Xaviers!

Carlos was in the rec center, working the heavy bag, as he got back into fighting shape.

((open))

Haley was work another bag not far from Carlos, though she had nowhere near the form or technique he did. Still, some stern advice from self defense and X-Team training seemed to be sinking in at least as Haley punched and occasionally kicked the bag. Nearby, a five pound dumbbell floated unsteadily in the air at about head height. A sheen of sweat covered Haley's brow which was furrowed in concentration.

Carlos looked over at the pint-sized powerhouse.

He didn't want to break her concentration, but he did start heading over in that general direction.

The sudden appearance of Carlos (to her heavily distracted self at least) made Haley jump and let out a yelp as the dumbbell dropped to the floor with a loud clatter.

"Jesus, you scared me," she panted.

Carlos put both hands up defensively.

"Didn't mean to, didn't mean to. Gotta be aware of your surroundings."

"I know," she grumbled, panting a bit. "Why I'm practicing. Trying to be able to do a few things at once, you know?"

"Makes sense, though maybe you're biting off more than you can chew?"

"Nah. That was earlier when I was holding three weights and letting the Danger Room beat on me instead of just working a bag," she smirked.

"And hardly a bruise to be seen," Carlos joked.

"Thank god for safeties," she smirked.

"You're like a kung fu master, yeah? What was I doing wrong on the bag."

"I know a bit of kung fu, I suppose.

And you weren't really following through enough. You don't want to punch a guy's nose, for example--you want to punch through it so all of your force travels in the right direction."

Haley jabbed at the bag again, once again, not really following through. "Like that?"

"Nonono," Carlos said, stepping in behind her. "Try picturing your opponent a foot ahead of where he actually is, and try to punch THAT."

Haley did as instructed, her brow furrowed in concentration. A powerful hitter she was not, but the form was much improved.

"See? Didn't that feel better? You can feel that impact all the way up your arm."

"Way better," Haley agreed, smiling and looking back at Carlos, though she was suddenly quite self-conscious about how much she was sweating from her workout. She tucked a stray piece of hair back behind her ear.

"Very good," Carlos said, flashing a smile. "Now, we just need to do that 10,000 more times."

"Ten thousand? But I want it now," she whined jokingly.

"You think that's real though? The ten thousand number they always say?"

"I know that practice makes perfect," he smiled. "But then, I've had a bit of a head start."

"How long have you done the Bruce Lee stuff?"