Post by Sebastian Everett-Bryce on Sept 25, 2022 18:56:40 GMT -5
“SebastainEverettBryceISwearToGodIfYouDon’tGetYourButtInHereYou’reGoingToMissIt!” Shouted Sloane from the newly created cinema room located in what was once styled as the “library” during their early introduction to the Chelsea apartment they’d chosen to purchase in New York. The cinema room was hardly multi-screen, however it did host around eight seats in total, pride of place being front and centre - the two seated recliner that Sloane was currently clinging to for dear life whilst shouting out of the room to Seb. A few moments later, a somewhat exasperated looking Everett-Bryce stepped around the door with a large bowl in his hands.
“I would like to take a moment to point out, Sloane Anäis Taylor, that I would have been right here the whole time if…” Seb raised his voice an octave or two before bouncing towards Sloane with his head bobbing from side to side. “OhMyGodWouldn’tPopcornBeAmazingRightNow?CouldYouPleaseGoAndMakeSomeAndI’llLoveYouForever?”
“I sound NOTHING like that!” Sloane said, pouting.
“Other than the terrible attempt at an American accent, you sound precisely like that, love.” Seb said as he dropped down into his seat. He handed her the bowl and she beamed. “Now, let’s sit back and watch Tyler and Lauren beat seven shades of shit out of one another.”
“This isn’t Tyler and Lauren, this is Cypher and Sahara.” Said Sloane thickly through a handful of popcorn that she’d almost inhaled. “That is two very different things.”
“I suppose.” Said Seb, his head tilted to one side. “It’s a strange thing isn’t it? I couldn’t imagine going by another name - even wrestling.”
“Only different name I’ve ever used was Sheridan.” Said Sloane with a little giggle. “But that wasn’t for wrestling.”
“Only because you didn’t take those jobs.” Said Seb. Sloane reached out and swatted him on the arm, sending a handful of popcorn into the air.
“Oops.” Sloane said giggling. Before letting out a squeal and pointing at the screen. “Look, look, it’s starting!”
They sat back and watched as one by one, first Sahara and then Cypher made their entrances. Sloane would do excited little squeals every now and again, and fidget and switch seating positions while Seb just watched TV letting out small chuckles and little head shakes every time she reacted to something small and arguably insignificant.
“Oh my god I’m so nervous!” She said as sat bolt upright, her eyes fixed on the screen. She was running her hands over the tops of her legs over and over. She wasn’t good at hiding when she was tense. Seb, on the other hand, nonchalantly tossed popcorn into his open mouth and watched.
“Why?” Seb asked.
“Because it’s Lauren’s first chance at an OCW Championship and she’s fighting our friend, Seb!” Sloane said.
“It’s Sahara’s first chance, remember.” Seb added smirking.
“Oh shush you.” Sloane said as the bell rang to start the match. “Eek!”
The match went back and forth for sometime, and finally, Sahara had the advantage. Sloane was edging closer and closer to the edge of the seat. But as Sahara gained the edge, the commentators mentioned something going on backstage. A few flashes of shaky footage later, and Seb too was on the edge of his seat.
“Fucking Braddock?” He said, sneering. “What the fuck is he doing there?”
“Probably trying to screw with Lauren.” Said Sloane, looking every bit as angry as Darth Prickles. “Someone needs to get him out of there!”
Braddock dragged the referee out of the ring and blasted him with a right arm to the face. Sahara looked furious.
“She needs to concentrate on Cypher - he won’t skip a chance to get the win.” Seb said.
“He wouldn’t!” Said Sloane.
“Maybe.” Said Seb, not entirely confident. “Wait…”
As Braddock climbed up onto the apron, a 2x4 smashed across his back dropping him to the mat. Sloane let out a little yell of excitement as Charlie Nickles began to go back and forth with Cyrus on the outside. Back in the ring, though, Seb’s prediction came true as Cypher took advantage.
“No, Tyler! Not like that!” Yelled Sloane as Cypher hit a shining wizard on Mrs. Thaddeus Duke. Cypher had Sahara lined up for a finishing blow when…
“What the hell?” Said Sloane.
“What happened to the lights?” Asked Seb.
Everything came next seemed to happen in slow motion - Cyrus being drugged whilst outside of the locker room from which Frankie had been taken. Easton’s appearance, and him stepping over the unconscious Braddock and taking Frankie from an unknown accomplice. And finally, the paused shot of the man who had helped to abuct Frankie.
“No…” Said Sloane, the note of heartbreak in her voice doing little to represent what she felt inside.
“Fucking cunt!” Shouted Seb, entirely out of character as he threw the glass bowl full of popcorn against the wall where it shattered into a thousand pieces.
Sloane reached for him, and buried her head into his shoulder. Seb’s breathing was deep, and repetitive. Sloane couldn’t watch what happened next - but Seb did.
The Rains of Castamere played through the speakers in the arena - The Lionheart hard arrived. And with it, he brought retribution.
Seb watched as Thaddeus, Lauren, Braddock and Nickles stood all around Tyler, who realised far too late that everything that had come before had been planned. Seb felt a hint of frustration at not knowing the truth - but he understood. The more people that knew, the more risk there was to Thad’s finally laid plan.
And when the attack came, Seb threw every punch and kicked every boot. And when it was all over, he wanted more. It was everything he had not to track down Tyler and attack him in the street. For Thad, for Lauren, for Frankie and for Sloane who sobbed uncontrollably into his shoulder. It wasn’t just the abduction, it was the betrayal. They, who had been the only ones to truly give him a chance had been deceived and their trust broken.
Seb was angry. Sloane was hurt. The Dukes, while vindicated, would forever have to live with the knowledge that they invited him into their lives.
Cypher… No… Tyler. Tyler had done this and broken everything they’d built these past months.
And they would have to pick up the pieces. Together.
“Hello Shane, Avalon…” Said Sebastian Everett-Bryce, smiling into the camera. “We haven’t been formally introduced, although technically we have met. My name is Sebastian Everett-Bryce, and the woman sat by my side as we work our way through this particular minefield is the beautiful and talented Sky Queen - Sloane Taylor.”
The camera pulls back to reveal the blonde beauty that is stood by his side, a mere head shorter than he is.
“Hey guys! Oh my god, this is going to be so much fun - honestly, I’m really looking forward to it.” Said Sloane, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet. “Multiplayer Championships - this is going to be so cool!”
“Well, let’s not get too hasty dear.” Said Seb, with a smirk. “Afterall, you have to understand that this isn’t exactly what Shane had in mind whilst he was playing devils favourite douchebag on Twitter a couple of weeks back.”
Sloane slapped Seb on the arm.
“Oh my god, Seb you can’t just be going around calling people a douchebag.” She said, before making a pained, apologetic look into the camera.
“Even if it’s true?” Seb replied.
“Even if it’s true…” Sloane said, before her eyes widened, and she looked suddenly panicked. “Not that it is true.”
“But he did say that Thad deserved for Frankie to get kidnapped…” Seb added, tilting his head slightly as if in deep consideration.
“Oh my god, he did, didn’t he?” Said Sloane, before considering her previous stance. “Alright, fine, I withdraw my objection.”
“That’s my girl.” Said Seb smiling. “But it’s true, isn’t it Shane? While you tapped away on your little phone screen telling the world that if Thad wasn’t such a bad person then his kid wouldn’t have been kidnapped. And whilst that was at best, uninformed and idiotic and at worst an attempt to create controversy for yourself on the back of another man’s work, the fact is you did much to try and walk that back. Talk of strawmen and such, had to do an awful lot of work to try and undo your original intention.”
“I’ve said it before, and I’ve said it again - anyone condoning the kidnap of a child for any reason needs to stop and have a good look at themselves in a mirror.” Said Sloane shaking her head. “And the idea that anyone would use such a situation to try and make themselves look like they’re some kind of carefree badass is just… Ew. Honestly, Shane, I know you’ll pass this off as the actions of an a-hole, but it just comes off as someone desperate for attention. Well… Congratulations. You got some attention. Ours.” Said Sloane with a sweet look, which belayed the intent behind the words.
“Honestly, talk about your all-time backfires man - apparently someone was watching, and our little chat backstage at EXP31 has been upgraded to Sloane and I taking that newly won Multiplayer Championship away from you - all because you wanted to act like you’re some kind of a carefree supervillain - but at best, you’re a secondary character shoehorned in at the last minute. Trying to sponge some relevance off the real prick behind this entire situation. But don’t worry, friend, you got your spin-off. Now Sloane and I just have to play the part of the conquering heroes.” Said Seb with a half-smirk. “Never thought I’d see the day that I was cast in that particular role.”
“What?! With that jawline, you were born to be a superhero.” Said Sloane with a smile. “As for me, well, I’ve been fighting off villains for years now. It’s kind of been my job, and while I’m not always victorious in act one, I tend to finish off the arc with a victory for the good guys. All the best superheroes can fly, Shane - and no-one flies like me. I didn’t earn my nickname by standing by and watching others own the skies. I earned it because I look to take risks - I love a challenge. Taking on you and that partner of yours feels like one of the greatest challenges there is today. And I’m so very much looking forward to it.”
“And here’s the crazy thing, Shane - you didn’t even need to talk about Thad to get my attention. I’m not shy - if you wanted a fight then all you had to do was ask. Maybe if you’d done that, you wouldn’t be faced with the prospect of losing those Championships in your first defence. Maybe you wouldn’t be facing the two people who have made the greatest impact in Level Up Wrestling since their debut than any other duo so far. Maybe, if you’d just waved me down backstage and asked for a fight it would just be the two of us trying to work out who’s the better man.” Said Seb with a smirk. “Spoiler, alert, it’s me.”
“And yet, here we are - former Tag Team Champions and a duo that know one another better than almost any team on this roster.” Said Sloane.
“It’s true, I know her really, really well.” Said Seb.
“Oh my god Sebastian!” Said Sloane with a shocked smile and a flash of red. “My point is that you’re set to face a team that’s worked with one another for the last three years and barely missed a beat. You’re facing a team that knows one anothers strengths and weaknesses. A team that compliments one another without rival. We are the Empire of the Skies - and there’s not an awful lot you can do to stop us Shane.”
“But maybe your partner will have something to say about that.” Seb added with a smirk.
The moment the front door to Thad and Lauren’s New York home opened, there was a blonde blur that collided with the two of them at full speed. For a full thirty seconds, no-one spoke as Sloane held onto both Thad and Lauren as if letting go would mean she’d never see them again. Seb smiled at the two of them locked in her freakishly and altogether unexpectedly strong embrace. Thad waved, Lauren rolled her eyes in that way she did, even though deep down she was entirely thankful for the gesture.
“Are you both okay?” Seb asked, just before Sloane pulled away from them. “I know these past weeks had to be difficult.”
“Oh my god, Seb. Difficult is trying to stand on one leg while you pat your head and rub your stomach - this wasn’t difficult this was…” She glanced back at the couple stood before them and did everything she could not to burst into floods of tears. “Torture.”
“We were the ones handing out the torture, Sloane.” Said Lauren, with a look of glee upon her face. There was something oddly beautiful about Lauren’s cruel streak. Not that Tyler hadn’t deserved every last moment.
“Are you both alright?” Thad asked, looking from Seb to Sloane and back to Seb again.
“Us?” Asked Seb. “Are you kidding?”
“This happened to you, and your family. How we feel - “ Sloane began.
“Matters more to us than almost anyone else..” Said Thad. “He betrayed you both as well.”
“Yeah, well…” Said Sloane, her brow furrowed. “He got what he deserved.”
“You’re sexy when you’re mad, you know that?” Said Lauren with a smile. Sloane blushed, and the anger lifted.
“We’re okay - it was just a shock to see it revealed like that is all.” She said, biting her lip.
“I’m sorry.” Said Thad quietly. “That I didn’t tell you both before - it’s not that I didn’t trust you.”
“Didn’t trust me though did you?” Said Lauren, feigning offence. “Weren’t so worried about upsetting me by keeping your little secret.”
“He knows how much you love Frankie.” Said Seb, quickly. “And he knows you well enough to guess what you’d do if he told you right away.”
“And what’s that, hmm?” Asked Lauren, her hand placed on her hip.
“You’d have probably done worse than what happened in that ring.” Said Sloane quietly. “Maybe gotten in trouble for it.”
“You’d have killed him.” Said Seb, making eye contact with his best friends wife. “Nothing would have stopped you.”
Lauren’s mouth curled into a smile.
“Absolutely right, of course, I just wanted to hear you say it.” She said. “Why the hell are we stood at the door like peasants?”
Thad rolled his eyes and shook his head, turning into the house allowing Seb and Sloane to follow. Seb pushed closed the door.
“How long did you know?” Seb asked Thad as they paused in the entrance hall. “About Tyler?”
“Frankie told me a few weeks ago - but I wanted to keep everyone looking the wrong way. Especially him - that way, when the net closed…” Thad said.
“He’d have no way out.” Said Sloane. “Smart.”
“You know me.” Said Thad with a smirk.
“So you had a couple of weeks to adjust to the idea, work out your plan and execute.” Said Seb.
“Exactly, And I know that left the two of you exposed to him for longer than you’d probably have wanted to be, but I just had to make sure this went right.” Said Thad.
“It’s okay. We understand.” Said Sloane, smiling.
“If it makes you feel any better, I hardly told anyone before it happened.” Said Thad.
“Yeah. He told me, like, five minutes before we went out there.” Said Lauren with a roll of her eyes.
“I told you five days before.” Said Thad, in a manner that suggested this wasn’t the first time he’d had to clarify the point.
“Same difference.” She said, folding her arms over her chest.
“Technically there’s one hundred and nineteen hours and fifty five minutes difference.” Said Seb.
“I shouldn’t find the fact that you were able to work that out so quickly hot.” Said Sloane, flashing Seb a smile.
“You find everything about me hot.” Said Seb.
“This is true.” Said Sloane.
“Especially your best friend.” Said Thad. Sloane giggled. Lauren smirked and Seb rolled his eyes.
“Just couldn’t let us have one moment, hmm?” Said Seb. Thad began to chuckle and held up his hands in protest.
“Alright, I think I’m going to make cocktails. Anyone interested?” Asked Lauren.
“It’s 11am.” Said Thad, looking at his watch.
“It’s 4pm somewhere.” Lauren added with a smirk. “Sloane? Mimosa?”
“Oooooo, bubbly OJ. I’m in!” Sloane said.
“Seb?” Asked Lauren.
“Why not… I guess we have something to celebrate.” Seb said with a smile at Thad who nodded his agreement.
“Excellent. Oh, and Seb?” Lauren asked as Seb turned to look at her. “I’ll make sure I swirl your champagne before I put the orange juice in.”
“Of course you will.” Said Seb with the shake of his head as he and Thad watched the ladies walk away from them towards the kitchen.
“Which one are you watching?” Thad asked.
“The one I arrived with.” Said Seb, turning to face Thad.
“You know as well as I do you’d definitely “arrive” with either of them.” Said Thad.
“Wonderful.” Said Seb, doing his best to keep his face neutral. He paused for a second, looking to make sure Sloane and Lauren were gone before he turned back to his best friend. “I need to talk to you.”
“About what?” Thad asked.
“Can we go somewhere a little more private?” Seb asked. Thad nodded and turned, as they both walked the opposite direction from Sloane and Lauren.
“Oh my god mimosas, I love mimosas!” Said Sloane excitedly, a huge smile on her face and bouncing on the balls of her feet. Lauren had her head in the refrigerator “Oh! Wait! What about Margaritas? Like the Mix. Wait, your partner was… Oof… Okay maybe not. How about Mojitos? Seb loves Mojitos. Oooooo… He also loves Appletinis. But Maybe you don’t have all of the ingredients for Appletinis…”
“Sloane…” Said Lauren, pulling a large bottle of champagne and a carton of fresh orange juice. “Mimosas will be fine.”
“Oh… Yeah, of course.” Sloane said with a small giggle. “Sorry, I sometimes get a little carried away.”
“You don’t say.” Said Lauren as she placed the drinks in front of Sloane, telling her without words that the guest would absolutely be doing the work of making the drinks.
“Oh my god. I’m sorry… Am I being really annoying?” Sloane asked, her eyes widening with worry.
“No, no.” Said Lauren with a small smile. “I like it - you have a unique way of looking at the world. I sometimes wish I could be the same way.”
“I mean, it’s not a choice.” Said Slaone, her cheeks reddening. “I’ve just always tried to see the positive in things.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Most people are skeptical. I think it’s part of the reason why Tyler hit us all so hard - we lost our scepticism.” Lauren said, before picking up an orange and starting to rip into it with her nails.
“Hey, Lauren, I don’t think that orange had anything to do with what Tyler did.” Said Sloane, with eyes wide as orange juice dripped down Lauren’s fingers like blood.
“Oh… Right.” She said, tossing it onto the counter and picking up a cloth and wiping her hands.
“I think I’ll try to be less annoying.” Sloane said with a small chuckle.
“Don’t you dare.” Said Lauren with a smile. “You, Sloane Taylor, are a shining light in this cesspool that we all spend so much time wading around in. You’re just so… Honest.”
“Well I don’t really like to lie if I can help it.” Sloane said. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind the odd white lie here and there to save someones feelings, but I tend to think honesty is the best policy.”
Sloane nodded with assurity. Lauren chuckled.
“Most people lie, Sloane.” Said Lauren. “I’ve lied so many times, I sometimes forget what the truth is. I’m sure Thad lies to me sometimes too. To make me feel better. Seb lies when he acts like he’d be my friend if it wasn’t for Thad.”
“Seb loves you, Lauren. He started talking to you before me or Thad. I was… Distracted.” Said Sloane, before the heat raised in her cheeks.
“Oh yeah - the ex.” Said Lauren. “Who’s better in bed? Him or Seb?”
“Lauren!” Said Sloane. “I’m not answering that question!”
“Ouch. If it was Seb, you’d have just said…” Said Lauren. “Can’t imagine he’d be too happy to hear…”
“I didn’t say that! I just… I’ve never really… Talked… About that kind of thing with anyone. I used to get talked at about it. My old best friend Courtney used to be quite graphic - but I never really talked back.”
“Well then maybe you should…” Said Lauren, with a smirk as she leaned forward in anticipation.
“Maybe some other time.” Sloane said, her face beet red. “Sooooo… You’re back in New York full time now?”
“Until Thad decides he wants to go somewhere else.” Lauren said, casting a look towards the door. “I worry about him… That he can’t settle. Everything that happened with Frankie has him more on edge than ever.”
“Frankie’s safe now though - back home where he belongs.” Said Sloane with a smile.
“Yeah, he is.” Lauren said with a nod. “Do you want kids?”
Sloane noticed the slightly mournful look on Lauren’s face - Sloane knew her situation. The reason that Frankie was so very important to her. Why this entire situation had scared her so much.
“Someday, sure.” Sloane replied. “I want all kinds of things. But I’m still young - I want me and Seb to travel and have fun before we start to commit to marriage and kids.”
“What if he asked?” Asked Lauren.
“Wh… What?” Sloane replied. “Asked what?”
“What if Seb walked in here right now, got down on one knee and told you he wanted you to be his wife. What would you say?” Lauren asked, with a mischievous grin on her face.
“I’d say yes…” Sloane said, her eyes wide. As if shocked that she’d heard the words even come out of her own mouth.
“And what if he said he wanted to give up everything and have kids?” Lauren asked, her tongue pressed against her teeth.
“I’d… Say yes to that too…” Said Sloane, feeling the heat building once more in her face.
“Is that why you’re doing all this stuff with his family?” Lauren asked. “Why you’re trying so hard to fix things with him and his dad?”
“Maybe…” Said Sloane. She felt a creeping chill up her back - thoughts of Seb’s father and Clemence creeping over her. She took her eyes off Lauren, and turned to the glasses in front of her. “Do you mind if we talk about something else?”
“Sure.” Said Lauren, as Sloane began to pour out the drinks. “I have another question.”
“Anything.” Sloane said beaming.
“What are your intentions with my husband?” She asked. Sloane almost dropped the champagne. “Honourable? Are you hoping to make an honest man out of him?”
“Wh… What?!” Sloane asked, she looked at Lauren again.
“I mean, you’re going on a date with him, right? I’d just like to know if you plan to treat him right, or are you just after one thing…” Lauren asked, sounding much more like a concerned parent than a wife.
“I… I… I don’t… I…” Sloane stuttered. Lauren held gaze for a few moments before she burst into laughter. Sloane felt the tension leave her body. She felt as though she was deflating. “Oh my god, Lauren!”
“That… Was amazing.” Lauren said as she picked up two of the glasses from the counter. “But seriously, if you sleep with him, I get first dibs on Seb.”
Lauren didn’t look back as she walked away, leaving Sloane wide-eyed, and perhaps for the first time in her life, entirely speechless.
Seb and Thad were easy friends - comfortable. It was a friendship less than a year old, and yet somehow Thaddeus Leander Duke had become one of the top five most important people in his life. Seb and Sloane had met Thad, officially, for the first time at the introduction of Chris Page in December at the Fight! NYC Countdown Pay Per View, before having made an off-the-cuff decision to spend a few days in Las Vegas. Sloane had joined this particular gathering late, having brought her previous relationship to an end just on New Years Eve.
And when Thad married Lauren, Seb and Sloane were witnesses at the event. And when the world judged them and waited for them to fail, Seb and Sloane stood side by side with the two of them and never once doubted that they were meant to be. And then, just months earlier, their foursome had adopted a fifth. Tyler. The loner-cum-hacker had been Thad’s friend first, but Seb had grown to like the man behind the action. It was easy to suggest that good and bad are black and white - but Tyler had always been relatively level when it came to Seb, and moreso when it came to Thad. They’d given him a chance. An opportunity to be more than what people accused him of being.
And so, when Tyler’s betrayal had been revealed, Seb had felt it twice. Once for himself, and once for Thad.
“I don’t know what you want to talk to me about, Seb, but if this is about him then can we not?” Said Thad as he sunk into a seat and rubbed the bridge of his nose wearily. “I’m not in the mood for you to tell me you think we went too far…”
“I wasn’t going to…” Seb began.
“Or for you to tell me I did the right thing.” Added Thad, pointedly. “I just… I don’t want to talk anymore about Tyler or any of that. I just want to enjoy today…”
“I know.” Said Seb, having read Thad’s body language whilst Lauren had made visceral gestures about just how much more she’d wanted to crush Tyler. “There’s plenty of other things we can talk about.”
“Good.” Said Thad, before looking up at Seb who was very clearly hovering. “I’m assuming as you asked, then there’s something in particular?”
Seb chewed the inside of his mouth as he thought about what to say next.
“Maybe?” He said before dropping into the seat opposite Thad. “Look, you know better than anyone the risks of taking on someone who is arguably more powerful. And is, of course, your father.”
“I do.” Said Thad, with more than a hint of interest. “You thinking about taking on the old man? Because if you are, I can provide you with…”
“I don’t want to fight him, Thad.” Seb said quietly. “Sloane wouldn’t want that, and for all his flaws my mother loves him. I don’t want to hurt either of them.”
“So what do you want?” Thad asked.
“Leverage.” Said Seb quietly. He was chewing on the inside of his mouth again. “I found something.”
“What kind of something?” Thad asked.
“It’s hard to explain.” Seb said, before pulling out his phone. He moved through the files and placed it on the table in front of him. On the screen there was a picture of a business card - black. On the front was a phone number in gold letters. Seb swiped the screen. “It was in this envelope.”
The envelope had a message hand written that said “For emergencies. GDS.”
“Where did you find the card?” Thad asked.
“I didn’t - I found the pictures.” Said Seb shaking his head. “I have no idea what the card is, what the number is or why it would be important enough to keep a record of it on a secure server.”
“A secure server?” Asked Thad. “How the hell did you access a secure… Seb…”
“You said we couldn’t talk about him…” Seb said with a bright smile.
“You can’t seriously trust this? After everything?” Said Thad, looking frustrated.
“This was before. Way before. He didn’t even know this was here - he just cleared out the secure server before he sent me…” Seb paused. “... What I’d asked for.”
“What did you ask for?” Thad asked.
“Footage of Sloane at that event at my father’s house. The one I wasn’t allowed to attend.” Said Seb quietly. “I had to know what happened.”
“And what did happen?” Asked Thad.
“Nothing really - just a dozen or so men who knew Sloane was my girlfriend trying to bed her anyway.” Said Seb shaking his head.
“You should be used to that by now.” Said Thad with a smirk.
“Hilarious.” Said Seb with a roll of his eyes. “Anyway, the point is, everything he found was legit, so why would I doubt this? Besides, I may not know what the number is, or what it’s for but I know who gave it to my father.”
“You know who GDS is?” Thad asked.
“I do.” Said Seb with a smile. “Grantham Delayney-Smyth - my childhood best friend.”
Seb sat back in his seat, looking victorious and for a moment, he could have sworn that Thad was impressed.
“So…” Thad said as Seb’s self-assurance was hitting it’s peak. “About my date with Sloane…”
And suddenly, Seb felt himself deflating as Thad looked on with his own victorious smirk.
“Avalon Blackthorn…” Said Seb quietly. “This is a name I’ve been hearing a lot about since I arrived here in Level Up.”
“Me too - trained by Amber Ryan…” Said Sloane.
“Matt Knox approved…” Said Seb with a nod. “And she was the one who knocked off Chris Page at Combat Evolved.”
“Even if Shane was a little… You know…” Said Sloane, making eyes. “Underhanded.”
“Means nothing, Sloane - Chris has had nothing but compliments to make when it came to Ava - all she did was take the opportunity that was presented to her. No different to some of the things I used to do back in the day.”
“That’s true.” Said Sloane. “You were a little nefarious when we met.”
“Nefarious…” Seb said with raised eyebrows.
“Oh yeah - my mom picked up word of the day toilet paper, and it was the word last time we visited.” Said Sloane with a nod. Seb looked impressed, before turning back to the camera.
“Point is, Ava - you’re not going to be the unknown quality you think you could be in this match. We’re not sloppy - we do our homework.” Said Seb.
“That’s right - and I know what it’s like to be doubted. To be stuck with the label of being green and underprepared for what I’m facing. It’s a tough gig, for sure, but one that I am entirely confident you’ll overcome. I’ve been doing this for three years, and already I’ve held a World Championship and multiple other singles Championships. I’ve stood at the side of more experienced established wrestlers and won Tag Team gold before too. I’ve been where you are - and I know just how tough you’d have to be to survive both Knox and Amber.” Said Sloane, with a smile. “Problem is, that takes away some of your advantage.”
“That rookie tag that you seem to fight against? It’s a weapon - something to be harnessed. People will look at you as though you’re an easy win. A sure thing, and a path to victory. But that’s not what we see - we see the Ava Blackthorn that beat Chris Page. The woman who defeated Dane Preston to take her team through to the final of the Multiplayer gauntlet. You put up one hell of a fight in the Last of us Gauntlet, Ava - I should know, it was me who eliminated you.” Seb said with a smirk.
“The point is…” Said Sloane, pointedly. “Is that all what usually makes you a wildcard, is no advantage when you’re faced with people who know who you are and what you can do. Those shoes you’re in are ones I’ve stood in before, so make no mistake - there isn’t a moment in this match where we’re going to underestimate you. Not a second where we’ll take you anything but seriously - you’re no rookie to us, Ava - you’re one half of the Level Up Wrestling Multiplayer Champions. And you’re every bit the obstacle that Shane is.”
“What Sloane means to say is that, you’re in our way.” Seb said with a smirk.
“I was trying to be nice about it, Sebastian.” Sloane said, rolling her eyes before smiling sweetly at the camera. “But yes… You are in our way. And you’re about to find out that it’s not a pleasant place to find yourself.”
“Temptation would be for me to have one eye on another prize, Ava - you know the one I’m talking about. The one I fight for at Triforce Heroes. But here’s the truth - Cooperative Gold was the first gold that I won when I crossed the pond, and I did it three years ago this month with the woman stood by my side. Back then, our friendship was flourishing, and even so I trusted her with everything I had. I had no rhyme nor reason to believe in her, other than the fact that on her first three days in this industry, she won an international tournament. Her prize? The chance to fight for any Championship. She chose the UGWC Cooperative Championships, and as her partner, she chose me.” Said Seb with a glance in Sloane’s direction.
“I didn’t know then what I know now - that he’d be the one person I could rely on above anyone else to stand by my side. Not to play some knight in shining armour everytime I fell down, but to stand with me whenever I asked. Neither of us know what drew the two of us together, but we know for sure that there’s no scenario in which we’ll let one another down. And this match, these Championships that you hold are the only Championships we have our eye on right now. Both of us.” Said Sloane, returning Seb’s glance. “Because these we win together.”
“I won’t cast aspersions on your team - there’s no way you beat Montouri, Preston, Bane, and Page if you’re not a team with chemistry. But this goes beyond working well together.” Said Seb.
“This is about proving that we’re everything we said we were when we walked into Chicago back in May and said we were going to change the game.” Said Sloane.
“This is about winning our first Championships here in Level Up.” Said Seb.
“It’s about proving without a shadow of a doubt that Sebastian Everett-Bryce and Sloane Taylor belong in Level Up.” Added Sloane.
“And there isn’t a person on planet Earth I’d rather have stood by my side.” Said Seb.
“Me either.” Said Sloane with a smile.
“So this coming Tuesday, The Final Girl and The Arsonist are coming for the Multiplayer Championships, kids. Not an awful lot you can do to stop us - because this Empire is about to take to the Skies.” Said Seb.
“And we plan on taking those Power Gloves with us.” Sloane added.
“They’ll look so much better on us, anyway…” Said Seb with a smirk. “See you both on Tuesday.”
“Looking forward to it.” Added Sloane, with a small wink before flashing her winning smile.
Seb and Sloane left the Casa Duke sometime later and began their journey back to their own home. Despite Thad’s protests, they had spent time talking about Tyler and what he’d done. For no other reason than Sloane’s inability to stop herself from tearing up everytime Lauren made some passing comment about disembowelment or castration. It wasn’t that she felt that Tyler deserved leniency or even mercy, but every moment of anger and every time Thad changed the subject it was as if the lie became more challenging for her to swallow.
Eventually, they talked. About how they’d made a mistake, but that it was honest. About how Seb and Sloane could never have seen it coming and how Thad and Lauren shouldn’t blame themselves for the things that other people chose to do. In the end, Sloane had been unable to hold back anymore and swept both Thad and Lauren into the single tightest hug that Seb thought he’d ever seen anyone be given.
After that, the mood had lightened considerably. Attention turned to Seb’s recent victories at Run of the Mill and Combat Evolved, Lauren’s shiny new Transatlantic Championship, Seb and Sloane’s upcoming Multiplayer Title match in Level Up and Thad’s plans for the future.
They ate, they drank and shared stories of their pasts. Seb regaled them all with the time that he and his school friends went cow tipping and Tarquin had fallen face first into the largest pile of cow dung he’d ever seen in his life. Thad told the story of how he and Lauren had spent their first non-coitial date together. Spoiler, it had led to sex. Lauren had started to tell what she believed to be a funny story about how she’d managed to score oxy just thirty minutes into visiting a city she’d never previously visited, before Thad explained that the story wasn’t really all that funny, and probably wasn’t the mood lightener that they’d hoped for. Sloane had managed to get them all back on track by telling Thad and Lauren just how awkward Christmas day had been at her house with her new boyfriend being upstaged by Bastian’s return to health.
The day had turned out perfectly, and as Seb and Sloane stopped for Starbucks on the way home, they talked about how good it was to have Thad and Lauren back in the city.
“How did your chat with Lauren go, by the way?” Seb asked.
“It was fun - even with her overly graphic descriptions of all the things she wanted to do to Tyler.” Sloane said, before her mind seemed to wander over them. She shuddered. “Oof.”
“Good.” Said Seb. “What else did you talk about?”
Sloane cleared her throat.
“Hmm?” She asked, before taking a long drink of her Pink Drink.
“Just wondering what the two of you were talking about other than decapitating Tyler.” Seb said with a smirk. Sloane gestured at her cup and then her mouth as if to somehow portay the idea that she had taken much to large of a gulp and she was having difficulty swallowing.
Yes. I heard it.
Eventually, she managed her mammoth task before clearing her throat again.
“Oh you know, this and that.” She said. “Girl stuff.”
“Oh, girl stuff.” Said Seb. “What kind of girl stuff.”
“You know… Make up… Hair…” Said Sloane. “She wanted some… Tips.”
“Lauren wanted tips on hair and makeup? She spends more money on hair and make up than either of us have ever made in a lifetime.” Said Seb.
“Oh my god, Seb, what’s with the inquisition?” Asked Sloane. “What were you and Thadd… Thad talking about, then? Hmm?”
Seb did his best to ignore her clear intention to add a ‘y’ to the end of Thad’s name.
“You know…” Said Seb, now suddenly the one with a tickle in his windpipe. “Just… Stuff and nonsense.”
“Oh stuff and nonsense… Sounds very much like… This and that.” Said Sloane, seeming superior.
“Interesting.” Said Seb.
“What is?” Asked Sloane.
“If you’re inferring that I have something to hide because I’m acting the same way you were, that means you have something to hide.” Said Seb.
“It does not!” Said Sloane, though her cheeks were a little red. He considered pushing further, but instead chose not to.
“This and that.” Seb said with a smirk.
“Stuff and nonsense.” Said Sloane with an assured nod.
“Fine.” Said Seb smirking. “Want to watch a movie when we get home?”
“Oh yes!” Said Sloane. “Any thoughts?”
“How about Ready, Player One?” Seb said smiling. “Something about watching the handsome hero and his hot, arse-kicking girlfriend kick the shit out of an arrogant arsehole and his pretty sidekick feels apt.”
“Sounds just about perfect to me.” Said Sloane as the two locked arms, and continued their short walk home.
“I would like to take a moment to point out, Sloane Anäis Taylor, that I would have been right here the whole time if…” Seb raised his voice an octave or two before bouncing towards Sloane with his head bobbing from side to side. “OhMyGodWouldn’tPopcornBeAmazingRightNow?CouldYouPleaseGoAndMakeSomeAndI’llLoveYouForever?”
“I sound NOTHING like that!” Sloane said, pouting.
“Other than the terrible attempt at an American accent, you sound precisely like that, love.” Seb said as he dropped down into his seat. He handed her the bowl and she beamed. “Now, let’s sit back and watch Tyler and Lauren beat seven shades of shit out of one another.”
“This isn’t Tyler and Lauren, this is Cypher and Sahara.” Said Sloane thickly through a handful of popcorn that she’d almost inhaled. “That is two very different things.”
“I suppose.” Said Seb, his head tilted to one side. “It’s a strange thing isn’t it? I couldn’t imagine going by another name - even wrestling.”
“Only different name I’ve ever used was Sheridan.” Said Sloane with a little giggle. “But that wasn’t for wrestling.”
“Only because you didn’t take those jobs.” Said Seb. Sloane reached out and swatted him on the arm, sending a handful of popcorn into the air.
“Oops.” Sloane said giggling. Before letting out a squeal and pointing at the screen. “Look, look, it’s starting!”
They sat back and watched as one by one, first Sahara and then Cypher made their entrances. Sloane would do excited little squeals every now and again, and fidget and switch seating positions while Seb just watched TV letting out small chuckles and little head shakes every time she reacted to something small and arguably insignificant.
“Oh my god I’m so nervous!” She said as sat bolt upright, her eyes fixed on the screen. She was running her hands over the tops of her legs over and over. She wasn’t good at hiding when she was tense. Seb, on the other hand, nonchalantly tossed popcorn into his open mouth and watched.
“Why?” Seb asked.
“Because it’s Lauren’s first chance at an OCW Championship and she’s fighting our friend, Seb!” Sloane said.
“It’s Sahara’s first chance, remember.” Seb added smirking.
“Oh shush you.” Sloane said as the bell rang to start the match. “Eek!”
The match went back and forth for sometime, and finally, Sahara had the advantage. Sloane was edging closer and closer to the edge of the seat. But as Sahara gained the edge, the commentators mentioned something going on backstage. A few flashes of shaky footage later, and Seb too was on the edge of his seat.
“Fucking Braddock?” He said, sneering. “What the fuck is he doing there?”
“Probably trying to screw with Lauren.” Said Sloane, looking every bit as angry as Darth Prickles. “Someone needs to get him out of there!”
Braddock dragged the referee out of the ring and blasted him with a right arm to the face. Sahara looked furious.
“She needs to concentrate on Cypher - he won’t skip a chance to get the win.” Seb said.
“He wouldn’t!” Said Sloane.
“Maybe.” Said Seb, not entirely confident. “Wait…”
As Braddock climbed up onto the apron, a 2x4 smashed across his back dropping him to the mat. Sloane let out a little yell of excitement as Charlie Nickles began to go back and forth with Cyrus on the outside. Back in the ring, though, Seb’s prediction came true as Cypher took advantage.
“No, Tyler! Not like that!” Yelled Sloane as Cypher hit a shining wizard on Mrs. Thaddeus Duke. Cypher had Sahara lined up for a finishing blow when…
“What the hell?” Said Sloane.
“What happened to the lights?” Asked Seb.
Everything came next seemed to happen in slow motion - Cyrus being drugged whilst outside of the locker room from which Frankie had been taken. Easton’s appearance, and him stepping over the unconscious Braddock and taking Frankie from an unknown accomplice. And finally, the paused shot of the man who had helped to abuct Frankie.
“No…” Said Sloane, the note of heartbreak in her voice doing little to represent what she felt inside.
“Fucking cunt!” Shouted Seb, entirely out of character as he threw the glass bowl full of popcorn against the wall where it shattered into a thousand pieces.
Sloane reached for him, and buried her head into his shoulder. Seb’s breathing was deep, and repetitive. Sloane couldn’t watch what happened next - but Seb did.
The Rains of Castamere played through the speakers in the arena - The Lionheart hard arrived. And with it, he brought retribution.
Seb watched as Thaddeus, Lauren, Braddock and Nickles stood all around Tyler, who realised far too late that everything that had come before had been planned. Seb felt a hint of frustration at not knowing the truth - but he understood. The more people that knew, the more risk there was to Thad’s finally laid plan.
And when the attack came, Seb threw every punch and kicked every boot. And when it was all over, he wanted more. It was everything he had not to track down Tyler and attack him in the street. For Thad, for Lauren, for Frankie and for Sloane who sobbed uncontrollably into his shoulder. It wasn’t just the abduction, it was the betrayal. They, who had been the only ones to truly give him a chance had been deceived and their trust broken.
Seb was angry. Sloane was hurt. The Dukes, while vindicated, would forever have to live with the knowledge that they invited him into their lives.
Cypher… No… Tyler. Tyler had done this and broken everything they’d built these past months.
And they would have to pick up the pieces. Together.
“Hello Shane, Avalon…” Said Sebastian Everett-Bryce, smiling into the camera. “We haven’t been formally introduced, although technically we have met. My name is Sebastian Everett-Bryce, and the woman sat by my side as we work our way through this particular minefield is the beautiful and talented Sky Queen - Sloane Taylor.”
The camera pulls back to reveal the blonde beauty that is stood by his side, a mere head shorter than he is.
“Hey guys! Oh my god, this is going to be so much fun - honestly, I’m really looking forward to it.” Said Sloane, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet. “Multiplayer Championships - this is going to be so cool!”
“Well, let’s not get too hasty dear.” Said Seb, with a smirk. “Afterall, you have to understand that this isn’t exactly what Shane had in mind whilst he was playing devils favourite douchebag on Twitter a couple of weeks back.”
Sloane slapped Seb on the arm.
“Oh my god, Seb you can’t just be going around calling people a douchebag.” She said, before making a pained, apologetic look into the camera.
“Even if it’s true?” Seb replied.
“Even if it’s true…” Sloane said, before her eyes widened, and she looked suddenly panicked. “Not that it is true.”
“But he did say that Thad deserved for Frankie to get kidnapped…” Seb added, tilting his head slightly as if in deep consideration.
“Oh my god, he did, didn’t he?” Said Sloane, before considering her previous stance. “Alright, fine, I withdraw my objection.”
“That’s my girl.” Said Seb smiling. “But it’s true, isn’t it Shane? While you tapped away on your little phone screen telling the world that if Thad wasn’t such a bad person then his kid wouldn’t have been kidnapped. And whilst that was at best, uninformed and idiotic and at worst an attempt to create controversy for yourself on the back of another man’s work, the fact is you did much to try and walk that back. Talk of strawmen and such, had to do an awful lot of work to try and undo your original intention.”
“I’ve said it before, and I’ve said it again - anyone condoning the kidnap of a child for any reason needs to stop and have a good look at themselves in a mirror.” Said Sloane shaking her head. “And the idea that anyone would use such a situation to try and make themselves look like they’re some kind of carefree badass is just… Ew. Honestly, Shane, I know you’ll pass this off as the actions of an a-hole, but it just comes off as someone desperate for attention. Well… Congratulations. You got some attention. Ours.” Said Sloane with a sweet look, which belayed the intent behind the words.
“Honestly, talk about your all-time backfires man - apparently someone was watching, and our little chat backstage at EXP31 has been upgraded to Sloane and I taking that newly won Multiplayer Championship away from you - all because you wanted to act like you’re some kind of a carefree supervillain - but at best, you’re a secondary character shoehorned in at the last minute. Trying to sponge some relevance off the real prick behind this entire situation. But don’t worry, friend, you got your spin-off. Now Sloane and I just have to play the part of the conquering heroes.” Said Seb with a half-smirk. “Never thought I’d see the day that I was cast in that particular role.”
“What?! With that jawline, you were born to be a superhero.” Said Sloane with a smile. “As for me, well, I’ve been fighting off villains for years now. It’s kind of been my job, and while I’m not always victorious in act one, I tend to finish off the arc with a victory for the good guys. All the best superheroes can fly, Shane - and no-one flies like me. I didn’t earn my nickname by standing by and watching others own the skies. I earned it because I look to take risks - I love a challenge. Taking on you and that partner of yours feels like one of the greatest challenges there is today. And I’m so very much looking forward to it.”
“And here’s the crazy thing, Shane - you didn’t even need to talk about Thad to get my attention. I’m not shy - if you wanted a fight then all you had to do was ask. Maybe if you’d done that, you wouldn’t be faced with the prospect of losing those Championships in your first defence. Maybe you wouldn’t be facing the two people who have made the greatest impact in Level Up Wrestling since their debut than any other duo so far. Maybe, if you’d just waved me down backstage and asked for a fight it would just be the two of us trying to work out who’s the better man.” Said Seb with a smirk. “Spoiler, alert, it’s me.”
“And yet, here we are - former Tag Team Champions and a duo that know one another better than almost any team on this roster.” Said Sloane.
“It’s true, I know her really, really well.” Said Seb.
“Oh my god Sebastian!” Said Sloane with a shocked smile and a flash of red. “My point is that you’re set to face a team that’s worked with one another for the last three years and barely missed a beat. You’re facing a team that knows one anothers strengths and weaknesses. A team that compliments one another without rival. We are the Empire of the Skies - and there’s not an awful lot you can do to stop us Shane.”
“But maybe your partner will have something to say about that.” Seb added with a smirk.
The moment the front door to Thad and Lauren’s New York home opened, there was a blonde blur that collided with the two of them at full speed. For a full thirty seconds, no-one spoke as Sloane held onto both Thad and Lauren as if letting go would mean she’d never see them again. Seb smiled at the two of them locked in her freakishly and altogether unexpectedly strong embrace. Thad waved, Lauren rolled her eyes in that way she did, even though deep down she was entirely thankful for the gesture.
“Are you both okay?” Seb asked, just before Sloane pulled away from them. “I know these past weeks had to be difficult.”
“Oh my god, Seb. Difficult is trying to stand on one leg while you pat your head and rub your stomach - this wasn’t difficult this was…” She glanced back at the couple stood before them and did everything she could not to burst into floods of tears. “Torture.”
“We were the ones handing out the torture, Sloane.” Said Lauren, with a look of glee upon her face. There was something oddly beautiful about Lauren’s cruel streak. Not that Tyler hadn’t deserved every last moment.
“Are you both alright?” Thad asked, looking from Seb to Sloane and back to Seb again.
“Us?” Asked Seb. “Are you kidding?”
“This happened to you, and your family. How we feel - “ Sloane began.
“Matters more to us than almost anyone else..” Said Thad. “He betrayed you both as well.”
“Yeah, well…” Said Sloane, her brow furrowed. “He got what he deserved.”
“You’re sexy when you’re mad, you know that?” Said Lauren with a smile. Sloane blushed, and the anger lifted.
“We’re okay - it was just a shock to see it revealed like that is all.” She said, biting her lip.
“I’m sorry.” Said Thad quietly. “That I didn’t tell you both before - it’s not that I didn’t trust you.”
“Didn’t trust me though did you?” Said Lauren, feigning offence. “Weren’t so worried about upsetting me by keeping your little secret.”
“He knows how much you love Frankie.” Said Seb, quickly. “And he knows you well enough to guess what you’d do if he told you right away.”
“And what’s that, hmm?” Asked Lauren, her hand placed on her hip.
“You’d have probably done worse than what happened in that ring.” Said Sloane quietly. “Maybe gotten in trouble for it.”
“You’d have killed him.” Said Seb, making eye contact with his best friends wife. “Nothing would have stopped you.”
Lauren’s mouth curled into a smile.
“Absolutely right, of course, I just wanted to hear you say it.” She said. “Why the hell are we stood at the door like peasants?”
Thad rolled his eyes and shook his head, turning into the house allowing Seb and Sloane to follow. Seb pushed closed the door.
“How long did you know?” Seb asked Thad as they paused in the entrance hall. “About Tyler?”
“Frankie told me a few weeks ago - but I wanted to keep everyone looking the wrong way. Especially him - that way, when the net closed…” Thad said.
“He’d have no way out.” Said Sloane. “Smart.”
“You know me.” Said Thad with a smirk.
“So you had a couple of weeks to adjust to the idea, work out your plan and execute.” Said Seb.
“Exactly, And I know that left the two of you exposed to him for longer than you’d probably have wanted to be, but I just had to make sure this went right.” Said Thad.
“It’s okay. We understand.” Said Sloane, smiling.
“If it makes you feel any better, I hardly told anyone before it happened.” Said Thad.
“Yeah. He told me, like, five minutes before we went out there.” Said Lauren with a roll of her eyes.
“I told you five days before.” Said Thad, in a manner that suggested this wasn’t the first time he’d had to clarify the point.
“Same difference.” She said, folding her arms over her chest.
“Technically there’s one hundred and nineteen hours and fifty five minutes difference.” Said Seb.
“I shouldn’t find the fact that you were able to work that out so quickly hot.” Said Sloane, flashing Seb a smile.
“You find everything about me hot.” Said Seb.
“This is true.” Said Sloane.
“Especially your best friend.” Said Thad. Sloane giggled. Lauren smirked and Seb rolled his eyes.
“Just couldn’t let us have one moment, hmm?” Said Seb. Thad began to chuckle and held up his hands in protest.
“Alright, I think I’m going to make cocktails. Anyone interested?” Asked Lauren.
“It’s 11am.” Said Thad, looking at his watch.
“It’s 4pm somewhere.” Lauren added with a smirk. “Sloane? Mimosa?”
“Oooooo, bubbly OJ. I’m in!” Sloane said.
“Seb?” Asked Lauren.
“Why not… I guess we have something to celebrate.” Seb said with a smile at Thad who nodded his agreement.
“Excellent. Oh, and Seb?” Lauren asked as Seb turned to look at her. “I’ll make sure I swirl your champagne before I put the orange juice in.”
“Of course you will.” Said Seb with the shake of his head as he and Thad watched the ladies walk away from them towards the kitchen.
“Which one are you watching?” Thad asked.
“The one I arrived with.” Said Seb, turning to face Thad.
“You know as well as I do you’d definitely “arrive” with either of them.” Said Thad.
“Wonderful.” Said Seb, doing his best to keep his face neutral. He paused for a second, looking to make sure Sloane and Lauren were gone before he turned back to his best friend. “I need to talk to you.”
“About what?” Thad asked.
“Can we go somewhere a little more private?” Seb asked. Thad nodded and turned, as they both walked the opposite direction from Sloane and Lauren.
“Oh my god mimosas, I love mimosas!” Said Sloane excitedly, a huge smile on her face and bouncing on the balls of her feet. Lauren had her head in the refrigerator “Oh! Wait! What about Margaritas? Like the Mix. Wait, your partner was… Oof… Okay maybe not. How about Mojitos? Seb loves Mojitos. Oooooo… He also loves Appletinis. But Maybe you don’t have all of the ingredients for Appletinis…”
“Sloane…” Said Lauren, pulling a large bottle of champagne and a carton of fresh orange juice. “Mimosas will be fine.”
“Oh… Yeah, of course.” Sloane said with a small giggle. “Sorry, I sometimes get a little carried away.”
“You don’t say.” Said Lauren as she placed the drinks in front of Sloane, telling her without words that the guest would absolutely be doing the work of making the drinks.
“Oh my god. I’m sorry… Am I being really annoying?” Sloane asked, her eyes widening with worry.
“No, no.” Said Lauren with a small smile. “I like it - you have a unique way of looking at the world. I sometimes wish I could be the same way.”
“I mean, it’s not a choice.” Said Slaone, her cheeks reddening. “I’ve just always tried to see the positive in things.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Most people are skeptical. I think it’s part of the reason why Tyler hit us all so hard - we lost our scepticism.” Lauren said, before picking up an orange and starting to rip into it with her nails.
“Hey, Lauren, I don’t think that orange had anything to do with what Tyler did.” Said Sloane, with eyes wide as orange juice dripped down Lauren’s fingers like blood.
“Oh… Right.” She said, tossing it onto the counter and picking up a cloth and wiping her hands.
“I think I’ll try to be less annoying.” Sloane said with a small chuckle.
“Don’t you dare.” Said Lauren with a smile. “You, Sloane Taylor, are a shining light in this cesspool that we all spend so much time wading around in. You’re just so… Honest.”
“Well I don’t really like to lie if I can help it.” Sloane said. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind the odd white lie here and there to save someones feelings, but I tend to think honesty is the best policy.”
Sloane nodded with assurity. Lauren chuckled.
“Most people lie, Sloane.” Said Lauren. “I’ve lied so many times, I sometimes forget what the truth is. I’m sure Thad lies to me sometimes too. To make me feel better. Seb lies when he acts like he’d be my friend if it wasn’t for Thad.”
“Seb loves you, Lauren. He started talking to you before me or Thad. I was… Distracted.” Said Sloane, before the heat raised in her cheeks.
“Oh yeah - the ex.” Said Lauren. “Who’s better in bed? Him or Seb?”
“Lauren!” Said Sloane. “I’m not answering that question!”
“Ouch. If it was Seb, you’d have just said…” Said Lauren. “Can’t imagine he’d be too happy to hear…”
“I didn’t say that! I just… I’ve never really… Talked… About that kind of thing with anyone. I used to get talked at about it. My old best friend Courtney used to be quite graphic - but I never really talked back.”
“Well then maybe you should…” Said Lauren, with a smirk as she leaned forward in anticipation.
“Maybe some other time.” Sloane said, her face beet red. “Sooooo… You’re back in New York full time now?”
“Until Thad decides he wants to go somewhere else.” Lauren said, casting a look towards the door. “I worry about him… That he can’t settle. Everything that happened with Frankie has him more on edge than ever.”
“Frankie’s safe now though - back home where he belongs.” Said Sloane with a smile.
“Yeah, he is.” Lauren said with a nod. “Do you want kids?”
Sloane noticed the slightly mournful look on Lauren’s face - Sloane knew her situation. The reason that Frankie was so very important to her. Why this entire situation had scared her so much.
“Someday, sure.” Sloane replied. “I want all kinds of things. But I’m still young - I want me and Seb to travel and have fun before we start to commit to marriage and kids.”
“What if he asked?” Asked Lauren.
“Wh… What?” Sloane replied. “Asked what?”
“What if Seb walked in here right now, got down on one knee and told you he wanted you to be his wife. What would you say?” Lauren asked, with a mischievous grin on her face.
“I’d say yes…” Sloane said, her eyes wide. As if shocked that she’d heard the words even come out of her own mouth.
“And what if he said he wanted to give up everything and have kids?” Lauren asked, her tongue pressed against her teeth.
“I’d… Say yes to that too…” Said Sloane, feeling the heat building once more in her face.
“Is that why you’re doing all this stuff with his family?” Lauren asked. “Why you’re trying so hard to fix things with him and his dad?”
“Maybe…” Said Sloane. She felt a creeping chill up her back - thoughts of Seb’s father and Clemence creeping over her. She took her eyes off Lauren, and turned to the glasses in front of her. “Do you mind if we talk about something else?”
“Sure.” Said Lauren, as Sloane began to pour out the drinks. “I have another question.”
“Anything.” Sloane said beaming.
“What are your intentions with my husband?” She asked. Sloane almost dropped the champagne. “Honourable? Are you hoping to make an honest man out of him?”
“Wh… What?!” Sloane asked, she looked at Lauren again.
“I mean, you’re going on a date with him, right? I’d just like to know if you plan to treat him right, or are you just after one thing…” Lauren asked, sounding much more like a concerned parent than a wife.
“I… I… I don’t… I…” Sloane stuttered. Lauren held gaze for a few moments before she burst into laughter. Sloane felt the tension leave her body. She felt as though she was deflating. “Oh my god, Lauren!”
“That… Was amazing.” Lauren said as she picked up two of the glasses from the counter. “But seriously, if you sleep with him, I get first dibs on Seb.”
Lauren didn’t look back as she walked away, leaving Sloane wide-eyed, and perhaps for the first time in her life, entirely speechless.
Seb and Thad were easy friends - comfortable. It was a friendship less than a year old, and yet somehow Thaddeus Leander Duke had become one of the top five most important people in his life. Seb and Sloane had met Thad, officially, for the first time at the introduction of Chris Page in December at the Fight! NYC Countdown Pay Per View, before having made an off-the-cuff decision to spend a few days in Las Vegas. Sloane had joined this particular gathering late, having brought her previous relationship to an end just on New Years Eve.
And when Thad married Lauren, Seb and Sloane were witnesses at the event. And when the world judged them and waited for them to fail, Seb and Sloane stood side by side with the two of them and never once doubted that they were meant to be. And then, just months earlier, their foursome had adopted a fifth. Tyler. The loner-cum-hacker had been Thad’s friend first, but Seb had grown to like the man behind the action. It was easy to suggest that good and bad are black and white - but Tyler had always been relatively level when it came to Seb, and moreso when it came to Thad. They’d given him a chance. An opportunity to be more than what people accused him of being.
And so, when Tyler’s betrayal had been revealed, Seb had felt it twice. Once for himself, and once for Thad.
“I don’t know what you want to talk to me about, Seb, but if this is about him then can we not?” Said Thad as he sunk into a seat and rubbed the bridge of his nose wearily. “I’m not in the mood for you to tell me you think we went too far…”
“I wasn’t going to…” Seb began.
“Or for you to tell me I did the right thing.” Added Thad, pointedly. “I just… I don’t want to talk anymore about Tyler or any of that. I just want to enjoy today…”
“I know.” Said Seb, having read Thad’s body language whilst Lauren had made visceral gestures about just how much more she’d wanted to crush Tyler. “There’s plenty of other things we can talk about.”
“Good.” Said Thad, before looking up at Seb who was very clearly hovering. “I’m assuming as you asked, then there’s something in particular?”
Seb chewed the inside of his mouth as he thought about what to say next.
“Maybe?” He said before dropping into the seat opposite Thad. “Look, you know better than anyone the risks of taking on someone who is arguably more powerful. And is, of course, your father.”
“I do.” Said Thad, with more than a hint of interest. “You thinking about taking on the old man? Because if you are, I can provide you with…”
“I don’t want to fight him, Thad.” Seb said quietly. “Sloane wouldn’t want that, and for all his flaws my mother loves him. I don’t want to hurt either of them.”
“So what do you want?” Thad asked.
“Leverage.” Said Seb quietly. He was chewing on the inside of his mouth again. “I found something.”
“What kind of something?” Thad asked.
“It’s hard to explain.” Seb said, before pulling out his phone. He moved through the files and placed it on the table in front of him. On the screen there was a picture of a business card - black. On the front was a phone number in gold letters. Seb swiped the screen. “It was in this envelope.”
The envelope had a message hand written that said “For emergencies. GDS.”
“Where did you find the card?” Thad asked.
“I didn’t - I found the pictures.” Said Seb shaking his head. “I have no idea what the card is, what the number is or why it would be important enough to keep a record of it on a secure server.”
“A secure server?” Asked Thad. “How the hell did you access a secure… Seb…”
“You said we couldn’t talk about him…” Seb said with a bright smile.
“You can’t seriously trust this? After everything?” Said Thad, looking frustrated.
“This was before. Way before. He didn’t even know this was here - he just cleared out the secure server before he sent me…” Seb paused. “... What I’d asked for.”
“What did you ask for?” Thad asked.
“Footage of Sloane at that event at my father’s house. The one I wasn’t allowed to attend.” Said Seb quietly. “I had to know what happened.”
“And what did happen?” Asked Thad.
“Nothing really - just a dozen or so men who knew Sloane was my girlfriend trying to bed her anyway.” Said Seb shaking his head.
“You should be used to that by now.” Said Thad with a smirk.
“Hilarious.” Said Seb with a roll of his eyes. “Anyway, the point is, everything he found was legit, so why would I doubt this? Besides, I may not know what the number is, or what it’s for but I know who gave it to my father.”
“You know who GDS is?” Thad asked.
“I do.” Said Seb with a smile. “Grantham Delayney-Smyth - my childhood best friend.”
Seb sat back in his seat, looking victorious and for a moment, he could have sworn that Thad was impressed.
“So…” Thad said as Seb’s self-assurance was hitting it’s peak. “About my date with Sloane…”
And suddenly, Seb felt himself deflating as Thad looked on with his own victorious smirk.
“Avalon Blackthorn…” Said Seb quietly. “This is a name I’ve been hearing a lot about since I arrived here in Level Up.”
“Me too - trained by Amber Ryan…” Said Sloane.
“Matt Knox approved…” Said Seb with a nod. “And she was the one who knocked off Chris Page at Combat Evolved.”
“Even if Shane was a little… You know…” Said Sloane, making eyes. “Underhanded.”
“Means nothing, Sloane - Chris has had nothing but compliments to make when it came to Ava - all she did was take the opportunity that was presented to her. No different to some of the things I used to do back in the day.”
“That’s true.” Said Sloane. “You were a little nefarious when we met.”
“Nefarious…” Seb said with raised eyebrows.
“Oh yeah - my mom picked up word of the day toilet paper, and it was the word last time we visited.” Said Sloane with a nod. Seb looked impressed, before turning back to the camera.
“Point is, Ava - you’re not going to be the unknown quality you think you could be in this match. We’re not sloppy - we do our homework.” Said Seb.
“That’s right - and I know what it’s like to be doubted. To be stuck with the label of being green and underprepared for what I’m facing. It’s a tough gig, for sure, but one that I am entirely confident you’ll overcome. I’ve been doing this for three years, and already I’ve held a World Championship and multiple other singles Championships. I’ve stood at the side of more experienced established wrestlers and won Tag Team gold before too. I’ve been where you are - and I know just how tough you’d have to be to survive both Knox and Amber.” Said Sloane, with a smile. “Problem is, that takes away some of your advantage.”
“That rookie tag that you seem to fight against? It’s a weapon - something to be harnessed. People will look at you as though you’re an easy win. A sure thing, and a path to victory. But that’s not what we see - we see the Ava Blackthorn that beat Chris Page. The woman who defeated Dane Preston to take her team through to the final of the Multiplayer gauntlet. You put up one hell of a fight in the Last of us Gauntlet, Ava - I should know, it was me who eliminated you.” Seb said with a smirk.
“The point is…” Said Sloane, pointedly. “Is that all what usually makes you a wildcard, is no advantage when you’re faced with people who know who you are and what you can do. Those shoes you’re in are ones I’ve stood in before, so make no mistake - there isn’t a moment in this match where we’re going to underestimate you. Not a second where we’ll take you anything but seriously - you’re no rookie to us, Ava - you’re one half of the Level Up Wrestling Multiplayer Champions. And you’re every bit the obstacle that Shane is.”
“What Sloane means to say is that, you’re in our way.” Seb said with a smirk.
“I was trying to be nice about it, Sebastian.” Sloane said, rolling her eyes before smiling sweetly at the camera. “But yes… You are in our way. And you’re about to find out that it’s not a pleasant place to find yourself.”
“Temptation would be for me to have one eye on another prize, Ava - you know the one I’m talking about. The one I fight for at Triforce Heroes. But here’s the truth - Cooperative Gold was the first gold that I won when I crossed the pond, and I did it three years ago this month with the woman stood by my side. Back then, our friendship was flourishing, and even so I trusted her with everything I had. I had no rhyme nor reason to believe in her, other than the fact that on her first three days in this industry, she won an international tournament. Her prize? The chance to fight for any Championship. She chose the UGWC Cooperative Championships, and as her partner, she chose me.” Said Seb with a glance in Sloane’s direction.
“I didn’t know then what I know now - that he’d be the one person I could rely on above anyone else to stand by my side. Not to play some knight in shining armour everytime I fell down, but to stand with me whenever I asked. Neither of us know what drew the two of us together, but we know for sure that there’s no scenario in which we’ll let one another down. And this match, these Championships that you hold are the only Championships we have our eye on right now. Both of us.” Said Sloane, returning Seb’s glance. “Because these we win together.”
“I won’t cast aspersions on your team - there’s no way you beat Montouri, Preston, Bane, and Page if you’re not a team with chemistry. But this goes beyond working well together.” Said Seb.
“This is about proving that we’re everything we said we were when we walked into Chicago back in May and said we were going to change the game.” Said Sloane.
“This is about winning our first Championships here in Level Up.” Said Seb.
“It’s about proving without a shadow of a doubt that Sebastian Everett-Bryce and Sloane Taylor belong in Level Up.” Added Sloane.
“And there isn’t a person on planet Earth I’d rather have stood by my side.” Said Seb.
“Me either.” Said Sloane with a smile.
“So this coming Tuesday, The Final Girl and The Arsonist are coming for the Multiplayer Championships, kids. Not an awful lot you can do to stop us - because this Empire is about to take to the Skies.” Said Seb.
“And we plan on taking those Power Gloves with us.” Sloane added.
“They’ll look so much better on us, anyway…” Said Seb with a smirk. “See you both on Tuesday.”
“Looking forward to it.” Added Sloane, with a small wink before flashing her winning smile.
Seb and Sloane left the Casa Duke sometime later and began their journey back to their own home. Despite Thad’s protests, they had spent time talking about Tyler and what he’d done. For no other reason than Sloane’s inability to stop herself from tearing up everytime Lauren made some passing comment about disembowelment or castration. It wasn’t that she felt that Tyler deserved leniency or even mercy, but every moment of anger and every time Thad changed the subject it was as if the lie became more challenging for her to swallow.
Eventually, they talked. About how they’d made a mistake, but that it was honest. About how Seb and Sloane could never have seen it coming and how Thad and Lauren shouldn’t blame themselves for the things that other people chose to do. In the end, Sloane had been unable to hold back anymore and swept both Thad and Lauren into the single tightest hug that Seb thought he’d ever seen anyone be given.
After that, the mood had lightened considerably. Attention turned to Seb’s recent victories at Run of the Mill and Combat Evolved, Lauren’s shiny new Transatlantic Championship, Seb and Sloane’s upcoming Multiplayer Title match in Level Up and Thad’s plans for the future.
They ate, they drank and shared stories of their pasts. Seb regaled them all with the time that he and his school friends went cow tipping and Tarquin had fallen face first into the largest pile of cow dung he’d ever seen in his life. Thad told the story of how he and Lauren had spent their first non-coitial date together. Spoiler, it had led to sex. Lauren had started to tell what she believed to be a funny story about how she’d managed to score oxy just thirty minutes into visiting a city she’d never previously visited, before Thad explained that the story wasn’t really all that funny, and probably wasn’t the mood lightener that they’d hoped for. Sloane had managed to get them all back on track by telling Thad and Lauren just how awkward Christmas day had been at her house with her new boyfriend being upstaged by Bastian’s return to health.
The day had turned out perfectly, and as Seb and Sloane stopped for Starbucks on the way home, they talked about how good it was to have Thad and Lauren back in the city.
“How did your chat with Lauren go, by the way?” Seb asked.
“It was fun - even with her overly graphic descriptions of all the things she wanted to do to Tyler.” Sloane said, before her mind seemed to wander over them. She shuddered. “Oof.”
“Good.” Said Seb. “What else did you talk about?”
Sloane cleared her throat.
“Hmm?” She asked, before taking a long drink of her Pink Drink.
“Just wondering what the two of you were talking about other than decapitating Tyler.” Seb said with a smirk. Sloane gestured at her cup and then her mouth as if to somehow portay the idea that she had taken much to large of a gulp and she was having difficulty swallowing.
Yes. I heard it.
Eventually, she managed her mammoth task before clearing her throat again.
“Oh you know, this and that.” She said. “Girl stuff.”
“Oh, girl stuff.” Said Seb. “What kind of girl stuff.”
“You know… Make up… Hair…” Said Sloane. “She wanted some… Tips.”
“Lauren wanted tips on hair and makeup? She spends more money on hair and make up than either of us have ever made in a lifetime.” Said Seb.
“Oh my god, Seb, what’s with the inquisition?” Asked Sloane. “What were you and Thadd… Thad talking about, then? Hmm?”
Seb did his best to ignore her clear intention to add a ‘y’ to the end of Thad’s name.
“You know…” Said Seb, now suddenly the one with a tickle in his windpipe. “Just… Stuff and nonsense.”
“Oh stuff and nonsense… Sounds very much like… This and that.” Said Sloane, seeming superior.
“Interesting.” Said Seb.
“What is?” Asked Sloane.
“If you’re inferring that I have something to hide because I’m acting the same way you were, that means you have something to hide.” Said Seb.
“It does not!” Said Sloane, though her cheeks were a little red. He considered pushing further, but instead chose not to.
“This and that.” Seb said with a smirk.
“Stuff and nonsense.” Said Sloane with an assured nod.
“Fine.” Said Seb smirking. “Want to watch a movie when we get home?”
“Oh yes!” Said Sloane. “Any thoughts?”
“How about Ready, Player One?” Seb said smiling. “Something about watching the handsome hero and his hot, arse-kicking girlfriend kick the shit out of an arrogant arsehole and his pretty sidekick feels apt.”
“Sounds just about perfect to me.” Said Sloane as the two locked arms, and continued their short walk home.
