To Love A Fighter |||| l.p.

Him

Liam's POV

It's been a few months since the WWA tour, and I'm terribly bored. Ever since Sophia and I broke up during the tour I've just been a depressed mess. The only thing that keeps my head clear is being able to box at the gym again. I'm lying on the couch and decide to make myself useful and head out of the house to start jogging towards the gym for the 3rd time today. It's dark outside, so I put my hoodie up and move quickly. At least the paps won't have too much time to catch me.

After a few hours, the gym is getting ready to close up. I'm dripping in sweat, happily breathing heavy next to the bag that was victim to all my lonely frustrations. My arms twitch and pulse with exhaustion, so I let them hang. There's only one other mate here packing up his things, some American with blue eyes and curly blonde hair. He looks a lot older, I saw him training with the owner, he must have fought pro before. He catches me glancing at him, "hey you need help?" Confused, I realize I must look like I need it, being exhausted I haven't even bothered to take off my gloves.

"Sure mate, 'preciate it, ummm...?"

"Pat. Nice to meet ya! And you are...?"

"Liam."

"Oh that's why you looked so familiar! My daughters love you and your band! What's it called, some direction...."

"One Direction" I chuckled.

"Right! Right! Man you can move, I take it you've been training for a while?" the American asked excitedly.

"Yea, since I was little. So do you! Did you used to fight pro?" I asked perking up. Most of these old school boxers are tough guys, but this guy was as nice, and deadly, as they come. It was nice to talk about something other than a pep talk about putting myself out there again. I know people care, but I need time. Between Sophia and the tour, I just wanted some time to be alone.

"Yea yea, had some fun in my younger years!" we chatted about his career, I told him a little about my history in boxing, next thing you know we're talking about our personal lives and what we do now. Turns out he's leaving back to Houston, TX tomorrow, where he teaches boxing at a mixed martial arts school, he and the owner are good friends from their pro days and he stopped by to visit him. Eventually the owner kicked us out, "I want to get home to my wife!"

"Liam, it was great talking to you, if you ever come to Houston stop by Underground MMA, we'll get you some good training in! I'm serious! And no crazy teens allowed!" Pat waved and winked as he walked off. The idea tugged at me, Texas, sounds different...sounds perfect to hide there for a bit...."thanks Pat! I might take you up on that!"

Pat laughed, "I'll see you soon bud!"