Holiday Resolutions

[Sebastian Everett-Bryce]

December 24th 2021 - Chicago, Illinois - 6.45am

The days between November 14th and December 12th seemed to have moved in slow motion - endless days filled with nothing but self-loathing and abject despair. In hindsight, Sebastian Everett-Bryce could see now that he had, perhaps, been a touch dramatic in the wake of his losses leading up to that fateful night. He would concede that his vision had been blinded in the wake of James Raven’s appearance in UGWC, and that perhaps, he’d levelled one or two slightly unfair assertions in the direction of The People’s G.O.A.T.

But what he knew more than anything was that the days since December 12th had fallen away with barely a thought. Following Horizons, Seb had sent some tweets filled with appreciation for those who had stood by him despite his somewhat unnecessary descent into self-styled oblivion. He had, however, made a fatal flaw in not thanking someone who had done her best to help him throughout. Jessica Matthews had called or texted almost daily, and she hadn’t deserved to be left out.

And so, in a gesture of apology, Seb had travelled to Japan to be there for her Wrestle War match. He’d taken her flowers and his support in order to prove to her that his mistake wasn’t intentional.

He’d also taken her a gift - it wasn’t anything much. A small charm bracelet adorned with some of her favourite anime characters.

When flying back from Japan, Seb had made a stop that he’d not been planning when he left the United States. But even the joy that he’d felt in his heart from his quick stop couldn’t quell a sense of doom. And then it hit him - he hadn’t sent out a single Christmas gift.

And this was how, at 5am on Christmas Eve, Seb was currently finishing off wrapping and tagging a number of gifts that would be picked up by couriers that morning. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to get all of the gifts to the recipients on time but at least they would get them.

For Kat Jones, who had helped him so much in the past weeks, he’d purchased a gift hamper filled with whiskey and food.

For Johnny, who had helped to make Seb feel something in the build up to Horizons, Seb slipped the rights to his old Bonecrusher name into an envelope signed back over to its former owner along with all royalties earned upon the name since Seb had taken it.

To Travis, who had lit a fire in Seb when he didn’t think it would ever be possible again, Seb sent a special edition pair of Ray Bans with a built in camera, so that Travis could be ready to film at a moment's notice.

For Shawn Warstein, a bottle of 50-year-old bourbon - it was just a shame he’d never actually open it for fear of a glitter explosion.

For Lucy Wylde, a brand new photo album.Something about her made him think that she didn’t have many good memories - perhaps now she could start making some.

To James Raven, Seb sent an autographed picture of himself - he had a feeling that it would be nice to receive something like this for once. On the back, he elongated his apology for some of the things he’d said in the build up - and a thank you for their match that Seb would never forget.

For Nina Taylor, the matriarch of the Taylor household, Seb had bought a gift card. On the face of things, it seemed to be thoughtless, but in truth Seb felt a need to make sure she treated herself instead of everyone else for a change.

Kit was easy - a promise to get him tickets to all of the major events of 2022, for all of his favourite promotions. Two in fact - one for his girlfriend, too, who would surely hate him for this.

And for Bastian? He allowed himself a small smile… For Bastian he’d buy anything he wanted as soon as humanly possible.

As he looked down at the large pile of gifts beneath the tree, for a second he’d considered perhaps he’d gone a little overboard for Sloane. She never wanted anyone to buy her anything - she was too proud for that. She was independent and strong - but Christmas was the one time of year she couldn’t complain about it.

But between the new dual pineapple hedgehog habitat he’d gotten for Quill and their latest addition, and the new pair of pink Chuck Taylors, there were gifts of all kinds. And then the main gift.

He pulled open the box to find a necklace, gold with white stones fit into what was a Swan wearing a crown. He turned it over - ‘The Sloane is a Swan’ it said and then ‘I’ve never been more proud of anyone.’

He smiled as he placed it back in the box and wrapped it before slipping it beneath the tree. As he did, he heard a scream and a yell and then the sound of crashing, a definite thud of someone falling over, and then the door of Sloane’s room bursting open.

“SebSebSebit’schristmasevegetouthere!” She yelled as she banged on his door.

“In here, Sloane.” He said, and she burst into the living room sliding a little on her socked feet.

“Christmas eve!” She burst her arms in the air. Seb let out a small chuckle. “Oh my god, what’s all that?”

“Oh, I haven’t sent my gifts yet.”

“Seb it’s Christmas Eve!” Sloane said.

“I know, I know - I’ve been busy.” He said, shaking his head. “They’ll be a little late but I’ll give everyone a heads up.”

“What about those?” She asked, pointing towards the tree.

“Oh they’re yours.” Seb said. “Almost all of them - one will be a little late, but I’ll give you that at dinner tomorrow.”

“Seb that’s way too much!” Sloane said.

“Oh relax, I’ve got no-one else to treat.” Seb said, rolling his eyes. She walked towards him and threw her arms around his neck.

“Thank you Seb.” She said. “Now, plans…”

“Plans…” Seb said.

“Love Actually, kettle corn,, new pyjamas - which I left on your bed by the way, hot chocolate… But first, we shower.” She said with a resigned nod.

“I mean it’s a lovely thought, but I’m not sure Scotty would be too happy.” Seb said with a smirk.

“What? Why wouldn’t Scotty… Wait… SEB!” She said, blushing and then swatting him on the arm. “I mean you get a shower in your bathroom and I’ll get one in mine. Then pyjamas and… Everything.”

“Alright.” He said before walking towards his bedroom. And from the kitchen, he could hear music turn on and Sloane singing along wildly to “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”.

---

December 25th 2021 - Chicago, Illinois - 2.30pm

Sloane checked her watch, over and again. She was nervous - the last time everyone was supposed to be together, Seb had disappeared without a trace. And he hadn’t been all that keen on the idea of the Taylor family Christmas this year. Sloane couldn’t possibly think why, as she glanced up at Scotty who was in the kitchen talking to her mom and Kit’s girlfriend.

“You alright?” Kit asked as Sloane checked her watch again.

“Fine. He’s just late.” Sloane said.

“You’re nervous.” Kit said.

“How’d you know?” She asked.

“You’re playing with your necklace.” He added with a smile. “It’s nice by the way.”

“It is.” Sloane said with a big smile as she held onto the swan and moved the chain around her neck. She’d opened it that morning along with her other gifts before leaving to meet with Scotty. Seb had said he’d meet her at her mom’s house and he’d bring her last gift. She’d tried to play it down, but couldn’t help but be excited. The necklace had been perfect - so what could he be bringing to top it?

And then there was a knock.

Sloane jumped out of her seat and rushed to the door pulling it open. And for a second, time stood still.

“Well are you just going to stand there, my dear, or are you going to invite us in?” Came a voice from around Seb’s waist. Sloane’s eyes immediately flooded with tears, her hand over her mouth as she stepped backwards and looked down at Bastian - Seb’s grandfather, awake and well. “That’s the one - now, has anyone got a large brandy?”

“You’re not allowed to drink, Gramps.” Seb said, pushing the wheelchair his grandfather sat in inside and closing the door behind them.

“It’s Christmas Day!” He said. “I can have one…”

“Bastian!” Shouted Kit, and then the same came from Nina as she bolted out of the kitchen and hugged the octogenarian hard.

“Careful, Nina, dear - I don’t want to be back in the hospital anytime soon.” Bastian said. He shook hands with Kit and was introduced to Kit’s girlfriend and to Scotty.

Sloane’s tears slipped down her face as he finally turned towards her. He tilted his head and slowly pushed himself up out of the wheelchair. He stepped towards her and pulled her into a hug.

“I hear you were incredible.” Bastian said. “I’m sorry I missed it - I want you to know that I am so proud of you, Sloane.”

“Thank… You…” She managed before pressing her face into his shoulder and finally letting herself sob.

Once dinner was done and Bastian was regaling the room with one of his stories about how he’d once single-handedly fought off a band of jewellery thieves in Hatton Gardens, Sloane found herself slipping into a seat next to Seb.

“Couldn’t have given me a heads up?” She said as Seb sipped on his drink. “Took me an hour to stop crying.”

“He likes to make an entrance, you know that.” Seb said with a chuckle.

“When? How?” She asked.

“While I was in Japan I had a phone call from Gramps. It was the strangest thing - said he’d been awake for a week, but hadn’t been allowed to call anyone. Mum had been told that if I found out, well… Dad’s wrath.” Seb said, rolling his eyes.

“What changed?” Sloane asked.

“That’s what was strange - Gramps said that one day, he got out of bed to go for a walk and he heard dad outside of the room. He didn’t catch all of the conversation, but he heard an American woman tell my dad that he “radiated little dick energy”.” Seb said.

“Oof… I can’t imagine he took that well.” Sloane said with a chuckle.

“Quite. Anyway, my dad went full Seb two, and threatened to have her destroyed. At which point a quieter Englishman stepped forward. His voice was too quiet for Gramps to pick up everything, but he did hear the words “Destroy everything that you hold dear”.” Seb said quietly. “Next thing, Dad was telling Gramps to call me and that he’d arrange for the jet to take him back to Chicago.”

“Seb… That’s sounds a lot like it could have been… “ Sloane said, pausing and looking at him.

“I know.” Said Seb.

“But why?” She asked.

“I guess I’ll find out eventually.” Seb said with a chuckle. “You’d best go and rescue Scotty before my gramps cuts a promo on him.”

Sloane let out a chuckle as she noticed Bastian rounding on her boyfriend.

“And what exactly are your intentions with our young Sloane here?” Bastian asked.

“Oh god!” Sloane said, jumping up. “Anyone need a drink? Cake? Anything else? Hey Scotty, could you come and help me in the kitchen?”

Seb shook his head and took another drink as he looked over to Bastian and as his gramps turned back around in his seat, he could have sworn he saw him flash a wink.

---

December 31st 2021 - New York City, New York - 3.30am

Seb and Sloane had been in New York for two whole days - they’d done much of the touristy attractions that Seb had done before. They’d visited the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, took a trip on The Ride and many more attractions over the two days. But moreso, they’d spent their time watching the first two nights of Fight! NYC’s Countdown event.

Originally, Sloane had been due to stay for all three nights, but in the week building up it had been announced that her boyfriend had a World Title match in Boston on New Years Eve. And so, early the next morning, Sloane would be climbing onto a plane.

Rather than cancel their plans entirely, Seb and Sloane had decided to have their own New Years Eve celebration - they’d watched Night Two of Countdown and then said their goodbyes. They’d headed to Time Square and a rooftop bar where they were originally going to watch the ball drop. And as Midnight approached, Seb pulled up a video and they watched it together and at the stroke of Midnight, they embraced and they wished one another a happy New Year.

And then the real party started - they travelled from bar to bar, drinking. It was rare for Sloane to drink so much - but it was their break and so she clearly decided to let her hair down. Seb was impressed, but it became apparent around three am that her seeming ability to remain sober was merely down to the fact that it hadn’t hit yet.

And then it did. And so, as they reached the door to Sloane’s room at the New York hotel, Seb took her phone and used it to scan into the room.

“Come on, love.” He said, guiding her inside.

“Oh my god that was soooooo much fun. We should do it again tomorrow!” She said.

“You’re flying to Boston tomorrow, Sloane.” Seb said, smirking.

“Oh yeah! Scotty’s match! He’s going to win the World Title you know?” Sloane added.

“You’ve mentioned that a couple of times already, yes.” Seb said.

“One more than I won this month.” She pouted.

“You’ve mentioned that too - and as I’ve told you more than once, you have nothing to be ashamed of.” He said. “You were incredible.”

“Thank you Besastian!” Sloane said as she stumbled and fell face down onto the bed.

“You need to get changed.” Seb said, grabbing her pyjamas from the ottoman at the foot of the bed. “Come on… Up we get.”

He helped her up and guided her towards the bathroom. She stepped inside and he handed her the pyjamas before pulling the door closed.

“Do you know what your problem is Sebastian Everett-Bryce?” She said from behind the door.

“What’s that?” Seb asked as he pulled back the covers on her bed.

“You’re… Just… Too…” She paused. “What was I saying?”

“You were telling me what my problem is.” Seb said.

“Oh my god, you have a problem? Can I help? Is there anything I can do?” She asked, through the muffled sounds of a struggle.

“No… Sloane… You were telling me what you think my problem is…” Seb said.

“I don’t think you have any problems. You’re amaaaaaazing.” She said.

Seb chuckled.

“Thanks.” He said.

“I mean it… Actually, I need to tell you something.” She began. “It’s not… Easy…”

“What is it, love?” Seb asked.

“I just wanted to say… Oh my god, my necklace is caught! I’m going to snap it! Oh, wait, no it’s okay it’s fine.” She said.

“Good.” Seb said. “What was it you wanted to say?”

“I wanted to say something?” Sloane asked. “What did I want to say?”


“I have…” Seb let out a deep frustrated breath. “Nevermind.”

And then he heard a thud - not a loud thud, just one that he’d heard many times before. The sound of a person sliding down a wall and landing arse first on the ground.

“Are you dressed?” He asked. “Sloane?”

She wasn’t responding.

“Fuck sake…” He said, weighing his options. Slowly he pulled open the door to the bathroom and glanced inside. Somehow, she’d managed to not only undress and put on her pyjamas, but also perfectly hang the dress she’d worn up on the shower screen. Her shoes were placed neatly against the wall. “This is the most organised I think I’ve ever seen you.”

She didn’t respond.

“Come on, let’s get you to bed.” He said. He reached down and lifted her up, her arms wrapping around his neck. He carried her towards her bed and placed her down on it. “Here…”

He passed her a large glass of water and made her gulp it all down. He filled it again and placed it next to her bed.

“Drink everytime you wake up, okay love?” He asked, as he placed some tylenol, ibuprofen, and a tube of berocca next to her bed. Next to that he placed her phone in case of emergencies and plugged it in to charge.

“Mmmhmm…” She said as she curled up, her eyes already closed. Seb pulled the covers over her and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“You okay?” He asked. She didn’t answer, and a few moments later, her breathing was patterned as she drifted off into a deep sleep.

Seb stayed for a little while, just making sure she was okay. He talked to her - about Quill and the new hedgie. About Bastian being home. About how it had been a much better Christmas than he’d expected.

“And now on to New Year.” He said smiling. “My first one in the States that I won't be spending with you.”

He pushed the hair back out of her face, but she didn’t stir.

“I have a New Year's resolution. Do you want to hear it?” He asked. But as expected, she didn’t answer. “My New Year’s resolution… Is not to give up on you.”

He rested his hand on her shoulder.

“I can’t start a New Year without telling you the truth - so here it is.” He said, as if steeling himself, his voice a touch shaky “Here it is…”

He cleared his throat, and looked away for a second, before looking back down on her as she slept.

“I’m in love with you, Sloane Anäis Taylor. And I’m not giving up on that yet.” He said, before leaning forward and pressing a kiss against her cheek. “Happy New Year, love.”

And then he stood up and walked towards the door of the hotel room, pulling it open. He cast one last look at Sloane as she slept before closing it behind him.