KIDS THESE DAYS
Outside. The scene is backlit from an obvious sunset as a car pulls up by the parking lot entrance, and Impulse exits from the back seat, followed directly by Calico Rose. They are both in their street clothes as Impulse is not scheduled to be on the show tonight.
Hence, late arrival. But there’s a responsibility to be there.
Cally: So I got us a room tonight.
Impulse: Oh?
Cally: It’s… so not rock and roll to go to the gig and then drive home. At least if we go home tomorrow it’s like we’re on the road.
Impulse laughs, the logic clearly being flawless. They clasp hands and approach the back door directly to the “off limits” area of the arena, when they are suddenly cut off by the door swinging open abruptly, causing Cally to stop in her tracks to avoid it. The other side reveals a somewhat disheveled Hayes Hanlon, in his street clothes and stiffening with surprise to see the couple in front of him.
Hayes Hanlon: Oh, shit. My bad, guys.
Hayes clumsily exits the doorway, stepping out into the air and holding the door open for Calico Rose and The Marathon Man.
Cally: Thank you, sir!
Impulse doesn’t immediately say anything, but he gives a nod to the young former Champ.
Impulse: Save it for Jiles, kiddo… don’t take it out on a door.
A chuckle from the Event Horizon, letting the door close much more gently.
Hayes Hanlon: See, that’s funny, because when I was a kid it seemed like pretty much everyone in PRIME took it out on doors.
Hayes extends a hand to Cally first.
Hayes Hanlon: I don’t think I’ve met you guys yet. Hayes Hanlon.
Cally takes his hand and shakes.
Cally: Cally. Or Rose. Or Rosie. Rosalyn is only if you’re my mom. And we don’t really know the Doors rule, we’re here because we have history with Mom, not with PRIME.
Ever the oversharer, Cally looks at Impulse and mouths the word ‘Kiddo?’ Impulse winks and offers his own hand to Hanlon.
Impulse: Impulse, or Knox. Either one. Good to meet you, I think you’ve got a lot of potential.
Hayes Hanlon: Thanks. A little tough to hear after losing the strap, but I appreciate it.
Impulse: Yeah I hear that. But look at it like this, you lost the strap and you’re headlining the very next show. Title matches, they come and go.
He shrugs, and gestures to himself.
Impulse: If you’re the real deal, you’ll keep on earning the opportunities, and that’s where you make your mark.
Hayes Hanlon: Yeah, I guess so. And sorry about the loss. How’s your…entire body feeling?
The openness fades from Impulse’s face for just a moment.
Impulse: Hey, any one you can walk away from can’t be all that bad.
He side – eyes Cally for a moment.
Impulse: But seriously, good luck against Jiles. Put ‘em where he belongs.
The young Hanlon offers a quick smile, opening the door for the two and gesturing to offer entry.
Hayes Hanlon: Thanks for the pep talk.
‘Pulse and Cally smile back before sharing another glance. Hayes closes the door as they enter, then walks off along the building.
Hayes Hanlon: Almost as good as a slap from Youngblood.