Moving On

The next morning, Leo wakes up to a note beside him. He rubs his face, picks up the note and reads it to himself.

"I really enjoyed last night. I had to run to work, so don't think I was sneaking out- Danielle" The note says, with a heart.

Leo smiles at the note, glad Danielle didn't regret anything from last night. He soon gets up, puts on his clothes and a hoodie and walks out of the room. Leo heads towards the stairs, but then passes by Frank's trophy room. He stares in awe at Franks football trophies and then looks at his father's boxing trophies. Leo looks over and sees a picture of Frank with his father, and he picks it up.

"Your old man was something special, kid." Frank says from the doorway.

Leo smirks.

"Yeah, it seems like it."

Frank walks over and stands beside the young fighter.

"Keeps me up at night sometimes that he never got a shot at the title. Felt the same way when you got put away all those years ago, that's why I retired."

He turns to Leo and puts his hand on his shoulder.

"But unlike your father, you got a second chance. A second chance to prove what I already know. That you are the best combat fighter today. And don't do it for me, don't even do it for your father. Do it for yourself, kid."

Leo stands in silence for a moment, still staring at his father's trophies. He then turns to Frank and nods. Frank chuckles then pats him on the back.

"Alright, now. Get your shoes on. You're gonna run all the way to the gym today."

Leo chuckles then goes to get his shoes so he can run.

Later that day, as Leo takes a break from training, he walks into Danielle's office.

"Hey." Leo says.

"Hey." Danielle replies.

The two smile at each other for a moment, but Danielle snaps out of it and gets out of her chair to talk to Leo.

"So, last night's fight was a huge success. People are talking about Leo Saint again, even calling you the Comeback Kid."

Leo smile gets even bigger.

"It feels good to be back. Thanks again Danielle, for everything."

Leo then grabs Danielle's hand.

"And uh. I enjoyed last night too."

Danielle smiles and blushes when Leo says this, but then her smile slowly starts to fade as she thinks to herself.

"I know my father set you up."

When Leo hears this, his entire expression changes.

"I can't prove it, but I know it. You wouldn't do something like that, I know what kind of man you are. And I know what kind of man my father is."

Leo let's out a sigh.

"You know, it doesn't even matter anymore. I did the time." Leo says.

Danielle moves closer towards him.

"It matters to me, Leo."

The two look at each other for a moment.

"So, what now?" Leo asks.

Danielle smiles, gently touching Leo's thick beard.

"I gotta get you cleaned up."

The two share a chuckle together then leave the office.

A few minutes later, they return to the gym with Leo's hair cut and beard trimmed. Frank looks over and smiles at the new Leo Saint.

"Wow kid, look at you. Ya don't look like a bum no more." Frank says.

"Thanks Frank."

"Hey, thank me later, let's get to work, come on."

Leo nods and runs over to the heavy bag nearby. As he begins to practice, he invites the group of kids to watch him again. Both Frank and Danielle watches him from the background.

"Nice work, Danielle." Frank says.

Danielle turns to the old man and smiles.

"You too, Frank."