How Far Have You Come?

Last Year
Miles Kasey had found himself at a loss as he mindlessly strolled through the Sun Princess. Through all the stress of his sister Brianna giving birth two weeks early, rushing back to home to be at her side when she had complications and legit every other fucking thing that was going wrong in his life.

At least it felt that way at that particular moment.

He was dealing with his heart and his mind being played with for almost an entire two months and quite frankly he was over it at this point. He was numb, he was drunk and despite some trying to tell him to call peace, go to the cause of his issues, he just wanted to clear his head and let his own thoughts make it even worse.

He was in a battle with himself.

Miles vs. Milo

Milo wanted nothing more than to go to the cause of the majority of his problems, try and work it out and continue to take it on the chin, feeling like he was the reason for all their problems. Some would have called it a fear of being alone, and honestly at that time, they would’ve been right.

Miles though wanted to just wash his hands of the entire fucking situation. The jealousy, the gaslighting and making him feel less than was more than enough for him to just be absolutely done with the whole situation and lesser people would have walked away even way before now.

As Miles found a secluded spot on the deck of the Sun Princess, the cool ocean breeze brushed against his face, offering a momentary respite from the chaos consuming his mind. The ship sailed through the night, the gentle rocking motion mirroring the turmoil within him.

But there was something else, a gnawing ache deep within him that he couldn't ignore. One who yearned for resolution, for reconciliation, for the chance to mend what was broken. And the part of him that had grown tired of the toxicity and manipulation, craving freedom from the chains that bound him. Each memory stung, reminding him of the pain he had endured.

As he sat there, the emptiness of his own thoughts echoed around him. It was in that quiet solitude that he knew a decision had to be made. He couldn't continue down this path of uncertainty and self-doubt. He deserved better. And deep down, he knew it.

“Miles?” he heard a voice call out to him, a familiar and friendly voice that came from Bella Madison. He knew she would mean well seeking him out but now was not the time. She was a name on the list of his fuck-ups that he has made.

All Miles could do was look up at her through his somewhat drunken haze and if there was a textbook picture for the way one would look when they pitied someone, that would be the current look Bella was giving him, “Hey, people are getting really worried about you.”

“So they sent you to find me?” Miles laughed, “This has to be the wildest form of ‘This is Your Life and how you fucked it up.’ Is Ness right around the corner?”

“You really think she wouldn’t have been thrown overboard by now if she was?” she said as she sat down next to him, nudging him a little bit, “They figured I would be the safest one to talk you down off the proverbial ledge. K would just pour more liquor down your throat, Mal has all the subtlety of a sherman tank and Lach is too busy trying to impregnate Si.”

They sit in silence for a moment before Miles just takes a deep sigh, “Have you seen her?”

“Becca? No, I haven’t but I saw the tweets. Miles, I can almost hear your brain right now and I can tell you that not dealing with it is only making it worse.” Bella reaches over and makes Miles look at her, “If you want to get through the rest of the cruise in any form of peace then you need to take the initiative and figure out what you really want.”

Miles shakes his head and almost looks completely freaked out for a moment, a rare sign of weakness in a man that is usually strong, but when you get berated for so long, “I just don’t know if I have it in me to...”

“You have all the strength in the world, Milo. What you lack is the understanding that there are several people on this boat that are genuinely caring about you and worried. This whole thing has done nothing but distract you and turned you into a miserable bastard since you found out.” Bella said sitting back, “You deserve to be happy and I can tell right now that you are not happy. I want you to be able to come back here next year, with whomever you are with and truly be 100% happy.”

Miles peaks over at her, “So you’re saying I should end it?”

Bella just sits there with her hands folded in front of her and you can tell she’s fighting what is at the tip of her tongue, “We’re friends, so while I want to tell you what you should do, I will not do that. All of this that you are going through, the Miles I know would never accept something like this. Lay it out with her, beyond the twitter battle. If it feels right then try, but I miss the cocky adorable Miles that I’ve seen shining through with your interactions with Zoey and Carter.”

Miles sits up a little straighter before sighing and slumping back in his chair, “But it’s that guy that caused this.”

Bella growls and stands up, putting her hands on her hips and glares at him, “And if she doesn’t accept you for what you really are, then is it even meant to be? Through all my flaws, through all of Malachi’s Oscar like demeanor, we accept and love each other unconditionally. Maybe your happiness isn’t with Becca and who knows, maybe that very person, whomever they may be is right here on this boat just as fucking miserable as you are.”

Miles laughs, “I highly doubt that.”

“Just...” Bella grabs his stubbled stubborn face, “Don’t let the fear of being alone dictate how happy you should really be.” With that she gave him a kiss on the top of his head, “And get a shower, you smell exactly like that jet fuel that K’s been giving you.”

She goes to step away and he keeps a hold of her hand to catch her attention and he gives it an appreciative kiss, “Thanks Bells.”

And with that she lets him be. Miles just sat there for a moment before he pushed himself up to a wobbly vertical stance and he grips the railing and closes his eyes trying to balance himself. As he opened his eyes, the stars twinkled above, and he looked up.

“Let me get the next one right, wontcha?”

Almost a Year Later
This past Tuesday

Practically in the same spot Miles and Carter enjoyed their time watching the sunset. Almost a whole year had passed and since January the duo was proudly together and happy. They loved to spoil each other, goofing around, there was plenty of laughter and love in the home they shared, even if Carter kept saying that it was Miles’ place and he just lived there ‘for now’.

Carter kept Miles on his toes while Miles kept Carter grounded.

What made it better is while Miles barely remembered the significance of the spot, his heart felt a whole lot fuller especially with the words that just came out of Carter’s mouth. There was no judgement from either one of them, no gaslighting and full on complete understanding.

And actual love.

He wasn’t going to push it any more than what he had heard tonight. For now, it was enough and definitely a sign of how far he had really come.


Bitch, Let’s Get Personal

The moonlight cast an ethereal glow on the deserted deck of the majestic cruise ship, where Miles Kasey found himself standing alone. The silence surrounding him offered solace and a momentary respite from the chaos that awaited him. He took a deep breath, allowing the salty breeze to invigorate his spirit as he gathered his thoughts.

"Peter Vaughn," Miles spoke softly, the determination in his voice resonating through the night. "It seems you just can't resist the opportunity to run your mouth, can you? Always trying to get under my skin, to belittle my accomplishments and remind me of past encounters. But let me remind you of something, Peter: sometimes history repeats itself, and this time, the outcome will be different."

A flicker of confidence danced in Miles' eyes as he recalled their previous battles, the draws and close calls that had defined their rivalry. He refused to let those stalemates overshadow his determination to emerge victorious this time.

"While you boast about our previous battles," Miles continued, his voice growing stronger, "The draws and close calls, let me remind you that the last time we faced each other, you didn't defeat me either. So don't get too comfortable with those hollow W's."

His voice carried a hint of defiance, fueled by the setbacks and disappointments he had experienced. Every stumble along the way had only ignited a fire within him, a relentless drive to succeed.

"Yes, I've had my setbacks, my disappointments," Miles acknowledged, his voice unwavering. "And there isn't a single asshole who won't constantly remind me of that... BUT each one has only fueled my determination to succeed."

The thought of Peter Vaughn's Roulette Championship victory lingered in his mind, but Miles was resolute in his belief that it didn't make his opponent invincible. He knew his true strength lay in his talent, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his fans.

"And as for your remarks about cheating," Miles stated firmly, "It's ironic coming from someone who associates himself with a troll. But let me assure you, Peter, I don't need weapons or underhanded tactics to win. I rely on my skill, my determination, and the unbreakable bond I share with my fans."

Miles' gaze shifted to the open expanse of the pool, the ultimate battleground for their forthcoming Ultimate X match. The very thought of it, the freedom it provided, stirred a fire within him that burned brighter than ever.

"You talk about Ultimate X and the freedom it provides," Miles declared, his voice brimming with confidence. "But let me tell you something, Peter: it's not about the weapons or the stunts; it's about the heart, the determination, and the will to overcome any obstacle. And in that regard, I am unstoppable."

A wry smile played on Miles' lips as he allowed himself a moment of levity amidst the intensity of their impending clash.

"Oh, and Gabriel," he interjected, a mischievous glint in his eye, "Do us all a favor, bruv? Please, for the sake of everyone's sanity, do NOT wear a Speedo. No one has the money for that kind of therapy."

He chuckled to himself, briefly relishing the lightheartedness of the remark, before refocusing his thoughts on the grand spectacle that awaited them.

"But let me make it clear," Miles proclaimed, his voice resolute once more. "I am Summer XXXTreme personified. I will push myself to the absolute limit, shatter boundaries, and show the world what I'm truly capable of. This Ultimate X match will be a spectacle, a showcase of athleticism and passion that will leave the SCW universe in awe, just like I always do."

Miles looked out over the pool, envisioning the X hanging high above, symbolizing the ultimate prize. He knew that when the dust settled, it would be his hand grasping that championship, and Peter Vaughn would find himself crashing down, defeated and perhaps a little bit humbled.

"So prepare yourself, Peter," Miles concluded, his voice filled with unwavering determination. "The time for talking is over. It's time to step up, beat the unholy hell out of each other, and let our actions speak for themselves. And when the proverbial dust settles, when the X hangs high above that pool, it will be my hand clutching that championship, and your crash down— or in this case, SPLASH down— in defeat will be etched in SCW history."

With a final deep breath, Miles turned away from the railing, leaving behind the solitary serenity of the deck. He walked purposefully, ready to face the challenges that awaited him in the Ultimate X match, armed with an unyielding determination to regain something that he knew rightfully belonged to him, that 10 pounds of gold known as the SCW Roulette Championship.

It’s not every day that you get the chance to really show someone just how much they truly mean to you.

“Just Another Day”

It was something that Miles had heard time and time again for the last month when it pertained to Carter’s 24th birthday. Despite that statement though that Carter echoed every time Miles would try and get out of his adorable boyfriend what he wanted for his birthday, the plans were in place 2 weeks before they even got to Climax Control in Phoenix.

It was almost too fun to keep him in suspense from the details. From the moment that Miles got off the call that Carter walked in on, suspicions set in. It only got worse when as the special day approached and questions began to be asked about plans, Miles made sure to tell everyone and anyone that they would be otherwise occupied. Sunday Night through Thursday Morning was completely accounted for and there was not one single soul that was allowed to interfere in any of it. If he had felt brave, he would have even told people that their phones would have been off but that would have only led to him being yelled at.

After a private conversation with a few people, they all understood the assignment. Mum was the word and they would have plenty of opportunity to celebrate another year around the sun for Carter later in the week.

Miles even had an evil little thought to send his boyfriend on a scavenger hunt in Phoenix, especially after the night before when Carter tried to pry it out of him. Alas there wasn’t enough time and he let the whole thing dangle out there like a carrot and a few adorable pouts.

Mind you, he thought the whole damn thing would go to hell when Carter was doing a meet and greet and the man that has basically been stalking him for the last month once again showed up. What the hell did that guy do? Cash in all his frequent flyer miles to stalk the son that he walked away from?!? This guy seemed to make himself be seen whenever Miles wasn’t around, conveniently, saving himself from what would more than likely have been getting the man shoved against the wall and a long line of questioning...after some not-so-mild threatening.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Miles said after finally catching up with Carter inside of the catering area, trying to calm himself down.

Carter just sighs, “Yeah, I’m alright.” the young man said, almost waving off the whole thing.

Miles sighed in frustration, “You should have called for security. It’s obvious the man is stalking you at this point.”

The look that Carter gave was like ‘you’re right but...’, “For showing up to multiple shows as a paying fan? We have people that follow us around the world, he hasn’t done anything to warrant that...”

“-Yet.” Miles holds his hands up, “Sorry, I’m being the protective boyfriend again.”

Carter can’t help but smile, “Yeah, you are and still holding out on me about what you are even thinking about doing. Even trying to pack for whatever you have in mind gave me absolutely no clues.”

“Think? Nah, there is no thinking about it.” Miles smiles as his phone drops a tone that he has a message. His attention turns to that for a moment, and then stands up, “Ready?”

“For what?” Miles just holds out his hand and gives Carter a look, without a word spoken. After just a beat, Carter takes his hand and stands up with him.

And within the hour...

“Again with the private plane?” Carter said settling into his seat, “Ok, seriously where are we going?”

“Well you can thank Laura for this one,” Miles said with a laugh, dropping his one bag beside him and getting set up for takeoff.

Carter just growls and runs his hands through his blonde hair with a ton of frustration, “MILES YOU ARE KILLING ME!”

“I am not, and you are being overly dramatic again,” the mischievous blue-green eyes shimmered as he reaches up and takes one of Carter’s hands in his, “Trust me, it is going to be worth it and you’ll understand why I kept it so quiet.”

“Hey, as secretive as you’ve been with him, I can’t blame him for it.” Laura Phoenix said as she came from the front of the plane to get herself ready for their flight, “We just got the clearance and are about to take off. Next stop, Knoxville.”

Miles clasps his hands together like a giddy little kid, “Awesome, and thank you again for this. I hope you aren’t going out of your way...”

Laura shrugs as she buckles in, “Actually it’s not. It’s a perfect refueling spot.”

“Refueling?” Carter asked while looking at Miles, “I’m so confused right now.”

Laura just laughed as did Miles, “Will you put this boy out of his misery already? We’re not even in the air yet and I’m beginning to think he’s believing we’re gonna kidnap him.”

Carter just sighs, “I don’t believe that, I’m sorry, Ms. Phoenix...I know I’m not being a great guest right now.”

“Carter, call me Laura and trust me, I’m not the greatest about surprises either.” Laura sits back and thinks, “Neither is Bella now that I think about it.”

“No, she’s really not.” Miles says as he shakes his head as outside the window the plane is on the move down the runway and it gently lifts off the ground into the darkening Phoenix sky, “Well now that we’re finally on the way, I guess I can let it all out. Laura and the crew are giving us a lift to Knoxville, Tennessee, where when we depart we will be checking into a nice hotel room for the evening. Once we wake up, we’re going to get our rental and make our way to Pigeon Forge, TN where we will spend 3 nights at a private cabin not far from our actual destination...”

Carter’s blue eyes grow big as he realizes what Miles is telling him, “You mean?”

With that Miles reaches into his bag and pulls out his tablet, turning it on and opens the screen and hands it over to Carter, “You, my amazing deserving boyfriend, are about to check one off the bucket-list where you are going to spend your 24th birthday in Dollywood.”

“Are you- ...wait...What about Ms. Thang?!?” Carter asks which brings a fit of laughter from Laura.

“Out of all the names for a cat in my life...” is all she gets out.

“Is perfectly safe and currently annoying the hell out of K and Aron.” Miles said, showing him a picture from a text he got from Fenris about an hour ago, of her perched on his head and the most annoyed look on K’s face that brings a laugh from Carter, “Well, at least I hope she is...”

As Miles tucks his phone into the side of him Carter just sits in silence for a moment, looking out the window in shock before he turns back and looks adoringly at Miles, “So...Dollywood?”

“Just you and me, babe.” Miles says as he grabs Carter’s hand again, “We’ll see mom and grams Thursday night to round out the week before we head to Yuma.”

Carter just sits in a stun silence for a moment, “You really thought of everything.”

“That I did.” Miles says leaning towards him, “Happy?”

Carter just nods and gives him a quick kiss, “Very.”


The Road to Redemption

He remembers how it felt just a few short weeks ago when he lost the match for both he and Ally.

In his mind's eye, Miles stood at the edge of the wrestling ring, his gaze fixed on the formidable figure of Oliver Zahn. The memory of their match, a loss that had haunted him for weeks, burned fresh in Miles' mind. Determination surged through his veins as he clenched his fists, vowing to redeem himself. Eventually...

The countdown to Summer Xxxtreme XI, one the biggest wrestling events of the year, loomed only a couple of weeks away where he would be involved in that Roulette Title match. BUT, Miles knew that his upcoming rematch against Oliver Zahn was not just a chance to settle a personal score, but also a crucial stepping stone towards his ultimate goal of getting back to championship glory.

But before the grand stage of Summer Xxxtreme XI, Miles found himself in the enchanting town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. He had planned this trip to coincide with Carter's birthday, a celebration and an opportunity to find peace in each other's company amidst the chaos of Miles' & Carter’s careers.

As the sun cast a warm glow over the picturesque landscape, Miles couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the Smoky Mountains that cradled the area. The lush greenery and majestic peaks seemed to whisper words of encouragement, as if nature itself knew the importance of this journey for Miles. In and amongst the trees was a quiet little cabin that was rented for just the two of them.

On the deck, Miles just sat quietly, trying to ease his mind, and kept trying to snap back to business when he should just be enjoying his time but sometimes... business before pleasure.

Carter's voice of the strewn of phone calls that he was getting on his birthday, broke Miles' reverie, drawing his attention back to the present moment.

Miles smiled, grateful for Carter's unwavering support. Ever since his trip up against Harris and Mercer and even more so against Zahn, Miles couldn’t help but feel like he was slipping into a place he didn’t want to go.

Just as it seemed like Carter was going to get a break, his phone would only go off again with another round of birthday wishes. Miles just stood up and motioned to Carter he was going to take a quick walk as to not to disturb him from his well deserved moment and Miles quickly descended the stairs and hoped that this would be enough. Last thing he needed was to ruin this trip with his own mental bullshit.

Miles stopped a short bit out, the cabin just over the ridge and he looked up, “Ok, we need to have a slight talk, you and I. I know that I haven’t always been the best but I am trying to enjoy a little R&R with that beautiful man, so if you could ever be so helpful as to help me get my shit together, that would be amazingly appreciated.”

And as suspected, silence. Of course...we could never have the easy road could we? ...fucker.

“Ok fine! I’ll admit that sometimes my brain isn’t as focused as it should be. *I* let Ally down in that match and I’m the one that got pinned. And now because of me, she’s in limbo. Course if I know that girl like I do, she won’t have any issue in finding herself something to do at Summer Xxxtreme but man, did you have to snap me back to reality so damn fast? I took Oliver WAY too lightly the first time and I should have known better seeing as he is under the learning tree from guys like Kris Ryan.”

Miles gives a quick run of his hands through his curly locks and rubs the back of his neck.

“My dumb ass thought, oh hey...this should be a walk in the fucking park and instead I had my ass stomped into the ground and once again, shitstains like Michael Harris get proven to be right.”

That last line hit hard, he stops and growls out, obviously frustrated with himself and with things beyond his control.

“How many times does it take to get the point through in the thick skull of Miles Kasey that hey, maybe he should actually pay attention? Apparently the answer is twice because I will be DAMNED if that shit happens to me again. What the hell does Oliver even have to prove in this match? He already kicked my ass, he’s got that Mixed Title Match set up and yeah it seems like beating me going into anything seems as it’s a right of fucking passage anymore but honestly, I completely fucking over it. They all know that I am more than just the sum of the things that I have done and yet, there are some out there that think I’m a joke.”

He knows he’s ranting into the void but hey, at this point if it helps him get his shit together...just let him go.

“Austin tried to warn me weeks ago and I didn’t see it until just now that through everything, all the pomp and the circumstance, all the glitz and glamor...I’m still just a tosser from Manchester that somehow got lucky enough to have juuuuust enough success in life to actually pull himself out from the gutter.”

Miles slaps his forehead a couple of times like he’s trying to knock some sense into himself.

“I have to get out of this street rat mentality and finally begin to believe in myself like the others do. Once I give Carter the absolute birthday of a lifetime, I’m going to go into Yuma with my mind finally so Goddamn clear and my heart set in making the statement against Oliver Zahn, that Peter Vaughn and the others that are in that match are going to actually understand that the shithead that they’ve seen finally snapped out of his awkward stage and finally showing them that the luck was for a reason, I can actually fucking learn and that people should actually be afraid when this head finally gets in-line with my heart and shows a lot of people just how wrong they’ve been about me.”

A smirk grows...no...not a smirk...a sneer.

“Olly has only begun to understand what he is facing and I’m out to redeem myself for my mistakes from the last time. I’ve already taken my punishment enough and I am going to go into Summer Xxxtreme with so much momentum it’s gonna make all their heads spin like a top. I’m not going to trash the guy because why? What’s the fucking point? He’s hella talent and that only means that I have to be that much better. I have to be quicker, lighter on my feet and not let myself get caught and dropped like before. Believe it or not...I CAN BE TAUGHT!”

“But I also am going in stronger, I’m going in with a chip on my shoulder...and I dare him...” Miles eyes shoot forward, “I DARE YOU OLIVER! ...knock it off...if you can.”

From off in the distance we hear Carter calling out, “MILES!!! I’M FINALLY OFF THE PHONE! WE CAN GO NOW!”

Miles just looks back and smiles, “If anything...I do this for him if not for me. I’m not going to be pushed around anymore.”

And with that he begins his quick journey back for the real reason they are here...and that’s all you need to know for now.

Even the Best Distractions Come With Consequences

Week Ago
Las Vegas

“I cannot believe that you are making me do this!” Miles grumbled, currently in his 2022 Jeep Rubicon flying down the streets of Las Vegas, sunglasses covering his eyes looking rather annoyed. He was by himself at the particular moment with his phone setting on a clip, in front of him lit up with a call from his twin sister.

“Hey! I asked you WEEKS ago to take part in my wedding and you said yes. It’s not my damn fault you waited until the last possible moment to go get your suit fitted for the event.”

“Bri, I’m a busy man! I have a huge match that I have been busting my ass getting ready for in London. I have been in and out of training all damn day, pulling 2 a days because apparently no one seems to think that I take my job seriously. So please cut me just the tiniest bit of slack!”

“I’M SORRY! I’m just super stressed out, we’re at the zero hour. Riley is cutting even more teeth and making life an absolute living hell for Garrett and I. I know we rushed this whole thing but I am really depending on you! It’s bad enough I’m not even getting a rehearsal of any kind because of everyone’s schedules. Even mom has told me that she was lucky to get the day off.”

“So we’re equally stressed, awesome. Should make for a wild party on Friday then.” Miles laughed as he came to a stop at a light, “I do wanna ask you again that it’s absolutely ok that Carter is my plus one. I know you and mom are absolutely fine with it, I just know practically nothing about your fiance’s family.”

“I’m not even worried about it. I want you AND Carter there and that’s the end of that.”

“Well if you insist,” Miles smirked, “Just do me a solid, will ya sis? Make this one stick because if you do this to me again I will show up in swim trunks, tank top and let Carter go all out with his outfit and I have seen that man’s closet, trust me it will absolutely be the wildest thing you have ever seen.”

“That’s a threat and I’m almost tempted to call him and dare him to do it for my wedding, because I wanna see you walk in there with him on your arm and you wearing that pastel green suit that’s waiting for you.”

“For you, I’d do it.” Miles said as he finally pulled into the tailor, “I’m here, by the way...you never told me what I was doing in the wedding? One of Garrett’s best men?”

“No, we originally talked about that but we settled down on the perfect thing.”

“Flower girl?” Miles joked but Bri just took a deep breath, loud enough to catch his attention, “Bri?”

Suddenly a notification pops up and before he even looks at it he hears, “Turn your video on.” Miles looks worried for a moment but turns it on and sees his twin sitting there with a smile, “I know I should have asked you right from the start but- I was kinda hoping that you would walk me down the aisle.”

“What?” Miles said, “But what about mom?”

“She even agreed with me. Miles...look...we may have come into this world together but you Miles did everything and anything you possibly could to keep our family together. You are the strongest of the two of us and honestly if it wasn’t for you looking out for me, who knows what would have happened. Just...what do you say bro? Will you give me away?”


In London
A week later

And give her away he did and the entire ceremony was beautiful, short and it was obvious that it was completely for show for the other side of the aisle...and maybe a little bit for Miles and Bri’s mom.

Miles managed to make her laugh with a joke as he walked her down to the man that helped her bring Riley into the world. As they exchanged their vows, Miles saw his mom tear up and not going to lie, that brought a tear or two to his own.

But once it was finish and they announced Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Barnes, was when the real issues began. First it started with pictures with the bride and groom and their insistence that Carter be involved, he saw the look on Garrett’s mother’s face as they did the nice picture followed by the silly picture. The wicked mother’s face grew even more sour when she saw as Carter straightened up Miles’ tie that had gone loose and Carter fussed over him for a moment.

She would pull his brother-in-law off and start expressing concerns and giving Garrett all the credit in the world, he stood up and told her to stop before she made it worse.

When it came time for dancing though, Miles wasn’t about to be shy and he pulled Carter out on the floor and planned on dancing the night away. He could feel a pair of eyes bore at them both but Miles didn’t care as he held Carter close in a slow dance.

“She’s still staring at us.” Carter said with a little worry in his voice.

“Do you want to leave?” Miles said, “All my duties are done for the night, we’ve eaten...had plenty to drink, I’m more than willing to head back to the hotel after we say goodbye to the bride, groom and mom.”

“It might be a good idea. I wanna make sure your sister knows I am thankful for her inviting me and that for the most part I had fun.” Carter said with a slight shrug, “I just feel like I’m naked in the middle of enemy territory here.”

“Hey, right there with you but I’m not about to let it bother me. I’ve had a lot of people tell me lately that my focus has cost me a lot of things like actual success in the ring but I don’t know...I'd rather have this than grow to be an absolute miserable tosspot.” Miles sighs and leans down to give him a kiss, haters be damned, and grabs Carter’s hand, “Alright, let's get out of the line of fire.”

“You are way too good for me sometimes you know that?”

Nothing else needs to be said between the two as they approach Brianna and Garrett in the middle of their own dance but little Riley was in his sister’s arms passed out.

“HEY! Ohhh I know that look, you two are out of here, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, I think we’re partied out and Garrett’s mom won’t stop giving us the evil eye.”

“I’m sorry about that, mate.” Garrett said, “I told her that she needs to stop but it’s like...”

“Don’t even sweat it.” Miles waved it off, “Enjoy the honeymoon and the tickets are there for you both if you are still interested in coming to the show on Sunday. I’d love to have you guys there.”

“We will be.” Bri smiles before giving her brother a hug, “Thank you for today.”

“It was my honour,” he said before giving her a kiss on the cheek. He turned to his brother-in-law, “Garrett, take care of her. She’s a lotta trouble at times.”

“Oh I know exactly what I got myself into.” Garrett said shaking Miles hand, “And Carter, it was an absolute privilege to meet you. Bri told me all about her trip with Mora and I gotta say it was awesome to finally get a first hand idea. We’ll see you soon, I hope.”

“Yeah, same.”

Miles gave a final wave and they began to head out of the room and as they turned the corner he would make eye contact with his mother, who was currently being confronted by Garrett’s mother.

“Mora, it’s embarrassing! To have that kind of filth in our own family now. How can you not be ashamed of him??”

“Wendy, my son’s life is his own. He is completely open and honest about who he is and we will never stop loving him because he is with Carter. Did you even try and talk to them? Get to know either of them?”

“I would never allow myself to be seen with anyone like them. It’s disgusting and immoral.”

Miles' eyes grew dark, and Carter’s grip on his arm grew tighter.

“A pity really.” Miles spoke up, before Wendy turned with a start, “Thankfully though it seems as if your son is perfectly fine with having someone like me in his family.”

“HOW DARE YOU-?!”

“NO MA’AM, how dare you. You sit there are your high and mighty throne, berating the woman who raised me and has always supported me to what? Try and turn her against me? Step down off your soapbox and realize that you are the only one with a problem in reality here. Carter is my boyfriend, we live together, sleep in the same bed when we feel like it and the sex...”

“I NEVER-”

“No, that’s very obvious. I’m convinced that you haven’t been laid since about what...the mid-90s? But that’s besides the point, I fully 100% adore Carter beyond something that I don’t think even you know about. I am the happiest that I have ever been in my life and I hold absolutely no regrets in that. Not in life and not in my career. All my efforts that I have put in has made me a better man and while how I got there completely disgust you, that’s a “you” problem.” Miles says stepping up to his mother and wraps his arm around him, “Garrett is now a part of our family...you are just spare parts. Now get away from my mother, you crusty cow.”

And all Wendy Barnes could do was scoff and back off slowly before she ran away from the three of them.

“That was amazing, son.”

“You okay?” Miles said before she nodded, “Good, we’re going to make our way out of here before she starts up again. See you on Sunday, right?”

“Without a doubt, I will always be there to support my kids. Love you both and let me know when you get back to the hotel?”

“We will,” Carter spoke up, “Promise and thanks for inviting me.”

“You are always welcome in our family, my dear.”

Mora would give the boys a big hug before excusing herself. Miles would stand there a moment before Carter would bump him, “Are you okay?”

Miles gives a sure smile, “I regret absolutely nothing, love. Not tonight, not ever. You know that right?”

Carter nods adamantly, “I do now.”


Talk, Talk, Talk
Later That Night

The night was late in London, the whole damn city was buzzing due to some tosser getting crowned a supposed king but above that in their hotel room, Miles stayed up. Wide awake.

“I have been going over everything, every moment in my head that has lead to Into The Void, all the attacks, all the talk and I called it a week ago. Michael and Austin seem to think that I’m just too far distracted to be a threat.”

He deeply inhales.

“If I had a nickel for every single blessed moment that someone came along and told me that I just am either, not good enough or I can’t get my own shit together long enough to be considered anything more than a one trick pony.”

“But, here’s the thing. Yeah, my life can be complete chaos but I still put in the fucking work. I have no qualms about the amount of times I have fucked up, tripped at the line and damn near died in the process. You wanna know why people are impressed by me? That never quit attitude. I’d rather pass out, than tap out. I’ve done THAT more than once. And then the next week I am ready for whatever the next challenge lies ahead of me.”

He smirks, running his hands through his curly hair.

“Little did I know, following Blaze of Glory, knowing that Austin was out to make an example out of me that Michael Harris would suddenly feel threatened. I never once asked or demanded for a World Title shot, you can go back. All I did was stir the proverbial pot and yeah, I instigated the situation but SO DID AUSTIN! Austin, you can actually try and deny it all you want but you have known guys like Michael Harris with a universal sized ego, telling him to just let shit go....mate,  you knew he wasn’t going to let it go.”

“The whole thing between Austin and I seemed to be just big enough to pull in our champion because well fuck forbid anyone out shine Michael Harris. We’ve seen it this whole damn cycle, Malachi was SO FUCKING CLOSE to ending you and you egg’d him on and got him disqualified because if you took any more, your ass would have been done. You have been living on borrowed time since your CUNTS helped you knock Mac out and steal that title. Austin and I, despite how much you scream it, are legitimate threats and you fucking know it. Austin nailed it directly on the head, your brother is so much better than you and it freaks you the fuck out.”

That causes Miles to laugh.

“As for Austin...Mate, I don’t fear whatever lesson you have in store for me. Truth be told since Lisa’s passing I was waiting to be your personal punching bag. Bruv, if that’s what its going to take to bring you out of this personal hell that you have been in? Then that’s fine. We have worked side by side since my arrival in Wolfslair and it’s because of you and Alex that I have even gotten this far. But the pup has to grow up sometime, don’t they? The student surpasses the teacher and all that cliched bullshit.”

“But I know without a doubt that I can fucking do this. It’s been a dream and it may be short lived but at least I can fucking say that I did it. I did it with the best support system a man could ask for. My attention is full on set to London, in the main event of Into The Void when we get Austin James Mercer, Miles Kasey and Michael Harris beating the fucking piss out of one another, no rules and all for one of the biggest prizes in the game. The SCW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.”

“Time to show you, what you all knew all along...Figure it out if you already didn’t know”

Time For Games? Apparently.
Following Climax Control

Come to Scotland, raise a little hell, watch absolute hell break loose and leave?

“Nah, bruv...not me!”

Miles Kasey couldn’t wipe the smile off his face if he tried after the night he had. Once he got through entertaining the masses, instead of messing with Harris and taking a chance of messing with Malachi’s, he and Carter made their way to the locker room area.

Then the fuckery happened. And honestly every single one of them should have been able to see it coming, because it’s typical Harris and everything that he says anymore is straight up horse manure.

Miles sat back with his eyes wide, his hands pushing back the dirty blonde curls as he watched in absolute disgust and he glanced over at Carter who was sitting to his right, who just shook his head and they both turned their heads to Bella who was standing there with her mother, Laura Phoenix and if it was physically possible for someone to shoot flames off of her body....that would have been Bella at that moment.

People love to give him shit for his multi-focused situation but who the hell could blame Miles at this point?

Michael Harris was like a bacterial infection on the entire company.

And despite Austin James Mercer breathing down his neck and for some reason wanting his head on a pike, there was one thing that Miles knew:

Something had to be done. About both of them.

He stopped Bella for a quick moment on her way back to the gorilla, to await Mal’s inevitable pissed off status and all he could do was share a look for a moment before he let her go. Laura though stayed back.

“I have seen a lot of shit in my time...but that.” she said, pushing her hair back before she turned towards Miles and Carter, “Don’t worry about her though, she’ll let off some steam as will Mal.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s not complete bullshit, Laur.” Miles grumbled, straightening himself up, “By the way, sorry about your loss tonight.”

Laura just laughs a bit and waves it off, “Ah, don’t worry. You win some and you lose some. To me this was about having fun and it was for me. And who knows, maybe I’ll stick around a little bit longer. But for now, I’m gonna go make sure that those two don’t get themselves fired and you should make sure to not get yourself into any more trouble.”

Carter steps up by Miles' side, grabbing at his arm and speaks up, “I’ll make sure of that.”

“Oh I’m sure you will,” Laura says with a wink, “Take care of each other.”

And just like that she was gone.

“I think I’m warming up to her,” said Carter, who still wasn’t quite sure what to make of the mother of Bella, “But she’s right, let’s get you out of here before Harris shows his face.”

“Oh more than likely that sneaky fuck has already hightailed it into an escape off this island,” Miles grumbled as he looked around, “These mind games have got to come to an end eventually.”

“What can you do about it though?”

Miles spots one Ms. Pussy Willow with her camera crew and a smirk grows, “How about a bit more yelling into the void?”

And before Carter can respond, Miles practically sprints over to the crew, “Hey, Ms. Willow, you guys still catchin’ film?”

“Always, Miles but...I mean...” she says with a look of confusion.

“Don’t worry about asking the questions, just tell me when you are rolling,” Miles simply stated looking around, trying to gather his thoughts. The filming crew sets up and he looks back to see the nod given to him.

“Whenever you’re ready.”

Miles rolls his neck, loosening up his tie and glares, “Well, it’s been one of those wild nights here in Scotland. Austin sent his message loud and clear...mostly. Things are pretty hazy there. We watched as unholy hell broke loose over and over again. All the in-fighting going on within all the groups and their subsets have set SCW into absolute chaos and our World Champion, who apparently has each ball in the purse of each of his wives, just couldn’t HELP himself and let those bitches prove exactly why he is the weakest champion in SCW history!”

Miles brings his hands up and while one runs through his hair, the other scratches at his chin for a moment, “Harris, you better be counting your blessings after what happened here tonight. Malachi showed you exactly how absolutely pathetic you really are and so help me...to whatever power that may be up there, if there is a remote possibility that I get a sniff at that title, I’m going to make sure that the harlots stay out of what I have in mind for you.”

He paces for a moment, “As for you Austin, congratulations...you beat the Troll.” Miles claps a few times, “Congrats, as if that hasn’t been done by practically everyone on the roster. Mate, I don’t quite understand what is going on through your head. Quite frankly, I’m leaning towards the ‘I don’t fucking care’ side at this moment because for all the trouble you go through to get my attention, you know that when I’m watching that I am dangerous. When, not if, WHEN I get my hands on you...well, we’ll cross that bloody bridge and burn the fucker down when we get there.”

Miles' blue-green eyes grow steel cold, no emotion, “Next week, I’ll be in Grantown-on-Spey in the Highlands of Scotland. It’s there I will take on a man that already has a victory over me but a man that finds himself stuck in the middle of some interesting in-fighting of his own. Peter Vaughn, bruv, I am not looking past you by any stretch of the imagination. But as you can see there is a whole lotta bullshit that is going on that we apparently both need to handle.”

“At this point, if you wanna meet up at the local pub, get shit faced and have ourselves a good old fashioned donnybrook at this rate because in all honesty, I think that both you and I deserve that much if we’re going to put ourselves out there. I have had the last couple of weeks off and in all honesty mate, I’m in the mood for a fight.”

“So let’s do it, you want to kick off that shadow of the Saviors beating the shit out of one another and well, I’m out to prove exactly why Harris is ducking me and Austin wants to kill me. I’m out to prove it all right because being given that title of “The Next Big Thing” but a target on my back that is only going to make me work harder and faster. I have no choice anymore. I need to prove it and I want to prove it.”

And with that, he simply turned away from the camera, he could hear Ms. Willow give the cue to cut behind him. All he did was wink to Carter before he took his hand and they would walk away.

For next week he would fight.


Food Poisoning. Party of One
A Few Days Later

“Miles? Hey...are you still with me?”

It was only a few days ago that Miles gave that promo before he stormed off. The rest of the days between, were a blur.

They had a weird night and Miles had ordered some wings from a popular pizza chain. And it only led to misery.
He managed to get a workout in before all hell broke loose Wednesday night and then Thursday, Carter found Miles curled up on the tiled floor after tossing at least a week’s worth of meals and his socks, sacrificing them to the porcelain gods.

By later that night, the shivers he had gave way to the sweats. Thankfully, the bathroom visitations became less and less and after his 4th shower of the day Miles laid in bed with Carter curled up beside him with a movie playing quietly in the background.

Carter had seen to his man’s every need, even accidentally saying something to Ari and her dropping off some soup. Carter had made sure to keep him hydrated but every once in a while he couldn’t help it and made sure that Miles was still alive.

He kept nudging Miles until he heard, “Babe, please don’t make me try any more of that soup.”

Carter laughed, turning around and facing him, “There isn’t anymore anyways.”

“Thank. God.” Miles mumbled out as Carter placed his hand on Miles’ forehead, “Any change?”

“Feels like the fever broke, so that’s good,” he stated, “Still a bit clammy. Maybe I should get you some juice.”

Miles could feel Carter trying to move but he just, with what little strength he had pulled Carter close to him, “Later, I just wanna stay just like this.”

“Someone is needy when he’s sick.” Carter teased but eventually gave in, turning back around and settling back in, “Not that I’m complaining.”

For the first time today Miles actually laughed a bit, “An agreement, no complaining when the other is dying of a flesh eating parasite that is working from the inside out.”

Miles couldn’t see it but he knew his boyfriend was rolling his eyes, “You’re not dying.”

“Felt like I was earlier...”

“Well, you’re not.”

A silence fell over them for a few moments, before Miles slightly lifted his head, “Did you say you had a nurses uniform earlier?”

Carter just laughed, his face turning red for a moment, trying not to jostle Miles too much and rolling onto his back, “Out of everything that I have done today, THAT’S what you remember?”

“I must be getting better then,” Miles said with a smirk before his head dropped back down with a groan, “Still weak.”

“Then go back to sleep,” Carter teased, pulling Miles closer to him this time, “I’ll tell you how the movie ends.”

And after a few more moments, Miles was seemingly asleep for the 100th time today and Carter looked down before giving him a kiss on the forehead.

This caused Miles to only cuddle closer for a moment and take a deep breath. Carter would hear in a low mumble, “Thank you, love.” before his breathing pattern definitely showed that Miles was out to the world.

Well Now That’s Settled
Friday, March 3rd
Las Vegas, NV

Somewhere in his life, Miles Kasey was convinced he did something right. Waking up each and every day, seeing Carter’s glorious face and feeling happy was something that even he had to get used to.

He was timid, to a point, to ask Carter to travel with him. One because he knew Carter would bring up him attempting to save for his own place and would argue the whole way about Miles attempt to spoil him even a little...TWO, despite Carter having already met his mum and twin sister, taking someone back to the stomping grounds where the people there were witness to every shit-headed thing you ever did in your teen years (and trust me there were plenty) and the scars that those streets left.

We’ll get to that soon enough.

It took some convincing, those adorable boyish charms of his, and poking at Carter’s curiosity of always wanting to visit the United Kingdom but finally he agreed before Carter had to rush out the door for his appointment.

Felt accomplished for the day, minus the gym visit in his near future, he had grabbed his phone and was about to shoot off a message to Laura Phoenix to let him know to add one more to the list when a whole different name lit up his phone with a video call that brought a smile to his face with just a tad bit of confusion.

Sliding his thumb across while dropping the bag that was in his other hand, he answered it to see the smiling face of Carter’s own mother, “Well, I do hope this isn’t an accidental dial!”

“Hello to you, Miles. And no, not an accident. Has Carter left for his appointment yet?”

“He literally just left, did you need to talk to him? I can try and catch him before he...”

“No, sweetheart. I am actually calling to speak with you.” Joanna said, as she glanced around her for a moment.

It was obvious that she wasn’t sure how to start this conversation so Miles just settled himself into one of the chairs at the kitchen island, “Well I have nowhere important to be at the moment, so is everyone okay?”

“You’re so sweet, but we are all alright but- I just don’t know how to even start this,” Carter’s mother sighed, “Look, I know he wouldn’t exactly be happy with me right now but I feel like it’s rather important that you should know about that appointment, but Miles you have to swear to me that you won’t go into that protective mode that we all know you have.”

Miles couldn’t help but be a little embarrassed. That protective mode was a big reason why Miles held back about his feelings to begin with so with whatever she had to say, she would know that it would more than likely flip that switch but what mom said went. Miles just took a deep breath and internally put that inner wolf behind his eyes, and with a nod he looked at her with a promise on his face, “I swear, Joanna, I will behave myself. Just...Tell me what you want me to know.”


We All Got Those Things
Tuesday, March 7th
Manchester, UK

It had been a couple days since they touched down in London, giving them plenty of time to get used to that almost 8 hour time difference.

He already felt that familiar feeling of home seeping back into his blood the minute they stepped off of the private jet they had flown in. The smile was so evident on his face that Bella had to nudge him back to reality with a quick “Welcome Home” before they each climbed into their awaiting ride to the hotel that they had stayed in for the majority of their time in London.

Come Tuesday morning though, Miles had woken up at 5am with an extra pep in his step, quickly got his workout in before he woke a still groggy Carter with coffee just enough out of reach to make sure that he had to move to get it.

“YOU ARE EVIL!” he would hear as Miles finished up their plans for the day on the laptop that he brought with him. No appearance for the next few would only mean that they were free for them to do some sight-seeing. He would book them two train tickets back to Manchester and return tomorrow morning for a tour lead by Miles.

While there, they got to catch a quick brunch with Brianna, Mora and little Riley, who was teething and loud. But considering the last time Miles saw his nephew, he was quite happy with trying to keep the 8 month old entertained while getting a quick visit in.

“So what are your plans while you are here?” Miles mom would ask as he goofed around with boy that shared his middle name, “Can’t be just us since you just saw us what, a couple weeks ago?”


“Oh we’re gonna take the day to just show Carter around, give him a good idea as to how much trouble I really got in when I was still a shithead.”

“What do mean ‘Was’” Bri quipped as she took a sip of her tea, before turning to Carter “You should have him show you all the places he almost got caught getting into trouble, it’s not that far from the art museum so you can make a stop there.”

Carter laughed a bit, “I’m just letting him be the guide here. I told him I wanted to try some authentic British cuisine, minus a few select dishes.”

Miles sat back and put his arm back behind Carter and said, “Told him about the steak and kidney pie...someone is dragging his feet about it, though I’d like to think I’m wearing him down.”

“Don’t let him push you into anything you don’t want to do, Carter. But it’s actually not bad if you find the right place.” Mora said before glancing over towards her grandbaby who had that look on his face, “Oh, Bri...Riley has that look on his face.”

“Well that’s our cue, he’s almost due for his teething meds anyways.”

The group said their goodbyes and left Miles and Carter on their own with the promise that they would see each other soon enough. For Miles is was nice to just be out from under wandering eyes as the duo walked the streets together. Every now and again they would stop somewhere that either had a story or Carter wanted to get a closer look.

That was until they turned down one particular street and Miles’ feet immediately came to a halt. Carter suddenly found himself 5 steps ahead before he noticed he was alone and turned back to find Miles stopped cold. It wasn’t a fear but..

“Miles?” Carter said, “You alright?”

The Brit would shake his head and nod slightly, “Sorry, it’s just...I haven’t been on this street in...16 years?”

“I don’t think I understand.”

“This is the street I first lived on...growing up...” Miles looked around and shook his head, walking down the street and stopping in front of a simple little house that didn’t look big enough to hold a family of 2, let alone 2 kids and 2 adults, “Last time I was here was the night that the old man...”

Carter watched as Miles turned around and stepped out onto the cobbled stone street and stopped in the center of it looking down.

In Miles' mind, he saw his 12 year old self kneeling down next to a bloody older man.

‘Hold on, da. Help is...’

Lyle Kasey, bleeding heavily on the outside and in, smelling of liquor and dirt laid on the stones, would grab his son’s collar.

‘Pathetic.’

And the old man would use his last breath to shove his own child away.

And all that was left was the blood stained stone as a memory. Miles looked up and inhaled sharply, before he walked out of the middle of the street that thankfully was quite dead at the moment, “There has only ever been one person in my life that I have let them treat me like I was their burden. And that man died right there. He was horrible, a drunk and....well abusive would be a mild term to use.” Miles sniffed, “The night he died, we packed everything we could and she took Bri and I away from this place, for good. We didn’t even wait for his body to be cleared from the street....”

Carter just stood speechless as Miles turned and looked back at the house, “I had rather hoped they would have torched it after we left. Alas we can’t always get what we want.”

“Who?” Carter asked.

Miles sighs, “Let’s just say that the old drunken fool found himself working for a group of people and that they are the reason he ended up roadkill. He didn’t care about his family at all and in the end it cost him everything.”

Carter, still practically silent, just stepped up to Miles and took his hand, and just whispered “That’s horrible.”

“That’s the legacy of Lyle Kasey and all the trauma that died with him.” Miles said looking down, “Always worried I’d end up like him someday, cold and heartless...thankfully...”

Carter tugged on his coat so Miles would look at him, “You are the complete opposite and I have never been so grateful.”

Miles smiled sadly and placed a kiss on his boyfriend's forehead, “It’s good to hear sometimes. Come on, there are a lot more happier places to see than my own personal hell.”


Lets Meet Up For Another Round
Friday, March 10
Flight Back Home Over the Atlantic

It was quite a trip. Nothing like revealing a little of his own trauma to be grateful for the things he had. He even had another visit with his mum and Bri after the real reason for the trip and before the boarded the flight with the promise of seeing each other again soon.

Miles, though, was silent, contemplative and just needed a little time alone. So he would hide himself in a separate part of the plane, just to gather his thoughts, sitting in a chair leaned back and his eyes closed for a moment.

“You have to admire how far one has come to understand why it’s not the fight in the wolf but the proverbial wolf in the fight.”

Running his hands over his scruffy chin he sat up and looked out the window.

“When we get back, I get a rematch with a man that I got to face back in December and what’s amazing was it was the last time he had stepped into the ring, Daniel Morgan.”

“Bruv, the last time we did this, you kicked my ass. ...you did, and we did it as elves. Oh I hadn’t forgotten about that because we had a good laugh after being the piss out of one another before we went and got properly pissed on my dime.”

Miles laughed thinking back.

“Almost feels like forever ago after the past couple of months but I remember that night we left it all in the ring...and I was beginning to wonder if you left your last in that ring because you just up and vanished. ...so imagine my surprise that when we got the lineup for Blaze of Glory that your name was paired up with mine in a rematch for the ages.”

Waving his finger he smirks.

“I’d like to think there is a certain level of respect there. I know this is on my end because there is no way in hell I’m going to disrespect you after what we did back in December. But lately, there has been a little something that has been missing with me. It’s called wins. I think there has been maybe one in the last few shows but I have left my whole ass in that ring every time and I get caught. Not saying that I’ve let anyone down, because for me as long as I keep fighting...even if I bleed all over that mat, I’m not pissing my life away for a cheap victory.”

He drops his head for a moment, scratching his cheek and taking several breaths.

“But my whole trip home has shown me something, mate. It’s shown me that despite the fact that the cards were stacked against me from the word ‘Go’ I pulled myself from the gutter along with my family and showed that we are worth more than the slums where we started. I am not the sum of the bum that fathered...and I use that term extremely lightly...myself and my sister. Thank GOD for my mum because she showed me that no matter what, we will eventually get there with determination and spite because the world tried so hard to kick us down.”

His lips turn up in a little wicked smirk.

“Don’t worry Daniel, after this....we’ll still hit the pub for another round...but I’m not that same bloke you met in the crazy elf costume...”

Leaning forward and placing his hands on his knees. His blue-green eyes are clear.

“I’ve leveled up...and I’ve only just begun.”

And with a wink, he pushes himself up to his feet. His thoughts cleared and ready to get back home to where he really belongs, with SCW.

Coming Clean

So this is what it was like to be happy.

It wasn’t exactly what Miles had in mind that night but he could see the signs of what was about to happen only hours before. So on that particular night, he needed to put all of the cards on the table. Not only for his own selfishness of finally getting it out, but for poor Carter’s sake.

Since Carter had moved in, hell even before that, Miles began to recognize those subtle cues that the young man had. He knew that the constant pressure put on by not only Malachi but Kristjian, them doing what they do best, was not only beginning to piss him off but it made an already somewhat uncomfortable situation into the tell-tale signs that would become impossible to deal with. That is of course unless Miles did indeed come to the realization that despite the fear of fucking up yet another relationship and grasping the concept that he had deep feelings that he could no longer shove aside.

“So, do I still need to go buy that Etch-A-Sketch?” Miles said through a smile, breaking that usual silence that follows. That of course got a completely relaxed and relieved Carter to smile and laugh, tucking that beautiful face into his pillow to hide the obvious blush, “Ah there’s it is. I knew I would still somehow manage to have that effect on you, even after everything.”

Eventually Carter’s blue eyes would peak from hiding, smiling brightly, “I’d ask you to pinch me to make sure I’m not dreaming, but considering how I’m feeling right now I don’t even think I wanna wake up from this.”

“Not a dream, but I appreciate the compliment,” followed by a yawn, and seemingly getting set to zonk out. Instead Miles just laid on his side staring at Carter’s handsome face.

“Maybe I should head back to my room and let you sleep.” Carter said but he couldn’t will himself to move, either, “I am rather comfortable though.”

“Then don’t.” Miles simply stated, “Besides if you think my hugs are amazing, I’ve been told I’m a world class cuddler.”

Carter leans up on his elbow, “Just one question and then I’ll take you up on that.”

“Shoot.”

“What are we going to do about the idiots we work with? You know they aren’t going to let up any time soon.”

“Oh don’t you worry about that. Trust me, I have zero issues with people knowing annnnnnd...” Miles gets a little sly little smile on his face, “Well, I have an absolutely evil idea that those 2 and whomever else was involved will learn a hard lesson.”

The tone of Miles' voice and that smile brightened the darkened room as Carter shifted towards him and laid his head on Miles broad shoulder, “You have my attention...”

Miles laugh before he reached for his phone, making sure that they were both comfortable as he placed a gentle kiss on top of Carter’s head, “Well first, I need to know what is our lovely friend Despy’s favorite candy is and we’ll go from there.”

So the word definitely was out and it wasn’t exactly what they had in their mind, while no one had said a word Despy was able to call them out. While Carter was semi-embarrassed by the situation he had things that he needed to worry about but one thing Miles didn’t think about was his own side. While friends were supportive, he hadn’t really had much of a chance to really speak with a couple of people so important in his life that he’d not thought about it until he received a call 3 days later following Climax Control.

He knew that there was no way in hell that they didn’t know his news by now, but he just wanted to let it soak in for the time being and enjoy his time because let's face facts, he really should have come clean at Christmas. It was almost like he wanted to make up for lost time, but in one phone call, nerves set in.

Mora Kasey, mother of he and his twin sister Brianna was paying him a visit. Not only for a chance to see her son who she hadn’t really seen since Bri gave birth to Riley but she decided for the first time, EVER she was going further than New York, to spend her birthday in Las Vegas. She was insistent that her along with Brianna, were going to stay in one of Vegas’ fabulous hotels and there needed to be a conversation to be had.

He offered to pick them up from the airport, but she refused. Mora Kasey wanted the full vacation experience, complete with the uber trip.

Sometime in the middle of his 6th walk through of the condo to make sure things looked up to snuff, him hoping that Carter would show eventually to calm his nerves...I mean he was 28...it had been at least 13...maybe 14 years since his mom had to have that talk with him but this was something new. He’d turned to make his 7th run thru when a knock came to his door. He debated for a brief moment to not answer the door but he’d knew she’d call him and then he’d really be busted. It was just his mom...and his twin sister.

He would take a couple of deep breaths before opening the door and before he’d get a word out, he would be engulfed with a hug from them both. He’d knew then that no matter what, he had absolutely nothing to worry about from either of them.

He’d give them the 10-cent tour of his new abode with the promise of the tour of the building after lunch where they’d settle themselves for the talk that was bound to come.

“I feel rather jipped that you didn’t bring Riley with you,” Miles said after taking a sip of water.

“What was I going to do with a 7 month old in Vegas, Milo? Besides, his dad and his parents have him while I get some well needed rest.” Bri said while looking at their mother, who was enjoying having her kids together again, never stopping to give one another grief.

“Well, here’s hoping I get back to see him before he graduates grade school.” Miles quipped back.

“I have a bunch of videos and pictures to show you anyways but that’s not why we are here.” Bri suddenly got very serious, “Where’s that cutie you’re with now?”

“Oh umm, last I knew Carter was deep in training today at the gym.” Miles said but you could tell he was holding back just a bit. But he promised that he wasn’t going to hide who he was anymore, “I- ...I’m sorry I didn’t tell you two about what was going on. I didn’t even really know until just recently and needed to process it on my own.”

Mora reached over and gave her son’s hand an affectionate squeeze, “Miles, we know. And it’s ok if you are whatever you are. I, much like your sister, just want you happy and I know the last time we really saw one another that you weren’t happy. I don’t want a whole lot of details, I just wanna know why you were hiding from us being...” Mora seemed to be stuck for the right word.

“Pansexual?” Miles said simply. And it was rather odd because until that particular moment he hadn’t told anyone except Carter, that he was. Everyone had their suspicions but it was never public. A weight almost visibly lifted from his shoulders at that moment. He would see his family just looking at him with wonder, “Because until now I didn’t know how you would react and that seems absolutely stupid now but I had a fear. Thankfully though, being around Carter and in a way a few others that I was stupid for worrying about it.”

“I’d say!” Bri spoke up before she’d get her hand slapped by her mom, “What? I’m just speaking the truth! Besides the sperm donor that was our father, I think the only one that had any kind of problem when the new spread through our neighborhood was the old battle axe, Fannie Tremaine and she hasn’t been laid since the stone age!”

“Oh my God, that old twat is still kicking?”

“Oh you should have heard her but mum put her in her place and it was absolutely spectacular!” Bri and Miles cracked up as Mora looked a little embarrassed.

“Well I told her to not be jealous just because the sands of the sahara desert got more action than she did...I almost outted her grandson but it’s not my place.” Mora said simply, before turning her attention to her son, who looked absolutely relieved, “But I just got one thing to ask. Are you truly happy?”

Just then Miles could hear the door to the condo open and shut, quietly like he knew Carter was trying to sneak in but he stood up, “I am mum...and let me introduce you to the reason why.”


When Are You Going to Learn? 

We hear a slam from the distance as we see the lights light up an empty room, with nothing but a metal table and chair in the middle of it. He looks around amused for a moment. Nothing extravagant needed here. Miles is dressed up in a nice looking black suit, his blonde hair slicked back. Sliding his jacket off his upper body he lays it carefully along the back of the chair and takes a seat. His face showing amusement.

“Oh, Alexander Raven...when are you going to realize that I saw through your game the minute the match got announced and you attempted to get my attention on twitter? Do you honestly think I am going to fall into these mind games that you love to play? I’ve seen it SO MANY TIMES, but I’m not out to play mind-fuck games. I’m just here to fuck up your title reign by dethroning your arse once again.”

He points to himself, the blue-green catching just right int he light, not buying any bullshit for a moment, “I saw the game back in India going all the way into Violent Conduct that you were trying to poke at the, well in this case, the wolf and no matter what kind of weird little situation you were trying to whip up in your head to try and turn me into whatever the fuck you are, failed. That night I stood tall in the ring as the SCW Roulette Champion and sent you back with some deep seething wounds.”

Looking up he can’t help but laugh at no one but himself, “And I’m sure that shit eats at you each and every day that despite the fact that I ended up dropping my first singles reign in SCW to Bill Barnhart, I am still sickeningly optimistic and I refuse to let that be my destiny. See this is where we differ, I take each win and each loss as a chance to just keep getting better and better. Meanwhile, you still squawk off like Speakspeare and Edgar Allen Poe left a void you so desperately want to fill. All while trying to damn each and every soul that you manage to get at. I’m not going to fall for those bullshit games, bruv.”

Miles kicks back, throwing his feet up on the table, shaking his head, “I’m not hotheaded like Fenris, I’m not getting caught off guard like Lachlan...and I love those two like brothers. I STILL will call you out on that smoke and mirrors routine that you’ve been peddling around here since the start of time. You learned absolutely NOTHING from our time in India, mate. And that’s sad. Still the same ole prick that won’t let himself be cloaked in anything but shadows and cold. Rather horseshit because it’s like all that work I did was meant for you and was met without so much as you pushing it off to the side.”

“Maybe it’s because you were in the right place at the right time. You see, that Internet Championship deserves so much more than what you have been giving it. You have hacked and slashed your way through a litany of better men and with each and every win you seem to think you are getting stronger and stronger. But BRUV, you are a mortal man. I have proven that and I am not afraid to get maimed up a little bit to show you again. I would love to knock you off that pedestal that you put yourself on before you get to Ken Davison, another man that thinks himself a God but is just another mortal like the rest of us.”

Miles leans forward, and he glares for a moment before he brings his hand up like he’s telling everyone a secret, “I don’t know about you all, but I am wholeheartedly over these individuals who seem to think that us lowly commoners don’t have what it takes to beat their asses on any given Sunday. They seem to think that because Sunday is “God’s Day” that these tossers think that church is held inside the six-sided ring. Well here is where I draw the line, abandon the hope that you think that you are just going to walk through the man that found the one thing...well...maybe one of the two things he’s good at in our existence, and to quote the absolutely stunning Lzzy Hale....” Miles stands up, does the ‘spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch’ cross and holds his hands out in front of him with a giant smile, those eyes glimmering a nice little shimmer of mischief behind them, “Hallelujah mother fucker, take me to church.”

He steps back and waves a finger, “And I betcha you won’t think so lowly of the man that has already shown you that you really don’t want to fuck with the wolf who’s only tasted the blood and wants more.”

With a simple wink, he steps back and pulls his jacket from the chair in which he laid it upon and we hear the clicking of his dress shoes exit the room with lights turning off with a bang.

It Was A Holly Jolly Christmas
Seattle, WA

It had been an absolutely amazing few days.

Miles Kasey had been invited to spend a few days before and after Christmas with Carter and his family as a thank you for everything that he did for Carter during the entire Lazarus saga.

Though a major system that took on to land 4 days before Christmas and put his travel plans into a serious frenzy, plaguing it with delays, possible cancelation and an extra layover in Dallas, Miles ended up at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport late Thursday night.

So late in fact, that he hadn't expected anyone to be up, except for Carter who was kind enough to pick him up... From the airport. Look, I know where you guys were gonna go with it, run with it and move on.

The from moment he got through baggage, greeted Carter with a hug and then crossing the threshold of the McKinney residence at the stroke of midnight only to be greeted by Carter’s mom and grandmother, Ari and her fiance and multiple helpings of Grams goulash that after a while put him directly into a food coma.

It’s strange being in a new place with faces you know but Miles was made to feel welcome from the word go in the McKinney home. Definitely helped lessen the pain of being 1. Away from his own mum, sister and nephew and 2. Being away from the Wolfslair Crew that has turned into a second family.

But sometimes a change of location can be extremely eye-opening because Miles found himself welcomed with open arms. Being around them all came so naturally. Even the general joking around, including Miles being chased out of the kitchen when he offered to help.

By the time Christmas Eve had hit, Miles was up early with Ari to help with the big breakfast to surprise Carter’s family with. He played sous chef to Ari, following her around and handing her items at her command and then cleaning up after her completion of every meal.

One thing that went noticed during the stay though, Carter avoiding the mistletoe that they had hung up at the same time as Miles was anywhere near it. It seemed like the close proximity made him uncomfortable, more so than usual and he swore that everytime he spotted Carter near the area, he’d blush and pick up his pace away.

Ari kept nudging Miles when she caught him staring, “What is up with Carter?”

Miles just shrugged, “Not a clue,” he’d simply stated as he sat on the couch and watched whatever was on the television at the moment.

Ari’s eyes rolled so big that if possible Miles would have heard them, “Bullshit Milo. Come on, you know how he’s been crushing on you since the first day he met you.”

“And your point?” Miles said with a smirk, “Trust me Ari, I’m well aware but I’d like to think after things happened like it did with Laz...”

Ari practically growled, “Don’t mention that son of a...”

“Stand down,” Miles said, holding up his hands to her, “Just haven’t been sure if I should, it’d be a hell of a Christmas present, that’s for sure.”

Ari took notice of the tone Miles' voice had changed. Like he was sad for a moment, “Something you need to talk about?”

“Hmm?” Miles snapped too, taking a deep breath, “Nah, all is well.”

Before Ari could push it any further though Miles excused himself from the room and vanished to the bathroom, after splashing his face water trying to snap himself out of whatever the hell was going through his head. In his head, Miles saw the mess ups, the fuck ups, the use and in a way the mental abuse that he had endured. Last thing he wanted was to hurt anyone else.

“Come on Milo, get your shit together.” he said to himself in the mirror.

After that, he made up his mind. He did eventually catch Carter under the mistletoe and the reaction wasn’t what he expected from Carter, as he went into hiding for a bit but it had answered some of his own questions.... But what was he gonna do about it?

Miles had fear that he did something wrong though and mentally kicked himself for the majority of the night, in silence. Carter’s mom and grams assured him that everything would be fine but that lingering feeling stuck around. The encouragement from others as well, gave him a little hope.

Christmas Day though, when Miles opened the gift from Carter, suddenly that doubt slipped slowly away. Course the whole crew had a little fun at their expense but by the time they had wrapped up the day, he and Carter were a little closer. Closer to what?

Only time would tell.


It’s A New Year. Is it a new you, Dragon?

“So imagine my surprise that when the card for Inception was announced that after a quick change that the one and only Mark ‘The Dragon’ Cross had stepped up to not only make his well received return but he would step up to face...me?”

“Not gonna deny that it’s a bit of an honour there, Mark. I have been honestly kinda curious where you up and vanished too but I’ve also had my hands full lately. The Roulette Title was gained and slipped through my fingers. Maybe someday I’ll get that pretty belt back but a lesson learned and the fact that I finally realized that in 2022, I am perhaps onto something.”

“But you bring forward an interesting challenge, Mark. I have taken on a plethora of amazing talent in SCW, I have lost a lot but at the same time there isn’t a single solitary soul that will tell you that there isn’t something special there. Every time that I have had my ass handed to me, I pick myself up, dust myself off and learn from this whole experience.”

“What’s funny? When it was announced that I was gonna be taking you on, I practically salivated at the chance. I feel like there is an honest chance to make a point here. I’m not going to back down and shirk from the potential that everyone seems to think I have.”

“Yeah, I can take my beating like a good little lower tier bitch...but when does one take that chance, step up and finally put that upper creme-de-la-creme on notice? I feel like I’ve been holding back for far too long on a lot of things as of late, it’s about time one comes out of the proverbial closet and steps dead into that spotlight that guys like you have enjoyed.”

“Fuck, mate...I respect ya. I respect you for what you have done, for what you are doing. I even admire the moxy it took for you to step into this match with me. But bruv, you gotta know something...I’m not your everyday run-of-the-mill former Roulette Champ. I’m gunning for something a hell of a lot bigger, and pardon me if you are in my way.”

A Tale of Two Cities
Weekend Before Thanksgiving

Things in the world of Milo has been hectic as of late. With everything going on with Carter, the Brit found himself spending a lot of time traveling back and forth between New York and Las Vegas. Typically Miles would have just kept himself out in Vegas but business called him back to the east coast, business that he had started a while ago.

“I cannot believe that you are moving out already!” Dickie Watson said as Miles was walking around what has been strictly his room for the last few months, “It just felt like you got here.”

“Mate, I know. But when Finn offered, I made it known that it was strictly temporary until I had the chance to find my own place,” Miles smirked as he dropped some shirts into one of the many boxes, “Besides, it’s not like I’m going far, only a few floors down.”

“Yeah, when you are actually in town.”

“Hey, it was either this or torture Kayla til the end of the year and I have been so shitlagged going back and forth, my ducking game isn’t as strong as her arm.” Miles laughed as he shoved the box across the bed, “Trust me, mate, I’m better off.”

“If you say so,” Dickie mumbles, “What about when you’re in Vegas, which right now is practically every other weekend, are you just gonna keep crashing at K and Aron’s?”

“Actually I got that one worked out as well.” Miles says as Dickie gives him a look, “Let’s just say I’ve been saving my pennies and if need be there will be other places to crash out besides a hotel room.”

Miles grabs one of the boxes and Dickie follows suit to help, “What did you do?”

“I just solved a problem about me sleeping on the floor and having to hear Aron snoring. I wonder if I should tell Zoey that,” Miles quipped, “But I look at it this way, I’m not going to leave Wolfslair but I’m seeing writing on the wall about all this time I’ve begun spending out there and it would be nice to have a whole place or now places to call my own. I’m not gonna be out there all the time but sometimes it’s just nice to kick my feet up for a few days at one or the other but not be a colossal hindrance to people that are allowing me to crash. Time for me to grow up.”

“If you say so, but still doesn’t mean that I’m gonna miss having you around here.”

“Awww, I didn’t know you cared.” Miles said, putting his arm around him, “Don’t worry, I’ll still be around to help you irritate the hell out of Kayla on a regular basis and help ya make your brother feel uncomfortable whenever you need me to.”

“I knew I could count on ya, mate.” Watson said, slapping Miles on the shoulder, “Come on, let’s get this shit down there.”

“Yeah, I need to rest up before I fly out again. I’ve been invited out that way by Ari and the crew, my first real American Thanksgiving.”

“Wait, you’ve been over here regularly for what, now, 3 years?”

“Give or take.”

Dickie tips his head, “And you’re going because?”

“Because amazing food, good company...”

“And Carter?”

Miles gets what Watson is trying to do, he’s not gonna fall for it, “I mean it’d be nice to check in on him, make sure that Kristijan hasn’t maimed him more, plus it wouldn’t hurt to give him a little break from all that, I’m sure.”

“Miles...” Dickie lets out a sigh, “Are you sure that’s it?”

Miles stops and turns on a dime, “Don’t.”

“I’m just sayin’!” he says following him out.

“Well unsay it!”


Big, Dumb Idiot
Las Vegas, Nevada

“There isn’t a day that goes by where I go back and think about High Stakes and what I could have done differently.”

Night time has fallen across Vegas on the night of Thanksgiving, Miles can’t help but sit back away from everyone watching as Carter interacts with his mom and grandmother, them helping clean up after Ari’s grand meal that had knocked him out for a good hour. But for now he just watches.

“Bill Barnhart became the SCW Roulette Champion for a second time that night because I got ahead of myself. I let my own head and my own feelings of a situation that was out of my control. You knew exactly what to say, how to say it and at the end of the day, you beat me.”

Miles sighs and reaches over and grabs a deviled egg from a plate he’s been hiding. He looks around before taking the egg in one bite and swallowing it almost whole.

“I admitted it before, you got me and I don’t know part of me wonders if we should go back and try again but something a little bit more different. A little bit more wild. Don’t think that I have forgotten and I won’t forget. You managed to piss off a whole lot of people and look like the biggest fucking joke that the SCW Roulette Division has but you are the champ! Your a chump champ and no one is going to remember this reign because you have managed to make it even worse.”

A wild look shows in Miles’ blue-green eyes.

“Mate, you keep fuckin’ coming against Wolfslair. You beat me once, congratulations. I know you feel like you were one step up, but look at what ya did. Ya went out there and you made a fool outta yourself.”

A chuckle crosses his lips before he munches on another deviled egg.

“Finn kicked ya ass, and after what what happened at the High Stakes, you’ve got a reckonin’ comin’.”

He deeply inhales and looks forward.

“I’m gonna follow through and prove that I’m the better man, the better wrestler, the better fighter, a better fucking champion, and mate, we all know I’m the more attractive one cause I didn’t need a mail order bride to come out and manage me. I take care of my own business.”

He blinks and his eyes grow stone-cold.

“I’m getting back what is rightfully mine.”

The Joke Is Not Me, Mate
New York, NY
Saturday, Oct 22nd

“Pffffffffffft.....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA”

An uproarious laughter could be heard coming from inside Miles’ room inside of Finn Whelan’s Home for Wayward Wrestlers. In the main stretch of the living room everyone turns, all with a look on their faces as they’re trying to figure out what and where that is coming from.

The door to Milo’s room burst open and he is clutching his stomach, in tears from laughing so hard. They watched as he tried to gather himself, heading into the kitchen, opening up the fridge and grabbing a beer. He takes a deep breath trying to calm himself from laughing more so he can take a drink but instead just before he gets the bottle to his lips he just clutches the counter and lets out another round of laughter before finally catching his breath.

Just as Miles can finally take a good chug of his beverage he is joined by Finn, “What’s so funny?”

Miles catches his breath for a moment trying to figure out how he wants to start this, “You ever kick back and see just how amazingly fucking delusional someone really is?”

“Oh a few times. But I take it you just discovered someone new?”

“Actually no, we all knew how delusional Barnhart was but...” Miles lets out an annoyed sigh, “This takes a whole new level of ‘What the FUCK is he on?’ because...I don’t even know how to explain it.”

Finn pulls a bottle of his own from the fridge to join in on the fun with Miles and leans against the counter inthralld in the conversation, “Try.”

“I know we’re close to Halloween and all, but I’m convinced that he got drunk or was tripping on something while listening to “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and suddenly it was like a really horrible day time talk show that made Jerry Springer look Emmy worthy.” Miles leans up against the counter, “He brought a guy on that he claimed was Satan himself, and then went on a tirade about how he beat Satan and then because we couldn’t get any further out in left field...he tried to claim that I paid off the whole situation with Carter at Climax Control.”

Finn in the middle of a sip damn near spits it out when he hears this and with wide eyes say, “HOLD UP! WHAT?”

“I fucking shit you not, mate.” Miles chugs the rest of his beer to try and calm his nerves, “I had to stop it and just fucking laugh my ass off because only he could possibly believe that and now I wanna pop that fat head of his off his shoulders like a zit.”

Finn can see his friend is starting to switch in those feelings about the entire situation, “Man, this whole thing with Carter is really getting to you.”

“More than I care to admit.” he sighs, “I’ve been trying to piece together everything and trying to figure out everything and then Billy Boy just runs his cocksucker and suddenly it’s a whole new anger that boils inside me.”

The two men sit in silence for a moment before Finn nudges Miles with his elbow, “Maybe it’s time you guys figure out what is actually going on.”

“I want to, I just need the right place to start. Every red flag and alarm is going off in my head from the entire situation and I’m not about to go into this title defense fall in the hands of a man that not only makes light of a situation that he has no fucking clue about, but to call me a fraud?” with a growl he drops the bottle into the recycling bin with a clang, “Nah, the fat tub of goo is going learn the hard way about what karma is all about when I drop him in the center of that ring and just to just for shits and giggles, I hope that Bea sits at ringside and finds out what kind of beta bitch she married.”

Before Finn is able to respond we hear a tone from Miles' phone and he looks at it with a look of curiosity.

“Booty call?”

Miles laughs a bit and shakes his head, “No, it’s from Arianna. She’s asking when I can come back to Vegas.”

Finn’s eyebrow hitches, “Didn’t you just get back?”

“Yeah, Tuesday...but I was planning on making my way out again to do some media appearances. Mostly I came home to get my new gear from Mattie and get some laundry finished up,” Miles says typing a message back to her, “Looks like we’re gonna meet up tomorrow once I get in.”

“She say what it was about? Not abandoning Wolfslair, are ya?”

Miles smirks, double checking his flight, and confirming with Bombshell Roulette Champ in the process, “Not a chance, mate. I got an eerie feeling that I know what it’s about, and if my suspicions are correct, the Jack Black rip off that appeared to talk up Barnhart will look like a tiny bitch in comparison a real monster.”

“Well, better get packin’ then. We’ll meet ya out there in a day or so.”

“Yeah I guess,” Miles says, pocketing his phone, “Thanks for the chat.”

“Anytime, my friend.”


Deepest Darkest Secrets
Las Vegas
Sunday Night

The words rattled around in his head.

He could hear Ari’s words and the story she told him, what had been seen and heard in regards to things happening between Carter and Laz had sent Miles into a proverbial talespin.

Since then he went into a familiar place, an old rundown dungeon of a gym. The kind that you felt the need for a tetanus shot just walking through the door. These were the kind of gyms that Miles found himself in to make an extra pound or two growing up back in Manchester, cleaning up and occasionally allowing him time with weights and a broken down boxing ring where he’d sneak his mates in to do stupid shit.

But for now it served a deeper purpose.

If he were a therapist, which he was lucky to graduate from grade school, some would say that Miles held on to some seriously suppressed rage stemming from being abandoned by an abusive father. People were quick to give him and his mother and sister pity but what he really needed was actual guidance. He found that in the hole in the wall that was Graiches Gym back home. The old man was cruel, he had a sense of humour about him that would never stand in normal society, but he would push a teenager that had a hold of a lot of pent up aggression.

So it came as no surprise years later, finding places like this became a great outlet. He had found it sometime ago when he needed a place to escape. He hadn’t spoken about it to anyone and he was glad. There was a lot Miles needed to sift through in that brain before he did something he would regret.

He felt like his hands were tied. His friend was involved in something he knew all too much about, and they just refused to see the truth of it. They’d just make it like nothing was wrong, not admitting what everyone else was seeing. And it was fucking frustrating.

Miles stepped up to the punching bag that had seen better days, his hands wrapped tight and just laid in punch after punch.

But the more he punched, in his head the flashes of his whole life popped in his head like it was the scene from the Avengers movie where Captain America had the same thing happen.

Him getting his ass kicked by his dad for stepping between his dad beating his mother.

Every fucking tosser at school laughing at him back in his scrawny days, walking through the halls with a black eye and fat busted lip.

The pain in his mother’s eyes when he’d show up looking like he’d been through a war.

Him collapsed on the mat and catching glimpse of his sister Brianna, seeing him beaten to a pulp.

Every single twisted thing that he had been through with Mack by his side.

Every. Failed. Relationship.

And then as one final blow, despite all the hard work, him finally proving his worth, he was still getting looked down on by pieces of shit like Billy Barnhart.

He stopped himself from throwing the final punch and realized that he wasn’t making anything better. He worked himself up into a nice sweat through his frenzy. He just stared at the bag swinging on the overhead hook, as he wiped the sweat from his forehead and he would hear the old man’s words:

“Sometimes, you can’t punch yourself out of a situation. Sometimes you just have to be a little smarter, a little faster...step back and let the shite hit the fan, my boy. Just make sure when it does, you are ready for your next move.”

So what is his next move?


You Have Never Danced With A Devil Like Me
Outskirts of Las Vegas
Sometime after midnight Thursday night

Off in the distance, out in the desert Las Vegas looks almost promising. Some would call it a modern day Sodom and Gamora, but for the SCW Roulette Champion, Miles Kasey it has turned into a second home. He’s spent a lot of time there lately. Fenris was still trying to convince the young member of Wolfslair to join them out there but Miles made it known that his place was in New York.

Miles though enjoyed the solitude for a little bit at least, he took to discovering the outskirts with his rented car and found the perfect spot to scream out into the void. That dirty blonde curly hair of his going whatever direction it wants, those blue-green eyes just focused on the city before him.

“Billy Boy, you better have a balls of fucking steel and be prepared to double down after the bullshit I fucking heard come from your mouth.”

Miles buries his head in his hands and takes a deep breath and lets it out.

“After everything that I’ve been through, and I know you have paid attention before, you actually accusing me of paying off the refs and Carter in that match has to be the lowest of the low...even for you. You even making light of that whole situation just goes to show you exactly what kind of piece of shit you are. In fact, you aren’t even a piece of shit, you are more like watery diarrhea that you get when you get food poisoning.” he peaks up and gives a wicked little smirk, “You ever ask yourself as to why absolutely no one except your wife remotely likes you? I know Malachi O’Connell and at least he’s tolerable to hang around once in a while and it’s not because his wife happens to be a stablemate and a friend. Look, everyone that knows me knows that I’m a pretty likable guy that gets along with pretty much anyone and if I don’t like you there is a damn good reason, and Billy I just do not like you.”

He slides off the hood, trying to hold that anger in. Running his hands through his hair he kicks at the rocks at his feet.

“There has been something about you that always rubbed me the wrong way with you and I think I know why. You think that the world of SCW revolves around you. And while I’m fairly certain your size does come with your own gravitational pull, I can tell you for a fact that you are not that important, bruv. I’ve been here for just over 2 years and let me tell you flat out....There have been people that have been here for a cuppa that have had more of an impact than you and considering that you are a former Roulette Champion, that is saying a lot.”

He stops and points directly at himself, slamming his own finger into his chest.

“I’ve said it once already, this head to head we’re about to have at High Stakes is more of a redemption for me. There are times that I have gotten my arse kicked by the likes of you, when I never saw my worth. Instead you seem to think like nothing has changed since all of that.”

He straightens himself out and takes a few steps forward, his gaze off towards the city again.

“When I finally reclaimed my life and then claimed the Roulette Title in India, I finally realized that despite my whole life telling me I was lesser, I was really just holding myself back. I’m not just something you can step on because you think I’m still that kid that walked in here and kept getting his ass kicked. Now I’m the one that is handing them out and if you think that you can just drag your knuckles, beat your chest and tell me that you are better while accusing me of my whole reign being a fraud, I am more than happy to take that bulbous head off your non-existent neck and give the fans one of the best things that I could possibly think of and knock your ass down several pegs.”

He shakes out his arm and peaks over his shoulder, the devilish smirk returning to go with that glimmer in those eyes, “I’m bloodthirsty, bruv. More so than I have been in quite some time. You actually sat there and claimed that you beat the devil....mate, you have no idea. That was just one demon in your story. Me? I have spit in the face of so many demons that I’m more than sure that Lucifer himself has me at the top of his hit list. I’m a defiant sod with the inability to know when to stop which will be the name of my autobiography when it’s all said and done. But I’m not done being the SCW Roulette Champion.  But I’m not done being the SCW Roulette Champion, I don’t plan on that title going anywhere....especially to a joke like you.”

Turning on his heels, he stands taller than he ever has. That little boy that slumped and stammered, that got beaten up in the school yard for his father being a loser has grown into a man that won’t be pushed around by the schoolyard bully.

“You think that you faced and beat the devil himself? Mate, the last I heard when the devil went down to Georgia he lost to a better man than the two of us. But don’t think you’re not playing with a demon that you know. I’m not that stepping stool for you anymore Billy Boy and I’m sure as hell not going to let you just walk into this match and think that you’re going to have an easy night.”

A laugh crosses his lips, maybe not as big as when we started this little tale but still just as bright. Miles shakes his head, “I don’t play that way anymore, and I really don’t give a shit as to where that wheel lands...for what you said, for how light you made the whole situation and just the general way you talked down to me...mate...I’m gonna fuck you up beyond repair. We are not going to come out of this match the same men that entered it.”

He steps even closer and glares down, “You are nothing more than an asshole, just like me mate. You have never been better than me and the only nightmare I’m going to have is the off chance that you’re gonna lose your drawers somewhere in the match and I have to see that lily white ass of yours swinging in the breeze. You wanna talk about karma?” He holds up his hands and raises the W, the sign he gives to tribute his group and looks through like he’s looking at a bullseye...

“I’ll bring yours 10-fold and I’ll still be the Roulette Champion and you can hobble your ass to the back of the line.”

W’s up. Bulldogs down.

Hardened Dreams
Back in New York

He fucked up royally. He waited too long and now she was out on a date with him and he was left in the dust. So he decided to do something about that.

Miles Kasey, decided to drown his sorrows in a shower. It was taking everything in him not to just ram his head into the tiled walls. Somehow though it was the steaming hot water that was enough to numb his skin.

Maybe it was that, or maybe it was the fifth beer that he currently had with him. He would just lean back against the wall and take a giant swig, hitting the back of his head against the wall to make a nice thud.

“You shouldn’t do that.”

He would bring the beer down slowly and open his eyes slightly to see Zoey standing there, he would shake his head like she was some sort of a mirage but she still stood there leaning against the entrance to the room, with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Looking at him like she’s a lioness about to pounce on him like a meal.

“You looked surprised to see me.”

“You could say that. Especially since this is the men’s showers and you were supposed to be out with Aron last I heard.” Miles looks down for a moment and can’t help but smile but doesn’t bother to move, especially because it’s far too late to be modest anyways, “Things not go well?”

“That’s not really any of your business or anyone else’s, Milo. But actually I came to ask you a question,” Zoey said stepping into the shower area, not backing off for one moment as Miles stays in one spot staring her down and taking a sip of his beer.

“Ask away, Miss Lukas.”

She steps right into the shower, never breaking eye contact with him and not really caring how the steaming hot shower is getting her soaked. Miles raises his eyebrow, impressed by the tenaciousness of the youngest Lukas sister. He stood up a little straighter as she got close and very personal with him.

“Are you going to ever wake up?”

Miles blinks and stares at her, “What?”

Meanwhile in reality:

“Miles....” a sing-songy voice rings through as Miles lays peacefully in his head enjoying his dream, “MILES!” Zoey screams loud enough to startle Miles awake. He looks around frantically before his eyes settle on Zoey who has made herself comfy in his bed, over the sheet. Miles rubs his tired eyes for a moment and settles back down

“I must be having that dream again.”

She leans in really close, “Not a dream, Milo.”

Miles eyes snap open, and head snaps towards her, “What are you doin’ in my bed, Zoe?”

Zoey smiles as Miles pulls the sheets a little tighter up, “You said training! I tried calling but kept getting your voicemail.”

“I put my phone on silent last night. Didn’t think you’d be back the same time I was,” he grumbled, wiping the sleep from his eyes, and something dawns on him, "How long have you been here?"

"Enough to know you talk a bit in your sleep but don't snore." she poked at him a bit and he swipes her hand away and shoots her a dirty look, "Alrighty, you're grumpy. Time to get your ass up."

"Zoe..." he complained as he tries to hide his face from her under a pillow but her eyes instead drift down a bit and she smiles.

"Seriously, tent pole down, pants on. LET'S GO!" she barks trying to pull the sheets off him but he fights her a bit, "What? You embarrassed about your pj's?"

"No!" he grabs her wrist and stops her, “I’ll get up but...”

“But what?”

“You need to leave so I can...” he’s trying to figure out the nicest way possible to keep her from seeing everything that God graced him with. “I don’t know how to be polite about this, Zoe.”

“Miles Kasey, are you-? ...you’re not wearing anything at all!” she looked at him with a bit of surprise. “I thought you always rocked funky PJs?”

He grabs the extra pillow next to him and drops it on his lap to hide everything, “I did, then on my stay at K and Aron’s I got a little more comfortable, got back and couldn’t sleep for shit...soooo...”

“You’re naked.”

He smirks, “As they day I was born.”

Zoey slowly moves off the bed looking somewhere between embarrassed and proud, “I’m gonna keep myself from asking a question that is running through my mind and give you the privacy you need but umm...”

She points to the door and backs out, “I won’t be too long.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be long enough...I MEAN- Take long enough.” and she leaves the room and closes the door behind her.

Miles sits back and he can’t help but laugh to himself, “Maybe I still got it after all.”


Sometimes You Got It, Sometimes You Gotta Go Get It

It had been an odd number of weeks for the reigning SCW Roulette Champion but the fact was Miles Kasey had been living a pretty easy-going life.

A practical vagabond, even though he had a room at Finn’s place, he just found it nice to really kick back and enjoy life. It was something different, being surrounded by people he actually liked but something was still amiss.

Every now and again, since he and Ben Jordan had noticed Carter’s bruises at Violent Conduct, it felt like Carter had pushed him away. Even Carter’s words to Ben caught him by surprise, because afterall, Miles was the one that pointed it out. Why wasn’t he upset with him? Even then the only time that Carter was remotely kind on twitter as of late was when conveniently Lazuras was off and away from him.

Despite what he had said several times about being an idiot, Miles recognized patterns and he was convinced that despite being told that there was nothing to worry about, there was indeed something to worry about with his friend. It was obvious the upfront and blatant wasn’t going to work with him, so he’d figure out a different way to try and talk to him about the things that have been going on.

He just had to be stealthy about it. He could easily go to the others about it, but that would lessen the stealth factor. Then a couple of weeks ago when the match for this week’s Climax Control was announced, it was like the heavens gave him a sign, afterall when this journey had started to his new chapter in his life, Carter was one of the first people to help him in his next step. And Milo would be damned if he didn’t return the favor.

‘HOW IN THE HELL HAVE YOU NEVER SEEN ANY OF THE HALLOWEEN MOVIES?!?’ was the text message he got from Fenris almost instantly after he got one from Bobbie Dahl, who knew one little confession would send people into a tizzy.

It was just something he never got around to doing, the genre of Horror seemed rather unappealing for a period of time but it was the season to get spooky and there was no way K was going to let him out of it, he’d probably spend some extra time in Vegas after the weekend but that would also provide him ample chance to maybe really talk to Carter.

This was of course after their rubber match...and this time the only gimmick was that wheel that would determine the stipulation of their match and it was for the Roulette Championship.

Go Gym vs. Wolfslair Gym

And Miles had to make a choice.

How far was he willing to go to make a point and get it through his friend’s head that he was here for him? And how far was he willing to go to keep a hold of his Roulette Championship?

Guess that means one thing.

Asshole Miles to the rescue!

That’s how he was going to get it.


Just The Two Of Us
Laughlin, NV

Friday night Miles still couldn’t put into full thought how he was out to accomplish something that he couldn’t believe he had to put himself through again. But he did promise and a promise made is a promise kept.

“It wasn’t that long ago that I did one of the weirdest matches ever in my career and this is coming from a guy that fell in a fucking pool of flesh-eating fish and lived to tell about it.”

He gives a wink and smirk before taking a deep breath and trying to steady himself for what he has to say.

“I gotta admit, I had a feeling that down the line after that match and then our one-on-one where I won, that when I said “Rubber Match, anytime anyplace” that this was what was in our future. Finally conquering the first part of becoming the Roulette Champion really sealed that deal and honestly, I’m glad it’s you Carter. I’m glad you are going to be my first defense because it almost feels like we have unfinished business.”

Rubbing his face, he takes a hardline look around and gets a serious look in his eyes.

“HB Carter is probably the one guy on the roster that if I would want to drop this title too, I would choose him. But here’s the thing, my time as the top man in this division is just getting started. I have practically done everything short of strip...actually I sorta did that...but I clawed and scraped my ass along every single inch to get here and I am not ready to let go of it just yet.” with a nod he shifts the Roulette Championship ever so slightly on his shoulder, “I’ve already said it Carter, I like ya. I like you as a mate but we all have to admit something. There is something about you that has changed rapidly over the last few months. I’m not saying that that prener boyfriend of yours has anything to do with it, but I’m not saying he doesn’t. You have been picking fights with Ben, with Ari, with ME, with Fenris and of all people you damn near put yourself in the ICU by going after TEMPEST! It’s clear that your train of thought has found itself COMPLETELY off the rails and taking a wild ride through the desert and I have a feeling that the man behind the coal burning engine, shoveling it in to to the point of red hot hell is not you. NONE of what you have been doing lately except when he is not around, has been nothing like you. And that’s BULLSHIT Carter!”

He tries to calm himself but his emotions are at a boiling point now and no point in going back

“I don’t wanna lose our friendship but if me taking your head off is the only way I’m going to get through to you for you to actually have a conversation with me is by creating this rift between us because of the Roulette Championship then so be it. I feel like I have no other fucking choice and it’s frustrating. It’s frustrating because I honestly care about you, and it kills me to see you talk about yourself like you don’t deserve better because you do. We all deserve better in life. We deserve to be loved, cherished and we deserve the best damn things life could possibly give us.”

Miles places his hand over his heart and looks sincerely ahead.

“I want you to know one thing Carter, no matter what my feelings about you don’t change. You are still one of the best friends an idiot like me could ask for and I hope that never changes. But I am not sorry for what I have to do to keep this title, mate. One more for the record books, the wheel be damned at this rate, all I want is my friend back to the loveable guy we all adore. I’m just sorry for what I gotta do to get that.”

He blows a little kiss and turns and walks away.