September 28, 2014
Feb 21, 2017 2:41:37 GMT -5
Post by Admin on Feb 21, 2017 2:41:37 GMT -5
(Off Camera: 09-28-2014)
The inside of the Hockeytown Cafe in downtown Detroit was unbelievably kitschy, making Nessa cringe as a proud Torontonian, even though her favourite hockey team was actually the Montreal Canadiens. Every single surface was decked out in red and white hockey memorabilia. The only reason she’d chosen this place to meet her upcoming tag partner for lunch was because it was the ONLY place on urbanspoon.com that didn’t have hundreds of negative reviews. Being in Detroit always made her just a little nervous to begin with-- with back-to-back matches over the next two days, she was downright jittery. Reaching for her glass of wine, she let out a soft sigh, lifting her head just in time to see her partner in crime coming through the door from outside. Not looking to draw attention to himself, he was wearing a Detroit Red Wings cap and sunglasses, but Nessa’s keen eye could pick Matt out of a crowd any day. Spotting the Snarktopus at her booth, Stone walks over and takes a seat opposite her, lowering his glasses and smiling at her.
Matt: Hey...afternoon drinking kind of day?
She nodded.
Nessa: Pre-match jitters kinda day. I’m relegating myself to just the one like a good little girl, though. Don’t worry.
Matt: Worried? I’m not really the kind of person who worries when a beautiful woman is drinking around me.
He smirks at her, the obvious implication not needing to be explained any further.
Matt: Have you ordered yet?
Nessa: Just some sinfully disgusting mozzarella sticks. I saw them on the appetizer menu and couldn’t resist-- they should be along any minute now, I’m sure.
She took a small sip of her wine.
Nessa: I wasn’t sure how hungry you’d be… didn’t want to presume. I’m sure you’re worrying about how Kaylee will fare against Freya tonight, after all.
Matt was starting to sense a pattern here with the way Nessa was speaking.
Matt: I’m sure she’ll be fine...Ness? Are you worried about something?
She laughed.
Nessa: Who? Me? Heavens, no! I’ve got everything under control.
The words came out smooth enough but she couldn’t keep that lie or the fear out of her eyes. Matt was always one to look Nessa in the eyes when they spoke, given her proficiency with deceit, not necessarily with him, but just in general, it was a good habit to form. He could tell there wasn’t something she was sharing, though he couldn’t exactly figure it out.
Matt: Well I wouldn’t expect anything less, though I’m sure being a champion and planning a wedding has to be stressful, even for someone normally as cool and calm as you.
The Pride Champion nodded, letting out a sigh.
Nessa: I can’t lie to you, Matt. I’m actually a little worried about my match tonight. The last thing I want is to sully the recent string of successes I’ve had with a loss to that Williams clan reject. I can’t really stomach the thought of losing to that worthless little bitch tonight, and feeding Misty and Freya an easy punchline.
Breaking eye contact, she glanced around at the other patrons.
Nessa: And quite frankly, I really don’t want to let you down either. Teaming with you… well, to call it a dream come true is a bit of an understatement. Honestly.
Stone had to ponder that remark for a moment, as he had always considered it the other way around, getting to team with the recently crowned Pride Champion as an honor to him. After all, this would be his first tag team match in SVW, and Nessa had a reputation of only being seen with the top of the talent pool.
Matt: Letting me down should be the least of your worries, we have way more chemistry in the ring than Misty and Freya, you know that. As far as your match tonight goes, you’re at your best Nessa when you’re just focusing on winning. All these possible scenarios, ignore them, they won’t come true regardless, so why pay them any mind? As long as you’re feeling better than last week, you’ll be fine, Sniffles.
He winks at her, having not forgotten his less than flattering nickname for the Pride Champion.
She actually, genuinely smiled at the nickname, reaching out to swat at his hand where it rested on the table.
Nessa: Well at least this time, I’m not sick. I mean, the last two times you tried to give me a pep talk-- ugh. That was embarrassing. I’ve just had so many high profile matches lately that I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Doesn’t help much when I have idiots like Jenny Williams saying I don’t belong here.
She shrugged.
Nessa: But you’re right. I can do this. Jenny is a washed-up has-been… and after tonight, Freya will be easy pickings. I’m sure Kaylee is going to steamroll her completely.
Matt: Yeah, I was starting to think it was me, glad it wasn’t. You shouldn’t be that stressed about Sin and Sac though, based on what you told me about this Jamie person...Jamie? Jenny, right? Oh, who cares? That J person isn’t a high profile opponent at all, I have faith that you won’t have more than a scratch on you after tonight.
Matt checks his watch, then looks around
Matt: They know I’m sitting here, right? I could use a beverage, at least
He looks around more, obviously agitated at the lack of rush to serve him.
Matt: Where was I? Yeah, Freya won’t be in much of a condition to contend with us, so it might be in our best interest to try and isolate her in the tag match, what do you think?
Nesa: Absolutely. It’s not much of a secret that she’s their weakest link, even without going through the meat tenderizer tonight…
She paused, lifting her hand and snapping her fingers to get the waitress’ attention before raising her voice to be heard above the din of the other patrons.
Nessa: Excuse me, Miss! Bring my friend a Pepsi… and we’d like to see the dinner menu as well, please and thank you!
Rolling her eyes, she turns back to the conversation at hand.
Nessa: I’m definitely not giving them a tip now, that’s for sure.
Matt: Giving them a tip? You don’t think I would allow you to pay for this, do you? I might not seem it, but I do have just a sliver of gentleman in me, at least when it comes to financial responsibilities.
His tone is matter of factly, getting the point across that this matter isn’t up for debate.
Matt: Now, back to our match, I trust Alex wouldn’t want you to have a match without him in your corner, you might want to prepare him for a possible appearance from Don Tirri, he’s been making some thinly veiled threats on Twitter. I trust not even he’s stupid enough to come out with us there, but it may be something to bring to his attention.
She nodded.
Nessa: Of course. And I’m sure the rest of the party crashers will be quick to follow. Promise me that you’ll break every bone in that greasy creep’s body come Ground Zero. I’ll consider that to be the best wedding present ever…
She hesitated for a moment before leaning forward.
Nessa: And I know it’s a little last-minute of me… but… my father died years ago. Do you think it would be unseemly if I asked you to give me away?
Well that caught him off guard. Giving her away was a very big deal.
Matt: Oh wow, Ness, that wouldn’t be unseemly at all. I mean, I do have to prepare for my match and I should probably be there for media appearances and all that boring stuff…
Stone pauses, either for dramatic effect or because he found a little enjoyment in teasing her.
Matt: But of course I’ll give you away at your wedding, I couldn’t imagine doing anything nearly as important that day.
The look of sheer delight on her face transformed her normally gorgeous face into positively stunning.
Nessa: Sweetie, you’re the best friend a girl could ask for…
She broke off at the arrival of the waitress with the ordered drink, Nessa’s appetizer and a menu for each them. Lifting her glass of wine, she waited for Matt to pick up his drink.
Nessa: To mutually beneficial partnerships!
She clinked her glass against his, still grinning happily.
Matt: To us.