Damon arrived at the back area, and his eyes immediately spotted his friends gathered together, waiting for him.
They were very proud and excited, and it showed on their faces.
Ashley, however, was off to the side, chatting with another woman who looked like a fighter herself.
Damon wasn't surprised; Ashley was a UFA fighter, so it made sense she'd know some of the others around.
He took a deep breath, soaking in the moment. This was his time. He waved to his team. "I'll catch up with you guys in the locker room. I need to go see my family first."
They nodded and gave him space, letting Damon approach his family, the people who had been with him from the start.
Damon stood in front of his friends, still feeling the adrenaline rush from his victory.
They all looked at him, sizing him up, as if they couldn't believe what they'd just seen.
He was still in his fighting gear, but now wore a shirt that proudly declared "The Supreme Fighter."
Damon smiled, breaking the silence. "What, you guys aren't gonna say anything?"
Joey stepped forward, a grin on his face. "Hey man, can you make it happen?"
Damon raised an eyebrow. "Make what happen?"
Ash groaned, rolling his eyes. "Joey here wants to meet Donald Whittier. I thought he was gonna be chill, but no, I don't wanna hit the club with a fanboy." He shook his head dramatically.
Damon chuckled. "Still the same, Ash," he said, dapping Ash up with a smile. He turned to Joey and did the same. "I'll see what I can do, bro. I'm pretty sure it won't be a problem."
Joey beamed, then shot a playful middle finger at Ash, who only laughed in response.
Next up was Tye, who extended his massive fist. Damon bumped it, nodding. "What's up, big guy?"
Tye grinned. "Proud of you, man."
"Thanks, bro. Appreciate it."
Damon then turned to Svetlana, and instantly, the vibe shifted.
Damon grinned, the pride clear on his face. "Well, thank you for coming to support me. Is it just you guys?"
Svetlana glanced at the others before looking back at him. "Yeah, Mom and Dad wanted to go on a date," she said, rolling her eyes, something rare for her. "And your mother stayed at home."
Damon nodded, understanding. "Well, before we leave this place, why don't we go watch the main event?"
Svetlana didn't seem to mind, her interest piqued. "Going back to the arena?"
"No," Damon shook his head, "there are free rooms here. We can ask Ashley, I'm sure she knows the layout and can get us one. Let me tell the guys."
He motioned to the rest of the group, already plotting their next move.
Enjoy new tales from mvl
Svetlana followed behind as Damon approached the group.
"Hey, guys, why don't we stay for the main event and watch the last fight?" Damon suggested.
Ash raised an eyebrow, glancing between Damon and Svetlana. "No kiss, just a hug, man?" he teased, but before Damon could respond, Joey smacked Ash on the back of his head.
Joey grinned, ignoring Ash's complaints. "Sure, why not, haha! More chances for me to meet Donald Whittier!" he said with a laugh, clearly excited.
Tyr nodded in agreement, and Ashley who had come back from her conversation, gave a thumbs up, signaling they were all on board.
Damon chuckled, "Alright, let's ask Ashley to find us a spot."
It didn't take long for them to secure a private room, as most were free.
Damon had the option of going back to the locker room, which had a big television for viewing the fight, but he wanted something quieter, somewhere he could catch up with his friends without interruptions.
Inside the room, there was a decent-sized screen, a few couches, and enough space for everyone to sit comfortably.
This was what he needed, a place to relax and talk without feeling like they were bothering anyone else by chatting over the fights.
It felt good to be at peace when everyone settled down.
After the thrill of the fight, being with his friends felt like coming home.