2024 is almost here!

Wow.

2024. Seems impossible to believe that. We've blown past a lot of science fiction that said we'd have a base on the moon, much smarter AI than we have now, and inventions like hoverboards. Can't help but think that we're all a bunch of slackers.

Be warned, I'm going to post some soft spoilers for the first three months of 2024 ... just what characters will appear.

CLAW 12: Mateo vs. Ryker

CLAW RING. TRAINING SESSION.

“What the fuck, Mateo?”

“What’s your fucking problem now, Ryker? I’m giving you the chance to spar with TV champ. Stop fucking whining and be grateful. You might learn something.”

It actually is a big deal to get to work with any of the champs. Mateo never has time for me, but today, he insisted we spar. That’s when I realized that he’d be pushing me into a fight. Our boss is out of town, so this is the perfect opportunity. Sure enough, he’s been intentionally provoking me. I’ve finally snapped, realizing he wasn’t going to stop escalating this.

The Cave 29: Bane vs. Big Daddy Cage 2

FRIDAY NIGHT.
PETE’S BED. LOS ANGELES CA.

“Fuck, Ryan. That was incredible.”

Alex Miller's Vault: Tom Discovers Wrestling

THURSDAY. NEXT DOOR @ ALEX'S APARTMENT.

Me. (Tom)

“You’ve got the right idea, Alex. Dating guys. You’re so lucky you’re gay.”

Alex firmly replies, “Just stop, Tom. No gay guy needs to hear a straight guy telling him how lucky he is or how much easier he has it because he’s gay.” I open my mouth but stops me, “In any context. Not these days. You say it way too much. Okay?”

I nod. I do say that to him a lot. Break ups. Dry spells. Dating. In a relationship. So, yeah, all the time. I didn’t know it bugged him. Maybe it didn’t, maybe it’s just my timing. Or maybe it’s because Alex is the most chill guy I’ve ever met. I’ve never heard him yell at anyone or about anything in the three years we’ve been neighbors. And I would hear it. He’s certainly heard me yelling and being yelled at. I can be a volatile guy.

We share a non-brick wall between our lofts that isn’t very soundproof. I’m 28 and he’s 32. We’re both busy. He’s heard me with a lot of chicks. One day, we were shooting the shit. He joked about it. I admitted that I’ve heard him with guys, too. His fucks sound very physical. A lot of grunting. And there’s even what sounds like dirty talk. I can’t make out the words, but it’s the tone. It’s kind of hot. I bet he can say stuff to his guys that would get me slapped or sued.

Encounters: Denim Duel 2

 

Previously in The Cave: ENCOUNTERS: DENIM DUEL

-----

FIRST CLASS. 30,000 FEET IN THE AIR OVER NORTHERN GEORGIA USA.

“Last chance, sir. Can I help you with anything else? Anything at all?”

“What?” The first-class flight attendant wags my empty glass. Oh. I didn't even see him take it, I'm so lost in thought. He licks his lips and raises an eyebrow as he waits for me to answer. I finally gather myself, “No thanks. I’m good.”

I adjust the blanket that I’m using to hide the prominent bulge in my pants from the flight attendant. He’s shamelessly flirted with me since I boarded, so I know the outline of my semi-hard cock would not have gone unnoticed. I don’t mind the flirting. It happens. I’m a hairy, bearded, olive-skinned stud that other guys think is handsome. He wouldn’t even be the first (or worst) flight attendant that I’ve fucked. I just have no interest this time.

Me (Steve).

CLAW 11: Ryker vs. Xander

PREVIOUSLY IN CLAW … (everything you need to know is recapped in the story, but if you want to read every detail, check out these past stories)

ROUTE 69: BAD BOYS S106 (Ryker’s career destroyed)

THE CAVE: THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERSTAR 10 (Ryker saved)

ROUTE 69: BAD BOYS EPILOGUE (#2/3) (Ryker’s new normal)

CLAW 1 (Ryker rebounds)

CLAW 2 (Xander’s deal)

CLAW ARENA. SUNDAY MORNING.

SLAM! “Ryker. You’re here.”

I open my eyes slowly, reluctantly pulled out of my meditative state as I sit in the lotus position in one of the three practice rings at the recently upgraded Championship League of American Wrestling (CLAW) training facility. I’m in my fresh white spandex trunks over a white thong in white pro boots. I unfold my legs and then pivot on my butt to see who’s here.

“Xander?” This is a surprise but I’m chill. “Hey, dude.”

The Cave Unleashed 16: Dunk vs. Kent

OUTSIDE CODY’S GYM. LOS ANGELES CA.

“Oh, boy, why are you here?”

The driver says, “This is the address, right?”

I turn, “Oh, sorry, I wasn’t talking to you.” He stares at me. I explain, “I was just asking myself why I’m here. We’re cool. Thanks.”

I get out of the car and stand on the sidewalk. I pace outside the building. It’s hot but not oppressive. Instead of knocking, I take a walk. Why am I here? There’s nothing to be gained. Maybe I just want someone to talk to. Not that Cody and I ever talk that much. My mind wanders to how it all started over ten years ago. And how it blew up an hour ago. 

Me. Kent.