sunshine | l.r.h

eighteen

chapter eighteen:

fight of a lifetime

Luke's heart feels like it's about to rip his chest open and fight for him. In all of his fights, none have felt as daunting as this one. He's pacing around his room, clenching and unclenching his fists. He doesn't hear Ashton walk in.

"You okay?" His voice rings, pulling Luke out of his trance. Luke pauses, leaning against the table. 

"What if he lied? What if this is all to screw me over and he still goes after her?" Luke hypothesizes. Ashton nods quietly before joining the blonde's side. 

"Is that a risk you're willing to take?" Luke shakes his head before running a hand through his curls. 

"I have to tell her everything," Luke admits, staring at himself in the mirror. "She doesn't deserve to be kept in the dark anymore."

"That's up to you," Ashton shrugs. "I think it would help."

"Fuck," Luke curses, turning away from his reflection. Ashton claps a hand on his shoulder. 

"You'll try your best to do the right thing, Luke, you always have," Ashton reassures. Luke almost scoffs at his words. Before their conversation can continue, the bell rings, signaling the end of the fight. Luke's heart starts pounding again. He can't hear what Ashton says. His feet start moving on their own, carrying him out to the ring. He can't hear the scream that would usually deafen him. His shirt is off and he's breathing heavily. Calum and Michael stand by his corner where they always are. If nothing else, you have them, Luke tells himself. He ducks under the ropes of the ring. 

Jackson has his back turned to him, talking with someone on the other side. When he turns, a wicked grin is plastered on his face. Luke wants to hit him and never stop. The announcer steps into the middle of the ring with a microphone in his hand. Luke and Jackson meet in the middle. Arrogance radiates off of Jackson.

"Alright, tonight we have a special one for you all," his voice echoes over the crowd. "Luke Hemmings and Jackson King are your fighters tonight! The stakes are high for this one, boys, I hope you're ready." The announcer looks between the two. Jackson sticks out his hand. "This will be a fair fight, no illegal moves, no brass knuckles, nothing of the sort." Luke shakes Jackson's hand before stepping back. Fair. If only they knew that Luke decided to lose the second Jackson made the proposition. Sure, he debated it but he knew his answer all along.

The bell rings and Luke discards all thoughts. All except one. Lose but don't make it obvious. Jackson and Luke circle the ring, keeping on the balls of their feet. Jackson makes the first move, lunging for Luke's abdomen. Luke dodges it easily. He strikes Jackson's jaw. Jackson doesn't waste any time hitting Luke back hard. Luke stumbles more than he should, putting on a show. Luke goes to hit but Jackson blocks and punches Luke's abdomen. More hits fly before Luke's back is on the ground. Jackson stands above him, holding his arms up in triumph. 

One.

Luke's back up and they're back in their corners, waiting for the second round to begin. He can feel the tension in the room. Luke hasn't lost in weeks. Stakes are high for those who bid but higher for the blonde. With their mouthguards back in, they're back to circling the ring. Jackson's eyes are smug as he stares down Luke. 

Ashton watches with his cheek in his teeth. Luke's looking at Jackson with more rage than ever. Ashton knows how easy it would be for Luke to win. Jackson doesn't have a strong stance, his exhaustion is showing. He knows Luke won't. Jackson lunges again. Luke dodges and uses his momentum to send Jackson to the ground. Jackson stands slowly. Luke hits him before he can regain his stance. Soon, the announcer is holding up Luke's hand.

Two. 

Jackson's staring Luke down like prey, challenging him to win. Luke's breathing is steady while Jackson's chest heaves. It kills him to know how easily he could win it all. Those sweet brown eyes echo in his mind, reminding him why he won't. This time, Luke makes the first move. A rare occurrence. Calum and Michael wince as Luke's thrown into the ropes. Jackson hits him, one, two, three times before Luke strikes back. He puts on a show. A facade for the audience that maybe, just maybe, he'll win. Luke doesn't dodge a direct hit. It sends him back to the ground. He doesn't get up. The bell rings and it's over.

Three.

Jackson beats his chest, hyping up the crowd. Luke's up and out of the ring without a word. He doesn't look at the guys as he grabs his shirt. He ignores the shouts of the people who bet on him to win. A few shout for a rematch. They shout that the fight was rigged. If only they knew.

The world gets a little quieter as Luke steps into the dressing room. He's looking at his reflection again. His nose, cheek, and lip are bleeding. His ribs are sore but not incredibly. 

"Luke," Calum calls as they enter the room. 

"There were so many times I could've had him," Luke laughs flatly. He turns to his friends who stare at him with worry. "If he wanted me to throw it to him, he should've at least fucking tried."

"You didn't have a choice, Luke," Michael reminds. Luke's door opens again and Jackson walks in. Luke wants to send him to the ground the second a grin spreads on his lips. 

"Good fight," he laughs. 

"It's done," Luke states, crossing his arms.

"What's done?" Jackson inquires, matching Luke's stance. Something shifts deep within the room. 

"The deal," Luke grits, slowly realizing what's happening.

"Oh," Jackson nods, "That deal. We may have to renegotiate that, Hemmings."

"You son of a bitch," Calum scoffs. Luke forces himself to stay still. "You said-"

"Actually, Calum, you don't have a damn clue what I said," Jackson interrupts. His eyes are back on Luke who's staring at him with hellfire. Luke knows better than to hit him now despite how badly he wants to. There's no fighting outside the ring when in the building. "What I said was she stays safe and she will, for now."

"The hell does that mean?" Michael speaks up, stepping forward. 

"It means I'm not the only one little Delilah has to worry about, am I?" Luke wants to rip him apart. "People are going to put the pieces together, Luke. You knew that though, didn't you? I'm sure Ashton tried to warn you but you're stubborn." Ashton's jaw tightens. Jackson claps his hands together. "Had a pleasure doing business with you, Luke." Jackson leaves the room before Luke has the chance to move. Luke keeps himself rooted in spot, cursing himself for falling for Jackson's false assurances. In that moment, Luke vows to himself that he'll never let it happen again.

It's been quite a while but here it is!