Jumping in the Deep End

[Liesmith]

This wasn’t how Beatrice Harper had thought her LAW career would start.

But, watching the lights of her taxi disappearing down the road towards the train station, she didn’t mind one bit.

Actually, compared to all the other chaos of moving halfway around the world, this gig was solidly in her comfort zone. Being dropped at some rich guy’s house for a private session or so she could wreck some other girl’s day? That was just every other Tuesday for Tris.

The training part – or at least that’s what his bitchy agent called it, something about getting him ready for more grounded matches – was new, but Tris wasn’t sure she believed it anyway. At least, not entirely. If he just wanted to train, wouldn’t this Keith Fox just get… well, like a qualified instructor?

So why her? It was a puzzle she’d gnawed over ever since she’d read the first email, her interest only sharpened since she’d actually looked Keith Fox up. He was kind of a big deal. Big enough that Tris – who had no issues with self confidence – was genuinely a little curious why someone with that kind of reach wanted anything to do with a pole dancing apartment wrestler turned LAW rookie.

Even one who looked like Tris.

She pursed her lips and forced herself to stop worrying about it. Instead, she turned and started to make her way along the path towards the front door, taking in the house as she went. It was a big place for Japan, way bigger than her parents’ house back in Goatswood let alone the tiny apartment she’d rented. And a big garden too – she thought she’d seen a ring out back, near the pool.

As she walked, Tris ran over what she’d signed up for. They were starting with an interview first before heading on to the ‘training session’. His agent had been sure to insist on that, as well as telling Tris in no uncertain terms that she needed to be dressed ‘appropriately’, whatever that meant in podcaster speak.

Which was why she’d picked the short, simple purple dress she wore. It was sexy without overdoing it, easy to lose when time came for the fun part of the day’s events plus it covered her sports bra and workout bottoms nicely.

Perfect.

Tris smoothed her hands down her flanks one last time, flicked her sporty ponytail back over her shoulder and rang the bell.

Showtime.

[BlackAkuma]

”Showtime.”

Tris would have no way of knowing it, but she was being watched the moment she came out of the car, seen through one of the cameras Keith had set up around the house. This particular one was important, since it caught the street she had come down, and it had served its purpose well a couple of times - in particular, it had managed to flag down a couple of Keith’s stalkers before they could work their way over the fence.

Aika had been watching the street from the computer room, awaiting her arrival for a little while now. Keith was still busy getting a few things set up for the show, so it would fall on her to let Tri sin and do the greetings - even though that explicitly was not her job. Sometimes, she swore the man thought she was his butler and not his agent, but with the money she was getting paid, she knew better than to complain.

From the screen, she watched the woman approach, nodding in approval at what she saw. A simple purple dress - alluring, but not so much that she would get the sensors riled up. A ‘PG-13 kind of hotness’, as Keith put it when they were coming up with the concept of this episode.

The general gist was that Keith wanted to talk about the seedier side of LAW - the hentai matches, the porn, the adult aspects that he was dipping into. That was all fine for the ring, but when it came to his actual show - the one that was supported by family friendly brands - there were certain limits he had to observe, specific taboo topics. He couldn't exactly have a chat with the hentai champ on the fine aspects of orgasms.

Beatrice represented a good middle ground, which was why Aika had helped him settle on her among all the possible candidates. Apartment wrestling was, in many ways, the earliest incarnation of what LAW was so well known for now—intense, sweaty, underground, alluring, competitive, females versus females. While Tris wasn’t a huge name, she’d garnered enough experience from her two-years in underground wrestling that she would be a good choice to speak on the subject, and she would appeal to fans of that scene. Plus, she had potential as a new face in LAW. Well built, attractive, and skilled.

Aika also suspected Keith thought she was pretty and wanted an excuse to roll around with her. On this, she couldn't totally blame him.

She had already made it halfway down the steps when the bell rang, echoing through Keith’s house. It had a lot of space to go through, too, as the place was deceptively larger than it looked from the outside, and on the outside it already looked fairly large. Keith had gone for the edgy, modernistic look with everything - sterile colors, black and white, minimalist pictures hanging everywhere.. Not to her tastes, but if he wanted to live in a Rorschach test, that was up to.

After taking a moment to straighten out her own

, she promptly opened the door and greeted their guest. ”Ms. Harper, right on time.” She bowed her way, then stepped back to let her in. ”Aika Sumeragi, Keith’s agent. Nice to finally meet you in person.”

[Liesmith]

Tris resisted the urge to fidget or look around as she waited, keeping her pale blue gaze fixed on the door and her hands clasped mock-demurely before her. She’d heard the bell echoing inside – someone’d have heard it.

They’d be along.

So long as Fox wasn’t the sort of jerk who liked to play mind games, like keeping her stood on the doorstep to show who was in charge or whatever. She’d run across a couple of those in her time and had found the best way to deal with it was to smile sweetly, pretend it didn’t bother her. After a while, it’d stopped bothering her.

How did that line go? Never let them see you bleed?

A rustling of footsteps from within, the clicking of heels on a hard floor.

And the door swung open to reveal…

Not the blond she’d been expecting. Tris blinked once, tilting her head catlike as she took in the vision on display in one sweeping glance. Tall, older perhaps but still in shape - someone she wouldn’t mind tumbling if the chance came her way.

So, this was Agent Bitchy in the leggy flesh. Not what she’d pictured – she’d been thinking more ‘frumpy’ or maybe ‘ice queen’.

No bow from Scylla, of course; it wasn’t like she was visiting Buckingham Palace here. She just smiled sweetly and stepped in, glancing around quickly before turning to face the older woman. If she had an opinion on her surroundings, she was keeping it to herself, though clearly the size (and implied wealth) wasn’t fazing her.

“Likewise. Nice to put a face to the email address,” Tris replied in her throaty West Country alto.

Tris liked to think she was an excellent liar. It came in handy in all sorts of ways.

“You going to give me the grand tour or are we getting straight to business?”

[BlackAkuma]

As Tris made her way in, Aika took a moment to look her over more thoroughly, appreciating what the cameras could never truly capture. While she had seen some of these women’s work from her apartment wrestling, there was no replacement for being near someone and getting their true measure. So far, Ms. Harper cut an impressive figure.

Solid build. Strong legs. She had a good look about her. Attractive, yes, but with a body that could do some real damage, if Aika were to judge - and she was a good judge of such things. She wouldn’t have minded a tumble with the woman herself, were she a few years younger and she didn’t have a ring around her finger.

Aika closed the door behind her, then walked to her side, noting that Tris seemed fairly comfortable in her surroundings. None of the ‘Ooos and Ahs’ that usual came from people who only saw places like this through a television screen.

”Um, that’s up to you. Keith is getting things set up, so we have a little time if you do want a tour. We can make a pitstop by the kitchen if you’re hungry, thirsty.” She stepped forward and turned to Tris with her arms up, presenting a fork in the road.

”We could talk a bit, help you get prepped. Though I warn you, I make a terribly boring host. Or so my wife tells me.”

[Liesmith]

For a moment, Tris actually considered it. Pumping the dirty blonde for info wasn’t the worst idea in the world, in either sense, and it could be fun to see how far she could take it before calling time on things. Even if they just chatted, maybe she’d get something out of it that’d be worth the time.

As for the ring Sumeragi was calling attention to? That was as much a challenge as anything. Sometimes, when people told Tris they had a wife, they wanted her to stay away. And sometimes, what they were really saying was ‘persuade me’.

Not that Tris always cared what they wanted. Here though? Now?

Was Aika Sumeragi worth her time?

Not even close, not even thinking about the risk that it might all go pear-shaped. Boring people were… well, boring. And a bitchy agent could be a real pain in the arse, if Sumeragi was enough of an old-stick-in-the-mud to take offence.

She’d pass, thanks.

“I’m good, thanks,” the red-haired girl said, “Maybe some other time?”

Just because she didn’t need anything from Aika Sumeragi right now didn’t mean she wouldn’t later. Boring or not, Tris didn’t believe in burning bridges until she was sure she’d crossed them.

“Lay on, Ms Sumeragi,” Tris gestured widely, “Age before beauty, right?”

She laughed lightly, just enough to hopefully pull the sting with a little humour.

[BlackAkuma]

It was probably for the best that Tris turned Aika down - she wasn’t lying about being a bad host, especially when she was playing host in a house that didn’t even belong to her. At least the woman had the grace to let her down easy and get right to business—no need for time wasting here.

Aika proceeded to lead on, though she did stop and cast Tris a challenging glance at her little attempt of a quip. She stopped and gave the redhead a quick up-down, before settling on those legs of hers, as a hint of mischief played across her features. She only entertained it for an instant, however, before she moved on and led on down the hall.

”Yes.” She indulged in the barest hint of a laugh. ”Maybe some other time.”

A few moments later - moments that would’ve been shorter if Aika hadn't gotten turned around with the confusing layout of this place - they found themselves in Keith’s studio, where things were mostly setup and ready to go. The cameras, the plush leather sofa, the bright neon sign that read ‘The Foxhole’ in bright red.

It was all a bit much, in Aika’s opinion, but that was how you got clicks these days. Subtlety didn't count for much.

The man himself was finishing a call, so engrossed he didn't notice them enter at first. ”Look I know the pyro isn’t cheap, but that’s kind of the point. We get what we pay for, and we’re paying for spectacle. If we’re going to do this, I want to go big, I want to-” Keith cut himself off when he finally noticed them and perked up. ”Shit, it’s time. Terry, I’ll call you back, man. Peace.”

He hung up quick and bounded their way like a little lost puppy, full of energy as he scanned Tris over. He’d seen her before, of course, but he definitely approved more now that she was here in the flesh. ”Beatrice! Welcome, nice meeting you, finally.” He extended his arm for a shake, keeping his eyes locked on her the whole time. ”Thanks for coming out, I know it’s a little out of the way. Have a good drive up?”

[Liesmith]

That was a look Tris knew and loved, the one that said she’d got her hooks into someone else. Maybe not all the way, not yet, but Sumeragi was thinking about it. Thinking about her.

And, if she ever wanted something from the agent (or even Fox himself), that’d give her the ‘in’ she’d need.

The redhead hadn’t ever been great at acting naïve and it wasn’t like Sumeragi had been subtle in looking, so she didn’t insult the blonde by pretending she hadn’t noticed the way her eyes came to rest on Tris’ thick thighs.

Another look Tris recognised and appreciated. Not as much as after she’d used the objects of their intrigue to squeeze the fight out of them, when the desire was alloyed with a healthy dose of fear but still…

“Any time you like,” she allowed just a hint of flirtation to seep into her tone as Sumeragi turned away.

Content in what she’d achieved, she trailed behind Sumeragi as the older woman led her through the labyrinth of Fox’s home, taking in what she could as they went. Big as it’d looked from the outside, it was even bigger on the inside, packing in more rooms than she’d thought it could. Rooms that led to rooms that led back to the first rooms…

Part of her thought she was deliberately being led in circles. In this house of black and white and not much else, her usually acute sense of direction was way off balance. Before she could say anything though, Agent Bitch opened one final door and they stepped through into what was obviously the recording studio. The big, bright neon sign was something of a giveaway even before she spotted the cameras, even if it wasn’t exactly the same as she’d seen in his videos.

As for the man himself, well.

Tris hadn’t been sure what she expected from Keith Fox. Sure, she’d watched some of his podcast and read about him, because she liked to know her marks. But that just told her what he wanted people to see, not the real him.

She hadn’t expected the man bouncing over to greet her though, who reminded her more of a golden retriever on two legs; ‘bright eyed and bushy tailed’ as her mum would say. Even the hair matched!

“Pleasure’s all mine,” she drawled, proffering her right hand, palm down. Sure, she knew he was angling for a shake but Tris was curious as to whether he’d take the hint and go for the kiss instead. Either way, he’d get a good look at the swathe of pale ample cleavage left bare by her dress’ neckline.

“I didn’t realise I’d made that much of an impression on the famous Mr Fox,” she went on coyly, “But, please… call me Tris?”

[BlackAkuma]

God, there were days when Keith wished he could delegate crap like to other people. He’d never cared much for the minutiae of things, especially when people wanted to overcomplicate simple matters. In his opinion, that was what he was dealing with at the moment.

It was a load of red tape. Kieth wanted to add some pyro to his entrance—explosions, flashing lights, the works. Not many wrestlers did much in the way of flashy entrances, and he wanted to go with something bold, something daring, something memorable. There was no better way to do that than by nearly deafening everyone in a half-mile radius.

It was expensive, but he was willing to pay, no problem there. Now, though, he had to deal with the safety concern from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. All these rules and regulations, so much red tape to cut through…

It was giving him a headache. So, frankly, it was a great relief when he was confronting by something he much more enjoyed working with: A beautiful redhead.

Keith came over, but pause for a tick at the outstretched hand, coming at him with the palms down. A quick glance at Aika showed some puzzlement, too, but he was quick to brush past it. Beatrice wanted to be a little fun. He could play along.

”Enchantée.” So rare for him to bust out the French. He leaned forward, took her hand, and planted a quick peck on it, enjoying the feel of her soft skin against his lips. Before he pulled away and stepped back. ”Anything else you’d like me to kiss, while I’m at it?” He gave her a playful wink. ”I take all requests.”

Aika let out something between a groan and sigh, before she promptly turned on her heel and strutted away. ”I’ll leave you two to it.”

Kieth waved her way, before turning towards Beatrice and giving her his undivided attention. ”Kill the Mr. Fox thing, make me sound like I should be wearing a suit. Hate suits.” He smirked and stepped back, heading towards the couch and leading her over. ”See, that surprises me, because from what I hear you’re pretty good at leaving impressions. Mostly around the waist area. Or the neck.” He gave a knowing look her two dangerous weapons. ”I’d ask you about the workout routine, but I’ll probably do that during the interview proper, no need to repeat yourself.”

[Liesmith]

Tris might want to think that there was a point to this little display but, honestly, she just wanted to keep him guessing. That missed beat, the way his eyes went to Sumeragi (for reassurance?), all good clean fun. Too bad it wasn’t on camera but she was sure she’d have plenty of chances to make her mark on the conversation as well as on Keith Fox.

“Not immediately,” Tris drew a finger slowly across the imposing swell of her bosom, a mischievous grin tugging at full lips, “But I can think of a couple of things you’ll be kissing later.”

She dipped her head, looked up at him flirtatiously from under her lowered eyelids. Keith was clean shaven – she appreciated that in a man. Less scratchy on her skin than stubble or worse a full beard.

“Don’t worry, I won’t give you the full dose… At least, not all at once...”

Was it even a threat when they both knew that was why she was there? When half the reason for her presence was so she could put him through the wringer?

Lost in the moment, she barely acknowledged Sumeragi’s exit with an absent wave of her own. Tris hadn’t forgotten the agent, but she had lost interest in her for the moment. Why bother with her when she’d got a fox to play with instead?

A fox who’d been doing his research, it turned out.

“What can I say?” She gave him a little ‘ya got me’ shrug at that, trying for innocence but probably failing. “A girl likes to be remembered.”

“Oh, legs too by the way,” Tris continued placidly, “I’ve given girls dead legs before, just cut the circulation off until they can’t stand.”

She shifted her weight to one side, gave her thick thigh a casual slap.

“Most of ‘em don’t fight so well after a taste of these.”

Her tone was surprisingly matter-of-fact. But it wasn’t like she needed to boast – her resume and reputation spoke for themselves.

[BlackAkuma]

Wow. Tris was not a shy woman. Kind of expected, when you had someone who dressed up in bikinis and wrestled in front of cameras for a living, but still.

Kieth was certainly not complaining, though. The shy ones were always a pain to work with - you had to lead them by the nose, feed them questions, poke them and prod them for reactions. It was like working with a ventriloquist dummy, and maybe even worse - at least those were funny. A guest that refused to speak was just dull.

Thankfully, that didn’t look like it would be a problem with Tris. He’d only just met, and already things seemed smooth. She had good charm, a natural presence. With this, he could work.

As she dipped in for a good look, Kieth stepped back and gave her the chance for a proper up/down. She was playing with him, he wasn’t so vain to think otherwise, but he might as well lean into it.

”Eh.” He smirked and spun about after her little threat that wasn’t a threat. ”As long as I get it.”

Keith made his way over to the camera, giving it some last second adjustments as his crew worked on finishing everything up. They were professionals, so they didn’t stare too long Tris’ way, but he did note that they were giving her the occasional furtive glance. Not that he could blame them, they were only human and the redhead had some magnetism.

”’Dead legs’, huh?” He gave one of his own a wiggle and shook it out. ”I’m guessing you don’t mind a demonstration during the interview? I know we’ve got what comes after, but…”

He snapped his fingers and whipped her way again, eyes wide and bright with a quick idea. ”Okay, idea, just got it, stick with me - have you ever crushed a watermelon with your thighs? And if I, say, hypothetically had a watermelon in my kitchen…” He chewed his lip and leaned forward to pour on the peer pressure. ”If it helps, I will fully reimburse you for dry cleaning.”