( open ) practice makes perfect

[winscenario]

Who: Jim Kirk & YOU!
What: Jim wants to learn how to wield a sword (and some other weapons)
When: Now-ish
Where: Temjask arena
Rating: PG-13 for possible mild violence, fighting and minor injuries


While not unfamiliar with using weapons, it's fair to say that Jim's well out of his depth here. Barring the use of magic, there's nothing even remotely resembling energy weapons, and even projectile weapons are nonexistent. He's checked out what's on offer but some of them he doesn't even recognize, and those that he does...

Well, he can't really remember ever holding a sword in his life, for instance. But he's definitely curious. He goes to the arena to train, keep his body in shape and possibly look for someone willing to spar with him, and after he's worked up some sweat, he heads out to where all those weapons are on display, looking over the selection with interest.

He picks up a sword at one point, a smaller and lighter-looking one, but not knowing what to do with it, he'll put it back down unless someone approaches or cuts in. He also walks around the training grounds, watching others use those same weapons, admiring from a safe distance at how skilled they are.

A more elaborate or showy move will no doubt get an impressed sound from him, and he tips his head at them. "That was brilliant. You're really good."

Not that he'd know the first thing, it just looked impressive.

Comments

[winscenario]

About... this big. [ He holds his hands apart about the size of a phaser. ] Our phasers have a rotating nozzle that flips around depending on whether you set it to stun or kill.

[ So they do at least have that in common between them. Jim doesn't often use the kill setting, however. In fact he can't remember the last time he has.

He lets out a soft snort at the last comment, shaking his head. ] Not a priority for me right now, but thanks. I'll remember to adopt a pet if I ever want to get lucky.

[ He jokes of course, because that's definitely not the reason to get a pet. ]

[momsboy]

[ Sandy lets out a small chirp of protest and clings to Jim's thumb when he moves his hands apart. Careful there buddy, don't drop her she's very little now. Peter knows it won't hurt her if that happens but better avoid any possible incidents, he can only summon the familiar a limited number of times a day. ]

A different method, same result. Glad that you use nonlethal force if possible too.

[ And Jim, don't laugh at his sincere flattery and accept your inherent cuteness. It's the lovely baby blue eyes, man. ]

Hah, you're welcome for the idea.

[ Peter know that Jim doesn't nee need a pet for that but they make good company in general, that's reason enough to keep a pet. And one of the reason why he likes having Sandy so much. ]

And since we're discussing the subject of company...no one else from your world has showed up yet?

[winscenario]

[ Jim lets out a little sound, chuckling as the pet struggles to cling to his hand. ] Sorry, Sandy.

[ He moves his hand closer to his own shoulder so Sandy can hop on it instead. There, she'll be safe there.

He looks up at the question, shaking his head. ]

No one so far. Just me, I guess. It's probably a good thing, all things considered. I wouldn't want any of them to be stuck here with me.

[momsboy]

The hamster makes another small sound but it's less of a complain and more of a 'it's okay' kinda chirp. Once she's safely deposited on Jim's shoulder, she rubs her nose against the shell of his ear and then stays still. Woohoo so high, she can see everything from here.

Ah...I get it, really. I don't think the other Guardians might like it here, except perhaps Mantis. But for Gamora and I, it is another chance to be together.

[winscenario]

Some of my crew mates and friends might've liked it here, honestly. The problem is they wouldn't be able to go back either.

[ Not that Jim minds being here, but if he was given the choice, he'd go back in a heartbeat. ]

You can't be together back home? [ It seems to click in his mind almost immediately after what that means, and his expression falls, voice quieter. ] I'm sorry, Peter.

[momsboy]

You have a duty back home and you take it very seriously, that I understand.

[ It's kind of the same with the guardians, they have people to help. But Peter has been gone for the past five years and the world moved on and tried to heal. He's expendable, Gamora is not. Even if they will both miss the rest of their team, their family, if they stay in Asgard.

Peter waits for things to click on Jim's mind and then gives a small shrug. Somehow it looks a bit defeated.]

Thanks, Jim. BAck home it's complicated, there had been deaths and mixed past and present time-lines. Things are better here, she's safe and that's what matters.

[winscenario]

[ Peter really doesn't have to explain himself. Jim doesn't even know all the details and he still thinks it's a worthwhile choice. Even if Peter wasn't gone back home, even if he had a job or obligations, it's not wrong to want to sacrifice that to get to have someone he loves alive again.

Jim can't even begin to imagine loving someone like that. The thought makes him feel a little hollow in his heart, a gap he's never quite known how to fill. ]

It is. [ He smiles softly, genuinely glad for Peter. ] And you're both happy and together, that matters too.

[momsboy]

[ And this is exactly why he likes Jim so much. The man knows that people's personal choices are hardly easy, and he doesn't judge.

As for finding someone or something special in his life, there's still plenty of time for Jim. ]

We are. I've been, uhm...thinking about our future. [ Jim is granted with an unusual sight now, Peter blushing slightly. He's usually too shameless for that to happen. ]

[winscenario]

[ Jim's eyebrows raise at that. His lips twitch slightly, and his smile widens, a knowing look on his face. ]

Oh, really? [ He narrows his eyes slightly at Peter. ] And what exactly does that mean?

[momsboy]

[ Peter only flushes more at that face and looks around to make sure no one's near to eavesdrop. Especially to make sure no green lady is around, that would ruin the surprise. ]

Gamora and I already lived together before coming here and we've been dating for some years so I was thinking on taking the next step.

[winscenario]

[ Jim only seems more delighted when Peter actually flusters, and he has to fight the urge to coo at him like an idiot. His smile is wide and curved, though, eyes shining brightly. ]

Peter! That's great! So? Did you get a ring, write up a proposal? Or does her species
do things a little differently?

[ He pokes Peter's chest. ] You have to tell me all about it.

[momsboy]

[ If Jim enjoys seeing him flustered, then he must be having a blast now. Peter makes a quick, alarmed 'shhhh!' when Jim steaks up a bit too loudly. ]

I want to give her a ring, yes, and I have a design in mind. But I don't know the customs of her people and given what happened to them when she was little, I don't think Gamora remembers a whole lot. So we would sort of wing it...if she says yes. [ Since Jim's finger is pocking him, Peter raises his own hand to wraps it around the captain's and give him a squeeze. ] What if she doesn't say yes???

[winscenario]

[ Yep, he's having the time of his life, not gonna lie. It's almost cathartic, even, considering how Peter managed to fluster him just because he blurted out how he thought Peter was so handsome once. Serves him right. ]

Are you kidding? Of course she'll say yes. If she doesn't then you're an idiot who clearly didn't ask it the right way.

[ His lips curl, and he leans in, narrowing his eyes. ]

You're gonna make me one of your best men, right? I won't take no for an answer, just so you know.

[momsboy]

[ That was a beautiful moment and Peter hasn't forgotten about either, it was only a little friendly teasing! This is serious!

Sandy makes a small chittering sound. Could be that she's agreeing with Jim that Gamora would say yes, or that she's amused at the whole conversation. Either way, the tiny hamster seems to be amused. ]

But that's the problem! I'm usually that kind of idiot. Do you see my problem, Jim?

[ Peter has a lot of confidence in certain areas, in certain others..not so much. He doesn't pull away when Jim leans close because this way no one can't hear what they say. Peter looks almost as serious as the other man. ]

I'm almost offended that you had to ask. Of course you're going to be the best man, I can't think of anyone better for the task. If she says yes. And...I find someone to marry us. Are there priests in this city?

[winscenario]

[ Hey, Jim's totally taking it seriously! That doesn't mean he can't tease Peter a little about it.

Still, he smiles softly at Peter's concerns, dipping his head in a small nod. ]

I get it, really. But also... I think you're worrying too much. I don't know Gamora very well, but if she loves you as much as you love her, then she'll say yes.

[ And even if she doesn't, Jim just has a feeling they'll be alright regardless. ]

Hmm, not that I know of... but there is a Captain, at least. [ His lips curl into a smile. ] Is it a problem if your best man officiates the wedding, too? Because I've done it before, and I can do it again.

[momsboy]

[ Fair enough. Jim's got a point. Maybe. Possibly. The guardian is half reassured, half panicking now. ]

No, I am worrying the right amount, trust me. [ Is that a pout on Peter's face? Yes, yes it is. But it doesn't last, thankfully, because his eyes light up like a Christmas tree at Jim's suggestion. ]

Oh my god, you could do that for us? That would be awesome! And no, not a problem at all.

[winscenario]

[ Jim just laughs at that, shaking his head. He does think Peter's overthinking it, but the way he looks like an infatuated dork is really very sweet. ]

Of course. It'd be my pleasure, Peter. [ He rests a hand on Peter's shoulder, squeezing gently. ] It's going to go great, trust me. I've got a good feeling about this.

[momsboy]

[ If Gamora is involved, he always acts like an infatuated dork. Can't help it.

Instead of answers straight away, he pulls Jim into a hug, mindful not to squish Sandy while doing so. ]Thanks man, I really needed to hear that.

He takes a step back after that, a goofy smile still on his face. Sorry about getting all sappy on you, I'm sure you came here to train and not to be roped into my love life. I should leave you too it.

[winscenario]

[ Jim returns the hug instantly, giving it a slightly tighter squeeze before letting go again. ]

Not at all. You can talk to me about anything, anytime. Yes, including your love life. You can repay the favor if the opportunity ever presents itself.

[ That is, if Jim ever finds anyone special while he's here... for now he says his goodbyes to Peter, letting him go on his way while he goes back to his practice. ]

[momsboy]

[ Jim gives some of the best hugs, in Peter's opinion, because he's always willing to offer affection back. And boy, isn't Peter a sucker for it. ]

Likewise, Jim. I'm always here if you need anything, my friend. [ Peter smiles and reaches out to gather Sandy in his hands before saying good bye as well. He's got a wedding proposal to plan. ]