Chapter 30.5: Birthday! (Short)

///During the Timeskip///

"Nice, and push off," Orion complimented Vi as they practiced. She was polishing her ability to switch between southpaw and orthodox stances after slipping a jab or straight right.

Smirking confidently, she danced to the side and threw a fast light hook, popping Orion lightly on the cheek. "Got ya."

Orion rubbed his cheek and smirked back, brushing it with his shoulder.

For a while longer, they playfully sparred without gloves, tapping and hitting each other's guard while staying nimble on their feet. Getting into it, Vi started stepping forward more aggressively, her taps hitting slightly harder.

Realizing she was starting to get out of hand, he stepped in to meet her, pressing down lightly on her head, "Alright alright." 

"'Alright Alright' my ass," Vi responded with agitated playfulness, landing a flurry of light rabbit punches on Orion's stomach until he let go.

"Agh- You win," Orion conceded, wincing and raising his hands in surrender.

Immediately, she flicked her hand up, tapping his chin. "You bet I did," she said, giggling as Orion lightly shoved her shoulder.

"What? Wanna go again?" She taunted, bouncing lightly on her feet.

"Maybe later. I've got something for you," Orion replied dismissively, drawing a curious look as she lowered her guard. Her gaze followed him as he walked back to the corner, reaching into his slung jacket and pulling out a wrapped package in murky brown paper.

Vi took it, her gaze darting between the heavy, paper-wrapped object and Orion. 

"Thank you?" she said slowly, completely confused, and squeezing it cautiously.

Chuckling, Orion nodded at it. Her doubtful gaze followed his nod back to the present. "It's an early present for your birthday- since I won't be here."

Vi's eyes widened before gingerly unwrapping it, holding gently a pair of brass knuckles. She stared at them before her eyes flicked back to Orion, filled with emotion, and stepping in for an emotional hug.

"Don't kill Mylo with it...yet," Orion joked lightly, hugging her back with a gentle smile.

Vi sniffled, brushing her fingers across the brass knuckles before sliding them on. "No promises there," she giggled through some tears.

She opened and closed her hands several times, stepping away to throw out punches to test their feel.

"You just beat the shit out of me- I don't believe those tears," Orion joked flatly. Pointing at the brass knuckles glinting under the lights, he added, "I changed my mind- this was a bad idea."

Vi froze like a statue as if struck by lightning. Her gaze flicked to Orion and immediately he stiffened.

"Ah shit," he muttered slowly with realization, placing a hand on the rope.

Her eyes glinted mischievously, "Sorry, what was a bad idea?" she asked, her voice playful as she started turning toward him.

"Nothing wh- ah wait VI! WAIT!" Orion panicked, jumping the rope as Vi broke into action, sprinting toward him. She hopped out after him laughing maniacally, shouting with pure delight, "Come back!"

"NO!"