To Cheat Death, You Must Embrace It

"I love the way the sunlight sparkles on the surface on days like this," she said of the clear blue sky and the the sun dancing on the water.

"It's just the sort of weather for swimming. My aunt and uncle used to take my cousins and I out on the lake during this time of year."

"And why should it be?"

"Well, mostly by sake of the fact that you thought you were alone. I didn't mean to... interrupt."

"Shut up," he said with no heat and a smile, "At least I tried," he added with a laugh.

"Try, yes. But can't quite leave out the epic failure either," he teased, joining in the laughter and giving Cameron a pat on the shoulder before bracing the punching bag again. "Give it another go. You were putting too much weight on your back leg; try shifting it forward with the movement before you kick."

“Well… that’s a bit embarrassing for you.”

"Is it though? You should have seen the other guy. He's going to be walking with a stick up his ass for weeks."

“Well, you’re all I have for reference, I’m afraid.”

“Well… that’s a bit embarrassing for you.”

"Yeah...not really. Embarrassment clashes with my manly image."

“Ah, still hanging onto the fragile form of masculinity then, yeah?”

“Well… that’s a bit embarrassing for you.”

"Are you insinuating I ought to be embarrassed by my own shortcomings? No...you know why?" Thorn poked his chest. "Because I'm the baby of 12. ANYTHING that's mine is worth keeping. So you can take your embarrassment and stick it up your perfectly sculpted rump."

Nathan was very much struggling to hold back a laugh. The little thing was so indignant all of the sudden. “Well, I can’t exactly understand having as many siblings as 12, let alone being the youngest.”

“Well… that’s a bit embarrassing for you.”

"Look...I agreed to accept your transfer because we need combat instructors. Obviously. But I'm not here to be friends with you. So keep your snide comments on my leadership to yourself."

“Transfer back,” he corrected. “And you and I were friends once upon a time, even if you’re not wanting to be now.” Nathan sighed, leaning back against the wall of the training room for the moment. “I’m hardly criticizing your leadership. I wouldn’t be able to handle half of the shit you’ve been dealing with in the last while. And you have been. I just wanted to come back to help. And to be with my family… surely you get that.” He shot Hayden a little smirk. “But I do think getting your ass handed to you by me means you need to be in here more often. That’s all.”