Insomniacs (#1)

53. reward*

I pushed open the bathroom door and instantly bumped into somebody. I looked up to see Everest's frantic expression, grasping my shoulders. He opened his mouth to say something but then his eyes flicked over my face.

I knew my eyes were red, I could feel the sting. And I had a tendency to turn the palest shade of white after I vomit so I was aware I looked bad. He didn't say anything for a moment before pulling me into a hug.

I blinked, not expecting it but wrapped my arms around him, "Was it because of what Vic said-"

"It's fine." I muttered.

I hoped he wouldn't push for more and he didn't, just kissed the top of my head and held me against him for a moment. I tried not to let on how much it felt like I needed it, Everest's tender and unconditional comfort.

He pulled back after a moment and brushed back my hair with a smile, "You're okay?"

I nodded but his expression turned dreaded, sort of weary and I furrowed my eyebrows.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Don't freak out-"

"What am I supposed to be freaking out over?" I stepped back, nervous now.

"Luca- well, he-" He paused, winced, "He definitely lost that round."

In an instant, I was walking around him and pushing open the main doors. Holding my breath, I intended to make my way through all the bodies but Everest soon appeared in front of me and split the crowd so I could follow easily. We made it to the front and I looked up at Luca.

My heart dropped into my stomach.

He was sat on the stool now that the round had ended, his arms slung back against the ropes and head dropped between his shoulders. Blood dripped from his jaw and onto the ring floor. I was scrambling my way into his corner before I could comprehend, Ev helping me up.

I ducked under the ropes and crouched in front of him. That's when he looked up to me and my breath caught in my chest. Blood from his nose and his busted eye trailed down his face. He was holding his side when he blinked back at me for a moment and then grasped my face with his gloves. He winced at the small movement of his arms.

"What happened-"

"You're here." Was all he said, sounding so pained but not from his wounds. Like he was scared I wouldn't be.

"Of course I'm here." I said, shaking my head to try and think clearly. All I could see was his busted eye and the cuts on his cheek and all I wanted to now do was get him out of here and take him home so I could kiss him better.

I placed my hand on his torso and gently ran it up to his side. As soon as I made contact, he flinched but tried to maintain his composure.

"Fuck, Lu. What happened in that round- it, never mind, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter, okay cos you're gonna win this. I'm right here in your corner, you see me?" I held his face tenderly, where he had no cuts, "All my money's on you, babe, always."

He winced as a guy on Tyson's team applied that similar vaseline substance to his cuts, breathing sharply through his teeth, "Even when I look like this?" He tried to be playful. It didn't work. His ribs were in too much pain.

"Even when you look like that. I meant it when I said always." I said, my lips tugging upwards.

His eyes flicked over my face before he tilted his head back, "Give me one more smile. And I swear to you I'll beat his ass."

Even if he hadn't asked, I couldn't help the way my lips tugged upwards for him. I stood as Tyson said it was time for me to go, Luca's bloody lips edging upwards too when he saw my smile. I quickly kissed his forehead and made my way down besides Everest.