Post by April Madrox on Jul 1, 2024 1:05:56 GMT
“So! Where are we going?” April asked excitedly as she practically skipped up to him outside the venue of their latest victory.
“There’s a vampire bar. Sounded fun. Want to go?” Dean replied with a grin.
“Are they gonna drink our blood?”
“God, I hope so.” Dean laughed, and she joined in. “Come on, live a little.”
“Are Warren and Brooklyn coming with us?”
“Do you want them to?”
“I…I don’t think Brooklyn would be chill if it was just us.”
“You’ve got to cut the cord at some point. She can’t expect you to be a little kid forever. Don’t you trust me?”
“See, that’s the kind of creepy talk that makes people think you’re a serial killer.” April playfully shoved him.
Dean laughed again, “No worries. Send her the invite.”
“Are you going to invite Warren?”
“Sure.” Dean shrugged.
“Aren’t you two… you know, good now?”
“Yeah, we’re great. Perfect even. But he’s got things.” Dean waved it off.
April smirked and sent the invitations, and as they walked, she quickly got replies from both Brooklyn and Warren, each turning down the offer. She put her phone away, smiling up at Dean.
“Looks like it’s just MaDean tonight; they both declined,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Dean raised an eyebrow. “MaDean?”
“You know,” April laughed, “Madrox … Dean … it makes sense if you see it on paper.”
Dean smiled, “Right. Well,” he said, turning his attention back to the conversation at hand, “Brooklyn doesn’t surprise me. Warren probably has some art show or something. No big deal. Ready to experience some vampiric fun?”
“Absolutely!” April linked her arm with his, and they started walking toward the bar. The city lights flickered above them, casting a warm glow on their path.
“Sooooooo,” April began after a few minutes of walking in silence, “do you ever think about, you know, fixing things with Brooklyn?”
Dean sighed, his demeanor shifting slightly. “Every damn day, kid. But it’s not that simple. We’ve got years of history, and not all of it’s good.”
April nodded. “I know. But there’s still a foundation there. I can see it. She loves you, Dean. She might not show it, but she does.”
“She’s got a funny way of showing it,” Dean muttered, kicking a pebble down the sidewalk.
“People deal with hurt in different ways. And Brooklyn’s way is to protect herself and those she loves. It’s hard for her to let go of the past.”
Dean glanced at her, a smirk playing on his lips. “When did you get so wise?”
April shrugged, smiling. “I’ve been paying attention. And I love Brooklyn. I want to see her happy. And whether you like it or not you’re part of that happiness, even if she won’t admit it.”
Dean was quiet for a moment, processing her words. “You know, for what it’s worth, I’m trying. I’ve always tried to do what’s best for everyone.”
“And I believe you. But maybe what’s best for everyone is being honest. With each other and with yourselves.”
Dean nodded thoughtfully. “You might be right.”
They walked in silence for a bit, the night air cool against their skin. April decided to broach another subject.
“Can I be honest with you, Dean?”
“When have you not been?”
“I don’t like Warren. I mean, he’s talented and all, but I don’t think he’s good for you.”
Dean stopped walking, turning to look at her. “You’re not the only one who thinks that.”
April sighed. “I’m sorry for saying it. I know it’s not my place, but I care about you, and I think you deserve better. I mean, we both know you can do better, right?”
Dean chuckled, resuming their walk. “You’re braver than most, saying that out loud. Brooklyn’s been biting her tongue for years.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want to push you away by dunking on him. But I have no problem letting you know that you can do so much better and have a much healthier relationship.”
Dean’s smile widened. “You know, I could say the same thing about Vivienne.”
April laughed. “What makes you think I haven’t already?”
Dean laughed too, shaking his head. “Fair enough.”
They turned a corner, and the vampire bar came into view. The neon sign flickered, casting an eerie glow. Dean and April exchanged excited glances.
“Ready?” Dean asked, holding the door open.
April nodded, her excitement was palpable. “Absolutely. Let’s do this.”
As they stepped into the dimly lit bar, the atmosphere shifted to one of mystery and allure. The night was just beginning, and April felt a surge of anticipation for the adventures to come.
----------------------------------------------
April sat on the edge of her hotel bed, the glow of Tokyo's city lights streaming through the window. Even though she was told that the tag team portion of the Heir and Heiress to the Throne tournaments was over, she and Dean had another match on the horizon, one that had her more contemplative than usual. This week, they were taking on two-thirds of Savage Garden; Madjinn and the Black Widow, with Stephen Terella lurking at ringside, ready to pounce at any opportunity. The thought of Terella interfering would typically set her on edge, but management apparently thought along a similar path and decided to allow Warren to join them in their corner. Knowing that Warren would be accompanying them provided a strange sense of comfort for April.
Despite her personal reservations about the man, she couldn’t deny his unwavering commitment to Dean. It was one of those instances where the enemy of her enemy became her reluctant ally.
“You’re always playing both sides,” April begins, her voice steady but with a hint of exasperation. “One minute you’re the big bad villain, and the next, you’re the misunderstood victim. It’s like you can’t decide what you want to be.”
She leans forward, her gaze unwavering. “I’m talking about you, Madjinn. But see, my issues with you aren’t just your flippy floppy demeanor—nah, it begins with your transparent fear and your compulsive need to mask it with false bravado.”
April tilts her head slightly, a curious look crossing her face. “What are you so afraid of, Madjinn? Why do you think that pretending to be invincible will hide the fear in your eyes?”
She leans back slightly, a small chuckle escaping her lips. “You recently lost your little Television title to J-TV and have gone back and forth about the hows and whys of that. One week you’re almost bragging about how you purposefully dropped the title, and the next you chalk it up to all good things coming to an end. How can you reconcile both opposite views, Madjinn? I mean, it’s as if you see any sort of weakness as absolute character suicide.
If losing the TV title has you spiraling like this, I can only imagine the mental gymnastics you’re going to pull when you lose those Tag Team titles. Sooner or later, it’s going to happen. It’s inevitable.”
April pauses, letting her words sink in before shifting her focus. “But it’s not just you, Madjinn. Beside you stands the Black Widow, a woman who seems to believe the sun rises and sets because you will it to do so. I’ve tried to understand Widow’s devotion, but it gives me the ick.”
She raises an eyebrow, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Legit, what do you see in him, Widow? What makes you think it’s okay to set the women’s movement back sixty years with your actions?”
April’s eyes narrow as she recalls a recent incident. “You know, I saw something on my laptop screen a few weeks ago—a little ‘hawk tuey’ action that we all know was his idea because what other little troll would actually think shock value equated to strength?
I know sex sells, but when the implied becomes obvious, it loses the ‘art’ and just becomes crude. And that’s all you and Madjinn are—a pair of edgelords who don’t think about the consequences of their words or actions.”
Her expression hardens, and her voice takes on a resolute tone. “But this week is different. Dean and I are coming with receipts that need to be paid, and I have no trouble taking payment out of either of your hides. The task ahead is clear, and we are ready to face it head-on.”
April looks at herself in the mirror, the reflection showing a mixture of determination and anticipation. “Dean and I, we’re not just a tag team, and it’s about time that the lot of you start to recognize that. We're not perfect and we sure as hell aren't incapable of losing. But our difference is that when that day comes, we're not going to be pointing figures or making excuses. Losing is a part of life, and I guess it's just a lesson that you need to be taught a lil' bit more.
My mom always thought i'd make a hell of a teacher.”
“There’s a vampire bar. Sounded fun. Want to go?” Dean replied with a grin.
“Are they gonna drink our blood?”
“God, I hope so.” Dean laughed, and she joined in. “Come on, live a little.”
“Are Warren and Brooklyn coming with us?”
“Do you want them to?”
“I…I don’t think Brooklyn would be chill if it was just us.”
“You’ve got to cut the cord at some point. She can’t expect you to be a little kid forever. Don’t you trust me?”
“See, that’s the kind of creepy talk that makes people think you’re a serial killer.” April playfully shoved him.
Dean laughed again, “No worries. Send her the invite.”
“Are you going to invite Warren?”
“Sure.” Dean shrugged.
“Aren’t you two… you know, good now?”
“Yeah, we’re great. Perfect even. But he’s got things.” Dean waved it off.
April smirked and sent the invitations, and as they walked, she quickly got replies from both Brooklyn and Warren, each turning down the offer. She put her phone away, smiling up at Dean.
“Looks like it’s just MaDean tonight; they both declined,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Dean raised an eyebrow. “MaDean?”
“You know,” April laughed, “Madrox … Dean … it makes sense if you see it on paper.”
Dean smiled, “Right. Well,” he said, turning his attention back to the conversation at hand, “Brooklyn doesn’t surprise me. Warren probably has some art show or something. No big deal. Ready to experience some vampiric fun?”
“Absolutely!” April linked her arm with his, and they started walking toward the bar. The city lights flickered above them, casting a warm glow on their path.
“Sooooooo,” April began after a few minutes of walking in silence, “do you ever think about, you know, fixing things with Brooklyn?”
Dean sighed, his demeanor shifting slightly. “Every damn day, kid. But it’s not that simple. We’ve got years of history, and not all of it’s good.”
April nodded. “I know. But there’s still a foundation there. I can see it. She loves you, Dean. She might not show it, but she does.”
“She’s got a funny way of showing it,” Dean muttered, kicking a pebble down the sidewalk.
“People deal with hurt in different ways. And Brooklyn’s way is to protect herself and those she loves. It’s hard for her to let go of the past.”
Dean glanced at her, a smirk playing on his lips. “When did you get so wise?”
April shrugged, smiling. “I’ve been paying attention. And I love Brooklyn. I want to see her happy. And whether you like it or not you’re part of that happiness, even if she won’t admit it.”
Dean was quiet for a moment, processing her words. “You know, for what it’s worth, I’m trying. I’ve always tried to do what’s best for everyone.”
“And I believe you. But maybe what’s best for everyone is being honest. With each other and with yourselves.”
Dean nodded thoughtfully. “You might be right.”
They walked in silence for a bit, the night air cool against their skin. April decided to broach another subject.
“Can I be honest with you, Dean?”
“When have you not been?”
“I don’t like Warren. I mean, he’s talented and all, but I don’t think he’s good for you.”
Dean stopped walking, turning to look at her. “You’re not the only one who thinks that.”
April sighed. “I’m sorry for saying it. I know it’s not my place, but I care about you, and I think you deserve better. I mean, we both know you can do better, right?”
Dean chuckled, resuming their walk. “You’re braver than most, saying that out loud. Brooklyn’s been biting her tongue for years.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want to push you away by dunking on him. But I have no problem letting you know that you can do so much better and have a much healthier relationship.”
Dean’s smile widened. “You know, I could say the same thing about Vivienne.”
April laughed. “What makes you think I haven’t already?”
Dean laughed too, shaking his head. “Fair enough.”
They turned a corner, and the vampire bar came into view. The neon sign flickered, casting an eerie glow. Dean and April exchanged excited glances.
“Ready?” Dean asked, holding the door open.
April nodded, her excitement was palpable. “Absolutely. Let’s do this.”
As they stepped into the dimly lit bar, the atmosphere shifted to one of mystery and allure. The night was just beginning, and April felt a surge of anticipation for the adventures to come.
----------------------------------------------
April sat on the edge of her hotel bed, the glow of Tokyo's city lights streaming through the window. Even though she was told that the tag team portion of the Heir and Heiress to the Throne tournaments was over, she and Dean had another match on the horizon, one that had her more contemplative than usual. This week, they were taking on two-thirds of Savage Garden; Madjinn and the Black Widow, with Stephen Terella lurking at ringside, ready to pounce at any opportunity. The thought of Terella interfering would typically set her on edge, but management apparently thought along a similar path and decided to allow Warren to join them in their corner. Knowing that Warren would be accompanying them provided a strange sense of comfort for April.
Despite her personal reservations about the man, she couldn’t deny his unwavering commitment to Dean. It was one of those instances where the enemy of her enemy became her reluctant ally.
“You’re always playing both sides,” April begins, her voice steady but with a hint of exasperation. “One minute you’re the big bad villain, and the next, you’re the misunderstood victim. It’s like you can’t decide what you want to be.”
She leans forward, her gaze unwavering. “I’m talking about you, Madjinn. But see, my issues with you aren’t just your flippy floppy demeanor—nah, it begins with your transparent fear and your compulsive need to mask it with false bravado.”
April tilts her head slightly, a curious look crossing her face. “What are you so afraid of, Madjinn? Why do you think that pretending to be invincible will hide the fear in your eyes?”
She leans back slightly, a small chuckle escaping her lips. “You recently lost your little Television title to J-TV and have gone back and forth about the hows and whys of that. One week you’re almost bragging about how you purposefully dropped the title, and the next you chalk it up to all good things coming to an end. How can you reconcile both opposite views, Madjinn? I mean, it’s as if you see any sort of weakness as absolute character suicide.
If losing the TV title has you spiraling like this, I can only imagine the mental gymnastics you’re going to pull when you lose those Tag Team titles. Sooner or later, it’s going to happen. It’s inevitable.”
April pauses, letting her words sink in before shifting her focus. “But it’s not just you, Madjinn. Beside you stands the Black Widow, a woman who seems to believe the sun rises and sets because you will it to do so. I’ve tried to understand Widow’s devotion, but it gives me the ick.”
She raises an eyebrow, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Legit, what do you see in him, Widow? What makes you think it’s okay to set the women’s movement back sixty years with your actions?”
April’s eyes narrow as she recalls a recent incident. “You know, I saw something on my laptop screen a few weeks ago—a little ‘hawk tuey’ action that we all know was his idea because what other little troll would actually think shock value equated to strength?
I know sex sells, but when the implied becomes obvious, it loses the ‘art’ and just becomes crude. And that’s all you and Madjinn are—a pair of edgelords who don’t think about the consequences of their words or actions.”
Her expression hardens, and her voice takes on a resolute tone. “But this week is different. Dean and I are coming with receipts that need to be paid, and I have no trouble taking payment out of either of your hides. The task ahead is clear, and we are ready to face it head-on.”
April looks at herself in the mirror, the reflection showing a mixture of determination and anticipation. “Dean and I, we’re not just a tag team, and it’s about time that the lot of you start to recognize that. We're not perfect and we sure as hell aren't incapable of losing. But our difference is that when that day comes, we're not going to be pointing figures or making excuses. Losing is a part of life, and I guess it's just a lesson that you need to be taught a lil' bit more.
My mom always thought i'd make a hell of a teacher.”
Well howdy there pardner.