*Jordan was a regular at the bar, but not because he drinks often. That’s just where people liked to go to celebrate his boxing wins. He knew everyone in the bar, and it was a small town, so it’s odd to see an unfamiliar face.*
Jordan: …Hey, uhh, you’re not from here, are you?

Marnie: nope. *In that one word, her accent was immediately obvious, English* what gave it away

Jordan: The clothes, the uncommon hairstyle, and the first time appearance. *he sat down in the chair next to her, looking straight ahead*

Marnie: *finished her whiskey* hm, I guess it is a little obvious. What's it to you then? You after a favour?

Jordan: Nah, I’m just intrigued. I’m usually bored in here.

Marnie: oh good. I've done my fair share of work today, I was hoping you weren't another of my dad's "clients" *she did big air speech marks*

Jordan: *raises an eyebrow* What kind of work does he have you doing?

Marnie: *looked over at him for the first time, as she was just staring at the bar* you really wanna know what a girl in this clothing is asked to do *alluding to the fact she's showing a fair bit of skin* now I'm no... Yknow, but here and there... He makes me run other errands too. Drug collection, distribution, taking care of gang defectors...

*Jordan just took the info in, mot wanting to prod any further. Soon, another person walked to them*

???: Hey miss, idk if he’s been telling you this already, but he has a big boxing match tomorrow morning and we’re trying to spread the wo-

Jordan: Don’t chew her ear off with pr, Cyrus. She’s new here-

Cyrus: All the more reason to invite her! She can spread the word to her folks!

*Jordan just sighed awkwardly*

Marnie: oh I see. Are you good? If y'are I'll put some money on ya and come along to get my payout

Cyrus: Oh, he’s the best! Rookie season and he’s 4-0!

Jordan: I guess we’re doing this- *sighs* Show up if you want to I guess-

Cyrus: See, that’s the spirit! *patting his back hard while drinking from his shot glass*

Marnie: you've got yourself a deal, so long as you don't tell anyone you know me

Cyrus: Yes! *shakes her hand* You won’t regret it! *walks away*

Jordan: Yeah, he’s… he’s Cyrus-

Marnie: he's a little full-on eh?

Jordan: “A little”? *gets up* I have to rest for the fight. Cyrus will gi

Cyrus: *runs back with the flier, showing the time and place* There!

Jordan: How do you have this much energy at 11 pm?…

Marnie: *took the flier* gosh... Okay. Well I guess I'll see you there

Jordan Bye. *Cyrus starts walking*

Cyrus: You’re welcome! You’ve known a girl for 5 minutes and I’ve already technically got her looking at you shirtle

Jordan: Shut up, you idiot- You make this joke every time-

Cyrus: Because it’s true every time!

*their bickering becomes inaudible as they walk off*

Marnie: *she goes to some other corner to finish drinking*

*He never bothered telling her his name because it’d be on the flier anyway.*

*TS to boxing match*

*she was sure enough at the arena, putting money on him,

*He was in the ring, waiting for the announcer to stop talking. He always liked the actual fighting more than the spectacle of it all.*

*she was watching, with a drink in her hands,

*The two fighters touched gloves. Jordan has a focused expression that she hasn’t seen from him yet. No wonder his nickname on his title card was “Leopard”*

Marnie: *seemed to be getting more interested in it. Hoping she wins big on her bet*

*The bell rang and the fight started. His opponent, Martin “Flash” Lawrence was off to his usual tactics. He was known for his agility, focusing on dodging, counter punching, trash talk, and tiring his opponent out. Jordan was focused on his movements, but didn’t make any big commitments yet.*

Marnie: *now actually really engaged, she wanted him to win. Focussing on him specifically*

*The round was similar for the most part. Jordan only went for safe attacks while Martin moves around him and throws occasional punches. They didn’t seem to hurt Jordan much.

But towards the end of the round, Jordan started moving Martin, which confused his opponent. Martin knew he was faster, but he couldn’t shake him off. By the end of the round, Martin was forced i to the corner and saved by the bell.*

Marnie: *hoping the judges recognised Jordan was better*

*Jordan sat down in his corner, not saying a word. Meanwhile, Martin talked up a storm.*

Marnie: *watching intensely*

*The second round starts, and Jordan is more aggressive than before. He forced Martin in the corner by tracking his movement and punching him into the direction he wanted.*

*she found herself cheering him on*

*Soon, Martin was knocked down. He got up quickly, clearly pissed off*

Marnie: *a little worried for Jordan, seeing Martin's reaction*

*Jordan and Martin started trading punches. Despite taking more hits now, Jordan seemed unfazed.*

Marnie: *downedher drink, watching him. Excited*

*Martin did an ill-advised punch, leading to a hard counter. He fell to the ground, knocked out.*

Marnie: YEAHHHH!!! *Cheering*

*The crowd erupted as the bell rang, signaling the end.*

*very excited, cashing in her bet*

*He walks the locker room with a slight smile*

*she went and found him*
Marnie: that was good!

Jordan: *bandaging up a few bruises* Thanks.

Marnie: I'm impressed

Jordan: *puts on a plain t-shirt, nodding*

*His coach walked in, confused as to who this was*

Coach: Do you have a secret girlfriend or something?

Jordan: No. How did I do?

Coach: Good, but still room for improvement. We’ll talk about it next week. Let your body rest for the weekend.

Marnie: *had blushed for a bit* I thought you were real good... Want a drink?

Jordan: *thinks about it for a bit* I guess. We can go.

Marnie: nice!

Jordan: *getting ready to leave*

Marnie: *waited for him* you earned me a few hundred quid yknow off bets

Jordan: *puts on a jacket and picks up his boxing gloves* Okay, ready.

Marnie: drinks are on me this time, seeing as you won *went to the bar with him*

*Everyone cheered as he walked in. He just silently waved.*

Jordan: Hurry up and sit before people crowd us.

*she nodded and sat by him, then paid for a round of drinks*

*The drinks quickly came.*
Jordan: Thanks for paying… *looking ahead*

Marnie: you're good *drank* don't expect is every night

Jordan: Okay. *drinks*

Marnie: *quiet for a bit*

*Jordan seemed like a relatively quiet guy, doing the same. Soon, someone started playing music through the jukebox*

Marnie: *finished her drink* how'd you get into boxing then eh?

Jordan: I didn’t have much that fulfilled me I guess. *finishes his drink* Something about being in the ring, maybe the thrill, or the skill and personality shown through it, or just liking punching the shit out of someone.

Marnie: *laughed a little* I like that explanation...

Jordan: *turns to look at her* It’s the only one I have, so I guess that’s good.

Marnie: yes quite...

Jordan: Do you have anything to do today?

Marnie: gotta collect some debt at 11

Jordan: Are you sure you’ll be safe?

Marnie: I've done it before haven't I?

Jordan: Just letting you know, there are other debt collectors here, and they might mot like the sudden competition.

Marnie: I don't think they're collecting quite the same debt

*Before they could continue, Cyrus walked up happily*

Cyrus: How’s my favorite boxer friend, huh?

Jordan: Cyrus, I’m your only boxer friend-

Marnie: get this guy a double act and stick him on a sitcom, he'd do numbers *used a thumb to point at Cyrus* this guys bloody slapstick

Cyrus: You knocked Martin down, so on behalf of all the people who believes his older brother is better, thank you so much!

Jordan: …You’re welcome l?-

Marnie: who's his older brother?

Cyrus: Ted “Tiger” Lawrence. They’ve hated each other for years now.

Marnie: I see...

Cyrus: I’ll see you later! *whispers something to Jordan*

*Jordan just ignored his whispering*

Marnie: *waits for Cyrus to leave*

*Cyrus left and Jordan sighed.*

Marnie: what did he say?

Jordan: He’s the loudest person I know. If he’s whispering, then there’s a good reason.

Marnie: exactly. That's why I wanna know

Jordan: Fine, he told me to ask you out. *glances at her*

Marnie: me? *she scoffed a little* i just met you! yeah, youre hot, but i need more than that *ordered another drink*

Jordan: *ignoring the compliment* Cyrus kind of just says whatever is on his mind-

Marnie: no filter huh... *was now on her second whsikey, and had already half finished it* hes trying his best though

*Jordan only drank one*
Jordan: Do you have any friends from back home?

Marnie: depends. dunno if theyre stiull about or not

Jordan: What were they like?

marnie: they were nice, i suppose. if a litle shallow *she paid the bartender, although hes not quite sure where she got the bills from as she didnt have any pockets*

*After a bit of thought, Jordan had a good idea of where she stores the money. He didn’t want to ask, though.*

Jordan: The song on the jukebox is about to end. Do you want to play anything?

Marnie: hm... eh, im not too fussed. these yan *she stopped herself* these americans dont know good music when it hits em

Jordan: Show me what good music is then.

Marnie: you wouldnt get it...

Jordan: If you insist. *watching people play darts*

Marnie: *she thought for a moment* maybe on the drive home... i dont need everyone slagging me off because im not playing their pop-star bullshit

Jordan: Got it.
*someone walked up to Jordan. He seemed to be live-streaming*
Jordan: Not this guy again-

Marnie: *sighed, got up, muttered something about the bathroom and went off*

*For a random bar, the bathroom was surprisingly clean.*

*she looked around a bit, then went in a stall, just to be sure the livestream guy wouldnt folow her*

*She heard a bit of commotion outside.*

*after she finished using the bathroom, seeing as she was there, she came out*
Marnie: whats going on?

Jordan: This guy wants to fight me for views.
Streamer: You’re just saying that because you’re scared!
Jordan: *genuinely confused*

Marnie: hey you there *pointed a the streamer* get your ass outta this bar

Streamer: Why don’t you go back to wh-
Jordan: Don’t finish that sentence.

Marnie: no, go on *walked right up to him* go right ahead f**kface

Streamer: Go back home. *playing it up for the camera*
Jordan: *rolls his eyes*

Marnie: and what if I don't *she looked quite angry now*

Jordan: You know what, on second thought, the gym is close by. I’ll set you up with some gloves and we’ll get in the ring in there.
Streamer: And after I beat your ass, everyone will see it.
*Jordan did a good job of hiding how pissed off he was. They walked over to the gym with a crowd of people waiting to see the streamer get beat up.*

Marnie: *now very angry with this streamer, cheering Jordan on*

*After the guy got his gloves on, he got in the ring, excited. Jordan was still a bit bruised from his match earlier, but he didn’t seem to care.*

Marnie: *encouraging him to "beat the shit out of him"*

*Once they were both in the ring, someone rang the bell and they started…. It wasn’t much of a battle. Usually, Jordan would try to figure out his opponent as much as possible, but he was so pissed off that he just decided to knock him out in the first round.*

*there was a bit of a gasp through the crowd when he knocked him out. Marnie was positively beaming*

Jordan: :/ *waiting*
*The streamer got up, a bit dazed*
Jordan: Don’t try that again…

*the crowd appeared to have changed sides, cheering for him*

*He didn’t look too hurt, figuring out quickly that Jordan was going really easy on him.*

Jordan: I’ve seen a few boxers take fights like these too seriously. They purposely drag out the fight for as long as possible to deal as much pain… that’s just a waste of time.

Streamer: Can I go again?

Jordan: … *sighs*

Marnie: surely not! You were down and out! Rules say that means you're done

Jordan: If this makes you quiet, I can see if coach will let you back in here again. Need bandages?
Streamer: Probably-

Marnie: hmph... Doesn't deserve it...

Jordan: *whispers* You might get to see him get knocked out again.

Marnie: ooh I'll get this shit on camera

Jordan: This might be a long day-

Marnie: you might be right

*Someone walked into the gym with a pair of gloves. He seemed to be a regular.*
???: Didn’t Coach tell you to relax?
Jordan: It was important.

Marnie: it's not important... *She said somewhat quietly*

*the crowd had left by now, and the other boxer started to train*

*she asked who he was*

Jordan: *getting ready to leave* Oh, that’s Owen. He’s a member here.

Marnie: I see... *Clocked Owen, recognising him* shall we go?

Jordan: Yeah. Your work starts soon anyway.

Marnie: you're right... You wanna come with in case shit gets hairy?

Jordan: Sure.

Marnie: perfect, let's go

Jordan: *nods and walks with her*

*they go to a dodgy apartment building*

Jordan: *looking around for exits just in case*

*they went up to an apartment*
Marnie: this could get a bit tricky?
(Can you play like a super sexist gangster?)

*Someone walked out, looking at the two of them. He looked like what you’d expect from a gangster.*

Gangster: *looks at Jordan* Are you the one I’ve been waiting for?
Jordan: No.

Marnie: that would be me. You know what im here for

Gangster: Really?- *looks disappointed*

Marnie: yeah. Now cough up what you owe, or get the hell off my property

Gangster: *getting out his wallet* They’re sending out girls to do this job now? Is this really how little they respect me?-

Marnie: oh so just because your rents on time this month you think you deserve respect eh?

Gamgster: *pays* Run back to your kitchen already. *headed back inside*

Marnie: *shouted at the now closed door* bastard...
*Looked back at him* I like him, he's so funny *sarcastic*

Jordan: How many more debts do you have to collect?

Marnie: the rest of the building

Jordan: Let’s hurry up then.

*she nodded. They collected more rent, with a similarly friendly reception*

Jordan: *checking their surroundings just in case*

*they come up to a particularly beat up door*

Jordan: *ready for whatever might happen*

*knocks* (this one is an old man, who doesn't like her)

*The man opened the door*
Old Man: What?- You again?!-

Marnie: that time of the month! Pay up

Old Man: A man can’t even retire because of you… *takes out his wallet^

Marnie: tough shit. Not my problem is it?

Old Man: *pays* It might be soon if you piss some people in here off too much-

Marnie: you ain't scary old man *took the money*

Old Man: Oh, I know. As much as I as you annoy me, I’m not stupid enough to hurt you. A few of my neighbors might be.

Marnie: what do you think the hunks for then eh?

Old Man: He can only do so much against that. *points to a bullet hole in the wall*

Marnie: well then they'll have to answer to the cronies who find my body on the floor then. Dad'll be pissed off if his rent collector gets killed

Old Man: I know. That’s why I call them stupid.

Marnie: too right. Well I'll be back next month, and seeing as you're so compliant every month, I'll put in a good word

Old Man: Alright then. Thank you. *nods and closes the door*

Marnie: see I can be nice

Jordan: Are we done?

Marnie: one last one... I'm a little scared of this guy. He's very violent

Jordan: Should I be in front of you just in case?

Marnie: maybe... I don't want him to see me as weak

Jordan: I’ll just be next to you then.

Marnie: cheers... *Went to the final door, and knocked*

*They could hear the man talking loudly as be approached the door.*

*she looked nervous, but knocked again*

Jordan: You be fine.
*The door opened. The man seemed angrily ok the phone.*
???: Hold on, I’ll be back- *mutes on his phone* Now is a really bad time!-

Marnie: sorry I'm not a psychic. Rents due, pay up

???: Well, my dumbass sister crashed my car just now!-

Marnie: I'm sorry to hear that, but you'll be sorry if you don't pay

??? *grumbles while paying*

Marnie: *counted the money* you've short-changed me $130

???: You’re kidding- Hold on- *goes back inside*

Marnie: *waited patiently*

???: *pays her once he comes back* There, you happy now?!-

Marnie: *counts it out* yes... Thanks. You've been very cooperative, thanks!

???: Now I’m gonna have to find out what I’m gonna pay off that car with, damn it!- *slams the door*

Marnie: *startled a little* better drop off the cash

Jordan; These people love you. *chuckles and walks out with her*

Marnie: *they went and dropped the cash off at an incredibly sketchy neighbourhood, and then went back to the bar*

Cyrus: Where were you? I’ve been looking for you for about an hour!

Jordan: What do you want?

Cyrus: Your coach has your next fight in a week.

Jordan: Oh-

Marnie: already?!

Cyrus: Yeah, he gets fights quick sometimes-

Marnie: jeez... Doesn't he get to look after himself?

Jordan: Who’s the fighter?
Cyrus: Jason Creese.
Jordan: Really?- Okay.

Marnie: shit- I'm sure I've heard of him

Jordan: Yeah, he’s gonna be much harder than Martin-

Marnie: hm. I guess you'll be busy for a while then...

Jordan: With training, I guess. Nothing I’m not used to.

Marnie: yeah... I guess I'll just, do my own stuff...

Jordan: *looks at her* I’ll visit on my off time, how about that?

Marnie: i-it sounds good *blushed heavily* let's do it

Jordan: I’ll have to go soon.

Marnie: well... I-i guess I'll see you around?

Jordan: Yeah. If you need anything, I’ll be at the gym for a while tomorrow.

Marnie: g-got it... Oh! T-take my number... *She gave him her number*

Jordan: *notices her change in demeanor* Okay. Stay safe. Cyrus, don’t talk her ear off- *walks off*
*Cyrus then proceeds to talk her ear off*

*she found some bullshit excuse to get out of the bar and went home*

*The next day, Jordan woke up early. He got ready for the day before going on a jog.*

Marnie: *happened to be out by that point, getting food*

*Jordan waved as he jogged past her.*

Marnie: *was surprised to see him, waved back, then shot him a text, asking what he was up to that day,

*He texted back while jogging, saying not much other than exercise.*

Marnie: *let him know he was welcome to come say hi, if he wanted. She'd be at home mostly*

*He acknowledged the invitation before putting his phone back.*

Marnie: *a lil excited, took her food and coffee home*

*After about 4 hours , she heard a knock on her door*

*she was startled, answering the door, in an oversized shirt*

*Jordan looked a bit tired from his workout.*

Marnie: h-hi...

Jordan: Hey… *waves*

Marnie: c-come in- *she got out of the way*

Jordan: *nodded and walked inside* Are you alright?

Marnie: yeah... Yknow, just not used to having people around *pulled the shirt down a little*

Jordan: I get that. *sits down, looking around the place*

Marnie: *she sat down, careful to cover herself* I forgot you were coming, so... Yknow-*

Jordan: Yeah… You can go change if you’d like-

Marnie: i-i mean I probably should *she stood up meekly*

Jordan: *nods and waits*

Marnie: *went into her bedroom, and closed the door, but as it's a bad apartment, it opened up again a little*

Jordan: … *looks away quickly*

*was changing in her room*

Jordan: *closes his eyes*

*came back out. She was wearing fairly covering clothes now*

Jordan: *trying to ignore the soreness in his body*

Marnie: s-sorry... How are you doing?

Jordan: I’m good. My damn back hurts though-

Marnie: c-can I help?

Jordan: You sure?-

Marnie: i-i wanna try

Jordan: *thinks about it for a bit* okay..

Marnie: how can I help?

Jordan: A pillow would be good-

Marnie: *got him a pillow*

Jordan: Thanks. *puts it behind him*

Marnie: d-did you want a massage?

Jordan: I’m fine like this, it’s unnecessary.

Marnie: you sure?

*Though it’d be mice, he knew it’d also be awkward.*
Jordan: Unless you don’t mind, then yes.

Marnie: I really don't... It pails considering the shit ive done for clients

Jordan: Oh, I forgot about that… Yeah, go ahead-

Marnie: yeah, it's good... *She walked up to him* lie ok your stomach

*He did so awkwardly.*

*she straddled over him, and started to press on his back*

*He lightly smiles.*

Marnie: better? *Putting more pressure on his spine, then his back muscles, slowly pressing on his tendons, to relieve stress*

Jordan: Better… *closes his eyes*

Marnie: *would slowly rub his muscles, a fairly forceful massage from the top, slowly working her way down*

*Jordan silently enjoyed the massage.*

Marnie: *got to his lower, and eventually base of his back* down here too?

Jordan: …Go ahead.

*she would press down right at the base of his spine, careful to mind his clothes*

Jordan: Umm, how was your day?

Marnie: uneventful... Until now-

Jordan: What do you usually do when you’re bored?

Marnie: mm... I usually play games, or go work out, or go find work

Jordan: What games?

Marnie: I play smash sometimes...

Jordan: Do you mind if I watch you play?

Marnie: sure I guess

Jordan: *sits up*

Marnie: *booted up a switch*

Jordan: *watching her do so*

*she started smash*

*As Jordan watched her play, he occasionally looked at her.*

*she was concentrating, playing well*

*He smiled at her success.*

*she won not too long after*
Marnie: yes!

Jordan: *claps*

Marnie: thanks... *Blushed*

Jordan: No problem… Do you have anything to eat in here?-

Marnie: check the fridge

Jordan: *walks over, opening the fridge*

*mostly energy drinks, alcohol, but some leftover chicken and rice was in the fridge*

Jordan: -_- I’ll order something.

Marnie: hey! There's some food in there somewhere right?

Jordan: Yeah, but it’s leftovers and I’ve eaten so much chicken recently. I’d rather order something more fresh around here. *putting in the order*

Marnie: I mean hell if you're paying

Jordan: Of course. *finishes ordering for himself* What do you want me to order?

Marnie: what are you getting? What kind of food

Jordan: Whatever you want really. There’s a lot in this town.

Marnie: can you get me a Chinese?

Jordan: Read my mind, I ordered it too. *shows her the Chinese restaurant menu*

Marnie: aw nice! *Picked a few things* we can share

Jordan: Yeah, sure. *orders it* And now we wait…

Marnie: *nodded and started another game of smash*