Lovebirds Taking Flight Again! (for CaptainL)

[Pegasus]

William pulled up the map on his phone and started searching through it for the restaurant. As they reached the intersection, he looked up at the road and pointed to the right as his girlfriend would oblige with the light turning green.

“Just keep on this freeway until two miles down and change down to the exit,” William stated. “Yeah, the last few defenses. Thereisa, Selket, heck even that title vs. title match with Rose Gold. I don’t get why people say you brought great shame to heavyweights losing to Rose Gold when in reality, she was pissing herself left and right to get away from you. Babe, you mean serious business in that ring and no one can take anything away from you. A lot of people are probably just jealous you get all this attention just by holding that belt. In the end, you got what you wanted. Rose is out of your hair and you got another title defense to worry about. And I’ll be right there by your side.”

William sat back and looked out the window as he tugged on his sling to adjust it more comfortably.

“As for me, my next sight is on that world title in USPW. I’ll be gathering all these tag team titles with Jonathan, but I think it’s my turn to become a world champion. I’ve never had any world title gold in my 13 year career and I’m a powerhouse. If you can do it, so can I. I’m also gonna get revenge on Preston and King Randy. Two more people on my hit list. Preston still has to pay for turning his back on us and Randy sure a big mouth I would like to stitch shut,” William declared as he set his eyes on the road ahead.

[CaptainL]

Astrid nodded her head to William's directions, turning the car accordingly. "Right, right," she said - but even as she drove, the Norsewoman's thoughts were focused on the conversation she was in, and her memories of all her prior matches in LAW. She had certainly faced a number of opponents who had challenged her to push herself to her limits, and she'd faced a few close calls even if she had emerged from each with her title, and the victory. That was, except for Rose Gold. Even though the lightweight had beaten her in a non-title match, she had still beaten her, causing Astrid to pass out just seconds before she could flatten her.

But what made things even worse were the allegations that she had dishonored the Heavyweight Championship, an honor that she had upheld as the crowning achievement of her career and that she had pledged from day one to give the respect it deserved, in doing so. At the mere mention of Rose Gold, Astrid let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping at her side. She hadn't just lost, she thought, and she hadn't just lost to an opponent as despicable as Rose, who she wanted nothing less than to punish for all her ill deeds - she had let the championship down in doing so, and she had let down everyone to whom she had promised to be a champion worth celebrating.

But...even if she might have lost, William still understood. He recognized that Astrid had tried her best, that she'd kept Rose on the ropes, and that if things were just a hair's breadth off, it would be a different story. Astrid was still disappointed it had happened, but hearing it coming from William eased that burden just a little bit, and she sat up straighter in her seat, smiling to him. "Ah...thanks, Will. As silly as it is to say, I...I needed that. I'm glad to know that there are still people out there who have faith in me. Especially when it's you."

As she turned onto the exit, she continued. "Actually...I know I've made promises for Fight the LAW, but I've heard that Tina Kelley wants to challenge me for my belt, too. She's a big fan of mine, so I want to oblige her. If she wins, she'll be taking my place against Kat and Alaina, but..." Astrid smirked a little with a chuckle under her breath. "Well, I'm sure we won't need to worry about that, anyway!"

Then, as William went on to describe his plans, Astrid's eyes widened at the mention of him chasing after a title of his own in his own promotion. "Really!" she said. "Imagine that...the two of us holding world-class titles going into the wedding. It's an exciting thought, I have to admit. If you need any more training to take them on, I'll be happy to help out, just...promise you'll wait until your arm's better, okay?" She looked over at William's sling again, glancing over it a few times with concern. Astrid was well aware that her fiance wasn't one to let things like this keep him down - but if anything, that made it worse.

[Pegasus]

William smiled as he managed to calm his fiancé’s nerves and the taller man really thought about it in a more rational way. Rose had defeated another respected heavyweight before in one of Astrid’s opponents for the world title, Alaina Sanders. Did anybody shame Alaina for losing to a lightweight like Rose? No. So, who gave anybody the right to make Astrid seem like a failure for losing one match when for the past two years, she defended that title with pride and made it mean something? Not to mention, she holds the record for being the longest reigning champion in LAW so even if she lost it, her name is in the history books forever.

“It’s not fair. Thereisa is Thereisa so I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less from her calling you a disgrace, but Linda Halloween agreeing with her? Pardon my French, but fuck her. Anyone deciding who is an embarrassment to their division probably doesn’t have a lot to live up to in their careers. Not to mention, it’s just one loss out of the many you’ve achieved so far. You’re not even 30 yet! You got plenty of other opportunities for important wins and even if you lose the title, you can always get right back up and work your way back to another title shot,” William explained as he held his fiancé’s free hand before kissing it again with a gleeful look on his face.

“But before any world titles come, Preston has to be brought down. Me and Jon will to see to that.”

[CaptainL]

Astrid let out another sigh, shaking her head as William brought up how Linda Halloween had taken Theresia's side in decrying Astrid for the loss of her title. Though she hadn't dealt with the previous champion personally in some time, she had still respected her as a well-accomplished wrestler and for the times she had successfully defended the championship, let alone winning it in the tournament to crown its inaugural champion. But she had since learned that Linda was willing to turn her back on her even after she'd fought her hardest, and that couldn't help but feel like a punch to her gut. She was sure that at some point down the line, the two were bound to cross paths again, and perhaps even face off again. When that happened...she didn't know what to expect.

But for now, Astrid didn't need to worry about that. She could concentrate on the future, and what was in front of her now - in preparing herself for her coming title defenses. She knew that Tina Kelley had worked on bringing herself to her level in the name of challenging her idol, and Astrid was eager to see what she might be capable of when the ultimate prize was just in front of her. And if Astrid could come out of that match with her title in tow, the next step was taking on not only one, but two of the top competitors in the Heavyweight Division at Fight the LAW. There was a lot in store...but William believed in her.

The Norsewoman smiled with a nod of her head, and her fingers squeezed tigher around William's as she took his hand. She still had a lot on her mind after that match, but at least William could give her the encouragment she needed. "I guess that's right...it's funny to think about, isn't it? I'm still young, in the grand scheme of things, but it already feels like I've accomplished so much. I've won a title like this, I've defended it around the world...and I still have plenty more in me to go. When you've been in this business as long as you have, you should know a thing or two about getting better with time. So I can only imagine where I could go from here!"

When Astrid straightened herself in her seat, she looked back out at the road with a smile. All she had needed in the end was a few encouraging words. But now, all her doubts were behind her. Now, she felt like she was ready to take on the world again!

Or at least, the steakhouse, which she saw a sign for, and in her excitement nearly drove right past. She slammed her foot down on the brakes, looking back at William. "Is this the place?"

[Pegasus]

The car screeched to a halt as William smacked his head on his closed window and rubbed it. He regained his sight and shot a playful glare at Astrid before the Norwegian blushed in some shame. The car was parked in an empty spot and William got out letting his fiancé out before they would hold hands up to the double glass doors.

“Moni recommended this nice steakhouse to me. Said her and Sheila come here on the occasion they hung out together. Although, Sheila doesn’t have the best table manners,” William stated as he chuckled thinking about his little buddy.

William had went up to the host and he looked up the reservations on the restaurant app seeing how he booked a table ahead of time. The host nodded taking two menus as William escorted his fiancé to their table and they were seated as Will took a look at his menu blushing that he had to use one hand.

“I hate this feeling. I’m so used to knocking out people with one fist, but using it for everything feels weird,” William complained.

[CaptainL]

As Astrid brought the car to a screeching halt, William lurched in his seat, his head slamming into the window in the process. When she heard a thud, the Norsewoman let out a gasp, looking back to see William rubbing his head. "Will-! Are you all right?!" Admittedly, this was hardly anything new for William, who seemed to have a knack for getting himself into trouble one way or another - inside of the ring or out. She was sure he could withstand harder knocks than this; in fact, he often did in the ring. But it was a protective instinct that kicked in around her now-fiance. And even when Astrid reminded himself that William could probably handle it, her concerns immediately turned to the car. She scanned the window over for any cracks and dents, and she let out a sigh of relief when she saw there weren't any. Explaining that to the rental agency would be...awkward, she was sure.

Letting out a sigh, Astrid brought the car to a stop after she turned into the parking lot. "Sorry about that, Will...I shouldn't worry too much." But any worries Astrid might have had would soon be eased as William led her to the steakhouse, holding her hands gently. When she felt his grip, she could feel a sense of peace - reassured and reminded that he would stick by her side, no matter what happened. If there was anything she could say about William, it was that he was reliable, he was honest, and he knew what he wanted. When Astrid had been dealing with a lot on her mind lately...she could use that. And as they went to enter, she held her back up a little straighter and looked at him with a smile on her face.

"Ah, heh..." Astrid chuckled a little at William's description. She knew Sheila through the times she'd helped train her, and she could only imagine what the two of them would get up to - perhaps, she thought, it was better not to think about that too hard. "Yes, I've heard that you and her have been getting along well. Even that you've been working on her training. I know she can be a bit headstrong at times...but I'm sure she'd get along well with you. You have a lot in common, you know..."

Then, as they were handed menus and led to their table, Astrid frowned a little as she looked over to see William fumbling with his. Scooting a little closer, she held her menu open, holding it up to him to get a better view. "Here..." she said - but all the while, all she could think about was how William was going to have to adapt to his injury. If she knew William, he was stubborn enough to want to get his way with anything, and she already knew that having one injured arm was going to set him back even before he said so himself. She could only imagine what was on his mind now. "Just try to take it easy, and give it some rest," she explained. "It'll heal better that way. And until then...I'm here to help."

[Pegasus]

William smiled a little as Astrid put her menu up to him and they could share. It was a pain in the ass the last few weeks dealing with a broken arm and he was glad it wouldn’t be long before the sling could fully come off. He scouted and observed the menu trying to figure out what he wanted as he sat back sighing.

“What are you getting? They always say ladies first. I usually think better when someone decides before me. That gages the items that are worthwhile. Otherwise, I’m just choosing the T-Bone and I know you’ve wanted to try some vegan foods for awhile now,” William stated.

The waiter would come up to them and introduce himself as Robert before asking what they would like to drink and what appetizers they would start off with.

“Pepsi. And we’ll start off with the sourdough bread,” William answered.

[CaptainL]

When she saw that William had given her the cue to order first, Astrid chuckled - especially after he went on to describe what he was getting. "You know, you just said what you were thinking of anyway...but I'll probably just go with a flank steak. Maybe a side salad, too."

When the waiter arrived, she relayed her order before looking back at William to see if he was still going with the T-bone or something else. She thought for a moment as her eyes ran over to the wine list, but when she realized that she was likely going to be driving back, she shrugged her shoulders, saying "Yeah, Pepsi will do."

Then, though, her eyes turned toward William, and in particular the cast on his arm. She took a pause - it was beginning to dawn on her that it would be difficult to eat steak without a fork and knife, and William was going to have trouble operating those utensils one-handed. "Er...Will, you think you'll be okay? If you need any help, let me know, all right?" She was sure William would find a way - for better or worse - and she didn't want to sell him short, but she couldn't help but worry.

[Pegasus]

William settled for the T-Bone steak and the waiter took their order bringing their menus back to the kitchen so he could notify the chefs of the next meals to create. William fiddled with the salt shaker and heard Astrid’s concerns as he sighed leaning back in his chair.

“I hate that you have to worry about me like this. The exact reason I fully blame myself for going to that dinner. Just to get on your nerves, but they are getting suspended so good riddance. It shouldn’t be too much longer and then I can hit the gym. Get my old boy back in shape! ” William stated.

William then listened to the violin music being played throughout the restaurant as he held Astrid’s hand with his free one squeezing it to help calm her down. He knew it was a whirlwind of different things getting on her mental state and he wanted to help curb those concerns so they could enjoy dinner. Maybe it was time for his surprise….

“Hey Astrid, you ever thought of living out on the prairie?”

[CaptainL]

Astrid let out another sigh as she heard about how William had gotten himself into this predicament. It was no surprise that she had no kind words for the members of Cyber Legacy - after all, Cyber Widow was a rival that went as far back as her father Lars, and that rivalry had been no less heated when Astrid had taken her on in a match for the LAW Heavyweight Championship. But this was on another level. When she just thought about how Thereisa had tried to drag William into this, when he had his guard down and was only trying to enjoy dinner no less - that only made her stomach turn, and she bit at her lip, her fingers coiling around the handle of a knife and squeezing it tighter. But she stopped herself, sitting back with a sigh. "No, I'm sorry. It shouldn't have happened to you. If they had any sense of decency, it wouldn't have..."

Even the fact that Cyber Legacy had been suspended from LAW over the stunt they had pulled after We Are LAW wasn't doing much to encourage Astrid, and as William went on to describe it, the blonde looked off with a sigh. "Mm. Yeah. I suppose you're right..." Astrid couldn't help but feel like she and Thereisa had unfinished business - especially after her calling her out for supposedly bringing dishonor to her most prized possession, the Heavyweight Championship, and especially after her Apex match against Yuki. While she couldn't contest the fact that someone like Thereisa didn't belong in a wrestling ring, she was worried, at the same time, that in getting herself banned from competition she was dodging a chance for Astrid to deliver justice herself and in person, putting an end to what she had started. To Astrid, only when that happened could the matter be laid to rest.

But she couldn't stay somber for long. She felt the firm, yet gentle pressure of William's hand in hers, and she began to look back up toward him, where she let out a breath of relief and a smile crossed her face. The music began to swell in the background, and she felt his steady grip, unwavering no matter how turbulent their worlds may have been. The steadiness of his strength was reflected by the confidence in his voice - even if this injury might have set him back, William wouldn't let it hold him back for long. Already, he was prepared to jump right back into action, and he'd come back stronger than ever! That was another thing Astrid liked about him - his diligence, and his spirit. It was as though it was impossible to bring him down, physically or emotionally - he'd always keep his head up and bounce back. And knowing that he was just as ready to get back into action now helped tell her that, despite everything else that might have been going on, all was right with the world. Everything seemed right. She was at peace.

Astrid scooted a little bit closer in her seat, her smile widening across her face. It was then that William mentioned living on the prairie, and the Norwegian tilted her head to that. "The prairie, you say? Well, they don't really have anything like that back home...but it could be nice. Just living out in the countryside, with no one around to bother us...it sounds peaceful, doesn't it?" She let out a dreamy sigh, already getting lost in the idea. When it seemed like Astrid couldn't get away from the intrusions of others into her life...living out in the middle of nowhere started to have its appeal.