As the rain poured heavily throughout the land on a deviously cold winter?s night, the hero of today?s story, Romeo Martini found himself safe from the unforgiving elements as he stood in the warm kitchen of his home in Atlantic City, watching over his estate before him in deep contemplation, the thoughts of the night before running over and over again through his mind. If Romeo knew that?s all it took to take a title shot, he would have tried that before, but it seemed like such a juvenile approach. When he took part in the actions that he did, the title was not as much on his mind as much as making an impact was to liven up a show that he would have changed the channel on if he was watching at home on one of his many big screen TV?s. It was curiosity that caused him to hop on his own private jet and ride down to that hick town to see what all the hoopla was about in this wrestling federation that seemed so interested in him joining them ? ?just when I think I?m out, they pull me back in!?

Of course he is always one beat away from never stepping his foot in this ring again. What would be the point? Having wrestled for over 15 years, he?s come to the conclusion that he has nothing else left to prove to anyone. It was evident in all that he surrounded himself with in this stage of life that he was on top of his self-centered mountain, the thousands of cronies he has working under him in his empire that spreads throughout this neon city of his, in each club he owns you will be sure to get a glimpse of one of his championship belts that he?s won over his career, because he?d make it in plain view to let you all know who?s running the show here. That is if he?d ever let you into one of his clubs, you no class mook. There was a joke that always sat in his mind; a common stereotype about Italians. Hell, Italians don?t really want to hurt anybody, but hey ? people get hurt. You step outside and fall on an ice pick six or seven times; it happens. And even if an Italian did want to whack you, they?d make a weekend out of it. Take you surfing, take you fishing; they?d be the nicest people in the world up until that point where your brains were splattered onto the floor. Romeo always thought that was funny, because a lot of that did not apply to him at all ? you see, he was out to hurt people, he loved it. He is not out to make you laugh or try and make you comfortable, when Romeo Martini has his sights set out on you then that is something for you that is not very convenient at all.

There was a reason they called Romeo Martini ?The Sicilian Shark,? a grave and grotesque reason in which the entire XwC roster will soon find out. For that is exactly who he had his eyes set on the other night, but more specifically he had noticed the likes of his fellow PSW colleagues; Brandy Davis, Brad Daddy and Taurus. Unfinished business, perhaps? There was restlessness inside of Romeo Martini that he could not ignore, even with all that he owns in this life, for an aging professional wrestler any reason was always a good reason to get back into the ring. The reason he holds inside this time is the fact that he indeed laid his eyes upon his fellow PSW wrestlers who probably thought they were all better than him because he didn?t kick their asses enough for the few weeks, so Romeo had to take matters into his own hands as he sprang into action to make an impact. It just so happened that the impact I made was in the boss? precious little belt tournament, and he wants to get all up in my face about it? Please. It was just a good thing we were on Jayson Phoneix?s turf, because if he were to try and pull that stint on Romeo Martini here in Atlantic City, the tables would have certainly been turned. Who is this Jayson Phoneix? Definitely not someone Romeo would ever introduce himself to if he were to meet him at a cocktail party.

Of course it was a guy like Romeo Martini who can look out on this rainy day and only see madness and disorder, he can see that in just about anything because in his mind he is the only one that can control true order and classes. It was the way he ran his house; Christmas season was definitely in the air. The crackling fire in the den was an extravagant source for heating up those in attendance who were merrily trimming the grand Christmas tree that fit so smugly in the den. It was a towering tree, for even in this time of year in his very own house Romeo Martini must get a tree that overpowers all else and intimidates those guests that must realize that Romeo Martini is a force to be reckoned with! These are the moments that Romeo Martini lives and fights for, to hear his mother in the den with his daughter, singing her those Christmas songs she sang to him when he was a child. There was something very comforting in the way his mother would sing, like everything was going to be okay; even if you knew they weren?t it did not matter at all. Even if he was disgusted by the sight of his father flirting with cocktail waitress while he drank heavily at the poker games he dragged Romeo to as a child, you forgave him when he heard his mother sing. Even as a teenager, when he made a stupid mistake with a very big pimp and was beaten heavily for it with a massive chain, he was not afraid to rest his head in his mother?s lap and listen to her soothing voice. ?She?s sleeping now. Sleeping like a little angel.? Said his mother, Gabrielle Martini as she left the little girl to sleep on the couch and make her way to the kitchen where Romeo stood with the help of her cane.

?You could always sing anybody to sleep, mamma. Estella simply adores you.? Romeo said as he placed his hand upon her tiny shoulder and led her to the table where she can take a seat. Maybe it was not just her singing that was so soothing; it was also the fact that she was blind. Romeo was mostly comforted within the fact that she did not have to witness the type things that Romeo and the rest of the family had to subject themselves to. Of course being blind doesn?t entitle you to being ignorant, but his mother could slide into her fantasy world with ease. Romeo desired to be as blind as her. ?Can I get you something to drink, mamma??

Her blank eyes lit up as she smiled warmly at the thought. ?Why yes, I do believe that beautiful daughter-in-law of mine, Roxanne brought home some of that delicious egg nog. Mmmm? I think it?ll suit just fine on a night like this. Grazie, Romeo, Grazie. That daughter of yours is so precious; it is so good of you to spend the holidays with her even with your busy schedule. Your father was never around very much on the holidays, but if he knew about your XwC United States Championship match that I?ve heard so much about, he would definitely be as proud of you today as I am!? Sometimes she was so na�ve that it was sad, but it took a lot of strength to do so and that entitled a sort of respect and admiration. As Romeo poured her a glass of eggnog, he tried his hardest to keep a pleasant smile on his face even though he knew that she couldn?t see him anyway. Wrestling was the last thing he wanted to discuss with his mother, one of the many things he did that he did not want to subject someone so decent and pure to. Though it was incredibly good of her to at least try and be interested in the sport that killed his father.

Suddenly, the front door swung open and both of them looked curiously in that direction. ?Must be that beautiful wife of mine?? Romeo said through his teeth as he left his mother smiling blankly in the kitchen to meet his wife, Roxy at the door. Sneering and narrowing his eyes upon her, he watched her accusingly as she hung up her scarf and coat on the rack.

She jumped when she turned around to see Romeo standing there and caught her breath as she placed her hand to her chest. ?Romeo, you scared me?? she said with a soft smile, though when reality set in the fear and surprise that was in her eyes those few seconds ago when she was caught off guard were still there. Shooting her eyes back and forth, she shifted on her feet, as she was eager to find a way out of this uncomfortable predicament.

Giving Romeo another soft smile, she just tried to casually walk passed him. Reaching his hand out, he caught hold of her tiny arm and pulled her back to him. Leaning in, he spoke softly trying his hardest not to start a big scene to wake up their baby or upset his mother. ?You are the one who says we should spend more time together. You are the one that says I should take time out of my busy schedule to stay at home and spend more time as a family. So where were you today?? snarling, he let go of her arm. He didn?t really care for the answer. Turning around, he started to head up the stairs to the room where Garcelle was staying.

The music from downstairs drifted into her room, even if she did not want to hear it. A toss of her head as she looked down at this little ragged bear that was clutched fiercely in her arms. What gave them the right to be down there, dancing and decorating the tree? Even Roxy had the gall to ask her if she wanted to join. Deep down, Garcelle knew, deep down in Roxy's little body, she did not want Garcelle there. So, Garcelle decided to go upstairs. Romeo, of course, was oblivious to it -- so Garcelle thought -- with his daughter, his mom, and that woman. Ugh, she hated them all, simply because they had forgotten she was there. Stifling a scream, she buried her face in that teddybear. The teddybear had been for someone, a kid she had once, but the kid was gone with her dad, and now Garcelle was alone. Holidays sucked for her, because it meant she was the most alone.

Romeo found himself on the outside of her door. He knew she was not the domestic type, not the type of woman to sit around the fire and sing Christmas carols - especially with these people. These people are not her family at all, no, the family she once had was no longer and he felt for her entirely and believed the best thing to do in this situation was let her be to her own thoughts. In a way he was sort of jealous of her - in a way. This house was the last place he wanted to be at right now. However, he was a man with many responsibilities in this life in which he had to ration his time to. There was a box of cookies in his hand and he was hoping they wouldn't insult her. He knocked on the door as he slid inside. "Garcelle?" he slid in and looked down at her, trying to give a reassuring smile to the one that mattered the most to him in this world. "I brought you some cookies. Don't worry? Roxy didn't make them."

Garcelle does not raise her face to look at him, she just keeps her face buried in that ragged thing, her body curling up in a position similiar to the fetal position. "Mmf." A mumble as she hears him come in, saying nothing more. Then she hears him talk about the cookies, she moved her face from the bear, after using it to wipe at her face -- to make sure she had not cried. "Cookies?" A brief narrow of her eyes as she studies the box of cookies. " Did she buy them?" Anything from Roxy was like accepting things from the hand of devil, in her mind. Not even bothering to smile as she studies him.

?Believe it or not, but I made them myself.? His smile never leaved his face as he watched her closely, trying to reach in and liven her up a little. He would understand the way she feels right now, the feeling of bitterness and abandonment, hatred towards an unforgiving world? but that?s why they had each other. Or at least that was the impression he was under. He trusted her more than just as a business partner, but as his sister and family member. She could be mad at anything she wanted, but she did not need to be mad when he was around. ?? and Estella helped.? He chuckled softly as he sat down on the bed next to her, placing the box of cookies between them. ?There are plenty of things I?m good at you see besides kicking ass.?

Nodding her head, as if the box of cookies were okay again. She looked at them, then looked at him. " Why are you here?" It felt to her, that he was just following obligation, just there to make her happy again so no one would bicker about how Garcelle was ruining the evening. She could see it now in her head, Roxy and Romeo's mother just going on and on in one of their tirades about how bad Garcelle was for the kid, and for him. She reached out and picked up a cookie tentatively.

He smirked softly as he reached into the box of cookies and broke off a piece of one before nibbling a little on it. He actually hadn?t tried them yet and he wanted to eat one first to make sure they were worthy for her ? because unlike what he may think, he?s not good at everything and baking cookies is something he hasn?t practiced in a long time. But they passed the taste test. ?I know what you?re thinking, really I do. I understand you.? He said softly as he munched idly upon the cookie. ?I?m not up here to be a hospitable guest, I did not invite you to my home to take pity on you. I want you to realize, that we are in this together, you and I. This is the last place I want to be right now, in a perfect world you and I would be out on the town raising hell like we do best you know. Right now, it?s just a minor inconvenience is all. If anything, these people I consider an obligation ? not you.? He looked over at her.

She chuckled when he nibbled on the cookie; she takes a bite out of it, listening to him as he talked. Frowning as she swallowed her first bite. "Minor inconvenience? You're having the time of your life, Romeo." Sounding bitter as she bites down on the cookie again, polishing it off, turning her eyes away. "If they're such an inconvenience, get rid of them." A shrug of her shoulders as she leaned back on the bed with her arms, looking up at the ceiling.

He smirked softly, keeping a gentle chuckle to himself. If there was one thing he loved in this world it?s her reasoning. Lifting his feet onto the bed, he lied back onto the sheets next to her and stared up at the ceiling. Now this was some serious brother/sister bonding moment, this must be what it?s like on TV. ?I have a responsibility, Garcelle. Doesn?t mean I have to like it.? Sitting up straight, he looked back down at her. ?We shouldn?t waste our times reflecting on bitterness right now? we should be thinking about this Wednesday. I mean, can you not imagine that shining United States Title in your hands? What is the first thing we?re going to do to celebrate our victory? Tell me.? He rested back down on his elbow and looked at her. It was really about the adventure the two were having together to terrorize the entire world, oh the destruction they could cause when there two minds were alike. This is what he thought of most of all. This is what he considered family.

When he laid back, she sighed, closing her eyes as he relaxed next to her. He could never really relax at home, she knew that, and he knew that-- even if he did not tell that most of the time. Usually it was all smiles. Then he sat up straight, she looked up at him and laughed outloud at the thought of winning it all again. She had been there for the beautiful challenge, Phoenix's eyes had basically bulged, and she loved it. "What do you think we will do?" She purses her lips, studying her brother as she moved in to feel closer to him, the bitterness temporarily forgotten. "We will paint the whole town red, make them know who the champion is."

Romeo smiled a lot, of course. He was a businessman, so it was always a smart move to be as phony as possible for your own benefit. Now that smile on his sister was what he lived for. It was the drive of knowing she was his equal in this world, the only people who could understand pain and misery and therefore understand each other. The only people close enough to each other that could understand pain and misery and therefore use it to their advantage. The only people that understand pain and misery and know that they did not have to worry about it when they were around each other. ?We are going to rub it in everybody?s faces! Romeo Martini as the United States Heavyweight Champion means I represent all that America is! Before we even finish up cleaning up the blood in the ring we?ll be swinging on a star and American opening up it?s gold gates to us and us alone!? he laughed out loud, with that grin that held the purest of all deviousness.

She grinned, "an Italian representing America?" Unthinkable, on gringo's terms, but she loved the thought! The laughter came from her easily, she looked at him." This Wednesday, we show them what it's really about.." Hopping off the bed, she looked at him. "Everyone will want a piece of us," a smirk, " and we will turn them all away.. well, except for a few." For those after-hours fun.

He shut his eyes and savor the feelings that were flowing throw him and warming his entire soul ? or what little soul he had. ?We?ll be untouchable you and I. A mega power just like this great land of ours! Everywhere we go people will say ?right this way champ!? and beg for the opportunity to throw themselves at the chance to even kiss our fine boots.? It was nothing new to him however, in his own mind people did that on a regular basis anyway. ?And everywhere we will get those jealous stares, those people who envy all that we are will be forced to choke on the gold that we carry! The possibilities!?

A laugh as she cursties in front of him, " My champion. All the girls will throw themselves at you, " a pause, like they did not already. Made her jealous at times, but she had to suck it up, like a good girl she was. " You will win. There is no doubt in my mind that you will not."

He never had to fake any enthusiasm when he was with her. Even though family and associates constantly surrounded him, he always felt alone. Emotionally alone. With his sister here, it was like she completed him. The world belonged to them. ?Yeah, the stupid broads. We?ll have to fight ?em off with a stick! But that?s all part of that thing I?m talking about called responsibility. The price we pay to live the life we do.? He grinned smugly at as he padded her side and winked. It was going to be a very merry Christmas.

Sinatra

Here's to those who love not too wisely, know not wisely, but too well To the girl who sighs with envy when she hears that wedding bell To the guy who'd throw a party if he knew someone to call Here's to the losers, bless them all

Here's to those who drink their dinners when that lady doesn't show To the girl who'll wait for kisses underneath that mistletoe To the lonely summer lovers when the leaves begin to fall Here's to the losers, a-bless them