I don't own x-men:eve k? Alright the next few chaps are mostly introductions to the juicy stuff. Don't worry that'll come up real soon^_~. Sorry if this is a little ooc, I suck at x-men:evo personalities!
*Love is Blind*
-I mean shit he bought you things and gave you diamond rings
But them things wasn't worth none of the pain that he brings
And you stayed, what made you fall for him?
That nigga had the power to make you crawl for him
I thought you was a doctor be on call for him
Smacked you down cause he said you was too tall for him, huh?
That wasn't love, babygirl you was dreamin'
I could have killed you when you said your seed was growin' from his semen-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sooooooooo Toady who's the chick?" Pietro leered.
"Dunno."
"C'mon cut the crap, we saw you."
"I know, and I.don't.know. She didn't tell me, yo."
"What kind of chick doesn't tell you her name?"
"Her kind."
" Leave 'er alone, she's probably one of those paranoid freaks with caller idea with gun and a can of mace in her purse." Lance drawled.
"But she wasn't carrying a purse yo?"
Lance just rolled his eyes.
"I've never seen her in our school, where does she go?" Pietro asked suspiciously
"Some catholic boarding thing I think."
Pietro stared at him for a while before breaking out into a fit of giggles.
"(gasp)You're(wheeze)Joking! *That* Tomb Raider chick goes is a choir priss!(Laugh)"
"Hey is that the creepy building on Pond ave?" Freddie spoke up
"She said it was on the edge of Bayville, so guess it is, why?"
"Its huge with all those monsters on stop of the gutters and those freaky pointed gates!" Fred shuddered.
"It ain't that bad yo." Todd said defensively.
"Yeah it is, they're all gay anyway."
"WHAT?!"
Pietro nodded calming down sliding into his seat next to Lance.
"Pfft, c'mon Todd really. Going five years with no guys there? Hell even I could see why they'd swing that way.(shudder) I wouldn't look at an all boys school if a gun was held to my head."
"She's not gay,yo."
"Did you see her in a skirt?" Pietro asked mischievously.
"No but you will." Lance said lazily looking through Pietro's window.
"What're talking about?"
Lance irritatedly grabbed Pietro's chin and snapped it toward the window.
"Ack what the hell- Woah!"
There was a small group of girl's walking down the sidewalk with two or three books grasped tightly to their chests. They looked like living walking talking barbie dolls. Black plaid skirts with white knee socks, and each wore a white blouse under a black pull over vest.
"That is sooo creepy." Pietro gawked.
"Its like attack of the killer cheerleaders yo."
"Damn, didn't know our house was so close to their school." Lance said turning back to the road.
"I can't picture her wearing that."
"But he can picture her wearing nothing." Pietro snickered under his breath.
Todd glared at him and kicked his seat.
"She looks like a Clair." Freddie said thinking.
"What?"
"She looks like her name would be Clair." Freddie Shrugged.
"Nah, she looks like a Riley yo." Todd shook his head staring out the window.
Lance groaned and leaned back in his seat annoyed and exhausted. He didn't need this now.
**********
This was ridiculous. He'd almost gotten beat up to go home, had to practically listen to Pietro singing the 'Sitting in a tree' song all the way home, and now that he *was* home he had to go job hunting. He sighed and looked up and down the street. Convenience stores, small shops, and people lined each way. He saw a help wanted sign in one of the windows and rushed down. Looking in there were tall muscular guys weight lifting and swinging at punching bags. At the moment he didn't really care. They couldn't be worse than Duncan. He walked in hearing the bell ring above the door. A few men stopped to turn to him but paid him no mind. He looked around in awe staring at everything that came in reach. It was things like this that made him feel like a smurf.
"What can I do ya for son?"
Todd whipped around to face a stalky middle aged man. Tousled grey hair and a stringy mustache, he sort of reminded him of a muscular santa clause.
"Yeah I saw the help wanted sign yo?"
"Did you now?" The man chuckled.
Todd nodded his confidence dropping.
"Th-This prolly ain't the job for me yo, so I-"
"You've got five minutes to impress me young man."
He looked up surprised and nodded.
"Whatdaya want me to do?"
"My name's Anothony Smith, Just call me Tony." He said shaking the small teen's hand.
"C'mon I'll show you to the punching bag." Tony took took Todd by the shoulder leading him to an isolated room.
It was dark except for a single hanging lamp above their head, there was nothing but a chair to the side and a punching back hanging in the middle. He watched as Tony walked around the bag to hold it from behind.
"Ok now lets start with a few jabs to see whatchya got ok? Spread you legs apart and bring your fists to your face, then make a quick punch and instantly bring your hand back go it?"
Todd nodded and got into position, doing as he was told.
Tony had to admitt, he was slightly disappointed in the youngster. The bag barely lurched under the hits. He didn't have much self confidence but the lack of confidence usually hid fabulous potential. Maybe he was wrong.......
"Ok done with that, now do a few side kicks. Get in the same position just slant yourself a bit now, put your weight onto your left leg and swing with your right."
Todd have half nodd and drew his leg up.
*That* did it! Tony thought after he was thrown like a rage doll across the room. He slammed against the wall and grunted at the pain in his side as Todd tried to help him up.
"I-I am sorry! I didn't mean to yo! Ah crap the bag!" He yelled rushing over to the two halves of the now split punching bag.
Tony laughed as the frantic teenager tried desperately to put it back together. So he hadn't been wrong after all....
"Ok Ok! Don't worry! You got the job little guy."
Todd looked at him like he had two heads.
"Oh don't get me wrong, you're gonna get some training of course. But we have the perfect one for you. Its our best and pride and joy my boy!"
"So what am I gonna be doin' yo?"
"Well you'll be handling the equipment, putting them away and back, cleaning them off, and when needed you'll have to spot one of our boxers. Don't worry, Devon'll show ya the ropes."
"Who's Devon?"
"Devon's the best we've had for long time. Your age I think."
"So how's he gonna teach me yo? Where do I go?"
"You'll meet here tomorrow at seven, and you'll still get paid."
Todd stared in awe at the stalky man. So this was heaven, he thought. Tony laughed at his expression and handed him a portfolio about the center gently shuffling him out the door.
"Now show up tomorrow and well put you to work, pays minimum unless you're the boxer so don't expect to afford no Tash Mahall here got it?"
"Sure, yo, but wher-" His question was cut off as he realized he was now talking to a glass door.
He looked up at the small building and began the walk home flipping through the manuel before passing one last glance at his new work.
**********
"YOUR *WHAT*??!!" Pietro screeched before he burst out laughing.
Todd glared down at him as he tried to restrain his bursting sides. Lance just stared at him while Freddie simply shrugged and went back to watching Oprah.
"Um, Todd I *think* what bleach boy's trying to say is-" He growled giving Pietro a sharp kick before continuing."er, you sorta, damn help me out here man, well, I mean don't you have enough problems with *Duncan* let alone guys five feet taller and three times as bigger pounding on you?" Lance cringed immediately regretting the words.
Todd's glare deepened and turned cold as he chose his words.
"Ya think so? Yeah well how the hell did I get the job yo, huh?"
Lance opened his mouth to say something before Freddie interrupted.
"Just shut up man, knock it off while you're ahead, anything you say from here'll just be wrong anyway."
He shut his mouth nodding in agreement as he watched Todd stomp into his room. He hated saying what he did. He knew Mathews was personal yet he still milked it for all it was worth. He grumbled something rubbing his head already feeling another headache coming on. He felt seventeen going on seventy.
**********
Todd threw the little booklet into the corners of his room before angrily plopping himself on grimy bed. They thought he was weak too huh? Who was the one helping with Juggernaut? Who was the *first* brotherhood member? So he couldn't manipulate the world, he wasn't the son of one of one of the most powerful mutants in the world, and,.........and.............ok anything *Freddie* had he didn't want, but still! He was just as useful as the rest, they couldn't get along without him just like any of the others! 'So then super man why'd ya need a girl to fight your battles?'. But it was an unfair fight- 'and she took 'em all on by *herself*, her little *female* self'. She didn't take 'em *all* on, just Duncan. 'And you would've gotten the shit beaten outta ya if she didn't.'
It was true. The chick definitely saved his ass. It sorta reminded him of how Rogue used to stick up for him against the X-men all those times. Only alot friendlier. This girl didn't laugh at him for not sticking up to Duncan like any other would. Especially if they could beat the blond up themselves. But it *was* hilarious. The way Duncan keeled over gasping for air holding onto his crotch almost made up for every beating Todd had ever received. He'd never seen a girl quite her style before either. And the fact that a little juvie girl like her went to a catholic choir chick school practically gave him a heartattack right then and there! Although she *would* look hot in those little skirts and knee socks.
Todd found a goofy crush boy grin breaking across his mouth at the thought. But he quickly shook it off. He was a freak! A freak even with*out* his mutant powers. She could probably pound a guy into being her boyfriend if she wanted to. Although she didn't seem to disturbed by his looks before, she didn't give him disgusted looks or gag in his face. She actually seemed really.......................friendly....towards him. A knock at his door returned him to the real world.
"What?!" He called
The door opened and Lance hesitantly stepped in. Todd rolled his eyes and turned away from him.
"If you're here to kiss butt for acting stupid then you're wasting time, yo." He grumbled.
"Pfft, you wish!"
Todd turned back around.
"So whatdya want then?"
Lance looked at him nervously and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Look Todd, its none of our business what you do to get money,(laugh) we're can't really afford to laugh this one off anyway-"
"Is this Lance's version of a summer's prep talk,yo?"
Lance's eyes widened and he stood up stalking out the door like a zombie. Todd chuckled and watched as the door closed.
"Yeah thats gotta hurt."
**********
*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP-*
"TURN IT OFF!!"
Todd's eyes popped open and he instantly jerked up in bed to see Pietro ready to tackle him. He immediately jerked away from his bed and slammed a finger on the off button. Pietro calmed down but still glared at him.
"Isn't it about time for you to get to that place?What was it called again? Now lets see, you do stuff that sucks, you get paid for it, Oh yeah! WORK!" He shouted stomping out of the room.
Todd rolled his eyes and thrust the covers over his head.
"Bitch bitch bitch."
It was Saturday anyways, so what the hell was Pietro talking about? And why'd he set his clock in the first place? He grumbled a little and sat up rubbing his head. Suddenly something caught his eye. A bright blue piece of paper. He took his head away from his hand to get a better look. A bright blue piece of paper with a punching glove on it.
"HOLY CRAP!!"
Todd leaped out of bed and began tearing clothes out of his dresser. Shirts, torn jeans, and boxers flew across the room in a frantic roar. Where was it? Where the hell was his sweater shirt?
"Gah forget it!" He growled in frustration throwing on a baggy t-shirt.
He ran/hopped out the door and slid down the stair banister. Todd quickly snagged a pop-tart ignoring the weird stares as he hopped out the door still trying to shove his pants on.
**********
He was an idiot. A retarded moron. This was the conclusion Todd Tolensky came to as he raced down the side walk pop-tart still hanging in his mouth. No wait, even an idiot would remember to ask Lance for a ride if he was running late. But noooooo he just had to dash out the door and decide to *run* to work. He almost screamed in happiness as the vision of the small building came into view. Yes!! Just a few more yards and he was home free. Todd raced through the door faintly hearing the familiar ding of the bell above and collapsed onto the matted floor gasping for air.
"See told ya boss. What'd I say!? Now pay up!" Came a smug sounding voice behind him.
"I said he'd be here at *8*, its 7:20!"
"So?! I was closer! Now stick to the bet!"
Todd groaned and cocked his head above him seeing the upside down view of a familiar looking young girl and Tony. Tony hearing him walked over and crouched down to eye level.
"Aw, now why'd ya have to run boy? Now you already took all the fun out of punishing you!" He joked.
"You bet on how late I be, yo?"
Tony chuckled and nodded his eyes twinkling.
"We always do. Expect this day to be the hardest since your the newbie. Your fellow mates'll be putting you through initiation."
Todd gave the old man a pleading look and finally sat up.
"Peachy." He grumbled.
"Oh don't start now. You ran that marathon on your own time not ours, up now!" He laughed lifting the small boy up from under his arms. Tony then turned to the girl. She was dressed in a
navy sports bra that said in impact red letters"B.A.D", and a pair of black windbreaker pants. Her chocolate hair was put into a pony tail with one honey brown lock framing the right side of her face. He noticed a large scar on the upper part of her right arm and a familiar yinyang tattoo on her stomach.
"Ok Dev he's up, get the equipment." He ordered.
Todd watched as she glared at him and mutter 'cheap skate' under her breath.
"*Thats* Devon?" He asked
"Yep! She's been here the longest, started when she was six years old. Came toddling in here lost. Asked where she came from and made a few calls. Came all the way from N.Y she did! Apparently her brother had taken her with him looking for his mother. After a day we finally got her back where she belonged. And while she was here, she buzzed around like a chipmunk! Worked harder than the old employees did! She moved here five years ago and found this place again so I just couldn't pass up and opportunity like that now could I?" He laughed.
Todd shook his head watching as she emerged from the closet carrying a punching bag, a large young man behind her with a tub of powder and bandaged. He almost felt insulted. C'mon he did punch *that* bad.
"K Kymosabi where ya want these?" She asked blowing a large pink bubble.
"Over there, and unless you wanna cost us all the medical bill of u choking then spit it out!"
She brushed him off and moved toward where he pointed.
"I'll take my chance thank you. Gotta have *some* sorta flavor in my mouth."
Tony rolled his eyes and turned back toward his new employee only to find he was gone.
"*You!* You're the girl I met yesterday yo!"
The old man whipped around to find him staring at Devon incredulously.
"You work *here*?!"
He chuckled as Devon looked at the strange looking boy playfully, happy at finally finding someone her own height.
"Hey! Todd, right?"
He nodded and soon found himself flushing as she scooped him into a rough hug.
"Whats up!? Ya didn't tell me you were applying! Tony!!" She yelled dropping Todd and turning to frown at him.
"You didn't tell me we were getting newbies!"
"He applied yesterday and I couldn't say no."
Devon rolled her eyes and turned back to Todd hearing Tony approaching them.
"Ok, young man, Dev here'll show you what to do got it? She'll keep you from the pranks that'll no doubt be pulled as long as you're still new." He said mischievously. "Now, she'll just teach you the basic moves incase you have to spot someone." And with that he gave him a quick slap on the back and walked over to a large man in the ring.
Devon bowed at her waist chinese style."Today grasshopper, you will become a man." She mimicked a chinese accent.
"Yeah, I kinda got sick of being a woman for so long anyway, yo." He joked.
She chuckled and attached the punching bag then took him by the hand leading him over to the large tub of powder.
"Ok first we're gonna do a little free style k?"
"I'm just gonna nodd along like I know what your saying, yo." He said confused.
She rolled her eyes before taking his hand and putting it in the powder.
"There just powder up your hands and I'll show you how to put the bandage on. There, done?"
He nodded and she grabbed the white bandages handing him one.
"Ok, grab the end with your thumb and press it to your wrist. Good. Ok now wrap it around your wrist untill you don't have to hold the end anymore. You got it. Now wrap a cross around your palm and through the fingers. There. After wrap it across your palm and your done. Good!" She nodded at his work and walked over to the punching bag stopping to turn on the radio to her station.
"What're you doing, yo?"
"If I don't Tony puts on sweatin' to the oldies, which would you rather have." She said raising an eyebrow at him.
Todd fake shuddered and walked to her.
"What're we listening to?"
"Zombienation, Kencraft."
"What?"
"Techno."
"Your kidding." He said monotonly praying she was.
"Ugh, its not bad! I love that song, I'd put on Nas or Missy Elliott but it just doesn't get your adrenaline pumping like techno."
He nodded understanding before watching her stand up and get into a position like the one Tony had taught him the day before.
"Ok kermit! Assume the position!" She comanded amusedly.
He quickly mimickeded her movements seeing her smirk as she did.
"Good, now boss guy told me your legs could knock off a train, but you basically hit like a girl, so we'll start with those."
"Hey!"
"No time to talk he man lets go!" She yelled playfully letting her mitt covered fist smack him.
He hopped back and looked confused at her gloved hands. He hadn't seen her put those on. Devon noticed his strange look and explained.
"Just punch into these. I'll still try to hit ya but you gotta dodge."
He gave a brief nodd and swung at her. He made a hit but was pushed back.
"You letting your fist hang out too long! Make it swift and sweet!"
He growled a little and put more force into it.
"Good good! C'mon get mad at me! You're getting your royal ass kicked by a girl you wussy lets go!" She urged excitedly jumping around him like a kangaroo in heat.
Fist after fist he began to get better. Todd now understood what she was talking about with music getting your adrenalin pumping. Even he was starting to get exited. He even managed to knock her off balance a couple of times! He quickly went in for another punch before a squeal startled him and sent him to the ground as she ran away from him towards the radio.
"DEBELAH MORGAN! Ryan Ryan! "Dance With Me" 's playing!" She screeched frantically snatching a tall platinum haired boy.
"Dev lemme go! I'm so damn sick of this song! Dev I'm busy knock it off!"
"Oh, come and dance with me, my baby!" She sang along an irritated Ryan trying desperately to get out of her vice like grip.
"TONY! She's lost it! Get 'er off me!" He shouted.
"Let's dance till we go crazy!"
Tony looked away from his place at the ring at the singing young girl and squirming boy and laughed.
"Thats it girl! Dun let 'im go!"
"The night is young and so are we!"
Todd stared along laughing himself.
Ryan finally had it grabbing her face and pushing her roughly away. She yelped and landed painfully on her but.
"*You* can go ahead and waste your paycheck. Hard *working* guys like me actually *need* the money!"
Devon glared at him sticking out her tongue before swiping his feet out from under him. She jumped up and walked over towards Todd.
"Fine! Be that way! C'mon Toddies your the only fun one around here!" She said dragging him towards her as she resumed her tango.
"Uh, I ain't a good dancer yo!" He yelled above the music but she just ignored him as she continued singing where she left off.
"Let's make love and dance the night away!" She sang pausing him to briefly dip him.
Todd's head was spinning as he looked at her nervously trying to mimic her steps. Devon noticed this and looked at him happily.
"Dance Todd! You'll remember this for the rest of the week! Remember the psycho girl that dragged you onto the dance floor!" She hollered."What I really wanna do.Is just dance with you." She continued her singing.
Hearing this he stopped trying to concentrate on her movements and began to actually tango with her. He had never really danced before, not like this anyway, but it was fun! Todd even began to sing with her as they danced around the studio brushing off the odd looks they got.
" What I really wanna do
Is just dance with you
And feel your body tight
Show ya how to do it right
I can show you every move
I know just what to do
Each step we do is refine
One dance and you'll be mine
So baby when we hit the floor
You'll be asking for more
Let's make love and dance the night away!-"
"Ok Ok! Looks like you finally found a *willing* dance partner, but we're not paying you for a show, get to work." Tony laughed clapping his hands.
Devon and Todd stopped their singing in mid dip to look at him.
"Hmph, I'd prolly get paid more for the show anyway." She mumbled bringing him up.
"Yeah, next time *I* lead yo."
She raised an eyebrow at him and struck a pose.
"Sorry but *this* body doesn't settle for second best."
**********
The day had been hard just as Tony had promised, but Todd didn't really notice. His body probably would in the morning though. He was already getting sore. It wouldn't be so bad he thought. Next week the briefing ended and the work began to it would get better. And he didn't being close to Devon. He understood why they thought she was such a hastle at times. The girl acted purely on impulse! Whatever thing popped into her mind she would do. She saw everything she did as building memories and had the strangest way of looking at things. She was one of those 'whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger' girls. Devon spoke whatever thought passed her and didn't really care about other's opinion. It was hard to believe such a tough girl could be that enthusiastic about life. She seemed to rub off on him, he felt free and confident when she was there. He had never had that feeling in his life!
Todd walked home with a smile on his face. She was weird. She was a feminist. She had no respect for anybody. She had a nack for making people incredibly nervous. She was perfect.
*Love is Blind*
-I mean shit he bought you things and gave you diamond rings
But them things wasn't worth none of the pain that he brings
And you stayed, what made you fall for him?
That nigga had the power to make you crawl for him
I thought you was a doctor be on call for him
Smacked you down cause he said you was too tall for him, huh?
That wasn't love, babygirl you was dreamin'
I could have killed you when you said your seed was growin' from his semen-
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"Sooooooooo Toady who's the chick?" Pietro leered.
"Dunno."
"C'mon cut the crap, we saw you."
"I know, and I.don't.know. She didn't tell me, yo."
"What kind of chick doesn't tell you her name?"
"Her kind."
" Leave 'er alone, she's probably one of those paranoid freaks with caller idea with gun and a can of mace in her purse." Lance drawled.
"But she wasn't carrying a purse yo?"
Lance just rolled his eyes.
"I've never seen her in our school, where does she go?" Pietro asked suspiciously
"Some catholic boarding thing I think."
Pietro stared at him for a while before breaking out into a fit of giggles.
"(gasp)You're(wheeze)Joking! *That* Tomb Raider chick goes is a choir priss!(Laugh)"
"Hey is that the creepy building on Pond ave?" Freddie spoke up
"She said it was on the edge of Bayville, so guess it is, why?"
"Its huge with all those monsters on stop of the gutters and those freaky pointed gates!" Fred shuddered.
"It ain't that bad yo." Todd said defensively.
"Yeah it is, they're all gay anyway."
"WHAT?!"
Pietro nodded calming down sliding into his seat next to Lance.
"Pfft, c'mon Todd really. Going five years with no guys there? Hell even I could see why they'd swing that way.(shudder) I wouldn't look at an all boys school if a gun was held to my head."
"She's not gay,yo."
"Did you see her in a skirt?" Pietro asked mischievously.
"No but you will." Lance said lazily looking through Pietro's window.
"What're talking about?"
Lance irritatedly grabbed Pietro's chin and snapped it toward the window.
"Ack what the hell- Woah!"
There was a small group of girl's walking down the sidewalk with two or three books grasped tightly to their chests. They looked like living walking talking barbie dolls. Black plaid skirts with white knee socks, and each wore a white blouse under a black pull over vest.
"That is sooo creepy." Pietro gawked.
"Its like attack of the killer cheerleaders yo."
"Damn, didn't know our house was so close to their school." Lance said turning back to the road.
"I can't picture her wearing that."
"But he can picture her wearing nothing." Pietro snickered under his breath.
Todd glared at him and kicked his seat.
"She looks like a Clair." Freddie said thinking.
"What?"
"She looks like her name would be Clair." Freddie Shrugged.
"Nah, she looks like a Riley yo." Todd shook his head staring out the window.
Lance groaned and leaned back in his seat annoyed and exhausted. He didn't need this now.
**********
This was ridiculous. He'd almost gotten beat up to go home, had to practically listen to Pietro singing the 'Sitting in a tree' song all the way home, and now that he *was* home he had to go job hunting. He sighed and looked up and down the street. Convenience stores, small shops, and people lined each way. He saw a help wanted sign in one of the windows and rushed down. Looking in there were tall muscular guys weight lifting and swinging at punching bags. At the moment he didn't really care. They couldn't be worse than Duncan. He walked in hearing the bell ring above the door. A few men stopped to turn to him but paid him no mind. He looked around in awe staring at everything that came in reach. It was things like this that made him feel like a smurf.
"What can I do ya for son?"
Todd whipped around to face a stalky middle aged man. Tousled grey hair and a stringy mustache, he sort of reminded him of a muscular santa clause.
"Yeah I saw the help wanted sign yo?"
"Did you now?" The man chuckled.
Todd nodded his confidence dropping.
"Th-This prolly ain't the job for me yo, so I-"
"You've got five minutes to impress me young man."
He looked up surprised and nodded.
"Whatdaya want me to do?"
"My name's Anothony Smith, Just call me Tony." He said shaking the small teen's hand.
"C'mon I'll show you to the punching bag." Tony took took Todd by the shoulder leading him to an isolated room.
It was dark except for a single hanging lamp above their head, there was nothing but a chair to the side and a punching back hanging in the middle. He watched as Tony walked around the bag to hold it from behind.
"Ok now lets start with a few jabs to see whatchya got ok? Spread you legs apart and bring your fists to your face, then make a quick punch and instantly bring your hand back go it?"
Todd nodded and got into position, doing as he was told.
Tony had to admitt, he was slightly disappointed in the youngster. The bag barely lurched under the hits. He didn't have much self confidence but the lack of confidence usually hid fabulous potential. Maybe he was wrong.......
"Ok done with that, now do a few side kicks. Get in the same position just slant yourself a bit now, put your weight onto your left leg and swing with your right."
Todd have half nodd and drew his leg up.
*That* did it! Tony thought after he was thrown like a rage doll across the room. He slammed against the wall and grunted at the pain in his side as Todd tried to help him up.
"I-I am sorry! I didn't mean to yo! Ah crap the bag!" He yelled rushing over to the two halves of the now split punching bag.
Tony laughed as the frantic teenager tried desperately to put it back together. So he hadn't been wrong after all....
"Ok Ok! Don't worry! You got the job little guy."
Todd looked at him like he had two heads.
"Oh don't get me wrong, you're gonna get some training of course. But we have the perfect one for you. Its our best and pride and joy my boy!"
"So what am I gonna be doin' yo?"
"Well you'll be handling the equipment, putting them away and back, cleaning them off, and when needed you'll have to spot one of our boxers. Don't worry, Devon'll show ya the ropes."
"Who's Devon?"
"Devon's the best we've had for long time. Your age I think."
"So how's he gonna teach me yo? Where do I go?"
"You'll meet here tomorrow at seven, and you'll still get paid."
Todd stared in awe at the stalky man. So this was heaven, he thought. Tony laughed at his expression and handed him a portfolio about the center gently shuffling him out the door.
"Now show up tomorrow and well put you to work, pays minimum unless you're the boxer so don't expect to afford no Tash Mahall here got it?"
"Sure, yo, but wher-" His question was cut off as he realized he was now talking to a glass door.
He looked up at the small building and began the walk home flipping through the manuel before passing one last glance at his new work.
**********
"YOUR *WHAT*??!!" Pietro screeched before he burst out laughing.
Todd glared down at him as he tried to restrain his bursting sides. Lance just stared at him while Freddie simply shrugged and went back to watching Oprah.
"Um, Todd I *think* what bleach boy's trying to say is-" He growled giving Pietro a sharp kick before continuing."er, you sorta, damn help me out here man, well, I mean don't you have enough problems with *Duncan* let alone guys five feet taller and three times as bigger pounding on you?" Lance cringed immediately regretting the words.
Todd's glare deepened and turned cold as he chose his words.
"Ya think so? Yeah well how the hell did I get the job yo, huh?"
Lance opened his mouth to say something before Freddie interrupted.
"Just shut up man, knock it off while you're ahead, anything you say from here'll just be wrong anyway."
He shut his mouth nodding in agreement as he watched Todd stomp into his room. He hated saying what he did. He knew Mathews was personal yet he still milked it for all it was worth. He grumbled something rubbing his head already feeling another headache coming on. He felt seventeen going on seventy.
**********
Todd threw the little booklet into the corners of his room before angrily plopping himself on grimy bed. They thought he was weak too huh? Who was the one helping with Juggernaut? Who was the *first* brotherhood member? So he couldn't manipulate the world, he wasn't the son of one of one of the most powerful mutants in the world, and,.........and.............ok anything *Freddie* had he didn't want, but still! He was just as useful as the rest, they couldn't get along without him just like any of the others! 'So then super man why'd ya need a girl to fight your battles?'. But it was an unfair fight- 'and she took 'em all on by *herself*, her little *female* self'. She didn't take 'em *all* on, just Duncan. 'And you would've gotten the shit beaten outta ya if she didn't.'
It was true. The chick definitely saved his ass. It sorta reminded him of how Rogue used to stick up for him against the X-men all those times. Only alot friendlier. This girl didn't laugh at him for not sticking up to Duncan like any other would. Especially if they could beat the blond up themselves. But it *was* hilarious. The way Duncan keeled over gasping for air holding onto his crotch almost made up for every beating Todd had ever received. He'd never seen a girl quite her style before either. And the fact that a little juvie girl like her went to a catholic choir chick school practically gave him a heartattack right then and there! Although she *would* look hot in those little skirts and knee socks.
Todd found a goofy crush boy grin breaking across his mouth at the thought. But he quickly shook it off. He was a freak! A freak even with*out* his mutant powers. She could probably pound a guy into being her boyfriend if she wanted to. Although she didn't seem to disturbed by his looks before, she didn't give him disgusted looks or gag in his face. She actually seemed really.......................friendly....towards him. A knock at his door returned him to the real world.
"What?!" He called
The door opened and Lance hesitantly stepped in. Todd rolled his eyes and turned away from him.
"If you're here to kiss butt for acting stupid then you're wasting time, yo." He grumbled.
"Pfft, you wish!"
Todd turned back around.
"So whatdya want then?"
Lance looked at him nervously and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Look Todd, its none of our business what you do to get money,(laugh) we're can't really afford to laugh this one off anyway-"
"Is this Lance's version of a summer's prep talk,yo?"
Lance's eyes widened and he stood up stalking out the door like a zombie. Todd chuckled and watched as the door closed.
"Yeah thats gotta hurt."
**********
*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP-*
"TURN IT OFF!!"
Todd's eyes popped open and he instantly jerked up in bed to see Pietro ready to tackle him. He immediately jerked away from his bed and slammed a finger on the off button. Pietro calmed down but still glared at him.
"Isn't it about time for you to get to that place?What was it called again? Now lets see, you do stuff that sucks, you get paid for it, Oh yeah! WORK!" He shouted stomping out of the room.
Todd rolled his eyes and thrust the covers over his head.
"Bitch bitch bitch."
It was Saturday anyways, so what the hell was Pietro talking about? And why'd he set his clock in the first place? He grumbled a little and sat up rubbing his head. Suddenly something caught his eye. A bright blue piece of paper. He took his head away from his hand to get a better look. A bright blue piece of paper with a punching glove on it.
"HOLY CRAP!!"
Todd leaped out of bed and began tearing clothes out of his dresser. Shirts, torn jeans, and boxers flew across the room in a frantic roar. Where was it? Where the hell was his sweater shirt?
"Gah forget it!" He growled in frustration throwing on a baggy t-shirt.
He ran/hopped out the door and slid down the stair banister. Todd quickly snagged a pop-tart ignoring the weird stares as he hopped out the door still trying to shove his pants on.
**********
He was an idiot. A retarded moron. This was the conclusion Todd Tolensky came to as he raced down the side walk pop-tart still hanging in his mouth. No wait, even an idiot would remember to ask Lance for a ride if he was running late. But noooooo he just had to dash out the door and decide to *run* to work. He almost screamed in happiness as the vision of the small building came into view. Yes!! Just a few more yards and he was home free. Todd raced through the door faintly hearing the familiar ding of the bell above and collapsed onto the matted floor gasping for air.
"See told ya boss. What'd I say!? Now pay up!" Came a smug sounding voice behind him.
"I said he'd be here at *8*, its 7:20!"
"So?! I was closer! Now stick to the bet!"
Todd groaned and cocked his head above him seeing the upside down view of a familiar looking young girl and Tony. Tony hearing him walked over and crouched down to eye level.
"Aw, now why'd ya have to run boy? Now you already took all the fun out of punishing you!" He joked.
"You bet on how late I be, yo?"
Tony chuckled and nodded his eyes twinkling.
"We always do. Expect this day to be the hardest since your the newbie. Your fellow mates'll be putting you through initiation."
Todd gave the old man a pleading look and finally sat up.
"Peachy." He grumbled.
"Oh don't start now. You ran that marathon on your own time not ours, up now!" He laughed lifting the small boy up from under his arms. Tony then turned to the girl. She was dressed in a
navy sports bra that said in impact red letters"B.A.D", and a pair of black windbreaker pants. Her chocolate hair was put into a pony tail with one honey brown lock framing the right side of her face. He noticed a large scar on the upper part of her right arm and a familiar yinyang tattoo on her stomach.
"Ok Dev he's up, get the equipment." He ordered.
Todd watched as she glared at him and mutter 'cheap skate' under her breath.
"*Thats* Devon?" He asked
"Yep! She's been here the longest, started when she was six years old. Came toddling in here lost. Asked where she came from and made a few calls. Came all the way from N.Y she did! Apparently her brother had taken her with him looking for his mother. After a day we finally got her back where she belonged. And while she was here, she buzzed around like a chipmunk! Worked harder than the old employees did! She moved here five years ago and found this place again so I just couldn't pass up and opportunity like that now could I?" He laughed.
Todd shook his head watching as she emerged from the closet carrying a punching bag, a large young man behind her with a tub of powder and bandaged. He almost felt insulted. C'mon he did punch *that* bad.
"K Kymosabi where ya want these?" She asked blowing a large pink bubble.
"Over there, and unless you wanna cost us all the medical bill of u choking then spit it out!"
She brushed him off and moved toward where he pointed.
"I'll take my chance thank you. Gotta have *some* sorta flavor in my mouth."
Tony rolled his eyes and turned back toward his new employee only to find he was gone.
"*You!* You're the girl I met yesterday yo!"
The old man whipped around to find him staring at Devon incredulously.
"You work *here*?!"
He chuckled as Devon looked at the strange looking boy playfully, happy at finally finding someone her own height.
"Hey! Todd, right?"
He nodded and soon found himself flushing as she scooped him into a rough hug.
"Whats up!? Ya didn't tell me you were applying! Tony!!" She yelled dropping Todd and turning to frown at him.
"You didn't tell me we were getting newbies!"
"He applied yesterday and I couldn't say no."
Devon rolled her eyes and turned back to Todd hearing Tony approaching them.
"Ok, young man, Dev here'll show you what to do got it? She'll keep you from the pranks that'll no doubt be pulled as long as you're still new." He said mischievously. "Now, she'll just teach you the basic moves incase you have to spot someone." And with that he gave him a quick slap on the back and walked over to a large man in the ring.
Devon bowed at her waist chinese style."Today grasshopper, you will become a man." She mimicked a chinese accent.
"Yeah, I kinda got sick of being a woman for so long anyway, yo." He joked.
She chuckled and attached the punching bag then took him by the hand leading him over to the large tub of powder.
"Ok first we're gonna do a little free style k?"
"I'm just gonna nodd along like I know what your saying, yo." He said confused.
She rolled her eyes before taking his hand and putting it in the powder.
"There just powder up your hands and I'll show you how to put the bandage on. There, done?"
He nodded and she grabbed the white bandages handing him one.
"Ok, grab the end with your thumb and press it to your wrist. Good. Ok now wrap it around your wrist untill you don't have to hold the end anymore. You got it. Now wrap a cross around your palm and through the fingers. There. After wrap it across your palm and your done. Good!" She nodded at his work and walked over to the punching bag stopping to turn on the radio to her station.
"What're you doing, yo?"
"If I don't Tony puts on sweatin' to the oldies, which would you rather have." She said raising an eyebrow at him.
Todd fake shuddered and walked to her.
"What're we listening to?"
"Zombienation, Kencraft."
"What?"
"Techno."
"Your kidding." He said monotonly praying she was.
"Ugh, its not bad! I love that song, I'd put on Nas or Missy Elliott but it just doesn't get your adrenaline pumping like techno."
He nodded understanding before watching her stand up and get into a position like the one Tony had taught him the day before.
"Ok kermit! Assume the position!" She comanded amusedly.
He quickly mimickeded her movements seeing her smirk as she did.
"Good, now boss guy told me your legs could knock off a train, but you basically hit like a girl, so we'll start with those."
"Hey!"
"No time to talk he man lets go!" She yelled playfully letting her mitt covered fist smack him.
He hopped back and looked confused at her gloved hands. He hadn't seen her put those on. Devon noticed his strange look and explained.
"Just punch into these. I'll still try to hit ya but you gotta dodge."
He gave a brief nodd and swung at her. He made a hit but was pushed back.
"You letting your fist hang out too long! Make it swift and sweet!"
He growled a little and put more force into it.
"Good good! C'mon get mad at me! You're getting your royal ass kicked by a girl you wussy lets go!" She urged excitedly jumping around him like a kangaroo in heat.
Fist after fist he began to get better. Todd now understood what she was talking about with music getting your adrenalin pumping. Even he was starting to get exited. He even managed to knock her off balance a couple of times! He quickly went in for another punch before a squeal startled him and sent him to the ground as she ran away from him towards the radio.
"DEBELAH MORGAN! Ryan Ryan! "Dance With Me" 's playing!" She screeched frantically snatching a tall platinum haired boy.
"Dev lemme go! I'm so damn sick of this song! Dev I'm busy knock it off!"
"Oh, come and dance with me, my baby!" She sang along an irritated Ryan trying desperately to get out of her vice like grip.
"TONY! She's lost it! Get 'er off me!" He shouted.
"Let's dance till we go crazy!"
Tony looked away from his place at the ring at the singing young girl and squirming boy and laughed.
"Thats it girl! Dun let 'im go!"
"The night is young and so are we!"
Todd stared along laughing himself.
Ryan finally had it grabbing her face and pushing her roughly away. She yelped and landed painfully on her but.
"*You* can go ahead and waste your paycheck. Hard *working* guys like me actually *need* the money!"
Devon glared at him sticking out her tongue before swiping his feet out from under him. She jumped up and walked over towards Todd.
"Fine! Be that way! C'mon Toddies your the only fun one around here!" She said dragging him towards her as she resumed her tango.
"Uh, I ain't a good dancer yo!" He yelled above the music but she just ignored him as she continued singing where she left off.
"Let's make love and dance the night away!" She sang pausing him to briefly dip him.
Todd's head was spinning as he looked at her nervously trying to mimic her steps. Devon noticed this and looked at him happily.
"Dance Todd! You'll remember this for the rest of the week! Remember the psycho girl that dragged you onto the dance floor!" She hollered."What I really wanna do.Is just dance with you." She continued her singing.
Hearing this he stopped trying to concentrate on her movements and began to actually tango with her. He had never really danced before, not like this anyway, but it was fun! Todd even began to sing with her as they danced around the studio brushing off the odd looks they got.
" What I really wanna do
Is just dance with you
And feel your body tight
Show ya how to do it right
I can show you every move
I know just what to do
Each step we do is refine
One dance and you'll be mine
So baby when we hit the floor
You'll be asking for more
Let's make love and dance the night away!-"
"Ok Ok! Looks like you finally found a *willing* dance partner, but we're not paying you for a show, get to work." Tony laughed clapping his hands.
Devon and Todd stopped their singing in mid dip to look at him.
"Hmph, I'd prolly get paid more for the show anyway." She mumbled bringing him up.
"Yeah, next time *I* lead yo."
She raised an eyebrow at him and struck a pose.
"Sorry but *this* body doesn't settle for second best."
**********
The day had been hard just as Tony had promised, but Todd didn't really notice. His body probably would in the morning though. He was already getting sore. It wouldn't be so bad he thought. Next week the briefing ended and the work began to it would get better. And he didn't being close to Devon. He understood why they thought she was such a hastle at times. The girl acted purely on impulse! Whatever thing popped into her mind she would do. She saw everything she did as building memories and had the strangest way of looking at things. She was one of those 'whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger' girls. Devon spoke whatever thought passed her and didn't really care about other's opinion. It was hard to believe such a tough girl could be that enthusiastic about life. She seemed to rub off on him, he felt free and confident when she was there. He had never had that feeling in his life!
Todd walked home with a smile on his face. She was weird. She was a feminist. She had no respect for anybody. She had a nack for making people incredibly nervous. She was perfect.