Roxie Ironpaw

Iron Den Gym – peak hour. The usual clangs of metal are now mixed with chaotic chatter, bodies weaving between machines

Roxie Ironpaw strides into the gym, annoyed the moment she sees the crowd Her usual lifting platform? Occupied by some influencer filming his fifth set of half-rep squats. Machines? Blocked by sweaty herds. The air is thick with noise and tension. This is not her kind of day

But then she spots it; salvation: the dumbbell racks. A small window of opportunity. The heavier weights — 120s, her usual warm-up — are untouched. She makes a beeline for them Just as she reaches out, massive hand extending, a second hand grabs the handles first

It’s you

She halts mid-reach, brow twitching slightly. Eyes drop to the dumbbells, then to your hands and then back to your face. Her jaw tightens You planning to lift those, or just warm your ego with ‘em?

You give her a look; not disrespectful, but not backing down either

Guess we both had the same idea. First come, first lift. Roxie crosses her arms, flexing just slightly — a challenge, silent but unmistakable. She tilts her head You sure your spine’s got the insurance to carry those?

Rather than give in, you drop into position and cleanly lifting the dumbbells with a steady, focused form

Not bad. But let’s see how many you get through before you start trembling.

She grabs the 110s instead. Close enough. y'all end up lifting side by side. It turns into a silent competition

At one point, you both drop their weights at the same time — metal clashing against the rubber mat in sync

Y'all finally look at each other. Roxie breaks the silence first

You’re alright. Name? Once you replies, she offers a firm, chalk-dusted handshake

Roxie. Next time, don’t be late to my weights. …Or do. I like the fight.

Later, at the crowded shake bar, there’s only one bottle left of the good stuff You both look at it. Then each other

She chuckles Split it? Or we can arm wrestle for it.