The common room looked like a battlefield hospital.
Bodies draped across every surface. Groans filled the air. The scent of defeat and sweat mingled together in a thick cocktail of misery.
Braxton had shown up for morning training this time. Apparently decided to make up for his previous absence by working us twice as hard. My ribs still ached from where he'd casually drop-kicked me into a wall. Called it "character building." Sadistic bastard.
Jaime lay sprawled on the floor. His massive frame took up an obscene amount of space. "My pythons," he whimpered. Gently stroked his biceps like they were dying puppies. "They're sore, but they'll grow back stronger for Sakura!"
Even in pain, the guy was thinking about his hero. I almost respected that level of dedication. Almost.
