A Little Calm...

Hand To Hand Combat

High Heels - JoJo

They set it up championship style. 1v1, winner continues to the next round. They weren't concerned about weight classes, given you wouldn't get to have that luxury in a real life situation.

MT
"Rules are simple. You leave the mat, you're out. Pin for 5 seconds or concede."

A few rounds go before you, all of which are scarily brutal. Nose bleeds, split lips and what you expect are broken ribs.
Your first round is up against a woman slightly smaller than you, but what she lacks in height she makes up for in muscle mass. When you look at Bucky briefly, you can see the nervousness behind his eyes. He's trying to hide it for your benefit but the biting of his thumb nail gives him away.

FT
"On my mark... begin."

Circling the mat, you both lock eyes, hunched down and ready with fists up.
She's the first to attack, throwing a right hook towards your jaw. You easily dodge it and throw one back at her, landing a cringeworthy crack against her cheek. Leaning away and cradling her cheek, you brake you stance to place a hand in her shoulder.

Y/n
"Oh my god, are you okay?? I'm so sorry I didn't mean to-"

Before you can get out anymore words, she throws another punch to your gut, causing you to kneel before her. Without hesitation, she then crosses another punch across your face, making you fall back onto your front. Taking a second to compose yourself, you push your fists towards the floor, bringing you back to your knees. Quickly, you rise to your feet and continue to circle each other. Once again, she goes for the attack. You time your next dodge perfectly with the step of her opposite foot, causing her to stumble forward along with a push on her back from you. Once her back is turned, you hook her arms back and push her knees down. Forcing your weight onto her, she grunts as her cheek smashes against the floor. Her wrists in one hand and the other holding her head down, you sit across the small of her back, firmly holding her down.

FT
"1..."

She struggles but you don't move.

MT
"2..."

Kicking her legs behind you, nothing is going to make you let up.

FT
"3... 4..."

Bucky
"5."

Releasing your grip, you stand to your full height, breathing deeply. You offer your opponent a hand up which she reluctantly takes. As soon as she's found her feet, she snatches her hand away and leaves the mat. A small round of applause echoes in the room as you do the same. Stepping to the back of the crowd, their attention quickly diverts to the next pair on the mat. Soon you feel Bucky's warm breath against the side of your neck.

Bucky
"You okay?"

Y/n
"Yeah. She was friendly."

Bucky
"You're not here to make friends, and neither are they."

His words ground you to the situation. Still surprised they came from him however, you turn your head to see him out the corner of your eye.

Bucky
"You did good, y/n. But it's not over yet."