One Headlight (CD)

(Oh boy...give me a second to gather my thoughts here...the following characters need to be awarded CD points as well: Jazmyn Rain, Jessica Sears, Dean Matthews, Austen Blackwell, Alechs Aurelio, Dead Eye, Adam Sanders, Betsy Granger, Tasmin Richards, Anastacia Alejandro, and Jaime Alejandro. Thank you to non-active characters Mercedes Blackwell, Allyce Soto, Zachary Sears, and Alexis Cochrane. Also big thanks to outsiders Sarah Sorlie, Rebecca Saint, and Kenzie Rydell. All of you handlers made this a very special piece and special moment for me and this character. So thank you. All of you.)

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Date: July 8th, 2018
Cameras: OFF

The cameras finish rolling. The fans are still yelling loudly. There are a few pieces of confetti still drifting slower and slower to the ground. But all of that was being tuned out because Adrien Cochrane just heard his name being announced by Shae Jackson, and Ed MacIntosh just handed him the NGW Championship. It was surreal. The whole moment, in general, is just something he can’t quite believe is real. He finally did it. World Title, number four. The happiest tears Adrien can remember shedding was trickling down the side of his cheek.

But he was not the only one, on his knees in the middle of the ring. There was a set of arms around him, a face buried in his shoulder. Admitted into the ring by security, his beloved girlfriend embraced him tightly. Everalda was doing her best to be strong for the both of them, but after such a hellacious match she couldn’t help but allow more of her own tears to spill. How worried she was, how elated she is now. Lifting her head up, she presses her rose pink lips over his in a sweet, passionate kiss. It was a kiss only the live audience would see, a memory only they will be able to cherish.

Adrien: “We did it, Everalda.”

Adrien’s voice is drowned out by the sounds of the fans still cheering, but he knows she’s able to hear him. Even though his voice still trembled with the sound of disbelief and shock, he was able to put enough volume behind it to get it to his girlfriend. Everalda tilts her head, a look of awe and confusion on her beautiful face.

Everalda: “We? I-I don’t understand. This was all you, mein Herz.”

She looks to him before she looks outside of the ring towards Eddie Walker, who is thrusting his arm in the air repeatedly, stoked that he is the manager of both the NGW Champion and Five Lakes Champion as the show has ended. The confusion is still there. Everalda looks below at her custom-made t-shirt with the hashtag BELIEVE, the BELI in light blue and the EVE in pink. It was made specifically for her. She lifts her head up towards Adrien and shyly smiles.

Everalda: “Adrien, I’m… I’m honored, but this is your victory.”

Adrien: “No, this is OUR victory. You were a part of this, whether you realize it or not. You gave me another person I was fighting for when I was laying on my back, knowing I needed to get up before the count of ten.”

Adrien can hear Eddie patting the mat from the outside.

Eddie: “Come on, guys, we need to get out of here eventually. Plus, I’d prefer not to be around when Maverick wakes up from his Adrien Cutter-induced nap.”

The Dropkick King smiles as he rolls out of the ring, catching Everalda as she follows him. Before he starts walking down the ramp though, he has to grab one more thing...something he hopes he has to start carrying back to the locker room for quite some time: the title belt.

Eddie: “I’m proud of you.”

Walker hugs his best friend, placing both hands on both of Adrien’s shoulders once the quick embrace was done.

Eddie: “I knew you could do it. I always believed in you. You’re one of the greatest wrestlers out there, and you deserve every ounce of this.”

Eddie always says to Adrien he’s the greatest wrestler alive, but Adrien sees it as Eddie just being his hype man. This time, it was Eddie saying it because he believed that Adrien delivered on that praise. As the three began walking up the ramp, the sound engineers allowed Simple Plan’s “Last One Standing” to give their walk a personal soundtrack. This time...Adrien really was the last one standing…

Eddie: “Be prepared. I think you might have to head out of here parade style. You got a LOT of people back here who were pulling for you. So just be ready, alright? Here we go…”

They pull back the curtain for all three of them to leave the public eye of the fans. But before Adrien can even see the hallway he has to walk down, he already feels someone hugging him, almost in the form of a tackle. That someone is Jazmyn Rain, who against all odds managed to overcome some harsh trials and tribulations… in more ways than one… to remain the NGW Five Lakes Champion earlier in the night.

Jazmyn: “You did it!!! I’m so happy for you!!!!”

Everalda steps back with Eddie and giggles softly at the parading of champions. Adrien chuckles a little bit as he hugs Jazmyn back.

Adrien: “Thank you so much, Jazmyn. And congratulations to you. We really did it. We actually fulfilled our championship pact.”

Jazmyn: “I’m so happy… you have no idea!”

Jazmyn pauses, realizing that tears of joy are forming in her eyes. She takes a second to wipe them away before she continues.

Jazmyn: “These last few months have been so hard for both of us and we kept going through the ringer again and again! But a night like tonight makes it all worth it!”

Adrien: “This was worth every day we had to wait and every obstacle we had to overcome.”

There was still a stray tear on Adrien’s face that hadn’t been wiped away yet. He hugs Jazmyn once more.

Adrien: “Thank you for believing in me. And remember I always will believe in you. I love you.”

Jazmyn: “The feeling is mutual! I love you too! I’ll let you on your way! Have fun… same to you, Eddie, Everalda, and… thank you!”

Jazmyn makes her departure, leaving Adrien to continue along his way. And it wasn’t long before Adrien saw the next person...well, a couple of people...who were waiting to see him. Everalda’s smile widens as she sees someone she’s related to, approaching them. Worn out from their respective matches, Jessica Sears playfully nudges Dean Matthews before she moves from the wall they were leaning on. Long changed out of her ring attire, Jessica’s wearing a Doctor Strange graphic tee with a pair of white skinny jeans that hug her just right and black Converse. She doesn’t hesitate as she moves in to hug her potential brother-in-law, her older sister, and her longtime friend altogether.

Jessica: “Words alone can’t express how proud I am.”

Dean watches Jessica push off and hug one of her oldest and dearest friends while he stays leaning on the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. Dean still bears the battle scars of the WarGames the day before with small parts of his dirty blonde hair still stained red. He wears a simple pair of blue jeans and a black sleeveless shirt. The toes of the left black boot press into the floor. After Jess pulls away, Dean lifts a hand ticking off on his fingers.

Dean: “Destroyers. Check. Children of Nephilim. Check. Hmm…”

With a smirk on his lips, Dean closes that hand and wraps his knuckles off the title.

Dean: “Keep it shiny for me, Adrien.”

Eddie: “Oh believe me. After the previous owners of this belt, we need to get it sanitized as well. Actually, if you don’t mind, let me go ahead and do that as well as get the nameplate changed out and a little bit of polish. I made a deal with Aurora Graves for some of the stuff they use on their needles at their tattoo parlor.”

Adrien Cochrane hands his manager and best friend the championship belt before turning back to Dean Matthews.

Adrien: “Thank you. Both of you.”

He glances back at Jessica Sears, one of the longest friends he has on the roster.

Adrien: “I know the past couple of days have been one hell of a roller coaster for you two. I appreciate that you guys came out here to catch me with everything going on.”

Jessica offers him a gentle smile. Even a small smile touches the corners of Dean’s mouth as he takes Jessica’s left hand in his right hand, sliding their fingers to intertwine around the engagement ring that is presently and publicly worn on her ring finger.

Dean: “You got that right, but neither of us would miss it for the world.”

Everalda’s eyes slowly look over to the holding of their hands and she smiles brightly. She then faces Adrien and giggles.

Everalda: “There’s so much more to celebrate now. Their engagement. Our championship victory. I’d love to host a party.”

Male Voice: “So vould I.”

Everalda picks up on that familiar voice and looks beyond Jessica and Dean. Her baby blue eyes widen in shock and overwhelming joy as she moves from Adrien for the moment, throwing her arms around her younger brother, Zachary Sears. He releases a soft groan as he returns the embrace, feeling his older sister’s tears spill onto his black suit jacket. He gently places his left hand on the back of her head while his right arm stays around her waist.

Zachary: “Eve… you’re hugging a little… too tight… Am not a hundred percent, ja?”

Everalda: “Sorry. I’m sorry. I… I’ve missed you so much! I’m so glad…”

Adrien smiles a little bit before offering a much gentler hug to his potential brother-in-law than his girlfriend gave. Adrien was prepared to show up on Lucifer’s radar the moment Zachary Sears became involved and had to be talked out of it by Dean Matthews and Jessica Sears. Either way, Adrien was excited to see him back.

Adrien: “Was worried about you, man. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

It’s only about a second or two long of a hug before Adrien gently pats him on the shoulder.

Adrien: “Considering the circumstances though, you look well, my friend.”

The only son of Franz offers a weak yet warm smile, returning the embrace to Adrien. Zachary’s had twenty-four hours to rest and recover. He welcomed a penthouse visit from Dr. Anthony Edwards who came all the way from Toronto to help him.

Zachary: “Danke. You took care of Everalda vhile I was… physically compromised, as Dean took care of Jessica. Zhat is everything I could have asked for.”

Dean: “Not everything. Your stubborn German ass should be in bed somewhere.”

Zachary let out a soft chuckle and nods.

Zachary: “You're right… Gael is vaiting for me in ze parking lot. I vill host a party of my own vhen I am in a far better condition. Congratulations, Adrien. I vill see you all later, ja?”

Politely, he bows his head, a slight grimace from the repercussions of his broken left cheekbone and mended jaw from dislocation. Dean’s intense stare falls on Zachary as he bows and he leans into Jessica’s side, pressing a kiss into her temple and whispering.

Dean: “Stay. Celebrate. I am gonna make sure he gets back to the car safe.”

Without waiting for her to argue, he pulls away and holds out his hand for Zachary to lead the way. Zachary nods looks to his sisters and Adrien and offers them a reassuring nod. He takes his time, gingerly making his way towards the parking lot with Dean escorting him. Jessica and Everalda look on, their blue eyes on the two until they’re out of sight.

Adrien: “Wow. When I said roller coaster, I didn’t think this ride had any more twists and turns. I guess I was wrong.”

Cochrane chuckles as he hugs Jessica Sears once more.

Adrien: “Congratulations again on the engagement. Thank you so much for believing in me. I couldn’t have done this without all the support you’ve given me.”

Jessica: “You’re my brother, Adrien. I will always, always believe in you, no matter what. Make us proud, champ.”

Even though her mentor and father figure defeated her earlier in the night, she’s able to hold her head up high. Everalda smiles at her baby sister moves in and kisses the top of her head.

Everalda: “Go on and get some rest. After War Games and Mr. Alejandro, you deserve it.”

Adrien: “She’s right. Get some rest, Jessica. We love you.”

Adrien releases the hug from Jessica before giving her one last warm smile before she turns and departs, leaving Adrien alone with Everalda for just a moment. He takes a quick glance at his cell phone that Everald was kindly looking after.

Adrien: “It looks like Robbie and Candy Rayder wants to catch breakfast with us tomorrow morning to celebrate this. Said they don’t want to overwhelm me right now."

Everalda: “I don’t think you’ll have a shortage of people doing that tonight, mein Herz.”

After having one couple depart them, another couple approaches them.

Austen: “Hey, Champ!”

Austen Blackwell along with his wife and West Coast Genesis General Manager, Mercedes Blackwell, approach the new NGW Champion and his girlfriend.

Austen: “Wow. What a crazy show. I cannot believe I got to be a part of it… and then to see a dude as deserving as you win it? Nice job, man!”

Adrien smiles a little bit as he extends a handshake to one of the people from the developmental territory of the company who has interacted with him the most...outside of Adam’s immediate circle anyway.

Adrien: “Thanks, Austen. Mrs. Mercedes, good to see you.”

Mercedes: “It’s nice to see you as well. Congrats on winning the title; it was an amazing thing to see.”

Austen: “It is crazy to think of the ride you got to here. I know that I’ve watched your rise in NGW closely… and at WrestleForce? Wow. Sucks I had to lose the way I did, but I am happy for someone I consider a friend.”

Austen had sort of looked up to the Guardians in a sense and respected all of them. Engaged in the conversation, Everalda takes a moment to softly speak up.

Everalda: “We are pleasantly surprised by the positive reception, but we are certainly grateful for it. This is something we will never forget. Thank you very much.”

Adrien: “I’m not sure if you all have met in person. Austen, Mercedes, this is Everalda Sears-Theron. She’s Jessica Sears’ sister and my girlfriend.”

Taking initiative, Everalda politely bows towards them, her mannerisms taught by her grandmother. It is simply natural of eastern cultures, for South Africa in her case.

Everalda: “It is very nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell.”

Austen: “Nice to meet you too. Glad that Adrien has a strong woman behind him. I know how important they can be!”

He smiles looking over at Mercedes.

Mercedes: “Have to be strong when dealing with this business. It is nice to meet you, Everalda. I have heard nice things about you.”

Adrien: “I guess this is also a chance for me to congratulate you on winning the Long Beach Championship as well, Austen. Especially...well, considering the circumstances of the title.”

Adrien briefly took Remi Fontaine under his wing. Right now, he regrets that. Everalda picks up on this and gently places a hand on his shoulder.

Austen: “Yeah. It is what it is. Remi is a good guy when he is not being influenced. I feel bad for Adam, but I did what I needed to get the job done.”

Adrien: “I thank you for that. I also thank you for keeping an eye on him when I can’t. I know you aren’t as close to him as Remi was or...well, I guess there’s a reason for Tasmin, now…”

Adrien laughs a little bit.

Adrien: “But I still thank you for all you do for Adam. Past, present, and future.”

Austen: “Always.”

Austen nods his head as another couple approaches them.

Austen: “Dude. It was YOU the whole time?”

An unmasked Alechs Aurelio stands next to his girlfriend, Allyce Soto.

Alechs: “Thanks, man.”

Alechs fist bumps Austen. He looks up at Adrien.

Alechs: “Dude! Congrats! Nice!”

Alechs steps in for a hug. Adrien allows it, hugging his former Guardian partner.

Adrien: “Feels good not to hide behind a mask anymore, huh?”

Adrien playfully pokes at Alechs as he lets go of the hug. He turns to Everalda.

Adrien: “I figure you know her at this point. But Everalda, the man who we knew as El Leòn Azul, was actually the predecessor to your sister in the Guardians. Meet Alechs Aurelio.”

Still, as polite as ever, Everalda bows to Alechs and offers him a sweet smile.

Everalda: “Es un placer conocerte, Sr. Aurelio. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Aurelio. You as well, Miss Allyce. Goodness, I’m meeting so many people tonight. I should be used to the publicity.”

She did pick up on a particular note Adrien brought up and she clears her throat.

Everalda: “I… hope you didn’t mind my baby sister stepping up when you departed from the company. Jessica only wanted to help remove the Destroyers.”

Alechs shakes his head no. Austen and Mercedes wave goodbye to the group as they head off on their own.

Alechs: “Not at all. I… I was in a bad place. And I needed to get away. And find my light in the darkness. I am appreciative of Jessica.”

Allyce smiles, as she nods. She knew they both found the light in each other.

Allyce: “Congratulations Mr. Cochrane. It is good to finally meet you, along with Everalda. I have heard a lot about you, Adrien.”

Adrien: “Thank you. I appreciate all the kind words, Allyce. And Alechs, I hope you saw what I did to avenge you against Julianna DiMaria.”

Alechs: “I did, and I got mine back tonight. Did you see the look on her face? Amazing!”

He laughs.

Alechs: “But I know you need to get outta here. We will catch up tomorrow some at Fallout, right?”

Adrien: “Yeah. Going to be a lot of us hanging around at this point now that you don’t have that mask anymore, right?”

Adrien playfully pokes at Alechs once more, almost in a manner he would a younger brother.

Adrien: “Take care of yourself, man. I’ll see you around.”

Everalda: “Please enjoy the sights of the city. It is not every day you get to perform in Madison Square Garden, but all of New York City is beautiful.”

Alechs and Allyce offer some more hugs as they head off. As soon as they turn the corner, another face shows up from the opposite direction.

Eddie: “Alrighty! Got the belt clean, polished, and a new nameplate with your name on it, good sir!!”

Walker holds the championship title out, almost as if it was being presented to him for the first time with both hands holding it, the design facing Adrien with the straps both underneath it.

Eddie: “For you. The new NGW Champion.”

Adrien accepts it his eyes locked on the splendor of it as Eddie continues.

Eddie: “I also found this person wandering around the locker room area. Figured it would be a nice thing for me to do to lead her to you. Miss Sorlie, the floor is yours…”

Sarah: “ADRIEN!!!”

Before he even realizes who is yelling his name, Sarah is on his back with her arms looped around his shoulders. He nearly stumbles over but catches himself as she gives a loud and enthusiastic “WOOO!” right into his ear. Everalda blinks before she covers her mouth and giggles. Finally, she drops off his back and giggles before putting an arm around his shoulder as she stands to his left side.

Sarah: “Yoooo Adrien, we did it!... Errr… YOU DID IT!!!”

Adrien is still registering that it’s his dear friend from ECWF and HKW, Sarah Sorlie that was hugging him.

Adrien: “You did make it back here!! And look, you did find me too!! See, I told you that you would be able to!!”

Adrien lifts the championship belt that was handed to him shortly before the hug attack from one-half of the Sorlie Sisters and places it on his shoulder, the first time he places the belt on his shoulder since it became his.

Adrien: “But yeah. It happened. I know I said I believed I could do it and everything, but this still feels so strange to me.”

His girlfriend smiles and nods her head towards Eddie.

Everalda: “Thank you for guiding Ms. Sorlie here, Eddie.”

She then turns to Sarah herself and politely bows, folding her hands in front of her.

Everalda: “And thank you for coming all the way out to New York City for Adrien’s match, Ms. Sorlie. Did you enjoy the show?”

Sarah nods with that smile pressed across her face, she runs a hand through her blonde hair and uses her palm to brush the wrinkles out of her shirt after the little surprise piggy-back ride.

Sarah: “I enjoyed the ending of the show the most!”

She says with a playful punch to Adrien’s arm before laughing again with a playful little roll of the eyes, it was a trait of hers.

Sarah: “I had to literally duck past security to get back here, thankfully Eddie caught sight of me and saved me from being escorted out.”

You would think SHE just won the title with the excitement in her. And after a few tough weeks in her own career, it was nice to actually have something to cheer about with one of her close friends finally getting back to the mountaintop.

Sarah: “OhMyGosh! Can I hold it for a second?!”

Adrien lifts the championship belt off his shoulder and lets Sarah Sorlie hold onto it for a moment.

Adrien: “Sure thing, dear.”

He gives a wide grin as he sees the amazement in her face. She cradles the title as if it were an infant, gazing down into the faceplate with wide-eyed wonderment. It’d been a long while since she’s held any sort of title. And this was the first time she’s ever put her hands on a world title.

Sarah: “Ohhhh man, this is awesome!”

She puts it over her shoulder just for good measure and brims with delight before finally relenting and handing it back over to its rightful owner.

Adrien: “And honestly, I can’t thank you enough for your support, Sarah. The constant reminders on Twitter really helped me feel like I had it in me to keep on this path and fulfill this goal. You were a cog in the machine that helped make me into this. You contributed to this victory, whether you realize it or not.”

The Dropkick King glances at his girlfriend and best friend.

Adrien: “All of you did.”

Walker beams with pride for a moment. After all, his clients hold the top two belts in the company now.

Eddie: “You’ve earned this. You fought through so much to earn this title shot with that Warfare match. You dealt with Maverick’s antics leading up to this match. You had everyone in Madison Square Garden behind you because you were the man meant to pull off this victory. This was your moment, Adrien. You just did what you needed to do to finally seize it.”

A gentle smile crosses Everalda’s face as she moves a little closer and kisses Adrien on the cheek.

Everalda: “Carpe Diem. Seize the day. That is what you have done, mein Herz. You seized the day so you could win the night. As silly as this sounds, I can't wait to see Klaus’s expression when we return home. He aspires to be like you. This will encourage him even more.”

Adrien: “I certainly hope he doesn’t have to deal with what I did. I’ve never had to use four Adrien Cutters, one Flight One Eight Two, a Lightning Strike, a Dream Breaker, and dropkicking the guy off a stage to win a match.”

Eddie: “Yeah, Maverick definitely gave you a run for your money when it comes to stubbornness to accept losses. By the way, he finally got up and got a standing ovation from the fans. Sarah, were you near them when the fight took near the crowd? When Adrien got fallaway slammed?”

She seems lost there for a moment, staring at the shiny gold title on Adrien’s shoulder before the sound of her name seems to snap her out of it. Sarah blinks and shakes her head as the question is posed.

Sarah: “It wasn’t like directly in front of me, probably like I unno… twenty yards or so away? I was close enough to hear the impact.”

She bites her lower lip with a bit of a pout. She didn’t know if he would even get up from that. Thankfully it didn’t bring about his demise and he was able to overcome.

Adrien: “It’s gonna take more than a fallaway slam onto concrete, three of his finishers, and putting me through a table to keep me from reaching my goals, that’s for damn sure.”

Adrien tries to lighten Sarah’s mood a little bit with a chuckle. This time he is the one hugging her.

Adrien: “Thank you so much for coming out here for me and watching me in what might have one of the biggest matches of my career. I really can’t thank you enough.”

Sarah: “Merci for inviting me. It was a great show… I’m glad I got to see you win it in person.”

Adrien: “Take care of yourself. I love you, and be sure to tell your sister of yours I said hello.”

Sarah: “I will!”

She smiles and pats his title once more for good measure.

Sarah: “I’m so proud of you, man! I’m sure I’ll catch up with you later. Looks like you have more than a few rounds to make.”

Adrien chuckles a little bit as Sarah quickly departs and he turns to see someone he spent a lot of time trying to mold into the best wrestler she can be. Kenzie Rydell scurries in her mentor’s direction with a bright smile on her face as she sees the shining NGW Championship over Adrien’s shoulder.

Kenzie: “CONGRATULATIONS, ADRIEN!! I knew you could do it!”

Her peppy demeanor set her apart from all the rest as she joined the rest in wrapping her arms around the newly crowned champion’s shoulders and standing on her tippy-toes to give him a hug.

Adrien: “Thank you, Kenzie. I’m really glad you could make it.”

Kenzie releases her grip, taking a wide step backward to get a good look at him. She reaches into her pocket to take out her smartphone. In a flash, she stands beside Adrien and smiles before Adrien has the chance to do the same. With the championship in the camera’s view, she snaps the selfie with a disorienting flash.

Adrien: “And now I’m blind…”

Kenzie took a step back again, looking down steadily back towards her phone.

Kenzie: “Pfft! You’ll be fine. But look! It turned out really well.”

She proudly shows him the picture on her phone. Adrien is reacting to the bright flash while Kenzie smiles excitedly.

Adrien: “Sure. That will work…”

Kenzie: “I’m sorry if I caught you off guard. I just really wanted to capture the moment forever, you know? And I wouldn’t have missed today for the world! After everything you’ve done for me, it’s the absolute least I could have done.”

Everalda is taken aback by all of this. She doesn't expect the boundless energy from one of Adrien’s protégés. Still, she can't help but giggle. From the peppy hug to the flash photography of the selfie, she smiles the entire time and simply bows her head.

Everalda: “Tonight is everything I wanted it to be… even if there were times I was afraid. It's hard to watch a match. I can't ever imagine myself wrestling in one. What you two do is amazing.”

Kenzie smiles politely.

Kenzie: “Yeah. I know what you mean. It’s not the type of thing everybody is comfortable with but if there’s one person on this planet who can handle everything thrown his way, it’s this guy! Right, Adrien?”

She points to Adrien with pride. But it was not Adrien who responds, but Eddie Walker, who decides to butt in.

Eddie: “Damn right he can! Best damn wrestler in the world, you hear me!!”

Walker is still beaming with pride as well.

Eddie: “Good to see you, kid!”

Kenzie: “Eddie! Long time, no see. Are you treating the new champion well? You’ve got a good place for him to sleep tonight?”

Eddie: “Actually, he tends to stay at the residence of one Jessica Sears when it comes to these New York City shows. Saves him some green, if you know what I mean.”

Kenzie nods.

Kenzie: “And Eve. You’re treating him well too?”

Everalda: “I always do.”

She offers a genuine smile, wraps an arm around Adrien, and looks up to him.

Everalda: “He is my Star Lord after all. I cannot imagine my life without him or my son.”

Kenzie smiles genuinely at her words.

Kenzie: “I’m glad Adrien finally has someone. I told him that I really think you’re who he’s been looking for this whole time.”

Everalda: “Oh? That's quite the opposite of what Eddie thought.”

She looks over at her boyfriend's best friend with a knowing little giggle.

Eddie: “That is NOT true!! I just wanted to make sure you had the right intentions with this man!!”

Kenzie: “So you stood in the way of love?! How dare you.”

Kenzie’s voice sounds goofy as she says the words. Everalda giggles again before Eddie continues.

Eddie: “But...but...they’re together now, aren’t they?! If I stood in the way, would they actually have made it this far?!”

Kenzie ponders the question like a thinking emoji come to life.

Kenzie: “Okay. Maybe not.”

She pauses for a moment.

Kenzie: “No but I understand you wanted to be careful, Eddie. After the history Adrien’s had in the past, I can’t even blame you.”

Adrien: “He had good intentions.”

Cochrane pats his best friend on the shoulder, who is still pouting a little after feeling attacked. Feeling like she teased him too much, Everalda comes around and gives Eddie a friendly hug. Adrien gives Kenzie another hug.

Adrien: “Seriously, I can’t thank you enough for making it out here for this. I really can’t properly express how much I appreciate this.”

Kenzie hugs Adrien in return, assisted by standing on her toes yet again before releasing the grip.

Kenzie: “It’s no problem, really! I should probably leave you be for now, though. It’s getting pretty late, and I’m sure you guys have some more celebrating to do.”

Adrien: “As soon as I run out of people to see back here, anyway. Be safe getting back home and take care of yourself. I love you, Kenzie.”

She waves excitedly with an exaggerated arm movement.

Kenzie: “Love you too. I’ll call you tomorrow or so. Somebody’s gotta make sure you don’t party too hard, after all.”

Everalda looks over at Kenzie and Adrien with a smile.

Everalda: “Don't worry. I'll take good care of him.”

Kenzie begins to head back towards the building’s exit as a person Kenzie introduced to Adrien begins to walk up from the other direction. That person is the man Adrien faced in the go-home show. For those slow on the take, it's Dead Eye. He approaches the group, first shaking Eddie's hand and giving a light hug to Everalda. He then takes a half-step back, leaning away from the polished title draped on the shoulder of the new champ.

Dead Eye: “Hot damn! I haven't seen that title look so good since I had it. No doubt in my mind this would be the outcome. Congratulations, bruh.”

He takes a step forward and sticks out his hand. Cochrane not only shakes the hand but pulls the former NGW Champion for a shoulder bump and a pat on the back.

Adrien: “I appreciate it, man. So much fighting that went into getting this. And it’s finally mine.”

Adrien takes the belt off his shoulder for a moment to admire it for a second. He remembers that his friend standing before him won the title back when it had a different name, but it was the same title nonetheless.

Adrien: “Thanks for giving me a fight last show that helped push me to be better, CJ. I know I ended up the victor, but I felt like I had to be better than I was in that match against you to get this. You had me in your finisher before you...well, hesitated. Glad that didn’t happen this time around, right?”

Cochrane, of course, is referencing Dead Eye’s victory over Aurora Graves earlier in the evening. He nods and smirks.

Dead Eye: “I couldn't have gotten that victory without facing you first. In a likewise manner, I knew I had to be at my very best. So, I thank you for that. Heading out of that match, I felt I regained my edge. I felt more like myself than I literally have in years. As far as the hesitation is concerned, I'd have felt really bad if I'd messed up that mug of the future new champ. Plus, she mighta been mad at me.”

Dead Eye looks at Everalda and smirks. Everalda laughs and shakes her head, looking over at Adrien and studying his facial features.

Everalda: “He does have a very handsome face, doesn't he? I told him he could be a model, but he doesn't believe me.”

She sticks her tongue out before she smiles and bows her head towards Dead Eye.

Everalda: “Your victory is one to be celebrated as well, Mr. James. Congratulations!”

Eddie Walker smiles a little bit as he reaches inside in pocket and throws some of the confetti that fell after the bell from Adrien’s match.

Eddie: “Yay, Dead Eye!! I’m not being sarcastic either, I actually mean this! First win after coming back to action isn’t an easy thing to get, sir. I’m glad you were able to get it, and I’m glad it wasn’t the last show against my client.”

Walker pauses for a second.

Eddie: “No offense…”

Dead Eye laughs.

Dead Eye: “None taken. I don't think you'd be doing your job correctly if you didn't have those sentiments. It's all good…and thanks, both of you. It felt really good out there, especially to top it off with a win. That said, I'm not the man of the hour. Adrien is. This is his moment, and it's a moment I knew would come. I'm glad it didn't happen before I came back so I could witness this in-person. I'm beyond proud, man. I know this ain't your first, but you've been through a lot in this company to get to this moment. How's it feel?”

While the adrenaline has worn off from the match and the victory, the euphoria has not. Adrien was still grinning from ear to ear, thinking about how he finally accomplished what everyone who comes into this company sets out to do: win the big one. And for the fourth time in his career, he did just that.

Adrien: “Words can’t even express it, man. Fourth time or not, it’s still an overwhelming experience every time this happens. I can’t even begin to explain all the emotions running through my mind right now.”

Eddie: “Hey, this is your moment, bud. All this stuff rushing to your head, boggling your mind to the point where you can’t even confirm this is reality or not...that’s all part of the sweet, sweet victory you have captured. Am I right, Mr. Eye?”

Dead Eye laughs briefly at the name and nods.

Dead Eye: “Ages ago, when I won, I was amazed at the range of emotion that I felt in the moment. It's absolutely indescribable. The best part to me about all of this is that this man, Adrien Cochrane, is exactly the type of champion this fanbase deserves. I mean that wholeheartedly. Outside of one other person, I can't imagine anyone I'd wanna see with that belt.”

He looks around to gauge the reaction on that one.

Eddie: “Okay, I’ll bite. Who is the other one?”

Everalda: “I'm curious as well.”

Dead Eye executes a flawless impression of the Picard facepalm.

Dead Eye: “A joke isn't well suited if it has to be explained. I was talking about me, but that's not something I'm looking at right now…unless we're talking literally about me looking at the belt itself. Heh.”

Adrien removes the belt from his shoulder.

Adrien: “Want to hold it for a second? Let some memories resurface in the back of that head of yours?”

Dead Eye shakes his head.

Dead Eye: “Nah. That would be too painful a memory. I'ma hold that til I'm ready to take it fr...er...when I earn the opportunity to do so and win it a second time.”

He smirks.

Dead Eye: “Before I forget, was that —by chance— Kenzie I saw walking away as I walked up?”

Adrien: “Yes, it was. Did you want to catch her? You probably still could.”

Dead Eye thinks for a moment. That bad feeling of people he lost contact with during his depression of his time off creeps in.

Dead Eye: “I'd like to, but I, uh…I kinda feel like I abandoned her when I got hurt.”

He puts his head down in shame.

Adrien: “Go to her. She missed you. She’ll be glad to talk to you. Go, catch her. She went that way.”

Adrien points in the direction Kenzie left in. Everalda nods in agreement, hoping this will encourage their friend.

Dead Eye: “Doesn't hurt to try, right? Eve, Eddie, I'll catch y'all later. You keep that title nice and shiny, bro.”

Dead Eye shakes the hand of Adrien, pulling him in much like Adrien did to him when he approached before sprinting at full speed in the direction Kenzie Rydell left minutes earlier. A smile crosses Everalda’s face, hopeful that everything will go well for their reunion.

Eddie: “I hope he catches her.”

Adrien: “Yeah, me too. I actually met Dead Eye when Kenzie introduced us. To hold his title and having those two so near one another...I hope they reconnect…”

As soon as Adrien’s sentence finishes, he feels a tap on his shoulder. With Everalda and Eddie in front of him, he knows it must be the next person that decided to come to congratulate him. And for the first time this entire evening, Adrien was surprised. This was not a face he was expecting to see but was glad to see it regardless.

Adrien: “Rebecca?”

The HYBRID Ascension Honor Champion Rebecca Saint stands with arms folded and a half smirk as she looks him up and down. With a slight nod, she tucks her hair behind her ear.

Rebecca: “Well… Nice job out there tonight. I believe congratulations are in order.”

Adrien grins a little bit, still expressing some surprise to Saint’s appearance.

Adrien: “Thank you. I was not expecting you to be here. I...am still trying to process you came all the way down here. Granted, I’m sure it was more for Christian and Javen than me.”

Cochrane chuckles a little bit as Eddie Walker interrupts.

Eddie: “Oi, she was here! She was probably up in whatever section she was in and saying she has no idea who Johnny Maverick is so she might as well somewhat hope you’d win. Accurate, Miss Saint?”

Saint gives a half shrug and a short chuckle.

Rebecca: “More or less.”

She turns her attention back to the new champ.

Rebecca: “While I was here primarily to support my friends in the Final of the Tag Team Trials, I got to thinking… You and I have become friends as well. And then I remembered how you had given me a speech about how you were going to win the championship tonight… So I thought I would stick around and see for myself. Have to say, it was a very impressive performance.”

Of course, she cannot help but add in a friendly jab.

Rebecca: “...Even if it did take you four Adrien Cutters to keep him down.”

Adrien: “What can I say, Johnny Maverick is about as stubborn as they come. I just had to make sure I was more stubborn than he was. And thanks. I consider you a friend as well, Rebecca. Actually, I believe this is only the second time you’ve seen one another, yes?”

Adrien looks over at his girlfriend, who has been fairly quiet for a moment. He knew she didn't want to intrude on their conversations. Truth be told, she still considered this victory to be his.

Adrien: “Rebecca, you remember my girlfriend, Everalda Sears-Theron from your birthday party, correct?”

Rebecca offers a warm smile in Everalda’s direction.

Rebecca: “I do. Lovely to see you again.”

As always, Everalda politely bows to Rebecca before she straightens herself. She pushes a few strands behind her left ear and smiles pleasantly.

Everalda: “It has been quite some time, hasn't it? Thank you for attending the show. It was a fantastic spectacle from the beginning to the end. On occasion, I could hear Eddie regardless of where he was or how loud the fans were!”

Adrien: “I mean, Eddie can be a bit of a loud mouth, am I right?”

Eddie, feeling like the butt of the jokes again, gives a quick objection.

Eddie: “Oi! Not nice!”

Rebecca looks between them with a smirk and a nervous chuckle as she feels a little out of place. But it is refreshing for her to see so many happy faces.

Rebecca: “Well I shall get out of your hair. Just wanted to say congratulations, and well done.”

She leans in and gives him a modest hug, deterred only slightly by his sweatiness. She compensates for it with a platonic peck on the cheek.

Rebecca: “Don’t party too hard, guys.”

Adrien happily accepts both the hug and peck.

Adrien: “Thank you so much, Rebecca. I appreciate it more than you know. Take care of yourself, alright?”

The moment Adrien’s sentence finishes, he hears the words “Found him!” come from behind him. He knows the voice better than anyone else in the building. Adam Sanders stands a few feet from the corner.

Adam: “Wait, is that...Rebecca?”

His eyes widen, as he is known for doing. Though he has been on texting and Twitter terms with Rebecca Saint, this was the first time he’s seen her in person.

Adam: “Ummm...err...hi…”

Rebecca’s smile widens when she spots him, and she strides over with arms outstretched.

Rebecca: “Adam! Come here and give me a hug!”

Adam’s eyes are still widened, but he overcomes his awkwardness to hug Rebecca Saint.

Adam: “I...was not thinking you’d be here at this show…”

Sanders sees his best friend, Betsy Granger, and girlfriend, Tasmin Richards, approaching from the direction he came.

Adam: “What made you come here? You...have you met Tasmin or Betsy yet?”

Rebecca: “I have not.”

With a friendly smile and a firm handshake to each of them, she decides it is time to bow out. Too crowded for her comfort.

Rebecca: “Well, I really must be running if I hope to get home. I will catch up with you later. Have a great night everyone.”

And in the blink of an eye, Rebecca Saint turns the corner and disappears, leaving Adrien, Everalda, and Eddie with their next set of visitors. They are Adrien’s protégé from West Coast Genesis and the two closest people in his life: Betsy and Tasmin.

Tasmin: “HI ADRIEN!”

Tasmin waves and almost bounces up and down before looking at Adam.

Tasmin: “I should hug him right? ...Is he a hugger…?”

Adam nods his head. Adrien does too.

Adam: “He’ll accept hugs.”

Adrien: “I have been all night.”

Adrien’s lost count of how many hugs he’s received in the short amount of time since he won the championship. It had to be over ten at this point. Tasmin wrapped her arms around his neck with a tight hug and a smile before pulling back with a sigh.

Tasmin: “Congrats Adrien, you deserve it. I’m sure you heard that a lot but… I loved watching it happen… and how happy Adam got…”

Adrien: “Thank you, Tasmin. And thank you for taking care of Adam here.”

Adrien pokes fun at his student, who is actually a bit larger than him. Everalda picks up on this and giggles. After that, Adam gives his mentor and teacher a hug.

Adam: “Congratulations. This felt bigger than the last two times I watched you win a world title.”

Adrien: “Those weren’t in Last Man Standing matches. And do I see Miss Granger over there?”

Indeed, Miss Granger is lingering behind Tasmin and Adam, quietly waiting for her turn to congratulate the new champion. As soon as Adam steps away, Betsy rushes forward and tackles Adrien with a big hug.

Betsy: “Well played, Dropkick Man. I’m going to rub your big, shiny belt for luck.”

Her words were as solid as the belt over Adrien’s shoulder, which she indeed starts rubbing. She looks back towards Adam and Tasmin and winks.

Betsy: “Ooooh, solid as a rock. Looks good on you, too. The gold brings out the highlights in your hair.”

Tilting her head, Everalda takes a closer look between the championship belt and her boyfriend's hair. She requires a physical check, moving her left hand to run her fingers through his blonde hair.

Everalda: “It does accentuate his frosted tips. All the more reason for him to attempt modeling.”

Eddie Walker playfully nudges Cochrane with his elbow.

Eddie: “She really wants you to get into her career, it seems. Betsy!! Great to see you, my dear!!”

Betsy’s face lights up at the sight of her former agent. She gives him a warm hug and a friendly peck on the cheek in greeting.

Betsy: “Always good to see you, my dude! Wow, did you get even greyer?”

She ruffles his hair playfully.

Betsy: “Nah, I guess it’s just the way the light is hitting you. Aaawww, it’s like a big family reunion, I love it!”

Eddie: “Let’s just say I use a LOT less hair dye than the Cochrane siblings. Tasmin, have you been keeping young Adam out of trouble, madam?”

Tasmin: “Oh of trouble and in…”

She trails off and looks around clearing her throat.

Tasmin: “I mean, yessir… Adam and I have been behaving… training… lots… and lots… of training…”

Adam gives a few sideways glances before Eddie begins chuckling.

Eddie: “Wasn’t born yesterday, my dear. But don’t care about what you two do behind closed doors.”

Easily picking up on this, Everalda covers her mouth with her right hand and releases a burst of giggles. Adrien gives a quick blink after that topic was brought up before changing it.

Adrien: “Thank you all for your congratulations. And Tasmin and Adam, thank you two for flying all the way out from California for this. I appreciate it a lot. Even if there may be...complications between me and your family.”

Tasmin looks down and nods with a small smile.

Tasmin: “I don’t care if there are issues, Adam wanted to be here, and I respect you, Mr. Cochrane. I wanted to see this…”

Adam nods his head, as Adrien replies.

Adrien: “Regardless, I appreciate it. And Betsy, you looked good out there tonight. You’re gonna do big things here, I can feel it.”

Adrien gives Betsy Granger, who has known him for quite a few years at this point, a pat on the back.

Adrien: “You’ve come a long way from just a face I’d see watching from the crowd a few years ago.”

Betsy flashes him a wicked grin.

Betsy: “Watch yourself, I could come for that belt sooner than you think!”

She shoots him a playful double finger gun before dissolving into giggles. She ruffles his hair like she did Eddie’s before a noise that only she seems to hear seems to get her attention. Her eyes start to glow with joy and she gives a small bow to everyone around her.

Betsy: “Er, excuse me, carry on the celebration. I think I just heard my ride!”

With quick hugs all around, Betsy turns and dashes off towards the exit. Adam then turns to Tasmin and looks back up at Adrien.

Adam: “We better get going soon as well. We have to fly back to California tomorrow. Did we ever decide whose apartment we’re going to, Tas?”

Tasmin: “I have no idea… as long as I’m with you I don’t care…”

She smiles and stays looking at Adam almost forgetting everyone else. Adam began to fall into the same, deep stare with his girlfriend until Eddie Walker breaks their trance.

Eddie: “You two awake in there? Your hotel is like two miles from here. I can arrange an Uber for you two and get you all somewhere where you can stare without possibly blocking the hallway.”

Everalda: “Oh, come now, Eddie. They're adorable in love! Let them have a moment.”

Everalda smiles. Adam snaps out of it and looks back up at Eddie.

Adam: “Yeah, sorry. Umm, don’t worry, we can get a ride. Thanks for booking us the hotel room. We will see you both soon, yes?”

Adrien: “Absolutely, little buddy. Be safe and take care of yourself. And make sure you take good care of this wonderful girlfriend of yours.”

The NGW Champion gives a warm smile as he glances at Tasmin Richards.

Tasmin: “Oh he does… but we’re going to get food. He promised me pizza… and you should probably go celebrate with YOUR wonderful girlfriend.”

She gives him a wink and clings to Adam.

Adrien: “Thank you.”

The Dropkick King lovingly looks into the baby blue eyes of Everalda Sears-Theron.

Adrien: “And believe me, I plan on it.”

Everalda smiles and blushes in modest. Tasmin leans over to Adam, whispering.

Tasmin: “We should go… Adrien is looking at Everalda like I look at you… BYE ADRIEN!”

She grabs Adam's arm and pulls him sideways with a giggle. And it doesn’t take long before they exit out the same double doors that Betsy darted out of moments earlier. That was when the voice of West Coast Genesis star Anastacia Alejandro began shouting down the hallway.

Anastacia: “UNCLE ADRIEN!”

The tall girl goes up and hugs the newly crowned champion gently as she can. Everalda sees Jaime and Xaria slowly behind her shaking their heads. The young Cuban woman hugs her teacher and smiles. Cochrane hugs her back as soon as she does.

Adrien: “Thank you, Anastacia. I had a feeling you were somewhere in the building.”

Anastacia: “Now I can tell the rest of those jackasses that I’m trained by a real champion. I’m proud of you, Uncle…”

Jaime looks at Xaria and nods. They’re playing Rock/Paper/Scissors mentally to see who gets to pry that Amazonian girl off of her trainer. Then Xaria simply narrows her eyes.

Jaime: “I know, my daughter. I have to go pry her off, don’t I?”

Jaime goes towards the girl and taps her on the shoulder. He smiles at her.

Jaime: “I think Adrien’s in slight pain from that match, sweetie. I think Everalda wants a whole wrestler to take home tonight.”

The young girl looks at Adrien and sheepishly smiles. Adrien shrugs his shoulders a little bit as she releases him.

Anastacia: “Sorry about that… Got too excited.”

Adrien: “You’re fine. I’ve gotten many of those tonight, that’s for sure. I’m really not looking forward to Fallout tomorrow night, that’s for sure.”

For a moment, Jaime and Adrien look at each other. As Adrien holds the belt, Jaime muses to him.

Jaime: “You know one of these years, I’ll be across the ring from you after that same belt, little brother. Until then… Keep the belt nice and clean. I’ll be coming for it.”

Cochrane chuckles before extending a hand for his former and perhaps reunited tag team partner.

Adrien: “You’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands, my friend.”

Jaime takes his friend’s hand and shakes it. Both men do their homage to the scene between Dillon and Dutch from Predator. Everalda and Xaria look on with awe.

Jaime: “Isn’t that half the idea…”

He sees Everalda looking at him incredulously. Jaime smiles at her, giving away that he wasn’t entirely serious about killing Adrien. Everalda offers a nervous yet cute smile, scratching the back of her head as she steps forward and politely bows.

Everalda: “I would certainly prefer mein Herz in one complete form. Thank you for coming all the way out here.”

Xaria: “De rien, mademoiselle. You’re welcome. I needed to make my way back to New York City anyway, so I thought it would be nice to enjoy the show.”

The petite Frenchwoman looks up to Adrien, Everalda, and Eddie. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.

Xaria: “I am… relieved. In my hometown of Paris, I watched Johnathan become the NGW Champion. In my residing home of Manhattan, I watched him lose the championship. Suffice to say, my sons will be happy, especially Jacques.”

Jaime: “It’s going to be a while before everything is ‘normal.’ However, things will get there, I think. Besides, when the hell have you ever seen me anywhere close to normal, Eddie?”

As Jaime gently puts an arm around Xaria, he swears that Eddie was shaking his head at him. Not so much being Eddie, but it seems he never thought he would hear the words ‘Jaime’ and ‘Normal.’

Eddie: “I don’t think any of us have ever felt normal in our lives. You specifically.”

Xaria nods slowly before she bows her head towards Adrien in particular.

Xaria: “Merci beaucoup. Vous avez sauvé mes fils du chagrin de leur père biologique.”
("Thank you very much. You have saved my sons from their biological father's grief.")

Everalda tilts her head, having little knowledge of the French language. She picked up on the words “Thank you”, “sons”, and “father”, but that was it. She looks towards Adrien and tilts her head in wonderment. Adrien, being from New Orleans where French is only slightly less common than English, understood Xaria.

Adrien: “De rien. Thank you for coming, Xaria. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you in person.”

Cochrane opens his arms to hug the former NGW competitor he once was in a match against. Linette had been hesitant about it, but the moment she sees him open his arms, she moves in and hugs him. She finds relief in his arms, letting out a content sigh.

Xaria: “Congratulations, Monsieur Adrien. Be the best NGW Champion the world needs.”

Everalda looks up to Jaime, Anastacia, and Eddie and smiles. Jaime looks at the German woman and smiles back to her. His young daughter sees the bit of calm around them for the moment. Without missing a beat, he puts a gentle hand on Xaria.

Jaime: “My dear, Adrien has one more person who wants to see him. Someone who’s actually been waiting on all of us, I think.”

Anastacia turns around and waves to the bright-haired girl waiting in the wings through the window, leaning against the car that is set to transport Adrien from the arena. She also nods to Adrien. As she sees Xaria turn around...

Anastacia: “You ready to go, ‘Mom’?”

Xaria blushes a little, and Everalda giggles softly. The Frenchwoman nods and makes her way over to Jaime and Anastacia’s side. Once again, Everalda politely bows.

Everalda: “I’ll be hosting a party at the house very soon. I’ll keep you updated. We’ll see you later!”

Adrien gives one last hug to everyone before he turns and opens the doors to the parking garage connected to the building. It’s hard to miss the bright orange hair of Alexis Cochrane, but she blocks the driver’s side door, just in case.

Adrien: “So you’re the last one, aye?”

Alexis nods her head yes, as she smiles at her brother. She walks up to him.

Alexis: “I am. I’m proud of you, Adrien. Glad I could see you win this one.”

She looks up at the sky for a minute, before back at him.

Alexis: “I am sure Dad is looking down, proud of you for winning as well.”

Cochrane nods his head before wrapping his arms around his sister, kissing her on the forehead.

Adrien: “I talked to him at the cemetery on Father’s Day. I promised him I would do this for him.”

He keeps hugging his sister for a bit longer.

Adrien: “I’m sorry you couldn’t see the other three title wins in person before, but I’m so happy I was able to share this one with you.”

Looking on, Everalda stands next to Eddie with the smile that never leaves her. She had her precious moment with her younger brother, Zachary. It was Adrien’s turn to have his with his younger sister. Still, she understands that her boyfriend must be exhausted after at least forty-five minutes of such an intense Last Man Standing match. She lowers her head a little and whispers to Eddie, who glances at his phone for a text he just received with news of tomorrow night’s event.

Everalda: “He must be tired… I’ve never seen such a brutal match before in my life. You’ve set up the hotel room for tonight, yes?”

Walker nods his head, feeling quite prepared for Everalda’s question.

Eddie: “Yes, ma’am. I figure you two would want some alone time and not want to be all up in Jessica and Dean’s after a night like this. Figure maybe you wanted to celebrate with him alone. I also spoke with Amber a few minutes ago. He won’t have to wrestle at Fallout. He just has to show up and hang out in the back.”

Everalda nods, relieved to hear this, as she and Eddie continue to watch over them.

Alexis: “I wish Mom would have come with, she missed out on an amazing match. Do you know if you have to wrestle tomorrow night? Maybe a celebration instead?”

Eddie: “He’s off tomorrow night. After how intense that match was, I got Amber and Devlin to let him recover from that before having to fight again next Dissension.”

Adrien nods his head, feeling greatly relieved at that news.

Adrien: “I am definitely thankful for that. I’ll be here for my friends tomorrow as they all were here for me tonight.”

Nodding once more, Everalda steps forward and approaches Adrien and Alexis. She looks to her boyfriend with sincere concern.

Everalda: “I imagine you’re exhausted. I’m surprised you’re still on your feet after everything that’s happened. You need to get some rest.”

She bows politely towards Alexis and offers a gentle smile. She regards the three of them with a soft smile.

Everalda: “We’ll have a nice celebratory lunch or dinner tomorrow before Fallout. My treat. After our breakfast with the Rayders, of course. Shall we retire for the night?”

Eddie had previously placed Adrien’s belongings in the trunk of the car earlier in the evening. All they had to do was drive off to the hotel room. He hops in the driver’s seat and twists the key but notices something’s wrong.

Adrien: “Looks like you got a headlight out there, Eddie.”

Walker pokes his head out the car door.

Eddie: “Yah. I see it. I see it. Let me see here…”

Walker begins digging through a bag in the passenger seat of the car. Sears-Theron tilts her head in wonder before she opens the passenger’s door on the rear side and steps into the car, scooting herself over to be seated behind Eddie. Alexis tries not to blurt out nice one Old Man, as she watches him.

Adrien: “Probably not wise to drive it back home with one headlight. Think you got one in there?”

Eddie: “I’m looking!! AH!!! Here’s one!!”

The forty-one-year-old manager climbs out of the car, pulls out the headlight before replacing the bulb. The light begins to illuminate.

Eddie: “There we go! That’s better! Everyone in! Off to the hotel!”

Adrien climbs into the car and sits in between his girlfriend and his sister. He finally takes a seat for the first time since his match started and leans his head back.

Adrien: “Off my feet...this is so divine.”

He places an arm around both women before squeezing them both tightly, kissing both women on the forehead.

Adrien: “I love you. Both of you. More than anyone else outside this car. This was a moment I am truly blessed I got to share with the both of you. Thank you for giving me something worth fighting for.”

His girlfriend smiles ever-so-sweetly before she leans her head on his shoulder. Everalda takes a deep breath and lets out a sigh of relief.

Everalda: “You’re welcome, mein Herz. We will always be here for you.”

Alexis: “It’s what family is for. You are welcome.”

And with those words leaving Alexis’s mouth, Eddie switches the car into drive and begins to exit Madison Square Garden. Adrien set himself a goal when he declared his intent to challenge for the title and that was to leave Madison Square Garden with it. As Eddie drives him from the arena, the championship belt rests on his lap.

---