Megan circled him on the mat. Her porcelain skin contrasted her jet-black hair. She had it tied up in case he accidentally grabbed it. Jake's hair, though shorter, was identical in colour, though his skin had a slightly darker complexion. At 25, the twins had been sparring together for years now. Not always harmonious, their relationship had gotten stronger over time as they helped each other reach their goals; winning mixed martial arts competitions. It was each other who'd share shitty economy class and even worse hotel rooms. It was each other they'd look for in the crowd whenever one of them fought. Their partners often complained the siblings spent too much time on their "hobby." Jake and Meg had long given up trying to explain their passion.
Meg clapped her padded gloves together.
"Don't go easy on me now."
Along with the MMA gloves, a black sports bra supported her supple breasts. Black shorts were tight to her bum. Unblemished, snow-white skin was her only other armour. Jake made do with white, baggy shorts and gloves.
"No mouthguard today, remember," Jake said, pointing to his face. "So, no cheap shots."
Meg winked before charging. Jake stopped himself from instinctively driving a knee. They grappled for a few moments. Meg's hands were small on his broad shoulders. Surprised by her strength, Jake reasserted himself. The thud echoed through the emptying gym as his sister's back slammed against the mat. Gaining the top position, Jake smiled.
"The guy on top again. The way it's meant to be."
Peeling off her, he pulled her to her feet. A mocking grin crossed her face.
"Look, a guy is always gonna be stronger, Meg. I'm way too big for your body type anyway."
"I need to fight the best if I wanna be the best," she shot back.
They reset positions and grappled again. Once more, Jake peered down into his sister's dark eyes. She punched the mat as they rose to their feet.
"It's ok, sis," he said as he rubbed her shoulder. "Honestly, I can help you with striking, cardio and all of that. But for this you need the right body type to hone your technique. How about Josh? He's more your size."
"You're breathing pretty heavy yourself. I think I'm beginning to wear you down, Jake!" Besides, Mike gets jealous about me rolling with any guy other than you."
"Tell me about it. I swear Laura is sometimes uneasy about US training together!"
They both chuckled. Their bodies shimmered from perspiration.
"The girl for my next fight is bigger than me, so I need to get used to larger sizes," Meg said, adjusting her bra. "Come on! I want to practice all positions."
"If it's size you want, I'm your guy," Jake jested.
She managed to stay on her feet longer this time. Meg's thigh wrapped around his as she tried to trip him. His hands slid on her waist as their bodies twisted. The siblings slammed to the mat together. The big man was quickest to react. Rolling on top of her, he could smell victory. His sister managed to slip out from under him a little. She wrapped her feet around his waist and grabbed his thick neck. Their grunting increased as she pulled him close.
Jake could have easily broken her hold. Instead, he held position and gazed into her eyes. Beads of sweat dotted their faces. She probably expected him to launch back. Easing forward, he pressed his lips to hers. Meg eventually loosened her grip. The waft of sweat hit their nostrils. Jake lifted his head as her legs fell to the mat. A stunned expression etched on her face. He didn't help her up this time. Rolling off her, he said,
"Let's call it a day...uh...see you tomorrow."
He jogged to the changing room to hide his arousal. He hoped he hadn't fucked up their hard-earned relationship. 'Fucking idiot,' he spat as he dressed in haste.
*****
He breathed a sigh of relief as Meg finally appeared from the changing room. Jake returned her nervous wave as she approached the mat. Her loose bob cut swayed as she walked. 'Is that a different bra she's wearing?' Jake wondered. 'Thinner straps. Fuck man, keep it together.'
"Meg, about yest-,"
"Yo, Hamiltons! You two OK to lock up?" Dan, the manager shouted whilst waving the keys.
"Yeah, no problem," Jake replied. "Just leave them on the window sill."