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He'd never thought about taking some large expanse of field, or any other public location to work out with Zoe. Actually, it made a lot of sense listening to Jake. It was true: plus, by practicing in locations such as that, when they had a mission it would be easier to avoid causing such collateral damage if one had actually experienced working out public buildings, and the lack. "That's true." he murmured quietly, nodding his head. In fact, maybe he should research some places right away, find some thing to take advantage of. It would beat having Zoe get distracted by the men at the Gym by far.

Zoe listened to Leon's words and cast a quick look in Jared's direction. The weapon seemed to actually appreciate the words of wisdom, and there was a gleam in his eyes that let her know that this would not go well... for her. He was treating this as if it was advice from a death scythe, but she didn't like it. Train, more? On top of what he was forcing her to do A dismayed expression crossed her face at the thought of having to suffer physically at a deeper level. No, maybe this wasn't such a good idea, this sharing of tables despite how yummy the pair looked.

And yet...

The next suggestion had her perking up as if someone had told her chocolate would be free for the next year. There was a completely unholy gleam in her eyes as she looked at Jared. "That's a wonderful idea!" she agreed loudly. So Leon preferred to work alone? Well, for the good of all technicians, right? Jared was always telling her that self sacrifice was sometimes needed. She had to give up caffeine sometimes to train, or chasing after Lucien. So this would be good. Training, with Leon? A one on one session? Dayum.

"I like it." Jared's gaze was on Zoe as he said this innocently. Have someone ELSE deal with Zoe for a couple of hours? "It might help if you had someone else to work with, because we might know each other too well now. Maybe they'll be able to help you with certain weaknesses I haven't discovered." the idea was sounding better and better. "Jake's right. One of these days we'll have to deal with group missions, and we might as well practice working on harmony with some other teams." The thought made him deliriously happy.

Zoe wondered why Jared was being supportive so quickly. "Next week some time!" she exclaimed. "We don't live far from the gym: Jared likes it this way because it means we can go there more often. We can work out, anywhere, and then go back to my place for food!" and drinks. And stories.

Lots of stories.

Zoe's eyes brightened. Dinner as well? She'd have to go shopping then. Buy something nice to wear for dinner. She beamed at the toast from Jake and nodded her head. She'd bring her ipod along, and maybe the speakers. They could play inspiration music while working out! Maybe flash dance. She'd bought the cd off itunes a couple of days ago, and hadn't had a chance to use it out. (Jared was very strict when it came to their time together. Said the music interrupted her concentration... which she didn't believe AT ALL.)

"That sounds wonderful!" she all but cooed, nodding her head. Her eye were rapt: and Jared didn't seem to mind this suggestion at all. In fact, he looked relief. Why, Zoe would never understand.

"Are you excited?" her eyes were shining as she turned to Leon. "I've never done it with another technician before. It'll be awesome! I don't mind if you're strict. Jared is strict too, and he's abusive." that time he'd tried to beat her up in revenge for giving them both pink towels? Completely ridiculous. Pink was in! Didn't he know? Besides: it had been an honest mistake She hadn't known the red towel had been mixed with the white ones in the wash...

"I like it." Jared agreed, echoing the sentiments. Away, from Zoe for an entire workout? Have someone who looked strict and commanding like Leon deal with her? It should have made him feel a little bad at the thought of leaving the technician to her mercy... but he didn't, not really. Maybe she would learn off the guy and become a little bit more sedate. Serious. Yes. And pigs fly.

Shoes? Zoe's expression was pretty blank as she stared at Leon. But she had shoes. And it wasn't as if she was going to wear sneakers to every mission (what if it was in the snow? Then snow boots! Or in the rain? Then r rain boots! Or in the heat? Then flip flops!) but she nodded her head hastily. "Aye aye general!" she chirruped. Wait. Maybe she'd just mixed up sayings there.

That was such a dangerous smile on such a good looking face. Zoe wasn't sure how she felt about having the man smirk at her. Well, it wasn't really. It was a subtle quirk of the lips that... for the first time in shibusen, had Zoe wondering if this was at all a good idea. Still. Physical punishment, versus maybe getting this man to take his shirt off because they get sweaty? Dilemma dilemma there. She nodded at Jake. Now this man was nice. Like, friend of the older brother nice. (Notice she doesn't say older brother, which might make certain things illegal?) She smiled. "I'm sure." she said. If it got too tough, she'd just run to Jared and hide.

Jared laughed. He couldn't help himself. Leon was asking Zoe all these questions as if a) she would know what he was talking about, and b) as if he was serious. Perhaps he was, because from the past couple of minutes he didn't think Leon would be the type to joke around about working out. "5"4, 110 pounds." he answered, simply because Zoe needed to know ths herself. "About 55, she's a good sprinter but she's not very good long distance." if she could keep up even half of the sprint speed running for a longer duration, he wouldn't be so worried about her. He smiled easily at Zoe, nodding his head. "I taught you all this, remember?"

Zoe blinked. Really? Had they even counted their laps in the pool, when it wasn't interrupted by the occasional cannonball? Swimming... hey! If they went swimming, surely Leon couldn't work her as hard? Plus they'd be in the water. Together. Forever. She liked it.

"Cooking?" Jared stared at Jake for a moment, and grinned. He was so _relaxed_ now. Easy going, the way he had always been before being suckerpunched into this partnership. "I'd suggest Zoe, except I don't think it's safe. At all." he remembered how she'd almost burnt her hand trying to fry an egg. "I'm decent at it." he said, looking at the trio. "We live near by, so it'll be easier than going to a restaurant." Plus, from what he was hearing about Leon, he didn't think Zoe would survive a couple of more hours in a public place after such a grueling workout. She might fall asleep in the soup.

"Wonderful!" Zoe beamed. "You can give me your numbers? And I'll send you a missed call so you have mine." number collection-- sneaky! "Then e can arrange it properly, and you can both tell me what you like it eat." she'd buy a swimming suit. And a dress. And maybe a camera.

Camera. YES.

Zoe nodded her head enthusiastically. She'll bring a whole truckload of powerade to the gym! It was supposed to be better than normal water when you were exercising anyways, or so the football player said in the commercial. She got distracted though, at Jake's words. "You play the guitar?" if she could add a swoon in her words, she had. It was dreamy. Tough general and guitar playing weapon! Maybe she'd install a camera into the house in order to record everything too, and see if maybe someone at classroom five was willing to sell it... she was sure other girls would appreciate the sight and sounds.

Jared smiled. "Sounds good, that." he said, agreeing. He didn't need much help in the kitchen. Actually, he preferred it that way. He always had order and steps he needed to follow through himself. Add someone else helping out and he would have to adjust the steps, and all. Zoe could call them a couple of days before, see what they enjoyed eating. Maybe even have them grab a pack of beer, or something to bring to the dinner. (Would Leon drink though, after a workout? He wondered.)

Zoe took down the numbers obediently and sent both a missed call in response. Instinctively at Jake's picture taking she smiled and raised her hand with a "V". Corny perhaps, but it was cute! She knew how to take cute pictures (she practiced with her own camera, to make sure she looked good... it was a girl thing!).

"Fantastic!" this was so exciting! Her first workout with a technician, her first dinner at her new house!! And two new phone numbers! "I'll call you soon, okay? We can set something up proper, and you can tell me what you like to eat and what you're allergic to so I can let Jared know. And then we can have a party!" the thought of eating fatty and sugary food after a workout didn't negate things in her mind. It made things better: you need to reward your body after torturing it!

"This is going to be super fantastic." she cooed. This was epic! She wanted to do this all tomorrow. Soon. As fast as possible. "I can't wait." she smiled toothily. "I'm so glad you invited us to sit at your table." she spoke the words to Leon, conveniently forgetting that she had done the sitting without asking for real permission.

This was such a wonderful day.

Now to pick up a bikini. And maybe some new nail polish... if she went swimming, maybe her toes would need an underwater theme as well, for that day.