Hans, clad in a grey Affliction branded 'Angels and Demons' t-shirt and ¾ length shorts, is sitting on one of the leather sofas, hunched over at something on the coffee table.
As the camera moves closer, it becomes clear that Hans is focusing intently to his phone. His forehead knots as one hand idly scratches the stubble coating his chin as he takes in what's being said. Moving ever closer, the words being said on the speaker become audible at last, Eddie K's distinctive voice uttering them.
(Eddie K): … so let me know, yeah?
The answering machine message cuts at that point, leaving Hans to lean back, dropping his hands to his lap as he does so.
(Hans): Interesting…
He blows out a breath of air in a low sigh, as he gets to his feet, crossing his arms across his chest as he looks down at his phone, eyes somewhat distant and non-focused.
(Hans): Very interesting…
He pads across the wooden floor of the apartment to the small kitchen segment set in one corner of the open plan room; opening the fridge to remove a bottle of Rekorderlig cider, cracking it open and pouring it into a glass he takes from one of the units. He takes a small sip as he drops the bottle top into a flip top bin, before pushing the empty bottle back from the edge of the marble top.
Taking his time, he walks back towards the phone, sat as it is on the small coffee table between the two leather sofas, coming to a halt at the edge of the table closest to the kitchen segment.
He stands in this position for several long seconds, before with a spark of realization; glancing up at the wall with the clock mounted on it. His lips move as he wordlessly mouths out what seems to be a minor math problem. With a satisfied smile, he picks up the wireless handset, and thumbs in a set of numbers, before settling it back into its cradle and pressing the speakerphone button beside it.
The room is soon filled with the sound of the phone ringing as Hans takes the opportunity to take a further drink from his glass.
The distinctive click of a phone being picked up is heard, before the unmistakable voice of Hans' younger sibling Heinrich starts.
(Heinrich): Hans! Guten morgen! How are you?
(Hans): I'm well thanks. How's my younger brother?
(Heinrich): The same. I… ah, hold on…
The sound of the phone being muffled and moved around can be heard for several seconds, along with some background voices speaking in German. Hans shakes his head in amusement as he takes another sip of his drink, moving around the coffee table, and settling himself onto one of the sofas.
(Heinrich): … right… that's better. Sorry, what were you asking?
(Hans): Growing deaf in your old age are you?
An exasperated noise from the back of Heinrich's throat escapes out the speaker.
(Heinrich): Joachim and Clara brought their kids round today. The house is now like a warzone.
(Hans): Aww, did 'Uncle Heinrich' get roped into calming them down?
A low chuckle comes across the speaker.
(Heinrich): No, but 'Uncle Heinrich' is the one that set them off in the first place…
Both brothers laugh, Hans also settling his back further back into the sofa.
(Heinrich): Of course, I'll deny admitting anything of the sort to you in a court of law.
(Hans): Are they that out of hand now?
(Heinrich): Oh I wouldn't go as far as saying their 'out of hand', no… they're a challenge…
(Hans): How old are they now?
(Heinrich): Erm, the twins are ten, and Christof's seven; just the sort of age when 'Mega Ninja Commando Wrestlers' sounds like the best fun in the world.
Hans mouths silently what his brother's said as laughter again comes from the speaker.
(Hans): You laugh now, but just you wait…
He chuckles, before taking a swig of his cider.
(Hans): They'll be probably setting a trap for you as we speak.
An air of confident self-satisfaction coats his younger brother's words as he responds.
(Heinrich): Let them. I know this house inside and out from all the stuff we got up to when we were younger; I know where all the ambushes could happen.
(Hans): And to think that you're a grown man supposedly…
He trails off grinning from ear to ear.
(Heinrich): I know, who'd have thought? My façade's good though, you must admit!
The two brothers share a laugh once more.
(Heinrich): So tell me, how's the bruising? Going down? Still bugging you like it was the last time we spoke?
(Hans): It's not vanishing as fast as I'd like; I got caught good, that's for sure.
He takes another sip of his cider as his free hand gingerly touches the bruising through his t-shirt.
(Hans): I've got an appointment in the next hour though, so I'm hoping something good will come of that.
(Heinrich): Have you been able to do weights?
(Hans): A little. Nothing like what I'm usually capable of. I can do some contact sparring, but I don't want to risk anything.
(Heinrich): It's not like one week of not being at peak physical fitness is going to turn you into a bumbling fool in-ring Hans. Rest yourself, and get ready for the match; it'll take care of itself.
(Hans): That's not me though. That's you. Tell me, have you done any training since you got home?
(Heinrich): I walk the dog, and I've done some serious finger exercises thanks to my PS3; so I'd say I have, yeah.
(Hans): Keep telling yourself that.
He settles his glass onto the coffee table.
(Hans): Listen, I know its short notice, but would you be up for heading across and doing some sparring with me?
(Heinrich): No can do Hans. I'd love to, but I'm not even going to be able to make it to the awards show. Sorry.
A mild look of regret flashes across Hans' face at this, but he brushes it off.
(Hans): Ah, don't worry about it. What have you got on in place of the awards show though?
(Heinrich): A few friends of mine from the old job are in town, so we're going to drink Stuttgart dry and catch up.
(Hans): Well, enjoy yourself then!
(Heinrich): Oh I will!
Unable to resist, he continues.
(Heinrich): Don't sound glum; you'll have Vanessa at your side.
This time it's Hans' turn to make a dismissive noise at the back of his throat.
(Hans): It's not that I'm glum about. I was looking forward to dominating you at sparring…
(Heinrich): *Laughs* Dream on!
(Hans): When are you planning on heading back over then?
(Heinrich): A few days after Havoc I think. I should be on the card… hell, I want to be on the card. Willyard's got his darlings bedded in to his plans nicely, so I'm going to set about making him realize what he's missing from the equation.
(Hans): Well, he seems the type to have something in mind for you anyway. You might want to try and get a meeting with him before too long.
(Heinrich): Yeah, I'll pencil that in.
There is a sound of muffled voices that grows ever louder in the background.
(Heinrich): Right, I guess I'd best get going Hans.
(Hans): I'll say. Sounds like they've given up on hiding and are just coming for you!
(Heinrich): *Laughs* Yeah. Listen though, good luck against Gabriel; he looks promising, but you've got the complete package.
(Hans): Thanks Heinrich. I'll see you soon!
Heinrich's response is drowned out as the various voices become clear, but Hans merely laughs, cutting off the call, before draining the remainder of his cider.
He slaps his hands on his thighs, and rises to his feet.
(Hans): Right. Now about that appointment…
The scene fades to black.
Message Thread
« Back to index