Endless Greetings at tea time: Ashley and E'isa

[Afterhoursclub]

Ashley stared at her new acquaintance while holding the teacup in both hands. Genuinely listening to her words, a conversation like this was unusual for Ashley, who usually preferred solitude to interacting with someone, especially if said someone had appeared unexpectedly. For a moment, Ashley wondered why E'isa seemed to hold such appreciation for her; They had barely interacted before, and even then, most of the talking was with the blonde, Garlim, instead of the brunette. "Is she... pranking me or something?" Ashley thought to herself, "Is this some sort of joke?"

However, Ashley didn't see any signs of deception, nor any mischievous laugh... E'isa felt... genuine.

"You are quite the character, you know?" Ashley said, a faint smirk on her face as she drank some more tea.

E'isa went on with a short speech about knowing "special," telling Ashley how groundbreaking her start at LAW was. Ashley turned serious for a moment, the redhead never knew how to take compliments, she didn't like them when people were trying to kiss her ass, but at the same time, she didn't knew how to react when they were honest either.

Suddenly, the Brunette handed her something that appeared to be her presentation card, with her phone number written on it. The Brit eyed it for a couple of seconds, her expression relaxed.

"How do you do it?" Ashley asked, lowering her hand, still holding the card in it, "How are you always in such... good mood?"

[XXVV]

E'isa was honestly surprised by how this was going. She expected more of a confrontation between two of what many would consider Law's more rogue, unhinged personalities. She was expecting to potentially have to clash with the Brit. She almost welcomed it, she yearned for it, she hadn't gotten a chance to dance with "The Red Menace!" All her recent matches felt like it was less of what she wanted and more of what management desired. But she didn't want to let her mind get consumed by thoughts of the brain-dead, ignorant higher-ups.

Looking back at Ashley, as the redhead smirked and spoke to her. E'isa brushed all her anger-filled thoughts to the side to take in Ashley's elegance. Smiling as she saw Ashley take the card in her hand. Had she accepted it? E-Mac noticed what resembled a more relaxed expression from Ashley. Followed by more words as E'isa tried to think of a good response.

"Me? A character? A good one I hope, or at least a respectable one."

Unwavering in her desire to keep her eyes locked on Ashley. It was a pleasant but also eyebrow-raising sequence of events. It seemed like both women had let their guard down. Based on their time at Garlim's Gym, a moment like this felt unrealistic. E'isa was unsure if Ashley was even able to do such a thing. But she had at least come out of her shell a bit.

"A good mood? This is my energy all the time! I mean.. Unless am in a match, people piss me off, get in my way, push my buttons, or mistreat my friends."

Smirking back at Ashley.

"Unless people do that am a kind, caring, bubbly ray of joy! And though you might not show it.. I think you're hiding something very beautiful and unique under that shell of yours.. I can see it when you smile!"

[Afterhoursclub]

It was sudden, it was very abrupt...

And it was entirely unexpected, even for Ashley herself, the redhead couldn't help but let out a very loud and uncharacteristic laugh that echoed across the backstage corridor. Her head shot upwards to the ceiling as she was quick to cover her mouth with one hand.

After a few short instants, she wiped a tear from her eyes and looked back to E'isa, still smiling:

"I think you got the wrong number there, Darling!" still chuckling. "Nothing beautiful about me, or about what I do!"

Gripping the teacup tightly, she adopted a serious look again. "I'm aware of my attitude, and how others might perceive me, but it has always been that way!"

Ashley took a moment to think, looking around the hallway briefly. "People in this company...

They are quick to judge, quick to throw hands at the slightest sign of provocation. I'm just happy to give them all that crap right back!"

She crossed glances with the brunette once again: "I don't know what is it that you see in me, E'isa" a stern look in her eyes: "But I guarantee you that I'm not a hard shell with a soft center".

"I'm just a very angry wrestler on a promotion filled with other angry wrestlers... "

[XXVV]

E'isa felt like things were going so well! She got Ashley to smile, smirk, and respond; none of it felt forced. No.. It felt like this woman liked what E'isa told her. It felt like Ashley actually enjoyed E'isa being next to her. But then a laugh would be heard, a very loud one!

E'isa would be surprised again by the reaction the Brit gave her. Ashley covered her mouth before wiping her teary eyes and smiling. E-Mac enjoyed the smile she was given, but Ashley's response left her with more questions than answers. A bit of giggling followed, and E'isa hearing what the redhead had to say, would wonder if she was wrong or more right than she thought.

"Nothing beautiful? Hmmm I see, I respect your opinion. Some would probably describe what you do as cruel, sadistic, and unhinged. But I don't hehe I think you're just doing what you know."

Interrupted by the loud sound of her stomach growling. She wanted to eat something! Getting up, she'd take a step and signal to Ashley she needed a moment. Trying to relay that she needed to get food. Pacing to catering, she'd grab what felt like one of everything and then make her way back to the table. Holding a tray with an assortment of food items on it.

"Sorry.. Like I was saying.."

The scene was something people could only describe seeing in movies. She would begin to devour everything in sight. It was like watching a MONSTER having lunch.

"Yeah.. Like I get it.. They all want to fight.. They're super sensitive.. I don't even think many have a WHY. They just enjoy fighting which I respect but I have a WHY, and I think you do as well."

Offering a wing to Ashley before she'd instantly grow impatient and take it as a no. Eating it in an instant. She had just picked up the food, and then in an instant it was gone. She wiped her hands and mouth with a napkin before she sipped water, ready to continue.

"Whether you have a soft, tender center or it's as hard as the shell used to cover it. I see something, and it is beautiful."

She cleared her throat before she spoke again. Wanting to make sure Ashley couldn't confuse her next words.

"I don't think you're just an angry wrestler, I think you're a misunderstood wrestler. Heroes and villains aren't as different as people would like to believe. You and I may be labeled as cruel, evil, dangerous, toxic even. But I believe I have a story, a purpose, an end goal that some will never truly understand, and I think you do as well. I don't think some people will ever understand why I do the things I do.. And that's okay hehe, my beauty is what some would label as madness, beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all. Just know that when you feel pinned down. Left with no options and the walls feel like they're closing in around you. If you want my help.. I'll be there, that's why I gave you my card."

[Afterhoursclub]

The redhead wondered for a brief moment if she had been too rude with her laughing, just for a very brief minuscule part of a second, the closest she had ever been to caring about someone else's feelings. "I'm really hitting the bottom of the barrel now..." She thought. Still, after that short instant of weakness, she went back to her usual moody self.

She heard E'isas' answer: "What? Just doing what I know...?" Ashley tried to find some sense in the brunette's reply... and she was failing at it-

"What does that even-" Ashley was cut abruptly when, similarly as she had done before, E'isa stood up and headed to the catering table. It was her turn to wait now, feeling a bit annoyed but returning the favor by showing the same level of patience E'isa did.

By the time the muscular brunette returned, Ashley didn't know what to be more impressed with: The amount of food she was able to gather in such a short time, or the speed with which she consumed everything in front of her -while talking!-

"Uuh... I..." She tried to say something, awkwardly looking from side to side while wondering if E'isa had not eaten anything in months before their encounter. "E'is..." Suddenly, a buffalo wing was shoved right onto her face, a kind offering by the Latina, which Ashley politely declined by slowly shaking her head, a confused look adorning her features at all times.

After watching E'isa swallow everything in sight and wash it down with some water, it seemed the Latina was ready to continue their exchange in a more... civilized manner once again.

The brunette paid special attention to her next words to the redhead, looking her straight in the eyes, making sure Ashley understood everything she was about to say.

Ashley raised an eyebrow, still processing what she had just heard. An awful lot of words to say something that ultimately sounded like feel-good talk, it was ludicrous, it was absurd, it was...

It was probably the first time anyone had ever said anything like that to her, the first time someone outside her closest circle had gone out of their way to make her feel...welcome. She felt a faint sense of relief, deep down, and she hated feeling that way... Of course, there was no way in hell that Ashley was ever gonna let E'isa know about that.

Ashley's expression relaxed, and with a teasing smile, she finally spoke, "Again, you're quite the peculiar person, E'isa." The redhead slipped the business card into her jacket pocket as she drank the last dregs of tea from her cup.

[XXVV]

The food was so good, and the feeling of finally filling her stomach up left her overjoyed. Looking back at Ashley, who just kept surprising her with the expressions she made. It was almost like she was frozen each time, even in her responses. It would only make E'isa smile even more. Wondering if the Brit could do this all day, she didn't mind watching.

Seeing Ashley raise an eyebrow, wondering what response she'd get now. Immediately able to reply, speaking to Ashley didn't feel forced, it felt natural.

"Peculiar? Hmmm, I don't hear that word too often. Tu forma de hablar y explicar es extraña pero me gusta.. Es divertida! Oops! I mean.. your way of communicating is a bit weird, but it's cute and fun. I like it hehe"

Smiling still. It was hard not to, she felt comfortable with Ashley.

"If you think I'm peculiar, then I will take it as a compliment because being weird is also beautiful."

Taking note as Ashley wouldn't throw her number away but slip it into her jacket. Sipping her last bit of tea out of the cup.

"Just know I'm not asking anything from you.. If I'm ever in trouble, even if it's happening right in front of you.. I'd never ask for your help because I can handle myself well enough I think.. But I genuinely don't mind being there for you.."

Wondering if the tea being finished meant she'd take her leave.

"You finished it huh? Guess you've got no reason to stick around? It looked like you enjoyed it, I could tell.. I won't hold you up.."

[Afterhoursclub]

For once, Ashley did not feel annoyed, even after E'isa labeled her way of speaking as "weird." Just after she briefly slipped back into her native Spanish. This made her chuckle.

"At least I know what language I want to speak in..." she teased E'isa. Something that felt surreal for her. When was the last time she had been so... nice to anyone? The redhead couldn't even remember. It didn't matter, anyway. E'isa had taken the time and effort to approach her, look past her tough exterior, and not only tried to have a civil conversation with her, but also to offer some help in the future. Without asking for anything in return....

Ashley could be considered a heel in this industry; she didn't mind being the villain in most cases, and she generally didn't care about other people's opinions. But the redhead also knew how to be a person, an actual human being when she wanted to, and avoid being a jerk to those she didn't think deserved it. And right here, right now... E'isa did not deserve that.

"Hmph... alright, tough girl!" Ashley looked back at E'isa, and the ever-present scowl on her face was gone. "If you are ever in any scuffle near me, I guess I wouldn't mind lending a hand, -Miss. I can handle myself-"

Ashley stood up from the bench, eyeing the empty cup in her hands. She had finished her tea and was indeed free to leave. She still had a whole day off to look forward to, so she headed toward the catering table, seemingly to leave the cup. Suddenly, she turned back, facing the Dominican beauty once again.

"You know... I think I could go for another cup right now!" Holding the teacup from the handle with one of her fingers.

[XXVV]

E'isa would think her time was up. Maybe she would stay another minute but Ashley would probably take her leave soon. What would surprise her was what came next. Hearing chuckling sounds, then Ashley teasing her random slip-ups where her native tongue would come out. E'isa smiling and chuckling a bit herself.

"It slips out sometimes hehe. Sorta like that smile of yours"

Wondering if there was a chance Ashley would stay. She welcomed the idea of getting to know her more but she did understand someone like her being busy. Maybe her free time was over and she had to get back to business. Then she'd hear Ashley calling her a "Tough Girl". Wanting to respond again but then saw the scowl clear on Ashley's face. She looked happy, genuinely happy.

Hearing Ashley speak up again and smile as though E'isa didn't want help. The Brit in her own unique way would let her know she wouldn't mind lending a hand. E-Mac feeling like maybe she had made a friend? She barely made any of those. She always came committed to the business and climbing the ladder. Ashley's offering to help her was not something she'd expect to hear today. Let alone any day.

"Am TOUGH! Why do you think they call me E-MAC? Of course I can handle myself!"

Puffing her cheeks and crossing her arms for a second. But then E'isa would see Ashley get up from the bench. Realizing it might be time for her to go, feeling a bit sad, she wanted to learn more. She had seemingly left the teacup. Ashley looked like she was gonna walk away before turning back and looking at E'isa?

The Latina was caught off guard for what felt like the hundredth time today, wondering what Ashley would do now. Then heard her words as she grabbed the cup again. Unable to withhold her excitement, a big smile on her face! Giddy as she clapped her hands together, happy to get more time with what might be her new favorite redhead.

"YAAAY! MORE FUN WITH MY FAVORITE MENACE! IS THAT TEA really that good?"

Getting up as she would try something risky. Testing the waters. E'isa would attempt to wrap her arm around Ashley's head, similar to when they were at Garlim's Gym. Wanting to see if Ashley would become confrontational or be comfortable with E'isa being so close.

[Afterhoursclub]

Ashley let out another soft chuckle after seeing E'isa getting excited, yet again! It seemed like this woman was never "not excited."

The redhead turned to the table to pour herself some more tea: Was it her third cup so far?. Ashley promised herself that this would be the last one; She didn't want to overdo it either. However, the moment she looked back, her eyes met with... E'isa! "How did she get up so fast?"

The brunette's thick arm slowly falling on top of her and wrapping around her neck and back, Ashley watched everything unfold in slow motion. And then -physical contact! Ashley was particularly against people touching her unnecessarily -ironic when one is a professional wrestler- but she wasn't working today! A quick spark of annoyance lit up her face once again, but thinking back on the pleasant moment they were having, Ashley chose to let it go. At least this once.

Now trapped in E'isas' tight embrace, the Brit spoke again: "Yeah, you should try it..." She paused for a moment, "but... You don't strike me as someone who drinks tea too often."

[XXVV]

E'isa would come behind Ashley and wrap her arms around her. She had attempted to test if Ashley was comfortable with her. Ready for the possibility that the Brit would get angry and push her. But she didn't, she allowed it? Smiling, she enjoyed the small moments she had with Ashley. It was such a random pairing of individuals, but E'isa did believe she saw something in her. Something amazing! Then she'd hear Ashley speak on the tea.

"I partake.. but if I want something that's gonna burn the back of my throat. I'd prefer aged rum or like maybe, even some whiskey."

Ashley telling E'isa to try some would make her reconsider though. If Ashley enjoyed it then it must not be that bad. Walking up to grab some of her own before sipping. The taste was unique but it wasn't bad, she could understand why Ashley enjoyed it.

"I'd still prefer a shot, but this isn't bad.. So? Bestie? Hehehe! What are you doing after this?"

Testing Ashley again as she'd imply they were already best friends? Even though, besides the encounter at the Godesss Gym, they'd never really talk. It was an unusual approach to testing someone's patience or comfort level. But she was having fun and wanted Ashley to feel like she had a friend. An actual friend who didn't want to use her.