††† Parental and NSFW Advisory †††
††† Scenes will contain Violence of a graphic nature, Foul Language and Adult Content. †††
††† You've been warned. †††
9th August, 2018
21:40 PM
Denver, Colorado
Exact Location: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel (Room 318)
Status: On-Camera The signs hadn’t gone unnoticed by anyone. But this was especially most noticeable to Joseph. Despite celebrating a successful title defense, it was laughably simple for anyone to see Sam was still pretty upset. And while it was perfectly understandable … it bothered the Chrome Dragon.
Not just because he was now her lover. But common sense implied her staying in this emotional state for too long would
not be good for her.
He had been fine with simply spooning her quietly for the past thirty or so minutes. But now, enough was enough.
Leaning forward, Joseph pressed a soft kiss against the nape of Sam’s neck, knowing it’d get her attention.
”Hmm?” Sam replied, wearing a coy smile as she turned and looked towards Joseph with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
”No, no round three just yet.”Sam clicked her tongue in response.
”Don’t you know it’s not nice to tease a woman like that?””Yes. And that’s exactly why I’ll make it up to you. However … I do have something that may be just as good. An idea to get you out of this funk.” ” … So you’re saying this is as good as sex?” Joseph chuckled softly, shaking his head.
”Good in the moral support department, anyway. But seriously … take a vacation.” Before she could finish her protest, Sam would see Joseph swiftly raise a finger to interrupt her.
”Not to New Orleans, no. If anything, they can contact you if they need you to begin with. And I’m not that hasty, Sam. I can see that wouldn’t be much of a vacation for you.” ”Then … ??””Why not get a hold of Tiami? Have a non-Shieldmaiden girl outing or something?”That certainly got Sam to contemplate on the idea. Sitting up slowly, she glanced over at the clock, noting that if she truly was still in Portland, it wouldn’t be as late.
”I suppose while I have the chance to get in touch with her, may as well call now.” Reaching over, Sam grabbed her cell phone … and realized she only knew the city. Rolling her eyes at herself, she shot Tiami a DM via Twitter and tossed the offer over. Her head couldn’t help but tilt as she saw a rather unexpected reply of ‘Sure!’ come back to her.
After promising she would be there sometime in the afternoon, Sam stood up, though not before leaning forward and pressing her lips against Joseph’s.
”Thank you. I do think this’ll help out. Secure me a ticket to Portland, will ya? I’m gonna get a really fast shower in then pack lightly and head out.” ”Sure. Have fun!”
10th August, 2018
14:34 PM
Portland, Oregon
Exact Location: Legacy Emanuel Medical Center Waiting Room
Status: Off-Camera Fucking hell. Has it always been this stupidly hectic just to arrange to see someone in the hospital? Maybe it varied by city and state. She’d never paid much attention before. Then again, few people had come to visit her when she’d been in the hospital. The rather depressing thought made a frown cross her face … before she shook her head and forced her inner musings to shut up. That was one of the last things Samantha was here for; to make her mood worse before better.
For real though, the fuck is taking so long? If it weren’t for the fact there were some minors around, she’d just voice her thoughts out loud. Over the past several months, the Titaness had self-discovered a few things about herself. Apparently, she had a soft spot for kids. Interesting, considering she was an only child. Maybe
because she didn’t have a sibling?
Either way, she didn’t feel like ruining their ears with her bitter cursing.
She
did, however, want some sort of a sign - preferably sooner than later. Samantha deserved that much, right?
Thankfully, one finally arrived in the form of a nurse flashing an apologetic smile.
”We are actually in the midst of finishing the process of dismissing Ms. Erickson. If you could be so kind to wait a bit longer, that’d be appreciated.” Finally! Sam internally exclaimed.
Out loud, however, she merely bowed her head and replied with a simple answer.
”Much appreciated. Thanks.” A small sigh passed her lips as she leaned back, feeling .. a bit nervous, to be blunt. Why? Fuck if even she knew or understood. But if Sam had to guess? Because this whole socializing thing was not her typical forte. It had taken a considerable amount of effort to initially get over her uncertainty with the Shieldmaidens.
And the last time she’d actually
seen Tiami?
That had been … what? Last December, about? January?
Whenever they’d had their fight in Elysium. So it’d been a while. At least this time would be on a much better note; or so she hoped.
It took a few extra minutes but when Tiami was finally done signing papers one handed, her eyes caught a glimpse of Sam. A smile across her face, she grabbed her phone and walked over to her. She was chipper for having a sling on her right arm.
“Hey there Sam. Sorry about the wait. The doctor was way too long winded.” She motioned down to the sling, chuckling to herself in the process.
“I swear if deathmatches end my career, at least I’ll be going down fighting.” Sam’s head would shake as Tiami apologized.
”I’ve been in your shoes. Mostly, anyway. Haven’t broken anything recently nor had any close calls, thankfully. But I have had my share of hospitalizations even after Young busted me open for the … I lost track of what number I’m at.” She chuckled along with Tiami.
”Hell, even some of the normal fights have almost been the death of me. I think Ladder Matches and I seem to have a special love-hate sorta thing going. Anyway … hmm. I guess I didn’t think this very well out.” Moving her arms out from behind her back, Tiami would see she had been carefully holding a single pink peony.
”I didn’t wanna risk giving Erik the wrong idea with a bouquet, but I didn’t wanna come over empty-handed either. But … fuck.” A few tinges of red painted her face as the curse ended up escaping anyway.
”Well … step one. I know hospitals are so-so with their food, so wanna grab a bite?” Particularly before I get bitched out by the staff? Even if I deserve it … Ti smiled. She took the flower in her hand and then stuck it in her hair.
“What Erik doesn’t know yet? My favorite flowers are peony flowers. Reminds me of my mom.” When it came to food, they both could hear Tiami’s stomach growl. She shook her head at the sound, sighing softly.
“I haven’t eaten since I touched down from Mexico, so yes. Food would be awesome right now. By the way, are you all right?” ”No shi -- kidding. Seriously? I got your favorite flower right on the first try? That’s .. heh. I’m very pleased with myself.” It hadn’t necessarily been an outright fluke, but it was true she hadn’t chosen it without some help. In fact, the owner of a nearby store had recommended it, as they represented good health. So it made sense for Sam to pick it in hopes of Tiami recovering quickly enough.
”That suits you really nicely. I .. also haven’t eaten in a bit myself. So … let’s see.” Taking the first steps outside and finally exiting the hospital, Sam started using her phone to first locate some nearby restaurants. A bus or taxi would be easy enough to handle.
”As for myself?” Her eyes softened slightly.
”I’ve been … back and forth. Certainly better than the last time we spoke, most definitely. But I’d be lying to say I’m perfectly fine. There was a very recent upset in the main place I’m fighting at. And … long story short? About half of the members of a group I ended up joining - my own Badd Breed, more or less - were rather senselessly kicked out. The husband of one of the women quit voluntarily in solidarity. Since then, it has been tense.
“But what really makes this all the more frustrating? I know the owner who created this place. And … this isn’t the same man I met.” A weak smile crossed her face.
”It’s been making me wonder if he hasn’t truly gotten rid of his other persona yet. Wouldn’t that be the worst form of irony for me; to be around an as literal as possible snake in the grass? Anyway … there’s three places immediately close by. ¿Por Qué No?, Tasty N Sons, and Salt & Straw.” Sam snickered lightly.
”No idea what they are exactly. Even when we fought for CPW, I didn’t really check out the food here, so … it’ll be a shot in the dark, as it were. Probably for the both of us. Lest you’ve already tried any of those places, that is.” “Tasty N Sons is really the only place I’ve been to and the food is pretty awesome. We can head there.” She had listened to Sam as she spoke about the situation she was in. Ti respected Sam. They may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but now it was respect after their last fight. They both grew as people and wrestlers, so hearing what she heard has Tiami shaking her head.
“Makes me sad hearing that. Unfortunately, this is an industry where that can happen without notice. Happened to me within my first three months in another company. This business fluctuates so fast if you don’t keep up then you get lost in the shuffle. The other difficult part about the whole thing?” She took a deep breath before speaking again.
“You find a family in this business. When I first joined Badd Breed, I didn’t know how I would even be able to get along with them as people, especially with me being the first female and all. Now? They are all like my brothers and I found Erik through it. Seems you found a family as well. You are a very smart girl Sam. Do not let the actions of one person that cannot seem to find themselves rule the decisions that you make when it comes to your family.” Even if walking
was an option, she doubted Tiami would want to.
”Taxi or bus? Got a preference?” A weak smile crossed her face as she looked towards the Pretty Badass.
”I definitely appreciate it, but I feel kinda … well, yeah. Dumb is the right word. Mainly that it took so long to find a family to begin with. I literally just became a Shieldmaiden about a month ago. And Joseph’s even newer among the Chrome Dragons. Two weeks tops, probably less. So this forced separation shit, it’s … frustrating. Forget the fact our failure of a President is already doing that to others.” Her eyes rolled before her head moved from side to side.
”No, though. We all agreed that even with this sudden turn of events, no one’s membership is getting removed because of this. And not all of us were forced to leave. There’s a few others aside from me who are still around … for now. They’re figuring out if they wanna stay. And after how unjustly not only was our President fired, but her partner had their Tag Team Title stripped in a last-minute bullshit house show match? I wouldn’t blame either of them if they just threw their hands up and said ‘fuck it’.” Her teeth latched slightly onto her lower lip before Sam added.
”I’m probably being stupidly hopeful. I guess … I wanna be proven wrong. There are some things I don’t like being right. And right now? The thought of my boss literally having DID or any equivalent of multiple personality is nerve-wracking. But well … some neon signs have started showing up. It’s kinda hard not to notice them.” At this, Sam would pause, taking a moment to focus on looking for the nearest bus stop or using her phone to hail a taxi - depending on what Tiami’s reply would be.
“Taxi is cool with me. Can I share a secret with you?” Ti took a breath, allowing herself to calm down and just relax. After all, this secret was one only her boyfriend knew. She could trust Sam though, so she figured now would be a good time to just say it.
“You are talking to someone with DID herself. Have known since twelve years old about it. Got a good therapist on speed dial. I have Erik and my daughter Isa also keeping me in check. What matters with DID is treatment, and it sounds like your boss isn’t seeking it. If he was really a competent boss, he would. Wrestling is dangerous as is, we don’t need higher ups scaring the shit out of people because they can’t take care of themselves.” She looked over at Sam, hoping she was making some sort of sense to her.
Sam would nod as Tiami offered to share a secret. She’d multitask while listening; calling a taxi service while simultaneously listening to all she had to say.
”Yeah, I was wondering if me and my friend could be picked up? We’re near Emanuel hospital. Great, thanks. We’ll be waiting.”Luckily, a look around would show a bench they could sit and wait at.
It wouldn’t be until after Sam sat down that she slowly nodded to herself and looked up at Tiami.
”Unfortunately, I’m no doctor. So what I’m saying is a complete guess. However … from the normal Rob versus when he was Snakebite .. “ Her head shook.
”Dear god, is there ever a huge difference between the two. It wasn’t just me who thought he may have DID, but … it really is hard to prove. All I know is he was supposed to give up his Snakebite persona the moment he came up with Mile High. And now? He’s taken up that ‘role’ again … three times now. Well, the third’s coming up, but .. still.” While she hadn’t been lying about feeling an adrenaline rush during their surprise fight when she had originally been put against Cult Manhattan, that night Sam had also felt terrified. Likely a good reason
why she made damn sure to kick his ass really hard.
”He’s at least not gonna face me this week. But the fact he’s been going back to Snakebite at all? I don’t know how to feel about this. All the shit we did during our rivalry in HcW? None of it was scripted. So .. that was solely his doing. And I … don’t know if I can handle even some of that history trying to repeat if he ends up embracing that side of himself again.” It had been subconscious, but Tiami would definitely notice Sam’s voice lower and begin to shake.
“Take a deep breath girl. It will be alright. I know when I was Alexis, it was hard for me too. Just breathe.” She stuck a hand on Sam’s shoulder, a sign to let her know things would be all right.
“If you ever need an ear for this stuff, I’ll give you my cell number. You have my twitter as well. It’s a hard thing to see, deal with and be around. You got a friend right here. I got your back girl, so don’t stress on it too much.” A soft, reassuring smile came across her face, to let Sam know she would be there no matter what.
”Thanks. Truly, I … “ Sam laughed softly.
”It’s probably brutally obvious considering I signed with two deathmatch organizations, but I’d much rather with those despite never having partaken in them before than see Rob become Snakebite once again. Even less so on a permanent thought.” That made a grimace appear, though only briefly as she managed to set the idea aside.
”So … sorry if this is a bit personal, but how do you even handle being a mom and fighter? That sounds kinda difficult. Scratch that, very much so, even with a supportive partner.” If she’d been unsure about Joseph’s hints from Twitter a few days ago, it was very clear he’d made the right observation regarding Sam and her thoughts about at least considering motherhood for herself.
Ti just chuckled. She then pulled out a picture of her and her daughter, sharing it with Sam.
“Being a mom and fighter is hard stuff indeed. Luckily for me, support is what I have. My brother Joey and his wife share taking care of Isa when I’m away, so does some Breed members too. Isa is a teenager, so the fact she has seen me work as hard as I do and wants to go into something regarding sports when she is out of high school. We have supported each other...even though her birth father is a bastard. She wants me doing the job I love...and here I am. Doing the job I love with the man I love and the daughter I’d give my life for.” She smiled, quite proud of herself. Then, looking at Sam she finally managed putting two and two together.
“You thinking of kids there Sam?” ”She’s a teen? Wow. So .. you were young when you had her, huh? Umm .. not that you’re old. But … shit. Well, you do know what I mean, yeah?” A new shade of crimson painted her face as she stared down at the picture, her own grin finally becoming more natural as well as noticeable.
”She’s lovely. It’s easy to see what parts of you she inherited.” Her head would lift as an engine loudly - and rapidly approached. Sure enough, their taxi had arrived. Walking forward, Sam would open the door for Tiami. No way would she force her to risk irritating the injury. Erik would likely chew her ass out if she caused anymore pain or anything, really, to his lover.
”To Tasty N Sons, please,” she’d say to the driver, buckling herself in and helping Tiami if she needed any aid.
The Titaness would wait until they were both settled before slowly nodding.
”I suppose the better wording is I want to think about them. It’s easier now that Joseph finally has his ass fighting, that’s for sure. I won’t have to feel as obligated to try to keep fighting, even in such a state. At the same time, I … have no idea if I’d even be a good mother. I was a horrible child, and an even worse teenager. I know that’s not all my doing, but .. it doesn’t change how I grew up. Nor does it ease my worries.” She got in the taxi after getting the picture back. Ti adjusted herself so she was comfortable and as the cab took off she smiled softly.
“Isa got my fire red hair and personality. That is how it usually works with my family.” She laughed, and as she listened to Sam she nodded as she put the photo back in her pocket.
“The past is that for a reason. I learned a lot from my past after my brother Dan passed away. I learned to cherish the ones you love and care about the most, the rest falls into place regardless of how messy the past was. You got a bright future ahead Sam, good man by your side. Should a family come? You would be an awesome mom. What kid wouldn’t want a badass wrestler for a mom?” ”Fair. I definitely have found it simple enough to learn from past fighting mistakes. And maybe - just maybe - intimate ones, too. Joseph has been a miracle in his own rights. Especially now that he’s stepping into the ring and doing pretty damn well. Won his debut match. In a Triple Threat, no less.” All the same, a slightly nervous look managed to mingle with the proud smile seen on Sam’s face.
”But it just feels a lot harder to apply to something like becoming a mother.” A soft sigh passed her lips before Sam slyly smirked.
”Probably when I have a less hectic title to worry about. The Throwdown Championship needs to be defended every goddamn week. So far, so good. And even if I lose it? I do intend to get it back .. eventually, as well as the other belts. I guess … I just need to figure when I’m fine even considering taking that chance.” Just in her head, it was an odd thought. Slightly scary, but not nearly as much compared to when she first joined Elysium. At least she would have support, more so than ever between having Joseph, the Shieldmaidens, and Chrome Dragons as allies.
Her head nodded as Sam tried to reassure herself time would be one of her ‘best friends’ in figuring that sorta thing out.
The abrupt halt of the taxi made her head turn and see they were at the restaurant. Bowing her head in appreciation, Sam would hand her debit card over, taking it back and re-inserting it into her wallet after it got swiped to pay for the drive.
Just as she’d done for getting inside, Sam would help Ti get unbuckled and open the door for them both, shutting it after the two wrestlers were out of the cab.
“Time sucks when it comes to things like this, but in the end it will all be worth it.” The cab ride suddenly stopped and had Ti glaring at the driver with a look that could kill. She managed with Sam’s help to get out and took a deep breath of air in. Sam came around the car and the two looked at each other.
“Ready for some good food?”
12th August, 2018
6:13 AM
San Diego, California
Exact Location: Kings Inn San Diego (Room 122)
Status: On-Camera ”So … are those your true colors finally coming out, Rob? Is that what you really think of me? That I’m losing my competitive touch? That Bullet’s the only Shieldmaiden who gives a fuck here?” Sam is sitting on a hotel bed. Arms over her chest and wearing a glare that - if looks alone could kill - would do so to anyone watching the promo.
”Fuck and you; that’s my response for that. I just … lemme put it in the simplest response possible. If my competitive side ever died, you’d know. It’s called I would have left back after the third fucking show. I wouldn’t have kept going despite losing the main belt.” Her head shakes.
”You really disappoint me. When in HcW did I ever back out of a fight? Hmmm? Or even here? When have I pulled that sorta crap off, huh?!” Her eyes narrow as she stays quiet for a good minute before chiming in once more.
”Never. Because that is the kind of woman I’ve always been. I don’t back down. And I sure as fuck do not ‘avoid’ opponents. If this is about Azurine, I’m simply doing her a favor. Go back and read on Twitter, because I meant it. An Ironwoman match? Pfft. Too tame. No, I’d be more inclined to take up any really extreme match. As close to a death one as possible.
“But as things are? Having a fourth round wouldn’t be that entertaining. Definitely not for me, anyway. Moreover? I don’t have shit to prove to her; I really don’t. There are so many other people in Mile High’s roster I haven’t ever fought yet once. Like … this week’s opponent. Perfect example. So, Ripley … you’re title defense number two, huh?” Her head quickly shakes in disapproval.
”Forget the fact you ‘earned’ the Tag Team Titles in such a controversial fashion, there’s another problem I’ve got with you. This … “ Sam pats the Throwdown Championship draped over her belt.
”Is supposed to be defended every single week. I’ve noticed, though; you aren't here every fucking week. So .. what? You’d get a free pass if you did beat me? That’s bullshit! I am coming out here and kicking ass; not simply to keep possession of this title, but it’s simply what I love to do. Plain and simple.
“I also saw you reveal your ‘true’ personality against Solomon Cain. I gotta say - it’s not that intimidating. In fact, it’s sad you held back so long on indulging in your true personality. Much like former President Hoover, you did too little, too late as far as I’m concerned. You should have embraced your actual sadistic side much sooner. But now?” A coy smirk spreads over Samantha’s face.
”Now you’re going against me. And I hate to break it to you, but fire is the last thing I’m afraid of. I’ve already faced my legit fears. Twice before. And both times, I came out alive and well. I survived them. Even if our fight should somehow turn into one involving them?” Sam’s head moves from side to side.
”It’s not gonna stop me. You’ve seen it, I’m sure. Even after some of the worst injuries - especially from here - what happens? I return to Mile High and continue to fight. Week in and week out, I always keep sacrificing my body. You lack that exact same passion and drive; it’s definitely not to the degree I’ve shown. It can be seen, from all of your past matches as well as your record. But your matches matter more than your win-loss ratio.
“So excuse my arrogance; but I have all the reasons in the world not to be nervous. Mind you, this doesn’t mean I’ll dismiss your presence. It just isn’t going to bother me as much as others may do so. That thus redirects me back to Rob for a few seconds. Pardon me again.” Her eyes roll slightly before narrowing again.
”The match cards you create .. are those not partly - if not largely - your arranging? So .. you think I’m dodging certain members of the roster? You can make fights happen, ya dumb ass. I may have my preferences, sure. But at the end of the day, it’s your call; yours plus Angel’s and Katrina’s, anyway. Also, I have expressed interest in wanting to fight Tyke one-on-one. Go back. Rewatch my promos. You’ll see I even demanded a match against him. That still stands. Hell, I wouldn’t have minded going against Solomon Cain for you so you could actually retire Snakebite for good.” The Titaness sighs, both annoyed and getting somewhat tired.
”I’ll leave it at here for now. I need rest to go through with a hunt of sorts. But Rob? Next time you wanna talk shit about me or even the other Shieldmaidens? Do it to my actual face, why don’t ya? Like meeting me in the ring, hallway, whatever. But don’t pull that shit from behind a camera.” One last word is uttered in a lwo, almost feral-like growl.
”Coward!” And after the word is declared through gritted teeth, the feed cuts out, signaling the end of Sam’s first promo.