•11•

He laughs again although I think this time it's out of relief and awkwardness.

Middle-aged man

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I guessed you where looking at my boys... Uh you must be a new one right?! Most people around here have already seen our training materials

Yeah I would also try and change the subject if I happened to be in your situation big guy!

Aitana

That and the fact that I love rugby-

I hand moves to the back of my neck, rubbing it in an attempt to soothe my nerves.

May be weird but even though I'm extremely social and over energetic whenever it comes to something I really like, rugby or boxing, I tend to be more embarrassed and less confident with people who know about it. It's not really something I can explain and the only way that doesn't happen is when I'm mad ticked off or with people I trust with my life!

Middle-aged man

You play don't you?

My eyes widen and I freeze, like a dear caught in red lights

Middle-aged man

Your phisical complexity says it all, at first I left cheer leading and gymnastics as a background reasoning, but after that quick demonstration of a fairly good takling with normal clothes on... It's not that hard to figure it out!

I smile embarrassed, he doesn't seem like one to underestimate me for my gender.

I'm about to answer but he raises his hand asking me for a moment, he turns around whistle's loudly making everyone freeze.

Middle-aged man

Alright boys, come over for stretching! I'm not having any of you with cramps after our first training of the season.

Most of them jogged over to us, chatting with each other, laughing and hitting each other playfully. Makes me smile sadly as I remember doing the exact same in my old team, laughing with Alexis, chatting with Felix plus Nacho and I annoying each other.

Soon enough they all start stretching on their own and the man turns back to me.

Aitana

I actually also came here to see if it was a mixed-up team...and if i could join?

My last words are barely whispered but he seems to hear them perfectly as a soft smile finds it's place on his face.

But before he can say anything an older looking man, white hair already fairly spread, comes up.

Old man

And who would this be, Bruce?

So middle-aged man turns out to be named Bruce, like the hulk!

Bruce

Oh this right here is our new recruit! But since the Alpha is on a field trip I don't really have anyone to show her around...

I can tell they're talking as quietly as possible so I'm unable to hear the last sentence, and although I can I don't give it much importance. Every team has weird nicknames or codes for different formations or game positions !

And it's not like that word was surprising and weird to me...