He’d been planning this for a good few months now. Irrespective of what happened at Road To Ruin and whether he walked out of the Spectrum Centre with the HWA World Championship or not, Sean wanted to do this for Michelle. They were back home in California now and Sean had promised Michelle a lovely date night consisting of candles, mood lighting and a delicious delicacy of the first thing they’d ever eaten together on their first date… a big old, calorie-filled cheese pizza.

Afterwards filling themselves up with cheesy, doughy goodness, the two love birds cosied up on Sean’s couch to watch Moana; one of their favorite Disney movies. For Sean, this was the perfect remedy after the calamity of Road To Ruin. The perfect cocktail to calm his mind after yet another opportunity to become the top name in professional wrestling slipped through his fingertips.

If he hadn’t figured it out after Michelle had been there for him in the aftermath of Ring Master, he certainly knew after Road To Ruin. There was never any judgment with Michelle; that was left to the big man upstairs. No. It was always understanding. It was always a comforting hand being run through his hair or placed lovingly on his cheek. And suddenly, no matter how bad things seemed, in that one moment, everything was alright. So, Sean knew he needed to show Michelle how much he meant to her, how thankful he was for having her in his life.

He’d already spoken to Butch and Wisdom who had agreed to give them both a few days off in the aftermath of the pay-per-view. All he now needed to do was tell her.

The two were cuddled up on the couch, the movie just having finished, evident from the rolling credits cascading down the screen. Michelle turned her head to look at Sean, his arm enveloped around her shoulders and her own hand placed innocently on his chest.

(Michelle): I do love Moana!

(Sean): Me too.

(Michelle): We need to go see the sequel, I’ve heard it’s really good!

(Sean): Yeah, for sure.

As Sean reached forward to grab the remote with his free hand, hitting the pause button, Michelle kept her eyes on him for a moment. He seemed to be taking what happened at Road To Ruin pretty well all things considered. She’d been worried about him afterwards; the bruising on his knuckles in the locker room for starters. She knew that, despite seemingly forgiving Starlight Kid for what happened, he was still likely hurting inside more than he dared to let on. She then thought about poor Starlight and the emotional mess she was. It was so thoughtful of Mr. Parker to exclude her from the press conference; Lord knows what sort of state she’d have been having to answer all those questions. She watched Sean dig into another slice of pizza and reached over, putting her hand on top of his, stroking the back of it with her thumb.

(Michelle): I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better after the show. I know forgiving Starlight must’ve been hard for you but I want you to know I’m proud of you.

Sean didn’t immediately answer. He’d hoped that the conversation wouldn’t magnetically come back to this topic but he knew it was an eventuality at some point. Truth be told, he knew Starlight Kid hadn’t meant to do what she’d done, how could she? But why did it have to be at that moment though? Sean shook his head internally, as if trying to rid his mind of the intrusive thoughts. No. Tonight wasn’t about Starlight Kid, it wasn’t about the HWA World Championship. It was about him and Michelle. He offered her as reassuring a smile as he could possibly muster.

There was then lingering silence for a few seconds as the two love birds looked at each other before Sean leaned in and pressed his lips against Michelle’s. It wasn’t rough and passionate; like everything with Michelle, it was delicate and loving. It wasn’t long though before Sean could feel both of their breathing grow heavier as the kissing itself grew heavier in kind. He could feel the growing excitement within himself too and it took everything in his willpower to gently break the kiss.

(Sean): I…I have a surprise for you…come to the bedroom with me?

Michelle was flushed, also feeling the same excitement as Sean was; below the waist she was practically tingling. They hadn’t been overly intimate with one another since their “near-miss” at her lodge in Zion after Ring Master. Of course she was desperate to be more intimate with Sean and she had already explored her sexuality with him more than she’d imagined in the time they’d been together. But Sean had always been such a gentleman with her, so understanding and accepting of her faith and her beliefs. So when he asked this, she didn’t know what to think.

(Michelle): Sean… I…

Noticing her immediate hesitance, Sean smiled and sought to reassure her.

(Sean): No, not that. But I do have a surprise for you. Come on.

Sean guided Michelle to her feet by the hands and positioned himself behind her, putting his hands gently over her face to cover her eyes.

(Sean): No peeking now, okay?

Michelle giggled nervously.

(Michelle): Sean Parker, what are you up to, mister?!

(Sean): Just trust me, come on.

He gently ushered her forward as they shuffled their way towards Sean’s bedroom. Once they’d entered the room, still with one hand covering Michelle’s eyes, Sean reached over and switched lights on, bringing the room to life.

To the untrained eye, with the posters and pop culture memorabilia on the wall anyone would have thought the room belonged to a teenager. Framed posters of video games like Final Fantasy VII and the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, of wrestlers like his uncle Butch and Sensei Kiriyama.

Above Sean’s bed hung Sensei’s family heirloom, the beautiful sword, Masamune, forged over six centuries ago, as if she were gracefully watching over him, tucked away her decorative and beautiful ha, the scabbard. Below her, also framed, were Sean’s three individual black belts he’d earned under Sensei Kiriyama in Shotokan Karate, distinguished by his name emblazoned in gold along with a Roman numeral depicting first, second and third Dan respectively.

Sean’s custom-made gaming PC lit up the already-bright room and stationed next to it was a massive curved monitor along with his PS5 paired by a microphone and headphones for his streaming.

On the bedside table adjacent to the bed, Sean had several framed photographs, one of the first class of Sensei Kiriyama’s students when the Academy first opened. From left to right was Sean, Matt, Jeremy, Michelle, Erica, Sarah along with a few other not-so-familiar faces who had moved on to pastures new. Another had a rather candid one of Sean and Michelle, big smiles on their faces and arms wrapped around one another’s necks.

Sean gently scooted Michelle forward some more until they were right at the back of the bed. Sean’s excitement was palpable as he adjusted his grip, carefully guiding Michelle to sit on the edge of the bed.

(Sean): Okay, you ready?

Michelle laughed softly, her hands brushing against his.

(Michelle): If this is a prank, I swear, Sean Parker, I’m going to make you do push-ups until your arms fall off!

Sean chuckled.

(Sean): Noted. No pranks. Just… keep those eyes closed.

Michelle could then hear a shuffle of movement, a drawer opening and closing, and then Sean exhaling as though he were steadying himself. Sean stood in front of Michelle, finally ready.

(Sean): Alright…Open your eyes!

Michelle opened her eyes and blinked, taking in the sight before her. Sean was holding out a pair of Mickey Mouse ears, complete with her name embroidered in looping golden script on the side. Resting beneath the ears was a small French flag, its tricolor folds neat and crisp. Her gaze drifted downward, and there, tucked underneath the flag, were two shiny Disneyland Paris tickets.

It took Michelle a moment to piece it all together but the realization hit, her jaw dropped as she gasped.

(Michelle): Sean…!

She grabbed the tickets from his hands, holding them up to the light like they might vanish if she blinked too hard.

(Michelle): Are you serious?

Sean beamed from ear-to-ear, watching her face closely.

(Sean): One hundred percent serious.

Michelle’s laughter bubbled out of her, equal parts disbelief and joy as tears filled up her eyes.

(Michelle): I don’t even know what to say!

(Sean): Well…

Sean began saying, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish smile.

(Sean): “Yes, Sean, I’d love to go” would be a good start.

Michelle launched herself forward, throwing her arms around Sean’s neck.

(Michelle): Yes! Of course, yes!

Sean laughed as he wrapped his arms around her, steadying them both as they nearly toppled onto the bed.

(Sean): I take it you’re excited?

(Michelle): Excited?!

Michelle pulled back slightly to look at him, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

(Michelle): Sean, this is amazing- You’re amazing! I can’t believe you did this for us.

(Sean): Well, you know, this year has been really up and down for both of us and I figured we deserved a treat. No Erica, no Price, no HWA. Just you, me…

Sean picked the Mickey ears up and perched them on Michelle’s head with a wide grin before kissing her on the tip of her nose.

(Sean): … and Mickey makes three!

Michelle beamed at him, still clutching the tickets like a lifeline.

(Michelle): When do we leave?

Sean grinned.

(Sean): Tomorrow morning.

Michelle’s eyes widened.

(Michelle): Tomorrow?!

(Sean): Yep, I’ve got everything covered. First-Class flights, three nights in the Newport Bay Hotel, and even a schedule for all the rides we have to go on! Dumbo and the Flying Elephants, HyperSpace Mountain! But don’t worry, I left some room for spontaneity… mostly so you can make me eat too many churros.

Michelle laughed and shook her head, leaning into Sean again.

(Michelle): You’re the best, Sean, thank you! I don’t know how I’ll ever top this!

Sean smirked, resting his chin on her head.

(Sean): You don’t have to top it. Just seeing you this happy is all I wanted.

Michelle wrapped her arms around Sean’s neck, reaching up on her tippy toes.

(Michelle): I love you, Sean Parker! What did I do to deserve you?!

Sean held Michelle by the waist, leaning his forehead on her’s.

(Sean): Thank the big man upstairs for that.

He leaned in and kissed her softly.

(Sean): Now, why don’t we go back to yours and pack, our flight leaves LAX at 8am.

The following morning…

The following morning was a whirlwind of excitement and energy. After excitedly packing, Michelle had agreed to spend the night at Sean’s. His alarm went off at 5:00 a.m., its shrill sound cutting through the crisp silence of the early morning. Michelle groaned as she stirred from the cocoon of blankets, but her grogginess quickly gave way to giddy anticipation.

Sean was already dressed in a beige-colored hoodie that had Gaston from Beauty and the Beast flexing his muscles and the caption “Biceps for Days!” stencilled across it along with a pair of jeans. He leaned over the bed to gently nudge Michelle awake.

(Sean): Come on, Sleeping Beauty! We’ve got a plane to catch!

Michelle’s tiredness quickly wore off as the excitement for what was to come returned and her eyes lit up.

(Michelle): Okay, okay, I’m up, I’m up!

The next hour was a blur of chaotic last-minute decision changes, packing and checks. Michelle was tossing outfits into her suitcase with little regard for organization.

(Michelle): Will I need another jacket? What about a scarf? It might rain, right?

Michelle held up a bundle of clothes as Sean leaned against the doorframe with an amused smirk.

(Sean): Relax! You already packed last night, you’re fine! Pack what you need and leave some room for souvenirs. Or churros.

It wasn’t long before Sean found himself sitting on Michelle’s suitcase, helping her wrestle the zipper shut as they both burst into laughter.

By the time they were ready to leave, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft glow over the quiet streets. As they loaded their luggage into the trunk of Sean’s car, he couldn’t stop talking about the itinerary he’d planned. Michelle, meanwhile, clutched a coffee she’d hastily brewed, smiling broadly despite being half-awake.

At LAX, the energy shifted to the busy hum of a bustling airport. They navigated security smoothly, though not without Michelle jokingly accusing Sean of “looking suspicious” to the TSA agent, earning a playful eye-roll from him. After grabbing another coffee from a terminal café, they settled in at the gate.

(Michelle): We’re really doing this, aren't we?

Her eyes sparkling as she looked at Sean who just moved his eyebrows up and down with a smile.

(Michelle): Disneyland Paris. Together.

Sean nodded, leaning back in his chair.

(Sean): You bet your cutie little Disney tooshie, we are!

The flight itself was long but comfortable, thanks to the First Class seats that Sean had secured for them. Sean kept himself entertained with a mix of in-flight movies and going through the newly-downloaded Disneyland Paris on his cellphone. Meanwhile Michelle alternated between napping and excitedly pointing out details she remembered from videos she’d watched online the night before.

When their plane finally touched down at Charles de Gaulle Airport, it was late afternoon in France, and they were greeted by the crisp winter air. Michelle couldn’t help but marvel at the buildings and streets as their shuttle bus took them toward Disneyland Itself.

(Michelle): Everything looks so elegant! Even the road signs look fancier.

Sean chuckled, leaning back against the seat.

(Sean): Wait till you see the park!

It took around an hour for the shuttle bus to get to their hotel, after dropping off the other visitors at their respective hotels along the way.

The Newport Bay had a nautical-inspired theme and was exactly as Sean had described it: cozy, warm, and decorated with subtle Disney touches. After checking in and dropping off their bags, they changed into more Disney-themed outfits. Michelle had swapped her hoodie for a cream-colored sweater with Mickey Mouse embroidered on it, along with the custom Mickey Mouse ears that Sean had made for her to complete her ensemble.
The short walk to the park itself was filled with excitement as other visitors made their way to and from the park. People of all ages excitedly went about their business - parents with young kids, teenagers, older people and young couples like them.

As they approached the entrance, Michelle’s jaw dropped. The pink towers of the Disneyland Hotel loomed in front of them, its grand archway welcoming them into the park. Michelle then whispered, clutching Sean’s arm as they stepped closer.

(Michelle): This doesn’t even look real!

Sean smiled warmly, bringing Michelle’s hand up and kissing it.

(Sean): Wait until you see whats inside!

They passed under the archway and into Main Street, U.S.A., where the atmosphere was alive with laughter, music, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries. Michelle spun in place, trying to take it all in, the quaint shop fronts, the vintage street lamps, and, most of all, the stunning Disney Castle in the distance. She swatted Sean's arm excitedly.

(Michelle): Sean! Sean! Look at that!

Michelle’s voice was filled with awe, her face glowing with happiness, pointing at the castle getting closer and closer with each step they took. Sean pulled her in close, his arm draped around her shoulders as they began walking toward the heart of the park. As they reached the castle, Michelle was in awe, looking up in astonishment and the beautiful structure before her.

(Sean): Here, let’s get a picture.

Sean pulled his phone out and beckoned Michelle over to him. She beamed widely, rushing over and nuzzling into him and smiling towards the camera as Sean switched to selfie mode and took a few snaps of them including one of him turning towards Michelle and kissing her on the cheek.

(Sean): Right, I want one of you, arms out, looking up at the castle! We can send it to your parents!

(Michelle): How thoughtful!

As Michelle turned around, facing away from Sean, arms outstretched, Sean put his phone away and pulled out a small jewellery box from his back pocket and proceeded to get down on one knee. After a few seconds of posing, Michelle asked.

(Michelle): Did you get a good one? Let me see!

As she turned around, seeing Sean one knee, box in hand with the most beautiful ring shining atop it, her hands cupped her face in shock.

(Sean): Michelle Learner… will you marry me?

Time seemed to freeze. All the sounds around them became muffled as she stared at his outstretched hand, the velvet box inside it glistened. That wasn’t a ring, it was a new life he offered her, it was the future he offered, it was a promise that he dared to make, it was his love. A crowd was gathering around them now. At first, they were just another cute couple having a special moment, but people soon realized them for the notable superstars they are, and gatherers fumbled for their cameras followed by clicking and flashing, murmurs and cheers.

He was a prince, her prince on bended knee. The hopeful smile on his face was only outshone by the sparkle of his green eyes and she trembled. Her heart raced and her breathing increased in pace as shock took over. Her hands lowered from her face as tears welled in her eyes. Her head was nodding before the words had formed in her mouth.

(Michelle): Oh, Sean…Yes!

Her head vigorously nodded now as she ran towards him.

(Michelle): Yes!

The crowd roared around them, but she was still partly oblivious to their presence, faint noises chimed in but only Sean existed in her world. She felt her face stretch into a smile, her cheeks ballooning to their max as she reached her hand out to accept his ring, his offer of a new life, his gift of a future, his promise, his love, and she did so with all her heart. She burst with the greatest joy she’d ever known in her life.

A jolt of electricity went through her as he took her hand and slid the ring on her finger. She felt like Cinderella, it fit perfectly. Her legs felt weak beneath her as she shuddered. Sean rose from his knee, and Michelle swung her arms around his neck and stood on her tippy toes as he kissed her. She kissed him back and there it was, the burst of fans around them in her ear. She turned her head slightly embarrassed but so overjoyed as she looked back into his eyes.

(Michelle): I love you, Sean Parker! Thank you! Thank you for loving me!

Sean himself felt tears welling in his own eyes.

(Sean): No, Michelle. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being there for me, for giving me probably the best ever reason to believe in God. Because he blessed me when he led you into my life.

She looks around again at the crowd, eyes still glued on them.

(Michelle): Maybe we should umm…

Sean turns his head seeing the crowd and they both smile and wave as they walk away to find a bit more privacy. The Lightening Lane Premier Passes that Sean had bought came in handy. They hurried through the castle tunnel where It’s a Small World was not far away and they got right onto the ride, one of Michelle’s favorites.

(Michelle): I’m still shaking! I don’t know what to say. We have to call my parents. Oh goodness, what are they going to say? I’m so nervous.

She held his hands tight as the ride slowly floated off and the classic music began to play as they entered the structure.

(Sean): Well…can I let you in on a secret? Seeing as we’re actually engaged now, I want to be honest with you… I sorta kinda asked for your parents’ blessing to ask you…

She gasped, her hand covering her mouth.

(Michelle): Oh my God, what did they say? How was my dad? Did you go there? Did you call them? Who was there? Do my brothers know? When did you ask them?

She was so excited and scared at the same time she could hardly sit still. She'd grabbed Sean by the shirt, nearly shaking him for answers with a somewhat worried look on her face, and he just smiled.

(Michelle): Stop it, don't give me that look...tell me. What happened?

Sean held his hands up in mock innocence, laughing lightly at Michelle being on tenterhooks.

(Sean): Ok ok, gosh, if this is how naggy you get when you’re engaged, imagine what you’ll be like when we’re married- I’m kidding! So, I asked them before Road To Ruin… I knew, regardless of what happened in Charlotte, that I wanted to ask you. So, yes, I went to see them in person. Your dad was… interesting… as he always is! But he respected my decision to ask him, as long as the wedding takes place in a church. Your mum was so sweet, I think she cracked a rib when she hugged me. And yes, your brothers know, Marcus helped me pick out the ring actually.

She was overcome with emotions. Overwhelmed was an understatement.

“There's so much that we share….That it's time we're aware…..It's a small world after all….”

The song played in the background as she looked down at her lap. She lifted her head looking back at Sean.

(Michelle): I don’t know what I did to deserve you. That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. I would say that it couldn’t have been easy going there and asking them, but the Sean I know isn’t afraid of anything. Somehow, you warmed your way into their hearts like you have mine. It was such a wonderful, gentlemanly thing to do. Thank you.

She squeezed his hand and placed her head on his shoulder. Then her head jutted back up and worry returned to her eyes.

(Michelle): Oh my God….I’m going to be a Parker! Do your aunt and uncle know? You told them too, right? What did they say? Oh God…what do I say to them? What do I do? Oh no, the people outside….we’re all over the internet by now. We have to call everyone before….

She was now getting herself worked up, she’d barely paid attention to the ride. Sean’s face then momentarily froze. F*ck! Uncle Butch and Aunt Wisdom! Aunt Di! Sensei! Jeremy! He had been so engrossed in asking Gary and Lesley for their permission to ask for Michelle’s hand that he hadn’t given any thought to telling anyone else. I mean, it wasn’t like he needed their permission, right?

(Sean): Oh crap… yeah, I may have accidentally sorta kinda forgot to tell… anyone… well anyone who’s surname isn’t Learner… so that should be an interesting conversation when we get home. And you don’t have to be a Parker if you don’t want to be. You can still keep Learner or you can be Parker-Learner or Learner-Parker?

She was in full on panic mode at this point, she grabbed her little clutch and frantically dug for her phone.

(Michelle): Oh no, we’re all over the internet. We have to call them. We have to call them now, Sean.

She pulled her phone out and swiped the screen.

(Michelle): Oh no, oh no, oh no…they’re going to think I’m some vixen! Th-That I wanted to keep this from them! Sean!

The anguish on her face was cute and comical. He took this in stride though and she was a mess. What would Wisdom say? Her eyes would pierce her like a lance, she thought and then there was Butch. He was like a mountain of a man, would he erupt like a volcano? Would they think this disrespectful?

(Michelle): Sean, don’t just sit there…help me. Who do we call first? I hope they’re not disappointed!

Just then her phone pinged with a text message. It was Sarah, and the little preview on the screen read. “WHAT….call me now, I’m going to…” and she couldn’t see the rest without opening the text.

(Michelle): Sean?

She looked so fidgety, like a little kid that had to pee as she looked at him. Sean knew she was genuinely starting to panic now and this time he didn’t try to joke around but he still remained calm. He held his hands up in a calming manner, before resting them on Michelle’s shoulders.

(Sean): Shell, babe, calm down, it’s going to be fine. Nobody’s going to be disappointed in us, nobody’s going to think you’re a vixen. I'll tell you what we’re going to do. We’re going to put our phones away, we’re going to enjoy this ride, we’re going to wait in line at the Princess Pavilion and get our pictures taken with Cinderella. Then we’re going to go for something to eat at the Compass Club All-You-Can-Eat Buffet and eat our entire body weight in seafood. And most importantly…

Sean’s hands lifted up from Michelle’s shoulders to cup her face and he gently stroked her cheeks with his thumbs before kissing her.

(Sean): …. We’re going to enjoy being a newly-betrothed couple in Disneyland. Because I don’t care who knows and who doesn’t know what they think. The world can wait. I want to enjoy being with you… we have the rest of our lives to worry about what other people think.

And just like that everything dissipated. He always knew just the right thing to say to her, and he was right…the world could wait. She put her phone back in her bag, then looked at him with a smile, putting her head back on his shoulder and entwining their hands together.

(Michelle): Did you just say “Compass Club”?

Her smile brightened and all anxiety shed itself away as she nestled close to him. She looked around at all the delightful characters dancing and singing, twirling and shaking. It wasn’t just a small world…it was a wonderful world too! And she got to share it with him. Mr and Mrs Parker-to-be nuzzled into one another, letting the small world pass them by as the scene faded to black.