That Voice
The Office of PWS
New York, NY

Miles found himself wandering the halls of the office after a quick visit with the powers that be, he was just tying up some loose ends before boarding the jet and taking off for Anchorage. He wasn’t feeling really himself since losing that match to Caleb...and top it off, someone weighed heavy on his mind.

And suddenly there she was.

Gods help me.

“Yo, Abs!”

He saw her coming around the corner, he was just gonna duck down the hall and pray she didn’t get a look at him but ...That voice. The first time he met Becca Larkin, she was completely floored by his midsection. Now he’s never been accused of having an ego when it comes to his body...

Shut up.

...but since the day he met her, he has found himself in a fog.

This has happened twice before, once with Bella. At least with her they just agreed it was better for them to remain friends because of his fuck ups.

The other with Angel....Nessa....whatever the fuck she was calling herself nowadays. God, he was head over heels for her and instead, his heart was trampled on. He spent the last almost year doing anything to just forget her. And that fucking bitch just kept turning up like that STD you just can’t cure with antibiotics. But he’d pushed her to the farthest depths of his mind.

So...what the hell was it about Miss Larkin?

Hot. Tomboy. And about as sarcastic as the day is long. Every time she talked to him, he had to use google to get half the references she used.

"THE NARWHAL BACONS AT MIDNIGHT AND YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM ME!!!"

That brought him to a dead stop in his hasty escape, feet and brain. He didn’t even have the brain power to even reach for the phone that was in his pants pocket, “What in the - Narwhal wha?”

The redhead catches up to him with a smile on her face, “Do you not Reddit?”

“No I don’t. I don’t even understand what Reddit is. I guess that’s-”

“Going on the list,” she said to finish his sentence, “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“No where actually, was probably just gonna head back to my apartment and triple check my bag.”

“Oh that’s right, big trip to Alaska is coming up.”

“Yeah, as strange as it is, this is the first time I’ll ever be there. Thankfully it seems like the powers at SCW get the weather channel and planned this little jaunt NOW and not say the dead ass of winter.” he smirks, “Rain, chill in the air I can handle.”

“Don’t like the cold?”

“About as much as I don’t like shirts.” he smiles brightly at the joke on his behalf that almost brings a rush of blush to Becca’s cheeks, which surprises him, “You’re...blushing?” which garners him a slug in the shoulder. "My coffee was hot! You just remember its two for flinchin'!”

Rubbing his shoulder he couldn’t help but light up, “Now that reference I get! Which is strangely why the nickname stuck...” he cringed just a bit, “I don’t know why that gets to me still.”

"Nickname...you mean, Milo? OH MY GOD!!!! MILO AND OTIS!!??!" Becca shrills in delight.

“No, Milo as in Atlantis. But isn’t that one about the cat and dog?" He questioned. "YAAAAAAAS!!!" Becca squeals with delight, which makes him laugh, “My sister loved that movie...maybe that’s where she got it from.”

“You got a sister?”

“Yeah, a twin sister actually.” he pulls his phone out and brings up one of the few family photos he has, before he came to the state, his mum, his sis and him, “That’s her and my mum. Both are ball busters, she’s only older because according to the doctor’s she stepped on my head to literally go first. Which would explain a lot with my head sometimes. I do miss it at times.”

"THAT'S how you explain that head!? That makes SO MUCH SENSE NOW!" Becca taunts him, "Messin' with ya! So like what do they have you doing next?" Becca pondered.

Miles sighs, “Well I came up short against Caleb in the Internet Title Tourney, so I’m just doing a card filler against Agostino Romano....which legit I have faced so many times. It’s strange, I keep finding myself back in these weird situations where I’m back to square one."

"So why dont you like, leave the prick in a pool of blood and demand to be taken seriously or youre gonna fuck shit up while I document it!" Becca cries excitedly.

He shrugs, while leaning against the closest wall, “Well, it’s not like I have anything I’m really working towards though. It’s just a throw away, another bragging rights with no rhyme or reason."

Becca cocks an eyebrow, "Yeah but...like, one day SOMEONE has to look at the win-loss records and I think...I think maybe I see it in you. Go kick a Little ass? For me? It'd be HOT."

“For you, eh?” that caught his attention, and brings a little cocksure smile back to his face. “But if you are serious about documenting it, among other things since you seem to be so interested, there is plenty of room on the plane.”

“What are you asking, Abs?”

“What I’m asking, Ms. Larkin, do you wanna see the Last Frontier?” She gasps and dramatically flaps her hands. "OHMAGAWD! I mean uh...sure, I guess…"

“Well then...” he raises his blue-green eyes shining bright, leans down to her, “How soon can you be ready?”


Boldly Going Where We’ve Been Before
Anchorage, AK

It was a glorious site to behold, the mountains, the forest. It wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t get so damn cold in the winter months, he’d think about moving here but he really hated the cold.

He found himself doing the long distance run again, just something to clear his head for a moment. And instead he found himself at a stadium looking all over.

“This could be perhaps that moment where I can finally turn it all around. Don’t get me wrong, I felt that I was so close to that with that Internet Tournament but sadly I just came up short. I have no excuses, Caleb was better than me and it hurts to say that. Cause it’s not the first time it’s happened.” he sits himself on the banister and crosses his arms and just shakes his head.

“Someday, I’ll get there. I know I will. If that beautiful, sassy redhead believes I can then I guess anything is possible. And, God, I don’t know if it’s leading me down another path of where one day she’s there and the next she’s not but I don’t give a shit. It’s so unusual to actually feel like I have someone to believe in me for once. And I wasn’t even looking.”

“Reality slaps us up side our empty heads like the asshole it is, don’t it Agostino? Here we are, right back where we started, just you and me, mono y mono and you know what...I think I have gone and developed a bit of a chip on my shoulder.”

Miles snorts in almost disgust from it all, “I am a nice guy, but mate, I’m pissed off. Not at anyone but myself, but I’m pissed off and I can’t seem to let it go. So since I can’t go and take it out on myself, I am simply going to take it out on you. I KNOW that I am capable of so much more than this. I know I could have easily been where Caleb is but just once again I’m not. So it’s not really a throw away match, considering that you, Agostino have been a two time Internet Champion. You’ll have to tell me someday how you did it but I feel like I have something to prove. And if that means taking a piss out of you to do it, then mate....so be it.”

“I am done digging my claws in, only to be knocked down. I’m done growling. The pirate wolf...the Don Carnage is out to make a point. This time, I’m not growling, this time....

I go in for the kill.”

A teeny tiny favour
Sunday
Wolfslair Gym
New York

His eyes were glued to the TV, watching Climax Control as he wound himself down from a huge workout. He knew Malachi would have zero issues with The Troll, despite that idiot’s best talk on social media. He watched Bella handle her opponent....and saw that all hell was more than likely gonna break loose eventually but that bridge would be crossed later in the week. MEANWHILE the next week matches were announced. His face popped up on the scream next to Alex Rush and the words “CANDY'S RULES - PRETTY IN PINK TUXEDO MATCH” in bright pink letter were under where it was the Internet Championship Round One match.

A pink...tux. And suddenly he had a flash of brilliance. His phone lit up with messages but he ignored them and went right into twitter and typed away.

“Annnnnnd send!” he said typing with a bit of a laugh in his throat.

I just got one question: Can I get mine a little early? Not gonna do anything bad to it, just a few alterations. I will not screw with the color of it, I swear on my mum's life.

He couldn’t help himself. The minute he found out about the type of match he was in, he had a vision. An almost evil sadistic vision.

If they wanted to paint him as a sex symbol, who was he to deny a little fun in the process. After all, after his win 2 weeks ago over Shane Borderland, he found a new determination and surprisingly felt extremely upbeat lately.

“Even if you motherfuckers forgot my birthday.”

Instead he sets his phone aside, patiently waiting for the answer to his tweet from the ever delightful Candy. He never understood why people found her annoying. She was so sweet.

It finally came 20 minutes later, as he was on a stationary bike.

I think I can allow this

“Fuckin’ score!” he yelled, laughing and hopping off the bike, grabbing everything he had with him and making his way into the locker room of the Wolfslair gym. He didn’t even care about the questionable looks he was getting in the process of all of this because he was just excited. Really excited.

Internet Championship tournament that he didn’t even know he was going to be a part of until almost the 11th hour. This....this was going to be something different. He was inspired after having a chat with Alex, he was able to get a little push. He made it by Shane on pure luck....this tournament match against Alex Rush, he was taking it very seriously but at the same time, he had to have fun with it.

After toweling the sweat from his head, he turned back to his phone and pressed a few buttons and put it to his ear, after a little bit we hear a ‘Hello?’, “My darling Mattie, how are you on this fine Sunday evening?”

A pause comes over the speaker and you can hear a clearly annoyed voice on the other end go “What do you want, Milo?”

He can’t help but smirk, his mate Mack’s girl always had a wonderful way of getting directly to the point and seeing through all his smarmy bullshit. She was another wasted crush but she was never met for him. Rubbing the back of his neck, appreciating her getting to the point, “I know you got your hands full overlooking young and very pregnant Alanah, but was wondering if perhaps you could do me a tiny favour?”


Gold watch, diamond ring
I ain't missin' not a single thing
Cufflinks, stick pin
When I step out I'm gonna do you in

They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man

Miles stands in front of a mirror, in the pink tux that he was given by Candy. It has since been to Mattie Cormier and back with the exact specification. Short notice but the woman is a goddamn magician when it comes to clothing.

“It honestly doesn’t look...horrible.” he said, fixing the bright pink bowtie. He knows he looks completely ridiculous in it but the smile that lights up his whole face says he really does not care.

“I think you look absolutely ridiculous and I cannot believe that you are going through with it!” states the familiar voice of his twin sister, Brianna. “I didn’t even know the made pink tuxedos anymore. I thought they were just something out of cheesy 80’s movies or Billy Joel videos.”

Miles looks over at the laptop where his sister’s video shows on the screen as she just gives this look of her brother absolutely losing his ever loving mind, “Oh just wait. Actually, if you could do me a solid and keep mum away from the television on Sunday night, it’d make up for you stepping on my head on the way out of the womb.”

“HAR HAR! What are you up to?”

“Well if I’m going to make a complete arse out of myself, then I’m going full out. Mattie was kind enough to make some adjustments on top of making sure it was fitted properly and I could put my boots on under it,” he says standing back and letting his sister fully see it, “What do you think?”

“Lose the bowtie.” she says deadpan.

“NO! It completes the look and besides, bowties are still cool.” he says adjusting it.

She shakes her head and rolls her eyes at the same time, “You are such an idiot. OH, I saw that whole exchange between you and Carter. You think he’ll try and make it up to you for missing that it was your birthday 2 weeks ago?”

“Meh, I told him to not worry about it. Besides, my attention is elsewhere. This tourney is a huge opportunity and while yes, I do look absolutely just redonkulous...”

“THANK YOU!”

“I gotta say, if this is what I gotta do to move on and try for this Internet Championship, then so be it. If I know Alex Rush, he’s gonna do just about anything to be just as insane as me. So I need to make a point. And if that means give a little Chippendale revue audition, then so be it! Don’t worry though, I won’t completely sully the name of Kasey....well, no more than I already have.”

“Well good luck. But Milo...”

“Yeah?”

Her eyebrow just raises and she leans it and practically whispers, “After our childhood, I don’t think we have anything to worry about to make the name Kasey any lower.”

He laughs, “Noted sis...but can’t hurt to try, ya know?”

“True. Call me after the show?”

“Deal, provided I don’t end up in jail for something like indecent exposure.”

“OH FOR THE LOVE OF-”

He reaches over and closes the laptop before she can cuss him out, he turns and looks in the mirror again. “Yeah, this is gonna be a blast.”

You want me to do what?
Aboard the Sun Princess

“Teach a dance class.”

Miles just stares for a moment, blinking to reset his brain. He shakes his head and turns to look at one of the stage hands that has come over to talk to him during dinner, “....I’m sorry, I think I just had a stroke, one more time?”

“Come on, Milo. Think about it! You can hypnotize people with that ass...” he said which caused others that were sitting at the table to damn near spit take whatever they were eating and drinking at the moment.

This caused Miles to lift his eyebrow at them for a moment, “Ok, despite me and Derek Hough having the same hair, I am not even remotely qualified to be teaching anything that remotely is close to resembling dancing.” Milo says with a laugh, “So thanks but...”

The stage hand looks like he’s about to give up when he sees he’s being watched closely. He drops down next to Miles and almost with eyes that would rival Puss-n-Boots, says, “It’s a publicity stunt, if anything. Do it shirtless and we’ll be able to sell it on Pay Per View.”

“Very funny. Look, as a member of Wolfslair I have a certain reputation to uphold.” Miles says as he stands up and tries to remove himself from the situation.

“Fenris did something similar a couple years ago. He taught a martial arts class that was just packed!”

That almost changes his mind for a moment before he looks behind him to see the kid, hot on his heels, as he makes his way to the bar, “Yeah and if you make the announcement of “Come meet Miles Kasey and have him teach you how to shake your ass like him.” I doubt it’ll have the same punch.”

Miles motions to the bartender, the kid tries again with the big eyes, “So no?”

The bartender steps up, “Another 7 & 7?”

Miles nods, before turning his attention to the stage hand, he sighs and tilts his head just right to where the light catches perfectly on his blue green eyes, “I respectively decline, but thanks anyway.”

YOU HAVE TO FIGHT! FOR YOUR RIGHT! TO PAAAAAAAAAAAAARTAAAAAAAAAY!

“WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Night has fallen aboard the cruise ship and needless to say the drinks have been flowing and the party is pretty much poppin’. As the sounds of the 1986 Charting Hit from the group of Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "MCA" Yauch and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz aka The Beastie Boys’ “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right To Party” blare through the sound system, and we see very inebriated, shirtless Milo on top of the bar that is closest to the pool. People surround him, cheering on the stupidity as Miles dances like a fool atop the bar, like he’s a member of the Chippendales group.

The dance eventually turns into a striptease as all his inhibitions are in the bottom of an empty bottle with little care of the consequences. In the blink of an eye his boardshorts drop, leaving him in his black and white Calvins and screaming, runs and jumps into the deep end of the pool which leads to a bunch of the same type of crazies to follow.

He surfaces in the middle of the mass who seem to enjoy being so close to the British star. “NEXT ROUND IS ON ME!”

That brings a large round of cheers and more bodies jumping into the pool.


Pounding comes to the door of his cabin as a loud round of snores fills it. More thumping comes and this time it knocks whomever is snoring in the bed out of their deep sleep. A pillow gets thrown off as we see Miles, laying on his stomach, his hair completely disheveled. As the pounding at the door gets louder, “YEAH! ....Gimmie a damn mo!” his voice croaks out.

He shuffles down the bed and stops for a moment, lifting the sheets he realizes, “Well apparently it was a good night.” as another knock comes to the door. “YEAH YEAH!” Wrapping the sheet around him tight he answers the door and the same stage hand stands there, “Mate, do you have any idea what time it is?”

“11am?”

“Is it really that late? Shit, it must have been a really good night.”

“That’s why I’m here.” he hands Miles a sheet of the daily itinerary. “I’ve been told to make up for last night that you really don’t have a choice.”

Miles rubs his eyes and looks down the paper, and sees:

Dance Party
Hosted by SCW Star Miles Kasey

Miles just stares at it for a moment and sighs, “Fine.”

“I’ll pass the word. By the way, last night? That was perhaps one of the craziest parties ever!”

“Glad you remember it. I’m sure blackmail will pop up that will stir the memory.”

“Well it was amazing!”

Miles just nods, pulling the sheet tight around him, steps back and closes the door. He leans against it and sighs for a moment before something catches his eye. On the table in his room sits a piece of paper, folded in half. He picks it up and reads it outloud, “Thanks for an amazing night.” he looks it over again just to see if there was a name but nothing.

“Well, Milo...ya did it again.” looking around the room, “I have a feeling I’m gonna need maid service today.”


I Know Nothing About You, You Know Nothing About Me
Can’t We Just Agree to Disagree?

In the halls of the ship, Miles walks, hat on backwards, sunglasses on his face, in workout clothing, a large gym bag over his shoulder, and a gallon of water carried in his left hand, “Day 1 teams, no working together, not even a hello....that is something our teams have in common. DESPITE what my partner thinks, Tempest is not a member of Wolfslair and oy what a goose egg that was to hear.”

Miles adjust the dark sunglasses and takes a large chug of his water from the gallon, “No, see Selena, as amazing as I think it would be to have a beast of a woman like her in Wolfslair, she is her own island. Even I was paying attention when Alicia decided to teach Austin a lesson. Remember that whole Queen for a Day thing? She thought that forcing Austin to team with someone outside of Wolfslair, would teach him some sort of lesson about playing nice with others.”

He stops and groans for a moment, as if the motion of the ship is causing issues with him being in pain, “INSTEAD! We are in that same almost strange situation where I am forced to play nice with someone I don’t know, for titles that I’ve never held. It’s almost headache inducing....the kind you get with a hangover where if you don’t get enough water the next day, the kind where you rather have a railroad spike driven through your sinuses than deal with the amount of pain you brought on yourself.”

“And that’s sort of the amazing part of it, I brought this on myself. The pain, the headache, the unknown of what you did after a certain point in the night...the how exactly you got yourself into this situation AND thankfully having the good sense to have protection.”

“I could have easily been taking on Gabriel, but he’s been busy this week entertaining his mother....which, I do hope she is enjoying this time with her boy, she so deserves it. And I know that I deserve better than this. I’m going to pay my repentance for this because I know Austin is gonna be out to make a lesson out of me. This pirate wolf has zero issue in the fact that he’s gonna be getting his ass thrown all across the ring but at the end of the day, he knows that I gotta do what I have to do to win. Can Selena HONESTLY say the same?” he comes up to a door that says ‘Conference 1’ and leans against the door ledge, “And will she have my back? Knowing that across the ring stands a man that is practically family. He may see me as an annoying little brother, but at the end of the day we got each other's backs. Don’t know if I can say that about you, partner.”

“I digress, I don’t think Selena will be the type that will actually throw a knife in the back of her partner when she too wants the same thing, a victory and 10 pounds of gold in her bag coming off this ship.” he reaches for the handle but stops himself, looking back up with a boyish smirk, “But then again, does she want a partner that gets the kind of attention that I get?”

And with that he pops the door as a load of people have piled into the room, waiting for his arrival, “Well hello! I take it you are all here for that dance class?”

We hear cheers as the door closes and the music starts to blare on the other side.

Coming to grips with who you are

“Meat Head”

That was what he heard as his music came to an end in his headphones. The person it came from was glaring because he camped himself out in one location inside the local gym.

There was no harm in any of it, he did it all the time. In fact, ever since the owner was allowed to reopen, he encouraged people to do just that to avoid cleaning everywhere they traveled. But apparently Karen decided today was a day to choose violence.

Sucks to be her. He woke up and chose to be a petty bitch. The next song started and he purposely did his next set about as slow as he could stand. It would help with the definition anyway.

And in return, Karen, her friends and the guy she came in with, all stood in awe as he completed his last slow burn reps. His arms were on fucking fire but it was worth it.

Once he was done, he reached into his pocket, took a few photos for social media cause well he’s the ‘Meat head’. Slowly and methodically he re-racked it all, damn near piece at a time. The last was the superband that was wrapped around the area of the rack. Grabbing his water bottle, he wrapped it around his neck, turned, winked at the crowd watching his every move.

The Karen rolled her eyes and scoffed but the guy, who we assume is her boyfriend, is like “Holy shit, Milo Kasey.”

“Who?” ‘Karen’ says with a bit of venom in her tone.

“Jesus, Marcie, could you be any thicker?” the boyfriend popped off. Before Miles could butt in to their conversation though, his phone goes off. He nods at the crew, before walking away. He can feel all eyes on him and even hear a few sighs.

“Ello?”

“Oh, he’s got gym voice.”

“Just finished actually. How’s America’s penis?” he laughs to the gasps of the passer-bys. He gives them a quick wink before continuing on.

“EW! Really?”

“Look at a map and tell me I’m lyin’. But seriously, all settled in?”

“For the most part, classes start next week. I was already over, checked it out. Makes the New York one look super old.”

“I’ll make sure to tell Alex all about it.” Miles quips, “Glad you are ok though.”

“You miss me?”

“Yeah, the place hasn’t been dusted since you left.”

“Har har” Morgan says flatly, “I’ll let you go back to doing whatever, but I just...”

The line goes silent for a moment, he almost wonders if the call dropped but something on the side catches his attention, which means she’s nervous, “Morgan, I can hear you chewing on your lip from here and I can’t even see you. Out with it.”

“I ran into Chrissy.”

Miles pauses for a moment and swallows the breath he sucked in the minute he heard that name, “Oh.”

“I guess Chrissy is gonna be back in New York soon to help finish up Jack and Lanah’s house. I thought I should give you a heads up.”

Miles drops his head and almost whispers out, “I appreciate it, Morgs....”

“Milo, listen....” she follows up quickly but-

“I gotta go, the plane is taking off in a few hours, still gotta go home and shower.” there he goes again. Run Milo run.

Quiet for a moment, before she sighs in defeat, “Right...be safe.”

“You too.” he goes to hang up but before he does-

“And Milo, be true to yourself. Bye”

And with that she hangs up. Miles is taken back by the rudeness the call ending but even she knows

That sweet 19 year old girl has more sense than what is in his head, that is apparently full of fucking rocks.


Willy Wonka Got Nothing on Us

“The Golden Ticket”

Miles sits on the stairwell of the Vegas hotel that he gets to call home now and again. He fiddles with his phone in his hand.

“That ticket can lead to just about anything you can possibly imagine. You know between myself, Agostino and Lincoln....we’ve all had interesting moments in SCW. Those two though, they got their gold before me. I have hit a lot of road blocks, a lot of trolls and a lot of naysayers....telling me what I can and can’t do or be.”

He scoff for a moment, looking off to the side as if he’s waiting for someone to appear, “It’s rather weird, I actually thought for certain that I was going to go into SummerXxxtreme, on a very different path but instead here we are, lads. Potential for so much more. Who, at the end of this triple threat will stamp their ticket. It’s a big opportunity for one of us to prove that we are more than the sum of our parts.”

“We three, we know each other....I’m surprised at this point, that we’re not hitting the bar after the show. In fact, this round is on me, mostly because I gotta apologize somehow for the atrocities that I am about to commit.”

That evil smirk that gets the swoon appears, as he brushes his hair from his face, “You see...I’m the kinda asshole that realizes what he has at the zero hour. I used to be the one that realized it when it was too late and I fucked a lot of things up. I’m trying to rectify that by showing that somehow Milo can indeed get his shit together. I need to prove it to my mum, my sister, Morgan...Bella...and a few others that know what I mean. I need to put the idea in my head, that my arse is far far better than I am giving myself credit for.”

“That’s the problem with all of us, innit? We sell ourselves short. We all have people that believe but we all have a deterers. Sometimes, it’s those that know we’re better than they want to give us credit for, that are indeed the loudest. I’m not here to tell you guys that I am better, because....well you got there first. But at the end of the day, the haire lost the race.” he stands up and leans against the railing, shoving his phone into his back pocket. “I’m going to be the one that stamps his ticket to the ship. Because even the idiot catches the break. Even the fool gets the luck. To the victor, goes the spoils. Or in this case, the Golden Ticket. ....to what, who only knows. But only one of us can find out....and lads, I intend for me to be Charlie....”

“By the by....Grandpa Joe? ....what a lazy arsehole!”

No Drugs Were Done In The Making Of This Match
Wolfslair Gym

All hail the Queen. Alicia Lukas did what she was out to do. She became the Queen for a Day. Miles? WELL, not so much. He found himself on the business end of Alex’s Koji Clutch and he ended up tapping out, like a bitch.

That fucking Roulette Championship was like this unobtainable golden monkey. I’m not Indiana Jones, and I really don’t feel like pissing off the natives of this land. So I have reserved the fact that it’s just not in the cards for me to reach that particular mountain. The idea of me being a champion at this particular moment in my career is questionable at best too.

Why do I sound like Bella? Big words with deep meaning.

....it’s been a weird couple of weeks.

That’s why when I got the word from her majesty...

Word was around, everyone knew what she was doing. It took him almost all afternoon before he talked himself into going over there. “Are....are you sure?”

She just looked at him and with a smirk said, “Are you going to doubt me?”

......”Well, no...but...” he said, the idiot forever doubting himself.

And Alicia’s eyes rolling in the back of her head, “Milo...don’t make me hit you.”

“But-”

I went to ask her again....and then...she punched me as hard as she could in the shoulder....

THAT SHIT HURT!

“OW!” gripping my shoulder that was still healing

“Then don’t question it! You deserve this chance. MAKE THE BEST OF IT! OR ELSE!” she pointed with a smile before walking off.

“Yes, your highness.” he says, calling out and rubbing his shoulder out where she clobbered it, “Fucking hell. Got the spot where I got my second shot and everything.”

Just before he has a chance to say anything else to get his dumbass in trouble, his phone goes off with a familiar ringtone. One from home that he rarely sees unless it’s his sister calling to yell or someone they know died.

“Okay, who died?” he said, answering.

“MILES ANTHONY KASEY! Is that anyway to greet your mother?” a strong female voice with the same accent as his, comes loudly through the speaker.

“Mum?” he said looking at his phone for a moment before heading outside.

“Expecting someone else?”

A laugh came from Miles, matched by the brightest smile that we haven’t seen in a long while, “Bree, to call and scream at me again. But this is a pleasant surprise.”

“So was the delivery I just got. Flowers?”

Leaning against the rail, he snickers, “I’m glad you got them. Dig a little deeper, there should have been something else to go with it.” he said smiling.

Silence fills the airwaves for a moment, “Now what in the...Oh...Oh my..Miles, I can’t just-.”

Miles sensing that she is about to yell at him, “Now, mum listen. You had to put up with a lot of shite from me and Bree. You raised us, all on your own. Bree was easy but I know damn well I was no angel by any stretch of the imagination.” he stops for a moment, trying to gather up what he wanted to say next, “I had a memory, something that came back here a couple weeks ago, where I know damn well if I got caught, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I know I was responsible for taking a few years off your life.”

“To put it mildly. I know a lot of my gray has to do with you.” she said with a half laugh, half sob.

That sob almost caused Miles to break himself, “Someone said something to me recently that just...it made me realize that I am luckier than most. You and Bree are two of the brightest things that I have in my life, even if she’s a brat.”

“I HEARD THAT!” his twin sister’s voice rang through loudly which causes him and his mom to laugh.

“I knew she was listening.” he said with a smile.

“Well, she just got home. Bree, look what Miles sent.”

“They are gorgeous. Where is mine?”

“Backordered.” Miles said, “Don’t worry, our birthday is about 2 months away. Hopefully by then, we’ll be back to traveling and I can deliver it in person.”

“Riiiiiiiiiiiight. You’re a liar and a half Milo.”

“Prove it. Either way, I gotta get going but, mum, enjoy the flowers and the gift.” a doorbell rings from the other end, “Oh, and have Bree help you set up that and you can yell at me later via the internet.”

“Miles....”

“Love you, mum. And you deserve this, and more.”

... “I love you, too, my beautiful boy.”

And with that the line went silent on the other end, followed by more notifications, another flower delivery.

“And that is how you do it, Gabriel.” he said with a laugh, his phone continues to go off with notifications, mostly his mother telling him it is all too much. But he pockets his phone and heads back inside.


Lots of Little Things
Present Day

“I don’t know what the hell I did to deserve such a cheering section.

But I am not going to complain for one moment, mostly because I don’t need the Queen punching me in my arm again. I was bruised for TWO DAYS after that and every time I go to say anything to her, she flinches like she’s ready to swing at me again. Next time may be the face.

NEVER THE FACE!

That and this arse are my money makers.

So I was told that there are people out there that are legit cheering me on. This is NEW to me for some reason and I don’t know why in the hell it freaks me out. Yeah, I got my friends that supposedly do that sorta shit. But this right here? Being given a match for the Internet Championship against Mac Bane, when honestly I feel like I hadn’t done anything to really deserve it, has me on this weird edge. Maybe it’s just anxiety talking but it was almost weird when I got a boost of confidence from the man himself.

For those that aren’t on twitter, and I know there are a few of you...I got “trolled” by that idiot Gabriel Wank about how I was really undeserving and that it was a pity match. I was, surprisingly, ready to agree with him but instead Mac stepped up and felt that I did deserve this.

I sat there, in shock. It was a boost to my ego, one that has got me to the point of Mac just earning my respect even more. Him winning this championship at Into the Void over O’Malley was amazing. The dude is top notch and I can’t say a single thing horrible about him. He is the guy I have to beat if I plan on actually making this chance bestowed upon me about as legit as it gets.

Internet Champion.

Imagine me, standing at the end of that semi-main event match of Climax Control, holding that Internet Championship in the middle of that ring.

I haven’t done something like that in almost 2 years. I want to feel that again.

Appreciation for the chances, for the squad...through all the thirst trapping and arse shaking. My hard work eventually will pay off one way or another. All I need is just a shot.

One shot.

One opportunity.

And I won’t let it slip.”

For the Queens, Kings and In-Betweens.

Chances are only given a few times.

DON’T FUCK IT UP, MILO!

Jealousy Rears its Ugly Head?

The Russow training center was buzzing. Miles Kasey found himself with a choice that someone tried to make him do. Instead he found himself with his bag slung over her shoulder, trying to get the hell out of the building. Instead he found himself face to face with Mack. Mack had made it clear he wasn’t thrilled that Miles aligned himself with Wolfslair for some reason. Now the 2 friends were face to face.

“YOU DON’T NEED EM!”

“But you do? Or Bella does? I KNOW ANGEL DON’T! NO ONE NEEDS ME! I’M A FUCKING CONVIENCE TO HAVE AROUND TO HELP!” Miles screams running his hands through his hair, “God! I am so sick and tired of this constant state of bullshit whenever I step out on my own and I get pulled right back in.”

Mack takes a step back, “...Mate.”

“Give me a reason. Just one fuckin-” Miles stops himself from going off, “...I have been trying like hell to make a name for myself. Something you didn’t need help with, you came here and the whole world was ripe for the picking for you. I haven’t been able to do shit for almost 2 fucking years.”

“So you joined up with the wolves?” Mack growls out. Miles just laughs at him and at himself.

“I joined a place where a vet like Alex fuckin’ Jones can show an asshole like me that there is more to me than being an empty headed pretty fly boy that dresses up like a pirate and thirst traps on Twitter when he can. We do this thing because it’s the only thing we know how to do, right?”

Mack just stares at him.

“Look, you and I, we’re cut from the same cloth. Small family, small group of friends and had almost our whole lives fucked up by a deranged lunatic that fucked both of us up...but...” Miles looks around and sighs, “ ...you got your moments, you are a former world champ when for the longest time no one told you you were worth a penny. You just got back from fucking BALI with Mattie. And here I am, a phone tha looks like a little black book, nothing steady since that BITCH did me dirty. It’s like every time I come close to happy, something happens or I fuck up. And do not misunderstand me, mate...I am happy for you, I am over the moon that you got your life. I still have a devil on my shoulder that is going to chase my arse until I finally shake it. I have to get better.”

“I suppose...”

Miles sighs and touches Mack’s shoulder, “Look, Levi has thrown his support for it in. And I’m not going anywhere. I’m still gonna be in PWS, I just need to put myself first. This chance to train in that place, for myself AND for Lach and to perhaps become even better? Why would I say no?”

And with that Miles pulls the strap to his bag and smirks, holding his fist out, “I’ll catch you when I get back from Vegas.”

Mack just looks at his fist and gives it a bump before bumping his friend’s shoulder walking away from him. Miles just looks back with a smile and shakes his head.

“Worrying about nothin’...”


Why is it just so hard?

“Can’t help but wonder.”

Lights fade up. We see Miles sitting in a chair in the middle of a room, looking rather dapper in his suit.

“Was this actually meant to be? Because I’m at the point right now where I am convinced that the world likes to poke and laugh at me. I’m about to hit fate in the back of the head because what is about to happen at Into the Void has got to be a sick, cruel JOKE! I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew after I beat Lincoln that this is what was going to happen. What the funny part is, I honestly did not believe that I was going to be here.”

“And by here I mean in Vegas, at Into the Void, in a Triple Threat match with Caleb Storms and the Roulette champ, the man that is supposed to be my leader, Alex f’n Jones.”

“First of all, I gotta give Caleb credit. The dude keeps himself relevant just by running his mouth. He’s damn good at it too. Do not fucking misunderstand me, I am actually impressed by this dude because he like me wasn’t expected to make it this damn far. We were supposed to be warming the benches of our respective gyms. But you did it, didn’t ya Caleb? What are you going to do to keep it? Anything, everything? Cause I’m at that point. The last time I was here, I was fucking FISH FOOD! I still love to give Christian shit over it. The son of a bitch has a sick and twisted sense of humor and I have to respect that. The fact that I was in that moment, only tells me that this division is just what I want. Right up my Main Street, with M. Night Shyamalan-ian twist and turns. I’ve been through this before and I’m ready for just about anything, including your cocky ass. ....no offense meant. ....sorta”

“AS FOR ALEX....well...this feels fucking familiar, don’t it? See, shortly after it was announced that I had joined Wolfslair, along with Lachlan Kane, I found myself across the ring from the boss himself. Alex Jones, who was on a losing streak. Alex Jones, that had let every bit of the drama in Wolfslair detour him right into a whopper of a losing streak. Then he faced me. And he took me to the proverbial woodshed. And it proved that I had a lot to learn. Some would even credit me for the reason why he stands as the SCW Roulette Champion. Out of the two men that I face in that 6-sided ring, he knows me the best. He’s watched me grow over the last couple of months and he knows that I am thirsty for something so much more than what I have been. He knows I’m dangerous.”

“I am so much more than the thirst trap that everyone has come to know and love. I’m only just beginning to feel like what I should be. Not who I was by some woman that ghosted me, not by the friends I keep...I am the DON KARNAGE OF WOLFSLAIR! I am a Wolf, and I am a pirate. AND I WILL NOT LET THIS CHANCE PASS ME BY!”

Following PWS: Riot from earlier this week:

The trainer’s room seems to be a popular location on this night, few have come and gone but what happened to Miles during his match with Lach...well no one is quite sure what happened. The lights went out, there was a horrific smack, lights came back on and Miles was KO’d on the mat with the chair sitting next to him like someone was sitting there but it was empty. The match had no finish. Lachlan helped Miles to the back once he regained consciousness and took him straight to the room.

“MILES KASEY, YOU GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!” that loud female voice belonged to PWS General Manager, Laura Phoenix. She was already having a bad night before this. She was already talking about going home, and killing an entire bottle of whiskey once her son went to bed. Miles though, he’s pissed off. Someone took what was supposed to be an awesome match between two men that had been training their asses off and showed what they could really do not only in PWS BUT as members of Wolfslair....and it led to that.

He came storming out, junking the make-shift ice bag into the closest bin before grabbing a towel and running it through his hair and looking at it to make sure there was no blood, before flinging it over her shoulder, followed by a bottle of water and dumping it over his head for a moment before chugging the rest down.

“Miles. Man, you really should get back in there.” Lach said sneaking out of the door away from the ranting bosslady.

“I don’t give a rats fucking ass, mate.” he said, tossing him a bottle before grabbing another one, “I’ve been hit a hell of a lot harder in this big empty head of mine and no bitch is gonna stop me from making the trip to Vegas and punch a troll in his even emptier head.”

“Look, I get it, I really do.”

“Good then you’ll understand why I’m gonna do it.” he slightly smirks. “I have been a fuck up more than enough times in my life, I can’t let this curb me right into a brick wall. To that basement dweller, I’m a twitter joke. Someone that tries to keep himself on the level of guys like you and Fenris and apparently gets laughed at because of it. I’m a frat boy joke minus the actual college credits.”

“To be honest mate, I’m nothing to write home about either.”

“But you are a former champion in SCW. You and Si OWNED that Mixed Tag Division and came pretty damn close to other things. For you, it’s only a matter of time. For me I rose pretty damn quick in a place that needed a kick in the pants and then I crashed and burned. And I’m still getting these issues of people trying to make an example out of me.” Miles reaches back and rubs the sore spot that has formed on the back of his neck, “I’ve about had it with that. But I appreciate your concern and what you did in that match. You could have pinned my ass and honestly that would have been fine too. But for now, I’m gonna head home, take some painkillers, throw some ice on my head, wake up, hop on the plane and go send that mama’s boy back to his ‘Lair’.”

And with that Miles gives his stablemate a salute before he can get another word out and walks away.

“Stubborn idiot.” is all that Lach says before heading back into the room.


Save Yoru Jokes

Miles sitting atop of the hotel roof in Vegas overlooking the skyline. He looks up and waving the us in on closer, “Laugh it up now, assholes. Cause after the week I just had, I’m pretty much over it.”

He sighs heavily, “That’s all I am to you, innit? A giant joke that looks great in tights and can flip around.”

“I’m pretty damn good at being the goofy idiot, and I have no qualms about me being at the ass end of a really good joke. But I think we can all come to the agreement that The Troll has zero clue what the hell is ahead of him come Blaze of Glory.” Scoffing for a moment, he shakes his head, “If this idiot would spend more time actually training than he would on his computer browsing Facebook, Twitter and Redtube...I said what I said, he’d actually understand why I throw these things up on social media. Instead he’s a walking talking South Park meme. Instead he tries to make me feel bad about being in almost a fun little competition with Fenris and those glorious abs. Question for ya mate- when was the last time you actually were able to bend over and tie your own shoes? Or does your mum still do that for you?”

“I still have no idea how the hell you managed to pull off your first win, but ya did mate. But your streak ends right here at Blaze of Glory...the reason? Guys like you that sit behind your computer and have the set to judge me. You deserve a punch in the mouth and maybe breaking your fingers for the garbage you spew out.”

Miles cracked his neck before cracking his fingers with a slightly evil smirk on his face, “I was gonna try and be the nice guy, I was gonna give you the benefit of the doubt but when it comes down to it...mate....you’re nothing more than a keyboard warrior with delusions of grandeur about being able to play dress up, pull yourself from the moldy underbelly of Mrs. Wolowitz’s dungeon, and try to be on my level.”

“My arse is out there and I’m not shy about it one bit. I have no issues in wildin’ out, showin off and getting attention. It’s what I do and you are going to be just another highlight on Miles Kasey’s top 25 moments when I beat your poor pathetic arse. And then maybe the greatest ass in SCW, I’ll visit your mum” Miles looks up with a glimmer in his eye, a smartass smirk on his face and a heavy shrug before he turns away with a simple finish, ”..ya know, for research purposes.”

“Well, that was unpleasant.” was the only thing that Miles could mutter when the scene before them unfolded between Austin James Mercer and Fenris, backstage. Miles wasn’t even going to be there for the show this week but something told him to pop in and make sure things were kosher.

Needless to say, they were far from it. Not even 2 weeks after being brought in to Wolfslair, he’s seeing it almost shake at the foundation.

Turning and looking at Bella, she gives him a sympathetic smirk before she heads off leaving him just standing there.

“Well, now what?” he says looking up and as if life has that way of slapping him on the ass and going ‘Time to Go Big Boy’, his phone goes off with a text that simply reads:

Next week: Miles Kasey vs. Alex Jones

His blue eyes just went wide and he almost tosses his phone but stops himself from slinging it against the closest wall, gripping it tight and screaming “FUCK!”


4 Hours Later

“Oi, you dere. Nother round!” the slurring words of Milo, the idiot. The one that drowns himself in whiskey.

The bartender walks over and snatches his glass from him, “I’ll get you another round...IF you order something to eat.”

Miles just glares at him, “Fine, I’ll order some chips...fries, whatever...cheese on em. Now, can you get me more?”

“One more,” the bartender states, “I’m cutting you off after that.” He pours the brown liquid into the glass sliding it to him, “I’ll go get those fries for you. Take your time on that.”

As they walk away, Miles just sticks his tongue out at them before reaching for the glass, but just as he gets close, a hand reaches across and pushes it away and it falls to the other side of the bar and crashes down. “Opps!” a small voice peeps up. Glancing over his shoulder, Bella standing there with a smirk on her face and a hand on her hip.

“Well! Your husband already tire of you and kick you out of your room?”

“Actually, he’s currently getting a shower and I snuck out to get some food and make sure his surprise is all set for tomorrow. Drowning your sorrows again?”

“It’s what I do best, love. You know that.” Miles says all hunched over and it’s pretty damn obvious.

“What’s got you in knots now? Still mournin’ whatever her name was?”

That causes him to scoff, “Nessa...and no. I’m actually quite over her, thank you very much.” Miles glances over at her, “You owe me a drink.”

She shrugs shyly and motions to the bartender who has come out from the kitchen area with his order, “Put it on my tab.” she says to him motioning about the glass before turning back to her friend, “I heard on my way out that you get to face Alex.”

“Yup. One of the newest members of Wolfslair and I get the boss.” Miles laughs for a moment, “I am amazed at myself sometimes. When I was approached to join Wolfslair, I thought to myself that this would be something absolutely amazing. Lach even said it, you cannot ever stop learning. And look at who is a part of it all...I would have been dumber than I look to turn it down.”

“But?”

“But....I wasn’t really expecting a whole trial by fire situation. He tweeted earlier to just say good luck.” Miles hovers over the glass for a moment, instead he reaches and snatches a fry from the basket and shoves it in his mouth. Bella just looks at him with laughter in her eyes cause she knows he’s got himself worked up, “I gotta walk in next week and face a man that is basically the keystone of the group, looking to get his ass back on top as well and...AND! All in the same breath manage to somehow keep my momentum alive. I really don’t want to blow this opportunity.”

She smiles at him before smacking him upside his head, “You think way too much for someone who claims to have an empty head.”

Rubbing the back of his head, “OW! JEEZ! At least I’m thinking though.”

“Well okay then! You’re not thinking about running, are you?”

“NO! HELL NO!” Miles yells a little loud to the point where Bella shooshes him, “No, I’m not. Just right now, it’s nerves.” His phone chirps, he pulls it up and looks at it rolling his eyes.

“Christian?”

He looks over at her, shoving his phone back in his pocket, “Yeah, that guy has a thing for me, I swear.”

Causing her to laugh a bit she reaches over and snatches a fry, “Look, you have a week, why don’t you head back to New York for a bit and go from there.”

“Yeah I was thinking about that. A little extra training in both places wouldn’t hurt. I’ve been away long enough.”

“Well the plane heads out soon. I suggest you get on it.” she finishes throwing the fry in her mouth and begins to walk away.

“What about you two?” he asks spinning around

“Don’t worry about Mal and I. I have a nice little adventure planned for him and I. Still finish here, get your shit and get on that plane.”

And with a simple salute all he can say before lifting his glass is, “Yes ma’am.”


Trials by Fire

“You know, I’m beginning to wonder if someone has it out for me. I’m sometimes wondering if his name is Christian Underwood. Maybe that’s only when he has to make my life flash before my eyes.”

“So YEAH, in case those that missed it, I am now a part of Wolfslair. It’s sorta cool actually, we get a secret decoder ring and our own special password. And the parties...OH! My goodness.” Miles laughs for a moment like he was gonna really spread the tail but he just shakes his head, “No not really, I’m just kidding but the fact that I am now labeled with one of the top premier teams in wrestling today that spans across, at least at the moment, 4 to 5 different promotions. Championships adorn the walls of their gym. To learn and grow under their banner is an honour. I looked at this as a terrific golden opportunity to really hone my skills.”

“But it’s all with drama, isn’t it? Alex has his hands full of these strange things going on and it seems to be affecting him in the fact that he has to play dad rather than play the leader. I feel for him and I want to tell him that he has honestly nothing to worry about with me. Besides a few hiccups in what happened last year, I’m practically drama free and hungry as hell.”

“I want to prove that I know I have what it takes. I don’t want the world of distractions to get in the way of becoming better. Getting to that point where I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I can be one of the best that Wolfslair has ever produced. I’m honoured to be here, but I need to show them what I am truly capable of. Sorry boss. But it’s gotta be you. I sorta hate it but I know damn well if I’m going to really do this whole trials and tribulations, I rather it’d be through you.”

“And we have no choice it seems. So Sunday, I’ll stand across the ring, I’ll shake your hand, we will battle and I will prove that I am worthy. No matter what, I will make you all proud to call me brother, friend and mate.”

LA LA LA LA I CAN’T HEAR YOU!!!!

I’m not gonna look at these things where no matter what I do, how hard I actually try, I am and will forever be the preverbal loser.

After my railing at God, I was amazed I didn’t get struck by lightning. Chalk that W up for me I guess. Shocked it didn’t happen but who am I to question it?

Maybe it would stop me from letting people down like I have done over and over again. The way I’m fairly certain I’m gonna be letting Maki down. Lethal Lottery is going to be lethal only for one person.

Me.

And ok, FINE! FINE! If I’m going to die then I’m going out on my terms.

Pugsley Addams had it right, “I’m a turkey, please KILL ME!”

Too bad it’s not Thanksgiving.


5 years ago

“MILES AUGUSTUS KASEY!” coming from the outside of our flat.

My mother is the ONLY person allowed to use that and I’m saying that for future reference to anyone that wants to try and use it. When she sounds like this, you know I am in deep fucking shit.

“Someone is in trouble” my twin sister sing-songs without even looking up from her book as we both sit at the table in the morning getting a quick breakfast in. My mum worked the graveyard shift when Bea and I were old enough to take care of ourselves.

Looking up, “Shit...”

“What did you do?”

Just sighing heavily, I start trying to grab something without looking at her, “....went over to Murphy’s last night.”

She tries to get in my way and just gives me that look....that one that mothers have and sisters try to use against you but isn’t as powerful, “Oh Milo...you didn’t.”

“I didn’t think his mom saw us! We thought we had til 2am, so we tried to just get in his makeshift in the back yard to screw around. Next thing we know, every light in the house goes on. She in her drunken stupor starts screaming and we go scattering. She must have recognized me...” I push her out of my way, finally finding the generic poptart box in the back, grabbing it and shoving it in my bag.

“You are a bloody idiot.”

Well that was frank but...

“You’re just now figuring it out?” I wave to her and make my way to the front door and open it to see...

“And just where the hell do you think you’re goin’?”

“MUM! Uhhh, morning! Work good? Good! Look I hate to run, but I promised Mack that I-”

“YOU SIT YER ARSE DOWN RIGHT NOW! Mrs. Kersley called me first thing this morning at work to tell me what happened last night.”

“Murphy having those ravers again? Bastard never called me...”

“Watch your mouth before I wash it out with soap.”

“We’re out. I’ll make sure to pick some up from Tesco before I come home tonight.”

“Miles...”

“Mum, seriously.”

“You gotta stop with these backyard antics sweetie. One of these times you are going to fling yourself off of something and break your neck.”

“I won’t, I haven’t and I am old enough to make my choices. Besides, Murphy is the only idiot to break anything yet..”

“MILES!”

“MOM! Look, I know, you are worried, I get it. You think I’m going to be like dad, piss away my life but considering that my life isn’t going anywhere as is and I work at a shit shoppe, making shit wages to help support you and Bea, going out now and again to blow off steam and do a little bit of wrestling with my mates isn’t going to hurt anything. It’s not like I’m going to find myself going to somewhere reputable anyway. I put out feelers to a bunch of places, hell I even put one out to an American wrestling school and I haven’t heard anything back. I’m going to live and die here being a pathetic piece of shit because my father couldn’t keep himself out of the bottle long enough to actually give a fuck about us. You deserve better, Bea deserves better. So let me have this one moment, alright?”

And with that I didn’t even let her retort....I know I made her cry that day but I just....I couldn’t.


Now

Back out on my fire escape.

“I am not shy about being the family disappointment. I know that this is a thing and I’m the laughing stock of this match. But I’ll be damned if I’m not going to throw everything I got into it.”

Looking up, it’s cold in New York now...a far cry difference from what it was a week ago but honestly, maybe a little chill may freeze my soul.

“I’ve been lucky a few times. Everyone once in a while, the big man looks at me and goes ‘I’ll throw the dog a bone’. But it comes crashing down nonetheless. I rather not get my hopes up for it but I can’t help but wonder if maybe...just maybe he’ll give me another chance.”

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

He didn’t want to look up but for his friend he did when the words “You may kiss your bride.” were said. Watching Bella get her happy beginning, even with an asshole like Malachi, made the stabbing pain in his heart worth it. She made her choice a long time ago and it wasn’t him.

He fucked that one up too.

But here they all were there to see it. Her family, Mal’s family, all their friends. Malachi pulling off one of the best surprises ever for his new wife, giving her the wedding she and Alanah planned but could never quite figure out a day. The word went out, the location and time and a somewhat formal dress code, presents optional and to be there and ready to celebrate. To be honest, he was shocked he even got a message. Maybe it was by mistake, but he wasn’t going to disappoint, he was there...stag. Didn’t bug him any for the most part just another damn day where he’s reminded that he’s a jackass...and he brought it all on himself.

Flash Forward

The party has been in full force for a little bit now, alcohol flowing, food served, a quiet private affair and it still manages to be loud as hell.

From the farthest table Miles sits alone, draining the last of something dark brown in a small glass. He glances across the room settling on everyone but him living it up.

“Disgusting...”

Him...not them. But if he was overheard right now, someone would have easily assumed the other.

“Refil, sir?”

“Oh no, thanks. I’m gonna call it a night I think. Do me a favor though...” he pulls his wallet out from his coat pocket and from that a 20 and hands it to the waiter. “Make sure this gets to the proper person. Thanks, love.”

“I will.” she says taking it from him and dropping it on her tray while cleaning up. She glances over at him and squints for a moment as she sees him staring off to nothingness, “Umm, are- are you ok?”

“I’ve had better years.”

“Come again?” she laughs.

Miles looks up at her for a moment, “Two years ago, the bride and I...well....but now she’s there after I fucked up royally and I’m here, her and one other woman later and honestly the whole relationship this seems to just not be in the cards for me.”

“Ah....”

“I’m sorry to dump that all on you. This whole damn holiday...fuck, this whole year has just sucked for me and being here isn’t helping my mood at all.”

“Well, it’s understandable. It’s hard to see everyone be happy when you basically...aren’t.”

“Right. Exactly. So I probably should get out of here before I bring down the joyful mood. I’ll send my apologies to the bride later. Thanks for listening...” he says trying to get her name out from her.

“Oh, Jessica. And it was no problem Mr.-?”

“Kasey...Miles. Some of them call me Milo.”

“Well...Miles, it really was no problem. I actually like talking to people that seem to be dealing with problems. In fact so much so I’m going to school to do pretty much just that. This is my last job before I head back to school here next week.”

“Well, good luck to you and thanks for the open ear.” Miles nods and turns on his heels taking one last glance.

“Hey! I was wondering...” she speaks up, almost speaking too fast but still catches his attention. “If you are willing, maybe I could give you my number. I could always be that ear you need to bend.”

Miles stands speechless.

Son of a bitch....again? This is almost how it happened with Nessa. Except she’s leaving...maybe it’s just to talk. Snap the fuck out of it and fucking answer the woman!

“Umm...sure.”


Couple Days Later

Shave and a Hair Cut

FINISH IT DAMMIT!

TWO BITS!

“Who is it?”

“The boss, open up Milo!”

“Gimmie a mo, Levi.”

After a moment of silence we hear the locks come undone on the other side and a shirtless Miles. “Hey, what brings you by?”

“Wanted to check in, been trying to call you since you got spotted leaving the party without so much as a ‘See ya’. Everything good?”

“OH, yeah sorry just been...” a loud clatter from the other side catches both their attention, “Busy.”

“You get a cat?” Levi says with a little raise in his eyebrow cause he knows. He wasn’t born last night.

“No, far too busy for that. Look, I’d invite you in but the place is a mess...can I call you later? Maybe meet up at the centre for a spot of training?”

“Sure but...”

....”Excuse me...” from behind Miles a voice pops up and it’s the waitress. Jessica. Lookin’ a little disheveled. “I’m gonna get going. I still have some packing to do.”

“OH, of course...umm..thanks for- everything.”

“Sure! And you have my number. If you are out on the west coast, and just...well...use it ok?”

“Sure thing.”

She leans up and gives him a kiss on the cheek before turning and shyly waving to Levi and walking away. Leaving them standing there in awkward silence for a moment.

“....I can explain.”

“No,” Levi says, holding up his hand....”Trust me ya don’t have too. Good for you. Now...umm...may I?”

Miles sorta snaps to and opens his door wider to allow his guest in, “Once again, sorry bout the mess...”

Levi looks around and it’s your typical bachelor pad, shirts everywhere, dishes laying here and there. Could use a maid or a woman’s touch but it fits him, “Kid, don’t even worry. You should have seen me in my years before Jack and Emma...in fact...you’ve seen my office.”

Miles smirks grabbing a shirt and throwing it on, “That I have. I really am fine. Ya know that right?” Levi looks at him knowingly, “After the year I had, hell after the last two that I had...watching them getting hitched wasn’t even what got to me. I spent the holiday talking to my mum and sis through a computer screen, hoping they got the gifts I sent over a month ago. Nessa has completely ghosted me except she’s sending me cryptic messages through twitter and text messages.”

“Never mind the fact that you and the kid you teamed up with lost the tag titles.”

“I don’t even care about that because as you know, she was lucky to get into that situation to begin with. Morgan has a lot of work ahead of her, so I’ve taken her under my wing a bit but...well I need to get myself back in a ring...any ring.”

Levi nods, “I get that. Well if you look, there’s a way to get you out of your current pity phase of ...what’s the word that Bella taught me...ennui?”

“Nailed it.”

“SCW put ya in a fatal fourway. You, Agostino...”

“AGAIN!?!”

“Yeah...also Bill Barnhart and one other...uhhh” He pulls out his phone and pulls it up. “Lincoln Daniels. Winner gets a shot at the Roulette.”

“Ooof....ya know that whole damn name of that belt gives me flashbacks on the worst way. I don’t think I’m ever going to get over the whole almost getting eaten alive.”

“No one would. But you gotta realize what this is going to do for you kid, another chance, another shot....and after getting a piece of that hot little brunette that just walked out of here...”

Miles laughs for a moment while running his hand through his hair, “Well...couple days...but I’m not completely back to normal. Getting there though.”

“Well get out there early and make it a whole week...who knows, maybe you’ll finally loosen the fuck up for everyone to be able to stand again.”

“Have I been that bad?”

“I was waiting for Spinelli to punch you...”

....

Yeah....Spinelli doesn’t hit anyone unless it’s bad. YIKES

“....when can the jet be ready?”