Mutual Dislike: Spencer vs Gerard by AzayakaSket

Tick-tock tick-tock...
The clock continued to tick away as thuds and shouts echoed through the almost empty gym.  The two occupants continued to war away, well past the regulation match length as they slugged each other.

In Spencer's touring of boxing gyms and wrestling mats, he had no shortage of acquaintances who didn't think very highly of his haughtiness.  It was never his intention, but when you've spoken one way your entire life it's difficult to notice you're pissing people off.

This most recent stop on Spencer's tour was no exception.  Gerard, the grandson of the gym's owner, tried to play the accommodating host, but a few too many unintentionally condescending remarks by Spencer and his staff had Gerard's teeth gritting.  Following his workout, Spencer inquired if Gerard ever stepped into the ring himself.  Gerard's silent nod and disinterest struck Spencer as rude, unfit for addressing a Lockhart.

As the two continued to cross paths that day, the tension rose and finally a challenge was issued.  What started as a polite spar found itself increasing in intensity.  Neither believed themself to be the one to start punching harder, but neither was going to allow themself to be roughed up by the other.  Glaring at each other, the two began boxing in earnest.  One round led to two, to three, to four, to neither stopping at the automated bell.  Having dismissed the straggling gym-goers and Spencer's entourage, the two combatants found themselves alone to settle this tension and newfound rivalry.  Neither believed it would be the challenge it was.

Neither knew how much time had passed as they continued to trade leather.  Sweat, blood, and tears were flowing freely as each let out curses, grunts, and undignified "Ow!"s.  After what felt like an eternity of trading punches and darting around the ring, the exhausted foes had no choice but to clinch with the one they found so irritating.

On they fought, thinking with each punch "This is it!" only to be proven wrong by the impact of the return punch.  Many times they each considered asking the other to simply submit, because they knew their only submission was an impossibility.  Thus, they remained locked in this stalemate until exhaustion took them both to the mat.

Then, and only then, did the two meet each other's eyes and smile.  Anyone who fought like that, couldn't be bad.

Spencer Lockhart is owned by me
Gerard DeGaul is owned by the artist, the AMAZINGLY talented AzayakaSket 
On a personal note about the piece, I love this so much.  I have been a submission style wrestler for most of my adult life and never enjoyed boxing.  Even when I found DeviantArt I was only looking for wrestling imagery.  A piece by this artist changed my mind.  It showed that boxing can involve just as much struggle as any wrestling match.  It is not just a series of blows but a marathon of endurance and commitment.  I just knew I had to see more like that piece so here we are today.  MORE TO COME!