AN: Guysss, before I launch into this chapter, I just wanna let you know that I've posted a lil Chase/Jack one-shot. If you like a little lime with your pairings, I highly recommend it to you.
Enjoy this chapter!
-oOo- Chapter 10 -oOo-
Chase was practicing Tai Chi in one of the many meditation gardens. His movements were fluid and smooth, eyes closed. His mind, however, was clouded, sluggish without the Soup. The pit of his stomach rolled and he cringed, breaking his stance as he did. How long would it take before he no longer craved it? It was this constant burn in the back of his throat, like a continuously dripping faucet that he couldn't ignore.
His thoughts were dispersed as the monks returned from their latest Shen Gong Wu retrieval mission. Chase's first impression was that they all looked rather miserable. Raimundo stomped away from the moment they landed, fuming and muttering. The other monks dispersed as well, quiet, somber… Jack stayed where he was. Dojo shrank down, curling around Jack's ankles.
"You okay, kid?" He asked quietly. Jack nodded and Dojo slithered off. He passed Chase as he went.
"What happened?" Dojo paused at Chase's question, looking up at the Heylin Prince.
"It wasn't pretty." He sighed before slithering away.
Chase frowned and looked up to see Jack had wandered off. He sat on the temple steps, gazing off into the horizon, chin in his hands. Chase approached him slowly, leaning against the entrance. He crossed his arms.
"Stop sulking, Spicer. You'll get the next one."
"Do I belong here, Chase?"
Chase blinked. Of all the things he'd expected Spicer to say, that wasn't one of them. He admitted that the situation that both of them were in was exceedingly odd; had not both of them fought for the Heylin side for the past three years? Still, destiny was an interesting concept. If Jack could manipulate metal (and that had already been seen), then he was meant to fight on the Xiaolin side. He considered his answer carefully.
"If Fung says you do, then I'm sure you do."
"Yeah, well, what if he's wrong?" Jack sighed, "What if-if I'm the dead weight on this side, too? On the Xiaolin side?"
Ah. So that's what he was worried about.
"You may have been a nuisance at best on the Heylin side but times have changed. You have changed. From what I've observed, you've improved considerably in comparison to your first day here."
"I don't know whether to be honored or creeped out that you've been watching."
"Take the damn compliment, Spicer," Chase stepped down closer to Jack, offering his hand. Jack took it without hesitation and stood. "In concern to the Xiaolin/Heylin conflict, I believe you are right where you need to be."
"It's funny to hear you encourage me to fight for good."
"Yes, well… You are much better at good than evil. You should not let the other monks discourage you."
"That's what Lǎoshī said." Jack laughed weakly. Chase frowned.
"Lǎoshī…? What teacher?"
"The old man that kicked my ass in the Showdown today. He introduced himself as Lín Lǎoshī."
"Teacher Lín…" Chase mulled over the name before his eyes lit up in recognition, "Of course."
"You know him?"
"He's a seer, older than the hills themselves and able to commune with nature itself. He spoke with you?"
"Yeah…?"
"Spicer," Jack swallowed at the seriousness in Chase's voice, "What did he say to you?"
"H-he said I was missing someone. Like from my side. He also said I belonged at the Temple."
"And so you do." Jack smiled weakly, feeling far better than he had. Chase placed his hand on the back of Jack's arm to guide him back to the Temple grounds. This didn't have the intended effect. Instead of comforting and grounding him, Jack flinched away. "Spicer?"
"Sorry! It's not you, it just hurts."
Chase tugged Jack close by the hand, pushing his sleeve up his arm. There was a large purple bruise blossoming on his bicep.
"Who hurt you?"
Jack looked up just in time to see a muscle jump in Chase's jaw and he immediately averted his gaze. He knew that look; Chase was pissed. And for the first time ever (as far as he knew), it was on his behalf.
"N-no, I-I… I fell!"
"Fell?"
"During the showdown! You know how they are, those wild Xiaolin Showdowns!"
"Spicer, you are a great many things but you are not a great liar. But if you don't want to tell me the truth, I'll find the correct information elsewhere."
Jack flushed, pinned by Chase's burning gaze. How could he tell him? How could Jack openly admit to Chase Young, the most incredibly skilled, authoritative, handsome, omniscient, attractive, cool, sexy man he'd ever known that he'd been bullied? And… Chase was still holding his hand. He jerked it away quickly as if burned by the contact.
"It happened in the Showdown, I swear."
Chase's eyes narrowed.
"When I find out who did it…"
"You'll what? Make them kiss my ass?" Jack pulled away, "I can take care of myself."
"No, you can't."
Jack inhaled sharply, Chase having hit a raw nerve.
"Screw you, Chase." Jack spat as he stalked away, grinding his teeth. He strode across the temple courtyard and darted inside but not before Chase saw him swipe at his eyes.
Chase groaned aloud to himself, rubbing his eyes. Why in the hell had he grabbed his hand? Surely, there were other ways he could've pulled Spicer closer to examine his arm. His hand had been… Small. Delicate. White as virgin snow. He shook his head to clear it.
Despite the continuous angst of Jack Spicer, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the young man. And apparently, he wasn't the only one. Lín Lǎoshī was a choosy man and he rarely divulged information to just anyone. Missing someone? What could that possibly mean?
-oOo-
"Tohomiko."
Kimiko looked up from her Gamepal, pausing Goo Zombies 3. Chase lingered in the doorway.
"Yes?"
"I need to speak with you. Out of the other monks, you seem to be the most approachable."
"What do you need?" She sighed. This was pretty typical, actually. She was used to Raimundo, Clay, and Omi coming to her individually, usually seeking advice or needing to divulge information.
"I have a couple of questions about the last Wu retrieval."
Kimiko frowned, switching off her Gamepal. Something was up; Chase seemed vaguely uncomfortable but serious. Something had him rattled.
"Go on…?"
"It's Spicer."
"Yeah, he lost the Showdown. Is he still bummed out about-?"
"He has bruises on his hands and knees," Chase cut her off impatiently, "and there is a sizable bruise on his bicep. Is there any way at all he could've obtained them during the Showdown?"
Kimiko swallowed, suddenly not as keen. Guilt curled up in her stomach.
"Um…" She paused, trying to figure out the best way to tell Chase what she knew, "After Jack lost the Showdown, we were all pretty upset. Rai might've been a bit harsh with him. He shoved him and Jack fell. That might've been where the bruises came from," Chase's eyes narrowed dangerous, "But honestly, I swear, I don't know how he got the bruise on his bicep."
"You are sure?"
"I have no clue," Chase nodded. Kimiko watched him curiously, "By the way, since when do you care about Jack's injuries?"
"Tell me, Tohomiko, what other allies does he have here at the Temple?" Chase scowled, eyes flashing, "You and the other monks have ostracized and mocked him. You have squashed his every attempt to be amiable and have instead treated him as if he were less than you. I resent that. No, I am repulsed by that."
Kimiko gaped at him as he turned to leave.
"I… You like him, don't you?"
Chase froze, his breath stopping altogether. That was it, wasn't it? Why else would he care that Spicer got hurt? Why was he struck furious by the mottled purple bruising across porcelain skin? Why would Chase Young, Heylin Overlord, be dwelling on shaking hands and tear-washed crimson eyes and the biting of a lower lip? He clenched his fists tightly. Shit. Shit.
Somehow, he managed to speak his next words evenly, not giving himself away.
"That remains to be seen."
And then he left Kimiko in her shock. Both had much to dwell on.
-oOo-
"Pedrosa," Chase stalked into the courtyard, a (very pissed) man on a mission, "we need to have a little chat."
"Can't you see I'm bus-? Ow, what the shit?!"
The soccer ball Raimundo had been bouncing from knee to knee dropped to the ground as Chase got a good grip on the back of his neck. He led him across the courtyard, attracting the attention of Omi and Clay, who'd been playing checkers not far off.
"Clay, look!" Omi gasped, pointing, tugging on Clay's sleeve. The cowboy turned and laughed.
"What'd you do, partner?" He called to Raimundo, who was cringing.
"Hell if I know! Ow, you motherfu-!"
With very little effort, Chase gripped Raimundo by his robe-front and pinned him against the side of one of the buildings, drawing forth a yelp.
"I'll try and make this quick." Chase growled. Clay and Omi's jaws dropped as they got to their feet and rushed over.
"Chase Young, release my friend at once!" Omi demanded, raising his fists for a fight.
"Good, you're here. Now we can ALL come to an understanding," Chase hissed, giving Raimundo a hard shake, turning to look directly into his face. It was rapidly losing color. "For every bruise I find on Spicer's body, I will be dealing one out. You are not to touch him. If I even think you are antagonizing him," Clay and Omi exchanged horrified looks, Raimundo now pale as a ghost, "I will rip you to shreds." He dropped Raimundo, who scrambled away as quickly as possible to stand by his friends. Chase sounded on all three of them with a snarl, hard whipping around his face, teeth bared, "Have I made myself clear?"
"Crystal!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Very!"
Chase gave them a hard glare, staring them down. Then he stalked away. The three monks released the breath they'd been holding.
"I have never seen Chase Young so angry." Omi said, awe creeping into his voice.
"Mmhm, angrier than a cat during bath time," Clay agreed, removing his hat to scratch his head, "You okay, Rai?"
"I'm good," Raimundo squeaked before clearing his throat, "It's only Spicer… Do you think he was really all that serious? Or was it an effect of his withdrawals?"
"Raimundo, my friend," Omi advised solemnly, "When it comes to Chase Young, I will always take a threat seriously."
-oOo-
A new week came and as the monks went out into the courtyard, Jack was ready. The obstacle course loomed menacingly but he wouldn't allow himself to be phased. His mental state was steady. He stretched, trying to physically prepare himself as well.
Chase wandered out into the yard, book in hand. He sat against a tree, far enough away so that he wasn't exactly noticed but close enough that he could see the monks. After what happened in Yangshuo, he wanted to keep an eye on Spicer. At least for a few more days. Or weeks… From what he could tell, Pedrosa was keeping his distance. Good.
"Rai, you go first." Kimiko prompted, holding up the timer.
"Let me show you slow-pokes how it's done." Raimundo gloated, smirking and cracking his knuckles. With a smile, Kimiko started the timer and off he went. Despite not really liking him that much, Jack had to admit that Raimundo was very good at this kind of stuff.
The other went, all moving quickly and purposefully through the obstacle course. Omi was the fastest, beating out Raimundo by all of 5 seconds. Jack was last and he stepped up to the line, taking deep, calming breaths.
"Don't sweat it, Spicer," Clay drawled with a grin, "I'm sure you'll do just dandy."
Jack didn't speak. He would show them. He would show them all. Grinding his foot in the dirt, when Kimiko started the timer, he shot forward.
This time when he jumped from the wall, he tucked into a roll. Using the momentum, he launched himself across the pond, using the middle alligator as a leap point. He dodged, jumped, sprang through the obstacles one after another with surprising agility.
Over by the tree, Chase had lowered his book in shock. How…? When he glanced at the other monks, he saw similar expressions of surprise. He rose to his feet, unwilling to stop watching Spicer completely dominate the obstacle course.
Jack's foot hit the line and Kimiko clicked the timer.
"2 minutes, 45 seconds," She gaped, "That was 3 seconds faster than Raimundo!"
"Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle, Spicer!" Clay exclaimed, tipping his hat, "You moved faster than a roadrunner on caffeine!"
"I am most impressed!" Omi gasped, eyes wide as saucers, as Jack tried to catch his breath, "How did you do that?"
"Just…" Jack wheezed, bent double, "Lots… of practice…"
"I agree with the young monk; that was indeed most impressive."
Jack looked up in shock, still panting, to see Chase standing there. Chase was impressed? With him? The warlord's arms were crossed and he was giving Jack a curious expression, as if intrigued.
"He must've cheated," Raimundo insisted, hands curled into fists, "There's no way you learned to do that in two weeks."
"Actually, as it turns out, I didn't cheat," Jack sighed, finally straightening up. He tapped away at his smart watch and a metal sphere the size of a baseball rolled out of the residential hall and up to him, "This is Fu-Bot."
The sphere popped open, unfurling itself to reveal a small robot with glowing yellow eyes. It bowed to Jack. The other monks stepped forward curiously.
"What does it do?" Kimiko asked.
"Fu-Bot, as in Kung-Fu, has a database of over 1000 different sparring moves as well as a built-in analyzation system. I've been training with it on my own since no one else has bothered to teach me."
Kimiko felt her face redden in shame, Omi and Clay also managing to look vaguely uncomfortable. Raimundo felt a pang of guilt that he quickly shoved down. Jack didn't really see any of this, however; his eyes sought out Chase. The corner of his hero's lips quirked up and something squirmy jumped in Jack's stomach.
"Well done, young monk," Jack tore his gaze away from Chase to see that Master Fung had arrived, "If it is alright with you, I'd like to examine this…?"
"Fu-Bot," Jack provided, smiling nervously, "Named after Kung-Fu."
"I must say, Jack, your talent with robotics is admirable," He complimented as Fu-Bot bowed to Master Fung, "Tell me, would you like to continue to pursue this hobby?"
"I used to really love robotics, building evil minions and all," Jack grinned sheepishly, Master Fung chuckling quietly, "To be honest, I really miss it."
"Just because you are now a Xiaolin Monk doesn't mean you have to bury everything you once were," Master Fung chided gently, "In fact, I would encourage you to apply your past hobbies to your current lifestyle. What would you need in order to pursue what you love?"
"Well," Jack mused, "Really, just a space to work. I have all the tools and materials at my old lab. I've already used what I've got to make Fu-Bot (my alarm clock, I hope you don't mind), and since I don't really know how to use my metal powers to create metal just yet, I don't have any materials unless I go get them from home and-"
Master Fung held out a hand, cutting off Jack's rambling. He blushed, biting his lip self-consciously.
"There is an old storage room that is gathering dust in the residential hall. If you clean it out yourself, you may use the space as you so desire for a lab," Master Fung smiling as Jack's jaw dropped, "Considering your improvement over the course of the last two weeks, I daresay you have earned it."
"Wha- really?" Jack asked, his excitement rising rapidly, "I can have a lab?"
"Yes."
"YES!" Jack screeched, thrusting two fists into the air.
Kimiko winced at the sound but couldn't help smiling; his joy was infectious. She saw what Jack didn't. Chase was looking at him. There was a soft, subtle glint in his eyes, almost not even there. But there was something there. She knew that much. But what exactly that something was, she wasn't entirely sure.
Jack turned to Chase, beaming.
"Chase!" He gushed, "Did you hear that? I get my own lab!"
"Yes, Spicer, I heard," He said, his fleeting smile now a smirk, "Maybe perhaps, there is hope for you yet."
Jack, grinning widely, then went off to rejoin the other monks ("Did you guys get that? Chase Young says I have hope!") for their next activity. Chase paused as he turned away. A fleeting scent hung in the air. Coconut? He watched Jack leave for a moment longer before returning to his book. It simply wasn't fair, he reflected; on top of all the strange things he'd been feeling, why did Spicer have to smell so good?
-oOo-
AN: Chase has it pretty bad. It's unfortunate that he's not going to admit it to himself for quite a while... Either way, it was fun writing him pissed off in this chapter.
Next update should be on December 12/13th.
Don't forget to check out my one-shot titled The Early Bird Gets the Worm!
-P3ac3fulFor3st