Waylon's Warrior

*The Next Day*

"Will you stop fidgeting? Callum told you that his day worked out, why can’t you believe that yours will too?”

Waylon glared at his father before breathing in deep calming himself, “Callum would be happy with a six-headed demon if it meant getting some. I on the other hand have no interests in dating. I don’t do long walks in the park, flowers make me sneeze, chocolates are fattening, and I can’t stand crying!”

His father laughed, "When did you become the grumpy son?”

“When Callum started to be excited about his *Queen of Darkness*.”

Waylon endured hours of Callum incessant ramblings about his new job and Charlee. He was happy for him, though that was an emotion he had little interest in showing. The problem more so was that perhaps out of his four brothers, he and Declan were the only ones not interested in this whole idea of *getting out there*. He knew the risk and didn't want Earth destroyed but he’d honestly much rather focus his time on regaining his love for sports that he’d lost during his recovery.

He smiled as they approached their destination. "Now see THIS is what I can get behind! Perhaps I will meet this woman. I could always use a ring bunny.” He looked up at the gym name *Willows* and then to his father. "Hm, an odd name for a gym but who am I to judge?”

Walking inside, the two looked around, and immediately Waylon felt like he was home. The large, encased ring in the middle called to him the most, and he found himself in awe of the match taking place. It wasn’t boxing like he originally assumed, but MMA and if there was anything Waylon loved was a good MMA fight.

The large man in the middle however was clumsy, and the smaller built of the two use that to his advantage. Waylon couldn’t really make out the smaller one as he was wearing head gear and effortlessly dodging the larger man's counterattacks. It was clear though that everyone in the gym loved him.

"Kick his ass Will! Kick his ass!” They chanted, and Waylon felt his eyes widened as the smaller framed man jumped from the metal fence around the ring, landing a perfect kick into the larger one’s chest.

"AND HE’S OUT!” He heard someone shout as the cheers poured in.

Waylon scoffed, "He is nice, BUT that’s only because his opponent was sloppy in his movements. Being bigger doesn’t have much of an advantage if you don’t fully know how to use it properly."

His father smirked, "Oh yeah? Well, won’t you get in the ring and show em how it’s done?”

Waylon nodded, "I supposed it wouldn’t hurt. If I must be here to meet my *bride* I should at least be able to have a good time.” Removing his hoodie, Waylon made his way to the ring, "Hey! Are you too tired to take on someone-”

Waylon tilted his head, realizing there was something a bit odd about the man that he hadn’t noticed further away. "Waylon, right?” He heard the soft voice call from the training headgear. Removing the bulky item, ginger red hair and a plethora of freckles stared back at him. She nodded her head at Alaric, "I’m Willow. Your dad said you might be just what I’m looking for?”

"Huh?” The confusion in his eyes made her giggle and she pointed to the sign.

*Help wanted.*

"I have a few clients who are looking for one on one training for upcoming matches. I love to be in the ring, but running this place takes a lot of time, and I really could use the help. Alaric said you were a natural.”

Waylon turned and looked at his father. Alaric grinned at him, "Be careful Waylon, you might accidentally let out a smile of happiness.”

Readjusting her hair, Willow beckoned him into the ring, "So are you going to show me what you got, or is all that muscle just for show?”

Ever the sarcastic person, Waylon shook his head and smirked at her. Removing his shirt, he saw her lips part slightly, before she quickly turned away.

*Alright, granddad, I see where you’re going with this.*

Squaring off, the two watched each other's movements. What Waylon thought would be an easy match, proved quite difficult upon being up close to Willow. Her toned figure still contained curves that Waylon found himself constantly following with his eyes. The bright green hue of her eyes seemed to dance in amusement every time she caught him doing it. Before he knew it, Willow was on him, Legs locked around his waist. Waylon quickly shook his head before grabbing her thighs and slamming her lightly into the mat.

He pinned her arms. "You’re pretty tough,” he laughed.

Moving quickly, Willow flipped him and pinned his arms surprising him, "So are you.” He adored her laugh even when it was at his expense. "Hey muscles? Your hands are on my ass.” Waylon’s face reddened realizing he had somehow managed to pull her closer to him. She giggled at his reaction. "I’m not necessarily complaining, I was just letting you know.” Seeing his face redden more, Willow stood and offered him her hand.

Standing, he scrunched his nose and pointed to her necklace trying his best to deflect his embarrassment. "What’s that?”

She patted it, "Oh! Silly good luck charm I like to use to remind me of why I started the gym in the first place.”

"Why is that?”

She sighed, “To control my anger. When I needed a place, I couldn’t find one, so I created one. A lot of people here are the same. Dealing with a lot of emotion and baggage that only presents itself as rage. A lot of them say that their therapist recommended this place to them. My dad was an MMA fighter. Gave me this after my first match when I was a teen. *Red like my red* " She said pointed to the ruby stone in the ring.

*Jesus granddad. I get it!*

He thought smirking.

As Willow looked around her attention was caught by a man outside the ring. She waved happily. "Here I come!” Turning back to Waylon, she playfully punched his arm, "So what do you say? Are you in? I really could use you here Monday.” He nodded. The atmosphere of the gym called to him, as well as the idea of learning from others how to control his anger better than he already did. Jumping up and down, she darted into his arms, catching him by surprise, "YAY! YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE I PROMISE!”

He hugged her back, "I have a feeling I will.” Releasing him, Willow exited the ring, and he followed shortly after, joining Alaric. He scratched his head, "I-I’m not quite sure what just happened, but I don’t hate granddad as much.”

Alaric laughed and patted his son on the back, feeling him still as he saw the man hand Willow a bouquet of roses and hug her deeply. Waylon blew steam from his nose and step forward, his father stopping him.

"Her brother,” He murmured. Calming, Waylon nodded in silence as he watched the interaction. He could sense something was off.

"What wro-”

"Just left his second stint in the hospital…” Waylon's eyes zeroed in on her brother’s wrist. He closed his eyes, feeling his father pat his shoulder to calm him. The two men exited the gym, and Waylon made a mental note to hug his brother Declan as soon as they arrived home.