Live With That
Jan 20, 2016 21:50:53 GMT -5
Post by Noelle Smith on Jan 20, 2016 21:50:53 GMT -5
Noelle had been surprised yet pleased to hear from Sean Sands - she’d never gotten to speak to him much while he was a part of FGA, but she’d always liked how he handled himself. He was respectful to those that earned it, he never took a loss to heart or crowed over a win like a jerk. He had his head on straight, and she felt it was a loss to the company when he’d taken his leave. They really needed more guys like him, at least in her eyes. Of course there were people that liked to call her judgement into question - she was friendly with people like Kerry Windsor and Chandler Scott, for example but the thing was? Both of them had always been good to her, Kerry for example had supported her from day one when she’d started with PDW. Chandler had been more than kind to her as well, and she’d seen what he’d said to Ruby, thinking she was her. It mattered - because people had really thought it was Noelle losing it, being rude.
So now she was at a little coffee shop, sitting with a latte in a to-go cup so it would stay hot while she waited to meet up with Sean. Thinking about it, she was glad he’d asked, because he was one of the few she knew that had dealt with Tony Carmine in the ring and after what had happened she honestly couldn’t say she’d ever really known Tony. Not the way she thought - he’d been sweet to her mostly, and while him and Ruby had tossed words a few times he’d still seemed supportive. But after she’d come back, and taken her life back really… he’d gotten cold. She didn’t know if it was because he’d felt tricked or betrayed by Ruby or it was just how he’d always truly felt and that was upsetting because she’d liked Tony.
That all stopped though, when he’d pretended to apologize to her, and then attacked her when she left the ring. He’d done things worse she supposed, but she’d wanted to trust him and paid the price. She should have listened to Cordy, that was certain. But now, she was going to listen to Sean - whatever he had to say, she was sure would be important. She kept watching the door, hoping the next person would be him.
The door eventually swung open and instead of the retired wrestler making his way through the door, it was a trio of elderly women. Noelle sighed as the elderly women slowly made their way into the shop...but a small smile began to form as Sean Sands followed them into the shop before the door closed behind him. He scanned the room for a few seconds before he finally saw Noelle and smiled back at her. Slowly, Sands walked over to the table.
“Hey, Noelle.”
She lit up with a smile. “Hey Sean. I didn’t order you anything, I didn’t know what you liked and I’m not sticking you with a girly drink.” Her smile turned impish. “Even if they’re super yummy. Thank you, for taking time to come see me. It’s been kind of wild back in Frontier but I guess you saw what happened?”
Sean nodded.
“Yeah, I’ve been watching every show since I’ve retired. Usually live too. Sorry to see that one of the people you trusted turned on you like that.”
Sands takes a seat on the other side of the small table.
“If it makes you feel any better, it’s happened to quite a few people, myself included.”
Noelle nodded, though her look was a little sad. “I know. It doesn’t really make you feel better to know people betray other people just for a little advantage? But I should have known better too. So ...there’s that. Thing is I know you get it. I want to believe in people, and I know that’s going to give me trouble sometimes but the alternative I don’t want to think about.” She paused, messing with her latte cup, fingernails tapping the thin plastic of the lid.
“It’s like… Fujiko. People think I hate her, because of how hot our words were in the past and Ruby sure didn’t help. I don’t though, you know? She just wants to be the best she can in the ring, and I can respect that. I should be able to do that, but people want to see the worst.” She paused again, looking up with those big eyes at him. “Do you think, honestly...that I can beat Tony? That I can be the one that takes his Pride Championship away?”
Sean smiled before he nodded once again. “I think you can. Remember what I said before about you being a future FGA World champion? I would not have said that if I didn’t truly believe it. I may not be the nicest guy, but I never lie. So, if I think you can win the top prize in FGA, I certainly think you can beat that prick’s ass and take his title from him.”
Noelle laughed, she couldn’t help it. “Well I think you’re plenty nice. That helps, more than you know - that you think I can do this. I want to be the person that does ‘the impossible’ and takes that belt. I just have to take it one step at a time. But you know, I wish more people were like you. Don’t lie, just tell it how you see it.”
Sands chuckles. “Most people don’t want to be like me because they think I’m weak for being so honest all the time. They think I’m weak for actually not being a complete and utter asswipe to everyone I come in contact with. Tony is the perfect example of someone who is willing to lie through their teeth just to get ahead.” He motions over to one of the coffee shop workers before he turns back to Noelle. “Which always made me find it weird that you would be friends with someone like Tony considering he is the way he is and you are the way you are.”
“I know. I think Cordy felt the same way? I think… I really wanted to believe he was nice to me because he liked me. That someone that can be as ruthless and nasty as him, saw something in me that made him treat me different. I can’t lie, it made me feel sort of special. But now I just see he was doing that so if the time came? I’d be a victim like he treats everyone else. So, pretty dumb huh?”
“Don’t think I can blame you too much for that. I don’t think, and I say this not knowing your history too well, but I don’t think that you’ve ever dealt with a situation like this. I think that you’ve never dealt with someone like Tony treating you as nice as he did only to turn on you. And that, that doesn’t make you dumb. That just makes you inexperienced in these situations. But now that this happened, a smart woman like you will surely be a lot more ready for it should you see something like this coming again, ya know?”
“You’re right… he was the first to ever do something like that. My sisters, that was different. If I’d been in my right mind I wouldn’t have fallen for it because I know how they are. But I just trusted the wrong person with Tony. I have to live with that, and try not to ever do it again.” She shrugged a little. “So hopefully there won’t be a next time. Tony should have waited though. I’ve got… a problem, talking tough to people that I like. You know, following through in the ring too because I respect someone or care about them. I’m working on it though… and now that’s not even in the picture.”
Sean leaned forward on the table and smiled. “I can try and help you with that. I mean, unless I’m not someone that you respect or like, then you can easily practice talking tough to me and even punch me in my stupid face.” Sands then let out a chuckle. “Just don’t make fun of the hair.”
“Sean! You know I do, and you don’t have a stupid face. Where do you even get that?” She laughed, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t mind sparring with you in the ring though, to be honest. You’ve got this sort of focus, that I’m kind of jealous of. If that makes sense I hope? I only know a couple of other people who are like that… Dexter, Lex… they just narrow right in and take charge of the moment.”
“It takes time to get that focus. I did wrestle in college and collegiate wrestling is all about patience and focus. That’s why there are some former collegiate wrestlers in this business that are really good at what they do. And I’ve been told I have a very punchable face. Plus, Whiskey probably held like a funeral for my hair after I cut it too.” The former FGA champion chuckles. “But the offer is on the table, just remember that.”
“I will. And I’ll take you up on it too. I’m not stupid, I’m really not - the chance to learn from you means something to me.” She paused and laughed again. “Pretty sure Whiskey did. She likes you too, you know? She just has the strangest way of showing it!”
“That whole family might be stranger than mine.”
The coffee shop worker finally made her way over to Sean, who pointed to one of the coffees on the menu, getting a nod from her before she left, leaving Sean and Noelle alone again.
“If it helps, I have been in the ring with Tony before too...”
Noelle perked up at this, and nodded. “Yes I think it would. It’s not the same as doing it yourself, but sometimes? The extra set of eyes. I know he’s a beast in the ring. That’s no doubt. But to get your thoughts on what it was like? It would really help. I’d love to hear what you think.”
“He’s talented, I will always give him that. Probably more talented than most of people on the FGA roster, but there is always one flaw you see with him when he wrestles. Some expose it well and others haven’t. His ego. The one time he and I fought in singles competition, he had me, I won’t lie about it. He could have beaten me, but his ego got the better of him. He let himself get blinded by that and when it was time to capitalize, I did. Now, I’m not saying get destroyed by him, but...perhaps letting that ego grow throughout the match could come in very handy right at the end, if that makes any sense.”
Noelle blinked, but then started to smile. “It does. It really does. Make him think he’s in control, keep my head down, and then when he thinks it’s over? Show him he’s wrong. That’s… that’s really smart, Sean. Thank you.” She took a sip of her latte, and shook her head. “I think in his head? That this is already a done deal. Since I haven’t done anything to get even with him, he probably thinks that I’m too afraid to do it. But you know, it’s not that. Though part of me really wants to see what it feels like to crack him in the head with a kendo stick. I guess that’s wrong, but … it would be really, really satisfying.”
Sean cracked a smile. “A lot of people would like to crack that tool over the head with a kendo stick. But I think the way you go about getting even isn’t physically with him. It’s more mentally. And by letting that ego grow, just taking that title from him would be the best type of revenge you could get.”
“You’re right. You’re so right. But if he tries anything again, he’s going to find out a thing or two. I’m not letting him step on me outside a ring twice. I’ll… just have to be smart about it, if it happens.” She took a breath and exhaled slowly. “I wish that match was the next one. I’ve got to get my head right, or Fujiko might get me this time. It’s just kind of … usually I don’t have this problem. Maybe I want to get even with Tony more than I thought.”
“And that’s fine, Noelle.” Sean leaned in and put his left hand on top of Noelle’s right, giving it a small squeeze. “It’s perfectly fine to feel that way. That’s how you should feel. But I know that you are smart enough that when it comes time to focus on Fujiko, you will focus just on her. Right now, those feelings won’t go away until you beat Tony’s ass and take his title from him. Oh, and if you make him cry, I’ll buy you like a house or something, simply because that would bring a lot of joy in my life.”
Noelle smiled at the small gesture, it was clearly comforting for her. Then she laughed, she couldn’t help herself. “Now you don’t have to buy me a house! But if I win, I’m so dedicating the match to you.”
The waitress arrived with Sean’s coffee, setting it down in front of him. He thanked her before she left again. He then grabbed and raised his cup with a smile. “When, not if.” He winked before tapping his cup against hers.
[Online Blog: Noelleicious.com]
The More Things Change
Hello FGA Fans, Friends!
It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? Not for you all, but for Fujiko and I.
People have asked me if my opinion of you has ...changed at all. To be honest? No.
You want to be an icon. You want to be a role model. You want to be a better wrestler, a champion.
Those are all admirable things, Fujiko. Every single one of them.
You’re not any of those, though. Not a one.
But then again? Neither am I. But unlike you? I have no delusions about who and what I am. I’m a nice person because I made a conscious choice to be that. To look for the good in people, to by example show people who and what I am through my actions, because let’s face it - words are hollow.
You think you’re going to intimidate me with the threat of some new submission hold that you might get a chance to slap on me, maybe if I don’t take away your ability to do so?
See how that works? It’s just words. We all know I’m not the type to make threats to hurt another wrestler. That’s just not me. Yes, things happen during a match, but I never go into it with that as a goal.
People expect me to tell you the things I have in the past, or to reiterate what Ruby said to you and others. But again, that’s not me. I don’t need to tell you things like that, things designed to get under your skin and put down roots so that you doubt yourself and there’s that constant itch in the back of your brain that will drive you to try and shut me up, make an example of me, as if that’s going to erase the weight of the things your own actions have caused. And you must understand, my view of you is based on what you have done to me and that’s something else you need to decide if you are strong enough to bear the weight of. You have always sworn you will do whatever it takes to win. That you will cheat, that you will take shortcuts, that you will not hesitate to be that person when the bell rings.
So why is it you cry about it when people call you on it? OWN WHAT YOU DO. Own it. BE IT if that’s what you are going to be. But you have that delusion, Fujiko. That you can do whatever you want, say whatever you want, and still the fans will cheer you because you’re Fujiko Mine and you’re an inspiration!
I know who I am, from the top of my head to the tips of my perfectly manicured toes. I own my mistakes, and if I apologize? It’s genuine. I don’t take it back. And if I don’t? Best know that I meant that too.
I should know, right?
I have something big looming ahead of me, no matter how this match goes. I have Tony Carmine, a man you couldn’t tear down and stomp beneath your pretty boots no matter how bad you wanted to. When I look at Tony? I see someone to whom I feel I have something to prove.
Win or lose? I don’t see that with you. But you can bet your last dollar “Lady Luck” that I’m not for a second looking past you to that title match against Tony. Not for one tiny instant am I looking past you, underestimating you, or dismissing you out of hand the way you wish you could me.
Through you though? Yes. I am looking through you, because you are as always totally transparent.
Live with that.
#MuchLove
Noelle
Word Count: 2936
So now she was at a little coffee shop, sitting with a latte in a to-go cup so it would stay hot while she waited to meet up with Sean. Thinking about it, she was glad he’d asked, because he was one of the few she knew that had dealt with Tony Carmine in the ring and after what had happened she honestly couldn’t say she’d ever really known Tony. Not the way she thought - he’d been sweet to her mostly, and while him and Ruby had tossed words a few times he’d still seemed supportive. But after she’d come back, and taken her life back really… he’d gotten cold. She didn’t know if it was because he’d felt tricked or betrayed by Ruby or it was just how he’d always truly felt and that was upsetting because she’d liked Tony.
That all stopped though, when he’d pretended to apologize to her, and then attacked her when she left the ring. He’d done things worse she supposed, but she’d wanted to trust him and paid the price. She should have listened to Cordy, that was certain. But now, she was going to listen to Sean - whatever he had to say, she was sure would be important. She kept watching the door, hoping the next person would be him.
The door eventually swung open and instead of the retired wrestler making his way through the door, it was a trio of elderly women. Noelle sighed as the elderly women slowly made their way into the shop...but a small smile began to form as Sean Sands followed them into the shop before the door closed behind him. He scanned the room for a few seconds before he finally saw Noelle and smiled back at her. Slowly, Sands walked over to the table.
“Hey, Noelle.”
She lit up with a smile. “Hey Sean. I didn’t order you anything, I didn’t know what you liked and I’m not sticking you with a girly drink.” Her smile turned impish. “Even if they’re super yummy. Thank you, for taking time to come see me. It’s been kind of wild back in Frontier but I guess you saw what happened?”
Sean nodded.
“Yeah, I’ve been watching every show since I’ve retired. Usually live too. Sorry to see that one of the people you trusted turned on you like that.”
Sands takes a seat on the other side of the small table.
“If it makes you feel any better, it’s happened to quite a few people, myself included.”
Noelle nodded, though her look was a little sad. “I know. It doesn’t really make you feel better to know people betray other people just for a little advantage? But I should have known better too. So ...there’s that. Thing is I know you get it. I want to believe in people, and I know that’s going to give me trouble sometimes but the alternative I don’t want to think about.” She paused, messing with her latte cup, fingernails tapping the thin plastic of the lid.
“It’s like… Fujiko. People think I hate her, because of how hot our words were in the past and Ruby sure didn’t help. I don’t though, you know? She just wants to be the best she can in the ring, and I can respect that. I should be able to do that, but people want to see the worst.” She paused again, looking up with those big eyes at him. “Do you think, honestly...that I can beat Tony? That I can be the one that takes his Pride Championship away?”
Sean smiled before he nodded once again. “I think you can. Remember what I said before about you being a future FGA World champion? I would not have said that if I didn’t truly believe it. I may not be the nicest guy, but I never lie. So, if I think you can win the top prize in FGA, I certainly think you can beat that prick’s ass and take his title from him.”
Noelle laughed, she couldn’t help it. “Well I think you’re plenty nice. That helps, more than you know - that you think I can do this. I want to be the person that does ‘the impossible’ and takes that belt. I just have to take it one step at a time. But you know, I wish more people were like you. Don’t lie, just tell it how you see it.”
Sands chuckles. “Most people don’t want to be like me because they think I’m weak for being so honest all the time. They think I’m weak for actually not being a complete and utter asswipe to everyone I come in contact with. Tony is the perfect example of someone who is willing to lie through their teeth just to get ahead.” He motions over to one of the coffee shop workers before he turns back to Noelle. “Which always made me find it weird that you would be friends with someone like Tony considering he is the way he is and you are the way you are.”
“I know. I think Cordy felt the same way? I think… I really wanted to believe he was nice to me because he liked me. That someone that can be as ruthless and nasty as him, saw something in me that made him treat me different. I can’t lie, it made me feel sort of special. But now I just see he was doing that so if the time came? I’d be a victim like he treats everyone else. So, pretty dumb huh?”
“Don’t think I can blame you too much for that. I don’t think, and I say this not knowing your history too well, but I don’t think that you’ve ever dealt with a situation like this. I think that you’ve never dealt with someone like Tony treating you as nice as he did only to turn on you. And that, that doesn’t make you dumb. That just makes you inexperienced in these situations. But now that this happened, a smart woman like you will surely be a lot more ready for it should you see something like this coming again, ya know?”
“You’re right… he was the first to ever do something like that. My sisters, that was different. If I’d been in my right mind I wouldn’t have fallen for it because I know how they are. But I just trusted the wrong person with Tony. I have to live with that, and try not to ever do it again.” She shrugged a little. “So hopefully there won’t be a next time. Tony should have waited though. I’ve got… a problem, talking tough to people that I like. You know, following through in the ring too because I respect someone or care about them. I’m working on it though… and now that’s not even in the picture.”
Sean leaned forward on the table and smiled. “I can try and help you with that. I mean, unless I’m not someone that you respect or like, then you can easily practice talking tough to me and even punch me in my stupid face.” Sands then let out a chuckle. “Just don’t make fun of the hair.”
“Sean! You know I do, and you don’t have a stupid face. Where do you even get that?” She laughed, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t mind sparring with you in the ring though, to be honest. You’ve got this sort of focus, that I’m kind of jealous of. If that makes sense I hope? I only know a couple of other people who are like that… Dexter, Lex… they just narrow right in and take charge of the moment.”
“It takes time to get that focus. I did wrestle in college and collegiate wrestling is all about patience and focus. That’s why there are some former collegiate wrestlers in this business that are really good at what they do. And I’ve been told I have a very punchable face. Plus, Whiskey probably held like a funeral for my hair after I cut it too.” The former FGA champion chuckles. “But the offer is on the table, just remember that.”
“I will. And I’ll take you up on it too. I’m not stupid, I’m really not - the chance to learn from you means something to me.” She paused and laughed again. “Pretty sure Whiskey did. She likes you too, you know? She just has the strangest way of showing it!”
“That whole family might be stranger than mine.”
The coffee shop worker finally made her way over to Sean, who pointed to one of the coffees on the menu, getting a nod from her before she left, leaving Sean and Noelle alone again.
“If it helps, I have been in the ring with Tony before too...”
Noelle perked up at this, and nodded. “Yes I think it would. It’s not the same as doing it yourself, but sometimes? The extra set of eyes. I know he’s a beast in the ring. That’s no doubt. But to get your thoughts on what it was like? It would really help. I’d love to hear what you think.”
“He’s talented, I will always give him that. Probably more talented than most of people on the FGA roster, but there is always one flaw you see with him when he wrestles. Some expose it well and others haven’t. His ego. The one time he and I fought in singles competition, he had me, I won’t lie about it. He could have beaten me, but his ego got the better of him. He let himself get blinded by that and when it was time to capitalize, I did. Now, I’m not saying get destroyed by him, but...perhaps letting that ego grow throughout the match could come in very handy right at the end, if that makes any sense.”
Noelle blinked, but then started to smile. “It does. It really does. Make him think he’s in control, keep my head down, and then when he thinks it’s over? Show him he’s wrong. That’s… that’s really smart, Sean. Thank you.” She took a sip of her latte, and shook her head. “I think in his head? That this is already a done deal. Since I haven’t done anything to get even with him, he probably thinks that I’m too afraid to do it. But you know, it’s not that. Though part of me really wants to see what it feels like to crack him in the head with a kendo stick. I guess that’s wrong, but … it would be really, really satisfying.”
Sean cracked a smile. “A lot of people would like to crack that tool over the head with a kendo stick. But I think the way you go about getting even isn’t physically with him. It’s more mentally. And by letting that ego grow, just taking that title from him would be the best type of revenge you could get.”
“You’re right. You’re so right. But if he tries anything again, he’s going to find out a thing or two. I’m not letting him step on me outside a ring twice. I’ll… just have to be smart about it, if it happens.” She took a breath and exhaled slowly. “I wish that match was the next one. I’ve got to get my head right, or Fujiko might get me this time. It’s just kind of … usually I don’t have this problem. Maybe I want to get even with Tony more than I thought.”
“And that’s fine, Noelle.” Sean leaned in and put his left hand on top of Noelle’s right, giving it a small squeeze. “It’s perfectly fine to feel that way. That’s how you should feel. But I know that you are smart enough that when it comes time to focus on Fujiko, you will focus just on her. Right now, those feelings won’t go away until you beat Tony’s ass and take his title from him. Oh, and if you make him cry, I’ll buy you like a house or something, simply because that would bring a lot of joy in my life.”
Noelle smiled at the small gesture, it was clearly comforting for her. Then she laughed, she couldn’t help herself. “Now you don’t have to buy me a house! But if I win, I’m so dedicating the match to you.”
The waitress arrived with Sean’s coffee, setting it down in front of him. He thanked her before she left again. He then grabbed and raised his cup with a smile. “When, not if.” He winked before tapping his cup against hers.
[Online Blog: Noelleicious.com]
The More Things Change
Hello FGA Fans, Friends!
It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? Not for you all, but for Fujiko and I.
People have asked me if my opinion of you has ...changed at all. To be honest? No.
You want to be an icon. You want to be a role model. You want to be a better wrestler, a champion.
Those are all admirable things, Fujiko. Every single one of them.
You’re not any of those, though. Not a one.
But then again? Neither am I. But unlike you? I have no delusions about who and what I am. I’m a nice person because I made a conscious choice to be that. To look for the good in people, to by example show people who and what I am through my actions, because let’s face it - words are hollow.
You think you’re going to intimidate me with the threat of some new submission hold that you might get a chance to slap on me, maybe if I don’t take away your ability to do so?
See how that works? It’s just words. We all know I’m not the type to make threats to hurt another wrestler. That’s just not me. Yes, things happen during a match, but I never go into it with that as a goal.
People expect me to tell you the things I have in the past, or to reiterate what Ruby said to you and others. But again, that’s not me. I don’t need to tell you things like that, things designed to get under your skin and put down roots so that you doubt yourself and there’s that constant itch in the back of your brain that will drive you to try and shut me up, make an example of me, as if that’s going to erase the weight of the things your own actions have caused. And you must understand, my view of you is based on what you have done to me and that’s something else you need to decide if you are strong enough to bear the weight of. You have always sworn you will do whatever it takes to win. That you will cheat, that you will take shortcuts, that you will not hesitate to be that person when the bell rings.
So why is it you cry about it when people call you on it? OWN WHAT YOU DO. Own it. BE IT if that’s what you are going to be. But you have that delusion, Fujiko. That you can do whatever you want, say whatever you want, and still the fans will cheer you because you’re Fujiko Mine and you’re an inspiration!
I know who I am, from the top of my head to the tips of my perfectly manicured toes. I own my mistakes, and if I apologize? It’s genuine. I don’t take it back. And if I don’t? Best know that I meant that too.
I should know, right?
I have something big looming ahead of me, no matter how this match goes. I have Tony Carmine, a man you couldn’t tear down and stomp beneath your pretty boots no matter how bad you wanted to. When I look at Tony? I see someone to whom I feel I have something to prove.
Win or lose? I don’t see that with you. But you can bet your last dollar “Lady Luck” that I’m not for a second looking past you to that title match against Tony. Not for one tiny instant am I looking past you, underestimating you, or dismissing you out of hand the way you wish you could me.
Through you though? Yes. I am looking through you, because you are as always totally transparent.
Live with that.
#MuchLove
Noelle
Word Count: 2936