“Did the weed freak you out? Or the shotgunning?”
Matthew screwed his nose upslightly “I just figured you’re a troublemaker.”
I was flattered.
“Nobody really follows the rules, Matt.” I sighed dramatically “loosen up. Stryker smokes weed too and he’s the prince.”
“Well that’s just brilliant for the future of your kingdom, a prince who does drugs and gets into fist fights with Jack at the pub.”
Thiswas Jack, then.
“Seriously, what’s up with you?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.
“Nothing.” Matthew shrugged.
I paused, wracking my brain for a reason why he'd suddenly be acting like this, then I grinned as it came to me “somebody caught you stinking of weed, didn’t they? You get in trouble? Is that why you’re in a strop?”
“I amnotin a strop. And...yeah, maybe.”
“Relax, Matt. Nothing’ll happ-”
Jack suddenly yelped as he got slammed to the ground by Stryker, who laughed “well, you tried, mate.”
Jack grumbled something and took the hand he offered, allowing Stryker to pull him up.
“You want a round, Theo?” Stryker asked.
“What?”
“Sparring.”
“No, I’m good.”
“You did well earlier.” Stryker promised.
“Thanks.” I laughed softly, if a little doubtfully, “but no, I’m good.”
“What about shooting? You know how to shoot?”
“You new?” Jack interrupted.
I glanced at him “yeah, I’m-“
“Goodness, a rookie our age, Matt.”
My eyes narrowed at having been interrupted.
“So is he.” Matthew pointed at Stryker with a raised eyebrow.
Jack blinked a few times “no way.”
“Yes way.” Stryker snorted “but Johnny’s been training me my whole life, so-“
“You got beaten by a rookie, Jack.” Matthew teased, eyes bright with amusement.
Jack crossed his arms “atrocious.” He grumbled.
Stryker patted him on the back “don’t feel too bad about yourself. So, Theo? Shooting?”
