Kings of Hawkings [bxb]

Chapter 10

After school, Hugh and Jonas hurried back to the dorms to change into workout clothes. Even though Hugh had a motorcycle, they decided to jog to the gym instead. Hugh was in excellent shape and easily kept pace with Jonas. He was content to see Jonas relax and open up when it was just the two of them. Jonas laughed more freely in these moments, and his dimple appeared more often.

When they arrived at the gym, Hugh let out a low whistle. "This place is fucking huge."

Jonas chuckled. "You've never been here? It's so close to school."

Hugh shrugged. "Only saw it from afar, honestly. Never considered going in until now."

Jonas looked up at the building, recalling the first time he saw it. At eight years old, he had been captivated by a few fights on TV and begged his parents to let him learn how to fight. He knew he needed it. They eventually relented and found Chuck's gym, which offered children's classes. When he first entered, he was slack-jawed with awe, his eyes wide with childlike excitement as he took in the sights and sounds of the gym. Even at a young age, he knew this place held hope.

It was the first time he met Chuck, and they hit it off immediately. Chuck always had a soft spot for Jonas and took care of him.

After a couple of years, Jonas' parents lost interest in the gym, believing the sport was beneath their status. But Chuck encouraged Jonas to come whenever he wanted and continued to train him. Jonas made it a point to be there every day, showing unwavering dedication. As he grew older, he tried to repay Chuck by working around the gym. Chuck welcomed the help, letting Jonas clean or work the front desk and sometimes even train the younger students.

Chuck believed working formed good habits and discipline. He tried to teach Jonas many lessons and strived to be a good role model. He accepted Jonas like a son and provided him with the affection that was missing from his real family. They had a strong relationship for years, but Jonas distanced himself emotionally last year. He stopped communicating and didn't show up every day like he used to.

Chuck was fiercely protective of Jonas, and when Jonas showed up completely bloodied at the end of the school year, Chuck was distraught with worry. Jonas begged Chuck not to inform his parents, which meant avoiding the hospital. The fighters at the gym banded together to patch him up and keep him safe.

Eventually, Jonas' parents discovered where he was and created a horrible scene at the gym. Chuck had to restrain his fighters from breaking Jonas' father's jaw, though he himself wanted to cause the most damage. In the heat of the confrontation, Chuck threatened to take Jonas away from them. When they coldly replied that they didn't care, Chuck followed through. He took Jonas in and, with the help of a few colleagues, got him enrolled at Hawkings and settled in the dorms when he turned 18.

Jonas found refuge with Chuck, who provided the care and stability his parents never did. Chuck not only gave him a place to stay but also ensured his future, guiding him through his enrollment and supporting him in every way possible.

Chuck was a father to Jonas.

Jonas gripped Hugh's shoulder and led him into the gym. The guys called out and waved at Jonas, who returned the gestures with a wave and a nod. A couple of them came over to greet him, their faces lighting up at his arrival.

"Hey, who's this?" one of them asked, eyeing Hugh curiously.

Hugh grinned and introduced himself.

"Wait, aren't you a King?" another guy asked. "Mad Dog, right?"

Hugh laughed. "That's right."

"We've seen some of your fights! You've got great form. Ever thought about going pro?"