Flaming Hearts - Fourth Wing

Chapter 9

The squad, meaning Ridoc, Sawyer, Violet, Rhiannon and Ace, was sitting in the cafeteria, eating dinner. Ace just woke up from another Narcoleptic Sleep. By now, the squad is just used to it, and doesn't seem concerned about it anymore. They do move her head when she face plants into the food, but other than that, they just ignore it now. Though Rhiannon slaps her head every once in a while, to inform her that it's rude to fall asleep mid-conversation. Ace always answers with an eyeroll.

"It's not like I do it on purpose. If you find a fix, do let me know please."

They were discussing the topic of dragons, and their respectfully origins, when Violet quiets down, mid-sentence. All her four squad mates look at Violet in question, but she just shakes her head. Her eyes stuck on something behind Ace, who doesn't need her Observation Haki to realise who's coming their way.

"Portgas, come with me." Ace just groans annoyed. She was enjoying her evening with her friends.

"I'd rather not." Ace answers nonchalantly. Xaden grins, though it's anything but happy.

"That wasn't a suggestion, cadet." Ace stands up, turning to look at her wingleader.

"Too bad, I'm busy right now." Xaden looks at her silently, before sighing.

"Are we really doing this again?" Ace nods her head. I dare you.

"Alright, buckle up Freckles." With that he throws her over his shoulder, yet again.

Ace has her arms, crossed. Annoyed. She lifts her head towards her friends, who have various expressions on their faces. Rhiannon is trying not to laugh, mothing "we're talking about this later." Violet looks scared, for herself or Ace, she isn't sure. Probably both. And the boys look dumb founded. Both Xaden and Ace are aware of all the eyes on them as they leave.

When they reach the gym, Garrick and Bodhi are waiting already. Bodhi laughs as Xaden drops her onto the mat with a thud.

"I told you she wouldn't come willingly." Xaden rolls his eyes, doing a blablabla motion with his hand.

Ace groans. "This is just going to spice up the rumour kitchen even more." Xaden turns to her.

"What rumours?" She looks at him, not sure if he's serious.

"The rumour we're sleeping together." She says, eyebrows raised. "Do you ever talk to people other than these two?"

"Yes, I... stop deflecting. There's rumour going around that we're sleeping together?!" He exclaims, looking towards Bodhi, who just nods with a grin.

"Yeah, I was confronted during the first Gauntlet Practice. Well Violet was as well, not that you care."

"And who was confronting you?" He questions, as Ace gets up from the mat with a groan.

"Luca and Tynan. They're hanging around with Barlowe, though, so I'm not surprised they're believing rumours about Violet and Me, considering the fact that he wants us dead."

"People think Sorrengail is sleeping with me?!"

Ace snorts. "No. They believe she's sleeping with Aetos, which is not true, hopefully. I refuse to believe her taste in men is that tragic."

Bodhi bursts out laughing, Xaden and Garrick both crack a smile.

"And you were confronted?" Xaden questions further.

"Yes." – "And what did you say?" He asked.

"That it's not true. And that it's none of their business who's dick I'm riding. Because it doesn't change the fact that I can beat everyone in this Quadrant on the map, if I want to."