Clash of Loyalties

[Weonna]

Christina couldn't shake off her suspicion, despite the casual atmosphere. As they sat in the bathtub, she eyed Marine cautiously, wondering about the urgency of her phone call and her sudden appearance. However, she maintained a polite demeanor as she engaged in conversation.

"So, Marine, it's interesting to finally have a chance to chat,"

Christina remarked, sipping on her smoothie.

"You seem to have quite the setup here. What exactly do you do for a living that's brought you such success?"

[ScylliasExoter]

Marine pondered Christina’s question. What HAS she done to bring her such success?
”My family are deeply involved in France’s fashion industry. I’m an executive in our company. I run a line of elegant activewear. From yoga to full on sports, giving the athletes a chic yet functional aesthetic.”
Truth be told, it felt like she was giving a memorized elevator pitch. She took a swig of wine.
“My turn. What is it like getting in the ring and wrestling someone? Not the bumps. I mean what does it feel like?”

[Weonna]

Christina listened intently to Marine's response, noting the polished delivery of her explanation. It seemed plausible, but Christina's suspicions lingered beneath the surface. However, she pushed those thoughts aside for the moment, deciding to focus on the conversation at hand.

"Well, Marine, running a fashion line sounds incredibly rewarding,"

Christina replied, taking a moment to appreciate the elegance of Marine's activewear concept.

"As for wrestling, it's... indescribable, really. There's this adrenaline rush that courses through you as you step into the ring, knowing you're about to engage in this physical and mental challenge."


She closed her eyes briefly, trying to capture the essence of the experience.

"And when you lock eyes with your opponent, there's this intense focus, this electric energy that fills the air. Every move, every grapple, it's like a dance, a symphony of strength and strategy."

Christina's voice softened with nostalgia as she continued,

"But beyond the physicality, there's a sense of camaraderie, a mutual respect between competitors. It's a unique bond forged in the heat of battle, one that's hard to replicate in any other setting."

[ScylliasExoter]

”For the most part there’s camaraderie and mutual respect… then there’s the people you’re mad at and want to beat up. The crowd loves that. I’d say it’s half athletic contest, half brawl, depending on who you’re fighting. The combo is what makes it so compelling. Beating my nemesis is a high like no other. Getting beaten by her is devastating. It’s an exhilarating emotional roller coaster with lots of pain throughout.”

Marine listened to Christina and Helen with rapt attention. She was utterly enthralled with the imagery and drank in every word. “And that is how you became… friends?”

”We were bitter rivals at first but as we fought we grew a grudging respect for each other. Then we found out we actually had a lot in common. What became me making sure she was healthy to fight me at her best turned into hanging out. And now we’re roommates. Hell you saw how Alanna and Emma became a thing.”

Helen and Christina recounted the missing pieces of Alanna and Emma’s enemies to lovers story. Marine followed along with great interest and finally understood how they fell for each other.

[Weonna]

Christina turned to Marine with a curious expression.

"Hey, Marine, given your interest in our wrestling stories, I'm curious, would wrestling be something that interests you? It's definitely not for everyone, but from what I've gathered, you seem to appreciate the athleticism and intensity of it all."

[ScylliasExoter]

Marine’s eyes went wide.
”I… don’t know if I could balance my company and doing that. I don’t know if it’s right fit for me…”
A lie. And she knew it.
”I am… curious about it. This sport that took my sister from the family business and led to her falling in love with someone I never would have expected.”
Closer to the truth. But a lie by omission. Pro wrestling excited her more than anything.
Marine took a long drink of wine.
I wouldn’t know where to even start.”
Finally the truth.

[Weonna]

Christina listened attentively to Marine's response, sensing there was more beneath the surface. She nodded in understanding as Marine expressed uncertainty about balancing wrestling with her business responsibilities.

"It's understandable,"

Christina replied thoughtfully.

"Wrestling is a demanding sport, both physically and mentally. The ring is like a sacred space, and it takes a full-time commitment to truly appreciate its nuances and complexities."

She paused, her gaze meeting Marine's.

"But if you ever decide to explore it further, I'm sure there are ways to dip your toes in and see if it resonates with you. And who knows, you might discover a passion you never knew you had."

[ScylliasExoter]

Marine stared into Christina’s eyes as she spoke. If Marine was trying to hide her interest in wrestling, her poker face was awful. After finishing her wine, she sank herself into the tub and blew on the bubbles. Upon rising up again, she asked, ”Where do you train?”

[Weonna]

Christina noticed the glint of curiosity in Marine's eyes and couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement at the possibility of her joining the wrestling world. Pushing aside her suspicions for the moment, she decided to be honest and supportive.

"I train at a gym called Iron Titans,"

Christina replied, her tone warm and encouraging.

"We've got a great team of coaches there. There's Hiro, the gym owner, who's a master of striking. Then there's Alexios, an Olympic gold medalist with incredible technical skills. And we also have a new addition, Rekka, a talented luchador from Mexico known for his high-flying abilities."

She smiled at Marine, sensing her genuine interest.

"If you're ever interested in checking it out, I'd be more than happy to show you around and introduce you to the coaches."

[ScylliasExoter]

Marine smiled, her poker face having recovered. Truth be told, she felt guilty after Christina’s kindness. After all, she was devoted to Emma and Alanna’s success. For their success would lead to her own. And all this meant she had plans in motion that would test her burgeoning bonds with Alanna’s newfound friends. She pushed those thoughts from her mind and enjoyed the rest of the evening in the bathtub with Helen and Christina while they were sexiled by Alanna and Emma.

END OF THREAD