𝐎𝐡, 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐡è

Chapter Twelve: Championships

*Dedicated to Brittany^^*

I came back. I came back to the same Gym where I felt exposed but I needed to talk to Rocky. As I walk up the stairs to the Gym, I take in a deep breath and try to mentally prepare myself. I want to talk to someone, someone who was there during that time and who else better to talk to than Rocky himself.

"Brit, what are you doing here?" He asks as his eyebrows raise in complete confusion. "Are you okay? Did you talk to Ryder? I'm so sorry but I thought someone had to say something or you both won't get out of this alive," he bombards me with questions and I silence him with my hand.

"I'm fine, don't worry. I just wanted to talk to you about everything since you actually know what went down," I sigh and he nods. We amble to the same bench we recently sat on and I face him. Even though I classified Rocky as my friend, I looked at him as more of a father figure as he's about my dad's age and he's actually more mature. He gives better advice and is willing to always talk to me in these cases.

"Okay, now tell me what's on your mind,"

"I haven't talked to Ryder yet," I mutter and glance around quickly before making eye contact. "I just felt so overwhelmed by everything that night so I dashed out. He called me alot but I never answered him," I say and he nods in understanding.

"I understand where you're coming from. Love can be hard and tough but it takes courage to actually jump into it," he says as he places a comforting hand onto my shoulder. But I didn't love him. I didn't even like him. What's all this nonsense that Rocky talks about?

"Rocky, stop talking about feelings, please. I have non whatsoever for Ryder," I sigh.

"You say you want to talk and take advice but you never actually listen, do you? You need to open up to how you feel and just accept that you like him. I know you're pushing him away because you're scared but love can also be a beautiful thing if you let it be," he gently says.

"I know, I'm so stupid. It's just that I always try to be strong and independent but then he comes into my life and f*cks everything," I groan and slide a hand down my face.

"Maybe he's something you need; a change. You've always been hardcore and independent but maybe he's showing you something more to life, something as beautiful as love," he says and a smile tugs on his lips. Maybe Rocky is right, or is he? I don't know anything anymore.

"But-"

"Maybe you've been so absorbed in being alone that you forgot the beauty of life, the beauty of love that can get you to open up and be more yourself, am I right?" He asks. I guess he could possibly right. I'm just not used to being so loved by any male. I've always had my mother by my side and that's about it. I never had a father figure to guide me and I never trusted Adam that much either. Could that be the reason why I tried to avoid such love with Ryder? Nah.

"I just don't want to admit it because it's hard just to open up to someone who's willing to give you love. Like what if I get too scared or wreck it?"  I say as I frown.

"That's the beauty of it, Brit. You feel and experience things you never have before. You saw the hurt in Ryder's eyes, maybe talk to him at least. You need to communicate," he continues. I sigh and realise he's right. I don't know why I was so lucky to end up with a friend like Rocky. In a matter of days I've spilled more things than I have with my mother in my whole life.

"Yeah I guess you're right, Rocky," I sigh.

"Rocky's always right," he smirks. He nudges my shoulder lightly and I slap it playfully.

"Way to ruin the moment, idiot!" I laugh.

"Anyways, Ryder's having his match tonight. Why not come with me and you'll talk to him after it?" He suggests and I nod. I should go.

"Yeah okay, that'll be good,"

♡♡♡

As we amble into the crowded area, I hear screams and shouts from every person. They look alot worse than me when I was in my fangirl stage. I glance around as I take in the beauty of the sport and see people jumping into their seats and waiting for the match to begin. I could tell they're too excited and I can't wait either. I need to talk to Ryder.

"Match's about to start in ten minutes!" Rocky yells over the loud shrieks and I nod. I hold onto Rocky's shirt slightly so I don't lose him and we amble to the front seats. It actually took so much effort as we had to shove and push people out of the way to get there.

As I stare from the front row, I can tell the ring is huge. People crowd around it in their seats and wait for the event to begin. The lights blind me as they change colours often and I take in a deep breath to mentally prepare myself for what's yet to come.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the AIBA Youth Men's and Women's World Championships! I hope you're ready cause I sure am!" The announcer booms over the microphone and my eyes widen. The screams of people echo in my ears and the lights switch to the left where Ryder's opponent is coming out from. "First off we have the Thunder!" He shouts and everyone erupts into cheers. A bulky man walks with security in his red and blue stripped robe and his dark-complexion shines against the ever-changing lights. I suck in a deep breath.

"That's Ryder's opponent!" Rocky points.

"And facing the deadly Thunder is Ryder Carter! Working his way to the top, he's finally able to try and beat the Thunder. Men, places please!" He announces and Ryder jumps into ring. My eyes widen as he removes his robe and all I can see his his ripped body. From his toned abs to his arms, he's truly a blessing.

Within seconds they're facing eachother. I don't know if I can watch this. I don't know if I can face the fact that Ryder could seriously get so hurt. My breathing becomes rapid and I wait anxiously until the bell rings loudly.

As it finally rings Ryder and the Thunder begin circling one another on their heels and their hands are protecting their faces. Ryder glides elegantly across the floor, hopping with speed and I knew in that moment he's not in this world. He's somewhere in a world where it's his opponent and himself.

Taking the moment, the Thunder pounces and slams his fist onto Ryder's jaw. I gasp, my eyes slapping against my lips and my eyes widen in complete shock. Luckily, Ryder composes himself and shakes it off. He begins circling him once again and takes the opportunity to slam a jab followed by a right. He then slams a left hook onto his ribs, slamming his fists twice before the Thunder uses his arms to stop Ryder's fists.

*ring*

First bell rings which indicates the end of round one. Ryder jumps onto his seat in the corner of the ring and someone uses tissue and whatever to wipe the blood from his nose and squirts water into his mouth. Now for round two, I don't know if can take it again.

They begin circling one another until they slam fists, dodge hits and suffer with blows. That was the end of round five and Ryder's face is pretty bruised up. Blood cascades down his nose and a thick bruise plasters against his left eye. The next person to make the other suffer becomes champion. This is the last round before they announce the winner.

As they circle one another once again, they slam fists onto eachother and block hits. It's all very intense as people scream and blood floods the ring. I could tell Ryder's losing energy but he holds on and keeps going.

And that's it.

The winner.

Ryder won.

He slams his fist with all his might onto the Thunder's face and he goes smack onto the floor. His face is so bruised up and the crowd goes absolutely insane. "And that's it folks! The winner of the AIBA Youth Men's and Women's World Championships is Ryder Carter!" The announcer booms into the microphone and holds Ryder's hand into the air, earning screams from the crowd. They pass him the golden belt and he weakly holds into the air. I jump off my feet and begin to make my way to Ryder but something stops me.

That's when I see Mia talking to Ryder.

And they're smiling.

(Hey lovelies! What did you think of this chapter? Please consider voting and commenting! Hope you had a great day/night!)

~Love, Natalie