012 & 013

November 24, 2014 (off camera)

Most of Hunter's time was spent in the company of Kasey Summers. To say that he was enjoying every moment of it was the understatement of the century. Thanksgiving was a few days away and he'd planned on inviting her over to his sister's house for the big family dinner. As he set a dish into the top rack of the dishwasher, he turned his head towards the living room, watching her come in with the last armload of plates and bowls.

"So," he leaned against the machine, "I had a thought, Red."

"You?" She wrinkled her nose, giggling as she stopped in the doorway, precariously balancing two oil-filled bowls on top of a plate that looked to be in danger of teetering. "Really? A whole thought?"

He nodded, completely no-selling her joke. "Yeah. What if we went to Chicago on Wednesday and hung out with my family on Thursday?"

"Thursday? What's—" she was already walking across the floor when realization hit. "Oh... oh shit. This Thursday? You mean..?"

"Yeah, I figure they're gonna have to meet you sooner or later." He smiled reassuringly at her, "besides, my sister's a hell of a cook—"

"Y-your sister?" She was thinking Hannah which led to her thinking of Lex Collins and more of the endless hate she was trying her best to avoid in the sea of negativity her life had become.

"Yeah." Hunter nodded, "all three of 'em."

"Three?" The dishes clattered from her hands, the plate surviving the impact somehow. "Wow... I didn't realize your family was so huge." Cranking on the water, she started rinsing off the worst of the food bits simply for the distraction.

"I think they're gonna like you, Red." He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Naw, I know they will."

"Like... all your family? Even your," she paused, still staring down at the cup in her hands, "twin sister and stuff?"

"Yeah, of course. You could see my niece, Allegra... not biased or anything, but she's the prettiest baby girl you'd ever see." He kissed the top of her head. "I think you and Han'll get along great."

She set the bowl down gingerly and turned towards him. "I don't think she likes me too much. Honestly, I'm willing to bet if she finds out how..." she paused for a second, eyes downcast, "serious this has gotten... she'll probably tell you to break it off. Hell, they probably all will."

"What?" Hunter didn't know what to say and his first instinct was dread. "What're you trying to say, Red? Why'd you think that?"

"Because people just don't like me." Before he could argue, she wiped her hands on her pants, turning towards him. "No, seriously. In my job... I guess that's all it is now because I seriously kinda hate it these days— but they're just relentless with their shit— calling me stupid and naive and everything. And it wears on me, you know? So I don't really expect Hannah to welcome me with a big sisterly hug or anything. Especially since..." she trailed off, blushing.

"Since what?" Hunter was legitimately confused. Thanks to a pretty lengthy hiatus from Twitter, he'd missed pretty much all of the social media drama of 2012.

"So, there's something I should probably tell you. I kinda... I dunno... I guess I dated Lex for a little while back in 2009." She started twisting a lock of her red hair around her finger, still not looking at him. "Though I guess it was more on my side than his but I kinda just thought at the time that he was really shy— and he really was. Like the whole time he was training at my uncle's, he maybe said like twenty words but he was always really nice to me. And when I asked him if I could like... go with him to shows for EWC he totally let me so I kinda just assumed it was a thing, you know? He let me hug him all the time and I kissed him a few times but it was like always me starting things so it probably wasn't really any sorta real relationship but Hannah is probably jelly of what didn't even happen."

"Wait," Hunter held up a hand, looking helplessly buried under the onslaught of words.

She just kept right on going. "And then some stuff happened and I kinda told the police he was a crazy murderer and stuff... " she trailed off, running out of air, "I'm sorry. I probably shoulda told you all of this a long time ago, right? God, I'm such a dope. But you know, it's not like this is some weird incest Alabama thing with sloppy seconds because nothing really happened. No spit exchanged or anything like that and like I never even saw him naked or anything other than that one time I walked in on him in the locker room and it was kinda like that scene from Terminator 2 where the guy was a robot and being naked was just like a thing so..."

"Kasey," Hunter cut her off and then paused to let the new information roll around in his head, the silence lasting almost way too long. His mouth opened as he started to speak, but then stopped himself shaking his head. "Okay. I wasn't expecting that. Kinda..." he let out a low whistle, brows raised as he looked at her, "so.... you and Lex?" His arms folded against his chest. "You guys had a thing?" Bringing a hand up, he rubbed his chin, "well, what are ya gonna do? Past's the past, right?"

"Well it's not that there was anything..." she hesitated, shaking her head, "there's just... a whole lot of bad feelings and stuff. See, when there was that fire at my uncle's house... well... Lex said he was going over there to talk to him about helping me get into wrestling and stuff and....I guess I kinda jumped to conclusions and kiiiiiiiiiiiinda.... sorta.... mayyyyyyyyybe accused him of arson and murder and stuff because I kinda thought it was some crime of passion because he like wanted to steal me away and my uncle was all like 'he's too old for you' and stuff so..."

His eyes widened. "Arson?" He chuckled, shaking his head, "Lex? C'mon, really?" Exhaling, he shook his head. "Shit."

"I'm sorry. It's just you know sometimes I just open my mouth and words fall out without my brain engaged. It was like that and it was totes like... FIVE years ago. I dunno. I used to think we were cool and he kinda warned me that Kyle was a slimeball but I didn't believe him because I kinda thought he was just jealous or something because I moved on," she sighed, "I know, I know. I'm stupid sometimes. Looking back, it's pretty obvious that he wasn't into me like that at all. So..." she took a few steps forward, reaching out to touch Hunter's arm. "You're not mad, are you? I kinda thought you knew... I guess... I sorta hoped you did anyhow and just didn't care because—"

"Yanno what? I really don't care... You got a past and so do I... Shit happens and as it is, I happen to love you, Red." Meeting her the rest of the way, he slid his arms around her waist and kissed her forehead. "I'm pretty confident that you like me just fine, so nothin' to worry about— yeah?"

"If you think it's okay...." she found herself relaxing in his embrace.

"Honestly, it's gonna have to be. Everyone's gotta get used to you, 'cause you're not going anywhere. Kinda had plans to keep you." He gave her a squeeze.

"I haven't really done Thanksgiving since I was a teenager," she sighed, looking up at him. "Think the last time I was passing the gravy boat around a table... my dad and mom were still alive. But I'd totes endure all the awkwardness for you... you think maybe I should bake a pie or cookies or something? I have some kickass recipes I got from Sabra."

"If you wanted to, my sisters have big sweet teeth..." he stopped for a moment and thought about what he'd said, chuckling ruefully at the almost-joke that it was. "Anywho, that'd be great. You know how I feel about pie."

"Sorry I got all weird on you," she stretched up on her toes and kissed him firmly, "it's just... you came into my life at a really weird time and I'm just so worried that things are gonna fall apart on me again now that I've finally gotten things turned around, you know? I just... I really don't want this feeling to end because it feels really, really, really good."

He took his hand and used his fingers to tilt her chin so she could look up at him. "You can get weird on me anytime and I'll be here to reassure you." He grinned and kissed her back, "you're cute, yanno that?"

She wrinkled her nose, giggling softly, "not as cute as you are."

"I think this is something we're gonna have to discuss at length. Might I interest you in lying down while we discuss said topic?" He asked this, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Oh," she nodded, trying to hold in her laughter as she adopted a serious expression, "if it's going to be long and tiring... we probably should. I don't want to develop shin splints or something."

He raised an eyebrow in a way he hoped would come off as charming. "That would be... uh... dastardly if anything like that happened. However, if you did — I'd just have to nurse you back to health. No uniform, though. .. I don't think I'd look good in one of those little white dresses."

"Quit making me laugh," she tried like hell to keep that giggle in check, failing miserably.

"Are you saying you wouldn't want to see my bare legs?!" His mouth dropped open in mock shock. "Madame, I am saddened."

"Maybe if you shaved them. I mean they're kinda hairy." she snickered, punching his shoulder lightly.

He laughed along with her, hugging her tightly. "I love you, yanno that?" He exhaled a sigh of contentment, "seriously though. The dishes can wait. How about we go lay down? "

"Sounds good to me."




November 27, 2014 (off camera)

Charity McLeod stood in the kitchen that belonged to her sister Cassidy, waiting for the turkey to finish up in the oven. She could hear voices that belonged to various family members coming from the living room. Glancing at her family, she focused in on her brother, watching him hang all over his new girlfriend. The girl seemed nice enough but that didn't stop the older sister from being leery. Throughout the years, Hunter had brought a few different girls home for the family to meet and each one of them had turned out to be a major train wreck. When the dust had settled, Hunter had been hurt and Charity's major concern was that it would happen again.

She'd briefly spoken to the pretty redhead, the conversation being awkward. She wasn't rude in anyway, but there was tension in the air. It wasn't that Charity had any problems with Kasey, it was an apprehension that perhaps problems could arise in the future. Sighing to herself, she turned and looked into the oven. The bird was close to being done and as she turned back around, she saw Kasey standing in the doorway.

"Hi," Charity began, forcing a smile. "What's up?" Brushing some strands of her own auburn hair back, she folded her arms against her chest.

"Hey, so uhm... if I'm overstepping just tell me to fuck right off." She glanced back to where Hunter was regaling the other 2 men with a story about some drunken bar patron. "But I'm seriously getting a huge 'hate-on' vibe from you. Kinda expected that from Hannah because of that whole history or whatever you want to call it that I had with Lex for like all of four months or whatever but... I just... we don't really know each other so there's uh... I..." she broke off, chuckling sheepishly. "If you don't want me here, I can probably just leave and it wouldn't be a big deal or anything. I mean, I could call a cab and just..." the petite redhead looked like she was about to burst into tears. "I just really, really, really can't stand it when people hate me for no reason. So, like... if you do? Maybe just tell me why so I know and I can work on fixing it?"

Charity's eyes widened briefly in surprise. Staring at Kasey for a few awkward seconds of silence, she shook her head. "I don't hate you, Kasey. Like you said, we don't know each other. You're fine to stay." She threw another forced smile the girl's way and then turned around to check the turkey.

"Okay." she shuffled her feet, looking down at the floor for a second. Steeling herself, she spoke again, "so then you're uncomfortable with me... and him— together? Is that it? I know I'm not the kinda person you see him being with... being a wrestler and all with the stuff that goes with that but I can promise you that I'm like probably the lamest one on the roster. Like I don't party ever and...." she looked up to see that Charity was almost laughing at her. "What?"

It took Charity a moment to compose herself as she cleared her throat. "Do you think that I have something against you because you're a wrestler?"

"I don't know!" Her voice raised a notch and her cheeks flushed red as she glanced over her shoulder, looking to see if anyone else had noticed. "That's why I'm asking. I'm not stupid, okay? You got all quiet the second we came in and you've been watching me when you don't think I'm looking for the last hour. So if it's not because I kick people in the face on TV..."

"I'm not laughing at you, honest." She held up two fingers as if she was giving a scout's promise. "The thing is: I used to wrestle professionally so there isn't any way I'd be against my brother being with someone in your profession."

"Oh." Kasey wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. "Well... yeah. Okay then. So... what? Do you think I'm too young for him?"

"Look," Charity said, with a sigh. "It isn't personal, I would be this way with any girl Hunter brought home for us to meet. I'm protective of my family—"

"He's an adult, you know," she adjusted her glasses on her nose, "and he's got a good head on his shoulders— honestly, he's way more sensible than me. So... I kinda think maybe you're worrying for no reason? Not that I'm saying worrying is stupid or anything," she rushed to correct what she thought might be damage, "it's just having this idea in your head that something bad is going to happen all the time isn't really a good way to live. Believe me. And it makes you do stupid things that you try and explain to yourself that you're doing in the best interests and—"

"I'm sure you're probably right," Charity cut her off, "and yes, he is an adult. But he's always going to be my baby brother and I'm always going to look out for him. You could be the most perfect girl on Earth and I would still be hesitant about you." Bringing a hand up, she smoothed back her hair. "So like I said, it's not you."

"Honestly," Kasey almost bristled at the statement, "I kinda think that's a little unfair. So even the most perfect girl on Earth is going to get the ol' stink-eye from you? That's kinda shitty. And you know what's really funny?" She shook her head, "I had myself completely freaked out about even coming here because this is pretty much what I expected— figured that I was going to get this from Hannah and I was all prepared for that even though he told me that you guys were going to be cool. Now I kinda just feel like I do everywhere else... like I'm scrambling to fix some mistake I had no idea I ever made in the first place. But hey, whatever... you're entitled to see me as some home-wrecking little slut who's going to just use him up and stomp all over his heart if that's what makes you happy. I can't stop you. Just like you can see me as some brainless gold-digger who's just going to let the whole world down and flake off into oblivion—" she broke off, breathing heavily.

Charity was silent for a few moments, processing everything that Kasey was saying. Finally she spoke, "has Hunter ever mentioned our mother?"

"Not really, no." She shook her head, "we talked a bunch about his dad— your dad— and I kinda get the impression that he misses him a lot. I lost my dad and my uncle who raised me after that too so we talked about that a bunch."

"Vic was the one who was there and raised us. Rebecca just... she's a shitty person and an even shittier mother." Just talking about their mother, made Charity burn with anger. "I'm just afraid that my brother is going to end up with someone like her." She kept speaking before Kasey could say anything. "Now, I'm not saying you're like her... you seem really nice and genuine, but I need to get to know you better. So, I'm sorry I've been a bitch, I just need some time."

"Yeah, okay." Her chin was quivering as she broke eye contact, trying to hold back the tears she could feel welling up. "I'll just... give you space and stuff. I'm sorry I..." nope. She couldn't hold them back and now her eyes were full behind her glasses. She couldn't see worth a damn. "W-where's your bathroom?" Before Charity could see that she was on the verge of a total blubbering meltdown, she turned and looked blindly back towards the living room and then started walking as she blinked away the tears. A few seconds later she was safe inside the bathroom with the water running.

Charity watched her go, feeling a pang of guilt. Instead of going after Kasey, she went back to the turkey, lifting the lid so that the skin could get browned.

She didn't realize it but her brother had seen most of the conversation and by the way Kasey had bolted from the room, immediately knew something was wrong. He'd excused himself from the impromptu poker game in the living room, walking past the bathroom. He lifted his hand to knock and then thought better of it when he heard the sound of crying barely muffled under the cover of running water. "Goddamnit," he muttered, storming into the kitchen to confront his sister. "Hey," he slapped his hands against the counter, "what the hell?!"

Charity almost jumped out of her skin. Turning, she saw her brother, looking like he was on the verge of losing his temper. "Jesus Christ, what the hell?"

"You wanna tell me why Kasey's upset? I look up and I see her run to the bathroom..." He raised an eyebrow, exhaling. "So, what'd you say to her?"

"What makes you think I said anything to her?" She tried to play it off casually but her poker face was shit.

"What did you say?" His words came out sharply. "C'mon, Char, what in the fuck did you say to her?"

She thought about lying but knew he'd call her out on it. "She thought I hated her and I told her I didn't."

"Pfft," he rolled his eyes, "yeah, sure you did."

"No, really. I know I've been awkward around her since you guys got here... I told her it was because I'm protective of my brother. That's it."

"I am not a freaking child, Char; I can take care of myself." He brought a hand up to rub his forehead. "C'mon... pretty sure you can tell just by looking that Kase isn't like anybody else I've dated. She's a good girl and as long as I'm with her, you'll show her respect."

"Hunt—"

"I'm serious. If you can't do that one thing for me, then this is it. After today you just won't see me anymore." He folded his arms across his chest, glaring at her. "You're the one always preaching how family's the most important thing and now you're pulling this shit?"

"You're right " she said with a sigh, "can you go apologize for me? "

"Absolutely not. You made this mess, you fucking clean it up." He continued to stare at her before inclining his head towards the hallway, waiting for her to right this situation.

She did as she was told, sheepishly walking to the bathroom. She hesitated as she brought her fist up and knocked. "Kasey, " she began softly, clearing her throat. "Can I talk to you?"

The door opened a crack and Kasey looked at her through the gap. "Hey... sorry. I kinda... geez. I guess I got myself all wound up over nothing and that's okay if you don't really trust me. I need to learn to—" she broke off, shaking her head. "Seriously though? I think I have PMS or something. My uncle used to tell me that I'm way too emotional when I have that time coming so it's like probably just that and I'm okay though. So don't worry." She started to close the door, "just give me a minute and then I'll be okay. I just have to get my game face back on."

Charity's hand came up as she attempted to stop the door from being shut. "No, Kasey, it isn't. You have every right to be upset. So please, just talk to me. "

"There's nothing to say," she replied. "This is your house and your family. I'm nobody."

Charity sighed, cursing herself. "No, that's not true. You're important to Hunter and it wasn't right for me to act like that. You haven't done anything wrong and you deserve respect."

Kasey laughed but there wasn't any real amusement in it. "Sure, I deserve oodles of respect. It's okay, Charity. Really. I just overreacted." She forced a smile, reaching out to pat Charity on the arm. "Don't worry, okay? I'm not mad or anything."

Sighing once again, Charity shook her head. "Okay," she said. "I'll leave you alone." Swallowing hard, she walked away.

Once Charity was gone, Hunter went up to the bathroom and leaned against the doorframe. "Red, can we talk?"

She nodded, drying her hands on the towel without looking at him. "Yeah, of course we can." When she met his eyes, she tried to smile, almost pulling it off. "Sorry I made a scene. I tried not to... honest."

He didn't reply to her comment, instead he shook his head. "Baby, why do you do this?"

"Do what?" The confusion was there in her voice when she let her gaze be pulled back to him. Obviously he wasn't talking about the little altercation she'd just had with his sister.

"Let people treat you like shit." He reached out and placed his hand on her cheek. "I hate seeing this, you don't deserve it. You gotta get tough and stand up to 'em."

"You catch more flies with honey," she mumbled, wishing she could put into words that twisted desire she had for everyone to like her. "She's your sister... not like I could just haul off and punch her in the face— and why didn't you tell me she was a wrestler?"

"You probably could have punched her...." He chuckled to himself and shrugged, "honestly, it never crossed my mind to tell you. She hasn't been wrestling in awhile and I guess I forgot."

"Know what else you can forget?" She lifted her chin, looking him in the eye, "forget this happened, okay? It doesn't matter what she thinks of me— at least it shouldn't. And I wanna have a nice time today."

He raised an eyebrow, looking confused. "Forget about what?"

She nodded. "Exactly."

He laughed and pulled in for a hug, kissing her on top of her head. "C'mon, you ready for some turkey?"

"Don't forget," she laughed in return, hugging him back, "you're going to finally get to have that pie." It was impossible to feel bad when she was in his arms. For the first time in forever, she was actually feeling like an actual person instead of some animated cardboard cut-out for the world to project their own stupid images onto.