Post by sonstuds on Jan 10, 2008 17:16:58 GMT -5
1/10/08 Loaded - The Championship Chase (Part III)
{It had been awhile since EBR had even talked to Sullee. Four months, a little under if the beer he FedExed counts. He didn’t’ want to face him and have to suffer through the indignity of having to admit he, EBR, was actually in the wrong. Especially, and most definitely, about something he was originally so sure about. But on par, that was months ago and the assumption that Sullee would be forgetful of the fact certainly played a hand in EBR waiting this long before attempting to contact him. Even the thought of someone basking in the glory of their surmise that EBR never should have faced CBT, which Sullee called, made EBR grit his teeth. Of course, Sullee was right. EBR couldn’t deny that; he’d be the first to admit it. And no matter how many times EBR could go over how fun it was, or bullshit his way with stories about how CBT’s shortcomings and futility in their last match as a team only gave him the motivation to save face and ultimately win the battle royal hours later, in the end it was all that; bullshit. The match, the team, everything. It was never lost, certainly not now, that Sullee told EBR to stay clear of both. Told him straight up “do not win the Tag Team Titles”.
By now EBR figured there might be someone else who makes good career choices whose name is not his own. Though, that does not make EBR wrong per se. Because of course one incident is not an occurrence. So logically two would only be an anomaly at worst. After all, even Michael Jordan missed a free throw.
Naturally at this point it would seem only wise to get a second, apparently “equally validated” opinion in his current quest for perfection (which is what EBR calls his championship chase, though even he doesn’t quite understand how it applies, but damn if it doesn’t sound intriguing).
He sits uptight on the slightly tattered old couch as Sullee watches with a judgmental glare, as is often the usual. Knowing the look and what’s most likely to come he groans silently in a dull anticipation.}[/color]
Sullee:[/color] I was watching some movie on TV the other day and this United Way commercial came on. I could have sworn in the background at the end . . .
EBR:[/COLOR] Yep.
Sullee:[/color] I don’t want to know, do I?
EBR:[/COLOR] Probably not.
{Squinting his eyes and waiting for a slip up which never occurs as EBR masterfully stares back, Sullee shrugs and resumes to his bottle of Heineken. No way can EBR risk explaining why he would appear in a United Way commercial, not with an explanation that would back track to the point where EBR would have to admit Sullee was right and he was wrong. Suicide in such an avoidable situation.}[/color]
Sullee:[/color] So what do you want?
EBR:[/COLOR] Could you sound any less interested? {Rolling fingers in a circular motion}[/color] I guess we’re just trying to move this along.
Sullee:[/color] Honestly, I don’t really care. You come over every so often, for nothing but personal gain mind you, and yet you expect me to care. It’s a very one-sided and one-dimensional relationship.
{The urge to bring up that time he played fantasy football rises. After all, Sullee was the one who brought EBR’s job up. But maybe it’s best to avoid confrontation, especially when EBR freely bantered back and forth. Besides, he was hoping Sullee would be the one to bring it up anyways just to save himself from having to do it. After about five minutes in he realized they weren’t really “hey, how’s it going?” friends and were mostly just “awkward silence” acquaintances with a common knowledge in EBR’s employment. It really is one-dimensional.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] I’m not complaining.
{Half way through another swallow Sullee stops as E shrugs.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] Anyways, I’m . . . {moving his head as he toggles decisions}[/color] . . . yeah, probably gonna win the Heavyweight Championship.
Sullee:[/color] I question how you’re gonna turn this into a situation you never should have gotten yourself into, but go on.
EBR:[/COLOR] {Off track}[/color] Well, I made a deal with these two guys with some favor I might have to return at a later date. I just wanted guaranteed back-up, which by the looks of things I might not even need. Essentially I’m just using them, which would probably piss them off if they ever found out. But that’s probably a month, maybe two before it hits the fan.
{Making sure not to look at Sullee and receive the blank stare which would only make EBR feel self-conscious and distracted, he continues.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] But that’s neither here nor there. Anywhoo, I think of myself as champion and . . . I dunno, doesn’t seem as natural as it normally would.
Sullee:[/color] Sure, you’re confused about how much you really want it and whether you’re just trying to win it because you think you have too.
EBR:[/COLOR] You had that dream with the ghost too?
{Sullee scrunches his face and turns to someone who’s not there; anyway to express his annoyance in whatever comes out of EBR’s mouth, preferably in condescending fashion. Frankly, EBR’s surprised it took him this long.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] Originally I thought I really wanted it. Now I’m just kind of indifferent.
Sullee:[/color] Not surprising. You don’t know what you want. Always tossing and turning. I bet you can’t sleep in just one position.
EBR:[/COLOR] Huh?
Sullee:[/color] It was an analogy. About tossing and turning. And how it’s incorporated when you try to sleep. It was really quite simple, actually.
EBR:[/COLOR] Oh. Now I get it.
{He doesn’t. Most people roll around when they’re sleeping. At least that’s always been the impression he was under . . .
. . . Hrm, this is gonna be bothering him all day. He better ask someone later.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] But I didn’t question any of my other matches, so . . .
Sullee:[/color] Then you’re probably just nervous, which is funny considering you’re a veteran and have done this type of thing before.
EBR:[/COLOR] Well yeah, exactly. I don’t fret about anything else regarding the WFWF.
{Another reason the analogy’s lost on him.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] Naturally I’m a little thrown off when I’m suddenly rethinking what I’m doing with my career. Do I really gain anything by winning?
{Though, Weinstein’s been pretty adamant about what winning the belt can do and all the perks that’ll come with it - an increased reputation along with better leverage for future contract negotiations (though EBR’s often questioned how much of that is for him or Weinstein).
Then again, EBR has the two matches he never should have done, which are the reasons he needs a better reputation in the first place, which is why he’s talking to the guy who told him not to do either. It’s a perfect circle.}[/color]
Sullee:[/color] I really don’t see the complex in whether or not to do a wrestling match that gives you something in return. But you know, that’s probably just the difference between being intellectually- disabled and not being intellectually- disabled.
EBR:[/COLOR] . . . You told me not to do two of them.
Sullee:[/color] Because they were stupid.
{Don’t give any righteous satisfaction to someone that isn’t yourself, E.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] I cannot agree with that.
{Way to save face, E.}[/color]
Sullee:[/color] Tell me, what could possibly go wrong?
EBR:[/COLOR] Who knows. I didn’t think anything could possibly go wrong in winning the Tag Team Titles. Then “he” happened.
Sullee:[/color] Do you get CBT if you win?
{That was gay.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] Man, I’ve already held the Heavyweight Championship – Undisputed, mind you.
Sullee:[/color] What’s the harm in trying to win it again?
EBR:[/COLOR] {Attempting to one-up}[/color] What was the harm in trying to win the Tag Team Titles again?
Sullee:[/color] {Successfully one-upping}[/color] You didn’t have a partner? You only wanted them for revenge against an organization? You were being petty?
EBR:[/COLOR] . . . Well played. All I’m saying is I feel I should get an unbiased opinion . . . sorta. I don’t want it to be three in a row of things . . .
{Screw it.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] That I ended up regretting.
{He gets a lump in his throat, literally swallowing his pride.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] Winning the Tag Titles ended up being a mistake. And I don’t know if these mistakes are all just because of CBT or not but I want any uncertainties exposed now before I’m stuck having to fix something I could have fixed before hand. It’d be a little irresponsible to base my career choices on a dream where a ghost basically tells me to win the Championship because I’m expendable and someone else can take my place.
{Now it’s out there.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] I figured you were interested when I mentioned the dream a few minutes ago. Most people get interested when talking about dreams involving ghosts.
Sullee:[/color] {Shaking head}[/color] Nope.
EBR:[/COLOR] Damn. This is kind of embarrassing.
Sullee:[/color] What’s lost in going for the Championship? It’s not the same thing as winning the Tag Titles. People will care. People will want the title. You won’t go months without challengers, and you won’t have to count on someone you can’t stand. Though, if I was you I’d probably commit suicide.
{Who does he think he is? Weinstein?}[/color]
Sullee:[/color] Worst case scenario; it ends up being a mistake. Well, you’d probably end up losing it in a month, two tops.
EBR:[/COLOR] Gotcha.
Sullee:[/color] Or birds will be killed with one stone and you just end up losing, causing this entire conversation to be a moot and gigantic waste of time, which would seem fitting when I consider how much of my time you waste anyways.
{Yeah, okay, Weinstein.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] That won’t happen.
Sullee:[/color] Believe me, just about every minute I spend with you is time wasted.
EBR:[/COLOR] No, I mean not winning. I usually don’t lose big matches.
Sullee:[/color] What about that Superbrawl match a few years back? You, Calvin, that other guy?
EBR:[/COLOR] Well, alright.
Sullee:[/color] And I’m assuming by now you lost the Tag Titles?
EBR:[/COLOR] . . . Technically . . . and before that I did lost my first match in years. I guess that’d be a big deal.
Sullee:[/color] {Chuckling}[/color] I guess as long as you’re not facing that guy you should be fine.
EBR:[/COLOR] Heh . . . yeah . . . {Looking the other way}[/color] . . .
Sullee:[/color] I wouldn’t say it’s guaranteed. You’re good, but the ‘72 Dolphins you are not.
EBR:[/COLOR] So? The ‘73 Dolphins won the Superbowl too.
Sullee:[/color] And the ‘71 Dolphins lost it.
EBR:[/COLOR] . . . What’s THAT supposed to mean?
Sullee:[/color] Again, it’s quite simple.
EBR:[/COLOR] Well yeah, but I mean like . . . douche.
Sullee:[/color] You only go two ways. But man, just think about it. If calling you a losing Superbowl team was offensive than you should know what you really want. But obviously you should know that without me having to tell you.
EBR:[/COLOR] Not really, because why would I ever want to lose? Mistake or not losing would just be embarrassing, especially if I do it where I live.
Sullee:[/color] You really are ridiculous – and you know, I give you free advice and you don’t give me anything. What’s up with that?
EBR:[/COLOR] I meant to get you some light bulbs, actually.
{There’s a reason he came during the day this time. He smirks as Sullee stares, frustrated and mildly confused.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] So, you think I’ll win?
Sullee:[/color] Nah. Every time you talk to me about a match you end up winning it. You’re due for another loss.
EBR:[/COLOR] {Shrugs}[/color] Meh; what do you know?
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{EBR and Hollie always had a long and spacious history. Where they met he can’t remember; probably some bar (but he knows they didn’t have sex the first night, which is probably why he can’t remember). When they met is even more of a blur, though it couldn’t have been far off from when EBR first entered the business. Their first “fling” occurred sometime during the end of 2002. It wasn’t their last.
He always liked her more than most of his other girlfriends (though by literal definition he wouldn’t have many “girlfriends” to choose from). Spending time with her was never the dread he always presumed it would be. Though, by no means did it ever rank on the list of his favorite past times. When she opened her mouth the insertion of a genital organ was not the first thought that flashed through his mind. Part of the many reasons he felt they worked.
For starters she was more attractive than him, which suited EBR just fine. Selfishly he never wanted to be the best looking in a relationship. It would always give him the fear that he was settling, which was never a worry unless the thought of someone confirming the belief that may have already been in the back of his mind entered. Then he would have to toggle whether or not the other person was good enough for him (which would leave him feeling too guilty for his own liking). And with a conscience he wouldn’t fool around behind their back even though he probably could – because despite it all EBR would not cheat. It was just a big mess of problems which E could simply avoid altogether. He always considered himself to have “charming good looks”, so if he was the weak link in any relationship it was a good situation to be in, to him at least. A win-win on both sides, not to mention school always told him to “aim high”.
They didn’t get into many fights. It wasn’t so much of a rarity, as E would look to avoid conflict altogether, but he never had the urge to say anything to start a fight. She wouldn’t do stupid things, she wouldn’t say stupid things. And even if she did E would just find it cute in most cases and shrug it off. In his memory he doesn’t remember any fights to be exact, which is probably the reason they’d break up around two months in. Steam was never blown off, even if there wasn’t any coming from his side. It would go fine until one day they’d both lose interest, which seemed to occur eerily around the same time every time.
“Hey, I’m bored.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“See ‘ya.”
Very mutual and very friendly. And for good reasons; for awhile they’d just try again anywhere from six months to a year.
But above all, there was always one reason, the reason that E knew something separated her from everyone else; he would never let her swallow his seed during (or after for a better term) fellatio. He’d pull out before he could even give the option. It was a compulsive action which he found strange because he had always allowed it, encouraged it actually. He never knew why, but it was an action that stuck with them for all of their tenures.
It had been a surprisingly long time since they last tried their hand at another go around. Two years maybe. He figured he’d get the call from her around a month ago after talking to Jenna; that was usually how it worked. Not necessarily from Jenna in particular, but some outside party whose name was never that important – they all accomplished the same thing. Well, except this time.
There was never a call, and even he forgot he had ever planted the seeds. He thought it might be a sign, telling him that it probably wouldn’t work. Though, E felt good about it this time. Then again, he felt good about it every other time.
He stands in her apartment, toying with the rim of his Toronto Raptors’ hat, bending the curve before Hollie walks back into the living room. A Pepsi in her hand she sits on her couch as E remains standing.}[/color]
Hollie:[/color] Sure you don’t want anything to drink?
EBR:[/COLOR] No, but thanks. I’ve already had a couple beers.
Hollie:[/color] It’s four in the afternoon.
EBR:[/COLOR] I have a lot of time on my hands.
{He was retired last time, which strangely gave him the feeling of disappointment, possibly within himself. She never said anything – and for obvious reasons; there was nothing she could say. Twenty six years old and basically set for life. Yet compared to everyone else who would either be starting their careers or just getting into them, whatever they may be, E felt like an unemployed bum who just happened to have a bigger house than all of them.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] I mean, I came out of retirement and back to my old job so I don’t have too much time. Just today.
{And tomorrow. And yesterday. And the day before yesterday. And depending on location there’s a fifth day. Otherwise his job takes up his entire week.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] You still doing that uh . . .
{Snapping his fingers he knows it’s on the tip of his tongue.}[/color]
Hollie:[/color] Fashion.
EBR:[/COLOR] Right, right. That’s good. You were always good at it.
{He assumes. She’s persistent at everything else so it probably carries over.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] So I saw Jen the other day.
Hollie:[/color] Yeah, she told me. But that was a month ago, I think.
EBR:[/COLOR] Time goes by fast when you’re a busy man.
{The belief that Hollie realizes they probably won’t go anywhere was in the back of his mind, only now being confirmed, or at least heightened. Which is fine, really. He just has to play the pitch.
With his hands in his pockets he casually surveys the shelves, his only move to make it seem like he’s not on an agenda. A bunch of pictures, a couple books, nothing that keeps him interested for a substantial period of time. They’re all neatly arranged and free of dust though. It’s amazing what you can pick up when you’re not trying to look at the person you’re talking too. Then again she may know all his moves, and may see into what he’s doing. Hrm. Best not to draw attention.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] So it’s been awhile.
Hollie:[/color] Since we’ve talked?
{Since they’ve had sex, to be specific.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] Yeah. You know, just been awhile in general. Haven’t seen you in a long time. Just came by to say what’s up.
{Among other things. Besides, he’s getting sick of having to meet new women for a pay off that’s only a short period of time.}[/color]
Hollie:[/color] Ah. I figured you wanted to try going out again or something.
EBR:[/COLOR] Kind of. We usually have a pretty good time.
Hollie:[/color] I guess, but shouldn’t it be more than fun?
{Nah.}[/color]
Hollie:[/color] Shouldn’t we have gone somewhere by now if it would ever work?
{Shrug.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] {Shrugs}[/color] Theoretically yes. But things take time. Like when you get a new TV. At first it works fine, then you try and work the DVD player and it’s just a blank picture. So you realize you have something plugged in the wrong place or not plugged in at all. Then it’s all good.
Hollie:[/color] {Chuckling}[/color] I don’t know, I just don’t want it to go no where again, you know? You remember what happened last time?
EBR:[/COLOR] Nah.
Hollie:[/color] Exactly.
{Well played. Good thing he didn’t say anything. Having to list examples would have been a nail in the coffin, sans his record amount of orgasms given to any woman over time. He remembers that. But truthfully he can’t help but feel she faked half of them.
He mostly just remembers sleeping with her, which makes him remember the times she’d fall asleep first. Hrm . . . she would roll around.
. . . Take that, Sullee!}[/color]
Hollie:[/color] We do the same thing every time then we break up. Except for that time you bounced to Mexico for two days and never told me.
EBR:[/COLOR] Okay, I was drunk and felt really bad about it.
Hollie:[/color] I like you but it’s just . . . complicated. I want stability in my relationships. I’m sure you do too.
{Nope.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] I agree.
Hollie:[/color] But I like hanging out with you, don’t get me wrong. We can still be friends.
{Hah. EBR already has a friend with a pussy, and Calvin hasn’t done anything to warrant a replacement.}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] Yeah . . . sure . . .
{Whatever. Just making it a bit more of a challenge. She’ll come around eventually; it just takes time - . . . like setting up a new television.}[/color]
Hollie:[/color] Oh! This might sound weird but there’s this commercial. I don’t know, might be the United Way. . .
{A wide smirk spreads across his face. She’ll definitely come around. After all, it’s EBR . . .}[/color]
EBR:[/COLOR] Really, I do it for the children.
{ . . . What’s not to love?}[/color]
