Post by kidnotorious on Sept 16, 2011 18:12:29 GMT -5
[It's a bright, sunny morning as we open up to a school setting. Judging by the fact all the buildings were situated so you had to go outside to get to your next class, a good guess is that this is somewhere in a hot climate, and that guess would be right. A sign on the wall of one of the many red and brown brick walls and blue roofed octagon-shaped buildings reads "Flowing Wells Jr High School," the lone Junior High for the Flowing Wells School District, one of many in Tucson, Arizona.
The camera pans through the outer area of the school, past the restrooms and the drinking fountains and the classrooms to a large rectangular building in the back of the area. Attached the side of the building is a snack bar area, next to that a set of restrooms, and directly across from the entrance to the building is a number of tables sitting under a large metal awning. Sitting on top of one of the blue metal tables under the awning is the Young Gun. It is an interesting sight, his face and half his body are in the shade from the awning, while the other half is illuminated by the sun pounding down on what passes for the outdoor lunch area at the school. He is wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt with "Bear Down" written on it in red and blue lettering. He appears to be lost in thought, staring across the way at the little wall in between the men's restroom and the Snack Bar.]
Brandon: Heh...
[He sighs as he rubs his chin. He can see it all as if it was just yesterday. Him, his best friends Adrian and Cecil hanging out at lunch, doing their thing. Adrian's older sister Kaycee, enrolled in the High School a few blocks down the road by the time the trio made it to Jr High, would often sneak off during her lunch and come over and hang out with them during their lunch, saying she preferred to hang out with them more than the snobs at the high school. It didn't happen all the time and as time went by it happened less and less, but that doesn't mean he doesn't remember the first moment he realized he was in love with her. Sure, he was pretty sure he'd known THAT since 2nd grade, but you don't really understand that type of stuff till later on in life. He smiled a bit, --though he tried to stop himself from doing so but the thought was just too hard to refuse-- as the thought came to him again...]
[Brandon shakes his head, washing away the memory and bringing himself back to the present. He takes one last look at the little area he spent so much time at before hopping off the table and walking away from the lunch area, heading towards the school proper. He walks further into the mass of buildings before passing by a water fountain, which he stops and takes a quick drink from it.]
Brandon: Man, it was all so much easier when we were young. Then we had to go and 'grow up.' Sigh...
Brandon: ...Damn it, Brandon.
[Back in reality, he shakes his head, reaching down to splash some water on his face before standing upright again, rubbing his hand with his face, then he sighs again.]
Brandon: Welp, this was a terrible idea. What the hell was I thinking?
[He gazes around the school one last time before deciding to head for somewhere less traumatic. The scene cuts to black on a picture above the water fountain, showing the younger versions of Adrian, Cecil, Brandon and Kaycee standing together with the basketball team celebrating a big win.]
==========================*==========================
[The scene reopens with Brandon sitting in a booth, nursing a milkshake at a little fiftys-themed diner down the road from the school.]
Brandon: ...Seriously, how could I have been so dumb? Goin' back there, jebus. That was about the worst idea I've ever had!
[He shakes his head and sips on his milkshake. It took him a long time to finally get over Kaycee, and the first chance he gets he goes right back to where it all began. What WAS he thinking?]
#And if I had my chance, I'd never let you go...#
[He jumps slightly, as Kill Hannah's "I wanna be a Kennedy" blares out from his pocket. He pulls his cell phone out and opens it, seeing the name that pops up on the screen. Then he curses himself even more, realizing he's got other things, or people, to be thinking about now...]
[Brandon looks at the text from Natalie and smiles. Then he realizes that maybe coming here wasn't such a bad idea after all. Sometimes you had to stare the past in the face and say you're over it to really look towards the future. He wasn't so sure he was ready to do that second part just yet, but he could definitely see something bright in the future worth going for. A waitress interrupts his reverie.]
Waitress: Anything else, hon?
Brandon: 'Nother milkshake, please.
Waitress: You got it.
[The waitress takes his now-empty glass and leaves. Brandon glances out the window for a second before looking back.]
Brandon: So, Moscow. That was a crazy few days. Between the cab ride and Vengeance and just... rushing around trying to see everything I wanted to before the flight home.. Yeah, crazy. Was pretty awesome though, I haveta say!
I especially liked the part where I almost beat the guy who came up second in the Rumble.
[He grins, but only for a second.]
Brandon: Of course, "almost" isn't good enough. So props to you, Roman, for doing what I couldn't. I hope for your sake though that you realize NOW that you won't be going through me "like a hot knife through butter." I'll lose a match, I've made my peace with that a long time ago, but I'll be damned if ANYONE puts me down without a fight!
I find it funny that you have the cajones to call ME arrogant just moments after you talk about running through me like a knife through butter. Who the fuck are you, really? You yourself admitted, in the same damn promo, that you and I were on equal footing walking into that Rumble, but then all of a sudden, like the flip of a switch, suddenly you're so much better than me?
Well I think I proved last week, Roman, that ain't the case at ALL!
[He glares at the camera.]
Brandon: Do you pay attention to anyone but yourself, Rom? Explain to me where I've ever come off arrogant? Boisterous? Sure. I'm loud and hot-tempered and dammit I wouldn't wanna be any other way! But "arrogant?" Anyone who's actually watched a promotional of mine would know that ain't true in the damn least! Of course I hope I go out there and win every match I'm in, of course I come on the teevee and I tell everyone I'm gonna go out there and kick your face in and do everything I can to walk out with the victory, but that ain't arrogance, you dim-witted, big-headed fuck. That's setting a goal for myself and hoping to achieve it. Because unlike you apparently, I have no qualms admitting that I'm NOT the greatest thing since sliced bread number two.
I expected a lot better from you, Rom. I really did.
[He shakes his head with a sigh. The waitress comes back and hands him his milkshake which he takes a sip from before continuing.]
Brandon: You were contradicting yourself all over that last promo, Roman. First I'm a talented athlete with whom you'd really be happy to face, someone who's going to push you because we wrestle a similar style, but then I'm suddenly a nobody who you're going to crush, a moron who won't ever get past the lower levels of the card. You're so humble and unsure of your own success one moment, then the next you're the best thing ever and nobody will ever stop you because you're just FAR too amazing to be stopped. I liked the Lindsay Lohan comparison, by the way. Too bad it's gonna end up fitting you more than it does me. See if you're gonna compare me to any teenage disney actress I'm more of a Christy Carlson Romano, a spunky homegrown pop culture sensation who doesn't really care right now about the fame and the money and the power but will end up getting all that anyways because I'm just that good at what I do. You though, you're heading right into Lindsey Lohan start-out-hot-but-crash-and-burn territory reaaaal quickly with your over inflated ego and your monstrous overcompensation of what you're really truly able to do in that ring.
[He takes another sip of his shake, trying hard to understand how someone can flip flop SO quickly like Roman Cripate does. It makes little sense to him, but then again what does he know. He just a "flying, fucking monkey."]
Brandon: And now we get to do it all over again. Only this time... This time's gonna be a little different. Because this time I know who and what you truly are. This time I know not rest on my hope that you and I could go out there and have a match built on RESPECT and honor, because you clearly have neither of those traits. Which is fine by me. I owe you a kick in the head for what you said about Natalie anyways. That gal is the sweetest person in the world, and for you to talk about her like she's some common skank?Well buddy, I'm liable to kick your goddamn teeth down your throat!
[He slams a fist down on the table, scaring the old couple sitting in the next booth. He apologizes and tries to calm himself.]
Brandon: And when we meet in that ring for a second time Roman, you ain't gonna get the better of me again! I'm sure you'll come out here soon enough and ramble on about how super incredible you are and how easy it was to beat me and how much of a nobody I was to get past on your oh-so-epic quest to the World Title, but the truth is much different. The truth is you and I are a LOT alike.
Well, if I'm being truthful maybe we aren't so much like. You're a simple-minded, yet talented, douchecanoe getting way too big for his britches while I'm a guy who's just striving to be his best no matter WHAT life throws at him!
That's the difference between us, Roman, I don't act all high and mighty and claim to be able to do things I know I can't just yet. But I know what I CAN do, Roman. I CAN beat you! Because while personality-wise we couldn't be any different, this past Sunday Night Vengeance I proved that in that ring you are NOT some super-special godking who can't be stopped, you are just another wrestler, just another guy who CAN and if I have my say- WILL be defeated.
[He nods his head in belief of his own words.]
Brandon: I know there's a third participant in this match, one I haven't spoken about yet, and I just want to say that I'm not overlooking you, mister Scorpion.
[He takes another sip, trying to find his words.]
Brandon: I'm not gonna be like Roman and rant on about you being a stepping stone for me and my supposed awesomeness, because while I may know now that I can beat Roman, I don't know that the same goes for you at all. You're a big deal around EUW, and I gotta be honest that being thrown in with one of the main eventers this early in my EUW career... I dunno, man. That's some major pressure on a guy.
But while I may not be a huge enough d-bag to say I'm gonna run you down and treat you like you were nothing, I gotta look at this from the other perspective too. The head honcho put me in this match with you and ol' Rom, so he must see somethin' in me. Does that mean I'm gonna go in there and stomp on your face and walk all over you en route to the biggest victory of my career? Nah! But as much being in there with a guy as huge a name as The Scorpion worries me, it also gives me hope. Hope that I'm bein' noticed for bein' me, and hope that if I don't beat you this time, maybe I leave enough of an impression, or I learn enough in this encounter that maybe, just maybe, I can do it somewhere down the road!
I may go down in a hail of flames to you Scorpy, but dammit all I'm gonna make you EARN it! Though if there's a chance I find that weak spot, that crack in your armor, you can damn sure bet I'ma do everything in my power to exploit it for all it's worth! I've come to grips with more than likely losing out to you here, but that doesn't mean I'm just gonna roll over and die! Both you and that other shmuck are gonna get the full fury of Brandon F'n Young, and win, lose or draw, I'm goin' out there to leave my mark on you, the fans, on EVERYBODY, so that the whole world knows that the Young Gun has arrived!
Believe it.
[Fade.]
The camera pans through the outer area of the school, past the restrooms and the drinking fountains and the classrooms to a large rectangular building in the back of the area. Attached the side of the building is a snack bar area, next to that a set of restrooms, and directly across from the entrance to the building is a number of tables sitting under a large metal awning. Sitting on top of one of the blue metal tables under the awning is the Young Gun. It is an interesting sight, his face and half his body are in the shade from the awning, while the other half is illuminated by the sun pounding down on what passes for the outdoor lunch area at the school. He is wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt with "Bear Down" written on it in red and blue lettering. He appears to be lost in thought, staring across the way at the little wall in between the men's restroom and the Snack Bar.]
Brandon: Heh...
[He sighs as he rubs his chin. He can see it all as if it was just yesterday. Him, his best friends Adrian and Cecil hanging out at lunch, doing their thing. Adrian's older sister Kaycee, enrolled in the High School a few blocks down the road by the time the trio made it to Jr High, would often sneak off during her lunch and come over and hang out with them during their lunch, saying she preferred to hang out with them more than the snobs at the high school. It didn't happen all the time and as time went by it happened less and less, but that doesn't mean he doesn't remember the first moment he realized he was in love with her. Sure, he was pretty sure he'd known THAT since 2nd grade, but you don't really understand that type of stuff till later on in life. He smiled a bit, --though he tried to stop himself from doing so but the thought was just too hard to refuse-- as the thought came to him again...]
[Years ago. It's lunch time, and the school is bustling with flustered students rushing to and fro with their lunches. We find a much younger Brandon Young (with much shorter hair) leaning against the wall in the same spot between the men's room and Snack Bar, watching his two best friends, Adrian Tanner Jr and Cecil Kennedy, throw a frisby back and forth. Of course, this being the three of them, nothing was ever simple. Brandon cringed as Cecil hopped up onto the railing, almost losing his balance in the process, and then tossed the frisby at Adrian, who dived off the little wall they used to sit on to eat their food and caught it.
Adrian: Yeaaaah! That's how you do it!
Cecil: Pretty nice catch there, Tanner. Not as great as my jump, but not bad.
Adrian: Pfft, you call it a jump, I call it "lucky you didn't faceplant onto your, uh, face." Jerk!
Cecil: Tch, there's no fun if there's no risk involved. And I believe you are the one who is the jerk, jerk!
[Brandon shook his head, chuckling to himself before pushing off the wall.]
Brandon: Yer both jerks! Now lemme show ya'll how it's done!
Adrian: Alright, I got the toss on this one. Brand, find your mark.
Brandon: Already found it.
[Brandon steps back over to the same wall he was leaning on while Adrian climbs up onto the railing. He's not crazy enough yet to simply jump up there like Cecil just did, but that doesn't stop him from taking his own risks. Brandon nods to Adrian and then takes a running start at the opposite wall. Adrian dives off his spot into a front cartwheel and tosses the frisby into the air while Brandon jumps up onto the ledge where they sit to eat their lunch. He attempts to backflip out so that he could catch the frisby as it whizzes by his head, but he slips, and instead of doing a perfect backflip, something he'd tested time and again in that very spot, he went flying to the side, before unknowingly crashing into another human body and sending them both to the hard concrete below.]
Brandon: Ow...
[Brandon, his eyes closed in pain, slowly attempts to peel himself off of his human fall-breaker, pushing himself up so he's leaning on one arm, then he opens his eyes and notices the person who ended up being his crash test dummy.]
Kaycee Tanner: ...Hi.
[Half the school is seemingly crowded around them wondering just what the hell that Young twerp did this time, but for Brandon, time seems to slow to a crawl as he stares down at the red-hair-topped face of his best friend's older sister. Her hair is topped in a bun today and from the look on her face she doesn't even seem to be that angry at Brandon for choosing the exact moment she showed up to use her as a landing pad, though it's obvious to anyone but Brandon that's she at least in some form of pain. But the younger Young Gun doesn't see that, all he sees are her sparkling green eyes, the way her lips move just so, her radiant red hair, which while a little messy from the fall is still almost kept tightly in her bun, as she says that one word to him. And suddenly, everything clicks into place. This was the perfect girl.]
Kaycee Tanner: ...Now would be a good time to let me up, ya dork.
[She chuckles, and that finally breaks him out of his stupor. He looks around in shock and horror as the entire lunch area is staring at him, though Adrian and Cecil are doing their best to distract them. Finally he climbs to his feet and helps her up. He wants to die from embarrassment, and Kaycee's not far behind on that thought, but instead the four of them disappear to the side of the restroom building that's at least a little bit hidden from the lunch area. Once there, Adrian and Cecil bust out laughing.]
Adrian: Oh god, my sides.
Cecil: I have never seen a man flail about like that before. That was hilarious!
Brandon: Aw shaddup... Some friends you are, ya jerks! Ain't even asked if we're okay or anythin'.
Adrian: I'm so-haha-orry! Lemme catch my breath!
Cecil: Guy's got a point. You okay Kayc?
[Cecil grins as he 'ignores' Brandon, turning to Kaycee.]
Kaycee: Eh, just my pride. I'll be fine.
[Kaycee winces as she limps over to the wall next to Brandon, trying not to show the pain.]
Kaycee: I'm more worried about this guy. You alright, Brandon?
[Brandon blinks as Kaycee wraps an arm around him.]
Brandon: ...W-worried about me? Why?
Adrian: Yeah, I'm with him.
Brandon: Shaddup, jer-
Kaycee: What? I can't be worried about my friend's safety?
Brandon: Well, er, ah... course ya can! I just don't see why ya would, given the whole thing was my fault and all...
Kaycee: Aw, don't be like that. It was an accident.
[She uses her one arm to hug him, and he almost loses consciousness, though this time for a different reason. He immediately shakes it off, trying not to let anyone see him in this state, and hoping if they do he can just play it off as an after effect of the fall. Finally Kaycee let's him go, and things get back to normal between the four of them fairly quickly.]
Adrian: Yeaaaah! That's how you do it!
Cecil: Pretty nice catch there, Tanner. Not as great as my jump, but not bad.
Adrian: Pfft, you call it a jump, I call it "lucky you didn't faceplant onto your, uh, face." Jerk!
Cecil: Tch, there's no fun if there's no risk involved. And I believe you are the one who is the jerk, jerk!
[Brandon shook his head, chuckling to himself before pushing off the wall.]
Brandon: Yer both jerks! Now lemme show ya'll how it's done!
Adrian: Alright, I got the toss on this one. Brand, find your mark.
Brandon: Already found it.
[Brandon steps back over to the same wall he was leaning on while Adrian climbs up onto the railing. He's not crazy enough yet to simply jump up there like Cecil just did, but that doesn't stop him from taking his own risks. Brandon nods to Adrian and then takes a running start at the opposite wall. Adrian dives off his spot into a front cartwheel and tosses the frisby into the air while Brandon jumps up onto the ledge where they sit to eat their lunch. He attempts to backflip out so that he could catch the frisby as it whizzes by his head, but he slips, and instead of doing a perfect backflip, something he'd tested time and again in that very spot, he went flying to the side, before unknowingly crashing into another human body and sending them both to the hard concrete below.]
Brandon: Ow...
[Brandon, his eyes closed in pain, slowly attempts to peel himself off of his human fall-breaker, pushing himself up so he's leaning on one arm, then he opens his eyes and notices the person who ended up being his crash test dummy.]
Kaycee Tanner: ...Hi.
[Half the school is seemingly crowded around them wondering just what the hell that Young twerp did this time, but for Brandon, time seems to slow to a crawl as he stares down at the red-hair-topped face of his best friend's older sister. Her hair is topped in a bun today and from the look on her face she doesn't even seem to be that angry at Brandon for choosing the exact moment she showed up to use her as a landing pad, though it's obvious to anyone but Brandon that's she at least in some form of pain. But the younger Young Gun doesn't see that, all he sees are her sparkling green eyes, the way her lips move just so, her radiant red hair, which while a little messy from the fall is still almost kept tightly in her bun, as she says that one word to him. And suddenly, everything clicks into place. This was the perfect girl.]
Kaycee Tanner: ...Now would be a good time to let me up, ya dork.
[She chuckles, and that finally breaks him out of his stupor. He looks around in shock and horror as the entire lunch area is staring at him, though Adrian and Cecil are doing their best to distract them. Finally he climbs to his feet and helps her up. He wants to die from embarrassment, and Kaycee's not far behind on that thought, but instead the four of them disappear to the side of the restroom building that's at least a little bit hidden from the lunch area. Once there, Adrian and Cecil bust out laughing.]
Adrian: Oh god, my sides.
Cecil: I have never seen a man flail about like that before. That was hilarious!
Brandon: Aw shaddup... Some friends you are, ya jerks! Ain't even asked if we're okay or anythin'.
Adrian: I'm so-haha-orry! Lemme catch my breath!
Cecil: Guy's got a point. You okay Kayc?
[Cecil grins as he 'ignores' Brandon, turning to Kaycee.]
Kaycee: Eh, just my pride. I'll be fine.
[Kaycee winces as she limps over to the wall next to Brandon, trying not to show the pain.]
Kaycee: I'm more worried about this guy. You alright, Brandon?
[Brandon blinks as Kaycee wraps an arm around him.]
Brandon: ...W-worried about me? Why?
Adrian: Yeah, I'm with him.
Brandon: Shaddup, jer-
Kaycee: What? I can't be worried about my friend's safety?
Brandon: Well, er, ah... course ya can! I just don't see why ya would, given the whole thing was my fault and all...
Kaycee: Aw, don't be like that. It was an accident.
[She uses her one arm to hug him, and he almost loses consciousness, though this time for a different reason. He immediately shakes it off, trying not to let anyone see him in this state, and hoping if they do he can just play it off as an after effect of the fall. Finally Kaycee let's him go, and things get back to normal between the four of them fairly quickly.]
[Brandon shakes his head, washing away the memory and bringing himself back to the present. He takes one last look at the little area he spent so much time at before hopping off the table and walking away from the lunch area, heading towards the school proper. He walks further into the mass of buildings before passing by a water fountain, which he stops and takes a quick drink from it.]
Brandon: Man, it was all so much easier when we were young. Then we had to go and 'grow up.' Sigh...
[Another memory hits him. This one much closer to the present, about a year or so ago. We see the familiar visage of the Young Gun as he sits at a table inside a fancy Italian restaurant, once again in shock and unable to speak, though this time for a completely different reason. Once again Kaycee is across from him, dressed in a green shimmering dress that accents her emerald eyes, while Brandon is wearing black dress pants and a brown silk shirt. It took awhile, but after that fateful fall long ago back in front of the Junior High Cafeteria, Brandon and Kaycee did eventually end up together. Fairy tale love bloomed right before their eyes and maybe in some parallel universe he let it slip by for a number of years, in this one, he acted on it. They haven't been together long, but it's long enough in Brandon's mind.
That is until this moment...]
Kaycee: I'm sorry Donny, you're wonderful, but I need... I dunno. Time.
[The Young Gun doesn't move, staring straight ahead, barely blinking.]
Kaycee: ..Donny? Say something. Please?
[She reaches over to grab his hand, and that snaps him out of his stupor. He jumps back, pulling his hand out of her reach. An act that hurts her, but then again she did just tell him she was breaking up with him.]
Brandon: ...What the hell am I supposed to say, Kayc?
Kaycee: ..I dunno. Something. Be angry, yell at me, whatever. Just don't... Don't sit there like that.
Brandon: I just... I don't get it. Why now of all times? I mean I thought we-
Kaycee: We DID- We DO! I love you, Donny. That's not changing, but-
Brandon: Then WHY?!
[His fist slams onto the table, causing it to shake and the silverware to jump. A group of people stare at them from across the way.]
Brandon: ..Sorry.
Kaycee: Donny, I just-
Brandon: You just what?
Kaycee: I... I need time.
Brandon: You love me but you 'need time.' How exactly does THAT work?
Kaycee: I've lived my entire life here, all my friends, all my family, everyone I know is here. There's a whole other world out there and I don't wanna be weighed down by the pressu-
Brandon: ..."don't wanna be weighed down." "Pressure." That's what I am to you? A weight? Something holding you back?
Kaycee: That's not what I meant-
Brandon: Except I'm pretty sure it IS!
Kaycee: I love you, Donny-
Brandon: Well you sure got a damn funny way'a showin' it. But fine, Kayc, who am I to hold you back?
[He snorts and shakes his head.]
Brandon: Y'know I've loved you since I was in second grade, Kayc. Prolly before that. I thought we were meant for each other. I thought you thought that too-
Kaycee: I DO think tha-
Brandon: Right. Nah, you made your choice clear. S'okay. Really. You go do your little miss world-traveler thing. Go off and live your real life in the fancy big world out there. I won't stop you. I won't "weigh you down" anymore.
Kaycee: Donny...
Brandon: Don't! Just... Don't. Please. I want whatever makes you happy, even if that ain't me. Just don't expect to me sit here waitin' for you to come gallivanting back into my arms.
[They stare at each other for a long moment, and even as he feels his heart shatter, as the will to live drains out of him, his own sense of pride forces him to stay strong, to hold it together. She looks like she's about to cry and he wants nothing more than to take her in his arms and tell her it's alright, but he just CAN'T. Not right now. Maybe not ever again. The tense silence continues for a good while, they finish their meals, neither daring to look at the other for longer than a second, then as the waiter comes by and hands them the check, Kaycee gets out of her chair, putting down enough money for her half of the bill. She takes one last long look at him, but he refuses to meet her gaze, and so she turns, and walks out the door... and out of the Young Gun's life...]
That is until this moment...]
Kaycee: I'm sorry Donny, you're wonderful, but I need... I dunno. Time.
[The Young Gun doesn't move, staring straight ahead, barely blinking.]
Kaycee: ..Donny? Say something. Please?
[She reaches over to grab his hand, and that snaps him out of his stupor. He jumps back, pulling his hand out of her reach. An act that hurts her, but then again she did just tell him she was breaking up with him.]
Brandon: ...What the hell am I supposed to say, Kayc?
Kaycee: ..I dunno. Something. Be angry, yell at me, whatever. Just don't... Don't sit there like that.
Brandon: I just... I don't get it. Why now of all times? I mean I thought we-
Kaycee: We DID- We DO! I love you, Donny. That's not changing, but-
Brandon: Then WHY?!
[His fist slams onto the table, causing it to shake and the silverware to jump. A group of people stare at them from across the way.]
Brandon: ..Sorry.
Kaycee: Donny, I just-
Brandon: You just what?
Kaycee: I... I need time.
Brandon: You love me but you 'need time.' How exactly does THAT work?
Kaycee: I've lived my entire life here, all my friends, all my family, everyone I know is here. There's a whole other world out there and I don't wanna be weighed down by the pressu-
Brandon: ..."don't wanna be weighed down." "Pressure." That's what I am to you? A weight? Something holding you back?
Kaycee: That's not what I meant-
Brandon: Except I'm pretty sure it IS!
Kaycee: I love you, Donny-
Brandon: Well you sure got a damn funny way'a showin' it. But fine, Kayc, who am I to hold you back?
[He snorts and shakes his head.]
Brandon: Y'know I've loved you since I was in second grade, Kayc. Prolly before that. I thought we were meant for each other. I thought you thought that too-
Kaycee: I DO think tha-
Brandon: Right. Nah, you made your choice clear. S'okay. Really. You go do your little miss world-traveler thing. Go off and live your real life in the fancy big world out there. I won't stop you. I won't "weigh you down" anymore.
Kaycee: Donny...
Brandon: Don't! Just... Don't. Please. I want whatever makes you happy, even if that ain't me. Just don't expect to me sit here waitin' for you to come gallivanting back into my arms.
[They stare at each other for a long moment, and even as he feels his heart shatter, as the will to live drains out of him, his own sense of pride forces him to stay strong, to hold it together. She looks like she's about to cry and he wants nothing more than to take her in his arms and tell her it's alright, but he just CAN'T. Not right now. Maybe not ever again. The tense silence continues for a good while, they finish their meals, neither daring to look at the other for longer than a second, then as the waiter comes by and hands them the check, Kaycee gets out of her chair, putting down enough money for her half of the bill. She takes one last long look at him, but he refuses to meet her gaze, and so she turns, and walks out the door... and out of the Young Gun's life...]
Brandon: ...Damn it, Brandon.
[Back in reality, he shakes his head, reaching down to splash some water on his face before standing upright again, rubbing his hand with his face, then he sighs again.]
Brandon: Welp, this was a terrible idea. What the hell was I thinking?
[He gazes around the school one last time before deciding to head for somewhere less traumatic. The scene cuts to black on a picture above the water fountain, showing the younger versions of Adrian, Cecil, Brandon and Kaycee standing together with the basketball team celebrating a big win.]
==========================*==========================
[The scene reopens with Brandon sitting in a booth, nursing a milkshake at a little fiftys-themed diner down the road from the school.]
Brandon: ...Seriously, how could I have been so dumb? Goin' back there, jebus. That was about the worst idea I've ever had!
[He shakes his head and sips on his milkshake. It took him a long time to finally get over Kaycee, and the first chance he gets he goes right back to where it all began. What WAS he thinking?]
#And if I had my chance, I'd never let you go...#
[He jumps slightly, as Kill Hannah's "I wanna be a Kennedy" blares out from his pocket. He pulls his cell phone out and opens it, seeing the name that pops up on the screen. Then he curses himself even more, realizing he's got other things, or people, to be thinking about now...]
[Cut to an airport waiting area, some time after the last Sunday Night Vengeance. People from all over the world are scattered in the various seats patiently (and some impatiently) waiting for their flight number to be called. One such person is Brandon, sitting alone in the back of the area, with his feet propped up on a table and his head back, headphones in his ears to drown out the terrible canned elevator music playing over the PA, trying to get a few minutes of shut eye before continuing on his trek home from Russia. He doesn't quite get to sleep, though, before someone taps his shoulder gently.]
Natalie: Is this seat taken?
Brandon: AHH!
[Nearly asleep, the touch on his shoulder causes him to jump and nearly fall out of his seat. After a moment he composes himself, looking up to see who has interrupted his slumber.]
Brandon: Oh! Uh, hey Nat! Er... Sorry about that. Nope, nobody sittin' there. You can take it if ya want.
Natalie: Thank you, Mister Young. I thought I'd never find a place to sit down that wasn't all crowded.
Brandon: True that, this place is a madhouse right now. I had to trade some little kid a quarter of my Russian candy stash to get him to stop building his fort here long enough for me to get some peace and quiet.
[Natalie chuckles, shaking her head.]
Natalie: I'd believe that.
Brandon: So, ah... you get to do all the sight seeing you were wantin' to do?
Natalie: Most of it... you?
Brandon: Same. I was mostly interested in getting some of this though.
[He opens his suitcase and pulls out a plastic bag full of different kinds of candy. There seem to be more inside the suitcase.]
Brandon: Want a piece? It's good stuffs.
Natalie: Oh, sure. Thank you.
[She fishes out a few of the sweets, unwrapping one and popping it into her mouth. He watches her savor the sweet chocolatey goodness for a moment before putting the candy back in the suitcase. After a moment he listens to the music not coming from his headphones and quirks an eyebrow. Elvis Presley's "Love me Tender" is playing over the PA. Brandon chuckles and shakes his head.]
Brandon: Man, whoever's running the PA tonight has the cheese factor turned up to eleven.
Natalie: Don't they always..?
Brandon: Well yeah, but it seems to be-
["Love me tender" ends and is replaced by "My Girl."]
Brandon: ...See what I mean?
Natalie: ...huh, that IS weird.
[Silence lingers between the two of them for a moment before Natalie clears her throat softly.]
Natalie: I never did thank you, for not making a big deal out of... you know.
Brandon: Hmm? Oh, nah it was.. ah.. nothin'.
[The memory of the cab ride when they first got to Moscow bring Brandon back to the thoughts that swam through his head when she was huddled against his body. They were... nice thoughts. More than that. They were thoughts he hadn't had about anyone in over a year. Then the song on the PA changes again. Michael Bolton's "When a man loves a woman" starts to play.]
Brandon: Oh for the love of Pete!
Natalie: ...Who's Pete?
Brandon: Uh, he's...
[He turns to look at her and then freezes. The... nice thoughts he was having plus the random song giving him pause, making him look at her as if for the first time. And just like that first time, everything clicks together...]
Natalie: ...Mister Young?
Brandon: Wha..? Er, s-sorry!
[He shakes his head and glances away from her, hoping she doesn't call him on his staring. The music cuts out long enough for a Flight attendants voice to carry over the airwaves.]
Flight Attendant: US Flight 2716 is now boarding at Gate 12! I repeat, US Flight 2716 is now boarding at Gate 12!
Brandon: Well, uh... looks like it's time to go.
[He glances at her again, a slight smile crossing his face, but he plays it off.]
Natalie: Looks like it... at least you're almost done with your travels. I've got five hours to go from here.
[The Southern Belle chuckles as she gets to her feet.]
Natalie: Thank you for the company.
Brandon: Five hours? Ouch. And, ah... my pleasure.
[He gets to his feet as well, grabbing his suitcase and pulling the handle fully up. The song changes again as he lets her go by first. Brandon can't help but notice one certain lyric from the new song.]
#Are you gonna kiss me or not?
Brandon: ...I just might.
[He says with a goofy smile on his face.]
Natalie: Pardon?
Brandon: Er! Uh... Nothing.
[Natalie gives him an odd look, but lets it drop. As she turns back around to start heading for the gate he runs a hand through his hair, chuckling to himself before following after her.]
[/i]Natalie: Is this seat taken?
Brandon: AHH!
[Nearly asleep, the touch on his shoulder causes him to jump and nearly fall out of his seat. After a moment he composes himself, looking up to see who has interrupted his slumber.]
Brandon: Oh! Uh, hey Nat! Er... Sorry about that. Nope, nobody sittin' there. You can take it if ya want.
Natalie: Thank you, Mister Young. I thought I'd never find a place to sit down that wasn't all crowded.
Brandon: True that, this place is a madhouse right now. I had to trade some little kid a quarter of my Russian candy stash to get him to stop building his fort here long enough for me to get some peace and quiet.
[Natalie chuckles, shaking her head.]
Natalie: I'd believe that.
Brandon: So, ah... you get to do all the sight seeing you were wantin' to do?
Natalie: Most of it... you?
Brandon: Same. I was mostly interested in getting some of this though.
[He opens his suitcase and pulls out a plastic bag full of different kinds of candy. There seem to be more inside the suitcase.]
Brandon: Want a piece? It's good stuffs.
Natalie: Oh, sure. Thank you.
[She fishes out a few of the sweets, unwrapping one and popping it into her mouth. He watches her savor the sweet chocolatey goodness for a moment before putting the candy back in the suitcase. After a moment he listens to the music not coming from his headphones and quirks an eyebrow. Elvis Presley's "Love me Tender" is playing over the PA. Brandon chuckles and shakes his head.]
Brandon: Man, whoever's running the PA tonight has the cheese factor turned up to eleven.
Natalie: Don't they always..?
Brandon: Well yeah, but it seems to be-
["Love me tender" ends and is replaced by "My Girl."]
Brandon: ...See what I mean?
Natalie: ...huh, that IS weird.
[Silence lingers between the two of them for a moment before Natalie clears her throat softly.]
Natalie: I never did thank you, for not making a big deal out of... you know.
Brandon: Hmm? Oh, nah it was.. ah.. nothin'.
[The memory of the cab ride when they first got to Moscow bring Brandon back to the thoughts that swam through his head when she was huddled against his body. They were... nice thoughts. More than that. They were thoughts he hadn't had about anyone in over a year. Then the song on the PA changes again. Michael Bolton's "When a man loves a woman" starts to play.]
Brandon: Oh for the love of Pete!
Natalie: ...Who's Pete?
Brandon: Uh, he's...
[He turns to look at her and then freezes. The... nice thoughts he was having plus the random song giving him pause, making him look at her as if for the first time. And just like that first time, everything clicks together...]
Natalie: ...Mister Young?
Brandon: Wha..? Er, s-sorry!
[He shakes his head and glances away from her, hoping she doesn't call him on his staring. The music cuts out long enough for a Flight attendants voice to carry over the airwaves.]
Flight Attendant: US Flight 2716 is now boarding at Gate 12! I repeat, US Flight 2716 is now boarding at Gate 12!
Brandon: Well, uh... looks like it's time to go.
[He glances at her again, a slight smile crossing his face, but he plays it off.]
Natalie: Looks like it... at least you're almost done with your travels. I've got five hours to go from here.
[The Southern Belle chuckles as she gets to her feet.]
Natalie: Thank you for the company.
Brandon: Five hours? Ouch. And, ah... my pleasure.
[He gets to his feet as well, grabbing his suitcase and pulling the handle fully up. The song changes again as he lets her go by first. Brandon can't help but notice one certain lyric from the new song.]
#Are you gonna kiss me or not?
Brandon: ...I just might.
[He says with a goofy smile on his face.]
Natalie: Pardon?
Brandon: Er! Uh... Nothing.
[Natalie gives him an odd look, but lets it drop. As she turns back around to start heading for the gate he runs a hand through his hair, chuckling to himself before following after her.]
[Brandon looks at the text from Natalie and smiles. Then he realizes that maybe coming here wasn't such a bad idea after all. Sometimes you had to stare the past in the face and say you're over it to really look towards the future. He wasn't so sure he was ready to do that second part just yet, but he could definitely see something bright in the future worth going for. A waitress interrupts his reverie.]
Waitress: Anything else, hon?
Brandon: 'Nother milkshake, please.
Waitress: You got it.
[The waitress takes his now-empty glass and leaves. Brandon glances out the window for a second before looking back.]
Brandon: So, Moscow. That was a crazy few days. Between the cab ride and Vengeance and just... rushing around trying to see everything I wanted to before the flight home.. Yeah, crazy. Was pretty awesome though, I haveta say!
I especially liked the part where I almost beat the guy who came up second in the Rumble.
[He grins, but only for a second.]
Brandon: Of course, "almost" isn't good enough. So props to you, Roman, for doing what I couldn't. I hope for your sake though that you realize NOW that you won't be going through me "like a hot knife through butter." I'll lose a match, I've made my peace with that a long time ago, but I'll be damned if ANYONE puts me down without a fight!
I find it funny that you have the cajones to call ME arrogant just moments after you talk about running through me like a knife through butter. Who the fuck are you, really? You yourself admitted, in the same damn promo, that you and I were on equal footing walking into that Rumble, but then all of a sudden, like the flip of a switch, suddenly you're so much better than me?
Well I think I proved last week, Roman, that ain't the case at ALL!
[He glares at the camera.]
Brandon: Do you pay attention to anyone but yourself, Rom? Explain to me where I've ever come off arrogant? Boisterous? Sure. I'm loud and hot-tempered and dammit I wouldn't wanna be any other way! But "arrogant?" Anyone who's actually watched a promotional of mine would know that ain't true in the damn least! Of course I hope I go out there and win every match I'm in, of course I come on the teevee and I tell everyone I'm gonna go out there and kick your face in and do everything I can to walk out with the victory, but that ain't arrogance, you dim-witted, big-headed fuck. That's setting a goal for myself and hoping to achieve it. Because unlike you apparently, I have no qualms admitting that I'm NOT the greatest thing since sliced bread number two.
I expected a lot better from you, Rom. I really did.
[He shakes his head with a sigh. The waitress comes back and hands him his milkshake which he takes a sip from before continuing.]
Brandon: You were contradicting yourself all over that last promo, Roman. First I'm a talented athlete with whom you'd really be happy to face, someone who's going to push you because we wrestle a similar style, but then I'm suddenly a nobody who you're going to crush, a moron who won't ever get past the lower levels of the card. You're so humble and unsure of your own success one moment, then the next you're the best thing ever and nobody will ever stop you because you're just FAR too amazing to be stopped. I liked the Lindsay Lohan comparison, by the way. Too bad it's gonna end up fitting you more than it does me. See if you're gonna compare me to any teenage disney actress I'm more of a Christy Carlson Romano, a spunky homegrown pop culture sensation who doesn't really care right now about the fame and the money and the power but will end up getting all that anyways because I'm just that good at what I do. You though, you're heading right into Lindsey Lohan start-out-hot-but-crash-and-burn territory reaaaal quickly with your over inflated ego and your monstrous overcompensation of what you're really truly able to do in that ring.
[He takes another sip of his shake, trying hard to understand how someone can flip flop SO quickly like Roman Cripate does. It makes little sense to him, but then again what does he know. He just a "flying, fucking monkey."]
Brandon: And now we get to do it all over again. Only this time... This time's gonna be a little different. Because this time I know who and what you truly are. This time I know not rest on my hope that you and I could go out there and have a match built on RESPECT and honor, because you clearly have neither of those traits. Which is fine by me. I owe you a kick in the head for what you said about Natalie anyways. That gal is the sweetest person in the world, and for you to talk about her like she's some common skank?Well buddy, I'm liable to kick your goddamn teeth down your throat!
[He slams a fist down on the table, scaring the old couple sitting in the next booth. He apologizes and tries to calm himself.]
Brandon: And when we meet in that ring for a second time Roman, you ain't gonna get the better of me again! I'm sure you'll come out here soon enough and ramble on about how super incredible you are and how easy it was to beat me and how much of a nobody I was to get past on your oh-so-epic quest to the World Title, but the truth is much different. The truth is you and I are a LOT alike.
Well, if I'm being truthful maybe we aren't so much like. You're a simple-minded, yet talented, douchecanoe getting way too big for his britches while I'm a guy who's just striving to be his best no matter WHAT life throws at him!
That's the difference between us, Roman, I don't act all high and mighty and claim to be able to do things I know I can't just yet. But I know what I CAN do, Roman. I CAN beat you! Because while personality-wise we couldn't be any different, this past Sunday Night Vengeance I proved that in that ring you are NOT some super-special godking who can't be stopped, you are just another wrestler, just another guy who CAN and if I have my say- WILL be defeated.
[He nods his head in belief of his own words.]
Brandon: I know there's a third participant in this match, one I haven't spoken about yet, and I just want to say that I'm not overlooking you, mister Scorpion.
[He takes another sip, trying to find his words.]
Brandon: I'm not gonna be like Roman and rant on about you being a stepping stone for me and my supposed awesomeness, because while I may know now that I can beat Roman, I don't know that the same goes for you at all. You're a big deal around EUW, and I gotta be honest that being thrown in with one of the main eventers this early in my EUW career... I dunno, man. That's some major pressure on a guy.
But while I may not be a huge enough d-bag to say I'm gonna run you down and treat you like you were nothing, I gotta look at this from the other perspective too. The head honcho put me in this match with you and ol' Rom, so he must see somethin' in me. Does that mean I'm gonna go in there and stomp on your face and walk all over you en route to the biggest victory of my career? Nah! But as much being in there with a guy as huge a name as The Scorpion worries me, it also gives me hope. Hope that I'm bein' noticed for bein' me, and hope that if I don't beat you this time, maybe I leave enough of an impression, or I learn enough in this encounter that maybe, just maybe, I can do it somewhere down the road!
I may go down in a hail of flames to you Scorpy, but dammit all I'm gonna make you EARN it! Though if there's a chance I find that weak spot, that crack in your armor, you can damn sure bet I'ma do everything in my power to exploit it for all it's worth! I've come to grips with more than likely losing out to you here, but that doesn't mean I'm just gonna roll over and die! Both you and that other shmuck are gonna get the full fury of Brandon F'n Young, and win, lose or draw, I'm goin' out there to leave my mark on you, the fans, on EVERYBODY, so that the whole world knows that the Young Gun has arrived!
Believe it.
[Fade.]