Survival Book #1: By Any Means

Chapter 3

Michelle's P.O.V: 

"H-Huh?" I asked as I felt a rough shake on my shoulder.

"Hey wake up, we're supposed to keep watch tonight." Francisco said as my eyes adjusted to fit the dim lighting, "Everyone is currently asleep in the offices, now let's go." He said as he headed outside from the back entrance.

I sat up on the couch, shook off the drowsiness, and walked outside with Francisco.

"So how did you sleep?" He asked as he held his gun at the ready, it always made me kinda uncomfortable whenever he brandishes it out like that...but it's used to protect us so it's fine.

"Fine...even though the couches were hard as a rock." I complained sitting next to him.

"I feel ya, though I head Jay was getting some new couches." He said.

"About time...hey where is everyone?" I asked.

"Hawaii, they heard about the incident, due to the airports being shutdown for security reasons, they texted me as soon as they heard the news while you were sleeping, I told them 'I'll take care of them'...after a few minutes of convincing they finally stopped asking questions." He explained.

"...Was it mainly Angeles?" I asked knowing full well about our prone to worrying boss/adviser.

"Considering she's the only one of them with my number...yeah pretty much." He said as I laughed.

"Yeah that sounds like her...Hey can I ask you a question?" I asked as he looked at me.

"No I didn't break the foosball table." He said as I shook my head.

"No not that...and it was totally you, anyway what I was going to ask was how are you so calm during all this?" I asked as he sighed as leaned against the wall.

"I'm just good at hiding it, look if I start freaking out then everyone else will too...well more than they already are, they are smart people and all that, but under pressure in a situation like this, I need them to stay calm and not freaking out." He said, "If someone, the leader...even though I don't think I should, started freaking out then everyone would too." He added.

I stayed quiet...not knowing where else to take this conversation...until I realized I was talking to Francisco.

"So...still need help with Calculus?" He asked with joking intent.

I rolled my eyes and letting a chuckle escape, "Hmm...nah I think I got it down now." I said as he shook his head.

"I don't know...you were kinda bad at it." He said as I slapped his arm.

"Oh shut up you don't gotta rub it in." I said as he laughed.

"Listen you signed the imaginary contract of being my friend...I'm contractually obligated to make fun of you in ever opportunity." He said as I sighed.

"You don't even know what contractually obligated means." I said as he leaned back with a hand over his heart.

"...You hurt me." He said as I laughed.

"That's the other side of the bargain, I gotta one up you on your insults and comebacks." I said.

"No one can out comeback me, you can out insult me but no one can beat the king of comebacks." He said overconfident as I stared at him with a confused expression, "...What's wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing just...who the hell calls you the 'King of Comebacks.'?" I asked as he turned away.

"...Kaylani." He said in a quiet...shy tone?...Oh my god.