(OOC: This is not what I had planned to post, but it’s all I have. Work has been burning me out lately and it’s all I could come up with. Apologies, but I’ll try to do better going forward)


For months now, The Troll has been a huge thorn in the sides of O’Malley and his wife, Darcy. Of course, he’s a thorn in everyone’s side, but when he’s spreading a particularly vicious rumor involving O’Malley’s late wife and Hall of Fame former Bombshell Champion, Misty, this is something a little difficult to ignore. And now throw into the mix The Troll has managed to find himself a girlfriend(!), albeit one just as nasty and trashy as he is, the situation has gotten even more out of hand.

That is perhaps why a mixed tag team match pitting O’Malley and Darcy against The Troll and Kitty Lytter(LOL every time!) has been made. While neither of  the respective women involved are trained wrestlers, both women surely know how to fight in some fashion, so this match is ultimately anticipated to be entertaining to say the least.

But despite looking forward to it, O’Malley is concerned for his wife. He knows she could smack Kitty around enough to make an impact, but he wants her to be at least somewhat prepared for what is in store for her. And that means an actual training session at the GO Gym. There is only so much Darcy will be able to learn in such a short amount of time, but O’Malley will do everything in his power to make sure she is as prepared as she can be.

While the pair are at their training session, they needed to find a babysitter for Owen and the twins. The were nervous to leave them in the care of just anyone, especially someone they didn’t know well and ultimately they settled on a familiar face. One that Owen would definitely enjoy having around for a few hours.

Darcy: Now you’re sure you can handle this? If it was just Owen, I wouldn’t be asking, but—

Darcy is quickly interrupted by Misty’s daughter and Owen’s sister, Eden Staggs. Eden smiles as she holds little Sadie in her arms.

Eden: I’m positive. You’re forgetting that I’ve got twin siblings at home already, and I’m pretty sure they’re more of a handful than Sadie and Delaney.

O’Malley: Don’t let their cuteness fool ye, Eden. They can definitely be a handful. But luckily, ye got Owen here with ye because I’m tellin’ ye, he’s the baby whisperer.

Owen lets out a laugh as does Eden:

Owen: I speak their language, daddy. What can I say?!

Darcy: We shouldn’t be gone for more than a few hours.

Darcy now has Delaney in her arms, hugging the near one year old right. Delaney claps her hands, not seeming to mind that her parents are about to leave her. Granted, Eden isn’t a complete stranger so that may make things with any separation anxiety a lot easier.

Eden: Hey O’Malley. Before you two leave can I talk to you for a minute?

O’Malley raises his eyebrow curiously, but nods. Eden keeps a hold of Sadie as the two walk into the other room.

O’Malley: Everything okay, kiddo?

Eden moss and she gently bounces Sadie, trying to keep her occupied.

Eden: Yeah, everything is cool. I was wondering if maybe one day I could tag along with you to the GO Gym for your training session or something? I’ve just kinda been getting more interested in maybe following in my Mom’s footsteps ya know.

O’Malley looks a little surprised and takes a deep breath.

O’Malley: Why don’t ye ask yer Dad? He’s got a training facility doesn’t he?

Eden shrugs.

Eden: Yeah, he does, but I wanna do my own thing. Make my own decisions. I think people would kinda expect for my Dad to train me if I were to really persue this, but I don’t want that. Not that I don’t trust what he’s doing, but I just want to decide for myself.

O’Malley: I get what yer sayin’, kiddo. I can’t give ye a yes or no answer right now though because Gabriel is pretty strict on who he lets into the gym. With ye bein’ a member of the Staggs family, I’m not sure what he’ll think. But I’ll ask.

Eden smiles and Sadie plants both her little hands right in the middle of Eden’s face.

Eden: Thanks. It’s probably a long shot, but it’s worth a try I guess.

Just by staring at his stepdaughter, he can tell that Eden is troubled, but keeping it bottled in.

O’Malley: Ye alright, Eden? Ye know ye can talk to me, right?

Eden moss slowly but remains quiet. O’Malley tries to press a little further.

O’Malley: Is this still about everything The Troll has been saying about yer mum?

Eden: Not really. I’m fine. School has just been kinda stressful lately, ya know. I’m cool. Really.

O’Malley doesn’t quite believe her, but he knows he needs to give her space and time to talk on her own. At least he hopes she will.

O’Malley: Alright, kiddo. And if it is about The Troll, don’t ye worry. Darcy and I will be handling him and his horrible girlfriend soon enough.

Eden: I hope Darcy beats that chick’s ass. She’s a disgusting whore.

O’Malley can’t help but laugh, but all it takes is the clearing of Darcy’s throat to steal his attention away.

Darcy: Alright, time for us to head out. If you need anything at all you have our numbers. And just in case, the number to the GO Gym is on the refrigerator. Owen, you make sure you and the girls behave for your sister, alright?

Owen: I know! We’re gonna have a lot of fun! I promise! Go kick some butt, Momma!

O’Malley, Darcy and Eden are all taken back by Owen referring to Darcy as Momma, but none can manage to say anything. Eden looks a little more troubled, and Darcy just pays Owen’s head. Darcy takes Delaney and sets her down in the living room near all the toys while O’Malley grabs their gym bags. Eden assured them they’ll be fine before the pair finally make their way out the door and off to their training session.

It’s been a little over a year since O’Malley has been seen in SCW. While he had such high hopes for where he wanted his career to go last year, it never quite got there. To some, that would come as a major disappointment, and it would eat at them for years to come. To O’Malley, though, he had a much more important reason for quietly stepping away from SCW and his wrestling career as a whole.

His family.

You see, while 2021 had started out on a devastating note with Darcy experiencing the loss of their unborn daughter, what the year had in store for them just several months later would bring a hope and happiness that they weren’t sure they would ever get back following such a devastating loss.

It’s currently late in the evening in the O’Malley household in Las Vegas, Nevada. O’Malley’s son, Owen, is finishing getting ready for bed in the bathroom down the hall. He’s brushing his teeth following his bath. Darcy supervises, although rarely has to assist as the now seven year old is quite independent for his age.

Just down the hall, in another bedroom, O’Malley is handling another precious member of the family. Or make that two of them. You see, just about eight months ago two new members of the O’Malley household were born. Darcy and O’Malley’s twin daughters, Delaney and Sadie.

Both little girls have just fallen asleep in their father’s arms in the rocking chair of their nursery. And anyone who has children knows how difficult it can be to rock one eight month old child to sleep, much less two. But O’Malley has managed to get the job done. And as Darcy appears in the doorway, she leans against the doorframe and stares at him as he continues to rock back and forth with his own eyes closed. Not wanting to wake her infant daughters, she quietly knocks on the doorframe, getting his attention only.

Darcy: It still amazes me that you can get the both of them to sleep like that. Are you ever going to share your secret?

O’Malley grins and gently shakes his head no. They both have to speak in hushed voices.

O’Malley: Ye know me, love. I’ve gotta enjoy this time while it lasts, so I’m not sayin’ anything.

Darcy: You act as though they’re going to suddenly despise you tomorrow. You know they won’t.

O’Malley smirks and Darcy quietly steps into the room, walking towards him. She reaches for the dark haired little girl on her right as O’Malley gently hands her off to her mother, both doing their best not to wake either of them.

O’Malley: Maybe not. But I need to do everything in me power to make sure it doesn’t happen sooner rather than later. Not that it matters. We both know they much prefer Owen over us anyway.

He slowly stands and then suddenly freezes as the little girl in his arms yawns and appears to be waking up. Luckily for the both of them, she doesn’t. Darcy lays the one in the crib with an “S” emblem above it, while O’Malley lays the other in the crib with the “D” above it. He would love nothing more than to watch his sleeping daughters a little longer, but as Owen is waiting for him in the other room, he kisses Darcy’s temple and walks out of the room.

He makes it to Owen’s room a few seconds later, and immediately thought his son was already fast asleep as he had his eyes closed and was already tucked under his blanket. The light on his nightstand was on, yes, but Owen appeared to be fast asleep. However when O’Malley went to turn the light off, Owen’s eyes opened up. And for some reason, he looked almost sad.

Owen: Daddy, do you think Mommy misses me?

The words took O’Malley by surprise. Owen’s questions about Misty were few and far between these days, and the farther apart they became, they managed to take him by surprise every time. O’Malley runs his hand over Owen’s head and offers him a reassuring smile.

O’Malley: I don’t think she does, Owen. I KNOW she does. What on earth made ye ask a question like that, though?

Owen shrugs.

Owen: I don’t know. She doesn’t show up in my dreams much anymore.

O’Malley: Well I’m sure that doesn’t mean it’s because she doesn’t miss ya, Owen. She knows yer happy and well taken care of so maybe that’s why ye don’t dream about her very much anymore. Don’t be sad, boy-o.

Owen musters up a small smile then lets out a big yawn. O’Malley chuckles then rustles his son’s hair.

O’Malley: Alright, fella, time fer sleep.

At that moment, a ding can be heard from O’Malley’s pocket, signaling a notification of some sort from his phone. He kisses Owen’s forehead as he stands up.

O’Malley: G’night, Owen.

Owen: Good night, Daddy.

And with Owen’s tired filled response, O’Malley turns off the light and walks out of his bedroom, leaving it open just a crack. He pulls his phone out of his pocket and reads a text message from a number he doesn’t recognize and raises an eyebrow.

“You might want to watch The Troll’s video…”

O’Malley: Now why would I want to do that?

Darcy: Why would you want to do what?

O’Malley looks up as Darcy approaches him. He shows her the text message, and she, too, is curious.

Darcy: Well…let’s go get your laptop and have a look. Normally I wouldn’t care, but someone obviously thought you should see whatever it is that he has to talk about.

O’Malley shrugs in response and the two walk down the hall to the master bedroom. O’Malley grabs his laptop and takes a seat on his side of the bed, while Darcy goes to her own on the other side. She waits patiently as his laptop loads and he clicks and types away going to the SCW website. He finds the link to The Troll’s video and reluctantly presses play.

It takes several minutes and many eye rolls later to get to why he was advised to watch in the first place, and while Darcy is left horrified and growing angry, O’Malley is just shaking his head. As soon as the video is done, he closes his laptop and sets it on his night stand, not saying so much as a word.

Darcy: Well?

O’Malley: Well what? It was a load of shite, Darcy. C’mon.

He shakes his head, but Darcy stares at him and has her arms folded across her chest.

Darcy: While that may be true, he’s publicly accusing me of being Misty after plastic surgery! It’s ridiculous!

O’Malley: Love, nobody ever believes a word he says. Ye’ve got nothing to worry about. Don’t get so bothered by it.

Darcy: Oh I’m sure someone out there believes me. Maybe not many, but someone is stupid enough to believe it. The only question is, what do you plan on doing about it?

O’Malley laughs and shakes his head. He stands up from the bed and stares quizzically at his wife.

O’Malley: What am I going to do? Darc, I don’t need to do anything! He’s a bloody liar and everyone knows it. I’m not going to give him the time of day by bothering to give this any attention. He’ll move on to the next lie tomorrow, trust me.

Darcy: And if he doesn’t?

O’Malley lets out a sigh. Before he has a chance to respond, the sound of one of their daughters crying in the nursery is heard. Darcy sighs and shakes her head. O’Malley is about to go check on the twins, but Darcy stands up.

Darcy: I’ve got it this time.

O’Malley can tell she’s annoyed, and he takes her by the hand before she disappears out of the bedroom.

O’Malley: Look, I’ll keep an eye on this Troll situation, alright? If he keeps it up, I’ll speak up and say something about it. I’ll handle it, okay?

Darcy: You better. Because I’m certainly not going to sit back and let people think that I’m a woman who faked her own death and had plastic surgery to try and cover it up.

She pulls her hand away and walks out of the room. O’Malley runs his hand through his hair and closes his eyes. He was all too familiar with how the Troll could be, but he hoped in this instance he wasn’t proven wrong and that The Troll would give up on such a ridiculous notion.

Unfortunately for O’Malley, he would soon find out that this was one lie that The Troll simply would not let go…

---

The camera opens up in a mostly darkened room, save for a small spotlight shining on an easel holding a portrait. The subject of the portrait? None other than the late former SCW Hall of Fame Three-time World Bombshell, Misty! It had been near five years since her death, but the accomplishments she achieved during her time in SCW will be forever remembered and praised.

Unless of course you are someone named Thomas Gabriel Wank, a.k.a The Troll. For the last several weeks he has been disgracing her memory and spewing terrible lies. Those lies…end today.

“It’s no secret that Misty wasn’t exactly well liked during her career in SCW, and hell even before then. That is par fer the course when it comes to a wrestling career, ain’t it?”

O’Malley’s voice is heard, but he’s not seen as the spotlight and the camera remains focused on Misty’s portrait.

“But whether ye loved her or hated her, there ain’t a single person who can deny the things she did for SCW and the Bombshell roster. She built that roster and made it competitive from day one. She may have been retired when she died, but that didn’t make her death any less tragic or unexpected, did it? I know fer a fact that when she died, she was doin’ everything in her power to talk to Mark and Christian about one last run.”

His voice begins to shake as his mind changes course and goes to that fateful day in December of 2017. Without even seeing his face, you just know he’s staring at the portrait of his late wife with a deep sadness, but also a growing rage.

“But she didn’t even get a chance to persuade them to form the contract. December sixth of twenty seventeen, she was taken from all of us in a car crash. A car crash that very nearly killed her daughter in the same moment. And there’s plenty of evidence to support that, yet one man…No, I can’t even call him a man. One pathetic little Mumma’s boy, is out there spewing a version he wants everyone to so desperately to believe fer some reason.”

The spotlight then goes out for a few moments and some rustling around can be heard. When the spotlight comes back on, the portrait of Misty has now been replaced by a portrait of O’Malley’s current wife, Darcy.

“Darcy…me beautiful wife and the mother of me twin daughters…The Troll wants everyone to believe that she…is Misty. He’s out there claiming that Misty faked her death and then went through a hell of a lot of plastic surgery to look like Darcy. It’s a lie straight out of the movies, because that’s exactly where it should stay! How the hell could one woman go through that much surgery to look like a completely different woman?! Better question…why?!”

Just then O’Malley can be seen stepping into the camera view, but he keeps his back turned to it. He starts setting up a second easel and brings Misty’s portrait back into view, before turning around and standing between the two portraits and glaring into the camera.

“Wanky boy, I’m now talk in’ directly to ye, fella. I want ye to take a long look at both of these portraits. I want ye to understand that, these are two very different women. Get it through yer bloated head that Misty…”

He points to Misty’s portrait.

“She’s dead, fella. She didn’t fake her death. She didn’t force everyone she loved, her children included, to think she was dead only so she could drastically change her appearance to be someone else. After this match on Sunday, fella, yer gonna stop with this shite once and fer all. I’m gonna beat ye worse than I did two weeks ago, and yer gonna regret ever starting these vicious lies.”

He continues to glare into the camera, angrier than ever before that it has come down to this.

“Ye know, a month ago…a return to the ring wasn’t even on me mind. A few birdies here and there had been bugging me, tryna get me to come back, but I thought to meself, why? Why would I when I have a beautiful family at home to take care of. I’ve got three beautiful children that I get the pleasure of watch in’ grow up and helpin’ mold them into bein’ respectable human beings. Somethin’ that yer not even close to bein’ despite having an amazing Mum from what I understand. Must be because ye obviously didn’t have a father there to put ye back in line when ye were bein’ a disresctful little turd. Or the fact yer still on yer Mum’s tit despite bein’ an adult.”

He gags for a moment then shakes his head, trying to get back on topic.

“I’m not thrilled at the fact that it took a lyin’ fat sack-o-shite like ye, Wanky boy, to lure me back to the ring. I ain’t happy about it, but I’m definitely gonna enjoy finishing what I started two weeks ago. Because I’m gonna do what Misty did. I’m gonna defend me family until me very last breath. And fer yer Mum’s sake…I hope she doesn’t watch this one.”

The camera zooms in on his face. More specifically, the fiery determination in his eyes.

“Because I’m gonna humiliate her little boy. See ye Sunday, Wanker.”

And with one sick smile, the camera fades away.

Blaze of Glory is known as one of the biggest events of the year for SCW. Next to High Stakes, of course. It was for that reason that O’Malley just couldn’t see himself failing at winning the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event against Jack Washington. He felt good. The best he had felt in a while, actually. As far as confidence goes anyway. While the personal heartaches his family had experienced in the months before Blaze of Glory were still lingering, he was doing his best to not let it affect his in ring performance. And he was doing a good job, but he still lost. He still failed to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, but it was through no fault of his own.

Jack Washington had cheated. He had done what he needed to do to ensure he remained champion. With referee Jasmine St. John down after O’Malley being accidentally shoved back against her, or perhaps purposely depending on how you look at it, Jack had delivered a low blow when O’Malley was checking on her. And to add insult to injury, Jack used both his legs on the ropes to prevent O’Malley from kicking out and voila...Jack retained.

That was weeks ago and while O’Malley could have done more to get another shot at Jack, knowing damn well he deserved it after that shady victory, he knew better than to continue on his quest. Not only that, but as the winner of the Blast From The Past tournament for a second year in a row, Mark Cross was once again headed towards the World Heavyweight Championship match. Yet another fact that didn’t sit well with O’Malley.

So what was the Irishman to do next? He had no clear path going forward, but not only that...his motivation was slipping. But perhaps it had less to do with his continued losses in the ring, and more to do with the lingering effects from losing his unborn daughter. After all, it is hard for any person to get over grief in such a short amount of time. And O’Malley, it seems, is no different.

Having not been booked since Blaze of Glory, much of O’Malley’s downtime hasn’t been spent by keeping up on his training at the GO Gym. He should be, but unfortunately, he’s been finding any reason to cancel his training sessions and even going as far as to completely ignore Gabriel’s phone calls. That has left Darcy as the go between as she works to get O’Malley out of this slump he has been in. And at this moment in time, she simply can’t be quiet any longer.

He’s currently in what would have been their daughter’s nursery. It wasn’t quite finished but O’Malley had already purchased a rather comfortable rocking chair with an ottomon to prop their legs up on. He’s been spending quite a bit of time in here, losing himself in thoughts of what would have been, and more often than not, he has fallen asleep in that rocking chair. As is the current situation. Darcy stands in the doorway, leaning against the frame and she folds her arms. As much as the sight of him sleeping there broke her heart, she had to do something. So she walks up in front of him, trying to wake him up.

Darcy: O’Malley…

He stirs slightly, but not enough that he completely wakes up. She kicks at his leg, trying a bit further to wake him.

Darcy: O’Malley...wake up, honey.

He grunts and she lets out a sigh. She leans in and then snaps her fingers in front of his face, and that is enough to finally startle him awake. He nearly falls out of the chair and looks around, confused.

O'Malley: Huh? What’s wrong?!

Darcy: You. You have to stop doing this to yourself.

He rubs the sleep out of his eyes and then stares at her, still confused.

O'Malley: Doin’ what, Darc? Sleepin’?

She rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

Darcy: No, of course that isn’t what I meant. If you want to sleep, fine, but you need to stop falling asleep in this room. You’re torturing yourself. Not only am I worried about you, but so is Owen.

O'Malley: Owen is worried about me? Why? And where is he?

Darcy lets out another sigh.

Darcy: You’d be surprised at how receptive Owen is, honey. He knows you’re still upset over losing the baby, and he just wants to see you happy again. And he’s with Alistair.

O'Malley: Alistair?! You let Alistair take him?

Darcy chuckles and nods.

Darcy: Why wouldn’t I? He’s been left alone with him before, and Alistair said he wanted to buy him a special gift but needed to take him with. I didn’t think there would be a problem.

O’Malley stands up from the rocking chair and stretches. He had been sleeping in a slightly awkward position, but felt better after cracking his neck and stretching out a bit.

O'Malley: I guess we’ll find out once they get back. Alistair didn’t say what the special gift was?

Darcy shakes her head and shrugs.

O'Malley: This should be interesting.

Darcy: You’re avoiding what our conversation was originally about, O’Malley. Stop avoiding it. You need to stop sleeping in this room.

O'Malley: Darc, I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong with me fallin’ asleep in here.

She lets out a frustrated sigh and just stares at him.

Darcy: Of course you don’t see a problem with it, but what reason is there to sleep in here? If it’s a matter of that chair being comfortable, just move it to the front room. You need to distract yourself and stop dwelling on what we lost. I’m doing the best that I can, but seeing you like this isn’t making it any easier on me, you know.

O'Malley: Well, gee, Darc. I’m sorry if yer not broken up about losin’ our daughter! I’m sorry that we can’t all get over death as quickly as ye can!

He snaps at her and she’s taken slightly back by how much his words sting. She frowns at him, but she holds back tears and as soon as he spoke the words, he instantly regretted them.

O'Malley: I...I’m sorry, love. That didn’t come across very well…

Darcy: How else would that have come across? You think that just because I’m not laying in bed all day crying over losing our daughter that I’m over it? Because I’m not. You’re forgetting that this is the second child of ours that I lost, so I think the feelings I’m going through on a daily basis are just a little more difficult than you might think.

He goes quiet. He hadn’t forgotten that Darcy had miscarried once before, while they weren’t together, but hadn’t truly thought of how this was all affecting her. He was just amazed at how she was keeping it all together.

O'Malley: I dunno why I’m havin’ such a hard time with this, love. I really don’t. And I dunno how the hell yer keepin’ yerself together like ye have been. If anyone should be a complete wreck, it’s ye.

Darcy: I’ve already told you how. It’s Owen. He may not be my biological child, but that little boy keeps me going. He is the one good thing that ever came out of you falling in love with Misty in the first place. I will never deny that.

O’Malley can’t help but smile as Darcy speaks those last words. She had hated Misty for so long, even after she had died, but the personal growth his wife had experienced over the last year was simply remarkable. And he loved her more for it.

O'Malley: I’m tryin’ so hard, Darc. I really am. I was thrilled when the judge finally granted us custody of Owen, and thinkin’ about us havin’ a baby just a few months later. It’s the happiest I’ve been in a long time.

Darcy: I know. And I feel the same. But life throws us curveballs. You know that. And if you’re struggling that bad, honey, the only other thing I can suggest is--

”DADDY!”

Before Darcy can even finish her sentence, the sound of Owen’s excited shouting is heard along with the front door bursting open. O’Malley and Darcy share a laugh, and O’Malley holds up a single finger, advising her to hold that thought. He walks past her and just as he steps out of the would-be nursery, Owen nearly crashes into him. But as O’Malley looks down at his son, his jaw nearly hits the floor upon noticing what Owen is now wearing. Alistair walks up behind him a few moments later with a proud smile on his face.

O'Malley: Alistair...ye can’t be serious? That is the special gift Darcy told me ye wanted to get fer Owen?!

The special gift, as is now very visible, is a child-sized version of the fancy tailored suit that Alistair is wearing. It of course has not been tailored to fit Owen perfectly, but Alistair just nods . Darcy takes one look at Owen and smiles.

Darcy: Well don’t you look handsome, Owen! But...what is the occasion?

Owen: Uncle Alistair says a gentleman doesn’t need a reason to wear a nice suit!

Darcy giggles, but O’Malley is not as receptive to the idea of Alistair’s gift. While he agrees his son looks like a handsome little boy in such a fine suit, it struck him as...odd.

O'Malley: Are ye tryna turn me son into ye, Alistair? What does he need a suit like that fer?!

Alistair: Oh relax, Shane. It’s perfectly fine. Everyone is under this impression that suits are only to be worn on special occasions, but I very much disagree with that idea. I didn’t think you’d be upset over me buying the boy a suit.

Owen: You’re not mad are you, Daddy?! I think it’s really cool! And I look just like Uncle Alistair!

That is exactly what O’Malley was afraid of. While he and Alistair had been growing closer and mending their relationship in recent months, Alistair’s personality and in particular his promiscuous lifestyle was not something he wanted his son exposed to. And though a suit was hardly reason to believe that is where it was headed, O’Malley knew better than to led his guard down.

O'Malley: Owen, boy-o, why don’t ye go change out of that suit fer right now. Ye don’t want to get it dirty right off the bat, okay?

Owen: But I want to keep it on! I like it!

O'Malley: I know ye do, kiddo, but...just do as I tell ye, okay?

Owen frowns and he glances at Darcy. She just nods slowly and then Owen rushes off and disappears into his room to get changed. Alistair hands a bag containing Owen’s previous outfit over to Darcy and then folds his arms.

Alistair: You can’t really be that upset over this? It’s just a suit, Shane.

O'Malley: Just a suit? Just a suit?! Alistair--

Darcy: Honey, relax. Please. He’s right. It’s just a suit. And Owen did look rather handsome. Might be a good outfit for some pictures…

O’Malley laughs and shakes his head. Darcy was missing the point and what clearly was bothering O’Malley about the entire situation.

O'Malley: It may be just a suit right now, Darc, but it’ll turn into more than that. He’s only five years old, and I ain’t gonna have him exposed to the sort of shite ye do on a daily basis, Alistair. I’d like to set a better example on him, if ye know what I mean.

Alistair: That is what this is about? You think that because I have an…active lifestyle that I’d think it appropriate to expose a five and a half year old to that? I may not be perfect, Shane, but I have a little bit more respect than to do something like that. I’m sorry if you feel that a suit is an inappropriate gift, but you’ve got some issues to work out if you think there is anything more to it than that. But I will be going now. Darcy, thank you for allowing me to take Owen with me today.

Darcy: Of course. You’re his uncle after all.

Alistair just smiles. Without even looking at O’Malley again, or speaking another word to him, he turns and leaves. O’Malley is still annoyed, but Darcy stares at him, almost at a loss for words.

Darcy: That was uncalled for, O’Malley, and you know it.

O'Malley: I think I know me brother better than ye do, Darc. While he might not intentionally expose--

Darcy: Just...stop. Don’t say another word, because I’m going to finish what I was going to suggest before they walked in. Your mood swings lately are really starting to make me dizzy, and I think it’s time you talk to someone. Someone who isn’t me, or Gabriel. Or Alistair.

O’Malley raises an eyebrow.

O'Malley: What? Are ye talkin’ like...a shrink? I don’t need--

Darcy: Grief counseling, O’Malley. I’m talking about grief counseling, because from where I’m standing? You need it. As much as I’ve tried, I just can’t help you.

O’Malley’s jaw drops and he just blinks. He’s left at a loss for words and Darcy leaves him with nothing more to say. She shakes her head, lets out a sigh, and heads off towards Owen’s bedroom to see if he needs anything. O’Malley scratches his head and he turns around, looking back into the would-be nursery. His anger at Alistair quickly disappears as he is reminded of the loss of his daughter and he takes in a deep breath.

O'Malley: Grief counseling…

---

O’Malley couldn’t stop thinking about what Darcy had said. Well, what she had suggested. He never really considered the thought that he might need additional help in getting past his most recent heartbreaking loss, but after a couple of days, he thought maybe she had a point. Still, it wasn’t easy to finally give in and schedule the appointment for his first session. And he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect either. He had hoped to deal with his grief in his own way, but clearly that was not working.

Today is his first appointment, and until it was done, he was waiting to tell Darcy he made the decision to see a grief counselor. He wanted to be sure he would continue going before mentioning anything, but it wasn’t out of shame. It was because he didn’t want her to make a big deal over something that wouldn’t continue past the first session.

He’s currently seated in the waiting area of the counseling office. It’s considerably empty with most patients still opting for video sessions as the pandemic is still on-going. But this office was one of few who had returned to office visits for those who would prefer an in person session, but they of course were adhering to social distancing guidelines as well as mask requirements.

O’Malley had done his research before scheduling the appointment. He knew that if he was going to go through with this, he couldn’t just choose any random counselor to help him cope with his grief. He needed someone experienced and highly rated, so he had to look around. And his search eventually led him to Clara Holmes. From her professional profile online, Clara was in her mid-fifties with over twenty years of experience. She offered various areas of counseling services, but her main focus was of course, grief counseling. O’Malley had read many reviews and found absolutely nothing to deter him from choosing her, so he made the call.

His right leg bounces up and down as he sits in the chair in the waiting area. Clara appears at the reception desk from the back as she organizes some paperwork and talks quietly to the receptionist. After a few minutes, she glances over to O’Malley and just quietly signals him to the door leading to the back counseling rooms. She opens the door for him, offering him a friendly greeting.

Clara: Mr. O’Malley. So nice to meet you. My office is just down this hall.

O'Malley: Nice to meet ye as well Ms. Holmes. Ye’ll have to forgive me in advance. I’m pretty nervous right now.

Clara leads him just a little ways down the hall before inviting him into her office. It’s a spacious and “homey” office, with a sofa placed against the wall with a window just behind it. Her chair, a rather comfortable looking la-z-boy is closer to the door, offering plenty of space for the social distancing aspect. O’Malley heads over to the sofa and takes a seat, while Clara takes her own.

Clara: You can call me Clara. And I see your first name is...Shane?

O'Malley: It is, but I don’t go by me first name. I’ve always been called just by me last name O’Malley.

Clara: Interesting, but noted. So before we get started, I just want to take a moment try and ease your nervousness a bit. I know counseling can be a daunting idea, but the fact that you scheduled this appointment is a great sign. I see patients for varying issues, and there is absolutely no judgement.

O’Malley nods slowly and takes in a deep breath. To his surprise, his nerves do calm slightly but he’s not sure how to respond to Clara. No need apparently as she takes his silence as an opportunity to get started. She has her notepad and a pen in her hand to jot down any notes during their session.

Clara: Okay. So, O’Malley, I know this might sound cliche, but there’s really no other way to start this off other than me asking you to tell me a little bit about yourself. And what led to you scheduling this appointment?

He takes in another deep breath having fully expected one or both of those questions, but he was not sure of what to fully expect from this session.

O'Malley: Well, I’m a professional wrestler with a company based here in Las Vegas. I was born and raised in Ireland but moved to the states before I married me first wife, Misty. We had a son, Owen, who is five and half now, but I’m married to me wife, Darcy currently.

Clara: What happened with your first wife?

He figured that question would be brought up, and while his grief over losing his daughter was what brought him here, he had a feeling Clara would also dive into his grief over losing Misty.

O'Malley: She was killed in a car accident three years ago. After she died I went back to Ireland which is how me and Darcy ended up gettin’ married. But it ain’t grief over losin’ Misty that brought me here. I scheduled this appointment because I’ve been havin’ a hard time recently over Darcy and I losin’ our unborn daughter. She was twenty weeks pregnant and when we went in fer the ultrasound and to find out the gender, they couldn’t find a heartbeat.

Clara: I’m very sorry to hear about both of those losses, O’Malley. Grief is definitely something that can take time to heal from, but I assure you I will do my absolute best to help you through this.

O'Malley: I’m gonna be honest with ye here. I never thought of the idea of grief counseling or any type of counseling to be honest. I’ve always wanted to get through any challenges meself, but after Darcy suggested it, it got me thinkin’. She’s been an absolute rockstar dealin’ with losin’ our daughter, but me? I’m all over the place.

Clara nods and as O’Malley speaks, she jots down various notes on her notepad, using it all as reference for future appointments and to dig deeper into his treatment. After just a few minutes, it’s clear that there is a lot more to dive into, but there’s only so much to get to in a single hour.

Clara: You said your first wife passed away three years ago?

O'Malley: That’s right.

Clara: How did you handle your grief then?

And there it was. The question he had hoped to avoid all together. As soon as she asked that question, O’Malley immediately expected her to use the events that led to his marriage to Darcy as a reason to say he had never gotten over Misty at all. Which was not at all the case.

O'Malley: It...it was tough, but Darcy helped me through it. I left Owen in the care of his grandparents fer a while and went home to Ireland. I struggled fer a bit, but Darcy saved me life, and I was able to get over me grief then. This time? With losin’ our daughter, it just seems...different fer some reason.

Clara: I know you say that the loss of your daughter is what brought you here, O’Malley, but I’d like to hear more about Misty’s death and how it affected you afterwards. I get the sense that there is more that needs to be addressed, but I can’t force you to talk about anything you don’t want to talk about. I just feel that it will help me have a better understanding of you, as well as guide me through your treatment.

He nods. She was right, he didn’t really want to talk about Misty because he had moved on from her death a long time ago. He had accepted that she was gone and not coming back, and he was happy with Darcy. Nothing would change that. But, could Clara provide some clarity to something he perhaps didn’t see before? This could very well be a lengthy process, he thought.

O'Malley: It could take a lot longer than an hour to get through that situation. And as I said, I’ve moved on with me life. I’m tryna grieve the daughter I’ll now never have, so what good will talkin’ about Misty do?

Clara: You’d be surprised. But you already said that you struggled after Misty died, which led to you ending up with Darcy because she saved you. Saved you how? And this all ultimately leads to you losing your daughter. Different points in life, yes, but it could be connected. And I’m not saying we have to get through all of it in today’s session. As I said, this can take time.

O'Malley: I just don’t want this to turn into focusin’ on Misty when it’s losin’ me daughter that brought me here…

Clara nods and stops writing on her notepad for a moment.

Clara: I completely understand, and I promise you that won’t happen. I just need to connect all the dots. I want to help you through this.

O’Malley draws in a deep breath and lets out a sigh, nodding slowly. Before he knows it, and with little further hesitation, he begins to tell Clara about his experiences after returning to Ireland following Misty’s death. She just listened as he talked for what seemed like forever. And while he used to feel judged over speaking about what happened, he felt safe as he spoke to Clara. Grief counseling, he thought, was something he definitely would continue past today. No matter how long it would take…

---

It’s been six months since I lost the Roulette championship to the same fella whose title reign I ended...Kedron Williams. Six whole months since I’ve been without a championship, and while that might not exactly be a big deal, I ain’t exactly where I wanted to be at this point in time, either. And I think I’ve realized that I might have made a mistake with me decision I made after losin’ the roulette championship. It should have been obvious a while ago, but I guess me ambitions were a bit higher than I deserved.

Lookin’ back on everything that has happened since I was roulette champ, it’s become quite clear that instead of goin’ after the World Heavyweight Championship, I should have done what others had encouraged me to do and just...built meself up slowly. How? By movin’ up just a single notch and goin’ after the Internet Championship. But instead, I let me personal feelings get in the way of achieving what I could have achieved a while ago. Because not only did I have beef with Jack Washington, who was champ at the time, but I was also itchin’ to get me one-on-one shot at Kris Ryans. I was so distracted by wantin’ to beat the both of them, I held meself back, but also I might have directly caused the current situation in the Internet Championship title scene. Key words bein’ ‘might have.’

Ye see, J2H is also partly to blame fer this little fiasco, too. He had to go and just hand the title over to Caleb Storms knowin’ damn well that worthless loser didn’t deserve it. And he went and proved it like we all knew he would! On his first “defense” he lost the title and so began the proverbial game of hot potato with the Internet Championship between the two same fellas! I wouldn’t call Agostino’s win over Caleb lucky, because anyone and everyone can beat Caleb, but apparently he wasn’t good enough to really hang on to the title fer long as they’ve handed the title back and forth a few times since then. And Agostino is the fella currently holdin’ the title.

But what would have happened had I said hey I’ll take a chance and go after the Internet Championship? True, I woulda been the one more than likely endin’ Caleb’s first “reign” right off the bat, but would Agostino have ended up winnin’ the title at all? Both men are now two-time Internet Champions, and I gotta say...the buck stops now. It’s time to make right a stupid decision I made, and bring some decency back to the Internet Championship, because right now? It’s become nothin’ more than a joke.

Not only do I get a chance to right the wrong of not goin’ after the Internet Championship, but I can also right the wrong of losin’ to Agostino at the last Climax Control of the year. Not exactly a good way to prove I deserved to go after the World Heavyweight Championship when I let a fella like Agostino beat me. Then again- and this isn’t much of an excuse- I was havin’ a major off week that week and it got the best of me. Agostino beat me, and I’m ownin’ up to it.

But it ain’t gonna happen again. And it’s oh so much sweeter knowin’ that me second chance against him, that Internet Championship is on the line, because as much as I didn’t see meself gettin’ this opportunity, I sure as shite ain’t gonna waste it. I know I’ve got a lot of people out there doubtin’ me because I failed to win the World Heavyweight Championship, and believe me when I say this isn’t about provin’ anything to them. It’s about provin’ everything to meself, because with each failure for the top title, it was another blow to me confidence and it’s time to turn that shite around.

A lot of people might say that I’m the underdog headin’ into this match, that because Agostino is a two-time anc current champ, he’s got the advantage. I hope many people don’t think that because if there is one thing that is clear it’s that anyone can win a title, but a true champion can make somethin’ of their reign. A true champion can hold on to that title fer as long as it takes and clearly...Agostino can’t. He might have been a decent motorcycle racer, but clearly he’s got a lot to learn when it comes to wrestling, and as a graduate of the GO Gym, I’ll give him more than a lesson or two.

And then after that? It’s movin’ on to face another fella I’m lookin’ forward to steppin’ in the ring against…Mac Bane. Because it’s already been announced that he’s the lucky fella to get the title shot at Into The Void X. Now, credit where it’s due, Mac Bane is one tough fella. I have no doubt he’ll hold SCW championship gold again very soon, but after I beat Agostino? He ain’t gonna beat me to hold his second championship. If it were anyone but me facing Agostino this week, I have no doubt in me mind that Mac just might have won that title at Into The Void X, but it just ain’t in the stars fer him. But, I guess I shouldn’t focus too much on Mac should I? That’s putin’ the cart before the horse.

But what else can I really say about Agostino? I’ve tried goin’ back and watchin’ some of his previous matches and promos, but it all literally bores me to sleep! Sure he’s got some skill in the ring, but on the mic? In his promos? Good grief, it’s like I need a translater tryin’ to understand what the feck he’s sayin’! I know I ain’t American either, and I don’t exactly speak perfect English, but Christ, this fella talks worse than me five and half year old son!

How the hell am I supposed to take an opponent seriously when I’m goin’ up against a fella like this? I mean, he clearly enjoys a good game of hot potato, and he talks like a kiddo, too, so what does that say? Am I gonna get in trouble fer beatin’ the shite out of him? Is that some sort of abuse? I can’t quite figure it out, but either way, SCW won’t have to worry about him representin’ their company as a champion after Sunday.

Ye know, fer as much as people hate me and are probably wonderin’ why I’m gettin’ this shot against Agostino, maybe they need to stop and think I’ve been given this opportunity because the bosses know they need a steady champ. They see somethin’ in me that clearly other people don’t, and I ain’t gonna let them down. I’ll be a damn good Internet champ and when the day comes later on down the road, I’ll be a damn good World Heavyweight Champ. And guys like Agostino Romano will still be at the bottom of the ladder always failin’ the improve and never becomin’ a champion worth talkin’ about or worth respecting. Don’t believe me? Just watch and find out.

The time fer talkin’ is done, though. It’s time fer me to walk into Climax Control with nothin’, and walk out with the Internet Championship, because any other outcome just isn’t acceptable. Losin’ to Agostino Romano a second time, and with the Internet Championship up fer grabs isn’t acceptable.

I’m feckin’ sick of losing.

Winning is the only option.

(OOC Note: Apologies for posting from O’Malley’s account. I forgot my password for my Jake account so posting it from here this week. If Jake advances in the tourney, I’ll get the password figured out..)



Blast From The Past. The one cycle a year where everyone loses their minds. I’m serious. This tournament absolutely brings out the best and worst of people, and it starts with the sign ups. Someone good throws their name into the fold? Shit, how exciting! But someone who isn’t worth shit? Fuck, I hope I’m not paired with them! Oh, and let’s not forget the rare “mystery entrant” where people are throwing around their guesses like they’ll win something if they figure it out. As I said...people lose their fucking minds.

I’ve been in the tournament a couple of times. First time around, I got teamed with the Mean Girls knock off, Angel Kash and the bitch cost us the match in the first round against Misty and some Thatcher Rex asshole. Then a few years later, I got teamed with Sam Marlowe and I thought, hey, we got a fighting chance at this. And we did. Until we got booked against Spike Staggs and Lucy Seraphina in the semi-finals. Close, but no cigar.

That brings me to this year. I don’t think anyone was expecting me to throw my name into the mix, because I’ve been out of action for three years now. I thought my wrestling days were behind me, but I guess I was wrong. I’m probably out of my fucking mind, but considering the last few years...few months, really...there’s nothing I’m looking forward to more than getting back in that ring and showing each and every person who thinks I’m old or washed up, that I’ve still got it. I don’t know how far me or my partner will get in this thing, but to me...it ain’t about winning.

I’m not gonna sit here and act all high and mighty about my chances in this thing. I don’t know my partner, much less the majority of who our opponents will end up being no matter how far we get into this tournament. I’m being smart about this because being an arrogant fucker like people tend to get? That’s when mistakes are made. So...I’m not going to make mistakes. I’m going to do what I need to do, and hope that my partner does the same.

I’m sure there are certain assholes out there who are going to throw out the relevance card and accuse me of using this as a way to try and be relevant again, but they couldn’t be farther from the truth. Because I honestly don’t give a shit. I’ve never once cared about people liking me or being relevant or any of that bullshit people like to spew out on a daily basis. Being in the ring has always been an outlet to unleash all of my built up tension and anger. Plain and simple. And if anyone wants to believe otherwise? Well, that shit is on them.

It may not be permanent, but one week at a time...one match at a time...I’m back in the ring. And that shit...doesn’t bode well for one half of the team we get booked against every week. Do something to piss me off?

You’ll all regret it…

---

Sunday January 24th
Blast From The Past Twitter Live Drawing

Ember: You know, Dad, you could just make your own account again instead of forcing me to cyber stalk Twitter for you.

The attitude oozes from fourteen year old Ember Sullivan. She’s seated at the kitchen counter, barely touching her plate of food. Her father, Jake, is currently seated in front of a high-chair where Ember’s two year old brother, Jax, is strapped in and being highly uncooperative as Jake tries to assist feeding him his own plate of food as the toddler has not quite mastered feeding himself just yet. Jake turns and glares at his daughter, shaking his head immediately.

Jake: Nice try, Em, but I’m not doing it. I’ve got no desire to create another Twitter account just so people have an outlet to be keyboard warrior cowards. It’s only one day, so just deal with it. Please? Once the teams are announced, you can go on with your day.

Ember rolls her eyes as she looks down and starts scrolling through her phone. They are, of course, waiting for the live tweeting announcing the drawing of the Blast From The Past teams. Jake hasn’t had an account in years. Not since he fully stepped back from wrestling and saw no need to be active on the platform any longer. Jake sees Ember roll her eyes, but says nothing about it as he turns his attention back to Jax, who is now playing with his small portion of scrambled eggs.

Jake: C’mon, Jax. Can’t you just once eat your food without putting up a fight?

Ember: He never fights with me or Kittie when we feed him…

Jake snaps his head to the side and glares at her again. She cracks a smile and laughs as she looks back down to her phone.

Jake: Well then maybe you’d like to help and I’ll take your phone and keep up with the drawing when it starts?

Before Ember replies, a handful of scrambled eggs suddenly smacks Jake in the face. Jax giggles loudly and Ember even lets out a laugh, before quickly stifling it. Jake slowly turns his head and just stares at Jax, letting out a sigh as he peels off some of the bits of egg that stuck to his face.

Ember: Thanks, but I think I’ll hang on to my phone. Besides, it’s highly entertaining watching you constantly get covered in Jax’s food. Hey, looks like the drawing will be starting soon.

Jake: About time. Let’s just hope I get someone decent that can help me at least make it to the finals. And let’s hope me or Despy don’t get stuck with Mikah.

Ember looks up and raises an eyebrow. Jax finally starts cooperating as he shovels some eggs in his mouth, and Jake hands him a small piece of toast.

Ember: I thought Uncle Despy wants to be teamed with Mikah? And she’s really good. You’d be lucky to be teamed with her.

Jake lets out a laugh and shakes his head. Jax reaches for his sippy cup and Jake slides it over to him.

Jake: No thanks. As good as she may be, she’s always made it very clear on her opinion on tag team matches. She usually only does it for someone she likes. She didn’t sign up for this until she found out Despy did. And those two as a team? No thanks, either.

Ember: Because you know they’d be unstoppable. I get it. So...now that you’ve said who you don’t want to be teamed with, who do you want to be teamed with?

Jake lets out a sigh as he thinks of the possibilities. He has a one in sixteen chance of getting a partner he’d actually feel comfortable with, so the odds are against him and everyone else. He spaces out for a moment until Jax’s sippy cup comes flying at his head. He has to think fast and ducks quickly just seconds before it hits his head.

Jake: Damn it, Jax! If you want more milk, you could just ask!

Ember laughs and shakes her head again.

Ember: It’s starting. And quit getting so mad when he throws stuff at you. He’ll keep doing it if you react that way. I’ll let you know once your name or Despy’s gets drawn.

Jake stands up from his chair and picks up Jax’s sippy cup. He walks over to the fridge and pours some more milk into the cup as Ember watches her phone like a hawk. She lets out a laugh and Jake panics.

Jake: What? What is it?!

Ember: Well, you don’t have to worry about you or Uncle Despy teaming with Mikah. Lachlan Kane got stuck with her. So far, nothing for you or Uncle Despy.

Jake: What about Amber Ryan? She paired with anyone yet?

Jake hands the no refilled sippy cup back to his son. Ember looks up from her phone for a moment and grins sheepishly at her father.

Ember: Amber Ryan, huh? Oh, I get it. She’s a red-head.

Jake: Em, what the hell is that supposed to mean?

She smiles and looks down at her phone again, waiting to see her father’s name. Jake stares at her, waiting for an answer, but when she doesn’t say anything, he just shakes his head with an annoyed laugh.

Jake: I know what you’re thinking, Em. And you’re wrong. Amber Ryan is damn good at what she does. People are frickin’ afraid of her. Why else would I want her as my partner?

Ember: Chill, Dad. You don’t have to lie to me. It’s no big deal. She’s hot. I get it. Buuut...you’ve got Seleana Zdunich. So, there goes that.

Ember turns her phone around and waves it, showing off the tweet announcing Jake being paired with Seleana Zdunich. Jake raises an eyebrow, but overall he doesn’t seem disappointed with the draw.

Jake: Former World Bombshell Champ, right? Married to the chick with twenty personalities?

Ember: Crystal has been around long enough for you to know who she is, Dad. And, yes. Seleana is married to her.

Jake snorts and he starts cleaning up the remnants of food that Jax didn’t eat. Jax continues to guzzle down his milk and Jake wipes down the tray of the high chair.

Jake: It’s hard saying if I know her or not. She’s got so many personalities and changes on the drop of a dime. But I’m not about to focus on her. She’s not even in the tournament so she’s a non-factor.

Ember: Uh...oh…

Ember stares down at her phone and bites her bottom lip nervously. Jake turns and stares at her, slightly confused but now nervous.

Jake: What? What now?!

Ember: Uncle Despy’s partner...It’s Amber Ryan…

Jake’s mouth drops open and he goes speechless. Ember waits nervously, but she knows how her father is going to react. Jake is suddenly snapped out of it as Jax throws his sippy cup again, only this time he doesn’t miss. It hits Jake square in the head and he giggles loudly again, proud of what he’s done.

Jake: Son of a…

Jax: Bitch!

Jake and Ember quickly turn and look at Jax as the toddler swears very clearly and loudly. Ember just blinks, and Jake surprisingly cracks a smile.

Jake: Ya know, normally I’d be mad at that, but that’s actually brilliant. He could save me a lot of money if he finishes my sentences like that. Despy would never take money from a two year old for the swear jar.

Jake chuckles, but Ember just shakes her head.

Ember: No. He would just demand payment from the parent that taught him that.

Jake goes to respond, but the doorbell suddenly rings. He looks at Ember but she shrugs, signalling she’s got no clue who it could be. Jake sighs and then walks to the door. He opens it and who does he see standing there in front of him, open hand held out but Despayre himself! Jake blinks, and looks back to Ember, confused. She shakes her head and holds up her hand defensively, and Jake just shakes his head. He takes some money out of his pocket, and hands it over to Despayre with no argument.

Jake: Not even going to ask…

Despayre: Pleasure doing business with you, sir! Hi Em! Hi Jax!

Jax lets out a squeal and Ember looks up and waves to him. Despayre then turns around and zooms off, disappearing as quickly as he had shown up. Jake just closes the door slowly, and lowers his head as he turns around to walk back over to Jax.

---

Sunday February 14th

Jake is currently seated on his oversized sectional sofa in his living room. He’s streaming tonight’s episode of Climax Control and all is strangely quiet considering there is a fourteen year old girl and a two year old little boy living there. Not to mention who their parents are. Jake has his large feet propped up on the coffee table  and his arms are folded as he watches Climax Control. A few moments later he’s joined by Kittie. She kicks his foot off the coffee table and hands him a beer.

Kittie: I may not be a high maintenance trophy wife or some shit like that, but I still think it’s gross to prop your nasty feet on the coffee table.

She plops down next to him, and he takes a drink of his beer before leaning forward and placing it on a coaster. He leans back and rolls his eyes at her.

Jake: You act like I don’t wash my feet. My feet aren’t nasty so chill out. Damn.

Kittie: I still don’t see why you didn’t go to the show. You signed up for the damn tournament. You know who your partner is, so it would have been smart to turn up.

Jake shrugs and focuses his attention on the TV. Lachlan Kane just pinned Hitamashii to advance him and Mikah to the second round of the Blast From The Past tournament. Jake shakes his head but continues watching.

Jake: I’ll get in touch with Seleana this week. Relax.

Kittie: Don’t fucking tell me to relax!

Jake starts laughing and Kittie immediately thinks he is laughing at her. But, he’s not. He has his eyes locked on the TV watching the first interaction between Despayre and Amber Ryan, but Kittie is not paying attention. She smacks Jake hard upside his head as jumps up off the sofa, standing directly in front of him.

Jake: What the hell?! And keep your damn voice down. If Jax wakes up, you’re dealing with that tantrum.

Kittie: Oh kiss my ass, Rage! Jake! Whatever the hell you want to be called these days. And you talk about Crystal having twenty personalities?!

Jake: Uhhh…You mind getting out of my way?

Jake looks around her at the TV. Kittie turns around and looks at the TV just as the scene fades away from Amber Ryan. She laughs and nods her head.

Kittie: What the fuck is your obsession with red-heads?! Fuck this…

Kittie then storms off, and out of the house. She slams the door but thankfully, Jax remains asleep. Jake just leans forward, grabs his beer and takes another drink as he shakes his head.

Jake: Looks like someone needs her medication adjusted again…

Just then Jake’s phone dings and vibrates on the coffee table. He grabs it and checks his newest text message. It’s his match announcement for next week and when he sees his first round match, his eyes widen. He turns the TV off, sets his beer back down and quickly stands up from the sofa. He heads towards a door leading the basement then walks downstairs. Some music can be heard playing as he heads towards another door and he pounds on it.

Jake: Em! Hey, Em, open up! We need to talk a second!

But the door doesn’t open. He growls and pounds on the door again.

Jake: Ember! Your music isn’t that loud! I know you can hear me! I need to talk to you!

Again, no response. He doesn’t bother trying a third time as he practically breaks the door down to get inside Ember’s room. Although it is hardly necessary as the door was unlocked. When he bursts inside, a computer chair spins around, and Ember stares at him, half startled by him bursting in, and half angry for the same reason. She removes a set of headphones and slams them down on her desk.

Ember: What the hell, Dad? Don’t you knock?!

Jake is about to respond back, just as angrily, but he looks around the room, taking notice of how his daughter has her room decorated. He never had before, allowing Ember the trust and privacy she had managed to earn everyday, but the irony in seeing that she was apparently a big fan of Alicia Lukas...well, he didn’t know whether to laugh, or to start ripping it all down now.

Ember: Um, hello?! Earth to Dad?!

Jake: I, uh, did knock. Twice, actually. Em, what is all this?

Ember: What is all what? And sorry, I guess I didn’t hear you. I was on a zoom call with...some friends.

Jake slowly walks around Ember’s room, getting a good look at the Alicia Lukas posters and merchandise she has set up in various shelves and such around the room. He grabs an Alicia Lukas figurine from one of the shelves and spins around to face Ember.

Jake: Umm..all this. Since when have you been an Alicia Lukas fan?

Ember: Umm...for quite a while, actually. What’s the big deal? You’ve never even met her.

Jake laughs and returns the figurine to its place on the shelf. He folds his arms and stares at Ember. She seems annoyed, but also slightly relieved, as if she wants him out of her room.

Jake: Well, I’m going to meet her next weekend. Seleana and I got booked against her and Vinnie in our first round match. So this seems a little...I don’t know. Conflict of interest, maybe?

Ember cracks a smile and starts laughing. Jake raises an eyebrow, obviously still trying to get used to being a father to a teenage girl.

Ember: Oh my God, Dad, you’re so weird. I was a huge fan of Alicia’s before you even decided to sign up for the tournament. I’m not going to just stop being a fan. I like Alicia. She’s great!

Jake: Well what about me?

Ember’s response is about to knock Jake down a few notches and prove that no matter how much he tries, someone will always outsmart him.

Ember: I don’t know, Dad. Do you like Alicia, too?

Stunned. Jaw on the floor almost immediately. Ember grins and folds her arms, proud of outsmarting her father. He lets out a sigh and then laughs, pointing at her.

Jake: Well played, Em. But, you’ve been hanging around Despy too much.

Ember: Or you just never learn.

Jake: Yeah, yeah. But you know what I meant. Why don’t we replace some of this stuff with my merchandise. Or Kittie’s. This might only be a temporary run for me, but Kittie is still active in SCU doing her own thing. Show some support for your parents, kid!

Ember rolls her eyes and laughs. She hasn’t budged from her place standing in front of her computer. Jake is starting to get suspicious, but he doesn’t call her out on it yet.

Ember: Ew, Dad. No. I don’t need any of your antique merchandise. And Kittie? She’s in GRIME. Which, I think she’s starting to go a little nutty again in case you hadn’t—

Jake: Yeah, I noticed. I got the brunt of it just a little while ago, but you know Kittie. And my merchandise isn’t antique! I’m not that old!

Ember: Still. I’m not going to decorate my room with a bunch of memorabilia and posters of my Dad. It would be kinda weird…

Jake steps forward, and the second he does, Ember adjusts her stance, still blocking the computer. He cracks a smile only for a moment, having a suspicion of just what is going on.

Jake: Em...is there a reason you don’t want me to see the computer screen? Hiding something, maybe?

Ember: What would I be hiding? Quit being so paranoid, Dad.

Jake: I’m not paranoid. I just happen to remember being a teenager. Now my childhood was a bit different than your’s but, let me warn you. I agreed to give you this room down here because I trusted you. But hormonal teenage guys? That’s another story and you better not—

Ember raises up both her hands defensively and laughs.

Ember: Oh my God, Dad! I’m not going to sneak any guys in here! If this is going to turn into some awkward sex talk, please save it. Gross…

Jake: Look, I’m just sayin’. I’m trusting you on this, kid. I may have gotten a late start on all the dad stuff, but I think you know I’m capable of chasing off any guys I don’t like. Which is all of them.

Ember: Again, relax. I wouldn’t be dumb enough to try and sneak anyone in here. Knowing you and all. Besides, all the guys at school are total losers anyway. So chill. Please.

Jake thinks for a moment and keeps his eyes locked on Ember. He knows she’s not being completely honest, but given how long it took for her to come around and accept him as her father, let alone even call her Dad...well, he didn’t want to do anything to screw it up, no matter what his suspicions were. He finally nods and looks around the room again.

Jake: Alright. Fine. But I’m serious about all this Alicia Lukas shit. I hope you’ll at least be supporting Seleana and me this week. You’re my kid and it’d make me feel better.

Ember shrugs.

Ember: Yeah. Sure. Are we cool now?

Jake: Sure. We’re...cool. And try not to do anything that might set off Kittie for a bit. I think her meds need adjusting again…

Ember: Obviously. But whatever. I’ll try and steer clear of her for now.

Jake nods and turns around. He heads towards the door and as he is about to address Ember again, she’s already focused solely on her computer once again so he decides against it. He lets out a sigh and walks out of her room and shuts the door behind him. He lowers his head and closes his eyes.

Jake: Never thought I’d see the day where I’m the calm one in the family. Fuck, I just had to go and turn into the family idiot…

He shakes his head again and laughs before he walks away. And just in the nick of time as he hears Jax screaming upstairs, which is what he was trying to avoid. He rushes upstairs and the scene fades away.

---

January fourteenth 2018. Full Circle. What was supposed to be SCW’s final show. That was the last time I competed in the six sided ring and it was in a tag match with Despy against some team called High Velocity. Hell if I remember who they even were, but that doesn’t even matter. All that matters is that here I am, three years later, returning to be a part of the Blast From The Past tournament. And my opening round match is set to be quite the challenge. Or, so I’ve been told. Apparently Vinnie and Alicia are a big deal in SCW, so Sel and I have our work cut out for us.

And what about them? Don’t they have their work cut out for them, too? I mean, we’re all former World Champions here, so why is there always a God damned favorite going into any match? What is it about Vinnie and Alicia that is so special, huh? Aside from the fact that Alicia is a member of some Wolfslair faction, and Vinnie is a psychotic weird son of a bitch, what makes them the team to consider the one to beat in this situation? I’ve tried to wrap my head around it but I just don’t see it. I also don’t see why this match isn’t the Main Event because again..all former world champs. Hello...obvious decision there. But whatever.

I’m not going to sit here and focus too much on Alicia because being a mixed tag team match, I can’t lay a hand on her. Not that I would, because apparently my kid is a huge fan and she’d probably hate me if I did. But that’s fine. I’ll just let Sel handle her in the ring, because despite the other decent teams in this tournament, I like our chances. I believe that no matter the amount of respect Alicia and Sel may have for one another, Sel will do what she needs to do to get the job done. But the fact is, I don’t like what I’ve seen of Alicia or her little Wolf Pack buddies, because they’re trying to be something they’ll never be. The most dominant faction in SCW.

No matter how hard they try, or what they do, the fact is that Wolfslair will never be better than the Seven Deadly Sins. Most of us are already in the Hall of Fame and been more dominant as champs than they’ll ever be. Credit where it’s due, Alicia may get her spot in the Hall of Fame some day, but she’s the only one. You see, everybody hates Wolfslair from what I hear, but Seven Deadly Sins? They’ll always be loved over everyone else. I know Alicia needs this tournament to get back to the top where she wants to be, but as long as Sel and I have something to say about it? It’ll never happen.

And that brings me good ol’ Senor Vinnie. Como estas, amigo? I said that, right? Pretty sure I did, but hell even if I didn’t, I don’t give a shit. I don’t care how Vinnie is, or how he feels going into this match, because none of it will change the outcome one bit. And you know, I’ve gotta be honest here, I was a little surprised that el muchacho Vinnie here decided to air his promo nice and early this week, because I’ve got it on good authority, that ol’ Vinnie man can’t really come up with anything useful to say against his opponents to save his life. Now, I haven’t watched what El Senor had to say just yet, because I’m not ready for that headache but I gotta give him props for not being a lazy and unoriginal S.O.B this week. Maybe there’s hope after all.

Then again maybe not. I mean the asshole is pretty unstable. The more I see of this guy, the more I try to figure out who is crazier. Vinne...or my wife. And that’s saying something because as much as I love my wife, well...she’s batshit crazy. But at least she doesn’t give a shit about people calling her out on her psychotic bullshit. El Senor Vinnie is so sensitive and doesn’t want people to use his mental health shit against him. Well, too bad. It’s gonna happen so Vinnie, my man, just grow a set of balls and get used to it. So you’ve got some mental problems. Everybody does in their own way. But you, mi amigo? You strike me as...odd.

You may be comparably nutty as my wife, but sometimes your shit just seems like a grab for attention. Exaggerated. Faked. As much as you hate the negative attention, Vinnie, you sure do thrive off of it, don’t you? And just as much as Alicia needs you to win this tournament...you need her, because we both know your glory days are over amigo. Because your chances of getting to the World Heavyweight Championship are zero without this tournament. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you just need to accept the facts that you just don’t have what it takes anymore. You probably think you do because, hey, I’ve been out of competitive action for three years so what advantage do I have, right?

Look at me, Vinnie. And not just you, but anyone watching this. Do I look like someone who has let himself go? Do I look like I can be taken out that easily just because I haven’t been actively wrestling for three years? No. I’m still the same man I was three years ago, only now...well, I’ve got three years of pent up frustration to get out of my system and sorry to say, Vinnie, but you’re the first unlucky bastard to get a taste of it all. And after that? Who knows. Maybe I’ll stick around. Maybe I won’t. I haven’t quite decided. What I do know is that priority number one, is getting Seleana and me at least to the finals. Because that...that is my first goal.

The wheels are spinning, Vinnie. And I’m starting to think that maybe...just maybe...I never got the ending to my career that I wanted. So this...this starts that journey. And I’m not about to let it fizzle away in the first round. And I’m not about to let you be the one to end it for me again. Plain and simple. Think what you want. Say what you want. It won’t save you from the shitstorm you’re about to experience, because I will do whatever, and I mean whatever it takes to get Seleana and I through this tournament and as the front runners to win the whole damn thing.

To everyone else...Good fucking luck, assholes.

Early December
County Courthouse- Las Vegas, Nevada

With Christmas right around the corner, O’Malley is finding it harder and harder to be in the Christmas spirit. He wants nothing more than to have his son, Owen, home where he should be, but the custody battle with Misty’s family hasn’t even gone to court yet. Not to mention the restraining order that is still in place against him and Darcy, which bars either of them from even attempting to see Owen before then.

But that brings us to today. O’Malley and Darcy knew the restraining order had no merit. They had done nothing to harass or threaten Misty’s family, and Synn’s attorney, who was now representing O’Malley in this case, agreed as well. So a motion to dismiss the restraining order had been filed, and because of the sheer fight the attorney has, she was able to get the date scheduled for before the holidays.

O’Malley and Darcy had arrived at the courthouse earlier than their attorney had told them to. They didn’t want to risk running late, so all the better to be early anyway. They’re currently seated on a bench outside their assigned courthouse, waiting for the others to arrive. O’Malley, dressed in a navy suit and tie, is clearly very nervous as Darcy grips his hand. She’s dressed just as appropriately as he is, wearing a matching navy colored pant suit with a white blouse.

Darcy: Relax, O’Malley. Everything is going to work out just fine. Ms. Omar ensured us that the restraining order would get thrown out. Why are you so nervous?

O’Malley takes in a deep breath, and Darcy gives his hand a gentle squeeze.

O’Malley: I can’t help it, Darc. This is the first true step in gettin’ Owen back. I want so bad to have him home fer Christmas.

Darcy: He very well may be. As soon as the restraining order is handled, the custody hearing is next. She’s going to do everything in her power to get it scheduled in time to have him home for Christmas.

O’Malley wants nothing more than to believe his wife’s comforting words, but given everything that is at stake, it is much easier said than done. His right leg begins to bounce up and down, yet another tell tale sign of his rising anxiety. Darcy shakes her head lightly, but comforts her husband quietly while they continue to wait. The first person to arrive, to their surprise, is O’Malley’s half-brother, Alistair Adams. O’Malley growls and looks away as Alistair approaches them with a warm smile.

Alistair: Well good morning, Shane. And Darcy, always lovely to see you.

O’Malley shoots his brother a glare, most likely the result of being called by his first name. But Alistair addressing Darcy could also have been a contributing factor.

Darcy: I wish I could say the same, Alistair, but I think we both know that would be a lie. What are you doing here?

O’Malley: Yeah, didn’t ye give up this case? Or was that another one of yer lies and I’m about to find out er still set on—

Alistair holds his hand up, silencing his brother before he can continue that rant. O’Malley’s nostril’s flare and Alistair shakes his head.

Alistair: It was not a lie, Shane. Once you confronted me and I found out the child involved was your son, I set up a meeting with the Waters’. If there is one thing I do not like, it is a conflict of interest in any case.

O’Malley: So this was about ye then? And not the fact that me son is being kept from me?! And quit feckin’ callin’ me Shane!

Alistair takes in a deep breath then exhales a frustrated sigh.

Alistair: You’ll have to just deal with it I’m afraid, because I find it rather strange that you prefer to be called by your last name. And, for your information, no. This is not about me. If you’ll recall, I tried to get my firm to drop them as clients completely so I could help you.

Darcy’s eyes widen and she turns her full attention to O’Malley. He’s looking away from them both, and she places her hand on his chin, and forces him to look at her.

Darcy: What is he talking about?

O’Malley: It doesn’t matter. I don’t need or want his help, Darc. We got someone better representin’ us anyway.

And as if on cue, the elevator down the hall dings open and the sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor follows. All eyes turn in the direction of the elevator to the woman walking towards them with a briefcase in hand. Alistair arches an eyebrow, and O’Malley and Darcy stand up from where they are seated to greet his attorney.

Mahreen Omar, the renowned attorney in her early fifties, walks up to them wearing a professional black business suit, with a black and white blouse under the blazer. Her chocolate brown wavy hair falls just past her shoulders, standing out perfectly against her olive skin tone.

Alistair: Mahreen Omar. I had absolutely no idea you dealt with these types of cases.

O’Malley’s attorney, Mahreen, stands next to her client, staring coldly at Alistair.

Mahreen: Alistair Adams. I was under the impression you had recused yourself from this case. Or, are you prepared to go down with the rest of your firm after all?

O’Malley: He was just leaving, Ms. Omar.

Alistair: Was I now?

O’Malley stares down his brother, not at all pleased he is still around. Alistair, meanwhile, turns his attention to Mahreen, and a slight grin appears on his face.

Alistair: Might I say you are looking lovely as ever, Mahreen.

She glares at him almost immediately.

Mahreen: Don’t even attempt it again, counselor. Your little advances will not work with me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with my clients in private.

O’Malley and Darcy each grin and let out amused chuckles as Mahreen leads them into the courtroom. No one else is inside yet, giving them a few brief moments to speak before the judge and everyone else arrives.

Mahreen: Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Now, I wanted to speak with you before everyone else starts arriving because I want to make sure you are prepared.

O’Malley: Is there something new we don’t know about? I thought ye prepared us plenty the last meeting we had.

Mahreen sets her briefcase down on the table on their side of the courtroom. She opens it and takes out a few papers before turning back to O’Malley, remaining serious the entire time.

Mahreen: I wouldn’t exactly consider this to be new information, but your former in-laws really shot themselves in the foot here. They essentially gave us something golden to use against them, but I want to make sure you understand what the consequences could be because of it.

Darcy: You’re referring to them changing Owen’s last name on all the documents, aren’t you?

Mahreen nods, but she is focused solely on O’Malley. As Owen’s father, she is more concerned about his wishes than anything else.

O’Malley: I’m a little lost here, Ms. Omar. I know what they did was wrong—

Mahreen: It wasn’t just wrong, Mr. O’Malley. It was against the law. And the fact that their attorneys either didn’t realize it, or went along with it, is of equal consequence. I’m going to get your son back with you, but I need to know that you understand that Mr. and Mrs. Waters, and anyone who knew of their actions, are facing serious criminal charges here.

O’Malley scratches his head and turns his attention to Darcy. They both look conflicted, but before O’Malley has a chance to respond, the courtroom doors burst open and Misty’s parents walk in, along with their attorneys. The courtroom starts to fill not long after and O’Malley turns to Mahreen before taking his seat.

O’Malley: Just...do what ye need to do. I need me son back home…

Mahreen nods and O’Malley takes his seat. He looks behind him at everyone who is seated on either side of the courtroom. On his side are seated Gabriel, Odette and Synn. Not many in the way of support, but it is more than enough and he gives each of them a grateful nod. To his surprise, Daniel J. Morgan even shows up, taking a seat behind the others and exchanging a quick glance with O’Malley. Ever since the reopening of Daniel’s casino several months ago, the two had become friendly you could say.

On the opposite side, O’Malley focused on everyone he had considered family at one point. Colleen and Andrew Waters and two of their daughters, Dixie and Desiree. Their oldest daughter, Jackie, was not present, but then again, she was mostly absent from their lives even when Misty was alive. Desiree glares at O’Malley from the corner of her eye, and O’Malley looks to Dixie as she remains mostly expressionless. She was the closest of anyone to Misty, and it showed to this day, even three years after her death.

O’Malley quickly turns around to face forward, just in time as the bailiff announces the judge's arrival. Everyone stands up as the judge takes his place, then orders everyone to sit. The courtroom immediately goes silent as he starts to speak.

Judge: Good Morning counselors. I will begin listening to both sides in regards to Andrew and Colleen Waters restraining order against Shane and Darcy O’Malley. Before we—

Mahreen: Excuse the interruption Your Honor, but on behalf of my client I am requesting immediate termination of this restraining order, on the bearings it holds no grounds. Furthermore, we are requesting sole physical custody of the minor child, Owen Andrew O’Malley, be granted to Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley effective immediately.

The judge does not look pleased with the interruption by Mahreen, as he stares at her. Darcy reaches and takes O’Malley’s hand in hers, gripping it tightly as they focus their attention on the judge. Meanwhile, the Waters’ attorney stands up quickly.

Opposing Counsel: Your honor, this is ridiculous. Ms. Omar and her clients are out to disrupt this child’s life—

Judge: Quiet, Mr. Hampton.

Mr. Hampton immediately goes silent as the judge shuffles through some papers before looking up and directly at Mahreen.

Judge: Ms. Omar, you referred to the minor child as Owen Andrew O’Malley. But it says here the child’s last name is Waters?

O’Malley and Darcy look at one another, grinning, before turning their attention forward once again. Mr. Hampton looks to his clients nervously, as Mahreen nods.

Mahreen: That is correct, Your Honor. The child legally has the same last name as his father. My client, Mr. O’Malley. It has come to our attention that all documents in reference to the child were altered to give him a different last name. His late mother’s maiden name, and the last name of Mr. Hampton’s clients. It is for that reason that we feel sole physical custody should be awarded back to his father.

The judge seems quite surprised to hear any of this information as he looks through the papers again before focusing his attention on Mr. Hampton.

Judge: Mr. Hampton, what do you have to say for yourself and for your clients?

Mr. Hampton stumbles on his words, knowing full well that they have been caught. The judge tosses the paperwork down and shakes his head, and O’Malley and Darcy smile, thinking they will have Owen home with them soon enough.

Judge: This...this is a situation I never in a million years thought I would come across. Where counselors would knowingly break the law and do a poor job of hiding it, in fact. Due to this information, I am immediately dismissing the restraining order against Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley. And pending a further review of this case and all paperwork filed, the child is to remain in the custody of his grandparents.

Mahreen: Your Honor! With all due respect!

The judge takes his gavel and slams it down against the podium. O’Malley and Darcy are at a loss for words, but they remain quiet so as not to make matters worse.

Judge: Enough, Ms. Omar. I understand the gravity of this situation, but as it stands, I am withholding any further decisions until I get all the information I need. The child is to stay where he is, and the custody proceedings will begin the second week of January. Anymore arguments and you will be held in contempt. Am I clear?

Mahreen nods.

Mahreen: Yes, your honor.

The judge turns to face Mr. Hampton and Misty’s parents.

Judge: As for you and your clients Mr. Hampton, I strongly suggest you discuss with them what you all are facing should these accusations be proven true. Trust me when I say that I was very inclined to award Mr. O’Malley full custody here today. Court is adjourned pending a scheduled date in January.

He pounds his gavel once again, stands up and exits the courtroom. Misty’s parents and her attorneys quickly exit the courtroom but O’Malley, Darcy and Mahreen stay behind, as do Synn and the others. O’Malley is disappointed, given what the judge was told, but Darcy and Mahreen do their best to reassure him.

Mahreen: Don’t worry, Mr. O’Malley. Given the circumstances and what the judge will most certainly find out, there is simply no way he’d allow your son to remain with them. I am not happy with his decision, but I do understand where he is coming from.

O’Malley: I just wanted me boy home fer Christmas. But it looks like that ain’t gonna happen. I trust ye though.

Mahreen: I’ll do what I can to push the next hearing up sooner, but there are no guarantees. For now, just stay positive. And even though the restraining order was thrown out, I’d suggest staying away from them regardless. Let me handle everything, okay?

O’Malley nods and Mahreen puts her paperwork back into her briefcase. She looks towards Synn and they exchange nods.

Mahreen: I’ll be in touch soon.

She then walks away, and O’Malley and Darcy prepare to leave. O’Malley still isn’t satisfied with the outcome of today, but he trusts in Mahreen’s judgement, and has to do his best to have faith that his son will be back with him soon. Sooner rather than later he hoped…

---

About a week later…

O’Malley has tried to do his best to stay positive, and believe that the next time he goes to court, Owen would be coming home with him and Darcy. That’s the most important thing to him right now, but despite what Mahreen suggested, he was finding it extremely difficult to remain upbeat. It was perhaps all that was weighing on his mind that cost him his match against Agostino Romano not long after he had declared his intention to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship. Terrible excuse, of course, as no one would buy into it, but if you were to ask O’Malley, that is what he would say.

Christmas is just around the corner. Not only would this be the third Christmas without Owen, but it would also be the fourth without Misty. And while he has Darcy, and the life they have built together, the losses they have endured over the years is perhaps toughest to ignore around the holidays. This year in particular is weighing heaviest on him, due largely in part to the craziness that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused everyone.

While Darcy was finishing some last minute decorating at their home, O’Malley needed to get away for a little while. He was vague on where he was going, but Darcy didn’t put up any arguments and gave her husband the space he needed. Where he was going, however, not many people knew was still a part of O’Malley’s life. Where has he gone, you ask?

To the home he shared with Misty before she died. The very home that after she died, and after he had returned to Ireland almost three years ago, he had not managed to put up for sale. He couldn’t, and not because he couldn’t get over Misty, but because this was the only home that Owen had known. At least...it was until now.

It took him a while after parking in the driveway, but he had finally built up the courage to head inside. It was the first time in almost three years he had been inside, and everything was exactly the way he left it. The electricity was shut off, and it was drafty inside, but the second he stepped through the door, his mind wandered back to the last Christmas he had spent with Misty and Owen in this house. Owen was just under a year and a half old at the time, but he was running around as a toddler would. He and Misty were not married yet, but they were building their life with their son anyway. As he stands in the entranceway leading to the front living room, he remembers that day vividly.

Christmas morning 2016…

Misty and Owen are seated on the floor just inches away from the Christmas tree. Owen is more interested in the wrapping paper thrown about than any of the presents he has already opened, with assistance from Misty of course, but O’Malley watches with a smile. Misty’s daughter, Eden Staggs, is also there, having the night before returning to her father’s later in the morning. Owen had currently left his mother’s lap and wandered over to his sister, bringing one of his new toys to show off.

Misty stands up from the floor and walks over to the love of her life, and he wraps his arm around her. They both watch as Eden spends some time with her baby brother.

O’Malley: How did I get so lucky? If ye had asked me a few years ago where I saw meself, I never would have said livin’ in America with an amazing woman and our kids.

Owen lets out a loud giggle and Misty smiles.

Misty: The Universe works in mysterious ways sometimes, O’Malley. There was a point in time where I wasn’t even sure any of this was possible, but I’ve been proven wrong. I just wish…

She keeps her eyes on her kids, the lights of her life, when her voice trails off, almost sadly. O’Malley looks down at her, raising an eyebrow.

O’Malley: Ye wish what? What’s wrong?

She shakes her head, trying to put any negative thoughts out of her mind.

Misty: Nothing. It’s nothing. Let’s just enjoy today.

O’Malley: Now ye know I’m not about to just let ye just try and change the subject like that. Somethin’ is botherin’ ye and I want to know what it is.

Misty sighs, knowing he won’t let this go.

Misty: Fine. I look at our kids and how amazing they are and I sometimes wish we could have more. At least one more anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I love Eden and Owen more than anything, but watching them grow has been what makes me wish I could have another baby. Ya know?

He nods. But they both knew that was impossible, as complications during Owen’s premature birth had left Misty unable to have any more children. He thinks for a while as he watches his son and stepdaughter and gives Misty a loving squeeze.

O’Malley: If this has anythin’ to do with ye wantin’ to give me another kid, we already talked about that. I love Eden as if she were me own, and I don’t consider Owen to be me only child. We have everything we need with what we have. I may not be a father they can look up to yet, but I’m damn sure determined to work on it.

Misty: What do you mean?

O’Malley: Ye know what I mean. I’m still tryna find me place here in the States. I don’t wanna be the fella I was back in Ireland. I was drawn here fer a reason, and I’m still tryna figure it out.

Misty turns her full attention to O’Malley, wrapping her arms around him and looking up into his eyes. She cracks a smile before she responds.

Misty: What? So I wasn’t the only reason you came here? I’m hurt…

She laughs and even he cracks a smile.

O’Malley: Well, I mean ye were the biggest reason.  But, I’ve always felt like there was more. That I was gonna do somethin’ to make Owen...and Eden...proud of me. To make ye proud of me. Just don’t know what that is.

Misty nods. She thinks for a moment and then nudges him as something hits her.

Misty: Have you given any more thought to giving wrestling a shot? We can start out with light training because of your accident, but your doctors did say—

O’Malley shakes his head and laughs.

O’Malley: Me? A wrestler? I don’t think so. That was always yer thing, love. I don’t think I’d be very good at it.

Misty: You never know. You might just surprise yourself. I could talk to Spike and work something out—

O’Malley lets out a laugh and shakes his head again.

O’Malley: No offense to Spike, but it would be a little weird to be trained by yer ex, don’t you think? I know yer on good terms, but...it’d just feel strange to me.

Misty: Then we can find someone else…

O’Malley: It ain’t gonna happen, Misty. Let that be yer thing. Ye accomplished so much, I’d look like a fool next to what ye’ve done. I’ll figure it out, though. Trust me.

Their conversation is then cut short as Owen comes running up to them, and O’Malley scoops him up into his arms. Misty drops the conversation, for now, but judging by the look on her face, she’s not going to give up. O’Malley heads over to the sofa and sits down, placing Owen in his lap before Misty walks over and takes her place beside him.

Back to the present…

O’Malley had made it into what was Misty’s “trophy room” of the house. Pictures and memorabilia from her wrestling days were decorated and placed throughout the room. He slowly looks around, taking it all in, remembering his words that day as if he had just spoken then.

He had been so sure that this life would not be his. Misty was the accomplished one. She was the champion. She was the legend and the Hall of Famer. And even though he could potentially accomplish just as much, if not more, on the men’s side, he didn’t see it as possible. He didn’t think that wrestling was what was calling him to America. At least, not until that December day just a year later when Misty was taken from them.

He walks up to a shelf where Misty’s past year end awards were placed. The most notable being her Two Woman of The Year awards. He picked up the first one, from 2012, and just looked at it, running his hand over the engraving. Man of The Year, he thought, was something he would probably never achieve. And to him, that award would say more than any championship victory he would ever have.

As he looks up and around the room again, he takes in a deep breath before grabbing the other Woman of The Year award, and a few other things. He couldn’t allow them to stay here and collect dust, and he knew just what to do with them. Eventually, he would be back for the rest. But for now...this would do. He then heads out of the house and back to his car, having a clear goal inside his head. He’s so focused on getting back home, that he doesn’t notice the car parked just out front of the house. And behind the driver’s seat is Misty’s sister, Dixie…

---

Christmas Eve Night
O’Malley’s Christmas Surprises


It’s not how O’Malley envisioned he would be spending Christmas Eve- or Christmas at all for that matter- this year, but he’s making the best of it by planning. Yes, planning. Planning for what, exactly? Well, for the day he is awarded custody of Owen, and Owen returns home where he belongs. That day could be just around the corner, so he needs to be ready.

Truth be told, he’s been planning for weeks. But he had some things to finish before that time comes, and what better day than Christmas eve? You see, when Owen returns home, he needs a proper bedroom. A five year old little boy can’t just sleep anywhere now can he? No, he needs a place where he feels comfortable after transitioning to a bed he’s never slept in, in a room he’s never been in. So that is where all of this planning comes into play.

He wasn’t sure exactly what Owen was into these days to know exactly how to set up and decorate the room, so he just went with it for now, and if Owen didn’t like it, they would change it as soon as possible. He just wanted to show that he tried, and that he did so because he knew Owen would be coming home. And that he wanted him home more than anything.

After spending most of the day arranging everything in the room, and sometimes rearranging it, he’s just about finished. He stands in the doorway, leaning against the frame, looking it over again when Darcy walks up behind him. She wraps her arms around him and looks inside at all of his hard work.

Darcy: Finished for today? I’d like to spend some quality time with my husband, you know.

O’Malley chuckles and takes in a deep breath.

O’Malley: Sorry, Darc. Didn’t mean to be so distracted, but yeah. I think I’m done, but not just fer today.

Darcy: It looks good, sweetie. I’m sure Owen will love it. Particularly that set up on the dresser next to his bed.

Both of them focus their attention on just what Darcy was referring to. On the right side of his bed, the top of the dresser has been dedicated to Misty’s memory as it seems. Her two SCW Women of The Year awards are there, on either side of a photo of her holding Owen when he was a baby. Other photos are hanging on the wall just over the dresser, but O’Malley wants Owen to know that she will never be forgotten. And that she will always be with him.

Darcy: I figured her family would have all of her wrestling awards and such. But I’m sure he’ll be happy to have them here.

O’Malley: I can’t help but wonder if it’ll just make him miss her more. And if he’ll look up to her more than me. I’ll be lucky if I even win Man of The Year once, let alone twice.

Darcy: That little boy loves you no matter what, O’Malley. He’ll be proud of you even if you never win Man of The Year, but I’m sure you will.

O’Malley sighs and shrugs his shoulders. He’s doesn’t share the same confidence that his wife does, but he loves her all the more for her support and encouragement.

O’Malley: So he’ll be proud that I was voted Most Hated in both SCW and SCU this past year? He’ll be proud of the fact that I challenged Jack Washington fer the World Heavyweight Championship one week, only to go on to lose to Agostino Romano the next week. And not just any loss, but I tapped out? And now Kris Ryans has the damn belt.

Darcy: You knew when you got involved in this business that nothing would come easy. You have good weeks and you have bad weeks. That match against Agostino was a bad week. Whenever you get your shot at the title, you’ll be ready. No matter who it’s against. But for now, you need to wait to see who they have for you after the holiday break is over. Enjoy this time off.

O’Malley nods as he lets out another sigh. He remains quiet, though, taking in every word she said. He reaches in the room and turns off the light, ready to focus on spending time with Darcy.

Darcy: And speaking of enjoying the time off…

Before Darcy can get another word in, their doorbell rings. They both turn their attention to the front door, then look at each other, confused.

O’Malley: Did ye invite someone over?

Darcy shakes her head.

Darcy: No. I was going to ask you the same question. I have no idea who it could be.

O’Malley heads towards the door, allowing O’Malley the opportunity to greet their unexpected guest first. She stays behind a few feet, curious about who could be dropping by. When O’Malley opens the door, they both get the shock of their lives as Owen’s smiling face is the first that O’Malley sees. And Dixie is right behind him.

Owen: Daddy!

O’Malley pushes open the door and immediately drops down to Owen’s level. Owen’s arms are wide open and O’Malley scoops him up into his arms, stepping back inside the house and letting Dixie inside. Darcy watches with a joyous smile on her face, almost near tears.

O’Malley: Owen, me boy! What a great surprise! Dixie...great to see ye, love.

Dixie smiles back at O’Malley as she drops what appears to be an overnight bag on the floor. O’Malley sets Owen back down as he focuses on Dixie.

Dixie: I thought he should be with you for Christmas. I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t warn you first.

O’Malley: Of course not. Yer parents are okay with this?

Dixie: Do you mind if we talk in private for a few minutes? Owen, how about you spend some time with Darcy while I talk to your Daddy?

Owen looks up at Dixie, then to O’Malley. O’Malley gives his son an encouraging nod, then Owen looks to Darcy. Darcy has a nervous smile on her face, as this is the first time she is meeting her stepson, but they all seem to be in agreement.

Owen: Ok!

Darcy then steps past O’Malley and Dixie, taking Owen’s hand and leading him into the living room. She gives Dixie a thankful nod before O’Malley leads Dixie into the kitchen to talk in private.

Dixie: I’m sorry to put you in this position, but my parents don’t know that Owen is here. They think he’s having a sleepover at my house. You’d be surprised at how well Owen can keep a secret though.

O’Malley: Ye know, as much as I’d love to have Owen spend the night here, are ye sure going about it this way is a good idea? I don’t want to screw anything up with the custody hearing next month if they find out.

Dixie shakes her head.

Dixie: Don’t worry about that. If they find out, I’ll take the heat for it. This whole situation is just...it’s not right. And Misty wouldn’t want any of this to be happening, either. He’s a wonderful little boy, O’Malley, and you and Darcy deserve to experience every second of it.

O’Malley is at a loss for words. He folds his arms and leans against the island in the center of the kitchen, looking at his former sister-in-law.

O’Malley: I can’t tell ye how thankful I am to hear ye say that. Not many people are on my side let alone Darcy’s.

Dixie: Well, given everything she said about Misty, it wasn’t easy, I’ll admit. And even if she hasn’t completely changed, I guarantee spending just one night with Owen will have an affect on her. I think raising my own daughter has helped me to see the bigger picture here. And that is that Owen needs his father in his life. All I ask is that you don’t hate my parents for what they’ve done to protect him.

O’Malley: Yer talkin’ about them lyin’ about his last name.

Dixie nods.

Dixie: I can’t completely defend them, but I understand why they did it. Misty has already been gone three years, O’Malley, but none of us has completely healed from it. Once Owen is back here with you, I don’t exactly know how it will affect them, but I’ll have to worry about that when the time comes.

O’Malley: So...yer sayin’ ye believe I’ll get awarded custody?

Dixie: Of course I do. You’re his father. And they lied about his last name on legal documents. There is no way the judge would not award you custody. Just...please don’t hurt him again, O’Malley.

O’Malley shakes his head.

O’Malley: I don’t plan on it. I’m doin’ everything in me power to be the father he needs me to be. A father he can be proud of.

Dixie: I hope you mean that. I really do. Anyway, I won’t take up anymore of your time. I’ll let you spend as much time as you can with him tonight. I’ll be here in the morning to pick him up, because they expect him home for Christmas.

O’Malley: Absolutely. Thank ye, Dixie. Really.

She nods again before turning around, and heading towards the front door again. Before she leaves, Owen runs up to her and gives her a quick hug, before heading back into the living room with O’Malley. Darcy, however, is the one to show Dixie out.

Darcy: Thank you, Dixie. I know you have every reason to hate me after the things I said about your sister, but I can’t even begin to express how terrible I feel about it all.

Dixie: I’m doing all of this because it’s what she would have wanted, Darcy. I’ll never forget all the terrible things you’ve said, but time will tell how sincere that apology really is. You guys have a Merry Christmas. I’ll see you all in the morning.

Dixie then walks out the front door, heading back to her car. Darcy closes the door behind her and turns just as O’Malley is leading Owen off to his bedroom. She smiles, takes in a deep breath, then follows behind them. Back in Owen’s room, he’s looking around excitedly at everything his father did. When he stops at the area dedicated to Misty, he just stares at the picture of his mother holding him when he was a baby, then looks at her awards and the other pictures.

Back in the doorway, O’Malley can’t stop smiling. Darcy walks up behind him. She’s holding a small rectangular box already wrapped with a bow on it. He turns around to face her and she hands him the gift. He takes it, slightly confused as he stares at her.

O’Malley: What’s this? I thought we were gonna exchange gifts tomorrow?

Darcy: We were, but I honestly couldn’t wait anymore. And now that Owen is here, we should focus more on him tomorrow before he has to leave. Open it.

O’Malley smiles and shakes the box, trying to get an idea of what is inside, but there is no sound. Darcy laughs as she waits for him to open it.

O’Malley: Is there anything in here, or are ye just prankin’ me?

Darcy: Oh, there is something inside. Just open it and find out.

He doesn’t need to be told a third time and he starts to rip the wrapping paper off. Rather than tossing the paper on the floor, Darcy takes it from him as he slowly removes the top off of the box and gets a look at what is inside. He’s confused at first until it hits him just what he is looking at. He stares at Darcy at a loss for words, and she just nods.

O’Malley: Wait. Are...are ye serious, right now?!

O’Malley grabs what is in the box, and holds it up revealing an ultrasound picture. He drops the box it was in and Darcy keeps nodding.

Darcy: I’m serious. I’m pregnant, O’Malley. We’re having a baby.

O’Malley lets out almost an astonished laugh as he stares at the picture, the tiny spec showing his and Darcy’s growing child. Owen walks up to them and stares up at his father.

Owen: What’s going on, Daddy? I wanna see!

O’Malley reaches down and pics up Owen again, showing him the picture. Owen isn’t quite sure what he is looking at but O’Malley explains the best, and only way he can.

O’Malley: This, Owen, is yer future baby brother or sister. What do ye think about that?!

Owen: Do I get to choose what I want it to be?!

O’Malley and Darcy both share a laugh and O’Malley shakes his head.

O’Malley: No, kiddo, ye don’t. But I’m sure no matter what, ye’ll be the best big brother ever.

O’Malley sets Owen down and the five year old heads back inside to explore his room some more. O’Malley can’t stop staring at the ultrasound photo as Darcy moves in closer to him.

Darcy: So...you’re okay with this, then? I know several months ago you weren’t exactly ready for us to add to our family.

O’Malley: I was an arsehole, Darc. Of course I’m okay with it. I’ve had some time to think things over, and I told ye we’d just let whatever is supposed to happen, happen. I think it’s safe to say, this has turned out to be a better Christmas than I was expectin’.

Darcy smiles and lets out a sigh of relief, having been almost afraid of what O’Malley would think. He wraps his arm around her and they both stare at the ultrasound photo, and then to Owen, hopeful and now looking forward to their future as their family grows.

---

I think it’s safe to say that 2020 was a pretty terrible year fer most of us. Despite what we might have accomplished, or the positive things that may have happened, the pandemic sorta overshadowed any of that, am I right? But 2020 is finally behind is, and 2021 is finally here. Good riddance to that awful shite year, and welcome to the new year and whatever it has in store fer us all. I fer one, have a great feeling about it, despite what happened in America on just the sixth day in. But let’s not talk about that, yeah?

Me first year back in SCW was a bit all over the place. A sort of roller coaster ride, I guess ye could call it. I had had moments where I was on a roll, feelin’ like no one could stop me. And then I had times where I crashed and didn’t think I’d ever get back to makin’ an impact. Hell, I ended the year with a bit of a losin’ streak that I ain’t too proud of. I lost both the SCU Underground Championship and SCW roulette titles in the span of a couple weeks. I lost to Brother David Shepherd at High Stakes X, and then I lost to Agostino Romano at the last Climax Control. Shite way to close out the year in SCW, am I right?

I can’t focus on that anymore. If I do, it’ll only drag me down further, and with the start of a new year, it means a fresh start. Wiping the slate clean in a way, and pushin’ forward as I build me way up to bigger and better things. Things like bein’ the World Heavyweight Champion, and bein’ seen as the top star that I know I can and will be. No matter what people may think. If I’m honest, it seems fittin’ that me opponent this week is Senor Vinnie, because he and I...well have the same goal it seems. And not just gettin’ to the top of the SCW ladder. No, I’m talkin’ about redemption. Because if there has been one thing on me mind the last couple o’ months, it’s redemption.

I ain’t too sure what Vinnie boy has to redeem himself fer, if I’m honest. Before he came back after High Stakes, the only thing he was guilty of was bein’ a strange, mentally unstable fella that talks to a cactus. Fairly sure he still talks to that cactus, but he seems a bit less strange. Just more...troubled.

I get it though. In his eyes, he’s made mistakes. He’s gotten so low in his life, that there is really nowhere else to go but up, and returnin’ to the glory he once had. But to consider that redemption? I ain’t too sure if that’s what I’d describe what he’s tryna accomplish. It’s more like rebuildin’. Puttin’ himself back together after lettin’ himself fall apart and losin’ himself. Then again, I’m sure there is more to the story than even I know.

I’m a little lost on how I really feel goin’ into this match against Vinnie this week. I’ve faced the fella before. He’s a tough competitor to face, I’ll admit. But..that was the old Vinnie. This version I’ve got this week? I don’t know quite what to expect from him. He’s been on a roll since he came back. He’s made enough of an impression that I’m sure Mark and Christian feel like he deserves a shot at the championship over me. Hell...maybe they’re right. But do I want them to be?

Absolutely not.

I know I haven’t done much in recent months, but I think despite all that I’ve earned my shot to go fer the big one. And I mean truly go fer it. Not the open challenge I accepted from Ben Jordan last year. But there is also the fact that my challenge was to Jack Washington...the now former champ.

But Vinnie...he’s my ticket to movin’ up. He’s my shot at showin’ that the string of losses I’ve had recently are behind me, and that I’m one hundred and fifty percent serious at provin’ meself worthy of representin’ SCW as its stop champion. Vinnie may have held the title once before, and be may very well hold it again, but that time is not now, or anytime soon. Maybe he should take the time to team up with his buddy Bill’s wife Bea, and go after the Mixed Tag titles. Because as long as I have a say, Vinnie won’t get his hands on the World Heavyweight Championship.

I have no doubt he’ll come at me with nothin’ but respect. Even before this whole attitude change, he always did. But even with that respect, I ain’t gonna let me guard down. I ain’t gonna give Vinnie an opportunity to beat me and move up to challenge what I’ve been bustin me arse fer. Just like he’s a changed fella, so am I and I’m ready to prove that while Vinnie may be on a roll right now, he’s about to fall way back down to the bottom. They aren’t gonna be talkin’ about how good Vinnie’s been since he’s been back after this. No...they’re gonna talk about the statement I’m gonna make and how serious I am. Because I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let what happened against Agostino, happen against Vinnie.

I’m done bein’ looked at as the Most Hated. That was the old O’Malley. And while I was also voted as Most Improved, there are two that woulda been more meaningful. Future Star...and Man of The Year. Jack Washington was considered Future Star, and while he may not be the World Heavyweight Champ at the moment, he could very well make his way to bein’ Man of The Year. And I have to stop him. I have to stop Kris Ryans.

Me. Not Vinnie. Because I’ve got issues that need to be settled against both Jack and Kris, and I ain’t gonna let Vinnie be a roadblock. This shite has gone on long enough as it is, and I’m gonna show Mark and Christian just how big of a draw either one of those possibilities would be. They won’t be able to deny it much longer.

I hope Vinnie is ready. I hope he understands that this one...it ain’t personal. It’s just business, because the bosses, despite what they might say, they want to have me prove them wrong. They know...they know that when it comes to either me or Vinnie...the answer is me. O’Malley. The GO Gym graduate. Not the mentally unstable cactus lover out to prove he’s not crazy anymore.

2020 in SCW fer me ended on a sour note.

2021 begins on a high note.

And it only gets better from there!

Monday August 31st
Las Vegas local hospital

The last time O’Malley remembered being in this much pain, was just following his near fatal car accident that left him temporarily paralyzed. His match against Ben Jordan very well could have done the same, as it ended in a draw when neither man could get up by the ten count after falling from the top of an ambulance. He was out cold for some time, but thankfully he had no signs of a concussion. Just a battered and bruised body, and a now humbled ego.

The sun is just beginning to shine through the window of his hospital room, as it’s early morning. As he opens his eyes and looks around, a blurred figure across the room almost startles him. But as his focus improves, he sees that it’s his wife, Darcy, fast asleep in a chair across the room. She is, of course, wearing a mask as the hospital had made it mandatory.

O’Malley: Darc? Darcy, wake up.

His voice is hoarse, and it’s painful to even speak. But she hears him and she jolts up, rushing over to his side.

Darcy: Oh. Oh, thank God. I’m so glad you’re awake.

O’Malley: What...what are ye..doin’ here?

She raises her eyes, shocked he would ask, even considering they had spoken much over the last several days.

Darcy: Why would you ask that? I’m your wife and you just very nearly got yourself killed in that match against Ben last night. Why wouldn’t I be here?

O’Malley laughs and he instantly regrets it, as he holds his ribs from the shoot pain running through them. He glances down and see that his ribs are all bandaged up, compliments of that Millwall Brick.

O’Malley: Oh? Yer me wife now? Does that mean yer done lyin’ to me?

Darcy: Can we please not get into this here? You’re banged up pretty good, and there will be plenty of time to talk about this later at home.

He raises an eyebrow as he stares at her.

O’Malley: Home? Whoever said anything about me comin’ home right now?

Darcy: Baby, come on. Don’t be this way. I know you think what I did is about Owen, but it’s not. I want him back in your life just as much as you do. I even…

She suddenly stops herself before she finishes that sentence and he stares at her.

O’Malley: Ye what, Darc? What did ye do now?!

Darcy: Calm down, my love. You’ll only—

O’Malley: What the feck did ye do, Darcy?!

She jumps back and holds her hands up. She hadn’t planned on telling him this way, but she had no choice now.

Darcy: Before you get mad, I had the best of intentions. I went to Misty’s parents’ house and spoke to her mother.

O’Malley: Christ almighty! Ye did what?!

Darcy: Shhh. Keep your voice down. It’s early.

O’Malley: I don’t feckin’ care! What were ye thinkin’ goin’ there?!

Darcy: I was hoping I could get through to them. Show them I’m not his awful person they’re making me out to be, but more importantly I was hoping I could help you see your son.

O’Malley’s head drops back against the pillow behind his head. He lets out a growl despite the pain and a nurse finally walks into the room to see what is going on.

Nurse: Is everything alright in here? Other patients are still sleeping…

O’Malley lifts his head and looks at her.

O’Malley: Everything is fine. My apologies. We’ll try to keep it down.

The nurse looks to O’Malley then to Darcy and just nods slowly before she turns and walks out, closing the door behind her.

O’Malley: Ye shoulda told me before ye went there, Darc. That wasn’t a good idea.

Darcy: How was I supposed to tell you? You left and wouldn’t speak to me. I don’t know what more I can do…

O’Malley: Ye can tell me whatever the hell it is I don’t know.

He looks right into her eyes, his look pleading with her. She shakes her head.

Darcy: I...I don’t know what you’re talking about.

O’Malley: Christ, Darcy. Yes, ye do. Ye and I both know there’s somethin’ yer keepin’ from me, and I wanna know what the hell it is. I ain’t stupid.

Darcy: Can…can we please not do this right now? It’s not imp—

O’Malley’s head drops back again and he brings his hands up, gripping at his hair.

O’Malley: Jaysus, and I thought men were supposed to be the ones with communication problems. Just..go home, Darc.

Darcy: What? O’Malley, this is all gone on long enough.

He shakes his head.

O’Malley: No, it feckin’ hasn’t. If yer not ready to tell me what the hell I need to know, then I don’t want ye here. Get yer arse outta here, and go back home.

She narrows her eyes angrily before she spins around and goes to grab her purse.

Darcy: You know what? Fine. I might as well play the part everyone has painted for me. Forgive me for being a loving wife and checking on you when you’re hurt. And forgive me for trying to help you get your son back.

O’Malley: Yer definition of helping generally feck’s this up even more, Darc. Ye need to realize that.I can’t argue with ye anymore. It’s makin’ me head hurt worse.

He lays his head back and sinks down lower into the bed. Darcy just shakes her head and walks towards the door. Before she walks out she turns and looks back to him, a heartbroken look on her face.

Darcy: I thought we were stronger than all of this, O’Malley. After everything we’ve lost, and what it took for the both of us to find our way back to one another...Maybe I was wrong.

She then walks out without another word. O’Malley lifts his head and looks towards the door, something in particular she said confusing him.

O’Malley: Everything we’ve lost?

But he shakes his head and refuses to try and figure it out. He then closes his eyes and drifts off back to sleep.

---

All O’Malley wants to do is to get back to the hotel and crash for the night. While the pain he is feeling is nowhere near what he had felt following his match against Ben Jordan, being up and moving around most of the night had his injuries screaming at him once again. Thankfully he was not booked on either show, and didn’t have to put his body through anymore torture. His mind, though? That was a different story, because this mess with Darcy was still weighing on him.

But he needs sleep, and then he will start to figure it out tomorrow. As he walks out of the Orleans Arena, heading through the parking lot, he spots someone waiting by his car. It wasn’t anyone he knew, but a shady looking fella, and O’Malley stopped dead in his tracks. He dropped his bag, preparing to fight, but the man just steps away from his O’Malley’s car, holding an envelope in his hand as he approaches O’Malley.

Man: Shane Finnigan O’Malley?

O’Malley glares at him with his hands clenched into fists.

O’Malley: Who the feck are ye? And how do ye know me full name?

The man grins and then holds the envelope out to O’Malley. O’Malley takes the envelope reluctantly, having no clue what it holds.

Man: You’ve been served. Have a nice night.

And that was that. The man just walks past O’Malley, having done his job without a hitch. O’Malley stares down at the envelope and then turns around and watches the man get into another vehicle and leave. He turns his attention back to the envelope and rips it open. He unfolds the paperwork inside and as he reads it, his eyes go wide.

O’Malley: A feckin’ restrainin’ order?! Ye gotta be feckin’ kiddin’ me?!?!

He debates ripping it to shreds, but he knew it wouldn’t matter at this point. Misty’s parents had filed a restraining order against him, and he knew exactly why. So much for thinking about all of this tomorrow. He had to go see Darcy tonight. He didn’t want to, but this situation just became even more complicated. He reaches down, picks up his bag and heads to his car. He throws his bag in the backseat, along with the restraining order, and jumps behind the wheel. Moments later he’s speeding out of the parking lot, heading towards his and Darcy’s home.

A little while later…

O’Malley pulls his car into the driveway, quickly putting it in park and killing the engine. He grabs the restraining order from the backseat and then gets out of the car, storming his way to the front door. He didn’t care if Darcy was possibly sleeping, he had to hash things out with her tonight, and the mess that she had caused. Lucky for him, she’s wide awake, currently drinking her way through a bottle of wine in the kitchen when he bursts through the front door. He sees her in the kitchen and holds up the restraining order.

O’Malley: Do you know what yer stunt last week has done, Darc?! Do ye?!

Darcy quickly looks to him and the paperwork in his hands. She slowly finishes off her glass of red wine before standing up, holding out some paperwork of her own.

Darcy: Hello my darling husband. It’s nice to see you again, my love. And, yes, I know what it did, because I have one of my own.

O’Malley: Yer...yer feckin’ drunk?!

Darcy turns around and pours the rest of the bottle of red wine into her glass. She picks it up and spins around to face him again.

Darcy: So what if I am?! I’m not pregnant. I’m not doing damage to a growing child in my uterus. I’ll drink if I damn well please.

O’Malley: Do ye know how much this situation with Owen and Misty’s parents’ just got more complicated because of what ye did?! What is wrong with ye?!

Darcy laughs as she takes a drink of her wine, nearly spilling it in the process. She sets the glass back down on the table and glares at O’Malley.

Darcy: That’s right. I’m the God-damned problem, as always! Everything is always my fault. Face it, O’Malley, had it been you to go over there and not me, they would have still had these restraining orders put in place regardless. But we’re not in this situation because of me, anyway.

She stumbles forward, leaving her glass of wine on the table and trying to make her way to the front living room. But O’Malley blocks her way.

O’Malley: What exactly is that supposed to mean?

Darcy: It means, my love, that you were the one who left him in the care of your dearly departed dead first wife’s family in the first place, when you could have brought him to Ireland with you. But, sure, eeeeeeveryone wants to blame me for you not being with your son right now.

O’Malley’s jaw drops, shocked at what Darcy just said to him. She puts the back of her hand against his arm and shoves herself past him as she continues on her to the living room. O’Malley’s eyes narrow furiously and be turns around, following her.

O’Malley: Boy, if I’da known all it took to get ye to open up and tell me how ye really feel was a good amount of liquor, I woulda done that a long time ago! Tell me, what else have ye been hidin’ from me?! Don’t stop there, Darcy. Spill it all out, darlin’!

Darcy holds a finger up in the air and spins around, pointing it at him. She looks as though she’s about to do just what he wants, but even in her inebriated state, she’s able to stop herself.

Darcy: Why did you come here? What? Did you just want to make me feel like shit that much more?! I really don’t need this shit from you tonight, O’Malley. Just go back to the hotel.

O’Malley: Yer unbelievable, Darc. Truly. It’s right on the tip of yer tongue, and yet ye still can’t tell me whatever it is! Yer just lettin’ our marriage fall apart—

Darcy: THIS ISN’T MY FAULT! WHY CAN’T YOU TAKE THE BLAME FOR ANYTHING, O’MALLEY?! ALL OF THIS IS YOUR FAULT!

O’Malley just stares at her. He had never seen her like this, and as angry as he is, it killed him to see her this way. But until she was honest with him, they didn’t stand a chance at surviving. The ball is in her court.

O’Malley: Maybe if I knew what the feck yer blamin’ me fer, I’d understand. But thanks fer making shite even more complicated, just when I didn’t need it.

Darcy: If you could get your head out of your own ass and think, you might be able to figure it out on your own.

Darcy drops down on the sofa, grabbing the TV remote and turning it on. She begins channel surfing, not saying another word as O’Malley just turns and heads towards the door, walking out of the house, again. Once he gets back into the car and starts the engine, he sits there for a moment, quietly wondering how they had gotten to this point. His marriage was crumbling, and there wasn’t a thing he could do to stop it.

---

Friday September 11th
Golden Ring Casing- Las Vegas
Grand Re-Opening!

Today is the day that many have been waiting months to finally arrive. While The Golden Ring Casino  owned by Daniel J Morgan had been used a few times for the occasional SCW or SCU shows during the pandemic, today is the day it finally re-opens to the public. Under a strict twenty-five percent capacity limit of course so they could better adhere to social distancing guidelines. Modifications and adjustments have also been made to gaming tables to protect his employees. Food will be consumed in designated areas, and alcoholic beverages may be ordered but not consumed at the bar. Those are just a few of the restrictions in place.

Daniel wanted the re-opening to be a big affair. Well, as big as it could be under circumstances, but he wanted it to be important. And what better way than to hold a “Grand Re-Opening” ceremony of sorts, complete with a ribbon cutting. One might think that Daniel himself would perform the ribbon cutting, but guess again. He has chosen someone else to do the honor, and can you guess who that might be?

No, not Fenris? Nope, not Alex Jones or Griffin Hawkins, either! The man he has chosen is none other than fellow GO Gym graduate and double champion, O’Malley! What? Why is that so surprising? Well, O’Malley is asking himself the same question at the moment as he stands next to Daniel behind the large red ribbon just outside the casino.

A long socially distanced line of people, all wearing masks as required by state mandate and Daniel’s employees strictly enforcing, waits eagerly to enter. O’Malley holds a large pair of scissors to cut the ribbon and he watches as Daniel steps forward for the big moment.

Daniel: I’m not gonna waste too much time because I know you’re all eager to get in and gamble away your money, but I just want to quickly thank you all for being here for the long awaited re-opening. And thank you all for being respectful and following the rules put in place for you to be here.

People clap and cheer, including O’Malley, before they quiet down and let Daniel continue.

Daniel: To kick off the re-opening, I have invited the man standing next to me here to do the honors. He’s the current SCU Underground Champion and SCW Roulette Champion, so I thought he’d like to do the honors. Everyone, please welcome O’Malley!

For the first time, well ever, O’Malley hears nothing but cheers. It’s probably just for the casino reopening and not him being here to cut the ribbon, but he doesn’t question it. He steps forward, pulls the scissors open, holding them just over the ribbon.

Daniel: Go for ir, O’Malley. Let’s get this place back in business.

With a single snip, O’Malley cuts the ribbon and everyone cheers even louder. Photos are taken Daniel leads O’Malley inside the casino while his employees take over getting everyone inside safely.

O’Malley: Thanks again fer choosin’ me to cut the ribbon. I’m still confused on why ye asked me to do it though.

Daniel: Why wouldn’t I? It’s not like no one knows who you are.

O’Malley nodded and the two watch as people begin filtering into the casino.

O’Malley: True. I just meant that no one particularly likes me. Ye coulda chosen Evie, Carter or Ari if ye wanted someone who was a champion. I’m sure some of them will give ye hell about choosin’ me.

Daniel: Let them. It’s my casino and I make the decision. I know it ain’t no secret you don’t really get along with anyone else that Gabriel and Odette have trained, but you’re all a stubborn bunch. I see you’re trying lately, though. So I’m not gonna hold it against ya.

O’Malley: Christ, I’m not used to people sayin’ anythin’ like that. I’m so used to bein’ judged or given hell fer one thing or another. But I appreciate it.

Daniel nods.

Daniel: Anytime, mate. Now that bird of your’s? She’s another story…

Daniel chuckles but when O’Malley’s eyes look away, he realizes he’s gotten on a sore subject.

Daniel: Guess I shouldn’t have brought her up?

O’Malley: Don’t worry about it. Just goin’ through some shite right now, and tryna work through it. Ain’t easy, though.

Daniel: Never is. On that note, ya sound like ya need a drink or two. Why don’t you enjoy some on me, and just tell whoever helps ya that it’s on the house. If they have any problems they can come find me. I’ve got a few things to go and take care of.

O’Malley nods, showing appreciation through his eyes as Daniel can’t see him smile through his mask.

O’Malley: Thanks, Daniel. Appreciate it.

Daniel: No problem, mate.

Daniel then heads off to attend to more casino business. O’Malley looks and starts walking around, looking for somewhere to order his first drink. As luck would have it, Dani Weston almost passes by him, as she was working for the reopening.

Dani: Fancy seeing you here, O’Malley. You never struck me as the gambling type.

O’Malley chuckles and shakes his head.

O’Malley: Nah, I’m really not. Daniel asked me to be here to cut the ribbon. Thought I’d stick around fer a bit. And he actually said to enjoy a couple drinks on the house.

Dani: Did he now?

Dani searches around and spots Daniel and the two make eye contact. Daniel gives her a thumbs up and she nods.

Dani: Fair enough, then. I can get your order from the bar and bring it to you in the food and drink area, or you can head on over there yourself if you like?

O’Malley: I’ll wander my way over there. Thanks, love. And congratulations on the engagement, by the way.

Dani looks down to her engagement ring and her eyes light up.

Dani: Thank you, O’Malley! I’m not sure if it has really sunk in yet, but it helps looking at the ring and being reminded. I’m pretty happy.

O’Malley: As ye should be. Ain’t nothin’ like a happy marriage with the love of yer life.

He tries his best to hide the fact that his marriage is anything but happy at the moment, so as not to spoil Dani’s happy occasion.

Dani: I really appreciate that. You know, you really should let more people see this side of you, O’Malley. You’re not the bad guy you make yourself out to be.

O’Malley: Try tellin’ that to Fenris. Or Carter and Ari.

Dani laughs.

Dani: I’ll gladly tell Fenris. I’m sure you two could get along if you tried. As for Carter and Ari? Just keep doing what you’re doing. They’ll come around eventually. There’s gotta be something you can do to get on their good side.

O’Malley: We’ll see. I ain’t holdin’ me breath. Anyway, I won’t hold ye up any longer. I’ll let ye get back to work. See ye around, Dani.

Dani: You know where to find me! Catch ya later!

Dani then skips off and gets back to work helping casino patrons. Huh, O’Malley though. Two civil conversations in a row. Maybe there was hope after all. He’d think about it later, but right now, he wanted to take Daniel up on his offer for some free drinks. And then this week, it was on to the Going Home Show for SCW prior to Violent Conduct.

---

Welp, this is it. The last episode of Climax Control before Violent Conduct VI. The Going Home Show, which usually proves to be nearly as action packed as the Supercard itself. Minus a few matches, of course. But me point remains the same. And what would a Going Home Show be without one hell of a main event, right?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m sure Christian Underwood had the right idea bookin’ this one, but it’s slightly flawed. It has all the makings to turn into a complete shite fest, and the reason bein’ because of all the ego that is on both sides. I mean, Champions versus Challengers? Meself, Teddy Warren and Alex Jones teamin’ up against Miles, Vinnie and Jack? Christ this ain’t gonna be fun. It’s a set up fer the champions to fail, because Jackie Boy aside, I’m sure Vinnie and Mile can attempt to work together to get the win. Me team, though? Ain’t a snowball's chance in hell, I’ll tell ye that much.

Do I want to lose this match? Absolutely not. Because no matter what I say, a loss is a loss when it all boils down to it, but I ain’t likin’ our chances, if I’m honest. Alex Jones is a right annoyin’ prick these days ever since he won that belt off Griffin Hawkins, and Teddy Warren? Well, all Jack, Vinnie or Miles has to do is look at him scary enough and he’ll be pissin’ his pants again! If I gotta carry the team to a win, I will, but I guess we’ll see what happens.

I ain’t much concerned with Jack or Vinnie. My message ain’t bein’ sent to them. Regardless what happens, Jack is still movin’ on to face, and feckin’ hopefully beatin’ Alex fer the World Heavyweight Title. I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true. Ain’t no one more annoyin’ as top champion than Alex Jones has been these last few weeks and Jackie Boy better get the job done. He’s already got enough braggin’ rights over me, so what more needs to be said?

If I didn’t have the Roulette Title, I’d love to move on to go up against Jack fer that top belt. Earn a bit of redemption and finally right that wrong of him beatin’ me, but that just ain’t gonna happen. So I’ll let Jack keep those braggin’ rights, cuz he’s earned them. As fer Vinnie boy, though? Christ, do I really need to fight this fella again? Tag team match or not, I’m just...I can’t wrap me head around it.

Good Vinnie. Bad Vinnie. Neutral Vinnie. Happy Vinnie. Sad Vinnie. Loco Vinnie. Who the feck is he?! I’ll tell ye who he is...one damn terrible actor, because that crazy shite he’s claimin’? No one buys it. All he’s makin’ himself out to be is a joke, and not someone to take seriously. I mean, he couldn’t even keep the Internet Title past his first defense! How seriously should ye take the guy?!

Answer- not very. But, I’m sure somehow, he’ll go up against Teddy, put on some scary persona and win that title back and the game of Internet title hot potato will continue! It’s sad what the other title scenes are turnin’ into, while me? I actually know how to keep me title, and I plan on another successful defense against Miles Kasey. Poor kid actually thinks he stands a chance.

This is your chance to prove it, Miles. This match is yer chance to prove to me, and everyone watchin’, that ye actually have a chance at taking me Roulette Championship belt and earnin’ your first championship in SCW. Odds aren’t in yer favor kid. In fact, they’re sorely stacked against ye.

Everyone wants to win this match, and no one wants to lose. Ye don’t wanna be the one to be pinned in this one, because that loss would look worse fer ye. Ye want to go into Violent Conduct on a high note, but let me tell ye something, Jack and Vinnie won’t hesitate to throw yer arse under the bus to make themselves look better. Especially Jack. I’d tell ye not to mess this one up, but on that team? Yer the weakest link, boy-o. I might not like me chances with the team I’ve got, but I’m holdin’ out hope that ye’ll be the one to bring that team to the ground.

Then again...I’d love the opportunity to pin Jack and earn some redemption points. Vinnie is another story because I just hate bein’ around that fella at all, but I’m lookin’ forward for a little bit of a preview of what’s to come against ye, Miles. I can’t wait to show ye just how much of a prick I can be. Oh, yeah, I heard that one boy-o. I ain’t about to forget it, either.

But while the three of ye will be fightin’ not to lose, the three of will be fightin’ to win. Alex Jones will want to get that pin, over whoever the hell he can pin. Not just Jack. Teddy Warren? Well...he probably won’t care too much, but I’m sure he wants to prove himself. And me? I ain’t gonna lie. I’d love to get the win fer this team. And I know I’m capable.

But can we co-exist? Can we get along enough to make it happen? Could Alex Jones accept someone else gettin’ the victory and not him? I mean, he claims he’s a feckin’ God, so naturally he thinks he’s the best. But that win of his was a damn fluke. It was Griffin’s mistake, but he won’t hold that title much longer, anyway. Point is, would he ruin it fer me and Teddy just to get the victory his way?

I wouldn’t hold it past him. Then again, I wouldn’t hold it past any one of you other fellas in this match, because THAT is the real evil genius behind this bookin’. It ain’t to make for a great match. It’s to see who will be the one to cause it to implode! Christian can’t lie. He knows what’s gonna happen. Hell, I’ll be the first to admit that if Teddy and Alex do somethin’ to piss me off? I’ll gladly let them fend fer themselves. I want to win, sure, but I don’t wanna deal with the bullshite, either. Any other match, alright. But this one. Nah, it really ain’t worth it.

But I’ll play nice as long as I can. I’ll do what so many don’t expect of me and try to get along with the two other arseholes, because it’s what needs to be done. I just make no promises on how long I’ll let it go on.

Once this match is over with, I can worry about more important matters like keepin’ Miles away from me Roulette Championship belt, and then movin’ on to the next in line. I may not be the World Heavyweight Champ, but I’m damn sure on my way to provin’ meself as the best in SCW regardless of what title I carry.

This Sunday is just the next match in that journey.

See ya Sunday, fellas!

Wednesday August 26th
A Surprise Training Opponent
GO Gym- Las Vegas

With being signed to both brands for quite some time, and now being a double champion for the last month, O’Malley has quickly become accustomed to the amount of work expected of him. It was very rare that he would have a week off from either brand, let alone from both in the same week- as was the case this past Sunday. And while he wasn’t booked on either Climax Control or Underground, he made his presence known on both shows. And in a very big way.

This upcoming week is already shaping up to be even more important, as he is booked on both shows. And while his match in SCW is not a title defense, he would be putting the Underground Championship on the line against Ben Jordan later on. But he isn’t about to take his match against Jack Washington any less serious, because just as a win is a win, a loss is also a loss. And Jack Washington was working his way towards challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship soon.

And while all of that was going on, O’Malley had started a war against Kris Ryans, which the repercussions of his actions had yet to be seen where that was concerned. O’Malley was beginning to think he was biting off more than he could chew, but his lovely wife, Darcy, clearly didn’t feel the same way. Judging by the fact that the more he seems to do, the happier she gets.

Darcy: So, Gabriel really won’t tell you who your training opponent is going to be today? Why is he being so secretive about it?

The pair are currently on their way to the GO Gym for his next training session. O’Malley is behind the wheel, and he shrugs as he is just turned onto the road leading to the gym. Darcy seems to be doing most of the talking.

O’Malley: I don’t usually ask questions where Gabriel is concerned, love. I’ve got a guess as to who it might be, but then again...that might be a little too obvious, too. We’ll find out soon enough, though.

Darcy: Well, I’m sure whoever it is you’ll do amazingly against. You always do. I’m so proud of everything you’ve done, and it’s only going to get better going forward. I just wish you would challenge Kris Ryans already.

Darcy doesn’t notice but O’Malley rolls his eyes. He pulls into the parking lot of the GO Gym and parks the car. But before he cuts the engine and Darcy gets out of the car, he turns his attention to her.

O’Malley: I don’t need to challenge him to get a match against him, Darc. Fer all I know, Mark and Christian will book me against him next week. But I can’t focus on him right now. I’ve got too much other shite goin’ on, and he’s the least of my problems.

Darcy: How can you say that? He’s been a thorn in your side for a while now and it’s not likely to get any better. Plus, you don’t have that much else going on that will extend out past this weekend. So what’s the problem?

He knew what the problem was, but he couldn’t just outright say it. She was pushing him to be successful, but sometimes he wondered why exactly. Was it because she wanted him to focus on everything in wrestling, or was it because she wanted him to be distracted from something else?

O’Malley: Ye don’t know that, love. This shite with Ben Jordan...it might not end with this match this weekend. Ye just never know. Plus, depending on who they book my next Roulette title defense against, I have to start thinkin’ about that Miles Kasey kid. And then there’s all this personal shite. Just...stop tryna add more to me plate, alright?

Darcy stares at him, genuinely confused. She folds her arms and thinks for a moment and shakes her head.

Darcy: Well I happen to think that you’re handling all of this pretty well as far as the wrestling side goes. We knew it was going to be a lot of work holding two titles, in two different brands no less, but you’re doing great. As far as the personal stuff, what else are you referring to? Because the situation with Owen isn’t exactly going anywhere yet.

What would he say? He couldn’t spill out the truth that deep down he was worrying about something she may or may not be keeping from him on top of worrying about Owen. He had to lie, and it had to be convincing.

O’Malley: That’s what I’m talkin’ about, love. I’ve gotta keep on that situation, because I’m sick of bein’ without me son, and him not hearin’ my explanation. But I’ve got so much to deal with fer SCU and SCW it’s hard to balance it all.

Darcy: Well...why don’t you let me handle the Owen situation? I can contact a lawyer for us and start to get the ball rolling so you can focus the time you need on your wrestling obligations?

O’Malley immediately started shaking his head. He couldn’t do that, and he knew it. If he was ever going to get Owen back, he was going to have to prove that he could balance it all somehow. Or, he’d have to sacrifice something for Owen.

O’Malley: No. We can work together on that, but one thing I know is that if I am gonna stand a chance in hell at gettin’ Owen back, I’ve gotta devote as much time to him as I can. Everythin’ I’m doin’ in SCU and SCW is important, too, but if it comes down to it—

Darcy: If what comes down to it? O’Malley, Owen is your son. Legally, they can’t deny that, and his mother’s family can’t do anything to change it. All it will take is getting the right lawyer and he’d be back with you.

O’Malley sighs. They were wasting time, and he knew it. Gabriel would probably be calling soon bugging him on where he was, even though they were right in the parking lot.

O’Malley: I’m just holdin’ out as long as I can, love. I don’t want to put Owen through anymore stress than I already have, and fer all I know, they’ll fight like hell to keep it from happenin’. Look, let’s just talk about this later. We’ve gotta get inside and I gotta get this training session over with. Against whoever it is.

O’Malley shuts the engine off and removes the key from the ignition, not giving Darcy a chance to keep up their current conversation. He steps out of the car and grabs his training duffel bag from the backseat as Darcy soon follows behind him. She wants to keep talking, but she stays silent and just brews it over in her head.

Once they walk inside, they walk past the front desk and into the training center where Gabriel is already waiting for him, and he’s not alone. O’Malley and Darcy stop dead in the tracks and both of them look directly at the man standing just a few feet away from Gabriel. And not just any man, but one all too familiar to Sin City Wrestling. A former World Heavyweight Champion and Seven Deadly Sins member- Rage! Now going by his birth name of course, Jake Sullivan. O’Malley chuckles, but Darcy doesn’t seem to recognize him.

O’Malley: Here I thought ye were gonna put me in the ring against Despayre. But..this guy? Really?

Gabriel and Jake look at each other. Both crack a smile before turning their attention back to O’Malley. Darcy chimes in before either says a word.

Darcy: Who is he?

Jake frowns, but ultimately rolls his eyes.

Gabriel: You’ve been in the ring against Despy before, and we both know you wouldn’t want that again. And I figured baldilocks here was an appropriate opponent for ya, so I called in a favor. And, hello Darcy. This here is my formerly angry friend turned Mr. Mom, Ra...Er, Jake.

Jake: I haven’t had the chance to kick someone’s ass in a few years, I wasn’t about to say no.

Jake turns to Gabriel and frowns.

Jake: I’ve been going by Jake for how long and you still almost called me Rage again? And the baldilocks stuff, really?

Darcy looks at O’Malley, and he just shrugs before looking back to his mentor and Jake. Gabriel grins.

Gabriel: What can I say? It’s still weird. And yep, baldilocks. But this isn’t about you. O’Malley go get into your gear. We’ve got a lot to get through.

O’Malley: If you say so…

O’Malley laughs and shakes his head. He heads off towards the locker room to get changed as Darcy stays behind, keeping her distance from not only Gabriel, but Jake as well. Gabriel and Jake speak in hushed voices and Darcy thinks she hears one of them mention Misty’s name. Despite wanting to speak up, she bites her tongue and heads over to a bench to sit down while she waits for O’Malley.

Several minutes go by before O’Malley emerges from the locker room all dressed in his training gear. Jake is waiting for him in the ring, leaning against a corner impatiently. He spots O’Malley walking towards the ring and smirks.

Jake: About damn time. My fourteen year old daughter gets dressed quicker than you.

Gabriel chuckles, but O’Malley rolls his eyes. He walks up the steps standing on the ring apron for a moment, glaring at Jake, who is much larger than he is.

O’Malley: I wouldn’t pursue a career in comedy, big fella. Because yer not funny. Seriously, Gabriel, how the hell is trainin’ against him gonna teach me anythin’? When did Jack Washington or Ben Jordan get to be roided up arseholes?

Jake pushes himself away from the corner, walking over and standing directly in front of O’Malley. Things are about to get heated, but Gabriel tries to diffuse the situation before it can ruin the day’s training session.

Gabriel: We don’t have to choose training opponents that are the same size as who you’re going up against, O’Malley. Jake has a lot of experience in the ring, and it’ll be a good learning experience. He might not go by Rage anymore, but trust me when I say if ya say the wrong thing—

O’Malley: He hasn’t even wrestled in a few years. He said it himself! And what’s he gonna do if I say the wrong thing? I’m well aware of what Rage was capable of, but this fella has gone sof—

Before O’Malley can finish that sentence, Jake grabs him by his head and lifts him up and OVER the top rope, tossing him into the ring! Darcy stands up quickly, appalled.

Darcy: What the hell?! You could have broken his neck! What the hell is your problem?!

Gabriel looks over to Darcy, signalling her to sit back down.

Gabriel: He didn’t do anything anyone else couldn’t have done, even if they were smaller than Jake. Relax, Darcy, and sit down.

Darcy almost refuses but O’Malley looks to her and just nods, insisting he’s fine...for the moment. Jake looks down at O’Malley and smirks.

Jake: You like to run your mouth, dontcha? And just because I haven’t had a proper opponent in a few years, doesn’t mean I forgot what I’m doing. Piss me off enough and you’ll be forced to forfeit both of those titles due to injury. Jackass.

O’Malley glares up at Jake, thinking his first move over carefully. Jake keeps his eyes locked on O’Malley, waiting for him to even flinch.

O’Malley: That a threat, big fella? Who are ye tryna convince yer still this big tough guy ye used to be? Me, or yerself?

O’Malley tries to roll away quickly, thinking he’s faster than Jake, but Jake puts his foot on O’Malley’s chest, and puts as much of his weight on him as he can, pinning him in place. O’Malley gasps, and tries to find a way to either get out from under Jake’s foot, or to bring the big man down.

Jake: From where I’m standing, I don’t need to do any convincing, asshole. Maybe instead of running your mouth like an arrogant son of a bitch, you can focus on learning something and show not only me some respect, but Gabriel, too. But if you ask me, he should just drop you all together.

O’Malley tries to move, but Jake is putting too much pressure on his chest, so he has to think of something else. Darcy is growing more and more frustrated, but she waits for O’Malley to think of a way out of this predicament. All it takes is for Jake to look up and towards Gabriel, and O’Malley grabs him by the ankle, then moves his own body enough to trip Jake and send him stumbling forward. Jake catches himself against the ropes, and O’Malley quickly rolls away and kips up back to his feet, now ready to properly defend himself against the former World Heavyweight Champion.

O’Malley: I respect Gabriel plenty, Jakey Boy. I don’t need to respect ye any, though. Yer a smug bastard, and the fact ye think Gabriel should drop me is proof enough.

Jake and Gabriel look at each other. Jake chuckles and Gabriel shakes his head slightly as be folds his arms, and the look ok Darcy’s face says she assumes it was in response to Jake. Jake turns around and comes face to face with O’Malley as they start circling the ring.

Jake: I’m a smug bastard? Really? You’re the most arrogant piece of shit out of anyone Gabriel has trained, and it’s anyone’s guess why he still bothers! You don’t even respect anyone else he has trained, and your actions every week continue to prove it.

Darcy: Isn’t this supposed to be a training session, and not your friend here just disrespecting my husband like he is? This is ridiculous!

Jake turns his attention to Darcy and glares at her.

Jake: You’re one to talk about being disrespectful, lady. At least we’ve never stooped so low as to speak ill of the dead. The person of which your husband was married to first

Darcy’s jaw drops, but the distraction is just what O’Malley needs, and he capitalizes on it. He clobbers Jake with a forearm from behind, but it’s barely enough to even affect him. O’Malley continues, trying to wear him out and catches Jake with a kick to the back of the knee, tripping him! O’Malley then runs against the opposite set of ropes, but when he charges back, Jake stands up quickly, turns and gets his hand around O’Malley’s throat! He tosses him backwards, going easy on him for now, and this only confuses O’Malley.

O’Malley: Don’t speak to me wife like that. I don’t know who the hell ye think ye are—

O’Malley holds his neck and takes in a deep breath as Jake glares at him.

Jake: I’m the one person in this room right now who just might happen to understand what makes you tick. And I’m trying to knock some fucking sense into you, but that is a little hard to do when she’s here!

Jake points to Darcy, and her jaw drops, again. Gabriel remains awfully quiet, letting everything happen as it will, showing there is more to this training session than O’Malley seems to understand.

O’Malley: What the hell does that mean?! How would ye know what makes me tick, and what does Darcy have anything to do with all of this?!

Darcy: This is unbelievable. You don’t even know me and I don’t know what exactly you’re trying to insinuate here.

Jake: I’m not gonna address the bitch that can’t keep her mouth shut, but I will address you, O’Malley. You’ve got two matches this weekend. The first against Jack Washington, who will sure as shit try and bring up how you won that Underground Championship of yours against Ben Jordan and try to use it to get under your skin. The second is, of course, against Ben Jordan who will be looking to beat your ass and take that title back for how you stole it from him in the first place.

O’Malley growls and throws his arms in the air.

O’Malley: Feckin’ hell! Yet another person who thinks—

Jake: I don’t think, asshole. I KNOW!

Gabriel: I’d listen to him if I were you, O’Malley.

Darcy plops back down on the bench, folding her arms and letting out a huff. O’Malley glances at Gabriel briefly, before looking back to Jake.

O’Malley: I didn’t do anythin’ the feckin’ briefcase didn’t give me the right to do! I’m done tryna explain it to all of ye.

Jake: I thought the same thing once. I know first hand the sort of power trip you go on by winning a briefcase because I did the same fucking thing three years ago when I cashed in on Drake Green after his match against J2H!

O’Malley is about to quickly respond, but his stops before he can get a word out. Darcy stands up and storms off, but O’Malley doesn’t bother going after her, and Gabriel doesn’t seem to care either. O’Malley just glances to Gabriel and Gabriel nods.

Jake: But the difference between you and me, fella, is that I’d actually go back and change how I cashed in my briefcase if I could. Cashing in like that is NOT something to brag about or be proud of. You’re never gonna live that down, and the longer you keep denying it, the more guys like Jack Washington will use it against you. And it will work.

O’Malley: I don’t see it workin’ yet. I’ve still got the title, and now I’ve got the Roulette title. How the feck will Jack Washington use it against?! Ye seem to have all the answers.

Jake: I think you already know the answer to that. You just don’t want to own up to the fact that the way you cashed in was the coward’s way to win a title. It was the easy way, and Jack Washington is gonna use the fact that you had to cash in on Ben Jordan after a grueling match, while Jack just might go on to win the World Heavyweight Championship in a clean win. And Ben very well could take that belt back this weekend.

O’Malley has had enough and goes to storm past Jake and out of the ring. But Gabriel nips that in the bud right away.

Gabriel: Keep your arse in that ring and listen to what he’s saying. Once all the talking is done, you’re gonna have yourself a good old fashioned training session.

O’Malley: I’d like to at least go check on me wife…

Gabriel: She’s a big girl. She’ll be fine.

O’Malley: Look, I’m tired of standing here and getting treated like an embarrassment by this arsehole!

Jake looks at Gabriel and just shakes his head.

Jake: You’re wasting your time with this one, Gabriel. He’s just not getting it.

O’Malley: What the feck is there to get?! So I did what I had to do to win a feckin’ title?! What is so wrong about that?!

Jake: The fact that you’re not owning up to the fact that it was a bullshit move! You stole a title. Bravo, pal. Try keeping it for a while. Try holding on to that Roulette title for a while because that is the real test. I’m living proof of that.

O’Malley laughs.

O’Malley: Just because ye failed as a wrestler, doesn’t mean I will. I’ve already successfully defended both my titles so that proves—

Jake: Nothing. It proves nothing. You’re putting yourself on a fucking pedastal you don’t even deserve to be on. You’re shitting on your other GO Gym graduates trying to make yourself better than them, when you’re not. And you’re shitting on all the work Gabriel and Odette have put into training you. And deep down, I think you know it. But, you won’t admit it and I know why.

O’Malley walks back up to Jake, trying to stand up to him. But the size difference is almost comical as he stands toe-to-toe against Jake.

O’Malley: Oh yeah? Enlighten me then, big fella. Ye seem to have me all figured out.

Darcy returns to her place on the bench by the ring. Jake glances in her direction before looking back to O’Malley.

Jake: It ain’t hard to figure out. You need to get your personal shit figured out, because all it’s gonna do is hold you back. I’m not standing here trying to put you down or say that you don’t have what it takes, because I’ve seen you in the ring. You have what it takes. Your fucking attitude just has to match it, and it doesn’t.

O’Malley: So that’s what this was all about, huh? A pep talk or somethin’? I’m gettin’ my personal shit figured out, thanks.

Jake: Then maybe get her figured out, then?

Jake’s voice is hushed, but not enough because Darcy heard it, and she’s finally had enough.

Darcy: That’s it! I’m sick and tired of being disrespected by some over-sized bald piece of garbage who doesn’t even know a thing about me!

Before the situation escalates further, Gabriel finally gets involved, but he focuses his attention on Darcy first.

Gabriel: Alright, enough! Darcy, why don’t you go wait in the front. I’ll be up there in a second because I think we need to have a chat.

Darcy is about to argue but one glare from Gabriel and he points towards the front room. She storms off in a huff and Gabriel turns back to Jake and O’Malley.

Gabriel: Time for arguing is over. Get it all out in the ring. I’ll be back in a few, but I trust you two won’t kill each other while I’m away?

O’Malley rolls his eyes.

O’Malley: I can’t guarantee I won’t cause the old geezer to break a hip, but it’ll be me pleasure to kick his ass a bit.

Jake snorts.

Jake: Oh I always love sending you idiots down a few notches.

Gabriel just shakes his head as he turns and walks away. Jake and O’Malley turn and face one another again, as Jake gives the command for their training session to begin, and O’Malley charges at Jake, and Gabriel heads towards the front office to speak with Darcy one-on-one.

---

Friday August 28th
Silence is...Not Golden?

In the two days that have passed since O’Malley’s special training session, and bit of a lecture from Jake Sullivan, O’Malley and Darcy haven’t spoken a whole lot. Darcy had a private conversation with Gabriel while O’Malley and Jake were sparring in the ring, but neither had revealed what exactly was said. And O’Malley was more concerned that Darcy hadn’t filled him in on what was said than anything. And the silence was beginning to be too much.

Darcy is currently sitting out in their backyard, alone in her own thoughts. It has been a hot day in Las Vegas, but as it is now later in the day, and the sun is starting to set, the temperature is cooling just enough to make it bareable. She’s seated at their patio table with the umbrella up, enjoying a glass of iced tea as she just stares ahead, off in space somewhere.

O’Malley quietly walks outside, watching her for a moment. She doesn’t hear him, so he slowly walks up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. She nearly jumps out of her skin, as she looks back and up at him.

O’Malley: Penny fer yer thoughts, love?

He leans down and gives her a quick kiss before walking over and taking a seat in the chair facing her. She smiles at him.

Darcy: Why do you have to be so sneaky like that? I didn’t even hear you.

O’Malley: I dunno how. I wasn’t exactly quiet when I walked out. Ye’ve just been distracted ever since ye had that conversation with Gabriel. Wanna tell me what’s goin’ on?

Darcy just looks down at her ice tea, and the condensation on the outside of the glass. She takes a quick sip before returning the glass to the table and looking back to O’Malley.

Darcy: I’m fine, my love. Just had a lot on my mind. You don’t need to worry.

O’Malley: I ain’t stupid, Darc. So, please, don’t treat me like I am and expect me to believe that. Somethin’ is buggin’ ye, and I’d like to know what it is. I’m yer husband. Ye can tell me anythin’.

O’Malley gives Darcy a stern look, now pressuring her to talk. He wanted to know about what was said with Gabriel, but what she tells him next he was not expecting to hear.

Darcy: I...I stopped taking my birth control pills.

O’Malley quickly leans forward and his jaw drops.

O’Malley: I’m sorry...what?! Fer how long?!

Darcy thinks for a moment and tries to remember. The fact that it takes her so long to answer only pisses O’Malley off even more.

O’Malley: Jaysus Christ, Darc! Ye know how fecked up that is?! I can’t believe ye would do that without even tellin’ me!

Darcy: I don’t need your permission to go off birth control, O’Malley. It’s my body, my decision. I’m telling you the truth now, so that should count for something.

O’Malley pushes himself away from the table angrily, in disbelief over Darcy’s admission. But then something hits him.

O’Malley: Wait a second. Why are ye tellin’ me this now? Are ye...Oh feck, yer pregnant aren’t ye?!

O’Malley grips at his hair, thinking that was the reason she was coming clean with him. Her nostrils flare, and she has a look of heartbreak mixed with underlying anger and his reaction.

Darcy: No! I’m not fucking pregnant, O’Malley! But, I’m really glad to know that you seem to think that would be such a horrible thing! It makes me feel really great that the only child you want in your life is the son you had with that selfish witch, Misty, but you don’t even want a child with me!

O’Malley: Christ’s sake, Darc, that’s not what this is about! I’ve already told ye before! Yer tryna get yourself pregnant over some fecked up jealousy over Owen, and it’s really feckin’ infuriatin’! I can’t...I can’t even deal with ye right now. I can’t feckin’ look at ye!

O’Malley shakes his head and quickly rushes past her. She stands up and turns around before he walks inside.

Darcy: Where are you going?! This isn’t about jealousy towards Owen, O’Malley. If you would just wait—

O’Malley: Bullshite it’s not. I need some space, Darc. This just goes to a whole level of betrayal, and I can’t stay here. I hope yer happy with yerself…

He then turns his back on her and disappears back inside the house, as she sinks back into her chair and starts to sob. Meanwhile in the house, O’Malley is in their master bedroom packing a bag, his mind already set on returning to the Saxon Hotel for the forseeable future.

---

As professional wrestlers, I think we all have one particular loss that eats away at us. We all have that one match we thought we shoulda won...thought we did…but it didn’t quite go the way we planned or even wanted it to. I’ll admit, I have more than one. But the one in particular that I’m gonna focus on right now, has alot more relevance this week than the other ones buggin’ the shite outta me.

The things I coulda done with that King Fer A Day win. The matches I woulda booked woulda been far more interesting than what actually happened. And the reason I say that is because Jackie Boy, he just didn’t give a shite about the rest of the matches, so he just threw a shite card together, and booked himself against Ben Jordan like everyone knew he would. Like everyone else woulda done. Well, everyone except me. Because I had another title in mind fer a very different reason.

Jackie Boy, he gave me part of what I wanted. He booked me in a match against Austin James Mercer but in a non-title match because he wanted all the spotlight IF he had won. He thought he’d go into that match against Ben Jordan and actually walk out as the new champ, and didn’t want someone else having that same glory that night. Well played, Jack Off. Well played. But it didn’t work out in his favor, did it? Nah, he went up against Ben Jordan and failed, so his attempt at making himself look good was pointless. And it’s his fault that I didn’t beat Mercer. Oh, but how, O’Malley? How is it Jack’s fault ye lost?

Because the feckin’ match was non-title! I was bloody pissed off, and the fact that, win or lose, without the title on the line, Austin wouldn’t care. He still walks out as the champ. So...I just didn’t quite care enough. Had Jack done the right thing...had he made the match for the Internet Title, it woulda saved the Internet title a lot of feckin’ embarrassment that it’s gotten recently, because I’d be the champ. Mercer wouldn’t have lost to Vinnie and then Vinnie wouldn’t have lost to girly man who pissed his pants, Teddy Warren. He set off a chain feckin’ reaction that ruined the just ruined the Internet title. But, I would have done something that Jack can’t do, because he doesn’t know how.

Win a title.

He failed against Ben Jordan. In a match that he booked. He coulda made the match any type of match he wanted to go better in his favor, but did he? No. Because he wasn’t smart enough. He wasted that King Fer A Day opportunity, just like he’s wasting his current challenge as he tries for the World Heavyweight Championship again. Poor kid. Tryna make it in the big leagues, but doesn’t quite have the brains to figure out what he’s doin’.

He wants everyone to think he’s got it all figured out. He’s gonna want everyone to think he’s smarter and better than me, but recent history says otherwise, and goin’ up against me one-on-one will prove otherwise, too. He’s not quite on me level and he sure as shite isn’t on the level of the World Heavyweight Championship. If he even gets the shot at Violent Conduct, because after Sunday night? Well...that title along with the Internet Title is just gonna get bounced around like a game of hot potato.

IF Jack gets that World Heavyweight Championship shot, and that’s a big if, Alex Jones will eat him alive. He’s already doin’ the same to poor Griffin Hawkins, but hey if Jack wants a piece of that, that’s his business. He just has to worry about that when the time comes, because this Sunday, it ain’t about Griff. It ain’t about Alex Jones. And it ain’t about the World Heavyweight Championship.

It’s about me, and him tryna stop me from unleashin’ a whole hell of a lot of frustration on him for the consequences of his actions. And it’s about me tryna make up for a loss in a match against him that never shoulda happened. Because next to the loss against Kris Ryans, a loss against Jack Off Washington is not something I’m too thrilled about. But, there’s one key difference between my first loss to Kris Ryans, and the only loss I’ve got in a match against Jack Off Washington.

Jack didn’t pin me. He lucked out because I made the feckin’ mistake of puttin’ both meself and Vinnie Boy through a feckin’ table and givin’ Jack Off a clear opening to climb up that ladder and get the brief case. That decision I have kicked meself over every damn day since, but this Sunday is me chance fer redemption. To write a wrong that never shoulda happened and to prove that Jack Off doesn’t deserve to be at the top of the SCW ladder where he’s currently tryna climb.

The kid’s got talent, I’ll give him that much. But, he’s goin’ about all this the wrong way. He’s reachin’ fer the top title, tryna be at the top of the chain instead of buildin’ himself slowly. He thinks to be the best, all that matters is the top title, but that ain’t what it’s about. I know what I’m talkin’ about because I finally realized it meself when I won the Roulette Championship. Ye know what happens when ye win the big one first, early on?

Ye fade into obscurity. Don’t believe me? There are a few fellas ye could as that will tell ye that it’s the truth. It’s called bein’ a flash in a pan, or somethin’. I’m sure Jack Off Washington doesn’t wanna be considered that. I know I wouldn’t.

He’s young, and he’s arrogant as all hell. And that...that’ll be his downfall when he steps into that ring with me this go around because this isn’t a ladder match. And this isn’t a match with two other fellas involved. This is just me and Jack, one-on-one in a good ol’ fashioned wrestlin’ match. And I’ve learned me lesson. I’ve researched and watched his recent matches so I know what needs to be done to put him down.

But does it really matter, either way? Win or lose, what will be gained from this match? I’ve still got me Roulette title and me Underground Championship. Nothin’ can change that. And no matter what, Jack moves on to figure out the mess of the World Heavyweight Championship scene now that Griffin went and let Alex Jones beat him. So what is really to be gained from this match?

Respect. I’ll say it here and now. If Jackie Boy walks out of this match having beaten me fair and sqaure, whether it be from pinnin’ me or makin’ me tap? He’ll have earned me respect. I’ll gladly shake his hand if he lets me, just to prove it. But that is IF he wins. Because I don’t plan on letting that happen. And if I beat him fair and square, I expect him to show the same damn respect. Sadly, I don’t think Jackie Boy has it in him.

I’m primed and I’m ready to show Jackie Boy and everyone else watchin’ that everythin’ they’ve said about me? All the doubts and shite talkin’, it’s time to put it all to rest. I don’t care if people like me, because I don’t expect them to. I’m just out fer the respect I deserve and fer people to finally start takin’ me seriously.

My journey continues with Jack Washington. See ya Sunday, fella!</font>;