The XWF Office Christmas Party was a picture-perfect holiday spectacle. String lights twinkled overhead like a canopy of stars, garlands hung from every doorway, and a massive Christmas tree stood proudly in the center of the room, adorned with shimmering ornaments and a glowing star. The room buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the smooth hum of festive music, as wrestlers and staff alike mingled over tables laden with holiday treats. The smell of spiced cider and pine needles filled the air, wrapping the room in a warm, inviting glow.

And then, like a burst of confetti, Lucky Louis Hero entered the scene.

"HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY EVERYONE!!"

Dressed head-to-toe in an emerald-green leprechaun outfit complete with a jaunty top hat, golden buckled shoes, and a ridiculously oversized shamrock bowtie, Louis beamed as if he were the guest of honor. He stood in the doorway, hands on his hips, surveying the festive display before him.

“Oh, this is magical! Look at all the green! You’ve really outdone yourselves, lads and lasses. Best St. Paddy’s Day party I’ve ever been to!”

Several nearby staff members froze mid-conversation, their expressions a mix of confusion and amusement. One brave soul opened their mouth to correct him, but Louis had already moved on, captivated by the towering Christmas tree in the center of the room.

He walked up to it, placing a reverent hand on the trunk as if it were a sacred artifact. His eyes sparkled with childlike wonder. “And that’s got to be the grandest St. Paddy’s tree I’ve ever seen! Look at all those shiny golden coins... oh, wait, those are baubles, aren’t they? My bad! Still, very festive!”

The crowd chuckled as Louis moved toward the punch table, his leprechaun boots squeaking with each step. He waved at anyone who looked his way, his grin infectious and genuine. Reaching the table, he poured himself a glass of punch and scanned the room, his eyes landing on Evan Fong from promotions.

“Oi! Vanoss!” Louis called out, raising his glass in a toast.

Evan blinked, startled, before awkwardly waving back.

“Didn’t expect to see a YouTube megastar here in the XWF offices. Are you vlogging this party?”

“It’s Evan Fong, actually. I work in promotions,” Evan replied, trying to clarify for the umpteenth time.

“Ah, clever cover name. Keeps the fans off your trail. Tell me, what does H2O Delirious really look like? No? Don’t worry, Vanoss, I won’t spill the beans. Just make sure you tag me in your next video, yeah? Lucky Louis Hero goes viral!”

Evan sighed heavily, but Louis had already spun around, his attention now locked on Danny English. Danny stood near the back wall, sipping his drink with his signature brooding intensity, his piercing eyes scanning the room. Louis marched over, unbothered by Danny’s intimidating aura.

“Danny, mate, you’ve got to be the coolest-looking bloke at this party. I mean, look at you. Brooding in the corner, all quiet and handsome-like. You’re like a living James Bond poster, except grumpier. You need to lighten up a little, man. Time for a change me thinks?”

Danny’s eyes flicked toward Louis, his face remaining as unreadable as ever. Louis leaned in conspiratorially.

“You’re not much of a talker, huh? That’s alright, I’ll do the talking for both of us! Picture this: you, me, tag team champs. I bring the luck, you bring the smoldering menace. We’d be unstoppable!”

Danny raised a single eyebrow, taking a slow sip of his drink. Louis clapped him on the shoulder.

“No? Alright, maybe next time. But seriously, lighten up, mate! It’s Christmas! Or St. Paddy’s. Still deciding.”
As Louis turned away, he nearly collided with Reid Keyman, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of amusement and trepidation.

“Reid!” Louis exclaimed, throwing an arm around the executive’s shoulders. “The mastermind himself! This is a cracking party you’ve thrown together. Really captures the spirit of… well, I was gonna say St. Paddy’s Day, but now I’m thinking it’s Christmas instead.”

“It’s definitely Christmas, Louis,” Reid said with a smirk.

“Well, Jingle my Balls... that explains the lack of fiddles and Guinness!” Louis said, nodding sagely. “Still, you’ve got to admit, the green decorations are very misleading.”

Danny English stood in the corner of the Christmas party, his gaze cold and detached as laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. A water bottle sat untouched in his hand while the chaos of the room swirled around him.

“Danny,” Reid Keyman said, appearing beside him with a relaxed grin and a glass of eggnog. “Great debut. Two opponents down... that’s impressive.”

Danny gave a slight nod but said nothing, his eyes fixed on the crowd.

Reid hesitated, then added, “But maybe lighten up a bit, yeah? It’s good for business.”

Danny’s jaw tightened as Reid walked away. Lighten up. The words clawed at him, but they sparked something deeper.

If they want a mask, I’ll wear one. Until it’s too late to take it off.

Danny’s lips curled into a faint smirk. The game had begun.

Would beat GameGirl. I saw the list.