Spar

by Nikko Lee

  As soon as Sensei Melissa arrived, class started. She was in a fighting mood, and they spent most of class working on sparring drills. Near the end of class time, the students partnered up to practice combinations.

  On the third round of partner switches, Jaime and Tyler were paired. It was surprisingly easy to work with him. Tyler took pride in pushing Jaime to train hard. Their time together was too short, and before Tyler knew it, they were bowing.

  “Switch partners,” Sensei Melissa said. “Work with someone you haven’t worked with tonight.”

  It was inevitable that Jaime would have to work with Steve. They hadn’t worked together since their last grading. Neither looked happy about the situation.

  “Hajime.” Sensei Melissa gave the command to start.

  Tyler had his hands full with Sarah. Every class she seemed to get a little faster, and her skill level was worthy of testing for black belt. It was only a matter of time before Sensei Melissa called the testing panel. Tyler was glad to see how far she had progressed since she’d wandered into the dojo as part of a trio of giggling coeds. They had seen a Kung-Fu movie marathon and didn’t know the difference between karate and Kung-Fu. Four years later, she was the only one of her friends who was still training.

  “Yame!” Sensei Melissa shouted, and everyone stopped. The alarm in her voice got Tyler’s attention. The only time she stopped the class so abruptly was when someone was doing something dangerous.

  The whole class remained frozen in place. Tyler’s eyes scanned the class looking for injuries. When he came to the space Steve and Jaime were using, he saw Jaime on the ground holding his nose. Blood spilled over his hand. Steve took a step back, keeping his hands up.

  “He walked into it.”

  “Tyler, take care of Jaime,” Sensei Melissa said, but Tyler was already in motion. “Everyone else line up.”

  Hauling Jaime to his feet by his arm, Tyler guided him to the bathroom.

  “Here.” Tyler handed Jaime paper towels as he got a cold pack out of the first aid kit. “How is the pain on a scale of one to ten? Keep a steady pressure on the bridge of your nose.”

  “I’m okay, Sempai,” Jaime’s nasally voice answered as he kept his head down. “I should have blocked.”

  Tyler frowned. “It was a drill. He shouldn’t have hit you.”

  “It wasn’t Steve’s fault.” Jaime seemed to be avoiding direct eye contact with Tyler. “I walked into it like he said.”

  His words did nothing to allay Tyler’s concern. Besides the fact that Steve had never liked Jaime, he was the higher rank and should have shown more control.

  “You can tell me if it wasn’t an accident.”

  Jaime looked at Tyler with an unsure expression but said nothing. Tyler doubted Jaime would complain about Steve, especially if he did feel like Steve had hit him on purpose. No student should ever feel singled out. The dojo was supposed to be a safe place. Tyler wanted to go upstairs and make sure Steve understood that, even if he had to beat the concept into the guy. The only thing that stopped him was not wanting anyone to think he was looking out for Jaime any differently than the other students. Sometimes the guys got rough with each other. Usually it resulted in a strengthening of their bond as students. Tyler doubted there was any kind of bonding between Jaime and Steve. He was torn between the desire to protect Jaime and to appear neutral. Would the other students think there was something going on between Jaime and him if he made an example of Steve?

  Soon students were filing by the washroom on the way to the changing room. The bleeding had subsided and it didn’t seem like anything was broken. Tyler handed Jaime a fresh wet paper towel to clean up.

  “Jaime, how are you doing?” Sensei Melissa asked as she stood in the doorway.

  With a small smile, Jaime nodded. “I should have blocked.”

  Sensei Melissa put her hand on Jaime’s shoulder and gave him an encouraging smile.

  “Good plan.”

  Despite her casual tone, Tyler saw the concern in her eyes. He could still hear Randy counting on the dojo floor and knew Steve had received his reprimand in the form of push-ups.

  “Keep up the good work.” Sensei Melissa always had a way of saying the right thing to inspire a student to be better than even they thought they could be. “The extra training is really paying off. Sometimes getting hit provides a valuable lesson.”

  “Hai, Sensei,” Jaime said with a broad smile.

  “Sayonara.”

  “Sayonara, Sensei.” Jaime and Tyler spoke in unison.

  Alone again with Jaime, Tyler couldn’t help but examine Jaime’s swollen and reddened nose. Blood streaked down the front of his white gi. His eyes were focused on the floor. Jaime’s defeated posture had Tyler more concerned than ever about Jaime’s altercation with Steve.

  “Jaime,” Tyler resisted the urge to lift his chin so that he could see Jaime’s eyes. “Was it really an accident?”

  Before Jaime could answer, Steve stomped by the washroom and into the changing room. A series of mumbled curses were punctuated by a slamming locker door.

  “You are going to want to get that in the wash tonight,” Randy said as he settled against the doorframe of the washroom.

  Jaime’s eyes lifted from the floor, only to settle on the bloodstained gi front.

  More stomping announced Steve’s exit from the changing room. He looked ready to punch the nearest available target. Tyler wasn’t about to let that be Jaime, again. Before Steve could charge by the washroom, Randy stepped in his path.

  “Aren’t you forgetting something?” Randy asked.

  Steve shot Randy a look that barely concealed his fury under a mask of civility. He might be a hot head, but Steve wasn’t about to mouth off to a black belt. Not if he wanted to keep training in the dojo. Swallowing whatever vile thoughts raced through his brain, Steve turned to Jaime.

  “I’m sorry for my lack of control.” Steve looked like he was practically biting his tongue off in the effort to keep it in check.

  “It’s okay,” Jaime mumbled.

  Steve gave a shallow bow then eyed Randy, waiting for his permission to leave.

  “See you next class.” Randy’s smile was genuine because Steve had done what was right. “Control comes with practice. Being a brown belt isn’t easy.”

  “Hai, Sempai.”

  Steve didn’t look as pleased as Randy. In fact, he looked about as pissed off as Tyler had ever seen him. He walked off without another word. Tyler almost felt bad for Steve. Then Tyler saw the blood on Jaime’s gi and Tyler’s body started to shake with anger. It was a stupid reaction. If only it was because Jaime was a student and not because Tyler felt like he wanted to protect Jaime.

  “I’d better be going,” Randy said. “Sarah’s waiting for me. Next time, keep your guard up.”

  “Hai, Sempai.” Jaime bowed to Randy. “Sayonara, Sempai.”

  “Sayonara.”

  * * * *

  Despite the blood and a nose that felt like it belonged on a clown, Jaime started to relax as soon as Steve left the dojo. It had been an accident. Or at least Jaime preferred to think of it that way. He wouldn’t put it past Steve to take a cheap shot, but Jaime wanted to be a good enough martial artist that he could handle whatever cheap shot anyone took.

  “I think we can skip the sparring tonight,” Tyler said. He smiled and put his hand on Jaime’s shoulder. He looked genuinely concerned about Jaime and that made Jaime’s heart melt.

  “Thanks for the first aid.” Jaime felt his cheeks heating up and hoped he wasn’t blushing. He wasn’t used to having someone looking after him. “Guess I need a few more lessons on blocking.”

  Jaime heard Tyler sigh before he headed to the changing room. Jaime filed in behind Tyler and took off his blood-splattered gi top with a frown. Some students might think blood on their uniform was a badge of honor, but Jaime wasn’t one of them.

  “Randy’s right,” Tyler said and kept his eyes to himself as he undressed. It was impossi
ble for Jaime to guess what he was thinking. “The blood will set if you don’t wash it out as soon as possible.”

  “Guess it’s the twenty-four-hour laundromat then.” Jaime wasn’t looking forward to a late night. All he wanted was to get cleaned off and crawl into bed. “I’m not supposed to use the unit washer and dryer after ten.”

  “You could come over to my place and use mine.” Tyler made the offer without a second’s hesitation. Jaime felt his blush deepen. The thought of being back in Tyler’s apartment only reminded him of the last time they were together. “I’ve got a washer and dryer in my apartment.”

  Tyler kept his focus on his gi bag. Jaime wasn’t sure if he was just being friendly or wanted to be more than friendly.

  “Do you want me to come over?” Jaime asked.

  “Only if you want to.”

  Finally, Tyler looked at Jaime. There was something hopeful and vulnerable in his voice. Jaime wasn’t sure what would happen if he went home with Tyler, but he was willing to find out.

  “Let’s go.”

  Chapter 12

  Tyler wasn’t as nervous about having Jaime in his apartment as the last time. The comparison brought to mind luscious memories that had kept him company every night since. Tyler tried his best to keep his thoughts hidden as he showed Jaime how to use the washing machine. To his credit, Jaime humored Tyler’s rambling; an amused smile never leaving Jaime’s face.

  “So add clothes and soap then press start?” Jaime chuckled as Tyler closed the lid on the washing machine.

  “It should only take about half an hour,” Tyler said. He knew he was stating the obvious but going over the finer points of the various cycles kept him from an awkward silence that threatened to unleash all the thoughts swirling around in his brain. Tyler hated to see Jaime hurt, and the desire to comfort him ate at Tyler’s self-control. “We can just chill and watch some TV until it’s done.”

  Tyler’s hands fumbled with the dials on the washing machine as if it was the first time he’d used them. The urge to pull Jaime close and see that hunger in his eyes was so strong, Tyler’s body ached.

  “Are you hungry?” Tyler asked. It was better if he kept his hands and mind occupied. “I can throw a pizza in the oven.”

  “Sure.”

  As Tyler turned to head to the kitchen, he noticed the redness and swelling of Jaime’s nose. Seemingly self-conscious under Tyler’s gaze, Jaime looked away. This time Tyler didn’t suppress the urge to touch him. Closing the distance between them with a single step, he waited for Jaime to pull away. When he didn’t, Tyler cupped his chin. Gently, Tyler placed a kiss on the tip of Jaime’s nose.

  The smile on Jaime’s lips broadened from ear to ear.

  “That’s better,” Tyler said.

  From beneath his long bangs, he saw the spark ignite in Jaime’s eyes. Tyler’s thumb brushed against Jaime’s lower lip.

  “All better.” Tyler was determined to make sure Jaime forgot all about his sore nose by any means necessary.

  Hip to hip, Jaime reached up and wrapped his hands around Tyler’s neck. Tyler’s pulse quickened, his arousal making it obvious what was on his mind. The slightest wiggle from Jaime only added to Tyler’s excitement. Jaime seemed to delight in tormenting him. His eyes lingered on Tyler’s lips. A wave of panic gripped Tyler as Jaime moved in. Before Jaime’s lips touched his, Tyler tilted his head to the side and captured Jaime’s earlobe in his teeth. He tugged playfully and caressed Jaime’s thigh, hoping it made up for the denial of the one thing Tyler couldn’t risk giving. If he did, he might have to face that this wasn’t just an experiment.

  “Let’s go to my bedroom.” Tyler breathed the words against Jaime’s salty skin, the recently dried sweat of a hard karate class such a turn on. Plus they could shower together later. Tyler’s hand stroked down the length of Jaime’s fly. “If you want to.”

  Jaime moaned and leaned into Tyler’s touch.

  “Oh, I want.”

  Tyler’s mouth trailed kisses down the nape of Jaime’s neck as his head tilted back, offering Tyler complete access. Pulling Jaime’s shirt over his head, Tyler continued the journey down Jaime’s chest and stomach. Jaime’s fingers gently scraped over Tyler’s buzzed scalp with an urgency that mirrored his unrelenting erection pressing against Tyler’s thigh.

  “Isn’t it my turn to do something for you?” Jaime stopped Tyler’s progress south.

  “I seem to remember the pleasure being mutual.”

  Jaime’s smile was so unabashed, a spike of arousal rippled through Tyler. It scared him how much it pleased him and not simply for the sexual confidence in Jaime’s eyes. Quickly turning his mind from those thoughts, Tyler focused how he could keep that grin on Jaime’s face. He pressed his lips to the bulge in Jaime’s pants and savored the moan that it inspired.

  “Tell me what you like,” Tyler whispered as he looked up into Jaime’s eyes.

  “You.”

  Jaime knew just how to melt Tyler’s heart and harden other parts of his anatomy at the same time.

  They headed to the bedroom, stripping each other’s clothes as they went. By the time Jaime pushed Tyler on the bed, Tyler couldn’t get enough of the feel of Jaime’s skin. Tyler explored the softness of Jaime’s body. Tyler licked and kissed every inch of him. For his part, Jaime wrangled Tyler into a position that offered him as much access to Tyler. Tyler’s appreciative member hardened and twitched under Jaime’s gentle but insistent caresses.

  Jaime cringed when his tender nose bumped against Tyler.

  “Are you okay?” Tyler stopped and reached for Jaime’s face.

  “I’m fine, really.” Jaime scrunched his nose. He brought Tyler’s fingers to his lips and started sucking on them one by one.

  “You are trying to distract me.”

  Jaime gave Tyler a devilish grin as his hand cupped his balls. “Is it working?”

  Tyler couldn’t resist Jaime’s touch and would have gladly had Jaime wrapped around his cock. Except Tyler didn’t want to risk hurting him, even by accident. When Jaime bent down to place his mouth on Tyler, he stopped Jaime.

  “Maybe we could do something that won’t bump your nose.”

  “Like what?”

  Tyler blushed as he thought of another way they could both get off. Jaime must have followed Tyler’s train of thought because the redness on the bridge of his nose drained into his cheeks.

  “I’ve never…” Tyler’s tongue tripped over his words as images of Jaime yielding under him threatened to derail any attempt at coherent speech. “I mean, not even with a woman. But if you got off on it, I’d try it.”

  It. Tyler couldn’t even name the act he was thinking of. None of his girlfriends had ever been into anal sex. Even though every guy was supposed to crave it, Tyler had always been worried about doing something wrong and hurting his partner.

  “I could show you how.” Jaime winked. “I’ve got a lot of experience on top.”

  Abruptly, Tyler’s mental image changed. Now he was the one submitting. The muscle memory of Jaime’s body pressed against his during their sparring matches when Tyler had no choice but to submit resurfaced. He wondered if he could give in to the sexual tension he had fought when they sparred.

  “It was just an idea.” Jaime spoke quickly. “We don’t have to. It’s not easy to be on the bottom. I know I can’t do it unless I trust the person I’m with completely. Really, my nose is fine.”

  Jaime started to head back below Tyler’s navel, but he stopped Jaime again. Trust wasn’t the problem. Tyler trusted Jaime completely. He had since the first time Jaime had held him in a chokehold with that look of trepidation in the man’s eyes. Tyler knew Jaime wouldn’t do anything to hurt him and would stop as soon as Tyler gave the slightest indication he wasn’t enjoying it.

  “Will it hurt?”

  “A little, at first,” Jaime’s voice caught in his throat. “But I’ll be gentle.”

  Tyler took a deep breath. “Okay.”

  “Okay?�
�

  “Okay, I want to give being…a bottom a try.” Tyler hoped he was using the word correctly and didn’t sound as completely clueless as he felt.

  “Wait right here.” Jaime bounced off the bed and headed out of the bedroom.

  In a flash, he was back with a small clear bottle and a square foil wrapper. Tyler marveled at his preparedness.

  “I used to be a boy scout,” Jaime said then averted his eyes. “Always be prepared, right?”

  Tyler laughed at Jaime’s sudden modesty. Jaime’s mixture of sexual openness and vulnerability tugged at Tyler’s heart. Was there anything he would deny Jaime if the man asked? The trace of a blush on Jaime’s cheeks and the hunger in his eyes were a combination Tyler found irresistible. Even still, Tyler felt a flutter of nerves grip his stomach. The same old questions surfaced. What if he didn’t enjoy it? What if he did?

  “Lie down,” Jaime said.

  “Be gentle.” A nervous chuckle escaped Tyler’s lips as he lay face down on the bed.

  “I promise to go slow,” Jaime whispered in Tyler’s ear. His skin tingled at the feel of Jaime’s hair against his neck. “I’ve been told I’m pretty good at this. Just relax. If you want to stop, just say the word.”

  Tyler practically jumped when he felt Jaime’s hand on his back. Jaime began by massaging Tyler’s shoulders. His insistent fingers kneaded Tyler’s back muscles. When that failed to relax him, Jaime dug harder.

  “Don’t tell me I’m going to have to get you into a choke hold for you to relax.”

  “Maybe.” Tyler’s muffled voice was lost in the comforter.

  Jaime’s playful laughter did more than his massage did to untangle the tension in Tyler’s body.

  “Before we break out the submission hold.” Jaime kissed Tyler’s ear lobe, “Try putting your hands on your head.”

  As soon as Tyler interlaced his fingers on the back of his head, Jaime trapped his hands with one hand off his own. Jaime’s other hand slid down the length of his back and over Tyler’s ass until he reached Tyler’s clenched thighs.

  “Now spread your legs.” Jaime’s voice was gentle yet stern. Without warning, he slapped Tyler’s ass hard enough Tyler yelped.