704 V2 ch176 (1/2)

I swallowed, a little uncomfortable. I scooted even closer and whispered back. ”It's not me you have to worry about, Noah. I think you would make a great captain. You have to impress the others. Zeke said he didn't come so he could let others take over the leadership roles. So...be a leader?”

He nodded in agreement. ”Right. I need to show the coaches I can be a leader despite being an underclassmen still. I also have to ignore those jerks while still getting some revenge.” He patted my shoulder. ”I'll be counting on you.”

I scratched my cheek. ”I won't even know who to aim for.”

”If you don't know them from Varsity, then hit a bomb off them.” Noah instructed. ”If you see Austin in the outfield, then make him run after a hit to the corner or something.”

I nodded. If I see Austin anywhere else, I would probably turn away from him because he gives off 'bully vibes'. But if he's on the field...I can try to make his life a little more difficult.

”What are you guys doing off to the side like this?” Kyle's voice caught us by surprise and made us knock heads.

Noah stood up and faced him. ”Nothing in particular. We just thought it would be weird for us to stay with you guys. You'll be with the pitchers and catchers while Jake and I will be with infielders.”

Kyle raised an eyebrow. ”Why would it be weird? We're brothers.”

I looked up at him in awe.

”I'm trying to establish an identity apart from being an Atkins brother.” Noah said. He tapped my knee with his foot.

I slowly got up at the hint.

”How are guys going to approach Jake and I if we just hang out with the Varsity team?” Noah questioned. ”Don't you want Jake to make more friends? Gain acquaintances? Be social in general?”

I made a face at him as Kyle looked his way. Why is he using me as his scapegoat??

Kyle shrugged. ”Well, okay. If that's what you want to do.” He started to walked towards Dave and the others. ”Good luck being 'approachable'.”

My lips twitched. I looked to Noah.

Noah shrugged. ”What? It's not like I can tell him I want to be captain.”

”Why not?” I asked. ”They would help you.”

”Exactly.” Noah said. ”I don't want their help. I want to be a leader on my own.” His eyes drifted to the entrance of the field. ”Andy! Hey Andy!”

I looked over and saw Andy entering with another player. He looked at us, then hesitated for a second before coming over.

”What? Are you suddenly embarrassed of us?” Noah asked him when he got closer.

Andy put his bag on the ground. ”No. I just didn't know if you were with the other guys.” He glanced at his friend. ”Rami, this is Noah and that's Jake. Sophomores this year. Guys, this is Rami, a freshman like me. We went to the same middle school.”

Noah stuck out his hand. ”Hey, how's it going?”

Noah laughed. ”I'm starting it today. Feels a little formal though.”

Rami stuck his hand out at me. ”Want to shake too?”

Andy reached out and pushed his hand down. ”We're only a year apart. Don't shake hands. It's weird.”

Rami laughed. ”I was just going with the flow.” He put his bag down. ”I'm going to get my cleats on.”