Post by Dean Harper on Mar 14, 2019 1:32:32 GMT
The camera comes on to Dean sitting on a desk in the abandoned building wearing jeans and an unzipped hoodie with a blue hue from only light.
“Something that I have enjoyed about this roulette season has been the vague way everyone speaks about us. Either by considering us all one person or implying the darker elements in stage whispers as if that is all that is needed for everyone to nod their head and accept.”
Dean rolls his eyes.
“This company has never been a united front. Likely never will. Even the so called heroes of the men’s division can barely stand one another. The only right way to handle a problem like The Pack is to do it their specific way. I always find it interesting how much everyone derides the only faction that had any real impact on our ability as a unit.”
Dean smirks.
“But that’s not really the point. People think they no longer have to be afraid of us. They think we have gotten tamer as the years have gone on. That without Daddy Dearest to pull the strings Rowan has had us stand down.”
Dean shakes his head.
“That just isn’t true, is it?”
Dean drums his fingers on the desk.
“There are people you could ask about the mercy of The Pack. People who would condemn us and deride us because of the horrors we visited upon them. The way we wormed our way into their lives and uprooted everything that made them feel safe.”
Dean hums a song for a moment.
“I could go through the men I have personally beaten and caused to tuck their tail and run from this company. I could remind you all of the beatings with baseball bats. I could bring up the licking of human skulls. I could point to the men who faced me and never darkened the door of this company again. I could point out the family and loved ones we have grabbed and taught the wonders of pain.”
Dean shrugs off the hoodie.
“But you all know those well.”
Dean crosses his legs.
“But people seem to overlook the good we do. The wonders and glory of Rowan’s message.”
Dean closes his eyes.
“Maxine was a competitor to Rowan in the Diamonds in the rough. Rowan broke her spin. Ended her career. Could have left her to waste away in a hospital med never to be whole again.”
Dean taps out a rhythm on the desk.
“But I found her. I healed her. I brought her to the light of understanding. She went on to become a two time Open Weight Champion. Maxine injured Shea O’Hara. Hope FHK. Freya Kane. She removed them from the company. Even as she takes time away from the ring her accomplishments cannot be ignored.”
Dean taps his foot.
“Brooklyn was an overlooked member of the female rooster. Derided for her low self-esteem and torn down for her skill. She was struggling to even stay afloat as women climbed the ladders to success leaving her behind.”
Dean hums lightly.
“Until I offered her a chance to come to a real training school. Something other than the vague brags of others but the offered hand of family. Brooklyn went on to become the record breaking Women’s World Champion that could not be unseated no matter who was thrown at her until she and My lady had to go against one another.”
Dean smiles lightly.
“Caleb was homeless. Knees were shot. He had been used and abused before being ejected from the company. He lost everything and gave up on hopes and dreams, just sleeping on the streets hoping to live until the next day.”
Dean drums the rhythm on his leg.
“Until I found him in the gutter. Until I helped him see his worth. Until we mended his wounds and helped him understand there was more to life than being someone’s pet project. He might not believe as we do but he protects his family.”
Dean opens his eyes.
“Warren always had the strength, always so close to the main event scene but was pushed aside in so many plots to use him against his father.”
Dean winks at the camera.
“I asked him to join us. Not because of Pet but because I had seen him in the ring and knew how much more he could be if he only let go.”
Dean leans back slightly.
“I won the apocalypse match. Jayson was being lied to and manipulated. Forced to go against his former friends and allies to win the approval of a man who wanted the perfect son.”
Dean sighs.
“We have not kept him against his will. We won his freedom. We revealed the lies and deception. He stayed because he wanted to but not because we forced him. He has always been free to leave at anytime.”
Dean uncrosses his legs.
“Sweetheart is too new a member to really call. But I have spent so much time on him. From the beginning I have been working and playing with him. It was only a matter of time before he saw the beauty in our work.”
Dean wasn’t sure what was worse. The calling and getting the voicemail from the regular phone calls or the Skype notification that no one answered his call. Warren was busy. Had to be busy. He wasn't avoiding him, couldn't be.
“Hey, it’s me.” Dean said after the beep. “I saw you were at the show…”
“That sounds a little…desperate?” Brooklyn commented as she sat across from him, handing him a glass of wine.
“Yeah.” Dean pressed the button to erase and rerecord his message. “Warren, are you… No.”
Brooklyn watched him delete the second message. “Why are you freaking out about this?”
“He was there. Right fucking there.” Dean hung up the call. “He didn’t come home.”
“I noticed.” Brooklyn sipped from a bottle. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“I’m being paranoid, right?”
“Mmm, likely a little.” Brooklyn shrugged. “Is it weird he hasn’t come home? Yeah. But can you blame him?”
“What does that mean?”
“He lost both his parents in the space of a year. He likely wants to get his head screwed on straight...Gayly Forward at least.”
“…If he was leaving forever he’d say something.” Dean set the phone on the table taking a sip of the wine.
“If you throwing yourself at Devlin didn’t make him leave you I doubt the game of gay chicken with Xavier is gonna chase him off.” Brooklyn giggled.
“Who says it’s gay chicken?”
“Hey, I’m trying to open Vivienne up to not hating it here. That can’t be true if you steal her fiancé.”
“I’ll give her some attention too.” Dean grinned. "Make a little threes company of it."
Brooklyn laughed. “You’re a slut.”
“At least I’m honest about it.” Dean looked down at his phone.
“Are things okay with you and Max?” Brooklyn asked suddenly.
“I can’t say they are unaffected by the bun in the oven.” Dean shrugged. “I love her.”
“But?”
“It feels like she’s pulling away. I don’t know why. Maybe I’m being paranoid. Maybe after the baby is born she’s planning on leaving. I don’t know.”
“Are you three still going to get married? Because I have a dress all picked out.”
“fuck if I know.” Dean downed the glass. “Warren’s not responding, vague threats in promos aside it doesn’t whelm me.”
“I got a nice bra too.”
“I can’t hear this.” Dean made a face.
“Why not?”
“You’re like my sister and you talking about your underwear…And with Rowan… Yeah, no.”
“If Rowan is your substitute mom does that make me your stepmom?” Brooklyn teased.
“You’re enjoying this too much.”
“A little.”
“You and Rowan going okay?”
“Picture perfect.” Brooklyn beamed.
“Good. I’m glad.” Dean watched as Brooklyn poured him another glass. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”
“You want to leave Warren a drunken voicemail, I’m just helping .”
“Like a champ.” Dean laughed, taking another sip.
“Also if you get drunk you might actually sleep through the night so you don’t wake anyone up with your sad piano music.”
“…Fair point.”
“Are you going to move the piano into the nursery?”
“Maybe.”
“…Everything is going to be okay, right?” Brooklyn asked. “We’re not splitting up?”
“Of course not.” Dean reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “The Pack is stronger than that shit. This is forever.”
“Good.”
“Rowan found me. An orphan with no family that cared. Useless and unfulfilled. Alone. Miserable and not fulfilling so much of my life’s purpose. Recording packages for others. In the background and never stepping into the light. A shadow. A nothing and a nobody.”
Dean tilts his head slightly.
“She found me. I was one of the first converted. I was one of the first to hear her message. I was loved by few. Feared by my mother’s mother. I might not have been a child of love, joy or even given basic kindness She found me. She loved me. And she took me in like a lost child.”
Dean looks up.
“And look what I have become. Look at the bodies I have left in my wake. The careers destroyed. The egos buried. The dreams crushed. I am dangerous. I am lethal. I was second in the Roulette last year. I was second in the first Heir to the Throne I ever competed in. I am a two time Strong-style Champion. I am a one time world champion.”
Dean pauses.
“Even those who say they have no stalk in what we do. Even those who consider what we are to be nothing more than bullies understand that they do not stand a chance against us . They have to beg and plead to get assistance. Get something from the uncaring masses. When people talk of dismantling The Pack, of damaging it they never seem to take the time to consider how I have kept this family together through all kinds of hardships. When My Lady takes leave I keep us going.”
Dean points to the scars on his body.
“I have been broken down into nothing. I have been beaten and tortured. I have survived things most people cannot even have nightmares of but I survived. Because I always survive. I always pick myself up and move forward. Because despite what you might say about The Pack and our methods you have to admit that we keep finding a way to stay together. Even if you cut off the head, we will find a way to come back together.”
Dean lets out a soft laugh.
"And there is nothing worth saving."
Dean points to his head.
“All this because of her. She demands faith, loyalty and keeping The Pack at the top of this company. Petty and empty gods may be pleased with wine, flowers and favors. My Lady demands blood. She demands pain. She demands the throats of her enemies crushed and their failures made public knowledge.”
Dean takes a deep breath.
“Despite some… missteps of the last year. Some weakness. I am still her Most Loyal. In the roulette I shall cut my way through anyone and everyone who stands in The Pack’s way. It doesn’t matter how good a person you are or how much you hate us.”
Dean lightly traces the scar on his wrist.
“The Pack will continue to hold power in the company. And there is nothing you can do to stop me.”
The blue light goes out leaving nothing but darkness before the camera goes out.
“Something that I have enjoyed about this roulette season has been the vague way everyone speaks about us. Either by considering us all one person or implying the darker elements in stage whispers as if that is all that is needed for everyone to nod their head and accept.”
Dean rolls his eyes.
“This company has never been a united front. Likely never will. Even the so called heroes of the men’s division can barely stand one another. The only right way to handle a problem like The Pack is to do it their specific way. I always find it interesting how much everyone derides the only faction that had any real impact on our ability as a unit.”
Dean smirks.
“But that’s not really the point. People think they no longer have to be afraid of us. They think we have gotten tamer as the years have gone on. That without Daddy Dearest to pull the strings Rowan has had us stand down.”
Dean shakes his head.
“That just isn’t true, is it?”
Dean drums his fingers on the desk.
“There are people you could ask about the mercy of The Pack. People who would condemn us and deride us because of the horrors we visited upon them. The way we wormed our way into their lives and uprooted everything that made them feel safe.”
Dean hums a song for a moment.
“I could go through the men I have personally beaten and caused to tuck their tail and run from this company. I could remind you all of the beatings with baseball bats. I could bring up the licking of human skulls. I could point to the men who faced me and never darkened the door of this company again. I could point out the family and loved ones we have grabbed and taught the wonders of pain.”
Dean shrugs off the hoodie.
“But you all know those well.”
Dean crosses his legs.
“But people seem to overlook the good we do. The wonders and glory of Rowan’s message.”
Dean closes his eyes.
“Maxine was a competitor to Rowan in the Diamonds in the rough. Rowan broke her spin. Ended her career. Could have left her to waste away in a hospital med never to be whole again.”
Dean taps out a rhythm on the desk.
“But I found her. I healed her. I brought her to the light of understanding. She went on to become a two time Open Weight Champion. Maxine injured Shea O’Hara. Hope FHK. Freya Kane. She removed them from the company. Even as she takes time away from the ring her accomplishments cannot be ignored.”
Dean taps his foot.
“Brooklyn was an overlooked member of the female rooster. Derided for her low self-esteem and torn down for her skill. She was struggling to even stay afloat as women climbed the ladders to success leaving her behind.”
Dean hums lightly.
“Until I offered her a chance to come to a real training school. Something other than the vague brags of others but the offered hand of family. Brooklyn went on to become the record breaking Women’s World Champion that could not be unseated no matter who was thrown at her until she and My lady had to go against one another.”
Dean smiles lightly.
“Caleb was homeless. Knees were shot. He had been used and abused before being ejected from the company. He lost everything and gave up on hopes and dreams, just sleeping on the streets hoping to live until the next day.”
Dean drums the rhythm on his leg.
“Until I found him in the gutter. Until I helped him see his worth. Until we mended his wounds and helped him understand there was more to life than being someone’s pet project. He might not believe as we do but he protects his family.”
Dean opens his eyes.
“Warren always had the strength, always so close to the main event scene but was pushed aside in so many plots to use him against his father.”
Dean winks at the camera.
“I asked him to join us. Not because of Pet but because I had seen him in the ring and knew how much more he could be if he only let go.”
Dean leans back slightly.
“I won the apocalypse match. Jayson was being lied to and manipulated. Forced to go against his former friends and allies to win the approval of a man who wanted the perfect son.”
Dean sighs.
“We have not kept him against his will. We won his freedom. We revealed the lies and deception. He stayed because he wanted to but not because we forced him. He has always been free to leave at anytime.”
Dean uncrosses his legs.
“Sweetheart is too new a member to really call. But I have spent so much time on him. From the beginning I have been working and playing with him. It was only a matter of time before he saw the beauty in our work.”
Dean wasn’t sure what was worse. The calling and getting the voicemail from the regular phone calls or the Skype notification that no one answered his call. Warren was busy. Had to be busy. He wasn't avoiding him, couldn't be.
“Hey, it’s me.” Dean said after the beep. “I saw you were at the show…”
“That sounds a little…desperate?” Brooklyn commented as she sat across from him, handing him a glass of wine.
“Yeah.” Dean pressed the button to erase and rerecord his message. “Warren, are you… No.”
Brooklyn watched him delete the second message. “Why are you freaking out about this?”
“He was there. Right fucking there.” Dean hung up the call. “He didn’t come home.”
“I noticed.” Brooklyn sipped from a bottle. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“I’m being paranoid, right?”
“Mmm, likely a little.” Brooklyn shrugged. “Is it weird he hasn’t come home? Yeah. But can you blame him?”
“What does that mean?”
“He lost both his parents in the space of a year. He likely wants to get his head screwed on straight...Gayly Forward at least.”
“…If he was leaving forever he’d say something.” Dean set the phone on the table taking a sip of the wine.
“If you throwing yourself at Devlin didn’t make him leave you I doubt the game of gay chicken with Xavier is gonna chase him off.” Brooklyn giggled.
“Who says it’s gay chicken?”
“Hey, I’m trying to open Vivienne up to not hating it here. That can’t be true if you steal her fiancé.”
“I’ll give her some attention too.” Dean grinned. "Make a little threes company of it."
Brooklyn laughed. “You’re a slut.”
“At least I’m honest about it.” Dean looked down at his phone.
“Are things okay with you and Max?” Brooklyn asked suddenly.
“I can’t say they are unaffected by the bun in the oven.” Dean shrugged. “I love her.”
“But?”
“It feels like she’s pulling away. I don’t know why. Maybe I’m being paranoid. Maybe after the baby is born she’s planning on leaving. I don’t know.”
“Are you three still going to get married? Because I have a dress all picked out.”
“fuck if I know.” Dean downed the glass. “Warren’s not responding, vague threats in promos aside it doesn’t whelm me.”
“I got a nice bra too.”
“I can’t hear this.” Dean made a face.
“Why not?”
“You’re like my sister and you talking about your underwear…And with Rowan… Yeah, no.”
“If Rowan is your substitute mom does that make me your stepmom?” Brooklyn teased.
“You’re enjoying this too much.”
“A little.”
“You and Rowan going okay?”
“Picture perfect.” Brooklyn beamed.
“Good. I’m glad.” Dean watched as Brooklyn poured him another glass. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”
“You want to leave Warren a drunken voicemail, I’m just helping .”
“Like a champ.” Dean laughed, taking another sip.
“Also if you get drunk you might actually sleep through the night so you don’t wake anyone up with your sad piano music.”
“…Fair point.”
“Are you going to move the piano into the nursery?”
“Maybe.”
“…Everything is going to be okay, right?” Brooklyn asked. “We’re not splitting up?”
“Of course not.” Dean reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “The Pack is stronger than that shit. This is forever.”
“Good.”
“Rowan found me. An orphan with no family that cared. Useless and unfulfilled. Alone. Miserable and not fulfilling so much of my life’s purpose. Recording packages for others. In the background and never stepping into the light. A shadow. A nothing and a nobody.”
Dean tilts his head slightly.
“She found me. I was one of the first converted. I was one of the first to hear her message. I was loved by few. Feared by my mother’s mother. I might not have been a child of love, joy or even given basic kindness She found me. She loved me. And she took me in like a lost child.”
Dean looks up.
“And look what I have become. Look at the bodies I have left in my wake. The careers destroyed. The egos buried. The dreams crushed. I am dangerous. I am lethal. I was second in the Roulette last year. I was second in the first Heir to the Throne I ever competed in. I am a two time Strong-style Champion. I am a one time world champion.”
Dean pauses.
“Even those who say they have no stalk in what we do. Even those who consider what we are to be nothing more than bullies understand that they do not stand a chance against us . They have to beg and plead to get assistance. Get something from the uncaring masses. When people talk of dismantling The Pack, of damaging it they never seem to take the time to consider how I have kept this family together through all kinds of hardships. When My Lady takes leave I keep us going.”
Dean points to the scars on his body.
“I have been broken down into nothing. I have been beaten and tortured. I have survived things most people cannot even have nightmares of but I survived. Because I always survive. I always pick myself up and move forward. Because despite what you might say about The Pack and our methods you have to admit that we keep finding a way to stay together. Even if you cut off the head, we will find a way to come back together.”
Dean lets out a soft laugh.
"And there is nothing worth saving."
Dean points to his head.
“All this because of her. She demands faith, loyalty and keeping The Pack at the top of this company. Petty and empty gods may be pleased with wine, flowers and favors. My Lady demands blood. She demands pain. She demands the throats of her enemies crushed and their failures made public knowledge.”
Dean takes a deep breath.
“Despite some… missteps of the last year. Some weakness. I am still her Most Loyal. In the roulette I shall cut my way through anyone and everyone who stands in The Pack’s way. It doesn’t matter how good a person you are or how much you hate us.”
Dean lightly traces the scar on his wrist.
“The Pack will continue to hold power in the company. And there is nothing you can do to stop me.”
The blue light goes out leaving nothing but darkness before the camera goes out.
Well howdy there pardner.