Lower East Side (Justice)

[Jamie Fury]

It was a whole day now since Jamie had been admitted out of her stay in the hospital after the Tribute show. She had checked out just fine, which was a good thing, because she certainly didn't want to miss out on any part of the season, especially with new allies and subsequently enemies having been made.

Justice had stayed with her the whole time, those final few hours in the hospital, and just talked about nothing in particular, but enough to have opened up what they both believed was going to be a good relationship with one another. The moment she'd been cleared, Jamie and Justice decided they'd head back to New York.



In all of it's cold, windy, wintery splendor.

Hmm, why did we want to come back here again? I forgot.

She laughs as they walk down this stretch of urban terrain, hands in pockets, winter skully hat covering her head, though her long black hair still hung long and strong. She wore an adidas parka, zipped up all the way to her neck with some blue jeans and a pair of knee high Timberland boots (fashionable but functional at the same time).

So many people think of Times Sqaure when they think of New York City, but Jamie's favorite part of the city had always been the Lower East Side of Manhattan. There was so much more feeling on it's streets compared to midtown, more soul, and unlike Harlem further up, it wasn't being gentrified into a huge tourist spot.

Seriously though, you'll like it down here. It's got a lot of charm, and it's not as crowded and crazy as midtown is. That's what I like the most about down here.

It looks a lot better when the weather gets warmer, trust me. ;D

[Justice Asuka]

It was bleak to say the least, but the city rolled on as cities always seemed to. Justice half walked and half scooted her feet underneath her, feeling for any stray ice patches as they moved. With each of them bundled up against the never-ending cold, she felt almost invisible and was enjoying it. They had not been approached by autograph hunters or even the infamous paparazzi. Summer? Summer would be unbearable for Jamie Fury. You can't disappear in great big coat in summer.

"It's...."

Justice looked around for just the right word.

"cold."

But shops had still managed to roll open their doors and clear their walks. There was money to be made, and that was a powerful motivator. Justice knew all about that, coming from one Japan's most famous resort towns, Atami. People from all over the country flocked to her home for the beaches in the summer and the natural hot springs in the winter.

"It's too bad New York has no hot springs. I could retire very rich."

For all her bubble gum cuteness, Justice was actually very working class Japanese. She had worked part time jobs throughout Atami and wrestled at night, usually on the same card her father made a few yen refereeing. It had not been glamorous. But they had gotten by and had good times.

[Jamie Fury]

I've never been to a hot spring before. I hear they're really nice.

She had been to Japan twice, much on part to the XWA and it's yearly tour of the country in April. But there was much of the country that she hadn't seen. Much she was curious about. There was of course Marisol who showed her and Amber a few things, it was practically her second home now. But she wasn't "a local". It was Asuka's first home.

Maybe you can take me to one when we go to Japan later this season?

She gives off a big smile. The idea of a grand tour of the country was exciting. Japan was exciting. Everyone wants to see it for themselves at some point or another. There's this mystique about the nation that's just irresistible.

[Justice Asuka]

"Maybe, if I have done something here. I'm not going back until then. I'm not going back until I have my own name."

I'm not going back until my father has written me. I'm not going back until I've gotten over my mother. I'm not going back. I'm not going.

"My hometown isn't so nice. It's full of tourists all the time. But the hot springs are from heaven. They say the waters can heal everything, even a broken heart."

Justice laughed, while slushy bits of snow and water splashed out from under her boots. New York was big, but it was more open than Japan.

[Jamie Fury]

Well, the hot springs sound lovely to me, everything else though, the tourists and all...sounds a lot like New York.

She laughs.

But that sounds fair to me. Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. We still have to somehow survive this city for another couple of weeks, not to mention whatever city the season's going to start in, assuming it's not here.

You've heard of Frank Sinatra, right? That song comes to mind about this city, where "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere". Guess we have to put that to the test.

The two continue their stroll down Houston Street, and walk past this little landmark of sorts known as Katz's Deli.



That's like the oldest Deli in the city. Been around since 1888. Delicatessens are pretty popular in this city. I actually go there a lot when I'm in town. We should go in...give you your first real "taste" of New York. Their pastrami sandwiches are amazing.

[Justice Asuka]

Justice never had a problem eating. Never. She adored all the basic food groups in abundance, and usually ate 6 small meals a day instead of three big ones. Food was not fuel. Food was love, and she loved it all in return.

"Lead the way, Jamie. I could eat a whale."

In Japan that would be quite possible. But in New York it just meant she was very hungry. It was nice to have someone to show her around the city. She felt she was in a much more positive place now, for the first time since she had set foot on American soil. Lilith should never be the first person someone meets in a new place. Never. She was a land mine of negativity and predatory energy and her entire purpose in life was to your legs off with it. Justice shook her head free of Lilith. That was in the past now.

[Jamie Fury]

Okay, but I warn you, these guys don't hold back.

For truth. This was real New York Deli here. They didn't skimp on the portions they serves. Now, for a girl like Jamie who keeps herself in peak physical condition year-round, it would be surprising to see her in a place like this, but every so often she cheats. And boy did she "cheat". Chocolate, cheeseburgers, she had a serious appetite of her own.

Her familiarity showed the second they walked through the door. Once the guys behind the counter looked up, you could hear a big, loud, New York style

"HEEEEEEY JAMIEEEEE!!!"

from a group of big, jolly Jewish guys, doing what guys do behind a deli counter. Jamie wondered why most of these places were usually ran by guys. Maybe it's true about them being better cooks. She of course, would take that challenge up any day of the week. In any case, she smiles and waves.

Hi guys. You knew I couldn't help but stop in here, could you, Shel?

"Of course not. You are after all our favorite pro wrestling customer, heh heh."

There was a wall in the deli that was adorned with the photos of several celebrities that frequent the deli, along with their autographs. If Justice looked hard enough, she would see that Jamie was among the photos, standing with the crew, all of them with huge smiles.

Yeah, she came here a lot.

"So, who's your friend?"

This is Asuka. She's come all the way from Japan. First time in the US. I thought I'd let you guys give her a taste of some Big Apple awesomeness.

"Ah ha...so two of the usual?"

You got it.

Jamie turns to Justice...

I always get the pastrami sandwich. They practically have one ready for me everytime. ;D

Meanwhile, Shel (that's short for Sheldon) asks Jamie's guest...

"So, you want anything special on yours? Cheese, mustard, sauerkraut, you name it. Jamie over here gets all of the above on hers, heh heh heh..."

[Justice Asuka]

"I love all food."

Justice said enthusiastically, and pulling her hood down from her head. The heat of the restaurant was immediate and welcomed. She hadn't realized how cold she had been right down to her toes. She looked around as their food was being prepare. One thing for sure, if she wanted to add some weight to her frame then this would be a good place to start. Everyone was x-large, but x-happy in their gruff New York kind of way. Justice just ended up smiling and nodding a lot. It was like a shield.

"It's nice."

Restaurant always made one feel closer to home. The clinking of plates and utensils mixed with the half-heard conversations of weather. It didn't matter which country you were. It didn't matter what languages were spoken. It was all the same really. Justice was surprised there was so much violence in the world when everyone was basically the same. They are. They worked. They slept. They loved, and then started all over again.

"Oh, it looks good. Thank you!"

Sandwich in both hands, she waited a moment and then took a big bite.

"Mmm! Oishii!"

She exclaimed deliciously.

[Jamie Fury]

Jamie takes a look at her own sandwich with wide-eyed amazement.

Wow, you boys certainly know how to treat a lady, now don't you?

She smiled as Justice had already dug into her's. Her exclamation of satisfaction excited Jamie all the most, picking up a half slice of her sandwich, piled high with that succulent, flavorful provision the deli had a generations long reputation for.



This is the best sandwich there is, there best sandwich there was, and the best sandwich there ever will be.
;D

It was so good, she had to order two sodas to wash it all down. Happy times. New York had it's reputation for being a rough city. It wasn't always that way though. Places like this gave the city it's charm. There was still good things, things to like, things to enjoy. Jamie wasn't exactly a native of New York herself, but over time she became accustomed to how things were. She learned, she explored, and she was shown some things herself. Before she knew it, she actually kind of liked the place.

I think I want to show you a couple of boutiques I like to shop, Justice. Fashion here is pretty big, too. It's like the Tokyo of the west! Or...would Tokyo be the New York of the east...I'm not totally sure. Ha Ha...

Um, but what's your style? What do you like wearing, when we're not having to be wrapped up in all kinds of winter gear that is.

[Justice Asuka]

Justice literally inhaled the sandwich with impressive speed for a girl with such a small mouth. She ate with a vigor that would probably even make the monstorous Titanisha think twice about fighting Justice for the last potato chip. Justice had always been a voracious eater, keeping up with the boys back in her rinky-dink home company. She was also a dangerous drinker of beer. If given enough time she could give the most infamous drunk a run for his money before passing out into cute, intoxicated slumber.

"Fashion?"

Justice looked down at her winter clothes and the three baggy shirts layered underneath. She wore lighter colors, pinks and whites. But nothing too street extreme, nothing too traditional. She read the magazines, and liked the more natural styles. But she had never had the time to put anything together that anyone would call 'style'.

"Clean?"

She hazarded a guess as to what her fashion might be. Clean was definitely her first choice, she wasn't a man afterall. One of the guys back home hadn't changed his street clothes in over 3 weeks. But the real reason he fashion sense was under the radar was because her father had raised her. In his mind fashion was black and white, literally.

"I hate black and white."

Justice still hadn't seen any of Jamie Fury's pictures in the magazines and posters. She always saw her in workout clothes, winter gear or hospital gowns. But she was pretty sure Jamie had to have clothes specially made.

[Jamie Fury]

Wow, you weren't kidding when you said you could eat a whale, were you?

Her original train of thought steered off course as she actually witness Justice pack down what was at least a whole pound of sandwich in almost record time.

With that kind of appetite, I should take you to Coney Island this summer and enter you in the Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest. That would be an easy 10,000 dollars right there!
;D

But...I know what you mean with the black & white. It gets kind of bland. I always try to wear nice colors myself. I have this tailor who does my fancy stuff, his name's Juan Carlo. He's this gay Spanish guy, but he loves how his designs look on me.

She taps her finger on her chin.

He's actually pretty cute too...if not for the whole being gay thing. But otherwise, I'm really just a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. Short T's and low jeans that is.

Yeah...

Pausing for a moment, she takes the final bite of her sandwich and sips the last of her drink.

...we're definitely getting you some threads today. If only Amber were here, she loves this kind of stuff.

She thanks the guys and gives them a nice tips for some awesome food, and then after a few seconds of buttoning and zipping and so on, the two were back out on the cold, windy streets again. Yay. Jamie though had her phone in her hand and was making a call.

Hello, Juan Carlo? It's me Jamie. Yeah...I just got back into the city yesterday. Of course I'm coming to see you, I'd love to see what you've made...but I've got a guest I'm bringing with me and I'd like to know if you can work some of your magic with her. Okay...we'll be there in a few minutes.

She slides her phone back her pocket.

He loves getting new customers. Marisol told me about him a year ago. Oh...you haven't even met her, have you? Well, you will pretty soon. She spends a lot of time in the offseason over in Japan, ironically enough. She trains at the Togo Dojo with Tadako Anenokoji herself.

Funny, I have two friends who train and learn from two legends in women's wrestling. I guess it is all about the company you keep. Anyway, we're not far from him...just a few blocks.

And a few blocks later...

From out of the cold, they walk into this nice, warm, cozy and stylish little boutique, and are met at the door by the very Juan Carlo Jamie had spoke about before. He looked exactly like how you envision a gay Spanish women's fashion designer. His hair was jet black, slicked back, he had a mustache that was almost meticulously well trimmed, wearing a silk shirt unbuttoned a few ways to the top, enough to show of a rather toned chest and a rather gaudy necklace, solid gold, wearing pants that were probably tighter than any either of these girls had ever worn in their lives. ;D

"Hey Jamie, how you doin'?"

He greeted her with an air kiss. His accent was still thick and Spanishy (that's what I said) and sounded...effeminate.

I'm fine. It's nice to see you again. This is Asuka. She's new to the city.

Juan Carlo greets Justice with a smile, taking her hands into his own. Remember, he's gay...he's not afraid to make contact with a woman.

"Oh, well don't worry honey...we'll all never forget our first time, let me tell you that. I'd tell you mine, but your cute little Japanese head would spin riiiight off.

So how long have you known this Amazon goddess, hmm?"

[Justice Asuka]

"Jamie?"

It seemed like a very long time, but it hadn't been at all. Maybe that was how time moved in New York. Justice was out of her element once again, she had never been inside an actual boutique with a gay, Spanish man. In fact she was pretty sure Lilith was the first openly gay person she had ever met. Well, there was her Aunt but nobody talked about it. That was probably the biggest difference, in Japan nobody talked it. In America, people just never stopped talking. It was amazing they didn't pass out from lack of oxygen, Justice marveled. She shook Juan's hand, awkwardly as that had not been his intention.

"Not very long."

She admitted as she looked around at the fabrics, colors, and styles that looked like they belonged in magazines not on her.

"I'm new to America too."

She offered up as her lame excuse for not quite fitting in or knowing what to do.

"So she is showing me around. I like your store. It's very ... colorful." ;D

[Jamie Fury]

"Glad you like, glad you like. So...you're new to the USA, are you? And Jamie brought you here to see me? I'm honored. Guess that means we have to give you some special treatment, now don't we?"

That's what I was thinking too. See anything you like Asuka? I'm buying, so just point it out and they'll get you fitted and everything.

Indeed there was a lot to choose from. In fact, Jamie herself had some new items she had eyes on herself. But first, it was all about Justice and giving her this unique experience. Jamie smiled as she imagined what might be going through Asuka's mind right now. It wouldn't the last "unique experience" for sure, but at least it was a fun one.

She was browsing around herself and saw a cute little number. It had a real "springy" feel to it.



How about this one? This would look great on you.

[Justice Asuka]

Justice looked at the simple colors of pink with white and instantly fell in love with it. It was like Okinawa in the Spring, barefoot. It made her happy just to look at it.

"That's beautiful!"

You could tell by her voice that she really meant it. She pressed the light fabric between her fingers. It was hard to imagine wearing something like this on a day like today. But she knew she wanted it in her closet, if just to look at it. Jamie really had an eye for fashion, which surprised Justice. She had been guilty, like most, of forgetting that underneath all the muscles and size was still a woman. Jamie was probably more of woman than Justice was because she was comfortable with who she was.

"I've never worn anything like this before."

The fanciest thing she had ever worn had been a kimono she had rented for her high school graduation. She liked the kimono because it made everything symmetrical. But nobody wore them anymore. They were difficult to put on and impossible to eat in. 80% of her life had been in school uniforms or gym clothes. The other 20%? Much like now, jeans and loose T-shirts.

"But it's really nice."

She said again, obviously enamored with it.

[Jamie Fury]

Then I think we have a winner!

"Oh yes, that one would look fabulous on her..."

There's only one way to find that out though, isn't there?

Jamie smiled again. She pointed towards the back of the stylish little shop.

There's fitting rooms in the back. We've just got to see how it looks on you, Asuka. I had a feeling that you were gonna like it, so...why not try it on?

Don't worry, it's a lot warmer back there than it is here.

"Of course, gotta make sure you ladies are comfortable. Feel good, look better...that's what I always say."

Ah, Juan Carlo was just so well rounded and down-to-earth for a man. He naturally had to be gay with those traits.