The second deadline has now passed

 The second deadline has now passed

 The second deadline has now passed

 The second deadline has now passed

 The first deadline has now passed. Anything after this will count for Round 2

 The first deadline has now passed. Anything after this will count for Round 2

 The first deadline has now passed. Anything after this will count for Round 2

 The first deadline has now passed. Anything after this will count for Round 2

 The first deadline has now passed. Anything after this will count for Round 2

 Dream matches…

I was almost offered a dream match, but due to me personally leaving Team SCW and going Switzerland on that whole war, I gave up that right.  But I cannot help to wonder what match I would have chosen if I had, in fact, stayed with Team SCW and sacrificed my own moral standards, the way so many others had.  Would I have given back the time I got to spend with my family in order to smack the pompous ass named Giani Di Luca?  Would I have traded my soul to be a part of an epic battle with the one man I despise more than any other, in my uncle, Erik Staggs?  Would I have thrown everything away just for the chance to say… team with my brother, Jamie and proved why the Staggs Family isn’t categorized by the actions of my uncle?  None of these matches have ever happened, and they would all be worthy of my giving up retirement for just one night…

But, alas, the one thing that nobody had expected to pull me out of retirement, even if only for one single night, more than the idea of teaming with a female to take on the Quintessential Fear and the Goddess of Death in one night.  When you think of the possibilities of what could have made me step foot in a ring after how disgusted I was with the sport when I retired… you can’t help but question my logic, right?  I haven’t always been the poster child for sanity, but the reason for this goes beyond anyone’s comprehension.

When I was approached about stepping back into an Sin City Wrestling ring, I shuddered at the idea.  Even when they said I would be teamed with Vixen, as it was her top choice for her Dream Match, I might have thrown up in my mouth a little.  I could taste the bile of my stomach when I was asked to perform for one night only.  After the way my last official match ended, I can barely stomach showing up at the events.  This was, in fact, the reason I wanted to lay the New X-Tremes to rest… so that I wouldn’t have any obligation to the profession any longer.

You can ask “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward, of all people to call me about this manner… Did I not laugh almost hysterically?  Did he not have to put the phone down from the humor I felt at the preposterous idea of my mortal enemy calling me up to ask if I would want to compete for his company and line his pockets with money?  If you even care to utter a word to the greedy bastard, that is.

Look at me, sounding like a self-important dick.  As if my intended answer would make a big difference in the ticket sales.  I apologize to my loyal fans out there, but you must understand where I’m coming from here.  The last involvement I had in active competition involved getting sprayed in the face with green mist, the absolute deciding factor in whether I won or lost that match.  After being robbed of what was rightfully mine, knowing that I had plans on retiring the moment I lost that belt… I basically gave the title to Kevin Carter.  As I walked backstage, I saw a worried “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward coming by to discuss retribution for the screw job that had just been seen by millions across the world.  However, as he blew right by me to comfort Jordan Williams, it became apparent that he, nor anybody else, could give two shits about my retribution.

You will have to forgive me for sounding as bitter as the taste that was left in my mouth during my last in-ring appearance for this company.  “But, Spike… if you are so upset with Sin City Wrestling, why did you decide to participate in this match?”  The answer is simple.  There are two reasons I ultimately agreed to this match.  After I hung up on Mark, still laughing at the idea, I saw the disappointment in Vixen’s eyes.  For the first time in our relationship, I had let her down so much that she couldn’t even say anything to me.  My humanity showed when all I could do is lift her chin up so that I could see just how important this truly was to her.  Those eyes as deep as hazel oceans where I could get lost for days… those are the two reasons I will be in Aruba.

The more I thought about this match, the more I realized something… I couldn’t have dreamt up a match as perfect as wrestling alongside Vixen on Hadicurari Beach, under the twilight sky as the salty air whistles through the palm trees.  If I could have imagined it possible, I would have listed it as my number one dream match idea as well.


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


*GRRRRAHHHHH!*

A faint squeaking noise can be as the struggle ensues.  Sneakers digging into the padding and skid across as the two men struggle against one another.  Skin smacking against skin echoes off of the light gray walls, followed by a sadistic chuckle.  We pan out a bit to see Spike and Jamie Staggs locked up in the middle of a training mat.  Jamie’s face is straining as is his voice, breaking through as sweat pours down his face.  He continues to skid his feet against the mat in his futile attempt to push Spike back more than an inch.  Spike seems less strained, and more focused as Jamie tries to push Spike’s hands off of his shoulders, interlacing his fingers with Spike’s.  He pushes them up and tries his hardest to overpower his brother.  Jamie finally breaks through and spins behind Spike, getting him in a headlock.  Jamie seems all too proud of himself until Spike scoops his slightly smaller brother up and falls back against the mat with him.  Before Jamie knows what has hit him, Spike laces his legs between Jamie’s and sets him up for a Sharpshooter.  Before he even gets there, Jamie taps out against the mat.  Spike drops his legs as Jamie mutters obscenities that are barely heard over the sound of the ventilation fans going inside of Staggs Dungeon.  Spike stands up, wiping at his forehead as if he was as sweaty as Jamie, but it was more for his brother’s sake than his own.

Jamie:  Screw you, scro… It’s so unfair that you still got it when you haven’t been in the ring in, like… months.

Jamie rises up from the mat, more embarrassed than he would like to admit.  He covers it up with anger and annoyance as he shakes his head in a hidden sense of shame.  Spike pats his back, but Jamie shrugs it off dramatically, refusing to look at his brother.  Instead, he looks over to his nephew, Tim, who is holding a five month old baby with colicky blonde hair, napping while Eden watches the baby, trying to be quiet, but she can’t help squeaking with joy.  He sighs and turns around to Spike, ready for another round.  Spike stares at his brother as if to ask him if he were serious, raised eyebrow and all.  Jamie holds out his hands, ready to lock up, yet again.

Spike:  I need a water break, Jamie… From the looks of things, so do you.

Jamie:  Like hell I do.  Show me what you got, Spike.

Spike shakes his head as he walks over toward a cooler sitting on a weight bench.  He pops it open and grabs out two bottles of water.  He opens up one and tosses the other to an unamused Jamie.  Jamie lets it fall to the ground in front of him, staring a hole through his brother.  Spike cocks his head to the side curiously.

Spike:  I’m sorry I was thinking of your health.  I will try to be a little less empathetic next time…

Jamie:  I don’t know why I agreed to do this.  I get embarrassed every time I train with you while you go on to beat someone else.  I hate being reminded that I’m the weakest link in the Staggs Family Tree…

Spike goes to argue, but is caught off guard by Jamie’s choice of words.  He should be used to this by now, but somehow, Jamie always says the one thing that surprises him every time.  Spike walks a little closer to his angry brother, cautious to approach this situation delicately.

Spike:  You are definitely NOT the weakest in the Staggs Family.

Jamie:  My psychotic wife left me… twice.  She dropped Sean in my lap one day and walked out of the door and I haven’t heard from her since.  I can’t ever seem to win a match, if I’m lucky enough to get booked.  Everything sucks, and the harder I try to get back into the game, the worse things get.  And then I look over at my son, and I already know I’m going to fail him.  I can’t do anything right, not even counter a standard tie up…  And you sit here inside of your own gym with awards and title histories and everything that I will never have.

Spike simply holds his hand up in Jamie’s face.  Jamie goes to push it out of the way, but Spike doesn’t relent, placing the other over his mouth.  Jamie growls from under the hand, ready to bite it like a rabid dog.  Spike slowly brings his hand away from Jamie’s mouth, holding a finger up to insist on Jamie’s momentary cooperation.

Spike:  Do you remember what happened in GXW?  I was put out of action and stripped of the World Championship when Mark busted up my knee.  I came to you to capture it.

Jamie:  You asshole!  Why would you even bring that up to me right now?  I lost it to a *air quotes* metrosexual geriatric who wears more make up than Misty.  That was the most embarrassing thing I have ever had in my career, and I D*ck’d people for a living!

Spike bites at his bottom lip, trying not to infuriate his brother more.  He allows him his time to steam up, because he understands the pressures his brother is going through more than anyone.  He slowly nods his head until he sees that Jamie is calmed down.

Spike:  Okay, but you are missing the point here, brother… I came to YOU to carry on the Staggs legacy.  I trusted you enough to follow in my footsteps and hold that title for another 6 months or more.  I trusted you to perform at the same level, or higher, than I did by taking on some of the toughest wrestlers in the company, and you came within inches, literally inches, of winning that match, and the title.  If I am honest, you came closer than I could have.

Jamie rolls his eyes as he concedes to Spike, leaning down to pick up the bottle of water.  He unscrews the cap, downing half of the chilled bottle in a second, sighing before taking another small sip.

Jamie:  I might be stupid, but I’m not fuck-tarded, Spike… You are just saying that so I will go back to being your punching bag, or your little pawn.

Spike:  Pawn… what?!  First off, did you just name off a chess piece, as well as use it as a euphemism?  I’m impressed.

Jamie:  I been reading books without pictures lately.  I wanna be able to help my son with his homework past kindergarten…

Spike raises his eyebrows in pleasant surprise.  He nods his head with a slightly proud smile on his face.

Spike:  Well it shows.  Now, back to the point…  You are anything but a pawn to me.  You are my brother, my best friend, the best uncle in the world to my children, and a great father in the making.  Not to mention that, if you put your mind to it, you could take the game of mindfucking to a whole new level that would make me out to be nothing.  I’m a little batty, that is no secret.  You have a keen ability to make people underestimate you while screwing with them.  If you could work on your arsenal of moves, I think you could take down the best of them.  Even me, if I’m honest.

Jamie:  For reals?  I mean, you really think so?

Spike simply nods his head with a bit of a smile spread across his face.  Jamie wraps his arms around his brother for an embrace.  If this were a cheesy sitcom, the live audience would have let out a resounding “Awwwwwwww…” with sad and sweet music playing in the background, and the whole bit.  However, this is not a sitcom, but a Staggs Family moment, and those never have “awww” moments.  Instead, we hear a slow clapping sound coming from the door, getting louder with each footstep coming closer.  The two brothers slowly look over to the side to see this intruder.

Tim:  Uh oh… ummm… maybe I should… change the baby?

Without giving any time for an answer, Tim scurries away to the bathroom.  Eden chases after her brother, grabbing onto the back of his shirt to tug upon it.  He mutters back at her to stop and follow him, but she grunts in aggravation.

Eden:  But Timmy!  How can you change the baby when the diaper bag is over there?!  And you just changed him five minutes ago!

Tim shushes her as they disappear into the locker room area.  Slowly but surely, Erik Staggs walks into the picture, still slowly clapping his hands.  He is wearing his usual blue dress shirt with a gray suit and tie.  His perfectly polished black loafers squeak with each heavy, confident step he takes.  As we spin to the side slightly, we see Erik grinning while Jamie and Spike both look less than thrilled to see their uncle there.  Erik finally stops clapping his hands, letting out an arrogant laugh as he looks from one to the other, and back.

Erik:  It makes me happy, knowing that the gym I partially funded is being used for brotherly love.  But no, seriously… I came to talk to you about something, but I didn’t realize Jamie was here as well.

Spike:  That’s a good thing, because he will stop me from shoving my foot up your ass… with all due respect, uncle.

Spike matches Erik’s arrogant, goading smirk with one of his own.  This causes the corners of Erik’s eyes to crinkle in a false sense of delight.  Erik pat’s Spike on the shoulder gently, chuckling under his breath as his eyes look over to the silent Jamie for just a second.  He looks back to Spike as they lock eyes.

Erik:  I suppose you could try, my dear boy.  But that doesn’t mean I won’t crack your skull open before you even got your foot close enough to my ass.  I guess when you don’t have a bunch of talentless hacks following you around your entire career to make you look better, you actually have to learn how to wrestle!

Erik’s eyes widen as he opens his mouth at his own zinger.  Spike narrows his eyes at Erik, reaching over gently to dust off his uncles left shoulder.  He then moves over to the next shoulder, doing the same thing with a bit more detail, picking a piece of lint from it before abruptly grabbing onto his uncle’s jacket, pulling him in as close as he can get him.  Erik seems more shocked than anything as he senses a bit of fear as Spike lifts him up so that the tips of his toes barely touch the mat.  Spike grits his teeth as he glares into his uncles widened eyes.

Spike:  State your business, Erik!  If it is only to piss me off, you have achieved it, and you can get the FUCK out of here right now!

Erik:  Come on now, Spike… Just think of how disappointed Vixen would be if she couldn’t team with you because you forced me to press charges against you.

Spike:  You don’t EVER mutter her name again.  Unless you want to see me get reeeeeeeallllllllly pissssssed…

Spike’s voice trails off into a low toned growl as he furls his brows, bringing his uncles nose to his own.  Erik starts to pull out his phone, but Spike lets him go, having achieved what he sought out to do.  Erik shrugs it off as if it were nothing, trying to hide the fact that his phone was ever out of his pocket.  He straightens his jacket out and clears his throat to regain his composure.

Erik:  I came here to check on my investment.  I figured it would be nice to see a student or two in here, but apparently I helped pay for an NXT training facility and not a wrestling school…  If that is how it is going to be, then I expect you to buy out my portion.  Otherwise, I would start recruiting students here… paying students.  I don’t invest in anything that doesn’t make me money…

Spike:  I can hardly get my own NXT team to train with me because I don’t take shit.  What makes you think I could do that with total strangers who just like the idea of wrestling more than committing to it without scaring them off?

Erik:  I don’t care how, but I want to see money out of this within the net month, or I will be stepping in and somehow I don’t think you would like that too much…

Spike cracks his neck and smirks the most fake smile he can muster up, causing Jamie to giddily await the ensuing fight.  Spike folds his arms across his chest, looking into Erik’s eyes.

Spike:  You must be a mind reader, uncle…  You will get your money.  Count on it.

With that, Erik turns on his heel and walks away, studying the state of the gym with a bit of disgust.  He shakes his head as he disappears through the door, allowing it to slam shut behind him.  Jamie looks over to Spike, seeming a little disappointed not to see at least a small scuffle.  Tim and Eden poke their heads out of the locker room, seeing that it is all clear as the scene fades out.


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


The Power of Love

”Ahhhh-ruba, Jamaica... Ooooh I wanna take ya… Bermuda, Bahamas… come on pretty mama…  Dammit!  I knew it! I just knew it!  Seeing the gorgeous beach for the first time ever, and I have a cheesy Beach Boys song stuck in my head…”

Spike’s voice echoes through his head as he looks out of the window of the rental car as he pulls up to the Marriott Aruba Beach Resort off of Hadicurari Beach.  He nearly rear ends the car in front of him as he seems a bit star struck.  He slams on the brakes just inches from their bumper as the valet attendants works their way through the line of car.  His eyes are locked on the beautiful white sand that lines the crystal blue water that sparkles under the bright summer sun.

”I have got one hell of a match coming up, but I have never seen such a sight before in my life.  I can’t keep my eyes off of them.  This is the same calming effect I get when I look into Vixen’s eyes.  Except her eyes have a much greater depth to them, like oceans of gentle brown with gold specks…”

Spike glances over to the passenger’s seat to see Vixen, who is almost as mesmerized by the beautiful sight as Spike is. In the back seat, his children are clamoring for the best spot to see the gorgeous ocean view.  He smirks momentarily before hearing a horn honking behind him.  He snaps back to reality for a few seconds to pull the car forward a few spaces.  The hotel is now blocking most of the view, but this doesn’t stop Spike from drifting off into deep thought once more.

”Lately, there has been something different about her.  It is almost as if the roles had reversed.  She nearly killed two people at Sumer XXXTreme II, and the only thing that stopped her was gazing into my eyes as I was pulling her away from what could have turned into life in prison.  I have seen the hotheaded French side pop out from time to time, but lately, it is as if my own Dark Passenger had laid an egg inside of her head, and she doesn’t know how to react to it.  I have dealt with my own blood lust for the better part of my life, but Vixen?  She has had but a mere month with this, and it is driving her insane.”

Spike’s face almost seems to void itself of the joy it had proudly displayed moments ago.  He pulls forward one car length as they continue to wait.  Spike gently taps his fingers against the steering wheel in what appears to be an act of annoyance with the wait, but is actually his way of sorting out his thoughts.

”There is no real benefit of two psychopaths who are around one another constantly.  This is a recipe for disaster, but somehow, it works out.  At least thus far, we have seen tremendous results.  But what happens if we both go on a war path at the same exact time?  What would stop both of us from turning innocent people into a pile of blood and broken bones?  Especially if Brother Grimm brings my children into the equation as I’m sure he will.  This is the main reason I have decided to bring the children with us, so that I can keep an eye on them, and protect them from the Boogeyman.  I won’t hesitate to ripe his throat out, letting that sick, sadistic smile take over my face as I revel in it.  Vixen will be so preoccupied with tearing Necra apart.  No one will be able to stop us, not even ourselves as per usual.”

Spike pulls the car forward now and an attendant approaches the car.  Spike gets out of the drivers seat as the attendant opens the back door.  He moves over to open the passenger’s side door so that Vixen might step out.  She grabs onto a gym bag as Spike pops the trunk.  A bellhop begins loading the suitcases onto carrier at lightening speed as Spike opens his mouth, speaking to him, but his words of appreciation go unheard to us.

”Wouldn’t it be a shame to stain this beautiful sand red, or black, or whatever color these supernatural beings bleed.  Leaving their filth strewn about this lovely paradise location seems like such a waste.  But what can I say?  If there is no one left to protect them from the reptilian beasts digging their sharp, disgusting talons into our brains, then you might see our mug shots on the five o’clock news.  Just imagine the murderous Bonnie and the dark, debonair Clyde, making out for the cameras to see just how insane we have let each other become.  The idea sounds… almost appealing at the moment. Of course, I have to remain in control of my emotions, at least for the better part of this match.  It is time that I returned the favor to my beloved.  She has stopped me from appearing in Charles Manson-esque mug shots all over the Clark County, Nevada circuit more times than I can count.  Let’s see if I still have the ability to keep my own thirst in check.  Unfortunately for Brother Grimm, he gets to be the guinea pig in this little experiment of self control.  Though, I’m not sure I could imagine many other people who deserve it more, save for perhaps my uncle, or Giani Di Luca...”

Vixen:  Spike?  Spike?!  Earth to Spike?  Are you there, darling?

Eden:  Daddy had his thinking face on, mommy Vixen… My mom must have called him mean names or kicked him in the nards again…

Everyone looks over to the precocious raven haired girl as she shrugs with a hint of red coming from her cheeks.  Tim giggles at the suggestions while Vixen folds her arms over her shoulders, stopping the flow to the hotel lobby. Spike slowly comes back to reality again, staring at his family while seeming unsure of what the sudden fuss is about.

Spike:  Wait, what?  You act like I forgot a birthday or something… Wait, I didn’t do that, did I?

Vixen:  No, but Eden seems to think that her *air quotes* mother… has called you names, or kicked you in the… mmm hmmm…

Spike sputters out a surprised laugh as he tilts his head to the side, staring at his daughter in even more confusion than before.  She hides behind her brother as if she thinks she might be in some sort of trouble such as having her dessert privileges revoked for the night, as is so important to children of her age.  He lets out a warm smile that lets her know she is not in any sort of trouble.

Spike:  Why would you think that?  I haven’t seen your mom in a very long time.

Eden:  I know, but ummm… you just look like you did after the wedding.  I remember it even though I was only four then.

Spike isn’t quite sure how to react to such a statement as he holds his arms out toward Eden.  Her worried expression fades a bit as she wraps her arms around Spike’s shoulders.  He lifts her up, planting a kiss on her cheek for reassurance.  She nuzzles her head against his, seeming to calm down a little bit.

Spike:  You don’t need to worry about me, honey… It’s my job to worry about you, not the other way around.  I just have a lot on my mind is all.  I haven’t wrestled in a long time, so I’m a little nervous about it.

”Such a perceptive little girl I have.  She is more like me than I had ever thought possible.  Let’s hope the similarities continue appearing in my favor.  Better that than turning into her mother…”

Eden buries her face in Spike’s shoulder as the sun has nearly faded off into the horizon.  Vixen holds onto Spike’s right arm as they approach the lobby doors.  She looks at him with a bit of concern spread across her normally hard to read expression, cunning like a fox.  Spike looks ahead as the greeter opens the doors, politely greeting the family with a genuine smile as he recognizes them.  He holds his arm out, inviting them in as Spike nods in appreciation.  The lobby is dimly lit, giving it a very charming, calming effect.  The desk is to their right, just mere feet from a fountain that leads into a small brook circling an indoor gazebo.  Spike admires the unique feel as he leads his family to the counter.  Vixen looks up at Spike, making sure she has his attention.

Vixen:  Tend to the kids, I will check in for us…

Spike nods his head as he sets Eden down on the ground.  She immediately runs over to the fountain, Tim following her.  Spike slowly follows as well, but allows them their space for exploration.  He simply leans over the wooden railing next to the water, thinking to himself.

”Now just seems so… right.  Waiting so long has never worked for me in the past.  Wrestling with my gut instinct is just something I refuse to do any longer.  I need to do this.  I…

Vixen sets her hand on Spike’s shoulder, startling him out of his thoughts as she holds up the room key.  Spike nods as Eden comes circling back around to them, wrapping her arms around Vixen’s waist, eliciting a strange yelp of excitement as she tries to steady herself.  She looks back to Spike.

Vixen:  We had some complications with our room.  Apparently they accidentally double booked us with Jamie, due to the last name, but I talked them into comping us with a suite instead…

Spike smirks as his eyes wander about the background nervously.  The bellhop awaits the family by the elevator.  Spike leans in for a peck of a kiss before catching sight of what he had been looking for.

Vixen:  Also, they said our reserved table is now ready for us?

Spike:  Yeah, yeah, I thought dinner on the beach would be romantic, and that is why I’m so glad to see… JAMIE!  How’s it going?

Jamie approaches the two, patting Spike on the shoulder as he silently goads the children into following him.  Spike smiles an awkward smile before taking a deep breath after his long winded, rushed greeting.  He wraps an arm around Vixen as she giggles, hugging onto his side as they walk through the long stretch of lobby.

Vixen:  Spike, are you okay?  You are acting strange today.

”Is that so uncommon…?”

Spike:  No, yeah… I’m fine.  I have just never been to the Caribbean before, and I’m excited to be hear with you…

”Saved!”

Vixen sighs, not completely believing him, but going with the flow anyway.  Spike holds the door open for Vixen, running his fingers over the NXT emblem on his t-shirt, matching her women’s tee.  He soon follows her, grabbing onto her hand, clutching it tightly as they walk across the sandy white beach.  The torches burn, leading a lighted path toward the large cabana-style structure in front of the beachside tables, spaced apart very liberally.  They are met by a man in a suit who needs no introduction before leading him to their table.  It is nearly perfect as the stars begin to glow above them accompanied by a slight orange glow to the west.  The waves gently lap up, coming but a mere five feet from their table.  Spike pulls out Vixen’s chair for her, letting her get comfortable before moving over to his own seat.  Everything was perfect, simply perfect.  Vixen looks across the table, admiring the soft candlelight and the single red rose in a mini vase.  The waiter comes over with two crystal glasses of water.  Spike waves him over, whispering into his ear before he can even say a word.  He speaks very direct as a smile comes over the waiter’s face.  Spike leans back and shakes hands with the waiter.

Waiter:  As you wish…

Spike:  Thank you kind sir.

Vixen leans over, studying Spike’s practically unreadable expression.  She watches the candlelight reflect off of his icy blue eyes, and that barely noticeable upturned corner of his lip, and she leans back in her seat.

Vixen:  You little sneak… I told you, we don’t have to get some fancy bottle of wine every time we go out to dinner…

Spike:  I know, that is why I asked for their best champagne.  It is a very special occasion.

Vixen:  Yeah?  And what might this be?

The French accent tickles at Spike’s ears, causing him to blush a little bit.  He looks deep into her eyes, knowing that he is under scrutiny at the moment.  Instead of trying to be vague, or give the runaround, he laces his fingers together, giving her exactly what she is looking for.

Spike:  No need to sugar coat this… We actually get to wrestle together, as a team, on this beach.  I can’t help it if that seem oddly romantic to me.  Even if we do have to face the bottom of the barrel around here, we get to do it as a team.  Chances are, this opportunity will never come around again.

Vixen smiles sweetly, reaching across the table to grab hold of Spike’s hand.  He runs his thumb over the top of her hand while smiling sweetly as he looks into her eyes.  She looks back into his, and it wouldn’t matter if they were on the beaches of Aruba, or in the middle of landfill… They were lost within each other at this moment.  None of the worries, the doubts, or the other crazy thoughts that plague their minds could contend with this moment.  However, there is one thing that could kill this faster than anything…

Pussy Willow:  Spike!  Vixen!  You made it.  Oh my god, I was so worried we wouldn’t be able to get word from you.

Spike takes a deep breath, clearly annoyed as he looks over to see the busty blonde running across the sand as if she were Baywatch on fast forward.  She takes a deep breath as the chunky cameraman tries catching up to her.  She rests her neatly manicured hand on the table as she catches her breath and waits for her cameraman to arrive.  Spike purses his lips, nibbling on the inside as he stares daggers through Pussy.

Spike:  There couldn’t be a worse time than now, Ms. Willow.  I say this with all due respect, but we are clearly in the middle of din…

PW:  Yes, but the deadline for promo interviews is just a few short hours away, and this match is one of the highly touted ones of the night.  I was hoping to get some thoughts.

Spike takes a deep breath as he unfolds his napkin.  He places it over his lap as he shakes his head in what might even be disgust.  He turns toward Pussy and stares at her blankly for a moment before licking his lips in an attempt to calm down.

Spike:  What is there to say?  Brother Grimm is some nursery rhyme peddling idiot who is being teamed with the Goddess of Death who can’t even manage to hold on to a title meant for bra and panties style matches.  You have a former Bombshell AND Bombshell Roulette Champion here, and the current ACW Women’s Champion.  Then you have got a former 2 time N-W Explicative World Heavyweight Champion, and one of the longest reigning SCW Heavyweight Champions teaming with her.  We aren’t some flash in the pan wrestlers like our opponents, and our own personal relationship will only strengthen our chances of walking out with the win.  I feel like I've said everything about this guy already, like in another life or something, so there just isn't much more to say… Now if you will excuse us…

PW:  That is a very good point.  Now, Vixen… What are your thoughts on facing the Goddess of the Dead?  Are you…

*AHEM!*

Spike:  Excuse me!  I gave you our collective thoughts on the matter, and we are *trying* to have a nice, relaxing dinner here.

PW:  Just a few quick words is all I need…

Spike growls as Pussy circles around the table to get closer to Vixen, who seems about half as annoyed as Spike, which is still a dangerous amount.  Vixen takes a deep breath, composing herself for her die hard fans.  Spike begins quickly shaking his head in the negative as the waiter approaches the table.  He clearly doesn’t see this as he sets the wine glasses on the table.  He pours one glass and hands it over to Vixen, and then pours the other for Spike, who simply sinks down in his seat.  Vixen takes a small sip from her glass, setting it down on the table.

Vixen:  As Spike said, I believe… I…. what is…?

She squints as she studies her glass of champagne, seeing the bubbles clinging to a diamond ring that is settled on the bottom.  She furls her brows in confusion for a second as she looks over to Spike.  He sinks down in his chair in a bit of embarrassment as his face is visibly red.  Pussy sees this and she slowly retracts the microphone.  She looks to Spike very apologetically as she steps back a few feet.  Spike sucks on his bottom teeth as his eyes flare up for an instant.  He scoots his chair out, rolling his eyes at the camera and at Pussy before he bends down on one knee, in the sand.

Spike: I… I know this is far from perfect.  Nothing is ever perfect, except the time we spend together, with the family, or just the two of us.  I love you, the kids love you… I just can’t imagine life without you.  I hope the feeling is mutual, but I refuse to wait around and go back and forth within myself about why I should or shouldn’t do this.  I refuse to take it back down.  My undying, death defying love for you will never go away.  I can’t come up with the perfect words for this imperfect proposal, so I’m just going to cut to the chase… Vixen?  Will you marry me?

Spike reaches into the glass, pulling out the ring.  He dunks it in his glass of water and then wipes it off on his shirt.  He holds it out so that the diamond sparkles in the moonlight.  He looks up into her eyes as she bites onto her bottom lip, trying to comprehend exactly what is going on.  He takes a deep breath, accompanied by one from her…

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Fade to… BLACK!