Paddy Pimblett, the fiery, charismatic fighter from Liverpool, was known for his brash attitude in the octagon and his lively personality outside of it. But beneath the bravado, there was a side to him that a few had seen- he had a big heart. One chilly afternoon after a grueling training session, Paddy wandered into a local cafe to grab a coffee and unwind.
He was dressed in just a T-shirt and pants, and his hair was still wet from his shower at practice. His hair was getting longer and he was thinking about getting a haircut today until he opened the door to the local cafe and saw her.
Y/N was sitting by the window, sipping coffee with a book in her lap. She was absorbed in her novel, her long brown hair cascading over her shoulders, her focus so intense that she didn't notice Paddy walk in.
"Excuse me." a man bumped into him from behind.
"Sorry," Paddy said as he continued walking to the front counter. He ordered his usual, a double espresso, and glanced around for a seat. Spotting the only empty chair across from Y/N. He decided to walk over to her and took a chance to ask, "Mind if I sit here?"
He flashed his famous smile at her as she looked up towards him. Y/N, surprised by the sudden question but smiled warmly said, "Go ahead." With that she motioned towards the chair across from her.
Paddy sat down, his usual playful charm kicking in. "So, what are you reading? Let me guess, mystery?" He took a sip of his coffee and leaned back in his chair. The sunlight outside shined on his dirty-blonde hair, making it appear more blonde.
Y/N eyed him up and down, "So what if it is, hmm?"
Paddy, with his usual cheeky grin, kicked things off. "So, what's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you? Bet I can top It." Suddey he sat up and leaned on his elbows on the table.
Y/N raised an eyebrow amused. "Oh really? I'm sure you've got some ridiculous stories, but I doubt they can beat my first day at university. I accidentally walked into the wrong lecture hall and sat through an entire hour-long lecture on advanced physics before I realized I was in the wrong place."
Paddy burst out laughing. "Advanced physics? You? Well, at least you didn't try to get in a fight over it," he joked, tapping his cup. "Honestly, I've had my own fair share of embarrassing moments. One time, I tried to impress a girl by doing a backflip, ended up faceplanting right into the pavement. Didn't impress anyone, trust me."
Y/N laughed and teased, "Guess you need a bit more practice in the flip department."
Paddy smiled, leaning back in his chair. "You know I think I'm better at the fighting bit. But hey, that's what I do best. What about you? What makes you tick? What are you passionate about?"
Y/N thought for a moment, stirring her coffee. "I love writing. It's a way for me to express myself. I write short stories, sometimes poetry. I guess it's like my own form of fighting, but with words instead of fists."
Paddy raised his eyebrows, intrigued. "That's pretty cool. I'm all for storytelling, just not the literary kind. More like... telling my opponents that I'm about to knock them out."
Y/N chuckled. "I think you'd be a great character in one of my stories. A big, brash fighter with a heart of gold."
Paddy laughed, his grin widening. "Ah, you mean I'm a bit of a cliche, huh? Big tough guy with a soft side?"
"Exactly," she said playfully. Her round glasses slipped down her nose and she gracefully pushed them back up. "But there's a reason those characters are popular. I bet if you could see yourself the way others see you, you'd realize you're way more than just the brash guy."
Paddy leaned in, looking at her more seriously for a moment. "I think you might be right. Sometimes I forget there's more to me than what people see on TV."
Y/N gasped, her hazel doe eyes were looking at him in awe.
The conversation shifted, becoming more personal as time went on. They talked about their families-Paddy's close-knit relationship with his mom and sister, Y/N's fondness for her little brother-and their dreams for the future. They also shared their fears, the insecurities that came with being in the public eye, and the challenge of staying grounded when everything around them seemed chaotic.
After finding out that Paddy was a UFC fighter, nothing changed between them. Y/N was still chatting up a storm indifferently.
Eventually, time came to an end for them. Y/N glanced down at her phone, and practically jumped out of her seat. "I'm sorry, I forgot I had to pick up my little brother from school."
Paddy also got up, "It's alright." He scratched the back of his neck while showcasing his famous grin. He watched as Y/N began packing her stuff inside a small backpack that she brought.
"I had a wonderful time. By any chance could I get your number?" Paddy asked.
Y/N glanced up at him, her bangs covering her face, "Of course! Could I type it in your phone?" She was a blushing mess as he handed her his phone. After she had gave him back his phone, their fingers touched, sparks of electricity connected them.
"Also, my name is Y/N," she smiled as she grabbed her stuff and left through the front door.
Paddy was speechless. In the span of a day he talked to a girl and got her number. He knew his sister would be proud if he told her, which he was thinking about doing.
