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 |  Subject: Modern Day Dan #3  Tue Oct 25, 2011 3:59 pm | |
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✯✯The Match✯✯
Who could have expected this? Brandon Macdonald vs Dan Alexander part two. Once again with a prize in the middle of it. The IWF Briefcase. But is it as it seems? Is the prize really the briefcase or not? Perhaps it's something else this time around.
Both men have changed since they last stepped into a ring face to face. Brandon has finally come clean with his adultery. He has put that behind him and has found his true love in Ashley Matthews. Dan has let the fires inside him simmer down. Cool enough to let someone in his life. He now wants to share his life with someone.
But both men have also stayed the same. Brandon still indulges in illegal narcotics. Dan still can't let go of the past. But what does this mean for the match?
What does this all mean anyway? The subject at hand is who will in at Violent Impulse. Not who is the better man. Or is it? Who really is the better man here? What is the measure of a man?
Dan often wondered that himself. But for other reasons. He wasn't worried about living up to a champions standards. Either he was or wasn't a champion and he had already proved himself in that field more than once. He wondered whether or not he was the right man for Tori. In his mind she deserved so much more than him. As much as Dan believed himself. As much as he believed he was a champion and was capable of beating anyone inside that ring, he didn't believe he could be the man Tori would always be happy with. She was a really great girl. She was actually a woman now. She would make any man happy. And that is what Dan didn't get. Tori could have anyone she wanted. Why him? He was damaged goods. He knew it. Deep down inside Dan was just a man. And not even a good man. He had so many short comings. Then for him to have a woman like Tori? It wasn't right. He felt guilty. He knew he didn't deserve her. He didn't deserve to keep her love all to himself.
That was another question. Had Dan shifted his priorities? He wanted so much to please Tori. But he also wanted the championship. Which was more important to him? What he didn't know was that Tori loves him too. She really does and would not care if he won this match or not. But to Dan he would feel like he had failed her. He couldn't live with that. He had no right to keep Tori. To keep her locked up like a bird when she should fly away. But Tori didn't want that. She didn't understand any of it. She just wanted Dan. She saw something inside of him that she had never seen in any other person. And Dan was too hurt to see it. He had lost touch with it a long time ago. He thought it had died years ago but Tori had somehow found it.
But how did that make Dan any better than Brandon? It didn't. Brandon had the same trials and tribulations. In fact his brother James had just died last week. What was worse than that? Nothing. They were close. And his death clearly affected Brandon. Brandon now had something on his mind. Someone had murdered his beloved brother. And he was not going to stop until he found out who it was and exacted his revenge. So ho was to say his love for Ashley wasn't as strong as Dan's love for Tori? Who was to say that Brandon didn't have something in him that made him standout from everybody else? Something had made him championship material. The fact was that Brandon was just as good as Dan if not better. After all Brandon held the most impressive reigns in NLWF. Holding multiple titles all at the same time. If anyone was championship material it was Brandon Macdonald. Rest assured Dan wasn't overlooking him for one second. Dan knew very well that Brandon could win the tournament. It could all come down to who was having the better day.
Dan could still remember his fist landing on Brandon's face the first time they fought. He could still remember it like it was yesterday. The way they connected was perfect. He remembered the feeling he got. Just the right angle. Just the right timing. Even though he was hitting Brandon full force his hands weren't hurting at all because he was using the proper technique. He remembers the look on Brandons face as he wobbled around the ring. It was like Brandon wasn't even there. He was literally about to puke all over the canvas. He remembers Ruben Ricardo Leon looking on. Just bored. Waiting for Brandon to win. He remembers Alison William's annoying voice. The annoying screams and shouts she gave Brandon everytime he fell to the canvas. He remembers Death Angel popping out of the middle of the ring and Gunther interfering. He remembers connecting and knocking Brandon out cold and holding the title. And then seeing Ruben getting up to call a disqualification on him.
Dan was so close that night. So close to winning the title. Eventually he did win the title but not the way he wanted. It wasn't the same. Not nearly the same. Well five months later Dan would have a shot at Brandon again. And this time he wasn't letting it slip by his fingers.
But wait. Isn't there something else? Someone else? Yes there was. Brenton Cyrus. It was supposed to be Brandon vs. Dan but Brenton decided to interject himself in the match. This was another stupid attempt at undermining Dan's accomplishments and preventing any future progress for him. Dan's side of the bracket was not easy. He beat two serious newcomers and a legend in Johnny Styles. They beat up two IWF divas. Dan couldn't help but laugh hysterically at just how stupid and idiotic the whole thing was. The notion that Brandon and Brenton had an easier time in the tournament was the biggest lie anyone had ever told him. Nevertheless this changed the whole landscape of the match for both Brandon and Dan. There was a third man in the ring this time. A scheming and conniving third man in their midst.
Brenton Cyrus was the most preculiar of the three. He was just twenty two, but he had already obtained success. Now Brenton Cyrus was actually different. He has kids. Brenton has kids with a woman he let go. Brenton was also very young compared to Dan and Brandon. He was also fighting for different reasons. Brenton wanted the briefcase for the sake of having the briefcase. He also had the advantadge of having a group behind him. There was no telling if he would call upon their help in a time of desperation.
Brenton was also championship material. He was superstar material. Once one of the hottest commodities of NLWF he was now making his rounds in IWF. He has been literally on fire the last couple of weeks. Being on the top of the Eleven list and destroying everything in his path. But this week was different. He had to face Brandon and Dan. Two elite superstars in IWF. Dan wasn't going to let BC just take the briefcase and he didn't think Brandon would either. Especially after his brother died. Brandon was motivated more than he ever was.
So that is the match. That is how the cards fall. Dan vs. Brandon vs. Brenton. At Violent Impulse. For the briefcase. Let the countdown begin.
✯✯The Aftermath✯✯
Dan is walking backstage. He sees Chris Matthews ahead just standing there. He takes his hands out of his pocket and starts applauding Dan mockingly.
Chris
Wow. Dan Alexander. Made it all the way to the Finals. I never doubted you for a second kid.
Dan
Don't call me kid.
Chris
C'mon cheer up. You won. You're facing Brandon Macdonald at Violent Impulse. Remember the last time you fought him? Good times.
Dan
....I gotta go.
Chris
C'mon. What's the rush? Aren't you excited? Don't you want to go celebrate? C'mon I'll buy you a couple of drinks. Whaddya say?
Dan
I thought you didn't drink?
Chris
I will on occasion. Especially this occasion. Besides, your the one that needs to get drunk. You've been tense lately.
Dan
I am not drinking with you.
Chris
Why? Why not old buddy? Dude. If it's about the last few weeks forget about it. I'm done with all of that. Even Rick is. Here, I'll ask Rick if he wants to join us. I'm sure he will.
Dan
Don't bother. I'm leaving.
Dan started walking off.
Chris
C'mon Dan. Really?
Dan turned around.
Dan
You fucking screwed me over again. You and Rick. Didn't you?
Chris
I have no idea what you are talking about.
Dan
My side of the tournament? Easier? Really? They fought two girls. Really? You know what forget it. I knew you guys would do something like this. You just can't let me win that easy can you?
Dan boarded the plane head to LAX. He was exhausted. He must have been to L.A. three times in a little over a week. But he would take it because of Tori. He slept through the whole flight.
✯✯The Songs✯✯
When he landed he checked his phone for any updates. Flashbacks of their first encounter popped up in his head. He remembered how bad he wanted the title back then. He could still remember the disappointment he felt when he lost the close and intense match he and Brandon had at the Hall of Fame show. He was so close to defeating Brandon even though the odds were stacked high against him. This time was different. This time the playing field was even. Or was it? No it wasn't. Thanks to Rick, Chris, and Brenton. It also wouldn't surprise him if Brandon was in on it also. It was so blatantly an attempt at preventing Dan from winning the briefcase. To have a stupid excuse of having his side of the bracket easier than theirs. That was a godamn lie if Dan ever heard one.
He took a cab to a nearby hotel. It was night and even though he had slept for hours on the plane he still felt extremely exhausted. As soon as he checked in his room he collapsed on the bed and fell sound asleep.
He woke up and looked at the clock. It was almost five but something was wrong. The sun was burning bright. He looked at his cell phone. It was five p.m.. He quickly got up and took a shower. He put on some clothes and as he was walking out of the room he called Tori.
Tori
Hello?
Dan
Tori.
Tori
Dan! When did you get here?! I waited all night?
Dan
Sorry. I was so tired I forgot to call you.
Tori
Awww. That's okay. Listen, I have a few errands to run. I'll meet up with you in an hour okay?
Dan
Sure.
Tori
Bye!
Dan
Bye.
Suddenly Dan was in a good mood again. Hearing Tori's voice made him smile instantly. He couldn't wait to meet up with her.
Tori and Dan stopped kissing for a minute so they could talk. Tori smiled shyly and swept some hair out of her face.
Dan
So where did you take me?
Tori
It's this cool club I perform in sometimes.
Dan
Cool.
They were just outside the entrance to a club. Music was booming from the inside.
Tori
I'm going to sing a song for you.
Dan
Really? What for?
Tori
Because you won!
Dan
I didn't win yet.
Tori
Yeah, but you will.
She pulled him in tight again. Her arms around his neck. Dan had his hands on her back.
Dan
I never had someone sing me a song before.
Their faces were really close. Dan stared into her eyes.
Tori
I'll do my best...
They kissed again. Then they went to the door. They were greeted by a bouncer.
Bouncer
Friend of yours?
Tori
He's my boyfriend.
Bouncer
Okay...
Tori and Dan both went inside. They were greeted by loud music and strobe lights. Dan held Tori's hand as she lead him through the club. They went up to a place where there was a small stage.
Tori
Stay here.
She pointed out a chair where he could sit. She went up to someone to the side and talked to them for a few minutes. Then she went up and to the back of the stage. Dan waited for a few minutes. After a while the D.J. stops the music.
D.J.
Okay folks tonight we have a special guest for you. Tori Selene is going to perform her hit "I can't get enough of you."
The people sitting near the stage applaud. Dan applauds too. The curtains slowly open revealing Tori in the center of the stage with her back to the audience. She is accompanied by four dancers. Two of them on either side of her also with their backs turned. She started singing.
Tori
♪I met you when I was all out of luck.
When I thought you were a fool.♪
They slowly started dancing. Following Tori's lead.
Tori
♪You were acting so cool.
Took me out and surpise I had fun.
I was down and out.
You asked me out.
You brought me out to the sun.♪
They all turned around. Tori looked straight at Dan.
Tori
♪Now I'm standing here next to you.
Smiling.
I can't get enough of you.
Your so good to me.
So I'll be good to you.
I can't get enough of you lately, baby.
So I will give it all to you.♪
She walked down the stage and went up to him.
Tori
♪When I first saw you I thought maybe.
I hadn't had fun in a while.
You made me smile.
You called me baby.
I was down and out.
You asked me out.
You brought me out to the sun.♪
She strutted her stuff in front of Dan. People started looking.
Tori
♪I can't get enough of you.
Your so good to me.
So I'll be good to you.
I can't get enough of you lately, baby.
So I will give it all to you.♪
Eventually the song was finished and Tori and Dan hung out for a while. She saw some of her friends there and she introduced them to Dan.
Tori
This is my boyfriend Dan.
Dan
Hi.
Tori put her arms around him.
Greg
So Dan. What do you do?
Dan
I work at IWF.
Ellen
...You're a pro wrestler?
Dan
Yes.
They didn't laught right there and then. But he could tell they wanted to.
Dan
Tori, I'll go get us some drinks.
Tori turned back to her friends
Tori
Hey guys, Dan is a really sweet guy. I really like him. Would it kill you to be nice.
Greg
We are being nice. We didn't laugh in his face did we?
Tori
There is nothing wrong with being a pro-wrestler.
Greg
All they do is fight and whatever.
Tori
He's really good at it. He's going to become champion.
Greg
Yeah? And then what? Wrestle until he's forty? Fifty? Look I'm not judging you. I'm judging him and his profession. If you have a little fun with him then good. He's a great looking guy and he seems fun. But you're still young and if you are thinking about settling down now. With him? You are out of your mind girl.
Ellen
I agree with Greg.
Tori frowned.
They stayed at the club for a few more hours.
Tori
Guess what?
Dan
What?
They were sitting together in a booth. She had some wine. He had a club soda.
Tori
I invited my parents to my place for dinner. You are finally going to meet them.
Dan
Great.
He drank some of the club soda but wished he could have some liquor.
Tori
C'mon. You'll love them.
Dan
But will they love me?
Tori
They will! I promise.
Dan
Like your friends?
Tori
Dan! Stop. They just aren't used to you yet.
Dan
Will they ever be?
Tori
Dan. Please.
Dan
Tori, whatever they say about me...
Tori
Stop.
Dan
...They are right.
Tori
What?
Dan
Tori, you've only known me for a couple of weeks. I'm carrying a lot of baggage. I don't think your ready for this.
Tori
Dan. Why are you doing this?
Dan
You're so young.
Tori
Dan please stop.
They held each other's hands.
Dan
Don't do this to yourself.
Tori
Don't do this to me. C'mon let's get out of here. I think it's time to go home.
They took a cab to her aparment where they both spent the night.
✯✯The Dinner✯✯
Dan woke up to the sound of something frying. He looked around. It was a nicely kept room with a ton of stuff. He looked over at a chest drawer with some pictures on it. He saw Tori in them. He got up and got dressed and went down to where the cooking was happening. He saw Tori. Wearing his shirt. Only his shirt. As soon as Dan got down from the stairs Tori turned around and smiled at him.
Tori
Hi sleepy head.
Dan
So that's what happened to my shirt.
Tori
I hope you don't mind.
Dan
Not at all..
Dan walked up behind her and put his arms around her.
Tori
I cooked you some eggs.
Dan looked at her handiwork. They were a little burned. Just the way he liked them. Tori turned off the stove. She turned and kissed him.
Dan
I never got to thank you for last night.
Tori
For what? The sex or the singing.
Dan
...Both.
They made out some more before they had breakfast.
Tori
You better take a shower and get dressed.
Dan
Why?
Tori
Don't you remember? My parents are coming over.
Dan
Yeah, but you said for dinner.
Tori
They are coming earlier. We have two hours to prepare.
They both took a shower. Together. Then they got dressed. Dan helped clean the place up a bit. Then someone buzzed her place. Tori went up to the speaker near the front door.
Tori
Who is it?
Voice
Your parents.
Tori
Oh hi mom and dad!
She pressed a button.
Tori
The door is open now.
After a few minutes there was a knock on the door. Tori rushed up and opened it.
Tori
HI!
She hugged her mom first. Then her dad. Then she invited them in. Dan stood in the living room awkwardly. Tori lead them to him.
Tori
Mom... Dad....
She gestured towards Dan.
Tori
....This is my boyfriend Dan.
They look at him. Dan looks back.
Dan
Hi.
He puts out his hand. Her father slowly takes it.
Dan
I'm Dan Alexander.
Dad
John. Just call me John.
Dan also shook her mother's hand too.
Tori
So... we got some time to kill. Could I get you all some drinks?
John
Tori, could you get me some coffee.
Tori
Sure dad.
Mom
Could you get me some also honey?
Tori
Yes mom. Dan?
Dan
Just some water, please.
When Tori went to the kitchen the three of them looked at each other.
John
So... Dan....where do you work?
Dan
IWF sir.
John
IWF? What exactly is that? Is that some sort of law firm? Or something else?
Mom
Do you work for the record label my daughter sings for? Is that how you two met?
Dan
Well... not exactly...
Tori
Dan and I met at a party
Tori came back with the drinks. As soon as she served them she sat down on the couch Dan was sitting in. Her parents were sitting on the opposite one.
Mom
A party?
Tori
Yes mom, a party. One of Eddie's big parties he throws once a month at his house. Eddie is one of the producers at the record label.
John
So how was Dan invited? He works for them too?
Tori
No. Dan is a champion. At IWF.
Her parents stared blankly.
John
A champion....
Dan decided to speak up.
Dan
IWF stands for Insurgency Wrestling Federation. But I'm not exactly a champion. Tori is just being nice.
Tori
But you were a champion and you are going to be one again.
She turned to her parents.
Tori
He's in a tournament. He is going to win.
Dan sighed. He appreciated Tori's efforts but he could tell by her parent's discontented looks that they weren't buying anything.
Tori
So. You guys ready for dinner?
Her parents drove them to the city. They stopped at an upper class restaurant. They looked at the menu as soon as they were seated. The waiter took their orders. The dinner was suprisingly quiet. Mostly Tori talked to her mother about her work. She told them about her upcoming album that she was working on right now. She just had to write a few more songs. Her parents were clearly proud of her. It showed in their faces. As soon as they were finished with dinner Tori and her mom went to the ladies room before leaving. John sat there with Dan. There was an awkward silence for a minute.
John
Dan. If you know my daughter then you will know that she is a very special woman.
Dan
Yes I do sir.
John
You also know that she is a very young woman. She is still a girl. How old are you Dan?
Dan
Twenty nine.
John
Yeah. See that's not going to work. Maybe for someone else. But not for my girl. I understand that you are some sort of champion. That's fine. I have no problem with that. But that is not good enough for my girl. You understand?
Dan
Yes sir.
John
Good. It's good that we could come to an understanding.
They saw the ladies coming back from a distance.
John
I hope you do well for yourself in the future son. Remember what we talked about.
Her parents dropped them off at her place.
Tori
Want to come up?
Dan
...No...
Tori
Dan, why?
Dan
I don't feel like it tonight.
Tori
We don't have to do that. We could just talk.
Dan
I don't feel like doing that either.
Tori
Dan, if it's about my parents.
Dan
It's not.
Tori
Dan please. I need you tonight. You know I love you.
She went up to him. They held each other close.
Tori
I want you with me. It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks.
Dan
Yeah, it does.
Tori
Dan!
She frowned. But it was a geniune frown. Most of the time she was overly expressive just to be humorous but this was different.
Tori
Dan I love you.
Tears started forming in her eyes.
Dan
I know Tori. But you shouldn't
Tori
Why?!
They hugged. They stood there just outside of her aparment building. Holding each other.
Dan got dressed. He looked at Tori on the bed. He had heard Tori's pleas last night and decided to be with her. He laid back down on the bed beside her. He carressed her softly. He would have to leave in a couple days and miss this. It was crazy that he was even considering leaving on Friday night. He would have never done that before. But he was in love with this girl. As much as he didn't want to. He was. He couldn't lie about that. Tori shifted a little. Dan got closer to her and held her. She made some noises and woke up. He closed his eyes.
Tori
Dan!
She hugged him. They lay together in bed holding each other.
Tori
Don't ever leave me.
✯✯The Shoot✯✯
Brandon. Condolences to you and your family during these hard times. I really don't know how to feel about us having a match right after the death of your brother. As much as I like the idea of avenging my loss to you months ago, I can't help but feel sympathy towards you. You really brought yourself out of the gutter these past few months. Cleaned yourself up. I've changed too for the better. And that is why it is such a compelling match. Me vs. You...... vs. Brenton.
Brenton. You egotistical bastard. You just had to take the easy way out didn't you? You mentioned on live television that I had an easier time in the tournament. You know that isn't true. That is a godamn lie. You just wanted to secure your spot in the finals no matter what because you didn't think you could beat Brandon. You don't think you can beat Brandon one on one. And you still don't. That's why it's a triple threat match. Your hoping that Brandon and I wear each other out so you could just climb right up to briefcase and take it yourself. Then skip all the way to the exit with briefcase in hand.
That bullshit isn't happening.
Not on my watch. And if Brandon had any self respect for himself he wouldn't let it happen either. I worked too hard for some sleazy scumbag to cheat himself to victory. I've had just about enough of you, you egotistical little prick. You come here to IWF and beat a bunch of jobbers and somehow you're number one in the Eleven rankings? Then you create your own little fan club consisting of an old greyed out fatass and some wimpy kid who obviously so wants to go down on you.
Then it gets wierd.
You also had Robbie Hart. You know, Frank Hart's kid. He won the number one contendership by beating me back at Fallout. Then what? You're creepy ass self tried to steal his spot. Promising him that you were going to be champion for Succession. Frankly I wouldn't be surprised if that's not the only thing you asked of him.
But the kid was smart.
He didn't believe your stupid lies. Then of course you became psycho and PUT A BOUNTY ON HIS HEAD?! Really? All because the kid didn't want to give you the title shot that he rightfully earned and deserved? But then what did I find out? That you and him were just in cahoots. And he was just another Nick Ridicule. Robbie just betrayed his own father. Look I don't care what you guys did. I actually don't. The whole thing is between you guys and Frank. But your pretty much a sick bastard.
You're a sick bastard.
And not the kind they lock up behind bars. You are the kind they execute because they will never change. You will always be this way Brenton. Obsessed with yourself to the point where nothing else matters to you except that you win that briefcase. So much so that Frank died. HE FUCKING DIED CAUSE OF YOU!
And look.
Your efforts did work. You're in the match. You still have a shot at winning the briefcase. But that's all you have. A shot. A long shot.
You were looking for an easy way out?
You found one.
The only problem is that I'm standing in the way.
Not so easy now is it?
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