Adea
I knew a question was coming, but I did not think it would be a loaded one. I wasn’t expecting that. I scratched my head as I tried to figure out how to answer that.
“First off, that was two questions. I promised to answer one, so I’m going with the first. The last Gamma was Olivia and she was a she, not a he.”
“I think I should have been able to choose the question you had to answer,” Leo huffed. “I would have preferred to hear the answer to the second question.”
“I’m sure, but I think that’s something you should ask Gabe.” Silence falls for a moment before his gaze turns to Gabe again. His eyes follow him as he jogs in place and my heart warms; only a fraction, but it warms.
“I did,” he said.
My mouth drops. “What?”
“I did ask him about the last Gamma.”
“Why would you do that? Did someone tell you to?” I asked, suspicion seeping in. The thought of someone taunting my best friend and forcing him to dredge up those memories was pissing me off.
“No, well yes, but no. Darci was interested in knowing who she was replacing. Mingling isn’t her specialty, so she asked me. Gabe was the only person I was talking to, so I figured I’d ask him. I didn’t think it would hurt but… apparently, it could. I wanted to get to know him but the question basically ended our conversation and he withdrew from me,” he said seriously.
“Well… that’ll do it,” Korra whispered. I fought the urge to laugh, Leo would think I was laughing at him.
“I see…” This was one of our first decent conversations and it was beyond weird. I stole a glance his way and saw the sadness there. My heart melted knowing he was trying to get to know Gabe.
“Look,” I started, “Since we’re being chummy, I’d like to give you some advice.” Leo gave me a look at the word chummy but I ignored him. “Don’t talk about the last Gamma around him. Don’t mention her, in fact, avoid that topic unless he brings it up.”
He nodded. “Do you have another question for me?” He asked.
I laughed at the slight hope I heard in his voice. I shook my head. “Nope.” His shoulders slumped in defeat and I wanted to laugh. Would Leo treat me nicer now that he knew I was his Luna? If Leo was possibly involved with Gabe, I wanted us to get along, even if I didn’t like him.
Someone was making their way in behind us and I turned to find Brianna. I remember being in awe as she took down her opponent on the first day. Her long blonde hair was up in a ponytail and her almond-shaped eyes were lined with wing-tipped eyeliner. I was itching to spar with her.
“I would try avoiding her until you have more practice,” Leo murmured from my left.
“And why is that?” I asked as I folded my arms in front of my chest.
“You’ve had a week of training whereas Brianna,” he jerked his head in her direction, “has been training for years. I was simply offering you advice about a comrade I’ve known for a while. What you do with that advice, is up to you.”
His warning didn’t serve its purpose; if anything, it made me want to fight her more. I watched as she walked past me. When she came to a stop, I wondered if she wanted to spar against me too. I was disappointed when she bowed and continued onto the field.
“Although,” Leo whispered, “I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing you put on your ass, Luna.” His words were taunting, but I wouldn’t let him get to me. So much for getting along. It was fine though. I already knew I could handle him, so this was him being petty over a loss.
You can’t help it if he’s a sore loser.
***
Gamma showed up and made everyone run laps. I was lightheaded by the time she called us back to the field. Everyone paired off and Leo and I were told to run more laps while Gabe sparred first. I didn’t get to see the entirety of his fight but I had faith he’d win. Leo glared at me as we ran more laps while everyone else paired off and fought.
I ignored his glare as I struggled to breathe. I was out of breath but I pushed myself to keep going. The sun blared down on me and I was starting to sweat. I pushed forward and left Leo behind. I did not have the ability to hold a conversation while running.
We ran three laps around the field before Darci linked us to come back. We jogged onto the field and Leo gave Gabe a high five as they swapped. Leo ran over to me, his cheek red from a hit. That was going to bruise.
“How’d you do?” I asked.
“Pretty damn well,” Gabe said, “I’m killing it at this warrior stuff.”
“Wow, someone’s tooting his own horn,” I teased.
A crooked grin spread across one side of his face. “Toot toot.”
I laughed out loud before I sat down and tried to calm my breathing. “Don’t make me laugh! I can barely breathe right now,” I whined.
“I can tell,” Gabe laughed as he sat down beside me. “I could hear your inner groan when Darci told you guys to run more laps.” I wanted to slap him for laughing at me but I was too bothered to try. I wanted to save my strength for whoever I got paired with.
“I wanted to pair off with Briana,” I said as my breathing slowed, “but now I don’t think I could hold my own. I’m already tired, Gabe.” I whined as I threw my head back.
“Be careful what you wish for, Ady. Darci is going to pair you up with someone she thinks could match you. Let’s hope Leo’s partner puts up a fight. The longer the fight, the longer the break.” He was trying to encourage but I realized I would need more than training to whip my butt into shape.