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Roleplay Boards => Archived Roleplays => Climax Control Archives => Topic started by: Pretty Ty on October 18, 2018, 12:25:40 AM
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***Disclaimer: Be advised that this roleplay contains mature and controversial subject matter. It is no way meant to offend, only to tell the story.***
The West-Ward Blogicles
Season 3, Entry #2 -- “Fugetaboutit...”
Ty West is in a grey jogging suit and wireless headphones. He downs half a bottle of water before looking at the camera.
“Nothing I enjoy more than a run through my old neighbourhood. You know as kids, the only thing we think about is growing up and moving out and then once we have gotten there, our thoughts go back and say, ‘Man... Wish I was still a kid...”
He shakes his head, pulling back the hood on his jacket to show that his face is red, his blonde hair drenched with perspiration.
“And I know some will probably look at me and saw, Ty West is just trying again to get a title shot, he’s not going to beat Fenris...”
He shakes his head sadly while looking away momentarily.
“Well, Gianni Di Luca is my next opponent.”
Ty shakes his head and the offers a little smirk.
“And I'll give credit where credit is due. Yes, he has won titles and I haven't. Let's just get that out there right now. I know his type. In fact, I have seen a million and one guys just like him in both my travels as a model and an actor. All guys like him want is attention. When the attention starts to dwindle, they will work their asses off to climb back into the light and then, let other people carry them until they fade once again.”
He leans forward, the beads of sweat on his forehead are more visible now.
“But you know what, I have learned a lot since my last misstep. I have finally realized that obtaining that title has zero to do with deserving it and everything to do with being the smartest dog in the yard.”
He smiles, his perfect white teeth catching the reflection from the Arizona sun.
“That's right, I said smartest. And no, it wasn't me getting confused. I proved two weeks ago that being the biggest does not guarantee a win. Casey thought he was the rottweiler and I was the chihuahua. However, I'm a border collie. They aren't the biggest, but damn are they fast and smart. They also have a knack for herding the sheep back in the pen where they belong.”
He offers a loose shrug of his shoulders before continuing.
“Gianni is just another sheep in guido's clothing. I admit, I have no inkling of understanding for that particular culture, or most of what he says, it's still pretty eye rolling to watch him. At this point, I have to beat him just to save everybody from this clown potentially facing and winning against Fenris...”
He waits a second while his face contorts with the held in laughter before it explodes into a full blown roar. It takes almost a full minute before he can speak again.
“Honestly, Fenris has nothing to fear with this clown. He thinks training for a few months makes him both mentally and physically able to go up against someone with the physique and strength of Fenris? Doubtful. But that's even saying he makes it past me.”
He unzips his hoodie, showing that underneath is nothing but his bare abs.
“Honestly, I hate that this tournament invited men from anywhere into our company for a chance to win the most coveted trophy. But this is where that whole notion of ‘deservability’ comes into play. You see, sometimes you can't look at who deserves a shot. There are people starving on street corners that deserve to have warm beds and a meal every night but don't while the 1% get richer on the backs of the working class. This situation is not any different. This title and the notoriety that comes with it is so coveted that people will do absolutely anything to get their hands on it. Whether they deserve it or not. So, while I still refuse to cheat my way to victory, I am going to work smarter, not harder. I am not leaving that ring as anything other than a winner. I have let my opponent's get under my skin far too easily and I'm not going to do it anymore. It is Ty's turn.”
He stands now, showing that he had been sitting on a picnic bench this entire time.
“I know where I went wrong and that, is half the battle already. I am not willing to let another opportunity slip through my fingers and certainly not to a guy that got in a practice ring a few months ago to work off his mozza sticks and beer belly. The landscape has changed since Gianni was a champion and the thing that stands out the most in that setting? It’s the fact that Tyler fucking West is standing in your way and he’s done being made to look like a fool.”
He gives the camera a thumbs up before jogging off, leaving the camera to film him for a few seconds longer before shutting off.
***
***Off Camera***
Tucson, Arizona
The West family home
“Unexpected...”
The home of Virginia West is a typical Arizona home. The roof is terracotta, the walls made of plaster. All in an effort to keep cool air inside. The decor is a little dated. Probably around twenty years dated but to anyone who knew the attractive middle aged blonde, you just accepted it as part of her charm. The walls are decorated with pictures of Ty as he grew, each picture showing how his attractiveness grows with each passing year. The last photo in the display, is of Ty and his mom.
At this time, Ty is sitting across from his mother's first boyfriend in twenty-six years (and for those counting that is how old Ty is). He's not an unattractive man at all. And in actual fact, he was gentle, loving and kind to his mother. In the back of his mind though, he wondered if he was missing something since he wasn't used to meeting people who were this genuine.
His name was Cal Hurston. He was a veterinarian and mostly dealt with large, exotic animals. He only worked part time with that and the other part of his time he ran a practice he shared with a colleague. This of course instantly impressed Ty given his deep love of animals.
Ty: ....So I don't know what it means. He just sits and stares at me with this look like I should know what he wants...
Cal rubs his chin in thought as Ty described the unusual behavior of his all white short haired cat named Wilson.
Ty: Sometimes I think he is way smarter than he lets on.
The older man chuckles.
Cal: Welcome to life with a cat, Tyler. They are very different than owning a dog. Dogs can be trained. It's not that they're stupid, it's that they want to be loved and included in the pack. From a cat's perspective it is you they are letting into their pard. Over time, you and Wilson will find an understanding, I'm sure of it. With how quickly you seemed to bond, I think you found a great companion for yourself.
Ty sighs.
Ty: Yup, just me and my cat. The old cat man.
Cal shakes his head and offers a smile of understanding.
Cal: I know this isn't the same but when I lost my wife, I had no idea how I would get through my day-to-day routine. She had become such an integral part that I felt like everything would be a drab, boring existence. But I met your mom and it was like Christine sent me a sign that this was where I was supposed to be. I know it's not a perfect example but you just gotta wait for that sign.
Ty isn't so sure. He wanted people to believe that he was fine on his own. That he wasn't lonely since Effie had moved into her inherited house and stepped back from wrestling or that he wasn't missing Courtney's standoffishness toward him yet would want him in her bed each night. Courtney had just stopped answering her phone. Wasn't at her apartment, her parents had no idea where she went. Ty had thought Courtney was tough and could take on anything but instead she proved to be a coward. Afraid to face the challenges of a career and relationship.
Of course he mourned the loss of her sarcasm and at times, friendship but he didn't have time to sit around and wallow. Leaving had been her decision entirely. The fact that she hadn't shared her plans with anyone proved without a doubt that the only one she actually cared about was herself.
He hoped that it wasn't actually that way and maybe something else happened but he doubted it. She was gone and he had to accept that whatever was blossoming between them was a fleeting moment of joy, nothing else.
Voice: What are you boys talking about in here? Whatever gossip you are dishing better be awful that you didn't wait for me.
Ty is broken from his thoughts as his mother enters the room carrying a tray with coffee mugs and fresh fruit.
Ty: We were talking about Wilson.
Virginia sets the tray down and sits beside Cal, giving him a quick peck on the lips.
Virginia: He is a unique cat, I'll give him that.
His mom had never been a cat person. She found them cold and not affectionate enough. Although Ty had never had a pet growing up, he knew his mom had grown up with dogs and would go gaga over any that passed her on the sidewalk. Which was why whenever Cal came over to visit, he brought his aging German Shepherd, Samantha.
Currently the dog in question was sitting in the sunlight of the large front window, enjoying the midday warmth.
Cal smiles over the rim of his coffee cup while taking a sip, a sign that he was holding his tongue for the sake of having a nice afternoon together.
Actually the point of this was that Cal and Virginia said they wanted to talk to him about something. He had a dozen reasons as to why but he couldn't put his finger on one exactly.
Cal: So, the reason we asked you here Tyler was because your mother and I have so big, rather unexpected news for you.
Ty immediately thought they decided to move in together, or get married. In fact he would be ecstatic for either one of those things. For years he had felt guilty that his mother had devoted her entire life to him and him alone. He was an adult now, she could live her life.
Virginia grips Cal's hand in her own. He notices immediately. Whatever this news was, he didn't think it was what he expected.
Virginia: Ty... You're going to be a big brother. Cal and I are pregnant.
The room went quiet and Ty felt like he had lost all of his senses for a moment. Did he really hear that correct? His forty-three year old mother was pregnant. With a baby?
Virginia: Ty.... Ty? Are you okay...? Ty!
In his feigned state he saw himself an old man while his younger, more virile brother pushed him in a wheelchair. This younger version of himself wiped dribble from his chin.
Cal: TYLER!
Ty snapped out of it. Both his mother and her partner were in front of him with concern in their eyes.
Cal: Are you okay?
Ty nods, still shaken up by the news. Virginia envelops him in a hug, crushing him in her arms.
Ty: How did this happen?
He manages to sputter. Virginia looks back and smiles sheepishly. Cal clears his throat to answer for them both.
Cal: The old fashioned way. Believe me Tyler, we were just as shocked as you were. Your mom was feeling unwell so she went to the doctor.
Virginia sits beside her son, taking his hand
Virginia: I thought I might be umm... going through the change...
Ty: Mom! I don't need to hear the details.
Virginia nods.
Virginia: Sorry... well they did a whole whack of tests and sure enough, I'm pregnant and we want to have it. I know this is a shock and I don't want you to think that I’m replacing you...
Ty drops his mom's hand so he can stand.
Ty: I don't think that, mom how shallow do you think I am? It's just... not what I expected to hear. I thought moving in together or even getting married...
Cal moves to sit beside Virginia again, once again linking his hand with hers.
Cal: Well, we want to get married as well. Before the baby comes. Just something small and intimate.
Ty is still trying to wrap his mind around it. What were the risks to his mom having a kid at this age? He knew she was in excellent health and that mentally she was young at heart, not like the average middle aged woman. She had gotten pregnant with Ty at seventeen. A one night stand that had tied her forever with Michael Ricci, philanderer and scam artist but she had made the most of it and raised Ty to be a good man, but to do it all over again? At this age? When she should be enjoying her freedom.
Ty: Are you sure you want this mom? I mean you are finally able to live your life, not have to worry about well... me.
Virginia smiles softly at her boy, because in her eyes, he would always be her boy.
Virginia: The best part of my life was having you Ty. I haven't regretted keeping you a single day of my life and I won't regret it with this baby either. My life has been a series of surprises, I can't make plans because it seems the universe already has them made for me. I just don't want this to tear us apart.
Ty looks at his mother, seeing that in her vulnerable state, she is on the verge of tears. He walks over, immediately hugging her tightly.
Ty: There is nothing in the world that would ever do that. You've my rock. I wouldn't be where I am without you.
This of course sets the pregnant woman into tears but happy ones.
Ty would have never guessed that he would be a brother and now he was gaining two siblings. Gus, Cal's twenty-four year old son from his marriage to Christine and now this baby. It made him wonder, was there happiness lined up for him too down the road? Was there someone that was waiting for him?
An image comes to his head and he can't shake it, like he hadn't been able to shake it since he had gone to Iceland. He wasn't sure of how he felt about it or him for that matter but it wasn't going away, just like after he had slept with Court that first time but this was new to him. He had never felt this way about another man before. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling and nothing about it felt wrong he just doubted that the man in question had similar feelings toward him.
***
Flashback
2007
Franklin All Boys Academy
“Before I knew...”
For two years, when Ty was going through a rough patch with puberty, Virginia had enrolled him in an all boys academy school. A way for him to connect with other boys his age and to give Gina a break from the rebellion he seemed to be starting. From the ages of thirteen to fifteen, Ty had a structured class setting although it hadn't given him the friendships that she had wanted for her loner son.
Only children tend to learn how to be alone. They don't mind the quiet and space. Plus they get their parents unbridled attention at any given whim. If anything it added to their ego that they were far more special than anyone else. Ty was no exception. When he came to Franklin, the other boys were quick to ostracize him. It was when the “pretty boy” nickname started and why he was still sensitive about it to this day.
Thinking back, he realizes, in present day, that maybe his interest originated here.
He found himself catching glimpses of the other boys in the locker room. Silently comparing himself, thinking he wasn't big enough. That he didn't have abs or wasn't as athletic. He was more conscious of his looks thanks to the others constantly bringing it up.
On this particular day, he came into the locker room to a gang of them standing around his locker. The biggest of them, Harrison, was a rugby player with thick arms and dark hair. He was an inch taller than Ty but outweighed him by at least eighty pounds.
Harrison: So I heard you're a pillow biter.
Ty can't even look him in the eyes. This was before he started to train in martial arts and sports. When he was just a skinny attractive kid that modelled.
Harrison: My guys been telling me you've been staring at them and shit. We don't want no fruitcakes in here.
Ty: I'm not gay.
His voice was low and he was still looking at the floor.
Harrison: What was that, freakshow? Look me in the eyes.
Ty looks up and stares him right in the eyes.
Harrison: (laughing) Well look who decided to man up. You see this boys? This fruitloop thinks he can look me in the eyes...
Without thinking about it, Ty lands a punch right between Harrison's eyes. The unexpected power of it sends the boy crashing into the bank of lockers behind him. Ty lets out what some described as a primal yell before diving toward the boy and laying in a few punches. Eventually the other boys pulled him off and delivered a beating of their own.
Both boys had bruises. Harrison broke his nose and dislocated his shoulder. Tyler had a broken collarbone and a cracked rib. Both boys looked worse for wear sitting outside the director's office while inside, Harrison's mom and Ty's mom discussed punishment for them.
Harrison looks at Ty and sighs.
Ty: What? You started this...
Harrison gives his head a slight shake, not too much as his face is swollen and painful.
Harrison: I wish I hadn't. You know for a twerp, you pack a pretty strong punch.
Ty looks at him in surprise. Although in movies they like to paint a picture of the bully always turning out to be a friend after the victim stands up for themselves, in real life that rarely happens. Usually the kid is bullied harder and moves schools, or worse, bottles it up until they feel taking their own life is the only answer. In this case though, Harrison truly regretted what he had done.
Ty: Thanks... I guess...
Harrison turns in his chair to face the younger boy.
Harrison: You ever think about taking martial arts?
Ty shakes his head.
Harrison: You should. No one would ever mess with you again. Gay kids need to defend themselves in this world.
Ty clenches his good hand.
Ty: I'm not gay.
Harrison: You may not realize it right now, but you will. Look, no one knows but I'm... into both ya know? I know it's like more excepted and shit but my dad would lose it. Your mom looks pretty cool though. I'm just saying, you get stronger and no one will mess with you. That's what I did.
Harrison looks toward the small window beside the office door. Ty instead looks at Harrison and for the first time sees something else behind the whole jock persona. He saw a glimpse of his humanity. At that time though, Ty only saw an arrogant prick, but recalling the memory now, he wondered... did Harrison Peck know more about him then he knew about himself?
***
***Off Camera***
Present Day
All Sports Fitness
Phoenix, Arizona
“Advice from an Unlikely Source...”
Ty West was not usually a coward but today, standing outside the gym, he felt apprehensive. He hadn't spoken to this guy in thirteen years. A lot had changed to him and Ty was sure a lot had changed for him too. Even though him and Harrison Peck had reached a mutual understanding, Ty still felt intimidated by the now grown man.
Taking a deep breath, he pulls the handle open. The bell jingles, alerting the girl behind the desk of his arrival. She’s young, a face caked with makeup and long red hair pulled into a tail at the nape of her neck. She's thin, a little too thin for his tastes. She smiles.
Front Desk Girl: Hi there! Welcome to All Sports Fitness. Can I get you started on a membership package?
Ty flashes a charming smile but the girl’s expression doesn't change.
Ty: Actually, I’m here to see Harrison Peck. He around?
The girl nods and calls over an intercom for Harrison to come to the front desk. Ty doesn't have to wait long.
Harrison is still a big man, only now Ty could stand toe-to-toe with him and look him straight in the eyes.
Harrison: Tyler West? Is that really you? You certainly grew up.
He winks and it makes Ty blush.
Harrison: What do I owe this pleasure to?
Ty looks back at the girl who has gone back to staring at her computer screen and then back to Harrison who nods in understanding. He leads Ty to his office where he closes the door.
Harrison: So what's his name?
Ty laughs, he had no idea how this guy was so intuitive.
Harrison: I didn't think it would take this long for you to realize, it's been what? Ten years?
Ty: Thirteen actually. I came to you because well, you told me then you knew. You could tell but I didn't want to believe it. But I like women too. I am just having some difficulty wrapping my head around it. Like what if I’m not and this is just a thing...
Harrison holds up a hand to cut him off.
Harrison: I get it. I was the same way for a long time. I had a crush on a guy on the rugby team. I had fear because my father was an old school homophobe. But what is holding you back from finding out for sure?
Ty lets out a long breath.
Ty: I’m not sure it is only one thing. I never feared rejection when I would flirt with women. It was just part of the game but what if he rejects me? I feel like it would be a big thing for me. Like I would really be heartbroken at it. I don't know how to take that.
Harrison takes a seat at his desk and Ty in the empty seat in front. Harrison leans forward, clasping his hands together.
Harrison: All legitimate fears Tyler. This is new and potentially exciting. What about your mom? Would she have an issue with it?
Ty shakes his head.
Ty: She told me at six years old that there was nothing I could do to lose her love. I don't think she would be a bigot towards me having a relationship with another man.
Harrison: That's fortunate. Not a lot of people have support from family. Ty what is the real reason you came to see me specifically? We haven't stayed in touch at all. It is curious.
Ty had questions and it felt like Harrison would know the best given he had mentioned his possible sexuality years before Ty even knew.
Ty: How did you know? I mean that I might be...?
Harrison smiles.
Harrison: I dunno. I guess I can’t really explain it. It was just a feeling. Not because you were checking everyone out, but there was just this electricity around you. Chicks probably dig it, but the ones you attract want a tough, misogynic guy and instead they get sweet Ty West with a heart of gold.
He stops, shaking his head softly as he appraises the younger man appreciatively.
Harrison: I should have never let you get away so easily.
Ty adjusts in his seat.
Ty: You never had me.
Harrison: Maybe not, but I could have. However, regrets and love lost is not why you came to see me. Ty, I get everything you have concerns about. You are definitely not alone. If you really want my advice, I’ll give it to you.
Ty nods his head. He trusted Harrison’s opinion even though they had never been friends.
Harrison: Show him you have interest but play hard to get but if he isn’t interested, you haven’t invested much into it. I have no way of knowing if this man thinks about you like you do about him, but unless you want to watch in the shadows forever, your option is just to put yourself out there and have confidence in yourself. You are a catch.
Ty: Not what all my past flings have said.
Harrison takes one of Ty’s hands in his own.
Harrison: Then that is their loss, isn’t it. Tyler West you are certainly one of a kind. Please, don’t be a stranger. I would absolutely adore to have your company more often. You are a delicious breath of fresh air.
This makes Ty laugh. Maybe Harrison was a good role model and the opportunity to open himself up to more meaningful friendships. Maybe it was a good step towards understanding how to have a good relationship as well.