The buoyant mood of the various people mingling is almost palpable; even through the camera, as it moves through the crowd, passing an eclectic mix of wrestlers both current and retired, various other athletes and even a few well known faces from the acting and music worlds.
The camera skirts past Hans’ old friend Mark Spencer, deep in conversation with Michael Schumacher, and comes to a halt in front of the newly crowned HWA World Champion, one hand clasping a flute of champagne, the other gently holding his girlfriend; Vanessa Lang, close. The two smile at one another, as they navigate their way around the room slowly, breaking their hold only to embrace or shake hands with the various guests.
They come to a stop besides the trio of windows that overlook the New York skyline, Vanessa moving to stand in front of Hans. She casts her eyes over the party, a warm smile forming, before turning her gaze on Hans.
(Vanessa): Quite the party.
(Hans): Yeah…
He takes a sip of champagne, looking out over the assembled guests momentarily.
(Hans): … It is.
(Vanessa): And to think this morning you were telling me that it was too short notice to have this get together!
She prods Hans gently in the chest, before leaning in, wrapping her arms around his waist as she does so.
(Hans): Yeah, so I was wrong on that count.
(Vanessa): The rate your phone was going off last night, and you still didn’t think people would show…?
She kisses him lightly, before tutting lightly.
(Vanessa): Honestly honey. Remind me not to let you anywhere near the plans for Christmas…
(Hans): Uh-huh…
They kiss once more.
(Hans): … will do.
(Diane Spencer): Oh don’t you two look just perfect.
The camera pans out, revealing Diane Spencer; having managed to drag her husband reluctantly away from his conversation with Michael Schumacher, now walking towards them.
(Mark Spencer): Congratulations on the title once more mate.
Hans tilts his champagne flute at him.
(Hans): Thank you. And the same to you. It’ll be what, ten years tomorrow?
(Mark Spencer): Yeah.
He flashes a smile at his wife.
(Mark Spencer): Ten long years of marital bliss, eh sweetie?
Diane returns the smile, digging into his ribs lightly with her left hand however, drawing laughter from the other three.
(Diane Spencer): Don’t listen to Mark; he’d have you believe the Pope’s Protestant if he thought he could get away with it.
Mark can only chuckle in amusement, falling into conversation with Vanessa. Diane steps to one side, Hans leaning in to hear her.
(Diane Spencer): Now that you’ve got gold round your waist darling, when are you going to put gold on a certain lady’s finger, hmm?
Hans chokes somewhat on his drink in surprise, hurriedly covering it by mock coughing.
He places one arm around Diane’s shoulder, steering her away a few steps.
(Hans): You’ve always been bold Diane, but…
(Diane Spencer): But what Hans?
(Hans): Oh come on!
Diane merely rolls her eyes in the face of the shocked outrage emanating from Hans.
(Diane Spencer): Like this relationship will go anyplace else but marriage!
(Hans): You’ve always shown a lot of confidence as well Diane…
He trails off, forcing a smile to come to his face to hide his unease at where the conversation is going.
(Diane Spencer): Not many ladies I know will set aside their desires and stand willingly by the side while the man in their life focuses on obtaining something that in doing so could drive a wedge between them…
She looks over her shoulder at Vanessa, still caught up in talking with Mark, before settling back on Hans, a knowing look on her face.
(Diane Spencer): … know what I’m saying?
She kisses Hans on the cheek.
(Diane Spencer): No pressure honey. But I’ll be damned if I’m having another sister put through the wait I had for that question to be asked.
This time it’s Hans’ turn to smile.
One of his fingers begins to circle the top of the champagne flute as he responds.
(Hans): Will you settle for me saying I’ll think long and hard on what you’ve said?
Diane sighs theatrically, linking arms with Hans and steering them back towards Mark and Vanessa.
(Diane Spencer): It’ll have to do I suppose. It’s not like I could force you into it Mr. World Champion…
Mark and Vanessa turn to them as they walk up.
(Mark Spencer): That you done fulfilling your daily ear-chewing quota then honey?
Diane’s response is drowned out as a cheer goes up from the various guests as Heinrich von Richtoven comes into view, a sheepish expression etched on his face as he shakes hands with those guests he knows.
The two brothers embrace, before he shakes hands with Mark, and receives kisses from both Vanessa and Diane.
(Heinrich): Sorry I’m late.
(Vanessa): Nonsense. The party’s just getting started!
(Mark Spencer): How you feeling mate?
(Heinrich): I could be better, I’ll be honest.
His look in his eyes makes it clear his minds on what happened with Ricky Evans, but he attempts to cover it by draping one arm around his elder sibling’s shoulders.
(Heinrich): The fact that I’ll never get a moment’s peace at family gatherings ever again thanks to my brother’s win’s a bit much for me to take in just now.
The five of them share in the laughter. Vanessa sidles up to Hans, gesturing at his near empty glass.
(Vanessa): I’m going to see if I can’t get through to the drinks. Do you want a refill?
(Hans): Please, the same again.
They kiss once more, before she and Diane move off camera, the sound of laughter from the pair of them becoming audible a few seconds later.
(Mark Spencer): What are they two like, eh?
Hans’ eyebrows go up at this, as he stares into his near empty glass.
(Hans): Tell me about it…
Mark’s head turns towards Heinrich, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
(Mark Spencer): You’d best buck up and get yourself a title of your own my friend. Unless you want those family gatherings to turn out the way you think they will…
(Heinrich): You know I’ve never been that fixated on titles Mark.
He shrugs his shoulders, throwing a glance at his brother alongside a grin that tugs at his lips.
(Heinrich): But then again, priorities do change…
Hans’ attention drifts towards the press of people behind him, searching for the flowing red hair of Vanessa. He watches her, as she reaches the drinks, laughing at something Diane has said as she pours out champagne into two flutes. As she settles the bottle down into it’s ice bucket, she notices his attention, and blows him a kiss across the room.
He smiles, turning back to face his brother and Mark, raising up his flute, before draining the remainder of his champagne.
(Hans): Hear hear!
The scene fades to black.
Message Thread
« Back to index