jimsub81 Settling Differences...

Things were still not quite back to normal around TW following the merging with the wrestling league across town known as Junior Wrestling or JW. It had just been the previous day that the announcement was made and the two groups of wrestlers got to meet each other. It was also yesterday that one of the new tag teams took on TW mainstays Corwin and Drew and soundly squashed them in the practice ring giving credibility to at least 2 wrestlers as being respectable enough to join the ranks of TW. Matches were signed and wrestlers worked out just as before though the gym seemed to be a bit more crowded. But new friendships were formed and maybe things were not going to be as bad as the TW regulars had feared.

Rick and Carter, now former tag team champions, following their surprising loss to Evan and Cole on the night of Champions a week ago, were just finishing up a practice session and were on their way to the showers. Just before they hit the swinging doors to the locker room the doors swung open widely into them. Coming through them was another set of former tag team champs, Corwin and Drew.

The two teams paused and looked at each other for a moment. Rick and Carter had wanted to get these two in the ring for a long time. Rick and Carter were still bearing a grudge against them for a before match beating Corwin and Drew had given them in the parking lot a while ago as Corwin and Drew made their attempt at becoming villains of the league. Finding that the "bad guy" personas were not working for them the high flying duo broke ranks from associations with the likes of Kevin and other more disrespected affiliations within the TW ranks. The crowd welcomed back the "old Corwin and Drew" during the night of champions and they scored a decisive win along with teammates HB & Kane against the 4 man team from Kevin's Posse.

But their comeback to total respectability still had to overcome one obstacle; the tag team of Rick and Carter. There was no doubt that they had done Rick & Carter wrong. But the cousin team seemed to take the high road and even helped Corwin and Drew out of a jam a few weeks ago. All they asked in return was that Corwin and Drew stop the "Bad Boy" act that wasn't working anyway and, second to face them in a sanctioned match.

They had accomplished the first of the requests now it was time to pay the piper and get in the ring with the talented team of cousins. As they stood blocking the door the two teams exchanged casual nods. It was commonly known that Corwin and Drew had lost an impromptu match in the practice ring to one of the new teams that just happened to be old friends of Rick and Carter. Carter spoke up and said, "So are you guys ready to get it on with us or are you still too sore from that encounter with Seth and Gavin?" Rick chucked softly and Corwin and Drew blushed. They were terribly embarrassed about the loss and had nobody to blame but themselves. They had made the fatal mistake of underestimating an opponent and had paid for it. The next time they met Corwin and Drew would make no such error. But right now Rick and Carter were first and foremost on their minds. Drew said, "Sore yes but still ready to take you on. We promised we would. We were sort of thinking it would be a title shot though." It was a subtle jab at Rick's and Carter's loss to Evan and Cole that was not lost on the cousins though.

Carter said. "Hey man this is a great league of guys here and getting better all the time. Any team can lose to any other on a given day." Giving Drew a smirking look Corwin said, "I couldn't agree more.", referring to their loss yesterday in the practice ring. Rick, in his gravely voice said, "So its a date? When you want to do this?" Drew said, "No time like the present." As they walked to the office to sign the papers Corwin said, "You know we appreciate you guys saving our butts a while back but we're still going to do our best to take you down?" Carter said, "Wouldn't expect anything less Corwin."

As they reached the office Drew opened the door and motioned to Carter and Rick saying, "After you." The match was signed and with the great popularity of both teams they were inserted into the next card. Once and for all Rick and Carter were going to settle up with Corwin and Drew.

The night of the match both teams stood on opposite sides of the locker room. It had been an incredible night of matches. The JW boys were making their presence known. And they were getting a taste of what action in TW was really like. But now it was time for two of TW's premier tag teams to settle their long running dispute. Occasional glances were shot back and forth but no words were exchanged. Rick and Carter had seemed to warm up to Corwin and Drew just a little in the week or two before the match but now that the time was near the hard feelings seemed to resurface a little especially in Carter. He was remembering the jumping in the parking lot and the beating Corwin and Drew had given he and his partner. Rick remembered too but was somehow more willing, able or both to put the past behind him. He had seen recent changes in Corwin's and Drew's behavior and was beginning to form respect for them again. Carter seemed to for a while but as this match drew near he grew sullen and was filled with the idea of paying back the former "Outlaws" for their offensive actions. He quietly wanted to be more like his older cousin who he greatly respected. But try as he might Carter was filled with anger that bordered on hatred.

For their part Corwin and Drew knew that this was going to be a hard fought match. There was no denying their opponents ability and talent. They knew as well that they themselves had some things to answer for. Neither could blame Rick and Carter for wanting to kick their asses but the cousins had shown them nothing but respect lately proving that Rick and Carter were not just good wrestlers but classy guys as well.

The match was just about to be introduced when Seth and Gavin walked past Rick and Carter. They gave their friends and new league mates a pat on the back and offered words of encouragement. The new boys then came over to Corwin and Drew. Seth said, "Man are you two gluttons for punishment or what? You have to know that Carter and Rick are gonna cream you! What do you think Gavin they brave or just stupid?" Gavin shook his head and said, "Seems like a little of both." Drew said, "OK guys, you got the better of us in the practice ring. We'll see how well you do in a sanctioned event. We'll show you why we were this leagues longest reigning tag team champions for as long as we were." Seth said, "Well I hope you show more than you did a few days ago when we hammered you." Corwin spoke up, "Don't worry guys. You did not see us at our best. That's for sure." Gavin just said, "Whatever Tarzan or...are you Boy? I keep forgetting?" Seth and Gavin walked away laughing at the joke. Corwin wanted to deck him but Drew pulled his attention back to the match at hand. The ring announcer began to speak.

"Our next match is a tag team event between two sets of former TW tag team champions. First, at a combined weight of 351 pounds...CARTER AND RICK!" the recently dethroned champs took to the aisle to a thunderous reception. Most all the fans were dismayed at their losing the title to Evan and Cole who turned out to be members of the infamous Posse. Nothing would make the fans happier to see them get the title back. "And their opponents, at a combined weight of 327 pounds...CORWIN AND DREW!" The agile duo sped to the ring clad in their jungle print loincloths. The crowd gave them an equally loud ovation. It had been a long time since they were welcomed to the arena. They realized how much they missed the applause when it was gone and now they saw how much they did not miss the boos. They leapt over the top rope in their usual fashion and waved to their newly regained fans.

The two teams squared off and shook hands Carter took part but did so reluctantly. Rick sensed something was up with his cousin but now was not the time to discuss it. Corwin and Drew saw the steely gaze in the 17 year olds eyes. He was definitely not the same guy they had spoken to several days ago. The two teams were close in size with Rick and Carter having a slight edge in bulk and probably muscle too. Corwin and Drew were unquestionably the more nimble and athletic of the teams. It promised to be a close match. The bell rang...

Corwin started against Rick. The two stronger members of each team closed in. They locked up collar& elbow. Rick was able to shove Corwin away with some force. Again they hooked up and Rick showed his strength and again shoved Corwin back harder than before. Corwin looked annoyed and rushed into Rick's side arm take down. He landed flush on his butt embarrassed but unhurt. Rick put a knee to his back then sent an ax handle chop to the top of the shoulder. Corwin winced as the chop stung all the way up his neck and into his ear. Rick pulled Corwin up under the armpits. But Corwin used his athletic ability and drove his feet hard into the mats and powered them both backward. Rick's back impacted into a set of neutral turnbuckles hard and he was forced to release the grip.

Corwin spun to face him just as Rick was taking a swing at him. Corwin ducked under it and shot a hard jab into Rick's gut. It didn't hurt a lot but it did get Rick's attention and winded him just for a moment. But a moment was all Corwin needed as he sprang up and forward driving his shoulder into the upper portion of Rick's abdomen. This attack winded Rick severely. Corwin then sent a hard kick to the stomach that folded Rick in half. Corwin grabbed him around the head and took him over to meet Drew.

Corwin tagged Drew who already stood poised on the top rope. Corwin then DDTed Rick and held him in place as Drew aimed his high flying elbow drop to the small of Rick's back. It hit perfectly, hard and on target.

Carter was pacing like a caged lion. He wanted in badly and now that his cousin appeared to be in dire straights he couldn't contain himself. He charged in at Drew as he was raising a stunned Rick.

Corwin was in the process of exiting but saw the entering Carter. He shouted a "watch out!" to Drew then leapt and nailed Carter with a drop kick to the chest that sent him sprawling.

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Once Corwin was sure Carter was headed back to his corner for good he too got back to his. Drew knew that Rick was built about as tough as they come and that even though the teen had taken a few serious shots he was far from ready to pin. But Drew still held the advantage and pressed it. He locked in a side head lock and grabbed the waist band of Rick's trunks. Drew was not one to perform muscle driven moves very often but when he did he could as well as the rest of them. He heaved Rick up and back over his head with a suplex that caused Rick's already sore back to slam the mats with a ring shaking crash.

Drew was up and dropped an elbow to the upper abs getting a slight but noticeable grunt. Rick knew he needed a tag out and rest or this was going to be one hell of a short match. As Drew stood Rick used every ounce of energy and concentration he had and lunged out and hooked Drew's left leg. He gave it a tug and the surprised Drew went falling back. Rick rolled as best he could and in a few revolutions was in arms reach of the eager Carter. They tagged and Carter was in at last.

Drew had regained his footing just as Carter was on top of him. He managed to fire off a shot to the lower gut but Carter took it and grabbed the fist he had just been belted with. He pulled the arm forward and at the same time sent a kick into Drew's ribs. He then pulled Drew into a forearm that slammed the side of his head. Drew was seeing stars as he was then Irish whipped into the ropes. On the rebound he found Carter waiting with open arms welcoming him into a belly to belly suplex! Drew was slammed down hard and Carter's weight on top of him didn't help.

Carter placed a knee into Drew's belly and knelt into him as he took aim at Drew's firm pecs. He peppered each one with a volley of jabs till they were jiggling and red. Carter was like a man on a mission as he wanted to payback these two for their previous actions. He hoisted a hurting Drew to his feet and sent him down just as fast with a standing clothesline. He gave a hop and again seated his knee into Drew's lower belly just above his scant loincloth. Drew grimaced in pain at the drop tried in vain to get Carter off of him. But Carter just gave Drew's pecs another few hard shots then just for good measure he gave each longer than average nipple a good hard titty twister.

Carter then smacked Drew across the face with a backhand. Now it was Corwin's turn to be outraged. He hated to see Drew losing but what he hated to see more was him humiliated. Somehow Corwin always suspected Carter of being above that sort of behavior. But, unknown to Corwin, Carter was fueled by some long repressed feelings that ultimately Corwin and Drew were responsible for. Carter smirked at the obviously angry Corwin as he took Corwin's best friend and partner and put one arm into a hammer lock. Carter then snaked his legs around Drew's lean waist and locked on a set of scissors as he sat in the middle of the ring. With the arm nearest Carter locked up Carter's other hand was free to apply a pec claw to Drew's right side.

Drew sat and bore the pain stoically. He had no other option really as his stomach was being slowly crushed and his arm bent harder and harder. Drew thought submission may not be far off. Corwin had wrestled with Drew for many years now, ever since they were 6 and 7 respectively. He knew that Drew was in a situation that he was not going to get out of without help. He hopped the rope to rescue him. He knew it was an illegal move but also knew he'd get away with it. Every tag team gets a few of these during a typical match. As long as it was not over used the referee would allow the interference. Corwin sprung forward aiming a forearm at Carter's head.

Carter had been keeping a watchful eye on Corwin actually hoping he would enter. When he did Carter pulled Drew up and used him as a shield from the flying forearm. Corwin did impact a head but it was Drew's!

Drew was tossed aside looking almost unconscious. Carter rose to meet the fresh threat. Corwin was so startled that he had slammed his own partner he was dumbfounded and wanted nothing more than to see to Drew's well being. He moved toward his partner but Carter snagged him first. He sent a hard fist to Corwin's chin and staggered him back to the ropes. The referee warned about closed fists to the head & face but Carter was like a man possessed. He snatched up a hurting Corwin in a crotch slam and deposited him right on top of the prone Drew. He then launched himself into the ropes and came down on top of both with a full body splash.

The referee wanted order restored and demanded Carter back off till he could get Corwin out of the ring. Carter got up and made another move on the duo. The referee then had to forcibly restrain him. The distraction allowed Corwin to pull his partner close to their corner. As Carter screamed his outrage at seeing Corwin pull Drew to safety the referee only tried that much harder to calm him down. At last Carter relaxed and the referee turned back to see Drew and Corwin tag.

Carter moved to attack but Rick saw that Carter was angry and anger often clouded judgment. He restrained Carter and tagged himself in. He told his cousin, "Take a break cuz. Don't get too emotional and stay focused." Reluctantly Carter climbed to the apron and let his well able cousin take on Corwin once again.

Corwin had wanted a piece of Carter but he'd have to settle for hooking up with Rick again. They closed in and hooked up. Their foreheads touched as they powered into one another. Their young hearts were pounding hard and sweat covered their bodies. They struggled and strained as they bore into each other panting and grunting. Corwin could tell that Rick had had tuna salad for lunch as each tried to gain the upper hand. At last Rick's slight strength advantage began to pay off. He ever so slowly muscled Corwin back to the ropes. When his back was tight against them Rick surged forward digging the top cord into Corwin's back. Rick then struck and struck hard!

He raised a knee to the stomach that winded Corwin. Rick moved with the swiftness of a cat and leapt over the rope to the apron. Before Corwin knew what was happening he had him in a double hammer lock with both arms over the rope. The referee was counting Rick but Rick knew he had all the time he needed. He pulled Corwin's arms back then he jumped to the floor. The ropes dug in hard and painfully into Corwin's armpits. Rick released the hold and the bent cord shot Corwin like a catapult across the ring.

Corwin landed stumbling face first on the opposite side of the mats. Rick was back in and on top of him in like a flash. He pulled him up into a half nelson and cranked on the pressure. He then looked at his cousin who appeared to calmed down a bit. He knew Carter wanted in and walked Corwin over to him and tagged out. With his body wide open under Rick's hold Carter teed off on the tautly stretched torso. Big fists landed hard and heavy to the chest and liver area. Corwin grunted as Carter hit with force that would impress Doug. As the referee neared his counting on the double teaming Rick released Corwin but gave the blonde boy swift kick to the ribs knocking him to his side and allowing Carter to take over.

Corwin had what he wanted now, Carter in the ring. But as the adage goes, be careful of what you wish for because you might get it. Corwin was in no shape to take on the calmer but still highly motivated teen.

Carter jerked Corwin up with a single arm hammer lock and put a hand to the shoulder and hurled him chest first to a neutral corner. Corwin hit hard. He saw Drew just a length of rope away and made a move to get to him but as he did Carter grabbed him by the back of the hair and jerked him to the center of the ring.

From behind Carter sent a series of forearm smashes down into the strong chest slowly driving Corwin to his knees. As he reached his knees Carter double ax handled Corwin's upper back knocking him to hands and knees. Corwin's head was spinning. He had yet to recover from the bend over the ropes and his armpits still ached like crazy. He knew he needed to tag out. He looked up and saw the none to hard to hide lump in the crotch of Carter's trunks. He considered giving the package a shot. It was a wide open and tempting target but he didn't take it. Instead he allowed Carter to jerk him up again by the nape of the neck.

Carter spun Corwin around into a big knee lift that doubled him over. Corwin's abs were still not totally healed from his encounter with Seth and Gavin several days earlier and the knee caused more pain than it normally would have. Carter then whipped Corwin into the ropes. Corwin knew that it was now or never for him. If Carter could nail him with whatever he had planned on his recoil the match would go to he and Rick. Corwin bounced off the ropes and guessed clothesline and formed his counter for it. He guessed right as he forced himself to slide like a base runner stealing second. He slid right under Carter's swiping arm and drove a fist, with rope powered momentum behind it, that bisected the heavy line of hair spilling out from Carter's navel.

Carter doubled over and Corwin planted a boot to his backside and shoved. Carter fell into the ropes tangled for a moment. Corwin scrambled to get to Drew and tagged him in.

By the time Carter turned back to the ring he was met and taken down by an arm drag from a fresh Drew. Drew held onto the arm and applied the standing arm bar that forced Carter to his stomach. He then stood on the back of the younger of his two opponents and gave a hard twist. Carter clenched his teeth and with his eyes closed tightly he groaned as Drew applied the surfboard with perfection.

Carter slapped at his shoulder to keep the blood flowing. He tied to wiggle away from under Drew's hold but, quoting a well known Sci-fi show, "resistance was futile." Rick saw his partner's predicament. Coming in to aid a trapped partner was all part of the game. He sprang in knowing Drew was watching him the entire time. Drew let go of Carter who rolled across the ring massaging his tortured arm. Drew launched his favorite move, the drop kick. His big size 11 boots impacted Rick's hard pecs and sent him back to his corner.

Drew then did something rarely seen, he made a mistake! He assumed Carter was out of action for a moment and since Rick was still in the ring he decided to press the attack on him trying to do a "two for the price of one." Drew yanked Rick from out of the corner he had fallen into and raised him up into a knee to the diaphragm.

As Drew confidently pulled Rick around he heard Corwin calling for him to, "Watch out!" Drew had Rick bent over in a side head lock when he was greeted by a his own favorite move! Carter's drop kick slammed Drew's ripped chest and knocked him into the corner causing him to release Rick who stepped back to the apron just to accept Carter's tag.

Carter dropped a knee to Drew's gut further disabling him before grabbing his ankles and twisting him over into a half hearted Boston crab. He only needed to hold him long enough for Rick to enter the ring legally by way of the top rope. He did so and planted a high elbow drop right between Drew's shoulder blades as he did. Carter gave the back of Drew's head a stomp sending his pretty face to the canvas before exiting. He had been manhandled a little but seeing Drew flat on the canvas was making him feel a little better about things.

Rick then pulled a groaning Drew to his feet. Drew's back was throbbing from Rick's drop and now he felt the strong arms of the gravely voiced teen slip under his crotch and around his upper torso. He knew what was coming but at the moment was powerless to stop it. WHAM! Drew was slammed hard to the mats. His body was still sore from the big body slams Gavin had given him two days before and Rick's just aggravated his condition.

Rick reached down over the hurting Drew and pulled him up under his armpits. Drew had a free hand and saw an opening on Rick, a wide open throat. Drew had just a moment to make his decision. He saw the young man's neck and the very faded but still visible scar, undoubtedly from the accident Rick had many years ago that had left him with his distinctive, raspy voice. As much as it meant a sure ticket to freedom from whatever punishment Rick was about to deliver as well as avoiding a defeat, which was looking more and more likely, Drew held back unwilling to take the cheap shot.

Drew was questioning his thinking though as Rick actually lifted him off his feet and drove a strong shoulder into his torso and power drove him back first into the turnbuckles. His already abused back took another severe hit. Drew moaned and went a little limp as Rick Irish whipped him out of the corner toward the opposite one. But Drew showed why he was a champion wrestler for so long and reversed the move. Rick shot into the corner chest first and slumped down it. Drew stumbled to tag in Corwin.

Corwin had been itching to get back in and now he pounced on Rick like a leopard on an injured wildebeest. Corwin launched himself and drove both knees to Rick's back squashing him further into the corner. Rick's head had struck the ring post slightly but not seriously enough to really injure him but it was enough to knock him silly for a moment. A moment was all Corwin needed as he wrapped his arms around Rick's solid abs. Corwin heaved up and took Rick over in a suplex. Rick grunted as he hit the mats with his upper back and shoulders. Corwin looked quickly for his position in the ring. He was not, or rather Rick was not, where he wanted him to be. Corwin pulled the still dazed former champ to his feet and again suplexed him. Rick landed exactly where Corwin wanted him. Just to make sure he stayed put for a moment Corwin bounced himself off the ropes and came down across Rick's chest with a standard but perfectly executed body splash.

He tagged in Drew who was already on his way to the top of his corner. The audience was thrilled. Everyone knew what was coming, a patented high risk maneuver from the to acrobatic wrestlers of TW. Corwin was quickly up to the corner on the same side of the ring.

Carter was looking on in horrid fascination. Rick was laying unmoving as Corwin and Drew were about to land a sure fire finisher and win the match. Carter knew he could not stop both his opponents so he opted to pull Rick out of harm's way. As he moved in to rescue Rick just as Corwin and Drew were about to leap.

Even without not so much as a look between them both leaping teens targeted Carter with a flying drop kick off the top ropes. Two sets of strong legs with a ton of momentum behind them crushed into Carter's chest and shoulders. The force of the impact sent Carter careening across the ring and over the top rope. He crashed to the hard arena floor and didn't move for a moment.

By now the time for legal double teaming had expired. Corwin had to step to the apron and get tagged in by Drew. Rick was beginning to stir again and was helped up by both his opponents, one on each arm. Their combined strength was enough to hurl Rick to the ropes and bounce off with a hard recoil. Two ramming shoulders plowed into Rick and sent his feet flying out from under him. Rick hit with loud thud the shook the ring.

The partners continued their drive across the ring. They threw themselves into the ropes and came back with high flying elbow drops. Each landed a solid hit to Rick's taunt pectorals!

Corwin exited as Drew raised Rick to his feet. Even with the abuse he had taken Rick managed to fire off a shot to Drew's stomach that packed some respectable force. Drew grunted but managed to keep moving forward. Rick knew he had to get out and get out now! Calling upon every once of energy he had left he reached out and hooked the head of an unsuspecting Drew pulling it into a knee lift.

Drew stumbled backwards with both arms wrapped over his now spinning head. He cursed himself. That was the second mistake he had made in the match. He knew with TW becoming more competitive that those were the sort of errors he could not afford to make! He staggered over and tagged in Corwin who went after Rick.

Rick literally fell toward his corner. He was well within arms reach and stuck out his hand blindly and felt.....nothing. There was no slap from his partner as expected. Carter was only now getting back to his feet following the tremendous double drop kick he had taken. He looked up to his corner and saw an arm, Rick's arm, extended to be tagged. Carter felt his heart sink as feelings of failure on his part and worry for his partner and cousin flooded his mind. He scrambled up the steps. But by the time he got there Rick's arm wasn't. Corwin had grabbed Rick's legs and pulling him back to the center of the ring.

Carter saw the look of desperation on Rick's face as Corwin dragged him off to God knew what. It was a look he had not seen since their days in the JW league. Corwin stopped, tagged in Drew and turned taking Rick's legs by the ankles and pulling them back into a textbook Boston crab. Rick grunted as he bore the pain to his already aching back.

Drew had taken to the top rope and came dropping down with an elbow that barely missed hitting his partner but did not miss slamming the back of Rick who fell limp to the canvas. Corwin moved to exit and let Drew finally get the pin. But Carter was not about to let his team go down to defeat. He charged the action again as Drew turned Rick over to his back.

Corwin saw Carter coming out of the corner of his eye and raced forward. Carter was so intent on nailing Drew that Corwin's clothesline took him by surprise. He was knocked flat and Corwin hit the ropes on the other side and came down on top of him with a leg drop across the chest. He then grabbed his arm and hammer locked it till Drew did his job.

With Carter neutralized Drew was free to hook the leg and cover Rick. Even though badly beaten Rick's professionalism caused him to struggle and squirm for all he was worth. Drew wasn't sure he would be able to hold Rick for long and was immensely impressed with Rick's stamina. To Drew the referee's count to three took minutes not seconds as it took all he had to hold Rick's shoulders to the canvas. But finally the three was reached and the bell rang. Drew collapsed exhausted and lay across the heaving chest of his worthy opponent.

Corwin released Carter and Carter gave him a rough shove as he moved to see to his cousin's condition. Drew and Rick were separating themselves from each other. A knowing look to each other's eyes gave an indication of confirmation of a new found respect for the other.

The announcer came on and said, "Here are your winners, by pinfall...CORWIN AND DREW!" The crowd gave them a hearty round of applause. They were applauding for both teams actually as they knew that all 4 boys had given it their all.

Carter's heart sank as he saw Drew reaching for Rick. Undoubtedly he figured Drew was going to rub in their win with some post match nastiness directed against Rick. But Carter stopped short as he saw that Drew was helping Rick to his feet. Corwin came over and Rick said, "Good match guys. I can see why you were champs for so long." Drew rubbed a hand over his own red and sore pectorals and said with a slight grimace of pain, "Yeah, I can say the same about you two." Rick and Corwin shook hands. Carter still stood unmoving and didn't accept the extended hands of either opponent.

Rick spoke sternly to his younger cousin, "Come on Carter don't be an asshole! These guys whipped us fair and square. Maybe next time it'll be us getting the win but tonight they are the better team!" Carter heard the words of his cousin and they made sense. He also realized it was his mistake that had caused him to get dumped to the floor and out of position to take Rick's tag at that crucial moment. He swallowed his pride and shook the hands of Drew and Corwin in turn. Both told Carter he had done well but the words didn't do much for Carter's feelings. He took the feelings of hatred he had had toward Corwin and Drew and now directed them at himself. Corwin and Drew had beaten he and Rick straight up and he knew it was his error that caused his team to fail.

The four boys headed back to the locker room under a loud ovation as the crowd loved seeing the good sportsmanship.

In the locker room the two teams parted to shower and change. As Rick unlaced his boots and Carter wiped a towel across his sweaty, well toned torso with its light coating of darkening peach fuzz Seth and Gavin came over to them. Seth said, "Man I can't believe you guys lost to those two wimps!" Carter was still smarting both mentally and physically and even though Seth and Gavin were friends he didn't take the comment well and said, "Well Seth if Corwin and Drew are wimps and they beat us what does that make us? Something lower?" Seth realized his needling had gone way off the mark and tried to laugh it away saying, "It don't mean nothing man Come on hurry up and change so we can go see what passes for pizza on this side of town!" Rick seemed ready to let it go but Carter was not and pressed the point saying, "I'm serious guys. What do you think losing to a team you call wimps makes us?"

The tension level moved up slightly yet noticeably so Gavin stepped in and said, "Carter he was just kidding you. Stop taking this so seriously. We all know you two guys are a good team. And, like you said, "any team can beat any other on a given day' " Carter seemed to settle a bit then Seth tried to break the tension with another joke that unfortunately misfired even worse than the last one as he laughingly said, "Yeah just cause we beat the piss out of them doesn't mean everybody can!" Carter's anger returned again and said, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" All three boys now tried to pacify the irate Carter who was still filled to the brim with a thick stew of differing emotions. He loudly said to Seth, "I'm serious man! What are you tying to say?" Seth was a pretty easy going guy but he didn't like the tone of voice Carter was using on him. He said, "We dominated the two guys that just beat you. You're a smart guy Carter. You figure it out" The tension level just shot through the roof and Gavin said, "Woah! Woah! Woah! Come on guys! Please, can we just forget it and go get something to eat? I'm starving!" Carter went to speak but Rick answered first. He, like Gavin, didn't want this encounter to go any further South than it already had saying, "Sorry guys but Carter and I have to get home. We're both a little sore if you know what I mean." Seth and Gavin looked at each other and shrugged saying they would catch up with their friends later then. Rick and Carter gave a casual good-bye. As they left Gavin could be heard chastising Seth, "Nice one motor mouth!" Seth responded with an innocent ,"What? He was pissing me off and...." The door close behind them

No words were spoken between the two cousins as they finished dressing and got ready to head home. They had now suffered two defeats in a row and they knew they needed to fine tune their skills. They realized now that perhaps being too idle as tag team champions had cost them a bit of their edge. They vowed to get it back. Anybody who knew the intrepid tag teaming cousins would agree without hesitation that they indeed would!