(no subject)
Animation:
Exactly my thoughts, hun. O_O By the way, did you die piss off Triple H?
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Wrestling:
Oh God. I've downloaded Hogan's show - purely to mock it - but, damnit, I love it! I totally love the whole thing and I feel dirty because of it. *shudder* I don't know, I just love the concept of pretty, pretty B-list celebrities being shown what wrestling is all about. Granted, yes Hogan and his friend make babies cry, but it's just hilarious.
I constantly find myself laughing at something they said, or smiling whenever they whine about how tough it is. Guess what, moron, it's wrestling. And it's actually showing how tough it actually is, which always makes me happy.
Rob's on there somewhere too, so I'm anticipating that - and laughing my ass off because the few shots of him indicate he might have broken Danny Banaduce's (?) leg/back/neck, which I shouldn't find as amusing - as he looked incredibly pretty in his purple singlet. Pretty, pretty, pretty.
(Someone explain who this Danny guy is, by the way. I don't know half the people on there, but supposedly I should know who he is and I keep seeing him on shows. I haven't a clue.)
It's pure and utter crack, people.
-
Clips, clips, clips!
Hilarity ensues.
Tammy - Sunny - Sytch and Francine play the Marry, Fuck, Kill game and Francine once again shows me why I love her. Girl's got taste.
Tammy on Sabu and his wondrous - *cough* - looks, after which Francine comes to Sabu's aid. (Did I mention I love her?)
All Snow during a very funny backstage interview right before his match with Sabu, mentioning the presents he tried buying the man and laughing at the prospect of getting 'wood' from Sabu.
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WIP Meme:
I do this one once every blue moon, so I figured I'd do it again. Some are the same as last some, others have been added to.
Title: Long Gone
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 1377
Summary: Having stepped away from the business, it's only his friends that keep Rob coming back. Surprised by a strange phone-call, he realizes one in particular needs his help.
There would be a decision soon enough. Either good or evil would win, regardless of the reality backstage. Good guys very rarely turned out to be what they portrayed, for there were very few good guys in the business he’d grown to hate. Backstabbing was part of everything and it made Rob wonder why he hadn’t left sooner. Perhaps it had been the want, to be a part of something big and to imagine he meant something. The same thing that had kept him side-by-side with his sometimes-partner, sometimes-friend, sometimes-enemy, but forever role-model. Suffering a guy like Sabu had seemed easy then. Now he didn’t even have the chance to hate it, for the man was gone.
He knew where he was, of course, kept on eye on the news outlets and the other on his non-existent life, but Rob refused to acknowledge that he’d expected more from their so-called friendship. Growing up in the business had been hard, but finding himself backed by such an unlikely companion had done him good. The inevitable let-down had been surprisingly easy to deal with once Sabu refused to return his calls.
For a man so used to spending time with Sabu, and a man who had admitted long ago that there was more than friendship building - in his mind, at least - the change had been rough regardless. Expectations meant little when reality kicked in, and the cold shoulder he received once Sabu realized he’d never be enough ruined them.
In this business good never triumphed.
“That’s it,” Tommy murmured. “Another one over and done with.”
The crowd showered the wrestlers in the ring with a mixture of clapping and boos. Some were angry at the result, others just happy to have seen it. It felt like home, but it felt like a kick to the gut too. It had lost its meaning.
“Thanks for inviting me.” Rob smiled, but could see from the look in his friend’s eyes that he wasn’t going to get another invitation anytime soon. It didn’t bother him.
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Title: Late
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 674
Summary: A car-accident threatens to tear Rob and Sabu's tentative relationship to shreds. (Future!fic)
He nearly dropped them, but with a bit of luck they eventually ended up in his right hand. Heaving an annoyed sigh, he fiddled with the lock, pushing the door open with his shoulder once he’d managed to turn the key. Dropping the boxes carefully, he stretched his back, surveying the living room.
“Sabu?” he called out, removing his keys and pulling the door shut behind him. It appeared the man wasn’t in, which annoyed Rob as he’d told him to wait, though one could never know until they’d checked to see he wasn’t fast asleep. Lately that’d been what Sabu preferred doing; sleeping.
Checking the kitchen, trying not to notice the dirty dishes that had piled up, Rob moved through the house, picking up some things here and there to return to where they were supposed to be. Obviously Sabu had thought it was okay to leave their spare bed-sheets on the couch, something Rob didn’t agree with. Especially because he knew Sabu wasn’t one to share his beloved couch, leaving Rob to sit awkwardly in the old leather chair.
“Sabu?” he tried again, knocking on the bedroom door soundly. “You awake?”
Listening for a second, he couldn’t distinguish a reply, so he slowly turned the handle, peeking in to find all the lights on. Sabu certainly wasn’t here, he much preferred the dark.
“Damnit,” Rob swore, turning off the lights before entering the backroom. He had little faith that Sabu’d be there, seeing as it was packed with boxes for the comic shop and he hated the place, but it was worth a look. When he entered the place, no one was there.
Stalking through their place, he’d almost reached the front door - intent on checking if the car was still there - when his cell-phone started vibrating.
-
Title: Splish and Splash.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 1201
Summary: A day at the beach should be relaxing, right? Or maybe not. (Inspired by SXH's challenge a while back. Am writing to write with as little angst as possible. It's hard.)
Spending time together, it proves to be one of the few things everyone in a family will enjoy. Mothers sunbathe, fathers play catch with the dog - or their son, should they have one - and the young children drive the mother crazy by playing too close to the sea.
Not so for Rob and Sabu. While Rob can appreciate the white, foamy waves, and the taste of salt in the air, he doesn’t much like the feel of sand in inappropriate places, or the noise everywhere. He likes his beaches peaceful, where he can stand and look out at the horizon. Here the horizon is obscured by person after person trudging along.
Sabu likes it even less. Though not too fond of heat, or sand, or too many people passing him by, the worst is definitely the obvious gawking from nearby children. He looks different, he knows, and when mothers hurry forwards to scold their kids for staring before leading them away - subsequently staring at his scars themselves - he knows he shouldn’t have been rolling around in barbedwire so much.
They’re there, though, as ordered - no asked - by the company they work for. All wrestlers are around somewhere, most hiding in overly large trailers or behind gigantic screens. So many people around is asking for trouble.
Rob is glad, for once, that his partner scares people. He wouldn’t have much rest if he didn’t, though some very courageous kids still shuffle forward under Sabu’s threatening glare. Rob rewards them with an autograph.
“Wanna go swim?” he asks at one point, his skin too hot even under the giant umbrella they’d brought. A grumbled reply is barely audible, Sabu’s eyes mere slits. He looks surprisingly relaxed, just lounging under the carefully positioned escape from the sun.
“I’ll take that as a no.” Rob smiles, pushing himself to his feet. He grimaces momentarily, feeling the sand burn, then throws a haphazard glance over his shoulder. Sabu looks uncomfortable, but his eyes remain closed and his arms dangle. Arms dangling means he’s comfortable enough to lay there, at least, so Rob doesn’t worry too much. Instead he nudges the man’s chair with his foot and walks off, steps brisk so he doesn’t touch the ground for too long.
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Title: Bubbles.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 738
Summary: Bubbles. Just that, bubbles. raisingkane's fault.
As far as he knew his alarm clock hadn’t gone off yet, clearly evidenced by the flashing of red lights, but it also told him it was way too early to be awake. Four o’clock was, even for him with all his ECW history, too late or too early to be up. Then why wasn’t he asleep?
A sudden mutter to his left startled him, neck snapping to the side awkwardly. Groaning in frustration, he rubbed it, trying to ignore the stabbing pain tingling down his spine. Eventually he looked down at the sleeping form of Rob, still busy muttering into his pillow. He had obviously rolled over, tugging most of the sheets with him as it had twisted around his waist, and one arm now rested across Sabu’s chest. Knowing Rob and his violent movements when dreaming, the force of his arm landing must have been the cause of Sabu being awake.
“Fucking moron, next time you’re sleeping on the couch,” Sabu snarled, pulling some of the sheets towards him. Rob muttered some more, and for a second Sabu just watched him, the relaxed look on his face common and - if he was honest - one Sabu enjoyed.
Trying to steal back more of the sheets, Sabu couldn’t help but feel annoyed at Rob for trapping them beneath his body. He was entirely too heavy to deal with this late at night.
“Hey, wake up!” Prodding his partner violently, Sabu felt vindicated at the surprised yelp that emanated from a none too happy Rob. Then again, Sabu hadn’t appreciated being woken up either. Rob squinted at him, lazily turning on his side. Noticing the clear opening given to him, Sabu harshly pulled on his part of the sheets, causing Rob to land on his back with a thud.
“What was that for?” Rob all but whined, freeing himself before falling back into the pillows. The arm that had earlier woken Sabu up was now propped up against the headboard, the other across Rob’s stomach. He looked rather comfortable, Sabu mused, which was really unfair. Bastard.
“You woke me up, I make sure you do too. Just repaying the favour.”
Lying back down, and covering himself in most of the sheets, Sabu closed his eyes, though he knew Rob wouldn’t let him get away with things that easily. He had the unfortunate knack of being able to figure out when Sabu wanted him to be quiet, and then yammering on endlessly.
“How did I do that?”
Rob sounded amused, and lazy, which wasn’t surprising. Everything Sabu ever said or did seemed to amuse him somehow, and if it weren’t for that, Sabu doubted even Rob could deal with him. Luckily their arrangement worked. Being awake at four o’clock at night, however, didn’t.
“You hit me, I wake up. That’s usually how it goes. You always do that when you’re dreaming.” Sabu paused, then narrowed his eyes. “Asshole.”
-
Title: Summers Together.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 2103
Summary: Summers spent together. Original, isn't it?
They were strangers, forced to occasionally meet in house and workplace. What Sabu called home, but never stayed at, Rob lived in, and what Rob reached for, Sabu had obtained. He wasn’t famous, by a long stretch, but he could call himself a wrestler. Rob had no hopes of even that.
“That’s the Sheik’s nephew,” someone had answered, the first time he’d asked. The second line was always the same, too. “Stay away from him, he’s crazy.” Though Rob had seen no evidence proving this yet, he believed them. Anyone related to the Original Sheik had to be crazy, otherwise they wouldn’t survive.
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Title: The Way You Left Me.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 4139
Summary: It's the year 1999 and their relationship forever changes. That doesn't stop Sabu from leaving, however.
Sept. 26, 1999
“Did you honestly have to hit me that hard? People would think you really have it in for me.”
Sabu snorted. “Bullshit. Why would I? I don’t need you to be injured. Even if I could make just as much money on my own.”
“Oh? I doubt that.”
“Shows how much of a cocky shit you are.”
Suddenly the conversation had turned from playful to grim, and Sabu could see the cold fury flash in his friend’s eyes. That too showed how different things were, because usually Rob wouldn’t have let himself get that riled up. Not by Sabu, of all people. His friend started pacing, and in the back of his mind Sabu felt bad for intentionally annoying him. However, he simply couldn’t help himself.
“How’s Sonya doing?”
Once again that question had managed to surprise Rob, and there was something almost ironic about the way that bit of information had seemed to slip Rob’s mind. More anger, this time at Sabu for bringing it up.
“The same. Always the same. Asking me every few days isn’t going to change things,” Rob said bitterly, his eyes avoiding Sabu’s entirely.
But perhaps it’ll remind you, Sabu thought, hoped almost. He knew that once Rob caught on to what was going on between them - that kiss before the PPV hadn’t been alcohol induced, after all, and neither had backed off - he’d be lost. Lost completely, because Rob was nothing if not persistent and, unfortunately, so damn tempting.
~
There was nothing gentle about it, and both seemed to realize what they were doing was wrong. Thrusting in deeper, hearing Rob’s pained whimpers, he almost felt it was necessary. It justified what they were doing, the pain, the roughness, making it less about attraction and feeling and more about being horny and fucking. Sabu knew they were kidding themselves, but if it enabled him to let go instead of worry endlessly, then he’d take it.
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Title: Timeline.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 5735
Summary: Their relationship runs through both their lives like a red thread, always tugging them into place. (A look at how their relationship develops in a different kind of writing style than I'm used to.)
Cockiness leaves him completely the first time grizzled veterans look at him, but Rob continues anyway. He can't turn back now.
He doesn't see Sabu that first day, but gets a suspiciously warm welcome from others. He's sure he'll have forgotten their names by the end of the day, but not their name for him. Sabu's boy, he's called, and he doesn't bother correcting them. He'll be anything, as long as he can stay.
~
Most of his time he spends being tested, much like those endless days in Detroit. He has to earn his spot, but doesn't care. Earning acceptance is what he's done all along. While constantly on guard, his eyes do wander, searching rooms for the man who got him there. He knows, though, that Sabu won't show his face until he's been judged. Sabu doesn't tolerate failure.
~
Eventually he makes it, receives the nod and some time in the ring. Being in front of fans is nothing new, but their hatred is. Rob has trouble dealing with their taunts. Looks shouldn't matter, but his somehow do. So he shows them that even his pretty face can bleed, and that agile feet kick just as hard.
Slowly he teaches them what they should hate him for. Because he's better than them. Thus, a persona is born, and he finally feels at home.
~
“Hey,” comes Sabu's mumbled greeting, the first time he sits down next to Rob in the dressing room. Almost as if he's been given permission, now that Rob has proven to be worthy. The man hasn't changed, still scowls and broods relentlessly, but Rob notices a difference in him, steps not as certain as he'd gotten used to, eyes forever darting to and fro. Like he is waiting, fearing the inevitable backlash of something.
It worries Rob more than it should.
~
The backlash comes soon enough, but not as expected. Having been subjected to Taz's anger, Rob leans heavily against a dirty brick wall. He's not sure what prompted the attacks, knows he can't do anything about it, but he can imagine.
Glaring, snarls and insults, have been a part of things for a while now. Sabu and Taz have history, people tell him, and you can't be neutral when you're Sabu's friend. He considers correcting them once more, but he likes the thought of being seen as just that, so he lets it go. He'll take the abuse.
~
The first time Sabu finds out - a bleeding lip is hard to hide - the blow-up is huge. Chairs come crashing down on Taz, hitting him so hard even Rob has to flinch. Wrestlers urge him to do something, to pull Sabu away, but he's hesitant. He doesn't want the man to be angry at him as well.
Eventually, though, he knows he has to, when Taz lies sprawled on the floor, bleeding, and the heavy thudding of Heyman's boots hurries towards them. Ducking as Sabu takes a swipe at him too, he almost carries the man out of the room. His friend's anger scares him, but he holds on anyway, frantically begging Sabu to calm down.
It's not until Rob too clutches his head that he finally does.
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Title: It's Sinking In
Pairing: Joey Styles/Taz
Words: 1403
Summary: (Ooold stuff!) Joey finally begins to see how things aren't as they seem.
Joey scowled at his friend’s indifference - yes, he still called him friend - and ignored the question in his eyes as he crawled behind the steering wheel and waited for Taz to get his ass in the car. Bastard. There were times when Joey expected some sort of interest from his side, at least about his well-being, but that seemed to be a lost cause. The only reason Taz preferred him over the other commentators was because Joey was ECW, no matter what Taz liked to say, and something had happened between him and Michael Cole. Joey was still curious about that, but neither of the two liked to talk about it.
He’d been surprisingly easy on his former partner, instead choosing to laugh at Joey’s misfortunes. Whenever they were forced to give commentary on things with JBL, or just spend time with him, he’d encourage the man with casual remarks. It was like Taz took some sick joy out of seeing Joey squirm under the persistent attacks. Yet, when he looked closely, he could sometimes notice the man’s smile falter. It was very odd.
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Title: Unfinished Business.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 1590
Summary: Only one person seems to care Sabu is leaving for Japan and it isn't the man himself.
Well, except perhaps experiencing the same while at home, but still, it was bliss, and Sabu cherished the chance to remain where he was. He was surrounded by warm blankets, the soft kind, not those itchy things other cheap hotels used, and they didn’t smell as bad as most often did. It almost made him think fuzzy thoughts, grossly uncharacteristic ones too. The sheets smelled of him, of Rob, and of the two of them together. It was pleasant, and he kept his eyes closed, relaxing into the covers and not giving Rob the chance to realise he was awake. He hadn’t slept much at all that night, and was still tired, so any sleep would be welcome.
“Ow, fuck!”
Sabu didn’t respond, instead kept his eyes closed and his muscles relaxed, even though the annoyed and somewhat pained outcry came from across the room and he wondered why Rob hadn’t stayed in bed. Usually Rob would pester Sabu by crawling next to him, hugging him from behind, of course ignoring the unspoken pleas of Sabu to let him go. It wasn’t that Sabu would want Rob to bother him, he was quite happy to stay like this, but it seemed strange. Rob never let a good chance to annoy Sabu pass him by.
“Goddamnit!”
He was almost certain that Rob was trying to wake him up, or at least sneakily check to see if he was awake. If he really was hurt or upset then he wouldn’t be griping so. He could be a drama-queen, but he was also an ECW Original, he wouldn’t be out there moaning and groaning if there wasn’t a good reason. That reason being the act of badgering Sabu into admitting he was awake, of course. It wouldn’t work, Sabu decided, and he tried to return to that dream he’d been having. The one that consisted of a mix of last night’s interesting events and some flighty ECW memories; the right combination of present and past. Rob wouldn’t let him, though, because as soon as he was beginning to feel drowsy again he heard the swearing continue from next to the bed.
“Fuck this shit!”
Rob was dangerously close, and Sabu repressed one of those twitches people had when they realised they were about to be found out. He felt the urge to speak up, to ask Rob what he was whining about, but he knew it would mean suffering through Rob’s chatter. Once he knew Sabu was awake he wouldn’t let him go back to sleep again. Rob was that evil. In fact, Sabu wasn’t entirely sure why he was always considered the evil one of the two, especially when Rob was obviously much more devious.
He could feel the bed dip, and the mere knowledge of Rob being next to him made his skin heat up. Strange, how that happened. Sabu cursed himself, cursed Rob as he felt Rob’s breath on his face, and heard the amused chuckle as he shuddered. Damn him.
“I thought I heard you bitching about something,” he murmured, opening one eye only far enough to see blurred contours. Everything looked like he was peering though cheap binoculars, from Rob’s smiling mouth to the slight stubble caused by a few days not shaving. It looked like a shadow had taken a hold of him, had plastered itself to Rob’s skin, and was now gradually spreading. Sabu immediately opened both his eyes, forcefully willing that image from his mind. Rob’s eyes calmed him down, a curious inquiry in his stare, but Sabu only shook his head. He wasn’t going to talk to Rob about that, because no doubt he’d bring out his books on the world of Zen to try and block these thoughts. Sabu didn’t have the patience for things like that, and he figured that without his roughness and dangerous air he really had nothing to interest people with.
“Well? What’s wrong with you this time?” he asked, sitting up a bit.
Those are the biggest ones. Something tells me I should have finished shit before I started a new one. O_O
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Wrestling:
Mocking DX? Still hilarious.
Thank You, Dirt Sheet!
Exactly my thoughts, hun. O_O By the way, did you die piss off Triple H?
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Wrestling:
Oh God. I've downloaded Hogan's show - purely to mock it - but, damnit, I love it! I totally love the whole thing and I feel dirty because of it. *shudder* I don't know, I just love the concept of pretty, pretty B-list celebrities being shown what wrestling is all about. Granted, yes Hogan and his friend make babies cry, but it's just hilarious.
I constantly find myself laughing at something they said, or smiling whenever they whine about how tough it is. Guess what, moron, it's wrestling. And it's actually showing how tough it actually is, which always makes me happy.
Rob's on there somewhere too, so I'm anticipating that - and laughing my ass off because the few shots of him indicate he might have broken Danny Banaduce's (?) leg/back/neck, which I shouldn't find as amusing - as he looked incredibly pretty in his purple singlet. Pretty, pretty, pretty.
(Someone explain who this Danny guy is, by the way. I don't know half the people on there, but supposedly I should know who he is and I keep seeing him on shows. I haven't a clue.)
It's pure and utter crack, people.
-
Clips, clips, clips!
Hilarity ensues.
Tammy - Sunny - Sytch and Francine play the Marry, Fuck, Kill game and Francine once again shows me why I love her. Girl's got taste.
Tammy on Sabu and his wondrous - *cough* - looks, after which Francine comes to Sabu's aid. (Did I mention I love her?)
All Snow during a very funny backstage interview right before his match with Sabu, mentioning the presents he tried buying the man and laughing at the prospect of getting 'wood' from Sabu.
Click to view-
WIP Meme:
I do this one once every blue moon, so I figured I'd do it again. Some are the same as last some, others have been added to.
Title: Long Gone
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 1377
Summary: Having stepped away from the business, it's only his friends that keep Rob coming back. Surprised by a strange phone-call, he realizes one in particular needs his help.
There would be a decision soon enough. Either good or evil would win, regardless of the reality backstage. Good guys very rarely turned out to be what they portrayed, for there were very few good guys in the business he’d grown to hate. Backstabbing was part of everything and it made Rob wonder why he hadn’t left sooner. Perhaps it had been the want, to be a part of something big and to imagine he meant something. The same thing that had kept him side-by-side with his sometimes-partner, sometimes-friend, sometimes-enemy, but forever role-model. Suffering a guy like Sabu had seemed easy then. Now he didn’t even have the chance to hate it, for the man was gone.
He knew where he was, of course, kept on eye on the news outlets and the other on his non-existent life, but Rob refused to acknowledge that he’d expected more from their so-called friendship. Growing up in the business had been hard, but finding himself backed by such an unlikely companion had done him good. The inevitable let-down had been surprisingly easy to deal with once Sabu refused to return his calls.
For a man so used to spending time with Sabu, and a man who had admitted long ago that there was more than friendship building - in his mind, at least - the change had been rough regardless. Expectations meant little when reality kicked in, and the cold shoulder he received once Sabu realized he’d never be enough ruined them.
In this business good never triumphed.
“That’s it,” Tommy murmured. “Another one over and done with.”
The crowd showered the wrestlers in the ring with a mixture of clapping and boos. Some were angry at the result, others just happy to have seen it. It felt like home, but it felt like a kick to the gut too. It had lost its meaning.
“Thanks for inviting me.” Rob smiled, but could see from the look in his friend’s eyes that he wasn’t going to get another invitation anytime soon. It didn’t bother him.
-
Title: Late
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 674
Summary: A car-accident threatens to tear Rob and Sabu's tentative relationship to shreds. (Future!fic)
He nearly dropped them, but with a bit of luck they eventually ended up in his right hand. Heaving an annoyed sigh, he fiddled with the lock, pushing the door open with his shoulder once he’d managed to turn the key. Dropping the boxes carefully, he stretched his back, surveying the living room.
“Sabu?” he called out, removing his keys and pulling the door shut behind him. It appeared the man wasn’t in, which annoyed Rob as he’d told him to wait, though one could never know until they’d checked to see he wasn’t fast asleep. Lately that’d been what Sabu preferred doing; sleeping.
Checking the kitchen, trying not to notice the dirty dishes that had piled up, Rob moved through the house, picking up some things here and there to return to where they were supposed to be. Obviously Sabu had thought it was okay to leave their spare bed-sheets on the couch, something Rob didn’t agree with. Especially because he knew Sabu wasn’t one to share his beloved couch, leaving Rob to sit awkwardly in the old leather chair.
“Sabu?” he tried again, knocking on the bedroom door soundly. “You awake?”
Listening for a second, he couldn’t distinguish a reply, so he slowly turned the handle, peeking in to find all the lights on. Sabu certainly wasn’t here, he much preferred the dark.
“Damnit,” Rob swore, turning off the lights before entering the backroom. He had little faith that Sabu’d be there, seeing as it was packed with boxes for the comic shop and he hated the place, but it was worth a look. When he entered the place, no one was there.
Stalking through their place, he’d almost reached the front door - intent on checking if the car was still there - when his cell-phone started vibrating.
-
Title: Splish and Splash.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 1201
Summary: A day at the beach should be relaxing, right? Or maybe not. (Inspired by SXH's challenge a while back. Am writing to write with as little angst as possible. It's hard.)
Spending time together, it proves to be one of the few things everyone in a family will enjoy. Mothers sunbathe, fathers play catch with the dog - or their son, should they have one - and the young children drive the mother crazy by playing too close to the sea.
Not so for Rob and Sabu. While Rob can appreciate the white, foamy waves, and the taste of salt in the air, he doesn’t much like the feel of sand in inappropriate places, or the noise everywhere. He likes his beaches peaceful, where he can stand and look out at the horizon. Here the horizon is obscured by person after person trudging along.
Sabu likes it even less. Though not too fond of heat, or sand, or too many people passing him by, the worst is definitely the obvious gawking from nearby children. He looks different, he knows, and when mothers hurry forwards to scold their kids for staring before leading them away - subsequently staring at his scars themselves - he knows he shouldn’t have been rolling around in barbedwire so much.
They’re there, though, as ordered - no asked - by the company they work for. All wrestlers are around somewhere, most hiding in overly large trailers or behind gigantic screens. So many people around is asking for trouble.
Rob is glad, for once, that his partner scares people. He wouldn’t have much rest if he didn’t, though some very courageous kids still shuffle forward under Sabu’s threatening glare. Rob rewards them with an autograph.
“Wanna go swim?” he asks at one point, his skin too hot even under the giant umbrella they’d brought. A grumbled reply is barely audible, Sabu’s eyes mere slits. He looks surprisingly relaxed, just lounging under the carefully positioned escape from the sun.
“I’ll take that as a no.” Rob smiles, pushing himself to his feet. He grimaces momentarily, feeling the sand burn, then throws a haphazard glance over his shoulder. Sabu looks uncomfortable, but his eyes remain closed and his arms dangle. Arms dangling means he’s comfortable enough to lay there, at least, so Rob doesn’t worry too much. Instead he nudges the man’s chair with his foot and walks off, steps brisk so he doesn’t touch the ground for too long.
-
Title: Bubbles.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 738
Summary: Bubbles. Just that, bubbles. raisingkane's fault.
As far as he knew his alarm clock hadn’t gone off yet, clearly evidenced by the flashing of red lights, but it also told him it was way too early to be awake. Four o’clock was, even for him with all his ECW history, too late or too early to be up. Then why wasn’t he asleep?
A sudden mutter to his left startled him, neck snapping to the side awkwardly. Groaning in frustration, he rubbed it, trying to ignore the stabbing pain tingling down his spine. Eventually he looked down at the sleeping form of Rob, still busy muttering into his pillow. He had obviously rolled over, tugging most of the sheets with him as it had twisted around his waist, and one arm now rested across Sabu’s chest. Knowing Rob and his violent movements when dreaming, the force of his arm landing must have been the cause of Sabu being awake.
“Fucking moron, next time you’re sleeping on the couch,” Sabu snarled, pulling some of the sheets towards him. Rob muttered some more, and for a second Sabu just watched him, the relaxed look on his face common and - if he was honest - one Sabu enjoyed.
Trying to steal back more of the sheets, Sabu couldn’t help but feel annoyed at Rob for trapping them beneath his body. He was entirely too heavy to deal with this late at night.
“Hey, wake up!” Prodding his partner violently, Sabu felt vindicated at the surprised yelp that emanated from a none too happy Rob. Then again, Sabu hadn’t appreciated being woken up either. Rob squinted at him, lazily turning on his side. Noticing the clear opening given to him, Sabu harshly pulled on his part of the sheets, causing Rob to land on his back with a thud.
“What was that for?” Rob all but whined, freeing himself before falling back into the pillows. The arm that had earlier woken Sabu up was now propped up against the headboard, the other across Rob’s stomach. He looked rather comfortable, Sabu mused, which was really unfair. Bastard.
“You woke me up, I make sure you do too. Just repaying the favour.”
Lying back down, and covering himself in most of the sheets, Sabu closed his eyes, though he knew Rob wouldn’t let him get away with things that easily. He had the unfortunate knack of being able to figure out when Sabu wanted him to be quiet, and then yammering on endlessly.
“How did I do that?”
Rob sounded amused, and lazy, which wasn’t surprising. Everything Sabu ever said or did seemed to amuse him somehow, and if it weren’t for that, Sabu doubted even Rob could deal with him. Luckily their arrangement worked. Being awake at four o’clock at night, however, didn’t.
“You hit me, I wake up. That’s usually how it goes. You always do that when you’re dreaming.” Sabu paused, then narrowed his eyes. “Asshole.”
-
Title: Summers Together.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 2103
Summary: Summers spent together. Original, isn't it?
They were strangers, forced to occasionally meet in house and workplace. What Sabu called home, but never stayed at, Rob lived in, and what Rob reached for, Sabu had obtained. He wasn’t famous, by a long stretch, but he could call himself a wrestler. Rob had no hopes of even that.
“That’s the Sheik’s nephew,” someone had answered, the first time he’d asked. The second line was always the same, too. “Stay away from him, he’s crazy.” Though Rob had seen no evidence proving this yet, he believed them. Anyone related to the Original Sheik had to be crazy, otherwise they wouldn’t survive.
-
Title: The Way You Left Me.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 4139
Summary: It's the year 1999 and their relationship forever changes. That doesn't stop Sabu from leaving, however.
Sept. 26, 1999
“Did you honestly have to hit me that hard? People would think you really have it in for me.”
Sabu snorted. “Bullshit. Why would I? I don’t need you to be injured. Even if I could make just as much money on my own.”
“Oh? I doubt that.”
“Shows how much of a cocky shit you are.”
Suddenly the conversation had turned from playful to grim, and Sabu could see the cold fury flash in his friend’s eyes. That too showed how different things were, because usually Rob wouldn’t have let himself get that riled up. Not by Sabu, of all people. His friend started pacing, and in the back of his mind Sabu felt bad for intentionally annoying him. However, he simply couldn’t help himself.
“How’s Sonya doing?”
Once again that question had managed to surprise Rob, and there was something almost ironic about the way that bit of information had seemed to slip Rob’s mind. More anger, this time at Sabu for bringing it up.
“The same. Always the same. Asking me every few days isn’t going to change things,” Rob said bitterly, his eyes avoiding Sabu’s entirely.
But perhaps it’ll remind you, Sabu thought, hoped almost. He knew that once Rob caught on to what was going on between them - that kiss before the PPV hadn’t been alcohol induced, after all, and neither had backed off - he’d be lost. Lost completely, because Rob was nothing if not persistent and, unfortunately, so damn tempting.
~
There was nothing gentle about it, and both seemed to realize what they were doing was wrong. Thrusting in deeper, hearing Rob’s pained whimpers, he almost felt it was necessary. It justified what they were doing, the pain, the roughness, making it less about attraction and feeling and more about being horny and fucking. Sabu knew they were kidding themselves, but if it enabled him to let go instead of worry endlessly, then he’d take it.
-
Title: Timeline.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 5735
Summary: Their relationship runs through both their lives like a red thread, always tugging them into place. (A look at how their relationship develops in a different kind of writing style than I'm used to.)
Cockiness leaves him completely the first time grizzled veterans look at him, but Rob continues anyway. He can't turn back now.
He doesn't see Sabu that first day, but gets a suspiciously warm welcome from others. He's sure he'll have forgotten their names by the end of the day, but not their name for him. Sabu's boy, he's called, and he doesn't bother correcting them. He'll be anything, as long as he can stay.
~
Most of his time he spends being tested, much like those endless days in Detroit. He has to earn his spot, but doesn't care. Earning acceptance is what he's done all along. While constantly on guard, his eyes do wander, searching rooms for the man who got him there. He knows, though, that Sabu won't show his face until he's been judged. Sabu doesn't tolerate failure.
~
Eventually he makes it, receives the nod and some time in the ring. Being in front of fans is nothing new, but their hatred is. Rob has trouble dealing with their taunts. Looks shouldn't matter, but his somehow do. So he shows them that even his pretty face can bleed, and that agile feet kick just as hard.
Slowly he teaches them what they should hate him for. Because he's better than them. Thus, a persona is born, and he finally feels at home.
~
“Hey,” comes Sabu's mumbled greeting, the first time he sits down next to Rob in the dressing room. Almost as if he's been given permission, now that Rob has proven to be worthy. The man hasn't changed, still scowls and broods relentlessly, but Rob notices a difference in him, steps not as certain as he'd gotten used to, eyes forever darting to and fro. Like he is waiting, fearing the inevitable backlash of something.
It worries Rob more than it should.
~
The backlash comes soon enough, but not as expected. Having been subjected to Taz's anger, Rob leans heavily against a dirty brick wall. He's not sure what prompted the attacks, knows he can't do anything about it, but he can imagine.
Glaring, snarls and insults, have been a part of things for a while now. Sabu and Taz have history, people tell him, and you can't be neutral when you're Sabu's friend. He considers correcting them once more, but he likes the thought of being seen as just that, so he lets it go. He'll take the abuse.
~
The first time Sabu finds out - a bleeding lip is hard to hide - the blow-up is huge. Chairs come crashing down on Taz, hitting him so hard even Rob has to flinch. Wrestlers urge him to do something, to pull Sabu away, but he's hesitant. He doesn't want the man to be angry at him as well.
Eventually, though, he knows he has to, when Taz lies sprawled on the floor, bleeding, and the heavy thudding of Heyman's boots hurries towards them. Ducking as Sabu takes a swipe at him too, he almost carries the man out of the room. His friend's anger scares him, but he holds on anyway, frantically begging Sabu to calm down.
It's not until Rob too clutches his head that he finally does.
-
Title: It's Sinking In
Pairing: Joey Styles/Taz
Words: 1403
Summary: (Ooold stuff!) Joey finally begins to see how things aren't as they seem.
Joey scowled at his friend’s indifference - yes, he still called him friend - and ignored the question in his eyes as he crawled behind the steering wheel and waited for Taz to get his ass in the car. Bastard. There were times when Joey expected some sort of interest from his side, at least about his well-being, but that seemed to be a lost cause. The only reason Taz preferred him over the other commentators was because Joey was ECW, no matter what Taz liked to say, and something had happened between him and Michael Cole. Joey was still curious about that, but neither of the two liked to talk about it.
He’d been surprisingly easy on his former partner, instead choosing to laugh at Joey’s misfortunes. Whenever they were forced to give commentary on things with JBL, or just spend time with him, he’d encourage the man with casual remarks. It was like Taz took some sick joy out of seeing Joey squirm under the persistent attacks. Yet, when he looked closely, he could sometimes notice the man’s smile falter. It was very odd.
-
Title: Unfinished Business.
Pairing: RVD/Sabu
Words: 1590
Summary: Only one person seems to care Sabu is leaving for Japan and it isn't the man himself.
Well, except perhaps experiencing the same while at home, but still, it was bliss, and Sabu cherished the chance to remain where he was. He was surrounded by warm blankets, the soft kind, not those itchy things other cheap hotels used, and they didn’t smell as bad as most often did. It almost made him think fuzzy thoughts, grossly uncharacteristic ones too. The sheets smelled of him, of Rob, and of the two of them together. It was pleasant, and he kept his eyes closed, relaxing into the covers and not giving Rob the chance to realise he was awake. He hadn’t slept much at all that night, and was still tired, so any sleep would be welcome.
“Ow, fuck!”
Sabu didn’t respond, instead kept his eyes closed and his muscles relaxed, even though the annoyed and somewhat pained outcry came from across the room and he wondered why Rob hadn’t stayed in bed. Usually Rob would pester Sabu by crawling next to him, hugging him from behind, of course ignoring the unspoken pleas of Sabu to let him go. It wasn’t that Sabu would want Rob to bother him, he was quite happy to stay like this, but it seemed strange. Rob never let a good chance to annoy Sabu pass him by.
“Goddamnit!”
He was almost certain that Rob was trying to wake him up, or at least sneakily check to see if he was awake. If he really was hurt or upset then he wouldn’t be griping so. He could be a drama-queen, but he was also an ECW Original, he wouldn’t be out there moaning and groaning if there wasn’t a good reason. That reason being the act of badgering Sabu into admitting he was awake, of course. It wouldn’t work, Sabu decided, and he tried to return to that dream he’d been having. The one that consisted of a mix of last night’s interesting events and some flighty ECW memories; the right combination of present and past. Rob wouldn’t let him, though, because as soon as he was beginning to feel drowsy again he heard the swearing continue from next to the bed.
“Fuck this shit!”
Rob was dangerously close, and Sabu repressed one of those twitches people had when they realised they were about to be found out. He felt the urge to speak up, to ask Rob what he was whining about, but he knew it would mean suffering through Rob’s chatter. Once he knew Sabu was awake he wouldn’t let him go back to sleep again. Rob was that evil. In fact, Sabu wasn’t entirely sure why he was always considered the evil one of the two, especially when Rob was obviously much more devious.
He could feel the bed dip, and the mere knowledge of Rob being next to him made his skin heat up. Strange, how that happened. Sabu cursed himself, cursed Rob as he felt Rob’s breath on his face, and heard the amused chuckle as he shuddered. Damn him.
“I thought I heard you bitching about something,” he murmured, opening one eye only far enough to see blurred contours. Everything looked like he was peering though cheap binoculars, from Rob’s smiling mouth to the slight stubble caused by a few days not shaving. It looked like a shadow had taken a hold of him, had plastered itself to Rob’s skin, and was now gradually spreading. Sabu immediately opened both his eyes, forcefully willing that image from his mind. Rob’s eyes calmed him down, a curious inquiry in his stare, but Sabu only shook his head. He wasn’t going to talk to Rob about that, because no doubt he’d bring out his books on the world of Zen to try and block these thoughts. Sabu didn’t have the patience for things like that, and he figured that without his roughness and dangerous air he really had nothing to interest people with.
“Well? What’s wrong with you this time?” he asked, sitting up a bit.
Those are the biggest ones. Something tells me I should have finished shit before I started a new one. O_O
-
Wrestling:
Mocking DX? Still hilarious.
Thank You, Dirt Sheet!