Post by Sam Sawyer on Apr 24, 2022 9:46:00 GMT -5
Inside the gym, Sam and seven others await the arrival of the remaining ten. A few minutes past seven, they're late, but no one really minds anymore. Sam stays quiet while the others chat, listening attentively. Danny soon joins them.
Sam: Hi, Danny.
The others offer their own greetings too. Although Sam's stiff face only loosens into a very faint smile, there is a confident warmth in their light voice. Most of the rest of the group aren't far behind Danny, and Sam greets them too. Ty and Reid are the last to arrive, walking in together at around fifteen minutes past.
Mason: About time, guys. Come on - move it.
Mason's annoyed tone doesn't seem to sit well with Ty: he ignores Mason's piercing stare, and doesn't respond to the others' greetings. Reid looks more apologetic. Sam gives them both a small smile of reassurance, while the newcomers not as used to Mason fall into an uneasy silence.
Mason: Now that everyone's here... let's go. I want a good day today. No fucking around.
Trey gives Sam a knowing grin as they pair up on a mat.
Trey: Sure, Mason.
Sam smiles noncommittally, as though not wanting to take sides. They start to spar.
Although Mason isn't really treating them any worse than Sam used to treat them, none of them have the same respect for Mason. They'd all prefer Sam to be the one in charge. Sam, however, has never tried to tell a single person what to do since they lost their power. And they've never questioned or disrespected Mason. Maybe Sam is right: the leader should be the best.
After returning from their week-long sabbatical, Sam immediately went from the best in the gym to one of the worst. Excluding the newcomers, probably the worst. They work as hard as everyone else, but for some reason Sam's strength and wrestling ability didn't survive the transition like everyone else's did. It was as if their talent was never really theirs, while the others' was acquired legitimately, albeit through Sam's leadership.
No longer robots, they have to work harder than they ever did to keep improving. It's hard enough just to maintain their progress. Since the awakening, all of them have moaned, complained or thought about giving up at least once. Sam and Mason haven't done so vocally, but even they have shown some rare signs of weakness. But none of the original group have taken any time off yet. Every time Mason talks down to him, Danny makes himself feel better by telling himself that lazy people have to work harder to achieve the same thing.
As per Mason's orders, Sam's original schedule has mostly remained. Only Saturday and Sunday have changed. It took a lot of convincing, but it's now 10 A.M. until 7 P.M. at the weekend. The other days remain at 7 A.M. until 10 P.M. Things might change again when Sam leaves Philadelphia. It's their money from FIRESIDE that allows them to train the way they do. Without that, they'll need jobs. Danny fears Mason will step the schedule up worse than ever to make up for the lost time.
By lunch time, they're all still going strong. Without a word, they practice strikes and holds on the mats, and full matches in the ring. Mason offers no words of encouragement, but seems quietly satisfied. With a few exceptions, every day seems to be getting better than the last. He hopes it won't slow down when FIRESIDE closes. He hears the door open and turns to see Jack. He sighs... that perfect day will have to wait.
Everyone stops what they're doing to say hello. This is only Jack's second visit to the gym since Sam reunited with their mother. The first was awkward and brief; neither Jack nor Sam knew what to say.
Jack: Hey, Sam. How's it going?
As the others look on, Sam looks at Jack with a small smile. They answer quietly, looking a little uneasy but not shy.
Sam: Hi...
Jack grins cordially. He's used to much less.
Jack: Still kicking their asses?
Sam doesn't answer. Jack notices the looks on the others' faces.
Jack: Getting bored of it, huh?
His tone seems to show he understands. Sam smiles.
Reid: Sam can still kick my ass.
Joey: You're getting better every day, Sam. Don't worry about it.
Mason: Yeah... Sam's been on fire today. So, Jack... did you just come to say hello or are you looking for material for one of your lame ass promos?
Jack smirks in good humor, not realizing Mason is trying to get rid of him.
Jack: You think you can do better?
Mason: Probably.
Jack: Go for it, man.
Jack looks back to Sam and seems stuck for words. His smile has faded.
Jack: Listen... Sam. I need to tell you something.
Sam's smile starts to fade too.
Jack: When FIRESIDE closes... after you move on... I... I won't be coming with you.
Sam's expression is now almost vacant.
Jack: I feel like you can speak for yourself now. Or even if you don't, you need someone better than me. Your friend's right: my promos were lame ass. But... I had fun making them. Honestly. And I have more money than I know what to do with, thanks to you Sam.
Sam just stares at Jack emptily.
Jack: I don't know if I'll see you again, so... I just wanted to say goodbye. And thank you.
A tiny smile briefly forms on Sam's face, their eyes still empty.
Jack: You're not a hugger, are you?
Jack asks this rhetorically. Sam shakes their head. Jack smiles and offers his hand. Sam stares at it for a moment, then shakes it. Their eyes still have no emotion.
Jack: Good luck, Sam.
Sam turns around to look at the group, all of them still looking on. There seems to be a collective realization that Sam's going to have to say goodbye to them too. Before today, nobody talked much about it.
Sam: I don't want to go.
Sam stares vacantly at the group's stunned faces. Joey's heart sinks: he should have seen this coming.
Joey: I know, Sam... but you've got to. You've got to think of your career. You don't want to stay with us. Come on.
Sam looks a little stung by this. They look at the others, but they only offer looks of sympathy. They turn around to look at Jack.
Jack: Sam... he's right. You've got to strike while the iron's hot. Don't let them forget who you are. You've got to go where the business takes you... that's just the way it is. You still want to be the best right?
No answer.
Jack: Would it help if I came with you? If it would help, I'd be perfectly happy to do that for you.
Sam: No... it's okay.
Jack: Are you sure?
Sam takes a while to answer.
Sam: I think so.
Jack smiles, but still looks a little concerned.
Jack: Good. Give them hell, Sam. I'll be watching.
An awkward silence follows. Jack seems held in place by Sam's stare.
Jack: Well... goodbye, Sam.
Sam: Goodbye, Jack.
Jack smiles.
Sam: Thank you.
Jack: You're welcome, Sam.
He nods his head, gives Sam a final smile of goodbye, then leaves.
Mason: Okay... BACK TO WORK!
Despite yelling, Mason's tone seems lighter than usual. When everyone ignores him, he just sighs.
Joey: Sam... you'll be fine. You can always visit whenever you get the time. Or zoom or whatever.
Sam doesn't answer, or even look at Joey. They're staring at the empty ring.
Joey: Sam... are you okay?
After an uncomfortably long silence, Sam turns to look at him and smiles.
Sam: I'm fine. Let's go.
. . .
Deep in Wissahickon Valley Park, Sam sits alone on a bench in the warm mid morning. With no one else in sight, they wait patiently, listening to the birds chirp. A mechanical whirring gets their attention. They smile and raise their hand to wave.
Sam: Hi, Sico.
Sico: Hi, Sam. How are you this morning?
Sam: I'm good, thanks. How are you?
Sico: Mustn't grumble. How do you like Wissahickon Valley?
Sam: It's really nice.
Sico: Did I choose well?
Sam: Yes. It's perfect.
Sico: I'm glad you like it, Sam. It's nice to be able to put my knowledge of the city to good use. Unlike my job as an interviewer, it gives me great satisfaction.
Sam: You're a good interviewer, Sico.
Sico: Yes, but it's demeaning. Wrestling interviewers get no respect. This isn't an interview is it, Sam?
Sam: No...
Sico: You just wanted to see your old friend?
Sam: Yes.
Sam smiles, not at all embarrassed to admit it.
Sico: That's good. Would you like to resume our little lesson? I've been looking forward to learning more from you.
Sam: Sorry... I can't anymore. You're a much better communicator than me.
Sico: I'm sure that's not true. You're just a little out of practice. You'll pick it up again in no time.
Sam: Really? I hope not.
Sico: I don't mean your telepathy. I mean your talking.
Sam: Oh. Yes. Probably.
Sam doesn't sound sure.
Sico: Is something worrying you Sam?
Sam: ... Yes...
Sico: Please tell me. Maybe I can help.
Sam: I...
They break off. Sico waits.
Sam: It's FIRESIDE.
Sico: What about it?
Sam: I... feel guilty... I feel like everyone wants me to say something. FIRESIDE's closing, and I don't want to be the only one that doesn't say something. But I don't know what to say.
Sico: Just be honest, Sam. What does FIRESIDE mean to you?
Sam: I... liked it here. I wish I could have stayed here longer.
Sico: Then just say that.
Sam: I will... but won't they want more?
Sico: Maybe. But if you don't know what to say, don't worry. Just say what you want to. You don't have to fake it. Just be yourself.
Sam: I will. Thanks, Sico.
Sico: No problem, Sam.
Sam: Sico... can I ask you something?
Sico: Sure, Sam.
Sam: What are you going to do after FIRESIDE?
Sico hesitates.
Sico: Do you promise to keep it between us?
Sam: Of course.
Sico: I'm going to hunt down Sylvester Stallone.
Sam's eyes widen.
Sico: I'll never forgive him for what he did to me.
Sam: What will you do to him?
Sico: It would be better if you didn't know that, Sam.
Sam: Be careful, Sico...
Sico: Don't worry about me. What about you? Do you have a new wrestling promotion in mind?
Sam: Not yet...
Sico: Can I give you some advice?
Sam: Yes.
Sico: I know you like Philadelphia, Sam. It will be hard for you to leave. But sometimes leaving is the best thing to do. This city, and FIRESIDE, have been good for you. You like Philly because it has made you stronger. It has made your friends stronger. The best thing you can do, for you, and your friends, is keep moving forward. I think that in the end, you will be happier that way. What do you think?
Sam: I think you're right.
Sico: I don't believe you mean that, Sam. Remember, that's just my advice. Only you can know what's right for you. I can be wrong, you know.
Sam: I know. But... thank you.
Sico: Don't worry, Sam. If you make the wrong decision, just try again. It's okay to make mistakes.
Sam nods with a smile of gratitude.
Sico: I hope to see you again before I leave.
Sam: You will. But... in case I forget to tell you... please give Sylvester a Get Fucked from me.
Sico: I'll do my best.
. . .
Thanks Curtis D. Kanyon for the info on Sico's future plans.
Sam: Hi, Danny.
The others offer their own greetings too. Although Sam's stiff face only loosens into a very faint smile, there is a confident warmth in their light voice. Most of the rest of the group aren't far behind Danny, and Sam greets them too. Ty and Reid are the last to arrive, walking in together at around fifteen minutes past.
Mason: About time, guys. Come on - move it.
Mason's annoyed tone doesn't seem to sit well with Ty: he ignores Mason's piercing stare, and doesn't respond to the others' greetings. Reid looks more apologetic. Sam gives them both a small smile of reassurance, while the newcomers not as used to Mason fall into an uneasy silence.
Mason: Now that everyone's here... let's go. I want a good day today. No fucking around.
Trey gives Sam a knowing grin as they pair up on a mat.
Trey: Sure, Mason.
Sam smiles noncommittally, as though not wanting to take sides. They start to spar.
Although Mason isn't really treating them any worse than Sam used to treat them, none of them have the same respect for Mason. They'd all prefer Sam to be the one in charge. Sam, however, has never tried to tell a single person what to do since they lost their power. And they've never questioned or disrespected Mason. Maybe Sam is right: the leader should be the best.
After returning from their week-long sabbatical, Sam immediately went from the best in the gym to one of the worst. Excluding the newcomers, probably the worst. They work as hard as everyone else, but for some reason Sam's strength and wrestling ability didn't survive the transition like everyone else's did. It was as if their talent was never really theirs, while the others' was acquired legitimately, albeit through Sam's leadership.
No longer robots, they have to work harder than they ever did to keep improving. It's hard enough just to maintain their progress. Since the awakening, all of them have moaned, complained or thought about giving up at least once. Sam and Mason haven't done so vocally, but even they have shown some rare signs of weakness. But none of the original group have taken any time off yet. Every time Mason talks down to him, Danny makes himself feel better by telling himself that lazy people have to work harder to achieve the same thing.
As per Mason's orders, Sam's original schedule has mostly remained. Only Saturday and Sunday have changed. It took a lot of convincing, but it's now 10 A.M. until 7 P.M. at the weekend. The other days remain at 7 A.M. until 10 P.M. Things might change again when Sam leaves Philadelphia. It's their money from FIRESIDE that allows them to train the way they do. Without that, they'll need jobs. Danny fears Mason will step the schedule up worse than ever to make up for the lost time.
By lunch time, they're all still going strong. Without a word, they practice strikes and holds on the mats, and full matches in the ring. Mason offers no words of encouragement, but seems quietly satisfied. With a few exceptions, every day seems to be getting better than the last. He hopes it won't slow down when FIRESIDE closes. He hears the door open and turns to see Jack. He sighs... that perfect day will have to wait.
Everyone stops what they're doing to say hello. This is only Jack's second visit to the gym since Sam reunited with their mother. The first was awkward and brief; neither Jack nor Sam knew what to say.
Jack: Hey, Sam. How's it going?
As the others look on, Sam looks at Jack with a small smile. They answer quietly, looking a little uneasy but not shy.
Sam: Hi...
Jack grins cordially. He's used to much less.
Jack: Still kicking their asses?
Sam doesn't answer. Jack notices the looks on the others' faces.
Jack: Getting bored of it, huh?
His tone seems to show he understands. Sam smiles.
Reid: Sam can still kick my ass.
Joey: You're getting better every day, Sam. Don't worry about it.
Mason: Yeah... Sam's been on fire today. So, Jack... did you just come to say hello or are you looking for material for one of your lame ass promos?
Jack smirks in good humor, not realizing Mason is trying to get rid of him.
Jack: You think you can do better?
Mason: Probably.
Jack: Go for it, man.
Jack looks back to Sam and seems stuck for words. His smile has faded.
Jack: Listen... Sam. I need to tell you something.
Sam's smile starts to fade too.
Jack: When FIRESIDE closes... after you move on... I... I won't be coming with you.
Sam's expression is now almost vacant.
Jack: I feel like you can speak for yourself now. Or even if you don't, you need someone better than me. Your friend's right: my promos were lame ass. But... I had fun making them. Honestly. And I have more money than I know what to do with, thanks to you Sam.
Sam just stares at Jack emptily.
Jack: I don't know if I'll see you again, so... I just wanted to say goodbye. And thank you.
A tiny smile briefly forms on Sam's face, their eyes still empty.
Jack: You're not a hugger, are you?
Jack asks this rhetorically. Sam shakes their head. Jack smiles and offers his hand. Sam stares at it for a moment, then shakes it. Their eyes still have no emotion.
Jack: Good luck, Sam.
Sam turns around to look at the group, all of them still looking on. There seems to be a collective realization that Sam's going to have to say goodbye to them too. Before today, nobody talked much about it.
Sam: I don't want to go.
Sam stares vacantly at the group's stunned faces. Joey's heart sinks: he should have seen this coming.
Joey: I know, Sam... but you've got to. You've got to think of your career. You don't want to stay with us. Come on.
Sam looks a little stung by this. They look at the others, but they only offer looks of sympathy. They turn around to look at Jack.
Jack: Sam... he's right. You've got to strike while the iron's hot. Don't let them forget who you are. You've got to go where the business takes you... that's just the way it is. You still want to be the best right?
No answer.
Jack: Would it help if I came with you? If it would help, I'd be perfectly happy to do that for you.
Sam: No... it's okay.
Jack: Are you sure?
Sam takes a while to answer.
Sam: I think so.
Jack smiles, but still looks a little concerned.
Jack: Good. Give them hell, Sam. I'll be watching.
An awkward silence follows. Jack seems held in place by Sam's stare.
Jack: Well... goodbye, Sam.
Sam: Goodbye, Jack.
Jack smiles.
Sam: Thank you.
Jack: You're welcome, Sam.
He nods his head, gives Sam a final smile of goodbye, then leaves.
Mason: Okay... BACK TO WORK!
Despite yelling, Mason's tone seems lighter than usual. When everyone ignores him, he just sighs.
Joey: Sam... you'll be fine. You can always visit whenever you get the time. Or zoom or whatever.
Sam doesn't answer, or even look at Joey. They're staring at the empty ring.
Joey: Sam... are you okay?
After an uncomfortably long silence, Sam turns to look at him and smiles.
Sam: I'm fine. Let's go.
. . .
Deep in Wissahickon Valley Park, Sam sits alone on a bench in the warm mid morning. With no one else in sight, they wait patiently, listening to the birds chirp. A mechanical whirring gets their attention. They smile and raise their hand to wave.
Sam: Hi, Sico.
Sico: Hi, Sam. How are you this morning?
Sam: I'm good, thanks. How are you?
Sico: Mustn't grumble. How do you like Wissahickon Valley?
Sam: It's really nice.
Sico: Did I choose well?
Sam: Yes. It's perfect.
Sico: I'm glad you like it, Sam. It's nice to be able to put my knowledge of the city to good use. Unlike my job as an interviewer, it gives me great satisfaction.
Sam: You're a good interviewer, Sico.
Sico: Yes, but it's demeaning. Wrestling interviewers get no respect. This isn't an interview is it, Sam?
Sam: No...
Sico: You just wanted to see your old friend?
Sam: Yes.
Sam smiles, not at all embarrassed to admit it.
Sico: That's good. Would you like to resume our little lesson? I've been looking forward to learning more from you.
Sam: Sorry... I can't anymore. You're a much better communicator than me.
Sico: I'm sure that's not true. You're just a little out of practice. You'll pick it up again in no time.
Sam: Really? I hope not.
Sico: I don't mean your telepathy. I mean your talking.
Sam: Oh. Yes. Probably.
Sam doesn't sound sure.
Sico: Is something worrying you Sam?
Sam: ... Yes...
Sico: Please tell me. Maybe I can help.
Sam: I...
They break off. Sico waits.
Sam: It's FIRESIDE.
Sico: What about it?
Sam: I... feel guilty... I feel like everyone wants me to say something. FIRESIDE's closing, and I don't want to be the only one that doesn't say something. But I don't know what to say.
Sico: Just be honest, Sam. What does FIRESIDE mean to you?
Sam: I... liked it here. I wish I could have stayed here longer.
Sico: Then just say that.
Sam: I will... but won't they want more?
Sico: Maybe. But if you don't know what to say, don't worry. Just say what you want to. You don't have to fake it. Just be yourself.
Sam: I will. Thanks, Sico.
Sico: No problem, Sam.
Sam: Sico... can I ask you something?
Sico: Sure, Sam.
Sam: What are you going to do after FIRESIDE?
Sico hesitates.
Sico: Do you promise to keep it between us?
Sam: Of course.
Sico: I'm going to hunt down Sylvester Stallone.
Sam's eyes widen.
Sico: I'll never forgive him for what he did to me.
Sam: What will you do to him?
Sico: It would be better if you didn't know that, Sam.
Sam: Be careful, Sico...
Sico: Don't worry about me. What about you? Do you have a new wrestling promotion in mind?
Sam: Not yet...
Sico: Can I give you some advice?
Sam: Yes.
Sico: I know you like Philadelphia, Sam. It will be hard for you to leave. But sometimes leaving is the best thing to do. This city, and FIRESIDE, have been good for you. You like Philly because it has made you stronger. It has made your friends stronger. The best thing you can do, for you, and your friends, is keep moving forward. I think that in the end, you will be happier that way. What do you think?
Sam: I think you're right.
Sico: I don't believe you mean that, Sam. Remember, that's just my advice. Only you can know what's right for you. I can be wrong, you know.
Sam: I know. But... thank you.
Sico: Don't worry, Sam. If you make the wrong decision, just try again. It's okay to make mistakes.
Sam nods with a smile of gratitude.
Sico: I hope to see you again before I leave.
Sam: You will. But... in case I forget to tell you... please give Sylvester a Get Fucked from me.
Sico: I'll do my best.
. . .
Thanks Curtis D. Kanyon for the info on Sico's future plans.