“[pins __ to floor]” + “I’ll consider kissing you if you can beat me.”
training turned tension || @dismembrd
They'd been sparring for a while, precious hours that blended into what felt like mere minutes as they exchanged blows between their blades. Ren's fighting style, Mishil had noticed, was more focused on powerful strokes and strength---something she expected out of a member of jūichibantai.
She still had her experience as a member of the nibantai, her movements swift and precise. She'd kept her Zanpakuto drawn, but she had no intention of using its name yet. It was more her curiosity to see what Ren was genuine skills and potential that kept her testing how much pressure she should apply to her hits. She had always felt wary of going all out when she fought.
Ren was certainly impressive however, and she had an inkling that maybe--just maybe he was holding back too. She switched her blade to a reverse grip, and spun on her heel to sweep her leg across his face. The air pressure shifted with her intent, her eyes brightening for a moment.
Ren vanished and her heel struck the ground, cracking at the dirt. Ha--He was fast! She turned in time to catch his strike, blocking it with her blade. The metal edges of their two blades sparked, and she grinned--until his foot swept at her heel and knocked her off balance.
She couldn't help the yelp that slipped from her lips, realizing she was falling backwards. It was more reflex to try to brace herself, but there was a mischievous glint to Ren's good eye when he added his full weight and pinned her to the ground. Though she still was holding her sword, she was acutely aware of how his hovered dangerously against her throat.
What a dangerous man, she thought as he kept one hand to his sword's hilt and the other to her free hand above her head. At least he was considerate enough not to completely crush her but he's effectively ensured she wouldn't be able to move. He grinned cheekily when she scowled in realization. He was playing with her.
“Want to make things more interesting?” He teased, clearly amused. She arched an eyebrow, thinking over what she could do to escape his grip. “What?”
“I'll consider kissing you, if you can beat me.”
Her eyes widened, heat creeping up her neck and warming her cheeks. What did he just say? “Now I know your picking on me.” She pouted with a huff. Ren's grin widened, which made him look endearingly boyish for such a dangerous man. She ignored the way her heart fluttered and tilted her head. “Alright.” She tilted her chin up, knowing her nose would brush his with how close he hovered over her. “I'll take on those odds.”
He chuckled, but his grip tightened on her hand and she could feel the edge of his Zan press against her throat. “Try then.” Though he smiled, his eye darkened with intensity. The corner of her mouth rose into a full smile, surprising him when she added sweetly, “Be careful what you wish for.”
She shifted her knee, her calf curving over his just as her knee brushed the inside of his thigh. He tensed when she shifted her hips, his eye narrowing. “What are you--” She flashed a sly grin, her other knee rising up and meeting his hip. When she squirmed, pretending to flex her hand under his, she pushed her chest against his and felt his sword dig a bit into her neck. The bite of metal cutting into her skin and causing a rivulet of blood to roll down against the steel edge. His eye fixed itself onto the cut and then her knee hooked over his waist and they spun.
Ren grunted, his sword clattering beside hers on the ground. Mishil kept both his hands pinned near his head. The longer strands of her coppery hair swept against his face, the scent of citrus and cinnamon lingering in the air when she leaned closer. Her mouth closed over his, “Deals a deal.”
She felt him squeeze her hands, gently after he tensed for a moment. She was only going to tease him with a light kiss, when his mouth moved against hers. He kissed her back, lightly and chaste at first and she felt herself relax against him. Her lashes fluttered shut, and one of her hands swept the side of his jaw. She was vaguely aware of his hand drifting into her hair, catching at her nape and pulling her closer.
A pleased sound rose from the back of her throat, her mouth parting when he nipped her lower lip. She couldn't help a breathless laugh, when he nipped her jaw, the shadow of his beard tickling her skin. She felt pleasantly light headed and warm, blinking slowly when she realized he found her cut. She jolted when the heat of his mouth closed over the wound, her grip tightening in reflex into his shihakusho.
“Don't need this becoming a scar,” He rumbled into her skin, and she felt her blush return full force. “It--I'll be fine..” She rasped as he kissed it again, his hands settling around her waist loosely. She could feel him smiling against her neck, and flinched when his tongue swept over the wound. She played with the longer strands of his hair, giving him a warning tug. “You plan on kissing each scar?”
He made a humming sound, and she blinked when he drew his head back to catch her gaze. “That an invitation shortcake?” She tugged his hair again, in spite of the way her heart was pounding. “Easy tiger.” She heard herself say, “Good things come to those who wait.”
“You're still blushing.” Ren cackled.
“Don't ruin the mood.” Mishil huffed.
