Post by A Confirmed Real Person on Dec 28, 2012 13:39:24 GMT -6
December 21st, 2012.
He walked into the house after finding the door open. It was a party, so people were coming in and out, and considering that the girls were still young, it had the feeling like it was right out of a college or university. People had a tendency to pick him out though, he definitely came into the house looking older, and thanks to being a teacher and now an authority figure of a pro wrestling company, he certainly carried himself a little more that way. In a black cardigan, white dress shirt, blue jeans, and nice shoes, Jonathan Collins already felt overdressed for a party where it was clearly the t-shirt and jeans crowd.
It was Spencer's idea to have an “End of the World" party on the 21st while Piper and Fiona both wanted a Christmas so, being the crazy girls that they were, they decided to just combine the two ideas into one giant party. Fiona had opted for an ugly Christmas sweater, paired with a bright red skirt, green tights, and her red high-top converses, along with her favorite Santa hat. Many were dressed in their best Christmas attire while others had dressed up as if the end of the world had occurred and they were straight out of an apocalyptic movie; which Spencer was dressed up for. After mingling with some of the guests she hadn't greeted yet, Fiona caught a familiar presence walk into the apartment and a flash of black which she knew immediately was Jon. Smiling, she walked over slowly before she snuck up behind him and covered his eyes, rising up on her toes to talk against his ear. "It's about time you wandered in here all dark and broody. You're just like Angel, except you don't drink blood," she giggled.
Jonathan Collins was hardly broody; he was just a quiet type. He projected himself as a well-spoken individual in all manners of his life, including pro wrestling. It was one of the things people could count on him for. As he was looking around, he was ambushed by hands over his eyes and a whisper, forcing him to take a breath. "I like to think of myself as Bruce Wayne without the parent issues," he chuckled, reaching to take one hand off his eyes as he kept it in his and kissed her hand. "We can talk about what's going on now, or we can hold off until later. You pick," he told her, the look on his face said it all - frustration, anger, worry, and sorrow.
As soon as those words left his mouth, a frown slowly slid over Fiona's features. They were in the middle of a party with her friends and he wanted to bring up all the bull from what had happened at the first tapings. Sighing, she rubbed the other hand over her eyes and face before she nodded her head towards the hallway. "Come on, we'll talk in my room. Even though there is a party going on and we're supposed to be having fun," she glared at him as she grabbed his hand and led him down the hall and into her room where she closed the door tight behind them. "Okay, let's talk," she sighed, leaning against the door.
"You don't think I want to have some fun?" he asked, standing in front of her, stepping closer as a hand slipped to her waist. "I did this to you, Fiona. I put you into a battle that I expected you to be completely fine in," he said in almost a whisper. "And I'm sorry. I'd take it all back if I could," he told her with his eyes closed, leaning his forehead down against her own. "Just...I don't know, tell me you forgive me for messing this one up big time," he said. "Especially because...I'm gonna have to suspend Mandy for a while."
Her eyes fell closed as she felt him come closer and she melted against the door. Even when she knew she needed to stand her ground with him, especially after what he had done, he still could make her weak. Her hands slid up his arms to wrap around his neck, holding onto him. "I forgiv-- wait, what?" Her eyes flashed open, a spark of something shining through them as she tilted her head back to look at him. "You have to suspend Mandy? For what, she didn't even do anything and you know it, Jon." Fiona's jaw tightened as she sighed loudly in frustration and slid under his arm to pace back and forth. "This is such bullshit!" She growled, hands raking through her hair roughly.
"You don't think I know that? She leveled the playing field when Donovan interfered in your match! My hands are tied with the restraining order he filed!" Jon shot back defensively. "What am I supposed to do right now? If I don't, people will shout preferential treatment to the two of you!" he said, sighing as he leaned against the door, running his hand through her hair. "Sometimes the right thing and the hardest thing are one in the same. Let me work on getting around this restraining order. In the meantime, Mandy is going to be paid and stay on the roster. I'm working on everything else. Just be thankful I don't have to strip you of the title while I'm at it," he told her, looking almost pained at the thought. "Don't let Donovan get to you, Fiona. You earned that."
Stripped of her title. Now there was something Fiona hadn't even thought about until the words had left her boyfriend's lips. With a pained expression of her own, Fiona absentmindedly rubbed a hand along her chest, staring blankly at him then the floor. She had just won the title, had felt like she had finally proven people doubting her wrong by showing her skills but of course, that had gone all wrong as things usually did for her. "I can't...I can't lose that belt. Not yet, I just got it. I haven't even done anything wrong except show everyone out there that I belong here with every right just like they do, if not more." Sighing in frustration again, Fiona rubbed at her eyes before she looked over at him. "You're right though. This is all your fault. It's almost like you're trying to be against me instead of with me."
"Fiona," he said quietly, looking like he just got punched in the gut (amongst other non-sexy things). Sighing, he opened his mouth, trying to figure out the right thing to say, but he couldn't come up with the right word. "I only did what was best for you. You belong in there with everyone else, and I'd like to think you went out there and proved it. But if you think I'm against you? I...I don't even know what to tell you. I'm sorry."
She looked down at her hands as she sat on the edge of her bed, not wanting to look at the pain she knew would be on Jon's face. Just hearing it in his voice was enough to make her own pain multiply. "I just wish you could be out there with me. Not to hold my hand or to protect me from everything but just, being there for me. I hate that we have to be separated now, that I can't even go see you to say hello or even to just spend five minutes with you as my boyfriend." Shaking her head, she wiped her fist against her eyes as tears of frustration and anger slipped out. "I know you're not against me. I'm just so annoyed with everything and with what happened. Shouldn't me winning the belt make me feel happy inside?" she asked him softly, finally lifting her head to look up at him.
Sighing, Jonathan moved to the bed next to her, sitting down as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "No, Fiona. It never makes you happy, it makes you paranoid. And it never really gets any easier," he said to her. "Because they're always gunning for you. You're always outnumbered, truthfully," he told her. "But if you're good, and you are, you're never outgunned. That's why tomorrow morning, I want you at the school bright and early. I'm going to give you something you're gonna need for all of this," he told her, smiling at her as he rubbed her back with his hand. "And then I'm gonna have to send you out into the world for a couple of weeks. I'm sending you to someone that'll help you with a couple of things I can't."
"Sending me away? Who could help me?" Fiona asked, frowning still but feeling glad that he wasn't upset with her for what she had said in her moment of weakness. “I’ll be there though, ready to learn and to fight. I deserve this belt and I'm not going to let some overgrown man baby and his lackey take it away from me," she replied with a nod of her head and a fierce set determination in her jaw and eyes as she looked over at Jon. "Nobody is going to get my best friend suspended or keep me away from my boyfriend and think they're gonna get away with it."
"The same people who helped me," he said. "You guys know the bad people. You know there were awful people who taught me awful things," he said quietly, pulling her back closer to him so she could look him in the eyes. "But there have been good people...people who taught me how to be more of a pro wrestler and less of a killer," he told her. "Well, I suppose killer is hyperbole," he said, almost chuckling. "But please, tell me you didn't mean what you said about thinking I'm against you."
Fiona listened as he spoke, something she always found herself doing as he was still in many ways her mentor and her teacher for the sport. He was very knowledgeable and even though Fiona was out of wrestling school, she knew she still had many things to learn that couldn't be taught in one that Jon could help her with. Scooting closer, Fiona shook her head as she reached up to lay her hand on Jon's cheek, stroking his jaw in reassurance. "No, I didn't mean what I said. I know you're not against me. I was just angry and frustrated and I took it out on you. Forgive me?" she asked, the corner of her lips lifting in a hopeful smile.
He nodded, looking at her in the eyes with a small smile. "Listen, I didn't mean to bring down the mood. I know this is a party night, I'm just...would you believe I've never been good at these things?" he asked with a chuckle, shaking his head as he leaned his head forward and kissed her forehead. "I told you before this wasn't going to be easy, okay? This is a dirty sport. It's dark, and it's hateful. This business already ate Kliff alive, you can tell when you look at him. If you keep getting upset, it'll take you too."
"I still can't believe he actually showed up and is here now," she shook her head, thinking of one of the many who seemed to have her on their hit list in order to become champion. With a deep breath, Fiona nodded her head then looked back up at Jon in front of her. She wasn't going to let this business get the better of her or let others accuse of her sleeping her way up the ladder to be champion. "I won let it. I had a moment of weakness and anger but, it's gone now. I've got more important things to look at now to make sure I stay champion and on top."
"Well you worry about getting on top now, I'll settle for being on top later, after this whole party thing dies down," he said with a little bit of a laugh and grin, kissing her lips a couple of times. "Listen, you're gonna have to trust me on this, okay? The first thing you're going to have to realize is that the most important lesson is going to be learned right now," he told her, slowly starting to move her to a horizontal state...before without a blink or a question, Jonathan trapped her arm, wrapping her up and into his now world famous ECHO-16 submission hold.
Fiona barely had to react to the innuendo from him, busy with kissing him back until she was no longer at him but instead was laying on her back staring up at him. "What in the--how?" she sputtered, chuckling softly before her eyes widened as realization settled in and she stared up at Jon with awe. "No way, you're not serious are you?"
She didn't have time to react. Her arms were trapped. His arms were wrapped around her neck, and he wrenched, tugging at her and giving her seconds to decide if she still wanted this life with him. "The first thing you're gonna learn is that sometimes, this hurts. This life is painful, and it's gonna take more than it gives. But if you love pro wrestling, and you want the things it has given you, you're gonna have to fight for it. Fiona, you can't be afraid anymore. You can’t wilt. You're either gonna rise up and prove you belong, or you're gonna fall behind. That's a choice I can't make for you," he said, easing up enough to give her oxygen, before he tightened his clutch again.
She gasped for air as she felt his arms tightening around her, wanting to tap out when she felt it to be too much but knew that would mean she was giving up and giving up on him; that just wasn't an option for her. With her eyes closed, she inhaled deeply through her nose and felt his arm tighten again before she opened them to look at him. "I'm going to prove I belong. I love wrestling and I love doing what I do and I love you. I'm not going to let anyone or anything else get to me or take me down anymore."
It was a brief moment. She could look at him and see Jonathan was not treating her with kid gloves. She wasn't being treated like this move was a game. When he cinched it in, it was tight and with the intent of taking the air from her like he had done with every single person he had ever locked it on. She was powerless. Helpless. And Jonathan simply unlocked the hold. It was tough love, and it was in that moment that Jonathan Collins felt remorse. She didn't need to be taught like that, not like how he had. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have done that."
Fiona sat up slowly, feeling lightheaded from the lack of oxygen but was taking slow and steady breaths as she watched him. "Hey.....don't apologize," she whispered hoarsely before she took one of his hands in hers and held it up to her face, hugging it against her cheek. It was tough love but it was just the kick in the ass she had needed. "Thank you," she said softly, kissing his wrist a few times before lifting her eyes to his.
He took a deep breath and after a moment, just wrapped both arms around her. He wanted her to know he was caring, kind, sensitive. He wanted her to know how much he cared, and he simply kissed the top of her head to help show his emotion. "We should probably go out there now," he told her quietly, nodding while waiting patiently for her.
Fiona smiled softly; her own arms wrapping around his much larger frame as she just relaxed against his body and let him hug her for as long as he needed. Finally when she felt him pull away slightly, Fiona nodded her head before she grinned at him. "Well, it's not like they'd notice if I was gone. Besides, I want to hear more about this you on top idea you had a few minutes ago," she laughed, wiggling her eyebrows at him playfully.
Raising an eyebrow, he just shook his head and laughed at her. "Have I ever mentioned you're kind of loony, kiddo?" he asked her, grinning as he leaned his head down to kiss her up. "Relish this, by the way. This weekend, I can't put my hands on you while I'm on the clock," he laughed, gently placing said hands on her waist.
"I am loony but you've come to love it so don't even try it," she smirked as she kissed him back and wrapped her arms around him. Indeed she was relishing in feeling his hands touching her and being close to him. "Oh believe me babe, you may not be able to on the clock but when that clock strikes the end of the day? You're all mine." Laughing, she pushed him down onto her bed, enjoying the moment she was having with the man she loved.
**************
Its hours after the party has ended but the three girls could care less about cleaning up. Fiona, who has remained in her party attire consisting of tons of red and green, is standing in front of the fireplace in their apartment draped in tacky silver garland. She has set up her camera, hitting the record button with her remote as soon as she’s ready and the words begin to come to her.
“Well, the world didn’t end like everyone thought it would. Thanks a lot, Mayans, now there’s still all those annoying people in the world that I hate that I was hoping would be swallowed up into the abyss or thrown into the fiery pits of hell. Ah well, maybe next time. You wanna know what else just really grinds my gears? The fact that people still seem to think that I don’t deserve this….”
She pauses speaking to lean forward and pick up the belt before she stood back up straight, the belt slung over her shoulder. Her eyes gazed at it, still in awe that she had actually won and become a champion, until she turned to look back at the camera while her fingers stroked it lovingly.
“People still think I don’t deserve this title, for reasons like I’m sleeping my way to being champion or that I don’t deserve it because I’m not good enough. Or of course, there’s my favorite reason, just because I’m a woman and have a pair of tits. Well, I’d love to tell those people to rewatch that match. I worked my ass off in what was probably one of the toughest matches in my career; hell, it was probably one of the toughest in my life. I was beaten down, bruised, and thrown around like a human lawn dart but look at this…I STILL came out on top and I won. I won fair and square and I have this to prove it.”
“But perhaps that’s why I’m putting it out on the line now. I’m putting my title up for whoever thinks they can or have the balls to take it from me because I know that I can go out there and do it all over again; I’m confident in my skills and in my abilities and I know that I can win again and defend my title for as many times as it’s needed. I earned this title just as much as anybody else would and I swear, I will fight to the death if I have to in order to keep it around my waist.”
By now, Fiona had been so intense and invested in her words, she needed to pause to take a deep breath and regain herself. Slowly, she began to pace back and forth in front of the fireplace before she finally looked over at the camera once again.
“Also, I’m sure it’s no shock that I’ve heard all those “other” rumors floating around backstage in the arena. Gossip has a funny way of rearing its ugly head anywhere and in a wrestling fed is no different. Let's make one thing clear. You think I'd be able to put up my title this easily if Jonathan Collins was protecting me? You think he'd throw me in the ring with Omar Wise if he was protecting me? He and I know better than anyone that I have to fight harder to prove it. He hasn't protected me, and I'd never ask him to do such a thing. So if you want to think that my relationship got me to this point, keep on thinking that. The next Hogwart's Express upside your goddamn face will tell you that you've got me all wrong, amigos. I’m not afraid of anyone and I certainly don’t need to be protected like some kind of shrinking violet so I will do what I do best and prove all of my doubters, my haters, and anybody else who judges me wrong and keep on winning because that’s what I do.”
“Now, let’s move on to why we’re really here. Johnny Cannon, hot shot Hollywood dude. I have to admit, you’re pretty good but honestly, you’re just not that good enough. I watched your match and while you had some decent moves and the crowd seemed to enjoy you, you just couldn’t get the job done. I mean, come on dude. You couldn’t beat Justin Brooks so what makes you think you’d be able to beat the International champion? Get real.”
As Fiona finishes her last sentence, another figure comes into frame and stands just behind Fiona to where she is visible on camera but not completely hidden. With her pink hair piled on her head in some crazy combination of beehive and dreadlocks, Spencer’s eyes are shielded by a pair of black ray-bans and her arms are folded across her chest. She looks like something out of Blade Runner or Mad Max, with a dash of Christmas thrown in.
“Cannon’s from Hollywood, the movie making capital of the world. He’s used to his lines being fed to him and his fight scenes being dictated through a piece of paper and through what might make a good story. Well, Cannon, just like Dorothy; this isn’t Kansas anymore and this sure ain’t Hollywood either. This is- -“
Suddenly, Fiona’s roommate, Spencer, jumps forward in front of Fiona to stare at the camera with her eyes still hidden behind her shades. She makes her best “intimidating” pose: a set of claws and growls at the camera before speaking.
“YOU SCARED, PUNK? WHAT YOU GONNA DO, BROTHER, WHEN FIONAMANIA RUNS—“
“Spence…..what are you doing? That’s way too much.” Fiona stares at her roomie with wide eyes, speaking out of the corner of her mouth while Spencer looks between her and the camera; realizing her outburst, she clears her throat and jumps back to the background but not before making the “I’m watching you” gesture to the camera.
“As I was saying, what this happens to be is reality. You won't get a retake or a do over. There are no mulligans in pro wrestling. You get one shot to make it work, and that's what I've been built to do. You don't think I understand that? Johnny, I live that. My world is all about getting it done right the first time...because if I don't, then I lose that credibility I'm working so hard to earn.”
“I want you to understand something, Johnny. Do I think you're tough? Probably. Do I think you're a threat? That remains to be seen. I have respect for your ability, but I don't respect a person trying to marginalize me because I have a set of boobs and my bits don't match theirs. And our match? It's not just about the International Title. Winning our match puts you and me one step closer to the EXODUS Title. The main belt. I might be the only champion right now, but to be the main champion? Man, how good would that feel? It would shut you all up, because it meant that I fought harder than seven other guys. This isn't some feminism thing by any stretch, this is a me thing. At the end of the day, I have more to prove than any of you...and I'm up for that task.”
“I don't need a mouthpiece, Johnny. I don't need someone to filter my words and make me look good. I don't need to show off my lifestyle to prove how good I am. All I need is a ring and some time.”
“Here's the big thing, Johnny. They say that when the end comes, everything moves in slow motion. When you're looking up at the lights and you see this Pixie slowly rotating twice in a moonsault coming crashing down on you, what are you gonna think about? What is gonna cross your mind? Is it gonna be that you took me too lightly? Is it gonna be that you've hyped yourself up too much? You don't have "the machine" behind you, Johnny. You don't have viral marketing or your face over everything...and quite frankly, I wish I didn't either. I'm gonna learn to thrive on that pressure though. And in that last second, between slow motion and the collision, you're going to realize that I'm no damsel in distress. I'm the EXODUS Pro International Champion...and you're not.”
“Now, I don't know the future, that's not my thing- -“
Suddenly, coming from behind her again is her roommate Spencer, who tosses tarot cards towards the camera.
"But I do, and the cards don't look good for you, Cannon."
Fiona just smirks.
"I couldn't have said it better myself, Spence. Deuces, bitch."
Fade.
He walked into the house after finding the door open. It was a party, so people were coming in and out, and considering that the girls were still young, it had the feeling like it was right out of a college or university. People had a tendency to pick him out though, he definitely came into the house looking older, and thanks to being a teacher and now an authority figure of a pro wrestling company, he certainly carried himself a little more that way. In a black cardigan, white dress shirt, blue jeans, and nice shoes, Jonathan Collins already felt overdressed for a party where it was clearly the t-shirt and jeans crowd.
It was Spencer's idea to have an “End of the World" party on the 21st while Piper and Fiona both wanted a Christmas so, being the crazy girls that they were, they decided to just combine the two ideas into one giant party. Fiona had opted for an ugly Christmas sweater, paired with a bright red skirt, green tights, and her red high-top converses, along with her favorite Santa hat. Many were dressed in their best Christmas attire while others had dressed up as if the end of the world had occurred and they were straight out of an apocalyptic movie; which Spencer was dressed up for. After mingling with some of the guests she hadn't greeted yet, Fiona caught a familiar presence walk into the apartment and a flash of black which she knew immediately was Jon. Smiling, she walked over slowly before she snuck up behind him and covered his eyes, rising up on her toes to talk against his ear. "It's about time you wandered in here all dark and broody. You're just like Angel, except you don't drink blood," she giggled.
Jonathan Collins was hardly broody; he was just a quiet type. He projected himself as a well-spoken individual in all manners of his life, including pro wrestling. It was one of the things people could count on him for. As he was looking around, he was ambushed by hands over his eyes and a whisper, forcing him to take a breath. "I like to think of myself as Bruce Wayne without the parent issues," he chuckled, reaching to take one hand off his eyes as he kept it in his and kissed her hand. "We can talk about what's going on now, or we can hold off until later. You pick," he told her, the look on his face said it all - frustration, anger, worry, and sorrow.
As soon as those words left his mouth, a frown slowly slid over Fiona's features. They were in the middle of a party with her friends and he wanted to bring up all the bull from what had happened at the first tapings. Sighing, she rubbed the other hand over her eyes and face before she nodded her head towards the hallway. "Come on, we'll talk in my room. Even though there is a party going on and we're supposed to be having fun," she glared at him as she grabbed his hand and led him down the hall and into her room where she closed the door tight behind them. "Okay, let's talk," she sighed, leaning against the door.
"You don't think I want to have some fun?" he asked, standing in front of her, stepping closer as a hand slipped to her waist. "I did this to you, Fiona. I put you into a battle that I expected you to be completely fine in," he said in almost a whisper. "And I'm sorry. I'd take it all back if I could," he told her with his eyes closed, leaning his forehead down against her own. "Just...I don't know, tell me you forgive me for messing this one up big time," he said. "Especially because...I'm gonna have to suspend Mandy for a while."
Her eyes fell closed as she felt him come closer and she melted against the door. Even when she knew she needed to stand her ground with him, especially after what he had done, he still could make her weak. Her hands slid up his arms to wrap around his neck, holding onto him. "I forgiv-- wait, what?" Her eyes flashed open, a spark of something shining through them as she tilted her head back to look at him. "You have to suspend Mandy? For what, she didn't even do anything and you know it, Jon." Fiona's jaw tightened as she sighed loudly in frustration and slid under his arm to pace back and forth. "This is such bullshit!" She growled, hands raking through her hair roughly.
"You don't think I know that? She leveled the playing field when Donovan interfered in your match! My hands are tied with the restraining order he filed!" Jon shot back defensively. "What am I supposed to do right now? If I don't, people will shout preferential treatment to the two of you!" he said, sighing as he leaned against the door, running his hand through her hair. "Sometimes the right thing and the hardest thing are one in the same. Let me work on getting around this restraining order. In the meantime, Mandy is going to be paid and stay on the roster. I'm working on everything else. Just be thankful I don't have to strip you of the title while I'm at it," he told her, looking almost pained at the thought. "Don't let Donovan get to you, Fiona. You earned that."
Stripped of her title. Now there was something Fiona hadn't even thought about until the words had left her boyfriend's lips. With a pained expression of her own, Fiona absentmindedly rubbed a hand along her chest, staring blankly at him then the floor. She had just won the title, had felt like she had finally proven people doubting her wrong by showing her skills but of course, that had gone all wrong as things usually did for her. "I can't...I can't lose that belt. Not yet, I just got it. I haven't even done anything wrong except show everyone out there that I belong here with every right just like they do, if not more." Sighing in frustration again, Fiona rubbed at her eyes before she looked over at him. "You're right though. This is all your fault. It's almost like you're trying to be against me instead of with me."
"Fiona," he said quietly, looking like he just got punched in the gut (amongst other non-sexy things). Sighing, he opened his mouth, trying to figure out the right thing to say, but he couldn't come up with the right word. "I only did what was best for you. You belong in there with everyone else, and I'd like to think you went out there and proved it. But if you think I'm against you? I...I don't even know what to tell you. I'm sorry."
She looked down at her hands as she sat on the edge of her bed, not wanting to look at the pain she knew would be on Jon's face. Just hearing it in his voice was enough to make her own pain multiply. "I just wish you could be out there with me. Not to hold my hand or to protect me from everything but just, being there for me. I hate that we have to be separated now, that I can't even go see you to say hello or even to just spend five minutes with you as my boyfriend." Shaking her head, she wiped her fist against her eyes as tears of frustration and anger slipped out. "I know you're not against me. I'm just so annoyed with everything and with what happened. Shouldn't me winning the belt make me feel happy inside?" she asked him softly, finally lifting her head to look up at him.
Sighing, Jonathan moved to the bed next to her, sitting down as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "No, Fiona. It never makes you happy, it makes you paranoid. And it never really gets any easier," he said to her. "Because they're always gunning for you. You're always outnumbered, truthfully," he told her. "But if you're good, and you are, you're never outgunned. That's why tomorrow morning, I want you at the school bright and early. I'm going to give you something you're gonna need for all of this," he told her, smiling at her as he rubbed her back with his hand. "And then I'm gonna have to send you out into the world for a couple of weeks. I'm sending you to someone that'll help you with a couple of things I can't."
"Sending me away? Who could help me?" Fiona asked, frowning still but feeling glad that he wasn't upset with her for what she had said in her moment of weakness. “I’ll be there though, ready to learn and to fight. I deserve this belt and I'm not going to let some overgrown man baby and his lackey take it away from me," she replied with a nod of her head and a fierce set determination in her jaw and eyes as she looked over at Jon. "Nobody is going to get my best friend suspended or keep me away from my boyfriend and think they're gonna get away with it."
"The same people who helped me," he said. "You guys know the bad people. You know there were awful people who taught me awful things," he said quietly, pulling her back closer to him so she could look him in the eyes. "But there have been good people...people who taught me how to be more of a pro wrestler and less of a killer," he told her. "Well, I suppose killer is hyperbole," he said, almost chuckling. "But please, tell me you didn't mean what you said about thinking I'm against you."
Fiona listened as he spoke, something she always found herself doing as he was still in many ways her mentor and her teacher for the sport. He was very knowledgeable and even though Fiona was out of wrestling school, she knew she still had many things to learn that couldn't be taught in one that Jon could help her with. Scooting closer, Fiona shook her head as she reached up to lay her hand on Jon's cheek, stroking his jaw in reassurance. "No, I didn't mean what I said. I know you're not against me. I was just angry and frustrated and I took it out on you. Forgive me?" she asked, the corner of her lips lifting in a hopeful smile.
He nodded, looking at her in the eyes with a small smile. "Listen, I didn't mean to bring down the mood. I know this is a party night, I'm just...would you believe I've never been good at these things?" he asked with a chuckle, shaking his head as he leaned his head forward and kissed her forehead. "I told you before this wasn't going to be easy, okay? This is a dirty sport. It's dark, and it's hateful. This business already ate Kliff alive, you can tell when you look at him. If you keep getting upset, it'll take you too."
"I still can't believe he actually showed up and is here now," she shook her head, thinking of one of the many who seemed to have her on their hit list in order to become champion. With a deep breath, Fiona nodded her head then looked back up at Jon in front of her. She wasn't going to let this business get the better of her or let others accuse of her sleeping her way up the ladder to be champion. "I won let it. I had a moment of weakness and anger but, it's gone now. I've got more important things to look at now to make sure I stay champion and on top."
"Well you worry about getting on top now, I'll settle for being on top later, after this whole party thing dies down," he said with a little bit of a laugh and grin, kissing her lips a couple of times. "Listen, you're gonna have to trust me on this, okay? The first thing you're going to have to realize is that the most important lesson is going to be learned right now," he told her, slowly starting to move her to a horizontal state...before without a blink or a question, Jonathan trapped her arm, wrapping her up and into his now world famous ECHO-16 submission hold.
Fiona barely had to react to the innuendo from him, busy with kissing him back until she was no longer at him but instead was laying on her back staring up at him. "What in the--how?" she sputtered, chuckling softly before her eyes widened as realization settled in and she stared up at Jon with awe. "No way, you're not serious are you?"
She didn't have time to react. Her arms were trapped. His arms were wrapped around her neck, and he wrenched, tugging at her and giving her seconds to decide if she still wanted this life with him. "The first thing you're gonna learn is that sometimes, this hurts. This life is painful, and it's gonna take more than it gives. But if you love pro wrestling, and you want the things it has given you, you're gonna have to fight for it. Fiona, you can't be afraid anymore. You can’t wilt. You're either gonna rise up and prove you belong, or you're gonna fall behind. That's a choice I can't make for you," he said, easing up enough to give her oxygen, before he tightened his clutch again.
She gasped for air as she felt his arms tightening around her, wanting to tap out when she felt it to be too much but knew that would mean she was giving up and giving up on him; that just wasn't an option for her. With her eyes closed, she inhaled deeply through her nose and felt his arm tighten again before she opened them to look at him. "I'm going to prove I belong. I love wrestling and I love doing what I do and I love you. I'm not going to let anyone or anything else get to me or take me down anymore."
It was a brief moment. She could look at him and see Jonathan was not treating her with kid gloves. She wasn't being treated like this move was a game. When he cinched it in, it was tight and with the intent of taking the air from her like he had done with every single person he had ever locked it on. She was powerless. Helpless. And Jonathan simply unlocked the hold. It was tough love, and it was in that moment that Jonathan Collins felt remorse. She didn't need to be taught like that, not like how he had. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have done that."
Fiona sat up slowly, feeling lightheaded from the lack of oxygen but was taking slow and steady breaths as she watched him. "Hey.....don't apologize," she whispered hoarsely before she took one of his hands in hers and held it up to her face, hugging it against her cheek. It was tough love but it was just the kick in the ass she had needed. "Thank you," she said softly, kissing his wrist a few times before lifting her eyes to his.
He took a deep breath and after a moment, just wrapped both arms around her. He wanted her to know he was caring, kind, sensitive. He wanted her to know how much he cared, and he simply kissed the top of her head to help show his emotion. "We should probably go out there now," he told her quietly, nodding while waiting patiently for her.
Fiona smiled softly; her own arms wrapping around his much larger frame as she just relaxed against his body and let him hug her for as long as he needed. Finally when she felt him pull away slightly, Fiona nodded her head before she grinned at him. "Well, it's not like they'd notice if I was gone. Besides, I want to hear more about this you on top idea you had a few minutes ago," she laughed, wiggling her eyebrows at him playfully.
Raising an eyebrow, he just shook his head and laughed at her. "Have I ever mentioned you're kind of loony, kiddo?" he asked her, grinning as he leaned his head down to kiss her up. "Relish this, by the way. This weekend, I can't put my hands on you while I'm on the clock," he laughed, gently placing said hands on her waist.
"I am loony but you've come to love it so don't even try it," she smirked as she kissed him back and wrapped her arms around him. Indeed she was relishing in feeling his hands touching her and being close to him. "Oh believe me babe, you may not be able to on the clock but when that clock strikes the end of the day? You're all mine." Laughing, she pushed him down onto her bed, enjoying the moment she was having with the man she loved.
**************
Its hours after the party has ended but the three girls could care less about cleaning up. Fiona, who has remained in her party attire consisting of tons of red and green, is standing in front of the fireplace in their apartment draped in tacky silver garland. She has set up her camera, hitting the record button with her remote as soon as she’s ready and the words begin to come to her.
“Well, the world didn’t end like everyone thought it would. Thanks a lot, Mayans, now there’s still all those annoying people in the world that I hate that I was hoping would be swallowed up into the abyss or thrown into the fiery pits of hell. Ah well, maybe next time. You wanna know what else just really grinds my gears? The fact that people still seem to think that I don’t deserve this….”
She pauses speaking to lean forward and pick up the belt before she stood back up straight, the belt slung over her shoulder. Her eyes gazed at it, still in awe that she had actually won and become a champion, until she turned to look back at the camera while her fingers stroked it lovingly.
“People still think I don’t deserve this title, for reasons like I’m sleeping my way to being champion or that I don’t deserve it because I’m not good enough. Or of course, there’s my favorite reason, just because I’m a woman and have a pair of tits. Well, I’d love to tell those people to rewatch that match. I worked my ass off in what was probably one of the toughest matches in my career; hell, it was probably one of the toughest in my life. I was beaten down, bruised, and thrown around like a human lawn dart but look at this…I STILL came out on top and I won. I won fair and square and I have this to prove it.”
“But perhaps that’s why I’m putting it out on the line now. I’m putting my title up for whoever thinks they can or have the balls to take it from me because I know that I can go out there and do it all over again; I’m confident in my skills and in my abilities and I know that I can win again and defend my title for as many times as it’s needed. I earned this title just as much as anybody else would and I swear, I will fight to the death if I have to in order to keep it around my waist.”
By now, Fiona had been so intense and invested in her words, she needed to pause to take a deep breath and regain herself. Slowly, she began to pace back and forth in front of the fireplace before she finally looked over at the camera once again.
“Also, I’m sure it’s no shock that I’ve heard all those “other” rumors floating around backstage in the arena. Gossip has a funny way of rearing its ugly head anywhere and in a wrestling fed is no different. Let's make one thing clear. You think I'd be able to put up my title this easily if Jonathan Collins was protecting me? You think he'd throw me in the ring with Omar Wise if he was protecting me? He and I know better than anyone that I have to fight harder to prove it. He hasn't protected me, and I'd never ask him to do such a thing. So if you want to think that my relationship got me to this point, keep on thinking that. The next Hogwart's Express upside your goddamn face will tell you that you've got me all wrong, amigos. I’m not afraid of anyone and I certainly don’t need to be protected like some kind of shrinking violet so I will do what I do best and prove all of my doubters, my haters, and anybody else who judges me wrong and keep on winning because that’s what I do.”
“Now, let’s move on to why we’re really here. Johnny Cannon, hot shot Hollywood dude. I have to admit, you’re pretty good but honestly, you’re just not that good enough. I watched your match and while you had some decent moves and the crowd seemed to enjoy you, you just couldn’t get the job done. I mean, come on dude. You couldn’t beat Justin Brooks so what makes you think you’d be able to beat the International champion? Get real.”
As Fiona finishes her last sentence, another figure comes into frame and stands just behind Fiona to where she is visible on camera but not completely hidden. With her pink hair piled on her head in some crazy combination of beehive and dreadlocks, Spencer’s eyes are shielded by a pair of black ray-bans and her arms are folded across her chest. She looks like something out of Blade Runner or Mad Max, with a dash of Christmas thrown in.
“Cannon’s from Hollywood, the movie making capital of the world. He’s used to his lines being fed to him and his fight scenes being dictated through a piece of paper and through what might make a good story. Well, Cannon, just like Dorothy; this isn’t Kansas anymore and this sure ain’t Hollywood either. This is- -“
Suddenly, Fiona’s roommate, Spencer, jumps forward in front of Fiona to stare at the camera with her eyes still hidden behind her shades. She makes her best “intimidating” pose: a set of claws and growls at the camera before speaking.
“YOU SCARED, PUNK? WHAT YOU GONNA DO, BROTHER, WHEN FIONAMANIA RUNS—“
“Spence…..what are you doing? That’s way too much.” Fiona stares at her roomie with wide eyes, speaking out of the corner of her mouth while Spencer looks between her and the camera; realizing her outburst, she clears her throat and jumps back to the background but not before making the “I’m watching you” gesture to the camera.
“As I was saying, what this happens to be is reality. You won't get a retake or a do over. There are no mulligans in pro wrestling. You get one shot to make it work, and that's what I've been built to do. You don't think I understand that? Johnny, I live that. My world is all about getting it done right the first time...because if I don't, then I lose that credibility I'm working so hard to earn.”
“I want you to understand something, Johnny. Do I think you're tough? Probably. Do I think you're a threat? That remains to be seen. I have respect for your ability, but I don't respect a person trying to marginalize me because I have a set of boobs and my bits don't match theirs. And our match? It's not just about the International Title. Winning our match puts you and me one step closer to the EXODUS Title. The main belt. I might be the only champion right now, but to be the main champion? Man, how good would that feel? It would shut you all up, because it meant that I fought harder than seven other guys. This isn't some feminism thing by any stretch, this is a me thing. At the end of the day, I have more to prove than any of you...and I'm up for that task.”
“I don't need a mouthpiece, Johnny. I don't need someone to filter my words and make me look good. I don't need to show off my lifestyle to prove how good I am. All I need is a ring and some time.”
“Here's the big thing, Johnny. They say that when the end comes, everything moves in slow motion. When you're looking up at the lights and you see this Pixie slowly rotating twice in a moonsault coming crashing down on you, what are you gonna think about? What is gonna cross your mind? Is it gonna be that you took me too lightly? Is it gonna be that you've hyped yourself up too much? You don't have "the machine" behind you, Johnny. You don't have viral marketing or your face over everything...and quite frankly, I wish I didn't either. I'm gonna learn to thrive on that pressure though. And in that last second, between slow motion and the collision, you're going to realize that I'm no damsel in distress. I'm the EXODUS Pro International Champion...and you're not.”
“Now, I don't know the future, that's not my thing- -“
Suddenly, coming from behind her again is her roommate Spencer, who tosses tarot cards towards the camera.
"But I do, and the cards don't look good for you, Cannon."
Fiona just smirks.
"I couldn't have said it better myself, Spence. Deuces, bitch."
Fade.
