Re: [punching, the redux]
Patrick was just not interested in bullshitting. Adrian had issued this invite (along with the statement that he itched for a fight), and Patrick was most willing to oblige. He realized that Adrian was probably most entirely aware that the news of his 'change' had been provided to Newt, and Patrick was aware that Newt had not reached out. He (Patrick) did not believe this would be a permanent separation, as he was pretty certain Newt would not be able to resist talking to his bro, but, for now, Patrick felt confident there had been no interaction between the two, and he assumed this added to Adrian's desire to spar.
Bring it, bro.
Adrian indicated they should get into the ring, and Patrick felt this might be considered unnecessary pretense, but, whatever, man, he was here, and they would do this. Oddly enough, Patrick still mostly considered himself a pacifist, but his skin itched with the emotional effect of recent occurrence, and perhaps it was the time away that made him want to silence that itch through exertion. He did not believe he was angry, not in an outward way, but perhaps this was not the case.
Whatever the reason, the dude did not waste time with pretense, and he did not need to explain away his own motivations. He waited until Adrian was inside the ring, and he did not give his bro a chance to settle his footing. "Do you require me to be the asshole that hits first?" Fuck being likable and doing the proper thing, man; Patrick (wide stance and arms lifted, face guarded with fists raised), tossed a solid punch, undercut and at Adrian's stomach, and without pulling that punch whatsoever.
He danced back and out of reach. "Bring it, bro. You invited me here. Let us do this."