Asking for a friend
Oct 2, 2018 14:00:03 GMT -5
Post by David on Oct 2, 2018 14:00:03 GMT -5
At the start of the final night of this year’s Dynamic Duos Tournament, after he and Kris Cruise had given a rundown of the matches in the quarterfinals, Geoff Penzer had indicated that he expected both The Chaotics and Pendragon would be paying close attention to the final of the tournament. Little did he know, however, that one half of the United States Tag Team Champions was actually there in attendance at the Pepsi Center. After a weekend that had taken her firstly to Baltimore for Vertigo, then to Portland, Oregon and to Newcastle upon Tyne in England, for shows in each of those cities, Lowri Moss had travelled to Denver, to watch the finals of the Dynamic Duos Tournament in person.
A short while following the conclusion of the final, and the presentation of the trophies, Lowri is sat on a crate somewhere backstage, studying something on her phone. Just inside the shot, a pair walk by, one of them catching Lowri’s attention. The imposing figure of Xena leads the way, and the co-winner of the 2018 Dynamic Duos tournament follows shortly behind. A towel is over her head, obscuring her a bit from the surrounding people, but not enough for the US tag team champion to notice.
Lowri Moss: Hey, Fujiko! Congratulations!
Both Xena and Fujiko slow to a stop, with Fujiko turning her head in Lowri’s direction. Past the towel, a smile can be seen plain as day on her face. Without much else of a thought, Fujiko moves in her direction. Xena keeps her distance, trying to let the two of them have a private conversation.
Fujiko Mine: Lowri, hey! Thank you!
The FGA Pride champion bends slightly at the waist, bowing in thanks.
Fujiko Mine: Didn’t think I’d get to see you here in person.
Lowri hurriedly shoves her phone into one of her pockets, and leaps off the crate.
Lowri Moss: Yeah, I know I could’ve watched the show at home, but I thought I would make the effort to be here in person, to check out the potential challengers for mine and Neal's titles. He's here as well...
She glances around, looking expectantly for her other half.
Lowri Moss: Somewhere.
There is no sign of Neal though, and Lowri shrugs her shoulders, as she turns back to Fujiko, who smirks.
Fujiko Mine: You know, it’s not set in stone that we go after you and Neal…
She gives Lowri a cheeky grin.
Fujiko Mine: Izzy and I might end up going after the Chaotics. It was, as I understood, up to us...
Lowri Moss: Oh, I know, I'm not making any assumptions. Besides, if you and Izzy do decide to challenge The Chaotics - or whoever are the tag champs on Flashpoint after Saturday - and if you were to win and bring those belts back to Vertigo, I guess then maybe we could have a title unification match... perhaps.
Lowri stretches her arms out a bit to her sides, with her palms up.
Lowri Moss: I don't know, just a thought.
She winks at Fujiko.
Fujiko Mine: I think you’re going to have to stop reading my mind, Lowri.
The two share a laugh.
Lowri Moss: Can I ask you about something from the press conference earlier?
Fujiko gives Lowri a bit of a puzzled look, but nods anyway.
Lowri Moss: What does baseball have to do with winning a grand slam?
Her eyes light up, the question not being what she expected. A bit of rose tints her cheek.
Fujiko Mine: The ‘grand slam’ term is borrowed from baseball. When you hit a home run and the bases are loaded, it’s called a grand slam. Christian Yelich hit one a few weeks ago and…
The rosy tint grows a bit brighter. She realizes that she’s rambling a bit.
Fujiko Mine: So...yeah.
Lowri Moss: Ohhh… okay.
There is a nod from Lowri, giving the impression that she understood Fujiko’s explanation, although in truth she is not quite sure what ‘when the bases are loaded’ means. She chooses not to ask for clarification on that one though.
Lowri Moss: When I think of ‘grand slam,’ aside from wrestling, I think of Wales beating all of England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland to win the Six Nations; that’s a rugby tournament.
Lowri takes a breath, and not wanting to risk confusing Fujiko unnecessarily, she opts to move on.
Lowri Moss: On the subject of grand slams, you and Izzy aren’t the only ones who are halfway towards one in FGA, you know? And you know what would be the next step for me towards completing a grand slam, right?
There is a half-smirk from Lowri, and Fujiko adjusts the Pride championship, knowingly.
Fujiko Mine: You know I’ve got a defense against Ricky Valero at Capital Combat, but I’m pretty confident that I’ll be leaving there still the Pride champion. If you want a shot, I’m not hard to find. I’ll be happy to give you a shot.
She gives Lowri a confident smile; Lowri smiles wryly in response.
Lowri Moss: Nah, I’m good for now. I mean, one day, definitely, but I’ve already done the double champion thing, so for the time being, I just want to concentrate on the US tag titles.
Fujiko Mine: Hah, fair enough. But just know, I’ll be ready either if you come after this title, or we come after yours.
She gives her a disarming smile, trying to convey that it’s only friendly competition she’s promoting. Lowri takes the statement in the manner that is intended, smiling good-naturedly at Fujiko.
Lowri Moss: Since you’re here, there’s something else I would like to ask you as well... although it might be none of my business.
There is a brief pause, as Lowri looks somewhat nervous, her smile fading slightly.
Lowri Moss: It’s no secret that Natalie tried to apologise to you at the show a couple of weeks ago, but I was wondering, have you spoken to her again since then - has she actually explained to you why she… well, you know.
Fujiko’s demeanor falls off a cliff. While before she looked tired but happy, she now just looks...exhausted.
Fujiko Mine: No. She hasn’t...no. We haven’t spoken since then.
If there was something that could have ruined Fujiko’s mood after her victory, that was the blow to do it. Her shoulders slump, her lips close over her teeth, and she doesn’t seem interested in eye contact any further. She shakes her head, almost anticipating what Lowri is going to say.
Fujiko Mine: No, it’s totally fine that you asked. I’m not going to throw you over some production boxes or anything like that.
Her delivery doesn’t allow the joke to land well, and she just nervously tries to move past it.
Fujiko Mine: I’m just...not sure how I’m gonna move past that, y’know? I felt...I feel really betrayed by both her and Evan, so...it’s just a lot to process emotionally.
Lowri instinctively nods her head, although Fujiko's gaze remains elsewhere.
Lowri Moss: I understand completely, Fujiko. I've suffered my own share of betrayals recently, as you're probably aware, so if anyone around here can empathise with you, I can.
She moves a bit closer to Fujiko, and gently touches her arm, trying to give her some reassurance.
Lowri Moss: I was shocked by what Natalie did to you - although not nearly as shocked as you were, I'm sure. I know how highly she thinks of you, and you're the last person I would've expected her to ambush like that. But... she has spoken to me in the past couple of weeks, since the conversation she had with you, and... she told me why she did it.
Fujiko’s downtrodden demeanor scrunches into anger for a bit longer than she wants it to.
Fujiko Mine: So she’s telling everyone else why she did it, instead of telling me? Shows how ‘highly’ she thinks of me then…
She grumbles, then catches herself a bit too late.
Fujiko Mine: Sorry. You don’t deserve that. I’m just…
Lowri Moss: Don’t worry, it’s okay.
Fujiko sighs.
Fujiko Mine: Why did she.
She doesn’t ask it as a question. Lowri takes a breath, before she replies.
Lowri Moss: Because she has a crush on you, and…
She then stops abruptly. She bites her lip, unsure whether she should say any more, or whether she has already divulged more than she should have. Fujiko’s eyes widen at Lowri’s words, her mind reeling over what she’s just heard. She waves her hands in a cross pattern.
Fujiko Mine: HOLD UP. WHAT?!
She takes a step back, her look incredulous. This catches Xena’s attention, and she turns back to look at the two champions. Fujiko looks over at her, and signs “it’s ok” in her direction. Xena’s blue-green eyes narrow, but she turns around and continues to keep people away. Fujiko lowers her voice a level, but hisses at the end of her statement.
Fujiko Mine: Are you...are you trying to mess with me right now, Lowri? Because for me to take that in- that...that makes no sense!
Lowri Moss: I know, I realise how it sounds, but it...
Again Lowri stops in mid-sentence, as she carefully considers what to say next, not wanting to worsen the situation. She then lets out a sigh.
Lowri Moss: Look, Natalie confided in me about this, and there’s more to it than just that, as you can probably tell. Rather than me going into further detail about it though, I think she really ought to be the one to explain it all to you, if you’re willing to give her the chance to do so.
She pauses to quickly take another breath, before she carries on talking about her compatriot.
Lowri Moss: I've known Natalie for... just under two years, so for less time than you have, and my relationship with her has been up and down. I've teamed with her a few times in another promotion, and we've spent time together away from the ring, but there have also been times when I've seen her backstage at shows and we've gotten into arguments - although we've never come to blows. Not yet, anyway. There have been times when I’ve doubted whether I could trust her, but on this occasion, I do believe she’s genuinely sorry for what she did to you, and I also believe her when she says that she’s going to stay away from your upcoming match with Ricky - I don’t think this is part of some ploy to rob you of your title, or anything like that.
There is a slight shake of the head from Lowri.
Lowri Moss: I’m not going to try to convince you that you should give Natalie the chance to explain everything - I know if Annie suddenly decided she wanted to try to make amends with me, I would be wary of her. But like I said, I do believe that Natalie genuinely wants to try to make things right between the two of you; you just need to decide whether or not you’re willing to give her the opportunity to do so.
A look of disgust crosses the face of the FGA Pride champion. She places her free hand on her hip and paces a little bit.
Fujiko Mine: Lowri, I don’t have an issue with meeting with her again. I honestly don’t see why I need to go hunting her down for this, but fine.
She shakes her head.
Fujiko Mine: It rings out so disingenuous that she’s so sorry for what she’s done, but she’s telling everyone on social media, instead of me. And she’s wanting to bear her soul about her feelings, but I have to hear about it from a 3rd party. Nothing against you, Lowri. I know you’re just trying to be a good friend. But if she was really some type away about this? She’d be here, talking to me about it right now. She knew I’d be here for at least one match… why isn’t she here?
Lowri Moss: I’m not sure. I did think she might be might be here, seeing as she lives in this neck of the woods, but… I don’t know. I guess she thought maybe her being here could be an unwanted distraction for you, and she didn’t want to be in any way responsible for you not winning tonight.
Unable to provide Fujiko with a definitive answer, Lowri gives a shrug of her shoulders.
Lowri Moss: I don’t know, I’m just speculating.
Fujiko appears to want to say a few things, but nothing really comes out of her mouth. She lets a groan escape her lips.
Fujiko Mine: Fine, Lowri. But if she wants to explain herself, she knows I’ll be at Capital Combat. I’ll be hanging around, win or lose. She knows where I’ll be, and she can explain herself to me. I’ll even leave Xena out of it.
A momentary silence follows, and Lowri nods, before casting a glance in the direction of Xena, who has maintained her distance throughout. She then looks back to the Pride Champion, and smiles meekly.
Lowri Moss: Sorry, Fujiko. I didn’t mean to put a damper on your evening.
Fujiko’s tone belies her words.
Fujiko Mine: You didn’t. Hey, listen...I’ve got to uh...get focusing on Ricky Valero. But it was nice getting to talk with you.
She stares away from Lowri for a few moments, but then chooses to train her gaze on her again. This time, her words and tone match more appropriate.
Fujiko Mine: It’s nice to have someone in this business looking out for another’s well being, even if it’s kind of an odd situation like this one, yeah?
She can only offer Lowri a smile.
Fujiko Mine: Take care of yourself, yeah?
Lowri responds in kind, with a warm smile of her own.
Lowri Moss: Thanks, Fujiko. You too. And in case I don’t see you again beforehand, good luck against Ricky.
She gives Lowri a smile, and slowly backs away from the US Tag Team Champion.
Fujiko Mine: Good luck with your defense.
She moves back to Xena’s side, and the two of them move through the crowd until they vanish from Lowri’s sight. After watching them disappear, Lowri reaches back into her pocket, pulls out her phone, and proceeds to call her still-absent partner.
Lowri Moss: Hey, where are you?
There is a period of silence, as Lowri listens to the response that comes from Neal on the other end of the line; whatever it is that he says, it causes Lowri to frown, and there is a hint of irritation in her voice.
Lowri Moss: What do you mean, where am I? I’m exactly where I told you I would be!
She glances to either side, scanning the corridor, despite now knowing full well that Neal is not in the same vicinity as her.
Lowri Moss: No, stay where you are; I’ll come and find you.
Lowri then heads off in search of her boyfriend, with her phone still held against the side of her face, as the couple continue their conversation, while she tries to locate him.
A short while following the conclusion of the final, and the presentation of the trophies, Lowri is sat on a crate somewhere backstage, studying something on her phone. Just inside the shot, a pair walk by, one of them catching Lowri’s attention. The imposing figure of Xena leads the way, and the co-winner of the 2018 Dynamic Duos tournament follows shortly behind. A towel is over her head, obscuring her a bit from the surrounding people, but not enough for the US tag team champion to notice.
Lowri Moss: Hey, Fujiko! Congratulations!
Both Xena and Fujiko slow to a stop, with Fujiko turning her head in Lowri’s direction. Past the towel, a smile can be seen plain as day on her face. Without much else of a thought, Fujiko moves in her direction. Xena keeps her distance, trying to let the two of them have a private conversation.
Fujiko Mine: Lowri, hey! Thank you!
The FGA Pride champion bends slightly at the waist, bowing in thanks.
Fujiko Mine: Didn’t think I’d get to see you here in person.
Lowri hurriedly shoves her phone into one of her pockets, and leaps off the crate.
Lowri Moss: Yeah, I know I could’ve watched the show at home, but I thought I would make the effort to be here in person, to check out the potential challengers for mine and Neal's titles. He's here as well...
She glances around, looking expectantly for her other half.
Lowri Moss: Somewhere.
There is no sign of Neal though, and Lowri shrugs her shoulders, as she turns back to Fujiko, who smirks.
Fujiko Mine: You know, it’s not set in stone that we go after you and Neal…
She gives Lowri a cheeky grin.
Fujiko Mine: Izzy and I might end up going after the Chaotics. It was, as I understood, up to us...
Lowri Moss: Oh, I know, I'm not making any assumptions. Besides, if you and Izzy do decide to challenge The Chaotics - or whoever are the tag champs on Flashpoint after Saturday - and if you were to win and bring those belts back to Vertigo, I guess then maybe we could have a title unification match... perhaps.
Lowri stretches her arms out a bit to her sides, with her palms up.
Lowri Moss: I don't know, just a thought.
She winks at Fujiko.
Fujiko Mine: I think you’re going to have to stop reading my mind, Lowri.
The two share a laugh.
Lowri Moss: Can I ask you about something from the press conference earlier?
Fujiko gives Lowri a bit of a puzzled look, but nods anyway.
Lowri Moss: What does baseball have to do with winning a grand slam?
Her eyes light up, the question not being what she expected. A bit of rose tints her cheek.
Fujiko Mine: The ‘grand slam’ term is borrowed from baseball. When you hit a home run and the bases are loaded, it’s called a grand slam. Christian Yelich hit one a few weeks ago and…
The rosy tint grows a bit brighter. She realizes that she’s rambling a bit.
Fujiko Mine: So...yeah.
Lowri Moss: Ohhh… okay.
There is a nod from Lowri, giving the impression that she understood Fujiko’s explanation, although in truth she is not quite sure what ‘when the bases are loaded’ means. She chooses not to ask for clarification on that one though.
Lowri Moss: When I think of ‘grand slam,’ aside from wrestling, I think of Wales beating all of England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland to win the Six Nations; that’s a rugby tournament.
Lowri takes a breath, and not wanting to risk confusing Fujiko unnecessarily, she opts to move on.
Lowri Moss: On the subject of grand slams, you and Izzy aren’t the only ones who are halfway towards one in FGA, you know? And you know what would be the next step for me towards completing a grand slam, right?
There is a half-smirk from Lowri, and Fujiko adjusts the Pride championship, knowingly.
Fujiko Mine: You know I’ve got a defense against Ricky Valero at Capital Combat, but I’m pretty confident that I’ll be leaving there still the Pride champion. If you want a shot, I’m not hard to find. I’ll be happy to give you a shot.
She gives Lowri a confident smile; Lowri smiles wryly in response.
Lowri Moss: Nah, I’m good for now. I mean, one day, definitely, but I’ve already done the double champion thing, so for the time being, I just want to concentrate on the US tag titles.
Fujiko Mine: Hah, fair enough. But just know, I’ll be ready either if you come after this title, or we come after yours.
She gives her a disarming smile, trying to convey that it’s only friendly competition she’s promoting. Lowri takes the statement in the manner that is intended, smiling good-naturedly at Fujiko.
Lowri Moss: Since you’re here, there’s something else I would like to ask you as well... although it might be none of my business.
There is a brief pause, as Lowri looks somewhat nervous, her smile fading slightly.
Lowri Moss: It’s no secret that Natalie tried to apologise to you at the show a couple of weeks ago, but I was wondering, have you spoken to her again since then - has she actually explained to you why she… well, you know.
Fujiko’s demeanor falls off a cliff. While before she looked tired but happy, she now just looks...exhausted.
Fujiko Mine: No. She hasn’t...no. We haven’t spoken since then.
If there was something that could have ruined Fujiko’s mood after her victory, that was the blow to do it. Her shoulders slump, her lips close over her teeth, and she doesn’t seem interested in eye contact any further. She shakes her head, almost anticipating what Lowri is going to say.
Fujiko Mine: No, it’s totally fine that you asked. I’m not going to throw you over some production boxes or anything like that.
Her delivery doesn’t allow the joke to land well, and she just nervously tries to move past it.
Fujiko Mine: I’m just...not sure how I’m gonna move past that, y’know? I felt...I feel really betrayed by both her and Evan, so...it’s just a lot to process emotionally.
Lowri instinctively nods her head, although Fujiko's gaze remains elsewhere.
Lowri Moss: I understand completely, Fujiko. I've suffered my own share of betrayals recently, as you're probably aware, so if anyone around here can empathise with you, I can.
She moves a bit closer to Fujiko, and gently touches her arm, trying to give her some reassurance.
Lowri Moss: I was shocked by what Natalie did to you - although not nearly as shocked as you were, I'm sure. I know how highly she thinks of you, and you're the last person I would've expected her to ambush like that. But... she has spoken to me in the past couple of weeks, since the conversation she had with you, and... she told me why she did it.
Fujiko’s downtrodden demeanor scrunches into anger for a bit longer than she wants it to.
Fujiko Mine: So she’s telling everyone else why she did it, instead of telling me? Shows how ‘highly’ she thinks of me then…
She grumbles, then catches herself a bit too late.
Fujiko Mine: Sorry. You don’t deserve that. I’m just…
Lowri Moss: Don’t worry, it’s okay.
Fujiko sighs.
Fujiko Mine: Why did she.
She doesn’t ask it as a question. Lowri takes a breath, before she replies.
Lowri Moss: Because she has a crush on you, and…
She then stops abruptly. She bites her lip, unsure whether she should say any more, or whether she has already divulged more than she should have. Fujiko’s eyes widen at Lowri’s words, her mind reeling over what she’s just heard. She waves her hands in a cross pattern.
Fujiko Mine: HOLD UP. WHAT?!
She takes a step back, her look incredulous. This catches Xena’s attention, and she turns back to look at the two champions. Fujiko looks over at her, and signs “it’s ok” in her direction. Xena’s blue-green eyes narrow, but she turns around and continues to keep people away. Fujiko lowers her voice a level, but hisses at the end of her statement.
Fujiko Mine: Are you...are you trying to mess with me right now, Lowri? Because for me to take that in- that...that makes no sense!
Lowri Moss: I know, I realise how it sounds, but it...
Again Lowri stops in mid-sentence, as she carefully considers what to say next, not wanting to worsen the situation. She then lets out a sigh.
Lowri Moss: Look, Natalie confided in me about this, and there’s more to it than just that, as you can probably tell. Rather than me going into further detail about it though, I think she really ought to be the one to explain it all to you, if you’re willing to give her the chance to do so.
She pauses to quickly take another breath, before she carries on talking about her compatriot.
Lowri Moss: I've known Natalie for... just under two years, so for less time than you have, and my relationship with her has been up and down. I've teamed with her a few times in another promotion, and we've spent time together away from the ring, but there have also been times when I've seen her backstage at shows and we've gotten into arguments - although we've never come to blows. Not yet, anyway. There have been times when I’ve doubted whether I could trust her, but on this occasion, I do believe she’s genuinely sorry for what she did to you, and I also believe her when she says that she’s going to stay away from your upcoming match with Ricky - I don’t think this is part of some ploy to rob you of your title, or anything like that.
There is a slight shake of the head from Lowri.
Lowri Moss: I’m not going to try to convince you that you should give Natalie the chance to explain everything - I know if Annie suddenly decided she wanted to try to make amends with me, I would be wary of her. But like I said, I do believe that Natalie genuinely wants to try to make things right between the two of you; you just need to decide whether or not you’re willing to give her the opportunity to do so.
A look of disgust crosses the face of the FGA Pride champion. She places her free hand on her hip and paces a little bit.
Fujiko Mine: Lowri, I don’t have an issue with meeting with her again. I honestly don’t see why I need to go hunting her down for this, but fine.
She shakes her head.
Fujiko Mine: It rings out so disingenuous that she’s so sorry for what she’s done, but she’s telling everyone on social media, instead of me. And she’s wanting to bear her soul about her feelings, but I have to hear about it from a 3rd party. Nothing against you, Lowri. I know you’re just trying to be a good friend. But if she was really some type away about this? She’d be here, talking to me about it right now. She knew I’d be here for at least one match… why isn’t she here?
Lowri Moss: I’m not sure. I did think she might be might be here, seeing as she lives in this neck of the woods, but… I don’t know. I guess she thought maybe her being here could be an unwanted distraction for you, and she didn’t want to be in any way responsible for you not winning tonight.
Unable to provide Fujiko with a definitive answer, Lowri gives a shrug of her shoulders.
Lowri Moss: I don’t know, I’m just speculating.
Fujiko appears to want to say a few things, but nothing really comes out of her mouth. She lets a groan escape her lips.
Fujiko Mine: Fine, Lowri. But if she wants to explain herself, she knows I’ll be at Capital Combat. I’ll be hanging around, win or lose. She knows where I’ll be, and she can explain herself to me. I’ll even leave Xena out of it.
A momentary silence follows, and Lowri nods, before casting a glance in the direction of Xena, who has maintained her distance throughout. She then looks back to the Pride Champion, and smiles meekly.
Lowri Moss: Sorry, Fujiko. I didn’t mean to put a damper on your evening.
Fujiko’s tone belies her words.
Fujiko Mine: You didn’t. Hey, listen...I’ve got to uh...get focusing on Ricky Valero. But it was nice getting to talk with you.
She stares away from Lowri for a few moments, but then chooses to train her gaze on her again. This time, her words and tone match more appropriate.
Fujiko Mine: It’s nice to have someone in this business looking out for another’s well being, even if it’s kind of an odd situation like this one, yeah?
She can only offer Lowri a smile.
Fujiko Mine: Take care of yourself, yeah?
Lowri responds in kind, with a warm smile of her own.
Lowri Moss: Thanks, Fujiko. You too. And in case I don’t see you again beforehand, good luck against Ricky.
She gives Lowri a smile, and slowly backs away from the US Tag Team Champion.
Fujiko Mine: Good luck with your defense.
She moves back to Xena’s side, and the two of them move through the crowd until they vanish from Lowri’s sight. After watching them disappear, Lowri reaches back into her pocket, pulls out her phone, and proceeds to call her still-absent partner.
Lowri Moss: Hey, where are you?
There is a period of silence, as Lowri listens to the response that comes from Neal on the other end of the line; whatever it is that he says, it causes Lowri to frown, and there is a hint of irritation in her voice.
Lowri Moss: What do you mean, where am I? I’m exactly where I told you I would be!
She glances to either side, scanning the corridor, despite now knowing full well that Neal is not in the same vicinity as her.
Lowri Moss: No, stay where you are; I’ll come and find you.
Lowri then heads off in search of her boyfriend, with her phone still held against the side of her face, as the couple continue their conversation, while she tries to locate him.