In the quiet of the backstage area, Damon finished taping his hands, his mind steady, his focus locked in. The routine was familiar by now, wraps, warm-up, deep breaths.
But what wasn't routine, what never faded, was the presence of the one person who had been by his side since the beginning.
Svetlana stood nearby, watching him with that same calm confidence she always carried. She didn't hover, didn't try to hype him up with empty words. She was just there. And that meant everything.
Damon stole a glance at her as he flexed his fingers, testing the tightness of his wraps. He didn't say anything at first, but the thought had been lingering in his mind more and more lately.
It was strange, realizing just how much she mattered to him, not just as someone who supported him, but as someone he truly couldn't picture his life without.
