[Gabriel]

 January 25th

(Continued from http://www.scwrestling.net/boards/index.php?showtopic=4650. Scroll to the end, go on, I dare ya)

Ummmm, wow

"So, do you?"

"I..." I stumble out

My eyes peer over the blood red body of the Bugatti Veyron 2013, my mind and odd blank, call it surprise, or shock or something just not ringing true.

I know this should set me over the moon but what's that in the back of my mind? It will no doubt come clearer soon

Odette pushes me in the chest, breaking my own thoughts.

"You hate it, don't you?" She says sadly "It's the wrong colour or something"

"No" I stumble out "It's amazing, it's just wow"

Odette smiles, slightly reassured by my words. I quickly wrap my arms around her tighter, lifting her off her feet.

"Thank you" my voice breaks past my lips

I spin her around, kissing her softly on the lips.

"It's perfect" I say as I pull away from her lips and stare deep in to her eyes. "Thank you again"

I spin her around, leaning her on the front of the car.

"Careful" Odette says with a giggle, her hands around my neck "Don't want to scratch the car"

"Nope" I reply with a wink "But there is something else I wanna do with the car"

Odette smiles and rolls her eyes.

"So by with, you mean on?" Odette says with a laugh.

I open my mouth, in fake shock.

"Odette Nicole Ryder!" I say, sounding as shocked as I possibly can "I love the way you think!"

Ok, so this is where you lot stop watching, cause it turns in to a bit of a scene from Fifty Shades here. Go use your imagination or something



So let's skip forward a few hours, shall we?

A FEW HOURS LATER

Thank you.

I sit in the Bugatti Veyron 2013, alone in the garage, staring at the start button, to fire this new bad boy up. I move my finger closer to the button.

I can't do it

I pull my finger away from the button.

Why you're gonna ask. Why have I got this dream car and struggling to even wanna get this thing up and started? That little bit of doubt, that thing I couldn't work out earlier, it hit me at the most unwanted time. Yep, through the fifty shades moment, it hit me like a slap in the face. I need to take you all back a few years. Now I'm going to state right now, that this story is not about the actions, but about the deceptions, got it? Good

I take a deep breath

Some years ago, back when the internet was just learning to crawl, and the millions of ways to make money on it was limited, I had this girl. Alright, she was nothing special to be fair, looked ok in the right light, but had a couple of great assets, and yes, you get exactly what I mean. She found a way to make money on the internet and all you needed was a webcam, also yes, you get exactly what I mean. Pictures, little shows, selling them to seedy little sites for men to knock one out over, you get the picture. I found out, I went ape shit, I kicked her arse to the curb, I got the water works thrown back at me, and being the soft fuck I was back then, I gave in, gave her a second chance. Nothing really spectacular about that, eh? Now this is really the first time I've seen deception up close

I roll my eyes

All of a sudden, I was getting showered in gifts. Now I'd just started using this whole "while you're looking at my right hand, you're not seeing what my left hand is doing" thing, and in this case, I was looking at the right hand like a sucker. I shoulda seen what was going on. I think what really gave it away was borrowing cash to get home one night, to coming back and giving me something worth ten times more three hours later. Oh yes, she was flashing her tits on the internet again. That was her left hand, but I was so blinded by the gifts in the right hand, I never saw the left hand. Sadly, a very true story just got told, a painful one from the past. I kicked her away again, heard from her not long ago, trying to not make amends, but trying to free her soul. Ten years on darling, your soul will never be clean.

I smirk at my own thought

So what does this have to do with me not starting a car? This car is that memory all over again. No you perverted fucks, Odette is not flashing her tits on the internet, you're not that lucky, but so great shots on the net anyway, but this car, it's the right hand, I'm watching the fucking right hand again. More explanation needed, right?

I shrug

Ok, here you go. For two or three years, I've been working at the Luxor, I have been the main draw and now all of a sudden, some jumped up fuzzy haired comedian gets let in on board negotiations and things like that? Before I continue, I don't hate Carrot Top, I don't really like the guy either, take a close look at my eyes in any picture you'll see of me and him online, look at my eyes. Tell me then if I really wanna be standing that close to him. Guess it's another thing to hide behind the mask, but don't worry, I'm not the only one to have a mask, even the sweet and innocent lie, they just hide it behind fluttering eyelashes. Anyway, back to the story.

I rest my hand on the steering wheel.

So year, for years, I was the draw of the Luxor and now business is down? Bullshit! I sell out every time I'm there. I was the face of the Luxor, I was the one that got that place on the map with the things I do. Another thing for the Google generation to do, go see pics from my show, you tell me if you see any empty seats. My contract is up in a month, and I have been replaced by my girlfriend! And she doesn't even realized she replaced me! I know I got another contract offer on the table, but when a comedian gets let in on things and the biggest draw they have there, yeah, I out sell your show two to one Carrot Top, no one gets to walk up on the day of my show and still finds tickets left, doesn't even get a heads up that he's being replaced by his girlfriend, than the Luxor clearly has no respect. Let's see how their business does without me there, shall we?

I reach in to my pocket, pulling out my phone and quickly unlocking it. I scroll through the phone book with my thumb and hit Synn's number, lifting the phone to my ear and waiting until Synn answers.

"Hello, Synn? How's things? Ah good. Listen, that new contract offer from The Luxor, rip it up, I don't want it." I inform Synn "No, they're having changes.... I'm not longer the face of the place apparently..... Oh you wouldn't believe it if I told ya.... Odette.... Nope, I didn't even get given a heads up from the Luxor or Odette, I just got a new car.... The MGM made a decent offer and yes, I know it's less money, more work, but I wanna look at that one again... Nah, no intentions of re-signing with the Luxor, been replaced, I'm sure O will get them in a few people.... No, I have thought about it. Apparently, comedians get let in on stuff and sets up hirings these days.... Nah, I don't think she gets it that she is replacing me, but fuck it, change is good.... Ah buddy, you have no idea how much change I really wanna make at this moment in time.... Well, be a manager and get the best deal out there for me, if not, I'll stick to wrestling and making other changes in my life.... I'll swing by soon to talk options. Later bud!"

I slide the phone back in to my pocket

Ok, so you see what I'm talking about now? The car feels like a distraction from the simple fact of the Luxor management showing me very little respect for all I've done for them. The car is meant to be a distraction from the fact that now, nine times out of ten, I won't see Odette, because she'll be at parties for you. Thanks Luxor, you've took what already feels like a rocky relationship and took her further away from me. Doesn't matter though, eh? A single Odette would probably do you lot a huge favour. Either way, I'm now sitting in a shiny right hand, while the left hand is full of me not seeing my girlfriend, watching her cosying up to other stars for publicity pictures and all that bullshit, watching what we had fall apart, because I don't matter as much as other stuff, while I become ninth best to something else in her life. Fan-fucking-tastic

I open the car door and step out, shutting the door behind me.

Maybe I'll drive the distraction later



January 27th.

Gabriel looks out briefly but long enough for CC to clothesline him from behind! CC Irish whips him into the ropes and goes for a backdrop but Gabriel turns around and uses the momentum to land on his feet behind CC! Canadian Crippler turns around and Gabriel kicks him in the stomach, then drops him the X Factor! Wasting no time, Gabriel grabs CC into the upside down position and gets a running start... and hits the running K Driver!

Adams: Avada Kadavra!

Rey tries getting into the ring but Despayre grabs his legs and pulls him right back out as Gabriel makes the cover!

1.....
2.....
3!

The crowd explodes in cheers! Despayre slides inside of the ring and tackles Gabriel on the mat in a fierce and jubilant embrace while Rey looks on from the outside in sheer shock!

Adams: They did it! They did it!

Simone: History has been made ladies and gentlemen! We have brand new champions!

"Gabriel?" Odette's voice is heard saying.

What a great night? New NWA Tag Team champions baby! It was like all the years have paid off and I'm not on a bigger stage, now with a bigger target on my arse, but a bigger stage none the less. Despayre and I earned this one. Maybe we should have got involved in this stuff sooner, but if we hold this gold half as long as we held the SCW gold, it would be a great achievement.

"Gabriel?" Odette's Australian accent is heard saying once more

My eyes fire open as I look around the first class area of a plane.

Yes, just hours after that win, dead of the night when we took off, I find myself sitting on a plane, on a sixteen hour flight to Australia. I didn't exactly get the "hey, wanna come to Australia with me?" I got a Twitter hint. I figured I might as well spend as much time with her as I can, before I slide down the important list again. Maybe this will fix some stuff.

I look down on my lap to see the NWA Tag Team title resting on my lap, and look to my left, to see a tired looking Odette Ryder.

Both of us came off tough matches earlier, I'm surprised she wanted to head back home so soon.

I reach down, squeezing her hand with my free hand, causing her to smile.

"You've been quiet since we got on the plane" Odette mentions

"Tired" I reply "That match took more out of me than I thought"

Odette puts her hand on my shoulder, rubbing it softly.

"Did you get injured?" She asks, straightening up in her seat.

"No, just tired." I reply "Gonna be a lot more tiring now I got this thing but on the bright side, at least I'll be home every night"

Odette smiles at me.

"Thank you for coming out here with me" Odette says, running her fingers down my arm to my hand.

"All good" I reply "Spending time with you is always great."

Odette lifts the arm rest in between us and shuffles towards me, putting her head on my on my chest. I put my arm around her shoulder. Odette runs her left hand across my NWA title.

"I like gold" She says sleepily, tapping her fingers on the belt "Think I might need some gold too"

I look down at Odette, her eyes closed, slowly drifting off in to a world of sleep. I sigh deeply and run my free hand through her hair.

Might as well let her sleep. Gives me a little time to think. Things have been rough with us lately as you all know, looks like things might get worse with all the new stuff happening. Let's hope we get some time together and fix some of the things that seem to be going bad.



29th January

"Are you sure you don't wanna come with me?" Odette asks me "We really need to get out there and help the people who need it."

Odette's eyes stare in to mine as we stand in the den of Black Ridge Station, the farm of Odette's parents. I glance at the king size bed in the room, the very room they will be staying in. Bright colours fill the room as I look around at the new surrounding I find myself in.

Ok, so maybe this isn't going to plan as much as I expected. Odette has a huge heart and the troubles in Australia has really hit home lately. Fires, floods, Australia has been hit hard. I feel for Australia, I do, I feel like more can be done and I feel sorry for the people who have to deal with all this stuff on a regular basis, I wish I could do more but let's be realistic. I know people feel their connection to home, but we can't go rushing home every time there's trouble in the homeland. This is different from what England gets, I mean I'm pretty sure during the London riots, I couldn't get home and say "Oi, dickheads, stop ruining the city that gave you life, and get a fucking job". I guess this is different because this is a natural disaster.

"Darling" I start "You're the star in Australia, not me. I know my place when I'm here. In England, my popularity is higher, but here, you're the hometown star, you can get out there and make a difference. Me, not so much"

Odette puts her arms around my neck

"You're popular here" she reassures me

"Just a guy who is dating Odette Ryder here. Envy of many men" I reply with a smile "Besides, you got hired to do the television appeal to make people aware, try and open peoples eyes"

Odette sighs at me disappointingly

"But I want you there" she tells me sadly.

Is she gonna say the same when she's partying with the A list?

"Alright" I reply standing up. "But you gotta drive because I don't know my arse from my elbow around here"

I stand up and turn to Odette, bending down slightly to kiss her on the forehead.

Let's fast forward an hour, shall we?



A press conference set up is seen in the Gladstone community hall. Camera crews set up their cameras as a man walks on stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen" the man starts "What is happening with our country is bringing dark times to our nation, and we must make people aware. We have many great supporters, and we'd like to introduce one to talk about how people can help out. Flying in from America to speak to you all, please welcome Odette Ryder"

Flashbulbs and a slight round of applause as Odette walks out from behind a curtain and she takes a seat next to the man. I stand at the back of the room, leaning on a wall.

People love her here, she really doesn't need me here. Her big heart is one of the million reasons that I love her. These people will listen to every word she says. She really is magic when she starts talking. It's that personality that draws people to her. Her popularity can only help

I stand watching Odette, a sense of pride and loss hits me like a runaway train.

Loss, eh? Won't lie, expected that feeling to hit me at some point. This is the kind of thing she'll be doing a lot in the future. The Luxor gig has no meaning in comparison to what's going on here, but her popularity will grow and she will end up doing this kinda thing more in the future. I'll just fade in to the background like I am here. Pride comes before a fall so I hear, my fall is the sense of loss.

Odette's passion fills the room as I continue to watch

This will have Australians everywhere opening up their doors to the less fortunate. She's like the pied piper, just playing the music and getting people interested in things.

Odette talks firmly, yet bubbly to the people in attendance.

You know what? This isn't gonna get us anywhere right now. Let's just go with it ended with a huge round of applause, a happy looking Odette, and my eyes very much wider open.



Later that night....

I sit on a bed in the home of Odette Ryder's parents home. my eyes look down at a laptop, just staring at various sites, Twitter, Facebook, SCW's home page, the usual three you'll find open on my browser at any given time. The sound of water running in the background is heard in the background. The sound of a Skype call catches my attention. I look down to see a picture of Fantasia

Fantasia? Not Synn? Not Despayre? Yes, Fantasia. It was my idea actually. You see for the first time in a long time, all three active sins are on one show, on their own. Well, not on their own, but Despayre isn't teaming with me, so I came up with the idea of Shane focusing as usual on Rage, they're actually pretty alike. I figured that Synn would need to dedicate all his time to Despayre and try and explain to him about this tournament, that he may have just won the NWA titles with me, but for the time being, he is teaming with Karina and not me, so I suggested this weeks team talk comes from Fantasia. Shit, the woman has forgot more about wrestling than most people know.

I click the button and Fantasia's face appears on the screen.

"Hey honey!" Fantasia says, her voice full of energy.

"Hey there, you alright?" I ask

"Disappointed" Fantasia replies "Disappointed you're in Australia and didn't say G'day."

"Funny stuff" I say with a dry tone.

"Where's the lovely Odette?" Fantasia asks

"Shower" I reply "Then I actually get to spend some time with her"

"Things up in the air?" Fantasia asks

"Nope" I reply "I'm just low on the list of importance. Which confuses me"

"Why?" Fantasia asks

"Cause she's been hinting at me asking a very big question." I reply "But I've played dumb a little, because something doesn't feel right"

"Sixth sense kicking in I see" Fantasia says with a smirk.

"Yeah" I reply "One minute, I get a hint, next minute, feels like Gabriel who? I love her dearly but she needs to be a lot clearer with things."

"Marriage isn't for everyone and when we first met Odette, she had no intentions of marriage" Fantasia replies "She made it very clear if you watch the promos. She made it clear that she was hooked on some guy and all of a sudden, she meets you, her views change. Isn't that sign enough?"

"Two months ago, yes" I reply "Now, everything comes before me"

"And yet she still wants to marry you" Fantasia says rolling her eye "She still wants your last name.... if you have one"

"Of course I have one" I reply "I don't know. I need a bit of a more clearer sign, than a hint and than whacked on the back burner"

I shake my head.

"Anyway, wrestling, let's talk about that" I say, changing the subject as the tap stops and the sound of water stops running "Need to know about these people. Never really had a conversation with my partner, but gotta admit, I'm actually pretty excited about teaming with a superhero"

Fantasia rolls her eyes

"You're such a child" Fantasia says "Her name is Roxi Johnson, or Crab Girl if you wanna play superhero."

"I know that much" I reply "I'm a big fan of her stuff. Her promos are top notch. Gotta admit, out of all in this competition, I am absolutely over the moon I drew her as a partner."

"Again, such a child" Fantasia tells me, causing a smile from me "She thinks she's a famous superhero, been wrestling for a while, using her natural athleticism to her advantage. I think you might have drawn a good partner here, possible winners"

"I agree. Got a great chance of winning this with Roxi as my partner, the woman is great." I reply, now, opponents time. Casper Grey"

"Casper Grey, new aged version of Hot Stuff. Cocky, confident, brash, rich kid" Fantasia tells me.

"Fucking hell, another rich one. Since Hawkes debuted here, everyone with money seems to just appear" I say with a slow shake of the head "Doesn't anyone read gimmicks anymore before stealing them. We got Hawkes, Grey, Daniel Tyler. Kingdom to be original please. What else you know about him?"

"B movie star, porn star, director, etc" Fantasia says.

"Every bad gimmick rolled in to one, brilliant" I reply, shaking my head slowly again "Attitude of Hot Stuff, gimmick of James Huntington-Hawkes III. Just what every fed needs."

"Don't take him lightly because he seems to have a part of every crap wrestling gimmick you've ever seen" Fantasia says with a serious look on her face "He's not too bad in the ring. His movies have a lot to be desired but he's decent in the ring. Works hard, fair bit of agility. You guys should work well in the ring together but he shouldn't be too much of a danger if you stay focused on it. Could be a big name player in the future, but you don't wanna be the one he uses to get noticed"

I nod in agreement

"And Ragdoll?" I ask

"Not that you'll be in the ring with her but..." Fantasia starts "Former SCW Bombshell Roulette champion, did well when she started, faded out a little lately. Not sure if it's something she's give up on or if there's another reason but she's gone off the boil lately. Roxi should have absolutely no problems with dealing with her"

"Works for me" I reply

"Just focus on Grey, trust in your partner to do the rest. One on one, Roxi would take care of Ragdoll" Fantasia says "You just deal with Grey"

"Deal with Grey, got it" I say with a thumbs up "What style is he?"

"Technical, loves a submission" Fantasia informs me

"Got it" I reply "Can you dig in to his past a little for me, in terms of matches?"

"You got it" Fantasia says cheerfully "Will get you a few links honey"

"Cheers love" I say sincerely

The bathroom door opens and Odette Ryder walks out with a bathrobe around her. Her hair flowing wildly and untamed down her shoulders.

"Whoa" I slowly say

"And that is my cue to leave" Fantasia replies "Hi O!"

"Hey Fantasia" Odette calls out.

"Have a good night you two" Fantasia says, winking at me.

The screen goes blank and Odette sits down on the bed next to me.

Another fifty shades moment? Eh, why not? Bye for now

I close the lid of the laptop, shuffling up to Odette, sitting up and putting my arms around her waist, kissing her on the neck....

I said bye!

The scene fades out



Black Ridge Station, the farm of Odette's wonderful parents. I sit outside, listening to the creatures in the dark night, moving around in the night. I sit on the porch of the house, just staring around. I take a deep breath, looking down at the NWA title around my waist. I look up, the surroundings meeting my eyes for the first time.

"What a rush these last few weeks have been"

I point down to the NWA tag team title around my waist

"One minute, I'm losing the SCW tag team titles, the next I have a contract in my hand, with the initials NWA written above it. Once my name was written underneath it, this title sitting here around my waist was a given. It was always gonna find it's way to me, always. EWA was a formality, Canadian Connection, another formality, and then this SCW tournament turns up and I will level with you, I had absolutely no interest in it at all, none at all, but than I light bulb jumped up above my head."

I point upwards.

"See I knew I was on course to becoming the NWA tag team champion, with Despayre. Have you ever heard the term success breeds success? It's actually true and I knew one success would lead to another and the tournament appears before my eyes, living proof. When I go on and win it, success breeds success will have more meaning. You see, I give things meaning. When Despayre and I took the tag titles in SCW, we gave them a whole new meaning, every single minute I held that title, I gave it meaning, every time I'm around something, I give it new meaning. When I got the opportunity to become an NWA champion, I took it with both hands and this title now will have new meaning. This mixed tag team tournament, it's the first one ever in SCW, I will give it more meaning by winning it."

A smirk crosses my face

"I have nothing but faith and trust in my tag team partner, high amounts of respect for Roxi Johnson, she in indeed on the side of good. The good guys always win, people want to see the good guys win, Roxi Johnson is one of them, someone who fights for good. She fights for the greater good and the greater good is giving this tournament some meaning."

I stand up, leaning on a wooden post

"So the tournament, a great distraction from other things weighing on my mind, but those things weighing heavy, will be turned around. Not matter what the situation, anything can be harnessed in to a power, in to some kind of force for good and everything that has been going on to me lately, it will drive me on. The longer I go on, and on in this tournament, the more I can show a more aggressive side. I have no intention of stepping away from this tournament, I indeed to go all the way in this thing."

I rub my chin

"I understand that I have many friends in this tournament. Rage, Despayre, my very own Odette, but do you think for a second that these guys don't have their eyes on the prize? No one likes to lose, all four of us would love to have our names as the first ever in The Blast From The Past tournament history section. Rage will try and rip my head off if we meet in the ring. Despayre against me, Odette against me, well, you take a guess. I am in this to give this tournament credibility."

I lean forward and I lift the NWA tag title belt above my shoulder.

"That makes my intentions clear, but now let's talk about my opponents. Becky Jones, otherwise known as Ragdoll. I've seen you since you've been here, takes a lot to unseat someone such as Alexis Morrison to become a champion. My hat is indeed off to you, it's without a shadow of a doubt something, that all should take note of. I expect my partner has already taken note of what you have to offer and is no doubt working out how to combat all you have to throw at us. I have sat watching your matches Becky, but to me, having watched Roxi, I think you have absolutely no change in hell of ever advancing in this tournament. Roxi should have absolutely no problem dealing with you."

I clear my throat

"I have been told to keep to my end of the team. Focus on Casper Grey"

I exhale a long breath.

"I've asked about you Casper, spoke to many people who tell me the same thing. They're constantly telling me what an amazing talent you could be. How SCW is lucky to have you, how you are the future. Well hello future, meet the present. Your present predicament is one that's slightly unfortunate. I know to become who you're meant to be, you have to start now, by defeating all that stands before you, but unfortunately for you, you will not start your future, by defeating this guy. This guy kinda has a pretty decent record if you've took the time to check it out Casper. If you have, you'd have seen the great things I've done too. While you strive to hit the heights in your future, I've done them, which means I've beaten many guys bigger and better than you. I had a little click on your SCW bio, you got a thing for the NWA. I commend you for that Casper, a lot of people shy away from it. A lot of people don't like the challenge, fear they're in over their heads. Clearly by this thing"

I quickly point to the title belt

"I'm not one of them. Your interest in NWA should make you already know how tough it is there and for me to have this title, clearly, I'm one of the best. From what I've heard about you, you too someday will be one of the best, holding the gold there for SCW, everyone proud of Casper, three cheers for Casper, but your journey doesn't start this week with me, maybe next week, but certainly not this week."

I smile

"I do hope you go on and do well Casper, I do. You are, from what I hear, the man to come, for years to come, no porn joke intended there, but I would get a kick out of being the last man to beat you for a while. The future starts soon for you Casper, just not this week"

I turn my head as Odette Ryder walks out of the door behind me. Odette smiles at me and waves. I turn back and smile at the camera.

"Believe that!"

I walk towards Odette, lifting her off her feet, spinning her around and kissing her softly on the lips. I flick my fingers behind Odette's back, and towards the camera. The camera backs away as the scene fades out.