((OOC: Sorry this RP was kinda rushed at the end...serious writer's block all week had me scrambling to finish today.))Friday November 29th"I could be making a mistake. Lord only knows how Seth is going to react when he finds out why I'm headed to California early, and more importantly, who I will be staying with. But, I don't even care right now. Seth can get pissed all he wants. Drake and I are just friends, and I haven't seen him in a couple months."When we last saw Misty, her Thanksgiving was coming to a close, and for her, it was an unexpected successful day at that. The family she thought still hated her all surprised her by coming over to her house and cooking their Thanksgiving meal there, even bringing Misty's five year old daughter Eden with them. After expecting to spend the day miserably alone, Misty had more than enough to feel thankful for this holiday.
But that was yesterday. Today, though? She's on a plane, headed to California a few days early, looking forward to visiting someone who has been a good friend to her recently. Earlier in the week Drake Green had come out of hiding, following his wrongful firing at the hands of Hot Stuff Mark Ward, as he reappeared on Twitter and invited Misty to spend a few days at his place in California for Thanksgiving. If her situation were just a bit different at the moment, she probably wouldn't have accepted, but that being said...She gladly accepted Drake's offer, and that is where she is headed now.
"I better get into a better mood, and quick. I don't need Drake giving me the third degree if I let this crap with Seth keep me in a horrible mood. "But she can't help but think about Seth as she sits in her seat on the plane quietly, as it's headed to California. She hasn't spoken to Seth since Sunday night at Climax Control, but the two did exchange single text messages Thanksgiving night, each wishing the other a Happy Thanksgiving. But that was it...Nothing more...nothing less. And Misty doesn't know how she is supposed to feel about it. The flight attendant walks down the aisle, checking on the passengers, when she stops in the row Misty is seated, and looks at her. Misty has her head turned, looking at the clouds just out the window.
Flight Attendant: Excuse me, ma'am? Is there anything else I can get you? It's last call for any refreshments.
Misty turns her attention to the flight attendant, looking at her with a polite smile, and she shakes her head.
Misty: No, thank you.
Flight Attendant: Ok. If you change your mind, let me know soon.
Misty nods affirmatively, but she won't change her mind. She turns and looks out the window again.
"I can't help but wonder how Drake is doing though. Poor guy had to deal with so much crap from Mark and then to be fired like he was? Hell, I was ready to confront Mark on it myself, but...Well, Drake doesn't need me to fight his battles."Misty looks out the window for the remainder of the flight, until she spots the airport just in the distance, pointing out the plane would be landing soon. The rest of the passengers are instructed to fasten their safety belts, and a short while later, the plane makes its descent down to the airport. It takes several minutes for the plane to pull into the terminal, which for Misty is the worst part. She may be well accustomed to flying at this point in her life, but even shorter flights just tend to get to her. She is relieved a short while later as the passengers are given the okay to exit the plane and make their way into the airport.
Misty grabs her duffel bag from the overhead compartment, then slowly follows behind the rest of the passengers as they exit the plan. Once Misty has made her way down the terminal's corridor, she spots the somewhat familiar face of Drake Green standing there waiting for her about ten feet away. Misty stares at him for a moment, making sure it really is Drake, though the smile on his face should have given it away.
"Good Lord...Unemployment does not suit him."Misty: Drake! My God...what are you wearing?
Misty walks up to Drake, and the two embrace in a friendly hug. Misty takes a step back to assess this version of Drake Green in front of her. He is wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans, but the kicker in his whole appearance? His beard.
Drake: Hello to you, too, Misty.
Misty: I'm sorry. Hey Drake. Now, answer my question. What the hell are you wearing?
"He really does look a lot better in those suits of his...If he even still owns them."Drake: Hey, don't knock the outfit. This is actually pretty comfortable.
Misty nods and manages to let herself smile, but she looks at his face and the beard that has grown quite a bit since she last saw him.
Misty: Okay, the clothes I can understand, but Drake...the beard? Really? That thing is out of control.
Drake runs his hand through his thick beard and smiles before he just shrugs Misty's observation of his appearance off.
Drake: I happen to like my beard, thank you very much.
Drake takes Misty's duffel bag and carries it for her as the two walk away from the terminal.
Misty: So, let me get this straight. Mark fires you and suddenly you don't care about your appearance? Am I right?
"Why am I asking him that? He'll deny it when it's blatantly obvious that is the case."Drake looks at Misty from the corner of his eyes as they continue walking towards the airport's exit.
Drake: Don't tell me you're going to insult my appearance the whole time you're here. I don't need to look special for anyone right now, and like I said...I'm perfectly happy with my beard and my choice of clothes.
Misty just shrugs his response off, deciding it is best to get off the topic of how his look has changed.
Misty: You're right. I'm sorry. But I'll say this. When we get to your place, if it's the bachelor pad that I'm imagining, and it's a mess, my O.C.D will kick in and I'll have to clean for you.
Drake: Damn. If I'd have known that, I'd have purposely made it mess. I've always wanted to see you in a French Maid outfit.
"Okay, I walked into that comment."Drake looks at Misty with an amused smile and gives her a wink. She gives him a stern look, though she is a bit amused by it herself.
Misty: Oh gee, I'm sorry...I didn't think to bring my french maid outfit with me...Whoops.
Misty laughs sarcastically, and Drake looks at her before responding, very matter-of-factly.
Drake: That shouldn't be a problem. I have one set aside at my place, just in case.
Misty's jaw drops open in surprise and Drake again winks at her.
"Okay. That I was not expecting. At least his sense of humor hasn't changed."Misty: You're joking, right? If you think--
Drake: Yes, I'm joking...Relax.
Misty rolls her eyes as they make their way out of the airport and through the parking lot. Misty is expecting to be led to a high class expensive car that Drake was normally seen in, but instead, she gets yet another surprise as Drake is apparently now driving a Range Rover. Misty raises an eyebrow, but ultimately stays quiet. Drake looks at her before they get into his car.
Drake: What? Now you have a problem with my car?
Misty shakes her head and opens the passenger side door as Drake tosses her duffel bag into the back seat.
Misty: Did I say that? I'm hardly one to judge what someone drives. I drive a Ford Edge for crying out loud. It's not exactly a luxury vehicle. I'm just used to seeing you be chauffeured around, that's all.
Drake: Whatever you say. At least I know when you see my place you won't have anything negative to say about it.
Misty: You sure about that? After all...I've been known to be a negative nancy lately.
"What the hell did I just say?"Drake raises an eyebrow and looks at Misty, trying not to laugh.
Drake: How old are you again? That's something my grandmother would say.
Misty rolls her eyes and laughs as she gets into the passenger seat, and Drake gets in the driver's side behind the wheel.
Misty: Alright, I'll stop making jokes about your appearance as long as you don't bring up anymore age jokes. Do we have a deal?
Drake thinks for a moment, causing Misty to wonder if he won't agree. Apparently, the idea of cracking age jokes with Misty is too tempting, but ultimately, he shakes Misty's hand, agreeing to her deal.
Drake: Fair enough. Although, I can't promise that one or two might accidentally slip out from time to time. But, I won't make any on purpose.
Misty: Yeah...I'm sure you won't. Let's go...I'm ready to see this magnificent house of yours.
Drake nods with a smile then starts the engine. He backs out of the parking space and Drake drives away from the airport.
******************************
"I definately wasn't expecting Drake's place to look like this. It's definately secluded like I was expecting, but who ever thought something like this would be hidden in the mountains?"We fast forward a few hours to the home of Drake Green. His house, well mansion almost, is hidden in the mountains in California, leaving the former SCW Heavyweight Champion to himself to enjoy the peace and quiet, along with the wildlife around him.
Inside his house, Drake and Misty are enjoying some wine after finishing their "post Thanksgiving" Thanksgiving meal. Although the weather in California is hardly cold compared to what Misty had grown accustomed to, growing up in the Chicago area, Drake still decided to build a fire in the fireplace. The two are seated on Drake's sofa, sipping on their wine and overall, looking to be enjoying each other's company. As Drake takes a sip of his wine, Misty decides to change the subject of their conversation up just a bit.
Misty: Drake, be honest with me here. Are you really enjoying this seclusion? Are you really happy that you're not wrestling anymore?
"I'm sure he'll lie a bit with his answer. Silence is good every now and then, but every day? I'm no stranger to how that feels."Drake thinks for a moment, deciding the best way to answer Misty's question. He stares at the fireplace for a few seconds, then shrugs.
Drake: Don't get me wrong, there is a lot that I miss about SCW, but I kinda like the peace and quiet here. Not to mention I don't have to put up with Mark's bullshit all the time.
Misty: What about the fans? You lived for the fans, Drake. Don't take this the wrong way, but are you fine with being Mister Mountain Man? Literally?
Drake cracks a smile at that comment as he takes another drink of his wine. Misty does the same as she waits for him to answer.
Drake: Just because I live in the mountains, that doesn't automatically make me Mister Mountain Man, Misty.
Misty: True, but I wasn't just talking about where you live. This...
Misty reaches forward and touches Drake's beard. He smirks a bit, not even bothering to hide the fact that he is enjoying that.
"Well...at least it's clean..."Misty: This isn't really you. At least, it's not the Drake I know.
Drake: I thought you liked some facial hair on a man?
Misty nods and finishes off her glass of wine, setting the empty glass on the table in front of them.
Misty: Key word being "some", Drake.
Drake nods, then goes quiet for a moment. He gets an idea in his head, then he, too, finishes of his glass of wine. After setting the empty glass next to Misty's, he holds a finger up, signaling he'll be just a minute and he stands up, walking into another room. Misty turns and watches him disappear down one of the hallways, wondering what he could be up to. She gets her answer about a minute later when Drake walks out of the other room, waving a pair of clippers in his hand. Misty tosses her head back and laughs.
Misty: Drake, you know I'm just kidding with you, right?
Drake: I don't think you are. So, we're going to do each other a favor because I'm going to let you be the one to shave this out of control beard.
"Way to make me feel like a bitch, Drake. He can't be serious...Can he?"Misty stares at Drake as he walks over to her, holding the clippers out to her. She blinks, debating in her head if she's going to do what Drake is suggesting. Drake waves the clippers in front of her.
Drake: You know you want to, so I'm giving you permission. But decide quickly because this offer stands only for the next minute. After that, I'm going to be full on mountain man from here on out.
Misty looks back and forth between Drake and the clippers as Drake counts down the seconds until his offer expires. Just when Drake is about to walk away, Misty yanks the clippers out of his hand and stands up from the sofa. Drake has a satisfied smirk on his face.
Misty: Alright. Go sit down, and don't worry, I'm not going get rid of it all. A little fuzz is good.
Misty walks past Drake, heading just beyond his large living room. She pulls a chair into the middle of the hardwood floor and when she turns around, Drake is standing in front of her, shirtless. Misty's eyes widen a bit as she can't help but stare at Drake's chest.
"Whoa...was not expecting that. At least he's still in shape."Misty: You didn't have to take off your shirt you know...
Drake: Hell yeah, I did. I can't stand having little hairs get stuck to my shirt and make me all itchy.
Misty shrugs and Drake takes a seat. She stands in front of him, looking at him and his ferocious beard.
Misty: If you say so. You ready?
Drake nods.
Drake: Do your thing. I trust you.
Misty: Alright. Here goes.
Misty then turns on the clippers, slowly bringing them to Drake's face as if giving him time to back out of it should he really decide to. He doesn't so much as flinch as Misty brings the clippers up to his face and begins shaving off his overgrown beard and she can't help but smile just a bit as she does so.
A little while later, after she is done shaving most of his beard off his face, Misty helps get rid of the remnants of it. She sweeps the hair off the floor, throwing it in the trash, then walks over to Drake as he is dusting himself off. She looks at her handy work and smiles.
Misty: Not bad for my first shot. No one has ever let me shave their beard before. Not that I've really had to.
"Ok, Drake...You can put your shirt back on. Who am I kidding? He's doing this on purpose."Misty tries not to stare at Drake's chest, more importantly a few clumps of his beard that he obviously missed as they are clinging to his chest. Drake looks at Misty, pretending as though he doesn't notice what is clearly nagging her, and him as well.
Drake: Well the job is all yours if you want it. Next time my beard gets out of control, you're my personal hair dresser...so to speak.
Misty laughs, but the fact that Drake allows that little clump of his beard hair to stay on his chest begins to bug her to no end. He leaves it there for as long as he can, until Misty is the one to finally do something about it.
Misty: I can't take it anymore! That is just bugging the shit out of me...
"I have a feeling I'm going to regret this...or maybe not."Misty slowly reaches towards Drake's chest and brushes the hair away just as slowly, and he looks down at her as she does. Once the hair is gone, Misty looks up at Drake, their eyes meeting. Drake doesn't even skip a beat as he leans down, bringing his lips to hers. The two share a passionate kiss, and Misty doesn't even fight it.
"Oh I'm going to be in so much trouble...But damn, he's a good kisser..."Misty and Drake stumble back a few feet and fall to the sofa, still locked in the passionate kiss, as the scene fades out.
******************************
Wednesday December 4th
Newark, CaliforniaThe scene opens up a few days later, inside a restaurant just down the street from the venue for December to Dismember II. It's lunchtime, and relatively quiet considering the hour, but seated at a table across the restaurant, we find Misty staring out the window. She looks to be daydreaming as she doesn't even notice Spike Staggs walk up to the table.
Spike: Misty...
"Focus Misty, focus! You and Vixen have your first title defense coming up. You can't be distracted by Seth....or Drake."Spike: Hello? Misty???
Misty continues to be too distracted by her own thoughts that she doesn't hear Spike as he continues to try and get her attention.
"Though I have to admit, Drake was able to get my mind off of all the negativity. And I can see why he enjoys living in seclusion in the mountains."Spike rolls his eyes until he finally decides to sit at the table, directly across from Misty. He puts his hand right in front of Misty's face and snaps a few times, startling her back to reality.
Spike: Damn, Misty...What the hell has you so distracted now?
"He really doesn't want to know the answer to that, nor does he need to know the answer to that."Misty: Huh? Sorry...I didn't see you get here. Thanks for meeting me here, by the way.
Spike: You didn't give me much choice. What is so important that you couldn't tell me over the phone?
A waitress walks up to the table and sets a glass of water down in front of Spike. She looks back and forth between Misty and Spike.
Waitress: Can I get you something else to drink, sir? Or are you two ready to order?
Spike shakes his head.
Spike: The water is fine, thank you.
Misty: We need a few minutes, thanks.
The waitress nods and walks away. Misty turns her attention back to Spike as she picks up her glass of ice tea and takes a sip.
Misty: I wanted to thank you, but I wanted to do it in person.
Spike: Thank me? For what?
Misty: For letting Dixie bring Eden over to my place on Thanksgiving. I honestly didn't think you would do that, nor would I have blamed you if you didn't, but...it still meant a lot to me.
Spike shrugs and he takes a drink of his water, then leans back in his chair.
Spike: I wasn't going to at first, but if I'm honest, I felt like a total asshole after our little argument last Monday.
Misty: You shouldn't. You have every right to be that way after everything I've done to you and our family....our daughter. You're trying to protect her. You always have.
"I wish I could say that I've always done the same thing, but I can't say that, can I? I've caused my daughter's tears in the past."Spike just nods, not sure of what else to say at the moment, and Misty plays with the straw in her glass.
Misty: I know you don't believe me right now, and I'll be lucky if you ever will again, but I promise you I'm not going to do anything to hurt Eden ever again. I'm not going to make her cry ever again, because I see now how completely selfish I was last year.
Spike continues to nod.
Spike: You were, but for what it's worth, I can tell you're learning from your mistakes. The only question is, what next?
Misty lifts her head, looking confused at Spike's question.
Misty: What do you mean?
Spike: I mean exactly what I asked. What is next? You said it yourself. For months now, you've been trying to prove to people you have changed, but if you ask me, you're wasting more time
telling them that. Actions speak louder than words, right? What are you planning to do next to keep it up?
"Well...with the trend I'm headed on, I'd go for the obvious answer to that question but...Yeah, that's probably not a great idea."Misty: I thought I've done plenty so far, Spike. I'm honestly out of ideas on what more I could do.
Spike: Well, for starters, it might be a good idea for you and Vixen to start acting like a team. You're not off to a fantastic start you know.
Misty rolls her eyes and takes in a deep breath. She nods and looks out the window for a second.
Misty: Tell me something I don't already know. If we fail at December to Dismember, we won't have the titles anymore. Although this time, it shouldn't be much of a problem because that bitch Darknyss won't be around. She was the problem the first--
Spike starts shaking his head, causing Misty to go quiet before she finishes that thought.
Misty: Oh come on, Spike. You know Darknyss was the key factor in both losses!
Spike: I know she played a part, but that doesn't matter right now. You need to forget about Darknyss and not think of her as the problem because you and Vixen have a bigger problem on Sunday. You're facing three teams, and all of them could potentially be a threat.
The waitress attempts to walk back over to the table to take their orders, but Misty looks at her and shakes her head.
Spike: Torielle and Chanelle work great as a team. They've been hungry for the tag team gold since they stepped foot in SCW.
Misty: Yeah, and your point? If Song and Orchid wanted the tag team gold as much as Torielle and Chanelle right now, it still wouldn't mean shit. Azz N Class haven't done anything to deserve the titles. Neither have Song and Orchid, and neither have Traci and Necra. None of these teams deserve the titles Spike, so I'm not going to let them beat me and Vixen.
Spike: You say that now, but can you guarantee it? If you keep letting yourself get distracted by your need to redeem yourself...or your relationship with that Seth guy...
Misty lets out a snorting laugh.
"If there even is a relationship between me and Seth, there won't be for long..."Spike: Okay...or lack of a relationship with Seth...But that's my point. You're so wrapped up in everything else, that you're not focusing your attention where it needs to be. Unless you don't want to, that is.
Misty raises an eyebrow.
Misty: What? Why wouldn't I want to? You don't think I want the tag team titles?
Spike shrugs.
Spike: You tell me. We all saw what Gothika said in her promo a couple weeks ago. Maybe there was some truth to what she said.
Misty folds her arms and narrows her eyes, almost looking as if she is insulted by Spike's observation.
Misty: You're joking right? Do you honestly think I'd let Gothika be right about anything?
Spike: I'm not saying you're letting her, but I think deep down, she could have a point. You're still new to the whole tag team scene. After Roxi beat you, you never got your return shot for the title, and who knows, maybe if you had, you'd have gotten it back, but...
Misty: But what, Spike? I'm perfectly happy being tag team champions right now.
Spike: Yeah, and I think you're having a hard time convincing yourself of that, but come on, Misty. Everyone knows you. You were the first Bombshell Champion. You're the only Bombshell to have held the title more than once, and not just twice, but three times. You've had an amazing singles career, but your tag team run? I can see why you're worried about it.
Misty glares at Spike for a few moments, trying her best to deny the fact that he is right, but the longer she tries to hide it, the more unsuccessful she gets. She finally lets out a sigh and growls.
Misty: Can you honestly blame me, Spike? I thought for sure Odette and I could make a difference...that we could get past all the shit that I did and that we could be an awesome tag team, but look what happened? She disappeared to who knows where and just abandoned the tag team. People hate working with me. As much as Vixen might deny it right now, I'm sure she hates it too. Granted, she got the title and became the first grandslam champ in the Bombshell Division, but nobody seems to give a crap about the Bombshell division but me. Not really.
Spike: Song and Orchid do...Well, their manager, Master Lily does. That's why she brought Song and Orchid to SCW. Whether you think so or not, people DO pay attention. You and Vixen can make a difference as much as, if not more than, you and Odette could have. You just need to focus on keeping those titles around your waists.
Really focus on that. You made a difference for the Bombshell Title, now you need to do that with the tag team titles. You and Vixen.
Misty: What if it's not enough? What if Azz N Class, Song and Orchid or Traci and Necra can do a better job? What if, as much as the Bombshell division means to me, my time is just...coming to an end?
"Did I really just say that out loud? More importantly, did I really just say that to Spike?"Spike leans forward, giving Misty a very serious look. It has been a while since Misty has seen that look in his eyes, at least around her.
Spike: You and I both know that it's bullshit. You're just psyching yourself out. The Bombshell Division needs you. SCW needs you, and we both know it.
Misty nods. She's been told that several times recently, and by many different people, and it seems to finally be sinking in. Just then, a light goes off in her head, and she takes a deep breath.
Misty: You know what, that just gave me a crazy idea.
Spike: And what would that be? I'm all ears.
Misty: I'll tell you in a minute. Right now, I want to order some lunch. I'm starving, and it could give us some time to talk things through.
Spike raises an eyebrow, now really curious, but he shrugs and agrees. Misty calls the waitress back over so they can place their order, and shortly after, the waitress walks away, leaving the two to their discussion as the scene fades away to black.
**END FEED**