Post by marileeg17 on Apr 26, 2019 21:43:15 GMT
Bobby is sitting alone at catering when suddenly he feels a tap on his shoulder. He turns around to see Jerry Bishop smiling softly.
JB: May I? (he asks while gesturing to the seat across from Bobby).
Bobby nods, a weak and brief smile crossing his face. Jerry sits down and the two sit in silence for a few moments until Jerry speaks up.
JB: So, uh, so Jack...
BO: And Clutch...How are you holding up man?
JB: I should be asking you the same. I mean, at least you didn't get beaten half to hell so you have that going for you.
Bobby takes in Jerry's attitude and demeanor which seem more frustrated and terse than usual.
BO: I mean, I did take on the Guardians of Strong Style single-handedly...
Bobby pauses as he realizes Jerry struggling just to lift his fork.
BO: Ya know, part of me wishes I had been beaten half to hell by Jack...Part of me, a pretty large part actually, wishes I'd have been punched in the gut instead of stabbed in the back. At least then, I might have been able to prepare for what was going to happen as opposed to being blindsided.
Bishop tries to bring his food to his mouth but puts his hand back down after struggling.
JB: Can't say I envy you that feeling. Jack's always been too... quiet to do something big like that, ya know? He may have been a bit aggro back in the day, but inside he's always been too invested in self-preservation. Once a dick, always a dick, I guess. He'd rather stab you in the back than risk you getting your hands on him.
Bishop tries again at his food but his hands are too shaky, so he frustratedly drops the fork and brings his hands to his face.
Bobby sighs, putting aside his own food.
BO: All talk, no flash. Yeah, he was always someone who talked a big game but in the guts and glory, hid behind some stipulation or human shield or whatnot. Hell, he's more like Marcus than he'd ever admit. Maybe that's why he wanted him put in his place as much as I did. Enemy of my enemy...That worked out sooo well for me...You'd think I'd have learned about trusting the wrong people by now.
JB: Yeah, that's something I'm learning about myself these days. I mean, we've both known Clutch a long time, and sure, he's always had a bit of an ego problem, but he was never unfair. He was never a monster. We didn't get along but I still considered him at least someone I could call a friend. Or at the worst a rival, two guys who could put on a hell of a match with anyone, they just do it in different ways. I could respect that. But now, now that I know what he's capable of...
Bishop's hands continue to shake. He bites his knuckles to try and stop them, his legs start bouncing instead.
JB: As another superhero once said, who knows what evil lurks within the hearts of men?
Bobby just nods, his heart breaking for what Jerry is going through.
BO: That's really it, isn't it? It comes down to respect. Clutch and I never got along but I guess that was on me. I was jealous that he was so close with my brother, that he had with Randy what I never did. But in the ring, I respected him. His character, his work ethic. I never would have imagined he'd snap the way he did. Then again, if anyone would know something about just how easily one can snap (Bobby says as he forcefully breaks a piece of celery from his plate in half before taking a deep breath and recomposing himself), it would be me.
JB: You don't have to tell me twice about that, buddy.
The two take a deep breath and pause for a moment.
JB: Bobby, I've gotta tell you something. You and I have so much history at this point, but whether we've been at each other's throats or in each other's corners, we've always been honest with each other. I appreciate that. I value that in our relationship. We've kicked each other's asses enough times to know that for better or worse, one of us is always going to give the other the whole truth of the matter, in the ring or out.
Bobby nods.
BO: I've always had immense respect for you and your craft. You've given me everything I could handle and then some every single time we've shared that ring. And we can be straight with each other, no doubt about it. I've always valued your advice, so lay it on me. The truth. What's going through your mind right now? Don't hold back.
Bishop smirks and nods. He leans back and cracks his knuckles and his neck.
JB: Alright, Bobby boy, I'll lay it on you. I'm tired. I'm tired of feeling like I can't trust anyone. I'm tired of feeling like I can't do enough. I'm tired of giving the fans everything I have in the ring, digging down deeper and deeper each and every match- you saw me out there with Clutch, even you've never seen me do some of that- and I still can't bring balance to the force. I go out there to give the fans something they'll remember, but they leave remembering that the guy who gave it to them was counting the lights. I just can't cut it anymore. I can't get the job done, no matter how much I give, all I get in return is the wrong side of a three count. Maybe the British bastard really did get in my head.
BO: Houston?
JB: No, the other one. The slimeball, the scum of the earth, the Lex Luthor of wrestling. The limey prick who brainwashed my sister and-
Bishop kicks his chair out paces back and forth.
BO: I've never heard you cuss this much, buddy.
JB: Well, this is a PG-13 program, isn't it, I may as well live up to that. I can't seem to live up to this damn mask.
Bishop rips his mask off and slams it onto the table.
Jerry begins to walk away, leaving the mask behind, but Bobby follows him. Bobby turns him around, shoving the mask against his chest.
BO: Truth goes both ways so now it's my turn. You listen to me, don't even let anybody tell you you're less than because that's their insecurity, not yours. What MD---what he did, to you, to Berry, was reprehensible, but don't let him get in your head, don't let him change who you are. You don;t just live up to the mask, you ARE the mask. Your heart and your spirit brought the Friendmigos to life and I know you guys have kinda gone your own ways lately, but that essence will always be there. What you stand for will always be true. To say you can't live up to the mask is the furthest thing from the truth. Most men, lesser men, would have crumbled if they went through what you did but you fought the evil, you fought the impulses. I couldn't do that. I had my own bout with a British bastard, what Grav--what he took from me, that still haunts me to this day. I loved her, no one knew that better than the Migos. But my broken heart brought out the rage monster. I was a lesser man than you are. I let that darkness consume me and went down a path that altered the course of my life. Jerry, I know that look, I know this isn't you. You're at a real crossroads right now and come hell or high water, I'm going to make sure you don't make the same mistake I did, choose the same path I did. And that's a promise I'm prepared to make.
I'll always have your back, the way you had mine way back when no one else would.
Bishop takes a long look at the mask in his hand. He smiles and looks up at Bobby.
JB: Ya know, a long time ago, I was ready to give you your own mask. I know that's not your thing, but you know what I mean. The mask, especially the mask I wear, is the mask worn by guys like the Green Lantern, Green Arrow, the Spirit, Robin, Nightwing, countless others. It's about being a hero. Your attitude may fluctuate more easily than mine.
The two chuckle.
JB: But I know that deep down you've always wanted to be on the side of good. Your head wasn't right, but your heart was, and will likely always be.
Bishop looks back at the mask.
JB: As much as I'll always cherish the League of Friendmigos, I seem to be the last man left. If you want, I still know a guy who could make you a mask of your own. I could see you rocking a Flash-style cowl.
Bobby smiles as he takes a moment to consider the mask.
BO: The offer means more to me than you'll know but your faith in me may be a little premature...I just, the mask, what it symbolize, that's something I can't promise I'd be able to live up to. Like I said, I've been faced with betrayal before and, well...I can't see myself going down that same path, but I can't promise my actions will be fitting of a Friendmigo either. So I think for now it's best that you offer that mask to someone else. Maybe Jace Mason. The way he's fighting against TakeOver kinda reminds me of when the Friendmigos first started. He'll be a great partner. Consider it at least, okay?
Bishop nods contemplatively.
JB: He's got the heart, I can't fault him that. I'll think about it. But I want you to know this. We've had our differences, we've had our back and forths. But no matter what happens. I will always be honest with you. For better or worse. Til deathmatch do us part.
Bishop extends his hand for a handshake.
Bobby smiles as he warmly accepts, turning the handshake into a hug.
BO: Til deathmatch do us part. Take care of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally. That sister of yours, lean on her. You don't know how lucky you are to have a sibling you can be so close to. Treasure it and treasure her spirit. She reminds me of you, maybe just a little more punny.
Both chuckle a bit.
BO: But seriously, if you ever question yourself, just turn to her. The Friendmigo force is strong with that one.
Jerry grins broadly.
JB: So you HAVE been watching those DVDs I sent you?!
Bobby laughs.
BO: It's probably embarrassing I haven't seen those movies before now.
JB: Yeah, probably's not quite the word I'd use...
Both laugh again.
BO: I needed this.
JB: Me too.
The two smile at each other before parting ways.
JB: May I? (he asks while gesturing to the seat across from Bobby).
Bobby nods, a weak and brief smile crossing his face. Jerry sits down and the two sit in silence for a few moments until Jerry speaks up.
JB: So, uh, so Jack...
BO: And Clutch...How are you holding up man?
JB: I should be asking you the same. I mean, at least you didn't get beaten half to hell so you have that going for you.
Bobby takes in Jerry's attitude and demeanor which seem more frustrated and terse than usual.
BO: I mean, I did take on the Guardians of Strong Style single-handedly...
Bobby pauses as he realizes Jerry struggling just to lift his fork.
BO: Ya know, part of me wishes I had been beaten half to hell by Jack...Part of me, a pretty large part actually, wishes I'd have been punched in the gut instead of stabbed in the back. At least then, I might have been able to prepare for what was going to happen as opposed to being blindsided.
Bishop tries to bring his food to his mouth but puts his hand back down after struggling.
JB: Can't say I envy you that feeling. Jack's always been too... quiet to do something big like that, ya know? He may have been a bit aggro back in the day, but inside he's always been too invested in self-preservation. Once a dick, always a dick, I guess. He'd rather stab you in the back than risk you getting your hands on him.
Bishop tries again at his food but his hands are too shaky, so he frustratedly drops the fork and brings his hands to his face.
Bobby sighs, putting aside his own food.
BO: All talk, no flash. Yeah, he was always someone who talked a big game but in the guts and glory, hid behind some stipulation or human shield or whatnot. Hell, he's more like Marcus than he'd ever admit. Maybe that's why he wanted him put in his place as much as I did. Enemy of my enemy...That worked out sooo well for me...You'd think I'd have learned about trusting the wrong people by now.
JB: Yeah, that's something I'm learning about myself these days. I mean, we've both known Clutch a long time, and sure, he's always had a bit of an ego problem, but he was never unfair. He was never a monster. We didn't get along but I still considered him at least someone I could call a friend. Or at the worst a rival, two guys who could put on a hell of a match with anyone, they just do it in different ways. I could respect that. But now, now that I know what he's capable of...
Bishop's hands continue to shake. He bites his knuckles to try and stop them, his legs start bouncing instead.
JB: As another superhero once said, who knows what evil lurks within the hearts of men?
Bobby just nods, his heart breaking for what Jerry is going through.
BO: That's really it, isn't it? It comes down to respect. Clutch and I never got along but I guess that was on me. I was jealous that he was so close with my brother, that he had with Randy what I never did. But in the ring, I respected him. His character, his work ethic. I never would have imagined he'd snap the way he did. Then again, if anyone would know something about just how easily one can snap (Bobby says as he forcefully breaks a piece of celery from his plate in half before taking a deep breath and recomposing himself), it would be me.
JB: You don't have to tell me twice about that, buddy.
The two take a deep breath and pause for a moment.
JB: Bobby, I've gotta tell you something. You and I have so much history at this point, but whether we've been at each other's throats or in each other's corners, we've always been honest with each other. I appreciate that. I value that in our relationship. We've kicked each other's asses enough times to know that for better or worse, one of us is always going to give the other the whole truth of the matter, in the ring or out.
Bobby nods.
BO: I've always had immense respect for you and your craft. You've given me everything I could handle and then some every single time we've shared that ring. And we can be straight with each other, no doubt about it. I've always valued your advice, so lay it on me. The truth. What's going through your mind right now? Don't hold back.
Bishop smirks and nods. He leans back and cracks his knuckles and his neck.
JB: Alright, Bobby boy, I'll lay it on you. I'm tired. I'm tired of feeling like I can't trust anyone. I'm tired of feeling like I can't do enough. I'm tired of giving the fans everything I have in the ring, digging down deeper and deeper each and every match- you saw me out there with Clutch, even you've never seen me do some of that- and I still can't bring balance to the force. I go out there to give the fans something they'll remember, but they leave remembering that the guy who gave it to them was counting the lights. I just can't cut it anymore. I can't get the job done, no matter how much I give, all I get in return is the wrong side of a three count. Maybe the British bastard really did get in my head.
BO: Houston?
JB: No, the other one. The slimeball, the scum of the earth, the Lex Luthor of wrestling. The limey prick who brainwashed my sister and-
Bishop kicks his chair out paces back and forth.
BO: I've never heard you cuss this much, buddy.
JB: Well, this is a PG-13 program, isn't it, I may as well live up to that. I can't seem to live up to this damn mask.
Bishop rips his mask off and slams it onto the table.
Jerry begins to walk away, leaving the mask behind, but Bobby follows him. Bobby turns him around, shoving the mask against his chest.
BO: Truth goes both ways so now it's my turn. You listen to me, don't even let anybody tell you you're less than because that's their insecurity, not yours. What MD---what he did, to you, to Berry, was reprehensible, but don't let him get in your head, don't let him change who you are. You don;t just live up to the mask, you ARE the mask. Your heart and your spirit brought the Friendmigos to life and I know you guys have kinda gone your own ways lately, but that essence will always be there. What you stand for will always be true. To say you can't live up to the mask is the furthest thing from the truth. Most men, lesser men, would have crumbled if they went through what you did but you fought the evil, you fought the impulses. I couldn't do that. I had my own bout with a British bastard, what Grav--what he took from me, that still haunts me to this day. I loved her, no one knew that better than the Migos. But my broken heart brought out the rage monster. I was a lesser man than you are. I let that darkness consume me and went down a path that altered the course of my life. Jerry, I know that look, I know this isn't you. You're at a real crossroads right now and come hell or high water, I'm going to make sure you don't make the same mistake I did, choose the same path I did. And that's a promise I'm prepared to make.
I'll always have your back, the way you had mine way back when no one else would.
Bishop takes a long look at the mask in his hand. He smiles and looks up at Bobby.
JB: Ya know, a long time ago, I was ready to give you your own mask. I know that's not your thing, but you know what I mean. The mask, especially the mask I wear, is the mask worn by guys like the Green Lantern, Green Arrow, the Spirit, Robin, Nightwing, countless others. It's about being a hero. Your attitude may fluctuate more easily than mine.
The two chuckle.
JB: But I know that deep down you've always wanted to be on the side of good. Your head wasn't right, but your heart was, and will likely always be.
Bishop looks back at the mask.
JB: As much as I'll always cherish the League of Friendmigos, I seem to be the last man left. If you want, I still know a guy who could make you a mask of your own. I could see you rocking a Flash-style cowl.
Bobby smiles as he takes a moment to consider the mask.
BO: The offer means more to me than you'll know but your faith in me may be a little premature...I just, the mask, what it symbolize, that's something I can't promise I'd be able to live up to. Like I said, I've been faced with betrayal before and, well...I can't see myself going down that same path, but I can't promise my actions will be fitting of a Friendmigo either. So I think for now it's best that you offer that mask to someone else. Maybe Jace Mason. The way he's fighting against TakeOver kinda reminds me of when the Friendmigos first started. He'll be a great partner. Consider it at least, okay?
Bishop nods contemplatively.
JB: He's got the heart, I can't fault him that. I'll think about it. But I want you to know this. We've had our differences, we've had our back and forths. But no matter what happens. I will always be honest with you. For better or worse. Til deathmatch do us part.
Bishop extends his hand for a handshake.
Bobby smiles as he warmly accepts, turning the handshake into a hug.
BO: Til deathmatch do us part. Take care of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally. That sister of yours, lean on her. You don't know how lucky you are to have a sibling you can be so close to. Treasure it and treasure her spirit. She reminds me of you, maybe just a little more punny.
Both chuckle a bit.
BO: But seriously, if you ever question yourself, just turn to her. The Friendmigo force is strong with that one.
Jerry grins broadly.
JB: So you HAVE been watching those DVDs I sent you?!
Bobby laughs.
BO: It's probably embarrassing I haven't seen those movies before now.
JB: Yeah, probably's not quite the word I'd use...
Both laugh again.
BO: I needed this.
JB: Me too.
The two smile at each other before parting ways.
