Evelyn

Steven's muscles bulged as he bench-pressed the heavy barbell, his face a mask of concentration. Stefon stood nearby, spotting him, ready to assist if needed. The clink of weights and the rhythmic breathing of the two men filled the basement along with the scent of sweat and determination.

Garan and Maxine sat in chairs outside the boxing ring, observing Elle and Maggie as they sparred inside. The two women moved with fluid grace, working on their latest technique, their focus intense.

Garan glanced over at Maxine, who seemed relaxed as she watched the sparring match. "How long do you think Angelo will be talking to Evelyn?" he asked, breaking the silence between them.

Maxine shrugged and turned her palms up. "Hard to say. It's only been twenty minutes. It could take a while."

"I just wish I knew," Garan muttered, his frustration seeping into his voice.

Maxine turned her head, her eyes meeting his with a playful glint. "You're cute when you're worried," she teased, flashing him a big smile.

Garan rolled his eyes, trying to hide the warmth creeping up his neck. "Stop trying to charm me."

Maxine's smile widened. "I'm not trying to charm you. It obviously doesn't work."

Before Garan could respond, a pair of pants smacked him in the back of the head. He turned in surprise to see Buck walking up behind him, a sly grin on his face.

"You'll have to excuse Maxine," Buck said, his tone light but pointed. "Shallow relationships built on manipulation are all she knows."

Maxine let out a dramatic sigh. "You guys suck."

Ignoring her, Buck pointed to the pants now on the floor beside Garan. "Well, don't just sit there. Put those on."

Garan picked up the pants, frowning. "What are they for?"

"Those are Muay Thai training pants. You want to help out more, right? So I'm going to show you some moves. Plus, you're starting to stink. Those clothes could use a wash."

Buck turned toward the ring, raising his voice to catch the attention of the sparring women. "Yo, we got next!"

His shout distracted Maggie, and she and Elle collided mid-air, crashing to the mat in a heap of tangled limbs.

Elle groaned as she disentangled herself from Maggie. "Looks like we could use a break anyway."

Maggie nodded, shaking her head as she stood. Garan, still holding the pants, made his way toward the small locker room to change. Maxine shot her brother a glare as he climbed into the ring.

"Thanks, ass," she muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Buck blinked, genuinely confused. "What?"

Maxine didn't bother to explain, walking off instead. Buck shrugged, dismissing her irritation as he began hopping up and down to get a feel for the ring floor. He bounced off the ropes a few times, testing their resistance.

Garan emerged from the locker room, now wearing the training pants and carrying his dirty clothes. Elle approached him, holding out her hand for his laundry.

"I'll take those," she offered.

Maggie, now sitting in one of the chairs outside the ring, called out, "Good luck in there, kid."

Elle added, "Go easy on him, Buck," before she headed toward the laundry room, Garan's clothes in hand.

Garan felt his nerves tightening as he slowly approached the ring, awkwardly pulling himself under the ropes. Buck stood waiting, a confident grin on his face.

"You know how to kick?" Buck asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and challenge.

Garan shrugged. "I mean, I guess."

Buck chuckled. "Let's start with a few kicks. Show me your fighting stance."

Garan stood up straight, his shoulders squarely facing Buck. He made fists with each hand, extending them about eight inches from his face.

Buck laughed out loud. "What are you, an Irish boxer from the 19th century?"

Garan flushed, lowering his fists. "I've never done this before."

Buck’s expression softened. "No problem. You're right-handed, right?"

Garan nodded. "I am."

"Okay," Buck said, stepping closer. "Spread your feet until they're a little wider than your shoulders, then take a half-step forward with your left foot."

Garan awkwardly shifted his body, trying to mimic Buck's instructions.

"That gives you balance in all directions and keeps you from getting knocked down," Buck explained. "Now, make a loose fist with your left hand and put it beside your left ear, then move it straight forward until it's about four inches in front of your face."

Garan moved his hand into position, his movements careful and deliberate.

"Good," Buck continued, his tone encouraging. "Now, put your right fist beside your right jaw, and move it forward until it's just barely in front of your face."

Garan followed the instructions, settling into the stance.

"Looks good," Buck said with a nod of approval. "Now, keep your hands where they are, but duck your head down a little. Your left hand is now protecting your left temple, and your right hand is guarding the right side of your face."

Garan adjusted his stance, feeling the resistance in his muscles as he tried to maintain the position. "Okay, yeah. I think I got it."

Buck grinned. "That also puts your hands in a good position to hit your opponent with a left jab or a right cross."

Garan tried throwing a few jabs, starting slowly but increasing his speed with each attempt.

"Good," Buck said, his voice steady. "But let's see a kick. Kicks are less expected and have more reach. Give me a side kick from your right leg. Right here."

He pointed to his ribs, his expression challenging.

Garan hesitated. "You sure about that?"

Buck nodded confidently. "My shield can handle it."

"Right, okay," Garan said, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

Buck continued, his voice calm and instructive. "Rotate your hips and swing your whole body as you kick."

Buck steadied himself, his muscles tense as Garan settled into his fighting stance. The basement seemed to grow quieter as Garan exhaled deeply, focusing all his energy on the task at hand. With a swift motion, he swung his right leg toward Buck's left side, aiming for the ribs.

The impact was solid, the sound of the connection echoing in the confined space. Buck crumpled to one knee, an audible groan escaping his lips as he immediately clutched his left side with both hands.

“Geezus!” Buck gasped, his face contorted in pain.

Garan's eyes widened in alarm. “Oh, sorry. Are you okay?”

Buck managed a strained smile, though he was clearly in discomfort. “Nice kick, champ. I guess Avery did put a spell on you. My shield didn’t even slow you down.”

Maggie, who had been watching intently, leapt out of her chair with excitement. “Woo Hoo! The One Hit Wonder, Gorgeous Garan!” she cheered, pumping her fist in the air.

The commotion drew the attention of Steven and Stefon, who wandered over from the weight bench to see what was happening. They arrived just in time to see Garan helping Buck back to his feet.

“Damn, old man,” Steven quipped with a smirk. “Maybe I was wrong. Looks like you have lost it.”

Buck, still catching his breath, shot him a defiant look. “I could still whip you, runt.”

Steven’s smirk widened into a challenge. “Care to back that up in the ring? I think I could take you.”

Buck raised an eyebrow, his competitive spirit flickering back to life. “Anytime you think you're ready.”

“I’m ready now,” Steven declared confidently. “I’m obviously the best fighter here.”

Maggie, unable to resist, cleared her throat pointedly. “You wish,” she interjected.

Steven turned to her, his expression dismissive. “Quiet, sweetheart, the men are talking.”

Maggie's eyes narrowed, a flash of rage darkening her features. She marched over to Steven, getting right in his face. “Listen, little man—”

Before she could finish, Steven shoved her back, his arrogance getting the better of him. But before Maggie could react, Katherine emerged from nowhere, surprising Steven with a swift jump kick that sent him stumbling backward. He crashed to the floor, landing hard on his shoulder.

Steven scrambled to his feet, fury in his eyes, ready to retaliate. But Stefon was quicker, stepping between them and holding Steven back. “Easy, braddah. Same team.”

Katherine stood poised to defend Maggie further, but Maggie placed a calming hand on Katherine's shoulder, signaling her to stand down. With a shared look, the two women turned and walked upstairs, leaving the men behind.

At that moment, Angelo and Evelyn emerged from one of the side rooms, their conversation apparently finished. Angelo glanced around, taking in the atmosphere. “What did I miss?” he asked, his voice light but curious.

No one answered immediately, the tension still lingering in the air.

Angelo sighed, his gaze settling on Steven. “Steven, did you challenge everyone to a fight again?”

Steven, still nursing his wounded pride, responded with a grin. “Everyone knows I would win.”

Angelo returned the smile, though there was a knowing glint in his eyes. “It would be quite unethical for me to disclose the outcome of any future competitions, whether they happen or not.”

Steven persisted, his need for validation evident. “But I would win, right?”

Angelo's smile remained, offering no answers but also no denials.

Buck and Garan exited the ring, the adrenaline from their sparring match beginning to fade. Garan approached Angelo, his mind still on the conversation that had taken place between Angelo and Evelyn. “Are you finished with Evelyn? Is she a meta, or whatever?”

Angelo’s expression grew more serious as he motioned for them to follow him. “Well, if you gentlemen will follow me, we can discuss it.”

Without another word, Angelo led the group upstairs, the air thick with anticipation.