F*ckin' Perfect

Chapter 21: Fighting Solves Everything

Nic's POV

During the week leading up to the fight, I hadn't been to school once. I had almost constantly been training with Phil, and when I wasn't, I was with Natalie, either just hanging out or her trying to catch me up on school, which just ended up as hanging out. Since my amazing girlfriend's parents were so amazing, they managed to excuse me for the entire week, which I was extremely grateful for.

On the morning of the fight, I felt confident in myself, but I in the back of my head, I could feel the nagging doubt Madelyn had planted there, telling me this would all be for naught. I was pulled out of my thoughts by a hand on my back, rubbing it gently which brought my focus to Natalie. She had managed to sit on her bed beside me without me noticing with a small smile on her face.

"Don't worry, you're going to win. I just know it." I smiled as her, nodding slightly.

"I sure hope so; I'm not going to give you up that easily." She smiled widely while kissing me.

"I believe in you. You're going to beat her and we can move on from this." I nodded once more, grabbing her hand closest to me.

"You know, you've been oddly calm about hearing that I fight for a living. I don't get it, I thought you'd flip and never want to see me again." Her smile fluctuated between reassuring and amused, letting me know she agreed.

"Yeah, it did surprise me, but I figured it would just be easier to accept it and support you." The words made me smile even more, kissing her swiftly.

"We should probably get going... It's almost one," I sighed, not wanting to go to the warehouse where Madelyn was no doubt already there waiting for me. Natalie gave me a patient smile and kissed my cheek before standing and tugging me up.

"It will turn out okay, I promise." As anxious as I was, I couldn't help but smile at my girlfriend.

"Shouldn't I be the one saying that?" She gave me a cheeky grin then proceeded to practically drag me out of the bedroom. We passed her mom whom called out, reminding us to be back in time for dinner. I told her we would, granted I didn't need to go to the hospital after this was over.

I expected the ride over to be tense and nervous, yet I felt relaxed driving towards the warehouse, Natalie's hand in mine and my mind focused on one thing: holding it again afterwards and never letting go. Pulling into the lot next to the warehouse, I noticed all of the cars parked, telling me this was a popular fight.

"Why are there so many people here?" I chuckled dryly, drawing her attention to me.

"Well, the last time we fought, I was beaten to a bloody pulp. I suppose most of these people think this is a revenge match; just here to see a show and make some money from bets," I explained before letting out a deep breath. "Alright, let's get this over with."

As we left the comfort of the car and entered the crowded warehouse, the anxiety I had expected earlier finally decided to show which made my palms become sweaty. The air felt thick from the amount of people within and the constant noise was already beginning to dig into my mind. Even in the crowd, I instantly found my manager, finding him talking with the girl he encouraged me to "teach" and her manager, though I could tell he was stressed by the way his left eye twitched.

"Phil," I called out, making him turn and meet my gaze, noticing the familiar sense of worry in his brown eyes.

"Nic, thank god you're here. Madelyn showed up about half an hour ago, I made her go into the men's dressing room, so you should be able to avoid her until the fight. Now, go get changed, that bitch is impatient," he commanded, which I just nodded at and turned to Natalie, finding her eyes wide and the nervous face she almost always had. I grabbed her face, bringing her forehead to my own and meeting her gaze.