Hadrian was really humorous. He had joined the HSS agency because he wanted to support his family as his father was retired already. His mom's income didn't really go a long way in helping the family's financial situation. He was literally the bread winner of his household. I wondered who was living a better life between the both of us. I wasn't in any financial crisis and I was in HSS become I had made a promise to someone. But Hadrian... he had no choice. That was the only way he could survive. That was why he worked with determination. He was zealous, he worked extremely hard that I felt I couldn't keep up with him. I felt lazy at times. We did a lot of things in common. Exercising. Training. Chilling during recess hours and more. Even punishments. Even getting into trouble.
Just like that particular day
We were having a training session and our trainer was a masculine looking lady. I mean she had bulging biceps and her face... even meaner. She was extremely harsh, annoying and strict. Then Hadrian did something so unimaginable while she had her back turned to us ,he made a sign to others and that made them burst into laughter. When she traced the origin of the outburst, from the way she looked, the way she glared, I knew we were done for. I certainly knew we had gotten into trouble. Not just Hadrian. The both of us... because I was his training partner.
We were to climb the mountain top. Well the mountain or perhaps highland wasn't an easy task to begin with. I glared at Hadrian. It was all because of him.
" Softie "
I ignored him. I didn't even turn around.
"Softie "he called again.
No response
"Are you mad at me ?"
No response
"Stiles " his voice grew more hesitant.
This time, I turned. "What?"
"You don't have to be angry. I didn't mean to involve the both of us in this. "
I heaved out a sigh. That was true. But it was too late to turn back the hands of time. We were already in this together.
"Whatever " I resumed my journey.
"Softie, wait..."
"Don't speak to me anymore. " I brushed his hands off in slight irritation.
"Softie, you know that's literally you sending me on a suicide mission. I'm a talkative person. How do you expect me to get to the top of the mountain without saying a word. "
I smiled inwardly. I had seen that coming. Hadrian enjoyed conversations a lot especially with friends and acquaintances. He hardly stayed silent unless need be.
"Softie, you will really enjoy the view when we get to the peak."
"I hope so cos if not..." I gave him a glare.
"I said not to worry. "
If only he had not mocked the mean lady, if only he had kept his mouth shut. What a friend I had.
I dusted off the sandy particles on my palms as I advanced gradually to the mountain top. The view was beautiful. Extremely. Just like Hadrian had said.
"Wonderful, isn't it?" He crossed his arm over my shoulder.
"Yeah "
"I told you so." He breathed deeply. "Next time..." he hesitated. "I will make sure not to be noisy or cause trouble. I pledge. "He held his right hand up facing me as he smiled.
That was Hadrian Duncan. Honest, clever, funny and enthusiastic. I couldn't help smiling too.
HSS had more for us than we imagined. Since the election was drawing closer, the security had to grow tighter and as such our schedule, training sessions, exercises and activities were becoming tougher. We were protecting a potential candidate Mr Harold Jordan who would likely become the next president. He hardly visited the agency but I had seen him a few times. A gentleman probably in his late fifties. He had three children all abroad except one. His only son. His wife was a top professor. He was a freaking billionaire. He was literally living someone's dream. Including mine. He was literally living a perfect life.
"Hey Agent Stiles!" My heart missed a beat as I looked upwards. Did he notice I had been absent-minded? That was one of the trainers we had. He was a bit more lenient than the mean lady. Though he had the habit of bragging about his youthful days. How he was so unbeatable. Skilled. Strong.
"Yes sir" I rose.
"Get over here. I feel I need to toughen you a little. You look soft. We don't need a Softie for an agent. "
"Oh God " I mumbled under my breathe. I tightened my belt ready to defend as he charged forward. But in a swift, he took my arm swung it over his shoulder as he lifted by his back and then flung me to the floor. I groaned in pain.
"I said, didn't I? You really need toughening. You're not half as strong as I was while I was your age."
I saw that coming. I knew he would boast. Though I was aware I really needed to build my skills. That was one way to survive this domain.