Dirk had always said that he did this for your good, that it's how he showed he cared. When he'd beat you senseless and tell you he's trying to make you stronger. He treated you like something fragile, like glass. You knew about that deep-rooted fear he had of losing the people close to him, that this was his way of making sure no matter what, you were prepared, but it still pissed you off.

He stood above you, katana pointed at your chest. "That's it for today. You lost," is all he said, putting his sword back in his strife deck. Even though his shades hid his eyes you could practically feel the pity for you radiating off of him.

It made your blood boil with anger. You tried to be understanding, but seeing him turn his back to you to walk back inside, to know that he'd train with you tomorrow and do the same thing again, it made you so angry. You felt like a bug on his shoe.

"I'm stronger than you give me credit for," you yelled at his retreating back. His steps faltered. He looked back at you over his shoulder.

"What?" he asked, sounding completely confused.