by Willow Dean
“What can I do for you, sir?”
“Can I speak with you for a moment?” He asks, looking pointedly at Reika. Not taking my eyes off him, I watch him suspiciously, wondering what exactly he could be wanting to talk to me alone about.
A moment of silence passes, neither of us saying a thing, before Reika gets the message. “Oh. Erm, yeah. Sure thing. I’ll erm…I’ll just leave you guys too it. Let me know about tomorrow, Mila,” Reika says, giving me a parting pat on the shoulder.
Only once she’s out of earshot does Deac start talking. “I have some people who would like to see you, but I thought I would ask first,” he says hesitantly.
I don’t really need to ask, but I do anyway. “Who?”
“Top brass,” he shrugs apologetically.
“Nope,” I deadpan, spinning on one foot and walking away. I have no plans on giving him, or the conversation, a second thought.
“Mil-”
“Tell them I may consider it after the sims. If they decide to be forthcoming that is” I shout back over my shoulder. “Goodbye, sir. Have a nice evening.” Walking away without looking back, I wave a hand over my head in farewell.
No way am I opening that can of worms now. I’m still too pissed at them to even contemplate getting to know them. I need to clear my head and get back on track before I even think about introducing them into my life.
Besides, I still need time to accept and process my emotions from the culling of my real family first. Without adding new nightmare fuel to the mix.
I also need to get these sims done and out of the way. Passing these tests and getting sanctioned to start missions is my top priority at the moment.
Nothing else.
They don’t get to control anything I do. Not anymore. They’ll either do this my way, or not at all.
30 Mila
Super excited for today’s activities, I speed around the boys like a toddler on a sugar high, making sure they’re ready and have all the equipment they need.
Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve managed to get some practice on the inside climbing walls. But since the crash, I haven’t had the opportunity to properly climb. To say I’ve missed it is an understatement.
Everyone agreed to some extra training before the sims, so Reika suggested an outside climbing day, of which I was absolutely thrilled to take part in.
Reika and the boys -except Larson- are meeting us at the climbing wall in ten. Safe to say, I’m jumping around like a jack in the box, I’m so excited.
Eeeekkk…climbing!
Valiantly, the guys tried to calm me before we left the house, but they quickly gave up. Now in the middle of the SUV, with the twins either side of me, I can’t help but use my seat as a bouncy castle.
We hadn’t even emerged onto the main road when two large hands clamp down on my knees, attempting to pin me to my seat and stop me from bouncing. The cab of the SUV jostles with each movement.
I just can’t help it. I feel like I’ve been directly wired into a car battery and lit on fire at the same time. It makes for a potently energetic combination. Their interference doesn’t help either. In fact, if anything, it makes it worse. The restriction just means I have to find another output for all this energy.
Cue the head bobbing as my head starts moving side-to-side of its own accord. That movement is too, quickly put to rest, as a set of huge calloused hands engulfs my head and pins my gaze straightforward.
I whine at the inability to move like I want, getting completely frustrated and antsy at the lack of movement and action.
Up front in the passenger seat, Jax turns his head towards me and chuckles quietly, taking pleasure in my distress. Running his eyes over my restraints, a smile tugs at his lips as he shakes his head in disbelief.
Offering him a megawatt smile, I start fiddling with my hands and clicking my fingers as I give him a wink.
Micah groans loudly before getting Rick involved. “Boss, we need an intervention over here. She’s acting like a Duracell Bunny on speed! Please, do something,” he gripes.
What a big baby! He should just take a chill pill and enjoy my cheerfulness. My pleasure should be his treasure, if that’s even how the saying goes. Maybe that’s for couples? Yeah…that sounds kinda dirty thinking about it.
Roars of laughter fill the cab, startling me. I try to look around to see what they’re all finding funny, but Aus continues to hold my head stock still, frustrating me even further. Rick catches my pout in the rear-view mirror before cracking up all over again.
They’re acting as though they’re sharing an inside joke I am not privy to, and the one thing I absolutely hate, is being left out.
They’re all officially on my shit list.
“Five minutes and she can wear herself out on the walls,” Rick assures.
“Wrong thing to sayyyy,” a jovial voice sounds off in my head.
What he just did was akin to telling a kid that they need to go to sleep because Santa will be here in a couple of hours. Futile. His words only serve to act as an accelerant.
Despite the twins ironclad grips, my knees start bouncing again, my whole body now moving from side to side. My smile grows with each passing second to the point where I’m pretty sure I look like the Joker.
Aus still has a good grip on my head so I end up looking like that chicken meme where the head stays completely still as it’s body moves. Except, I look especially demented with the creepy smile that splits my face.
They all groan in annoyance and decide to let go. Leaving me to my own devices.
Finally, freedom!
Although it feels like hours pass, we arrive only a couple of minutes later. I can see Reika’s group already at the foot of the wall setting up their equipment as we pull into the car park.
Each cadet has their own equipment stored back in their locker in the training room on base, so we had to do a quick detour before heading out around the back of base to where the outside walls stand.
Without waiting for the car to stop, I go to jump over Micah and out of the SUV before he snatches me around the waist and hauls me back.
Giving him a frustrated look he simply smiles in return. “Stay for a second, I have something to give you.” I pout at him, my eyes screaming dissatisfaction at having to wait longer to start climbing. Micah catches my wounded expression and starts laughing quietly. “It’s well worth it and it won’t take long. You’ll enjoy it,” he promises.
Urgh what to do?!
Looking back and forth between the wall and him, I’m torn. My body continues to fizz away with the anticipation of the climb.
It’s his pleading look that has me relenting, hoping it doesn’t take an age. Relaxing back into the seat next to him, or as much as I can with the road runner zipping through my veins, the others pile out and head towards the wall.
Patting my shoulder, he gives me another smile before reaching into the back and pulling out three climbing kits. Two standard cadet kits and one that looks brand new.
The new kit looks awesome!
Bright orange on the outside with black strips of fabric around the zips and pockets, it looks like a tiger on steds. Jealousy rears its ugly head and I silently vow that I need to get my own kit that looks that badass.
I reach for my kit but he pulls it away, pushing the new kit towards me instead. “What-”
“It’s for you, Mila. I know how much you like climbing and you haven’t really gotten the chance to since everything happened. I know the last time you climbed was with your parents. I just wanted your first climb to be something memorable too, in a positive way.”
I stare at him dumbfounded.
He would do this for me? After they’ve all given me so much already.
At the sight of tears gathering in my eyes, he returns a worried look that I ache too soothe before he gets the wrong impression.
“They aren’t what you think, Sonic. These,” pointing out the tears that now freefall down my face, “are happy tears.”<
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Smiling at him, I shake my head in disbelief as his face softens. Using his thumb to wipe away the tears, I lay my hand on top of his against my cheek.
“Thank you. Truly, thank you so much. This means the world to me,” I admit freely, grabbing him around the neck and pulling him in for a tight hug.
Putting my head in the crease of his neck, I inhale his clean linen smell and let a single sob escape. Wrapping me up in his arms, he whispers gently to me. “You are more than welcome, Sayuri. We all just want you to be happy.”
That I am. In fact, I’m a lot more than just happy. The guys are quickly beginning to fill the hole that was left behind by my parents and Gem. Soothing the jagged edges, piece by piece.
“When?” I ask in wonder as I pull back. After wiping the offending moisture off my face, I reverently trail my hands all over my new kit.
“The first week when you were fawning over Linc’s pancakes,” he admits with a chuckle.
“Ahhh, that makes sense now! I wondered where you’d gone. You’re too sneaky for your own good, Sonic,” I tease, tweaking his nose.
Chuckling, he scoops up all three packs and practically drags me out of the car. “Come on, Lala. Let’s go test this bad boy out!”
Following him, we practically sprint the entire way. When we reach the wall, Reika is already there with Jarrett and Sam. Thankfully, Larson is nowhere in sight.
He’s probably off trying to flaunt his importance in someone else’s face. Again.
“Mila!” Reika bounds over and clasps my hand in a man shake, bringing me in to one of those one-shouldered hug things that they do.
Yeah, that’s right! Women can go all caveman and do men things as well. We aren’t all prissy bitches.
“Ready to climb?! I can’t wait to see you on the wall,” she grins excitedly.
“Hell yeah, it’s been a while! Wanna be my buddy?”
“Of course! Like there was any other option. Told ya,” she preens, sticking her tongue out at my guys who look back with a mixture of amusement and disappointment.
Clearly, some of them wanted to buddy with me. Ah well, they’ll just have to learn to share.
Micah hands me over my new kit and I almost squeal in glee. He gives me a knowing smile as I open up the pack and make sure I have everything I need. Somehow, he has managed to get everything I require for both belaying and free climbing.
He even remembered the shoes, which happen to fit perfectly! Leaving me to guess just how exactly it is that he knows what my size and favorite brand are.
Thoughts for another time, Mila. Time to get climbing!
Everyone starts setting up when Larson makes an appearance, huffing to himself. Involuntarily, my eyes roll in their sockets as he approaches the group. I was stoked when Reika said he couldn’t make it.
“Thought you had more important things to attend to, Lar?” Reika addresses him sassily whilst putting on the last of her equipment.
“Ya. Well. Not anymore. Anyone got a spare kit? Mine’s on the other side of campus,” he none too politely grouches.
Sighing, I reluctantly hand over my old kit to him. I didn’t expect a thank you, especially from him, but some form of acknowledgment would have been nice.
Instead he just grunts. Not even bothering to make any eye contact as he pretty much snatches it out of my hand. He also refuses to buddy up or properly check the kit I handed him.
Well, on his back be it. At least I know he will be safe. I keep my kit in impeccable condition. The rope is pristine, inspected before and after every climb. Even if a single stitch or seam comes loose on the harness, I rectify it immediately before using it again. You can never be too careful.
Reika and I check each other’s kits over and decide to free climb, going roped solo. Turns out, Reika is an avid climber too.
It’s nice to be able to share my passion with someone. Although the guys can all climb, in comparison to us, they are novices. They climb efficiently and belay each other with precision, but they don’t free climb. Not competently at least.
Jarrett and Sam partner up, and my guys take it in turns between themselves to partner up and belay each other. Larson decides to free climb on his own. Usually, I would advise any novice against it, but it would only bring more animosity between us, so I decide against it.
There’s enough space on the wall for four people at a time so the guys take the outer right, with Reika and I next to them. Larson is on our left, with Jarrett and Sam on the outer left edge. Reika and I shotgunned the hardest part of the wall with a few overhangs to combat, so this should be interesting!
Standing at about seventy feet high, the wall is approximately the size of a five-story building. As always, my heart races with anticipation of the thrill of the climb. A thin coating of sweat covers my palms as my muscles tingle with the welcomed adrenaline rush.
Reika and I double-check our equipment again before I start up the wall, taking my first climb with Micah to my right and Sam to my left. Larson walked off taking a phone call just before he made it to the wall, so it’s just the three of us to start.
“Race you to the top, Sonic?”
“You’re on, Sayuri.” Throwing a wink my way, he double checks his equipment and looks to Linc who is supporting him, giving him a subtle nod.
Since we are outside, there are no safety nets or crash mats. Although we have them in the training room, this is out here to simulate a real rock face. Although I’ll race Micah, I will do so with care. One slip and I could injure myself badly, or even worse…kill myself.
Funnily enough, I don’t fancy being a cadaver just yet. I have unfinished business to attend to after all.
Rick yells for us to start and the three of us launch ourselves up the wall. I quickly get lost in the moment, tuning everything out as I ascend.
Searching for holds. Climbing. Hanging. Setting way marks. Checking equipment.
I don’t know how long it takes me, but before long, I reach the top of the wall. Hauling myself up to stand atop the precipice, I take in my surroundings. Micah is only two thirds of the way up the wall whilst Sam is about half way up.
I must have climbed faster than I thought. Clearly I haven’t lost my touch just yet!
Letting the wind rustle my hair, I look into the distance, noticing the small peaks of the mountains obscured by the low clouds. Reflecting off the sheer glass faces of the base’s training facilities, the sun shines down on the climbing wall and obstacle course that lies parallel to this monstrosity.
A sense of peace and serenity flows over me as I finally feel like I am back to where I need to be. Where I want to be. I will make it in this world. I just have to persevere.
Making my way back down, I let Reika take my place. Micah finally touches solid ground after Reika is already a quarter of a way up. Linc helps detach him as Aus takes his place on the wall.
Slightly out of breath and on shaky legs, Micah slowly makes his way over to me. Dropping to his knees, he places his head on the floor between his hands.
“Oh mighty, Sayuri. How doth your hair shine in the summer sun. How good that big booty o-” Swatting his head none too gently, he rolls onto his back like I’ve just shot him and curls in on himself, chortling.
Despite my violence, I chuckle at his mischievousness. I know exactly what he was going to say and my arse is most definitely not that big. I give a discrete glance over my shoulder in case I’ve piled on the pounds recently without knowing. I’m proud of my bum. It’s round, perky and perfectly plump…not too big, just...meaty. Juicy.
Micah rolls back and forth as his laughter intensifies ten-fold. It’s only then that I notice the raucous laughter that everyone else is releasing. Even Aus, Jarrett and Reika have stopped where they are on the wall, trying their best to control themselves without falling off.
“What?!” I look around, lost as to what is causing them so much amusement. Is this another inside joke that I’m not privy to?!
“Plump?! I would have
said they were more…peachy,” Micah clarifies.
Groaning, I close my eyes, desperate for the ground to swallow me whole. What is with me and saying things aloud?!
“I don’t know, but keep at it. It’s brilliant entertainment!” Micah replies with a grin as he lays back on the floor looking up at me.
Storming over, and without any due care, I drop said peachy arse straight down onto his stomach. Not expecting it, the movement winds him. Spluttering and choking on his own breath, he makes a disgruntled sound before attempting to regulate his breathing.
“I’m glad I amuse you so much. For that, I’m going to use you as a seat. My legs are tired. Hope you don’t mind,” I say casually.
“Not at all, Sayuri. Not at all,” he grunts with a beaming smile. I snort at his cheekiness.
Staying there for a few minutes, I let him stew while I watch the others continue up the wall. The increasingly harsh movements of his torso clue me into the fact that I may need to allow him to breath properly, so I stand and offer him a hand up.
“I’m impressed. I knew you could climb, but that was incredible! Will you teach me?”
“Maybe another time. You should sharpen up on your belaying skills first. You aren’t ready for the big boy wall just yet,” I tease, giving him a condescending pat on the head.
My eyes search for Reika who’s nearly at the top by now. She’s far more skilled than I thought she would be. She was close to beating my climbing time too, not that I really tried all that much the first time, but we can change that.
We continue switching out for a while until Larson walks back over and decides to have a go on the section of the wall that me and Reika were using.
Sam, Jarrett and my guys are all exhausted. We’ve been at it for well over an hour now and they aren’t used to climbing for prolonged periods. Reika was here earlier this morning so she’s feeling the strain too. They all decide to take a juice break, sitting off to the side in a group whilst Larson and I take to the wall.
Larson heads up first as Reika and I finish double-checking my equipment. I’m a couple of minutes into scaling the wall as Larson makes it about half way, both of us climbing at a steady pace.