Only Rivals?

11.

<Slayer.>

I turn around to see Maverick exititing the admiral office soon after me.

What is happening now, I just want to take a cold long shower and disappear for a bit. <Sir?> I look at

him questioning everything in the world.

He walks up to me with a ghost of a smile on his face <Look, I don't think the same way as them. You have talent, we all notice that today, but you need to learn when you are overstepping the limit. I wouldn't want to send you home, so tomorrow I want you to show your worth not only to me, but also to them.> he says indicating the door of the office. <Show them that you are more than capable to work on your own. Just be yourself without doing hazard moves, I'm sure you can do that.>

This should have encouraged me, it only made feel worse. I'm starting to doubt myself all over agin. How can he say that I can make it? He doesn't even know me! This is worst than the academy...

The only one that kept me in line was Noah and her presence. Shit. Double shit. She's the only one keeping me from going unhinged, she always made me work stuff. <How can you be so sure of that Sir?>

Maverick smiles <You remember me of someone I know very well.> he gives me a pat on my shoulder <Trust and do as I said, it will work out.>

I look down, I'm not so sure of that.

<Above all remember that you need to work with your wingman, this is a very importat aspect; but I'm sure that you already know that. Okay?>

I nod <Thanks>

<Now go> he smiles and then goes on his way.

I'm making my way back to the dormitory I keep thinking what Maverick said. I just need to be myself and try not to make irresponsible things. DAMN! That's difficult, basically erasing half of myself: I come with built-in reckless behaviour.

I rub my face with my hands as I enter my room to find it empty, well everyone will be either in the bathrooms or already at dinner. I take my things to go and take a quick shower, to cool myself and possibly meditate a little more. I take my things and go towards the baths.

...

<Hey slayer,> I could recognize everywhere that voice. The last person I wanted to see, the hangman.

<Nope, stay away. I'm meditating and you are ruining my train of thoughts. Move or I'll move you.> I say not even bothering to look up to the man, who is decent enough to let me pass as he gracefully moves to the wall of the corridor to make room.

<Shit pipsqueak, what make you that sour this afternoon...> he says as I pass him. I can clearly feel his eyes on me and from that tone I can assume he has the most eat-shitting grin on his dumb attractive face. I keep walking and I give him the middle finger until I close the door behind me. I can hear his chuckles from the corridor, I sigh. That damned man and his handsome-ness.

Never in my life I was so eager to take a shower, long-long day.

<Hey, you okay?> I look up to see my emotional support navigator

<Not really, but I feel better after seeing you cute face. Same old story, my dear friend... but that doesn't change the sour of their request.> I sigh again

<Somehow, I understand> she says, wet long brown hair falling on her shoulders <just don't overthink it too much, if you wanna talk, we can do it later.> she urges me to go in the shower. <Go now, you sentimental woman. This isn't your fist ride. Me and Phoenix are done, we'll wait for you at dinner.>