[Gift] [Mateo]: Lucky Charm

As of late, Baihu had admittedly been on a losing streak.

He had been on a small break due to an injured knee these past few weeks, and now that he was fully healed thanks to Mateo, his Physical Therapist, he was back in the ring. But being back in the ring didn’t exactly mean that he was back and winning in the ring as well. That was a whole other story.

He didn’t usually mind losing since he got paid either way, but these past few nights have been littered with losses. Being a bit rusty due to weeks focusing on recuperation and therapy, Baihu was definitely getting a little bit weighed down due to his bad streak. This was something that was not usually notable to most of his team members since Baihu was reserved, aloof and quiet win or lose, but Mateo had definitely noted something off about the other.

Baihu was a little too quiet than usual. He also seemed like his mind was always elsewhere, always thinking. The coach scolded him for this, telling him to pay attention and focus but how was he supposed to do that when he just didn’t quite feel… right. It wasn’t even anything wrong to do with his physical condition, since Mateo had already said he was back to top shape and ready to fight once more. Baihu had also been doing all the regular stretches, making sure not to overexert himself as well. So what was it…? What was wrong?

“Baihu…?” Mateo calls out curiously, watching the other space out once more. Baihu snaps to attention, straightening his back. “Sorry… what was that again…?” Baihu asks, bowing slightly in apology. Mattie smiles fondly, resting his chin on his hand. “You seem lost in thought again… Nervous for tonight?” He glances at the clock of the lounge that they were both waiting in. Baihu was going to have his fight in a few minutes, but he definitely seemed out of it. And when people were ‘out of it’, it was easier for your opponent to psych you out and get the upper hand. Which of course, Mattie would like to avoid.

Baihu lets out a small sound which sounded neither like a yes or a no but a vague in between. He didn’t really usually open up and share his problems with the entire world, especially his physical therapist. Mattie didn’t need to be his mental and emotional therapist as well. Mattie stands up and walks over to sit with the other. “Really. Are you nervous…? It’s ok to be nervous, it’s normal, actually.” he says, gently putting his hand on Baihu’s. “I know that it’s psyching you out a bit, you know…? These past few fights they’ve not been the best but that’s ok. Tonights a new night and… I just want to say that believe in you.” Mateo hoped he didn’t sound too corny but it was true! He knew Baihu could do great, even if Baihu didn’t believe it himself.

Grasping Baihu’s hands in his he looks up at the others eyes. “Just do your best ok…? That’s all you need.” Realizing something, Mattie retracts his hands to pat his pockets, looking for something. Before Baihu was able to ask what Mattie was looking for, Mateo pulls out a small round pendant from his pocket and places it into Baihu’s hand. “H-here!” Baihu is taken by surprise at the gesture, and looks at the pendant which Mateo handed him. It was brown with yellowish flecks and striations. To be honest it looked a lot like…

“It… reminds me of you-” Baihu says, turning the gem around in his hand. Mateo reddens slightly, nodding slightly and turning his head to the side to avoid Baihu’s eyes. “UHM. Well yes, its called a ‘Tiger’s eye’. It’s a gem and… well it represents confidence and inner strength. It’s my lucky charm and admittedly I do like it a lot because people say it looks like me and…” Mattie coughs, crossing his arms. Enough rambling, Mateo! he thought to himself. Baihu didn’t need to hear a whole monologue about your pretty rock!

Yet a small smile creeps up Baihu’s face, and he lightly pats Mateo’s arm. “Thanks.” he says, giving the stone one more look before he pockets it. “I’ll keep it safe.”

The bell rings to signify that the match was about to start and both look toward the door. “Remember. Just do your best.” Mateo says with a determined nod. “The rest, will follow.” Baihu nods as well and gets up from his chair. It was really sweet to see someone rooting for him, even if it was just someone who had ties to his work. Sure winning was great, but Mateo seemed to really see Baihu as not just a fighting machine, but as a person too. The stakes were different tonight, Baihu felt it himself.

Tonight, luck was on his side.