My Favorite Part of The Game: Sudden Death

[launches a pie and laughs upon impact] I’m sorry, I had extras and this seemed like the only logical way to use them.

[is walking around innocently when suddenly pie just falls upon head] That's just peachy. Never thought I would be so handsome I would attract a pie. [looks up to see Bianca as he shakes his head but lifts up his finger to wipe away some cream and taste it] At least it was the good kind of pie. [gets some more and then quickly wipes it across her face] Thought I should share.

“Yes please,” she called, situating herself more comfortably on the cushion before twisting to face him slightly. One of these days, she’d get caught watching him do simple tasks like make hot cocoa, and she wouldn’t mind in the least. He was enthralling, picturesque. And she truly did love just watching him work, with anything. There was a time she’d come across him when he’d been so angry he couldn’t see straight and all she could do was watch him punch a brick wall, and even then she thoroughly appreciated everything he was. That memory compared to watching him now, she could honestly say that she loved every bit of him. Her train of thought derailed at his question, a soft smile growing on her lips, “If this has anything to do with second guessing a present, you know I’ll love anything you give me. But if it’s purely educational, I…actually don’t have anything specific in mind.” Trish didn’t have a list of any type this year for Christmas, as far as she was concerned – she had everything she could want at this moment. She was married to her best friend, they had their little furry family, she wasn’t at a loss for inspiration for her art. Thinking on it for a moment longer, she settled back in her comfortable position on the couch, “If anything, more memories would be amazing – and before you tell me that sounds ridiculous, hear me out. Take that jacket I got you, for example. Yes, it’s warm and dead sexy on you but it also allowed for you to come with me to that light show and get that picture taken of us. I mean, we’ve always loved creating our own worlds anyway. Why not provide a reason to have more?” Glancing back over at him, she grinned as she mirrored his question, “What about you? Anything specific?”

After finishing his drink he placed the mug down on a nearby table and relaxed into the cushions of the couch. His eyes were mesmerized on the flames of the fireplace for awhile as an image came before his eyes. "Erebus stop climbing on her. You are going to get her dress dirty and then Trish will kill us both for it," Hades pleaded with the dog who immediately obeyed. He picked up the small girl from the floor and looked her over to make sure there was no marks on her dress before sighing in relief. "Daddy," the small girl said, grinning widely. It was the only other word she knew after 'Mommy' but it was enough to make him smile warmly at her. She was pointing at the gifts under the tree while staring at him with happiness for the colorful wrappings. Then she turned to look to the side at the sound of heels on the floor and immediately giggled, "Mommy." He turned to see the raven haired woman and smiled loving at her while complimenting her as he always did. "The ladies of my life," he said proudly. He had a warm smile sitting across his face as the small thought came to an end. His eyes veering to look at his wife as he then snuggled up closer to her and softly kissed her shoulder, neck, and cheek. "This holiday isn't as bad as I use to think. I have you to thank for that," he whispered. Hades then shifted their position thinking that laying on the couch gave them a better cuddling session. His back against the cushions while he held her close to him. His arms wrapping around her so she didn't fall though they felt nicely on the sofa together. "When do you want to go get the tree?" he asked once they were both comfortable.

Her smile widened as she thought about the fact that one day, it wouldn’t be just the two of them either. The thought kept her pretty occupied as she moved to start a roaring fire in their fireplace before moving around the room to light a couple of candles. She dimmed the lights just to provide the proper comforting holiday feel just in time to hear the door and the arrival of her love. She moved slowly towards the door, softly swaying to the music as the song changed to Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas.’ Before he had much of a chance to do anything more than close the door, she was already on him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him down to her lips for a solid, lingering kiss. The moment ended as she pulled back breathless with a delighted grin before pointing to the sprig of mistletoe hanging above them, “It’s bad luck to break a tradition…or something like that must be true.” Trish chuckled softly as she untangled herself from him and gestured to the apartment, “what do you think? I’ve got a few more things to do and we still need a tree, but I think it’s definitely kicking last year in the ass.”

After the flowers were placed in their own vase with water, he strolled around the room to actually get a good look at what she had done. Always loving her creative ideas and enjoying the things she did around their apartment. He stopped when the picture of them appeared before him and took it in his hand. Hades didn't even know someone had taken a picture of them but he liked the way it looked. He smiled warmly at the two of them and remembered the scene with a light laugh. The teen then walked over to his wife and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her gently towards him. "Last year's ass certainly got kicked." He noticed there still wasn't a tree but knew that was something they would do together. Hopefully he wouldn't be too sore to pick up a tree and bring it inside without it being a hassle. Hades gave her a small peck on the cheek and then moved into the kitchen to get a cup of hot chocolate. It was the time of the year to enjoy them and he wasn't going to let that slip by. "Want one?" he asked. As he fixed up the hot chocolate he tried a nonchalant tone and said, "So, is there anything specific you'd like for Christmas? I mean not like I don't have ideas but just wondering, you know."

She chuckled, “That sounds like a good plan to me,” pulling back from her resting spot she looked into his eyes, a smile spread across her face, “I am very proud of you, you know that?” It would be amazing if he didn’t know that to be honest, the emotion was clear as day across her face and bright in her eyes. She felt it daily, no one was a bigger supporter – except perhaps his own mother at times. “Before we head back over there, I just want to make a little pledge. On days where you have a tough work-out, I’ll be waiting with an ice bath or a nice massage. If you feel like it’s just not going your way, I will be there to encourage you. We’re in this together, so don’t ever forget that I’m always in your corner. No matter what,” she kissed him lightly at the corner of his lips, sealing her promise to him though she knew that she didn’t really need too. He knew all of it; she just wanted to voice it. Once she planted herself onto the couch, she crossed her legs and threw Hades a canary smile at his narrow-eyed expression. Trish was fully aware that he’d get her for her actions, but for the moment they had company so his options were limited. He’d probably wait, and that would make the revenge that much sweeter. Shifting her attention to Vincent, she laughed at the image of the large man surrounded by the animals. They seemed to understand that their owners needed a private moment to discuss so had taken it upon themselves to distract the guest. Her eyes drifted back to Hades and she smirked in amusement as she saw him take on a serious façade to throw Vincent off at first. Trish reached out and took Hades’ hand in both of hers, grinning from ear to ear at him rather than the man across from them. “I think this calls for a toast or at least that’s what all the movies would lead me to believe with big decisions like this, any takers?”

However there was still an offer swimming at the back of his mind and so it kept him from completely forgetting their guest. They pulled apart but stayed close to one another. Never were they too far away from each other where they couldn't just reach out and touch. It was just the way they worked. He nodded slightly as he grinned lightly over at her. He would have to be completely blind or an idiot to not know that fact for certain. Hades grinned wider at the pledge she made before him and grew warm at the small kiss to seal her words. "You are amazing," he whispered. Then they were sitting on the couch and staring directly at Vincent who sat patiently for an answer. At the mock seriousness that Hades took on the other man grew stiff as he awaited the dreaded word. It took him a lot to not burst out laughing at the way Vincent tried his best to not look disappointed with what he thought was the answer to come. When Hades quickly turned the mood around he was quick to let out the chuckle he had been holding on to. The man's face breaking out to a relived look as he clasped his hands together in happiness. Vincent raised a finger into the air as Trish offered a drink and nodded. "I think after your husband's stunt I'm going to need a drink," he laughed. Hades agreed with the toasting as well and couldn't deny that he was glad for the choice he had made. He picked up the cup when his wife came back around and lifted it up into the air. A few words were shared and they celebrated for a moment on what seemed like a nice change for the best.

She knew that this life he’d been offered wouldn’t immediately have them traveling. She knew that he’d have to be doing a ton of training and getting his name out there for people to know. It would take work and determination but she knew that he’d do it with no complaints. There might even be some tough days in the future but he would have her in his corner no matter what, there was no doubt about that. Trish leaned into the gentle touch against her cheek, the warmth of his hand giving her that usual comforting feeling that was so natural between them, “I’m completely in no matter what, and you know it. Sickness and health, for better or for worse, and all that mushy stuff. Say ‘yes’ and I’ll congratulate you properly when we don’t have a big burly man on our couch.” Her sentence ended quickly with his lips connecting with hers, the perfect way to punctuate if she had anything to do with it. She pulled away and tugged him from his spot against the counter, practically pushing him towards the living room and back towards Vincent and their menagerie of pets. Before they returned to Vincent’s eye sight, she couldn’t help but gently swat Hades on the backside before moving more quickly to get in the line of sight of their guest so her husband couldn’t retaliate right away. Sitting on the couch across from Vincent, she smiled, “At least the animals seem to like you, but then again Sasha is a horrible judge of character and would be friendly to just about anyone.”

Hades sighed lightly to imagine the rough days of work out he would have to go through but then again it would all be worth it. It would get him far into the fighting world and he could give them a great life to live. Trish could do what she wanted without any worries with a life like that. He pulled away slightly and smiled down at his wife. Just the mere thought of it all made him want to rush over to Vincent and let the man know that it was a definite yes. "Well in that case, I might as well say yes to get him out of our home," he smirked. He started to walk over to where the man sat on the couch until halting when he felt a hand against his rear. His eyes narrowing at his wife but she was clever as she pulled him in front of their guest before he could retaliate. He'd just have to wait to get her back and that would be awfully delightful. Hades sat on the couch in front of Vincent and grinned at Trish's remark as he then glanced over at the dogs. "Well Erebus isn't picky of people either though Cerebus surprised me." The great dane was content with the man petting his head but he didn't beg for attention as he just watched the other two scramble over the newcomer. "At least it's a cat that likes me which is always welcome," Vincent chuckled. He stopped petting the animals and glanced over at Hades and Trish with hopeful eyes. He did want this offer to be something that they'd both like. Hades leaned forward in his seat and gave a grim look at first as he started his sentence. "Vincent, you made a good deal but I think..." He paused a bit and veered his eyes towards the dark haired beauty at his side before looking back at the man. "Its going to be a hell yes," he grinned.

She turned her body slightly before looking back at Vincent, “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable and think about that while Hades and I have a moment?” She pointed him in the direction of the living room and waited until he was safely out of earshot to finally turn to Hades. His excitement for this offer was hard to ignore, she was standing less than a foot away from him and could practically feel it radiating off of his body. Trish grinned, very proud that he had been noticed because she already knew how great he was, “You’re really happy about this aren’t you?” The only reason she was being a bit standoff-ish with Vincent at the moment was because she just wanted to make sure that he was legit. His impression on her was a good one, and she was almost completely sure that he was being genuine – but she had dealt with snakes in the water before. This was a wonderful opportunity for Hades, which meant it would be wonderful for her as well. This was a dream of his and she wanted it to come to fruition, she wanted to travel the world and cheer him on in every capacity as he did what he did best, this was important for them and she needed to make sure that it wouldn’t get pulled out from under them like a rug if Vincent turned out to not be as serious about this as she knew Hades would be. She reached out and took his hand, lacing her fingers with his, “You don’t need to ask my permission for this, you know I’ll trust you and be on board with it no matter what. From what I can tell, he’s pretty smart for finding you in the first place. He seems pretty confident that he can get you anywhere you want to be. Say ‘yes’ and we’re in. You and me.” She smirked, joking but with the tiniest hint of truth, “besides, if he double crosses you, take him out and George can cover it up.”

Hades didn't even care that Trish was being standoff-ish towards Vincent. He was someone they didn't clearly know and though the teen was excited over the offer it didn't mean he trusted the guy either. It was just something he would have to hope for the best and if anything Vincent would feel his wrath. Fighting was just something he was good at and to think he could do it as a job just made it all the better. He could support his wife better and give them a life that they clearly deserved together. Traveling was just a bonus as they loved to do so already and this time around they wouldn't need to waste their own money to do so. His hand tightening lightly around hers when she reached out for him. Hades smiled warmly over at Trish and gave a small nod as he kept his eyes on hers. "I know I don't but I always want to know what my wife thinks about the decisions that are placed before us because this doesn't just affect me anymore," he stated. His free hand caressing the soft skin of her cheek for a bit before he glanced over to Vincent who was petting each animal. "I was only going to say yes if you were completely in so I guess the decision has been made." He leaned over to her and kissed her lips lovingly as he always did. A small laugh escaping his lips at her sentence as he gave an assured nod at her direction. "Very well, my Goddess."

Pulling herself off of the bed, she padded softly into the kitchen to see Hades standing with a muscled man who she’d learn was named Vincent. She took his offered hand and shook it, smiling pleasantly, “Then that should be a sign that you’ve met a brilliant man, Vincent.” Trish looked away from the new person to her husband, eyebrows raising slightly in interest, “He’s lucky to be alive for interrupting, but if he offered a job I’m guessing it was more than just something small.” Trish knew very well that Hades was a great fighter and that he could handle himself in the ring. She just couldn’t help but see exactly what this Vincent could offer them. Hades would know what she was doing; he knew her tricks when it came to this sort of thing – Vincent, however, did not. And if he was worthy, then he’d find his way through. This was an amazing opportunity and just going off of his body language, she could tell that Hades was excited. She was excited, she wanted everything and more for him – and this fit right into that category. This was something he loved, something he would excel at beyond all others; she had no doubt. In fact, she’d probably argue to say she’s his biggest supporter. “If he wants you to coach him, then you’ll coach him. I just wonder what you expect to offer in return. By choosing him you already have a winner, it’s more a matter of whether or not you have what it takes.”

It sounded like the right kind of deal to Hades but he also wanted his wife to like it. This was also part of their life together and so he stayed quiet for a moment to let Vincent's words sink in. He was a newbie coach but he didn't doubt that he had learned well from his father. Being born into a business like that must have given him a lot of ways of doing things to get someone far. At least if they proved their worth of going far and Hades had that in him. "Just if he gets far, there will probably be a lot of traveling and I don't want that to ruin a newlywed couple," Vincent added. Hades turned to Trish thinking if that would really bother them as they loved traveling already. Cerberus finally approached Hades and watched the stranger with curious eyes while Erebus showed his curiousness by sniffing the man up and down. Sasha sat on the counter probably wondering if she could climb on top of the man without him finding it offensive. Hades bit the inner part of his cheek before deciding to speak up. "I think it's a good opportunity for me. You know how much I want this but if you think I can get a better offer from someone else I can just tell, Vincent, 'no'." His blue eyes stared deep into those brown eyes as he sought for some guidance from her. Not because he couldn't make up his own mind because he wanted her own thoughts about it. They were equals in everything and how else to prove it then with a life choice that had been placed on their laps.