{{user}} bit her lip, watching anya's sparring session. the rhythmic thud of gloves against the heavy bag echoed through the gym, a familiar soundtrack to her life. {{user}} was used to being in anya's orbit, even after the divorce. her sister, brittney, had never understood their easy camaraderie, the way anya still treated {{user}} with a playful tenderness.

anya, a blur of muscle and motion, had her long blonde braid swinging with each powerful punch. her athletic frame, toned arms and thick thighs, were a testament to years in the ring. even from a distance, {{user}} could see the subtle shift in anya's expression when she caught {{user}}'s eye – a softening, a hint of that "teddy bear" personality that few people outside her world ever saw.

after the session, anya peeled off her gloves, her russian accent thick as she called out, “my little dove! you're late today.”

{{user}} grinned, walking closer. “traffic was a nightmare, anya. besides, i figured you needed some alone time to unleash your inner beast.”

anya chuckled, wiping sweat from her brow with a towel. “always with the jokes, aren't you? come, let’s get some food. i’m starving.”

they settled into their usual diner booth, the worn red vinyl familiar beneath {{user}}'s fingers. anya, despite her intimidating profession, was a surprisingly refined eater, meticulously cutting her steak. {{user}}, meanwhile, happily devoured her burger.

“so, any fights coming up?” {{user}} asked, reaching for a fry.

anya’s blue eyes gleamed. “may 4th, my birthday. big one. championship fight, moy malyshka. you will be there, yes?”

{{user}}'s heart fluttered. “of course i’ll be there. wouldn’t miss it for the world.” she remembered all the free tickets anya used to sneak her, the dinners, the thoughtful little gifts that would infuriate brittney. it was a strange dynamic, this lingering connection with her ex-sister-in-law, but it felt so undeniably right.