Thread: Against the Ropes [ Sigr & Captain Brandeau ]

A familiar warmth returned to his heart when she called him Uncle Vinny as it used to a thousand times in the past. She said it like it was routine, with much remembered love and enthusiasm while turning a few heads from nearby booths in the restaurant. Vinny watched her abandon her seat to follow up with a hug, which he embraced with a little one of his own. When she wrapped her arms around his shoulders in a firm hold, he got a good taste of her strength, feeling she could have easily lifted him if she wanted to. Ayna practically squeezed the Hey Champ right out of him. Though she retook her place at the other end of the table, her freshly showered scent still lingered and invaded his nose as he inhaled and released a soft sigh. It was clear what would come next and he was prepared to answer anything she may have wanted to know. If anyone deserved to know the truth of the aftermath, it would be the Omarov family who helped with a majority of the funds to jumpstart his dream. They... they weren't mad at me? Vinny pulled away from her emotional gaze, feeling the extra weight of guilt burdening his shoulders at this new knowledge that there were people that were worried sick over him all this time. He would have preferred that they were mad at least then it would have given him the proper excuse to stay hidden. Back when he was laying down in that hospital bed recovering from his injuries, he had denied everyone that came to visit. Vinny did not just vanish as she said, he abandoned everyone he knew, too ashamed to look them in the eye with his battered and bruised face for them to see the defeat. The voices in his head were angry at himself, thus he believed everyone felt the same towards him. I missed you too, Ayna. All of yous. It's just some things I had to do on my own, you know? He was reluctant to meet her eyes again with hopes she would understand the man's desire for privacy. Vinny smiled and gestured for her to eat, Yeah, of course, don't let me stop you. When her teeth sunk into that sandwich, he chuckled and shook his head. While she may have grown up, she still held onto certain mannerisms that reminded him of the little girl he was used to. Mostly the comical way she ate when she was super hungry. She could not say the same, since he is an entirely different person as opposed to her memories. No, no, you look phenomenal. It's me. I uh, skip the gym nowadays, don't get out much 'cept for work and... well I don't know. I-I'm still trying to find myself.. he was embarrassed to say it out loud so he lifted his hand and waved those thoughts away. That's enough about me. What are you up to that's got your folks so worried? Vinny's eyes playfully narrowed in suspicion, Better not be boys. He immediately straightened up in his seat when she proudly told him what she wanted to do with her life. It was his turn to grow emotional, his green eyes beginning to sting as they watered. I knew it. I always knew you were going to do something great and now you're tellin' me you're a fighter? I'm so proud! Before it got any worse, he wiped his eyes, unable to stop smiling, Just lookin' at you, I know you're gonna be way greater than I ever could have been. Vinny leaned in closer, So tell me everything, who's your manager, your coach, are you at Benny's gym, what sponsors are you lookin' into? As he flooded her with these questions, his voice sounded rough. It was the most talking he's done in years and the longest he's talked about fighting. He normally stayed away from the subject all together, bitter about his ending but this was about her, his favorite niece on the planet.