Post by Adrien | Adam on Nov 10, 2017 13:51:14 GMT -5
(Give a point to Johnny Maverick!!)
My heart is beating from me
I am standing all alone
Please call me only if you are coming home
Waste another year flies by
Waste a night or two
You taught me how to live
In the streets of shame
Where you've lost your dreams in the rain
There's no signs of hope
The stems and seeds of the last of the dope
There's a glow of light
The St. Jimmy is the spark in the night
Bearing gifts and trust
The fixture in the city of lust
Date: October 30th, 2017
Cameras: OFF
To say that Johnathan Fitzsimmons was not in a very good mood was an understatement. He stepped out of the hospital and rubbed the bandage on his forehead a bit.
Johnny: “Get the fuck out of my face.”
Those were the first words Johnny offered to the world as he walked past some dirtsheet journalist looking to get a scoop after he’d taken an amazing beating from his father and his former student. You’d think after so many surgeries and injuries and scrapes and bruises and bumps he’d have learned by now not to touch the stitches. Johnny never learns. That thought causes Johnny to laugh.
“Mr. Maverick?”
Johnny: “Eat a dick.”
“Oh, I’m actually your ride, sir.”
Johnny turns and looks at the nervous gentleman. He hadn’t ordered any car service but he honestly didn’t really care at this point. He hands the duffel bag containing his bloodied ring gear to the man and walks to the car, removing his neck brace and throwing it in a trash can he passes on the way to the car. He sits in the backseat and puts on his sunglasses, looking out the window as he closes the door.
Driver: “I take it you had a rough night last night based on the fact you’re leaving a hospital and bandaged up. Aye?”
The driver’s voice seems a bit more calm and less nervous as he starts the car and begins driving. The voice almost seemed a little familiar to Johnny.
Johnny: “Damn shame you missed out on being a detective and have to drive an uBer for rich dickheads. You’ve certainly got a deductive eye.”
Johnny was never usually this mean to people he didn’t know. The driver simply smiles at Maverick’s comments.
Driver: “This isn’t my full-time gig. Besides, it’s not like you’re as bad as some people I’ve shared a car with. This the right address right here on my phone?”
The driver turns to show Johnny the address on his phone to make sure he was bringing up to the right location. But this was also the best look at the driver Johnny had. The hat and sunglasses could only disguise someone’s identity so much, but Maverick still hasn't noticed.
Johnny: “God dammit.”
Johnny was really afraid someone was going to make him talk after this. He didn’t want to talk. He wanted to sleep for two days cuddled up with his girlfriend.
Johnny: “You’re gonna try and talk to me, aren’t you? Well it’s not happening. You can sit there and watch me dick around on my phone for all I care. I am really not in the mood to talk.”
Driver: “I mean, if you don’t confirm this address, God only knows where the hell I’m going to be dropping you off at?”
Johnny frustratedly takes off his sunglasses and looks up at the driver before realization spreads across his face.
Johnny: “Oh fuck you, Adrien.”
A big toothy grin comes across the face of the driver. He had finally been recognized by his friend.
Adrien: “So am I driving to the right place or not?”
Maverick is still trying to process the fact that this “car service” that was waiting for him was being driven by fellow New Generation Wrestling superstar Adrien Cochrane.
Adrien: “Also, really? Fuck you? Was that really necessary? If you don’t want to talk, that’s on you. I’m just glad to see that you’re leaving this hospital and are okay. If you’re wanting to talk, I’m here. If not, just be warned that I tend to sing a lot when I’m driving in a car without conversation.”
Johnny: “Yeah, that’s the correct address for the airport. I imagine you also have to go there.”
Johnny sighs and puts his phone away.
Johnny: “I don’t want to talk about it because what the hell is there to say? My Dad had me crucified on television for fun and my former student helped him do it along with all my Hoodie Ninjas. On top of all that he’s been paying to send me to a psychologist for months now under false pretenses for a reason I can barely comprehend and now here I am, just raw and hurt and I just want to eat some goddamn Boo Berry and sleep.”
Adrien: “That’s the airport I’ve gotta go to as well. Yes. But my flight isn’t until morning so I got another night on the hotel. So if my memories serves me correct, your dad was supposed to be deceased...right?”
Johnny doesn’t seem interested in responding to Adrien.
Adrien: “No more Hood Ninjas either? Hmm...good thing your friend and leader of the Guardians can apparently get you into a car before you even realize it’s him, huh?”
Johnny puts his sunglasses back on. Poker Face.
Adrien: “What exactly is a Boo Berry? I’ve never heard of it. Some sort of candy or fruit snack or something?”
Adrien doesn’t get a response again so he resorts to his secret weapon. He begins tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as he keeps driving before beginning to sing. Loudly.
Adrien: “ARE YOU LOCKED UP IN A WORLD THAT’S BEEN PLANNED OUT FOR YOU!?!?! ARE YOU FEELING LIKE A SOCIAL TOOL WITHOUT A USE! SCREAM! AT ME! UNTIL MY EARS BLEED! I’M TAKING HEED JUST FOR YOU!!!”
Johnny starts to wonder if he can psychically will Adrien to crash the car but shakes off the thought.
Johnny: “It’s a cereal! It’s ghost-themed blueberry cereal! PLEASE STOP SINGING!”
Adrien: “Of course that’s the only question you answer immediately. Going to keep silent on the other inquires or…”
Johnny’s eye trembles.
Johnny: “WITH JUST A TOUCH OF MY BURNING HAND SEND MY ASTRO ZOMBIES TO RAPE THE LAND PRIME DIRECTIVE EXTERMINATE THE WHOLE HUMAN RACE.”
Johnny was countering.
Adrien: “If you want me to stop the Green Day and join in on the Misfits, I will. I’m immune to my own tricks, Johnny.”
Johnny Maverick can see the smirk from Adrien in the rearview mirror. You had to believe Adrien was right, that his own interrogation technique wouldn’t work on him.
Johnny: “Yeah, my dad was supposed to be dead. He’s apparently not. It’s kinda fucked me up. My reality is pretty much shattered right now, Adrien. Thank you for asking!”
Johnny rubs his neck a bit. He looks lost. Cochrane notices this immediately with a quick glance through the mirror once more.
Adrien: “You know I’ve done this whole charade because I care, right? I know how stunned I would be if I found out my father wasn’t actually dead and was running around out there. Well, he was on a cane for the last few years of his life...I’m getting off track here…”
Adrien shakes his head at his own rambling.
Adrien: “Point is this: whatever the hell is going on with your father and Martin and all of your ninjas, you’re not alone. You still have Danni. You still me. And the rest of the Guardians. Whatever we can do for you, Johnny, I’m there. I know I didn’t quite get my team to the ring to help you quite in time, and trust me, that frustrated the hell out of me all night…”
Johnny: “Don’t worry about it. Not the first time I’ve had my ass kicked and it certainly won’t be the last. I don’t need babysitters… Thanks though.”
Adrien feels a bit easier after Maverick’s response.
Adrien: “I would assume you haven’t thought enough ahead to figure out what the heck you’re going to do about all of this. Am I correct in that assumption?”
Johnny: “I know exactly what I’m going to do.”
Johnny sounds sure of himself, but his actual plan is pretty shocking.
Johnny: “Nothing. Martin made his name off me. That’s fine. I have bigger things to worry about.”
Adrien: “Our match coming up, I once again assume. Adrien Cochrane versus Johnny Maverick versus Kayla Richards versus Matthew Shields…”
Johnny: “Yeah. Never had an upcoming World Title opponent drive me to the airport before.”
Cochrane chuckles a little bit.
Adrien: “Well, we’re not regular opponents. And keep in mind, the other two are sharing a bed. And if we’re to believe their timelines, a lot of bodily fluids…”
Cochrane shudders a little bit before responding.
Adrien: “But the point that I made to you about our last match together still stands. I would much rather watch you leave the arena holding that championship than the other two. Do I want to win it? Absolutely. That is one of the biggest goals anyone on this roster has. Anyone who says otherwise is a damn liar. But I will sleep better at night if I saw that championship in your possession over those two.”
Johnny: “Cool, because I’m gonna kick your ass… no offense.”
Johnny manages a small smirk.
Adrien: “Did I see the corner of your mouth actually go in an upward angle for a moment there?!”
Cochrane grins widely.
Johnny: “If you did then maybe you should be paying more attention to the road.”
Adrien: “Perhaps you should take a quick peek out of the window, good sir.”
Johnny looks out the window. They are at the airport.
Johnny: “Thank God. Danni is probably a wreck right now.”
Johnny opens the door and steps out of the car.
Adrien: “Hey, before you go...I mean what I said before. If you need anything at all, Johnny…”
Johnny: “Yeah...you too, man.”
Johnny grabs his bag and walks toward the airport. He gives Adrien a small salute.
Johnny: “Hope you weren’t expecting a tip.”
Johnny smirks again as he walks away. Cochrane watches Maverick disappear into the sea of people before putting the car back in drive.
Adrien: “Well, back to the hotel for me…”
What the hell's your name?
What's your pleasure and what is your pain?
Do you dream too much?
Do you think what you need is a crutch?
In the crowd of pain
St. Jimmy comes without any shame
He says, "We're fucked up," but we're not the same
And mom and dad are the ones you can blame
Jimmy died today
He blew his brains out into the bay
In the state of mind
It's my own private suicide
Date: October 31st, 2017
Cameras: OFF
“Ugh, where is my...oh, duh! If this was a snake it would have bit me…”
Adrien Cochrane finally spots his luggage on the carousel at Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana. He had just flown back on Halloween morning to try to get home in time to celebrate the holiday with his girlfriend. He grabs the rolling cart with both hands before pulling it behind him through the baggage claim area of the facility. He’s in his typical attire for public to try not to attract too much attention: a trucker hat and a pair of eyeglasses he rarely wears in public. Of course, the usual plaid and jeans probably don’t help.
“NO TIME TO SEARCH THE WORLD AROUND...CUZ YOU KNOW WHERE I’LL BE FOUUUUUNNNDDD...WHEN I COME AROUND!!”
Adrien’s phone rings as he walks through the airport. He shuffles around in his pocket and pulls it out. Looking at the screen, it says ‘Stacy’, which would be his girlfriend, Stacy Sterling. Adrien swipes the screen to answer the call and before he can get a word in, Stacy is talking at a frantic pace on the phone. Her voice is almost distorted by the panic in her tone.
Stacy: “Oh my gosh...Adrien, I am sooo sorry! I know Eddie was going to pick you up and then he asked me to, and I said yes, but then something came up and I had to hire a driver last minute and unfortunately, he was on his way to a Halloween costume party, so...don't hate me.”
It’s still pretty early in the morning. A quick glance at his watch says it’s not even seven thirty in the morning yet. Adrien remembers that Eddie did have business to take care of for some other clients in California so he knew Eddie wasn’t getting him. He wasn’t even aware Stacy was going to do it.
Adrien: “Why would I hate you exactly? I can call an Uber if I have to. It’s not that big of a deal. What came up though? Is everything okay?”
Adrien knows he’s throwing a lot of questions at Stacy at once, but at the tempo she’s currently running, she will probably knock them out before Adrien can even process her response.
Stacy: “I’ll tell you what came up when I see you, but everything is fine. Promise! Here’s the reason you’re going to hate me.”
Stacy pauses, leaving Adrien to his thoughts for a moment.
Stacy: “Okay, I had to let the driver borrow my car. Which I know isn’t very...intelligent to do, but I trust him. He’s wearing a Care Bears costume. Just go outside, look for my car and the bear, okay?”
Adrien’s eyes widened a little bit. His eyebrows raises slightly in a bit of a shock of everything Stacy just told him.
Adrien: “I mean, I’m not going to hate you over that. Yeah, probably not the smartest thing to do. But you trust this driver? Who is he if you trust them that much? Someone you know or…?”
Adrien is still in the lobby, and a few minutes away. He wasn’t sure about what Stacy was telling him, but the only thing he could do now was find this Care Bear, assuming he actually did show up with Stacy’s car. If he seems too sketchy, Adrien could always drive the car back himself.
Adrien: “Also, what kind of driver needs to use your car?”
There were a lot more questions than answers with what Stacy was telling him. He is finally out of the lobby and sees what looks like Stacy’s Toyota Corolla in the distance. If it wasn’t for the glasses on Adrien’s face, he probably couldn’t make out the Funshine Bear costume in the distance, standing next to it. The bear began to jump up and down at the sight of Adrien, waving its arms back and forth in a silly looking wave. Adrien stops in his tracks for a moment.
Adrien: “Oh boy…”
Adrien approaches the car and the bear with a very cautious demeanor. He made no sudden movements as he places his bag in the trunk of his girlfriend’s car.
Adrien: “So...I have a bit of a thing where I’m a bit uncomfortable getting into a vehicle with someone who’s name I don’t even know so, introductions maybe? I’m Adrien. You are…?”
Instead of saying anything, the person dressed in the Funshine Bear costume instead walked around to Adrien’s side of the car and opened their arms for a hug. Adrien takes a bit of a step back.
Adrien: “I don’t feel comfortable right now. This is freaking me out a little bit.”
Adrien was visibly off-put by what was happening as the person in the bear costume shrugs. Both hands moved to the mask of the costume and with a slow, methodical pull, Adrien began to see the facial structure of the person behind the mask. All it took was the mouth to be exposed and he immediately recognized the smile being that of his girlfriend, Stacy. She pulled the mask off and sat it on the hood of her car before wrapping both arms around Adrien, laughing all the while.
Stacy: “I soooo got you! Halloween is the day of scares, tricks and treats and I sooo tricked you!”
She planted a second kiss on his cheek excitedly.
Stacy: “I missed you!”
Adrien was still laughing to hide just how stunned he was from the practical joke Stacy had just pulled on him.
Adrien: “You had me afraid I was about to get molested by a Care Bear for a moment there. Dear God, Stacy!!!”
Adrien hugs his girlfriend back, just delighted he’s spending the drive home with her and not some random stranger he didn’t know and was acting suspicious.
Stacy: “You almost got hug tackled, but I think that might have been a little too much for you to deal with.”
Stacy pulls the passenger door open for The Dropkick King as Adrien sits down, exhaling a deep breath as he does. Stacy hurries to the driver’s side after grabbing her mask and maneuvers herself into the seat, still wearing the costume, minus the mask of course. She tosses the mask into backseat before starting the car.
Stacy: “I think you have a ton to catch me up on. What happened during your trip? How was everything?”
The car slowly began to move through the parking lot as Stacy glanced ahead and then back to Adrien as often as she could.
Adrien: “Well, I won that big match against Coda. I found out my next opponent is Travis Blake. It’s like I know of him, but I don’t really know him, if that makes any sense.”
Adrien turns to see if Stacy was nodding, but it was still strange to see her head coming out of the yellow Care Bear costume.
Stacy: “I’ve spoken to Travis a few times. Nice enough guy, but I know you can take him. Just remember: Believe.”
The phrase had become one that the two used to each other to inspire and push them, particularly in harsh conditions.
Stacy: “I promise I haven’t pulled my Christmas decorations out of storage already while you were gone. Nope. Totally not planning on putting a tree up tomorrow or anything.”
Sterling couldn’t hold her smile back as she suddenly slammed the brakes due to the driver in front of her not signaling properly before coming over into the lane as they were now on I-10 Westbound, the way back to their residence.
Stacy: “Come on, dude! Signal next time! Jeezy peezy!”
Stacy’s voice raised as she blew a strand of her blonde hair out of her eyes.
Stacy: “Sorry. That guy just totally cut us off. It’s Halloween for crying out loud, we need to get home in one piece to hand out the candy for all of the adorable trick or treaters.”
Adrien chuckles a little bit, considering the people he’s shared this particular commute with.
Adrien: “Considering all the people who have driven me from this airport and got cut off like that, that might have been the tamest.”
A few, Eddie and Adrien’s ex-wife/ex-manager Adrianna Rivers immediately came to mind, would have let off a few words that aren’t allowed on radio and most of television. Even Adrien reacts a tick more than Stacy did.
Adrien: “And yeah. I’m gonna have to do more research on him to see what can be done to get this victory. Need to find out what he does well and what he doesn’t do well. Stuff like that. I did have to drive a friend from the hospital though.”
Stacy: “Hospitals are never a good thing. What happened?”
Her eyes now stayed glued to the road and the traffic ahead of her. The last thing she wanted was a repeat of what just occurred moments ago.
Stacy: “It wasn’t one of the Guardians, was it?”
Adrien: “No, it wasn’t. It was a friend outside the group. I’m not sure you know him. Does the name Johnny Maverick ring a bell?”
Stacy: “I know Johnny. I mean, not personally, but I know of him. What the heck happened?”
Adrien: “Well, if you didn’t see what happened during the show, the best thing to describe it was an actual crucifixion in the ring. He was attacked by his...well, his father and a former tag team wrestler who left the company a couple of months ago. Johnny’s girlfriend was shaking the entire time.”
Adrien still has some frustration that by the time he and the rest of the Guardians got there to try to help Johnny, it was already too late.
Stacy: “So why was this allowed to happen? Okay...nevermind. I saw so many crazy things happen in Karnage that I know ANYTHING can happen in wrestling.”
The tone of Adrien’s voice told Stacy all she needed to know without even looking in his direction as she remained focused on the road.
Stacy: “I think this week, I’ll make up a get well card and send it to Johnny on behalf of the both of us. How does that sound?”
Adrien: “Well, as I said, I drove him from the hospital back to his hotel room. But I’m sure he wouldn’t turn down something baked just for him since you seem to be fairly obsessed with my Thermador double oven.”
Adrien tries to lighten the mood a little bit by talking about one of Stacy’s favorite hobbies.
Adrien: “He’s okay now. His girlfriend is still trying to decompress from all of that mess. It’s just...well, you know how you think you’ve seen literally everything in this screwed up industry? Well, that was certainly a first. Makes me wonder again what else could happen, you know?”
Stacy: “The scary thing is, in wrestling, it’s filled with egos and men and women that all want to stand out among each other. So while you have people like you, me, and the rest of the Guardians, you also get people that will do anything to bring us and the fans down. I don’t even want to watch the end of the show now that you told me what happened, and that’s sad, because I love watching you and your friends out there.”
Stacy took the familiar turn down the street from their residence.
Stacy: “But after that, this should solidify to you that the fans, and your friends need you now, more than ever. They need someone they can count on, get excited to see, and someone that they know will ALWAYS do the right thing.”
Adrien was impressed at how time had passed while they were discussing everything that had happened as they were already in Chalmette. He can even see the gates to their home up ahead.
Adrien: “It gives me more of a purpose, I guess. I said that I wanted to come in and make this company a place where people can step into the ring and prove how talented they are. Where the best of the best show up and there isn’t anything like a group parading themselves as a king and queen of the company or some weirdo crucifying another wrestler like Jesus or something. It’s just...unnerving in a way to see something like that happen to someone I consider a friend. But it means I’ve got a reason to be there. And I know the rest of them agree with me.”
Stacy: “And I support you, I always will. I would offer to take your place and fly in and save the day, but I know you’re more than capable.”
Stacy pulled up to the gates of their home as they slowly opened with a press of a button in Stacy’s Corolla.
Stacy: “But forget about work for now, okay? Let’s go inside, and go through all of this candy that we have to pass out together tonight. I bought you a costume too that you have to try on.”
Adrien: “Am I another Care Bear? I’d really prefer not to be Cheer Bear, honestly.”
Adrien starts chuckling but stops the moment it dawned on him that she seriously might have actually had a Care Bear costume for him. Adrien opens the passenger seat of the car the moment Stacy disabled the engine. Stacy opens the trunk for him to grab his luggage from the trip to bring back inside.
Adrien: “Okay, I’m worried. What am I?”
Stacy: “As cute as it would have been, I figured it was too predictable for us to be going as the same themed thing, sooo…”
Stacy closes the trunk as Adrien retrieved all of his luggage.
Stacy: “I found this super neat costume of Woody from Toy Story. You’re going to be a big, strong, Woody!”
Her excitement was had to contain as her icy blue eyes gleamed in the sunlight. Adrien’s knee-jerk reaction was to quote Sterling Archer from the FX series Archer.
Adrien: “Umm...phrasing.”
Stacy gives a playful push to Adrien for saying that. Adrien laughs a little as he recoils a bit more than he really had to from the push.
Adrien: “Do I have to sound like Tom Hanks the entire time I’m in the costume. I...might...be able to do that voice?”
Stacy rolls her eyes as she opens the front door. But when she rolls her eyes, she does it with all the love in the world.
Jesus filling out paperwork now
At the facility on East 12th St
He's not listening to a word now
He's in his own world and he's daydreaming
He'd rather be doing something else now
Like cigarettes and coffee with the underbelly
His life's on the line with anxiety now
And she had enough, and he had plenty
FOR THE PROMO PORTION OF THIS PIECE, CLICK HERE!!!
My heart is beating from me
I am standing all alone
Please call me only if you are coming home
Waste another year flies by
Waste a night or two
You taught me how to live
In the streets of shame
Where you've lost your dreams in the rain
There's no signs of hope
The stems and seeds of the last of the dope
There's a glow of light
The St. Jimmy is the spark in the night
Bearing gifts and trust
The fixture in the city of lust
Date: October 30th, 2017
Cameras: OFF
To say that Johnathan Fitzsimmons was not in a very good mood was an understatement. He stepped out of the hospital and rubbed the bandage on his forehead a bit.
Johnny: “Get the fuck out of my face.”
Those were the first words Johnny offered to the world as he walked past some dirtsheet journalist looking to get a scoop after he’d taken an amazing beating from his father and his former student. You’d think after so many surgeries and injuries and scrapes and bruises and bumps he’d have learned by now not to touch the stitches. Johnny never learns. That thought causes Johnny to laugh.
“Mr. Maverick?”
Johnny: “Eat a dick.”
“Oh, I’m actually your ride, sir.”
Johnny turns and looks at the nervous gentleman. He hadn’t ordered any car service but he honestly didn’t really care at this point. He hands the duffel bag containing his bloodied ring gear to the man and walks to the car, removing his neck brace and throwing it in a trash can he passes on the way to the car. He sits in the backseat and puts on his sunglasses, looking out the window as he closes the door.
Driver: “I take it you had a rough night last night based on the fact you’re leaving a hospital and bandaged up. Aye?”
The driver’s voice seems a bit more calm and less nervous as he starts the car and begins driving. The voice almost seemed a little familiar to Johnny.
Johnny: “Damn shame you missed out on being a detective and have to drive an uBer for rich dickheads. You’ve certainly got a deductive eye.”
Johnny was never usually this mean to people he didn’t know. The driver simply smiles at Maverick’s comments.
Driver: “This isn’t my full-time gig. Besides, it’s not like you’re as bad as some people I’ve shared a car with. This the right address right here on my phone?”
The driver turns to show Johnny the address on his phone to make sure he was bringing up to the right location. But this was also the best look at the driver Johnny had. The hat and sunglasses could only disguise someone’s identity so much, but Maverick still hasn't noticed.
Johnny: “God dammit.”
Johnny was really afraid someone was going to make him talk after this. He didn’t want to talk. He wanted to sleep for two days cuddled up with his girlfriend.
Johnny: “You’re gonna try and talk to me, aren’t you? Well it’s not happening. You can sit there and watch me dick around on my phone for all I care. I am really not in the mood to talk.”
Driver: “I mean, if you don’t confirm this address, God only knows where the hell I’m going to be dropping you off at?”
Johnny frustratedly takes off his sunglasses and looks up at the driver before realization spreads across his face.
Johnny: “Oh fuck you, Adrien.”
A big toothy grin comes across the face of the driver. He had finally been recognized by his friend.
Adrien: “So am I driving to the right place or not?”
Maverick is still trying to process the fact that this “car service” that was waiting for him was being driven by fellow New Generation Wrestling superstar Adrien Cochrane.
Adrien: “Also, really? Fuck you? Was that really necessary? If you don’t want to talk, that’s on you. I’m just glad to see that you’re leaving this hospital and are okay. If you’re wanting to talk, I’m here. If not, just be warned that I tend to sing a lot when I’m driving in a car without conversation.”
Johnny: “Yeah, that’s the correct address for the airport. I imagine you also have to go there.”
Johnny sighs and puts his phone away.
Johnny: “I don’t want to talk about it because what the hell is there to say? My Dad had me crucified on television for fun and my former student helped him do it along with all my Hoodie Ninjas. On top of all that he’s been paying to send me to a psychologist for months now under false pretenses for a reason I can barely comprehend and now here I am, just raw and hurt and I just want to eat some goddamn Boo Berry and sleep.”
Adrien: “That’s the airport I’ve gotta go to as well. Yes. But my flight isn’t until morning so I got another night on the hotel. So if my memories serves me correct, your dad was supposed to be deceased...right?”
Johnny doesn’t seem interested in responding to Adrien.
Adrien: “No more Hood Ninjas either? Hmm...good thing your friend and leader of the Guardians can apparently get you into a car before you even realize it’s him, huh?”
Johnny puts his sunglasses back on. Poker Face.
Adrien: “What exactly is a Boo Berry? I’ve never heard of it. Some sort of candy or fruit snack or something?”
Adrien doesn’t get a response again so he resorts to his secret weapon. He begins tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as he keeps driving before beginning to sing. Loudly.
Adrien: “ARE YOU LOCKED UP IN A WORLD THAT’S BEEN PLANNED OUT FOR YOU!?!?! ARE YOU FEELING LIKE A SOCIAL TOOL WITHOUT A USE! SCREAM! AT ME! UNTIL MY EARS BLEED! I’M TAKING HEED JUST FOR YOU!!!”
Johnny starts to wonder if he can psychically will Adrien to crash the car but shakes off the thought.
Johnny: “It’s a cereal! It’s ghost-themed blueberry cereal! PLEASE STOP SINGING!”
Adrien: “Of course that’s the only question you answer immediately. Going to keep silent on the other inquires or…”
Johnny’s eye trembles.
Johnny: “WITH JUST A TOUCH OF MY BURNING HAND SEND MY ASTRO ZOMBIES TO RAPE THE LAND PRIME DIRECTIVE EXTERMINATE THE WHOLE HUMAN RACE.”
Johnny was countering.
Adrien: “If you want me to stop the Green Day and join in on the Misfits, I will. I’m immune to my own tricks, Johnny.”
Johnny Maverick can see the smirk from Adrien in the rearview mirror. You had to believe Adrien was right, that his own interrogation technique wouldn’t work on him.
Johnny: “Yeah, my dad was supposed to be dead. He’s apparently not. It’s kinda fucked me up. My reality is pretty much shattered right now, Adrien. Thank you for asking!”
Johnny rubs his neck a bit. He looks lost. Cochrane notices this immediately with a quick glance through the mirror once more.
Adrien: “You know I’ve done this whole charade because I care, right? I know how stunned I would be if I found out my father wasn’t actually dead and was running around out there. Well, he was on a cane for the last few years of his life...I’m getting off track here…”
Adrien shakes his head at his own rambling.
Adrien: “Point is this: whatever the hell is going on with your father and Martin and all of your ninjas, you’re not alone. You still have Danni. You still me. And the rest of the Guardians. Whatever we can do for you, Johnny, I’m there. I know I didn’t quite get my team to the ring to help you quite in time, and trust me, that frustrated the hell out of me all night…”
Johnny: “Don’t worry about it. Not the first time I’ve had my ass kicked and it certainly won’t be the last. I don’t need babysitters… Thanks though.”
Adrien feels a bit easier after Maverick’s response.
Adrien: “I would assume you haven’t thought enough ahead to figure out what the heck you’re going to do about all of this. Am I correct in that assumption?”
Johnny: “I know exactly what I’m going to do.”
Johnny sounds sure of himself, but his actual plan is pretty shocking.
Johnny: “Nothing. Martin made his name off me. That’s fine. I have bigger things to worry about.”
Adrien: “Our match coming up, I once again assume. Adrien Cochrane versus Johnny Maverick versus Kayla Richards versus Matthew Shields…”
Johnny: “Yeah. Never had an upcoming World Title opponent drive me to the airport before.”
Cochrane chuckles a little bit.
Adrien: “Well, we’re not regular opponents. And keep in mind, the other two are sharing a bed. And if we’re to believe their timelines, a lot of bodily fluids…”
Cochrane shudders a little bit before responding.
Adrien: “But the point that I made to you about our last match together still stands. I would much rather watch you leave the arena holding that championship than the other two. Do I want to win it? Absolutely. That is one of the biggest goals anyone on this roster has. Anyone who says otherwise is a damn liar. But I will sleep better at night if I saw that championship in your possession over those two.”
Johnny: “Cool, because I’m gonna kick your ass… no offense.”
Johnny manages a small smirk.
Adrien: “Did I see the corner of your mouth actually go in an upward angle for a moment there?!”
Cochrane grins widely.
Johnny: “If you did then maybe you should be paying more attention to the road.”
Adrien: “Perhaps you should take a quick peek out of the window, good sir.”
Johnny looks out the window. They are at the airport.
Johnny: “Thank God. Danni is probably a wreck right now.”
Johnny opens the door and steps out of the car.
Adrien: “Hey, before you go...I mean what I said before. If you need anything at all, Johnny…”
Johnny: “Yeah...you too, man.”
Johnny grabs his bag and walks toward the airport. He gives Adrien a small salute.
Johnny: “Hope you weren’t expecting a tip.”
Johnny smirks again as he walks away. Cochrane watches Maverick disappear into the sea of people before putting the car back in drive.
Adrien: “Well, back to the hotel for me…”
What the hell's your name?
What's your pleasure and what is your pain?
Do you dream too much?
Do you think what you need is a crutch?
In the crowd of pain
St. Jimmy comes without any shame
He says, "We're fucked up," but we're not the same
And mom and dad are the ones you can blame
Jimmy died today
He blew his brains out into the bay
In the state of mind
It's my own private suicide
Date: October 31st, 2017
Cameras: OFF
“Ugh, where is my...oh, duh! If this was a snake it would have bit me…”
Adrien Cochrane finally spots his luggage on the carousel at Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana. He had just flown back on Halloween morning to try to get home in time to celebrate the holiday with his girlfriend. He grabs the rolling cart with both hands before pulling it behind him through the baggage claim area of the facility. He’s in his typical attire for public to try not to attract too much attention: a trucker hat and a pair of eyeglasses he rarely wears in public. Of course, the usual plaid and jeans probably don’t help.
“NO TIME TO SEARCH THE WORLD AROUND...CUZ YOU KNOW WHERE I’LL BE FOUUUUUNNNDDD...WHEN I COME AROUND!!”
Adrien’s phone rings as he walks through the airport. He shuffles around in his pocket and pulls it out. Looking at the screen, it says ‘Stacy’, which would be his girlfriend, Stacy Sterling. Adrien swipes the screen to answer the call and before he can get a word in, Stacy is talking at a frantic pace on the phone. Her voice is almost distorted by the panic in her tone.
Stacy: “Oh my gosh...Adrien, I am sooo sorry! I know Eddie was going to pick you up and then he asked me to, and I said yes, but then something came up and I had to hire a driver last minute and unfortunately, he was on his way to a Halloween costume party, so...don't hate me.”
It’s still pretty early in the morning. A quick glance at his watch says it’s not even seven thirty in the morning yet. Adrien remembers that Eddie did have business to take care of for some other clients in California so he knew Eddie wasn’t getting him. He wasn’t even aware Stacy was going to do it.
Adrien: “Why would I hate you exactly? I can call an Uber if I have to. It’s not that big of a deal. What came up though? Is everything okay?”
Adrien knows he’s throwing a lot of questions at Stacy at once, but at the tempo she’s currently running, she will probably knock them out before Adrien can even process her response.
Stacy: “I’ll tell you what came up when I see you, but everything is fine. Promise! Here’s the reason you’re going to hate me.”
Stacy pauses, leaving Adrien to his thoughts for a moment.
Stacy: “Okay, I had to let the driver borrow my car. Which I know isn’t very...intelligent to do, but I trust him. He’s wearing a Care Bears costume. Just go outside, look for my car and the bear, okay?”
Adrien’s eyes widened a little bit. His eyebrows raises slightly in a bit of a shock of everything Stacy just told him.
Adrien: “I mean, I’m not going to hate you over that. Yeah, probably not the smartest thing to do. But you trust this driver? Who is he if you trust them that much? Someone you know or…?”
Adrien is still in the lobby, and a few minutes away. He wasn’t sure about what Stacy was telling him, but the only thing he could do now was find this Care Bear, assuming he actually did show up with Stacy’s car. If he seems too sketchy, Adrien could always drive the car back himself.
Adrien: “Also, what kind of driver needs to use your car?”
There were a lot more questions than answers with what Stacy was telling him. He is finally out of the lobby and sees what looks like Stacy’s Toyota Corolla in the distance. If it wasn’t for the glasses on Adrien’s face, he probably couldn’t make out the Funshine Bear costume in the distance, standing next to it. The bear began to jump up and down at the sight of Adrien, waving its arms back and forth in a silly looking wave. Adrien stops in his tracks for a moment.
Adrien: “Oh boy…”
Adrien approaches the car and the bear with a very cautious demeanor. He made no sudden movements as he places his bag in the trunk of his girlfriend’s car.
Adrien: “So...I have a bit of a thing where I’m a bit uncomfortable getting into a vehicle with someone who’s name I don’t even know so, introductions maybe? I’m Adrien. You are…?”
Instead of saying anything, the person dressed in the Funshine Bear costume instead walked around to Adrien’s side of the car and opened their arms for a hug. Adrien takes a bit of a step back.
Adrien: “I don’t feel comfortable right now. This is freaking me out a little bit.”
Adrien was visibly off-put by what was happening as the person in the bear costume shrugs. Both hands moved to the mask of the costume and with a slow, methodical pull, Adrien began to see the facial structure of the person behind the mask. All it took was the mouth to be exposed and he immediately recognized the smile being that of his girlfriend, Stacy. She pulled the mask off and sat it on the hood of her car before wrapping both arms around Adrien, laughing all the while.
Stacy: “I soooo got you! Halloween is the day of scares, tricks and treats and I sooo tricked you!”
She planted a second kiss on his cheek excitedly.
Stacy: “I missed you!”
Adrien was still laughing to hide just how stunned he was from the practical joke Stacy had just pulled on him.
Adrien: “You had me afraid I was about to get molested by a Care Bear for a moment there. Dear God, Stacy!!!”
Adrien hugs his girlfriend back, just delighted he’s spending the drive home with her and not some random stranger he didn’t know and was acting suspicious.
Stacy: “You almost got hug tackled, but I think that might have been a little too much for you to deal with.”
Stacy pulls the passenger door open for The Dropkick King as Adrien sits down, exhaling a deep breath as he does. Stacy hurries to the driver’s side after grabbing her mask and maneuvers herself into the seat, still wearing the costume, minus the mask of course. She tosses the mask into backseat before starting the car.
Stacy: “I think you have a ton to catch me up on. What happened during your trip? How was everything?”
The car slowly began to move through the parking lot as Stacy glanced ahead and then back to Adrien as often as she could.
Adrien: “Well, I won that big match against Coda. I found out my next opponent is Travis Blake. It’s like I know of him, but I don’t really know him, if that makes any sense.”
Adrien turns to see if Stacy was nodding, but it was still strange to see her head coming out of the yellow Care Bear costume.
Stacy: “I’ve spoken to Travis a few times. Nice enough guy, but I know you can take him. Just remember: Believe.”
The phrase had become one that the two used to each other to inspire and push them, particularly in harsh conditions.
Stacy: “I promise I haven’t pulled my Christmas decorations out of storage already while you were gone. Nope. Totally not planning on putting a tree up tomorrow or anything.”
Sterling couldn’t hold her smile back as she suddenly slammed the brakes due to the driver in front of her not signaling properly before coming over into the lane as they were now on I-10 Westbound, the way back to their residence.
Stacy: “Come on, dude! Signal next time! Jeezy peezy!”
Stacy’s voice raised as she blew a strand of her blonde hair out of her eyes.
Stacy: “Sorry. That guy just totally cut us off. It’s Halloween for crying out loud, we need to get home in one piece to hand out the candy for all of the adorable trick or treaters.”
Adrien chuckles a little bit, considering the people he’s shared this particular commute with.
Adrien: “Considering all the people who have driven me from this airport and got cut off like that, that might have been the tamest.”
A few, Eddie and Adrien’s ex-wife/ex-manager Adrianna Rivers immediately came to mind, would have let off a few words that aren’t allowed on radio and most of television. Even Adrien reacts a tick more than Stacy did.
Adrien: “And yeah. I’m gonna have to do more research on him to see what can be done to get this victory. Need to find out what he does well and what he doesn’t do well. Stuff like that. I did have to drive a friend from the hospital though.”
Stacy: “Hospitals are never a good thing. What happened?”
Her eyes now stayed glued to the road and the traffic ahead of her. The last thing she wanted was a repeat of what just occurred moments ago.
Stacy: “It wasn’t one of the Guardians, was it?”
Adrien: “No, it wasn’t. It was a friend outside the group. I’m not sure you know him. Does the name Johnny Maverick ring a bell?”
Stacy: “I know Johnny. I mean, not personally, but I know of him. What the heck happened?”
Adrien: “Well, if you didn’t see what happened during the show, the best thing to describe it was an actual crucifixion in the ring. He was attacked by his...well, his father and a former tag team wrestler who left the company a couple of months ago. Johnny’s girlfriend was shaking the entire time.”
Adrien still has some frustration that by the time he and the rest of the Guardians got there to try to help Johnny, it was already too late.
Stacy: “So why was this allowed to happen? Okay...nevermind. I saw so many crazy things happen in Karnage that I know ANYTHING can happen in wrestling.”
The tone of Adrien’s voice told Stacy all she needed to know without even looking in his direction as she remained focused on the road.
Stacy: “I think this week, I’ll make up a get well card and send it to Johnny on behalf of the both of us. How does that sound?”
Adrien: “Well, as I said, I drove him from the hospital back to his hotel room. But I’m sure he wouldn’t turn down something baked just for him since you seem to be fairly obsessed with my Thermador double oven.”
Adrien tries to lighten the mood a little bit by talking about one of Stacy’s favorite hobbies.
Adrien: “He’s okay now. His girlfriend is still trying to decompress from all of that mess. It’s just...well, you know how you think you’ve seen literally everything in this screwed up industry? Well, that was certainly a first. Makes me wonder again what else could happen, you know?”
Stacy: “The scary thing is, in wrestling, it’s filled with egos and men and women that all want to stand out among each other. So while you have people like you, me, and the rest of the Guardians, you also get people that will do anything to bring us and the fans down. I don’t even want to watch the end of the show now that you told me what happened, and that’s sad, because I love watching you and your friends out there.”
Stacy took the familiar turn down the street from their residence.
Stacy: “But after that, this should solidify to you that the fans, and your friends need you now, more than ever. They need someone they can count on, get excited to see, and someone that they know will ALWAYS do the right thing.”
Adrien was impressed at how time had passed while they were discussing everything that had happened as they were already in Chalmette. He can even see the gates to their home up ahead.
Adrien: “It gives me more of a purpose, I guess. I said that I wanted to come in and make this company a place where people can step into the ring and prove how talented they are. Where the best of the best show up and there isn’t anything like a group parading themselves as a king and queen of the company or some weirdo crucifying another wrestler like Jesus or something. It’s just...unnerving in a way to see something like that happen to someone I consider a friend. But it means I’ve got a reason to be there. And I know the rest of them agree with me.”
Stacy: “And I support you, I always will. I would offer to take your place and fly in and save the day, but I know you’re more than capable.”
Stacy pulled up to the gates of their home as they slowly opened with a press of a button in Stacy’s Corolla.
Stacy: “But forget about work for now, okay? Let’s go inside, and go through all of this candy that we have to pass out together tonight. I bought you a costume too that you have to try on.”
Adrien: “Am I another Care Bear? I’d really prefer not to be Cheer Bear, honestly.”
Adrien starts chuckling but stops the moment it dawned on him that she seriously might have actually had a Care Bear costume for him. Adrien opens the passenger seat of the car the moment Stacy disabled the engine. Stacy opens the trunk for him to grab his luggage from the trip to bring back inside.
Adrien: “Okay, I’m worried. What am I?”
Stacy: “As cute as it would have been, I figured it was too predictable for us to be going as the same themed thing, sooo…”
Stacy closes the trunk as Adrien retrieved all of his luggage.
Stacy: “I found this super neat costume of Woody from Toy Story. You’re going to be a big, strong, Woody!”
Her excitement was had to contain as her icy blue eyes gleamed in the sunlight. Adrien’s knee-jerk reaction was to quote Sterling Archer from the FX series Archer.
Adrien: “Umm...phrasing.”
Stacy gives a playful push to Adrien for saying that. Adrien laughs a little as he recoils a bit more than he really had to from the push.
Adrien: “Do I have to sound like Tom Hanks the entire time I’m in the costume. I...might...be able to do that voice?”
Stacy rolls her eyes as she opens the front door. But when she rolls her eyes, she does it with all the love in the world.
Jesus filling out paperwork now
At the facility on East 12th St
He's not listening to a word now
He's in his own world and he's daydreaming
He'd rather be doing something else now
Like cigarettes and coffee with the underbelly
His life's on the line with anxiety now
And she had enough, and he had plenty
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