Run 'N' Gun

Tommy was sitting down at a table in his and Brian's favourite coffee shop, though it had been some time since he had been here. He'd actually been somewhat surprised to see a replica of the 4CW custom cup championship on the wall next to the 4CW World, Universal and Hardcore championships, as well a several articles and pictures that feature him prominently, as well as White, though thinking about it, he shouldn't be too surprised, as the Hardcore belt could be up there for him too. It certainly felt like this small shop enjoyed having some celebrity adjacent patrons!

He chuckled to himself, looking around the small shop, the myriad of pictures and articles featuring mostly Brian White, with himself in there, the couple other patrons enjoying their coffee and even the tea they've started importing from the UK and other places, the lady behind the counter cleaning and stacking the mugs. Yeah, it was a good day today. He'd heard that lockdown was starting to be enforced across Europe and that this coronavirus thing was starting to become and issue, but nothing was being done in the US at this point.

His musings were cut short by the entrance of Brian and Teri. He smiled and waved as they made their way to his table. After tea and coffee had been ordered, Brian looked expectantly at his young protege.

“So Tommy, what's this you wanted to chat about?”

Tommy grinned as he pushed a piece of paper over the table at Brian. He turned it over to see the words 'Run 'n' Gun' emblazoned across the image of a winged flaming skull. Brian looked at it, Miss Teri craning over to see it too. He then looked up, a question written across his face.

“It's our new team name Bri! I was thinking, we're in the semi finals of this Soul Survivor tournament, and we got as good a chance as any to make it to the finals, so we should at least sound and look like a proper team!”

“But we are a proper team, Tommy...” Brian looked a little confused at the idea.

“Yeah, but from the rosters point of view, we're not. So let's make em see we are, yeah?” Tommy's face radiated enthusiasm to the point where Brian just chuckled and shook his head.

“Yeah, ok. Looks good to be fair. What you think Teri?” White slid the paper in front of her.

Tommy looks enthusiastically at her. “And you can be our manager, if you like!”

Teri laughs at this display. “Of course I'll manage your team!”

“Awesome! I got a bunch of other ideas too for the entrance music and video package. Maybe even some double team moves.” Tommy's enthusiasm begins to take over as the three begin to talk this all out over the next number of hours.

A few days later, the three meet at Tony Rocks gym. Tommy immediately goes to the changing rooms as White heads to the office overlooking the gym area. Tony is pacing about the office, looking a little worried as the news coming over the TV starts talking lockdown procedures for the COVID-19 pandemic. Surprisingly, Carlos Starr is also present, sat back in Tony's chair with his feet up on the desk.

“Hey Tony, Carloss, surprised to see ya here mate!”

“Hey heffe, thought I'd drop in of a friend, ya know.” Carloss chuckles, but Tony glares at his partner.

“What's up Bri? Yeah, it's all this lockdown crap! Seems, cus we work so close together, we gotta start isolating together too. It's bullshit... And looks like I'll have to close the gym down for the foreseeable too... Fuckin hell... Probably not the worst thing if we're gonna be spending so much time on that 4CW fight island...”

“Hah, yeah... Been hearing a bit about that. Anyway, I need to ask ya a favour, and actually a good thing you're here Carloss. Tommy and me, we need some help with some training, and tag team training particularly. Fancy lacing up your boots and getting in the ring with us?”

Tony and Carloss exchange looks. “You want training from us?” Tony looks shocked at this. “I know I trained ya boy Tommy, and honestly, I'm fuckin proud of how he's done! But we're right at the bottom of the pile! Hell, management basically fed the two of us to ya when you started!”

“True, but ain't that the job of enhancement talent? Enhance the talent? Hahah! Anyway, you guys are ex tag champs, and you sure as hell are an experienced team, so yeah, even I could learn something from the two of ya. Anyway, I need a pair of poor schmucks to test out some double team moves on!”

Tony shakes his head as he smiles, and Carloss just laughs, taking his feet off the table and reaching for his sports bag beneath the desk.

“May as well heffe!”

The sun was setting over an ocean horizon, setting the sky off with beautiful hues of orange and red. Banks of clouds reflected the light in almost magical ways. Little white caps on the rolling waves glinted as the gently crashed onto the shore. The golden sand drifting into the deep blue of the sea. The gentle rushing of the waves adding a rhythmic white noise to the scene that just made this place heavenly.

Brian stood looking out over the ocean, the light breeze tickling the bare skin of his chest and plucking at the loose material of his shorts. He took a deep lungful of breath, savouring the salty, briny taste in the air, and slowly let it out. A smile played across his face, a rare picture of serenity in the life of this giant.

Abruptly, he blinked and turned, a feeling of being watched having slowly developed, and looked up to the back of the beach to see Tommy and Terri watching him, both with a look of slight surprise and a dash of awkwardness, neither seemingly wanting to interrupt the silent moment of their friend. White looked away sheepishly and Tommy took a step forward, his arms laden with driftwood and deadwood.

“You ok there Bri? You looked like you didn't want to be disturbed...”

“Heh, yeah, I'm fine. It's nice here, I've never really been to a place like this before.” White looked down to his feet, where a decent sized ring of stones encapsulated a shallow hole. “Firepits ready.”

Tommy smiled at his friend and nodded, adding his pile of wood to the growing pile near the pit. Teri moved forward to stand by White and looked out.

“It is beautiful here. I keep wondering how Sery found this place, not to mention setting up everything here so fast.”

White chuckled slightly, thinking about the 'arena' they'd performed in last time and the fair ground that had been set up around it that, quite frankly, reminded Brian and Tommy of an Eisteddfod Maes. It was impressive, considering how few people were being invited to attend Axxesscon and the Revival show itself.

Teri dropped the bag she was carrying beside the pile of wood and pulled out a trio beers and a bottle opener, handing the opened bottles to Brian and Tommy. “Here's to a great Revival week guys. And let's start it off well tonight!” With a smile, all three drank.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Later that evening, a crowd was now on the beach, several barbecues were going, music was playing and the snap and crackle of a great bonfire accompanied the the noise. Talking and laughter pervaded through the clear night as the staff and performers of 4CW enjoyed the final night before the big week began.

Tommy wondered around the bonfire with a pair of hotdogs in one hand whilst he was busy stuffing a third into his mouth. He caught the eye of Hazel, just has he took another big bite and blushed slightly as she giggled at him, realising he must seem a bit of a dork at the point. He quickly put off that feeling and gave her a wave and a wink. She laughed again and blew his a little kiss, a cheeky glint in her eyes as she turned back to her conversation with Madeline, who looked on with a little confusion.

Tommy walked on through the crowds, reminiscing on his and Hazels relationship. He had to admit, he was still very much crushing on her, but given the situation she was in, let alone everything else, he was just glad he could still call her a friend. He finally arrived at the spot where he Teri and Brian had chosen, near the bonfire. He handed the two hotdogs to his friend and sat down with a sigh, grabbing up his beer bottle.

“Took your time, didn't you?” White grunted, a smile tugging at the side of his mouth. Teri punched the big man in the arm playfully, White white completely over selling the hit. Tommy and Teri both burst into laughter, drawing looks from those close by, especially, it seemed from the team of Umbra Maxima, who still seemed to be finding it difficult to relax with everyone, even in such a place as this. With a look of disgust, Elfan whispered something to his partner, who nodded grimly, taking a sip from his cup.

“Well, you know, I though I'd have a little walk around, see who actually bothered to show up!” Tommy took another drink. “To be fair, seems most everybody did, even those Umbra Maxima guys!” Tommy nodded over at their two opponents. “Didn't see Cain or Bonham though. Hopefully they'll keep their bullshit for the show, but the way Rhys has been lately, I find it hard to believe he will..”

“Hmph! He was invited, if he wants to be a dick in real life as well as on the show, that's up to him.” White leaned back on his deckchair and looked up to the sky, looking up at the stars. “Still can't believe we're being paid to be here!” White sighed with contentment.

“”And you should enjoy it while it lasts big man!” White, startled, looked down again and smiled. Sery was stood there, resplendent in shorts and t-shirt and, despite the late hour, a thick layer of sunscrean covering his nose and forehead and a large fishermans cap on his head. “I just thought I'd thank you three, this was a mighty fine idea for corporate team building, especially before our biggest week of the year! I honestly couldn't have done it myself!” Sery turned and gestured to all the people enjoying themselves on the beach. “It's such a joy that all the faceless minions who keep this great company working get time to be appreciated.” Sery turned back to the three sitting in front of him, each betraying a look of confusion to some extent, and grabbed at where his lapels would normally be with a sigh of contentment. “I really couldn't have done it better myself!”

“You ok there Sery?” White asked, “I think you may have spent too much time in the sun mate, this was just to give everyone who wanted it a break. You, of all people know how hard they've all worked...”

“Yes, yes, yes, and as a leader in the lockeroom you felt it your duty to show all how much they were appreciated, well done!” Sery flashed them all a bright smile. “Well, gotta go, still lot's to do!” and with that, Sery walked off through the crowd, loudly greeting many members of staff and generally leaving a line of confused looks in his wake.

“That was a little weird!” Teri laughed. “I think the stress is getting to him.” The boys both nodded and White shrugged his shoulders.

“He'll be fine. By now, Wolfie would be unconscious on the sand if he were still in charge!” a chuckle came from those around him as he went back to looking at the stars, smiling once again as he caught sight of a shooting star. Yep, this was going to be a good week!

Brian took the towel from around his shoulders and dropped it on the floor. He took a relaxed stance in front of the wall mirror and looked critically at himself. He was wearing a loose fitting t-shirt, shorts and trainers, appropriate ware for a gym session. There were few people in at this time, early in the morning, which suited Brian perfectly; most seemingly enjoying the beach life far too much for his own comfort. With a grunt, he began to stretch out, rolling his neck, shoulders and so on, really taking his time to stretch and warm up as he went through what he wanted to accomplish, namely personal bests for deadlift and squat, he was gonna go heavy!

White was just beginning his warm up reps for squats when his partner, similarly attired, finally showed up.

“You're late” he grunted, easily squatting 250kg, going low and slow. “I'm guessing that production runner girl, what's her name, Chloe? She needed your help with some computer stuff again, eh?”

Tommy looked bashfully away, a blush starting to form before he could stop it. “Uh, well, yeah, kinda.. Sorry Bri...”

White smiled, though the effect was ruined somewhat by the stress of lifting a significant weight back up to vertical base for the eighth time. He stood there, a bastion of solidity and strength for a second, before backing up and depositing the weight into the frame behind.

After letting out an explosive breath, White managed a more normal smile, shaking his head slightly as he moved to get more weight for the bar. “Don't worry kid. You're both young, and we're stuck here for gods know how long. May as well enjoy it!” Whites smile took on some characteristics of a smirk as he watched his young protégé blush again. He nodded down to the pile of plates on the floor. “Chuck a 25 kilo on the other side, will ya, then get your warm ups done, we're going heavy today kid, I feel some PB's coming on!”

Tommy felt he'd finally got control of his traitorous blush reflex has he hauled the heavy plate onto the bar. With a nod he went and found some space to begin his own stretching and warm ups. This had become something of a ritual for Brian, and to a lesser extent, himself too, since a little before Revival. Hit the gym after breakfast and get your conditioning in. Brian it seemed was the first to really get into it, but slowly, the other competitors, especially when it became clear that they'd be there for some time, began making use of the facilities on offer. He waved over at Tsukiko who, for all he knew, was probably on her twentieth mile on the treadmill, but he did offer a wave back.

Amongst the hustle and noise of the filling up gym, Tommy closed his eyes and just let himself breath, trying not to think of anything except his own body and and breath as it entered and left his lungs. Focusing his mind on the task at hand, Tommy grinned and got to work. There'd be time for thinking of girls, or, more accurately, a girl, after.

**************************

Several hours later, Tommy, still shivering somewhat after his last stint in the cold pool, gratefully sat down at a small table near a window facing the golden sands of the beach in the hotel restaurant, a steaming mug of tea in front of him and anticipation of the meal he'd ordered already setting his stomach to rumbling!

“You're shiverin'?! It's like, 100 degrees outside!”

Tommy looked up at the surprised voice and smiled. “Well, apart from it being air conditioned in here, try doing a hot/cold treatment after a work out and finish with the cold. You might understand a bit more!” Tommy chuckled and invited the young woman to sit down opposite him.

She was in her early twenties, brunette with a fair smattering of freckles over her nose, deep brown eyes and dimples when she smiled that made his heart flutter, and with a noticeable southern drawl. Her crop top and short skirt showed a thin frame with long shapely legs and soft tanned skin, and a piercing through her belly button as well as a tattoo on the side of her thigh.

“I've heard about that but never really tried it. I mean, who'd actually want to try and freeze themselves to death!” Chloe  laughed, and Tommy smiled too.

“It's pretty amazing, is what it is! Cuts recovery in half, helps you sleep, all sorts of good things, but my god it's hell having to sit in that ice bath for three minutes! Feels like an eternity! But when you work hard, you gotta recover hard! I've been lucky and managed to avoid any major injuries so far, and honestly, I wanna keep it that way!” Tommy looked up as a waiter brought over some plates; large steak, bowl of butter potatoes and veggies on the side and some bread rolls and butter. “It also makes you bloody hungry!” Tommy chuckled as Chloe's eyes opened wide at the feast laid before him and he stuck in with a ravenous appetite. Less than a minute later the waiter returned again with a much more conservative chicken caesar salad for her.

“So...” Chloe chimed in after nearly ten minutes of uninterrupted eating from Tommy. “It was a big workout then?”

Tommy sat back, roll of bread in hand and butter knife in the other. “Yeah, you could say that. Brian's been pushing himself hard these past few weeks since Revival and winning the tag championships, trying to show that he deserves to be top of the mountain again I guess. And, joy of joys, that means with me being his partner, I get dragged along for the ride!” Tommy chuckled a little at Chloe's slightly confused look. “You still have to get used to the British self derogatory humour, don't worry.” Tommy's smile broadened as Chloe blushed at this and she kicked him under the table playfully.

“Stop teasing me!” She made a face at him as she picked up her drink.

Tommy chuckled again. “Yeah, it was pretty big for both of us actually. I did a personal best on the deadlift and pulled 180kg off the floor, which is insane!” Tommy saw the look of incomprehension and did a little quick math. “That's about 400 pounds!” Chloe's eyes grew in wonder at that. “Damn near pulled my arms out of their sockets, but I managed it. That's nothing though, Brian did 450kg, that's 1000 pounds! I'm surprised you didn't hear his roar of success after that! I've never seen anything like it!” Tommy laughed. “Yeah, training with the big guy can be tough, but then, if you wanna be the best and all..”

Tommy looked at the girl sat opposite him, then down at the ruins of his meal. “And now, I need a nap!”

It was weird being home again. He'd been on fight island pretty much full time since March and with things re-opening to an extent, not to mention the things that had happened recently, he felt it was time to at least pop back and make sure the apartment hadn't burned down or anything... White grunted to himself as he made his way through the quiet airport.

Still, it could be worse. He'd just waved Tommy and his girlfriend goodbye as they ran to make their flight to London Heathrow, and now he and Teri were making their way through immigration and on to baggage collection. Every time he had to do this, Brian felt a surge of irritation. He'd gotten better at controlling it these past few years, especially since Teri came on the scene, but his mind still filled with the anticipation of the satisfaction he would feel by choking out the bureaucratic douche who merrily made their slow way down their checklist before finally stamping his passport. Teri gave him a sympathetic look, reading the stamped down anger in the stiffness of his posture and gruff manner, as well as the exaggerated carefulness he displayed when taking back his documents. Ignoring the over cheery “Welcome to America!” that the border staff offered, they went to find their bags and, more importantly, a taxi!

“God dammit... Every time I do this I just want to crush someone's skull!” White grunted as they fielded their bags off the conveyor. “Why can't they just keep things simple?”

Teri, who had stifled a laugh, sighed suddenly. “You know why Bri. 9/11. It all comes back to 9/11, especially here...”

Brian, caught a little off guard by Teri's suddenly sombre manner, looked down at her. “Well, yeah, I get that I suppose. But no ones done anythin' like that since, and this supposed War on Terror kinda petered out a few years back, so why keep worryin' about it.”

Teri smiled sadly. “Brian, I love you, but sometimes you say the dumbest things! My uncle was working in the North Tower. He was still in there when it came down. My family was lucky that we only lost one.”

White was staring aghast at her, slowly realising what his outbursts had looked like to her. Of course, she knew he couldn't really know how she felt, as no one could who hadn't been there that day, nineteen years ago. He mumbled an apology and she clutched his hand tighter, leaning her head on his arm. This time had always been hard for her and the family, it was nice to have someone who she could open up about this stuff, even if he was a bit dense at times.

The cab ride home was uneventful. There was even evidence of the city slowly coming back to life, though with plentiful masks in sight.

“Never seen the city so quiet...” White mumbled, looking out the windows.

“Yeah, it's been a strange ol' year!” The cab driver chimed in happily. “Still, it's good to be drivin' and makin' some money again! Here y'are, that'll be fifty bucks.”

White paid the man before grabbing the bags out of the boot. Teri was unlocking their door with a certain amount of gusto, enjoying being back in their own home rather than a hotel room. The place was as they had left it, and even the mail had been sorted. She smiled at the card a bouquet of flowers left on the side board near the door from her sister, who it appeared had been able to keep her promise to look over the place every now and then.

“Put the kettle on love, I could murder a cuppa!” White smiled as he entered the familiar room, dropping the bags and giving Teri a playful tap on the bum. She swatted him away and headed to the kitchen, to fill the kettle, quietly marvelling that this so very British thing had become almost second nature whilst on the fight island. She smiled as she thought of how these small things brought her so much joy. She felt Brian's large presence come up behind her, his arm reaching over her shoulder to fetch a couple of mugs from the cupboard. She wriggled playfully as he came closer still.

“Ya don't have to loom over me like that!” she scolded him playfully. He chuckled as he wrapped his massive arms around her slender form, kissing into her neck. “Hey, ya want your cuppa or what?!” Again, she sounded scolding, but Brian spotted the playful glint in her eye, not to mention the way she pressed into him. With a chuckle, he moved away to get the milk. There really was a joy in the small things right now for him too, and it was good to be back home.

White sighed again as he stared out the window. He was glad that his favourite cafe had so far survived the economic cataclysm that was Covid-19, but that didn't make this particular visit any easier.

“Do we have to do this babe?” he grumbled, staring moodily into the swirling cream of his untouched coffee.

“You know we do Bri. It won't be that bad, I promise. My parents can be a pain, but then, so can anyone's.”

White shrugged. “I wouldn't really know. The closest I got was that fuckhead Dai, and Mrs Young.” He looked out the window again, his movements uncertain, nervous. Teri just watched him, concern showing on her face as he opened up about something they had barely touched upon before now. “I... I never really had a family, not till now anyway. I was put in fostering after my mum died of overdose, and I never knew my dad...” He looked into her eyes, a small smile crossing his features. “So, you can imagine, all this...” White looked around at the fake belts with his name on, the newspaper clippings covering the walls, the giant picture of him holding the 4CW World Championship high for the first time, “is more than I could ever imagine. Add you into the mix,” White chuckles to himself, “sometimes I think I died and went to heaven!” Miss Teri's eyes light up and she pats his hand affectionately. “But, well, the idea of having actual parents again, I dunno, I just don't know...”

The bell over the door tinkles and Teri turns to see three people enter, a middle aged couple and a woman slightly younger than her, though for all intents and purposes, may as well have been her! Teri smiles brightly as she gets up to greet her family, though both her and her mother recoil slightly when they remember social distancing and a slightly strained laugh is shared as the awkwardness wares off. Brian pulls Teri's coffee over next to him to give the newcomers room to sit at their table. He sits and watches the few minutes it takes for Teri to re connect with her family that she hasn't seen in six months.

The father, he notes, is a little on the short side, balding with dark hair and a slight golden tinge to his skin common in those from southern Italy. Definitely a little of Joe Pesci about him. He's finely dressed in an Italian made suite. His wife is petite and pretty, and White sees where Teri got her looks from. Her blond hair is well styled and she's again, dressed smartly for the occasion, in a dark green form fitting dress under a nice autumn coat. The sister could be Teri's twin, White decided, though on second glance, there were a few differences, her darker hair and grey eyes, as opposed to Teri's blue. She's dressed a little more casual than her parents, in form fitting jeans, brown boots that reach just below the knee and a nice leather jacket. Finally, Teri gestures back to him and he shuffles out of the seat to stand behind her, and though he tries not to, he still looms somewhat.

“And this, mom, dad, Kelly, is Brian, my fiancée!” She smiles hopefully as he parents look over their future son.

“Christ, he's a big one! Well, good to meet ya son, I'm Giuseppe, though most call me Joe, and this is my wife Marie, and this is Kelly” he points to his second daughter.

Brian nods at the introductions, a little unsure, but he does gesture to the bench seat opposite him, and calls for the server to bring more coffee. They all sit in silence as the coffee is poured by their masked server.

Taking the steaming mug and surreptitiously adding a splash from a hip flask, Joe looks up at Brian, his stare boring into the big man like a laser.

“So, you wanna marry my daughter?” The think New York Italian accent and the somewhat high pitched voice really cements White with the Joe Pesci description, not to mention the piercing, not quite hostile gaze the man gave him. White just nods. “Uh-huh.. So what makes you think you're good enough for her?” Teri shoots him a warning look, but Joe just ignores it. Marie just sips her coffee mutely, whilst Kelly gives Brian an apologetic glance as her father seems to go right for the kill.

White seems to squirm under that gaze, unable to find his voice. Teri's hand reaches under the table and squeezes his leg. White takes a deep breath, and comforted by her touch, meets Joe's gaze.

“Honestly Joe, I know I'm not!” This admittance surprises the older man and his gaze loses some of it's hostility. “I said it when we first got together, I'm not much of a catch, all I know how to do is fight. I'm not a nice person, and not much fun to be around. At least, that was how I was back then.” Brian looks into Teri's eyes, seeing the love and pride she has in him, his confidence begins to return. Joe has sat back now with his arms crossed. “I could go on for ages about my success in my job, but you only need to look around the room to see that.” White gestures around at the pictures and clippings. “And don't give me no bullshit about pro wrestling being fake! We may be entertainers, but so are those stunt guys who jump out of cars and fall down cliffs in Hollywood movies! Nah, you don't have to worry about my being able to look after Teri, I probably earn more than you do in a year! And anyway, that's not why she's stuck with me, cus she could earn as much on her own, no problem!” White shakes his head in mock self derision. “She could do so much better than me if she wanted. But, and here's the thing, I love her. God, I love her, it fuckin' hurts sometimes! She's got me through a whole load of shit over the last few years, helped me deal with some serious injuries and mental problems. I really don't deserve her, but, well, I gave her the choice, and she chose me. I dunno what else to say to you, except that I'm not here to ask your permission in this. I ain't no high school kid with his sweetheart. I will marry her! I'd... like... you to be there when I do.” Brian had held Joe's gaze throughout his speech, Teri's hand squeezing into his leg every now and then.

Joe leans forward again, a frown on his face and his gaze not letting Brian go. “Well, is that so... Then I guess there's only one thing to say...” Quite suddenly, Joe smiles wide. “Welcome to the family!”

Last edited by Gorgrim (Wed-7-Apr-2021 19:48:31)

Gallows End

DING! DING! DING!

Tommy fell away from the recumbent form of Madeline with a cry of exhausted exultation. Scrambling to his feet as Maddie rolls to the corner, Tommy raises his arms in victory as the confetti, winces heavily as his bruised and battered ribs complain, then turns back to Maddie, resting in the corner. Striding, though more stumbling, to her, he reaches out his hand to her, pulling her up and hugs her.

“Thanks Maddie, god damn amazing match!”

Maddie flinches away and just nods, not sure how to answer Tommy's outburst, and rolls out of the ring. Tommy continues to play the crowd, clutching at his ribs before finally starting up the ramp, meeting Brian and Miss Terri half way. White slaps his back with a smile and Miss Teri gives him a big hug. With his closest friend at his side, he finally starts to slump into their grasp and is almost carried into the back, where a gurney is waiting for him, along with the company doctor and a pair of paramedics. Chloe is stood nearby, arms clasped tight around her in worry. As the curtain drops behind them, she darts forward and catches Tommy as he falls into her, White and Teri share a small smile at the performance, but Chloe is too deep in her worry to notice.

“Dammit Tommy, you crazy asshole! Are you tryin' to kill yourself, or give me a heart attack!” He starts to shake as he crouches in her grasp and Chloe gasps in worry as she pulls him up, motioning for the doctor and para medics to help, only to see tears of laughter streaming down his face. “Wha?! Aaaargh! Don't make me worry like that!” She punches Tommy in his arm as she stands in a huff, though still helping him sit on the bed. Everyone is smiling at this point.

“Aaaah, you can be so easy Chloe!” Tommy chuckles, grimacing slightly as his ribs flare in pain. “I'm fine, I'll heal. And anyway, this is what we do! And honestly, this feels amazing! Jumping off that cage earlier was awesome, and winning the gauntlet is even better, and I love that I got you, Brian and Teri to share it with me!”

The Doctor finally comes in amid the good natured chuckling. “Ok kids, we gotta take Mr Young back to check him out. I'm glad you at least put the biggest impact on to you back this time.”

Tommy groans as he lies down. “Oh, you know doc, gotta keep it interesting for the crowd!” Chloe walks along by Tommy as he's wheeled to the medical room.

Miss Teri looks up at her partner. “I think you did good with him babe.”

White smiles like a proud dad and nods. “Yeah, kid did good today.”

--------------------------

Weeks later back in New York, Brian and his soon to be father in law are being driven through the bustling streets of New York. Brian lets his hand glide along the polished wooden inlay of the Bentley they were being driven in.

“Haha, you like it?” Joe smiles as White is obviously overwhelmed by the richness of the vehicle.

“Erm, yeah Mr Morzano, it's very nice.”

“Look Brian, I've said already, you can call me Joe, heck, or even Pop, if ya want!” Joe chuckles and takes a slug of brandy from his hip flask. “Surprised all it takes is a car to get you flustered though Brian, I thought you said you earned more than me!” White flinches a little at this, but from the smile on his face and twinkle in his eye, it's obvious he's pulling Whites leg.

White smiles sheepishly, which is a strange site to see. “Well, I am one of the top stars at 4CW with a seven figure contract, so I kinda assumed....”

“Seven figures, and you're still living in that crappy apartment?! Hah! You my boy, need a lesson in fine living. And I'll have no arguments about Teri being happy to slum it, God knows she'll do as she wants. And I'm sure you'll do as you want to, but as a loving father, I can't just let you carry on without at least sharing some with ya!”

White stares out the window as the sky scrapers roll past. “I guess it never really occurred to me. I grew up in the slums, I left school early, took a job on the docks and ended up fighting because I was big and strong and the wrong people had me all screwed up. Winning my first championship belt at 4CW was the first time I found real worth. And the first time that I had people show me genuine worth and respect. I had nothing, now I have everything! I know I can afford a penthouse, a Bentley, or whatever, I just... don't feel the need I guess.”

Joe, who has now lit a cigar, nods at this. “I get it entirely. Brian, when I was, well, when I was young Tommy's age, I was a nobody, doing odd jobs, anything I could do to get some cash. And before you ask, no I am not nor was I ever part of the mob!” Joe smiles slyly at Brian. “But I may have had a few small connections...” Joe chuckles to himself. “Then I met the woman I knew I was going to marry, and I said, Guiseppi, It's time you pulled yourself up out of the dregs of New York and make something of yourself! So I did, I built a business up, and started to finally live! I think Brian, that you haven't quite figured that last bit out yet, but hopefully my daughter will be able to help you with that.” The car pulls up outside of a high class tailor. “And now it's time we hooked you up with something suitable to marry my daughter in! Come on, you can think of this as my wedding gift to you!”