Thread: Against the Ropes [ Sigr & Captain Brandeau ]

The group maneuvered through the growing crowds in a single line with Danny at the head to lead the way to the kids' usual spot. The closer to the ring, the thicker the heat and brushing against shoulders was inevitable. For an average week day, the business was impressive. It's thrived tremendously ever since installing the fighting arena which allows fans of the sport to watch live competitions for free. The pub is registered under the proper license and provides its own security so the police stay out of their more underground business. By law, only licensed fighters can participate in the ring. But the pub discreetly bends the rules and allows anyone 18 to enter so long as they sign a liability waiver to dismiss holding the pub accountable for any injuries sustained and at the cost of a fee. No one may remember, but because the pub was Vinny's first real sponsor in his career, and the whole fighting thing was a popular trend, the owner was inspired to have the ring built. Once they settled for a spot on the side of the ring looking to Ayna's backside but from a few feet away, it was a recurring joke that Vinny treat the kids to alcohol. But he wasn't going to waste his money on kids barely old enough to buy ice cream on their own, especially when he didn't even drink himself. The ongoing fight in the ring had a clear winner, it was actually really boring to watch. But there were murmurs among the people around them of a female fighter wanting a match with a super middleweight or light heavyweight male. Not even Vinny could completely hide his excitement to see something like that. He had a long face most of the night but right then he smirked to himself and found it hard to stand still. The 16 year old, Reggie, noticed Vinny's behavior and nudged the others. It brought a smile to everyone's face, knowing they did good cheering up their friend. The night could only get better. The referee stood at the center of attention in a bright yellow polo with OFFICIAL across the back in black, bold letters. He kept the fight from becoming a murder and once in awhile, he'd lift his first two fingers to his earpiece. It made Vinny scan the bar for the one and only person who could be calling the shots like that. And he found him, the owner, standing like a bouncer on the opposite side of the bar where he could see everything at once. He told the kids he'd be right back, but didn't tell them not to do anything stupid because well, he ain't their dad. Vinny squeezed through the crowds again, heading right to him. Nick. The man he addressed was 5'7 but he slouched in his black collared shirt, tucked in a pair of designer jeans. So when Vinny approached him, he towered over the man. Nick raised a brow, looking Vinny up and down and then even harder in the face. Vinny?? Damn, it's true you really are a busboy. What are you doing here? Getting back in the ring? I could set it up now, you could get in there, knock a couple of heads for old times' sake. Nick reached up and gripped Vinny's shoulder in a friendly manner, Listen I got a girl about your height, I'm pitting her against one of my bouncers but if you want...? No way. I don't do that stuff any more. Vinny sighed. Stuff? What happened to you? You used to be all, jab jab jab this and left hook, uppercut! Nick shook his head and scoffed, Pssht, 'stuff' he says. Oh look, there she is, check'er out. All eyes were on Ayna as she was directed to cross the black ropes of the octagon-shaped ring. Most were in awe over the rookie's athletic curves and aggressive height, standing eye to eye with her much heavier opponent. Judging by the look of determination in both their eyes, it's bound to be an exciting match. But Vinny could feel his heart jump into his throat as he struggled to breathe. A part of him wanted to scold her for being impulsive but mostly worried about her getting hurt. The other part of him marched forward, abandoning Nick to break through the other side of the audience and among the deafening cheers, Vinny cupped his hands around his mouth and bellowed, Ayna! Keep your hands up!