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Danhausen curled his finger into a fist. "Danhausen gives up! Tired of trying to curse Hook. Tired of trying to befriend Hook. Tired of being made an embarrassment by Hook!" He shouted towards the younger. And he waited. Hoping Hook would say something, anything to get him to stay. To say he wanted Danhausen. But he didn't. He remained silent. He dug his nails into his hands in anger at the lack of words from Hook.
His shoulders dropped as he let out a sigh. Danhausen turned around leaving quickly. He didn't look back once but if he did, he would have seen the guilty look that took over Hook's face.
Days had passed with no word from Hook. Danhausen tried to make it seem as if it didn't affect him and so far, he has been successful. However tonight he had a match against Tony Nese. He didn't have time to worry about Hook. "Time to focus. Got to stay focused." He repeatedly told himself. He had to be prepared because there is no telling what tricks Nese had planned especially with Mark Sterling in his corner tonight.
***
You could barely hear his entrance music over the loud cheering of the crowd. Danhausen couldn't hold back the smile, hearing the people cheer for him. His previous thoughts melted away as the excitement and building adrenaline took over. Danhausen made his way to the ring ducking down between the top and middle rope. He stood on the middle turnbuckle soaking in the energy of the crowd. He jumped down being careful of his almost 100% leg. He pulled his cape off, tossing it out of the ring, as the bell rang signaling the match had begun.
Danhausen made his way forward trying to lock up, but Nese stopped to flex instead. He held back from rolling his eyes and moved forward again. However, Sterling had other plans climbing onto the side of the ring causing Danhausen to be distracted. This gave Nese a chance to ram into him shoving him into the turnbuckle. He repeatedly kicked him, keeping him down. Nese ran to the other corner and then back, delivering a running kneese. He then did it twice more. Danhausen went down, beginning to feel a headache coming on. Tony wasted no time going for the pin and scoring a win over Danhausen.
Sterling laughed into the mic, entering into the ring. "Just as we said. Tony Nese would get the win. Come on Tony do it again! Do it again!" He chanted kicking the already down Danhausen. Sterling kicked Danhausen repeatedly before shoving his foot into Danhausen's throat holding him down. Dazed. he looked up seeing Nese pull down his knee pad cover, getting ready to hit him with a running kneese once more.
Suddenly, music hit. The last person Danhausen would ever think was coming to his rescue. Hook. Still, in a dazed state, Danhausen managed to look up to see Hook rushing down the ramp and sliding into the ring. Nese and Sterling were quick to exit, not wanting to experience another beating by Hook. Danhausen managed to stand, stumbling into the corner. He held his head as the throbbing pain hit him harder. He felt the burning stare of Hook and looked up, coming eye to eye with the younger wrestler. The chant of "Hookhausen" was the only thing that could be heard around the arena. Danhausen looked around before looking back at Hook.
He took a chance. Moving forward closer to Hook he stuck his hand out. Hook looked around, slightly hesitant before he too moved taking Danhausen's hand. Danhausen stood shocked not having time to do or say anything as Hook quickly left the ring.
Danhausen slid from the ring not long after Hook. He kept a hand on his head still feeling a sight pain as he stumbled his way into the locker room. Danhausen sighed letting his head fall back, lying on the bench. He pressed against the side of his head with his hand, letting his eyes drop shut.
"Here." Hearing the sound of pills being shaken, Danhausen opened his eyes to be met with a close-up Hook. He looked around seeing that it was only the two of them in the locker room. He sat up slowly taking the offered ibuprofen and water. "Thanks," Danhausen said just barely loud enough for Hook to hear. He took two and a gulp of water. An awkward silence filled the room, neither knowing what to say.
Hook groaned letting his head fall forward. "I'm sorry D. About last week. I've been thinking about what you said. I wasn't trying to embarrass you or make you feel weak. I-" He huffed dragging his hand down his face. He squeezed his eyes shut before continuing, "I've never felt this way about anyone. I've gotten used to you being around. I don't want to lose you D."
Danhausen sat in shock for a moment, not sure how to respond. He's happy that Hook still wants him around but what did he mean with the last bit? He felt his heart begin to beat faster as he thought about it. The loud bang of Hook kicking the locker brought him back. Hook pulled at the straps of his bag, turning to leave. "Wait!" Danhausen reached out grabbing Hook's hand. They both freeze. Danhausen quickly goes to pull his hand away, but Hook tightens his grip.
Danhausen tenses for a moment before relaxing. "Don't go. I don't want to lose you either." He looked up seeing a small smile which Hook quickly tried to hide. Maybe this would work out after all.