sunshine | l.r.h

fourteen

chapter fourteen:

revelations

Adrenaline is coursing through Luke's body. This was a feeling he'd have no trouble getting high on. The cheers, the lights, the intensity. All of it boiled down to the reason he kept stepping back in that ring. He bounces on the balls of his feet, trying to control the new surge of energy in his veins.

"Welcome, everyone," the announcer begins. Luke's back is facing him. His eyes find Ashton, Calum, and Michael in the crowd. Ashton sends him a nod. Luke returns the action. When he turns, he sees his opponent. Ryder Clay. Far from the rookie Luke went up against last time. He can't slip up, not this time.

The announcer goes through his usual script. No brass knuckles, no dirty moves, no bets. Luke's eyes are focused on the fighter in front of him. Ryder matches Luke's height. They're almost the same in build. Tattoos cover Ryder's dark skin. The two shake hands before returning to their respective corners.

When the bell dings, the two start circling the ring. Luke hasn't gone up against Ryder before but he knows a good fighter when he sees one. Never throw the first punch, Ashton's words echo in Luke's head. The first hit can tell you a lot about how someone fights.

Ryder makes the first move, heading straight for Luke's abdomen. Luke dodges it quickly before swinging. He hits his target, making Ryder stumble back a bit. He's not stunned for long. Ryder reacts quickly, landing a hit on Luke's jaw.

The two go back and forth, both getting hit in the process. This was much more of a fight than Luke had with the rookie last week. This was the kind of fight the crowd loves. The excitement keeps them on their toes. They never know who's gonna win until the final ring of the bell. When that bell rings, the announcer is holding up Luke's hand. Ryder's on the ground, breathing heavily. Once the announcer drops Luke's hand, he extends it to the fighter. Ryder takes Luke's hand as he stands.

"Good fight," Luke nods.

"You too," Ryder nods. "Didn't expect that from you. You're stronger than you look, Hemmings."

Luke grins at his words. "So I'm told." The two exchange a final nod before Luke slips out of the ring. He gets to his dressing room and shuts the door behind him. Ashton, Cal, and Mike linger behind, giving Luke some time to cool off before they see him.

A knock sounds at the door, eliciting a small sigh from Luke. "It's open." Luke doesn't bother to face the door. When he glances into the mirror, Jackson King stands behind him. A muscle twitches in Luke's cheek but he doesn't bother to turn to him.

"Good fight," Jackson barely tries to sound genuine. Luke doesn't respond as he starts to put ice on his face. "He almost had you though."

"What do you want?" Luke bites, turning to face him. Jackson puts his hands up in defense.

"I'm just talking to an old friend," Jackson chuckles, leaning against the wall. "Trying to catch up with you, that's all."

"You're full of shit," Luke scoffs, turning back to his mirror. Jackson lingers in the back of the room before finally stepping closer.

"You've changed since the last time I saw you, Hemmings," Jackson continues. A wicked smirk dances in his hazel eyes. "Got some tattoos, lost the lip ring, let your hair grow out." Jackson's now standing next to Luke at the counter. "Got a new girl."

"The hell are you on about?" Luke questions, suddenly caring about what he has to say. Jackson smirks, stepping back.

"You didn't think I'd find out about her?" Jackson chuckles again. Luke's arms cross over his chest.

"Who the hell are you talking about?" Luke tries to keep his voice steady. Jackson digs in his pocket for his phone. He taps a few times before turning it for Luke to see. Luke's jaw clenches at the picture on the screen.

It's from the last time Delilah was at the apartment a few nights ago. He and Delilah are close. Closer than two people who shouldn't know each other should be. Luke wants to break his screen.

"How the hell did you get that?" Luke grits. Jackson slips his phone back into his pocket.

"She's a pretty one," Jackson ignores Luke's question. "Didn't think she was your type, but a lot about you has changed."

"She's not involved in any of this," Luke shrugs off, trying to keep his reactions minimal.

"Oh, she is," Jackson laughs, running a hand through his jet-black hair. "Don't you see how you're reacting? That's exactly why she is involved in this."

"What do you want?" Luke asks. His thoughts are racing. The last thing he wanted was for Delilah to become involved. The entire point of staying away was to prevent it.

"Lose your next fight," Jackson shrugs nonchalantly. Luke shoots daggers through him.

"Or what?" Luke bites. Jackson licks his lips before tapping his phone in his pocket.

"I'd hate for something to happen to that pretty face of hers," he threatens. Luke pushes off the side of the counter, moving towards Jackson swiftly. He grabs two fistfuls of his shirt. Jackson just laughs. "You should really chill out, Luke."

"Don't involve her," Luke mumbles, letting him go. Jackson's getting the exact reactions he wants. It's more than enough proof that he's hit the nail on the head. Luke does care about this girl and there's no denying it.

"Just lose the fight, Hemmings, and she stays safe," he proposes. Luke wishes he could hit the smirk right off of his face. He might just try. Luke's never taken a bet or a bargain to throw a fight. He doesn't consider this either of those. This is something bigger. This is why Ashton wanted Luke to stay away from Delilah in the first place.

"What are you gonna do if I win?" Luke inquires, stepping back from the man.

"Ah, that would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?" Jackson chuckles. "If you really want to find out, go ahead. Win the fight. My boss isn't a very reasonable man, though."

"You're who I'm up against, aren't you?" Luke puts the pieces together and it almost makes him laugh. "You know you can't beat me fairly so you have to threaten me."

"Oh, I'm not threatening you, Luke," Jackson corrects, drumming his fingers along the counter. "If you don't care about her, it shouldn't matter what happens to her, right?" Luke doesn't say anything, knowing any words will prove Jackson's point. Jackson smirks again, cracking his knuckles. "Well, I'll see you again soon, Luke."

Luke doesn't say anything as he leaves. Rage burns his skin as he realizes what could happen. Luke's fists clench tightly as he realizes he's the reason Delilah's being brought up. If he had just stayed away-

The door opens again and Ashton, Calum, and Michael walk in. They don't expect to see Luke against the wall with his fists tight by his side. Michael opens his mouth to ask what's wrong but Luke throws on a shirt and walks out before he gets the chance.

He just fixed things and just got a fresh start with Delilah. His chest is heavy as he watches it all spin down the drain. It's like he had to take a bottle of bleach to everything. This was just supposed to be a fling. Luke should've known from the moment he sat down across from her in the cafe that this was different. He should've known the second he gave her his sweatshirt. The moments of them on the roof, watching the sunrise, shouldn't have happened. The pull he feels towards Delilah shouldn't be there, but it is.

When Luke gets outside, he takes a deep breath, attempting to clear his head. A bruised hand runs through his hair as he realizes what he has to do. The thought makes him want to shout. It makes him want to drive his fist into whatever he can. He just rebuilt the base of something with Delilah and now he's going to have to burn it down.

Aaaaaand here's me introducing the drama ✨

What's your favorite 5SOS5 song?

Mine might be Carousel at the moment, hence the reference at the end.

I hope you all are having a good day, night, or evening wherever you are <3.