Torn

So after over a year with IWF, I'm finally getting a shot at a title. The price is, I have to face not only a friend, but a woman. Is management trying to embarrass me by going against my morals? Do they think they can strip me of my pride? That's not gonna happen. It's time to show people what I can do.

I sit alone at a dive bar in Rio. So much is running through my mind right now, I can't think straight. There is an untouched glass of Jameson, and the bottle sitting in front of me. I look in the glass, deep in thought as I hear foot steps walking up to me. I don't look up I just continue to stare into the glass and continue contemplating this tough turn of events.

Tim Patrick walks in and takes the bottle of Jameson and pours himself a glass.

ICE! BARTENDER, ICE!

He waits for the bartender to give him a few ice cubes and then drinks the entire glass.

He looks frustrated, not even looking around

I shoot a humorless grin at Tim.

"I guess the management thinks they're funny, putting me in a situation like this. Go against my morals, or back down from a challenge."

I finally take a drink from my glass.

"Blyss is a friend, I don't want to hurt her. Though I can't back down from this if management is ever going to take me seriously..."

Tim pours himself another drink and downs it quickly.

Listen, Raven. You're a good friend, but Blyss has turned into....like.....she's like a sister to me. And I love her like one. So keep this match clean. I don't think I need to remind you what I did to the Empire when they viciously attacked her. Most of them haven't been heard from for a month. So yeah, keep it clean......I mean it.

Tim glares at his empty glass.

I have been riding so high on last week's win that I haven't thought of what comes next. I have Gordon AND Flex at the Pay Per View. In some lego clusterfuck bullshit match. I go from having the most insane match in wrestling history to having some MegaBlocks fuckfest in Boston. Wanna talk about management not taking somebody seriously? Just look at this garbage.

I nod and pour another glass of Jameson.

"No worries man. I will fight clean with Blyss. Hell I'm uncomfortable enough having to fight a woman, I damn sure won't go hardcore. I can't back down though. I'm going to go into this and give it everything I've got. If I can prove myself against Blyss, woman or not she's a hell of a competitor, people will finally have to take notice."

I chuckle and take a drink as he mentions the lego death match.

"Yea that's kind of a spit in the face of guys like us. Sounds like something some mentally challenged twelve year olds would do in their back yard. Definitely not worthy of guys like us. Though smacking someone in the head with a lego death star does seem kind of painful."

Tim pours himself another glass

When I was like 8 years ago I was in a fistfight with this neighbor kid over legos. I got my legos mixed with his and there was this battle to decide what blocks belonged to who. I mean, yeah it'll hurt if I fall on a bunch of legos...but for a few seconds. I pride myself on extreme matches, stuff people will go home and talk about. I make sure that nobody talks about other matches on cards that I'm on. What are they going to say about this? People will laugh about it for decades.

He downs the glass of whiskey quickly

Blyss walks in, still feeling the after effects of the match with Parker. It is a great win going into the title match next week and though she's happy about it, she can't keep the smile on her face. She spots her friends SR and Tim and quietly sits next to them. They haven't even noticed her yet, engaged in their conversation. She listens patiently for a bit before speaking up.

"I wouldn't want anything less there, Raven. That's exactly why I've decided to change the Queen of Wrestling title. Putting it back to its original status. What's the point in keeping it within the women's division which is so fucking small? Anyways, congrats for getting the no. 1 contender spot for my title. May the better woman win."

She winks.

Tim is slightly startled that Blyss is suddenly sitting next to him. He didn't hear her come in. He listens to what she said and smiles. He takes another sip of his drink and puts his arm around Blyss and gives her a one-armed hug.

You really shut up any doubters this week, little sis. That match you had with Parker was excellent! He has done it all here, and you slayed him in the ring.

Tim looks over at Raven.

You know, man. I wouldn't think of this match as an insult for you. The women of IWF, namely Blyss, Molly, and Jaci have proven themselves to be better than most of us guys out there. You're not going out there with some little girl in pigtails. If you're not careful, your shoulder will be pinned to the mat...quickly.

Blyss smiles at Tim.

"Thanks, big bro. As much as I knew I could beat Parker or at least hope to, I'm still surprised I managed to actually do it. (turns to SR) By the way, what did you mean you won't 'go hardcore'? Isn't that what Storming Raven does? I thought you weren't backing down?"

Her body stiffens slightly as she narrows her eyes at Raven.

I look at Blyss, then turn to Tim with a "what the hell" expression. I take another drink, then turn to Blyss.

"Yes that is what I usually do, but it's not all I CAN do. It's time everyone sees I can hang with the best of them. I don't need to get extreme to win. Those are just for when I really want to hurt someone. I'll be bringing everything I've got, technical and high flying wise to you."

Blyss restrains from gasping in slight annoyance and instead sighs.

"Fine, Raven. You do what you gotta do to impress everyone what you're capable of. Like I said, I'm not expecting anything less from you and I know you won't be from me either. And that's all I care for right now."

She holds out her hand, waiting for a handshake.

I shake her hand and pull her into a hug.

"Let's give these fans a match they'll never forget."

I laugh.

"If you want to go easy on me that's completely okay too."

I show that famous dimpled grin and ruffle her hair.

Blyss frowns, pulling away from the hug. Her hands are now curling into fists by her sides.

"I'm sorry, what? Are you doing that mind games thing? I'm not going easy on you. At all."

She bites her lower lip.

"...Or is that a joke?"

I look at her with a wink.

"It's a joke doll face. I wouldn't do mind games with you. This will be a clean match. I hate the thought of having to hit a woman in the first place."

I frown and take another drink of Jameson.

Blyss sighs, placing an arm around Raven.

"You're a good man, Raven. Many guys won't even hesitate to fight women, let alone hurt them. This business is just a competition after all. Don't think of it as going against your morals. And yeah, you and I are gonna put on an amazing match. Look at it this way, I'll be helping you to showcase what you can do and vice versa. I think we both win there."

She smiles.

"But for the record, do NOT ever call me 'doll face' again. Please."

She laughs.

I nod showing that famous grin.

"Noted. How about sweet cheeks? Baby cakes? Princess? Wanna throw me a line here? I'm drowning."

I chuckle and hug her again.

Leans back in between Blyss and SR

I think you've had a bit too much to drink tonight, Raven.

Slightly amused, Blyss smiles yet her eyebrows furrow together in concern.

"Yeah, Raven. Easy there. Need us to call Leilani or something?"

I laugh and sit on the bar.

"I'm okay guys, I'm just joking around. I haven't drank all that much. I'm gonna be calling it quits, after tonight, until the Pay Per View at least. I'm going to be completely focused, and show everyone I'm not someone to look down upon."

Blyss hugs them both and then ruffles Raven's hair.

"Good."

She grins.