A Rose by any other name...

[OrochiGeese]

*We fade into the office of OG-Joshi Coach Jean Carter. She's playing with one of those "ball attached to a small racquet" and counting aloud until there's a knock on the door. Jean looks at the racquet wondering if it made the sound but the knock continues. She quickly throws the toy into a drawer and takes out some official looking papers. Then she invites the person in.*

[MJC:] "Hello, may I help you?"

*The woman has brown hair a bit lower then shoulder length. She is thin and appears to be around 5'4. She's wearing a business suit and has her resume in hand and walks slowly over to the desk.*

[MJC:] "Oh - are you here for the position of new UBL Secretary?"

*The woman nods.*

[MJC:] "You came to the right place cause well...here I am! But we're gonna have to walk to the UBL office together because Drake requested that all interviews happen with him present."

*The woman grimaces a bit and Jean laughs*

[MJC:] "Already met Drake once, huh? Or seen him, at least. Well, the good news is that he's not soooooo bad once you get to know him."

*The woman's grimace appears to be permanent and Jean frowns.*

[MJC:] "Maybe not ready to meet him yet. Ok, how about you take a seat and we chat a little. First off, what's your name!?"

"Rose."

[MJC:] "What a pretty name! I assume you aren't one of those "Madonna" types though."

*Rose readjusts her business suit to make sure she isn't showing too much skin which is an odd concern since she's wearing a turtle neck under her suit.*

[Rose:] "No, certainly not. I wish she wouldn't use that name actually."

[MJC:] "I meant like, having just one name and all."

[Rose:] "Oh. No, not really."

*A few seconds pass as Jean taps her nose.*

[MJC:] "So uh...what is your last name?"

*Rose sighs and hands over her resume.*

[Rose:] "Just before...before you say anything, please give me a chanc-"

*MJC's eyes open very widely when she sees the top of the resume.*

[MJC:] "Oh my..OH MY."

*MJC' actually begins fanning herself with the resume.*

[Rose:] "Please-"

[MJC:] "Listen,, there's security everywhere around here. I really don't know what you are planning but I assure you that you won't get away with it. Furthermore, I'm not sure why you are here with me because I had nothing to do with Jeff-"

[Rose:] "Please, listen. Just give me a chance to explain. If I wanted to cause trouble, I wouldn't have told you the truth right up front. i wouldn't be trying to have a calm discussion with you while I'm sitting down, non-violently. Please, just hear me out."

*MJC looks deeply at Rose for a few seconds, sighs, and finally smiles.*

[MJC:] "I'm sorry. It's as wrong to judge a book by the author's last name as it is to judge it by its cover. Please continue...Miss Moreno."

*Rose...Moreno (?!) sighs again*

[Rose:] "Ruby's my sister, my older sister. But we're not close, not remotely. In fact....we hate each other. Have for years."

[MJC:] "Continue..."

[Rose:] "But this is why I didn't want to go to the UBL office first cause I thought I'd be attacked immediately. But you, every time I see you on TV you seem so understanding. That you give people a chance. All I want now is just that - a chance to explain myself. I promise I would never attack you or anyone here. And if you really want, just ask security to look around outside. There's no ambush or anything, I came alone.

*Rose lowers her head a bit.*

[Rose:] "I'm often alone."

*MJC frowns at the last part but nods her head.*

[MJC:] "Well you have my attention, that's for sure. So what's your story? Why UBL? Why now? You've gotta know what's been going on recently between your sister and Geese, right?"

[Rose:] "Growing up, my sister and I were really different. She was aggressive and popular, I was low key and kept to myself. She also could be opinionated and really hurtful. My entire family is Catholic but she distanced herself from it in high school and began mocking us viciously for our practices."

[MJC:] "OG-Joshi has a strict non-discrimination and harassment policy no matter your race or religion! If you get harassed, it's cause of what you do and not who you are! And even then, it shouldn't be based on your race or religion!! Or gender! We have rules!"

[Rose:] "Uh, that's good to hear, I guess."

[MJC:] "Not that you'd uh, get harassed. Um, please continue before I scare you."

*Rose smiles a bit to calm Jean down*

[Rose:] "The one thing that my sister and I did seem to share was an interest in professional wrestling. But since she was older, she went places first and either managed to burn bridges for the entire family...often unfairly..."

*Rose looks at MJC who squirms and looks down*

[Rose:] "Or even worse, in some promotions, she gained enough power to stop me from joining her. And that's what happened in LAWL. By the time I graduated high school and was ready to join the LAWL roster, Ruby already had "her match" with Gloria. She was already a big deal. And by the time i was able to secretly join the LAWL gym, Ruby had already beaten Marie for the OMG Title. She was the Champion and clearly had influence."

[MJC:] "Given what we've seen from her and that shadowy Destiny Organization, Ruby isn't afraid to wield that influence and power."

[Rose:] "Exactly. And when she found out that I had joined the LAWL gym looking to train in order to join the roster permanently, she demanded that the Reyes sisters fire me. She didn't tell me why, she wouldn't speak to me about it. She seemed offended that I was even there. And after that, I had no interest in speaking to her either. After I took some time to figure out my future, I decided to come here."

[MJC:] "I'm afraid I don't quite understand though-"

[Rose:] "I'm not here just to be a secretary, Miss Carter. I'd like to join the OG-Joshi roster as well."

[MJC:] "Oh...oh my."

[Rose:] "From the time I was kicked out of LAWL to the time I came here, I've done numerous full time assignments as a secretary and also joined every wrestling school I could that was located near where I'd work. So when I heard that UBL was in need of a new secretary, it was a perfect opportunity to work there and wrestle here. But right as I was packing up to come here....the Battalion Finale happened."

[MJC:] "Yeah, it sure did. 'Happened' is a good word for it in this context."

[Rose:] "I waited a little while, not knowing what would further happen as a result. I was hoping that maybe tensions would cool and my sister would move on and focus back on LAWL. But then, she said what she did to Geese."

[MJC:] "And then Holly said what she did. Believe me, that was disgusting. I don't care how angry someone is at someone, you don't joke about a life threatening injury."

[Rose:] "Miss Carter, I'll do anything to prove to you that Ruby and I aren't connected even remotely. Anything to prove we're sisters by genetics only. Anything short of helping anyone here hurt her, just because my parents would be upset with me. And I don't want to hurt her either, I just want her out of my life. Ruby might set me up to fail, but I won't do the same to her. I'm not the kind of person she is. I just ask for a chance to show that to you."

*MJC sits back in her chair and takes a big breath. She taps her fingers against the desk for a few seconds and looks at her resume again. Her eyes open widely in surprise.*

[MJC:] "Hmm, I notice, in your references section that you actually mention LAWL. And specifically-"

[Rose:] "Marie Reyes. She trained me and can vouch for me."

[MJC:] "Wow. If that is the case, it would go a long way towards convincing me! Marie is one of the most respected and well-liked wrestlers on any roster. Even Geese has said positive things about her courage and character despite her allies."

[Rose:] "And she can collaborate everything I said. In fact, she probably knows more then I do about what Ruby did to blacklist me from LAWL. She told me she tried her best to prevent it but couldn't. I believe her. If you talk to her and believe her too please give me a chance to be a candidate for these positions. That's all I want, an equal chance. If I'm not what you're looking for, I totally understand. But I just want the chance to be seen as an individual."

[MJC:] "Well if Marie can vouch for you, you'll have more then just a chance to make the OG-Joshi roster. I know she sometimes comes down to NY with Alicia and Jang to escort them on business here. The thing is, Rose, even if I allow you on the roster, I really can't make any promises about how UBL will react to you. Or if Geese will try to override my decision. But I will promise to get in touch with Marie. If she convinces me that you're a good addition, then we can talk further. What we'll do about Drake and Geese is something I'll have to figure out. But for now, let's just keep this between us and Marie."

[Rose:] "Thank you, Miss Carter...I hope to one day call you "Coach."

*Rose stands up and shakes Jean's hand.*

[MJC:] "I think I share that hope too. I will be in contact with you again soon, be careful out there."

[Rose:] "You too."

*Rose leaves the room and MJC sighs. She flips open her cell phone and begins to place a call. We fade.*

[OrochiGeese]

*We fade into Coach Jean Carter's office where she has opened the door for Alicia Gordon and LAWL's Marie Reyes. She gives Marie a small hug and then shakes Alicia's hand.*

[Jean:] "Marie, thank you so much for coming on such short notice!"

[Marie:] "Oh it was no problem Jean, I just happened to be spending the week with Leesh in New York."

[Jean:] "I'm sorry I couldn't be more informative on the phone but this matter is kind of...private."

[Marie:] "I understand."

[Jean:] "Alicia you are free to stay if you want. In fact, I could probably use your input too."

*Alicia looks a bit surprised but nods.*

[Alicia:] "I'm here so I might as well. Plus with the Cease Fire over and no promises by Geese and Holly that they wouldn't attack me, unlike Thunder, it's best Marie and I stay together."

[Jean:] "Is Mr. Bae around?"

[Alicia:] "No, he's in Japan right now for Kirin Dojo. It's just us."

[Jean:] "Well you two can sit down and make yourselves comfortable. I obviously can't guarantee anything in terms of security cause we all know how Holly is but at the first sign of trouble, I can have Mr. Yamashita here pretty quickly. You two are the guests of the OG-Joshi Coach and I told Geese that if meetings like these were broken up by violence, I'd quit. And he has been pretty cooperative so far."

*Jean goes to her chair and pulls out a piece of paper, handing it to Marie. Marie looks a bit surprised but then smiles and nods, handing the paper to Alicia who also nods.*

[Marie:] "Rose's resume looks more complete then when I last saw it."

[Jean:] "She came in to see me a few weeks ago. I had never met her before. Heck, I didn't even know her last name until she gave me this! I'll be honest, *Jean blushes* I kinda freaked out on her a bit. I feel bad but having a Moreno suddenly come here, well, you know what's been going on between Geese, Holly and Ruby-"

[Alicia:] "Waiting til they destroy each other seems like a solid plan."

[Marie:] "Alicia, please. Jean, I take it that Rose said I could vouch for her?"

[Jean:] "Yep! That's why I called you in. To talk about her time in LAWL and just generally the kind of person is. Also, she says that her sister and her kinda hate each other. And as much as I don't like to see a family split, I need to know that her or anyone working in UBL-"

[Alicia:] "Sorry?"

[Marie:] "Wait, let her finish."

[Jean:] "It's ok, i knew that part would be another surprise for you. See, Rose doesn't just want to be on the OG-Joshi roster, she also applied to be the new UBL secretary."

[Alicia:] "You mean that current secretary isn't working out? When we were walking here, we watched him spend 2 minutes in front of a soda machine trying to pry it open with a paperclip. Then he muttered something about it being a bad idea and walked away."

*Jean's face turns a bit red but she squeezes her own knee to keep control.*

[Jean:] "My good friend Mr. Kisiera actually wants to be my new secretary and wrestle for UBL. But to do so, Drake wants a replacement. So that is partially what Rose was applying for. But the idea of Drake allowing a Moreno into his front office right now, well, it's pretty far-fetched."

[Marie:] "Without knowing Mr. Yoshida, I'm not sure my recommendation would hold much ground."

[Jean:] "As angry as Geese is with LAWL now, over matters of his own mistakes if I do say so myself-"

*Marie smiles*

[Jean:] "I actually believe he would listen to your recommendation here. Probably because you aren't exactly best friends with Ruby and there's clearly tension between your sister Gloria and her."

[Marie:] "Yea *laughs*, you can say that. And even though Ruby and I have stayed out of each others way during shows, it's a totally different story backstage. She constantly makes demands of Gloria and myself and its gotten worse over the last few months."

[Jean:] "How so?"

[Marie:] "That entire Destiny deal, I know why Gloria wanted it. We were literally struggling to survive after Geese threatened to take away video coverage of us. But we agreed to Ruby's deal before we really had a chance to get to know the Destiny Corporation more. And the reason for that is Ruby strong-armed us and said we either take the deal the day she offered it or leave it and we were in no position to let that go. We couldn't afford to put on another show without outside help. There were no other offers on the horizon and we couldn't trust Geese anymore. Well, we realized we never could in the first place. And so we took the deal without being able to research Destiny to our satisfaction."

[Alicia:] "I don't trust it."

[Jean:] "Well, maybe we should keep things relevant to Rose and Ruby-"

[Alicia:] "This is."

[Marie:] "Ruby has been involved with the Destiny Corporation far longer then she has publicly acknowledged. And that association, why she is there, is one of the sources of angst between her and her family. I want to say even more about this, but the thing is, I just don't feel comfortable spreading rumors about the Moreno family's personal life and Destiny's...practices.. I can't prove the things I've heard and it just isn't my place to gossip."

[Jean:] "I understand, of course. But you are saying that Ruby and Rose had a falling out?"

[Alicia:] "More like a meltdown."

[Jean:] "Oh."

[Marie:] "Here's the situation, Jean. I'm not sure how much Rose told you but this is my side of the story."

[Jean:] "That's exactly what I'm after, thank you."

[Marie:] "Gloria and I both run the LAWL training program for new wrestlers. She has the final say but I'm the main trainer since I get in the ring more with them and in general. Rose came to us a few years ago asking to be trained. Upon meeting her, I was immediately shocked at how different she was from Ruby: Really polite, humble, willing to learn. A little shy but still personable. We're talking the opposite of her sister in just about every way. They do have a physical resemblance but that and their last name are the only things they shared up to that point."

[Alicia:] "Up to that point?"

[Marie:] "It became clear that Rose had the same aptitude for wrestling her sister does. Despite my rivalry with her, I have no problem saying that Ruby Moreno is the best wrestler I've ever step foot in the ring with. No offense, Leesh."

[Alicia:] "Yeah, gonna have to beat you up a bit for that."

[Marie:] "If you can catch me."

[Jean:] "Let's keep it together, ladies!"

[Marie:] "Haha, sorry. So Rose was getting better as she kept training. Obviously she was still new but I saw a lot of potential. And I was really the one that worked with her. Gloria was mainly booking and taking care of business with Orochi-O's. I was getting pretty close with Rose too. Remember that I can't spend more then 5 minutes in a room with Ruby without getting flustered. But Rose, she was becoming a bit like a little sister. which was convenient since my real little sister had kinda gone nuts."

[Jean:] "I've heard that things between you two are improving now. Glad to hear it!"

[Marie:] "Thanks, I appreciate that. So back then, Grace wouldn't talk to me and I couldn't always get a hold of Gloria cause of how busy she was. Alicia was wrestling over here a lot and also had her injury. So Rose was basically the only one I was able to spar with in the ring or even really talk to about things troubling me. She was becoming part of the family to me."

[Alicia:] "And then Ruby struck."

[Marie:] "One day Ruby burst through the doors of the gym to chew me out for something unrelated and happened to see that Rose was in the ring training with me. At first she seemed shocked but then she acted happy in a fake formal way. She politely asked Rose to go to the locker room with her and talk alone. And if you know Ruby, acting polite is about the biggest red flag you can get that something is wrong.

[Alicia:] "First time Ruby met me, she asked if my nickname was Leesh cause I looked like a dog. My response was it would be convenient since she looks like someone who regularly handles shit. "

*MJC's eyes open wide and Marie laughs a bit.*

[Marie:] "Anyway, Ruby and Rose were in the locker room for about 10 minutes and when they didn't return, I quietly approached. I overheard a very heated discussion, one I'm pretty sure Ruby did not want me in on due to the things they were saying about family secrets. Ruby was screaming at Rose for joining the roster and Rose tried to defend herself. It actually seemed to get physical which is when I intervened. I caught Ruby with her hands around Rose's throat holding her against the locker. This was legitimate, I saw that anger and hatred in Ruby's eyes. Ruby left without any further words once she saw me. After I made sure Rose was ok, I called both Ruby and Gloria in to discuss what had happened.

*MJC looks concerned and Marie pauses for a second.*

[Marie:] "Rose was ok but shaken up. Once Gloria came in to see the three of us, Ruby didn't even acknowledge the fight and it was clear that neither Ruby nor Rose wanted us to know how much they truly disliked each other. And that's why I never suspected that it was a ruse. They tried too hard to hide their anger and not discuss it again openly, but it was there. They didn't know I'd come in and see them fighting. Next day when I came to the arena, Gloria informed me that Rose was off the roster, out of the gym, never to return to LAWL as long as Ruby was still there."

[Jean:] "But...but why?"

[Marie:] "Gloria said the reason Ruby didn't want Rose on the roster was because she'd end up tanking the already troubled Moreno family name and Ruby's fledgling career. That Rose would hold her back, even though Ruby was already the OMG Champion, and would get in the way of Ruby making the Moreno name mean something important again."

[Alicia:] "That wasn't even the worst thing she said."

*Marie looks a bit annoyed and Alicia nods her head at her.*

[Alicia:] "Come on, just tell her. She needs to know this about Ruby and Rose. You know what Ruby said was bullshit, no one believes it."

[Marie:] "Ruby didn't want the Moreno sisters to be seen as the Reyes - 'cheap, trashy, and interchangeable.' She didn't want to be forced to drop down to the level of teaming with her sister. And this is the kicker - she didn't want "her great mission to be dragged back down to earth by a lesser tie."

[Alicia:] "That's like...Geese levels of megalomania and Holly levels of bitch."

[Marie:] "Even worse then that. At least Holly accepted her brother into wrestling with open arms. Even if he wasn't as big or as strong as others, she had full confidence in him. I don't like her any more then you two do, believe me, but at least her love for her brother is something positive."

[Jean:] "Well not that that worked out so well for the wrestling world *Alicia laughs* but I agree with you, Marie. Holly actually seems less stuck up and self absorbed then Ruby. To the point that Ruby had her own little sister kicked off the roster because she didn't want it to diminish her in any way. To do that, to be able to..."

*Jean looks a bit troubled and is attempting to start a sentence but keeps stopping.*

[Marie:] "What's on your mind, Jean?"

[Jean:] "I...well, this isn't really my business but I'm just curious. How did Ruby convince your sister? I mean, why?"

*Marie sighs.*

[Marie:] "Well, I never heard the conversation directly for myself. Gloria told me what happened after she spoke to Ruby about it. I believe Gloria is telling the truth but, if it was me, I wouldn't have done this. And not just because Rose and I were friends, because this wasn't right: the giving into Ruby part or the kicking Rose off part."

[Alicia:] "But Gloria saw it as necessary business."

[Marie:] "Or else she wouldn't have done it. Ruby was Champion then, like I said. And this was a very rapid growing period for LAWL. Ruby was having excellent matches with everyone including outside big name talent like Jo Ryder. She was doing a lot in the ring to put our little organization on the map. Orochi-O's exposure furthered that. So when Ruby threatened to quit LAWL and take the belt with her unless Rose was kicked out for good, well, Gloria was stunned. Ruby gave her an ultimatum and demanded it be answered right then and there. Gloria had no idea what to do. As much as those two had bickered before, it was always about personal pride in the ring. What Ruby was threatening to do now was beyond anything she has done in public up to that point. She was going to destroy LAWL by taking our top title away. A title that Gloria had done so much over the years to establish, one she has a personal connection to."

[Alicia:] "And it's similar to when Ruby blackmailed Gloria into giving her a rematch at the next show."

[Marie:] "Right, because after Ruby got her way with getting Rose kicked out, Ruby felt she could make more outlandish demands, and in public, when all the previous private ones were met. Ruby threw a tantrum, used power politics, and got her way. Gloria was afraid all of the progress made that year would have been thrown out if Ruby left and publicly disgraced the LAWL title. And so she gave in. And she made me tell Rose."

[Jean:] "That must have been horrible for you."

[Marie:] "It was, it really was. For the first time in my life, I considered leaving LAWL myself. But Gloria and Alicia talked me out of it. So at that point all I wanted to do was get Rose new work. Unfortunately, at that time, OG-Joshi was very unstable and violent. With Juli Krieger and Holly at the height of her power and destruction here. I couldn't in good conscience send Rose here. But things have cleared up a LOT around here and I'm glad that Rose wants to give this place a try. I know that you'll look after her, that's for sure."

[Jean:] "It's why I'm here! So I guess, you really are vouching for her."

[Marie:] "Like she's my own flesh and blood. Just please, make sure she's taken care of, Jean. She's shy like I said and I want her to be able to make friends and be protected by people. There's still some loose cannons on this roster, after all. *It's at this point that Jean doesn't make eye contact with Alicia for the rest of the time.* Heck, there are people like that in LAWL too. so no offense."

[Jean:] "Oh, none taken. Unfortunately, those kind of people come with the territory of this sport."

[Marie:] "And if there's anything further I can do, let me know."

[Jean:] "Thank you, I think that was really useful. I'll let you know what happens with Drake and Geese."

*Marie and Alicia stand up and go to shake Jean's hand (Jean still not looking at Alicia). Alicia goes outside to make a phone call but Marie stays for a second and look seriously at Jean.*

[Marie:] "I think what you did at the end of Illumination was one of the absolute best things I've ever seen in professional wrestling. I know this is a new experience for you but you're a born leader and I wish you were the one who made the decision about Rose in LAWL rather then Gloria. And I'm glad you'll be going to bat for Rose here. I love Gloria but there's something about power and even responsibility that makes people forget about doing what's right sometimes. Whatever you do, always remember why you wanted this position to begin with and who you are here on behalf of. You preserve things the best by keeping your values fully intact, not by compromising them. LAWL would have gone on without Ruby. But a little spark of LAWL died when Rose got fired. I know you will do what you can to add that spark here."

*Jean's eyes tear up a bit.*

[Jean:] "Thank you, I...I don't know what to say."

[Marie:] "If a day comes that you ever need my help, don't hesitate for even a second to ask me. The whole thing with Ruby and Geese, I don't like it. Ruby has always been in her own world but she was downright scary the last few times I've seen her after the Battalion. You'd think her arrogance would have suffered a blow once Jeff was taken out but it's just the opposite. She's more determined and confident then ever. It's like she's in a trance and can't be reasoned with or even communicated to normally. And as tense as things are between LAWL and Orochi-O's, just know that myself and at least half the LAWL locker room respect and support you."

[Jean:] "I won't forget that, I promise."

[Marie:] "Also, despite what Alicia says, that Luke's kinda cute. You should totally go after that."

*Jean blushes immediately while Marie smiles and leaves.*

[OrochiGeese]

*We're backstage in "Gorilla position" during Orochi-O's TV Episode 22. Kellie Boone and "Rose" just finished their match and as they walk through the curtain, Coach Jean Carter is there to greet them. She shakes both their hands.*

[MJC:] "Very nice work, ladies. I really enjoyed that match and I think the fans did too. Congratulations, Kellie."

[Kellie:] "Thanks, Coach. It was an honor for me to be the first person to face Rose. Anytime you want a rematch, let me know, ok?"

*Rose nods and the two of them shake hands.*

[MJC:] "I don't want to be rude but Rose and I have some business to discuss."

[Kellie:] "No problem at all. I gotta hit the showers."

[MJC:] "Have a nice holiday break, Kellie. Say hi to Xiang for me."

[Kellie:] "Will do. Enjoy your break as well!"

*Kellie jogs off while Jean and Rose walk quietly to Jean's office.*

[Rose:] "Um, should I be concerned that there's a man following us?"

[MJC:] "It's ok, that's my bodyfriend, uh, boyguard...uh."

[Luke:] "Her Luke. Her Luke Kisiera."

[Rose:] "Oh ok."

*They get inside Jean's office and breathe a sigh of relief.*

[Rose:] "I don't think anyone knew who I was."

[MJC:] "We're in the clear for now. Drake was backstage earlier and he didn't seem to notice you didn't have a last name. Or more mysteriously, that you were a last minute 'replacement' for who I had booked to face Kellie originally. He bought the excuse that Yoshi Hattori was supposed to be in the match but was too tired after her Tag Title defense last night in ESTRELLA."

[Rose:] "Thanks Jean. I wasn't sure what was going to happen tonight. I was worried that when you called me to come here, that you had bad news. I couldn't imagine that I was going to get into the ring like ten minutes after I got here!"

[MJC:] "I'm really sorry for the short notice. Geese and Drake are so busy with Ragnarok preparations that I figured if there was ever a time to slip you in undetected, this was it. But I still had to make sure I could actually pull it off tonight so that's why I didn't want to get your hopes up until I was ready. I'm still not sure what I'm going to say if Geese asks me who you are, or already knows, but I wanted to see for myself what you could do. That way I could defend you while knowing your abilities."

*Rose nods and keeps her head down for a bit. When she raises it, we see a tear rolling down her eye.*

[Rose:] "You're putting your neck on the line for me."

*Jean gives Rose a tissue and pats her on the shoulder*

[MJC:] "You're a good person, Rose. But it's not just you I'm putting my neck on the line for. I respect Gloria Reyes but she made the wrong choice in letting someone with power pressure her against adding someone valuable to her roster. I don't want to make the same mistake. If Geese has a problem, it's up to him to prove you're a menace. He trusted me with this position of Coach which means he trusts my judgment. Why bother making me Coach if I can't hire people that I believe in and consider an asset?"

[Rose:] "Well I don't know Geese that well..."

[MJC:] "I don't either. But he said there was only one rule to this job and you have nothing to do with Holly, even if your sister might. It's not fair to you to be punished for her actions, or her desire for revenge after Holly's actions. I don't especially like your sister or what I've heard about her, but I have to admit, I can understand her dislike of Holly. If Geese ever hurt Luke and Holly laughed about it, I'd be pretty angry. I was pretty angry hearing her mock Jeff's injury, especially after what she did to Dizzy."

[Luke:] "One thing that makes Jean so amazing is that she'd only be 'pretty angry'. She's not capable of any stronger negative emotions. She's like a fountain of optimism and sunshine and hope."

[MJC:] "Awwwe stop. Maybe not a fountain. More like a faucet. Speaking of running water....

[Luke:] "Yeah, I really hope Matt wins tonight too. That Corruptor is dangerous. I asked Marauder to watch Matt's back in case there was any trouble in the ring while I came back with you two here."

*Jean giggles a bit*

[MJC:] "I hope Matt is ok too but I was going to say that Rose probably wants to take a shower after her match."

[Luke:] "With Matt!?"

*Luke looks embarrassed and shocked as if he just involuntarily chose the wrong thing to say (see, this is what happens when he operates outside of official WQ RP's!) and both Jean and especially Rose blush at his words.*

[MJC:] "Luke!! *Jean laughs awkwardly* No, I meant shower alone. Sorry Rose, this guy's got quite an imagination sometime! He's a real flirt around mistletoe too!"

*Luke smiles as it's clear Jean isn't angry at him for his outburst. Rose is still blushing.*

[Rose:] "...oh it's ok. And yeah, I think I need to rest a bit now. I'm kind of tired after that match."

[MJC:] "Well, like you said, you also weren't fully prepared to wrestle tonight."

[Rose:] "That's ok. Kellie earned her victory. I have to get used to this level of competition. Marie trained me well but I've just been on the indie circuit the last year or two. Kellie Boone is a significant step up. But I'll keep giving it my all."

[MJC:] "That's why you're on this roster, Rose. I'll see you after the holiday break. Merry Christmas to your family."

[Rose:] "Thanks Jean, you too. And nice to meet you, Luke."

[Luke:] "Same here!"

*Rose shakes both their hands and leaves. After a few seconds...*

[MJC:] "So what do you think?"

[Luke:] "Well, I kinda think I creeped her out. *Jean laughs* But I agree with you, she's genuine. And she clearly has a lot of respect for you. I think she's too shy to be holding any animosity back at you or anyone else here. She'd be cracking by now, especially after a match. It's harder to control your emotions then, especially after a close loss."

[MJC:] "And you know something about controlling your emotions."

*Luke goes over to hug Jean*

[Luke:] "It took all the control in the world to stop me from hugging and kissing you the second I met you."

*Jean kisses him lightly on the lips and we fade.*