The scene opens out onto the large bedroom of Hans von Richtoven’s apartment, high up in the Empire State Building, NY. It’s late in the evening, and the skyline is lit up from below with the various lights that emanate from the buildings around the Empire State.

The camera pans around, bringing Hans von Richtoven into view, as he gently slides the covers of the bed over the sleeping form of Vanessa Lang, before gently kissing her forehead. Walking slowly, so as not to disturb her, he then moves to the windows, drawing the curtains shut quietly.

Shattering the quiet reverie, comes the persistent buzz of his iPhone, tucked away in his pocket. Thrusting his hand into the pocket to cover the phone and dim the noise it makes, he exits the room, and walks out into the lounge area of the apartment, before answering it proper.

(Hans): Evening Mark.

(Mark Spencer): Evenin’ buddy. Good time to speak?

Hans’ gaze falls across the sleeping form of Vanessa through the open door.

(Hans): As good a time as ever. Just one second though.

He walks across the lounge to the bedroom door, and with his gaze still lingering on Vanessa, gently shuts the door. He pauses for a few moments, listening for any signs that he woke her, but is eventually satisfied that that’s not the case. He puts the phone back up to his ear.

(Hans): Sorry about that, just had to shut the door.

(Mark Spencer): It’s not that late? She still on medication or something?

(Hans): Heh, nothing like that Mark. We made the mistake of watching the first two World Cup matches earlier on. We were both nodding off, but I guess it just affected her more.

(Mark Spencer): That bad huh?

(Hans): Not bad per se. Good display of football, but it never really went anywhere. Still, only two days until we Germans show just how large the gulf in skill is between us and the Australians.

The sound of Mark’s laughter filters down the phone.

(Mark Spencer): Well I hope Vanessa doesn’t end up going to sleep over it regardless of the result!

(Hans): Well it’s only been a few days since the break, and she’s already sick to the back teeth of her cast. I’ve got to rein her back at times when she’s out on her crutches, but she’s refusing to let herself be limited.

(Mark Spencer): She’d better be careful then. Having any further damage happen is the last thing anyone wants.

(Hans): Yeah I know. I’m sure she knows it herself, it’s plain to see that the weight of the cast and having to adjust your posture etcetera does take a toll on her. What can I say though, she’s stubborn.

(Mark Spencer): She’s a redhead. Get used to it.

(Hans): Speaking of redheads, how’s Penny doing anyway?

(Mark Spencer): Oh she’s fine. Out for a bachelorette weekend actually, so it’s just the kids and me at home right now.

(Hans): Where’s this party at then?

(Mark Spencer): Far enough away so that I don’t have to consider the possibility of getting a phonecall at two in the morning begging for a lift home, let me tell you that! *Laughs* Someplace in Vegas I think.

(Hans): You didn’t ask?

(Mark Spencer): Oh, like she’d have told me if I’d asked. ‘Sides, I know the bride-to-be, she has limits.

A grin emerges on Hans’ face.

(Hans): And Penny?

(Mark Spencer): Hey you, don’t get me thinking that way. *Laughs* My wife’s not the type to stray, and woe betide any man who tries to make her.

Hans walks across the room, laughing to himself at that thought, before flopping down onto one of the two leather couches.

(Hans): So what’s up then aside from that Mark? Wrestling school doing fine?

(Mark Spencer): Oh yeah, that last intake’s really showing some promise. We’re being hard on them, but they’re taking it well.

(Hans): Want me and Heinrich to come down and show them a few things?

(Mark Spencer): Not yet pal, they’d then think that they’re getting somewhere, and I don’t want that happenin’ for at least another couple months. I’ll bear that in mind though! What about yourself though, looking after Vanessa can’t be all you’re doing?

(Hans): Avoiding the media for now I guess.

(Mark Spencer): For Vanessa’s sake?

(Hans): Partially for my own reasons as well. I do want to get her settled though, dealing with her own problems before others come and add to it.

(Mark Spencer): You’ve left time for training I hope.

Hans’ gaze drifts towards the closed bedroom door, a dry smile forming.

(Hans): I’d not planned on, but you know how redheads are… so I’ve been down a few times since getting back to the apartment.

(Mark Spencer): Well good for her. It’s not every day a man gets to face AC James afterall.

(Hans): Yeah…

To be continued…