Nicole

"There you go! Nice form!" Coach clapped as I flipped and twirled down the long blue mat. By the time I got to the end, I did a double flip in the air then landed perfectly on my feet.

"Yes!" he jogged over to me and handed me a water bottle. "There's a lot of energy in that little body of yours."

I shrugged, gulping down the water. I've always had plenty of stamina in my system to get through my assignments. This wasn't anything new to me.

He dabbed the sweat off of my face and neck with a small towel, "You've gotten a lot more flexible now, which is good. Less for me to worry about."

"I guess I have you to thank for almost dislocating my limbs during yoga countless times."

"Is that it?" He smirked. "Or has a certain perfectionist been trying to master the art on her own time after finding out she's not too good at it."

"Is that what you think?" I chuckled and handed him the bottle, soon admitting, "Okay... Maybe I have been practicing a bit since our last session."

He smiled proudly, "Good to hear. Now, let's get out to the shooting range."

"Already?"

"Yup. An hour a station. We have to keep up with time, remember?"

I nodded, "Alright, I'll go change... And shower."

This spandex was getting kind of gross and sticky on my skin. I didn't plan ahead on bringing my own outfit for gymnastics so I had to be stuck with bad quality rental gear.

"You can change. But there isn't any time for a shower. You can do that after we finish."

I gave him a small sneer, "Right... Well, don't complain if I start smelling like a musty asshole alright, cause I don't want to hear it."

He laughed, "I... Won't make any promises."

"Whatever, you have a scissor?" I fanned myself, getting irritated.

"No, why would you need it?"

"My skin is stuck to this outfit and I can't get out of it." I demonstrated by trying to pull my arm out of one of its sleeves but I couldn't even get it passed my shoulder.

He laughed, watching me struggle, "That isn't my fault."

"You gave me the outfit..."

"It was all they had left in the rental station. Maybe if you'd brought your own, you wouldn't have been stuck with this one..." He snickered, "Literally."

"Maybe you should shut your hole and get me some scissors." an hour in this thing was more than enough to piss me off. I felt like I was trapped in plastic wrap, standing under a heater. It didn't bother me as much when I was moving around in it but now it felt like I was going to pass out.

Coach crossed his arms, "I'm not cutting you out. I don't have money to replace that... Here, how about I help you out." he put his hand on my back and began to lead me to walk with him but I stopped.

"You're going to help me take this off..."

He nodded.

"Isn't that... You know, a little weird?"

He chuckled, "I don't know, do you find me helping you to be weird?" He observed my expression before he told me, "If that... Bothers you, then I could go see if another staff is available, or even better, you could move on with the rest of training in the suit-"

"No! No, there isn't time... Get this shit off of me." I gritted my teeth.

He laughed, "Okay then. Let's go." he grabbed my gym bag for me, "I'm sure there's someone in the check-up room who'd be more than happy to help." he said as he led me there. The check-up room was where we went to make sure we were the correct weight for our height, drug and alcohol-free, and where we get our vitamins or work out enhancing pills, which I've never believed in. Only the Coaches were allowed to let you in for safety reasons but people have snuck in there in the past to get their hands on some muscle and performance enhancers.

Coach unlocked the door and let me in first before entering after me. The place was bigger on the inside than how it looked on the outside. It was also cooler than the gym, feeling nice on my skin once I walked in.

"Good morning, Dr. Tracey." Coach greeted a woman at her desk as he shut the door behind him.

I eyed her as she was sorting newly shipped containers of medication into a cabinet. She soon smiled at us at the sound of Coach Jackson's voice, greeting us back. Her face seemed new to me, never seen her in my life.

"How are you today, Mr. Rivera?" She asked Coach.

"Pretty good, can't complain." He smiled before gesturing a hand towards me, "Just here for some assistance... Nicole, Dr. Tracey. Tracey, Nicole." He introduced.

I sized her with my eyes as she smiled at me. "How can I help today?" She asked, walking over to me while I kept my unwelcoming eyes on her.

Jackson answered for me, "Well, it looks like we've gotten ourselves into a small, sticky situation with wardrobe." he held back a laugh at his own corny joke. "She'll need an extra pair of hands to help her out." He moved his eyes down to me now, "I'll be right on the other side of the door. Come find me as soon as it's all taken care of so we can head to the range."

Alone with this woman? I already hated this idea, I don't even know who she is.

I took a few steps closer to Coach, reaching behind me until I felt his hand as the woman asked me with a gentle smile, "What exactly is this sticky situation I'll be helping with?"

"I don't need your help." I told her, pulling Coach closer to me before I demanded, "You, come." as I brought him with me towards the bathroom stalls area.

"Oh... O-okay." He widened his eyes at Tracey with a bemused shrug as he followed behind, only making her just as confused as she watched us until we turned the corner.

When we entered the stalls area, I stood in front of one of the sinks, before a mirror. I've known Coach Jackson for a long time. 3 years. Out of any other coaches or staff here, he'd be the only one I could trust with his hands on me, knowing that he has no intentions to hurt me.

In the mirror, I noticed that my face was extremely red. Redder than how I actually felt. This needed to be done quickly.

"Why didn't you let Dr. Tracey help you?" Coach asked me as he set my bag on the ground.

I scoffed at that question, "I don't know her. If I'm going to be alone with anyone behind a closed door, I'd rather it not be a stranger."

He huffed a small laugh with a head shake, "Not everyone is out to get you, Nick."

"But it's best to be safe than sorry," I told him. "No matter where you are."

I've lived by that for as long as I've been breathing. There were people in my life that were supposed to protect my trust, who were supposed to make me feel safe with them, but they destroyed that before I could utter my first words. Even people on our own team made me question their reliability and, because of that, I would never trust a soul unless I've known 'em long enough to find out who they actually are.

"That's fair." was all he said as he placed his hands on the back of my suit's collar. "Okay, let me see here..." he unbuttoned the small button there but that didn't make much of a difference.

"It's going to take a lot more than that, Coach."

"I know what I'm doing," he assured. "Try to pull your arms out. Once I free them up, you should be able to do the rest on your own."

He pulled the sleeve down over my shoulder as far as he could as I tried to take one of my arms out but, nothing.

"How is this so tight? It's not even spandex on the inside."

I groaned, "What size is this?"

"Uhh..." he flipped the tag, "Oh... Extra small..." I saw him bite his lip from the mirror, knowing he screwed up. "I told her to get me a medium."

I whipped around angrily, "Dammit, Coach! Just get the damn scissors!"

He grabbed my shoulders and warned me with his eyes, "Stop yelling and just work with me. I'm not cutting it but maybe I could stretch it a bit, alright? It wouldn't be noticeable when I return it."

I took a deep breath. My fists were itching to knock him out so hard that he loses eyesight.

Calm down... It isn't his fault.

Right... I'm going to knock out the bitch who gave him the suit thinking this was funny.

I let out a calming breath and asked him in a low tone, "Who gave you the suit...?"

He placed his hands on his hips with a sigh, "It was one of the volunteering agents. Newbie mistake, I guess."

That didn't answer my question.

I clenched my jaw, repeating to him, "Who... Gave you the suit...?"

He eyed me for a moment before answering, "Casey. Like I said, newbie mistake. Don't go trying to confront her about this because I know how you are and I won't allow it."

"Casey Miller?" was all I asked. That was all that was important to me.

He nodded which made me roll my eyes, not surprised that one of Rebecca's rats were responsible for this. Clearly done on purpose and clearly immature, even for them.

"Just get this shit off of me so we could complete training. There isn't any time on my schedule to deal with moronic assholes like them today."

"Good." He furrowed his eyebrows in a slightly confused manner.

I then smirked, "I'll get my revenge some other time."

That made him shake his head as he placed his hands on the suit, "It won't be worth it... Hold in a real deep breath for me."

I did as he said, breathing in deeply as he pulled the front of the suit down over my shoulder and chest, only to make it feel tighter around my diaphragm area. Thankfully enough, I wore a sports bra underneath but I was impressed with how Coach didn't even shoot a glance at my exposed skin. I'm starting to think this guy has been married the whole time.

He turned me around so that my back faced him and he began to force the suit down, making a tearing noise come out of it. That sound was melody to my ears. I tried to help by shimmying my shoulders loose, feeling it start to come out now.

"There you go. Almost there," he said through his gritted teeth. His jaw was tightly clenched and the veins on his muscles were visible as he tried hard to stretch, but not tear the suit.

This is ridiculous!

"Just get the damn scissors. This isn't going to-" I paused when I heard a loud tearing noise.

"Oh, shoot!" his eyes widened at the suit. He had torn it all the way down to the waist, freeing my arms and finally letting me breathe.

It's about time...

"That doesn't sound good!" Dr. Tracey called from her office, making me chuckle.

"Don't worry! We're all good here!" I called back, soon noticing that Coach Jackson's eyes were intently focused on my back for a moment. A long one. "Right Coach?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

When his eyes met mine, he scratched his nose then knelt down to toss me my top from my bag, "So much for not paying for that..." He just said.

Hm.

I caught it and began to put it on, "Don't stress over it, I'll pay for it. I'm just glad my air is circulating again."

He gave a short huff of laughter then began to walk out of the stall area to give me some privacy, "No, you won't."

"Yes, I will." I kicked the suit off of my ankles and immediately got into my much more comfortable, camouflage joggers.

"I'm not going to let you do that, Nick... It's my price to pay."

I chuckled as I splashed some cold sink water over my face.

If you insist, big guy...

After dried my face, I grabbed my fingerless workout gloves out of my bag then walked up to Coach, who was leaning with his back against the wall, "Okay, fine. You're paying for it and buying me a beer afterward. Does that sound like a better deal?" I said as a joke at first only to realize that I actually half-meant it. After a long time of not drinking, having it again back at my new home made me realize how much I've missed the taste and the buzz it gave me. Subtracting what Jaden and I almost got into.

Come on, Nicole, you promised yourself you'd plan on stopping entirely.

But I never said I'd start today...

Coach chuckled and followed me back into the stall area. "I don't mind that... But keep in mind that you do have a blood test sometime soon. Don't drink too much."

I snickered, turning to the mirror to fix my hair up. That's going to be a problem...

My smile faded.

A serious problem.

I've always had a real sweet tooth for alcohol ever since I was really young, too young to even legally have it in my possession and nobody, not even Simon or Jaden, knows too much about the severity of that craving. I did happen to stop for almost three years once, but one celebration offering free drinks later lead to me taking part and finding joy in drinking again.

Coach raked his hair back when he noticed my expression, "Uh... Hopefully, I didn't make you feel uncomfortable. I'm only here to help, you know?"

I turned to him, realizing what he meant. I never thought of or treated myself as feminine as society expects me to be nor do I see myself as even appearing to be as feminine as the other girls. Either way, it doesn't bother me that Coach just saw me in my underwear. It didn't feel wrong to me. "Coach, it's not like you saw me naked. I'm not going to look at you as some pedophile if that's what you're afraid of."

He smiled, "Thank you and good thing too. I wouldn't want to get fired over a misunderstanding."

Smirking, I joked by saying, "Will it count as a misunderstanding if I assumed that I had just caught you staring at my ass a moment ago?"

His eyes widened and his cheeks flushed red, "No, Nick! That wasn't-" He chuckled for a short moment before telling me calmly, "That wasn't what I was looking at... Seeing your tattoo again reminded me of the physical therapies you used to take with me two years ago. I just hesitated from saying anything because I knew better than to incautiously throw a question at you knowing that it might freak you out."

Oh... He was thinking about that...

"Got it..." I said before taking a silent deep breath to prepare myself to hear it as I crossed my arms. "Well, it won't throw me off now that I know where your concerns are. Go ahead and ask the question."

He gave me that charming, friendly smile of his, "I was only wondering how the triggers were doing. They haven't been bothering you too much lately?"

I shook my head with a small smile, "Actually... It's been a while since I've experienced any triggers. I don't remember when they've stopped haunting me but I haven't thought of them for some time now."

He nodded, his smile never leaving his expression as he observed me, "So... Each time I've touched you, not one sudden flash of an image? No muscle shocks?"

"Not even a flinch." And I was more than elated about that. Before engaging in physical therapy with Jackson, any physical contact I had with anyone would trigger these vivid images of the abuse I've faced as a child. The events, the faces, the settings, even the emotions I felt at those very moments. Whether it was a hug from Simon or if someone was just simply brushing past me, any person was capable of triggering those brief yet terrifying images.

I've always ignored them and avoided speaking of them in order to remain being assigned to missions but it wasn't until Jackson was relocated from the headquarters in Europe to the one here in America that something was being done about it. When I started training with him, he noticed that something was off about me and he never believed me each time I told him it was nothing serious. He took the matter into his own hands and, with Simon's approval, had me take the therapy with him.

Jackson knew a very vague amount about the abuse and neglect I've faced in the past but I never really told him who exactly the people in my flashbacks were. I addressed them as general figures such as "the man" or "the woman" but that was enough for him to realize that he needed to be patient with me until I could get to where I am now.

And I continue to be extremely grateful for his work.

"That's phenomenal!" He responded before looking down at his watch. "We need to hurry to the shooting range, now."

I picked up my gym bag and began to head out of the stall area, "Then let's get out of here." I said as I rushed towards the exit, hearing Coach follow behind after Dr. Tracey wished us a nice day.

"Slow down!" Jackson laughed, jogging up to me.

"Good idea, let's jog." I went ahead and did that and he caught up to my side, moving at my pace now.

He smiled and just went along with it.

As soon as we got to the range, I put my bag down in the grass, searching for an empty spot by the shooting barriers, "What's my task?" I asked him.

Coach handed me the earmuffs and answered, "The first objective here is to get ten accurate shots. Still and motion. Each wave you get through will speed up and be a little more difficult than the last."

I nodded and made my way to my spot, grabbing the handgun. "Just let me know when to start."

"Uh, uh..." he took the gun out of my hand, "We aren't using these guns. You're going to hit supreme."

I winced, "Supreme?"

He smiled and gestured me to follow him, "We got these built about two months back. It's for more experienced agents like yourself. You were training Jaden while they constructed the area."

My heart jumped at the sound​ of his name.

Jaden...

I missed him. I should probably call him after I finish here.

Shit, but the phycologist.

Fuck him. I want to see Jaden.

"Nick?"

I snapped out of my thoughts, "What?"

Coach laughed, "Did you just zone me out?"

I pursed my lips, knowing I did.

"I was asking about your partner's condition. How is he?"

"Oh. He's good, I guess."

We walked into a sandy area on the field and Coach put my bag down in it as he asked in concern, "You guess? Nick, he's your partner. You need to at least check up on him every once in a while. Even if he is a... What did you call him? A bag of burnt dog shit?"

I scratched my head, "Really? I said that?"

He chuckled, "You did... Point is, you need to care about who you work with."

Funny you say that...

I felt my cheeks get red, "I do care about him... Sometimes."

"That's a start," he said, leading me to a machine gun.

I grinned at it, "Am I using this?"

He nodded, "Do you know anything about it? Like how to use it?"

"Oh yeah, I've messed around with one of these before..."

He winced, "Really? When?"

"I was 17. Never saw another one since I wrecked the lobby."

"You're the one who did that? I thought that was just a rumor." his mouth slightly gaped open. "Why did you go on that rampage?"

I rolled my eyes at the thought, "I don't want to talk about it. We don't have time to."

Long story short, my former partner got I got into a really bad argument and he said something stupid, I got mad and tried to kill him is all. It wasn't that serious of an argument but I was still young and reckless so I admit that I've overreacted a bit.

"Okay... So you're not actually trained in using these, are you?"

I shook my head.

"No problem. I'll teach you how to use it right now."

"Not that I'm complaining but why can't I use the other firearms. It'll speed up the process."

He gave me the protective goggles, "Because you already know all of them like ABC. Just put your gear on and follow my hands for directions."

"Fair enough." I put them on and Coach did the same as I placed my hands on the gun.

Coach stood close behind me and repositioned my hands in the correct grip. I had to admit, I wasn't perfectly ready for this one. It was way different and a lot bigger than the machine gun I used to own. I aimed at the first target and pulled the trigger.

The gun suddenly fired rapidly with extreme power, pushing me back into Coach who quickly stopped me from falling. "What the hell?!" It was way stronger than the one I had too.

I snatched my earmuffs off and turned to him. He was laughing hysterically at me while I glared.

"Nick! You have to manhandle this thing. Let me show you." he put his earmuffs back on and I did the same as he led me back to face the targets.

I took my position and he closed his huge hands over mine tightly. So tight that a few veins showed up on his forearm. I looked at him, smirking at his face. He was focused on the targets with his eyes squinted, biting his lip as if he thought I would screw up again. I don't think he feels I can handle this weapon. I wasn't ready the first time but I got this now.

He caught me staring so he winked at me then nodded towards the targets for me to pay attention.

I turned back to the targets then fired rapidly at them one at a time. Enjoying the rush of adrenaline from the sound produced by the gun and the feel of it vibrating in my hands. It brought back memories of that rampage I had. Even though I totally destroyed the place, I felt a whole lot better afterward. A lot more powerful too.

The targets were cleared in under an impressive minute. Coach tapped my shoulders with his hand, displaying a huge, proud grin on his face.

"Round 2?" I asked, taking off my earmuffs.

He put his hands on his hips, "That was nice but you need a little work on aim. Are you ready to take on round two?"

Just as I nodded, I heard my name in the distance.

"Daaammn, Nicki!" Jaden jogged up to us. "You ate that bitch!" he said with wide eyes towards the targets.

Jaden! I had the urge to scream and jump on him but, no. I'd probably look like a little 10 year old doing that.

"What is he doing here...?" Coach chuckled.

I shrugged and watched as Jaden approached me, asking the same question in my head as well.

"Just a minute..." I told Coach as I took a few steps towards Jaden with my eyes questioning him.

"Did you miss me?" he asked in a low voice before kissing my cheek.

I smiled but pushed him back a bit, "Not in front of him..." I then chuckled, "Why are you here anyway? You know I'm busy."

"You didn't answer your phone and I have something important to tell you." he looked over at Coach who was clearly not pleased to see him, "Do you mind if I borrow her for a few minutes?"

Coach shook his head, "We need to get through this training. She'll be available afterward..."

Jaden winced, half chuckling, "It's uh, really urgent... Just give me a few seconds."

Coach sighed, "And I still have to get through 40 minutes, Brown. Will you please leave us to complete our training?"

My mouth gaped slightly opened at Coach Jackson.

Why does he seem so fed up with Jaden? I've never seen him act this way.

I couldn't help but laugh a little with interest. I wonder what happened between them.

Jaden put a hand up, "Alright, Coach... Damn." he turned to me and gently pulled me a few feet away from Coach, "Once you finish training, I want you to call me, okay? It's about Fire Catcher. I think there is someone out there who's helping her hide and erase all of her tracks. Someone who isn't Freak Show."

What?!

Anger suddenly sparked inside of me but I quickly contained myself as I asked him, "How did you find this information?"

"I'll have to explain later. Promise to call me, I'll be at your place as soon as possible."

I nodded, "I promise."

"Okay, I'll see you later. Oh, and are you hungry? I'm about to go get something to eat. I'll bring it to your place if you want."

I smiled, "Yeah... Anything but Krispy Kows."

He laughed, "Damn, I was just in the mood for that... How about Mr. Flips?"

"Is this another one of your cheap restaurants?"

He cheesed, "Yup! It's a breakfast joint. You in? They have waffles." he nudged me in the rib.

I nodded, rolling my eyes, "Sure." I smiled. I loved these cheap little places he eats at. The food is a lot more interesting than any fancy restaurant Simon brings me to. That was the only thing good about 'em though, the budget food tastes as cheap as their worth.

"You'll like it, trust me... I'll see you in a bit." he smiled.

"Got it. The quicker I finish, the quicker we'll talk, so hurry and get going so I could do the same." I winked.

He nodded and I headed back to Coach. He was leaned over on the barrier, sipping his water and staring off at the targets.

"Where were we?" I asked, reloading the gun.

He tuned back in and looked from me to Jaden who was heading the other direction, "What's up with you two?"

"He just wanted to tell me about some research he did."

He raised his brow, "Then why'd he kiss you? Last time I checked, you didn't give a damn about him."

I gave him a look, wondering why he cares so much about what I'm doing with my life. He noticed and raked his fingers through his hair.

"All I'm saying is be careful. He doesn't seem like a loyal person, Nick. If you're going to be with him, don't be surprised if he hurts you."

I shook my head, "Wait... Who says we were 'together'... We're just partners." It felt weird saying that because we were definitely becoming something more but it was technically true. We've never made anything official.

His eyebrows briefly flinched upwards, "Oh, really...?" he then sighed, "Nick... I just don't want to see you get hurt, you know? If you're not sure that he wouldn't break his habit of sleeping with multiple girls, then it's not worth the time. Just keep it professional. The last thing I want is to hear that you've been added as another 'smash and pass' on his list..." he guided me to the gun as I lifted the earmuffs up to my ears. I couldn't help but contemplate what he just told me.

What if he's right about that? What if Jaden just wants to sleep with me then leave me?

He wouldn't do that. He cares too much about me... Does he? No... He doesn't. He never cared this much before. Did he? How do these things even work?!

Distraction!

All this is just a distraction! I'll figure it all out later but now, I have work to do.

I felt Jackson's hand touch my waist for him to get my attention, making me look at him, "You okay, Nick?" He frowned. I couldn't hear him but I could read his lips.

I nodded with a thumbs up then got into position and began firing at the moving targets.