Thread: Against the Ropes [ Sigr & Captain Brandeau ]

Had it landed, that punch would have done the same damage to Vinny's nose as it did on her most recent victim, perhaps much worse. She was definitely fast if not just showing off, her fist once a blur, now frozen mid air with her center knuckle locked onto the bridge of his nose. She had been so close, his eyes were crossed, trying to focus on her large hand. As she backed off, before dropping her hands to her side once again, he could see the faint combat bruises across her fingers. Vinny stood tall and relaxed his posture when it felt safe to do so then sighed, It's fine, Ayna. I've got some explainin' to do and I'll do it tomorrow. He agreed, hoping what he had to say would satisfy their years of wonder and give everyone closure. Resuming the walk, taking his place by her side, the tension subsided long enough for Vinny to get a good look on the old neighborhood. He practically knew every name on the block from here, they all stood behind him and supported him the most at the prime of his career. Across the street from them was the corner store where Vinny used to buy Ayna sweets she wasn't allowed to eat and the bus stop where he'd wait for her after school on the days his visits were less and less frequent because of training and more like surprises. Up ahead was the park, their favorite hang out spot, and it hadn't changed a bit. The tire swing, the jungle gym, the sandbox, ths small forest trail with the wooden bridge were all old but still functional and held all sorts of memories. It wasn't until Ayna said so that he noticed the tree was gone. Not completely, the burnt remains of the stump still stood. It was heartbreaking to remember the best moments shared with that tree, particularly when Ayna climbed near the top to prove herself to her friends but later got stuck. Vinny had climbed up to her level to save her but before he grabbed her, he carved her name into the bark so everyone would know of her accomplishment. The feeling of nostalgia thickened. He had not walked these streets in a decade despite living only 20 minutes away. His heart began to ache for the lost time, wishing things had turned out different for only a brief second. It's uh... but Vinny couldn't find the words to animate exactly how he felt, Yeah, it's weird... he decided on the words she had chosen, glancing over at her and studying her face more closely, I still can't believe how much you've grown. And why are you so tall? Tryin' to be as much as your Uncle Vinny as possible? he coughed out a laugh and focused back ahead. With every passing marker, indicating how close they were getting to her house, his pace slowed, his heart beating unevenly while his eyes throbbed from anxiety. Maybe she was right and he was a chicken. But that didn't matter, he'd have to overcome his fear tomorrow when he came back. Vinny had stopped in his steps altogether, staring blankly ahead at her house, at the end of the cul-de-sac. He folded his arms and hugged them close to his body to stop them from trembling. You... you probably think so little of me now... I really am a coward.. he whispered while turning away, I'll see you tomorrow.