A Meetup at the Gym (for ClockwerkSamurai12)

[CaptainL]

Even with Arizona's encouraging words, Lacey's gaze was still directed at the floor - and her teeth clenched as tension settled into her body. She knew she was better than this, she thought to herself. She had come far enough in the indies making a name for herself that a major promotion half the world away felt she was worthy of signing. When she was struggling to make a living, that would have felt like a dream come true. But even after how far she'd come, she still didn't believe in herself? She'd still let things like this keep her down? She winced as another sting of pain shot through her side - but what hurt more was the thought that she was willing to give up hope so easily. She shouldn't have been like that. That wasn't a trait that would get her anywhere...

When Arizona made the offer of the two of them teaming up, though, that instantly lifted Lacey's spirits! She looked up with a gasp, going to grab for the cowgirl's hands. "A tag team!? You really mean it? I'd love to!" A grin flashed across her face. She might not have had the proudest start to her career, but she had made new friends and allies through it - and they had seen enough potential in her to want to help her bring it out! That had to count for something!

"I...want to be the sort of partner you can believe in, okay?" She nodded her head to Arizona, putting on the boldest and most determined face she could. She didn't want to let anyone down - and now that she and Arizona would take to the ring together, she especially couldn't let her down!

[ClockwerkSamurai12]

Arizona nods in agreement.

Arizona: And I think I know just the team to take on first.. the Power Plant!

[CaptainL]

At Arizona's mention of the Power Plant as their first opponents, Lacey took a moment to think. The team of Annie Clark and Seline Rockshaw had only recently made their way to LAW; in fact, she couldn't think of any matches they'd had to date off the top of her head. But already the announcement had stirred up plenty of excitement from wrestling fans everywhere. Annie had quickly become a rising star for her humble attitude and the impressive strength she boasted of despite her size; if she had joined forces with someone cut from the same cloth, they could only promise twice as much action. Then there was the fact that they were southerners themselves, which already fit Arizona's proposal for where to take things from here. Admittedly, the thought of facing off against Annie Clark was an intimidating one - she had just announced her desire to take on Rose Gold. Lacey barely felt like she belonged in LAW as it was, and now she was facing the number-one contender for the Lightweight Championship? She bit her lip a little, thinking on it...

But somehow...that wasn't enough to scare her. When she looked down at Arizona and saw the girl's enthusiasm, she already felt like half the battle had been won. Arizona had faith she could do it; she just needed to follow suit. Somehow, Arizona had a way of giving her something to believe in - of planting that hope in her. She just had to hold onto that hope. She'd already shown she could handle it, thanks to her success in overcoming the Texas Cloverleaf!

Looking back up at her new partner, Lacey flashed her a grin and a nod of her head, pumping a fist in the air. "Let's do it!~" If this was time for Southern Hospitality to make their presence known, Lacey would do her part to make sure they'd put their best foot forward!

[ClockwerkSamurai12]

Arizona: Atta girl, somethin’ tells me this’ll be the start of a beautiful friendship!

[CaptainL]

"Yeah...I think it will, too." Lacey nodded her head sagely. She didn't look back at Arizona, but the smile across her face was only growing wider. Instead, she was staring off into the distance in thought. She could still feel an ache in her back, but it didn't even seem to bother her as she stood taller and lifted her head to the sky. She might've thought the match had been a complete wash, but it had helped her meet new people who would soon prove to be trusted allies - even partners, and they could lead her even further! She was disappointed that her last few matches hadn't quite gone according to plan...but maybe, with a new partner and a new gimmick, she could turn everything around. Maybe she could make something better than ever!

"Guess I'll need to look into getting cowgirl gear, huh?" she added with a chuckle. But when it came time for Southern Hospitality to make their big debut...Lacey would be ready to turn the page on a new chapter in her story!

Continued here