Living Next Door to the Dunphys (Modern Family)

Off in the gym's corner, Mathew sat with a disappointed frown on his face as a towel sat on his head. His eyes remained transfixed on his status screen as his new boxer skill level mocked him.

[Skill - Boxing: 45]

Well, this sucks. I'm down a point and a mystery box. Mathew groaned. All that work. Down the drain.

Off beside the ring, Harrison and Natalia watched Mathew as he, in their belief, agonized over his defeat. Natalia frowned at the pathetic sight and headed toward him.

Seeing this, Harrison smiled and walked off to offer some advice on Cory's less-than-desirable boxing technique.

"Oi. Let's go." Natalia barked out. Mathew took off the towel on his head and turned to her in confusion.

"What?"

"We're going off on a run."

"Right now?"

"Yes," Natalia grunted, her patience was running low. "Quit moping, and let's go."

While he wasn't sure what Natalia was doing, Mathew stood up regardless. They both left the gym and began to jog down the street. The orange skies loomed above them.

In Mathew's eyes, the area surrounding the gym exuded an unsettling atmosphere. The storefronts, battered and dilapidated, had paint peeling like sunburned skin, leaving behind patches of faded color that once held promises of vibrancy. Shadows lurked in the alleyways where dubious-looking men leaned against the grimy walls, their expressions hidden beneath the hoods of worn sweatshirts.

Mathew had learned a lot during his two weeks at Davis's boxing gym. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, a profound respect for the sport, and a reputation that resonated throughout the neighborhood. Locals, whether they were residents or passersby, treated the gym's members with respect, thanks to Harrison, who was a respected member of the community.

As he jogged alongside Natalia, Harrison's fiery granddaughter, Mathew felt another layer of confidence wash over him; he knew he was in safe company. Although he was more than capable of standing his ground on his own, having Natalia beside him provided an extra layer of reassurance.

Damn, Natalia has street cred.

"So, what's up?" Mathew spoke up as they left the neighborhood and entered the busy city streets. "You don't usually ask me to train with you. Or anyone else for that matter."

Natalia was about to bark out an insult but held herself back. After taking a deep breath, she spoke. "I couldn't stand that pathetic look on your face. So what? You lost in a spar. Big whoop. That's not a reason to sit around and bitch about it."

Ah. I get it now. She thinks I'm sad about my loss when I'm actually sad about missing out on a mystery box. Mathew hummed as they turned the corner and entered a small park. She's trying to help me. At least… in her own unique way.

"I wasn't moping."

"Yeah, you were. You looked like a shitty kid who didn't get the toy they wanted for Christmas."

Mathew wanted to deny her claim, but he couldn't. In reality, he was unhappy about missing out on a new item or skill, especially since the events created by the system seemed to happen suddenly without him being ready.

It seems that all the system events come out of nowhere.

"...I guess I thought I was better than I actually was," Mathew decided to go along with it. "It looks like training by oneself for hours for years doesn't necessarily mean you'll be good against someone with actual experience."

"Yeah. No shit. Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." Natalia said as they came to a stop to catch their breath under a tree. "Next time, don't go into a fight thinking you're the best there is. You're far from it."

Mathew grinned as he tried to get his breathing under control. "I guess you're right."

"Of course I'm right."

Mathew chuckled softly at her boldness, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep within him. He glanced over to find Natalia's gaze fixed intently on a woman who was maneuvering a stroller along the path.

Her face was a mask of tranquility, devoid of any discernible emotion, while her eyes, usually ablaze with vivacity, now seemed clouded and distant.

He felt a tug of concern creeping into his chest, the instinct to check on her rising within him. However, just before he could voice his worry, he hesitated. In the brief time he'd known her, Natalia had always been an enigma. It was as if there was a fortress guarding her feelings and thoughts closely. So, he held himself back.

"That guy. Jason. He's good." Mathew looked away, not wanting to let Natalia know he had been watching her. "What's his deal?"

"Hmm." Natalia eyed Mathew as she debated whether or not to tell him anything. "Jason is aiming to go pro. He pretty much eats, sleeps, and breathes boxing. He's been in several amateur matches already with six wins and two losses under his belt so far."

"Wow. Has he chosen a commission yet?" Mathew asked as he sat down below the tree.

Natalia shook her head. "No. He's still debating which one." She eyed the spot next to Mathew before shaking her head. "Jason's dedicated. He doesn't box for fun or anything stupid like you are. That's why you lost. Fighting punks like Roger and his loser friends won't ever compare to fighting real boxers."

Damn. She doesn't mince words. Mathew frowned at Natalia's words. While rude, he couldn't deny that they held some truth.

He did boxing mainly as a hobby and for exercise. He didn't box for any grand ambition like going pro like Jason did.

Going pro meant grand opportunities, fame, and fortune. While he didn't know Jason's personal life, several others used boxing as a way to escape their current way of life.

Thinking about it that way, Mathew could understand why Natalia was annoyed at him over losing to an actual boxer. While she was wrong about the actual reason for his disappointment, it wasn't that far off either.

At the start, he did think he could beat Jason. But after finding out the truth behind him, it was a fool's ambition to win.

Mathew and Jason were not the same.

Of course, he lost.

"What about you? Do you want to go pro?" Mathew asked.

"It's not that I want to. I am going to become a pro." Natalia said, full of confidence. There wasn't a shred of doubt in her eyes.

It was a confidence that wasn't unfounded. Natalia trained herself to almost ridiculous levels. According to Harrison, Natalia was always the first one in and out of the gym. She would even skip school on occasion to continue training.

Her potential was even greater due to her grandfather personally training and coaching her—something he didn't do for anyone else. Sure, Harrison would walk around his gym and offer everyone advice, but that was as far as it went for the retired legend.

It must be nice… knowing what you're going to do with your life. Mathew thought with a frown. Here, I have the potential to excel at anything I want, but I still don't know what. Should I become a musician? An actor? Play a sport? Maybe follow in my dad's footsteps and go into tech? With all my future knowledge, I could earn millions.

"Enough rest," Natalia smacked Mathew's shoulder and nudged him out of his thoughts. "Let's head back."

Without another word, Mathew followed behind Natalia. As they ran, he couldn't help but voice the thought that's been on his mind ever since he stepped in to help her. "Why…. Why did Roger and his goons hang up on you?"

If Mathew's question bothered Natalia, she didn't let it show. She debated whether or not to tell him. She was going to stay silent on the matter, but considering he did step in to help her when he didn't have to do so made her finally give in.

Without losing her pace, she looked back at him. "One day, he called me to meet him at the back of the gym. He… wanted me to be his girl. I told him to get fucked. He didn't like that, so he tried to put his hands on me. When he did, I kicked his and his little friend's ass."

It looks like Nick was telling the truth. Mathew thought as he recalled Nick's story from his first day at school. "Damn… hearing that makes me wish I hit him a little harder."

Despite her wishes, Natalia chuckled.

Mathew smiled, and the two continued their run back to the gym.