Forging Feelings- Ikiala and Cynthia

[SubtleRoar]

*It wasn't out of the ordinary for someone as gargantuan and captivating as Ikiala to be found alone, cherishing the company of solitude whenever possible after a busy day, and that axiom would be proven true on this particular night- The Gem's Haven was all but desolate, the mammoth athlete occupying her time by hoisting up a barbell nearly twice the size of any other piece of equipment within the gymnasium.* "Grrhh...e..eight...n..nine...ten!" *She triumphantly screamed, achieving her target number before immediately tossing the cumbersome weights, causing them to crash onto the double padded flooring with a sonorous* "WHUD!" *That brought a satisfied smile to her weary face.*

"Hmhm, it never gets easier, and that's precisely why I cherish every rep~" *She muttered under her breath, taking her bare hand and wiping the accumulating beads of moisture from off of her forehead. While not parched enough to fetch something from the fridge, Ikiala merely ambled towards the adjacent bathroom to give herself a quick rubdown, reaching every inch of her neck and face with the soothing towel.*

[Aeri]

“So.. this is where.. you usually reside, hrm..?”

Once Ikiala was out of the bathroom and back to the gym, Cynthia would make herself known. The blonde woman was all ready in her wrestling attire, as she had certainly come to do.. something.

The blonde was sitting in Ikiala’s previously occupied position, lifting up a barbell herself. She had a lesser weight than what Iki was previously lifting, but it wasn’t anything to scoff at. Her cheeks somewhat red and muscles straining from exertion, as Cynthia was finishing up another rep, going at a brisk pace..

“M-must say.. 15.. it.. 16.. it is lovely..! 17..!!”

A slight grunt escaped her lips, as she’d raise her slightly shaking arms up and slowly bring them downwards, to..

“18..!”

[SubtleRoar]

*After emerging from the lavatory, Ikiala heard a voice echoing from her previous spot- Something that almost sent her survival instincts into overdrive. She had swiftly dealt with intruders back on her island of origin, ones that would meet a grim fate for daring to sully her homestead, but to her relief it was merely Cynthia trying to break a sweat.*

"Hmmm~" *She quietly pondered for a moment before approaching her, realizing that her legs were about to buckle.* "While your gusto is appreciated, I recommend you perfecting your form before tackling a weight that could crush you~" *Her voice had a smidgen of superiority to it, but overall had a brazen, empathetic coating to it while rectifying Cynthia's imperfect posture.* "Now, finish up so I can bounce you around the ring~"

[Aeri]

“N-nineteen..”

She grit her teeth, her muscles straining as she’d focus on lifting up her weight. A slight gasp escaped her lips, as shed slowly bring it down..

“Haah.. indeed.. unfortunately, I don’t know how… 20!”

She’d smile at her somewhat awkwardly, as Cynthia slowly finished up her last rep, gently putting the weight down. Cynthia slowly leaned back, sliding out of her position and then walking towards her, rubbing her sore wrists, to look up at her with a slight smile, ignoring her comment about the ring..

“I do hope you don’t mind my intrusion.. but I did wish to meet you again.”

[SubtleRoar]

*Silently impressed at how quickly Cynthia was capable of shifting the weight after having her form corrected, Ikiala watched as the buxom bombshell completed the last, strenuous reps. The sight fondly reminded her of when she first started her weight lifting regiment, goading out a tender grin as Cynthia began addressing her business here.*

"Not at all- You are quite a sight for sore eyes." *The painted powerhouse applauded the gorgeous amazon's display of raw tenacity, gesturing towards the vacant stadium directly adjacent to them.* "If you have enough vigor left in that curvy figure of yours, perhaps we should go a round to keep your skills in the ring fresh. Just a suggestion~"

[Aeri]

“I do! That was why I came, actually.. to get a bout or two in with you. I realised after our fight.. that this is much different then what I’m used to..

So, don’t hold back. Bruise me up all you can, and I’ll do the same!”

She smiled at her genuinely, before nodding. She’d walk towards the ring, slipping into the ropes.. and held them open for Ikiala, rather well mannered for sure..!

[SubtleRoar]

"Fantastic. You provided me with more of a trial than I may have let on, so this will be an interesting bout, without a doubt~" *The gargantuan grappler trailed her confidant towards the arena, slowly trotting up the staircase before sliding towards the ring apron. Upon noticing how gracious Cynthia was towards her, balancing her perfectly sculpted hindquarters against the middle rope for easy access, she was beyond flattered.*

"Oh? For me?" *She tapped the center of her chest with the edges of her fingers, playfully astonished by the benevolence of her sparring partner.* "Well, color me grateful~" *Angling her massive form through the divided suspension cords, Ikiala gradually fit her humungous body inside of the squared circle. However, not desiring to be indebted to her frenemy, she snagged Cynthia's shoulders and elevated her off the reinforced rope, planting the platforms of her boots directly alongside her!*

"There we are~" *She unclenched her hands from against the blonde's shoulders, subsequently flexing her right bicep as a means of setting the tone for the impending match.*

[Aeri]

“Alright.. sounds lovely.”

Cynthia smiled just a bit. She’d give her a serene and quiet smile, not saying much as she watched her enter the ring. But a slight look of shock and embarrassment upon her cheeks as she was just lifted up and planted down in front of Ikiala, a slight gasp escaping her lips. She’d look at her flexing her bicep.. and couldn’t help but touch it just a bit. Before taking a step back and looking away.. Cynthia huffed. Her cheeks red, as she’d spread out her arms first up..

“H-hmm.. you may go first.!”

[SubtleRoar]

*It wasn't difficult to tell that the dyad shared a tacit fondness towards one another, but the instant Cynthia began fawning over Ikiala's impressive physique, even going so far as to tangibly fondle her bulging mountain of a muscle caused the otherwise self-adulated Samoan to gasp- It may have been slightly muffled, trying to keep up appearances, but if she had a keen sense of perception, the beguiled blonde could hear it clear as a bell.*

"Yes..well..I don't believe I should have to ask permission, seeing as how you're on my home turf~" *Ikiala stated, gesturing towards the miscellaneous items and trophies that surrounded the pair.* "But, since you offered, I suppose I shall honor your offer." *Extending her hands forward, she yearned for a test of strength, eager to gauge what Cynthia was capable of!*

Spoiler

[Aeri]

Usually, she wouldn’t do that. Cynthia was in no way a very confrontational fighter, but for Ikiala, she’d make an exception. She did want to see how strong she was in comparison to the other woman after all, as she’d shake her head just a bit..

The blonde girl softly exhaled. Lifting up her hands, she’d lock up with her mountain of a training partner.. and then she’d begin to exert force! Shoving with all her might, she’d try to overpower her taller foe and bring her to her knees!