Delirium

MMA

I’ve never been to a boxing gym before. I’ve always seen it in movies. It was always dark, scary and looked like there wouldn’t be any air in the halls but this one didn’t look like those in the movies at all. The only bad thing was that it smelled like sweat and blood. It was really bright. It was a huge hall. A few guys were practicing in a corner and it looked really painful. MMA looked scarier in real life. It was cold and serious. It was a sport but these guys had no mercy. 

I followed Ezekiel. I looked down at my feet while walking and saw some dry blood stains on the ground. I bumped into his back because he suddenly stopped walking and I was still staring at the ground. 

He greeted a bald guy with a white shirt that had sweat stains. He had a beard and he was just as wide and tall as Ezekiel. He had a few scars on his face. He seemed like a really nice guy. He was smiling and he seemed motivated. His voice was deep and raw, husky. As if he’s been smoking since he was born. 

»I see you brought a young lady with you.« he said, tilting his head to look at me because I was hiding behind Ezekiel. I wasn’t really hiding but for some reason I felt safer behind him. I needed to get used to the place. I wasn’t sure if girls came to this place. Probably not because the other guys were already staring. That’s probably why I felt a little uncomfortable and felt the need to hide behind him but I decided to step aside and shake the guys hand. 

»Vale, this is Red Hood. My coach and manager.« Ezekiel sounded really proud and happy. »Nice to meet you.« I said and smiled. »It’s nice to meet you too, Vale.« he said and Ezekiel raised a brow. »Hold up, grandpa. Only I am allowed to call her Vale. Her name is Valentina.« he said and the tingles in my stomach were back. He claimed that it was his nickname for me and that he was the only one who was allowed to call me like that... why was that so sweet? I felt the urge to scream. 

»Shut up, fucker. I made you.« he said and I had to laugh but I tried to suppress it. He was really cool. Ezekiel laughed and I looked at him. He looked at me. His smile was really comforting me. It wasn’t that bad at all. I wanted to come here with him because I was curious and interested in this all and him and what he was doing. He was here too so there was no need to be nervous. 

»Now move your ass before I kick it, you can flirt later.« Red Hood said and I blushed. I looked away and so did Ezekiel. I had to remind myself to ask Ezekiel why he was called Red Hood but first I needed to find a place to sit, where I wouldn’t bother him but still could watch him. It seemed like he could read my mind because he lead me to the cage I’ve already noticed before. A cage in the form of an octagon with a few benches around it. That thing was huge and even the appearance of it made me nervous. 

»Wait here. I’ll change and be right back.« he said making me sit on one of the benches. It was really cold. I shiver and pushed my hands between my thighs. He put the black sports bag that he was carrying around with him next to me and opened it. He pulled out a grey jacket and handed it to me. I looked at him. If I would’ve known that I was going to visit a boxing gym, I would’ve worn something else than a thin top. 

»Take it.« he said and I nodded, taking it. I put it on. It was way too huge for me but it was really comfortable and warm. He asked me if I would like to drink something but I thanked him and shook my head. 

He disappeared and came back after a while. Shirtless, with shorts and bandages around his hands. My jaw slightly dropped and I tried to look away because I was embarrassed but that would’ve made it only more obvious. He was really muscular. His six pack almost distracted me from his v-line that was really deep. I didn’t know that this view would make it hard for me to breathe. It made me nervous but I needed to concentrate on him. 

He and Red Hood entered the cage and Red Hood gave him something that he placed in his mouth. I’ve seen that before. It was to protect his teeth. Why did I think that it was hot?

I watched them get warm and with every second that passed I realized that it was wrong to come here because this all made him only more attractive. It woke the things inside of me that I wanted to bury. Seeing him, totally sweaty, active and motivated made me feel really aroused. It made my imagination run wild. I didn’t like how horny it made me. It was the truth and I couldn’t hide it. He didn’t need to know but I had to admit it to myself. He was getting more and more attractive with every second. Especially when he finally started exercising instead of getting warm. I knew that there was a beast sleeping inside of him but I didn’t think that it would be so strong and so huge. He looked really aggressive. I wasn’t sure if he was angry but it looked like he was. Maybe that was what he needed to be to do well. I was surprised that me watching him didn’t bother him because I was that kind of person who didn’t get s**t done while being watched but it seemed like it pushed him and gave him more strength. I enjoyed watching him being active. It was obvious that he was living for it. 

»Give me more, Ez! Even my daughter goes harder than you!« Red Hood said and I had to laugh. Ezekiel looked at me and bursted out in laughter for a second too. Then he started concentrating again and I waited until he was done. I didn’t even realize how fast time passed. It was probably more than a hour and I kept watching them like I’ve never seen anything more interesting. Red Hood made it really hard for Ezekiel but it seemed like that was why he was so good. 

At the end Ezekiel let himself fall on the ground. The hard mat. He was sweating and breathing really fast. He was laying there, totally done. I slowly stood up when his coach said »Alright. You’re done for today. Good job.« and left the cage. I watched him leave and slowly walked towards Ezekiel. He pulled the teeth protection out of his mouth and let it fall next to him. I didn’t know why but I tried to be quiet. I slowly took my shoes off and entered the cage. When I got closer to him he looked up at me. I gently kneeled down next to him. 

»I thought these cages were only for matches...« I said and he slowly shook his head. He was still breathing heavily but it was getting better with every second. »Practicing in them motivates me.« he said with his husky voice. He was really on the edge. I looked around and crawled to one of the corners to grab the water bottle that I’ve seen him put there before he started. He must’ve forgotten about it or he was too dead to take it. I crawled back to him and handed him the bottle. He almost finished it. I had to smile. I pulled my knees to myself and wrapped my arms around them. »I had to laugh when your coach said that his daughter would go harder than you.« I said and he laughed again. Quietly. »His daughter is four.« he said and I laughed too. »She is really sweet.« he added. They both must’ve had a really strong bond. It was obvious that their relationship was unique. Seeing that was awesome. It made me happy. 

»Wanna try it?« he asked out of nowhere. I raised my eyebrows. He slowly pushed himself up and leaned on his hands. I was confused at first but then I understood what he meant. »Oh, no. I’ve never done that. I’m not really good at sports and you’re exhausted. Maybe another time.« I said and he stood up. I looked up at him and he grabbed my hands and pulled me up. »I’m good. This can be your first time.« he said and I blushed because I thought of something else. 

»I really don’t know how...« there was no need to be embarrassed, yet I felt really small next to him. »That’s why we’re going to do this now.« he said and started unwrapping the bandages from his hands. Watching him do that made me nervous. He was literally standing in front of me, shirtless, sweaty... hot..

He approached me and took my left hand first. He started wrapping it around my hand, explaining me how to. I looked at our hands, then at his eyes and back at our hands again. I kept doing that until he started with my right hand. It was a really tight feeling and hurt a little bit but it was okay. He was done but it took him a while to back off. My heart was racing. I took his jacket off, folded it and put it on the mat. 

»Hell no. You already poisoned her.« Red Hood came out of nowhere and sighed. We both looked at him and laughed. »She came to watch you, not to sweat like you.« he said and Ezekiel tilted his head. »Aren’t you exhausted, old man? It’s bed time, isn’t it?« he asked and I looked away because I had to laugh and I didn’t want to be disrespectful. I loved to see how they were mocking each other. »Don’t make me come up there and beat your ass!« he said, pointing at him. He stuck his tongue out and shook his head like a child. He was really cute. I felt comfortable next to him, although I was trying and doing things that I’ve never done before. 

Red Hood left and Ezekiel started to show me how it all worked, what was important, what I needed to be careful with and the rest. Of course we had to touch each other all the time. I was really shaky at the beginning but after a while I started to feel more comfortable and confident. I thought he would be harsh but he was careful, as if I would be a child. I appreciated that he didn’t forget that I wasn’t as strong as him. He actually made me sweat and got me exhausted. I didn’t think that I would feel so weak and that it would be actually this hard.

»Shit, babe, you’re not as bad as I thought.« he said and I smiled. I couldn’t control the things I felt when he treated me like this. I couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t suppress my feelings or throw them away or treat him like s**t when he was like this. 

»Now punch me the way you would punch me if you would see that I’m distracted.« he said and I hesitated. It wasn’t that I was questioning my strength. I just didn’t have the guts to punch him. I wanted to try it so bad but somehow I knew that I would feel bad. »Come on.« he said and he was convinced that he wanted it. So I gave him what he wanted. I punched him and he froze, eyes widened. I got so scared that I felt how my stomach dropped. I covered my mouth with my hands and heard Red Hood again. »She’s throwing them left hooks better than you, son.« he said. He must’ve watched us. He was everywhere. That didn’t bother me. 

»Ezekiel, are you okay?« that was a stupid question because he survived Red Hoods sessions but I still needed to ask. I was genuinely worried. I had no clue how this worked and I was scared that I did something wrong that really hurt him. »More than okay. That was f*****g good.« he seemed impressed and proud. That comforted me but I still felt bad. »Seriously. Don’t worry.« he added and I nodded. We ended our first session because we both reached the limit and although he’s done more than me, I was totally exhausted and tired. I handed him the bandages. 

Again, I didn’t even notice how time passed. I wasn’t sure for how long we’ve been there and done that but it felt good. Not knowing what time it was, not having a limit, not thinking, being away from everything I know. It felt amazing and I didn’t want to go back. My odd life wasn’t that bad but I liked this one more and I was grateful that Ezekiel offered me to come with him and actually took me. I had a great time and I needed to thank him for that later.

He went back to change. It wasn’t cold anymore. I was really warm and couldn’t wait to take a shower. 

»You should bring her here more often. I see potential.« Red Hood said when Ezekiel came back and embarrassed me again. In a positive way. »I should.« he said, looking at me. I nodded. I was glad that they wanted me to come again. I didn’t think I would feel so comfortable and be so welcomed here. 

We said goodbye and got in his car. His black BMW 750li suited him really well. I couldn’t stop smiling but I didn’t want to be so quirky and cringe so I tried to act normal. 

»I’m starving.« he said when he started to drive. Just when he noticed it I realized how hungry I actually was. The last thing I had was coffee and that was a couple of hours ago. It was late but it was obvious that we weren’t going to end this without eating something. 

»Me too.« I answered and he gave me a look and asked »Drive thru?«. I sighed. »Fuck, yes.« I answered and he hit the gas without wasting a second. During the ride we talked about how I punched him and how he loved roasting and being roasted by Red Hood. He told me a little bit about him. He was a great human being. 

We got our food and ate in the car. After a couple of bites I noticed how tired I got. My eyelids got really heavy and my body was aching, although I didn’t do much. I let myself sink in the seat and sighed. 

»You good?« he asked and swallowed what he was chewing. I felt more than good. I felt so comfortable that I was about to fall asleep. I looked at him and nodded. »Yes, thank you.« I answered. »Thank you for today. You showed me something new, made me get out of my comfort zone and fed me.« I laughed and so did he. He took a sip of his Sprite and reached it to me. He shared it with me. I took a sip as well. »No need to thank me. I’m glad you enjoyed it. This could happen more often.« he said and made me think about it. I wanted this to happen more often. I nodded again and he seemed to like that. 

I remembered that I had a phone so I pulled it out and turned it on. As soon as I saw my notifications I almost got a heart attack. A few missed calls from mom, Xaviar and messages from the girls. It destroyed my whole mood so fast. All the good feelings got replaced with anxiety and panic. I wished I would’ve found an excuse earlier, before I turned my phone off or when I knew that I would leave with him. I didn’t expect to head back home so late. It was almost 12am. Mom was going to kill me. These thoughts stressed me so much that I got shaky again. 

»Ez, could you please drive me home?« I was really panicking. Mom was probably so pissed that she was going to ground me. I knew her too well. 

»Sure. Don’t worry.« he said, seeing how worried I really was. He drove me home as fast as he could. »Is everything okay? If I would’ve known that it’ll be a problem I would’ve brought you back home earlier.« he said. »It’s not your fault, I just didn’t think I would go back home this late and I forgot to tell my mom.« I explained and we arrived. 

The lights were still on. She wasn’t going to let it be for the next day. I was too exhausted for a  discussion but I had to go through it. 

»Thanks again. I really enjoyed it.« I said and actually felt sad because I had to leave. »Come here.« he said and pulled me into a close hug. I hugged him back, a little tighter than I wanted. That didn’t seem to bother him. He must’ve liked it because he stroke my head. I closed my eyes for a second before I let him go. 

I got off the car and walked straight to the front door, which opened before I could even pull my keys out or knock. She must’ve been waiting or looking out of the window. Even the thought of that made me sick. I hoped that she didn’t see me with Ezekiel. The more I thought of all this the worse, more guilty and awful I felt but I didn’t want this beautiful day to be destroyed by any kind of negativity. I wanted it to stay the way it was but I couldn’t control it. 

»Where have you been? Are you crazy? Why did you turn your phone off and who have you been with? I went crazy!« she started as soon as she closed the door. I took a deep breath and wanted to try to explain it to her but she didn’t let me. »Even Xaviar came over and asked for you. We believed that you went missing. I know that you went to The Moon but who in the world stays in a coffee shop for so long? So I sent him there but you weren’t there! I even asked the girls!« she was exaggerating. I couldn’t believe that Xaviar actually came over to look for me. That was very cute but I had to concentrate on something else first. My mom was going way too crazy. At least she didn’t call the police. 

»I almost called the police! Where did you go? What kind of place was it that you didn’t even tell you friends about it?« I couldn’t believe my ears. She needed to calm down. I understood her, she was totally right but she needed to listen. 

»I’m sorry, I’ll be more careful next time and tell you before I go somewhere and come back late. It was a spontaneous decision and I got carried away because I had a lot of fun.« I tried to explain but she didn’t seem satisfied. Not a bit. »With who?« she asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest. It was getting serious and I had no clue how to curve that question. If Xaviar wouldn’t have pulled up earlier I would’ve told her that I was with him but even the girls weren’t an option anymore. I needed to think of something else. 

»With a new friend.« I answered. That wasn't a lie. Only explaining who that friend was, was going to be hard but I was going to handle that. »A new friend? Who is that friend?« she asked, tilting her head. She was really pissed. I took a deep breath. My head was burning. »From school.« I answered but I answered way too fast. »Valentina, don’t tell me rubbish. Why are you lying? Who have you been with and where have you been?« she asked again and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. »Can’t I just tell you tomorrow? I’m really exhausted. Don’t worry you’ll get your answers.« I responded, hoping that I didn’t seem disrespectful. »You can. You’ll have enough time to tell me, this week.« she said and wanted to leave but I stopped her. »Wait, what do you mean?« I asked and she gave me a death stare. »You’re grounded.« she said and my jaw dropped but I  couldn’t say anything because she was my mom and talking back now wasn’t a good decision. I didn’t want her to whoop my ass. I deserved it anyway. 

»Now go to your room and sleep.« she said. She was going to be mad for a while, at least until she was going to get her answers. I was going to do what she said but first I was going to take a shower...