Post by Natalie McKinley on Dec 16, 2015 22:00:24 GMT
A couple of hours after the conclusion of Destiny: Seishin Rising, Edie Frederik and Natalie McKinley can be found inside AiSOTOPE LOUNGE - a club a couple of miles away from the Tokyo Dome. The two gaijin joshis are sat by the bar, sharing a bottle of wine.
Natalie raises her glass, as she offers a toast.
Natalie McKinley: “Here's to you, Edie, on your win tonight against Tatyana Yvette.”
Edie Frederik: “Thanks, Natalie, it felt good to get a singles match under my belt and score the victory. And to your respectable showing in the Honour of Seishin title match...I truly wish it had gone a little better for you.”
Edie raises her glass to Natalie's, clinking them together and taking a drink. She takes a look around the club, taking in the music and the bustle of the crowd.
Edie Frederik: “This is so different than my usual routine after a big show; I usually just head to the hotel and read a book. Boring, I know. But this is probably the biggest event I've been a part of, so I'm still riding an adrenaline wave, you could say. Have you been here before?”
Natalie shakes her head, as she scans the dancefloor.
Natalie McKinley: “No, I haven't been here before. The hotel that I'm staying in is nearby, though, and when I went out for a walk last night, someone handed me a flyer advertising this place, so I thought I may as well give it a chance. Plus, most of the staff here speak English, apparently, which is certainly helpful.”
She then turns back to look at Edie.
Natalie McKinley: “And I know what you mean, Edie: if I wasn't here, I would be probably be holed up in my hotel room. However, it's not every day that you get to compete in front of thirty-six thousand people - and in your case, win; you deserve to enjoy yourself, Edie.”
Taking another drink, Edie’s eyes got big.
Edie Frederik: “Thirty-six thousand, was that the count? The gate must’ve been very nice. Oh, and I was wondering if you had picked up any Japanese language during your travels. I have some phrase books that I struggle with mightily. I’m trying to learn, but it’s a struggle. Thank god for translators in Seishin at least.”
A song came on that she recognized and she bobbed her head a bit, taking another drink.
Edie Frederik: “I am enjoying myself. Back home in North Dakota we’d gather at a pool hall, toss some darts, I might even struggle at some poker. Drinking this wine is rare even, not much of a drinker I’m afraid. It is quite good though.”
Natalie McKinley: “I'm not a regular drinker, but I do enjoy a night on the tiles, when I get the chance to have one. A night out drinking is my preferred idea of a cheat day - rather than gorging on junk food - and there is no shortage of pubs and clubs in my hometown.”
While Natalie takes a drink of her own, Edie looks around at all the people, and raises her eyebrows.
Edie Frederik: “Lots of people dancing. I’m fairly terrible at it. You?”
Natalie laughs at Edie's question.
Natalie McKinley: “I may not have the best rhythm, but I don't let that stop me. Having some of this stuff inside you helps.”
Natalie then takes another sip of her wine. Edie nods and takes a drink of her own, but then gets a bit tickled, laughing.
Edie Frederik: “I'm pretty certain there isn't enough booze in this place to get me out there. Besides, we must look pretty imposing, not a soul has asked either of us to dance. Not that I wouldn't politely decline anyway.”
Natalie smiles, wanting to enjoy herself.
Natalie McKinley: “I don’t know. A dance could be fun - and after the disappointment of earlier, I could use some fun.”
She then lets out a sigh.
Natalie McKinley: “You’re right, though: I’ve been told before that most men seem too intimidated by me to ask me out; I guess it must be the same as well for you, Edie.”
Looking to the side, Edie shrugs a bit before nodding and returning to look at Natalie.
Edie Frederik: “No, you are exactly right. I suppose it is a double-edged sword, we spend this time and effort in the gym to make us feel as good as we can about ourselves, creating these physiques that aren't traditionally ladylike. It doesn't bother me so much not getting asked out, I can hardly tell what's casual flirting or sincere gestures anyway. So I just usually go the reserved and guarded route, being a bit socially awkward.”
She finishes her drink quickly and continues.
Edie Frederik: “But...you know what? I don't know a soul here aside from you, so if I'm going to be awkward it makes sense to do so in front of people I likely won't see again, right? You seem a bit down, what say we...muscle our way out amongst them and act the fool? This is a rare offer coming from me.”
Natalie grins at Edie’s suggestion.
Natalie McKinley: “‘A rare offer,’ huh? I must say, I feel honoured.”
Natalie casts an eye over the dancefloor, before looking back to Edie.
Natalie McKinley: “I don’t mind if some strangers get to have a laugh at my expense. Alright, let’s do it.”
Natalie takes a large gulp of what remains of her glass of wine, before putting her glass down, and rising to her feet. Edie gets up as well.
Edie Frederik: “If I laugh at you on accident, you have permission to laugh at me. Just don't get upset, you're bigger than me!”
Edie smirks covering her mouth.
Edie Frederik: “Just no bar fighting. Although if we spark an international incident, I got your back. Even if we get called out to the Seishin front office in the morning. We can serve detention together.”
Clearly a bit nervous and rambling now, Edie starts walking out on the floor.
Natalie McKinley: “What are you implying, Edie?”
Natalie puts her hand on her chest, as she feigns being offended.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m a good girl; I always behave myself - well, most of the time.”
Natalie winks, as she then follows Edie towards the dancefloor. Edie sticks out her tongue and rolls her eyes in mock disdain, and is shaking her head as they make their way towards the middle of the crowded floor, some typical club music playing: J-Pop that was unfamiliar, mixed with some popular songs of the day, all remixed and set to a similar electronica disco beat.
The regular crowd was putting on a show, bouncing and bobbing, flailing their arms and singing along. Edie was slow to catch on, standing there for a moment with her arms folded. Natalie seemed to be bobbing a bit, and Edie leaned in and arched an eyebrow.
Edie Frederik: “Um, is this such a great idea...I think I’d rather be getting my butt kicked in a ring than this.”
Natalie chuckles at Edie’s remark.
Natalie McKinley: “Oh, come on, Edie - it isn’t that bad. You just need to loosen up, and be less worried about doing anything embarrassing.”
She then grabs one of Edie’s arms, trying to get her to unfold them, as Natalie encourages her friend to join in.
Edie Frederik: “Well that’s the story of my life, so it shouldn’t be surprising. Fine...”
Edie unfolds her arms with a sigh, and raises her eyebrows.
Edie Frederik: “There, happy now?”
Natalie replies sarcastically.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m ecstatic.”
She then smirks.
Natalie McKinley: “It’s a start, I suppose.”
Edie shakes her head and starts bopping to the music a bit, swaying and bending at the knee, her arms up in the air lazily.
Edie Frederik: “Better? I don't see you cutting a rug, Fred Astaire.”
Edie starts clapping her hands to the beat, trying to egg Natalie on.
Edie Frederik: “Beginning to wonder if they have real dancing in Jolly Old England.”
Natalie suddenly stops moving, and glares at Edie, as though she has just committed blasphemy.
Natalie McKinley: “Dydw i ddim o Loegr - Rwy'n dod o Gymru!”
Appreciating Edie’s confusion at her abrupt outburst, Natalie quickly repeats herself, but this time in English.
Natalie McKinley: “I‘m not from England - I’m from Wales!”
Natalie smiles again, in an effort to show that she was not really insulted by Edie’s quip. Natalie then begins to sway to the beat of the music, feeling the flow and movement of her arms, before starting to do a bit of a bop.
Natalie McKinley: “How’s this?”
Edie, a bit red-faced from her mistake, was dancing along similarly.
Edie Frederik: “Not bad, not bad at all...Wales. Ugh, please forgive a North Dakota farm girl. It’s still part of Great Britain...United Kingdom, right? I need a geography refresher, ha.”
To her credit, Edie was loosening up and dancing in a less wooden manner, genuinely laughing and smiling more than she had done in quite a while.
Edie Frederik: “Hey, thanks for suggesting this place really...I need to get out more.”
Just then a drink girl made her way through the crowd with a tray of jello shots. Edie hooked a thumb in that direction and arched an eyebrow.
Edie Frederik: “Oh, what do you think, want to try some?”
Natalie initially winces slightly at the thought.
Natalie McKinley: “I’ve had some unpleasant experiences in the past, thanks to drinking one too many shots on nights out.”
However, she then nods her head.
Natalie McKinley: “Okay, just as long as we don’t have too many of them - if I end up being sick, I’ll be holding you responsible.”
Natalie wags her finger at Edie, but she does so good-naturedly, with a smile on her face.
Edie Frederik: “Wow, I seem to be getting lectured on everything tonight. You intent on ruining my victory celebration?”
Edie chuckles and playfully punches Natalie in the shoulder, before grabbing a few shots from the tray and thanking the drink girl. Edie drinks one quickly, then shrugs and downs another...offering one to Natalie.
Edie Frederik: “On the other hand, if I get sick, I’ll just blame myself. Now take the shot!”
Edie made a poor effort at trying to make a serious face, cracking as she held out the shot.
Natalie McKinley: “Yes, ma’am!”
Laughing at Edie, Natalie takes the shot from her, and downs it without hesitation.
Natalie McKinley: “You know, Edie, for someone that doesn’t get out much, you’ve certainly gotten into the mood of things; it’s good to see.”
Smiling, nodding her head, Edie agrees.
Edie Frederik: “I guess you're right, it must be the present company. So congrats on that.”
Laughing, she drinks another, then arches her eyebrow, and offers another one to Natalie.
Edie Frederik: “Have another, I don't see you turning green yet...”
Natalie McKinley: “It’ll take more than just a few drinks for that to happen - I’m not a lightweight.”
Natalie reaches out her hand to accept the proffered drink, which she quickly downs.
Natalie McKinley: “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to get me drunk.”
She then flashes a playful smile at Edie, who smiled and turned a shade of red.
Natalie McKinley: “But really, like you said, Edie, this is your victory celebration, and so we - you in particular - should make the most of it.”
Edie just looked at her, downed another. She had two in her hand now. The dance floor was beginning to fill up, and the two of them got pushed close together.
Edie Frederik: “Yes, celebrate...live it up, right? Want some more?”
She moved the shot toward Natalie’s mouth up close to her, but then moved the shot to the side and continued moving her face forward, lips pressing briefly against Natalie’s mouth. After a second or two Edie pulled back, her eyes wide as saucers.
Edie Frederik: “Oh...”
Natalie looks at Edie in astonishment, her eyebrows raised, eyes widened, and mouth open.
Natalie McKinley: “Edie?”
A surprised Natalie stumbles over her words.
Natalie McKinley: “What...what was that?”
Edie blinked looking away, mumbling. Looking back at Natalie, she swallowed hard.
Edie Frederik: “I don’t know...no...I do. Um, s-sorry...I just...”
Edie looked away again, looking back toward the table they came from.
Edie Frederik: “You’re attractive, Natalie...I’ve had a bit of a crush on you...for a while now. Um, I need to get off this dance floor...God, I feel stupid...”
Edie looked at her feet, frowning…she looked back up at Natalie, shrugging.
Natalie McKinley: “I...err...”
Struggling to take everything in, Natalie glances towards the exit. She then speaks in a near-apologetic tone of voice.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m not into girls, Edie - I thought you knew that.”
Natalie jerks a thumb over her shoulder.
Natalie McKinley: “I...I need to go.”
Turning on her heels, Natalie then hastily headed for the club’s exit. Edie thought about going after her, but what else was there to say at this point? She looked down, mumbling to herself as the music played.
Edie Frederik: “I...didn’t know. I just figured this out for myself, not long ago.”
Looking up as she saw Natalie nearing the exit, through tears in her eyes.
Edie Frederik: “I’m sorry...I should’ve...I should’ve asked, but how do you broach that subject?”
Just then a drink girl came by and asked if she was alright. Edie nodded and headed to the restroom to clean herself up and get some composure. She walked in and stared at herself in the mirror.
Edie Frederik: “How do I get past that, talk to her again?”
She shook her head, uncertain as she ran water over her face.
Natalie raises her glass, as she offers a toast.
Natalie McKinley: “Here's to you, Edie, on your win tonight against Tatyana Yvette.”
Edie Frederik: “Thanks, Natalie, it felt good to get a singles match under my belt and score the victory. And to your respectable showing in the Honour of Seishin title match...I truly wish it had gone a little better for you.”
Edie raises her glass to Natalie's, clinking them together and taking a drink. She takes a look around the club, taking in the music and the bustle of the crowd.
Edie Frederik: “This is so different than my usual routine after a big show; I usually just head to the hotel and read a book. Boring, I know. But this is probably the biggest event I've been a part of, so I'm still riding an adrenaline wave, you could say. Have you been here before?”
Natalie shakes her head, as she scans the dancefloor.
Natalie McKinley: “No, I haven't been here before. The hotel that I'm staying in is nearby, though, and when I went out for a walk last night, someone handed me a flyer advertising this place, so I thought I may as well give it a chance. Plus, most of the staff here speak English, apparently, which is certainly helpful.”
She then turns back to look at Edie.
Natalie McKinley: “And I know what you mean, Edie: if I wasn't here, I would be probably be holed up in my hotel room. However, it's not every day that you get to compete in front of thirty-six thousand people - and in your case, win; you deserve to enjoy yourself, Edie.”
Taking another drink, Edie’s eyes got big.
Edie Frederik: “Thirty-six thousand, was that the count? The gate must’ve been very nice. Oh, and I was wondering if you had picked up any Japanese language during your travels. I have some phrase books that I struggle with mightily. I’m trying to learn, but it’s a struggle. Thank god for translators in Seishin at least.”
A song came on that she recognized and she bobbed her head a bit, taking another drink.
Edie Frederik: “I am enjoying myself. Back home in North Dakota we’d gather at a pool hall, toss some darts, I might even struggle at some poker. Drinking this wine is rare even, not much of a drinker I’m afraid. It is quite good though.”
Natalie McKinley: “I'm not a regular drinker, but I do enjoy a night on the tiles, when I get the chance to have one. A night out drinking is my preferred idea of a cheat day - rather than gorging on junk food - and there is no shortage of pubs and clubs in my hometown.”
While Natalie takes a drink of her own, Edie looks around at all the people, and raises her eyebrows.
Edie Frederik: “Lots of people dancing. I’m fairly terrible at it. You?”
Natalie laughs at Edie's question.
Natalie McKinley: “I may not have the best rhythm, but I don't let that stop me. Having some of this stuff inside you helps.”
Natalie then takes another sip of her wine. Edie nods and takes a drink of her own, but then gets a bit tickled, laughing.
Edie Frederik: “I'm pretty certain there isn't enough booze in this place to get me out there. Besides, we must look pretty imposing, not a soul has asked either of us to dance. Not that I wouldn't politely decline anyway.”
Natalie smiles, wanting to enjoy herself.
Natalie McKinley: “I don’t know. A dance could be fun - and after the disappointment of earlier, I could use some fun.”
She then lets out a sigh.
Natalie McKinley: “You’re right, though: I’ve been told before that most men seem too intimidated by me to ask me out; I guess it must be the same as well for you, Edie.”
Looking to the side, Edie shrugs a bit before nodding and returning to look at Natalie.
Edie Frederik: “No, you are exactly right. I suppose it is a double-edged sword, we spend this time and effort in the gym to make us feel as good as we can about ourselves, creating these physiques that aren't traditionally ladylike. It doesn't bother me so much not getting asked out, I can hardly tell what's casual flirting or sincere gestures anyway. So I just usually go the reserved and guarded route, being a bit socially awkward.”
She finishes her drink quickly and continues.
Edie Frederik: “But...you know what? I don't know a soul here aside from you, so if I'm going to be awkward it makes sense to do so in front of people I likely won't see again, right? You seem a bit down, what say we...muscle our way out amongst them and act the fool? This is a rare offer coming from me.”
Natalie grins at Edie’s suggestion.
Natalie McKinley: “‘A rare offer,’ huh? I must say, I feel honoured.”
Natalie casts an eye over the dancefloor, before looking back to Edie.
Natalie McKinley: “I don’t mind if some strangers get to have a laugh at my expense. Alright, let’s do it.”
Natalie takes a large gulp of what remains of her glass of wine, before putting her glass down, and rising to her feet. Edie gets up as well.
Edie Frederik: “If I laugh at you on accident, you have permission to laugh at me. Just don't get upset, you're bigger than me!”
Edie smirks covering her mouth.
Edie Frederik: “Just no bar fighting. Although if we spark an international incident, I got your back. Even if we get called out to the Seishin front office in the morning. We can serve detention together.”
Clearly a bit nervous and rambling now, Edie starts walking out on the floor.
Natalie McKinley: “What are you implying, Edie?”
Natalie puts her hand on her chest, as she feigns being offended.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m a good girl; I always behave myself - well, most of the time.”
Natalie winks, as she then follows Edie towards the dancefloor. Edie sticks out her tongue and rolls her eyes in mock disdain, and is shaking her head as they make their way towards the middle of the crowded floor, some typical club music playing: J-Pop that was unfamiliar, mixed with some popular songs of the day, all remixed and set to a similar electronica disco beat.
The regular crowd was putting on a show, bouncing and bobbing, flailing their arms and singing along. Edie was slow to catch on, standing there for a moment with her arms folded. Natalie seemed to be bobbing a bit, and Edie leaned in and arched an eyebrow.
Edie Frederik: “Um, is this such a great idea...I think I’d rather be getting my butt kicked in a ring than this.”
Natalie chuckles at Edie’s remark.
Natalie McKinley: “Oh, come on, Edie - it isn’t that bad. You just need to loosen up, and be less worried about doing anything embarrassing.”
She then grabs one of Edie’s arms, trying to get her to unfold them, as Natalie encourages her friend to join in.
Edie Frederik: “Well that’s the story of my life, so it shouldn’t be surprising. Fine...”
Edie unfolds her arms with a sigh, and raises her eyebrows.
Edie Frederik: “There, happy now?”
Natalie replies sarcastically.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m ecstatic.”
She then smirks.
Natalie McKinley: “It’s a start, I suppose.”
Edie shakes her head and starts bopping to the music a bit, swaying and bending at the knee, her arms up in the air lazily.
Edie Frederik: “Better? I don't see you cutting a rug, Fred Astaire.”
Edie starts clapping her hands to the beat, trying to egg Natalie on.
Edie Frederik: “Beginning to wonder if they have real dancing in Jolly Old England.”
Natalie suddenly stops moving, and glares at Edie, as though she has just committed blasphemy.
Natalie McKinley: “Dydw i ddim o Loegr - Rwy'n dod o Gymru!”
Appreciating Edie’s confusion at her abrupt outburst, Natalie quickly repeats herself, but this time in English.
Natalie McKinley: “I‘m not from England - I’m from Wales!”
Natalie smiles again, in an effort to show that she was not really insulted by Edie’s quip. Natalie then begins to sway to the beat of the music, feeling the flow and movement of her arms, before starting to do a bit of a bop.
Natalie McKinley: “How’s this?”
Edie, a bit red-faced from her mistake, was dancing along similarly.
Edie Frederik: “Not bad, not bad at all...Wales. Ugh, please forgive a North Dakota farm girl. It’s still part of Great Britain...United Kingdom, right? I need a geography refresher, ha.”
To her credit, Edie was loosening up and dancing in a less wooden manner, genuinely laughing and smiling more than she had done in quite a while.
Edie Frederik: “Hey, thanks for suggesting this place really...I need to get out more.”
Just then a drink girl made her way through the crowd with a tray of jello shots. Edie hooked a thumb in that direction and arched an eyebrow.
Edie Frederik: “Oh, what do you think, want to try some?”
Natalie initially winces slightly at the thought.
Natalie McKinley: “I’ve had some unpleasant experiences in the past, thanks to drinking one too many shots on nights out.”
However, she then nods her head.
Natalie McKinley: “Okay, just as long as we don’t have too many of them - if I end up being sick, I’ll be holding you responsible.”
Natalie wags her finger at Edie, but she does so good-naturedly, with a smile on her face.
Edie Frederik: “Wow, I seem to be getting lectured on everything tonight. You intent on ruining my victory celebration?”
Edie chuckles and playfully punches Natalie in the shoulder, before grabbing a few shots from the tray and thanking the drink girl. Edie drinks one quickly, then shrugs and downs another...offering one to Natalie.
Edie Frederik: “On the other hand, if I get sick, I’ll just blame myself. Now take the shot!”
Edie made a poor effort at trying to make a serious face, cracking as she held out the shot.
Natalie McKinley: “Yes, ma’am!”
Laughing at Edie, Natalie takes the shot from her, and downs it without hesitation.
Natalie McKinley: “You know, Edie, for someone that doesn’t get out much, you’ve certainly gotten into the mood of things; it’s good to see.”
Smiling, nodding her head, Edie agrees.
Edie Frederik: “I guess you're right, it must be the present company. So congrats on that.”
Laughing, she drinks another, then arches her eyebrow, and offers another one to Natalie.
Edie Frederik: “Have another, I don't see you turning green yet...”
Natalie McKinley: “It’ll take more than just a few drinks for that to happen - I’m not a lightweight.”
Natalie reaches out her hand to accept the proffered drink, which she quickly downs.
Natalie McKinley: “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to get me drunk.”
She then flashes a playful smile at Edie, who smiled and turned a shade of red.
Natalie McKinley: “But really, like you said, Edie, this is your victory celebration, and so we - you in particular - should make the most of it.”
Edie just looked at her, downed another. She had two in her hand now. The dance floor was beginning to fill up, and the two of them got pushed close together.
Edie Frederik: “Yes, celebrate...live it up, right? Want some more?”
She moved the shot toward Natalie’s mouth up close to her, but then moved the shot to the side and continued moving her face forward, lips pressing briefly against Natalie’s mouth. After a second or two Edie pulled back, her eyes wide as saucers.
Edie Frederik: “Oh...”
Natalie looks at Edie in astonishment, her eyebrows raised, eyes widened, and mouth open.
Natalie McKinley: “Edie?”
A surprised Natalie stumbles over her words.
Natalie McKinley: “What...what was that?”
Edie blinked looking away, mumbling. Looking back at Natalie, she swallowed hard.
Edie Frederik: “I don’t know...no...I do. Um, s-sorry...I just...”
Edie looked away again, looking back toward the table they came from.
Edie Frederik: “You’re attractive, Natalie...I’ve had a bit of a crush on you...for a while now. Um, I need to get off this dance floor...God, I feel stupid...”
Edie looked at her feet, frowning…she looked back up at Natalie, shrugging.
Natalie McKinley: “I...err...”
Struggling to take everything in, Natalie glances towards the exit. She then speaks in a near-apologetic tone of voice.
Natalie McKinley: “I’m not into girls, Edie - I thought you knew that.”
Natalie jerks a thumb over her shoulder.
Natalie McKinley: “I...I need to go.”
Turning on her heels, Natalie then hastily headed for the club’s exit. Edie thought about going after her, but what else was there to say at this point? She looked down, mumbling to herself as the music played.
Edie Frederik: “I...didn’t know. I just figured this out for myself, not long ago.”
Looking up as she saw Natalie nearing the exit, through tears in her eyes.
Edie Frederik: “I’m sorry...I should’ve...I should’ve asked, but how do you broach that subject?”
Just then a drink girl came by and asked if she was alright. Edie nodded and headed to the restroom to clean herself up and get some composure. She walked in and stared at herself in the mirror.
Edie Frederik: “How do I get past that, talk to her again?”
She shook her head, uncertain as she ran water over her face.
