The Temptation of Tiffany Lockwood

[BlackAkuma]

Tiffany was, honestly, adorable. Which normally would’ve been a problem - Scarlet despised adorable, as a general rule. Adorable was for children’s puppet shows and Pokemon. She couldn't make champions out of adorable. Couldn't hone a wrestler’s edge out of adorable.

But with Tiffany, it oddly worked well, never crossing the dangerous line into irritating, unlike so many other women. Scarlet hung back and watched the woman go to work with the sort of practiced ease that only came from years of experience. It was genuinely impressive, so fluid and fast, as if her hands had a mind of their own and didn’t need her brain’s input. Scarlet found herself wondering what else she could do with those hands…

Later. Later.

Scarlet took the glass, raised it, and gladly accepted the toast. ”To new beginnings.”

The drink really was quite delicious, and it wasn’t the only Tifa made for her that night. Scarlet had the pleasure of a couple more as time went on, adding some flavor to a genuinely intriguing conversation, as the two exchanged little tidbits about their lives, shared experiences, agreed opinions. While she normally wasn’t one to talk about her history all that much, Scarlet threw out bits of her past to string Tiffany along as needed, often leaving out certain details that might’ve painted her in a less-than-favorable light, while taking care to stay truthful to anything that Tiffany could’ve looked up.

A while later, and they found themselves on the couch, Scarlet with her legs crossed and an emptied glass in her hand, idly bouncing the ice cubes around. ”So, yes, ‘Scarlet’ is just my last name without a ‘t’. Not much of a story behind that, I’m afraid.” She sighed with a wistful laugh as she threw out the latest little tidbit. ”It would’ve been so much more fitting if I were a redhead, but alas.”

She shifted in the seat and set the glass on the table, inching closer to Tiffany as she did. She had dipped into the woman’s personal space a few times in their conversation, usually to give her a playful slap on the shoulder or offer her up her glass for a refill, but now she was laying claim to the real estate. ”Speaking of, how much thought have you given to your presentation? Your ring name, your outfit? Presentation is so important in wrestling.”

[killcarrion]

Tiffany may have had alternate motivations when it came around to tackling Scarlet's fully stocked bar and making seasoned usage of her barmaid profession. Given how she witnessed the effects of alcohol firsthand practically everyday, she was particularly eager to start partaking of certain beverages for the sole purpose of settling down her nerves and anxious apprehension about the entire night. A sense of foreign disassociation having bared down upon the brawling barmaid ever since merely stepping through the lavish apartment building's double doors, but after having knocked back a few of Tifa's patented margarita's, the tension and unease was finally beginning to melt into the background. The sun setting into the horizon with topics broached ranging from congenial banter to professional diatribes, even towards high-school crushes. Tifa sharing more about herself than she expected once somewhat inebriated, but she was honestly encouraged to do so once witnessing how forthcoming Scarlet was becoming as the conversation continued. She was earnestly relieved upon learning that Scarlet was far more approachable than the corporate businesswoman initially appeared and was even a fellow countrywoman as well. "...*giggle*...A redhead, huh? I honestly can't see it, but I suppose if there's anyone who could make it work~..."

Tifa mirthfully chuckled whilst settled beside Scarlet with ankles crossed and champagne glass still in hand, parting her flowing hair behind one ear and blissfully unaware of the businesswoman's scooching encroachment all throughout the night. "Ah, well I figured there's no point in changing what already works on the indie wrestling scene. A rough and tumble buxom barmaid in a leather mini skirt who serves frosty brews in between dishing out butt whoopings~...You can probably imagine how popular that type of presentation can be with certain clientele. But I'd rather just be honest with people and avoid thinking up elaborate gimmicks or characters since, well they just wouldn't be me. The last thing I want to do is come off as disingenuous to the audience..." Tifa remarked before settling her glass on the table besides Scarlet's drink and swiveling herself sideways on the couch with the side of her head settled on her hand, auburn eyes centered on Scarlet's with scandalously few inches separating them. "Actually, there's one thing I've been curious about all night. Ms. Scarlet, why did you choose me of all people to have this meeting with? I have to imagine there's scores of other prospects more worthy of your time, and a sophisticated businesswoman with your pedigree for success could probably have first dibs on any wrestling talent you wanted..."

[BlackAkuma]

Scarlett had never done this before, this ‘girl chat’. Mostly because she frankly didn’t have girls to chat with all that often. There was Ellie, of course, but she was often too busy fawning to make for good conversation. As much as she liked having bread buttered, it was hard to have a real exchange of words with someone who so doggedly worshipped the ground you walked on.

But this was nice. Just sitting back, exchanging stories with a peer, laugh and establishing connections. The time flew by, and there were sporadic moments where she genuinely found herself enjoying the company. She even had a few genuine laughs, a rarity for her these days.

But, of course, they had to get down to business, sooner or later. It turned out to be sooner, as Tiffany - sharper than she would’ve expected - cut to the quick.

”I certainly can imagine that. You’ll find I can imagine a great many things.” Scarlett slid her way closer on the couch as Tiffany spoke, voicing her concerns and questions. It was an understandable point to bring up - why her? Why here? Why now?

”There are other prospects, yes. There are always other prospects. But.” She sat her glass down and leaned in. ”Talent alone doesn’t interest me. I love nothing more than a good project, someone I can work on, and bring out their true potential. I think you have a lot of that potential, Tiffany. I see that in you, Tiffany. A woman like you could go quite far in LAW.”

Scarlett put a hand on Tiffany’s thigh for a reassuring pat - at first. The hand lingered there, stayed pressed against the skin, and gave it a little squeeze. ”With my guidance, of course. With my direction.”