Armstrong == 002

[hates_shirts]

Who: hates_shirts, pugilistinpink and whoever decides to pop up?
Where: The Arena at the Residential District
Style: Third, will follow accordingly
Status: Open, as far as I know *lol

Comments

[pugilistinpink]

[In his muscle tank and boxing trunks, with his gloves slung over his shoulder, the young man had stepped into The Arena at nine o' clock as he had every morning since Mr. Sephiroth had made him aware of the training facility, alternating between lifting weights, skipping rope, and fiercely pummeling the punching back with every bit of raging fire in his belly. While it wasn't the same without Doc's encouragement, his involvement, his presence - and would never be - he knew that moping about it wouldn't change the situation, and that letting his sense of loneliness get the better of him would only detract from the focus he needed to build up his strength and stamina. He needed to be prepared to give his very best shot at winning the WVBA World Circuit Championship belt...

In spite of this deep concentration he worked to maintain, the Bronxite had taken notice of the shirtless mountain of muscles which was Armstrong, in the midst of his training. At first glance, there had been love, fff Mac's eyes had held a measure of surprise and

[hates_shirts]

[Well, not really Mac's fault that he's distracted. After all, Armstrong is kind of hard not to spot, if not for his muscles and height, for his... well, rather flamboyant attitude, that certainly isn't showing there but certainly will, given the time.

Even though he is quite into his training, he acknowledges the boy nodding at him and he nods back before going back to his, well, thing.

But even someone as 'lively' as Armstrong had to take a break, once in a while. So, when he thinks he had enough practice, for the time being, he stops punching the bag, which incredibly enough out stood all his hits, and walks to where Mac is sitting, with a smile.]

You training too? Is nice to see someone so young and so dedicated. [Yep. Hint of admiration RIGHT THERE.]

[pugilistinpink]

[Mac looked up, bright-eyed, slinging the towel over his shoulder.] It don't matter where I am... I gotta keep up with it, y'know?

[hates_shirts]

That's a great way of thinking! [He says, beaming. Yep, he's already proud of you!]

Tell me, what's your name? I'm Alex Louis Armstrong.

[pugilistinpink]

Pleasure t'meetchya, sir. [His gloves unlaced and resting beside him, he offered Armstrong one wrapped-up hand for a gentle albeit firm shake.] M'name's Mac.

[hates_shirts]

[Returning the handshake accordingly. Nevermind that Armstrong was punching the bag with his BARE HANDS. No need for gloves. At all.]

Is good to meet you too Mac. You are the first one I've seen around here training, aside from me. You are really into boxing I see. [He's really excited about this, and that clearly shows in his voice.]

[pugilistinpink]

Yeah. [That smile broadens slightly with fiery resolution.]

It's what I love t'do an' what I do best, sir. [He glances at Armstrong's relatively massive hands after a moment.] D'you box, too? ...Y'must be pretty strong t'punch that bag for hours n' not be hurtin' real bad. That canvas ain't too easy on the knuckles.

[hates_shirts]

[Armstrong can't help but smile at that first part of Mac's little 'speech'. He's really glad to see someone so young being so dedicated to one of his favorite sports.

And, well, it's not like Armstrong was doing that to show or anything, because that's not his style, but he can't help but feel flattered regarding that comment.]

Well, I do get tired, if I push myself hard enough, but punching a canvas bag isn't really the most tiring thing for me. There are quite strong and vicious people back home, and since I work to maintain law and order there, everyone expects me to be on top physical condition. [Not that he doesn't enjoy being all buff like that. Actually, he loves it more than he really should.]

Can't say I'm not relieved when I don't need to fight other people in a more 'serious' way though. Despite loving sparring, I can't say I approve of violence. [This sounds contradictory, but that's how Armstrong rolls.]

[pugilistinpink]

[Dude, you're some kind of cop? He's totally going to respect you all that much more.]

I know whatchya mean, sir... Officer. Er. Jus' 'cause I'mma a boxer don't mean I can go n' punch people I don't like walkin' down the street.

[hates_shirts]

Oh, please. Don't need to be so formal. Just call me Armstrong. [He says warmly. He's no better than Mac in any way, so no need for special treatment or anything.]

By the way, I like that you are a boxer with common sense. Some people think that only because they can fight, they can use their force anytime they feel like. [Armstrong is really upset by that kind of behavior.]

[pugilistinpink]

I owe a lot a' my thinkin' t'Doc. [He admits, gazing down at his calloused knuckles.] He's tol' me a lot of real important stuff over the years... but, y'know, I ain't ever gonna forget that he said never t'be a bully outside the ring. [It would be bitterly ironic if he became the sort of person that had tormented him when he was in school.]

Sorry that this is so short TT___TT

[hates_shirts]

He taught you something really important then, and you certainly should hold on to that teaching of his. [Armstrong says, thinking that, whoever this Doc is, he's probably a cool guy for saying something so nice.]

Likewise, haha.

[pugilistinpink]

Yeah... [Petering off, he rubs the back of his neck with the towel, falling silent as his thoughts inevitably stray back towards Doc Louis - his trainer, his friend - and his surrogate father.] It's... it's weird, bein' here without him. I'm so used t'seein' him everyday, y'know?

[hates_shirts]

I understand it perfectly. I know it's a little bit hard to get by in a place like this without people we are used to. [He can certainly vow for that. As much as he likes Al, he's missing a whole bunch of people from the Central.]

Say, since your friend Doc isn't around to help you out with your training, what you say if I 'take his place' while you are here. Or, while he doesn't show up at least. [Because, who knows who can show up at Somarium, right?]

[pugilistinpink]

[His eyes widen in incredulity.] You'd wanna be my boxin' trainer here?

[Mac doesn't expect anyone here to invest their time in his career, especially a stranger; it's hard not to think this way when he has been rejected by no less than two hundred trainers in the past.]

[hates_shirts]

Well, you look like a nice young man and you seem quite determined at what you do. And don't see why I shouldn't do that. Besides, I don't know anyone else here who enjoys boxing, so I'll need your help if I ever feel like sparring.

[Armstrong, stop being nice to people you barely know! Oh well, you've done it already. Too late now.]