella take Seth in her arms.

I nodded. "I don't think I've ever been better.

Λ Ω Λ Ω Λ Ω Λ Ω Λ Ω Λ

-τ- Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

I can't help it. First kisses always make me giddy. It's when all the potential of love is freshest. Given who I am, love is tangible to me, but I knew that humans couldn't feel it quite like I did. The first kiss, filled with anticipation, it was as close as you got to being able to reach out and touch it. Ironic, since it was long before most people were willing to use a label like love. So, yes, I clapped a little when they kissed. I might have even squealed. I'd been waiting a long time for that.

My excitement was short lived. I was glad Garrett stepped in when he did. I would have loved more kissing of course, but there was a wrinkle in the plan.

I hadn't noticed before that Bella kept having accidents whenever she was with Edward. It wasn't natural for her. I should have clued in right away. I knew the police would assume that SUV was meant for Seth, and in the human world it was, but not in mine. In my world, whoever sent that car knew Bella would step in to replace Seth, or wouldn't care if both were taken out.

They were at it again. They were going to mess everything up, and I was not going to have it. So I had to drag myself down from the euphoria of the witnessing their first kiss, and take some action.

E/N: And we're off to the races…to quote the movie Poltergeist, "they're back!"

So a few people are confused – yes, Tanya is Love/Aphrodite/Venus and Garrett is Mars/Ares. The motivations as to why they are working together and what he's up to, well, you'll just have to wait on that one.

Since it's a Friday, and we've had a week's worth of bad lines building up, let's hear it. What's the worst line someone ever used on you?

Definition of fencing terms

en garde: French term first used in 1400's to refer to simply a ready posture of both attack and defense with any sword or weapon.

Allez: referee's guidance to engage in contact

Riposte: An attack with right-of-way following a valid parry. A simple (or direct) riposte goes straight from the parry position to the target. A riposte may attack in any line. Consider its equivalent in a conversation.

Displacement: Moving the target to avoid an attack; dodging.

Corps-à-corps: (French "body-to-body") The action of two fencers coming into physical contact with one another with any portion of their bodies or hilts.