Healing (for CaptainL, The Wanderer, GolemGuardian)

[CaptainL]

When Harmonia sat at her side and wrapped her arm around her, Molly let out a contented sigh, leaning up against her girlfriend. Although a moment ago she had been worried about things taking a turn for the worse - seeing Jonathan and Kennedy exchange a few shouts, seeing Harmonia seem all too eager to start a brawl even if it was all in good fun - in an instant, all of that was forgotten, and her smile crept wider across her face as she nuzzled her shoulder up against Harmonia's. Somehow, no matter what happened, no matter how turbulent her emotions or the world around her grew, Harmonia's presence always seemed to be the only thing Molly needed to put her mind at ease. "Mm...thanks, Moni," she whispered softly.

When Kennedy proceeded to take Molly's side as well, the Austrian decided to step away, giving the two some space. Molly looked back at Harmonia as she approached the men to propose a drinking contest, and as she did she let out a sigh. She could tell they'd be in for a wild night, and she had to be prepared to pick up after them. But she wasn't going to dwell on that. Kennedy was here, and when it had been so long since the two of them had last crossed paths - let alone how eventful things had been in all that time - Molly had plenty to catch her up on.

"Oh, Moni? It's a funny story about that...Chelsea and I competed against her and Fin a while back, for an England vs. Austria capture the flag match. It was when the football thing was going on, see, and the folks in the back thought they could draw a crossover audience. Chelsea and Finella took things...personally, of course, and that's how it led us here..." She sighed again, deflating a little in her seat as the memories turned painful. But the next word out of her mouth caused her to perk up with a grin. "But Moni was really nice! She didn't want it to turn into some national rivalry thing. All she cared about was the four of us. And we realized, as the match went on, that we hit it off really well. We both wanted to give the fans a good show, and that was more important than proving one of us as better, either as people or for our countries. Plus, she was impressed with my moves...which was really cool," she added with a giggle. "After the match, we knew we wanted to get to know each other more, so...we went out on a date, and the more we talked the more we realized we really had a lot in common! And everything she did was just...so nice, and so wonderful, and I've never quite met anyone like her...we just had to make something of it, and I'm glad I did. I'm really glad I did...she makes me so happy, and..." She sniffled, then, reaching up to wipe at her eyes. "Forgive me, Kennedy, I'm just getting misty-eyed about it...but I really do love her so much."

Though Kennedy was quick to bring her back to reality, as Molly thought about the next question she asked - one that caused her whole face to grow red as she brought her hands up to cover it and shrunk back into her seat. "W-Whaaat!? Kennedy, that's...that's personal-!"

---

Back at the hospital, things were no less of an emotional rollercoaster. At first, Chelsea had to roll her eyes when she listened to Finella brush her off. Even when she was trying to make peace between them, she thought, Finella wouldn't take it - she was too stubborn, just as always. What was even the point of it, then? She crossed her arms and looked away...but then, as she turned back, she came face to face with Finella's eyes, staring deep into her. Once again, her gaze seemed so deep as to stare straight into her soul...but unlike the piercing blue and yellow stare of the Hellraiser, this was a look of sympathy, one of concern, even love. It still reached into her soul, but it calmed her, steadied her; the longer she looked into it, the more she grew at ease. The look in her eyes told Chelsea that deep down, in spite of all that had happened, Finella still cared. And it was that that made her expression soften further into a smile - and when Finella leaned in against her, Chelsea did too, wrapping her arm around the Wolf's side to pull herself closer. Her grip tightened, almost into an embrace.

It was then that Chelsea realized that it wasn't Finella who had been too stubborn, and too set in her ways to look past the past and to move forward. It was Chelsea who had been all of those things - too obsessed in her own image, in her desire to be tough and unshakable and to never make any excuses, that had held her back from Finella. But now, she knew, she couldn't hide any more. She didn't need to. No matter who she was...Finella would accept her, all the same.

She let out a long sigh, one that seemed to purge all the tension from her body. She slumped back against the bed, draping herself over Finella in the process; no doubt Finella could feel how heavy her body was when all the fatigue had set into it - but Chelsea was willing to lean on her, anyway. She brought her head closer to listen to Finella's words, and as she did her vision began to blur as tears welled up in her eyes. The old Chelsea, the one afraid of showing any weakness, would want to suck those tears back in, to hide them from the world. Especially from Finella, the one person who could never see her weak, who could never see her cry; to do so would be to prove she could never hope to be as strong as her. But there was no point in hiding now. Now...she trusted her. No matter how much she would claim that she and Finella were nothing alike...she couldn't deny what she said. They really were more alike than they were different, and it was because of that that Finella knew Chelsea. She understood her. Everything she could say about herself applied to Chelsea all the same, and now, they could both admit it. Before, it had been their similarities that fostered their rivalry, with both of them struggling to share the infamy they'd accrued. But now...it could help them at last grow together.

"You're...you're right," she said, sniffling. "You're right...about everything. Really, what else can I say..? Finella...I'm sorry." She slumped in against Finella, her arms wrapping around her tighter. If it was debatable if she was truly hugging her earlier, there was no doubting it now; Chelsea all but pulled herself up against her former opponent, her face buried into her shirt. "I'm just so...sorry for everything. How I acted to you...for all I did to you...I just wanted to be the better of the two of us. Just to prove that to everyone...to myself. But...I took it too far. I'm sorry even that I can't look past it now. I'm sorry I can't open up to you, and be nice to you, and be the person I should be...I'm just sorry I'm this way. You need to hear it now, most of all..."

Out of words to say, Chelsea just went ahead and let herself sob into Finella's shirt. She couldn't help herself any more. The emotions had grown too strong; she just had to let them out. Even if it was Finella she had to show them to. In fact, it was better that she was doing this to Finella. After it all, Finella deserved to see the real her. If Finella had opened up to Chelsea, it was her turn to reciprocate.

But all the same...Finella did forgive her. For all she'd done in the match, for driving her away from her sister, and, yes, for being so stoic around her even when she was trying to make amends. She understood - because, deep down, Finella knew Chelsea. She knew how she worked. She knew who she was. And at the end of the day she was going to accept her for that. As long as she could accept herself, she could accept Chelsea, too.

Chelsea looked back up at Finella, lifting herself up from her lap. She wiped away her tears, sniffling again...but then, a smile broke over her face, and she nodded her head. Once again Finella had said something she had no choice but to agree to. If, after all she'd done, after who she'd been, the others could still find it in their hearts to accept Chelsea, to worry about her when she was in the hospital...then she knew they were true friends after all. True friends she couldn't hope but to be honored to have.

And if Finella was willing to hug her and listen to her and to dry her tears, even after the two of them had put each other through hell...it meant she was a friend, too. The kind of friend Chelsea always needed - someone to accept her, to look past her rough edges and to accept her all the same. And maybe, Chelsea was that for Finella, too.

"...thanks, Fin..." she muttered. "And it's okay. No hard feelings any more...right?"

She smiled a little wider to Finella, just to let her know everything was okay...only for Finella to suddenly skip ahead to the end of the match, where Chelsea and George had kissed. And at once, she jumped up in her seat, her face flushing bright red as she sputtered in shock. Especially as Finella went on to make allegations of something going on between the two of them. "W-W-Whaaat?! No, no, there's no way, I...ye think I could fall fe a rite capital-G gobshite like dat..?"

But, after a moment, Chelsea let out a sigh, looking down again. She knew as much as anyone that there was no hiding it any more. The truth was out there, whether she liked it or not - after the two had their big moment at the end of the match, it would be hard to deny the true nature of their feelings. And besides, she had agreed to open up to Finella, and to be honest with her. It was time for her to live up to that promise.

"...I...I do." Chelsea's voice came in a soft whisper, afraid of being heard by anyone but the two of them; this was their secret to keep, now. "I feel so silly admitting it, but...I do. He's the only one who really...accepted me before this...he cares about me...and I needed that, I really needed that..."

[Pegasus]

Jonathan and William cheered as the Superstar would be joining them at the bar as Jonathan waved over a waitress taking off one of the special bottles of vodka from her plate. He took a look at it and smiled as he showed his two drinking buddies before twisting off the cork before ordering a few more shot glasses. Jonathan then turned over to the Superstar as George would pass out three shots glasses each.

“You think you’re tough do ya, Mama Bird? Try Russian vodka on for a change. Do note that I’m pretty resistant to the strong taste of this particular brand. I bet you won’t get past the first shot,” Jonathan challenged with a playful smile.

Jonathan poured three small amounts into each glass as they all clinked for cheers and downed them whole as Jonathan smiled while William made a little sour face tapping the table with his free hand.

“Talk about harsh winter. That felt like icicles and magma going through my throat,” William noted.

“The Commissioner’s Ration. Stalin issued a decree to bring the Red Army 100 grams of vodka during the Second World War. It was supposed to induce the fighting spirit of Russia into them and bring them more energy in order to fight off German forces. I had this back in my younger years of wrestling after shows and it does put you out for a few hours. Pro tip is to have a bottle of ibuprofen ready cause the headaches soar after three drinks worth, ” Jonathan explained as he took a second shot.

Harmonia didn’t seem too dazed by the drinks so far so they continued until one of them would start tapping out. William would start getting use to the taste as all three started to have their minds warped to another plain of reality. Jonathan sat back in his seat as he took off his blazer throwing it on the ground. He felt his head start shaking as he grabbed it and placed his hands on the table.

“Oh fuck, I forgot how instant this stuff hits,” Jonathan stated in a blurred, drunken state. “Oh god!”

“Does anyone know where that tortoise went? That slow fucker owes me money,” William rambled in his own drunken state.

Meanwhile, Kennedy listened to the whole love story of Harmonia and Molly from the Capture the Flag match to their first date to the Christmas party last year to their first match as The Superstars. Kennedy held a hand to her heart and giggled like a schoolgirl engaging in gossip.

“And I thought Haleigh and me were crazy,” Kennedy remarked. “Haleigh….at first, she was meant to be a one night stand admittedly, but we have had talks about getting to know each other and party more together so we thought…let’s make this bitch duo official. I love that crazy girl. Then, there’s Sara. Honestly, that story is a bit more emotional and serious. She has just broke up with Corey since she was beginning to be a commentator for USPW and he had a demanding truck driving schedule so they couldn’t work out time to see one another. It was a mutual breakup, but Sara cried her eyes out. It broke my heart and I comforted her all I could even staying in Alabama a few weeks to make sure she was okay. She later started having feelings for me and I can’t say I was shocked. The feelings were rather mutual, but then there was my relationship with Haleigh. I couldn’t just cheat on her, that’s not who I am despite my known sexual ventures. Sara suggested a three-way relationship, but Haleigh was on the fence and she didn’t even have feelings for Sara that she could think of. It took awhile, but after a few dates, Haleigh started coming around to the idea. Even if it didn’t work, we go back to the way things were. And well, we’re three ladies living together in a condo in Santa Monica just on the pier.”

Kennedy then ordered a normal Budweiser and started drinking as her mind drifted elsewhere.

“Then, Sara talked about wanting to get back into wrestling. As you know, she had that horrible injury to her spine and stayed out of the ring. I admit that I shut it down completely as I didn’t want her to get hurt and we had a huge fight about it. She slept at a hotel for three days to kinda blow off steam. I just felt concerned. If my poor Southern belle hurt herself further, I’d just feel awful. We eventually talked about it more and she made the decision to get examined by the doctors. It brought some relief to me,” Kennedy explained as she took another drink of her beer.

[RedShinigami]

Harmonia did'nt intended to get THAT shitfaced, she still was a woman of class and what would Molly say? But there was so much weight dropping of her this evening, the blonde Austrian just wanted to celebrate and never stop. Then she saw the white hair and the unamused glare of one Chris Yukine and she knew that this topic was'nt finished. She nodded to George. "Give this amigos something on my tap...",she said, tipsy but not drunk yet and walked over to Chris and Ryan. "May I?", she said in a soft tone, her deep voice soothing. "What are you guys talking about?"

George meanwhile looked at the bottle of booze Jonathan, William and Moni just had a taste of and tilted his head. "Wha' in gawds goo' name is ha'?", he asked and took a sniff before choking and putting away the mysterious beverage. "Bloody 'ell!"

--

Finella had been close to four people in her life. Her grandfather, Harmonia, Chris and Chelsea. Three in love and one in hate. Absolute, undisputable hate that brought out the worst in Finella. She always had been a force to be reckoned with, a strong and rebellious, pigheaded Brawler who had earner the title Hellraiser.

And now she was here, arm in arm with Chelsea and when the body of the blonde gave in, her arms tight around Finella, her tears soaking her shirt, the Austrian understood. They were both girls that no one understood, they wanted to be loved like other girls but instead of swimming along with the stream, they had tried to do it their own way. This had lead to them both turning hard and cruel to everyone who wanted to oppose them. Finella had felt it in the last breaths of their match and she felt it now, more then everything else.

Chelsea was not different, they both were the same, and when the Blonde apologized, throwing all her pride overboard, Finella did'nt deny her as her arms wrapper themselves closer around Chelsea too and pulled her in as both landed on the matress of the bed. Their bodies now entangled like in the vicious catball they had at their match but there was nothing vicious here. It was over. Finally it was all over and Finella could'nt hold back anymore as she pressed her face into Chelseas hair. "No... Never again. Never again Chelsea. Its over. Its over..."she whinced as she held her tight. They were laying in each others arms for a long time, god knows how long, but Finella could'nt let go, not now.

When she had cried herself dry she choked a bit and still held on to Chelsea. "It's ok Chelsea. It's really ok. We have done so much to each other. And look were it got us. This is'nt what we should want. I... I woke up in hospitals much too often for my taste. I just want to have fun in my life. I came to Japan to leave all of that blood and tears behind me. And instead I took it with me... ", she whimpered.

It was nice, there was no stench of blood and sweat and the cold air of the arena. Instead it was warm and comforting and smelled nice. Finella did'nt know how long they laid there sobbing but she knew that it had to be. And that it was right. With no one else except them to finally finish this bloodfilled feud.

Finella smiled when she heard Chelseas reaction and then nodded. "He looks really good alright. And he is a businessman. That's a chance I would'nt waste.", she grinned and set up, wiping her tears away. "Hey, Chels...", she said and looked back at the girl next to her. "Dankeschön.", she whispered and slipped out of the bed, got into hers and soon after Chelsea would only hear snoring...

--
Day 5
Chelseas Visitor came into her room when Finella was still asleep. It was no one else then George Fortunato, Chelseas Manager and Friend. He looked even more dashing this day, his suit colourful but decent and his hair, like always, done to perfection. He had a black folder under his arm as he approached Chelseas bed silently, not to wake Finella and took her hand which he kissed. "Oi, sweehea'. Had an appointment at me bank an' thought I look over.", the Londonder smiled as he took a seat. "How do you feel?", he whispered and scooted his chair closer.

[GolemGuardian]

Chris was probably on her fourth glass of water by this point, and she seemed to be doing much better. Of course she had again thanked Ryan for his help as well, half certain she'd still sound like a zombie if not for the spray and drops he'd given her. She had picked up their conversation from the car, getting into how she got into rock. The energy from the music and the mosh pits she had been in, and how it allowed her to vent feelings she didn't even realize were bottled up after her parents' deaths. Her tunes had grown a bit more fun and self-discovery oriented, and some of it she wrote more to share than to describe herself.

Not in so few words, however. Being socially awkward as she was, she stumbled around trying to pick the right ones now and then and there was a bit of stammering. Hopefully Ryan could put the pieces together for that.

And then, like a bad name, Harmonia decided she wanted to join them. Any positivity the rocker showed vanished and she just adopted a neutral look. "Nothing. Just how I got into rock. I wouldn'twant to bore you and take you away from your liebling or I'm guessing her mother." She'd quickly down that last bit of her current cup of water. "If you'll excuse me, Ryan, I need to go use the restroom." Without waiting for anyone to speak, Chris would move from her seat and head to the restrooms nearby.

It was partly an excuse to put distance between her sis' twin, but so much water had made it a truthful one. The rocker did her business, but wouldn't leave after her hands were washed. She'd stay in there, leaning against the sink. Harmonia seemed to want to talk, but Chris didn't. She just would tolerate the Superstar's presence and that was it. The two didn't need to talk or pave things over. They just needed to act civil around Fin, that was it. That was what they're truce was. Nothing more.

[CaptainL]

If Molly had been paying more attention to what was going on at the bar, she'd probably have sighed and rolled her eyes at first, and when the alcohol began to set in she would consider staging an intervention to make sure things didn't get out of hand - which seemed especially worrying when William was involved. Perhaps fortunately, she had Kennedy around to keep her distracted - and when the Jungle Queen had plenty on her mind to talk about, she was able to keep Molly engaged. Even if the Englishwoman did blush a little when Kennedy compared her to her own girlfriend's effusive praises.

"A-Ahh, sorry...do I really sound that corny? Heh, just got excited..." She giggled nervously, but went on to listen to Kennedy's explanation, nodding her head. "I'm glad to know you're all doing so well, though! And that it all worked out. Having a beach house together sounds like fun. Maybe I'll need to come down to visit you guys some time! Still, that's too bad about Sara..."

Molly nodded her head, her thoughts turning to one of the other friends she'd made from her time in WOWW and USPW - a promising young rookie who had suffered an injury in her first bout, forcing her to stay involved with the wrestling world on a backstage basis, but always wondering what she could have had. She was happy to know that things had worked out with her, Kennedy, and Haleigh...but she still had to frown when the topic shifted to her desires to get back in the ring, and the strife it had caused them. Even if they were miles away, Molly couldn't help but feel a pain in her gut when she thought about her friends being in pain. Either from growing further apart, or from worries about them getting hurt.

"I...I see..." Molly sighed again, nodding her head. "She's okay now though, right? What...did the doctors say?"

---

Chelsea couldn't believe it was actually happening to her. She had her arms around Finella, she was letting herself get close to her, even that she had allowed the Hellraiser to see her cry. She was letting her guard down around her, exposing her weaknesses, and willingly coming into her arms. But something about it was just right. At a time like this, all Chelsea needed was someone she could cling to, and someone she could lean on. There was no one else around, so Finella would have to do.

And perhaps strangest of all...Finella agreed. She understood. She was willing to be here for Chelsea, to dry her tears, and to put all of the past behind them. Had Chelsea been in a better place to think, she would have been baffled she would even do such a thing. But all she wanted now was to be held, and Finella was doing that for her. They had excised all of their anger and hate in their match. Now, all that was left was their sorrow - the same feeling they both felt, that beat in each of their hearts. And in that sorrow, they could finally find common ground.

Slowly but surely, Chelsea's sobs grew slower and softer as the last of her tears ran out of her eyes. The rocking of her body and the heaving of her shoulders with each breath she took had ground to a halt. A few seconds later, Chelsea rose from Finella's shirt with a sniffle, but still she wiped the tears from her eyes as she turned her head up to look at her. "You're...you're right," she said. "But it's over now. We don't need to carry it any more...I think we've proven our points, huh?" As she finished her sentence, the corners of her lips turned up a little further, and now, she could look up at Finella with a smile. It was a weary one, a weak one - but a smile nonetheless.

A blush came to Chelsea's face when the topic next turned to George, and she hugged her arm a little closer to herself as her legs fidgeted back and forth. If Chelsea found it hard to believe she was letting Finella comfort her, it was even stranger to think she was getting relationship advice from her. At the same time...she had a point. Of course, Finella's thoughts boiled down to his good looks and money, but to Chelsea things still ran deeper than that. George had believed in her; he had understood her and accepted her like few others had. Even before any of this started, before she'd even met Finella, she had been close to him, and he had been the one person she felt safe confiding in. She knew how much he liked her, too, and even if she was embarrassed to admit it...she couldn't help but let all that stir something in her heart. It had been long enough; maybe it was time she said something...

But before Chelsea could say any more, Finella turned to excuse herself to her bed. At first, the blonde stared after her, her mouth hanging open and her finger raised. She wanted to say something - to tell Finella she needed more time to talk to her, that there was so much more on her mind, that she wasn't going to let her get out of this so easily.

But then, she stopped. She realized that none of that mattered. They would have plenty of time to think, and plenty of time to talk - and when they were coming together like this, the last thing they needed was anything else to wedge them apart. For now, Chelsea just smiled to Finella and nodded her head, whispering under her breath. "You're welcome..."

Still, when she was left there, alone on her bed, even as she sank deeper into the mattress and pulled the covers up around her, Chelsea couldn't help but think about George - all he'd done for her, all she wanted to do to give her thanks, and where she needed to go next. Those thoughts were still on her mind when he dropped by some time later to visit her. When he stepped into the room, her eyes followed him, and she couldn't help but blush a little more at the sight - even more so as he took her hand and kissed it, causing her heart to skip a beat faster. It was all growing clear to her now - this couldn't wait much longer. Soon, she would need to say something. If there was ever a time to speak up...

"Do'n well, Jud. Do'n juss well." After a moment - her thoughts searching for something to say but coming up with nothing; her eyes flitting about the room but never quite settling on George's face - Chelsea finally decided to continue. "Actually 'ad firkin ed me mind, like..."

[Pegasus]

Kennedy bowed her head on the counter thinking back to Sara talking about her visits to the doctor. She took another sip of her beer and fiddled with the glass bottle before looking up. Kennedy turned her gaze to her surrogate daughter and sighed.

“They said she was lucky to not be paralyzed with how her injuries looked the first time. Now, she’s a bit better since she stayed out of the ring and they said a return is possible if she takes the necessary advised steps should she ever decide to get back in the ring. There’s a physical therapy program and mandatory visits to the gym. It would probably be a year or two before she could lace up her own boots again. She’s thinking about it, but she’s fine sitting at an announce desk for the meantime. I just hope when and if Sara does get back in the ring, she takes it real slowly,” Kennedy explained.

Kennedy then perked up with another question as she gazed over to Molly.

“Hmmmm….you weren’t ever thinking of going after the Lightweight Championship anytime soon, right? What about Chelsea? Listen, stay away from that business with Rose. I don’t need you two getting hurt,” Kennedy advised.

[RedShinigami]

As things unfolded in the pub, the rivals at the hospital had a heart to heart, something that did'nt leave Finella untouched. She had been through hell and back with Chelsea, her whole body broken, her spirit and soul still in the process of updating themselves after the coma. All in all, Finella felt like a doormat that got stepped on one time too much as her hurting bones hit the matrace of the hospital bed. And still there were two persons that she still wanted to tell something, something she was'nt capable of before and so she took her phone and wrote.

"Hey Chrissy (^０^)ノ! I am so sorry that you had to see me in this...well, see me looking weak like this, but if anyone on this planet is allowed to see me at my weakest, then it is you. I can't stress enough how much it meant to me that you stood by my side this whole time, looking after me, doing whatever you could to help me and make my life a bit better. There was nothing you owed me, nothing that was forcing you to help a little mess like me out and still you took care of this hurting and bleeding wolf and became her friend. I will never forget that Chris. Everytime you held me when I had a bad dream and every tear you shared for me is worth more then any treasure in this world. Now what I wanted to say is that I am sorry. I must have worried you to death with our "We settle this between us two!" shit. My pride has hurt you and I am truly sorry for that, I hope you ever can forgive me, because you, Chris Yukine, are the most precious thing to happen to me in all my miserable life (⌒▽⌒)♡. And now that it is over Chris, it is time for us all to heal. I know coming from me it sounds like I got hit too hard on the head and maybe thats the case but there is nothing good in going on with this any longer. I almost lost Moni again, I almost lost you. To think that I would leave my sister in bad blood really hurt me. I love Harmonia, I will always do and whatever happens between us, we will be sisters. Even if we hurt each other. I want it to be better again and I am sure, Moni has learned a lesson and if not then we hammer it into her thick head ヽ(　￣д￣)ノ! Please give Fenrir a big hug and a kiss and try to enjoy your bed as long as you can before a certain someone will be with you again, stealing your blankets o(≧▽≦)o! Don't worry, they told me that everything is fine again. I am a trooper after all and I am called Hell-RAISER not Hell-SLEEPER! So please Chris, even if its fresh. Relax. And when you visit me bring me some ice cream, yes? The Doctor said I will be able too in a few days~ With many cuddles and love, Finny~"

The Wolf reread the message and nodded, her eyelids already heavy again. But this time it was the whole day that caught her and it would be a nice and tight sleep, not a journey through darkness. There was'nt any darkness anymore. Finella looked over, seeing Chelseas blonde hair sticking out of the blankets and sighed. It was over. It was finally over...

---

As the bloodfeud between the Austrian and the Brit finally wrapped up it seemed that a certain someone used the chance start something new in Chelseas life, not a feud or a fight, but something that would be very personal nonetheless. George looked especially dashing today as he picked Chelseas hand and gave it a kiss. George was maybe a trickster, a womanizer and sometimes his italian genes came out a little too much but in all fairness, he was a gentleman of the old school. He knew how to treat women and dress properly. His bowler hat was under his arm as he picked a chair and scooted closer to Chelseas bed. The hand he had kissed was still in his and he softly stroked it with his thumb as he listened to Chelsea. "I am glad 'o 'ear, swee'hear'. In fac' i am also 'ere 'o 'alk abou' some'hin. If you allah me?", he said and put the folder on the bed next to Chelseas lap. He took some documents and a pen out of it. "You knah chelsea, runnin a pub all on your Jack Jones is 'ard business. Ov course you always 'ave company bu' in 'he end i' is a lo' ov wawk an' you are on your Jack Jones a' 'he end. So i was 'hinkin ov sharin my 'he responsibili'y wi'h someone, a par'ner so 'o speak. Ov course 'his would mean 'o move in'o 'he wolf an' 'he bunny, 'o run 'he pub from 'ime 'o 'ime an' 'elp wi'h prepara'ions faw even's an' every'hin. An' seein 'ha' you are a 'rue bri'ish girl an' knah your way around pubs, ov course i 'hough' ov you. You would 'ave 'o ea' an' drink as much as you wan', you can 'hrah ou' every guy whose boat race you don'' like an'...", he said and looked into Chelseas blue eyes that had went wide.

"...you would always 'ave a place you can call 'ome...", he said and put the papers into her lap. "Take your 'ime 'o 'hink abou' i'. I go faw some rosy lee. I will be back in 20 minu'es.", he said and softly squeezed Chelseas hand that he was holding the entire time.
He seemed calm, he seemed collected but when he left the room, George almost tumbled as his heartrate had reached unhealthy speed. He blushed and hoped that this was'nt too much, that Chelsea was'nt offended or anything. He calmed himself and went on to the cafeteria. Some tea sounded about right. It would all work out in the end...

As Chelsea sat there with the official papers that could make her the co owner of a successful english pub there could be heard some rustling and chuckles from the other side of the room as Finella came out from under the covers and gave her a big grin. "Oh..my...god...was that the sweetest love declaration ever or what...", she said and got up on her feet. Both she and Chelsea did'nt need the wheelchair anymore but still Finellas footing was a little wobbly so she went over quick and dropped herself on Chelseas bed. Both women had spent some time with each other now and this position, Finella draped over Chelseas bed, both chatting, watching TV and eating together was nothing new for the staff of the hospital by now. It seemed that when the wound was cleaned and all the rotten flesh was cut out, that there was indeed more sympathy that they had for each other then they had expected. Finella got on her knees and hugged Chelsea. "You will say yes, won't you? Oh you have to!", the Wolf, who had a soft spot for romantic things, not that she let anyone know about it, said with gleaming eyes.

"This guy loves you enough to give you half of his life Chels. I mean look at this...", she said and went through the papers. "If you separated you still would hold your shares on it. This guy means it Chelsea...", Finella added and suddenly her cheery looks became somber. "He even took a hit for you...", she whispered, still whincing when she thought about the sickening sound when the pipe slammed into the back of George head. "He could have gotten seriously hurt but he did'nt even flinch. He grabbed you and protected you. It is not my business Chelsea, but if I were you I would'nt think twice. Also...", Finella said and put Chelseas bangs behind her ears while she held her face and stroked her cheeks with her thumbs. "This guy has likely slept with 200 women and whom did he want? Whom did he pick to be his one and only? You, the brash, tough talking, harddrinking girl from Liverpool. Out of all these women, all of them more beautiful then the other he picked Chelsea Forster. And whatever I may have said. You ARE beautiful Chelsea. Hell, after all this is said and done you can be glad that I don't try my luck on you.", Fin grinned and bent forward so their foreheads touched and their blue eyes looked into one another while Finella still held the face of Chelsea.

"He loves you. And from what I have seen, you do too. So, I will go for my daily routines and you two will make me happy, yes?", she smiled as she bent forward and gave the unsuspecting Chelsea a soft peck on the lips before grinning and letting her go. "You are blushing, Miss Forster.", she chuckled and then got out of the bed. She rang for the nurse and then looked out the window, smiling at the sunny day. "It is nice to be your friend Chelsea.", she said with a smile. "Much nicer then to be your enemy. If I just had seen that before."

[GolemGuardian]

Chris remained in the bathroom longer than necessary, leaning against the sinks. "I swear if she's back by Ryan still when I leave after this long, she's got to be thicker than her fat chest is," the rocker muttered to herself, looking down at her nails. "Only having half the story or not, Fin still suffered so much. All it means is she didn't try hard enough. When there's no Fin around, she can fuck off to spend time with the family she chose."

A few women had come and gone during her little rant, giving her the side eye as they touched up their make up or washed their hands. They didn't know what Chris was talking about under her breath, and they had either dates or friends to get to. No one wanted to interact with a girl talking to herself and leaning against the sink like a crazy girl.

After several moments, Chris felt her phone buzz. The rocker just sighed, thinking it was probably her other roommate, Tania, sending her a text about showing her overseas girlfriend, Michelle, their lovely little husky, Fenrir. Or it might be an emergency about something with her little pupper, but knowing the gf crazy lass it was probably the former. She hadn't expected to find a text from Finella, and especially not one like what she was sent.

Her lip trembled as she read the heartfelt words of her sister, her tears once again welling up and spilling over. "Fin..." Her voice shook, torn between smiling or breaking down from the Hellraiser's kind and loving words. She had to be hurting so much still, and yet she'd written such a long message for her. Was this one of those twin things, where she could feel Harmonia's emotions over Chris' indifferent disdain? Or just very well timed? Either way, the high flyer didn't realize how much she'd need to hear words from the hospitalized wolf. She wouldn't know if Fin'd see it tonight or tomorrow, but Chris would reply to her sis.

Fin, thank you. I'll be honest, I was so scared when you passed out in the ring. And then when I heard you were in a coma, I might have lost it a little. You're my sister, even if we're not blood. You're the only family that's gotten me, so I freaked out. But don't put that on you. I should have known what I was signing up for with a wild little dog like you.

You're right. It is time for the wounds to be mended. I shouldn't just keep wallowing and be angry. I'm sorry if you felt you had to tell me that. And thank you so, so much. I'll definitely try to bring in some for you when I can, as well as grab something else for the best sister I could ever ask for. Now go rest, I'm sure you must be exhausted. Love, your big sis Chris

The message was sent almost immediately and the phone put away. Chris quickly wiped away her tears and finally left. The rocker went back to her seat, a little tiny smile on her face. "Sorry for that. Hey George, can I get a couple pints down here? Dealers choice?"

[CaptainL]

"I...see..." Molly let out another sigh as she leaned over the counter, her chin in her hands. She stared down at the floor, her thoughts turning to Sara and the fears she had of her friend injuring herself again if she continued to keep trying to get back into the ring. The girl was dedicated, she had to give her that - but she didn't want that dedication to lead to more trouble down the line, especially when it seemed like things were as bad as they were. She just wanted to be past any more worries. "I mean, I'm glad she's doing okay. And I'm glad she's willing to take it slow. But I just hope she doesn't do anything too sudden. I mean, I wouldn't want her getting hurt. I know what it'd do to you, too..."

When the topic changed again, to the Forster sisters pursuing the Lightweight Championship, Molly turned in her seat to look back at Kennedy. Her eye twitched at the thought of Rose Gold - no matter how much she had risen through the ranks since she had struck out on her own, she still knew the Lightweight Champion was bad news, and she didn't need her or her sister getting caught in her crosshairs, especially after the scare she'd had already. "To be honest," she explained, "I never really...felt like that was on our radar. I don't mean to say we're not good enough...er, well, maybe we weren't," she admitted with a blush, "but I've always been used to being part of a team, you know? Even all the way back in WOWW, when we had a title, it was for our work as a tag team. And now that I'm with Moni, we still want to stay together. After how much stronger I've gotten...well, I do feel like I just might be able to make it work. And I guess it really would make me a Superstar. But I wouldn't want to have to leave her out of it..." After that, though, Molly stood a little taller, pointing her face to the sky with a bright grin. "But maybe, some day, the Superstars will be Tag Team Champs! We've already come a long way, and I'm sure we can only get better from here!"

Then, Molly looked back at Kennedy. The talk of champions had reminded her of how the Jungle Queen had briefly dated Astrid Ostberg before, and she was curious as to what they were up to; she knew they kept in touch even now. "Say," she said, "you hear from Astrid lately?"

---

Chelsea still had a blush on her face when George took his place by her side, and when she felt the gentle touch of his thumb brushing against her hand. She let out a sigh, leaning in against his side. There was a part of her that felt embarrassed, showing this much affection toward someone she had grown so used to only seeing as an annoyance. But after all the Englishwoman had been through...she felt like she could indulge herself, without worrying how much anyone cared. Besides, as far as she knew, they were alone.

Her heart quickened a little when she heard George mention something to tell her, and she turned to face him with a curious tilt of her head. After the talk she and Finella had...she couldn't help but wonder what this could mean. And the thought that it just might lead to the two of them growing even closer was not lost on her. Of course, she reminded herself that she was probably just thinking that because the topic had been raised already, but...maybe, just maybe, there was something more to it. She listened closer to George as he went on about the pub - and, when it became clear that he was looking to find help in running it, she knew exactly what he would offer next.

"Me!? Ye want me ter get involved..!?" Her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped as she clasped one hand over her chest. She knew George well, from all the long talks they'd had over drinks, and all the complaining she'd done after each defeat that he was happy to lend an ear to. She had come to know him more and more over the years, and she knew how much the pub meant to him. It seemed almost unthinkable, in fact, that he would ever want anyone else involved with the management...but it also told her that if it was her he was reaching out to, it meant he trusted her with everything. More so than he could with anyone else Chelsea could think of in all the world. The more she thought about it, the more she came to realize everything he said was true. She would have a home, there. She would have some place she could call her own, without ever having to worry about not being able to measure up again. She could...belong. And the thought of that, after so long of being alone in the world, made her smile that much more.

At the same time, Chelsea sniffled a little bit, looking away. There was that part of her mind that was quick to chime in, reminding her that she wasn't worthy of such an honor. She had always told herself what she had heard from everyone else - she was too fierce, too stubborn; she couldn't work with anyone. Wrestling was all she had, and when it had led her here, she didn't know if she even had that. She knew how much the Wolf and the Bunny meant to George...and if she was the one to run it into the ground, all because she had jumped at an offer she knew she didn't deserve, would she ever forgive himself? Did she want to burn down all he had, too?

Chelsea said nothing, thinking through these things the whole time. She felt George squeeze her hand, and she was quick to return it, but she still stared down at the papers in front of her, trying to think of something she could say, but coming up with a blank every time. George seemed to notice, stepping out to give her some space, and as he walked out the door, Chelsea turned to look up at him with a soft "...thank you..." - but that was all. She quickly turned back to the forms, looking over each line and asking herself if she truly could take on such a burden as this - or if George was just as much of a fool for thinking he could get close to her.

That was, until Finella jumped up from under her bed. At once, Chelsea jumped up in her seat, practically doing a spit-take; the papers fell from her lap as she did. "Cer! Ye wuz listenin' ter dat de oole blewdy time!?" she sputtered, her face only growing redder - after all, she had thought this was a private moment, but Finella was keenly aware of what was going on. Had she known, she wouldn't have let her guard down so much. But now, Finella knew Chelsea's deepest, most private, most intimate thoughts. Even if she hadn't said anything...she wouldn't have needed to to clue anyone into what was going on.

But...all the same, Finella didn't care. If anything, she was encouraging. When Chelsea felt the Wolf's arms clasp tightly around her, she stared off wide-eyed into space. It felt surreal; it just wasn't right that Finella, her old enemy, was really doing this, cheering her on and encouraging her and getting worked up about this with the enthusiasm of a little girl. But all the same, Chelsea couldn't deny what she heard. Finella was right. Everything she said was right. George did care that much about her. He trusted her with everything. He wouldn't have made an offer like this if he didn't know with all his heart that Chelsea was worthy of it...and this went beyond a simple business deal, either. The pub was his home, his heart. If he was inviting Chelsea into that...it meant so much more.

The Englishwoman looked back up at Finella, her eyes wide with surprise - but also wide with excitement at what the future might bring. George knew her more than anyone else. She had been willing to speak with him about things she wouldn't even talk about to Molly, or even to their parents. He knew every doubt, every insecurity, and every problem she had...and yet, he was still willing to let her stand by his side. If that was the case, she knew what needed to be done.

It was the kiss Finella left on Chelsea's lips that shook her back into reality, causing her cheeks to light up even brighter. As they broke away, she sputtered a few times, wiping the taste out of her mouth and shooting a glare at Finella. "I am not blushin'!" she groaned - but then, she let out a sigh. "Oi...but if it's wha' it takes fe me ter shut ye up, like...thun fine! I'll do it!"

And yet, despite her harsh words, a second later, Chelsea looked back at Finella, and a smile came to her face. After all that had happened between them, she couldn't be mad. Not really. That was behind her now. And now, she was looking toward a bright future - for Chelsea, for Finella, for George, and for all of them. It was about time she let Finella have something to be proud of. And it was about time she let herself be happy, too.

She hopped up from the bed. A moment later, Chelsea shoved the door open with one hand, waving the now-signed papers in her other. She limped a little as she put pressure on her foot, but that wouldn't stop her. She knew what needed to be done - and she called back down the hall.

"GEORGE!!"

[Pegasus]

Kennedy nodded to Molly on her concerns about Sara as well and it brought back images from her fight with Sara. The screaming, the debates, the worries, the crying, Kennedy didn’t want to repeat that ever again. Her and Haleigh got into small drunken rambles, but that had to be her first serious fight of any relationship she has ever had. Even what she had with other wrestlers, including Jonathan, weren’t that tragic. It’s part of the reason she came to Japan. At least this country had an aura of peace she could feel before returning to California.

Kennedy also sighed relief when Molly promised that the Lightweight Championship wasn’t even on their menus. The Jungle Queen probably figured both sisters would want to wait until the title is in better hands before attempting to pursue it which would be for the best. At least she didn’t have to see Chelsea even more hurt or Molly in a hospital bed which gave her shudders….or maybe that was just an alcohol buzz. She had drank half of her glass beer already so it was starting to set in. Kennedy wouldn’t say she was a heavy drinker regularly, but the parties and misadventures she got into involved lots of booze.

Then came the question of Astrid as Kennedy drank the rest of her beer ordering another one to calm her nerves.

“Assy’s fine. Just a little banged up from that champ she made her bitch and all. Oh, wait until I get my hands on Lexy….that bitch is dead! Metaphorically, of course,” Kennedy explained as she drank her second beer and burped a little rubbing her chest.

“Ya know, hon, how about you and me just get some quality girl time in? I figure Harmonia wants to have more time to her sister and you could use a long break from all this drama. A little sightseeing of Tokyo should be just what the doctor ordered,” Kennedy suggested as she booped her Molly bunny on the nose.

Meanwhile, Ryan smiled as Chris came back to sit down as he ordered a small beer bottle of tequila and drank his sorrows away.

“You're alright, Chris. I think this will be a good friendship between us,” Ryan stated.