Guns & Kisses - Billy Russo x Reader

Chapter 2 - Qualifications

As soon as everything was set up we got instructed on what exactly they wanted to see from us. All in all it was just a workout with a thing or two more included. Pull ups, sit ups and so on. The signal to start was given and I immediately made my way to the first obstacle, push ups. 20 of those. I got into the position and started, having no struggle with it at all. It went on like this for a while and even though I tried my best to keep my body in shape I couldn't deny the exhaustion spreading through me with every repetition. I noticed that some of the guys also started to struggle so I  tried to push them a little, saying things like "You can do it" or "Just two more". It wasn't just for pushing them past their limits but also for me. I regained my strength a bit from encouraging my fellow candidates, just like you would do in war. And just like that I felt adrenaline rush through my veins as more memories popped up. Running from hiding spot to hiding spot, attacking enemies that thought could sneak up on me. As if I was in the war again I forgot about the pain burning in my muscles and kept pushing through. That was until a whistle signaled us to stop.

We were given a short break which I gladly accepted to fetch a bottle of water and drink it. As the adrenaline wore off I started to notice a feeling that I knew all too well. I was being watched. I looked around for the source of the feeling. The guys were busy with catching their breath and hydrating their bodys. None of them payed attention to me. Looking past the slouched down bodies I noticed Russo watching my every move. I gave him a little nod which he returned. Then his gaze went to the sweaty forms next to me. The being watched feeling disappeared and I let a slight sigh of relief escape my lips. He was probably just checking in on our conditions.
I was proven right when the guys who looked like they would pass out in any minute where sent home. Some of them were glad about it while some where outraged, mustering up the last bit of energy to argue back. Soon enough they were gone too and the workers from before changed the makeshift gym to an empty area with mats all over the floor.

Russo stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Next we're going to test you on your hand combat skills. You'll be teamed up in groups of two or three and will have to fight against each other. Whoever gets the opponents to tap out is safe." With that another man read names out loud. The teams got together on the mats and started to fight each other, everyone else being their audience. I caught myself criticising the techniques, some being so sloppy with it, that it was painful to see them win the fight. As more and more groups had their fight I grew more and more self conscious since all the buff guys were left except for one boy. I internally sent prayers to anyone really that I would have to fight against this boy. I knew that it wouldn't have been fair since he didn't look like he knew how to put up a fight to anyone but I didn't really care. I just wanted to be safe.
My prayers were heard. More or less. I got teamed up with the boy. But also with the most buff looking guy of them all.
I took a deep breath before stepping into the 'ring'. I quickly tried to come up with a strategy. Knock the little one out so I have more space to take the big guy out. Sounds good. The whistle started the fight. Mr. Big Guy had the same idea as I had, since we both went for the little guy, making him tap out immediately when he got into a choke hold. When he left the ring the remaining enemy and I stood in front of each other, starring into each others eyes. The whistle was heard again. He threw a punch at me but I quickly ducked and went to tackle him onto the floor. It worked with some struggle. Trying to get him into a choke hold I pressed my arm to his throat, only to be flipped over the next second. Now it was my turn to be choked. Struggling to catch some breath I hit his elbow over and over again until his grip loosened a little, giving me enough space to kick him back and quickly get on my feet. My opponent rushed into a standing position as well. I tried to kick his chest but he caught my foot twisting it. Catching me off guard with this move I nearly fell but regained my balance, using the tight hold onto my ankle to perform a mid air back spin, kicking him in his face. With that he let me go and I stumbled, falling onto my knees. Before I could get up I got a kick into the stomach. Groaning I fell back, the guy on top of me again. Another choke hold. My lungs started to burn from the loss of air. Hitting against his elbow didn't work this time and kicking was an option either since my legs were trapped under his. Tears started to brick my eyes, the pain coming from my throat and chest growing stronger with every failed attempt of breathing. I couldn't get out of the grip, so I had to tap out. The guy pushed his weight onto my throat one last time before getting up with an arrogant smile.
I coughed and slowly got up. Giving the guy a last glare I returned to my spot in the circle, watching the last fight. My thoughts started to go wild when I calmed down from my own fight, realizing that I lost. That I wasn't safe. My breath hitched, making my lungs burn immediately again. What if they'd kick me out now? What if they only wanted the best of the best? I thought back to the other fights, to the ones who won with their sloppy techniques. It wouldn't be fair. They wouldn't just take the winners right? My anxiety grew but I tried to push it away. No time for that, (Y/N). The last fight ended. Time to find out who would go and who would stay. I discretely crossed my fingers, hoping that I would be allowed to stay. But after most of the 'losers' were sent home and Russo got to my group, my fear rose to a whole new level.