Someone worth fighting for

Jaxon had been training hard, pushing himself with renewed vigor. Every time he hit the punching bag, he imagined Brian in the crowd, cheering him on. His focus was sharper, his movements more precise, and with every step closer to the ring, he felt a surge of energy he hadn’t felt in years.

Brian, meanwhile, found himself a little nervous. He’d never been to a live fight before, especially one where someone he cared about was stepping into the ring. But despite the nerves, he was excited—proud, even—to see Jaxon in his element.

The night before the fight, they sat together in the quiet of Brian’s apartment again, the same spot where Jaxon had first asked him to come.

"You nervous?" Jaxon asked, watching Brian with a curious expression.

"A little," Brian admitted. "But not because I think you’ll lose or anything. It’s just… seeing you in that environment. It’s a big deal."

Jaxon smiled softly. "I get it. But I’m not worried. Not with you there."

Brian smiled back, leaning against Jaxon’s side. "I’ll be rooting for you the whole time."

"I know you will," Jaxon said, leaning down to kiss Brian’s forehead. "And I’ll fight harder because of it."

The Match Day

Brian arrived at the stadium feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. It was his first time seeing Jaxon fight in person, and the energy of the arena hit him as soon as he stepped through the gates. People buzzed with excitement, voices rising above the background noise as vendors sold merchandise and fans cheered for their favorite fighters. Jaxon’s face was everywhere—on posters, screens, and even on people’s shirts.

Brian smiled to himself, adjusting his jacket as he made his way to his seat. It was strange to see Jaxon like this—so famous, so revered. To Brian, he was just Jaxon, the man who teased him, cuddled with him on the couch, and made him feel like he was the only person in the world. But here, Jaxon was larger than life. And tonight, Brian would get to see him in his element.

Finding his seat, Brian settled in, his heart racing with anticipation. He could barely contain his excitement as he thought about what Jaxon had told him the night before—the dedication, the public declaration. It felt surreal, but he was ready.

Back in the locker room, Jaxon was calm and focused. He had done this hundreds of times before, but tonight was different. As he slipped on his gloves and tightened the straps, his mind was not just on the fight. It was on Brian—out there in the crowd, watching him, waiting for him.

When his entrance music hit and the arena lights dimmed, Jaxon stepped out into the roar of the stadium. The energy was electric, the crowd screaming his name, but Jaxon’s eyes scanned the sea of faces for one person. Then he saw him—Brian, sitting in the crowd, a nervous but excited smile on his face.

Jaxon’s usual cold, serious demeanor cracked. He couldn’t help but grin—a huge, uncharacteristic smile that lit up his face. For a moment, he wasn’t the fighter known for his ruthless efficiency and calculated brutality. He was just a man, happy to see the person he cared about. The crowd noticed the change, murmurs spreading through the stadium as they exchanged surprised glances. This wasn’t the Jaxon they were used to seeing.

But Jaxon didn’t care. He waved subtly in Brian’s direction, feeling a rush of warmth flood through him. His focus sharpened. This fight wasn’t just for him—it was for Brian.

The bell rang, and the match began. Jaxon moved with his usual precision, his body a blur of speed and power as he met his opponent in the center of the ring. The fighter came at him fast, throwing punches with all the aggression of someone trying to take down a legend, but Jaxon’s movements were smooth and effortless. Every strike was dodged, every punch met with a calculated block or counter.

Jaxon usually ended fights quickly, opting for efficiency over flair. But tonight, with Brian watching, he decided to put on a bit of a show.

Jaxon shifted into "Deadly Harmony," his signature style, but this time he allowed himself a little more space to move, adding a flourish to each maneuver. He spun his opponent around with a slick judo throw, the crowd gasping as he twisted in midair, making the move look almost like a dance. His speed was unbelievable, dodging punches and kicks with ease, his footwork light and fast.

At one point, Jaxon caught a kick with his hand, flipped his opponent over his shoulder, and paused for a second, as if to let the crowd take in what had just happened. A roar erupted from the audience, impressed with the display. Jaxon couldn’t help but glance toward Brian, who was on the edge of his seat, eyes wide with awe.

The crowd was stunned. Jaxon was known for his brutal efficiency, but tonight, he was showing off—something they had never seen from him before. He was toying with his opponent, not out of cruelty, but to impress. And it was working.

But Jaxon wasn’t playing forever. When the moment came, he ended the fight with a decisive, powerful blow. He faked a left jab, then quickly pivoted into a right hook that connected perfectly with his opponent’s jaw. The impact echoed through the arena, and his opponent crumpled to the mat, knocked out cold.

The referee rushed in, waving his hands—Jaxon had won.

Before the cheers could even fully erupt, Jaxon knelt beside his fallen opponent. His expression softened as he checked to make sure the man was okay. Despite his overwhelming strength, Jaxon had always been disciplined and controlled in his fights, ensuring no unnecessary harm. He gently tapped his opponent’s shoulder as the medical team arrived, helping them get the man to his feet.

Jaxon gave his opponent a respectful nod before stepping back, raising his arms in victory. The sportsmanship and care he showed after such a quick and decisive win only solidified his reputation—not just as a fighter, but as a person with integrity.

The crowd roared as Jaxon was handed the microphone, but his mind was elsewhere—on Brian. He stood in the center of the ring, his chest still heaving from the exertion, but a grin broke across his face. He scanned the crowd, eyes locking onto Brian’s.

Without hesitation, he pointed directly at him. "I dedicate this win to my boyfriend, Brian!" he shouted into the microphone, his voice booming through the arena.

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Jaxon wasn’t done. His grin widened, and for the first time, in front of thousands of people in the arena—and millions watching around the world—he said the words he had never said to anyone before.

"Bri Bri, I love you, baby!" The declaration was bold, heartfelt, and as public as it could get.

Brian’s face turned bright red, completely overwhelmed by the moment. He had expected Jaxon to dedicate the win to him, but the "I love you" took him completely by surprise. His heart pounded, his chest tightening with emotion. This wasn’t just a victory dedication; it was Jaxon declaring his love for the first time—for him, in front of the whole world.

Tears welled up in Brian’s eyes, but he couldn’t stop grinning. He waved at Jaxon, his hand trembling slightly from the sheer intensity of the moment, and blew him a kiss. His heart felt like it was going to burst, and all he could do was mouth the words back, "I love you too."

As Jaxon stepped out of the ring, adrenaline still coursing through him, he made a beeline for Brian. The crowd parted as he approached, and without a word, he reached out, grabbing Brian’s hand and pulling him close. The noise of the stadium faded into the background as they locked eyes, the world around them feeling distant and unimportant.

"You were amazing," Brian whispered, his voice filled with awe and pride.

Jaxon grinned, pulling Brian into a tight hug. "I told you I’d fight harder for you."

Brian pulled back slightly, shaking his head with a laugh. "I don’t know if the world was ready for ‘Bri Bri’ and ‘baby’ on live TV."

Jaxon chuckled, unbothered by the spectacle. "I don’t care. They can call me what they want—I’m yours."

Brian’s heart swelled with emotion as he rested his forehead against Jaxon’s. "You really love me, huh?"

Jaxon looked him straight in the eyes, his voice soft but firm. "I do. I love you, Brian. And I don’t care who knows it."