10 Times Thank You: Chapter 1 (Generator Rex)

It surprises me that Rex doesn't hate basketball. He is so bad at it that he might do himself a favor and stop torturing himself with the sport.

I wince as Rex's next shooting attempt is an air ball. The ball arches too soon and misses the hoop by a good foot to a foot and a half.

Rex isn't bothered by it in the slightest. He just laughs at his poor attempt and runs after my basketball as bounces towards the grass. No matter how many times he misses, which is the majority of the time, he just appears to be more determined than ever to continue playing.

I guess that's Rex at his core though. He's never been one to give up on anything. Once he gets going there isn't much stopping him. It doesn't matter if it is taking down an Omega class EVO or failing to score points in a causal game against me.

I envy him his never give up attitude.

He turns to face me grinning as he pops the ball back into play.

The moment I catch the ball with both hands he is on me playing defense, his eyes concentrate on my hands, on the ball.

"Don't watch my hands," I tell him spreading my fingers over the ball's tread. "They can lie." I illustrate this point by reaching up as if I was about to shoot from where I stand. Just as I predict Rex jumps in an attempt to stop me, realizing too late that it is a faked shot.

I pivot onto my left foot and dart past him while he is still in the air. By the time his touches the ground the ball as left my hand and is arching towards the basket.

It hits the rim and ricochets off in a right angle.

"Well, they all can't be winners," I say trying to hide my disappointment. What better way to drive my point home than by making a three before Rex can blink?

"That was amazing!" Rex cheers after rescuing the ball. "You gotta show me that sweet move, Noe!"

I can feel an awkward smile tug over my face at Rex's enthusiasm. Even though the shot didn't work he is just as impressed as if it were buzzer beating score.

"I think you're the amazing one." It blurts out before I notice I've even spoken.

Rex pauses in his dribbling. He rests he ball on his hip as smirks at me, pleased by my praise. "Thanks, Noah. It's good to know I got someone rooting for me."

My face heats up in a blush. "Sure, anytime," I reply and hold my hands out, wordlessly asking for the ball, which Rex tosses to me. I drop it to the ground and slap it again once it springs back up. The steady rhythm of dribbling helps calm me. "Now, let me show you how I tricked you."