Post by Referee Trystan Lloyd on May 14, 2015 12:08:03 GMT -6
Trystan: Thank you.
A smile from the young Italian barista behind the counter of the Soho, London Café Nero was offered with a clunk from the closing of the till as the GZW referee took his tray. He'd been on his feet all day. Or at least, that's what it seemed like on the London streets where you would sometimes queue just to walk them. With a quick scan of the place, he finds a seat near the window, a small table with a leather sofa that oversaw the masses as they walked past. Perfect. Setting his tray down, he removes his jacket and leaves it beside him as he sits down and opens his Panini packet that he fully intended to wash down with a large cappuccino. Several shopping bags in hand, the "Wild Card" Eddie Knoxville Television Champion was strolling past the window of the cafe. With sunglasses covering her eyes, Piper Sanchez paid no attention to the fact that she was just a mere distance removed from the man she once called roommate for nearly two months a few years back. He didn't notice her for checking his food before deciding to take a bite out of it.
"Mind if I share the space, Ref Lloyd?"
The female voice came from beside him. Mouth full and both hands wrapped around his Panini he turns his head and looks up. Swallowing, he grabs a tissue and dabs the side of his mouth.
Trystan: Of course...
America Vaughn, large cup with a protruding straw in hand, in smiles down at him.
America: If you rather be alone I understand. I just saw a familiar face and thought....
Trystan: No, no. Please, help yourself, Miss Vaughn. I was only grabbing a bite to eat and it's a public place.
She slides into the chair facing opposite the GZW2K1 referee , placing her cup and purse onto the table.
America: Please call me America. Miss Vaughn makes me think my Mommy is here. Hahaa...
Trystan: I'm sorry. Force of habit, would you believe.
He offers an apologetic smile and looks at his tray, settling on grabbing the huge cup of frothy coffee instead.
America: It's okay. Just feels weird especially coming from someone older than me.
Behind his mug and he raises his brows. He wasn't old by any stretch but ageing in an ever moving industry this was bound to happen more often now. He wipes his mouth of the froth and sets his mug back down.
Trystan: And that sounds just as weird to me.
She tries to suppress a laugh but fails.
America: Uh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean you were old. Just older than me is all.
Trystan: Ah. Well, at your age, I'm sure everyone is in GZW really.
America: There are quite a few old heads around but it seems like a youth movement is in the works.
Trystan: That's how industry of any kind survives.
America: True.
She leans forward and sips her drink from the straw. He watches the young woman for a moment, then reaches for his mug again.
Trystan: How are you finding it? The transition from TroubleTrax to the main roster, I mean.
America: Thrilling, hard, and bittersweet all rolled into one.
Trystan: Oh? I can understand the first two but why bittersweet?
America: Well bittersweet because I haven't officially been promoted to the main roster yet. So that's definitely bitter but the sweet part is that I've been competing more with the main roster and not just with the Trax.
Trystan: Keep impressing and it'll be official soon enough.
America: I've been keeping my fingers AND toes crossed. Hahaa...
He laughs a little under his breath, then takes a sip of his cappuccino.
America: Mind if I ask you a personal question, Ref Lloyd? It's about a rumour that's been floating around the Trax for years now.
Trystan: Oh! Well...alright? I don't have anything to hide.
She kind of blushes before speaking causing to hesitate.
America: Well...umm...
He arches a brow, even cracking a smile.
Trystan: How bad is this rumour?
America: Not sure if you say you have nothing to hide.
Trystan: Well, feel free to speak your mind anyway. If you want to survive the wrestling industry you need to be able to.
America: Well, okay. Is it true that you were a Playgirl model before you came to GZW?
It takes him moment but eventually he actually bellows with laughter, slowly allowing it to fade when he realises it was serious question.
Trystan: Goodness, no. That's not to say I couldn't have been but I'm not the kind of guy that will undress for money. And if you can find images on the internet with me there, it's definitely photoshopped.
An almost dejected expression crosses the young woman's face upon hearing the denial.
America: It was just a rumour that has been going around the Trax since before I got there amongst us girls.
Trystan: I wonder who started that.
America: It wasn't me. It definitely wasn't me.
Trystan: Oh don't worry about it. Sometimes people just need something to talk about and it's not the worst rumour I've heard about me. One of the funniest maybe but definitely not the worst.
America: Okay, cool.
She sips again from her drink yet he still ponders the rumour.
Trystan: Maybe the lines blurred a little. There was a photoshoot when I first became a referee and it did make centrefold in a GZW monthly magazine. The one with my ref vest but...hmm...
America: Yeah, I guess.
He nods, sensing a change in her demeanour.
Trystan: Are you okay?
America: Yes, I'm good. Just trying to keep my mind off some things until I have to face them I guess.
Trystan: You do seem troubled.
America: There is A LOT riding on my upcoming match at Battlefield: London is all.
Trystan: Well, of course there is. It's a title match and at this stage in your career, that's huge.
America: Exactly and on top of that I have lost to Piper Sanchez twice already, the growing rivalry between Amanda Reynolds and me, and of course there is a strangeness between Stephon Davis and myself. And I can't forget the craziness that Coach Cairns is going to bring to the match.
She exhales heavily as she rubs the back of her neck.
Trystan: A learning curve. One action can make things real complicated but everyone else is coming with as many things on their minds. Miss Sanchez may have two wins over you but she doesn't even have to be pinned to lose that belt, so the pressure is really on her. Miss Reynolds will have her eyes on Davis as well as the ramp for Miss...Munin to make an appearance. Davis, himself will be having a hard time facing you and Miss Reynolds. As for Cairns...well...he's probably more interested in making sure Davis doesn't walk out with the title more than wanting to win it anyway. Keep your head right and there is no reason you can't win a match like this.
America: It's just so damn much going into this now. Before it was simply showing up Amanda and winning the TV title because I know for sure that will put me on the main roster permanently. How in the world did I get myself into all this?
Trystan: You acted on impulse. Something I have seen far too often.
America: So you know about the thing with Stephon, huh?
Trystan: Word spreads like wildfire just like rumours do. Yes, I do.
America: (muttering) Shit.
Trystan: I...can pretend I don't if that helps? Still, the people it affects already know though, right?
America: Pretty much so. I didn't realize the avalanche that one simple kiss would cause. Ad out of all this I think I've lost a friend in Stephon. I haven't seen or heard from him since that night.
Trystan: Give him time but given he's seen his girlfriend go and kiss Cross and the heat they'll have along with an upcoming match, it may be too soon to expect him to respond. The last thing he will want is to be seen fraternising at this delicate time.
America: I know you're right but hurts all the same. I wish I would have just kept those feelings locked away.
Trystan: Well, I have no room to talk there.
America: Been down this road too?
Trystan: Unfortunately. With the current World champion, no less.
America: Wait, what?! You mean you and Icon Lord Leon Corbin?
Trystan: The very same. How is that shocking? Everyone knows that.
America: Clearly not everybody. Are you still gay? I mean, I don't have anything against it but no one ever figured you to like guys.
Trystan: I don't identify with labels. I'm just attracted to whoever I find attractive. The gender doesn't matter. That said, I tend to just keep to myself these days. Getting hurt is really not a feeling I like to experience either.
America: That makes perfect sense. I wish I would have kept to myself.
Trystan: Once bitten, twice shy? It's just better to look where people aren't already involved. A pretty young lady like yourself should not have to hide away.
Another blush comes over the Trouble Traxxer.
America: Thank you, Ref Lloyd.
She sips from her drink to channel the obvious nervous energy. He smiles to himself.
Trystan: We're not on the clock. Trystan is fine.
America: Sorry.
Trystan: No need. But um...I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable.
America: I'm good.
Trystan: Good. I was just getting the impression you were coming across a bit anxious is all.
America: Honestly I'm good. I'm sorry for unloading on you like this. I'm a complete stranger that now you probably think is a freaking nutcase.
Trystan: Ha! Have you seen the people I know? Besides, I think people need to be a nutty to want to pursue wrestling is a career.
America: I hadn't really thought about it that way but you're right. Thank you for this, Ref, I mean, Trystan. I really needed to unload.
She stands to her feet. He beams in her direction.
Trystan: It's absolutely fine, really. It's nice to have the company.
America: Hopefully we can do it again?
Almost on instinct she opens her arms to invite him in for a hug. Albeit a little awkward, he rises and leans over, his huge frame overshadowing her as he embraces her.
America: Thanks again, Ref Lloyd. Later.
Trystan: Trystan, and good luck in your match.
Releasing from the embrace, she smiles and silently nods before retrieving her purse en-route to leaving. Watching her leave, he eventually sits back down to eat his Panini.
America Vaughn
A smile from the young Italian barista behind the counter of the Soho, London Café Nero was offered with a clunk from the closing of the till as the GZW referee took his tray. He'd been on his feet all day. Or at least, that's what it seemed like on the London streets where you would sometimes queue just to walk them. With a quick scan of the place, he finds a seat near the window, a small table with a leather sofa that oversaw the masses as they walked past. Perfect. Setting his tray down, he removes his jacket and leaves it beside him as he sits down and opens his Panini packet that he fully intended to wash down with a large cappuccino. Several shopping bags in hand, the "Wild Card" Eddie Knoxville Television Champion was strolling past the window of the cafe. With sunglasses covering her eyes, Piper Sanchez paid no attention to the fact that she was just a mere distance removed from the man she once called roommate for nearly two months a few years back. He didn't notice her for checking his food before deciding to take a bite out of it.
"Mind if I share the space, Ref Lloyd?"
The female voice came from beside him. Mouth full and both hands wrapped around his Panini he turns his head and looks up. Swallowing, he grabs a tissue and dabs the side of his mouth.
Trystan: Of course...
America Vaughn, large cup with a protruding straw in hand, in smiles down at him.
America: If you rather be alone I understand. I just saw a familiar face and thought....
Trystan: No, no. Please, help yourself, Miss Vaughn. I was only grabbing a bite to eat and it's a public place.
She slides into the chair facing opposite the GZW2K1 referee , placing her cup and purse onto the table.
America: Please call me America. Miss Vaughn makes me think my Mommy is here. Hahaa...
Trystan: I'm sorry. Force of habit, would you believe.
He offers an apologetic smile and looks at his tray, settling on grabbing the huge cup of frothy coffee instead.
America: It's okay. Just feels weird especially coming from someone older than me.
Behind his mug and he raises his brows. He wasn't old by any stretch but ageing in an ever moving industry this was bound to happen more often now. He wipes his mouth of the froth and sets his mug back down.
Trystan: And that sounds just as weird to me.
She tries to suppress a laugh but fails.
America: Uh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean you were old. Just older than me is all.
Trystan: Ah. Well, at your age, I'm sure everyone is in GZW really.
America: There are quite a few old heads around but it seems like a youth movement is in the works.
Trystan: That's how industry of any kind survives.
America: True.
She leans forward and sips her drink from the straw. He watches the young woman for a moment, then reaches for his mug again.
Trystan: How are you finding it? The transition from TroubleTrax to the main roster, I mean.
America: Thrilling, hard, and bittersweet all rolled into one.
Trystan: Oh? I can understand the first two but why bittersweet?
America: Well bittersweet because I haven't officially been promoted to the main roster yet. So that's definitely bitter but the sweet part is that I've been competing more with the main roster and not just with the Trax.
Trystan: Keep impressing and it'll be official soon enough.
America: I've been keeping my fingers AND toes crossed. Hahaa...
He laughs a little under his breath, then takes a sip of his cappuccino.
America: Mind if I ask you a personal question, Ref Lloyd? It's about a rumour that's been floating around the Trax for years now.
Trystan: Oh! Well...alright? I don't have anything to hide.
She kind of blushes before speaking causing to hesitate.
America: Well...umm...
He arches a brow, even cracking a smile.
Trystan: How bad is this rumour?
America: Not sure if you say you have nothing to hide.
Trystan: Well, feel free to speak your mind anyway. If you want to survive the wrestling industry you need to be able to.
America: Well, okay. Is it true that you were a Playgirl model before you came to GZW?
It takes him moment but eventually he actually bellows with laughter, slowly allowing it to fade when he realises it was serious question.
Trystan: Goodness, no. That's not to say I couldn't have been but I'm not the kind of guy that will undress for money. And if you can find images on the internet with me there, it's definitely photoshopped.
An almost dejected expression crosses the young woman's face upon hearing the denial.
America: It was just a rumour that has been going around the Trax since before I got there amongst us girls.
Trystan: I wonder who started that.
America: It wasn't me. It definitely wasn't me.
Trystan: Oh don't worry about it. Sometimes people just need something to talk about and it's not the worst rumour I've heard about me. One of the funniest maybe but definitely not the worst.
America: Okay, cool.
She sips again from her drink yet he still ponders the rumour.
Trystan: Maybe the lines blurred a little. There was a photoshoot when I first became a referee and it did make centrefold in a GZW monthly magazine. The one with my ref vest but...hmm...
America: Yeah, I guess.
He nods, sensing a change in her demeanour.
Trystan: Are you okay?
America: Yes, I'm good. Just trying to keep my mind off some things until I have to face them I guess.
Trystan: You do seem troubled.
America: There is A LOT riding on my upcoming match at Battlefield: London is all.
Trystan: Well, of course there is. It's a title match and at this stage in your career, that's huge.
America: Exactly and on top of that I have lost to Piper Sanchez twice already, the growing rivalry between Amanda Reynolds and me, and of course there is a strangeness between Stephon Davis and myself. And I can't forget the craziness that Coach Cairns is going to bring to the match.
She exhales heavily as she rubs the back of her neck.
Trystan: A learning curve. One action can make things real complicated but everyone else is coming with as many things on their minds. Miss Sanchez may have two wins over you but she doesn't even have to be pinned to lose that belt, so the pressure is really on her. Miss Reynolds will have her eyes on Davis as well as the ramp for Miss...Munin to make an appearance. Davis, himself will be having a hard time facing you and Miss Reynolds. As for Cairns...well...he's probably more interested in making sure Davis doesn't walk out with the title more than wanting to win it anyway. Keep your head right and there is no reason you can't win a match like this.
America: It's just so damn much going into this now. Before it was simply showing up Amanda and winning the TV title because I know for sure that will put me on the main roster permanently. How in the world did I get myself into all this?
Trystan: You acted on impulse. Something I have seen far too often.
America: So you know about the thing with Stephon, huh?
Trystan: Word spreads like wildfire just like rumours do. Yes, I do.
America: (muttering) Shit.
Trystan: I...can pretend I don't if that helps? Still, the people it affects already know though, right?
America: Pretty much so. I didn't realize the avalanche that one simple kiss would cause. Ad out of all this I think I've lost a friend in Stephon. I haven't seen or heard from him since that night.
Trystan: Give him time but given he's seen his girlfriend go and kiss Cross and the heat they'll have along with an upcoming match, it may be too soon to expect him to respond. The last thing he will want is to be seen fraternising at this delicate time.
America: I know you're right but hurts all the same. I wish I would have just kept those feelings locked away.
Trystan: Well, I have no room to talk there.
America: Been down this road too?
Trystan: Unfortunately. With the current World champion, no less.
America: Wait, what?! You mean you and Icon Lord Leon Corbin?
Trystan: The very same. How is that shocking? Everyone knows that.
America: Clearly not everybody. Are you still gay? I mean, I don't have anything against it but no one ever figured you to like guys.
Trystan: I don't identify with labels. I'm just attracted to whoever I find attractive. The gender doesn't matter. That said, I tend to just keep to myself these days. Getting hurt is really not a feeling I like to experience either.
America: That makes perfect sense. I wish I would have kept to myself.
Trystan: Once bitten, twice shy? It's just better to look where people aren't already involved. A pretty young lady like yourself should not have to hide away.
Another blush comes over the Trouble Traxxer.
America: Thank you, Ref Lloyd.
She sips from her drink to channel the obvious nervous energy. He smiles to himself.
Trystan: We're not on the clock. Trystan is fine.
America: Sorry.
Trystan: No need. But um...I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable.
America: I'm good.
Trystan: Good. I was just getting the impression you were coming across a bit anxious is all.
America: Honestly I'm good. I'm sorry for unloading on you like this. I'm a complete stranger that now you probably think is a freaking nutcase.
Trystan: Ha! Have you seen the people I know? Besides, I think people need to be a nutty to want to pursue wrestling is a career.
America: I hadn't really thought about it that way but you're right. Thank you for this, Ref, I mean, Trystan. I really needed to unload.
She stands to her feet. He beams in her direction.
Trystan: It's absolutely fine, really. It's nice to have the company.
America: Hopefully we can do it again?
Almost on instinct she opens her arms to invite him in for a hug. Albeit a little awkward, he rises and leans over, his huge frame overshadowing her as he embraces her.
America: Thanks again, Ref Lloyd. Later.
Trystan: Trystan, and good luck in your match.
Releasing from the embrace, she smiles and silently nods before retrieving her purse en-route to leaving. Watching her leave, he eventually sits back down to eat his Panini.
America Vaughn
