“I remember…”
Seattle, Washington -
June 13, 2012
It was strange to admit that the memory of his thirteenth birthday was a distant one, but the fact that he recalled it with such clarity and fondness . It was June 2012, on a Wednesday afternoon, and school had just let out. (I know, I know! Going to school on your birthday of all days just reeks of epic sucktitude!) It was the last week of school before summer break was set to begin, which made this birthday adventure something even more wonderful to look back and reminisce on. And it wasn’t just because classes were nearly over for the school year, but because The Avengers had hit theaters and the worldwide phenomenon was quickly catching its full momentum over the last two months without a hint of slowing down. Carter had multiple chances to see the movie since its opening, his Dad having offered a time or two to take him personally, but Carter had found the inner fortitude to wait it out and see it on his birthday. It made it all the more special. A decision that in later years he would have looked back with regret in his heart.
How much more special would it have been to watch such a movie with his Dad and only his Dad?
But at the given time, to make things even better, Carter had been allowed to bring along three of his closest school friends with full approval from their parents; Randy Coppler (Yes, the very same one Carter had been caught with a year later, which effectively outed him to his family). Chloe Morgan and Jessica Ryan. Of truth be told, neither Chloe nor Jessica had any real interest in seeing the Avengers but it was their friend’s birthday and they were also in on the little mission of distracting Carter for what was to come after.
The movie theater lobby smelled like hot, buttered popcorn and melted chocolate, and Carter felt like a VIP just walking in with his friends. His Mom and Dad had given him an envelope with enough funds to treat him and his friends not only with the movie tickets, but also their hearts desires behind the concession stand. And for four hungry teens, that included everything from fresh, hot popcorn to mountainous sodas, nachos with extra cheese and candies like Sour Patch Kids and M&Ms of which Carter had added to his popcorn much to the surprise - and later delight - of his friends.
And after the movie, they couldn’t stop talking. They mimicked the action scenes in the parking lot, throwing invisible shields and fake punches until Joanna, Carter’s mom, yelled, “Alright, Avengers, get in the car!” It wasn’t just a birthday. It was a memory. Carter still remembered the glow of the marquee, the feeling of being young and invincible, and the joy of sharing something epic with people who mattered. Plus, there had been so much more to follow on that day.
Carter watched with a curious surprise as his Mom drove him and his friends not to their respective houses but to their own home and to the small get-together that she and Carter’s Father had chosen to throw in honor of his thirteenth birthday. And while his immediate family was present, Jessica, Randy and Chloe were his only friends from school that had been expressly invited. Much like now, Carter had a very small circle of friends rather than a large number and those three specifically topped the list.
His family home had been gloriously overdone with everything from streamers and confetti to the obligatory rainbow array of helium balloons. The dining room table had been laden with all manner of tasty treats, from his Grams’ homemade marmalade candies and birthday cake fudge . And as far as the main course was concerned? Where the vast majority of kids would want pizza for their birthday dinners, Carter - as you would come to realize later in life - was anything but a normal young man. His favorite birthday meals were served for everyone to enjoy - Sloppy Joes and Taco Pasta casserole. And of course, one could not forget the obligatory Funfetti birthday cake with buttercream frosting and Oreo ice cream to cap the day off.
And to bring the evening to a perfect conclusion - presents! Despite their comfortable life, Joanna and Cillian had never overdone it where their son was concerned. They didn’t flaunt money to the point of spoiling him on a whim. But Christmas and birthdays? That was a different story where they could indulge their son freely and feel no remorse. Among other much desired items, he had been gifted with the video games the Darkness II and the Silent Hill HD Collection, a much coveted Haunted House Lego set and the Gramophone docking station for his brand new IPad. All in all, a birthday collection to look back with fond remembrance. But it was one gift, smaller by comparison, that had always stood out in his mind.
Carter’s birthstone was the moonstone, and his Dad had bought him a moonstone choker, where the bright blue jewel had been set in place and the band was crafted of a perfect tanned leather. Carter loved it, and wore it every single day - until a year later when he had accidentally outed himself and his Dad left the family, seemingly abandoning him. Carter tore the choker off in his grief and hurled it against his bedroom wall, breaking the jewel’s inlay beyond repair. And yet, despite all anger and animosity, he had been unable to bring himself to dispose of it. Even now, the remnants of the choker was kept tucked away in a jewelry box he kept on his nightstand.Las Vegas, Nevada -
June 2025
“You remembered?” Carter’s mother Joanna asked from her side of the video chat that she had initiated less than an hour ago. It had broken her heart to have to tell him that she and Grams would be unable to fly into Las Vegas as planned for his 26th birthday celebration, but she had been unable to get the time off of work and Grams was a touch under the weather so better as not to risk the trip. And of course, despite his initial disappointment, Carter more than understood.
“Of course I remember.” A weary Carter answered from where had curled up on his and Miles’s living room sofa, talking to his favorite lady from his laptop. “I still rank that as maybe my favorite of birthdays.”
“More so than Dollywood?” His Mom teased, knowing somewhat jealousy that somehow, fate played a hand on her son’s 24th for him and Miles to have accidentally met the “Queen of Country” herself when Miles crossed Carter’s desire to visit Dollywood off of his bucket wish list.
Carter pretended to think it over and shrugged, answering noncommittal “They’re neck and neck.” Bringing a soft smile to his Mom’s face. Then as quickly as Carter had jested, his mood was replaced by a sombre, melancholy tone. He added, “And it was the last birthday I had with Dad.”
And this reminder just made Joanna’s heart break for her son, knowing his heart and soul was filled with regret for all of those lost years he had spent hating the man over what had proven to be machinations on the part of the paternal side of his family.
“Oh Carter…” She started to say in a whisper, but Carter shook his head and spoke up, “No, it’s okay. I just sometimes still have trouble remembering that he’s gone. Like something good happens to me - like when I won the championship - and I feel like a little boy all over again. I want to pick up the phone and call him and tell him all about it and then it dawns on me. I can’t do that any more.”
“Your Father is watching you, Carter.” Joanna nodded, all doubt removed from her mind. “He knows how you feel.” To which Carter could only nod in agreement, even though times sometimes proved hard for him to truly believe. It was then a sound from further in the condo he shared with Miles drew his attention away from the chat. The sound of their front door opening and shutting closed, and Ms. Thang hopped from her perch at the side of his lap to go greet her dad.
Carter looked into the camera and sighed, “I guess I know where I stand in the grand scheme of things.” Much to Joanna’s amusement. And a moment later, in walked Miles carrying a shopping bag which got Carter’s hopes up. Miles did not share his love for shopping, so if he went out for something then that must mean….
Joanna then added, “Good afternoon, Miles.”
“Hi Mum!” Miles leaned into the camera, gifting her with a smile and a wave, and using the affectionate name she had insisted on from the moment he had married her son - the same that Mora had bestowed Carter with the very same day.
Joanna then looked between them and offered, “Okay, I am going to let you boys go. Carter, Grams and I will call you on Friday. Love you!”
“Love you too.” Carter smiled, with Miles adding his own loving wishes as the call came to an end.
“Everything okay?” Miles stood in front of his husband as Carter closed the laptop, answering Miles with a silent nod. Carter then added, “Just some upcoming birthday blues I guess.”
“You’re about thirty years too early for those.” Miles joked, before he noticed where Carter’s eyes had strayed. “You can stop with your oh-so-subtle glances, love.” Miles smirked in a way that just got to Carter. As if his husband was paying him back for his deft hiding of Miles’s presents and the ensuing hunt for said gifts this past Christmas. “Your present isn’t in there.”
“Present?” Carter’s eyebrow rose. “As in singular?”
“Nice try.” Miles said as he set the bag down - away from Carter’s grasp or sight before he took a seat beside him, Ms. Thang promptly hopped up and took a seat on his lap like her throne. “So where did that dirty little mind of yours go to put you in such a mood?”
Carter sighed before he shifted the laptop over to set it on the coffee table before turning to look at Miles. He rested his left arm on the back of the sofa as he tried to decide how best to approach the topic until he finally decided to just tear the proverbial Bandaid off.
“Miles, I was thinking. I don’t think it’s a very good idea to have a birthday party on Friday.”
“What?” Miles frowned, clearly caught off guard. Of all the things that could have been bothering Carter, this was the last thing that he had expected. “I thought you were all excited for a party?”
“I thought so too.” Carter admitted. “But the more I think about it, the more I realize it's not a good idea right now.”
“Why?”
“Because the first person on the guest list would have to be LJ.” Carter said. “And because he’s there, you know we have to invite Alexandra. And .. Bobbie is one of my friends and I'd have to invite her and that would mean…”
“Artie would have to come.” Miles sighed, finally understanding.
“Yeah,” Carter sighed. “And Artie is a friend too. And I admit I am not happy with the way Alexandra treated him. And if they were both at the party and things spilled over…”
“You don't think you could be impartial between the two.” Miles observed.
“That's part of it.” Carter admitted. “The other part is I just wouldn't want them fighting in the first place. So I'm thinking maybe it would be best if we canceled the party plans and just spent it together, just you and me?”
“Well, lovely company as I am..” Miles joked. “You had your heart set on a party. Hell! I had my heart set on throwing you a birthday party!
“You always throw one for my birthday and I've yet to be able to throw one for you.”
Carter nodded. “That's just another reason why I feel lousy right now. Even though it's my birthday I feel like I let you down.”
“Hey, you listen to me…” Miles snaked his arm around his husband’s shoulders and drew him close enough that Carter could smell that smoldering sandalwood cologne that he wore - and knew drove Carter crazy. “You could never disappoint me. I understand what you’re saying and why you feel that way.”
“Thanks.” Carter smiled, meaning every word. Miles slowly stood up, stating, “I’ll let everyone know we’re going light this year. I had to call Artie anyway.”
“Why?”
“Well, I have to explain to him that I can’t help him get ready for the match on Sunday.” He shrugged, as if everything he said made the most sense. “It is against my husband after all…”
“No.”
“No?” Miles raised his own brow.
“No.” Carter emphasized. “I would rather you and Kristjan still help him.”
“Babe, did that hair lightener eat through your scalp?” Miles frowned. “You want me to actually help Artie try to beat you?”
“Miles, what I want is for you to help Artie be at his best.” Carter stated. “I mean, I know you and Fenris have done your best training him but Artie has never gone through the same formal training that you and I have. You’ve pretty much just put him through boot camp. I’m going to look like a right, sorry ass champion if he doesn’t give me a fight.”
Miles just stared at his husband seemingly forever before drawing him in close once again and kissing him deeply and lovingly. Once separated, he stated, “You’re an amazing man, love.”
“Yeah and you better not ever forget it, either.” Carter smirked as he turned he snuggled back up against Miles’s muscular torso.
Las Vegas, Nevada -
June 13
What else did you expect for Carter to have for his birthday dinner than his favorite food; sushi? Miles had taken painstaking measures to research where the best sushi could be had in the famed “City of Sin” and discovered none other than Sushi Roku within Ceasar’s Palace. Carter sat across from Miles at the sleek, modern restaurant, the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the air as a server placed an artfully arranged platter of sashimi between them. Carter grinned as he picked up a piece of toro with his chopsticks.
"How have I never known about this place?" Carter wondered aloud, popping the delicacy in between his lips and savoring its rich flavor. "And how did you find out about it?"
"I'm just amazing that way." Miles quipped, sipping his sake. “Plus, it is your birthday. If you're not getting a party, then I'm damn sure making sure you get the next best thing."
After a virtual feast of sake, uni, yellowtail, and crispy rice with spicy tuna - then more sake, Carter leaned back in his chair and sighed with contentment. "This was perfect."
"Night isn't over, love." Miles started to fish around inside of his suit jacket pocket, both men having wanted to dress up for the occasion. "I have something else for you."
"Another present?" One of Carter's eyes popped open. "Shouldn't I unwrap that when we're alone?"
Miles just winked at him as he slid the small, cobalt blue box across the table to Carter's waiting hand. He watched as Carter carefully unwrapped the present as a familiar glint caught his eye. Nestled inside was the moonstone choker, his father’s gift from years ago. He lifted it gently, noting the delicate repairs made to the broken band and setting. The stone shimmered faintly under the restaurant lights, just like it used to. Carter’s eyes glistened as he looked up to meet Miles' eyes, and he swallowed hard.
"You fixed it." Carter said, finding it hard to speak. Miles nodded, "It was time you had that part of your Dad back."
Carter stood up and moved to kiss Miles, not caring who saw. He set his forehead against Miles' own and he whispered, "Thank you."
And there it was, the most coveted prize in the entire Superstars’ division of Sin City Wrestling. The World Heavyweight Championship. The camera was focused on a closeup shot of the gold and jewel encrusted central plate of the championship title, and slowly drew back to showcase the prestigious title in all its glory. Housed in a trophy case that Miles Kasey had taken the liberty of installing in their home the moment Carter had first won the championship, it served as a prominent reminder that not only did hard work and perseverance pay off, but dreams really did come true. Sappy as the cliche sentiment sounded. And, as the camera drew back completely, standing there staring at the title he had worked so hard for to prove he truly did belong in the upper echelon of his dream sport, was the champion himself. Carter Kasey-McKinney, or known in the six-sided ring of SCW, Helluva Bottom Carter.
Wearing a cream colored dress suit, Carter had his arms folded across his upper body as he stared through his glasses at the championship that had eluded him for so long.
“I know it’s only been three weeks but I am still having a pretty tough time believing that I finally did it. I spent so long chasing the dream that after a time it felt like the dream had started to chase me. When I was down in Sin City Underground, I thought I was on the fast track to success. I thought because I wrapped up the number of championships that I did down there, that when I got signed to SCW, all the pieces of the puzzle would fall into place in the same success I enjoyed in SCU I would enjoy here.”Carter shook his head derisively.
“I was wrong. SCW proved to me that I was a little fish in an ocean filled with sharks. And those sharks were hungry for my blood. The established stars were not ready to give up their spots to this plant buoyant rookie who just walked into their locker room, expecting success to fall easily to his feet. They were my wake-up call. Men like J2H, Bill Barnhart and Austin James Mercer were just a few of the veteran names who effectively put me in my place. They taught me that the road to success here was filled with speed bumps and potholes and that there would be no smooth coasting along due to past success.”
“I am not ashamed to admit that I was effectively humbled a number of times by men as great as these and a few more. And well I did manage to score some wins to my credit, I've learned, or should I say I was taught, that success in SCW was a thing far easier said than done. That's why when I won the Internet championship, I started to truly believe that things were looking up for me. And when I lost that title to Kevin Carter, I logically thought the next step up for me would be the world championship.”Carter laughed heartily at his own self-confidence.
“If only I knew then what I knew now! Every single opportunity I had at that championship slipped through my fingers. The Elite Eight tournament. Directly challenging Finn Whelan. After so many failed opportunities I was beginning to wonder if it was simply not meant to be and that the Internet Championship was my peak. I was ready to pack it in and be satisfied with a midcard role were it not for a number of loved ones that believed in me and would not let me limit myself. That is why I was able to overcome the odds and win the Elimination Chamber. And that is why I was able to take Alex Jones's foot and stick it right in his mouth for everything he did or threatened to do at my expense in an effort to either humble me or get me to back off.”
“And that's why sometimes I still wake up, wondering if it was all some sort of cosmic joke. A dream where I have to get up in the middle of the night and look for this very belt…”Carter shook his forefinger at the world title belt on display.
“... And make sure of the differences between dreams and realities.”
“And you know what the first thought that ran through my mind was? I was wondering who the higher reps were going to schedule to be my first defense against. Oh I knew well enough that I had J2H on the horizon for Summer XXXtreme since he won Blast From the Past, but I didn't want to wait that long to establish myself as a champion. I did not want to wait to prove to everyone that my win over Alex wasn't a win well-earned. I wanted to be a fighting champion. So I sat back and I waited. And it was well worth it because I did not have to wait for long. But it wasn't Mark Ward or Christian Underwood who booked me in my first defense. It was a royal decree from none other than King Guy. And the lucky recipient?”Carter turned around and had a warm, genuine smile of affection on his face.
“Artie. A man that I am proud to call a friend. A man who sat there as a guest and watched me marry the love of my life, supporting me for all that I am.”
“Now I am going to be the first to admit that Artie was not the first name that came to mind when it came to who would be challenging me for this title. I was thinking of names like Alex Jones, because he's the former champion and if anybody deserves a title opportunity, he does! There's also Eddie Lyons and Jayden Harris and the list just goes on and on. But Artie? I admit that was a surprise, and I don't mean that in a negative way. When one first takes a look at your overall record inside of the ring, I've heard some critics say that your win-loss record on paper is hardly spotless. My response to those armchair experts?”
“We wrestle on a mat. Not on paper. And when I started to come into my own and flourish, my record was no more impressive. Which leads me to believe that you are just that one decisive victory away from proving who you are and who you can be.”
“You're a sweetheart, Artie. I'll be the first to say that and say that Bobbie is truly a lucky lady to have a man like you at her side. Everything that darling friend of mine has been going through? You stood by her without question. And you did even more than that. You took up her mantle so she did not have anything to worry about in her own absence. At this time went on, you started to blossom and take yourself more seriously for one reason and one reason alone.”
“You started to believe in yourself. It became more than just you wanting to fulfill your wife's contractual obligations. Dare I say it, the wrestling bug bit you hard. And you got more involved in more dangerous situations than anybody could have ever expected! I mean, look at how you even first started inside of the ring!"
“You accidentally signed yourself up for Blast From the Past tournament last year, and a number of people got a laugh at the situation. And I admit I am ashamed to admit, I was one of them that got a few chuckles out of it. Not because I thought it was funny that you were in a situation where you could get hurt because you were inexperienced, but because I just saw the comedic nature of the lunacy behind it all. I mean, I didn't understand how such a mistake could be made, and I fully understood why you try to initially get out of it. And when it was pretty obvious that Christian was going to be a butt about it, you did the smart thing. You poor man enough to admit that you were in over your head and you went out and got the help that you needed. You got Miles. You got Fenris.”
“Willing or not, you could not have chosen any better than those two men to help give you a crash course in the art that is our sport. And even though I heard a few horror stories about what went on and that gym, like Fenris having to chase you down and drag you back kicking and screaming, I am proud of you man because it all paid off. You are here. You are real. And you don't give a damn what anybody has to say about your involvement inside of the ring!”
“And that is exactly where you and I are the same Artie. Because like me? All you want to do is prove yourself and prove to everybody else that you belong. I know how that feels man. I thought against every critic in my way to get to where I'm standing right now, and where I'm standing? It's going to be right across the ring from where you are. Because I'm willing to bet more than likely you were not expecting to be my first challenger. Especially considering who are lovely guest referee just so happens to be!”Carter drew in a deep breath and exhaled sharply while looking upward, shaking his head in faux disbelief.
“King Guy. I thought everything that he booked last year took the cake. I never expected him to be in this year's King For A Day match, let alone win it. And the moment he did, all I could do is wonder what he was going to try to do to top 2024. And when you and he got into that verbal joust on X, that's when I started to think that everything was about to go straight to hell. And I was right. Not because he put you against me, but because he had to insert himself into the equation and that left more questions unanswered.”
“Why?”
“You're my friend Artie. And I don't use that word very often. I've always kept a close circle around me, and you just happen to be one of the special few in my life that I cherish. And deep down, maybe that's why Guy booked this match. He's not normal.”Carter tapped his head with a finger.
“He has a twisted mindset when it comes to people who cross or disagree with him. He will want to get even, he will want to teach a lesson by his own admission. The problem is, which one of us is he going to want to take to school? I mean, it’s a given that both of us have called him out in the past. So does he want to see me lose the title so soon after winning it, or does he want to see you in what he hopes is an embarrassing situation?”Carter shrugged.
“Who knows? But, what I do know is what I want to see. I want to see his face filled with disappointment when nothing he wants to see happens. I want to see you and me bring the house down in my first defense and the biggest match of your own career to date! I want to see Guy pout and complain when you and I give him a front row seat filled with disappointment when we don’t try to kill one another but we do put on a kick ass display for the people that do matter!”
"Artie, we've been through a lot together, inside and outside of this business. And I value our friendship. I’ve learned the hard way to keep those close to me, close. But when we step into that ring, everything changes. The Artie that I know, he's gone. In there, you're the challenger who’s out to take something that belongs to me. And I'm the champion who's not going to let it happen. Our differences, the fact that only one of us can walk out with that title, that's going to overshadow everything else. I'm going to do whatever it takes to retain what's mine.”Carter took that one step forward and clasped his hands together.
“So, this is it. This is the last thing that I'm going to say before I face somebody that holds such a special place in my life. Someone who has become a favorite of both the fans as well as the locker room. You, Artie. I need you to listen and to understand something.”He leaned in closely toward the camera, beckoning it forward with a wave of the finger.
“I am not going to drop this championship so easily after everything I went through to win it! I am not going to lose this championship a mere two weeks into my very first reign! I am not going to lose this championship one week after that momentous celebration and making a fool of myself!”
“I am sorry Artie, truly. I love you like a brother but it just is not going to happen.”Carter walked off camera and the last thing seen was one final shot of the World Championship belt before the screen faded to black.
