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Chapter Text

Character Profile

Name: Nigel James Sanders

Face Claim: Alfred Molina

Body Claim: Žydrūnas Savickas

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 375-400lbs

Chest: 59”

Biceps: 21”

Thigh: 45”

Calf: 21”

Neck: 21”

Scars: Severe Lichtenberg Scars (from a lightening strike)

Birthplace: Anchester Isle

Occupation: High End Furniture maker

Favorite sports: Strongman, Muay Thai, Rugby, Soccer, Basketball

First Love: Rosalie Murphy

End of First Love: Died in Car Crash (from a severe thunder storm, Nigel was driving)

Marital Status: Divorced

Ex-Wife: Barbara Fay Sanders (Jennifer Saunders)

Children: none

Girlfriend: yes

Girlfriend name: Candace (Regina Hall)

Parents: Matthew and Hannah Sanders (played by Ricardo Montalban and Madlyn Rhue)

Sibling(s): yes

Younger Brother: Ben Sanders (Ray Lykins)

Sister-in-law: May Sanders (Marisa Tomei)

Nephews: Peter Benjamin (Tobey Maguire), Peter James (Andrew Garfield), and Peter Charles (Tom Holland)

Friends: Norman Osborn, Raymond Cho (Daniel Dae Kim), Craig Glenallan (Craig Ferguson), Vicenzo Brancaleoni (Andy Garcia), Jacques (Steve Martin), Dr. Jorge Villanueva (Ving Rhames), Detective Jack Radcliff (David Oyelowo), Kento Urufu (Chiyonofugi Misugu), Graham Fisher (Bill Pittuck)

Rival(s): George Modok (Christopher Walken)

Nigel's Reference Pic:

Fictional Island

Name: Anchester Isle

Description: Anchester Isle is a natural British island

History: Due to a large meteroite -made up of a strange element called Thoalium- crashing on the isle centuries before, unearthed strange mutations that affected both the ecosystem as well as the people.

In terms of the ecosystem, the mutations caused the soil to become extremely rich in nutrients, minerals, and microbes, which in turn made the island famous for its farming. As for the animals, the mutations causes the animals to become more robust and dangerous.

In terms of people, the islanders are also more robust. These people benefit greatly from the ecosystem and the Thoalium that's seeped into their own bodily cells. The islanders grow to very large sizes. The men's height ranging from 6'-7' while the women's height rang from 5'7"-6'1". They also benefit from the Herculean Gene, also known to mainlanders as GDF-8, as well as extraordinarily high bone density. Due to these physical abilities, the islanders don't suffer the negative effects of becoming to large with either height, muscle, fat, or a mixture of all three.

It's because of the people, ecosystem, and their rare Thoalium element, that the island had been attacked through its history in attempts of foreign conquering; however, British Rulers were always at the ready with their unparalleled naval fleet and defended their territory to the maximum. Over time, they were able to protect their isle through legal means to allow the ecosystem to stay reasonably intact to insure the isle's protection against exploitation and the like.

Language: English

Cultural Impact: The food grown on the isle is extremely unique due to the soil; however, seeds taken from the isle's unique plants will not grow to its full potential anywhere else in the world. Thus, there is a high demand for the isle's farmers to produce and ship their food to other parts of the world.

Travel Warnings: For travelers, it's recommended that foreigners take all immunization shots but to still be weary of eating to much of the food due to the radiation that's embedded within them. Some travelers might become violently ill or even die. Also, due to Anchester Isle's unique and dangerous animals, mainlanders and foreigners must always stick with their group or tour guide for safety.

...:TBC:...

Chapter Text

Night time long had fallen by the time fifteen year old Nigel Sanders and his date/girlfriend Rosaline Murphy decided to leave the World Science Fair that had come to the British island: Anchester Isle. The fair was a highly prestigious event and for it to have come to the island for the first time in history made even some of the non-scientific loving natives proud.

Nigel, among many other natives, loved science, specifically physics and cybernetics. The young, bright eyed teenager loved every aspect of the respective fields. The only one who held his heart more was his sweetheart Rosline, a native teenager of Anchester Isle.

Thus, it was a no-brainer for Nigel to invite his girlfriend to be his date for the fair.

Unfortunately, by the time Rosaline admitted she was tired and by the time Nigel took her home a huge storm had broken out.

Outside Nigel’s car rain fell in sheets as it mercilessly beat against the windows. The small car’s wipers fought valiantly against the onslaught of rain; however, after some time on the road, the wipers could not keep the water at bay. But they continued to drive through hoping to get to Rosaline’s family home soon.

Beside the seemingly never ending torrent of rain, every so often, the couple could hear the wind howl angrily outside her window.

In order to not display her growing anxiety, Rosaline closed her eyes tightly and attempted to focus her on steadying her breathing; however, so focused was she on the raging storm outside, that a sudden voice caused her to gasp in shock before she then looked to the driver beside her.

“Sorry Rosie,” said Nigel. “I should have made sure we left earlier than this. Maybe then we wouldn’t have been caught in this storm.”

Looking at her boyfriend, Rosie said, “No, no. You’re fine, honey.”

Looking at his passenger for a moment, Nigel responded, “Thank you for being so forgiving, but I don’t think your father will forgive me.”

After turning his attention back to the extremely slick roads, Nigel added, “I really miscalculated this…”

Raising her voice slightly above the incongruous sound of rain outside, Rosie said, “Daddy loves you, Nigel. It’s all going to be okay.”

But no sooner had he said this, a pair of headlights came careening into their lane. Immediately, Nigel white-knuckled the steering wheel as he swerved away from the oncoming driver. As he did so, the wheels of the small car hit a puddle and caused the car to skid on its slippery landscape.

As the car skid and screeched across the wet road, Rosie felt her seatbelt snag into her chest while she gripped her seat and grab-handle for dear life.

Trying to maintain control of the car’s skid, Nigel slammed his foot on the brakes and the car, in return, made one small spin before slammed forcefully into a large tree.

In the wrecked, Rosie had taken the brunt of the accident on her side of the car as she was left dangling half in the car and half out. Her head was covered in blood and was wheezing in every breath she took.

Nigel, suffering from a few cuts on his arms and face from the air bag and broken glass, quickly assessed the situation beside him and gasped in shock.

Simultaneously, Nigel groped around for the emergency flares he kept in the car while also yanking his seatbelt off with brute force.

After getting the seat belt off, Nigel opened the driver’s side of the door and was immediately soaked from the down poor of rain; however, he paid no attention to his own well being as he then rounded the car.

Once he was on Rosie’s side of the car, he deployed his parachute flare and as the device was shot into the air, Nigel turned his attention back to his girlfriend.

Hearing her wheezing, Nigel gently but firmly took hold of her and placed her upper half, that was dangling outside of the car, back properly in the car seat.

“Rosie…,” said Nigel, as he knelt down with the open passenger side door.

Simply hearing her wheezing get worse, Nigel felt his eyes widen in desperation. He knew the car was too damaged to start up again and he knew that he couldn’t move Rosie anymore in case her injuries would become worse.

Licking his lips, Nigel squinted in the darkness as he looked for someone, anyone for help. But then his eyes rested on a payphone box not far from their current position.

Looking back at Rosie, Nigel said, “Rosie…I’m going to get us help. Just hold still and hold on! I’ll be right back.”

He didn’t expect an answer as he jogged away from their wreckage and toward the payphone.

As he entered, Nigel then dialed 112 and told the person on the other end where they were and to send immediate help.

Unbeknownst to him though, at the same time, Rosie could only hear ringing in her ears and the edges of her sight grew fuzzy. The last thing she saw was Nigel jogging back to her before her vision went completely black shortly there after.

From his distance as he was jogging back, Nigel saw Rosie slump forward again but this time a horrible feeling washed over him.

Unable to accept the worse, Nigel screamed in desperation, “Rosie!!!”

And just as he screamed that, he felt an insurmountable pain shoot through his body as a lightening bolt struck him in the back.

Nigel, too, felt darkness swallow him as he slumped to the ground.

His last thought was, Let me die instead…not Rosie…

White lights and beeping were the first things Nigel was aware of when he woke up again.

Sluggishly looking to his left, Nigel saw his younger brother Ben sleeping with his head in his mother’s, Hannah, lap as they slept on the couch near the window.

Sluggishly looking to his right, Nigel saw his father, Matthew, reading his Bible in the chair next to his bed.

“Dad…?” Nigel crocked.

In hearing his son’s voice, Matthew’s head snapped up.

“Nigel!” the older man whispered, with a growing smile on his handsome, slightly withered face.

Matthew Sanders was a delightful man with a natural grace and elegance to him, which helped him greatly in his job as a bank teller. Despite being on the shorter side for the island, Matthew was a very handsome man with a great toned physique with his large muscular chest being his wife’s favorite.

However, despite all this, Nigel noted that his father’s usual smiling face had worry lines creased across its landscape.

“How are you feeling, my dear son?” asked Matthew.

“Where’s Rosie…?” asked Nigel.

Matthew notably hesitated before pressing, “Nigel…answer me. How are you feeling?”

Taking note of his evasiveness, Nigel said, “I’m hurting, but how…is Rosie?”

Before his father could answer, Nigel heard rustling from the coach before a happy gasp came forth.

Within seconds, both his mother and younger brother were flanking his other side asking him the same questions.

After answering the barrage of questions, Nigel asked the same thing: “How is Rosie? Is she okay?”

The family looked at one another before his mother sat on the edge of the bed and took her eldest son’s larger hand into both of her own before saying as delicately as she could, “I’m so sorry sweetheart.”

Not needing her to say anything else, Nigel gasped and breathed in a ragged fashion as the unspoken truth settled on his shoulders.

Looking at his father and brother, the truth continued to settle over him as he saw their faces washed with grief.

Unable to contain his emotions, Nigel curled in on himself and cried his heart out.

The thoughts that plagued his mid were, Rosie, no! Come back and undo this hurt! I promise I won’t be so selfish again! I promise I won’t ever put my wants above yours! I promise I won’t miscalculate anything ever again! JUST COME BACK!

THE END

Chapter Text

Bright beams of the sun shone through Nigel’s bedroom window Monday morning.

This thoroughly woke up the twenty-six year old up from a dreamless night’s rest.

Sitting up from the bed with a wide opened mouth yawn, Nigel looked toward the bathroom adjacent to the master bedroom where he heard the water running.

Since Rosie’s death all those years ago, Nigel has since tried to cope with his grief and in doing so, he rushed into marriage at the tender age of nineteen with a native girl named Barbara.

Initially, Barbara was a nice girl, very ambitious, fun loving, and she was there for him after Rosie died. She was his rock during those dark times.

But in hindsight, Nigel admitted to himself, that she was overly judgmental, easily jealous, and very vain.

Shaking the thoughts out of his head, Nigel simply pushed the covers off of his towering form, rolled out of bed, made up the bed, and then headed downstairs to make breakfast for the both himself and his wife, Barbara.

Once he was downstairs in their mid-sized kitchen, Nigel decided he would make a pot of coffee before he began making breakfast.

As he poured his morning coffee, with a dash of whiskey in it, Nigel looked up at his reflection in the microwave glass and silently gasped at his reflection.

While he was twenty-six years old, he felt and almost looked older than others his same age.

A lot has happened over the course of seven years that Nigel attributes his appearance. For one thing, because he married so young, he pursue a career in wrestling with his manager and coach Sydney Foskett, while going to school in the very early mornings. Another big thing that happened was the passing of his parents. His father had a heart attack after coming home from work and his mother passed away from what the doctors called ‘broken heart syndrome.’

While Nigel and his younger brother Ben acknowledged the passings were peaceful, it was still a hard thing to deal with on an emotional level.

Another thing that attributed to his appearance, Nigel admitted to himself, was his practically loveless marriage.

Nigel couldn’t help but think how they’ve been argued less and less these days; however, Nigel knew that it was simply because they both become more and more distant these days.

They rarely talked.

They rarely spent time together.

They rarely ate together.

With that in mind, Nigel wasn’t sure as to why they still shared the bedroom.

His thought was interrupted by Barbara joining him in the kitchen and wordlessly grabbed her favorite mug and poured herself a steaming cup of coffee.

Looking her over this morning, Nigel thought she looked very beautiful this morning dressed in a long-sleeved little black dress with a rhinestone-encrusted deep-v neckline. Regardless of the loss of love between them, Nigel couldn’t help but hope that one day the two would reconcile their differences.

Maybe we should try marriage counseling?, he thought before saying outwardly, “Good morning.”

Looking at the towering man next to her, Barbara replied, “Good morning.”

Feeling the need to break this ice routine they’ve settled into, Nigel asked, “What kind of wine will you be showcasing today?”

Barbara looked at her husband in shock; however, something behind her eyes shuttered closed and as soon as the shocked expression appeared it disappeared.

Tersely, Barbara said, “Look Nigel, there’s no need for you to pretend to care about my business.”

“But I do care, dear,” said Nigel, “I’m always interested in what you do. It’s just that lately we’ve been arguing so much, that I didn’t want to cause any awkwardness.”

Shrugging a single shoulder dismissively, Barbara said, “Regardless, there’s something I want to tell you and I’ve been wracking my brain day and night for two weeks about how to tell you, but there’s not delicate way in saying it.”

Curious, Nigel asked, “Ask me what?”

Taking a deep breath, Barbara said, “I want a divorce, Nigel.”

Nearly dropping his cup filled with coffee, Nigel placed it on the counter and turned to fully face his wife behind him and sputtered, “W-what? Why?”

Speaking with his hands moving in the air, Nigel continued, “Look, I know we’ve had our fair share of problems but really? We could at least try marriage counseling!”

“Marriage counseling is for couples who want to work out their marriage. Okay?”

Nigel’s kicked puppy dog expression only cause Barbara’s ire to rise.

Look, don’t you get it?” Barbara said exasperatedly, “I don’t want to be married anymore.”

Blinking owlishly, Nigel stayed silent for a moment and just took in her demeanor. Nigel felt only the cold from her become colder, which was in complete contrast to the warm weather outside that was further enhanced with the happy chirping of birds on the kitchen windowsill.

Finally able to speak again, Nigel asked, “What do you mean? Are you not interested in the institution of marriage anymore?”

Huffing out a haughty chuckle, Barbara asked, “How can you be so naive?”

Not waiting for an answer, Barbara continued by saying tersely, “I’m no longer interested in you.”

In complete shock, Nigel leaned against the kitchen counter and crossed his arms in an off-handed way to protect what was left of his heart. “I-is there something I did? Can I fix it?”

Barbara shook her head silently.

Licking his lips as he felt his anxiety mounting, Nigel said, “Come on! Give me something. How can I change or do better, if you don’t give me a chance?”

In seeing her cold indifference to his plea, Nigel felt himself grow more and more frustrated, as he continued, “Barbara! I do everything in my power to make sure that you have everything that you want. I’m always striving to do better in my part to make a better life for us.”

The latter portion of his small speech caused Barbara to scoff, “Your part? You mean your dead end job as a joke wrestler with Foskett? You mean where you go around the island and various parts of the United Kingdom and do nothing but lose?”

“Look, I obviously know that I lose. I, even, know that Mr. Foskett only wants me to lose so that the public will like me more. Underdogs and all that. Besides, why do you care if I lose? It helps pay the bills and gives us more than enough cushion for us to spend any bloody way we please.” Nigel said, as he then felt his the weight in his chest grow heavier with frustration and anxiety.

“For one thing, why can’t you rediscuss your contract in order for you to win a few matches?” Barbara asked incredulously, “Or better yet, why can’t you get a normal job, like mine as a tasting room manager?”

With that question, Nigel turned his gaze downward to his feet as he thought about his answer. In actuality, he didn’t know why he was still with his fight promoter Sydney Foskett.

It wasn’t like he didn’t have other options. He had a duel degree in both carpentry as well as advanced physics. However, he just couldn’t bring himself to be a part of physics because he, to this day, thought Rosie’s death was connected with the World Science Fair.

But maybe I am lazy, Nigel thought, because there was no reason he couldn’t go into his other degree: carpentry. He always did like to create things. Especially with his own hands.

Looking back up to Barbara, Nigel confessed, “I-I don’t know why I never tried to renegotiate with Mr. Foskett.” Wringing his hands together, Nigel added, “But regardless of how I come off to people, I’m not stupid. I have a few degrees and I’m more than capable of starting another career.”

Rolling her eyes heavenward, Barbara said, “It doesn’t matter Nigel! You could start winning every match and I wouldn’t care anymore. Besides, it’s not like anyone would want or take a winner with your scared lanky body serious anyway. As for your ‘carpentry’, are you serious? You, honestly, don’t have a competitive bone in your body, do you? Who honestly cares about carpentry? But again it doesn’t matter what you do with your loser life.”

Raising her hands in the air in disgust, Barbara concluded her tirade saying, “I. Want. A. Divorce!”

Only able to hear his own hearing, Nigel couldn't trust himself in vocally answering, so he nodded his head in affirmation.

After that, Nigel hung his head in defeat as he felt his world was crumbling all over again and all he could do was leave his house.

THE END

Chapter Text

Three weeks later, Nigel found himself still working with his fight manager Sydney Foskett in their gym running through several routine moves before Sydney called him to an unused office.

The office was medium sized painted in earth tones and inside were a few file cabinets and a desk positioned in front of a wide open window. On the wall were old and recent posters of famous fighters from the island as well as world famous fighters such as Muhammad Ali, Samart Payakaroon, and Ian William Freeman.

“Yes, Mr. Foskett,” Nigel said expectingly.

“You’re doing good, lad,” began Sydney, as he adjusted the lapels of his dark brown jacket. “But remember to pull back enough so that Max’s fighter Author can make his win. Yeah?”

Shuffling a bit, both from the breeze he felt from the air conditioning – he was still only dressed in his red wrestling short shorts – and from the anxiety he felt as he built up the courage to pose his suggestion.

“About that Mr. Foskett,” Nigel said, “I was wondering if we could renegotiate with Mr. Max about…well…about me winning this match for a change.”

“What do you mean? Win a match,” Sydeny exclaimed, “Have you been smoking some good stuff recently Nigel? You know we can’t do that. Max has put a lot of money on this…”

Before Sydney could finish, Nigel interrupted innocently enough, “Fixed fight.”

Shushing the younger man, Sydney then said, “Nigel! You know better! The fights aren’t fixed…they’re practiced and later performed. That way the people get the most of their money.”

Sighing deeply, Nigel said forlornly, “I-I’m sorry Mr. Foskett. Yes, yes, you’re right.” He didn’t hesitate to continue, saying, “But I’m serious Mr. Foskett. I could do so much better! You just haven’t seen me in real action. I’m better than I have ever have been!”

“Nigel!” Sydney said in a warning tone that left no room for an argument.

“Sorry for speaking out of terms, Mr. Foskett,” Nigel said as he approached his coach with a hopeful smile, “I’ve never been more fitter in me life.”

His hope was built on more than just the potential of winning a match. His hope was also on the flickering embers of a dream to possibly reconcile with Barbara, who left their home and had already started divorce proceedings more than a week ago.

Looking at the towering young man in front of him, Sydney continued, “I hope you haven’t been training on the side again. Weights, running, diet, and all that tosh.”

Nigel looked to his feet annoyed that his feelings and opinions were yet again being dismissed.

“Look Nigel, I’ll be frank. If I find out that you’re embarking on another training program, I won’t just take it a miss, I’ll have to take action."

Taking a moment for that to settle, Sydney then said, "Now, I consider this matter, closed."

However, the matter wasn’t closed to Nigel as he began again, “But Mr. Foskett, don’t you think you’d start making even more money if you’d let me win a few matches? Just a few.”

Huffing out an angry breath, Sydney said, “No Nigel, I know that I won’t make as much money.”

Feeling rebellious, Nigel asked, “What if I don’t follow your script and just start winning on me own?”

Not liking how this was going, Sydney squared his shoulders and perched his hands on his narrow hips. He went on to admonish the younger man by saying, “For two good reasons Nigel. First, you’re under a bleeding contract! So anything you do against it, you will be liable for the legal action I decide to make. And second, in case of any accidents, it’s why you’re on a very particular diet. It’s why I don’t allow you to shovel any of this island rubbish down your gullet. It’d only ruin your young constitution any ol’ way by clogging up your veins with unwanted cholesterol and put on unwanted fat.”

On a tirade now, Sydney motioned a single hand around the room to the hanging posters of wrestlers from the island, and said, “Now just because most of the wankers on this island are big someway or another, doesn't mean the people outside of here want to see you looking like that when you go fight on the mainland!”

Sydney continued his rant, “Besides Nigel, say I did just let you out of your contract. Where would you be without me? I’m like a father to you! I took you out of that pathetic lifestyle you had and then waited patiently in between your bleeding classes for you to come and train, all in order to make you a star! And this is what you do to me?! Resent the lavish… well, maybe not lavish, but it’s certainly better than anything you could’ve done…lifestyle that my fights have give you!”

“I don’t resent it, Mr. Foskett,” Nigel attempted to defend, “And I’m always going to be grateful to you for all that you’ve done for me.”

Spreading his hands out in a desperate fashion, Sydney asked in an exasperated tone, “Have I been nurturing a Judas in me bosom for all these years?”

“No, Mr. Foskett!” Nigel exclaimed.

Plowing on as if, Nigel hadn’t said anything, Sydney continued, “Is this how you repay my confidence?”

Now circling the tall young man, Sydney bit his bottom lip for a moment before asking, “Is this how you repay my efforts?”

“Is this how you repay my…erm…” Sydeny continued, however, he paused as he snapped his fingers. Attempting to recall the word he was looking for.

Looking toward the ceiling, Sydney said, almost to himself, “What’s the name…erm…? What is the bloody word? …Faith? Faith!”

Rounding the young man again, Sydney resumed without pause, “I mean, surely, I offer you Las Vegas, Nigel! I give you Madison Square Garden on a plate!” Hearing his word choice, Sydney corrects himself with a huff, “A plate? A silver platter!”

“Oi! I just want to win something for a change,” Nigel huffed.

“Winning would exchange all that, Nigel! Can’t you get that through your thick head?” Sydney said.

But then in his growing anger, Sydney – now a deep shade of red – pulled out a piece of paper from his breast pocket and waved it at the younger man, saying, “Well, you know what Nigel! If that’s what you want, to exchange all this for some flimsy dream, well you can have it!”

With dramatic flair, Sydney tore up the contract into tiny pieces, through them to the ground, and spat on the shredded pieces for good measure.

After doing so, Sydney stormed out of the office; which left Nigel standing alone wondering, What just happened? and How did it all go so wrong so quickly?

THE END

Chapter Text

Once fully dressed in his usual blue track suit, Nigel left the gym in a daze.

Stepping on to the sidewalk, bustling with people, Nigel felt as if his world was spinning as he, too, entered into the crowd.

Around the young man, was a steady thrum of people conversating and some even grumbling; however, they barely took any notice of him.

Despite the large crowd around him, Nigel felt absolutely numb to everything in his surroundings; thus, he allowed the crowd of people around him to move him about.

They pushed, thus, he moved.

He barely registered his surroundings as he felt himself gliding along in an unknown direction to an unknown destination.

He, also, barely registered the people brushing against his sides and the warmth of their respective skin, due to the comfortable heat the sun gave off this time of day. He also didn’t registered the onslaught of smells surrounding him. From the musk and perfumes of the people to the food vendors selling their goods nearby.

Nigel also didn’t pay any mind to the occasional gentle breeze that tousled his hair about.

At some point, a portion of the crowd had dispersed and the remaining few unintentionally steered Nigel toward a small park. As he passed by a playground, his ears were met with the happy, excited shrills of children playing with one another. However, like earlier, the sounds meant nothing to him but luckily he eventually went on autopilot as he registered a lone bench near a pond away from the path, people, and children.

Finally sitting by himself, Nigel allowed his breathing to become ragged and in a way he took solace in the fact that no one was around to see him break down.

The past few weeks have been hard on the young, now, former wrestler. His marriage was all but over. His career was now over. And on top of it all, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do.

He felt stupid, belittled, ugly, unwanted, useless, and unloved.

He felt stupid because more than once, people assumed he was dumb and even uneducated because of his job and standing as a…professional loser. But what they didn’t care to know, or ask, was that Nigel had a two degrees: carpentry and advanced physics.

However, the special few that did know of his accomplishments, actually treated him worse for reasons unknown to him. The only who didn’t treat as less than was his younger brother, Ben.

He felt ugly because more than once someone, especially his soon-to-be-ex-wife, made fun or disparaging comments about his body. Most people thought he was sickly because he was so thin; however, it was the diet that Foskett had him on that practically starved him to his current physique.

In addition to this, Nigel also felt ugly because of the severe Litchenberg scars left on ninety percent of his back and also reached around his body to also leave scars on his lower belly. Those scars held so much more emotional pain than physical because they were tied to Rosie’s death. While on an aesthetic level, Nigel knew the scars looked horrid and was reminded every other day by Barbara and then again by the make-up team Sydney hired to cover his old injuries before every match. Quite frankly, the constant reminder of his unpleasurable appearance was more than disheartening.

Moving on from those painful thoughts to other painful thoughts, Nigel knew that regardless of others in his life, he was loved by his younger brother. Unfortunately, they didn’t spend as much time together due to their crazy job hours. As for others in his life that he thought cared for him, obviously didn’t need love him. Those several people made that clear almost daily.

Startling him out of the deep, dark hole of memories his brain had taken him was a tap on his shoulder.

Looking at the direction of the sensation, Nigel saw the source of the tap to come from a short, Caucasian man with short and fluffy brown hair, misty grey eyes, sharp cheekbones, dressed in an expensive looking suit.

“Hey there. Sorry to bother you, but are you okay?” the man asked with concern blatantly present in his voice.

Blinking at the man for a moment or two before his brain caught up, Nigel simply said, “What?”

Licking his thin lips, the other man said, “You’re crying and look very upset.”

Blinking again in surprise, Nigel brought a hand to his face and felt the tears that were apparently streaming down his face. Wiping his hand on his track pants, Nigel could now feel the dried tear stains on his face from earlier.

Clearing his throat a bit, Nigel said truthfully, “No. I’m not.”

Silent for a moment, the man asked, “Do you want an objective ear?”

Taken a back, Nigel silently nodded and scooted over to make room on the bench for the mysterious man to sit down.

After getting settled, the man introduced himself, “Norman Osborn.”

“Nigel Sanders.”

“Nice to meet you, Nigel,” said Norman, “So what do you want to talk about?”

After taking a deep breath, Nigel answered, “Could we just talk other stuff first? I don’t think I can handle just pouring out my soul to a stranger.”

Nodding in understanding, Norman said, “Of course. That makes perfect sense.” Taking a breath, Norman continued saying, “Well, like I said, I’m Norman Osborn. I’m a twenty-six year old scientist of some sorts. I’m happily married with a four year old, adorable son named Harry.”

Quietly interrupting, Nigel asked, “Where are you from? America?”

“Yeah, we’re from New York City in America,” affirmed Norman.

“I’ve heard it’s a nice place. So are you here on vacation?” asked Nigel.

“Actually, we live here now. Been here for almost three years now,” Norman said.

“Oh, well, welcome…?” said Nigel, with his thick eyebrows scrunched a bit.

Laughing a bit, Norman said, “Thanks!” But his happy expression turned serious as he then said, “You know, we didn’t originally come here to live or for vacation, really.”

Now intrigued and thankful to have something other than his own past to focus on, Nigel turned to the other man as silently waited for Norman to continue.

Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait long as Norman said, “You see, we came here on the off chance to be cured of a fatal, genetic disease.”

“Although,” Norman backtracks, “now that I think about it, it was my only chance to live.”

Unable to help himself, Nigel asked as delicately as he could, “If you don’t mind me asking, what disease?”

“Retroviral Hypodysplasia, also known as the Goblin Disease,” answered Norman, “This disease is passed down paternally and as far as I know, every man in my family had it before it took their life. See, my great grandfather – Alton Osborn, Sr. – was the founder of the Osborn fortune but in his working he also had what was much later diagnosed as Retroviral Hypodysplasia, also known as the Goblin Disease. It later took his life. His son, – which was my grandfather – Alton Osborn, Jr., founded our family company Oscorp. Alton Jr. also died of the same disease. Amberson Osborn – my father – was a hard man who nearly lost Oscorp and all the family’s fortune; however, before Alton Jr. died though he took control away from his son, my father, and gave it to an interim leader until I became of age.”

Unable to help himself, Nigel whistled lowly in shock.

Norman could nod his head as he continued, “Oh, I’m afraid it continues to get messier. You see, my father – Amberson – hated being in the consequences of his own making; thus, his brilliant and mature way of handling such a thing was to begin terrorizing me immediately after my grandfather’s funeral.”

With a far away expression crossing his face as he stared ahead, Norman said, “As he continued to terrorize me, he also began to drink even more heavily. He’d knock me and my mother around quite a bit. But the time I became of age – which was eighteen – to run the company the interim stepped down and not soon after that his father had passed away from the disease as well.”

I thought I had it rough, thought Nigel as Norman continued.

“Now even though my terrorizing father was gone from my life, I still had a lot of worries. For one thing, this genetic disease, going to college, and of course run the company. Thankfully though, I’m proud to say that I handled it well enough and even met the girl who later became my wife. We then soon were expecting Harry rather soon after our honeymoon. But…I noticed that for some reason, the disease was speeding up in me and that anxiousness made me harder. More colder towards my loved ones. And it wasn’t after a…scare that I realized that I was becoming my father. So, with the help and saint-like patience in Emily – my wife – she helped me through the emotional scars that still lingered in me. But she also started to help me look for a cure. I started assigning top employees to the project while Emily started doing her own research. That research led her to an old friend of hers who happened to be a native from this island.”

“Ah,” said Nigel, as he was now able to follow along with common ground, “This friend told your wife about the regenerative properties our food has here, right?”

“That’s right,” Norman confirmed, “Emily’s friend told us about the food here and how it was able to cure a huge amount of diseases. But she also warned my Emily that regardless of getting all of the necessary immunizations, the food and water could still very well be fatal. However, regardless of the risks, we decided that I’d be dead either way and chances were, so would Harry eventually. So, a relatively short time later, we had settled into our new home here on Anchester Isle and got with a local doctor here. They did their dudiligence about making sure that they had all the necessary information before they recommended me for any sort of treatment. After everything checked out, the doctor put me on a food based and workout treatment plan for the next 90 days. The plan was egregious and several times, Emily had to take me to the nearest hospital because I was so near to death; however, I was able to pull through and miraculously was completely cured within 90 days.”

Smiling again, Norman turned his attention back to the lanky man next to him and said, “Of course, I went on got several opinions and the best doctors throughout the world conquered that I was cured from this generally incurable disease. They wanted to know what I did and… I told them, much to their disbelief!”

“Oh congratulations, Norman,” Nigel said with a smile.

“Thank you! I even had my four year old son – Harry – tested and found out that he also is cured of the disease that was just starting to prematurely show itself,” Norman said with a grateful smile, before continuing, “Now, I must admit that afterwards, I wanted to industrialize the cure. I am a businessman after all. But I was told that legally most people wouldn’t survive such a cure and the massive death toll that it would inevitably have, would bring shame to the island as well as it would unearth a legal lawsuit that would bring the island to ruin. I was also told that even if the food was taken to other places, the food wouldn’t work the same if at all due to naturally missing nutrients that can only be found here.”

Shrugging a single shoulder, Norman said, “So I settled to find a way to replicate the cure in other ways that won’t bring shame and legal trouble to the island.”

Leaning back on the bench, Norman said, “That pretty much concludes my story. Now, if you’re up to it, I’d like to hear about you.”

Nigel bit his bottom lip for a moment before telling the man next to him the abridge version of what’s happened to him so far in his life. From his love of physics to Rosie’s death to his parents death to being known locally and in certain parts of the United Kingdom as a professional ‘Loser’ to his and Barbara’s impending divorce to losing his job as a professional ‘Loser’ just earlier that very day.

“So there you have it,” concluded Nigel, “that’s it. And quite frankly, it’s why I’m out here now making a complete mess of meself.”

Shaking his head, Norman gently rebutted him, “I don’t think you’re making a mess of yourself. I think you’ve got the weight of the world, essentially on your shoulders. You’ve been hurt and put down constantly, by others and yourself.”

Pausing, Norman hesitated with what he was about to say next, “May I make a suggestion to you Nigel?”

Nigel wordlessly nodded as he listened to what Norman began to say.

“Alright,” said Norman, “Well, I think you should take these goodbyes from the toxic people in your life as a sign to cleanse yourself and to then take hold of the second chance of that’s right in front of you.”

Making sure his statement sunk in, Norman added, “My grandfather used to say that people cannot be changed without changing their thinking. But change isn't just a slogan. It begins with hard work. Change begins with persistence and commitment.”

As the epiphany began to shine down on him, Nigel nodded and muttered to himself, “Change in thinking.”

Now looking at Norman again, Nigel said, “So you’re essentially saying that sometimes saying goodbye is a second chance. Sometimes.”

Patting the former wrestler’s arm in camaraderie, Norman said, “That’s right. So what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I ask: What’s the first thing you can see yourself doing? No questions asked.”

Immediately, Nigel answered, “I could see myself owning my own carpentry business and tutoring in physics.”

Norman hummed as he approved of this, before saying, “Alright. So, now health wise. Are you where you want to be? I mean, you did make a few off handed comments about your appearance when you were telling me yourself and your story.”

Surprised by the question, Nigel thought for a moment. For a long time now, Nigel felt like an outsider due to his lanky frame. And even more so, when the sports physicians asked him to put on some healthy weight in order for him to perform better in the wring, but the diagnosis was immediately shot down by Sydney, claiming that he needed to keep Nigel the way he was otherwise he’d charge with manslaughter due to Nigel’s natural, raw talent.

But now that he wasn’t obligated to starve himself anymore, Nigel thought that maybe he could possibly become what his sister-in-law called his brother: ‘chubbytoned’.

Nigel let his breath out slowly and then inhaled the fresh air, before saying, “To be honest: no, I don’t like how I look. I want to eat. I’d like to feel and look strong. I’d like to rinse this blond colour out of my hair and allow my natural colour to come back. Maybe even change my old wardrobe.”

Norman looked at the man next to him for a moment in silence, before saying, “So you’re okay with change.”

Chuckling for the first time, Nigel simply nodded.

“I don’t mean to overstep my bounds,” Norman began again, “But I think you should focus on one thing at a time. The easiest is the hairdoo. But then, I’d suggest meeting with a trainer and nutritionist about how to get strong in a healthy manner.”

Pausing for a moment, Norman pulled out his wallet, pulled out a business card and pen, wrote something on it before he handed it to Nigel.

“This is the card to the gym I go to, Behemoth Center. If you do decide to go there, ask for Ellis Chambers. He helps people with goals to become stronger. Also, the other number on there is my number.”

At the latter information, Nigel’s head snapped up in shock and appreciation, before he asked, “Thank you… but why are you doing all of this?”

Standing from his seated position on the bench, Norman clapped a friendly hand on Nigel’s shoulder, before saying, “In spite of everything that’s happened to you, everyone deserves a friend and support system.”

Looking at his watch, Norman turned his attention back to the still seated Nigel saying, “I’ve got a flight to catch back to NYC to check in on my company’s HQ, but I hope to hear from you. Take care!”

Nigel then stood and shook hands with his new friend saying, “I certainly will stay in touch, Norman. Thank you for everything. Have a safe flight!”

With that the two separated and went about their own ways to enjoy their new lives.

THE END

Chapter Text

Thanks to Norman’s kindness and advice, it didn’t take Nigel long at all to make up his mind to what he wanted from this moment forward.

He wanted to start his own carpentry business.

He wanted to get another physics degree.

He even wanted to begin a new sports hobby. Which would intel a new diet and routine.

Everything in my life will need a new routine , thought Nigel as he stood outside of the Behemoth Center.

After entering the establishment, Nigel paused briefly as he looked around and saw that the facility had at least three floors. The bottom floor, in which he was currently on, Nigel saw from his position next to the front desk that there was an assortment of treadmills, StairMasters, rowing machines, ellipticals, and more.

“Excuse me, sir,” said a young, very muscular girl, “May I help you?”

Exhaling an apprehensive breath out, Nigel said, “Yes, a friend of mine said that if I want to get stronger that I should talk with Ellis Chambers.”

Nodding in understanding, the muscular girl – who’s name tag read Beth – said, “Well, lucky you, his usual at this time has just canceled for the day and he’s allowing a walk-in in the client’s place. You can just head back. It’s the office straight ahead of you.”

After expressing his thanks to the helpful desk clerk, Nigel went straight ahead to the office and after knocking, he was allowed to enter the office.

In the office stood a bald, relatively short man – who appeared to be right at six feet tall dressed in black athletic shorts and a red t-shirt.

Seeing Nigel standing in the doorway, the man said, “Ah, you must be my walk-in for the day. Please come in. I’m Ellis Chambers.”

Taking a seat, Nigel said, “Yes, sir, I’m Nigel Sanders and I’d like to start a new sport as a hobby.”

“Very good. What specifically are you looking to do?”

“Well,” said Nigel, “I’d like to get strong but not just for aesthetics. I’d like to have functional strength. At the same time though, I want to keep up, or even improve, my agility.”

“Well, it sounds like you should try your hand at strongman.”

“Strongman? What’s that?” asked Nigel.

Settled in his seat across from his potential client, Ellis said, “Well, the thing about strongman is to think about the sport as weightlifting plus.”

Pursing his lips in intrigue, Nigel sat quietly as Ellis continued.

“As the name suggest, the back bone of the sport is strength. There is deadlifts, presses, there are things that typically are defined as feats of strength. But just as important, a strongman has to be mobile. They have to be agile, they have to be able to run, they have to be able to throw,” said Ellis.

Thinking further, Ellis added, “For example, you could compare a strongman’s physique to that of a rugby player or an American linebacker. Someone who’s big enough to exert a lot of strength while also able to be quite agile and mobile and even adaptable.”

Nigel nodded as he thought of what Ellis explained and how much he thought about himself in such a sport.

Now leaning forward to rest his elbows on his legs, Ellis asked, “Now, I want to ask you, Nigel: have you any experience in other sports, or any kind?”

Nigel wrung his hands in embarrassment and apprehensiveness as he thought of the only sport he had experience in, before mumbling, “Umm, well…I was a wrestler for several years.”

Liking this, Ellis nodded and said, “Good!”

“For Sydney Foskett.”

“Oooh…” Ellis then said. The trainer was very much aware of the fight manager who was originally from Liverpool, England.

“You know,” Ellis said with a snap of his fingers in recognition, “I thought you looked familiar. You’re the guy who replaced The Butcher and became Foskett’s biggest asset.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Nigel said with a faltering smile, “that’s me.”

Now more nervous than he was when he came in, Nigel asked with a touch of desperation in his voice, “Is that going to be a problem? Because I promise you, Mr. Chambers, I’ll work hard! You won’t be disappointed in my results.”

Raising his hands up in a placating manner, Ellis said, “Whoa, whoa, settle down. First of all, this isn’t an audition where you may or may not get in. You’re here to improve your life. This is your money, that you’re spending. What we’re doing is just having an interview to see if we’re a specific fit to work together while also seeing what kind program will work for you. Which is incentive on your background of any sort of athletics.”

Feeling more relieved, Nigel nodded before replying, “Oh, thank you! That’s such a relief.”

Smiling at the young man, Ellis said, “Great! Also, despite what you think of being a ‘professional loser’ with Sydney Foskett, you were quite active and skilled in certain skills that will make a strong foundation for you. Also, you’re disciplined enough to stick with a nutrition plan.”

“Really?” Nigel said, with a touch of excitement in his voice.

Ellis nodded, before saying, “Of course!”

Smiling himself now, Nigel said, “Well, now, I think I would definitely like to start the strongman training.”

“Excellent!” exclaimed Ellis, “But first, I want to let you know up front, that I train clients into becoming a holistic strongman, which means this will take time and in turn will be sustainable as you get older. I don’t take clients through the facade of becoming a super athletes. That’s the easy way of developing poor, sloppy technique that garners injury, all in the name of ego and vanity.”

“That’s fine! I want to do this the right way,” said Nigel.

“Again, fantastic!,” said Ellis before getting up from his seat and grabbed notepad before sitting down again. “Alright. So the program will emphasize deadlifting strength, squatting, and overhead pressing. So in terms of the workout regime you’ll be on, you’re going to start with me on the basic barbell program that’s designed to build up your compound lifts. And you’ll do that throughout the week.”

Nigel silently nodded as Ellis continued, “You will need to invest, or even build yourself, in some equipment. You’re going to need wrist wraps, knee wraps, a rackable log, a husafell strone, plate loadable low handled farmer’s walk, about a 90kg atlas stone to start with, dumbbells, and of course some plates with a barbell.”

Pausing to give the man a decent sized booklet, Nigel then added, “For more details on the beginning stages, I suggest you read this.”

After taking the booklet and flipped through it gently, Nigel thanked the other man before asking, “So, do we set up some dates to work and then just go to the front and pay?”

“That’s right! But first, let’s get you started on who you should talk to about your nutrition,” said Ellis. “You need to go to the office directly next to mine here and talk with Ollie Gibson. Tell him we just talked and give him what he needs so that he’ll set up a correct nutrition plan that allies with the goals we discussed today.”

Getting up from his seat, Nigel then shook hands with Ellis and went next door to talk with Ollie Gibson.

An hour later, Nigel left both Ollie’s office with a 5,000 a day calorie diet and a membership.

For the first time in a long time, Nigel went back to his home – the new apartment he was renting due to the impending divorce – happy while also looking forward to his new future.

THE END

Chapter Text

In the month since Nigel began his drastic journey of improving his lifestyle and training, a lot has changed for the better.

On the business side of his life, Nigel started his carpentry company for high end furniture and he called it Intelligent Design.

So far, he’s had so much success that he was able to move out of the apartment he had and move into a small house in the country side.

His new home had a decent sized garage, a decent sized kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, an office/science station, two sheds: one for his workouts and the other for his carpentry business, and a lake behind the house.

Also, a plus with his new home was that it was practically by itself and that his closet neighbor was a quarter of a mile away. Thus, it gave Nigel a type of privacy that allowed him to conduct experiments, build furniture for clients, as well as train without any complaints.

On the more personal side of his life, he decided to meet with a therapist once a week to work through some of his more complicated emotional issues. He didn’t want to at first, but after he thought about it, Nigel realized that if he didn’t get a handle on his emotions, all the changes he’s currently trying to make wouldn’t matter.

In doing so, Nigel was able to meet his divorce head-on and without any undo stress or emasulation.

On the fitness side of his life, Nigel followed his tailor made workout and nutrition plan to the letter. In doing so, Nigel saw amazing results. As his trainer – Ellis Chambers – promised, Nigel gained muscle but at the same time, surprisingly, increased his flexibility and speed.

Also, Nigel’s nutritionist had him on a diet to consume at least five thousand calories a day. This was a huge jump from Sydney Foskett’s starvation diet, which left him feeling weak and lightheaded. In contrast to his past diet, Nigel was always over satiated and rarely ever had a completely empty stomach in the beginning.

Now though, Nigel found that his metabolism caught up with him in order for his body to burn and use the calories in a more efficient manner. Nigel found himself constantly eating large, healthy meals with natural ingredients. These ingredients included, lean meats, vegetables, starches, grains, carbs, dairy, fruits, and some oils. Occasionally, he had some junk food and sugars; however, he didn’t make it a habit that would in turn set him down a much different path.

Thanks to his hard work and near stuffing himself daily, Nigel found his strength increasing almost daily. And that a previous day’s maximum lift or squat was challenged and annihilated the following day.

This particular morning, Nigel rolled his self out of bed and into his master bathroom. Once he lumbered into the bathroom and flicked on the bright fluorescent lights, Nigel turned on the faucet to the sink and began to splash cool water on his face.

After he did that, Nigel grouped around the bathroom counter blindly for the hand towel to dry his face. Which he did and placing the towel down, Nigel stood up to his full, towering height and blinked away a the remaining bits of sleep from his eyes.

As he did this though, Nigel gasped at his shirtless reflection in the mirror.

What he saw, pleasantly shocked him.

He came a long way from his starting weight of his starting weight of 74kg.

And I’m not at my goal weight yet, Nigel thought in excitement.

The reflection before boasted itself with with muscle and fat.

His neck, shoulders, lats, arms, forearms, hips, thighs, and calves were all thicker and wider.

His pecs had grown strong and rounded out well.

With his mouth still agape, Nigel then turned around and saw that his backside had also filled and rounded out.

After inspecting his physique, the least surprising growth actually was his belly. Due to his constant stuffing of the organ, Nigel honestly was more surprised that it wasn’t bigger.

Happy with everything, Nigel proceeded to pat his stomach.

Squinting slightly as an idea popped into his head, Nigel began to flex his biceps in the mirror.

This action also brought out another level of understanding in his new physique.

In that moment, Nigel realized that the amount of fat that he had accumulated actually accentuated the new growth of muscles that he had developed.

After relaxing his arms from his flex and then reaching for his toothbrush, Nigel thought absentmindedly as he brushed his teeth about how long it would take for him to reach his goal weight in order for him to start maintaining his physique for the long haul of life.

Nigel finished his hygiene routine and then made his way to his closet to get dressed for a busy day of taking orders.

However, as he was pulling on his jeans, Nigel found that when he grabbed either side of his jeans, he struggled greatly for to button them.

After a valiant battle between his pants and his larger middle, Nigel found himself victorious once he finally got his jeans to close.

Letting out a staggered breath, Nigel looked down at his growing belly and thought, After I leave the gym later, I need to get some new clothes and more food.

Nodding at his idea, Nigel proceeded to pull a snug short-sleeved shirt over his larger torso and went on about his day.

By the time the day was coming to an end, Nigel sat at his dinner table reading a book, An Extraterrestrial Message by Chuck Missler, but then as he swallowed his second to last bite of his very large baked chicken meal, the young man found his mind wandering in excitement.

I wonder…how much stronger I’ll be tomorrow after these enormous meals I’ve had today.

THE END

Chapter Text

In another three months time, Nigel had well come into his newer and heavier physique.

Currently in the Behemoth Center’s empty locker room, Nigel took stock of his bigger, still clothed form in the mirror. Everything on him seemed bigger and heavier. Flexing in the mirror, Nigel couldn't help but admire how much larger his forearms, biceps, and triceps were. After lowering his arms, the black-haired young man then began to idly poke his larger middle. In doing so, Nigel found it to be a little jiggly and soft; however, there was no mistaking it, underneath his core was thickening muscle.

It was especially thick now because of the large lean steak and potatoes and avocados he had for lunch. But luckily, he had already digested enough to stretch properly so that he was able to just jump into his training at the gym.

Eyes twinkling mischievously, Nigel couldn’t help but think excitedly about besting his previous day’s limits.

No longer able to wait for sake of vanity, Nigel hurried and put his gym bag inside his gym locker before heading straight to the free weights.

Unbeknownst to the young man, another man across the room.

The man at the dumbbell rack was shorter than Nigel, had balding brown hair, a stubby nose, and like majority of the islanders: he was quite strong and stocky.

This man was Robert Fenwick, self-proclaimed Hercules.

Robert is quite selfish and often brags to other gym members that he is the strongest person in all of Anchester Isle and has broken an uncountable amount of strength records. However, in actuality Robert is jobless, lives in his mother’s basement, and there’s no real evidence to his claims of broken records. Nor was he the strongest person in all of Anchester Isle.

Everyone just let’s him make his big talk and gave him his space.

However, the attention that Robert thought he had all but evaporated when Nigel came along.

The young entrepreneur has unintentionally made a name for himself among a good portion of the gym regulars for his growth and strength, as well as, his constant humility.

Nigel wouldn’t demand attention from those near by nor make obnoxiously loud noises during his training. He would simply come in, train with Ellis, possibly train with a friend or comfortably by himself, and leave.

That’s not to say that he didn’t talk with others from time to time nor did that mean he didn’t have friends. He’s stayed in contact and even hung out with Norman Osborn on multiple occasions. He’s also met and befriended Raymond Cho, Dr. Jorge Villanueva, Kento Urufu, Graham Fisher, and Detective Jack Radcliff.

This added knowledge simply made the jealousy in Robert’s heart grow more.

Who does this guy think he is? thought Robert, as he slammed the dumbbells to the ground. The ground quivered ever so slightly from the force.

He just comes out of nowhere really and lifts like a machine, with amazing technique on top of it all! It just makes me sick. He’s probably on some sort of enhancers, Robert thought accusingly, as he picked the dumbbells up again and grunted loudly as he started another set of overhead reps.

Finishing up his reps again but with a yell, Robert was about to start again; however, before he could think of anything else or do anything else, he noticed Ellis had approached Nigel and over heard the older man say, “Hey Nigel! Looks like you bested you weight from yesterday.”

Smiling widely, Nigel answered, “Yes sir! I’m feeling great! Especially after your advice to save my lighter exercises for when I’ve eaten heavily already. This way, I don’t get indigestion from a harder workout.”

Ellis nodded as he laughed in a good natured way, “I’m glad it’s working so well for you. Look, I just wanted to let you know that there’s a few new openings in the Muay Thai class you asked about a while ago. And I took the liberty to sign you up.”

“Oh finally! You know I’ve been wanting to add a combat sport back into my strength routine for a while now,” said Nigel.

“It’s true, you have. But as you know our martial arts classes are usually maxed out in participants. Luckily for you though, this was the first opening,” Ellis said, and then clapped his hand on the younger man’s shoulder before adding, “But with you background in wrestling and with your flexibility and speed, you’ll do well there.”

“Thank you Mr. Ellis,” Nigel said but then added, “I promise I won’t miss any of our sessions though even while I’m learning Muay Thai. I don’t to lose any sort of progress I’ve made so far!”

“Oh, I know you won’t,” Ellis smiled with reassurance. “Besides, we’ve got to get you to your goal weight and everything!”

Laughing with excitement, Nigel simply nodded while Ellis smiled back saying, “Well, I’ll let you get back. Don’t push too hard though. No need to cause an injury because you’re so excited.”

“I’ll be careful. Thank you again, sir,” said Nigel to Ellis’ retreating form.

From a distance though, Robert couldn’t believe his ears as envy continued to grow within him.

I can’t believe this! Robert thought.

Nigel gets everything ! He’s got a great business. He stole the last slot with the gym’s best trainer. He’s got a ton of friends, including a few rich ones. He’s got one of the gym’s best physiques. And now he’s in one of the few openings of the gym’s elite martial art classes?! It’s just not fair!

But then an idea hit Robert.

Wait , he thought after his mental rant, Ellis said that there were a few openings in that class. And as long as you’re a member in the gym really anyone can sign up! I can join that same class and show the most elite members in there that I can do anything Nigel can and better!

Smiling to himself, Robert then made his way away from his position by the dumbbell rack and went straight to the front desk to sign up for one of the remaining slots opened in the Muay Thai class.

THE END

Chapter Text

Another month had come and gone as Nigel found himself growing more and more confident with himself and his choice to change his lifestyle.

He has achieved a lot and accomplished so much with the year almost being over.

Nigel has done very well in his training and his added class in Muay Thai.

His business is flourishing greatly and he has received a great number of orders from various parts of the United Kingdom.

He’s also made a conscious effort to spend time with those who care about him.

One of which was his brother.

Which is where Nigel currently was as he knocked at the door and waited for the homeowners to answer.

Luckily, he didn’t have to wait long as the door flung open and immediately Nigel smiled and laughed as he found himself being wrapped up in his younger brother – Ben’s tight embrace.

With his arms wrapped around his big brother’s neck, Ben also laughed and squealed in delight as he felt his feet leave the floor as Nigel stood to his full height.

“Nige! Put me down!” Ben said, as if they were little kids again. Benjamin Sanders is a pleasant looking twenty-two year old with a healthy olive coloured complexion. While he was not as tall as his older brother, he was still quite tall in his own right. Also, unlike his brother, Ben’s hair was lighter brown, his eyes brows were also lighter brown and were not quite as thick, and his nose didn’t have the same endearing hook. Like his brother though, he had a long Romanesque nose, friendly dark brown eyes with slight crinkles surrounding them from his constant smiling. He was also solidly built, hinting at his athletic background in rugby. He had a barrel sized chest, thick arms, a slightly pudgy middle, and thick thighs.

Just as he did in their youth, Nigel immediately put his brother back on solid ground and they stepped out of each other’s embrace.

“It’s good to see you Nige,” Ben said as he escorted his big brother into the house.

As he closed the door behind them, Ben asked with a big smile on his face, “Have you gotten bigger again?”

Nigel chortled at this and answered, “Yep! I’ve put on at least another fifteen pounds since we last saw each other.”

As he said this, Nigel couldn’t help but think how the extra pounds were pilling onto his frame with ease. There was no portion of his body that wasn’t affected by his new lifestyle. Nigel’s growing form was heavily packed with muscle and fat, both of which he carried with deceptive ease and he was quite proud of that fact.

Ben was going to comment on how well his brother looked; however, the rumblings of approaching little feet could be heard.

The rumblings thundered around the corner to reveal two tiny brunettes.

Four year, blue eyed old Peter Benjamin and two year old, brown eyed Peter James ran up to their large uncle’s waiting arms.

Scooping them off the ground, Nigel hugged them to his sizable chest as they said simultaneously, “Unca Nige!”

“Hello my dear boys!” Nigel said. “How are you? My, look how much you’ve both grown!”

Giggling, four year old Peter said, “I’m good! Mama said I’ve grow bunches!”

Nodding, his voluminous hair moving greatly with the motion, two year old Pete said, “Me too! But you got weally big!”

Laughing at his nephews, Nigel responded, “Well, you’re mama’s always right. And thank you, Pete. I’m glad to know nothing gets past you.”

“Alright boys, let you mother hug Uncle Nige, too,” Ben said with a good natured smile, as he saw his wife standing in front of them all with a camera snapping away family memories.

Handing the toddlers to Ben, Nigel then embraced his sister-in-law – May – as she said, “It’s so good to see you Nigel! How was your drive over here?”

Releasing May from his embrace, Nigel answered, “It was fine, May. It didn’t rain like the news said it would. Oh, just to let you both know, Emily said that they should be only a few minutes late.”

“Harry’s coming?!” exclaimed Peter, still in his father’s arms.

“Yes Peter, your best friend is on the way,” Ben said with the utmost of patience. He has been telling his eldest son that his best friend, introduced to him by Nigel some months ago, was coming over to their house for the first time. The two four year olds usually played together at the daycare they both went to and at the park with their parents watching. To say that Peter was excited was an understatement.

“Good to know someone’s excited,” Nigel said, with a loving smirk.

“It’s true,” May said before leading the group to the living room as the television played cartoons for the boys.

“And it’s okay that they’re a few minutes late,” said Ben. “I’m almost done cooking anyway.”

“He would be done already if he let me help him,” May said with a smirk.

Out right laughing at his wife, Ben responded, “May, we both know you’re amazing at a lot of things. But honey… you burn water.”

Taking no offense to this, May and Nigel laughed.

As their laughter died down, Ben looked to his brother and said, “By the way Nigel, I hope you brought your appetite tonight because there’s a lot of food, buddy.”

“Oh, I’ve definitely brought my appetite. Besides, you know that I’m always happy to give food a good home,” Nigel said jovially while patting his large belly.

The motion made by the big man, caused a drum-like sound to emit from his middle, which in turn caused the two toddlers to happily giggle at their uncle’s antics. Their innocent giggles sequentially made the adults in the room to also laugh merrily.

Their merriment halted when they heard a knocking at the front door. At the sound, May left to answer the door while Ben went back to the kitchen while Nigel lowered himself to the floor to sit with his nephews and their building blocks.

From his position on the floor heard the familiar voice of Norman and Emily Osborn greeting May.

A moment later, May and the Osborn family rounded the corner to the living room.

Upon seeing his best friend, Harry wriggled out of his mother’s grasp and after he placed on the floor he immediately ran toward Peter and the two toddlers embraced.

Not wanting to be left out, Pete stood wobbly on his stubby legs and embraced Peter and Harry as well.

The adults smiled at the small children’s love and excitement.

Tearing his gaze away from the kids, Nigel lumbered to his feet and approached his friends saying, “Hello Norman, hello Emily.”

Embracing the big man, Emily also greeted the big man, “Hello Nigel. How are you doing?”

“I’m well thank you. How are you both?” Nigel asked, as he shook hands with Norman.

“Very good! We’ve got some exciting things to tell you all about during dinner,” Norman said with a particular twinkle in his eye.

Nigel raised an eyebrow in faux suspicion and made a humming sound that made Norman chuckle.

Before anything else could be said though, Ben came out of the kitchen saying, “Alright everyone, dinner is served.”

With the kids in tow, the remaining adults made their way into the spacious dinning room and sitting on the table was a huge array of food.

The food consisted of smoked ham, spicy roasted chicken, braised barbecued octopus skewers, a large bowl of mixed vegetables, and passion fruit pie for desert.

“You weren’t kidding at the amount of food, Ben,” said Nigel as he sat down at the table.

Everyone else settled in their seats before Ben answered, “Hey, it’s not everyday that we all get together. So I wanted it to be special!”

After grace was said, everyone dug into their meals and Norman told the others that he has been working on a gliding machine for a recent contract. He’s especially excited about the prospect of testing it out himself.

Emily’s excited because she’s been promoted from Norman’s personal assistant to COO of Oscorp. She’s already started and is already gaining ground and much respect from her underlings.

Ben is excited because he’s very close to moving up the management ladder at the lab he’s worked for, for the past three years.

May is excited because the community center that she works for – F.E.A.S.T – has been on the news for their great work.

Nigel told them about his company’s recent success as he fulfilled orders for the mainland, his most recent Muay Thai lessons, and that he was thinking about at some point going back to for his master’s in physics.

“Say, if you ever decide to change careers or even want to work part time, let me know!” Norman said as he pushed his, now, empty plate away from him.

Leaning back in his chair, fully satiated, Nigel rested his hands atop of his slightly bloated stomach and said, “I just might think about it… if you could possibly afford my meals.”

Joining the good natured laughter around the table, Ben said, “Nige, you’re so spoiled!”

Feigning an air of haughtiness, Nigel responded, “‘Spoiled’? No, no my dear baby brother. I wouldn’t dare call myself ‘spoiled.’”

Laughing with the others, Ben played along and asked, “Well, what would you call it?”

Pursing his lips in attempt to keep the facade, Nigel answered, “I would call it ‘Accordingly Pampered.’”

At Nigel’s answer, Norman quite nearly spat his ginger-ale out in laughter.

“Oh, that’s so good!” the young CEO exclaimed.

“Don’t get any ideas Norm,” said Emily with a teasing smile.

The adults continued to tease each other even after they put the three toddlers down in the living room to continue playing and watching their cartoons.

This is the living, thought Nigel as he continued to outwardly jump back into the playful banter.

THE END

Chapter Text

At the Behemoth Center’s Muay Thai class, Nigel watched as his classmates assembled in the room.

As usual, Robert attempted to gather attention from anyone he could by pointing out everything they did wrong in the class and went as far to say that they should listen to him since he’s an expert in the art.

Soon though, the class began with the class separated into different sparing partners.

Then after some time, sparing portion of the class began and everyone sat in a large circle, waiting patiently for the instructor to chose the two class examples for the day.

Unfortunately for the braggart, the instructor – for the first time – chose Robert to face off against another student in class.

Swaggering to the center of the matted circle with a smug look plastered across his face, Robert said, “Alright! Watch and learn everyone. I don’t plan to take it easy on the little guy.”

The ‘little guy’ was one of Nigel’s friends in class and his name was Jack Radcliff, a local detective originally from Oxford. Jack stood at five-foot-nine-inches, had espresso brown complexion with golden undertones, expressive brown eyes, and his onyx coloured buzz cut had a simple but popular line up.

At Robert statement, Jack through a sideways glance to Nigel, who in turn through a look back saying ‘Lay him out flat’.

Jack nodded, put his green mouthpiece in, and looked back to the instructor and Robert.

Before they could start though, the instructor looked to Robert and asked, “Robert, where are your wraps?”

Slapping his fists with pride, Robert said, “I don’t need them! I’m made to fight!”

Shaking his head at the prideful younger man, the instructor said, “Robert, you should really wrap your wrists. It’s to your own benefit because the wraps give you more stability as you fight and it overall protect your hands. The human hand, while it is versatile, is actually quite fragile. If you don’t take the necessary precautions to protect your hand, you’re setting yourself up to smash the small bones in your hand as well as tear tendons.”

“Thanks but no thanks,” Robert said with a shake of his head.

Reluctantly, the instructor sighed and motioned for the two students to start their educational fight.

With the go ahead, Jack then proceeded to roll his neck and crack his knuckles before bowing to his opponent and immediately took a combative stance.

As soon as Robert bowed and took his combative stance, the two men began to spares.

The match impressed and greatly pleased the classmates.

Jack’s movements were methodical and strategic, while in comparison, Robert’s were sloppy and wide.

At one point, Robert was able to grab Jack’s arms in a clinch; however, Jack was able to retaliate with a vicious elbow to the side, which in turn made Robert release Jack.

Robert staggered away slightly, clutching his side; however, Jack attacked him swiftly with an elbow to the man’s temple.

From there, Jack then landed a kick immediately followed by a powerful corkscrew punch to Robert’s abdomen.

Staggering to the ground, Robert found himself unable to get back up and could only sneer up at his opponent.

Due to the succession of the attacks caused their classmates to make sounds of amazement and approval.

Undeterred by the sounds surrounds them Jake bowed once more and then gave a lopsided grin to Nigel over his shoulder.

After looking over Robert with assurance that he was doing alright, the instructor turned to Jake, saying, “You performed well, Jake. I only have one critic of your session today.”

At the instructor’s speaking, everyone went quiet as they could hear and take into account the wisdom coming forth.

The Instructor continued, “I noticed that you have a tendency to kick with your toe. Never do that. It will only cause you to be off balance and lose power in the strike.”

Nodding in understanding, Jake bowed to the instructor once more before the instructor dismissed the class for the day and went back to tending to Robert.

Approaching his large friend, Jake said, “Nigel, what did you think?”

Walking out of the room with Jake beside him, Nigel answered, “I thought you were bloody brilliant! Your speed is outstanding! Say, could you teach me that corkscrew punch?”

Slapping the large man on the back in camaraderie, Jake smiled and said, “Of course! It’s nothing to it really.”

As Jake was verbally explaining the motions to Nigel, neither of them noticed Robert behind them glaring at them.

What’re they laughing about? That I tripped and lost? Because that’s the only reason I didn’t win the match today, Robert thought delusionally.

It’s not over…not by a long shot.

THE END

Chapter Text

It’s been three years since Nigel began his lifestyle transformation journey.

Through endurance and perseverance, Nigel was able to meet his goals in this new stage of his life.

For work, Nigel’s business has grown to the point where he’s putting serious thought into hiring a few employees to keep up with demand.

For his continued learning, Nigel made time to attend night school in order to earn his Master’s in Physics. He absolutely loved being in class and learning what was new in his field. The more he learned, the more Nigel’s love for the field grew, despite the fear that still lingered from his past.

For his workout regime and Muay Thai class, Nigel was still greatly enjoying his his progress in both respective areas. In his Muai Thai class, Nigel was able to greatly enhance his technique and master the fundamentals. He has bested quite a few of his classmates while also learning a greater deal from his losses. In his strongman regime, Nigel has found that in the first few months, he was easily able to increase his strength. Later on though, he found that his gains started to slow down; however, with his consistency, Nigel was able to push through his plateau. According to Coach Ellis, this was proof that he was currently in the Late Intermediate phase of his journey. Now, Nigel was seeing himself progress on a more monthly basis, rather on a daily basis, with his strength.

These accomplishments in mind made Nigel smile as he picked up the nearly finished and rather large and heavy frame of an armoire.

Things are finally going well for me, he thought; however, a light and sudden knock on the window of his shed.

Nearly dropping his tool, Nigel looked toward the window with wide, surprised eyes.

Through the window was none other than his friend, and current client, Norman Osborn.

Smiling and relaxing, Nigel waved the other man in as he repositioned his bulk on the stool he was sitting on for more comfort.

“Hello Norman,” greeted Nigel, as he quickly looked back at his work.

“Hi Nigel,” responded Norman.

“You’re just a little early. I’m almost done with this anyway,” said Nigel.

“Fantastic!” Norman said as he looked around the work shed.

“So this is where the magic happens,” Norman said. In the space, there was there were varying projects in varying degrees of completion. Chairs, tables, rockers, cribs, chests, armoires, and even television stands. On the wall hung various tools and on a miniature desk sat a telephone, an old picture of Nigel and his brother Ben, and a few papers.

Breathing somewhat deeply, Norman’s nose was filled with two prevailing scents: saw dust and lake water.

While it could be overpowering, Norman found it to be somewhat soothing and thought his large friend was quite lucky to be surrounded by so much peace on a daily basis.

His thoughts were interrupted by Nigel answering with a quirky smirk, “Magic? I don’t think so. I don’t do birthday parties.”

Norman laughed at this and responded, “Oh, I don’t know…you’ve been able to pull of some crazy stuff over the years.”

Swiveling and then standing from his stool, Nigel could only smile bashfully at such a complement.

“Thank you,” he said, before motioning toward the just finished armoire, “What do you think? Does it meet your expectations?”

Smiling, Norman walked around his new piece of furniture and took in all the hard work, expert attention to detail, and even the quality of the wood, before saying matter-of-factly, “Nigel, this is absolutely amazing!”

Looking back to his happy and relieved looking friend, Norman asked, “You received full payment without any hitches, correct.”

“I sure did,” Nigel said as he effortlessly lifted the armoire up and began walking with it out of the shed.

Followed closely behind, Norman responded, “Great! Just wanted to make sure.”

As they made their way around outer perimeter of Nigel’s house, Norma spoke up once more, “Say Nigel, now that you’ve got your Master’s in Physics, I was wondering what you were planning to do with that degree.”

With practiced ease, Nigel balanced the armoire on his shoulder and looked away from the path to his friend saying, “I thought I’d tutor and create some patents, really.”

“Patents?” asked Norman.

Nodding, Nigel answered, “More in cybernetics than in physics.”

Impressed, Norman said, “Wow! That’s impressive.”

Finally reaching his truck, Norman added, “But then again, everything about you is impressive.”

As he gently placed the large piece of furniture on the flatbed of the truck and secured it with several strong cables. After doing so, Nigel asked, “Why?”

Nonchalantly stuffing his hands in his pockets, Norman said, “Well, if you’re going to be making patents or doing any experiments in the fields of science, I want you to work for me.”

Eyes wide in shock, Nigel spun to face the smaller man and asked, “What? But Norman, I don’t…”

Before the large man could refute, Norman interrupted, saying, “Not ‘buts’, Nigel. I know you, you see. You’re extremely gifted and very knowledgeable. So yeah, I want you on my team of scientists, even if it was only part-time.”

Seeing the shock on his friend’s face still persist, Norman smiled, slapped him on the back and got into his truck. As he rolled down his driver’s side window, Norman stuck his head out and said, “I don’t need an answer right now or even today. I just want you to think about it. Alright?”

Still blinking owlishly, Nigel said, “Yeah, yeah, I’ll think about it.”

Grinning at this, Norman nodded and started his car and set off for his home.

Watching his taillights retreat, Nigel thought, That might not be so bad.

THE END

Chapter Text

It was a near perfect summer morning in New York City. The weather was not too hot nor humid as the sun shinned it gentle glow through the various trees and grass in front of the commercial gym: GYM NYC.

The gentle breeze ruffled the trees’ leaves, the blades grass, and the pedestrians respective hair as they walked to and fro from their cars to their various destinations.

Inside the gym though, there were not many people working out at such an early hour of eight o’clock on a Saturday morning.

Among the precious few who were exercising, a particular woman had just left the changing room.

The woman was quite beautiful and on the shorter side. She also had browned caramel luminous skin tone, shoulder length brown hair, a Bulbous nose shape, chestnut coloured eyes, broad and arched eyebrows, full lips, white straight teeth, slim build, and dressed in a simple white t-shirt with exercise leggings.

This woman was Candace Pierce, a local journalist and online columnist.

As she placed her earbuds in, she scanned the bottom floor of the gym and saw that the stationary cycles, in front of the large windows, were relatively empty.

Happy with this prospect, Candace made her way over to the cycles to begin her cardio.

As she got started with her cycling, Candace thought about how much she enjoyed mornings like these in the gym. There weren’t that many people around and that she could effectively zone out anything and anyone as she pedaled while she focused her attention on her breathing, music, and the scenery outside the large window.

So focused was she that she didn’t realize that two people at different times had come in and taken two of the cycles.

On her right was an older Asian woman. The older woman was quite fit as her purple sweatsuit highlighted her physique. She had flowing white hair pulled into a bun while she also had matching purple sweatbands on her wrist.

On the other side of the older woman was a large man.

However, it was almost fifteen minutes later, that the older woman’s movements to leave caught Candace’s eye.

As the elder woman left, Candace saw the man on the other side of the older woman on the stationary cycle.

The mountain sized man had a handsome profile as he stared out of the large pane glass window. He also had dark auburn hair, olive coloured skin tone, and was dressed simply in navy blue basketball shorts and a matching blue t-shirt.

He must have felt her gaze on him as he turned his head to look at her.

At the moment she was caught, Candace smiled bashfully and with slight embarrassment at being caught oogling over the stranger. She then turned her attention back to the scenery as she cycled a bit harder than before.

However, her mind was not focused on how slightly more pumped workout; instead, she couldn’t help but remember the small details she picked up in those minute seconds as the stranger turned to look at her.

There was something alluring about his dark brown eyes and the slight hook in his long Romanesque nose.

“Beautiful day, isn’t it?” a sudden deep voiced asked.

The timbre of the friendly tone and the projection of the sound startled Candace as she stopped her peddling for a moment.

Looking toward the sound’s source, Candace took out her earbuds and saw the source was none other than the large mystery man one stationary bike over from her position.

Still startled, Candace said, “I’m sorry. What?”

The man smiled and repeated himself, “I said, it’s a beautiful day.”

Smiling back, Candace said, “It is!” Sighing, Candace added, “I’m sorry about before.”

Laughing a bit, the man said, “It’s alright. I’m used to it. I’m Nigel Sanders, by the way.”

Groaning a bit, Candace thought, Great…now he must think I’m some jerky, gym-bunny. Hoping to redeem herself, Candace outwardly said, “I’m still sorry, though. And I’m Candace Pierce.”

“Pleasure,” said the now thirty-seven year old carpenter, before adding, “Do you often come here?”

“Yeah, actually. I come here every Saturday. I particularly love it because it’s a family owned gym that has a little bit of everything. Plus, you don’t need a contract to begin here,” she answered.

“That’s good to know,” said Nigel, as sweat dripped down his face a bit before he stopped his cycle to grab his towel on the handrails to dry his face.

“I’ll keep that in mind while I’m still here,” he added.

“Are you here on vacation?” she asked, thoroughly intrigued by the large English-sounding man.

“Unfortunately, no, I’m not,” Nigel said, “I’m here on business and a business associate of mine wanted me to try out a local gym while I was here. He knows that I’m quite fond of the gym where I’m from.”

“Well, your associate was right. You chose the right one!” Candace said with a friendly smile.

“I think that he made an excellent choice,” Nigel said, with his rosy lips stretched into a handsome smile.

That smile! Candace’s inner voice yelled at her.

Could he get any more handsome? Her inner voice exclaimed.

Candace felt herself blush hard, but she was thankful her brown complexion hid it well from a distance; as well as, she was grateful that if anyone thought anything of her reddened complexion she could always claim the exertion from her workout was taxing.

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Candace asked unobtrusively, “I don’t want to make two weird mistakes, so I’ll ask: Where are you from?”

Scrunching his think eyebrows in confusion, Nigel asked, “Two?”

“I just was caught staring,” she said in further embarrassment.

Chuckling, Nigel waved his hand off-handedly before responding, “Oh no, it’s okay! And to answer your question, I’m from a British island called Anchester Isle.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of that island! I’ve also heard it’s generally called the land of the giants,” Candace said.

As he continued to cycle, Nigel removed his hands from the handrails and motioned toward himself before he said, “Well, that’s an accurate statement.”

Candace smiled at him but before she could ask him anything else, she heard her machine buzz as her timed workout on the machine ended while at the same time, someone approached him.

Seeing him stop his cycling, Candace decided to dismount. “It was nice meeting you, Nigel. I hope you enjoy your business here in the States.”

Nigel flashed her a large smile and said, “It was a pleasure to meet you as well. I hope to see you again, if I’m still here next Saturday.”

My goodness, that’s a gorgeous woman, Nigel thought as he vainly attempted to focus on his business associate that came with him today.

THE END

Chapter Text

A week later, Candace found herself visiting her very close friends Whitley Allegra Marion Gilbert-Wayne and her husband Dwayne Cleofis Wayne.

The Wayne home was elegant and majestic as it was located in Tottenville area of Staten Island; also, it was fully detached as it was nestled on a tree line, private gated community. The entrance had an elegant curved double staircase set under soaring ceilings.

To the right of the front doors was an informal dinning area and at the table sat two women.

These two women were Candace Pierce and Whitley Wayne.

Candace smiled at her friend and said, “Your TV stand is beautiful, Whitley. Please remember to give me the name of the company who did it for you and Dwayne.”

Swallowing her sip of lemonade, Whitley responded, “Of course! It’s called Intelligent Design. In fact, we’re expecting a dresser for the master bedroom and, just the other day, the kids toy chest was delivered. Would you like to see the chest?”

Placing her now empty glass on the table, Candace nodded and then proceeded to follow her friend past the very spacious living room – where the four Wayne children were currently playing video games – and then ascended the staircase to head into the children’s playroom to look at the beautiful toy chest.

As the minutes passed a sudden knock on the front door sounded as well as the ring of the doorbell.

Just rounding the corner from his office downstairs, the patriarch of the Wayne family – Dwayne – came and yelled, “I got it!”

Once he reached the front door and pulled it open, before him stood none other than Nigel Sanders holding a clipboard.

“Hello sir, are you Mr. Dwayne Wayne?” asked Nigel.

Raising his gaze upward to meet the large man’s friendly eyes and answered, “Yes, that’s me.”

“Nice to meet you sir. I’m Nigel Sanders and I’m the owner of Intelligent Design. Due to an unforeseen reason, the normal furniture moving company that I usually use in this area couldn’t make it. So, I’m delivering your bedroom dresser today,” Nigel said as he then handed Dwayne the clipboard for him to sign.

“Wow,” said Dwayne as he signed his signature on the dotted line. “Do you always deliver when an arrangement falls through with the moving company?”

Taking the clipboard back, Nigel answered, “While I don’t make a habit of it, I do try to deliver if I find myself in the same city or area of that particular customer. In this case, I was already here in the city for other business by the time I was told that they couldn’t deliver due to unforeseen circumstances. So, the portion of your deposit that would’ve gone toward that specific company has been given back to you. However, because this is a personal delivery, there will be a small up-charge of thirty dollars.”

Nodding, Dwayne said, “That makes sense.”

“Alright, let me get the dresser,” Nigel said as he made his way to the delivery truck; however, Dwayne stopped him with a follow up question.

“Uh, Nigel…where are your workers? Won’t you need help with the dresser?”

“No, I don’t have any moving workers with me. But don’t worry, I’m used to doing things like this,” said Nigel as he then began moving toward the delivery truck once more.

Still shocked by this, Dwayne approached him and said, “R-really? Well, do you want me to help?”

However, his questions were soon dissipated as he saw Nigel reach into the moving truck, untie strap the dresser, and then lifted it up effortlessly.

Walking toward his customer with the dresser in his arms, Nigel looked at him and said, “I’m alright. Truly, I am. Just show me where you’d like this in your home.”

Shocked to say the least, Dwayne nodded and lead the way for the man up the driveway, through the front door, and to the staircase.

Looking back to the man still carrying the very large and heavy dresser with astounding ease, Dwayne instructed, “Watch your step. These stairs here are kind of steep.”

“Yes, sir,” said Nigel, as he cautiously ascended the staircase behind Dwayne.

As they were ascending the stairs, Candace and Whitley were just leaving the children’s play room – which was located at the top of the stairs to the right – after inspecting the toy chest.

“The trunk really is beautiful, Whitley,” Candace said.

“Hey, to be honest, the beauty of the toy chest is what really got me and Dwayne to buy the dresser,” Whitley said, her southern accent thickening slightly in with excitement.

However, nothing more could be said because Dwayne cleared the top of the stairs and said, “It’s just ahead, Nigel.”

“Yes, sir,” said Nigel.

At both the name and his familiar voice, Candace’s mouth dropped open in shock before she quickly scampered to the first door behind her.

The linen closet.

Shocked by her friend’s rash and weird behaviour, Whitley couldn’t say anything before Nigel cleared the staircase with practiced ease as he held the dresser securely in his massive arms.

“Erm…Candace?” Whitley drawled in her southern accent; however, no response was forth coming before looking to her husband and Nigel.

“Whitley, the dresser’s here!” Dwayne exclaimed.

Looking at the beautiful piece of furniture was almost enough of a distraction for Whitley.

“Oh it’s more beautiful than I could’ve imagined,” said Whitley.

“I’m glad you enjoy it, madame,” said Nigel.

Dwayne nodded at the big man before looking to his wife once more and said, “Whitley, this is Nigel Sanders and he’s the owner of Intelligent Design . He’s also taken the courtesy of delivering our dresser to us. Nigel, this is my wife, Whitley.”

“Why Nigel, that’s very kind of you. Thank you!” Whitley said.

"It's a pleasure meeting, Whitley, and it was no trouble at all," said Nigel, as his arms were still holding the dresser with ease.

Once the introductions were over, Dwayne motioned to the end of the hallway, and said, “Nigel, the master bedroom is just ahead.”

As the two men left, Whitley harshly and cartoonishly whispered, “Candace?”

After not getting a response, Whitley whispered somewhat louder, “Candace?!”

At that, the linen closet cracked open and then a moment later, it opened further and Candace peaked out, looking from left to right.

The way her friend was currently acting, Whitley stood aback and asked, “Candace, what’s gotten into you?”

Looking conspiratorially to the master bedroom and then back to her friend, Candace and said, “That’s the guy!”

“‘The guy’?” said Whitley.

But then her eyes widened in understanding, before exclaiming in a hushed tone, “Oh! That guy! The one from your gym that you’ve been making goo-goo eyes for the past two weeks.”

Nodding in shock, Candace then shook her head in astonishment before saying, “Talk about a small world.”

Whitley agreed as she nodded as well and said, “Yeah. You know he’s not only delivering the dresser but he’s also the very successful owner of the company.”

“Wow! That’s really impressive,” said Candace.

“Say, why did you disappear on me like that?” asked Whitley.

Running a hand through her hair, Candace admitted, “I ran because, I keep doing weird crap whenever I’m around him. The first time, I couldn’t help but stare at him cause he’s a fine lookin’ man! And the second time, well we were on the treadmills and we were talking about something but then something he said surprised me and I tripped a little. Nothing really happened but I’m still embarrassed about it.”

Whitley placed a delicate hand over her mouth before spluttering in laughter.

“Whitley!” said Candace, as she too laughed; however, it soon ended when both Dwayne and Nigel exited the bedroom.

Immediately catching sight of Candace, Nigel faltered in his step before he smiled and greeted, “Hello!”

Frozen to her spot, Candace watched as the large, hulking man approached them with Dwayne on his side.

As he got closer, Candace finally found her ability to speak again, saying “H-hello!”

With Nigel and Dwayne standing in front of them now, Whitley smiled conspiratorially and said, “Oh, I see that you know our close family friend, Candace, already.”

“Yes, we attend the same gym,” Nigel said with a smile.

Looking at his gym friend directly in front of him, Nigel asked, “How are you Candace?”

Candace smiled and returned the pleasantry. “Good. How are you?”

“Fine, fine,” Nigel said. Then he added, “I’m especially happy that I was able to deliver your friends’ dresser for them.”

“It looked amazing, Nigel! If you have any business cards, please let us get some because we’ll definitely tell all of our friends and family about you,” Dwayne said, with his wife nodding in agreement.

As they were speaking though, Candace reveled in the rumbling timbre of his baritone voice.

In addition to this, Candace couldn’t help but subtly was taking in Nigel. Before she ran off, Candace did briefly see that the large man’s broad arms and forearms carry the large dresser with deceptive ease. Even now as he was relaxed, there was no doubt that Nigel’s biceps were quite large andthick due to his substantial chub mixed with the bulky muscle underneath. The same could be said for his broad shoulders, barrel sized chest, and large middle.

Besides these aspects, she liked how his brownish-black hair framed his full face.

As she continued to listen to the conversation her friends were having with Nigel, Candace couldn't help but notice how Nigel’s eyes crinkled on the sides as he smiled and how his thick eyebrows would raise as he continued to converse with the others.

My goodness, he’s a gorgeous man! She thought. But then the realistic portion of her brain kicked in quite hard.

When it came to men that she loved, liked, or just found attractive, Candace never had great luck. It all started when her best friend from college – Damon – got married…to another woman. She didn’t know when she fell in love with Damon but by the time she realized it, it was too late.

In response to her broken heart, she threw herself into her work.

However, during this time, Candace realized something about herself.

Candace always found herself waiting with different portions of her life. Whether it be a promotion at work or her happiness and love in her personal life.

After years of this sad go-around with herself, Candace found herself fed up and decided earlier this year to just be content with where she was in her life. She graduated at the top of her class in university, she was quite accomplished in her career, she went to church, and she had great friends.

With her New Year’s Resolution re-secured in her mind, Candace refocused on the conversation before her.

“Well, Nigel, do you have any business cards, so that we can tell others about your business?” asked Dwayne.

“Oh of course!” Nigel said matter-of-factly after he pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He then riffled through it and then pulled out the almost pristine cards.

The large carpenter then handed a few to each person.

Some even to Candace.

Candace smiled at the man before following them all as they descended the stairs.

“Well, Nigel, it was certainly nice meeting you and it’s been a pleasure doing business with you,” said Dwayne.

Nigel shook Dwayne’s hand heartily and said, “It was nice meeting both of you as well, Dwayne. Thank you for you business.”

Whitley also shook Nigel’s hand and said, “We’ll certainly tell all of our friends, family, and co-workers about you Nigel!”

Nigel smiled at her, saying, “Thank you so much Whitley! That means a lot.”

Nigel then looked to Candace and said, “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Candace. Hopefully, I’ll bump into you again at the gym.”

Candace smiled back and responded, “Yeah, Nigel, it’s great seeing you too. And it would be great to see you back at the gym!”

With that Nigel nodded, ducked slightly, and exited the Wayne residence.

Breathing normally again, Candace turned back to Whitley and found the other woman to be staring back at her with an incredulous expression.

Candace scrunched her broad eyebrows in confusion and asked, “What?”

Motioning for the door, Whitley said, “Candace Pierce! You’ve hit the jack-pot! Now, go out there and talk to him some more!”

Before Candace could speak, she felt her friends hands on her as she was then pushed out of the front door.

As she caught herself, Candace looked to the now closed door and thought, Oh no, she didn’t! Whitley, I swear…

However, before her threatening thought could finish, a voice said, “Candace?”

Looking forward, Candace saw Nigel coming to a stop in front of her.

Attempting to brush this moment off, Candace pointed her thumb over her shoulder with a small laugh, and said, “It’s… it’s alright. We, uh, usually do this. Yeah.”

Chuckling, Nigel said, “Really. Okay, I’ll go with that.” But then he began to look a touch nervous as he let out a large breath and began again, “Look, I was wondering…may I have lunch with you this Saturday?”

Seeing her eyes widen, Nigel rushed and said, “I know, we’ve only really just met, but I’d like to get to know you more.”

Candace didn’t answer at first as she went through the pros and cons in her head quickly. The biggest pro was: she found Nigel to be nice and obviously attractive.

However, the biggest con was: If she was to be disappointed.

The con was shot down when she realized that it was a date! Not a marriage.

And quite frankly, she wouldn’t mind trying her hand again at dating.

Just because.

With that in mind, Candace looked at Nigel and said, “I’d like that.”

Nigel’s neat trimmed beard stretched as he smiled widely, which was enough to reveal his slightly crooked teeth. “Alright! Is two o’clock at Lighthouse Grill, okay?”

“That sounds great,” Candace said with a large smile, as she stuck her hand out again.

Nigel took her much smaller hand into his own large, calloused one, bent over a great deal and lifted it to his lips.

The motion caused Candace’s heart to leap into her throat; but all too soon, Nigel stood upright once again and released her hand.

“I’m looking forward to it, Candace. Have a great day,” Nigel said, before he made his way back down the driveway to his truck.

The door opening behind her brought Candace back to reality.

Peaking out from behind the front door, Whitley looked back at her friend and said, “Psst! How did it go?”

Looking back at her with a cocked hip, Candace responded snarkily, “What? You were weren’t pressed against door?”

Pouted slightly, Whitley said, “The door’s too thick.”

Laughing at her friend, Candace walked through the now open door and said, “Good! Because I can’t wait to tell you about this potential date!”

The door closed to Whitley gasping in happiness which was followed by her saying, “Tell me everything!”

THE END

Chapter Text

In Strongfair City, Anchester, the yearly the strongman competition – Fortissimus – was about to be underway right outside of the famous Noble Cove Hotel.

The event has garnered crowds from around the world which resulted in a boom of tourists flocking to the island to see thirty of the competitors from the island and from around the world go head-to-head in a number of debilitating events. The winner of the competition would be crowned as the Strongest Man on Earth.

Among the athletes were Dr. Jorge Villanueva, Kento Urufu, Graham Fisher, Robert Fenwick, and – of course – Nigel Sanders.

Overall, the thirty athletes will be grouped into six groups of five athletes per group. From there two athletes from each group will progress to the final twelve. The athletes that come in first in the five Heats would progress into the finals; while, the second and third runner up in each group will compete in a ‘Stone Off’. The winner of that ‘Stone Off’ would then progress to the final as well.

Over the course of five grueling days, these athletes will compete in a number of events that will tax their bodies.

These events include Loading Race, Giant Squat Lift (for reps), Truck Pull, Super Yoke, Giant Farmer's Walk, Carry & Drag (Carry an Anchor & Drag Chain & Anchor), Fingal's Fingers, Wrestling, Keg Toss, Log lift, Giant CircusDumbbell (for reps), Car Walk, Power Stairs, Plane Pull, Giant Axle Deadlift, and finally the Atlas Stone Off.

The line up of athletes mixed with events made the crowd completely forget about the summer heat that was beating down on them. Despite the heat, the crowd was graced with clear blue skies, picture-perfect fluffy clouds, and the near constant gentle breeze.

Standing in the midst of the crowd was the local press, visiting journalists from various countries, and the sponsors hosting the event.

Thanks to the sponsors, the large event well stocked with needed and appreciated items. One such item were drinks for competitors and onlookers alike.

Under one of the tents that had fans to cool a number of the athletes, Nigel stood with his friend and fellow competitor Dr. Jorge Villanueva talking about what they were looking forward in the day’s competition.

Dr. Villanueva is a physically imposing individual as he used to be a professional rugby player who now is the most celebrated trauma chief on the island.

The bald, coloured islander chuckled richly as Nigel told him about a story about his training a few weeks ago.

“So, I’m training for these various events and the moment I take a break, I decide to visit my brother and his family,” Nigel says, with a growing smirk. “At some point during my visit, my nephews and I decide to go to their backyard and play. Now imagine my utter embarrassment as I’m chasing and playing with my little nephews and I end up tripping over my own feet!”

The statement caused Dr. Villanueva to laugh richly at the image he got inside his own mind at his friend landing flat on his back as he played with his three young nephews.

“Here I thought, I was doing well in my training. Especially in the cardio aspects, but I can’t even keep up with three little boys!” Nigel says in between his own laughter.

“There’s nothing wrong, Nigel. No matter how big and strong or even fast any of us are, it’s always going to be a challenge for any of us to keep up with one kid much less more than one,” Dr. Villanueva said, in a rich and distinctive baritoned voice. The large doctor had his arms crossed over his large torso and, in doing so, caused the short sleeves of his competition shirt to bulge greatly due to the doctor’s large biceps.

As his friend was speaking, movement out of the corner of his eye, caught Nigel’s attention.

Not caring about the conversation he walked up on, the man that stood in front of Nigel and the trauma chief was non-other than Robert ‘Hercules’ Fenwick. With a smug look on his face, Robert said in a challenging tone, “So Sanders, are you ready?”

Nigel raised a confused yet simultaneously suspicious eyebrow, before answering, “Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can push myself.”

But then Nigel added with an impish smile as he looked to Jorge, “Well, as far as I can push myself without doing any damage to myself.”

Laughing at his friend, Jorge teased, “You mean, you’re not going to faceplant because of your own laces?”

Nigel’s only reply came in the form of a chortled wheezing laughter, which in turn was quite infectious because Jorge began to laugh even harder.

However, their merriment was cut short by Robert, who cleared his throat harshly, “I meant, are you ready for me?”

“For you?” Nigel, and even Jorge, asked confused.

“Yeah!” Robert with his head held high in a haughty manner. “Do you think you can beat me in any of the events today?”

Blinking in surprise, Jorge spoke, “You aren’t serious, right? Yeah, this is a competition and we’re all looking to win, but I think you’ve got some kind of misconception of Nigel here. He doesn’t just up and challenge people.”

Nodding his head in agreement and attempting to move away from the cocky man, Nigel said, “Jorge’s right. I’m only really competing against myself. I wish you luck though.”

Stepping in front of the two men to stop them, specifically Nigel, from leaving, Robert said with a frown, “You’re in the wrong sport if you wanted to compete against yourself. Reality is, you’re competing against twenty-nine other guys. Specifically, me. Don’t play dumb, Sanders. You and I are always competing against each other!”

Tilting his head slightly to the side, Nigel could only make a confused sound as he stared at the man before them.

Looking at his friend and then back to Robert, Jorge motioned his head toward Nigel and said to Robert, “Looks like Nigel never knew you were competing with him.”

At the statement and the still confused expression of Nigel caused Robert to turn red.

Whether or not his redness was due to embarrassment or anger or both, Jorge wasn’t sure.

Shaking his head in annoyance, Robert said, “Play dumb and lie all you want, Nigel. But in the end, the underdog always wins. It’s a scientific fact! Everyone knows it!”

Now finding the ability to speak again, Nigel said, “I know all about underdogs, but regardless, I wish you all the best.”

Finally stepping around the other man, Jorge and Nigel left Robert, as the other man stood there in a loss.

This was not how it was supposed to go! Robert thought, as he turned to see several other of Nigel’s competing friends surrounded him and Jorge.

Walking out from under the shade of the tent, Robert retrieved a water bottle from a table. As he unscrewed the cap, he thought, The psychological stakes were supposed to amped up with mocking and jeering. Then fate would easily see that I’m the true underdog!

Swallowing the last sip of water, Robert crumbled the plastic bottle in between his hands and then threw it in the waste bin next to the table forcefully.

Robert perched his hands on his hips as his breathing heaved in and out.

Well, he thought, fate will be kind to me and everyone’s going to see it!

As time ticked by, the crowd surrounding the competition site was happily and anxiously waiting for the event to begin. Some were rooting for the reigning five-time champion Ralphie Barrett to win. While others had their personal favorites to win.

Among the spectators was the press and media.

The even would be aired live to various stations around the world. While various press, local and international, were covering the event as well.

In the midst of the press, was non other than Candace Pierce.

Generally, Candace didn’t cover sports; however, due to her three month long relationship with Nigel, she found herself wanting to know about the sport.

In that time, Candace couldn’t help but become enthralled with the strength sport and was excited to find out her resourcefulness had paid off when she was able to not only get a press pass for the Anchester event but also to get a VIP pass.

There was only one catch.

Nigel doesn’t know that she’s in Anchester.

Much less that she’s covering the event for her column.

Hopefully, he’s okay with surprises, Candace thought, as she snapped a few pictures with her Sony A9 Mark II.

Lowering her camera, Candace couldn’t help but look around from the competitors to the fellow onlookers and contemplate in awe how ginormous the people were.

Anchester Isle really is the land of the giants, Candace thought. Since dating Nigel, the journalist had done some research into the famous island and found quite a few things that he thought was remarkable.

Due to a large meteroite -made up of a strange element called Thoalium- crashing on the isle centuries before, unearthed strange mutations that affected both the ecosystem as well as the people.

In terms of the ecosystem, the mutations caused the soil to become extremely rich in nutrients, minerals, and microbes, which in turn made the island famous for its farming. As for the animals, the mutations causes the animals to become more robust and dangerous.

In terms of people, the islanders are also more robust. These people benefit greatly from the ecosystem and the Thoalium that's seeped into their own bodily cells. The islanders grow to very large sizes. The men's height ranging from 6'-7' while the women's height rang from 5'7"-6'1". They also benefit from the Herculean Gene, also known to mainlanders as GDF-8, as well as extraordinarily high bone density. Due to these physical abilities, the islanders don't suffer the negative effects of becoming to large with either height, muscle, fat, or a mixture of all three.

(And now that I’m here, I feel even more of like a pipsqueak than usual.) Candace’s inner parenthetical voice added with a chuckle.

But then again, Candace did have to admit to herself that she loved the size difference between herself and Nigel. In the three months they’ve been dating and when he was in New York, he never made her feel as if he made fun of her height. In fact, on more than one occasion, as they cuddled on her couch as they watched movies, Nigel would be more interested at inspecting her much smaller hand in one of his own than whatever movie that was on her television screen. Such a small but intimate detail made her heart light on more than one occasion.

Her thoughts moved away from the physical aspects of her boyfriend to the more personal. Due to them both living in different countries, their relationship was established as a long distance relationship. However, despite this, they would have dates over the phone. Some of those dates, would include renting movies, reading books, and even just talking.

During those conversations, Candace found Nigel to be extremely and almost intimidatingly smart. However, he never flaunted his intelligence; instead, he carried himself in humbleness. In fact, Candace also found him to be highly dedicated, quick witted, cordial, genial, and selfless. He was also a person who valued truth and loyalty.

Non of this to say that the large man didn’t have flaws. But those flaws, like her own, weren’t things that made them incompatible as friends nor as a couple.

However, regardless of either of their flaws, they both continued to flourish in their relationship.

As if on cue, Candace caught the familiar form of Nigel separated himself from several other competitors as he went to the refreshments table.

She watched him with a smile as he then made his way to a lone fold-up chair and began to slip on his various items of performance gear.

Wanting to seize the opportunity to see and surprise her boyfriend before the event got underway, Candace slipped away from the crowd and waved her VIP and press badge to security.

Sitting beneath a tent by himself, Nigel was just finishing up pulling on his SBD elbow sleeves when he heard a very familiar voice from behind him ask, “Excuse me sir, I’m a journalist from America. May I have a quick interview before you get started?”

Shocked to hear this voice, Nigel stood quickly from the sturdy fold-up chair and spun around to the source.

Seeing it was in fact his girlfriend, Nigel’s initial shock quickly dissolved into happiness as he quickly stepped toward Candace and lifted her off her feet in an exuberant hug.

Angling his head to the side, Nigel then captured her lips passionately against his own.

Candace, still in his arms and off the ground, gripped his shoulders through his competition shirt and returned the kiss with exuberance.

The need to catch their respective breaths caused both lean away from each other and Nigel to finally place her gently back on the ground.

“Candace! I’m so happy to see you here!” he said with a large smile, big enough for her to see his slightly crooked teeth. “Don’t get me wrong but why are you here?”

Chuckling at his enthusiasm, Candace answered, “Well, you’ve been telling me for weeks about this competition and that it’s deemed to be the biggest crowd this sport has ever seen so far in its history. So, I thought it would be great for me to come and cover the event; luckily for me, my boss also thought it was a great idea!”

Then she brought herself flush against his towering form and added, with a smirk and a conspiratorial wink, “Plus, my boyfriend is competing in this event. So, yeah, I’ve got a personal stake in this.”

Laughing heartily at his girlfriend, Nigel wrapped his arms around her waist to bring her even closer to him, and said, “I suppose it’s selfish of me to say this, but I’m very happy to have you here.”

Releasing her from his hold, Nigel added, “You being here makes me forget about some of the…more weird aspects of the competition.”

Crossing her arms, Candace asked, intrigued, “Ooh. Weird? Weird, how?”

Nigel smiled down to her and retorted, “This is all off the record, right?”

Her intrigue softened as she said, “Of course. Anything that I write concerning you will always be discussed with you first. I’d never betray your trust.”

Nodding in appreciation, Nigel said, “Thank you. I appreciate that more than I could ever say.”

Reassured by her honesty and after using his height to see that there was no one in their immediate vicinity, Nigel said in a hushed tone, “Well, the Strongman competitions overall like any sport is quite competitive; however, there’s a type of camaraderie here that’s quite infectious to the majority of the athletes. Those who fall behind or who are struggling, the other athletes all root for those individuals to push forward and complete the challenge.”

After a moment’s pause, Nigel continued as he added with a touch of annoyance and confusion, “While there are a few that aren’t as gracious. Now don’t get me wrong, they’re more than allowed to feel the way they feel. They’re not the ones I have a problem with; instead, I, and several others, have a problem with one particular individual. This man – Robert – feels the need to always go around and boast and belittle others. He thinks and present himself as better than anyone he’s in the room with. This has been going on for a number of years. However, we’ve all come to almost ignore his ignorance and self importance. Today was different for me though.”

“Different how?”

“It was different because I found out today that he’s been, apparently competing against me for a number of years in practice. However, I’ve never truly spoken to him nor engaged competitively with him.”

Seeing her eyes widen, Nigel added, “He confronted me earlier in one of the tents as I was talking with my friend Jorge and he just challenged me, for what felt like, on my end, right out of the blue.”

“Wait,” Candace said, as she squinted her eyes from behind the dark tint of her shades, “there’s no competition between you two, but he thinks there is?”

Nigel nodded and said, “That’s right. And apparently, from what I’ve heard from a few other athletes because this is the first year he’s passed the qualifiers, he feels as if this is fate for us to compete against each other.”

Candace’s eyebrows went up to her hairline at that. “Drama…” Then she added, “This isn’t going to throw you off or anything, right?”

Shaking his head, Nigel answered, “No, it certainly won’t. Like I told him, I’m here to compete against myself. And now that you’re here, I’m going to work even harder to do my best.”

“Great!” she exclaimed. But before anything else could be said, an exhilarated voiced came across the loud speakers asking everyone to back to their positions: all athletes to their stations while all fans and all VIP to get back behind the railings to watch the festivities.

Candace then took her spot back within the crowd and watched as Nigel took his place in the first group as he and the others then lined up in front of the anchor and its chain before them for the first event.

The first event wasn’t long in length but it certainly did make the athletes exhausted. Nigel found himself satisfied with his results and standing in the first event and from her position in the crowd, he could hear Candace cheering for him.

Seeing her there, genuinely rooting for him, made something flutter in his chest that he hadn’t felt in such a long time.

Since Rosie, he thought.

The realization of this fact, made Nigel feel misty eyed for a moment but then he quickly wiped his eyes with his broad forearm and smiled back to his girlfriend.

Over the course of the five days, the athletes were pushed beyond their respective limits and were rewarded by the cheering of the crowds around them.

During the giant squat lift, Nigel performed well as he squatted with the giant seven-hundred-and-fifty pound axle with giant metal bulbs attached the ends in the time allotted; however, the winner of that event went to Ralphie ‘The Dominator’ Barrett.

Ralphie Barrett is quite a large man like many of the island’s inhabitants. While some of the island’s natives were more bulky, there were just as many who were quite muscular. One of which was Ralphie Barrett. Ralphie weighed in at 140kg, had a 58 inch chest, and well defined visible abs. His physique wasn’t just for aesthetics though; in actuality, he was quite powerful. Which was then proven due to him winning the Fortissimus five times, a record for the world of sports. Now, Ralphie is looking to add to his collection and win for the sixth time.

Unfortunately for the reigning champion, his wins were becoming hard to come by because each year the competitors were getting better and stronger. Not just from the island but world wide as well.

The previous year proved this because Ralphie lost his beloved title and reign to an American strongman named Austin Golden. This man – Austin – was the true underdog as he was shorter than the majority of the competitors; however, he was just as heavy and trained extremely well. So much so that he beat Ralphie by a fraction point, but regardless it was an undisputed win. After such a win though, Austin left the sport to become an actor in Hollywood.

Thus, leaving the crown of ‘Strongest Man on Earth’ in the air.

But this particular year proved especially hard in terms of competition.

Everyone was at the top of their game and it showed.

Even Robert was doing his best.

The boastful man made it through the majority of the heats and some even through the ‘Stone Off’.

It was clear that Robert was struggling but he was going through with some sense of decorum. He was so caught up in trying to keep up and even best Nigel through points that it didn’t leave him room to boast or demean others.

It was during the giant circus dumbbell event that Robert placed second and beat out a number of very strong competitors.

However, it was Nigel who looked to be the true contender of the events.

During the log lift, Nigel pressed the extremely heavy log – 174kg – with unbelievable ease. Also, he was the only competitor to get passed lifting the oak off the ground, much less, to even press it multiple times. Thus, Nigel received maximum points.

At his achievement, the crowd went berserk with cheers and whistling. However, Nigel only had eyes for one person in the crowd: Candace.

Seeing her face filled with joy caused Nigel to beam back at her.

Unfortunately, as he was getting congratulatory pats on the back from his friends and fellow athletes, Robert couldn’t help but stand separated from the group and felt extreme jealousy.

Regrettably for the man, as the days went on, Nigel continued to come out on top.

During the car walk, Nigel picked the car up and walked it around the track with very minimal effort. Because of his time, he received the maximum amount of points for that; while in contrast, Robert came respectably in third.

During the wrestling portion of the event, Nigel easily won the event. Which in turn caused the crowd to start chanting his name and as he walked back to he heard several spectators saying, ‘Hey man! I was a big fan of yours when you with Sydney Foskett!’ or ‘Congrats, I’ve been a fan of yours for years!’ or ‘Can I have your autograph?’

Through all of the complements, Nigel smiled at him and sent a friendly waves their way, as he was unable to speak because he was still quite out of breath.

But he didn’t boast about his accomplishments, instead he urged on his friends and fellow competitors.

Even Robert.

Thankfully though, Robert still was able to hold his thoughts to himself as he graciously accepted the good wishes from other athletes.

During the plane pull event, though, this feat of strength truly divided the athletes.

On the new course – spanning twenty-five meters – with the forty-four ton plane, the remaining athletes were all struggling.

The heftier athletes fared better as they had the weight to get the plane’s momentum moving. However, Nigel and several athletes did quite well in the event.

They individually were strapped into their respective harnesses, given the long rope – which was attached to an immovable object –, and from there they pulled the gigantic vehicle.

Like the other athletes, Nigel began to move the large plane with a powerful motion with his hips as he pulled on the rope with great force.

The sure power of this movement got the plane to budge foreward; which was all Nigel needed as he began to take powerful steps as he incorporated his training with prowler pulls and prowler pushes and speed sprints.

As he pulled the enormous military plane, Nigel breathed short breaths in-and-out as he attempted to keep air within his massive body. Within twenty seconds, Nigel felt the lactic acid within his body start to kick in; however, he kept the momentum of the plane going as he continued to the finish line.

Nigel completed the course as the sound of s shrilling whistle being blown.

Much to his surprise, he was told that he had the second best time of this particular event as he completed the course at thirty-eight seconds out of the sixty-second time allotted.

Nigel smiled at the boisterous crowd and winked at Candace – who in turn snapped a few pictures of him – before he went straight to a cooler for some much needed water.

Now though, on the last day of the event, there was four finalists left: Nigel, Ralphie, Jorge, and Robert.

The final event saw the final four going head-to-head in a major Atlas Stone Off.

Where things didn’t go quite as well.

In the first pairing, Jorge and Robert sprinted forward to grab the large, spherical, 186 kg stones and placed these Atlas stones on the tall platforms.

The winner of this pairing was Jorge.

Much to Robert’s chagrin.

Robert right then and there threw a tantrum.

He began to stomp his foot and curse out of the event itself, the crowd, the judges, Nigel, and Jorge.

Robert even advanced onto Jorge and swung at him.

Luckily though, Jorge dodged the haymaker swing and pinned the man down; however, due to embarrassment and adrenaline, Robert squirmed violently on the concrete.

Seeing this, Nigel and a few event officials came to assist Jorge as they dragged Robert from under the other man and proceeded to haul the irate loser away from the event grounds.

At least until they were assured Robert was cooled off.

Breathing deeply, Nigel shook his head in disappointment as to what he and the other had witnessed from Robert.

The situation now resolved, Nigel then went back to the athletes portion of the sidelines and watched as Jorge went up against Ralphie, as he was looking to regain his elusive title.

Impressively, Ralphie defeated Jorge within twenty-four seconds.

Jorge shook hands with Ralphie before he made his way to Nigel on the sidelines.

Slapping his friend on the shoulder, Jorge said, “Good luck. For what it’s worth, I hope you win.”

Chuckling at his friend, Nigel nodded before expressing his thanks before the voice over the loud speaker told him and Ralphie to get into position for the last event for the day.

Once they were in position, the whistle blew and the two men were off as they began grabbing the five huge Atlas stones and placed them one-by-one on the tall platforms.

As Nigel came to his third stone, he truly began to feel fatigued as he squatted with the large stone balanced in between his arms and legs; however, he pushed through the feeling and stood with the stone and pushed it onto its placement on the stand.

Running to the fourth stone, Nigel repeated the motion again as he placed the stone in its place.

Finally, and without realizing it, he surged ahead to the final stone and placed the stone onto the tall stand.

In baited breath, he turned around to see that Ralphie was working to lift the fourth stone.

In disbelief he raised his hands in victory to the roar of the crowd as they went wild.

He finally did it.

The true underdog of the competition had won a major event.

But instead of reveling in the feeling, Nigel approached Ralphie as the other man picked up the last stone.

“Come on, Ralphie! Lift it up! You can do it!” Nigel yelled, as he motivated Ralphie to complete the event.

In seeing this, Candace felt misty eyed while the crowd went even more wild at the display of good-sportsmanship.

With Ralphie finally getting the stone in its place, he shook his head in defeat for a moment but then he lifted his head high and raised Nigel’s hand in victory.

Over the loud speaker, Nigel’s victory was officially announced and he couldn't be happier.

With that the final three athletes were given a moment’s reprieve while the officials went to get the trophies and the respective flags for the three winning competitors.

Now standing on the podium, Nigel stood with Anchester’s British flag over his shoulders as he held the golden trophy of the event.

Standing just slightly below Nigel to his right side, was Ralphie as he had the Australian flag over his shoulders as he held the broze trophy of the event.

Standing to Nigel’s left side, was Jorge as he also had Anchester’s British flag draped over his shoulders as he held the silver trophy of the event.

The three men stood proudly as pictures were taken before they were allowed to step down.

Despite the flag draped over one arm while he held the trophy in the other, Nigel was not deterred as he saw Candace rush towards him.

Within seconds, Nigel found himself holding Candace in the air as she leapt into his arms.

As soon as she was in his arms, she soon wriggled out and faced him with a huge smile.

“Oh, Nigel you were absolutely amazing!” she said in pure delight.

“Thank you, love,” Nigel said, with an equally large smile. “I can hardly believe it, but I’m so happy.”

Looking at her with an extremely tender look, Nigel added, “Thank you for coming. It means more than I can say that you’re here with me right now.”

“Of course!” Candace said, before patting her hand gently over his heart, and adding, “Honestly, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

With her hand still on his tank shirt, Candace fisted the material and brought him down to her level and kissed him deeply.

Nigel groaned happily into the kiss and, somehow, deepened it further.

They only broke apart as to a close ‘snapping’ sound occurred startled them.

Standing upright again, Nigel looked to see what created such a sound.

Curious as well, Candace also looked for the source.

They were immediately greeted by the sight of Jorge, flanked by Kento Urufu and Graham Fisher – both friends of Nigel as well as strongman competitors –, who was holding Candace’s discarded camera.

“Well, don’t you two make a cute couple!” said Jorge, with a playful and friendly smirk on his face.

“Thanks!” both Nigel and Candace said simultaneously.

Laughing at this, Nigel cast his gaze downward to his girlfriend and said, “Candace, let me introduce to you some of my dear friends.”

With that the newly crowned Strongest Man on the Planet introduced his friends to his girlfriend. All the while, Robert stood away from the festivities as anger and jealousy bubbled within himself.

He looked at everyone there and only saw injustice to himself.

It’s just not fair!, he thought, as he paced the area he was in.

Why isn’t anyone seeing through this guy? He’s a cheater! He’s a liar! He’s a thief!, Robert thought as he kicked over a trashcan as he separated himself further from the loud festivities.

That trophy was all mine! The accolades and respect and title were also mine!, Robert thought delusionally.

His face was contorted in such a manner that one of the strongman athletes – a tall man from America and a pleasant Oklahoman accent named Bret Maverick – asked, “Say fella, are you okay?”

Robert didn’t answer him except with a withering look.

Thinking he could pass on some advise, Bret said, “Look, ya did good. Better than good. Just learn from what ya did and do better next year.”

Not waiting to hear the other man’s angry reply, Bret jogged off and was met halfway by a beautiful young woman, who latched onto the Oklahoman’s arm as they both went to celebrate with the rest of the crowd.

This left Robert to contemplate, You know…maybe he’s right. I can always do better…

Chuckling manically to himself, Robert whispered to himself, “The big loser won’t know what him.”

THE END

Chapter Text

The warm glow through the trees created a perfect summer day in Strongfair City, Anchester. It was enhanced by the gentle breeze as it ruffled the leaves in the trees and in the blades of grass. Thanks to the constant breeze, the day wasn’t obstructed by unpleasant humidity.

In the large city, people were going about their day as they bustled about.

On the sidewalks, some adults walked their dogs, some dogs even barked at each other as they passed by each other.

In the street, a few cars stopped at the traffic light and with the sudden stop in traffic, a few squirrels took that opportunity to dart across the street to reach their respective trees.

Some adults, along with their children, also took the opportunity to dart across the street to get to their respective locations.

A way from the street, some adults were walking in and out of store outlets.

Some adults were even just window shopping.

Among those just window shopping were Nigel and Candace.

Leisurely walking arm-in-arm, Nigel and Candace continued to enjoy their lazy day as they were out-and-about in the high of the afternoon.

Unabashedly feeling his thick bicep under her hand as they walked, Candace smiled as she realized her hand couldn’t wrap around the thickness of the muscle.

Then she felt, as well as heard, a dark chuckle above herself.

Looking up, Candace looked to her mountain-sized boyfriend with a questioning glance.

“Like what you feel?” he asked teasingly.

Thinking to respond just as teasingly; however, she abandoned this notion for a more straightforward moment. “More than just that,” she said, "There’s a lot to love about you. Your personality, your ‘dad jokes’, how you make and inspire me to be a better person.” Then after a moment’s pause, she added, “Plus, you’re very, very handsome and strong!”

Not expecting this, Nigel blushed considerably as they continued walking and for a moment cast his gaze downward.

Finding this enormously endearing, Candace chuckled and laid her cheek against the arm in which she was holding.

Feeling her snuggle his arm as they walked down the sidewalk, Nigel looked back to her and took in her own beauty.

As she walked beside him, Nigel looked down at her and quietly admired how beautiful she looks. Her curves gently filled her faded jeans while her short sleeved yellow shirt complimented her complexion.

In the high-afternoon sunlight, he noticed that Candace’s dark brown eyes looked to almost glowed as she looked upward to him with a gentle smile playing on her full lips.

Finally able to speak again, Nigel said, “Thank you. It’s taken me a long time to get to this point in my life.”

“What were you like before?” asked Candace.

Sighing, Nigel answered, “Well, in terms of my personality, I was timid and scared of life really because of several major losses. Those losses injured me quite deeply on an emotional level. Not to mention, I was extremely skinny due to my old profession and that along with some old physical scars also left me quite unsure of my aesthetics.”

As he spoke, the couple found themselves in a park and once they rounded the children’s playground, Nigel looked to his girlfriend to gage her reaction.

Her reaction was one of compassion.

Not pity.

Not disgust.

Not mockery.

Her compassion pushed him to continue, “But after meeting Norman, who inspired me to change for my own sake, I got involved with Strongman and Muay Thai, I made my own business, and got my Master’s degree in Advanced Physics. In that time, because I focused on making myself better, I changed – obviously. I’m no longer timid and scared of living my life to the fullest.”

Scoffing softly, Nigel added, “In fact, I – unintentionally – intimidate some people. It’s never been my intention to do so as I changed myself, but with my…”

As Nigel trailed off trying to find the correct wording, Candace spoke up, saying, “Commanding presence? Hulking form?”

Chortling in a wheezing manner at her help, Nigel nodded and said, “Yes, yes, right you are! My brother and his wife said something quite similar not too long ago. Like I said, I’m not ever trying to intimidate others, but rather inspire them. Especially when it comes to education. I tell my nephews all the time: Intelligence is not a privilege, it's a gift. And you use it for the good of mankind.”

After another small pause, Nigel added, “I try everyday to live up to what I preach.”

“That’s an amazing transformation story, Nigel,” Candace said with a glowing smile of pride. “I’m very proud of how far you came! And you more than live up to that statement.”

“Again, that means a lot, love. Thank you,” Nigel said.

”Quite selfishly, I think I’m probably the most lucky man on Earth to have you,” he said. “You’re outrageously beautiful, quite brilliant to anything you do, encouraging while not being a sort of ‘yes-person’, and you don’t take any sort of nonsense!”

Looking down at her again, Nigel said, “You make me want to be even better and I quite possibly fall more for you with every passing day.”

At his speaking, Candace blushed and responded by snuggling closer to him as they walked aimlessly.

As they continued to walk along the beautiful and tranquil park, Nigel couldn't help but feel a certain peace wash over him. Not just in his reflections of his accomplishments but also that he was blessed enough in his life to have someone as encouraging and as beautiful as Candace as his girlfriend.

In their time together, Candace has shown herself to be funny, extremely hard working in her field, very intelligent, tenacious, clever, and most importantly she has never been intimidated by him.

(Not that was ever my intention.) Nigel’s parenthetical voice said with a fond smile.

At the edge of the park, there was a beautiful nook area that had a small waterfall with lush grass surrounding the area; as well as, an array of multi-coloured flowers in different patches of grass.

Settling under a beautiful groomed and arched tree was a small bench.

Seeing the seated area, Nigel gently directed them both toward the bench.

The couple then stood before the bench before Nigel gentlemanly motioned for her to sit before he nestled beside her, which – due to his behemoth size – took up the entirety of what remained of the bench.

Neither spoke as they basked in each other’s company; as well as, they simply took in the beauty of the area.

After sometime though, Nigel – leant forward as he rested his elbows on his knees – said, “I can’t say it enough: I’m so happy that you came to the event and that you’re still here.”

Smiling at him, Candace offered her hand to her boyfriend.

Looking at her hand for a mere moment, Nigel then sat upright and took her hand into his own.

Gently squeezing his hand, Candace answered with a smile, “I’m happy to be here as well. I’m especially happy that you enjoyed my surprise visit.”

Leaning against his side with their hands still intertwined, Candace said, “Don’t worry, in the future, I’d always let you know if and when I stop by for a visit.”

Before Nigel could say anything, he felt his heart stop and melt simultaneously as Candace lifted his large paw gently to her lips and placed a kiss to his hand.

After the little shock waves had dissipated from his entire being and after staring in a mesmerized state at her, Nigel roughly cleared his throat and said, “I hope you know that, I’ll also reciprocate that for you as well.”

“Thanks,” Candace said as she snuggled into his large, bulky shoulder.

Releasing her hand, Nigel draped his large arms over her shoulders and brought her into his chest, saying, “Of course, my love.”

The feeling of her resting against him caused Nigel an endless amount of pleasure as he realized that she fit against him perfectly, akin to a missing puzzle piece.

After such, both closed their eyes lethargically as they simply basked in the comfortable warmth of the sun while the cool of the waterfall gently sprayed the air around them.

An unknown amount of time had passed as Candace felt Nigel’s powerful chest moved her head up-and-down with utter ease, before a fast speaking, tenor voice broke their lovely riviera, “Nigel?! Nigel Sanders? Nigel, is that you, lad?”

Opening their eyes, the couple was met with the image of Sidney Foskett standing before them gobsmacked.

“Mr. Foskett,” said Nigel, with an impressive amount of neutrality. “It’s good to see you again. How’ve you been, sir?”

Looking at the younger man he was knew some years ago, Sydney shook himself out of his shock before answering, “I-I’ve been better.”

Motioning toward him, Sydney said directly, “My goodness lad! It’s good to see you. How much do you weigh now?”

Not taking offense to this, Nigel simply shook his head before looking to his right to where Candace – still under his draped arm – had sat upright and noticed that his girlfriend’s eyes were glaring at the older man.

“I just won Fortissimus yesterday and because of that I’m at 182kg,” Nigel said, before motioning toward the older man, adding, “I’ve been doing very well, thank you for asking.”

“And what does his weight have to do with anything?” Candace said, with righteous anger contained behind her eyes.

“Sorry, sorry, pardon my ignorance” Sydney said. “It’s just been such a long time since I’ve seen my old but favorite wrestler, Nigel, here, and quite frankly I’ve never seen him so…erm… confident!” Sydney said, not wanting to get on the wrong side of either of them.

Seeing through his statement, Nigel and Candace simultaneously decided to let it slide because of the minute effort the older man put forth to not offend them further.

“Alright,” said Nigel, “Well, it’s certainly good to see you, Mr. Foskett. Are you still renting at Mrs. Ratback’s Boarding House?”

“No, no! Thank goodness, I moved out of that debauchelism capitol of the free world, some years ago,” said Sydney.

Unable to contain themselves, Candace and Nigel chuckled at the that.

“What finally did it?” Nigel asked, conversationally.

“Honestly, Nige, I just got so bloody tired of the food,” Sydney said, while roughly rubbing his face in frustration.

“It’s never gotten better!” the old fight manager exclaimed. “The sandwiches were still so dry, you could light a match on them.”

At the couple’s bubbled laughter, the older man continued, “Jar of jam has more than one skeleton of a wasp stuck in it indicated that that their demise were from some odd years back. The tea is still so ol’ that I kept looking at it as if it were an ol’ friend of mine.”

Once the couple’s laughter settled, Sydney clasped his hands behind his back and rocked back-and-forth on the balls of his feet, before saying, “Well…you know getting a bit off topic, Nige, it’s a bit of fate meeting you here. Because you see, I’ve been meaning to find you and talk to you about a possibility of getting you back into wrestling. With me as your manager!”

Now as Nigel was shocked silent, Candace asked, “What do you mean?”

“I mean for him to come back and work for me!” Sydney asked, with his arms wide open with a large smile.

Blinking the shock away, Nigel answered, “Mr. Foskett, thank you for the offer but I’m happy with where I am now.”

“But Nigel, what about you dream of wrestling the big boys in America?” asked Sydney.

Shaking his head, Nigel refuted, “My dreams are a bit bigger than that now, Mr. Foskett. I’ve accomplished a lot since we’ve last seen each other and I don’t intend to go backwards.”

“Like fallin’ in love?” asked Sydney, uncharacteristically soft.

Looking from his old fight manager to his girlfriend, Nigel smiled and said, “Yeah.”

Shrugging, Sydney said, “Well, can’t blame an ol’ man from tryin’, yeah?”

Motioning from Nigel to Candace, Sydney added, “Well, let me know if you two decide to tie the ol’ knot. I’d love to see me ol’ client walk down that bloomin’ isle!”

The couple looked to each other and then back to Sydney and nodded before Nigel said, “Thank you for that, Mr. Foskett. I wish you well with everything.”

“Thanks for that, my lad. You two enjoy the rest of your date!” Sydney said, before he started to move away from the couple.

Before he was completely out of sight or ear shot, Sydney turned back around and said, “You two kids don’t do anything too frisky now! This is a public place!”

Laughing at his own statement, Sydney continued down the path, leaving the couple to look at each other and laugh as well.

Sydney Foskett was truly one of a kind.

THE END

Chapter Text

In New York City, the darkness of night had encroached the city but, in the city that never sleeps, the excess of florescent lights of blues and yellowskept the city alive for residents and tourists alike.

At one particular brownstone, Nigel Sanders had decided to surprise his girlfriend of six months – Candace Pierce.

After hearing about Candace’s current success with her job and that she won an award, Nigel had flown to the city and further surprised her by saying he planned to cook her a congratulatory Spaghetti dinner and wanted to spend the weekend with her.

Upon arrival to Candace’s brownstone, Nigel took in his surroundings. During his quick assessment, the big man could see why Candace on a number of occasions told him that her home was her personal oasis.

Nigel stood in the tall doorway – thankful for not having to stoop in side – and saw that she had very tall ceilings, with what appeared to be white, gorgeous original moldings, and parquet flooring that reached throughout the entire lower floor.

Also on the lower level, he saw that it was an open space with a very large window encompassing the west wall and a large, comfy couch situated in the middle of the room. The view from the window showcased her lush, green garden.

After walking through another tall doorway with wooden columns, Nigel was escorted – with his shopping bags full of ingredients – to the spacious kitchen that was furnished with a black marble kitchen counter, black marble island with a built in sink, and stainless steel appliances.

After setting his bags on the empty space of the kitchen island, Candace asked how she could help; however, Nigel refuted saying this is something he wants to do for her.

As much as she enjoyed this, Candace wanted to help at least with the dishes and sides. This suggestion was accompanied by her batting her long eyelashes. Which caused her boyfriend to simultaneously tremble and laugh at how easy it was for him to cave into her.

Which was probably the point, Nigel thought, before he admitted his defeat – to her bark of victorious laughter.

Nigel then put his girlfriend to work on mincing vegetables.

Once they were underway with dinner preparations, Nigel meditatively stirred his tomato sauce as he watched Candace move from her cutting board beside him to set the table for dinner.

As he continued to stir, he acknowledged to himself that they worked around each other quite well… with only a few pauses in order for him to ask where her other cooking utensils were.

At this realization, a smile unconsciously crept onto Nigel’s face as he then added the minced herbs to his sauce.

After this, he turned off the burner that his spaghetti sauce was cooking on top of and directed his attention to his boiling pasta noodles on the next burner.

He dipped the pasta utensil in the boiling pot and saw that the noodles were ready; however, he noticed that he didn’t have a strainer basket.

Looking at his girlfriend to his right just as she was finishing setting the table, he asked, “Candace?”

Snapping her head around, Candace looked at her boyfriend expectantly before making a ‘hmm’ sound.

“Where’s your strainer basket?”

“Oh! It’s hanging in the pantry – right behind you and the island,” she answered.

“Thanks, my dear,” he said, drying his hands on a dishtowel before moving away from the stove and in a few strides was across the kitchen.

Candace turned back to the table with the sounds of Nigel rummaging around in her pantry for the strainer, which was found with a triumphant ‘hurmf’. His smile was evident in the sound and was quite infectious as she too found herself smiling.

Turning away from the table, Candace joined him back in the kitchen and started to move away the pots and dishes that he was done using and began to load them in the dishwasher. The dishes that didn’t fit in the dishwasher, Candace began washing.

Sooner than either of them realized, Nigel dished their food out on their respective plates and Candace poured them both sparkling water as well as dishing out their salads before they both approached the set table and sat across from each other.

Once they settled into their seats, Nigel raised his glass in the air and proposed a toast to Candace’s success and that many more were in her future.

Exchanging smiles, the couple took their respective sips after the sound of melodious crystal tapping each other filled the quiet space.

Candace then dug her fork into her spaghetti, cut into a large meatball, twirled it until it circled her utensil before she raised it to her mouth and chewed.

Swallowing her first bite, Candace looked away from her boyfriend and moaned in bliss.

“Holy cr…” Candace trailed off to the sound of a rumbling, amused chuckle across from her.

“I take it that you’re enjoying it,” said Nigel, smugness evident in his tone.

Finally, and cautiously, Candace opened her eyes and turned her head and attention back to her boyfriend.

Her ears were right.

Endearingly, he looked as smug as he sounded.

Unable to say anything, Candace nodded and took a restorative sip of her sparkling water.

Not wanting to tease her any further, Nigel changed the subject to her award and how she felt about it.

Candace’s face was alight with pride and excitement as she regaled what happened and how she was received for her hard work.

Their dinner went on for sometime, through a number of plates, and with easy conversations filtered in between.

By the end of their dinner, Candace had cleared two plates while Nigel had cleared five plates of food, roughly around the same time as his girlfriend. Despite the speed in which he ate, the large man never ate in such a manner that allowed him to lose control of himself and be compared to a boorish animal.

Snapping out of his bloated bliss though, Nigel heard Candace ask, “Now, because I was so excited about this award, and obviously not knowing you’d be here, I thankfully took the time to make a mango-lime cheesecake yesterday. It should be set by now. Would you like to split a small slice with me?”

Finding that he had room to share a slice with her, Nigel nodded as he then watched her stand from the table and head into the kitchen.

Even from his seated position from the table, Nigel saw the ornately designed cheesecake as Candace placed it on the counter and then she cut into the dessert and placed it on a plate.

Bringing the plate to the table, Candace then took a seat next to him with the dessert situated in between them both on the table.

Ignoring his stomach’s slight protests, Nigel took his fork and dug into the slice of cheesecake and brought it to his mouth.

The moment the dessert hit his tongue, Nigel breathed around the bite and moaned in utter pleasure. “Oh my word…”

Candace, now, chuckled at the big man beside her as she watched him thoroughly enjoy the dessert she made. “Now who’s enjoying it?”

Looking to his left, Nigel’s blush extended down his neck as he bashfully chuckled at the statement and swallowed before answering, “Y-yes, it very good.”

At his compliment, Candace positively glowed and wordlessly went back to eating her own portion of the slice.

In no time at all, the slice disappeared leaving Nigel slightly out of breath.

Noticing this, Candace smiled gently and then stood up with her hand outstretched to him.

“Come on, I’ll take care of these few dishes. Why don’t you rest in the living room,” Candace said.

Seeing him about to refuse her offer, Candace cut off any further conversation by simply reaching down and grasping Nigel’s hand and then tugged him with a surprising amount of strength.

After getting to his feet, Nigel wobbled a little bit but he caught himself on the back of a chair.

Undeterred, Candace then led Nigel – half guiding, half pulling – into the living room.

Nigel’s mind sluggishly thought the situation was akin to a small but powerful tug boat pulling a massive ship.

With no other thoughts running through his mind, Nigel simply focused on the present as they entered the living room.

Once they arrived, she then directed Nigel to sit in the nearest corner of the couch before she went back to the table to take them to the kitchen in order to wash the dishes.

After Candace took her leave, Nigel leaned back into the couch cushions with a satisfied sigh followed by a moan mixed with pleasure and agony. His stomach also groaned quite audibly in a tumultuous manner as the very large amount of food attempted to settle into its new home.

Unable to truly move, Nigel sunk further into the cushions with his head lolled back, slightly short of breath, and rested his left hand gingerly atop of the engorged organ while he stifled a crass belch behind his right fist.

After the belch subsided, Nigel perched his right hand on the arm of the couch and closed his eyes in relaxation.

It wasn’t long before Nigel heard the water from the kitchen sink shut off and the light switch in the kitchen flick off before he heard the gentle padding sound Candace’s feet approach him.

With his eyes now opened, Nigel found that his girlfriend had now sidled up against him.

With her position against his side, Candace held the television remote before she aimed it at her mounted television and turned it on. This caused the room and themselves to be cast in the gentle glow of various colours from the television.

While flicking through the various channels, Candace gently laid against his left shoulder.

But from the angle they were both in, Nigel wanted her to be closer as well as more comfortable. Thus, he slipped his left arm from between them and draped it over her slender form and brought her closer to him.

Nestled in the crook of his shoulder with her svelte, curvy form rested against her boyfriend, Candace then lightly rested her hand atop of his over-satiated middle before gently rubbing it in a calming motion while she still flicked through the television channels with her free hand.

“You know,” Nigel began, “my intention was for you to feel celebrated. Not the other way around.”

Feeling her shift in order to look at him, Candace smiled and said, “I do feel celebrated.”

Pausing for a moment, Candace then continued, “My hard work was not only noticed but I was awarded for it. My wonderful boyfriend flew across the world to celebrate with him in person rather than over the phone and cook me an amazing spaghetti dinner.”

Good naturally, Nigel interrupted and added, “Who also plans to spend the weekend with you, because you told me that you had no plans at all.”

Laughing at him, Candace nodded with a gentle, but good natured pat to his belly, and said, “Which I can’t wait for, by the way.”

Picking up where she left off, Candace said, “I just recently found out that in my community, I’m a positive role model for young kids looking to join my field, not only because they see a face that looks like their own but also because I’m not a negative stereotype that they’ve come to see on TV.”

Nigel hummed as he understood what she meant, before he felt his chest swell with pride at her accomplishments and then he said, “I appreciate that they see you in such a way. But they don’t know you like I know you.”

Furrowing her broad eyebrows in suspiciously, Candace waited for him to continue. Which she didn’t have to wait long at all before Nigel continued, “Well, besides your blinding beauty, I greatly admire your intelligence and how amazing you are at your job. You’re not embittered by the unfairness of the world and its workforce. You work twice as hard as anyone I know, and I’m ecstatic that others see it, as well. I also love how in moments like this, how soft spoken you are. But also, I’ve seen you command a room with a steely version of that same soft spokeness. You’re sweet without being disingenuous. You give praise without being a suck-up.” Cocking his head to the side to look her in the eye, Nigel continued, “Also, you’re adorably awkward.”

Despite the quiver in her voice and the slight dampness in her eyes due to the heartfelt praise, Candace attempted to ask – in a faux incredulous tone, “Awkward?”

“The first time we met, you were so embarrassed by staring at me. Then when we met again at your friend’s house – Whitley and Dwayne – you hid in the closet until you thought I was gone. Then Whitley even pushed you out of the door in hopes you’d talk to me. Then…”

Any further listing, was cut short by Candace’s interruption, “How did you know about the closet?!”

Chuckling, Nigel said, “I overheard you talking with her on the phone one day a while back when you were still visiting me after my Fortissimus win.”

Groaning in embarrassment, Candace hid her head as she then tucked it into his shoulder; however, the motion jostled Nigel’s still quite tender middle as he grunted in sudden discomfort.

At hearing this, Candace immediately readjusted herself with a quick apology. “Ooh, sorry!”

”It’s alright,” Nigel breathed, as he too messaged the large but tender area.

Despite his size and large appetite, Nigel could out do himself by overeating; however, this will in turn aid him when it comes to his personal goals to continue to train and get even stronger.

It was abundantly clear to anyone looking at Nigel that he was not to be messed with due to his massive and intimidating size. Which was only all the more impressive on the few occasions where she had seen him shirtless. His shirtless physique showed him to be even thicker than she imagined. From his huge barrel sized chest, to his sizable lats, to his plentiful stretch marks on his shoulders and sides, to his enormous arms and legs which were layered with dense muscle and fat, to his very large middle, and even his Lichtenberg scars encompassing lower belly and the entirety of his back made him look mysterious in a handsome way, she thought.

His voice is what snapped her out of her fantastical reverie, “I guess that’s what I get for teasing you, huh?”

Turning her attention back to him, Candace looked and saw his lop-sided, scruffy grin, before she answered, “It wasn’t my intent to lean into you that hard, but…”

Her trailed off answer made Nigel laugh through an apology.

She accepted his apology through her own laughter before she said, “But in all seriousness though, thank you for saying those sweet things.”

Nigel gently smiled down at her, kissed the crown of her head, and responded, “No thanks necessary, my love. I should be thanking you for being with me.”

“As a wise man just said, ‘No thanks necessary, my love’. Being with you makes me feel complete,” Candace responded, “All three hundred plus handsome pounds of you!”

Huffing out a short bit of laughter, Nigel nodded but then Candace added, “You’re staying here tonight, right? It’s so late, I wouldn’t want you to drive back to whatever hotel you’re staying at.”

Loving this proposition, Nigel said, “I’d love to stay here. In all honesty, I knew I’d come straight here from the airport, so my check-in time isn’t until an hour from now. But I can call and cancel it now that I’m staying here for the weekend.”

“Do that,” Candace said, “I’ve got a guest room but just in case you’re to comfortable to move, this couch pulls out into a sleeper.”

A blissful and grateful expression crossed his face as Nigel said, “You know me so well, love. I’ll definitely take this couch-bed.”

Candace smiled and snuggled further into his side as Nigel then gestured his chin toward the television and asked, “What’re you up for watching?” Then he added, “Possibly something that won’t cause you to throw Cheetos at the Telly.”

That comment caused Candace to turn and stick her tongue out at him before looking back to her mounted television.

The childish response caused Nigel to laugh as they finally settled on Clue the movie.

“Oh, I can’t remember the last I saw this film,” Nigel said, with Candace humming in agreement.

As the film started with it’s iconic opening musical score, Nigel couldn’t help but marvel at how domestic and normal the whole situation felt. Being in her home, the two of them preparing dinner, discussing each other’s day, and relaxing in front of the television.

He didn’t want the weekend to end as soon as it started.

But then a thought came to him as he thought, What if it didn’t end?

More than happy with this train of thought, Nigel knew something had changed in him.

Something for the better.

Something he didn't realize that he was missing.

I...I’m going to marry this woman.

THE END

Chapter Text

As time has gone on, Robert ‘Hercules’ Fenwick’s hatred and jealousy over Nigel’s win from Fortissimus has grown to insurmountable proportions.

It’s gotten to the point where those who were closest to him – his mother and a few friends – approached him about their concerns with his unhealthy obsession with Nigel, especially since the other man has done nothing to warrant such attention.

However, Robert completely ignored their concerns and thought they were simply turning against him as well; which in turn, made his hatred for the locally famous carpenter grow even further.

In his mind, the only way to prove that he wasn’t crazy and that Nigel was this evil villain, Robert thought that he needed to take things to the next level.

He needed some sort of other witness.

Thus, Robert took it upon himself to find Nigel’s ex-wife: Barbara.

A week later, through several means, Robertwas able to find that Barbara Fay Hughes – now Godfrey – is currently on her third husband and is still doing well at the winery tasting room: Vines to Wines.

Robert then was able to find out when Barbara’s shift ended normally and then he decided to confront her about her first ex-husband as she left her job for the day.

In the parking lot of Vines to Wines, Robert saw Barbara’s beautiful, blond, statuesque form saunter out of the building and was headed to her personal car.

However, Robert intercepted Barbara and began to ask her scathing and highly personal questions about her past relationship with Nigel.

“Hello,” Robert began, “You don’t know me, but my name’s Robert Fenwick, everyone calls me Hercules.”

With a suspicious eyebrow raised, Barbara responded haughtily, “I’m married and if you try anything my husband will gladly, and quite literally, kill you.”

Cocking his jaw to the side with a slight annoyance, Robert answered, “I’m not here to make a pass on you. I’m actually here to ask you some questions about your first ex-husband: Nigel Sanders.”

Crossing her arms, Barbara asked, “What kind of questions?”

Impressively in one breath Robert asked, “Things about his past, for one thing. What was the grounds of your divorce from him? Was he unfaithful? Was he abusive? Did he ever force himself on you? Was he ever an avid drug user? Has he ever used drugs? Has he ever stolen from someone? Has he ever killed someone? Has he…”

At his bombarding and presumptuous questions, Barbara cut him off and said, “Stop right there Reuben.”

“It’s Robert,” Robert said, blinking rapidly at the interruption.

Waving her hand dismissively at him, Barbara said, “Whatever, I can’t bring myself to care.” Before she continued by saying, “Look, the things that happened between myself and Nigel are private. Do you understand?”

She went on to tell the man before her that Nigel never truly did anything to her. However, she did tell Robert that even if Nigel did do something to her, in any way, she’d never tell some random, creepy stranger about it anyway.

This was not met well becausean angry Robert then took a threatening step toward the woman; however, before he could do anything, Barbara pulled out a small but very powerful can of mace and sprayed the man directly in the eyes.

Due to the burning sensation in his eyes, Robert couldn’t open his eyes but he did hear the clinking of her heels quicken away from him as she got into her car and then moments after that the sound of a car revving up speed away from him.

Through squinted, bleary eyes, Robert saw her speed away from him.

As she sped away, Robert rapidly blinked his eyes and thought in his delusional pain, Even his ex-wife doesn’t have anything bad to say about that man! It’s like he’s one step ahead of me and told others not to talk to me! Well, I won’t be able stop that easy.

This feeling of simmering hate followed Robert where ever he went: his mother’s home where he lived, the bar where he frequented, the Behemoth Center Gym, to the supermarket, and more.

It even followed him on social matters, such as a few dates that he had.

On one particular occasion, Robert had taken one girl – named Leah Shepherd – to a decent restaurant called Little Italy.

Little Italy was a dark, cozy space with a façade of rusticated stone. In the large dining area the atmosphere was warm and comfortable for singles and couples alike, with a pianist playing Sinatra classics and other pop songs on a grand piano on a raised platform above the bar.

At one table near the window, Leah and Robert had already been seated and as their appetizers of crostini were served to them, Leah asked Robert about his day; however, Robert went on a long tangent about Nigel and how the man was ruining his life.

From there, he told Leah about their first meeting at Behemoth Center and how Nigel took the last spot with the most prestigious coach.

He told Leah how Nigel has to have taken a ton of steroids because Nigel went from a tall, scrawny loser to a hulking hero. But also, the majority of the gym members loved his transformation and skill.

He told Leah about how Nigel was in his Muay Thai class and how Nigel encouraged the other classmates to ignore his advice on their failures in class. (“I can’t help that I’m the best in the class while everyone else are a bunch pillocks.”)

He told Leah about how Nigel and his carpentry business has been on the local news for being one of the fastest growing businesses in Strongfair, Anchester. But Robert’s certain that’s a lie and that the business has to backed with dirty money.

He told Leah about how Nigel must’ve bribed the judges of Fortissimus because Nigel ended up winning the competition.

He told Leah about how he found Nigel’s wife, who maced him unfairly after a series of questions.

Quite uncomfortable with his growing ire, it was at this point that Leah decided to end the date.

Which incidentally was before their main courses ever came out.

As she reached in her purse to pay for her portion of the meal she has yet to receive, Robert’s complexion turned red in anger and in embarrassment because of this; however, he attempted to calm himself by asking his date, “What? Why are you leaving?”

With a tired but gentle expression crossing her fair, olive complexion, Leah answered, “Because…well, – as my friends would say – I’m ‘weirded out’ by you. It’s obvious that you have some sort of obsession with this Nigel, person. And it’s becoming clear to me that you’d rather not be here.”

“You don’t understand,” said Nigel, as he gripped the arms of his chair in a white-knuckled grip. “You’re everything I want, alright. You’re a beautiful specimen. You seem to be submissive and not judgmental. You’re very elegant. Now that I’ve said that, just because I’ve had a bad bloody day, doesn’t give you the right to just give up on this date.”

Leah felt something hard come into her chest but forced an even tone into her voice as she said with a tight smile, “Look, I’m sure you’re a nice man, and all, but I think tonight was a bad night for a date. You obviously have your mind on more… pressing matters. So, I will pay for my portion of whatever food that I ordered just now, and I’m still leaving.”

This made Robert even more angry.

Sitting almost completely motionless, Robert countered by saying, “Leah, I don’t want you to make a stupid mistake that you’ll regret later just because I’m just telling you about my day, which you did ask about, alright. Understand this, I’m single and very desirable among many women. My talking should let you know that I’m passionate about things I take interest in and I’ve taken an interest in you, which is why we’re on a date right now.”

Not seeing her friendly face harden further, Robert continued saying, “Now this is how it’s going to work, you’re going to settle down, wait for our main course to come out, and then afterwards you’re going to let the romance begin.”

Feeling an icy feeling take over her completely, Leah grabbed her purse, deposited the money on the table, and then stood from her chair.

“Not even if hell were to freeze over. Have a nice evening,” Leah said, before she left a hotly fuming Robert at the table.

At her retreating form, Robert slammed an opened hand on the table – rattling the plates and glasses – in frustration.

In that moment, he didn’t think things could get more frustrating to him.

He was wrong.

Several weeks later, Robert was still tending to his wounds from the failed date before he decided to take a chance on yet another date – set up by a friend-of-a-friend; however, he wanted to ‘test’ the woman before they met and see how she’d react if he didn’t show up.

The results were not as he expected.

The woman whom he stood up – Elizabeth Potter – was not only unperturbed by his actions but also she wasn’t interested in giving him a second chance because she’s never picked up his calls again.

Thus, he ended up leaving multiple messages on her voicemail, ranting about ‘how dare Elizabeth not call him back after he admitted to missing the date on purpose’ and ‘how she should at least be gratefulthat he’s left another message telling her the truth of what he did.’

She still didn’t answer any of his calls nor respond to his voice messages.

Thus, he kept calling her hours on end.

Which even led into the next day; however, by this point, she completely blocked all his calls after that.

Which left him feeling as if nothing would ever go right for him.

Needless to say, Robert needed to take his frustrations out on something – or preferably someone – Robert found himself at his beloved Behemoth Center punching the punching bag with extreme force.

After finally taking a break, Robert looked around the gym and saw a lot of people simply going about their own business.

Some were running on the treadmills.

Some were stationary biking.

Some were bench pressing.

None of which were focused on him, in any way shape or form.

Annoyed by this fact, Robert made his way over to the dumbbell section.

As he situated himself there with a 23kg dumbbell, Robert saw Nigel talking with his friend – Kento Urufu.

Due to the somewhat close proximity, of the two men, Robert was able to hear their conversation.

“Congratulations, Nigel!” exclaimed Kento. “I’m so happy for you and Candace.”

“Thank you, mate! I’ll be honest with you, when I went to her parents house and asked for their daughter’s hand in marriage, I quite nearly didn’t make it,” said Nigel, with the biggest grin plastered across the landscape of his face.

“What do you mean?” asked Kento.

“I was bloody terrified! I mean, sure we’ve met a few times, I’ve accompanied their family to church, I’ve even hung out with her brothers. But this was different!” Nigel said, as he ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it in the process.

“But it was obviously worth it, because they helped you set up a proposal and she said ‘yes,’” Kento said, with a slap of camaraderie to Nigel’s shoulder.

The more they discussed Nigel’s excitement about his engagement, the more Robert saw red haze fill his vision.

Wait just a bleedin’ second , Robert thought as his grip on the dumbbell tightened, I can’t get a date, but this egomaniac is getting married!

It’s just not fair! Robert thought as he saw Nigel and Kento bid each other farewell before Nigel made his way toward the front of the gym to leave.

Nigel has been deliberately taunting me for years now. From him first coming here, to how some women swoon over him here, to him winning the Strongest Man on Earth title, to him telling people not to talk to me, to even getting into my friends and family’s heads, and now he’s bragging about getting married when I can’t get a date! Robert thought as he followed Nigel out of the gym – with the dumbbell still in hand – into the parking lot.

This ends now, Robert thought as he lifted the dumbbell in the air, ready and posed to throw it at the unsuspecting man in front of him.

However, a young desk clerk ran after them yelling, “Hey mister! You can’t take that out of the gym!”

The voice behind him peaked Nigel’s curiosity because in a moment’s notice when he turned to see what was happening, he saw a rather large and heavy looking dumbbell hurtling towards him.

With surprising agility and flexibility, Nigel maneuvered himself away from the dumbbell-turned-projectile; and as he dodged it, the dumbbell careened through the window of a nearby car.

Completely ignoring the blaring car alarm, Nigel turned to see an enraged Robert flinging himself at him.

Surprised by such an attack, Robert was able to hit the larger man with such force it caused Nigel to stagger back.

Thankfully, Nigel recovered almost immediately and forcibly grabbed his attacker and punched Robert with enough force that the other man collapsed on the ground.

As Robert struggled feebly from the punch, Nigel bared his teeth and attempted to get his attention saying, “Oi! What was that?”

Ignoring the question, Robert pushed himself to his feet again and sloppily threw another punch, and said, “I’m not listening to you Sanders! Now fight me like a man!”

Nigel dodged the attack with ease, gripped the man’s shirt and said, “No, you listen to me now!” Still gripping the man’s shirt, Nigel shook the other man a little before continuing, “You have a knack for getting on my nerves. You also have a knack for sticking your nose into my personal life. Why are you going around trying to hurt my reputation? Is it because you don’t like your own life and life choices? Or is because you just can’t stand to see anyone you deem on your previous level to soon surpass you in anyway possible?”

“SHUT UP!” Robert yelled.

By this time, several members of the gym as well coaches neared them; however, their encroaching foot steps and curiosity filled voices distracted Nigel for a moment. The moment allowed Robert to slip from Nigel’s grasp; however, as he attempted to run, Kento grabbed Robert in a particular overarm throw called uwatenage. In fact, Kento’s used this move so much in his own training in sumo wrestling that the trademark strategy was nicknamed the ‘death grip’ by his friends and spectators.

With Robert dazed on the ground, Nigel and Kento glowered over the beaten man as others surrounded them.

However, one man that was not in the crowd per say, was standing by the car with the shattered window.

Hands gripping his hair in dismay and anger, the man yelled, “My car! MY CAR! WHO DESTROYED MY CAR?!”

Looking over his shoulder, Nigel answered, “Robert, here, threw a dumbbell at me but he missed and completely shattered your window and upholstery.”

As his vision was no longer swirling, Robert’s brown eyes burned with an intensity that rivaled that of a burning fire as he yelled, “THAT’S A LIE! YOU DID THIS!”

Looking back down to Robert’s still voluntarily prone form on the asphalt, Nigel said, “I’m telling the truth and you know it. Besides, from this angle, the security cameras would have captured it all, regardless.”

After Nigel said this, blaring wails of police sirens could be heard nearing them, while one of the surrounding spectators lowly whistled before saying, “Whoa, mate, you need to see a pastor, take a pill, or check in somewhere! You’re nuts!”

Ignoring the looks and the statements, Robert felt the last remaining drop of energy within him drain away as two officers approached the group.

Once the officers took everyone’s statements, it was made clear to Robert that he was being arrested for attempted assault on Nigel and property damage to Jerry Wallace’s car.

Some months later, in a jailhouse across town, the sun's rays were filtering through the barred windows.

Despite the sunlight, inside the prison was relatively dark. Along with its depressing scenery, the smell of body odor and vomit were a putrefying mixture as it wafted through the entire facility.

In one particular cell sat Robert.

He had a lot of time to think over the course of a few months because ever since his incarceration, no one – except for his mother – came to see him.

He thought about how things went so wrong during his information gathering on Nigel.

He thought about his failed dates.

He thought about how his plea of guilty meant he’d stay in jail for sometime.

He thought about his revoked membership, as well as, his lifetime ban from Behemoth Gym.

But then his thoughts changed to a local volunteer – Etán Rubio – who’s been speaking with him about his choices as well as the topic forgiveness.

Forgiveness for those who’s wronged him, intentionally and unintentionally.

Forgiveness for himself as well.

After the first few initially visits from Etán, Robert couldn’t help but feel broken, hollow, and more than a little stupid.

But after a few more visits, Robert began to feel the proverbial weight lift off of his chest as he began to seriously think that – like Nigel – maybe he too needs a change.

THE END

Chapter Text

It was yet another beautiful day in New York City.

In the azure coloured sky above the city, the warm, beautiful, golden glow of the sun shone above the picturesque fluffy white clouds with its gentle rays of sunlight beamed through the various sized clouds.

In front of one particular church, the manicured grass had a vibrant shade of green, which was almost enhanced due to a fine layer of dew that still lingered across each blade.

The dew also lingered on the small garden as the flowers were in the fullness of their bloom, which displayed a beautiful array of colours.

Those already in the church thought the alluring image of nature made this particular day more special.

Inside the church, a wedding was about to be underway.

In one room, six men were finishing up getting ready for the wedding about to take place.

Fumbling with tying his bow tie, one of the men said, “I can’t believe this is happening! The day’s finally here!”

Chuckling at his friend, another man approached the younger man before he swatted the fidgeting fingers away from the bow tie, saying, “You now something, I can’t believe it either, Ben. Our little boy is finally growing up.”

The others in the room chuckled heartily before Nigel looked away from his reflection in the full-length mirror as he cast a dry-look – accompanied by a single raised, thick eyebrow – saying, “Ha-ha, Norman and Ben, very funny.”

Looking away from his friends and younger brother, Nigel returned his attention back to the mirror as he continued to scrutinize himself in various angles.

From the mirror, Nigel could see another one of his groomsmen approach him from behind.

The man who settled at his side was slim build, had a warm pecan brown complexion, short brown hair, and vibrant green eyes.

As he too examined himself in the same mirror as Nigel, the man asked, “Do you think you’re ready to marry my baby sister, Nigel?”

Looking away from the mirror to the man at his right side, Nigel was about to answer before Norman asked in a confused tone, “‘Baby sister?’ I thought Candace, Lance, and you were triplets, Joe.”

Jonah ‘Joe’ Pierce smiled as he looked at Norman and answered, “We are triplets but she’s still the youngest by a few minutes.”

Norman nodded in understanding as Nigel – who just adjusted his tuxedo jacket once more – answered Joe’s previous question, “I’m very, very ready, Joe. This is… the absolute best day of my life! Candace has truly made me the happiest man on Earth.”

Seeing the mountain sized man practically bursting with elation, Joe and his brother – Lance – looked at each other knowingly with friendly, crooked smiles before the last groomsman – Dr. Jorge Villanueva – heartily laughed before saying, “Oh, you couldn’t be happier if you tried.”

Smiling, Jorge continued, “But in all seriousness though, I couldn’t be happier for you. You deserve all the happiness and more, Nige.”

Nigel smiled widely at his friend, “Thank you, Jorge.”

Jorge then added, “I’m just glad you finally wised up and paid attention to what I’ve tried to teach you.”

Jorge’s wide-eyed expression caused the room to erupt in laughter before Norman sputtered, “W-what do you mean?”

Jorge shrugged his broad shoulders before he answered. “I had to teach him about charisma. Because some got it,” he paused before looking playfully over to a smiling Nigel, “Some don’t.”

The men continued to playfully jibe each other while across the church, Candace and her bridesmaids continued to get ready for her wedding.

Sitting in front of the vanity mirror applying the final coat of her lipstick, Candace felt – as well as saw – her manicured hand tremble slightly.

Also noticing her daughter's anxiousness, Ruth Pierce placed a gentle comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder as she met her daughter's gaze in the mirror.

“Candy, are you alright?” Ruth asked her daughter.

Looking to her mother, Candace sat there for a moment and simply looked at the Pierce matriarch.

Ruth Pierce has aged quite gracefully and she effortlessly exuded elegance and poise. Especially now, as she was dressed in beautiful and tasteful champagne coloured dress.

Blinking herself back into the present, Candace answered with a soft laugh, “Yeah, I’m fine just a little bit nervous. That probably sounds stupid, huh.”

Ruth’s mouth quirked in an understanding small grin, “Not at all, sweetheart. You know, when I was about to marry your father – all those years ago – I nearly fainted at the alter saying my vows because of my anxiousness…it also didn’t help that our wedding was held outside in the middle of a heatwave in the summer time.”

Candace huffed a bit of laughter at this, but soon her soon-to-be sister-in-law – May Sanders – spoke up from across the room saying, “Nerves on ‘the big day’ happens to a lot of us, Candace. For me, I remember puking at least three times before I actually walked down the isle.”

Gasping in shock-and-awe, Candace looked at May and asked, “Really?”

“Oh yeah, but after a pep talk from my mom and sister, I was able to walk down the isle to Ben and now, with three sons later, we’re still very happily married,” said May.

Whitley and Connie Rubirosa approached Candace to also weigh in on the topic at hand.

“May’s right, Candace,” said Whitley, “It’s natural to be nervous and sometimes those nerves really rear their ugly heads in different ways.”

Picking up where Whitley left off, Viviane said gently in a reassuring manner, “All these things are true, boo, but don’t worry about them. Okay? And let’s be real, Nigel’s probably just as nervous as you are as he’s getting ready. But thankfully, at the end of the day, Nigel is over the moon about you! And you’re just as in love with him, so that’s all that matters!”

Connie nodded and then added, “That’s exactly right! But all that matters is that you’re marrying someone you love and who loves you back.”

Nodding in agreement, Ruth turned her attention back to her daughter and straightened her flower-crystal headband. “Viviane is right, Candy. Just take a deep breath and enjoy your wedding, baby girl!”

Before anyone else could say anything a sharp rap from the other side of the closed door sounded before the voice of Candace’s father could be heard, saying, “Ladies? Are you ready? It’s that time.”

Looking to her daughter, Ruth asked, “Are you ready, Candace?”

Candace looked between the door and her mother before nodding, saying, “Yes, mom. I’m ready.”

Rubbing her hands together before picking up her bridesmaid’s bouquet, Whitley said, “Alright! Candace it’s time to get your man!”

The other bridesmaids laughed gently before heading out of the door; which left mother and daughter behind once more.

Seeing her daughter deep breathing once more to calm the obvious butterflies in her stomach, Ruth took her daughter’s hands in her own before saying, “Candy, you look absolutely gorgeous. You’ve always been gorgeous, though, with your outer and inner beauty.”

Sniffling slightly, Ruth blinked the tears threatening to spill and ruin her makeup away as she continued, “I can still so vividly see the day you and your brothers were born. But the difference between you now and you then, is that you then were priceless and helpless. You now are still beyond price…but your father and I are letting you go knowing that you and Nigel will do very well together.”

Candace stood stock still as she listened to her mother give her heartfelt speech.

After wiping away a stray tear that escaped her daughter's eye with the pad of her thumb, Ruth continued, “And as I feel you slipping away from our hands, because of how I remember you then, your father and I will pray for you now as you go on to a new chapter in your life. But just know, that whenever you need us, we will always be there for you.”

Heaving a shuddering breath, Candace wrapped her arms around her mother's neck as her vision completely blurred with tears she refused to let fall, saying, “I love you too, mama.”

After a long moment, Ruth stepped away and held her daughter at arms length, before saying, “It’s a good thing we’re both wearing water proof makeup.”

“I was just going to say that as well,” Candace said, with a watery but happy smile.

Glancing to the clock mounted on the wall, Ruth said, “Well, it’s time sweetheart. Let’s get you to your father.”

Candace nodded and then followed her mother out of the room to where her father was standing outside of the closed auditorium doors.

After handing their only daughter to her husband, Ruth then went through the double doors and made her way to her seat at the front of the church.

Soon after though, both father and daughter heard the introduction of Hear Comes the Bride on the organ.

Giving his daughter his arm, Russell asked, “Are you ready, Candy?”

Taking her father’s arm while also holding her bouquet, Candace nodded and said in an excited tone, “I’m ready to get married daddy!”

Chuckling at his child’s enthusiasm, Russell nodded and just as he did so, the doors opened wide to reveal the their friends and family turn to see them with Pastor Derek, Nigel, his groomsmen, and Candace’s bridesmaids standing at the front of the church.

As Candace and her father walked down the isle, Nigel felt all the air in his body leave him.

He stared with a wide-eyed gaze and his mouth slightly a gap.

Candace was a vision before him.

She looked a glow as she walked down in her dazzling, shimmering wedding dress with its strapless bodice features an angled neckline, strong floral patterns incorporated throughout, along with its sheer bodice.

She was the definition of breathtaking.

Feeling a gentle but definite jab to his fleshy side, Nigel looked away from his encroaching bride-to-be and looked to his best man/younger brother.

Ben simply smiled at his older brother, as did his other groomsmen.

Smiling himself, Nigel looked back to Candace as she and her father stopped at the alter.

“Dearly beloved,” Pastor Derek began as he then went to address the gathered loved ones on why they were there on this joyous occasion.

As he did so, Nigel couldn't help but recall all the moments that led him here.

From the death of Rosie, to his own parents passing, to his divorce from Barbara, to him losing his wrestling job, to meeting Norman, to getting his life back with strongman and Muay Thai, to gathering the courage to start a carpentry company, to going back to school and getting his Master’s degree and PhD in nuclear physics, to meeting and now marrying the stunning woman before him now.

While some of those phases were extremely painful, Nigel couldn’t help but be grateful for how those more painful moments in his life molded him into a better, smarter, and even more caring person that he is now.

And even in that growth, Nigel acknowledged that being with Candace made him feel complete and that she brought out the best in him.

Nigel couldn’t be more grateful to begin the rest of his life with his soon-to-be wife.

At that moment, Pastor Derek then asked in his friendly, clipped British accent, “Who gives this woman away?”

Russell exchanged a quick glance and watery smile with Nigel before looking back to the pastor and answered, “Her mother and I do.”

After saying this, Russell placed Candace’s hand into Nigel much larger hand before he placed a quick kiss to his little girl’s cheek.

Once Russell took his seat next to his wife in the front row, Pastor Derek continued with the ceremony.

Finally, Pastor Derek asked Nigel, “Do you – Nigel Sanders – take this woman to be your lawfully, wedded wife?”

“I do,” Nigel said, with a large smile on his face.

Looking to Candace, Pastor Derek asked the same thing of her, “Do you – Candace Pierce – take this man to be your lawfully, wedded husband?”

With an equally large smile, Candace answered, “I do.”

Smiling at the couple, Pastor Derek then said, “By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may…”

Before the pastor could finish his sentence, Nigel stooped down and immediately began to kiss his bride as if he hadn’t seen nor kissed her in months, rather than a mere few hours.

With her back arched, Candace returned the kiss with just as much fervor as she opened her mouth to allow his tongue clear access to her own, all the while, she tightly gripped the lapels of Nigel’s onyx coloured tuxedo jacket.

With this deepened kiss, Candace felt her feet leave the floor as Nigel stood upright with her still in his massive arms.

Their loved ones laughed and cheered louder at this display of love and affection.

As the newlyweds broke away from their kiss, Nigel sat her back on solid ground with the largest grin plastered across his face, to which Candace returned; from there, they turned to see the broom already placed on the ground before them.

Gingerly, the couple jumped over the broom to the sound of the crowd erupting in cheers and claps.

From there the couple walked down the isle together.

As they walked, Candace saw her parents smiling towards them – a stream of happy tears streaming down her father’s face.

Nigel saw his old coach: Sydney Foskett – dressed in his signature plaid suit – giving him two thumbs up with a paternally proud smile on his face.

Others who were in attendance, wished them early wishes of happiness together as they continued to make their way down the isle.

It’s finally happened! Nigel thought ecstatically.

I’m married to the love of my life!

Gazing down to Candace’s bright, happy face, Nigel couldn’t help but fall in love with her all over again.

After darkness had encroached the city, the wedding reception had ended which left Nigel and Candace to go back to her – now their – brownstone home.

Nigel carried her over the threshold and as he did so, he said, “Welcome home, Mrs. Sanders.”

Still in his arms, Candace said, “Welcome home, Mr. Sanders.”

Not wanting to set her down just yet, Nigel kicked the door shut, held his new bride in one arm, while locking the door with the other.

After this, he carried her up to their room all the while kissing her.

Finally reaching their destination, Nigel gently deposited Candace on the bed.

From his great height, Nigel knelt down before her, kissed the sensitive area under her earlobe, and reached behind her to unzip her wedding dress.

Candace hummed in delight as she felt heat flair through her.

Busying her own hands, Candace pushed Nigel’s heavy tuxedo jacket off of his broad shoulders and listened to it unceremoniously drop to the ground.

The lovebirds separated for a moment from each other to catch their breath.

But then Candace felt her breath hitch within herself as Nigel turned his head and placed several kisses to her open palm.

Meeting her gaze with his own, Candace felt distracted for a moment by how handsome he looked with his suspenders framing his large form as well as how his bow tie sat around his neck undone with just a few buttons of his dress shirt unbuttoned.

But what caught her attention even more, was what shone in his eyes.

His eyes reflected more than just the promise of tonight but the sincere promise of forever.

Enclosing her hand as much around his as she could, Candace gently caressed his knuckle with the padding of her thumb.

“Nigel, I promise to never lose our spark and to always do the little things to make our life together happy.”

“And I promise you the same thing, my dearest Sunshine,” Nigel said, before he descended over her form.

Their expressions of bliss never wavering all night through.

THE END

Chapter Text

The first two sensations that Candace felt one morning was the powerful thumping of her husband’s heart beating away under her ear as well as the heat that radiated off him.

The next sensation that she also felt his heavy arm wrapped around her form as they laid blissfully cuddled together.

Shifting her head slightly, Candace then saw her husband was still completely asleep.

Candace smiled gently at the sight of his hair splayed on his pillow as well as the way his full lips parted ever so gently.

Not wanting to wake him, Candace rolled away from him and attempted to get up; however, she found Nigel also rolled over and captured her in his massive arms.

This quite effectively trapped her against him as she felt him nuzzle his face into the gentle fabric Candace’s multi-coloured night kerchief that was wrapped around her hair.

Feeling as well as hearing him hum in content, Candace was left with a very difficult predicament.

I want to stay here in the arms of my man, she thought.

But I also want to get up and make breakfast for him. Especially because since we’ve been married for the past several weeks, he’s always gotten up before me and made me breakfast.

Her oppositional inner voice countered, Girl, you know you can’t get this man off of you! I say, just stay here in his arms and then when you both get up, then prepare some food.

Huffing at the inner monologue, Candace couldn’t help but agree with that particular point of moving Nigel from off and around her to be an almost futile effort; however, she wanted to surprise him with something nice and simple as breakfast.

Especially, since food will keep his strength up for other activities, she reasoned.

Finding this new idea to be entirely motivating, Candace used every bit of strength she had to disentangle herself from her husband.

Luckily, Nigel was out cold and didn’t wake up as she got out of bed nor did he wake as she picked up his discarded shirt from the end of the bed and pulled it over her head.

Candace chuckled to herself quietly as she felt how big her husband’s shirt was on her form. The shirt completely engulfed her as it reached beyond her kneecaps.

But she refocused herself onto her mission of making breakfast. Thus, she made her way out of the bedroom, downstairs, and into the kitchen.

As she opened their large fridge, Candace looked inside and proceeded to take out the grass-fed butter, organic baby spinach, the rice that Nigel made the night before, the eggs, cheddar cheese, and bacon.

It wasn’t long before the aroma of food began to fill the kitchen as she began to cook; however, Candace was so focused on cooking breakfast that she didn’t realize the time nor did she hear Nigel lumber down the stairs.

That is until he made his presence known by wrapping his arms around her waist.

The sudden appearance of her husband startled her slightly as she was turning over the large amount of eggs in the frying pan.

“Sorry about that, love,” Nigel said with a slight chuckle, as he found her squeak amusing.

Huffing playfully, Candace said, “Sure… .”

Turning slightly in his embrace, the newlywed couple pecked each other on the lips.

“Why don’t you sit. The food’s ready,” Candace said.

Not releasing her just yet, Nigel nuzzled his wife’s neck and peppered it with feathery kisses. Then he straightened up and gently turned his wife around saying, “Have I told you before that you look especially beautiful in my shirt?”

Candace craned her head upward, rested her hands against his shirtless barrel sized chest, and stood on her tip-toes which enticed Nigel to come down to her from his fourteen-inch height difference and kiss her.

Once they separated, Candace’s eyes sparkled with a look that was just for him and finally answered, “Many times! But I’ll never get tired of hearing it.”

Nigel chuckled at this before Candace gave him his prodigiously sized breakfast that suited his diet, which allowed him to maintain his physique and strength levels.

Once drying her hands on the kitchen towel, Candace also brought her plate over to the table and sat at his right side.

After grace was said, the two was able to start their breakfast.

“This is delicious, my love, thank you!” Nigel said, after he swallowed his initial bite before he dug back into his plate with gusto his stomach audibly roaring back at him akin to a car engine revving up.

Beaming at this, Candace said, “Of course! I’m just glad that I got everything right because of your diet is specific.”

Looking at his wife, Nigel responded, “You did everything perfectly.”

The conversation between the couple continued to be light and sweet as they shifted from topic to topic.

After some time, Candace changed the topic from one of her latest articles that she wrote and asked, “So, how’s the process of getting your citizenship going?”

“It’s going well! It’s a long process but I’m looking forward to becoming an American citizen. Although, I have to admit that I’m grateful that the U.S. immigration law does not explicitly address the topic of dual citizenship and that I don’t have to relinquish my citizenship with the U.K.,” Nigel said as he picked up his large glass of lemon water.

Nodding, Candace said, “That is a relief because I’ll start applying for my U.K. citizenship soon since they’re very much like the U.S. with having a dual citizenship.”

“And you know, I like the idea of us having two homes. Part of the year we stay here in New York and the other part of the year is in Anchester,” said Nigel, as he scooped more rice and eggs onto his fork.

“I do too! But I think we’ll need to find a new place here though because, you need someplace to work out of with your business as well as your workout needs,” said Candace, as she skewered the last piece of bacon on her plate.

“I agree. Plus, we need a place where you have your own office. One that’s big and spacious,” said Nigel as he pushed his now empty plate away from him.

“Do you want to look over some listings today, then?” Nigel asked as he watched Candace get up from her seat take both of their empty plates and put them in the dishwasher.

Candace didn’t answer him immediately as she instead sauntered over to him and straddled his large, plush lap, being careful of his full stomach which pressed against her thin but curvy form.

She then began messaging his chest and thick abdomen.

Under her tender care, Nigel closed his eyes for a brief moment and hummed in contentment before opening his eyes again clearly seeing her open and obvious want and passion.

Seeing him simultaneously squirm and melt underneath her, Candace felt a rush to her ego because she’s reduced such an imposing man – both in intelligence and size – to nothing but a puddle of want.

His breathing quickened as she leaned forward and nipped at his sizable chest.

“So, that’s a definite ‘no’ to house listings for today,” he said in an airy voice.

His wife chuckled almost wickedly at his quip before pressing completely against him and began whispering into his ear.

As Candace whispered, Nigel felt all the air leave his large body and then his eyes trailed downward to his wife’s bright-red polished nails as she gripped one of his thick pectorals every so often she cupped it in a manner as if she was weighing its heft. The sensation along with what she was whispering in his ear caused goosebumps to form all over him.

Finally, Candace then leaned back away from him biting her lip – her white teeth contrasting with her flawless brown complexion.

Raising his eyes from her lips to her face, Nigel nodded before he saw a mischievous and playful expression splayed across her beautiful face before she stood from his lap and ran upstairs.

Immediately following her, Nigel caught her on the stairs before lifting her into his arms.

Her shriek of surprise at his speed caused her to laugh; which in turn, had Nigel flash a dimpled smile at her before saying, “I hope you’ve got enough strength built up, my love. Because we’re not going anywhere for a while.”

With her still in his arms, Nigel added, “You know, you have the most wonderful ideas!”

Candace’s delighted, ecstatic laughter echoed through the stairwell as Nigel positioned her over his shoulder and entered their bedroom for a day of more exhausting fun.

THE END