Remain Strong
Calaway Residence, Texas
The scene begins in the quiet calm of early Wednesday morning, just as the soft light of dawn begins to filter through the blinds of Ally's kitchen. The house is still, but inside, LJ is awake, his mind unsettled after a night filled with restless thoughts. The weight of the election results hangs in the air, making the tension nearly palpable.
LJ stands by the kitchen counter, preparing two steaming mugs: one of coffee for Ally and a cup of tea for himself. His movements are careful, precise, almost as if the act of making these drinks is giving him some momentary sense of control. His thoughts keep drifting back to Ally and Ashlynn—how shaken Ally was the night before, how anxious the future now seemed.
The sound of footsteps behind him catches his attention. LJ turns just as Ashlynn enters the kitchen, her appearance surprising him. She’s already up, looking tired but alert.
"Morning," LJ says, blinking at her sudden arrival.
Ashlynn smirks, leaning casually against the counter. "Morning. And, uh, thank you for not being in your underwear. That would’ve been...awkward." She gives him a playful grin, clearly teasing him.
LJ chuckles, though he feels a little flustered. "Yeah, well, I figured pajamas would be a safer choice."
Ashlynn laughs, the sound lightening the air just a bit. She approaches the counter, noticing the two mugs. LJ slides the cup of coffee across the counter towards her.
"For your mom," he explains. "But it looks like you could use it as you're up early too. Don’t you have school today?"
Ashlynn glances at the cup, then back at him. "I usually go for iced coffee, but I’ll take this." She picks up the cup, taking a sip, making a face that’s somewhere between acceptance and mild distaste, but she doesn’t complain. Instead, she looks at him, her tone becoming more serious.
"I’m glad she has you, you know," Ashlynn says suddenly, her voice soft but sincere. "She’s really happy with you."
LJ is caught off guard by her openness. He wasn’t expecting this kind of conversation, especially not so early in the morning. He hesitates for a moment before replying. "That means a lot, Ash. I care about her a lot. You both, actually."
Ashlynn gives a small nod, her fingers wrapping around the warm mug. "I can tell. And...I'm glad. Mom’s been through a lot, you know? She deserves to be happy." She pauses, biting her lip. "But now, with everything that’s happened... I’m kinda scared."
LJ’s face softens as he sees the vulnerability in her eyes. He can tell that this isn’t just teenage worry—it’s real, adult fear that she’s feeling.
"I know," he says gently. "It’s a messed-up situation. But whatever happens, I promise I'll be here. For both of you."
Ashlynn looks down at her coffee, swirling it in her hands. "It’s just...I’m only 15. And this whole thing—it makes me wonder what the future’s gonna look like for me. For all of us."
LJ reaches out, resting a hand on her shoulder in a comforting gesture. "I get it, Ash. It’s scary. But you’re strong, like your mom. And whatever comes, I’m sure that your mom will kick it’s ass and I’ll be there to help. Just know that you’re not alone in this."
She gives him a small, appreciative smile, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. It’s one of those rare moments where LJ realizes how much their lives are connected now—not just because of Ally, but because of the world they’re all navigating together.
Just then, Ally appears in the doorway, looking sleep-deprived but relieved to see them both. Her eyes light up at the sight of them talking.
"Hey," she says, her voice still rough from sleep. "I thought you were bringing me coffee."
LJ and Ashlynn both look at each other and then laugh. Ashlynn, still holding the cup meant for her mother, lifts it playfully. "I kinda stole it."
Ally shakes her head, smiling as she walks over to LJ, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before turning to her daughter. "I see how it is. Well, at least one of us got a decent cup."
LJ, ever the peacemaker, picks up his own cup of tea and raises it slightly, offering a mock toast. "I’ll make another for you, love. I got you covered."
As they all share a quiet laugh, the tension from the night before doesn’t entirely disappear, but for now, in this kitchen, with coffee and tea, and a shared understanding, it feels just a little lighter.
Wrong Time, Right Place
Flagstaff, AZ
The scene opens on a chilly afternoon in Flagstaff, Arizona. The Kasey brothers are bundled up in jackets as they sit outside at a local diner, nursing hot cups of coffee to ward off the crisp autumn air. LJ huddles a bit deeper into his coat, absentmindedly picking at the edge of his sandwich, while Miles watches him, sensing the unease radiating from his younger brother.
LJ exhales, the steam from his breath mingling with the faint chill in the air. "I don’t know, man. This match... I’m up against Aiden Reynolds and Eddie Lyons. Two former Roulette Champions, and I’m just... me. The guy who had one shot at the Internet Championship and blew it."
Miles, sitting across from him, leans back in his chair, blowing on his coffee to warm his hands. "You’re still new, but that doesn’t mean you’re not dangerous. You've got more going for you than you think. Yeah, Aiden and Eddie have been champions, but that makes you the unknown, and trust me, that’s an advantage."
LJ furrows his brow, shaking his head slightly. "I get what you're saying, but it still feels like I’m the odd man out. I don’t have the experience they do. I feel like I’m out of place in a match like this."
Miles takes a sip of his coffee, his eyes scanning the street for a moment, then refocuses on LJ. "That’s the thing, though. You might feel like the odd man out, but that’s your edge. They don’t know what you’re capable of because you’re still an unknown factor to them. They’re established, but you’re hungry, and when you're the underdog, that's when you can take people by surprise."
LJ stares into his drink for a moment, letting his brother’s words sink in. The cool breeze picks up again, making him tug at his jacket. "I know I’ve got to take this chance. It’s just... they’ve both been at the top, and I’m still climbing. Feels like I’m fighting an uphill battle."
Miles chuckles, setting his cup down. "LJ, you're always going to feel like you're climbing in this business. It will never end and there is always gonna be some guy that you are going to have to prove yourself to. But here’s the difference—this match isn’t just a random fight. It could be your ticket to High Stakes, and trust me, facing Alexander Raven for the Roulette Championship would put you right where you want to be. You’ve got the skills, and this match is your chance to prove it."
LJ nods slowly, his confidence starting to build. "Yeah... I guess you're right."
As LJ begins to process his brother’s encouragement, their attention shifts to a commotion a few tables over. A man in a heavy coat leans over a young woman, his voice raised in anger. She recoils, her voice breaking as she yells, "Leave me alone!"
"Your body, my choice," the man sneers and tries to grab her arm.
LJ immediately stiffens, his muscles tensing. Without hesitation, he stands, making his way over to the table with Miles close behind.
"EY! TOSSPOT!," LJ says, his tone cold, stepping between the guy and the woman. "The lady said to leave her the fuck alone."
The man straightens up, eyeing LJ with a look of disdain. "What’s it to you, huh? You her boyfriend or something?"
LJ doesn’t flinch, staring him down. "Doesn’t matter. You’re not going to talk to her like that and it’s obvious she doesn’t want to be bothered by you. So why don’t you just fuck off and leave her alone as she has told you to."
The man steps forward, puffing out his chest. Noticing that Miles is standing by and the guy just scoffs at LJ, and lets out with as much venom in his voice as he can, "What, you one of those homos too?"
Before LJ can respond, Miles steps up beside him, his expression calm but deadly serious. "He’s my brother. And for the record, yeah, I’m married to a man. If that’s a problem, you can take it up with us."
The man sneers again, clearly unimpressed. "Figures. Freaks."
LJ looks back at Miles and just shakes his head, “Ain’t it like a bitch. Hey, brother, what’s the over/under that we are willing to bet he couldn't even point out where the clitorus is on a poster even if it was in bright glowing neon letters with a big flashing sign pointing directly at it?”
“OH FUCK YOU!” and with that the dude goes to swing....
That’s all it takes for the Kasey brothers to act. With a swift motion, LJ grabs the man’s coat collar, and with Miles right beside him, they shove the guy toward the door. The man stumbles, and before he knows it, Miles delivers a well-timed kick that sends him sprawling through the door and onto the sidewalk.
Applause breaks out from the nearby tables as the man scrambles to his feet, grumbling curses as he slinks away. The young woman, visibly shaken but relieved, looks at the brothers with gratitude.
"Thank you," she says softly, still trying to steady her breath.
LJ offers her a nod, his own expression softening. "Anytime."
Miles, still watching the guy retreat down the street, turns back to LJ. "You always did know how to pick your moments, huh?"
LJ chuckles, the tension from earlier melting away. "Guess I just can’t stand people like that."
The brothers return to their table, settling back into their seats as if nothing had happened, though the adrenaline is still running through their veins.
"Where were we?" LJ asks, a smirk tugging at his lips.
As the applause dies down and the adrenaline starts to fade, the brothers return to their table, sitting back down like nothing had happened.
"Well, that escalated quickly," LJ mutters, shaking his head.
Miles smirks. "What can I say? Kaseys don’t back down."
LJ finally lets out a small chuckle. "Yeah, I guess not." He pauses for a moment, then looks at his brother.
"You think I’m ready for Raven? If I win this thing?"
Miles looks at him, his expression serious but proud. "We were talking about you not feeling ready for Raven. And I was about to say, you’ve got this, little brother. Just keep your head in the game. You win this match, and the road to the Roulette Championship is wide open. I know you are, little brother. Now, ya just go out there and prove it."
LJ nods, a new determination in his eyes, looking around as everyone is still talking about what they just saw, knowing that they did the right thing, "Yeah. You’re right."
I Want It More
Rando Gym
Flagstaff, AZ
The neon light outside the gym cast a dim glow on LJ as he leaned against the ropes of the empty ring. His body ached from the intense workout, but his mind was racing, the upcoming match looming large in his thoughts. Aiden Reynolds. Eddie Lyons. Two names that commanded respect, two men who had been where he wanted to go. He ran a hand through his damp hair, taking a deep breath.
He began pacing inside the ring, talking aloud to the empty space around him as if speaking directly to his opponents. “Aiden Reynolds…” LJ’s voice carried a mix of respect and determination. “The Thunder from Down Under. A guy who walks into the room, and people can’t help but notice. He’s got that charisma, the swagger, the kind of energy that makes you believe he’s going to be the last man standing, no matter who’s in front of him.”
LJ couldn’t deny that. He’d watched Aiden closely, not just in his matches but in how he carried himself outside the ring. A former champion, someone who knew how to grind his way to the top. “I’ve seen you go to war, Aiden. I’ve seen the kind of competitor you are. You’re fast, you hit hard, and you know how to use every inch of that ring to your advantage. I know what you’re capable of. You’ve been here before—you’ve held the Roulette Championship. You’ve tasted what it feels like to be the best. But this time, Aiden… this time, I’m standing between you and another shot at that title.”
LJ’s eyes narrowed as he thought about what was at stake. He respected Aiden, but there wasn’t any room for sentiment. Not now. “I know you want that belt again, but so do I. The difference is, I’m coming at this like it’s my last chance. You know what it’s like to be a champion—well, I’m still fighting to prove I belong. And that makes me dangerous.”
He stopped pacing, turning his focus to the other name. “As for the “Unbreakable” Eddie Lyons.” LJ let the name hang in the air for a moment, considering his words carefully. “Another former Roulette Champion. Another man who’s been to the top of the mountain when it comes to the Roulette Division. You’ve been through it all, haven’t you, Eddie? You’ve fought your way through the ranks, earned every scar, every bruise along the way. You don’t just walk into a match like this—you throw yourself into it with everything you’ve got. I’ve seen you do it.”
Eddie was a hard man to crack. Tough as nails, someone who had never shied away from a fight. That kind of grit, that kind of determination—it was something LJ could respect. “I know what you’re thinking, Eddie. I’m the young guy in this match, the one who hasn’t held the gold yet. You probably see me as just another obstacle. But I’ve been an obstacle for too long. I’m not here to play second fiddle anymore. I’m not here to be a stepping stone in your path back to the title.”
He clenched his fists, feeling the tension in his muscles. “You and Aiden… you’ve already proven yourselves. You’ve held the gold. Me? I’m still waiting for my moment. And this is it.”
LJ paused, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths as the weight of the match settled over him. “This match… it’s everything for me. Aiden, Eddie—you both have your reasons, I get that. But for me, this is about more than just a title shot. This is always about one thing and that thing is about proving that I belong. That I’m not just here to fill a spot on the card, that I’m not just Miles Kasey’s little brother. I’m my own man, and I’m ready to show everyone that.”
He stepped toward the ropes, gripping them tightly, imagining his opponents standing in front of him. “Aiden, you’ve got that veteran confidence. You’ve been here before, and I know you’re coming into this match expecting to walk out with your arm raised. Eddie, you’re just as tough, just as driven, and I know you’re not going to let anything stand in your way. But here’s the thing—you’re both up against a man with nothing left to lose. This is my shot, and I’m not letting it slip through my fingers.”
LJ could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins now, the weight of his words sinking in. “This isn’t just another match for me. It’s everything. It’s a chance to change the trajectory of my career, to show the world that I’m not just chasing my brother’s shadow. I’m not just another face in the crowd. I’m here to make my mark. I’m here to show that the young buck deserves a spot on High Stakes, that I deserve to be a marquee player, that I truly believe that I could very well be the next SCW Roulette Champion. This whole Toughman thing that we’ve been doing since this cycle began is all about that.”
He paused, staring down at his fists as he spoke to himself, almost in a whisper. “I’ve got too much to prove.”
The thought of the Roulette Championship stirred something deep inside him. High Stakes was within reach. A victory in this match would give him a chance to stand toe-to-toe with Alexander Raven for the title. A chance to cement his name in SCW history, to carve out his own path. “Aiden, Eddie… I respect the hell out of you both. But when that bell rings, all that respect gets left outside the ring. I’ve got to be better than both of you. I’ve gotta want it more.”
He could feel the weight of expectation, the pressure of needing to succeed, but there was something else too—an excitement, a hunger. He wanted this. He needed this.
“Win or lose,” he said, his voice filled with a quiet determination, “you’re going to know that I left everything in that ring. And when it’s all said and done, I’m walking out of there knowing I did whatever it took to get that shot at the Roulette Championship.”
LJ looked up, his eyes fierce with conviction. He wasn’t just here to participate. He was here to win. To prove that he belonged in this fight. That he belonged in SCW.
And nothing—not Aiden, not Eddie, not anyone—was going to stand in his way.
