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Esposito gets to the back with both hands covering her backside, with Chen following her.
Esposito: Why didn't you tell me?!
Chen (comes up next to her): We were in the middle of a match.
They get past gorilla and out into the hallway.
Chen: You were already out of the ring. What are you so embarrassed about? I doubt you're a stranger to fighting half-naked.
Esposito: That's different.
Chen: How?
Esposito (whining and looking away): It just... is, okay?!
Chen looks at her for a moment and then chuckles: You are such a-
The sound of clapping cuts them off, from three sources. Nalah Shabani, Jeffrey Campbell and Sara Williams.
Shabani: Ladies, that was an incredible performance from both of you. Especially you, Sarah. Not only did you firmly establish the Madhouse as the brand with superior (gives Campbell a smug look to which he responds with an eye roll) in-ring action, you validated my choice to make you my no. 1 pick (gives a look to Sara, who nods). Well done.
Esposito: Thanks, boss, but honestly, I just wanted to knock those two snobs down a peg.
Campbell: Yeah, well, ya made me a lot less sad about losin' Talon. You lot can keep him.
He takes his leave as Shabani turns back to Esposito: I've been aware of the details of the altercation. Both Dubois and Talon will be disciplined. Such poor treatment of our staff will not (looks at Sara again) be tolerated. Although the waiter was not without fault and Dubois will be compensated for her dress. Now, if you'll excuse me, the next round will be starting soon. (Puts a hand on Esposito's arm) Keep up the good work.
Esposito nods as Shabani walks away. The two of them are left alone with the towering (and menacing) President of Talent Relations.
Sara: So, that was fun, right?
Sarah: Well, not at first, but yeah...
Sara: And a very important learning experience, right?
Sarah (nods): Definitely. From now on, I promise to always have my gear no matter what.
Sara: You also need to know how to ask important questions. Like this one: Do you know that we have a seamstress on site?
Sarah (face going flush): ... What?
Sara: Morgana Risotto! Best in the biz, can work with all kinds of fabrics. Polyester, nylon, leather... denim. (Esposito blushes again) She probably had a spare costume lying around. One that was more, uh, durable.
Esposito looks down at the floor. Chen pats her on the back again.
Sara (puts an arm over Esposito's shoulders): Come on. Let's get that taken care of.
Sarah (whispers): Yes, ma'am.
Sara (speaks softly in Esposito's ear): Completely professional opinion here. The tiger stripes look good. Keep them.
Esposito's face gets even weirder as they walk away. Chen watches them with a smile. A smile that quickly disappears.
Chen: Athiambo...
The aforementioned Dark Talon is leaning against a wall, watching.
Athiambo: Every time I see you, you get softer.
Chen: I doubt Dubois thinks so.
Athiambo: She shouldn't be able to think at all, and you shouldn't have involved yourself.
Chen: I don't take orders from you.
Athiambo: Then take some advice. A bird that does not learn to fly on its own has no right to its wings, or its life.
Chen (spins around with clenched fists): Is that a threat?
Athiambo: It is... advice (takes off sunglasses to reveal a pair of large, owl-like eyes), friendly.
She then walks away, and Chen decides to go after Esposito, with the intent to stay as close as possible for the remainder of the night.
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