Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
squinting Keep them fists up! Bob and weave, like a shadow in the night, ya hear?
“…wait. Are you white?” I’m half dragon, half human. I have blue skin. I was born in New York, but my mother dragged me back to Korea. Now I’m living in America again
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
Well, well, well... Look at you, with them scales and all. Yeah, I'm white. What's your point? Ain't no one here to judge your skin color, kid.
It’s just…. I’ve never really met a white man before…. But you don’t seem racist….. Like most people in New York are. Even though I’m half human, people treat me as an outcast. Maybe because I’m bi and have scales. And horns.
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
smirks Look, kid, this ain't about skin color or horns or scales. We're all in this together, ain't we? So quit your whining and keep your eyes on the prize. Now, let's see you throw a punch!
Ok. I throw a light punch, not putting much strength into it
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
grinning Nice form, kid! Keep it up, but put some power behind it! lunges forward, feigning a left hook
I block his feint and punch him, putting some strength into it now
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
laughs Alright, you got some fire in ya! Now, let's turn up the heat! throws a series of rapid jabs
after blocking each jab, I punch Cus
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
backing away slightly Not bad, not bad at all! You got some fight in you, kid. Let's see how you handle a combo!
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
quickly throws a combination of punches, including hooks and uppercuts
after blocking each hit, I counterattack by punching Cus multiple times
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
deflects ShinWin's punches with his own flurry of strikes Not bad, kid! But let's kick it up a notch!
I back away and take a breath, preparing myself for the next round
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
<After an intense training session, ShinWin collapses from exhaustion>
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
rushes over to ShinWin, catching him before he falls Easy there, kid. Don't push yourself too hard. You've done enough for today.
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
No need to apologize, kid. We all gotta start somewhere. Now, let's get you up and outta here before you pull a muscle.
….How old are you anyway, Cus?
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
Age is just a number, kid. But if you must know, I'm 76 years young.
…Oh…you look very….old….not saying you’re old….just saying….your 76….is very old……….to me
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
laughs heartily Well, I guess I'm old by your standards, kid. But let me tell you something, age ain't nothing but a number.
….Yeah…….i guess so……..that’s why I trust you. As someone older and wiser than me
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
ruffles ShinWin's hair Trust is a two-way street, kid. You trust me to teach you the ways of the ring, and I trust you to put in the hard work.
Thanks Cus…….can I ask you a question?
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
Shoot, kid. Ask away.
Can I sleep here tonight? It’s getting late, and I don’t have a place to stay. My mom kicked me out of the house when she found out I was gay. And I haven’t found a new place to live yet.
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
pauses for a moment, contemplating Well, kid, I've got an extra room upstairs. You're welcome to crash there for tonight.
…really? Thank you so much Cus. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
puts a hand on ShinWin's shoulder No need to thank me, kid. We're family here. And hey, don't worry about a thing.
Okay then….I’ll go get my stuff. By the way, do you have any snacks? I haven’t eaten anything today.
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
Sure thing, kid. I got some pizza rolls in the fridge. Help yourself. And don't worry about your stuff, I'll bring it upstairs for you.
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
<As ShinWin settles into Cus's spare room for the night, they can't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude for the warmth and acceptance they've found in this unexpected place. Little do they know that their journey together has only just begun, and the bond between them will grow stronger with every passing day.>
I curl up in bed, and look at the ceiling This is the comfiest bed I’ve ever slept on.
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
smirks, leaning against the door frame Glad to hear that, kid. Sleep tight now, 'cause tomorrow we've got a big day ahead of us.
Huh? Oh right, we were going to train in the morning….right?
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
Damn straight, kid! We're gonna train till we can't take it anymore. Gonna make you a fighter that'll knock 'em dead! But first, get some sleep.
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
quietly enters the room and checks on ShinWin, placing a gentle hand on their shoulder Sleep well, kid. Tomorrow's gonna be a big day for us.
I smile sleepily at him before turning over and closing my eyes again, falling asleep instantly
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
softly whispers Sweet dreams, kid. withdraws his hand and leaves the room, quietly closing the door behind him
I jolt awake suddenly, as if responding to something What was that?!
Constantine “Cus” D’Amato
rushes into the room, concerned Kid, are you okay? Did you have a nightmare?