xp_logs | Angelo and Scott, Wednesday evening

Scott comes to talk to Angelo and the self-defence job, and the offer is finalised and accepted.

"I don't think it would be a huge time-suck," Scott said to the younger man sitting beside him on the porch. "Not really. It does demand preparation, but not of the standard sort, and it is basic self-defense. There's not really a lot that's very complicated in the material." No, just in how you do or don't relate to your students...

He'd forgone the usual cigarette this time, in a vague attempt to demonstrate that he could. "Yeah, I didn't figure it'd take up too much time. Or that Lorna would've asked me about it if it did. What sort of preparation d'you have in mind?"

"You need to do some reading." Scott snorted softly. "Yeah, I know that doesn't make a whole lot of sense given that it's a practical skill, but you need a good grasp on what you should and shouldn't be teaching them. It's not about knowing how to fight, per se. Hell, most of the time it should be about not fighting."

Angelo thought about that, frowning slightly to himself. "It won't be the first time I've tried to teach kids to fight, but it might be the first time I've tried to teach 'em not to", he said with a rueful half-grin. "An' I know it's a long way from the same thing - we'll be hopin' these kids never need it, for one. An' for another... won't be the same kind. Not at all."

"No, it won't. And that's the first thing you'll have to be clear on, before you walk into the gym to teach," Scott said, then laughed softly. "Although some of it's situational awareness, and I suspect you've got that down pat."

A crooked smile. "Yeah, I, uh... learned that one a long time ago. But whether I could teach it, an' fightin' just to defend yourself, not to hurt the other guy..."

"I've got some books for you," Scott said. "And yeah, I know, just what you need. More reading."

"I'll find the time for it", he promised, determined. "What kind of books?"

"Outlining some things you should keep in mind, when preparing for class," Scott said. "Techniques, strategies, things to watch out for... they're pretty good, really."

Angelo nodded slowly. "I'll read them over when I can. Other thing is, though... what if I forget? Teach them the wrong stuff?"

"You'll have Lorna there working with you," Scott said, "and the two of you can keep track of each other." He smiled. "Consider it an early teamwork exercise, if you want. And, I'll always be here for advice if you need it."

That got a more than slightly relieved smile - clearly it was something that had been bothering him. "Thanks. How many classes get run a week? One or two?"

"Two. But with the two of you working together, you'll be able to adjust schedules and so forth if need be. It's a good solution." He needed to be more explicit to Lorna about just what a good idea it was, actually. He'd been insufficiently appreciative when she'd brought it up.

"Yeeeeah, schedules was the other thing. But if it's just an hour or two every week, I think I can fit it in."

"We could even do it on a trial basis at first," Scott offered.

"That'd probably be a good plan", Angelo said, almost apologetic for having to go even that far. "I want the job, an' I'm pretty sure I can handle it for what it is, but... yeah."

"Always best to be sure, isn't it?" Scott said wryly. "Don't think I don't appreciate the sentiment."