Only Rivals?

4.

<Hangman> introduces himself with a dazzling smile

I look at him narrowing my eyes <Slayer and Nurse> I point to Noah next to me

<Slayer> he repeats observing me <Is there a particular reason why they call you that?>

I'm about to answer but Noah precedes me <Yes, she blew up a drone in the first mission and two enemy planes> then she takes me by the arm <And she is very good at killing hearts>

<Impressive> the blond exclaims stricken

<I know, thanks> I smile as I take another sip of beer

I can feel his gaze on me, damn! He's really incredibly hot now that he's so close.

<Yes. Impressive for those who look at her from a safe distance, not for the poor pious soul who flies with her> Noah intervenes as the victim

I snort turning to her <Oh come on, you're still alive and whole, aren't you?>

<Yes, but only for this close> she pinches the air with her fingers

I roll my eyes <Don't complain, it could have been way worse> I smile and then go back to Hangman who is giggling amused <You know, I like you, you look tough>

<Oh well she's tough if that's what you mean> says Noah <But don't be fooled by her 160 cm height, because if she feels like it, she can destroy you, l-i-t-e-r-a-l-l-y.> my friend giggles and when I look at her, I see her wink at me

I shake my head and run a hand over my forehead, I know perfectly well what she is trying to do and I appreciate it, but I don't like it.

The sudden sound of a bell distracts us from our speech.

<What's going on?> I turn around confused

<Don't you know? There are rules in this bar> he says pointing to a sign behind the counter <When a rule is broken, the bell is rung and whoever does not respect the rules is forced to offer a round to drink to anyone inside the bar> giggles

I raise my eyebrows curiously and read the rules

"Disrespect a lady, the navy or put your cell phone on my counter and you have to offer a ride"

<But it's a rip off!> I exclaim and look at my phone leaning on the counter and quickly secretly I slip it into my pocket, I look up and meet that of Noah who looks at me sly but I signal her to shut up. I'm already poor enough; it does not need to become even more so by offering a drink to everyone present, who will be at least fifty people.

<Penny my dear> he says turning to the bartender <Four more, the old man offers> he smiles looking at the man I noticed earlier with the leather jacket in front of us, so he was the poor loser who broke one of the bar rules.

<There you are> is the bartender delivering beers

<Thanks> Hangman smiles <Thank you very much papi> smiles again, observing the man and giving him a wink

<Come, let me introduce you to the others> he says walking towards the group of pilots that has formed around the pool table

<Bradshaw, as true I exist> exclaims Hangman setting the beers on the window sill and stealing the pool cue from the hands of the boy with glasses.

<Hangman, I see you are a badass> sighs the young pilot who wears a Hawaiian shirt and wears strange mustaches

Hang crouches down to beat a move in play <Well, I'm badass Rooster, very badass> smiles straightening up <as true as I exist> this dude is the definition and emblement of cocky. So much it makes me laugh and I can confirm the same for Noah by my side, who cheekily shakes his head in amusement.

<So, does anyone know anything about this special assignment?> Says a boy sitting on the windowsill

<A mission is a mission, it's the same for me. What I'm wondering is who will be the team leader, and which one of you has what it takes to follow me> the Hangman smiles mockingly observing those present, especially the guy who apparently is called Rooster.

I don't believe it, he is beautiful but his ego has no equal, who does he think he is? I was wrong about him. He's turning out to be a first-rate asshole.

Muffled laughter echoes around the table, I turn to find Noah who is literally dying inside trying in every way not to laugh. This is noticed by everyone present and I can see their confused and amused expressions.

<But who are you?> Asks another boy

I pull a strong jab with my elbow to Noah making it clear that it's time to stop and she quickly straightens up wiping the tears in her eyes <I'm sorry> she coughs slightly clearing her throat then turns to the exuberant blond <Wow your arrogance and cockiness has no limits>

<Exactly> the boy in the Hawaiian shirt smiles <The girl is right, Hangman with you in charge we go against premature death>

<Uuuhh> the others whisper

Hangman approaches the other guy with a mustache <Well, anyone who follows you is bound to run out of gas, because that's how you are, Rooster. You are perched there, patiently waiting for that precise moment that never comes>

Quite loud music begins to resonate throughout the venue

<I love this song> Hang smiles as he returns to play

<Well I guess he hasn't changed> says Phoenix as he approaches Rooster

<Nope, not at all> the latter sighs and then brings his attention back to the two of us

<Anyway, guys let me introduce you to Slayer> points to me <E Nurse> points to Noah <They come from a base in Colorado>

<Hey> I smile, waving my hand

<Hello> Noah smiles

<Nice to meet you> the boy who used to play darts approaches <Coyote> he smiles holding out his hand <Nice to meet you too> I grab it back

Ok I hope that at least he's alright, I would be disappointed if in the end he turns out to be an asshole as a blond mister I-know-everything-and-I'm-better-than-everyone.

<Payback> says the boy sitting on the windowsill

<Fanboy>the other smiles next to him

<Bob> the guy with the glasses says shyly

<And I'm Rooster> the mustache smiles

I nod smiling

<Well, it will take me a while to learn your names but it's nice to meet you> Noah chuckles

After the various presentations we started talking a bit to each other, I must admit that they all are nice, except of course that Hangman, he brags a little too much for my taste. Not to mention that he treats everyone as if they are inferior to him. I can't wait to do some exercises, so I can make him eat my dust. Do you think you are the best driver among us? Pff. I'll definitely show him what I'm made of and that he's not the only one capable of here.

He may be as badass as he wants, but Hangman is about to meet Slayer. 

I'm certainly not a man but I can definitely have more balls than him after all the stuff I did.