Post by Shane Hunt on Feb 24, 2010 20:59:50 GMT -6
Working up a sweat in the training ring. It's a great feeling, especially when you've had a great session and have got a lot out of it. The only thing that beats a good training session when you're a wrestler, is having a great match. Paul Star had a great match this past week, where he main evented Trauma against the current NCW World Champion, an NCW legend who unfortunately lost his job soon after the match, and a man who's having a bad run of luck at the moment but will soon get himself back on the up. The match was excellent, until it ended controversially. Aside from the matches conclusion, the performance Paul Star put on throughout the match was on par with all three of the other wrestlers who took part in the match. Paul is from a high because of this match, and it's showing in this weeks big training session.
The camera fires up and we are in the Hunt Dungeon, with text in the corner of the cameras view indicating that video was recorded earlier in the day. In the Dungeons training ring is Paul Star and John Hunt. At ringside is Paul's current mentor, Shane Hunt. Shane is barking orders at Paul and John, with Paul giving it everything he's got to impress Shane. John can hardly keep up, as Paul shoots around the training ring, hitting John from all angles with vigour and purpose. Paul looks absolutely focused on the task at hand, while John on the other hand looks like he's not enjoying this session at all. John goes for a collar and elbow tie up, but before he knows it, Paul has shot behind him and has thrown him to the mat with a belly to back slam. John quickly rolls out of the ring. Shane watches John fall to the floor outside, a confused expression crossing his face as John does this.
" What the Hell are you doing, Johh? Paul needs to train, and you don't seem up for this at all... "
John stands up and approaches Shane, with Paul looking on from inside the ring while bouncing around to keep his legs warmed up. John stops in front of Shane, who still looks confused by John rolling out of the ring.
" Shane, I just can't keep up with him! He's moving around that ring faster than I've ever seen him move before. "
Inside the ring, Paul stops bouncing around and walks to the ropes at the front of the ring. He leans on the top rope and looks down at Shane and John.
" What's up John? Am I too good for you today? "
Paul smiles cockily, as John turns and looks up at him. He nods his head.
" There's no need to be sarcastic about it, but you are training harder than you've trained in recent weeks. This match must be very important for you. "
Paul raises an eyebrow at John. It may not be obvious to John, but this is Paul's most important match in NCW so far.
" John mate, this match at Crossroad is huge for me! I've got a chance to win the X-Division championship. Winning that belt is a big thing for me, and I've got to be fully prepared for it. That's why I'm training so hard. Sorry if you can't keep up with me. "
Paul turns his attention to Shane, as John continues listening to him.
" Shane, is there anyone you know who can keep up with my pace? "
John turns to face Shane again, reiterating Paul's question.
" I've got to agree with Paul. I can't move as fast as him, and he's so focused that he can see my moves coming a mile off. Do we know anyone that is as fast as Paul, and who has a crazy set of moves which may catch Paul off guard? "
Shane scratches his chin, trying to think of a wrestler suitable to train with Paul. Paul and John look at Shane, waiting patiently for his response to their similar questions. After a few more seconds of thinking, Shane stops scratching his chin as the image of a certain wrestler pops into his head.
" You know what? I think I know the perfect wrestler to keep up with Paul and test his skills. John, do you remember Spaz? "
John's eyes widen at the sound of this peculiar name.
" Spaz?? Are you sure that's wise? Spaz isn't exactly the most sane wrestler in the business. "
Shane nods his head in agreement with John.
" Yes, he's crazy. He's also a very unconventional wrestler with one of the strangest wrestling styles I've ever seen. "
Shane looks toward Paul, who is already looking at him as he's been listening to him speak.
" Do you know who Spaz is? "
Paul grins at Shane.
" Of course I know who Spaz is. He's completely mental! You're right about him being the perfect training partner for me. I need someone to train with me who can keep me on my toes, rather than someone who I can run rings around. No offense John, but you're not the kind of wrestler who'll keep me guessing. You're more of a straight ahead brutal striker, and I've already gotten to grips with the way you wrestle and the ways I can counter your moves. "
John shrugs his shoulders, taking Paul's criticism on the chin.
" No offense taken. I understand what you're saying, and I'm happy to step aside and let Spaz take over where I left off. "
Shane cuts in on John and Paul's conversation with a slight roadblock.
" Boys, before we even consider letting John sit out on your next training session, I'll need to try and talk Spaz into coming here. Last time we spoke, I ended up drunkenly punching him in the face. That was about eight months ago, so there's no telling whether he's forgiven me for it or not yet. For Paul's sake, I hope he has... Anyway, let's call it a day. Paul and John, you pair hit the showers. I'll go and make this phone call. I'm not looking forward to this at all! "
Shane walks away from the ring and starts climbing the stairs up to the house as Paul rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope. As John is about to walk away, Paul stops him by putting a hand on his shoulder. John turns around and looks at Paul, who has a sorry expression on his face.
" Listen mate, I hope you don't feel too downhearted about me wanting to train with someone else this week. "
John smiles at Paul and shakes his head.
" Nah. I know how much this match against Jacobsen means to you. I know you want to be the next X-Division champion, and you want to be fully prepared for the match you have to be in to get what you want. I'm not the man who can get you as prepared as you want to be, but Spaz is. If Shane can get him on board, even just for this week, you training with him will be a big boost in terms of your preperation for your match at Crossroads. "
Paul expresses his gratitude to John for understanding by offering John a hand shake. John happily returns graciousness by reaching out his hand and meeting Paul's in the middle. After this hand shake, the two men release each others hands and return their own to their side.
" Thank you for being so understanding. You're a good mate, John. "
" Same right back at you Mr. Star. Right, I'm going to head off and have a shower at home. I've got a date with this beautiful blonde girl, and I want to look my best. "
John turns and walks away from Paul, heading up the same stairs Shane went up a moment or two earlier. Paul is left on his own in the Hunt Dungeon. He walks over to his kit bag, which is situated on a wooden bench against the wall. He plunges his hand in the open bag, and pulls out a towel. Paul walks toward the bottom end of the room, where there is a shower area around the corner of a gap in the wall. Paul disappears around the corner, the camera not following him incase it catches something unsuitable for NCW to broadcast. Instead, the camera treats viewers to a shot of the bottom step of the stairs which lead up into Shane Hunt's house. After about thirty seconds, the sound of running water can be heard as Paul turns on one of the showers. The sound is broken by what is probably Paul, standing under the stream of water.
As Paul continues his shower, footsteps can be heard coming down the stairs. As the camera stays focused on the bottom step, a foot in a small heeled shoe appear, and then a second appears next to it. The camera pans up the body of this person, who is dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt. As the camera reaches the persons face, it becomes obvious who the person is. It's Jennifer Hunt, the sister of Shane and Paul. Her face wears a concerned look. The camera moves outward, so that the whole of Jennifer's well defined body gradually comes into view. Jennifer starts walking further into the room, the camera trying it's best to keep all of her in shot as she moves.
" Paul, are you down here? "
Jennifer walks past the shower area, taking a brief peak in as she does so. Jennifer grinds to a halt just by the opening to the shower area. Her eyes widen as she realises what she's just seen. He shuffles back slowly, and takes a second peak. What she sees is Paul Star, standing naked under a shower head. Jennifer looks Paul's wet body up and down, following the curves of his muscled shoulders, back, and thighs as she gazes. She suddenly hops back around the corner, a cheeky smile spread right across her face. The sound of pouring water stops, and sloppy wet footsteps can be heard from around the corner.
" Hello? Who's there? "
Jennifer answers, still smiling about what she saw of Paul.
" Paul, it's Jennifer... "
Paul's tone of voice changes upon realisation of who is down in the Dungeon with him.
" Oh, hiya Jenny! Give me a second, and I'll be out there. "
After a few seconds, Paul steps out from around the corner. Jennifer's eyes widen as he catches sight of him. Paul is only wearing a towel, and is still wet. As he moves, light glimmers off the droplets of water which sit on his skin. His hair is sodden, and is dripping even move water down upon his body. Jennifer is transfixed on Paul's abdominal area. She watches as water rolls down the middle of his abs, and soaks into the towel which he is wearing around his groin area and upper legs. Paul signals for Jennifer to look at his face.
" Jenny, I'm up here... "
Jennifer snaps out of hit on hearing Paul speak, and her gaze turns toward his face.
" Right... Erm... Hello! "
Paul smiles uncomfortably, seeming unsure why Jennifer is down in the Dungeon at this time.
" Yeah, hi. What brings you down here? "
Jennifer raises an eyebrow. She thought it would have been obvious why she's in the Dungeon.
" I came looking for you, silly. "
Jennifer's expression returns to one of concern as she remembers why she wanted to talk to Paul.
" Shane told me he's going to try and get Spaz down here to train with you. I'm worried about you Paul. Spaz is an unpredictable, dangerous wrestler. Are you sure you're doing the right thing, agreeing to train with him if Shane can convince him to come here? "
Paul looks surprised at Jennifer's reaction to him wanting to train with Spaz. He didn't know she cared so much about him. Paul strokes Jennifer's arm, showing he appreciates her concern.
" It's good to know you care, but I need this training with Spaz. He might be strange, and he might be dangerous, but that's the kind of person I need to train with right now. Like I said to both Shane and John, I need to be tested in that training ring, and Spaz is the man to give me that test. "
Jennifer lets out a sigh. She's still not sure Paul is doing the right thing, but wants him to be at his best when he enters the ring at Crossroads.
" It's your choice Paul. You know I'll stand by you, no matter what you choose... Changing the subject, I was wondering if you fancied going out for a drink later? Just a coffee and some wrestling chit chat? "
Paul looks delighted that Jennifer asked him this. His face is beaming with a big smile.
" Yes, I'd love to! I'll meet you at 8pm at your place. "
Jennifer confirms this time with a nod.
" That sounds great. I'll see you then. "
" Excellent. Catch you later Jenny. "
Jennifer walks away from Paul with a spring in her step, as Paul walks back around the corner into the shower area, still beaming. The camera fades to black.
The camera starts up again, and this time it's a live feed. The location is a moderately busy coffee shop a few blocks up from where Jennifer lives in San Diego. The camera is focused on a particular table in the shop. On either side of this table side Paul Star and Jennifer Hunt. They already have their drinks on the table in front of them, so it's safe to assume they've been here for a few minutes already. They are chatting about Paul's match at Crossroads, and the camera joins them just as this conversation has started.
" You must be really excited about facing Andrew Jacobsen for the X-Division Championship. He's a great wrestler, and a great champion too. "
As Jennifer was speaking, Paul was taking his first sip of what looks like a cup of milky tea. Paul places the cup back on its saucer and responds to what Jennifer said in a positive tone. While Paul says his response, Jennifer takes this opportunity to have a sip of her coffee.
" Yeah, I can't wait to get in that ring and go toe to toe against Jacobsen. I've waited a month for this title shot, and I can't wait to cash it in. I was impressed with Jacobsen's win over Gib, which is something I couldn't pull off. Him beating Gib has only made me more determined to beat him and prove a point. That point being that I can not only go move for move against the top wrestlers in NCW, but I can beat them too. "
Jennifer swallows her mouthful of coffee, and follows up on what Paul has said.
" I believe you have what it takes to beat Jacobsen, especially after Shane told me how hard you've been training for the match. Did you see Jacobsen's response to what you said about him last week after your match? He was making digs about your past matches in NCW, and pointing out each of your wins and losses. "
Paul nods, indicating that he did see Jacobsen's promo.
" Yeah Jenny, I saw the whole thing. He made the majority of my past matches in NCW seem worthless, which is ridiculous. A win is a win, no matter who it's against or how you pull it off. Each match I have, he has too as a matter of fact, is an important match. He can play down my wins as much as he likes, but at the end of the day, I won those matches and I'm proud of every win I've had so far in NCW. He also highlighted a few of my losses, but forgot to mention that his record in NCW is far from perfect. I'm not going to go into too much detail about his losses though, as everyone knows the past counts for nothing in NCW. I've watched every one of Jacobsen's matches from his debut in NCW, up until his win against Gib last week. I've studied each and every match, and picked up on anything I can use against him at Crossroads. I don't want to talk about his or my past anymore though, as neither of our pasts will have a bearing on the outcome of our match against one another. When I step into that ring and face off against Jacobsen, I'm leaving my past behind and concentrating on the man in front of me at that very moment. I'm not taking my eye off him either, until the bell rings and the match winner is announced. "
Paul takes a break from talking so he can drink some more of his tea while it's still hot. This gives Jennifer a chance to talk further about what Jacobsen said about Paul.
" You want to know what really got to me about what he said? He questioned you heart! He actually had the nerve to question your heart, and your reasons for being in the wrestling business! I mean, who the Hell does he think he is?? You've got more passion for wrestling in your big toes than he does in his entire body! "
Jennifer stops to allow herself to calm down. She drinks some more coffee as Paul takes over talking about his heart.
" Don't let it get to you, Jenny. Jacobsen knows as well as you and I do that I've got the heart of a lion. He questions my heart, and my reasons for being in the wrestling business, but deep down he knows why I wrestle my socks off every week for NCW. He knows I do this for the thrill of the game, and for the love of the crowd. Wrestling is my one true passion, and nothing he can say or do to me will ever stop me loving the sport I've devoted my heart and soul to. Yes, I do live for the moment. I live for that buzz you get every time the crowd cheers when you hit a big move. I live for them chanting my name whenever they see me in the ring. I live for wrestling, and I live for the love of the crowd! If he can't see that now, he definitely will after our match at Crossroads. "
Paul stops for a moment to sip at his drink and wet his mouth. Jennifer stays quiet, enjoying the passionate tone of Paul's voice. She doesn't have to wait long for more passion, as Paul puts places his cup back on its saucer and speaks once again.
" Just the thought of stepping into the ring at Crossroads gets me fired up. Imagine that fire, burning one hundred times hotter. That's the heat I'm bringing into my match against Jacobsen. Having the X-Division Championship on the line only goes further toward fuelling my fire. I know I've spoken about that flame that burns inside me before now, but now that I'm faced with a title match at a Pay Per View, that fire is going to make me too hot to handle. By questioning my heart, Jacobsen has stepped right into my fire. Now that it's engulfing him, it won't be long before he's toast. I wouldn't have said this before, but I'm going to say it now because he's started a wheel turning that he won't be able to stop... Jacobsen had better be prepared to buy a new belt, because there's a high probability that the X-Division Championship he wears around his waist so proudly won't be his to wear after our match at Crossroads! He wants me to prove him wrong, and he'd better be prepared to eat those words because I'm fully prepared to feed them to him on the sole of my boot! "
Jennifer simply stares at Paul, biting her top lip as she goes through what he just said again in her head. Paul notices that she's zoned out.
" Jenny, are you OK? "
Jennifer hears her name, and snaps out of the thoughts inside her head.
" Yes, I'm fine. I was just enjoying your passion. I love it when you talk like that. It's so exciting! "
James snickers naughtily. He and Jennifer finish their drinks at the same time.
" Shall we head off? "
" Yeah, let's go. I'll walk you home. "
Jennifer is happy to hear that Paul wants to walk her home.
" That'd be great."
As Paul and Jennifer stand up, the camera cuts off and we are treated to a few minutes of advertisements. After all, NCW has to pay the wages somehow... We come back to the live action. Paul and Jennifer are just walking up the path toward Jennifer's front door. They stop in front of the door, and look at each other straight in the eyes.
" Thank you for tonight Paul. I've had a really nice time. Oh, and thank you for walking me home. "
Paul nods his head and smiles whole heartedly at Jennifer.
" Yeah, I've had a great evening. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. "
Paul finishes his sentence, and he gazes into Jennifer's eyes. His head moves forward slowly, as his and Jennifer's lips get closer. As his lips touch hers, Jennifer backs away a couple of steps.
" What are you doing? "
Paul looks confused, but explains himself.
" I was ending our perfect date with the perfect kiss... "
Jennifer looks at Paul, a blank expression on her face as she does so.
" A date? I wasn't aware that this was a date. Sorry Paul, but it wasn't... "
You can practically see Paul's heart break as Jennifer informs him of this.
" Oh... Well, thanks for this... "
Paul turns and walks away from Jennifer's house up the path.
" Paul... I'll see you later... "
Paul doesn't respond to this. He simply walks out of her garden and walks toward Shane's house, which just happens to be a few doors up from Jennifer's. When Paul is out of ear shot, Jennifer says one more thing.
" It was a date... You stupid girl, Jennifer! What was that all about...? "
Jennifer turns toward her front door. She fishes in her pocket for her house keys as the camera fades to black for the last time this evening.
The camera fires up and we are in the Hunt Dungeon, with text in the corner of the cameras view indicating that video was recorded earlier in the day. In the Dungeons training ring is Paul Star and John Hunt. At ringside is Paul's current mentor, Shane Hunt. Shane is barking orders at Paul and John, with Paul giving it everything he's got to impress Shane. John can hardly keep up, as Paul shoots around the training ring, hitting John from all angles with vigour and purpose. Paul looks absolutely focused on the task at hand, while John on the other hand looks like he's not enjoying this session at all. John goes for a collar and elbow tie up, but before he knows it, Paul has shot behind him and has thrown him to the mat with a belly to back slam. John quickly rolls out of the ring. Shane watches John fall to the floor outside, a confused expression crossing his face as John does this.
" What the Hell are you doing, Johh? Paul needs to train, and you don't seem up for this at all... "
John stands up and approaches Shane, with Paul looking on from inside the ring while bouncing around to keep his legs warmed up. John stops in front of Shane, who still looks confused by John rolling out of the ring.
" Shane, I just can't keep up with him! He's moving around that ring faster than I've ever seen him move before. "
Inside the ring, Paul stops bouncing around and walks to the ropes at the front of the ring. He leans on the top rope and looks down at Shane and John.
" What's up John? Am I too good for you today? "
Paul smiles cockily, as John turns and looks up at him. He nods his head.
" There's no need to be sarcastic about it, but you are training harder than you've trained in recent weeks. This match must be very important for you. "
Paul raises an eyebrow at John. It may not be obvious to John, but this is Paul's most important match in NCW so far.
" John mate, this match at Crossroad is huge for me! I've got a chance to win the X-Division championship. Winning that belt is a big thing for me, and I've got to be fully prepared for it. That's why I'm training so hard. Sorry if you can't keep up with me. "
Paul turns his attention to Shane, as John continues listening to him.
" Shane, is there anyone you know who can keep up with my pace? "
John turns to face Shane again, reiterating Paul's question.
" I've got to agree with Paul. I can't move as fast as him, and he's so focused that he can see my moves coming a mile off. Do we know anyone that is as fast as Paul, and who has a crazy set of moves which may catch Paul off guard? "
Shane scratches his chin, trying to think of a wrestler suitable to train with Paul. Paul and John look at Shane, waiting patiently for his response to their similar questions. After a few more seconds of thinking, Shane stops scratching his chin as the image of a certain wrestler pops into his head.
" You know what? I think I know the perfect wrestler to keep up with Paul and test his skills. John, do you remember Spaz? "
John's eyes widen at the sound of this peculiar name.
" Spaz?? Are you sure that's wise? Spaz isn't exactly the most sane wrestler in the business. "
Shane nods his head in agreement with John.
" Yes, he's crazy. He's also a very unconventional wrestler with one of the strangest wrestling styles I've ever seen. "
Shane looks toward Paul, who is already looking at him as he's been listening to him speak.
" Do you know who Spaz is? "
Paul grins at Shane.
" Of course I know who Spaz is. He's completely mental! You're right about him being the perfect training partner for me. I need someone to train with me who can keep me on my toes, rather than someone who I can run rings around. No offense John, but you're not the kind of wrestler who'll keep me guessing. You're more of a straight ahead brutal striker, and I've already gotten to grips with the way you wrestle and the ways I can counter your moves. "
John shrugs his shoulders, taking Paul's criticism on the chin.
" No offense taken. I understand what you're saying, and I'm happy to step aside and let Spaz take over where I left off. "
Shane cuts in on John and Paul's conversation with a slight roadblock.
" Boys, before we even consider letting John sit out on your next training session, I'll need to try and talk Spaz into coming here. Last time we spoke, I ended up drunkenly punching him in the face. That was about eight months ago, so there's no telling whether he's forgiven me for it or not yet. For Paul's sake, I hope he has... Anyway, let's call it a day. Paul and John, you pair hit the showers. I'll go and make this phone call. I'm not looking forward to this at all! "
Shane walks away from the ring and starts climbing the stairs up to the house as Paul rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope. As John is about to walk away, Paul stops him by putting a hand on his shoulder. John turns around and looks at Paul, who has a sorry expression on his face.
" Listen mate, I hope you don't feel too downhearted about me wanting to train with someone else this week. "
John smiles at Paul and shakes his head.
" Nah. I know how much this match against Jacobsen means to you. I know you want to be the next X-Division champion, and you want to be fully prepared for the match you have to be in to get what you want. I'm not the man who can get you as prepared as you want to be, but Spaz is. If Shane can get him on board, even just for this week, you training with him will be a big boost in terms of your preperation for your match at Crossroads. "
Paul expresses his gratitude to John for understanding by offering John a hand shake. John happily returns graciousness by reaching out his hand and meeting Paul's in the middle. After this hand shake, the two men release each others hands and return their own to their side.
" Thank you for being so understanding. You're a good mate, John. "
" Same right back at you Mr. Star. Right, I'm going to head off and have a shower at home. I've got a date with this beautiful blonde girl, and I want to look my best. "
John turns and walks away from Paul, heading up the same stairs Shane went up a moment or two earlier. Paul is left on his own in the Hunt Dungeon. He walks over to his kit bag, which is situated on a wooden bench against the wall. He plunges his hand in the open bag, and pulls out a towel. Paul walks toward the bottom end of the room, where there is a shower area around the corner of a gap in the wall. Paul disappears around the corner, the camera not following him incase it catches something unsuitable for NCW to broadcast. Instead, the camera treats viewers to a shot of the bottom step of the stairs which lead up into Shane Hunt's house. After about thirty seconds, the sound of running water can be heard as Paul turns on one of the showers. The sound is broken by what is probably Paul, standing under the stream of water.
As Paul continues his shower, footsteps can be heard coming down the stairs. As the camera stays focused on the bottom step, a foot in a small heeled shoe appear, and then a second appears next to it. The camera pans up the body of this person, who is dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt. As the camera reaches the persons face, it becomes obvious who the person is. It's Jennifer Hunt, the sister of Shane and Paul. Her face wears a concerned look. The camera moves outward, so that the whole of Jennifer's well defined body gradually comes into view. Jennifer starts walking further into the room, the camera trying it's best to keep all of her in shot as she moves.
" Paul, are you down here? "
Jennifer walks past the shower area, taking a brief peak in as she does so. Jennifer grinds to a halt just by the opening to the shower area. Her eyes widen as she realises what she's just seen. He shuffles back slowly, and takes a second peak. What she sees is Paul Star, standing naked under a shower head. Jennifer looks Paul's wet body up and down, following the curves of his muscled shoulders, back, and thighs as she gazes. She suddenly hops back around the corner, a cheeky smile spread right across her face. The sound of pouring water stops, and sloppy wet footsteps can be heard from around the corner.
" Hello? Who's there? "
Jennifer answers, still smiling about what she saw of Paul.
" Paul, it's Jennifer... "
Paul's tone of voice changes upon realisation of who is down in the Dungeon with him.
" Oh, hiya Jenny! Give me a second, and I'll be out there. "
After a few seconds, Paul steps out from around the corner. Jennifer's eyes widen as he catches sight of him. Paul is only wearing a towel, and is still wet. As he moves, light glimmers off the droplets of water which sit on his skin. His hair is sodden, and is dripping even move water down upon his body. Jennifer is transfixed on Paul's abdominal area. She watches as water rolls down the middle of his abs, and soaks into the towel which he is wearing around his groin area and upper legs. Paul signals for Jennifer to look at his face.
" Jenny, I'm up here... "
Jennifer snaps out of hit on hearing Paul speak, and her gaze turns toward his face.
" Right... Erm... Hello! "
Paul smiles uncomfortably, seeming unsure why Jennifer is down in the Dungeon at this time.
" Yeah, hi. What brings you down here? "
Jennifer raises an eyebrow. She thought it would have been obvious why she's in the Dungeon.
" I came looking for you, silly. "
Jennifer's expression returns to one of concern as she remembers why she wanted to talk to Paul.
" Shane told me he's going to try and get Spaz down here to train with you. I'm worried about you Paul. Spaz is an unpredictable, dangerous wrestler. Are you sure you're doing the right thing, agreeing to train with him if Shane can convince him to come here? "
Paul looks surprised at Jennifer's reaction to him wanting to train with Spaz. He didn't know she cared so much about him. Paul strokes Jennifer's arm, showing he appreciates her concern.
" It's good to know you care, but I need this training with Spaz. He might be strange, and he might be dangerous, but that's the kind of person I need to train with right now. Like I said to both Shane and John, I need to be tested in that training ring, and Spaz is the man to give me that test. "
Jennifer lets out a sigh. She's still not sure Paul is doing the right thing, but wants him to be at his best when he enters the ring at Crossroads.
" It's your choice Paul. You know I'll stand by you, no matter what you choose... Changing the subject, I was wondering if you fancied going out for a drink later? Just a coffee and some wrestling chit chat? "
Paul looks delighted that Jennifer asked him this. His face is beaming with a big smile.
" Yes, I'd love to! I'll meet you at 8pm at your place. "
Jennifer confirms this time with a nod.
" That sounds great. I'll see you then. "
" Excellent. Catch you later Jenny. "
Jennifer walks away from Paul with a spring in her step, as Paul walks back around the corner into the shower area, still beaming. The camera fades to black.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The camera starts up again, and this time it's a live feed. The location is a moderately busy coffee shop a few blocks up from where Jennifer lives in San Diego. The camera is focused on a particular table in the shop. On either side of this table side Paul Star and Jennifer Hunt. They already have their drinks on the table in front of them, so it's safe to assume they've been here for a few minutes already. They are chatting about Paul's match at Crossroads, and the camera joins them just as this conversation has started.
" You must be really excited about facing Andrew Jacobsen for the X-Division Championship. He's a great wrestler, and a great champion too. "
As Jennifer was speaking, Paul was taking his first sip of what looks like a cup of milky tea. Paul places the cup back on its saucer and responds to what Jennifer said in a positive tone. While Paul says his response, Jennifer takes this opportunity to have a sip of her coffee.
" Yeah, I can't wait to get in that ring and go toe to toe against Jacobsen. I've waited a month for this title shot, and I can't wait to cash it in. I was impressed with Jacobsen's win over Gib, which is something I couldn't pull off. Him beating Gib has only made me more determined to beat him and prove a point. That point being that I can not only go move for move against the top wrestlers in NCW, but I can beat them too. "
Jennifer swallows her mouthful of coffee, and follows up on what Paul has said.
" I believe you have what it takes to beat Jacobsen, especially after Shane told me how hard you've been training for the match. Did you see Jacobsen's response to what you said about him last week after your match? He was making digs about your past matches in NCW, and pointing out each of your wins and losses. "
Paul nods, indicating that he did see Jacobsen's promo.
" Yeah Jenny, I saw the whole thing. He made the majority of my past matches in NCW seem worthless, which is ridiculous. A win is a win, no matter who it's against or how you pull it off. Each match I have, he has too as a matter of fact, is an important match. He can play down my wins as much as he likes, but at the end of the day, I won those matches and I'm proud of every win I've had so far in NCW. He also highlighted a few of my losses, but forgot to mention that his record in NCW is far from perfect. I'm not going to go into too much detail about his losses though, as everyone knows the past counts for nothing in NCW. I've watched every one of Jacobsen's matches from his debut in NCW, up until his win against Gib last week. I've studied each and every match, and picked up on anything I can use against him at Crossroads. I don't want to talk about his or my past anymore though, as neither of our pasts will have a bearing on the outcome of our match against one another. When I step into that ring and face off against Jacobsen, I'm leaving my past behind and concentrating on the man in front of me at that very moment. I'm not taking my eye off him either, until the bell rings and the match winner is announced. "
Paul takes a break from talking so he can drink some more of his tea while it's still hot. This gives Jennifer a chance to talk further about what Jacobsen said about Paul.
" You want to know what really got to me about what he said? He questioned you heart! He actually had the nerve to question your heart, and your reasons for being in the wrestling business! I mean, who the Hell does he think he is?? You've got more passion for wrestling in your big toes than he does in his entire body! "
Jennifer stops to allow herself to calm down. She drinks some more coffee as Paul takes over talking about his heart.
" Don't let it get to you, Jenny. Jacobsen knows as well as you and I do that I've got the heart of a lion. He questions my heart, and my reasons for being in the wrestling business, but deep down he knows why I wrestle my socks off every week for NCW. He knows I do this for the thrill of the game, and for the love of the crowd. Wrestling is my one true passion, and nothing he can say or do to me will ever stop me loving the sport I've devoted my heart and soul to. Yes, I do live for the moment. I live for that buzz you get every time the crowd cheers when you hit a big move. I live for them chanting my name whenever they see me in the ring. I live for wrestling, and I live for the love of the crowd! If he can't see that now, he definitely will after our match at Crossroads. "
Paul stops for a moment to sip at his drink and wet his mouth. Jennifer stays quiet, enjoying the passionate tone of Paul's voice. She doesn't have to wait long for more passion, as Paul puts places his cup back on its saucer and speaks once again.
" Just the thought of stepping into the ring at Crossroads gets me fired up. Imagine that fire, burning one hundred times hotter. That's the heat I'm bringing into my match against Jacobsen. Having the X-Division Championship on the line only goes further toward fuelling my fire. I know I've spoken about that flame that burns inside me before now, but now that I'm faced with a title match at a Pay Per View, that fire is going to make me too hot to handle. By questioning my heart, Jacobsen has stepped right into my fire. Now that it's engulfing him, it won't be long before he's toast. I wouldn't have said this before, but I'm going to say it now because he's started a wheel turning that he won't be able to stop... Jacobsen had better be prepared to buy a new belt, because there's a high probability that the X-Division Championship he wears around his waist so proudly won't be his to wear after our match at Crossroads! He wants me to prove him wrong, and he'd better be prepared to eat those words because I'm fully prepared to feed them to him on the sole of my boot! "
Jennifer simply stares at Paul, biting her top lip as she goes through what he just said again in her head. Paul notices that she's zoned out.
" Jenny, are you OK? "
Jennifer hears her name, and snaps out of the thoughts inside her head.
" Yes, I'm fine. I was just enjoying your passion. I love it when you talk like that. It's so exciting! "
James snickers naughtily. He and Jennifer finish their drinks at the same time.
" Shall we head off? "
" Yeah, let's go. I'll walk you home. "
Jennifer is happy to hear that Paul wants to walk her home.
" That'd be great."
As Paul and Jennifer stand up, the camera cuts off and we are treated to a few minutes of advertisements. After all, NCW has to pay the wages somehow... We come back to the live action. Paul and Jennifer are just walking up the path toward Jennifer's front door. They stop in front of the door, and look at each other straight in the eyes.
" Thank you for tonight Paul. I've had a really nice time. Oh, and thank you for walking me home. "
Paul nods his head and smiles whole heartedly at Jennifer.
" Yeah, I've had a great evening. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. "
Paul finishes his sentence, and he gazes into Jennifer's eyes. His head moves forward slowly, as his and Jennifer's lips get closer. As his lips touch hers, Jennifer backs away a couple of steps.
" What are you doing? "
Paul looks confused, but explains himself.
" I was ending our perfect date with the perfect kiss... "
Jennifer looks at Paul, a blank expression on her face as she does so.
" A date? I wasn't aware that this was a date. Sorry Paul, but it wasn't... "
You can practically see Paul's heart break as Jennifer informs him of this.
" Oh... Well, thanks for this... "
Paul turns and walks away from Jennifer's house up the path.
" Paul... I'll see you later... "
Paul doesn't respond to this. He simply walks out of her garden and walks toward Shane's house, which just happens to be a few doors up from Jennifer's. When Paul is out of ear shot, Jennifer says one more thing.
" It was a date... You stupid girl, Jennifer! What was that all about...? "
Jennifer turns toward her front door. She fishes in her pocket for her house keys as the camera fades to black for the last time this evening.