We went to the drive in fast food place and sat in the car park on the bonnet, watching the stars. It was calming, the quiet before the storm.

Tommy didn't feel the need to fill the silence and I couldn't have been happier. When I felt his eyes on me I turned to look and held my nuggets out grinning "want one?"

He smirked shaking his head tossing his rubbish back in the bag "you take forever to eat" I shrugged holding the bag up "you don't get much I like to enjoy them!"

"Mmmmm, right.." I snorted making him laugh and pulled my phone out to check the time "I've been awake a whole day. I can't believe I'm still functioning"

"Couldn't sleep?" I shook my head grumbling with the idea of even going back to that house in the first place never mind having to listen to the neighbours fighting and singing.

"Neighbours party a lot, just noisy" he nodded looking back to the sky. When I jumped off the car he grabbed the bag before I could and strolled off to the bin.

"I was going to get that!" I could see him shake his head and laughed leaning against the car yawning "you're going home, get a decent sleep" I rolled my head to the side to look at him but he pointed into the car "go, remember to save me some of that ice cream" he winked and just walked off making me laugh "don't you want a lift?"

"Nah" I shook my head and climbed into the car. Hopefully the neighbours have stopped for some rest and I can sleep for a couple of hours!

I beeped the horn on the way past and drove home eagerly.

xxxx

I bolted up in bed to a rattling on the door, I never moved a muscle. I wasn't expecting anyone so that means it's someone I don't want to see.

Slowly climbing out of bed when it rattled again i silently made my way to the door to peak through the peep hole. Tommy! What the hell?

I swung the door open frowning and he held out a tub "Tommy? How? What?" I rubbed my eyes trying to make my brain adjust and he laughed "told you to keep me some icecream but I brought some just in case"

I took the tub but instantly gave it back to him when goose bumps spread across my whole body "it's freezing!" His eyebrow raised making me laugh again as a shiver ran through me "I mean it's making me cold" I pushed the door further open allowing him in.

He strolled in behind me and sat down on my sofa while I pulled a zipper on "nice place" I tossed myself down next to him pulling the zipper over my knees for heat still struggling to make my eyes open properly "thank you, how did you find out where I live?"

He grinned pulling his jumper off exposing those perfect arms "Colt told me, actually he was too OK with giving a stranger your address"

I rolled my eyes, obviously it was Colt. Guy was an idiot "yeah he hates me, I thought it was because I became friend's with Pete but turned out he hated me because he couldn't fire me whenever he wanted"

"Sounds like a dick" I laughed shaking my head. He has no idea "yeah... he never used to be either, life does that to people"

He nodded staring into space like he knew all too well what I meant. It was only silent for a second before he stood and grabbed the tub of icecream "where's your freezer?"

I stood to take it and he pulled it back "try and take it" I frowned but tried again and looked back to him in confusion before my sleep deprived brain clicked that he was trying to press my buttons.

"Works for me, that's cold" he laughed and tried to hand it to me but I pulled my hands away shaking my head "no, no. You carry it"

I turned to walk away but he pulled the neck of zipper out and dropped the tub down my back. I squealed but it was stuck and i twisted trying to get it off my skin while he laughed loudly next to me.

I managed to rip the zipper off and panted when the tub hit the floor, holding my t-shirt away from my back. The condensation had soaked the material and i just stared at him.

"Are you serious?" He continued to laugh making it impossible to stay serious and i joined him laughing but lifted the ice cream and put it in his arms, pointing to the kitchen.

"I'm going to change, stop laughing" i went to walk away but he caught me still chuckling and handed me his jumper struggling to hold it together.

"Its still warm, i'm sorry. That was funny" i shook my head but he just pulled it over my head and winked before walking off.

I watched him with a smirk and he came back after a minute, smirking straight back at me. I took my top off under his jumper and winked like he done.

"Mmm.. better" he cursed shaking his head with a smirk "you don't play fair" I laughed and sat down again "so, come on. why are you really here"

He tried to act insulted that I would assume he needed something but I knew the script. I gave him a bored look and he huffed throwing himself down next to me, looking up at the ceiling "I need your advice, the problem with that is we have an arrangement for talking about our past and I'd have to break it not even a day later."

I shook my head fighting a laugh "it's OK, didn't think it would stick anyway. What's up?"

I could see him pondering before he turned himself around to look me square in the face "Colt asked me to take one of his fighters place in a cage fight tournament next weekend"

I frowned waiting for him to continue but he was done "and? Do you want to?" He shrugged looking unfazed. Something else was happening here and I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Wait, how come I haven't saw anything about it?" The look on his face answered that question, it was illegal. Fucking Colt.

"I don't really know if it's worth the risk" he looked away from me and I frowned almost sure I could see shame in his eyes "what's really wrong?" He shrugged.

"When I figh-" he stopped and dropped his head into his hands getting frustrated.

"When I fight? It changes me.. I become a person I never wanted to be, I enjoy it too much. I never know when to stop" he looked genuinely let down at himself making me feel bad for him.

I knew he didn't want my pity but I couldn't help it, he obviously loved it but we all love something that's destructive and anyone who says they don't is a lier.

"Tommy.. you don't have to do anything, you don't have to be ashamed of who you become when you're fighting because that isn't who you really are" he sat back staring into nowhere

"It becomes who I am, I love it but I can't stop. It sets me on the trail for more. It makes me hungry" fire blazed in his eyes but his face stayed emotionless. I smiled unable to help myself and he turned to look at me confused.

"I can see the passion in your eyes when you're talking about it.. maybe you just need a reality check when you get out the ring" I laughed and nudged his arm playfully.

"If you want I'll be there to whoop your ass and keep you in line" I winked and laughed again when he rolled his eyes.

"Would you?" I stopped to frown at him "come with you? I don't think that's a good idea Tommy"

"Why?" So many questions for someone who does so little talking usually! "Because if Colt has asked that means Pete will be there.. me showing up with you will only piss them off and make everything weird for everyone"

"So? You aren't there for them you're my mate, fuck 'em" I laughed but I still wasn't sure and he gave me pleading eyes "please, I need you to keep me in check between the fights. Keep me from myself.. you're probably the only one who isn't scared of me"

I fought the laugh threatening to escape and he grinned already knowing he'd got what he wanted "fine! If Pete and Colt start it's on you"

He nodded and sat back exhaling heavily "thank you Leigh" I'd knew this man 2 days and here he was, chilling on my sofa strong arming me into illegal fights! This should be fun and games.