Post by Charlotte Shimizu on Mar 3, 2024 2:25:26 GMT
Charlie regarded the two women across the table from her. Her sister and best friend were looking back at her with different expressions. Rini, as always, was more concerned for Charlie. Hannah, conversely, was exasperated.
“You want me to do what?!”
Charlie sighed. “I said-”
Hannah cut her off. “I know what you said, but I’m trying to grasp what good it will do you. Do you really think April Madrox, the one you put through a table a month ago and the little sister of the woman you seem to hate, is going to willingly meet up with you?”
Oddly enough, it was Rini who answered this. “She will.”
Hannah stared at both of them. “Great, now Rini’s off the rails too. Can one of you please explain?”
Charlie almost laughed at the nearly comical frustration her sister was showing. Rini hid a small smile behind her cup as she took a sip of her tea. “It’s simple, Hanners,” Charlie started. “She wants her shot at Iron Maiden. I want a shot at it too. The winning team of this ‘bury the hatchet already’ match is guaranteed spots at High Stakes. I’m not about to tank my chances, and I’m sure April won’t want to either.”
Hannah continued to look skeptical.
Rini took up the explanation then. “Tsuki… Charlie is right. April will not ruin her shot just because Charlie was doing her job in the Queen’s Gambit match. April also was not the one throwing a fit about it; that was Brooklyn. April will understand. The only problem I see is how to keep Brooklyn out of it.”
“Which is why I don’t want to post about meeting up where anyone else can see. I need some way to contact April that won’t be intercepted. Thus, I need you to find her contact information - an email is fine, but I’d prefer a phone number assuming she’s not unlisted - so I can send her the invitation.”
Hannah sighed and started tapping away on her tablet, her frown the only sign she still disagreed.
Rini reached across the table to touch Charlie’s arm lightly. “Are you sure you can work with her?” she asked softly. The question, in Japanese, wasn’t going to keep Hannah from understanding them, but it was still Rini’s preferred language.
“I have to.”
‘Hey there… This is Charli-Charlotte Shimizu. We should meet up and talk. I think we can agree on a few things, but I’d like to be sure. There’s a great coffee and tea place not far from Paycom Center. It’s called All About Cha. I’ll meet you there on Saturday at four-thirty. You can bring Mai or Vivianne with you, just make sure your sister stays away. I’m sure she’s a great sister and all, but - Yeah… I think you can understand why it’s a bad idea to put us in the same room together for any reason. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll assume we’re on. Call me if you need to change the time. Drinks are on me.’
In the cozy confines of Brooklyn's apartment, April sat across from her sister, perched on the edge of the sofa, her expression skeptical. April fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt, glancing up occasionally to meet Brooklyn's unwavering gaze.
"So let me get this straight," Brooklyn began, her tone laced with disbelief. "Charlotte, the same woman who's been causing me … us nothing but trouble, suddenly wants to meet up for coffee?"
April nodded hesitantly, biting her lip. "Yeah, that's right. She reached out to me, said she wanted to talk."
Brooklyn's brows furrowed as she leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest. "And you think this is a good idea? After everything that's happened?"
April sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Look, I get it, B. I know Charlotte's been a pain in your rear, but we're teaming up this week, and if we want to stand a chance at getting spots in that Iron Maiden match, then the two of us need to work together. And besides, I can handle myself."
Brooklyn's expression softened slightly at her sister's determination, but the skepticism remained. "I don't doubt that you can handle yourself, April. But Charlotte? She's … I don’t know, I just don't trust her as far as I can throw her."
April nodded, understanding Brooklyn's concerns. "Look, I get it, but I have to do this. Winning this week is our best shot at getting into that match, and I can't afford to pass up any opportunities."
Brooklyn sighed, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "Fine. But promise me you'll be careful, okay? I don't want anything happening to you."
April reached across the table, squeezing her sister's hand reassuringly. "I promise. I'll be careful. And if things start to go south, I'll get out of there, I swear."
Brooklyn’s jaw tightened as she nodded, reluctantly accepting April's decision. "Alright, just... keep me updated, okay? And if anything seems off, don't hesitate to call for backup."
April smiled gratefully at her sister, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Thanks, Brooklyn. I appreciate it."
With a final nod of understanding, the sisters lapsed into a comfortable silence, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air.
The early evening sun cast a warm glow over the bustling streets of downtown Oklahoma City as April made her way towards All About Cha, a quaint coffee shop nestled in a corner near the Paycom Center. The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange, signaling the approaching dusk as the city buzzed with the energy of commuters making their way home.
As April approached the coffee shop, she noticed the inviting glow emanating from its large windows, promising warmth and comfort within. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of pastries and the chatter of patrons inside.
The exterior of All About Cha was adorned with strings of twinkling fairy lights, adding a touch of whimsy to the bustling street corner. A small outdoor seating area was dotted with tables and chairs, occupied by patrons enjoying the pleasant evening weather.
Inside, the coffee shop exuded a cozy ambiance, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the rustic wooden furnishings and exposed brick walls. The sound of steaming milk and the hum of conversation filled the air, creating a welcoming atmosphere that beckoned April inside.
She made her way to the counter, where a friendly barista greeted her with a warm smile. Ordering a green tea, April glanced around the bustling cafe, searching for Charlotte amidst the sea of patrons. She spotted her sitting at a table near the window, her black hair catching the last rays of sunlight as she sipped her drink.
With a sense of determination, April made her way over to Charlotte's table, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she approached, Charlotte looked up, her face breaking into a bright smile as she gestured for April to take a seat. The two women exchanged a brief greeting before settling into their seats.
“I’m impressed your sister let you out without escort,” Charlotte commented with a wry smile. “I didn’t think she’d trust me that much… or perhaps it’s that she trusts you.”
“That’s cute,” April replied, “what makes you think she’s not sitting in a car outside?” April giggled slightly as Charlotte’s eyes flickered to the window. “I’m kidding - Brooklyn knows that I can handle myself and I’m trusting you not to do anything … silly.”
“Call a spade a spade, girlie. It’d be dumb as fuck,” Charlotte retorted in good humor. “I think we can agree that either of us doing that would just be hurting ourselves in the end. We both want in on Iron Maiden, and now we need each other to do that, no? It’s the job. We deal with what’s given to us.”
“See, I knew you were smarter than the rest of the girls,” April noted. “But like you said, not only do we need to get along this week at least long enough to come out on top, but we still have to contend with some quality opponents. They might not be as cohesive as we might be, but on their own, some of them are still tough.”
“Oh I’m aware. Nat and I go back to Neo-Honshu, though she wasn’t there long. She’s vicious with that Tsuchiguomo of hers.” Charlie frowned thoughtfully. “I wonder what Serenity did to piss her off so much… Like… Don’t doubt Serenity did... No antagonism meant, but my match against Stepanov was one of the best of my life, and I won dammit. Bitch needs a reality check or five.”
“She needs a reality check, like, yesterday. Since day one, Serenity has been touting herself as the ‘next big thing’, but for all of her blustering she’s been treading water.” April said, making Charlotte smirk in agreement, before adding, “But, since leaving the Performance Centre I’m not as familiar with this newest crop of girls. Hell, I’m still not a hundred percent sure that some of them even went through the proper channels before signing on the dotted line here. But what I do know,” April tapped her index finger on the table to drive her point home, “is that as dangerous as you think Nat, Serenity and Itami can be - Abby is the one to watch in this match. Other than Caroline, she’s the only other person to even hold the Women’s World title in the past. She’s one who’s risen to every challenge that’s been put in front of her - and she’s probably as vicious as Nat, if not more so.”
Charlotte nodded, accepting the information. “I figured as much, to be honest. Itami… I know she can do better… It’s possible that pairing her with Caroline might make them a formidable team.”
April can’t help but stifle the laugh at the mention of Caroline’s name. “Seriously, don’t worry your head about that one. Like I said, she’s a former champion in her own right but she was fighting D-list women at the time and if you need a good laugh take a look at her defenses over on the company website. You ask me, Itami’s the one playing with a handicap this week.”
“Still… Her ruthlessness might help her overcome that.”
“She’s as ruthless as a Cinnabon can be, I suppose.”
Charlotte snorted into her tea. “Alright… Fair enough. You’ve been here longer, so I’ll allow that I may not have the whole story on her. How’s Abigail going to deal with Mai though? Even if I managed to avoid most of Mai’s moves, the pair of them together? It’s almost like what I’ve got with Rini… High-low tactics.”
“Look,” April sobered the conversation up a bit, “I’ll be honest with you - Mai and Abby are not going to get along. It doesn’t matter what Fowler dangles on the end of that stick, you put the two of them together and I’ll be surprised if they don’t implode before the opening bell. But,” she shrugs, “I also can’t promise that Mai isn’t going to come at you hard. We all want a shot at this Iron Maiden, and if Mai’s only way in is through us then we’ve gotta understand.”
“So what I’m hearing is that we’re effectively the team to beat and everyone’s out for our blood?” Charlie summarized handily before taking a sip of her tea. She grinned as she set the cup back down. “Sounds like fun to me.”
April looked down at her tea, swirling it around in her cup for a moment as she searched for the right words. “Well, when you get down to brass tacks, yeah. Of the new blood that we’ve got around here, you’ve been the strongest even though women like Serenity have been getting more ‘shots’. I think if push comes to shove you’re going to find yourself in title contention before most of these other girls.” April shrugs her shoulders, “That is if we get through this week, yeah?”
“I think we can.” Charlie responded with a lopsided grin. “I spent a while looking at your tapes to see how we could work together. Our move set is a lot alike, y’know?”
“Like finds like” April smiled.
“My skills with tags usually do better with someone who’s got a slightly different style,” Charlotte commented, her eyes flicking out the window again, but clearly thinking of her partner. “If you need me to go low, I can do that. I’m not as good at it as Rini would be, but I’ve learned.”
“Hey,” April clucked her tongue, “you do you. I don’t want you changing your style to try and fit mine. I’ve been doing this long enough that I’m better at adapting on the fly. So if you keep to your strengths then just trust in me to fill in the rest.”
Charlie sighed. “I wish we had more time to work on blending… I fell into it with Rini because we met when we were both just starting.”
“Well, listen” April looked around the room, “this might be a bad idea … but I’m more than happy to give you or your partner some pointers. I mean,” she laughed, “I am a trainer after all. But listen,” she said with a small shrug, “I get that I’m probably not your first choice when it comes to ‘reliable trainers’ with being part of the Murder. But we’re really not all bad, ya know?”
Charlie sighed. “I do get that… I have no issue with you, or Mai, or even Vivianne… But I don’t condone interference in matches… not even to my benefit.”
“Brooklyn’s not a bad person … she’s just going through some stuff right now. She’s a lovely person outside the ring, you just …” April sighs, “you guys only know half the story here. All of this,” she motioned with her hands, “it’s really just distracting her from falling apart after … after Rowan.”
Charlie looked thoughtful for a long moment. “I’m presuming that’s why she took issue with what happened at Queen’s Gambit? Because seriously, it was sounding like she didn’t trust any of you to do your jobs.”
“I think some days that might be true, but honestly until we figure out who was behind the attack she’s having a real hard time trusting anyone.”
Charlotte winced. “Sorry about my rant the other day… I was just pissed about how the matches went, and then the card was announced… I don’t really think she’d do that…” she stammers, averting her eyes as she takes another sip of her tea.
April hazarded a small smile, “I’d like to think she wouldn’t do that either, but …” she raises her hands and arches an eyebrow. “But listen, Charlotte,” April looked down at her tea, swirling the remnants around in her cup, “this was nice, and hopefully isn’t the last time we run into each other. Just,” she smiles, “just do me a favor and go easy on my sister, k? Deep down she’s an awesome person and she wants what’s best for the division.”
April set her cup down and gave Charlotte a small smile as she rose from her seat. “We should do this again sometime.” She holds out a fist to Charlotte, “I’ll see you at Odyssey, yeah?”
Charlotte returned the gesture, their knuckles meeting lightly. “My problem with her doesn’t exist outside the ring, and I can understand being protective of siblings. Just ask my sister how many of her would-be-admirers I left pissing their pants my senior year. But yeah… I’ll see ya Tuesday.”
“You want me to do what?!”
Charlie sighed. “I said-”
Hannah cut her off. “I know what you said, but I’m trying to grasp what good it will do you. Do you really think April Madrox, the one you put through a table a month ago and the little sister of the woman you seem to hate, is going to willingly meet up with you?”
Oddly enough, it was Rini who answered this. “She will.”
Hannah stared at both of them. “Great, now Rini’s off the rails too. Can one of you please explain?”
Charlie almost laughed at the nearly comical frustration her sister was showing. Rini hid a small smile behind her cup as she took a sip of her tea. “It’s simple, Hanners,” Charlie started. “She wants her shot at Iron Maiden. I want a shot at it too. The winning team of this ‘bury the hatchet already’ match is guaranteed spots at High Stakes. I’m not about to tank my chances, and I’m sure April won’t want to either.”
Hannah continued to look skeptical.
Rini took up the explanation then. “Tsuki… Charlie is right. April will not ruin her shot just because Charlie was doing her job in the Queen’s Gambit match. April also was not the one throwing a fit about it; that was Brooklyn. April will understand. The only problem I see is how to keep Brooklyn out of it.”
“Which is why I don’t want to post about meeting up where anyone else can see. I need some way to contact April that won’t be intercepted. Thus, I need you to find her contact information - an email is fine, but I’d prefer a phone number assuming she’s not unlisted - so I can send her the invitation.”
Hannah sighed and started tapping away on her tablet, her frown the only sign she still disagreed.
Rini reached across the table to touch Charlie’s arm lightly. “Are you sure you can work with her?” she asked softly. The question, in Japanese, wasn’t going to keep Hannah from understanding them, but it was still Rini’s preferred language.
“I have to.”
‘Hey there… This is Charli-Charlotte Shimizu. We should meet up and talk. I think we can agree on a few things, but I’d like to be sure. There’s a great coffee and tea place not far from Paycom Center. It’s called All About Cha. I’ll meet you there on Saturday at four-thirty. You can bring Mai or Vivianne with you, just make sure your sister stays away. I’m sure she’s a great sister and all, but - Yeah… I think you can understand why it’s a bad idea to put us in the same room together for any reason. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll assume we’re on. Call me if you need to change the time. Drinks are on me.’
In the cozy confines of Brooklyn's apartment, April sat across from her sister, perched on the edge of the sofa, her expression skeptical. April fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt, glancing up occasionally to meet Brooklyn's unwavering gaze.
"So let me get this straight," Brooklyn began, her tone laced with disbelief. "Charlotte, the same woman who's been causing me … us nothing but trouble, suddenly wants to meet up for coffee?"
April nodded hesitantly, biting her lip. "Yeah, that's right. She reached out to me, said she wanted to talk."
Brooklyn's brows furrowed as she leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest. "And you think this is a good idea? After everything that's happened?"
April sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Look, I get it, B. I know Charlotte's been a pain in your rear, but we're teaming up this week, and if we want to stand a chance at getting spots in that Iron Maiden match, then the two of us need to work together. And besides, I can handle myself."
Brooklyn's expression softened slightly at her sister's determination, but the skepticism remained. "I don't doubt that you can handle yourself, April. But Charlotte? She's … I don’t know, I just don't trust her as far as I can throw her."
April nodded, understanding Brooklyn's concerns. "Look, I get it, but I have to do this. Winning this week is our best shot at getting into that match, and I can't afford to pass up any opportunities."
Brooklyn sighed, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "Fine. But promise me you'll be careful, okay? I don't want anything happening to you."
April reached across the table, squeezing her sister's hand reassuringly. "I promise. I'll be careful. And if things start to go south, I'll get out of there, I swear."
Brooklyn’s jaw tightened as she nodded, reluctantly accepting April's decision. "Alright, just... keep me updated, okay? And if anything seems off, don't hesitate to call for backup."
April smiled gratefully at her sister, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Thanks, Brooklyn. I appreciate it."
With a final nod of understanding, the sisters lapsed into a comfortable silence, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air.
The early evening sun cast a warm glow over the bustling streets of downtown Oklahoma City as April made her way towards All About Cha, a quaint coffee shop nestled in a corner near the Paycom Center. The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange, signaling the approaching dusk as the city buzzed with the energy of commuters making their way home.
As April approached the coffee shop, she noticed the inviting glow emanating from its large windows, promising warmth and comfort within. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of pastries and the chatter of patrons inside.
The exterior of All About Cha was adorned with strings of twinkling fairy lights, adding a touch of whimsy to the bustling street corner. A small outdoor seating area was dotted with tables and chairs, occupied by patrons enjoying the pleasant evening weather.
Inside, the coffee shop exuded a cozy ambiance, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the rustic wooden furnishings and exposed brick walls. The sound of steaming milk and the hum of conversation filled the air, creating a welcoming atmosphere that beckoned April inside.
She made her way to the counter, where a friendly barista greeted her with a warm smile. Ordering a green tea, April glanced around the bustling cafe, searching for Charlotte amidst the sea of patrons. She spotted her sitting at a table near the window, her black hair catching the last rays of sunlight as she sipped her drink.
With a sense of determination, April made her way over to Charlotte's table, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she approached, Charlotte looked up, her face breaking into a bright smile as she gestured for April to take a seat. The two women exchanged a brief greeting before settling into their seats.
“I’m impressed your sister let you out without escort,” Charlotte commented with a wry smile. “I didn’t think she’d trust me that much… or perhaps it’s that she trusts you.”
“That’s cute,” April replied, “what makes you think she’s not sitting in a car outside?” April giggled slightly as Charlotte’s eyes flickered to the window. “I’m kidding - Brooklyn knows that I can handle myself and I’m trusting you not to do anything … silly.”
“Call a spade a spade, girlie. It’d be dumb as fuck,” Charlotte retorted in good humor. “I think we can agree that either of us doing that would just be hurting ourselves in the end. We both want in on Iron Maiden, and now we need each other to do that, no? It’s the job. We deal with what’s given to us.”
“See, I knew you were smarter than the rest of the girls,” April noted. “But like you said, not only do we need to get along this week at least long enough to come out on top, but we still have to contend with some quality opponents. They might not be as cohesive as we might be, but on their own, some of them are still tough.”
“Oh I’m aware. Nat and I go back to Neo-Honshu, though she wasn’t there long. She’s vicious with that Tsuchiguomo of hers.” Charlie frowned thoughtfully. “I wonder what Serenity did to piss her off so much… Like… Don’t doubt Serenity did... No antagonism meant, but my match against Stepanov was one of the best of my life, and I won dammit. Bitch needs a reality check or five.”
“She needs a reality check, like, yesterday. Since day one, Serenity has been touting herself as the ‘next big thing’, but for all of her blustering she’s been treading water.” April said, making Charlotte smirk in agreement, before adding, “But, since leaving the Performance Centre I’m not as familiar with this newest crop of girls. Hell, I’m still not a hundred percent sure that some of them even went through the proper channels before signing on the dotted line here. But what I do know,” April tapped her index finger on the table to drive her point home, “is that as dangerous as you think Nat, Serenity and Itami can be - Abby is the one to watch in this match. Other than Caroline, she’s the only other person to even hold the Women’s World title in the past. She’s one who’s risen to every challenge that’s been put in front of her - and she’s probably as vicious as Nat, if not more so.”
Charlotte nodded, accepting the information. “I figured as much, to be honest. Itami… I know she can do better… It’s possible that pairing her with Caroline might make them a formidable team.”
April can’t help but stifle the laugh at the mention of Caroline’s name. “Seriously, don’t worry your head about that one. Like I said, she’s a former champion in her own right but she was fighting D-list women at the time and if you need a good laugh take a look at her defenses over on the company website. You ask me, Itami’s the one playing with a handicap this week.”
“Still… Her ruthlessness might help her overcome that.”
“She’s as ruthless as a Cinnabon can be, I suppose.”
Charlotte snorted into her tea. “Alright… Fair enough. You’ve been here longer, so I’ll allow that I may not have the whole story on her. How’s Abigail going to deal with Mai though? Even if I managed to avoid most of Mai’s moves, the pair of them together? It’s almost like what I’ve got with Rini… High-low tactics.”
“Look,” April sobered the conversation up a bit, “I’ll be honest with you - Mai and Abby are not going to get along. It doesn’t matter what Fowler dangles on the end of that stick, you put the two of them together and I’ll be surprised if they don’t implode before the opening bell. But,” she shrugs, “I also can’t promise that Mai isn’t going to come at you hard. We all want a shot at this Iron Maiden, and if Mai’s only way in is through us then we’ve gotta understand.”
“So what I’m hearing is that we’re effectively the team to beat and everyone’s out for our blood?” Charlie summarized handily before taking a sip of her tea. She grinned as she set the cup back down. “Sounds like fun to me.”
April looked down at her tea, swirling it around in her cup for a moment as she searched for the right words. “Well, when you get down to brass tacks, yeah. Of the new blood that we’ve got around here, you’ve been the strongest even though women like Serenity have been getting more ‘shots’. I think if push comes to shove you’re going to find yourself in title contention before most of these other girls.” April shrugs her shoulders, “That is if we get through this week, yeah?”
“I think we can.” Charlie responded with a lopsided grin. “I spent a while looking at your tapes to see how we could work together. Our move set is a lot alike, y’know?”
“Like finds like” April smiled.
“My skills with tags usually do better with someone who’s got a slightly different style,” Charlotte commented, her eyes flicking out the window again, but clearly thinking of her partner. “If you need me to go low, I can do that. I’m not as good at it as Rini would be, but I’ve learned.”
“Hey,” April clucked her tongue, “you do you. I don’t want you changing your style to try and fit mine. I’ve been doing this long enough that I’m better at adapting on the fly. So if you keep to your strengths then just trust in me to fill in the rest.”
Charlie sighed. “I wish we had more time to work on blending… I fell into it with Rini because we met when we were both just starting.”
“Well, listen” April looked around the room, “this might be a bad idea … but I’m more than happy to give you or your partner some pointers. I mean,” she laughed, “I am a trainer after all. But listen,” she said with a small shrug, “I get that I’m probably not your first choice when it comes to ‘reliable trainers’ with being part of the Murder. But we’re really not all bad, ya know?”
Charlie sighed. “I do get that… I have no issue with you, or Mai, or even Vivianne… But I don’t condone interference in matches… not even to my benefit.”
“Brooklyn’s not a bad person … she’s just going through some stuff right now. She’s a lovely person outside the ring, you just …” April sighs, “you guys only know half the story here. All of this,” she motioned with her hands, “it’s really just distracting her from falling apart after … after Rowan.”
Charlie looked thoughtful for a long moment. “I’m presuming that’s why she took issue with what happened at Queen’s Gambit? Because seriously, it was sounding like she didn’t trust any of you to do your jobs.”
“I think some days that might be true, but honestly until we figure out who was behind the attack she’s having a real hard time trusting anyone.”
Charlotte winced. “Sorry about my rant the other day… I was just pissed about how the matches went, and then the card was announced… I don’t really think she’d do that…” she stammers, averting her eyes as she takes another sip of her tea.
April hazarded a small smile, “I’d like to think she wouldn’t do that either, but …” she raises her hands and arches an eyebrow. “But listen, Charlotte,” April looked down at her tea, swirling the remnants around in her cup, “this was nice, and hopefully isn’t the last time we run into each other. Just,” she smiles, “just do me a favor and go easy on my sister, k? Deep down she’s an awesome person and she wants what’s best for the division.”
April set her cup down and gave Charlotte a small smile as she rose from her seat. “We should do this again sometime.” She holds out a fist to Charlotte, “I’ll see you at Odyssey, yeah?”
Charlotte returned the gesture, their knuckles meeting lightly. “My problem with her doesn’t exist outside the ring, and I can understand being protective of siblings. Just ask my sister how many of her would-be-admirers I left pissing their pants my senior year. But yeah… I’ll see ya Tuesday.”
Well howdy there pardner.