Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

45

"And there you have it Brad. Our winner, Xena Tallen."

"What a sweet celebration. Normally we only see her and her team. But these guys appear to be a small group of Tallen's friends. And is that- that's rising pro-boxer Donovan Reeve."

"What an interesting pairing. I wonder how they became friends."

"Or perhaps more than friends?"

"Frankly, it's none of our business. But hypothetically speaking- I could see it."

The referee spoke into the microphone as he announced me the winner of tonights fight. My black hand wrap sweaty and in the light as he held my hand high. I gave another cheer as the crowd roared in response.

My dark maroon sports bra coated in sweat as my black shorts with gold, maroon, and silver marbling waves within them cling to my legs like a second skin. My shoes black and tight as I wanted nothing more than to take them off now that the fight was over.

"Congratulations." I turned, smiling as I held out my hand.

"You put up a hell of a fight, Williams. Knocked me flat." She laughed as she wrapped her right hand around mine.

"Next time I'll make sure you stay down, Tallen." We both chuckled as I brought her into a sweaty hug.

"Next time I hope you let yourself heal fully. Nothing is wrong with having to push back a fight due to injury. You let me know if your trainer is being a dick. I've got connections." I pulled back looking in her eyes. "I'm serious, Audrey." She nodded, I saw a tear appear before vanishing.

"Yeah. I'm not so sure I'll be sticking around with him." I nodded squeezing her hand once more before pulling away.

"Take care of yourself, Audrey."

"You as well, Xena."

I walked back over to my corner, cheers greeting me as Murphy wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"Let's go celebrate." We all cheered again at his words. The eight of us leaving the ring and moving down the tunnel. My eyes drifting towards the back of the VIP section before rolling my eyes as I didn't see anyone.

I didn't need to worry about that. My focus needed to be in showering. Because damn I smell.

______•*•*•*•______

"Whoa." I laughed at Pope's pure childish wonder as we walked into the neon lit arcade. Children ran around crazily as parents sat and ate around nearby tables.

"Why are we at an arcade?" I grinned, turning to face them and stepping backwards.

"Because this my loves, is tradition." I held my hands out to the large arcade. "Everyone gets thirty bucks to a card from me. After that it's on y'all."

So it's not a typical celebration, but it's tradition. No matter win or lose I always go to an arcade afterwards. It lets me cut loose and just have fun without any real pressure. Plus Murphy and Roy were working on getting dinner reservations somewhere in town.

I handed cards to everyone, my last stop Donovan who had been quiet this entire time.

"So, Mr. Reeve, I've got a little piece of plastic that's calling your name." I started walking up to him as he looked to me. Amusement beginning to crawl on his features as I pursed my lips.

"Oh yeah?" I nodded. "Do tell what I'm meant to do with the said plastic piece."

"Well," I gently grabbed his hand and set it on his palm, folding his fingers over it, "it's for you to go to any game machine and scan to play."

"Hmm, how interesting." I grinned he stepped closer, my arms rising to wrap around his neck as he set his hands on my waist. "Almost as interesting as someone I know."

"Oh? Do tell, Mr. Reeve."

"Well, Ms. Tallen, there's this girl-"

"A girl?" He nodded amused.

"She's an excellent fighter. Very intelligent and good looking. Holds a very tough mature shield to protect her young wild side. Don't tell her, but I think I really like her." I hummed happily as I leaned in closer to his face. His arms pulling me closer.

"I'm good at keeping secrets." He smirked before pulling me into a kiss. Our lips finally meeting as I rose on my tiptoes.

"Oh come on!"

"Get a room."

We broke apart at John B and JJ hollering at us to separate.

"She's like my sister dude!" Pope added.

We laughed as we separated the four Pogues smiling or fake pouting at us. I could tell they were happy to see me smiling and having fun, though I hope they know it wasn't just because of Donovan. They were my family. And he was the guy I was seeing. It's only been two weeks since we officially labeled our relationship, but even still. If it came down to it, I'd pick them over him.

"Let's go fight some dinosaurs." Donovan suggested as we walked over to the Jurassic simulator.

"I thought you'd never ask."

I enjoyed hanging out with him. I enjoyed being near him and interacting. We've kissed, those I've enjoyed- but nothing more. Which he respects. He understands that I'm still young. Still learning things and I just wasn't ready for that yet.

My thoughts caught up to me and I felt a wave of nerves and worry rush over me. I shook myself free and squeezed Donovan's hand.

I didn't need to think about any of that right now.

Right now, I had to make sure we didn't get eaten by dinosaurs while also delivering a dinosaur. It's complicated. But really fun.