Revelations
Jul 1, 2017 10:00:05 GMT -5
Post by David on Jul 1, 2017 10:00:05 GMT -5
The night has fallen over Chicago and fans are already leaving the Slaughterhouse, yet there’s one who’s staying by the door, impatiently waiting for someone. Her frantic back and forth pace denotes concern. She keeps checking her phone and then, the doors open up revealing a beaten up Neal Durden. He has bandages all over his body and dried up blood covering part of his face. He has a white shirt with his logo plastered in front of it and a pair of jeans. In his right hand he carries his bag and he walks up to the woman that was walking back and forth. He smirks and talks to her.
Neal Durden: Lowri, you can stop… I’m alright.
Lowri looked at her banged up tag-team partner and friend, and practically screamed at him.
Lowri Moss: Well you don’t look alright! Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to watch that?
She then pushed him in the chest.
Lowri Moss: I still don’t understand why you want to take part in this sort of stuff.
Neal makes a face, like he’s hurt, and shrugs. He then looks at Lowri and smiled, as he spoke.
Neal Durden: I guess, I want to prove I’m strong, you know...
Lowri Moss: Yeah, I know. You want to be the King of the Deathmatches, or something like that.
Lowri put her hands on her hips, and stared at Neal.
Lowri Moss: If you really want to prove you’re strong, I’m sure there are other, less dangerous ways you could do that.
Neal smiled, well, more of a half smile, a condescending smile if you will, and tapped Lowri on the shoulder.
Neal Durden: I think it’s better if we sit down, since this might take a while.
Neal pointed to a short staircase nearby as they both sat down. Lowri looked at him with a mix of confusion and intrigue.
Lowri Moss: Okay, what have you got to tell me that we need to be sat down for?
Neal took a deep breath and looked at his friend before speaking.
Neal Durden: There are a lot of things you don’t know about me. One of those is my real name… and I’ll be lying to you if I didn’t feel like a complete and utter bastard for that fact. So, Lowri… my name is Gareth Prichard, I hail from Cardiff, Wales and I’ve been your tag-team partner for a couple of months now.
Neal laughed a bit, but it wasn’t the laugh you have when you’re joking, this was more of a resignated laugh, if that makes sense. He then looked at Lowri and continued speaking.
Neal Durden: I know leaving you alone without notice was a coward move… and I completely understand if you want to slap me right in the face because of that… I wouldn’t judge you or anything. But, if you have anything to say about it… say it now. We have a couple of big matches coming up and the last thing I want is for you to have something on your chest against me and you haven’t told me yet.
There was a sigh from Lowri.
Lowri Moss: If I wanted to slap you, I would’ve done it two months ago, when you suddenly reappeared.
Lowri looked away from Neal, as she digested what he had just told her. After a moment or two of silence, she then looked back at him.
Lowri Moss: When you turned up that night in Ipswich, I was so relieved to see you again. I had feared that something bad had happened to you, something much worse than what I watched you go through tonight, so I was pleased to discover that wasn’t the case. And so no, I don’t want to slap you, but what I do want to know is where you were for those four months - while I was on my own in the UKWF, worrying about you, where were you, Neal? Or should I call you Gareth now?
Neal hangs his head low, as to avoid eye contact with Lowri and speaks to her.
Neal Durden: You call me however you want to call me, I just thought you, of all people… should know my real name.
A sigh escapes him as he puts his head up and looks at the night before continuing speaking to his friend.
Neal Durden: As for your question… I’m afraid things got a lot worse than what you saw tonight…
The look on Neal’s face completely changed, it was obvious it hurt him to speak about this, but he felt the need to do so.
Neal Durden: Ever since I was ten I’ve experienced periods of anxiety and depression. So, my disappearance had everything to do with that, since I tried to kill myself after I had a fight at home. I left my home and am living with a friend, renting his sofa on a night to night basis, just to fulfill my dream of becoming a champion alongside you.
In fact, the reason I returned was… You. I care about you more than I care about anyone else I’ve met so far, so yes. I wish I was a strong as you, you’ve had to battle for everything you’ve had in your life, I was handed a lot of the things I had… yet, mentally I’m way weaker than you. It’s funny, how a lot of teams we go against see me as the “stronger” of the two… while, to me… you’re really the one holding us together.
That’s why I do this, I want to prove to myself that I’m strong enough to handle things… you know.
Neal hung his head again, avoiding eye contact with Lowri as much as possible and avoiding tearing up in front of her.
Lowri Moss: Fuck, Neal. This is all a lot for me to take in.
She took a deep breath, before continuing.
Lowri Moss: I’m glad you feel comfortable enough with me to be able to tell me all that, but I wish you had told me sooner.
With Neal keeping his head bowed, Lowri placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Lowri Moss: And while you may think you need to prove something to yourself, you don’t need to prove anything to me. But, if you believe you need to put yourself through things like a weed wacker on a pole match, to show that you’re strong enough to handle things, then fine, I can accept that. Just promise me, please, if things end up getting too much for you for whatever reason, that you won’t disappear on me again without warning; I’m not just your tag team partner, Neal, I’m your friend, and if you ever need help, you can come to me - you know that, right?
Neal extends his left hand to touch Lowri’s hand on his shoulder and he took a deep breath before finally looking her in the eyes and laughing.
Neal Durden: I know that… and don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere without notice. By the way, can you imagine the face Annie would have if she saw us speaking like this?
Neal started laughing, while his ears turned bright red; Lowri began to laugh as well.
Lowri Moss: Yeah, I can picture it. I’m sure a few others might have similar expressions on their faces, as well.
Then, for the first time in several days, Lowri managed a genuine smile.
Lowri Moss: Do you really think I’m the strong one? I think this is the first time in four days that I’ve properly smiled - I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what happened on Saturday night.
After hearing this Neal’s ears got even brighter as he shyly smiled at Lowri and struck his nose with his right hand as if he wanted to divert her attention as he spoke.
Neal Durden: Yes, you are the strongest woman I’ve met and tha-- nevermind. The fact is, no one I know, not even me-- especially not me, have been able to sacrifice so much in order to achieve a dream as you have. And maybe physically you’re not strong for genetical reasons, but here--
Neal tapped his own heart before tapping Lowri’s head and speaking.
Neal Durden: --and here… you’re one of the strongest I’ve seen.
He smiled at her, not taking his brown eyes from hers.
Lowri Moss: Do you still think I’ve been a revelation then? Because for the past few days, I haven’t exactly felt like one.
Lowri raised an eyebrow, inquisitively. Neal laughed and placed his right hand over her shoulder as he spoke.
Neal Durden: You are. Look at yourself and see how much you have accomplished in so little time. Sure, you didn’t win that title in FGA, but, be honest with yourself… did you hold back on the match? If so, you have every reason to be upset with yourself, if you didn’t… and I know you didn’t… then, there’s no reason not to feel like a revelation.
Lowri gave a nod of her head.
Lowri Moss: What can I say? When you’re right, you’re right.
She then stood up, and grabbed Neal by one of his arms, trying to pull him to his feet as well.
Lowri Moss: Come on, get up! We can’t spend all night sat in a stairwell.
Neal stood up with her and thought of saying something else, but desisted.
Lowri Moss: I’ll buy you a drink - if we can find a bar that’ll allow you in looking like that.
Lowri looked Neal up and down.
Neal Durden: Hey! I’m banged up… but I’m still sexy, and you know it.
He started laughing, while his ears turned red.
Lowri Moss: Sure you are, Neal. Whatever you say.
She laughed at her friend.
Lowri Moss: And perhaps we could finally think of a name for our team. I mean, if you can come up with a pseudonym for yourself, then I’m sure that between the two of us, we ought to be able to come up with something.
He looked at her and spoke.
Neal Durden: I’m not that good creating names… but maybe a drink or two might get us in a creative mood.
Lowri Moss: And if not, a couple of drinks will at least help you to recover from your match.
Neal Durden: True that. So… shall we go then?
Lowri nodded.
Lowri Moss: Yes, let’s.
After Lowri ushers those words, Neal grabs his bag and the Welsh pair are off to the night, trying to find a place where to drink and possibly come up with a name for their Dynamic Duo.
Neal Durden: Lowri, you can stop… I’m alright.
Lowri looked at her banged up tag-team partner and friend, and practically screamed at him.
Lowri Moss: Well you don’t look alright! Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to watch that?
She then pushed him in the chest.
Lowri Moss: I still don’t understand why you want to take part in this sort of stuff.
Neal makes a face, like he’s hurt, and shrugs. He then looks at Lowri and smiled, as he spoke.
Neal Durden: I guess, I want to prove I’m strong, you know...
Lowri Moss: Yeah, I know. You want to be the King of the Deathmatches, or something like that.
Lowri put her hands on her hips, and stared at Neal.
Lowri Moss: If you really want to prove you’re strong, I’m sure there are other, less dangerous ways you could do that.
Neal smiled, well, more of a half smile, a condescending smile if you will, and tapped Lowri on the shoulder.
Neal Durden: I think it’s better if we sit down, since this might take a while.
Neal pointed to a short staircase nearby as they both sat down. Lowri looked at him with a mix of confusion and intrigue.
Lowri Moss: Okay, what have you got to tell me that we need to be sat down for?
Neal took a deep breath and looked at his friend before speaking.
Neal Durden: There are a lot of things you don’t know about me. One of those is my real name… and I’ll be lying to you if I didn’t feel like a complete and utter bastard for that fact. So, Lowri… my name is Gareth Prichard, I hail from Cardiff, Wales and I’ve been your tag-team partner for a couple of months now.
Neal laughed a bit, but it wasn’t the laugh you have when you’re joking, this was more of a resignated laugh, if that makes sense. He then looked at Lowri and continued speaking.
Neal Durden: I know leaving you alone without notice was a coward move… and I completely understand if you want to slap me right in the face because of that… I wouldn’t judge you or anything. But, if you have anything to say about it… say it now. We have a couple of big matches coming up and the last thing I want is for you to have something on your chest against me and you haven’t told me yet.
There was a sigh from Lowri.
Lowri Moss: If I wanted to slap you, I would’ve done it two months ago, when you suddenly reappeared.
Lowri looked away from Neal, as she digested what he had just told her. After a moment or two of silence, she then looked back at him.
Lowri Moss: When you turned up that night in Ipswich, I was so relieved to see you again. I had feared that something bad had happened to you, something much worse than what I watched you go through tonight, so I was pleased to discover that wasn’t the case. And so no, I don’t want to slap you, but what I do want to know is where you were for those four months - while I was on my own in the UKWF, worrying about you, where were you, Neal? Or should I call you Gareth now?
Neal hangs his head low, as to avoid eye contact with Lowri and speaks to her.
Neal Durden: You call me however you want to call me, I just thought you, of all people… should know my real name.
A sigh escapes him as he puts his head up and looks at the night before continuing speaking to his friend.
Neal Durden: As for your question… I’m afraid things got a lot worse than what you saw tonight…
The look on Neal’s face completely changed, it was obvious it hurt him to speak about this, but he felt the need to do so.
Neal Durden: Ever since I was ten I’ve experienced periods of anxiety and depression. So, my disappearance had everything to do with that, since I tried to kill myself after I had a fight at home. I left my home and am living with a friend, renting his sofa on a night to night basis, just to fulfill my dream of becoming a champion alongside you.
In fact, the reason I returned was… You. I care about you more than I care about anyone else I’ve met so far, so yes. I wish I was a strong as you, you’ve had to battle for everything you’ve had in your life, I was handed a lot of the things I had… yet, mentally I’m way weaker than you. It’s funny, how a lot of teams we go against see me as the “stronger” of the two… while, to me… you’re really the one holding us together.
That’s why I do this, I want to prove to myself that I’m strong enough to handle things… you know.
Neal hung his head again, avoiding eye contact with Lowri as much as possible and avoiding tearing up in front of her.
Lowri Moss: Fuck, Neal. This is all a lot for me to take in.
She took a deep breath, before continuing.
Lowri Moss: I’m glad you feel comfortable enough with me to be able to tell me all that, but I wish you had told me sooner.
With Neal keeping his head bowed, Lowri placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Lowri Moss: And while you may think you need to prove something to yourself, you don’t need to prove anything to me. But, if you believe you need to put yourself through things like a weed wacker on a pole match, to show that you’re strong enough to handle things, then fine, I can accept that. Just promise me, please, if things end up getting too much for you for whatever reason, that you won’t disappear on me again without warning; I’m not just your tag team partner, Neal, I’m your friend, and if you ever need help, you can come to me - you know that, right?
Neal extends his left hand to touch Lowri’s hand on his shoulder and he took a deep breath before finally looking her in the eyes and laughing.
Neal Durden: I know that… and don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere without notice. By the way, can you imagine the face Annie would have if she saw us speaking like this?
Neal started laughing, while his ears turned bright red; Lowri began to laugh as well.
Lowri Moss: Yeah, I can picture it. I’m sure a few others might have similar expressions on their faces, as well.
Then, for the first time in several days, Lowri managed a genuine smile.
Lowri Moss: Do you really think I’m the strong one? I think this is the first time in four days that I’ve properly smiled - I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what happened on Saturday night.
After hearing this Neal’s ears got even brighter as he shyly smiled at Lowri and struck his nose with his right hand as if he wanted to divert her attention as he spoke.
Neal Durden: Yes, you are the strongest woman I’ve met and tha-- nevermind. The fact is, no one I know, not even me-- especially not me, have been able to sacrifice so much in order to achieve a dream as you have. And maybe physically you’re not strong for genetical reasons, but here--
Neal tapped his own heart before tapping Lowri’s head and speaking.
Neal Durden: --and here… you’re one of the strongest I’ve seen.
He smiled at her, not taking his brown eyes from hers.
Lowri Moss: Do you still think I’ve been a revelation then? Because for the past few days, I haven’t exactly felt like one.
Lowri raised an eyebrow, inquisitively. Neal laughed and placed his right hand over her shoulder as he spoke.
Neal Durden: You are. Look at yourself and see how much you have accomplished in so little time. Sure, you didn’t win that title in FGA, but, be honest with yourself… did you hold back on the match? If so, you have every reason to be upset with yourself, if you didn’t… and I know you didn’t… then, there’s no reason not to feel like a revelation.
Lowri gave a nod of her head.
Lowri Moss: What can I say? When you’re right, you’re right.
She then stood up, and grabbed Neal by one of his arms, trying to pull him to his feet as well.
Lowri Moss: Come on, get up! We can’t spend all night sat in a stairwell.
Neal stood up with her and thought of saying something else, but desisted.
Lowri Moss: I’ll buy you a drink - if we can find a bar that’ll allow you in looking like that.
Lowri looked Neal up and down.
Neal Durden: Hey! I’m banged up… but I’m still sexy, and you know it.
He started laughing, while his ears turned red.
Lowri Moss: Sure you are, Neal. Whatever you say.
She laughed at her friend.
Lowri Moss: And perhaps we could finally think of a name for our team. I mean, if you can come up with a pseudonym for yourself, then I’m sure that between the two of us, we ought to be able to come up with something.
He looked at her and spoke.
Neal Durden: I’m not that good creating names… but maybe a drink or two might get us in a creative mood.
Lowri Moss: And if not, a couple of drinks will at least help you to recover from your match.
Neal Durden: True that. So… shall we go then?
Lowri nodded.
Lowri Moss: Yes, let’s.
After Lowri ushers those words, Neal grabs his bag and the Welsh pair are off to the night, trying to find a place where to drink and possibly come up with a name for their Dynamic Duo.