Bishop and Scott: Training Day (Backdated)

[x-bishop.livejournal.com]

Bishop and Scott resume their Saturday morning training regimen.

Scott ran down the hallway hurriedly zipping up his jacket. This was his first training session with Bishop after Scott had got back from the west coast annex and he was determined not to be late.

Bishop looked on from the lobby, hearing hurried footsteps and looking at his watch. Odds were good it was Scott. He waited, as quiet and patient as would be expected, until the man rounded the corner and came down the stairs. "You don't have to rush." Despite the time of year he wore a t shirt and track pants.

"Damn" Scott sighed as he saw Bishop. Slowing down he walked the last few yards to the detective. "I was so sure I was going to beat you this time" he said extending his hand. "It's good to see you again Bishop" he greeted his friend with a smile.

"Most of my job is surveillance. I'm used to being very early and waiting for a long time, it's not really a fair competition." Bishop shook Scott's hand and offered a little, momentary smile. "What do you have lined up today?"

"I was thinking about a run to warm up and then maybe some hand to hand" Scott replied. "I was running a training sim with Sharon a few days ago and she almost got me" he shivered dramatically. "I only won the scenario because I lost the fight" he confided, "I've gotten a little rusty out at the WCA."

"You know I was a boxer and wrestler, right?" Bishop was sure it had come up but it was a while back. He moved alongside Scott as they headed outside for the run. "If you're rusty, you can spare yourself. I didn't wear a ring for you to kiss but I'm a gracious champion."

Scott moved off down the path to the gate at a slow run, pacing himself for the run. "I think you mentioned it yeah, who better to get me back into shape" he glanced over at Bishop, "I'm not that rusty" he clarified, feverently hoping he was correct. "Although maybe we want to spar somewhere the students can't see"

Bishop jogged alongside Scott. He didn't seem to get winded with the pace. "Put your students where you want them. I'm considering calling the office. 'X-Men on X-Factor grudge match' sounds like something they'd want to see." He said it like he was pitching a fight card.

Scott shook his head with a smile on his face, a stark contrast from his roiling insides. He'd let his mouth talk him into a tight corner, not that he'd ever admit that to anyone of course. "I might surprise you" Scott returned, "still got a few tricks up my sleeve. Like tagging Kyle in" he joked.

"Can't absorb claws." Bishop admitted with a slight chuckle at the joke while he ran alongside Scott.

Scott ran a while further in silence before turning to Bishop. "So how is X-Factor treating you these days?" he asked.

Bishop looked back as they ran. "Reputable and pulling cases with ease. I couldn't ask for more. More my style than the last job."

"It does seem to suit you better" Scott agreed, "Vanessa couldn't have chosen a better partner to found X-factor". He fell silent as they ran on for a few more minutes. "So" he asked breaking the silence, "how's life outside of work?"

"I'm dating a pink stripper that glows in the dark. It couldn't be better." Bishop said with a slight chuckle before adding. "Seriously."

Scott stopped running and stared at Bishop in disbelief, "You're what!" he exclaimed. "A glowing pink stripper? How did that happen?" he asked as he started running again to catch up with Bishop.

Running backwards as Scott stopped, so he didn't have to break stride, Bishop waved him on. "Vanessa worked a case at Private Eyes and gave out my number. Anna called me to set something up."

Scott drew a ragged breath as he caught up with Bishop, "Well I have to say I didn't expect that" he told Bishop. "But congratulations" he smiled "I'm happy for you."

"I didn't expect it either. She has a doctorate in linguistics, of all things." It was a short share but Bishop was trying to be a little more open. The new job, partner, and girlfriend made him feel a bit more open like he did in NYPD for a time.

Scott shook his head while smiling, "This is your day to surprise me isn't it Bishop, I see your plan, wear me out by keep dropping surprises on me" he joked. "So you're dating a glowing pink stripper with a doctorate to boot? Sounds like you hit the jackpot. You should bring her over for dinner sometime," he offered, "I'd love to meet the woman who managed to reel you in."

"How about you and Jean take the excuse to come out into the city. I'll have Anna cook Greek at the apartment for you two." Bishop offered.

Scott laughed, "Greek food sounds great" he replied, "I'll talk to Jean about it and see if I can drag her away from her infirmary".

~**~**~

Scott took a long draw from his water bottle and turned to face Bishop. "Go easy on an old man" he joked as he took up a sparring position.

Bishop checked his training gloves as Scott got his drink, moving back into a boxing style position as Scott approached again, "Like you'd like one of your X-Men get away with a request like that." He replied equally jokingly, not getting overly competitive, at least.

Scott laughed, "No probably not" he agreed, "But that doesn't mean I'm gonna turn down any advantage I can get" he admitted. As he spoke he eyed Bishop's stance looking for any weaknesses.

Arms up and slightly curled in standard boxing style, Bishop's legs were exposed in a very usual way. The threat of a quick jab tended to keep them safe and his wrestling background made most people wary of going to the mat with him. He stayed surprisingly light on his feet, slowly circling and, when he felt Scott was occupied enough in looking for an opening, he put out a jab.

Scott swayed backwards, barely avoiding Bishop's jab before tossing a quick one two before skipping away. He started circling Bishop in turn hoping to put his friend on the defensive giving him a chance to capitalize on any mistakes Bishop made.

With ease Bishop circled, keeping control of the center of the ring due to his size alone. "Before I forget, Anna wanted me to ask if you and Jean swing."

Scott stopped and blinked in surprise at Bishop, "Huh...whaat" he stammered blushing a little red. "NO, no definitely not, where did you hear that?" he asked in surprise.

Bishop immediately took the chance to put a hard right hook to Scott's jaw. Even without the aid of his mutation, he made sure he discharged before the bout, he was a very strong man.

Scott was taken completely by surprise, and as Bishop's punch connected he dropped to the floor. He just lay there for a moment trying to clear the stars from his vision, he had forgotten how hard Bishop punched.

As his vision finally cleared he glared up at Bishop, "Ouch" he managed to get out as he rubbed his jaw

"I didn't hear anything about you two." Bishop moved over and offered Scott his gloved hand as he smiled down to him. "My ego just wanted a quick knockout today."

Scott returned Bishop's smile as he grasped the proffered hand, "Well you definitely got that." He laughed with genuine enjoyment, "I deserved that, but I'll get you next time" he returned with a grin on his face.

"Eventually, I'm sure." Bishop teased back as he easily hoisted Scott up. "Lunch?"

"Sure" Scott replied as he stretched, "Is the winner going to treat his poor punching bag?"

"The least I can do. I don't let other people pick restaurants, regardless. You have to know where to go in the city if you want the best." Bishop said with a soft laugh.