When his guardian, Edgar, first took him in, Jace had thought that the other man's large hands were comforting. However, a while later, his mind changed drastically, especially when the large man decided that it was time to start training his charge. It wasn't training to learn a craft, not really, he was training to fight, to be a Soldier of Spades, just like everyone else.

That day was not unlike any other, except that his Hirayama guardian gave him a gi to slip into. Looking suspicious he changed into the outfit, cinching the belt closed and then slowly slipping into what he thought a stance should be. Up until that time, it had mostly been physical conditioning, running, swimming, lifting weights, but now it seemed that his guardian was going to actually start training him to fight.

They didn’t need to talk anymore when they trained, which was also part of the training. Edgar had taught him sign language and a number of other military hand gestures, thus he recognized the sign for him to watch easily. His red eyes took in every move the other man preformed, doing a slow kata that Jace knew he would have to memorize and would most likely be doing until he got it perfect. Edgar was nice enough to go through it twice before he signaled for Jace to do it as well.

Once he had finished, Edgar shook his head and approached, using slow sign language to explain; everything Edgar did was a lesson, was practice in some form of skill. Your stance is slightly off. You need to shift your weight more, no hunching over. Again.

Jace took in a slow breath, inhaling before nodding and using his own, shaky sign language as well. I understand.

Once again he moved through the kata, his limbs trembling a little as he forced himself to move slowly, to perfect every single movement. Keeping himself focusing and his posture perfect was difficult, more difficult than his normal regiment of work-outs, and, after a few repetitions, his limbs had a fine tremor of strain to them and his breathing was labored already, but his guardian wouldn’t relent, wouldn’t stop until his limits were pushed to their fullest. Finally one of Jace’s legs slipped and he windmilled his arms before falling to the ground, landing hard on all floors, his tail immediately tucking between his legs in shame.

One of the things he hated the most was failing or disappointing his elders, especially Edgar, who supported him relentlessly even when he was being difficult. An embarrassed flush raced up into his cheeks and down his back and chest, head handing limply between his shoulders for a long moment before he shifted and began to climb to his feet. However strong hands where there, gently lifting him and supporting him on his feet, the other lifting his chin as the Hirayama stared down at him, looking... Proud?

”You did well today, Jace. Let’s go inside and eat, okay?” Edgar, praised, offering a tiny, barely visible smile, one that Jace secretly cherished.

Jace offered a tiny smile in return and gave a small nod. ”Okay.”