[Grappl] A Common Touch (Feat. Alix Jacques and Ima Ogawa)

[DSX93]

It was a lovely afternoon in the place so nice they named it twice: New York, New York! The sun was shining brightly, the breeze was pleasant, the weather middling nicely. Not hot, but not too cool either.

An excellent day to get back into dating, and maybe it was a good omen too!

Alix Jacques stood in front of Mama Pollard's, a family-owned restaurant that was a regular haunt of hers whenever she was home. Her back was to the entrance, and she stood in a position that allowed the camera crew in front of her a great shot of the smiling beauty and the exterior of the establishment, sign included. When she learned that Grappl sent a crew to record its participants' first dates, Mama Pollard's was the first venue to enter her mind. The food was wonderful with affordable pricing, and the lovely staff gave the place a homey vibe. It was never hurting for customers, but she wanted to give it some publicity anyway. The Pollards deserved it.

The goth was dressed entirely in black, accessories aside: A long-sleeved button-up blouse with a silver brooch set at the collar that held a heart of ruby, a pencil skirt that ended just above the knee, stockings, and a pretty pair of slippers. Her clothing didn't show any skin, but the custom fit accentuated her ample curves spectacularly.

She'd gone through great trouble in arriving to a decision on this outfit. Whatever it was that she was to wear needed to be something sensible, but cute. It couldn't be too showy, not only because she didn't want her date's mind to go straight to "we're gonna be fucking when this is over", but also because her choice would reflect on the business as well, owing to it being the meeting place that she'd suggested.

At the same time, however, it was a date. Her very first after her divorce. And the fact that it was going to be broadcasted to millions meant that she needed to be looking extra, extra fine.

She'd enlisted Reine's help in that endeavor, and the poor woman looked like she was about ready to murder her for her indecision, but in the end, she was happy with what she currently had on.

Alix's General Appearance

The Gist of Her Outfit

The hat isn't present.

Everyone was in position, cameras ready to shoot. All Alix needed now was her cue.

"Rolling in three...two...one..."

...And action! Alix would greet the viewers with her signature sunny smile and a wave with both hands. "Hello, my rays of sunshine! My name is Alix Jacques, and on this beautiful afternoon, I'm gonna be meeting up with my first Grappl date here at the one and only Mama Pollard's! A lovely restaurant owned by a lovely family that's devoted to serving the best food in all of New York at great prices! Now, I know my meats..." The former porn star started her next sentence with a wink, knowing that somebody would've said it in the comments. So why not beat them to the punch? "...So take it from me: You haven't had a burger until you've had one of Mama Pollard's. Let's go inside!"

The recorded visit wasn't a surprise to the workers inside, least of all the owner. After getting the specifics of how the taping would proceed, Alix had called ahead a week ago to run the idea by her, then secured a reservation when she got the green light along with several ecstatic thank yous.

Alix greeted her the same way she always did: "Hi, Mrs. Pollard!" Calling out, practically frolicking over to give the older woman a nice, warm hug. During which she would reply, "Hey, girlie!" Once they separated, she gave the crew and the viewers a proper introduction. "The woman herself, everybody: Mama Pollard!"

"Hello, LAW Universe! If you live in or ever happen to come through to New York, New York and you're hungry for a slammin' burger, be sure to swing on by to..." After stating the restaurant's address, she showed Alix to the table that was prepared for her and her date in a quiet, private corner. One camera stayed on her as she waited for him or her to arrive, while the others went elsewhere for shots of the interior. Alix had intentionally arrived early to allow them more time to do just that.

[Sigma Morgan]

Ima was in a taxi on her way to a restaurant called Mama Pollard's. Ima had not been in New York for very long and was running a bit late because she was struggling to pick something to wear for her first date in awhile. Ima had not dated someone since her break up with Lexi about a year before she joined LAW. To say she was nervous was an understatement, at she was a little hesitant at first to open herself back up to people after how abrupt and random her last relationship ended but eventually she talked herself into joining Grappl to give the possibility of a relationship a second chance. Ima eventually decided on a white turtleneck and skirt with leggings thinking maybe her date would find her outfit cute.

Ima

On her way to the restaurant Ima looked out the window of the taxi at the city around her studying the buildings and people as they passed by. Ima thought New York was alright though she preferred her home city of Osaka or the Japanese countryside but Ima didn't think too long about it as they were close to the restaurant. Ima had the Taxi stop right up the street so that she could walk the rest of the way and stretch her legs. Ima paid the driver and got out and began walking to Mama Pollard's.

As Ima approached she saw a camera crew outside and blushed completely forgetting that there date was recorded as per rules of Grappl. Ima walked past and greeted the crew with a soft "Hello" before entering the restaurant and stopping to look at the interior. Ima thought it was a cute place and really liked it. She then looked around for people seeing a woman dressed in black assuming it could be her date. Ima walked over with a smile on her face and her arms open for a friendly hug. "Hi, I'm Ima" she said introducing herself. "I love your outfit by the way" Ima added stepping back if Alix accepted her hug

[DSX93]

Oh, Alix had indeed found the outfit cute. Along with the rest of its owner.

Mama Pollard's was always a lucky place for her. Starting back in high school, after her son Javonte had indulged her and brought her here on a date -- he feared that bringing her to his mother's place of business would've made him look lame -- they would say their I love you's for the first time later that afternoon. She'd invited him back to her home, which they had all to themselves since her parents were out on a date of their own.

And as teenagers are wont to do, they made the most of it. Two times, back to back. Then a break. And then they had to settle for a quickie the third time because her parents were on the way back home and he was due back at his anyway. The former virgin was an eager student to her naughty girl, and he was a fast learner.

Beautiful, beautiful times.

They would later break up after he went to Harvard. It was a mutually agreed upon, amicable split -- long distance just wasn't for them. It would take some time to get over that post-breakup awkwardness still, but she would manage it and go back to being a regular face here. And eventually, starting with one date that she'd brought along at Mrs. Pollard's behest (by this time, he'd met the woman who would later become his wife, so it wasn't a big deal to her), good things would happen every time she invited someone here for some one-on-one time. These things didn't always happen on the same day, but they would happen.

Sometimes, it was just fun escapades in bed. Or a ring. Or the couch and later floor of an apartment, because that burning lust just couldn't be held back any longer. Wherever it may have been. Others, platonic friendships that she valued no less than the "beneficial". Heck, she'd even gotten an experiment out of Reine, not that she was actively looking to make that happen; there were boundaries in place and she respected them. And those few times where it led to romance would still end with her and her former partners being on good terms.

Maybe that's another reason why things went so badly with her ex-wife; she'd never stepped foot in here once. Didn't want to. Felt that it was beneath her.

Either way, it was a rule now: Anybody she dated would need to sit down here with her sooner or later if they wanted it to be serious. She may not be blood, but the owner was still another family member to meet.

But back to the positives: It appeared that LAW was another source of good fortune, because this was the second time in a row that she's made plans to meet another wrestler under its employ and been treated to the sight of an absolute angel walking through the door.

Wow.

And even better, she appeared to be another reserved type, turning red as soon as she saw the cameras. Had she forgotten that they'd be here? Or was she not as prepared for it as she thought she was? Either way, it was adorable.

The cameraman that had remained near Alix captured a shot of her enchanted expression. She couldn't wait to see where the day would take them.

It didn't take long for her date to notice her. Alix's dress was on the fancy side in what was a more homey environment. And when she smiled...

"♪Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-diddleh-duh, duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-diddleh-duh! Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-diddleh-duh-dudu...♪"

She rose to greet Ima with a lovely one in return that broadened when she beat her to the punch with an offering of a hug that she was happy to take her up on. "I'm Alix! It's nice to meet you!" She smelled wonderful too. Top of the line hygiene products and perfume, no doubt.

"I like your outfit too! It's enchanting."

[Sigma Morgan]

Ima was suprised by how fast Alix was to accept her hug offer. Ima generally was a more reserved person especially outside of matches but in private with someone she loves and is close to she was a very cuddly and playful person, and maybe Alix was going to be a person that she could share that side of herself with, the thought of meeting someone new after her break up with Lexi a while ago excited Ima considering how lonely she always felt in private. Thought Ima had to admit right off the bat she found Alix's choice for a first date to be perfect.

"I'm really happy you like it" Ima said with a small blush. "Shall we sit?" Ima asked glancing at the table next to them and waited for Alix to take a seat first before sitting down herself. "I must say you picked such a cute and perfect place for a date" Ima said with a smile as she set her purse under the back of the chair.

"So... are you from here, what would you like to tell me about yourself?" Ima asked trying to think of how to start a conversation with her date that she didn't know much about as a waitress brought them over some menu's and asked them what they were drinking to which Ima ordered a lemonade before the waitress took Alix's order and went off the get the drink.

[DSX93]

Wow.

Alix would focus on nothing else as they took their seats. Ima was just too damn cute, blushing like she didn't know she was beautiful. "Thank you!" She said as Ima complimented her choice of venue. "This is my favorite place here in New York. It's like a home away from home. I've been a regular ever since I was a teenager."

Is she from here? "Yep! Born and raised."

"In the playground is where I spent most of my days!"

Alix kept that reference to herself, having the feeling that Ima wouldn't get it. She had some good momentum going here, and she didn't want to do anything to slow it down. Or worse, bring it to a stop.

When Stephanie came to start them off with their drinks, Alix would speak without looking at her. "I'll have my usual." She wasn't trying to be rude. She just could not take her eyes off of Ima. Stephanie took the order with that subtle, knowing smirk of hers. This wasn't the first time that Alix had been so taken in by a date.

It had her wondering if Ima would be making her squirm soon. It wasn't a guarantee, but every now and again when she was like that, the woman who was normally a pro, always knowing exactly what to say, exactly what to do, would find herself losing her cool. She'd seen it a few weeks ago with that Latina who came in to interview her after she'd signed a contract with LAW. With her forward approach to flirtation, it wasn't obvious. Not unless you really knew her. But as always, it made for a good laugh.

Tell her about herself? Where to start...

Uh oh.

This is trouble. Such an easy thing to answer in just about any other occasion, but now she had to think about her answer. The best ways to phrase it.

Normally, she'd start with her modelling career. The transition to fetish modelling always got her dates hooked. The stuff she did with the famous Sinthia Diamond especially. From there it was an easy transition into her time doing porn. Most people she met already knew about that. Not that she'd made any attempt to hide it. After all, how could she if she really wanted to, with her face being out there on the internet? Right there on the front pages of a few sites, even.

The embarrassing thing was how that got started. With her dropping out of college because she just wanted to get out there and live life. Have fun. She could afford to do that too, and...

That would just make her sound like a spoiled rich girl. Which she supposed she is.

But...That's been her life, really. Sex, sex appeal, and sex work. She does it because she loves it, but now she can't help but worry that it would make her sound...shallow.

Alix had more to offer than that. But would Ima be convinced?

But then again, she is in LAW too. Maybe even as a Hentai wrestler. What's to say that she wouldn't understand?

Well, she couldn't lie to her.

"Well, to start with, I used to be a model. An alternative model at first, with a gothic bent." She'd start with that and see how Ima reacts.

[Sigma Morgan]

Alix explaining how she had been a regular at the restaurant made Ima really like the place as she realized how Alix picked a place that seemed a bit special to her and was likely her favorite restaurant.

"That's nice, this also looks like a really nice neighborhood" Ima said not knowing much about New York or really living there long. "I'm from Osaka" Ima said making sure she also answered her own question so that Alix could learn about her as well.

Ima was never really one to judge, despite being from a rich family from Japan and going to extremely high end and private schools Ima never really bragged or acted spoiled but seemed a bit sophisticated considering her enjoyment of reading and playing the violin but she also enjoyed things like video games and movies hoping Alix didn't find her boring or stuck up.

As for sex, Ima had joined LAW for hentai viewing sex as an art and viewing each match or partner as a canvas and her the artist, though Ima defiantly enjoyed occasionally switching roles outside of matches. In matches Ima could be a bit of a different person enjoying dominating and embarrassing her opponents to some extent. As for sex on a first date Ima had no issue with it as long as Alix seemed like a person who would want a more serious relationship with a few exceptions considering Ima was a hentai wrestler.

Ima noticed Alix seemingly becoming nervous when Ima asked about her with the brief silence being a clear sign. Ima smiled at Alix as she listened to her dates answer but wondered if she had accidentally done something wrong. "Are you alright Alix, you seem kind of nervous. Is something wrong?" Ima said staring into Alix's eyes wanting to make sure her date was okay.

[DSX93]

Aside from a "blink and you'll miss it" flash of surprise in her eyes, Alix had kept her composure when Ima sussed her out. She was used to seeing through other people. To have it happen the other way around? Not so much.

"Yeah." She started, staring right back into Ima's eyes. "It's just not every day that I get to meet someone as cute as you for a date." She averted her eyes for a moment after the words came out of her mouth, letting out a giggle that carried her nerves within it. "I know that sounds like a line, but it's not. Really."

Please believe me.

[Sigma Morgan]

Ima smiled when Alix flirted with her. "Oh is that so, I would think someone as hot as you would have plenty of cute girls" Ima replied in a flirty tone. "A line you say? Alix with how cute you are I don't think you would need one" Ima said stretching a bit. Tell me, what makes you think I'm cute?" Ima asked never losing her smile as she played with her hair a bit deciding to let Alix relax instead of pressuring her after all Ima wanted a serious relationship and really liked Alix so far and didn't want to anger or make the woman uncomfortable. "I guess its not a big deal, she's really cute, I doubt its anything serious anyways" Ima thought to herself.

[DSX93]

Ima's sudden flirtatiousness got another giggle out of Alix, who would play a little coy and look away in feigned embarrassment, waving the thought away. "Oh, stop!" Oh, don't stop!

Perhaps she just needed Alix to show some interest before her own playful side came out. In that case, she would certainly be getting it!

What makes her think she's cute? "You mean aside from the beautiful rubies that are your eyes? Your immaculately styled hair, the outfit that I'm assuming was made specifically to fit you? The oh so adorable blushing you did when you took those first steps through the door? And sweetie, that's just for starters."

All true, but diversions nonetheless. Something told Alix that the flattery wasn't about to make Ima forget about that moment of vulnerability, so..."But to answer your question..." She began, "I'll be honest: Sex is a large part of my being, and it has been for a long time. Fetish modeling, pornography, Hentai wrestling...In fact, if I wasn't a Hentai wrestler, I would've taken up a position in some branch of sexology. Pretty sure I will after I retire from the competition, actually."

She took a moment to find her next words. "I know it might sound like I'm something of a nymphomaniac..." She let out a nervous laugh. "But...Sex is truly a beautiful, magical thing, you know? More so than I believe that any of us can put into words. And it's so deep and complex. I love it, and I've devoted my life to studying it and spreading that joy, and...I just didn't want to appear shallow, is all."

Her brown eyes gazed into Ima's, asking the question: Does she?

[Sigma Morgan]

Ima's smile grew as Alix laughed and seemed to be a bit embarrass though Ima knew she was feigning it and enjoyed seeing Alix laughing and smiling. Ima blushed a bit when Alix began a list of things she liked about her from her eyes, to her hair, and to her outfit. "My outfit you say? Makes you wonder what's under it huh?" Ima flirted before listening to Alix's confessing something to her for a minute seeing the two had more in common than initially realized. "Alix, you're an absolute cutie and you have nothing to be ashamed about and you don't sound shallow at all. I signed up for LAW for the hentai matches as well if you would believe it though I find the aspect of putting everything my body has sexually and physically against another woman's one of the most interesting parts, seeing if my will to win is stronger body's desires or my opponents just turned me on since the first time I heard about it" Ima replied.

"But outside of a match I absolutely agree with you, sex is magical and feels like one of the deepest connections I could have with someone I like, letting both our desires show" Ima said reaching across the table to let her hand rest on Alix's. "Its also a fun way to socialize and a way to enjoy yourself with others as well" Ima added with a smirk.