Post by Alexander Daniels on Nov 12, 2019 8:51:37 GMT -5
Just before 9am in Las Vegas. The day just starting and filled with possiblity, endless possibility. The sun is up, the cars are honking their horns as the peasants start another day in their mundane lives. While that may be the case for the many, it’s not the case for the few members of society that possess wealth, class and devilish good looks. One of that upper echelon was lying in his swanky hotel bed, upgraded of course from the piece of shit room that AW initially booked for him. Alexander Daniels is holding his cellphone next to his ear.
“Move in day sexy Stepan, I can’t believe that Malikov Microwaves is about to take root! It’s a shame it’s such a shitehole of a town! 2 guys like us, with the world at our feet and such a massive customer base deserve to be somewhere that matches our calibre!”
Daniels is on the phone with the only other person in Vegas that seems to understand him, Stepan Malikov. The two have formed an unlikely friendship. Both have just moved into town, both are signed with Action Wrestling and both are savvy business men. When Malikov offered Daniels the chance to go in on his top of the range microwave business Daniels was initially skeptical but the passion and desire shown by Malikov to make this business flourish had won him over.
“It’s got a smell to it. A distinct smell!” Stepanov said on the other end of the line, almost purring in anticipation at seeing his dream come true.
“Are we going to need to pay for some professional cleaners to come in and gut the place? The picture you should me looked more like a council hoose in Possil than a decent looking shop”
“No, no, no, you’ve got it all wrong. It’s the smell of opportunity Alexander, the smell of money. The smell of selling so many fucking microwaves that we won’t be in this store long, we’ll need more space and our name in lights”
Stepan was so intensely involved in these microwaves. Daniels, still lying in bed, eyes starting to glaze over as his interest in the coversation about microwaves already began to dull. He checked his fingers while Malikov continued to profess his vision for the place. Daniels got himself up and out of bed, his tartan pyjama trousers riding slightly lower than they should be. It’s now clear that he’s got company, a young brunette lady lying in the bed beside him, still fast asleep.
“Mhmmm. Yeah. Yup. Yeah, tons of shelving needed” Daniels had now stepped into the bathroom and was checking his teeth in the mirror. He picked up his watch from beside the sink and saw the time. 08:47. Not gonna have time for a shower. Might just about fit in brushing his teeth. Daniels placed the watch back down and picked up the half empty bottle of the finest Glenmorangie whiskey and took 2 big swigs from the bottle.
“Listen, Stepan…….Ste…..Stepan……STOP TALKING DAMNIT!”
“Woah, no need to get so feisty Alexander!” replied Malikov, slightly taken aback but already becoming accustomed Daniels’ Scottish mannerisms.
“Sorry, it’s just a big day and I’ve got to get ready”
“Yup, I can’t wait to see your face when you see the store. When will you be here, about 09:30?”
“Er…..probably more about 5ish mate”
“5?!?! Who’s going to help me get this place organised? What are you doing? What’s more important than the microwaves?” Malikov snapped back, frustrated.
“How about bringing in the sweet cashola we’ll need to market these bad ass fuckers? That’s not gonna pay for itself and lets be honest, I’ve got the extra brains and definitely the looks. Why don’t you get Jerry to help?” Alexander said, making his way back into the bedroom and throwing a shoe at the girl in the bed. That jolted her awake. She looked around with a what the fuck look on her face to see Daniels mouthing at her to FUCK. OFF.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’ve just got to do this promotional shoot for Slaters Menswear and I’ll be round. Talk soon” Daniels hung up the phone and tossed it on the bed. He looked around at his lady friend who was standing at the side of the bed pulling on her jeans.
“Did you not SEE ME SAYING FUCK OFF? GET OUT OF HERE YOU STUPID TART!”
Just before 11am, Daniels pulls into a parking lot. He’s fully suited and booted now in his finest 3 piece suit, courtesy of Slaters Menswear in Glasgow. The navy blue suit with very feint pistriping was gleaming, freshly pressed by the hotel staff. Daniels had to admit they’d made a good job of it.
“Listen, I need to go now. I’ll call you later. Nah, nah, I’m not that into it. I’ll tell you more in a few weeks. Ok. Right mate, cheers, bye for now”
Daniels finished his call, stepped out his executive saloon and fixed his suit. He turned around and had a quick glance at himself in the window. Sharp. Always fucking sharp. Best looking guy in Vegas. Daniels was at a well known photography studio. Part of his agreement with Slaters was taking part in promotional photoshoots from time to time and they’d jumped at the chance to add some international flavour to their catalogue when Daniels told them he’d be going to Vegas.
“Will you ever actually walk beside me or open the door for me, you know, any kind of gentlemanly things?” said a voice from a few steps behind him. Daniels glanced over his left shoulder. It was the same brunette girl from the hotel room. Daniels stopped and turned around. He placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned in to kiss her. Lips almost touching he stopped.
“Shit like that will get you fired Agnes. Don’t talk to me like that ever again. You’re hear to take my bookings, book my tables, clean my suits and satisfy my needs. In exchange for that you get paid handsomely, live in luxury and wear pretty things. Do you want me to change the deal? Do you want to go back to that shithole council house in Maryhill?”
Agnes slapped Daniels across the face. Daniels head twisted backwards with the impact. He slowly brought his gaze back to Agnes with a big grin on his face.
“That’s why we’re made for each other” he said before the two locked in a meaningful embrace. This was an awkward relationship, most of which anyone outside of the pair knew anything about. All they knew was that whereever Daniels went, Agnes wasn’t far behind. Everywhere that is except from the wrestling world. That was for Daniels and Daniels alone.
5pm. Photoshoot done. Daniels had been in and out of more clothes than some of the esteemed escorts that be found here on the strip. He’d sent Agnes off to run some errands while he completed the required publicity. Daniels looked at his phone. Couple of missed calls and some texts from Stepan.
“Don’t worry about food, we’ve got Pizza” read one of the messages from Malikov.
Ideal really. Daniels hadn’t eaten all day. This lifestyle can get him lost at times. He looked at the phone again. Definitely 5pm. He blinked his eyes a few times. Being photographed sounds glamorous but in reality, he fucking hates it. He’s only in it for the cash. The same goes for the suits. They aren’t that good, there are definitely superior suit designers out there but they pay him handsomley to wear them, so he does what he needs to do.
“Stepan! How’s it going?” says Daniels as he phones up his new colleague. “Good. Sounds like you and Jerry have been busy. A dent in the door? Jerry can’t get it? Fuck sake man, I don’t know what you see in that clown. I’ll sort it when I get there. I’ll be about 20 minutes.”
Daniels takes the phone away from his ear, covers the mouthpiece and lets out an exasperated sigh.
“I can’t believe I need to deal with this” he said to himself. He placed the phone back to his ear.
“Anyway, did you see the message from Camila?
5:30pm. A bit later than he’d said he would be. Daniels pulled up outside “Malikov Microwaves”. The shop frontage could use some work. The sign was a piece of wood that Stepan pulled from inside and wrote on.
“Bigger picture Alex, the bigger picture” Daniels muttered to himself in the car before adjusting his tie in the rear-view mirror. Corporate smile on again. Last one for the day.
Pushing the door of the decrepit building open, Daniels stepped inside to the smell of pizza, sweat and BO. That would most likely be Jerry, he thought to himself.
It was cleaner than he thought it would be. Stepan had done some good work and the first few boxes of microwaves were sitting on a counter that Daniels assumed would become a cashier desk of some kind.
“Bigger picture”
Through the door and into the space at the back of the building, he saw Stepan and Jerry on the floor. They were talking about some girl called Marie. Whatever, not interested. Daniels chaps on the wall. Stepan turns around and gets himself back to his feet.
“PRETTY FUCKING NICE HUH?” He shouts, the noise echoing around the almost completely empty room. Daniels grabbed at his ear and winced. Bit loud when you’re hungover and had flashing cameras in your face for most of a day.
“It’s certainly big enough. How many microwaves are we going to be able to fit in this place?”
“NOT ENOUGH!”
“Ok, that’s enough with the shouting. I’m a half bottle of whiskey deep already today mate, I don’t need your booming vocal adding to that!”
Stepan chuckled as he came over to Alexander and the two had a small embrace, that of new friends but that of two of had a connection. Something just felt right about this. It went against all of his instincts, but Daniels was happy to let his guard down a bit around Stepan. Both new to the town, new to Action Wrestling and both with a desire to succeed.
“Listen, I know this place is all about microwaves and I’m all on board. Although……”
Daniels points at a smaller office area. A quick investigation finds that the previous owner had left a rather high-quality desk and chair. Daniels smirked.
“I’ll be taking this room. You can have the entire building for whatever you want, set it up how you want but this 12m x 12m room is mine”
“Deal!” said Stepan, jumping at it before Daniels had a chance to change his mind.
“In fact, this is the spot. Jerry, get over here you stinking sack of shit”
Jerry shuffled into the office space. “Not really any need for that is there?” said Jerry, sounding dejected.
“Shut it bawbag and take this” Daniels handed him his cellphone. “Stand over there and take a video when I tell you too”
He gestured for Jerry to stand on the other side of the table, 10 feet away.
Daniels ran his hand along the wood. Good craftsmanship. Sturdy. This is his base of operations. He pulled out the leather chair and sat in it, adjusting himself forwards slightly. Clasping his hands and placing them on the table, he looked over his right shoulder at Stepan.
“You ready?” he smirked at Stepan. Stepan gave the same smile and nodded. “Start now Jerry”
Jerry pushed record. The video started but Daniels sat there motionless, eyes fixed on the camera. Stepan was the same, statue still. Jerry was confused. Why was he recording a video with no interaction from the guys on camera?
10 seconds pass.
20 seconds.
30 seconds.
Daniels leans back in the chair. Takes a big deep breath and exhales it slowly. He steps up, removing his suit jacket. Slowly. Methodically. Then the waistcoat. Again, no rush. Then the shirt comes off. Stepan hasn’t moved, barely blinking. Daniels body is scarred, beaten and bruised. A story of his history back home. A story of his past. His purpose for being where he is now. Suddenly he slams both fists down onto the wooden table, dust flies off it into the air but he doesn’t falter. He leans forward.
“Love Birds. I hope your love is more than a gimmick. After I’m done with you, whats left of your love is going to be able to fit inside of Malikov’s Microwaves. I’m not here to fuck about. I’m not here to be friendly. I’m here to fulfill my purpose."
Jerry stops recording and looks at Daniels and Stepanov, both men unwavering. Daniels gestures for the phone and Jerry obliges.
“Lets see what these stupid pricks have to say about this”
“Move in day sexy Stepan, I can’t believe that Malikov Microwaves is about to take root! It’s a shame it’s such a shitehole of a town! 2 guys like us, with the world at our feet and such a massive customer base deserve to be somewhere that matches our calibre!”
Daniels is on the phone with the only other person in Vegas that seems to understand him, Stepan Malikov. The two have formed an unlikely friendship. Both have just moved into town, both are signed with Action Wrestling and both are savvy business men. When Malikov offered Daniels the chance to go in on his top of the range microwave business Daniels was initially skeptical but the passion and desire shown by Malikov to make this business flourish had won him over.
“It’s got a smell to it. A distinct smell!” Stepanov said on the other end of the line, almost purring in anticipation at seeing his dream come true.
“Are we going to need to pay for some professional cleaners to come in and gut the place? The picture you should me looked more like a council hoose in Possil than a decent looking shop”
“No, no, no, you’ve got it all wrong. It’s the smell of opportunity Alexander, the smell of money. The smell of selling so many fucking microwaves that we won’t be in this store long, we’ll need more space and our name in lights”
Stepan was so intensely involved in these microwaves. Daniels, still lying in bed, eyes starting to glaze over as his interest in the coversation about microwaves already began to dull. He checked his fingers while Malikov continued to profess his vision for the place. Daniels got himself up and out of bed, his tartan pyjama trousers riding slightly lower than they should be. It’s now clear that he’s got company, a young brunette lady lying in the bed beside him, still fast asleep.
“Mhmmm. Yeah. Yup. Yeah, tons of shelving needed” Daniels had now stepped into the bathroom and was checking his teeth in the mirror. He picked up his watch from beside the sink and saw the time. 08:47. Not gonna have time for a shower. Might just about fit in brushing his teeth. Daniels placed the watch back down and picked up the half empty bottle of the finest Glenmorangie whiskey and took 2 big swigs from the bottle.
“Listen, Stepan…….Ste…..Stepan……STOP TALKING DAMNIT!”
“Woah, no need to get so feisty Alexander!” replied Malikov, slightly taken aback but already becoming accustomed Daniels’ Scottish mannerisms.
“Sorry, it’s just a big day and I’ve got to get ready”
“Yup, I can’t wait to see your face when you see the store. When will you be here, about 09:30?”
“Er…..probably more about 5ish mate”
“5?!?! Who’s going to help me get this place organised? What are you doing? What’s more important than the microwaves?” Malikov snapped back, frustrated.
“How about bringing in the sweet cashola we’ll need to market these bad ass fuckers? That’s not gonna pay for itself and lets be honest, I’ve got the extra brains and definitely the looks. Why don’t you get Jerry to help?” Alexander said, making his way back into the bedroom and throwing a shoe at the girl in the bed. That jolted her awake. She looked around with a what the fuck look on her face to see Daniels mouthing at her to FUCK. OFF.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’ve just got to do this promotional shoot for Slaters Menswear and I’ll be round. Talk soon” Daniels hung up the phone and tossed it on the bed. He looked around at his lady friend who was standing at the side of the bed pulling on her jeans.
“Did you not SEE ME SAYING FUCK OFF? GET OUT OF HERE YOU STUPID TART!”
Just before 11am, Daniels pulls into a parking lot. He’s fully suited and booted now in his finest 3 piece suit, courtesy of Slaters Menswear in Glasgow. The navy blue suit with very feint pistriping was gleaming, freshly pressed by the hotel staff. Daniels had to admit they’d made a good job of it.
“Listen, I need to go now. I’ll call you later. Nah, nah, I’m not that into it. I’ll tell you more in a few weeks. Ok. Right mate, cheers, bye for now”
Daniels finished his call, stepped out his executive saloon and fixed his suit. He turned around and had a quick glance at himself in the window. Sharp. Always fucking sharp. Best looking guy in Vegas. Daniels was at a well known photography studio. Part of his agreement with Slaters was taking part in promotional photoshoots from time to time and they’d jumped at the chance to add some international flavour to their catalogue when Daniels told them he’d be going to Vegas.
“Will you ever actually walk beside me or open the door for me, you know, any kind of gentlemanly things?” said a voice from a few steps behind him. Daniels glanced over his left shoulder. It was the same brunette girl from the hotel room. Daniels stopped and turned around. He placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned in to kiss her. Lips almost touching he stopped.
“Shit like that will get you fired Agnes. Don’t talk to me like that ever again. You’re hear to take my bookings, book my tables, clean my suits and satisfy my needs. In exchange for that you get paid handsomely, live in luxury and wear pretty things. Do you want me to change the deal? Do you want to go back to that shithole council house in Maryhill?”
Agnes slapped Daniels across the face. Daniels head twisted backwards with the impact. He slowly brought his gaze back to Agnes with a big grin on his face.
“That’s why we’re made for each other” he said before the two locked in a meaningful embrace. This was an awkward relationship, most of which anyone outside of the pair knew anything about. All they knew was that whereever Daniels went, Agnes wasn’t far behind. Everywhere that is except from the wrestling world. That was for Daniels and Daniels alone.
5pm. Photoshoot done. Daniels had been in and out of more clothes than some of the esteemed escorts that be found here on the strip. He’d sent Agnes off to run some errands while he completed the required publicity. Daniels looked at his phone. Couple of missed calls and some texts from Stepan.
“Don’t worry about food, we’ve got Pizza” read one of the messages from Malikov.
Ideal really. Daniels hadn’t eaten all day. This lifestyle can get him lost at times. He looked at the phone again. Definitely 5pm. He blinked his eyes a few times. Being photographed sounds glamorous but in reality, he fucking hates it. He’s only in it for the cash. The same goes for the suits. They aren’t that good, there are definitely superior suit designers out there but they pay him handsomley to wear them, so he does what he needs to do.
“Stepan! How’s it going?” says Daniels as he phones up his new colleague. “Good. Sounds like you and Jerry have been busy. A dent in the door? Jerry can’t get it? Fuck sake man, I don’t know what you see in that clown. I’ll sort it when I get there. I’ll be about 20 minutes.”
Daniels takes the phone away from his ear, covers the mouthpiece and lets out an exasperated sigh.
“I can’t believe I need to deal with this” he said to himself. He placed the phone back to his ear.
“Anyway, did you see the message from Camila?
5:30pm. A bit later than he’d said he would be. Daniels pulled up outside “Malikov Microwaves”. The shop frontage could use some work. The sign was a piece of wood that Stepan pulled from inside and wrote on.
“Bigger picture Alex, the bigger picture” Daniels muttered to himself in the car before adjusting his tie in the rear-view mirror. Corporate smile on again. Last one for the day.
Pushing the door of the decrepit building open, Daniels stepped inside to the smell of pizza, sweat and BO. That would most likely be Jerry, he thought to himself.
It was cleaner than he thought it would be. Stepan had done some good work and the first few boxes of microwaves were sitting on a counter that Daniels assumed would become a cashier desk of some kind.
“Bigger picture”
Through the door and into the space at the back of the building, he saw Stepan and Jerry on the floor. They were talking about some girl called Marie. Whatever, not interested. Daniels chaps on the wall. Stepan turns around and gets himself back to his feet.
“PRETTY FUCKING NICE HUH?” He shouts, the noise echoing around the almost completely empty room. Daniels grabbed at his ear and winced. Bit loud when you’re hungover and had flashing cameras in your face for most of a day.
“It’s certainly big enough. How many microwaves are we going to be able to fit in this place?”
“NOT ENOUGH!”
“Ok, that’s enough with the shouting. I’m a half bottle of whiskey deep already today mate, I don’t need your booming vocal adding to that!”
Stepan chuckled as he came over to Alexander and the two had a small embrace, that of new friends but that of two of had a connection. Something just felt right about this. It went against all of his instincts, but Daniels was happy to let his guard down a bit around Stepan. Both new to the town, new to Action Wrestling and both with a desire to succeed.
“Listen, I know this place is all about microwaves and I’m all on board. Although……”
Daniels points at a smaller office area. A quick investigation finds that the previous owner had left a rather high-quality desk and chair. Daniels smirked.
“I’ll be taking this room. You can have the entire building for whatever you want, set it up how you want but this 12m x 12m room is mine”
“Deal!” said Stepan, jumping at it before Daniels had a chance to change his mind.
“In fact, this is the spot. Jerry, get over here you stinking sack of shit”
Jerry shuffled into the office space. “Not really any need for that is there?” said Jerry, sounding dejected.
“Shut it bawbag and take this” Daniels handed him his cellphone. “Stand over there and take a video when I tell you too”
He gestured for Jerry to stand on the other side of the table, 10 feet away.
Daniels ran his hand along the wood. Good craftsmanship. Sturdy. This is his base of operations. He pulled out the leather chair and sat in it, adjusting himself forwards slightly. Clasping his hands and placing them on the table, he looked over his right shoulder at Stepan.
“You ready?” he smirked at Stepan. Stepan gave the same smile and nodded. “Start now Jerry”
Jerry pushed record. The video started but Daniels sat there motionless, eyes fixed on the camera. Stepan was the same, statue still. Jerry was confused. Why was he recording a video with no interaction from the guys on camera?
10 seconds pass.
20 seconds.
30 seconds.
Daniels leans back in the chair. Takes a big deep breath and exhales it slowly. He steps up, removing his suit jacket. Slowly. Methodically. Then the waistcoat. Again, no rush. Then the shirt comes off. Stepan hasn’t moved, barely blinking. Daniels body is scarred, beaten and bruised. A story of his history back home. A story of his past. His purpose for being where he is now. Suddenly he slams both fists down onto the wooden table, dust flies off it into the air but he doesn’t falter. He leans forward.
“Love Birds. I hope your love is more than a gimmick. After I’m done with you, whats left of your love is going to be able to fit inside of Malikov’s Microwaves. I’m not here to fuck about. I’m not here to be friendly. I’m here to fulfill my purpose."
"I’M HERE TO RUN THIS FUCKING CITY”
Jerry stops recording and looks at Daniels and Stepanov, both men unwavering. Daniels gestures for the phone and Jerry obliges.
“Lets see what these stupid pricks have to say about this”