Shut Up & Look Pretty (O2Diamonds)

[Jamie Fury]

The XWA was doing a lot of public relations work this offseason. From TV and radio appearances, to a surge of viral content that had the internet buzzing, it was pretty clear that the company was still alive and kicking, maybe kicking even harder than anyone had anticipated.

That's not to say though that the company didn't believe in a little good old fashioned "fan service". Something to really give it's faithful followers a thing or two to keep them buzzing about the upcoming season. So it was sent out by the PR Department a memo, specifically for all of the XWA Diamonds, the location of a professional studio for a photoshoot that would focus on them, to be posted on the company website for all to "treasure".

Likely there would be some who didn't show up do to location or "moral preferences". But to each their own. Jamie and her new best friend were among the first to arrive. Slung over her shoulder was a duffel bag with all that she was thinking she'd need for this special "assignment".

It was truly a professional studio. Very spacious. The dressing area was pretty spacious too, with private area for changing and vanities set up for pretty much whoever did show.

Wow. This is pretty impressive.

This wasn't entirely new to Jamie. She wasn't a rookie to the camera, having done photoshoots before. Just not set up as obviously well-laid as this looked like it was going to be. As she and Justice looked around, she was approached by the lead photographer.

"Well, we do pride ourselves on our craft, Ms. Fury."

So then, what exactly is the plan for this then if I may ask?

"We're going to basically focus on each of you individually. Give the fans a really intimate view of you ladies. You know...show the softer side."

I like how that sounds.

"Awesome. Well, I'll let you ladies get ready, just give us the signal and we'll get started."

No problem.

She smiled and looked back to see what Justice was up to. This was certainly going to be a unique experience for her young Japanese friend. She just hope Asuka wasn't too nervous.

We should go get settled in. How're you holding up?

[Justice Asuka]

Justice was not doing well at all. She had seen some of the pictures that the Diamonds were famous infamous for and she was not eager to join the on film. If one needed proof, they only needed to look at how Justice was dressed: A pink and white sweatsuit that hid just about every curve Justice wished she didn't have. She kept her gear bag close to her chest while the photographer had explained almost everything.

"This is a bad idea."

She said to herself more than Jamie. Nobody was going to take pictures of her in her underwear without a fight. Less that her underwear? They would have to kill her dead, twice.

"A really bad idea."

Justice sat in front of one of the mirrors with her bag in her lap. She'd had her picture taken for the roster, in her ring gear. That was normal and routine, but Justice's soft side had been revealed to a select few and none of them had cameras. She looked into the mirror.

"I'm not a model."

She'd had enough attention placed on her body without actually looking for. While the other girls back home would try their best to stay up with the latest styles and make-up tips, Justice had practiced backflips and tried on ring gear. That's what happens when your father is a puroresu referee.
It didn't help matters that the Diamonds were all, for the most part, gorgeous and overly comfortable in their skin. Justice's foot began to tap rapidly under her chair.

[Jamie Fury]

Jamie was entirely surprised at the way Justice was taking it in. She was after just a regular girl from Japan before she became a member of the illustrious contingent of female wrestlers known as the XWA Diamonds. Their reputations were larger than life. It was one of the main differences between the sport in Justice's homeland and here in the US...in Japan it was sport before all else, but in this country it was as much spectacle and pageantry as it was athleticism. It was the fans really. Over the years they demanded to see more of their favorite superstars than just what they see in the ring. That's why companies did video shows. Reality TV series. Photoshoots.

This was all a bit of a culture shock, and as she made her duty to do, Jamie was going to try her best to ease Justice into the way things were done here, slowly and gradually. She took a knee beside Justice and rest her hand on her shoulder.

Justice...don't worry. You don't have to be a professional to do this. You don't even have to wear a bikini or anything like that. You brought the dress you bought the other day right? That would look lovely in pictures, you can wear that.

There was no mistaking that this was indeed something being done for the fans. Something for the pubescent boys and still pubescent young and older men to ogle at in anticipation. Some would say it's "exploitive", prudes. The truth was those men were fans. Ticket buying, merchandise buying fans. The people who's money was in turn providing them with their livelihoods. This is a way was like an extra "thank you" for them. Plus, at least in Jamie's opinion, it was fun. She liked to be in front of the camera.

There wasn't a time too long ago when she herself was overly cautious of her body. She wore business suits in public, letting a facade of professionalism overshadow her natural beauty. It wasn't until Amber Gianni convinced her to shed the shell and show herself that she really became comfortable with herself. She learned that she was in fact attractive. In fact, she became something of a sex symbol herself...this dominant female at the peak of human condition. What man would resist being tamed by her power? Yeah...there were guys who were into that sort of thing.

If she could do it, in time maybe Justice could as well. Maybe. In time. Today was just another step along the way. She couldn't let Justice just sit it out. She had to take at least a few photos.

[Manami Kuroguchi]

-After some serious contemplation, Manami had decided to take part in this as well. She knew that she was taking a change at her past being found out, but she also had developed a taste for doing these PR events since she started doing them. Carrying a duffel bag of clothes, some revealing and some not, Manami takes a spot next to Justice and Jamie. Dropping her bag, she sits down and quietly observes Justice. Justice wasn't an open book but she was sort of easy to read. Not bringing it up right away, she smiles at both of them.- " Nice to see you both again... " Hearing a tapping foot, Manami glances down and continues.- " Nervous about something Justice-Chan? " -She used "chan" for two reasons. One was because she found Justice very cute and endearing, and two she sort of thought of Justice as a little sister of sorts. She knew Justice could take care of herself but being a little older and Jaded, she had a somewhat misguided need to keep Justice from taking the same path she did.-

[Alicein Wunderland]

Outside, walking down the crowded and busy street Alicein stopped in front of a building. Looking at the slip of paper in her hand she checked the address she had written down.

“Well looks like this is the place.” She slung her bag over her shoulder.

“My first photo shoot as a Diamond, this should be interesting.” She grabbed the door handle, and swung it open and walked in.

She headed up the stairs hoping she was headed in the right direction. She pushed a stray lock of her blond & powder blue streaked hair behind her ear as she reached another door and walked through.

She took a seat near the door and looked around. She was so caught up in looking around she almost didn't hear the woman ask her if she was here for the photo shoot. She looked up and noticed a young woman, probably an intern behind a desk in front of her that had been empty when she had walked in.

Again the woman repeated her question.

“Are you here for the photo shoot miss?”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I was just takin' in the look of this place.”

“It's just down the hall to your right. You can't miss it.”

“Thanks.”[/font] Alicein said as she stood straightening the wrinkles out of her Sex Pistols tee-shirt and her jeans.

She walked Down the hall and noticed three women standing in the room ahead of her.

“I take it I'm in the right place for the photo shoot.”

[Jamie Fury]

Likewise, Manami...has your offseason been good?

Jamie replied to Kuroguchi as she stood up and waved hello to her. Jamie was such a stark contrast, a woman of her size, strength and stature could easily be less than social and nobody could really say or do anything about, but she was always surprising good-natured and friendly.

Not too far away from Manami stepped in a completely new face to Jamie's. She hadn't seen or actually even heard of anymore new signings since much of her time was spent showing Justice around and all. This would also be a good opportunity to get acquainted with as many Diamonds as would show before the season began.

Assuming you're a Diamond now, this is the place. I'm Jamie, this Justice here and that's Manami. What's your name?

[Alicein Wunderland]

Alicein... least thats my ring name. My real names Ailish. Have you guys done many of these shoots before?

[Manami Kuroguchi]

-Sitting down, Manami strips her shoes off and unzips her bag. Pulling some of the outfits out of the bag, she looks up at Jamie and replies.- " Pretty good, went home and relaxed for a while and went into the lab to work up a few new moves and a new finisher. I beat Jenna Slade with it at the Tribute to the troops. A corkscrew split-leg moonsault. Still don't have a name for it though. " Turning his attention to the new girl, Manami smiles and greets her.- " I've done a couple, and it's nice to meet you Ailish. "

[Alicein Wunderland]

Alicein took a seat over near the vanity set and tossed her bag on he seat next to her.

It's nice to meet all of you too. I hope the things I brought are good enough for the shoot. She said pulling a few pieces of clothes from her bag.

This is the first time I've ever done a photo shoot like this before, I'm a total newb to all this. This looks like it's gunna be fun as hell."

[Lilith]

Oh ho...

Lilith slightly hummed under her breath as she entered the studio. Eyes ablaze at the 'potential' in the room. New faces. Old faces. Little Red Riding-Chan faces. Yummy. Though her contract was still in effect with Maxim, she was sure she'd be able to partake in a photo shoot for the company.

By 'sure' she means going-to-do-it-anyway-regardless.

She slowly tosses her Blood Red hair back with her fingertips. A change of pace. A Black n' White checkered plaid skirt, dark silhouette like stockings under it covered up the soft laced pattern panties adorning her insured hips and the INFAMOUS ass. A French-Frilled white Blouse covers up the upper half of her body. Soft colored bracelets wrap themselves around her left wrist. Her oh-so-favorite Black Cup Rock boots. Lilith was dressed-to-impress. As a Model she was used to this. It seemed from first glance alone in the current room...

She was one of the only ones used to it period.
A devilish smirk as she notices the poor encroaching fear of Little Red. Ahhhh... so kawaii... but that's for another time.

"Ah Lilith. We were wondering if you'd show up for this."

Yes. My contractual agreement with Maxim allows outside modeling.

Total lie. She had no idea if it did or not. But she'd be God-DAMNED if she missed out on showing off. It was like...

A hobby.

"We do have quite a bit set up already as you can see. Do you have any particular requests as far as filters and grains go for the shoot or..."

No. Personally I never actually learned the names of the ones I prefer. If you use one I don't like... you'll know.

She smiles earnestly. She was being honest. She had no clue what names of the filters that her photographer used were. She DID know what the particular lighting and end result photos looked like when they were done to her liking however. If these ones turned out badly.

She WOULD, let them know about it. She's Lilith, after all.

Lilith slowly flicks her wrist a bit, re-aligning some of the bracelets encircling it before she picks up her Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Snakeskin Handbag, she knew that the photo shoot was more than likely going to require a change of clothing. Thankfully, what she was going to change into...

Did not require a large bag, to carry

She tosses her hair back once more before walking more into the public fray. She stops and smiles a bit in the direction of Fury & Asuka.

... Hello again Little Red. Did you miss me? I missed you...
The point of your knee didn't miss me though did it....

Lilith mumbles under her breath somewhat in amusement before trotting her way over to an empty vanity. Seriously? Sharing vanity space like a troff? Professional my ass. She was used to a private dressing room. Sigh. Well, she'd make do. Lilith slowly places her bag up top before turning around somewhat. Manami. She remembered her too. Lilith smiles under baited breath before turning her back once again, facing her vanity.

I'm amazed you showed up Manami. It's 'good to see you'.

Typical thing you say to a 'co-worker' in this situation. She didn't MEAN it, but you know. Her eyes drift somewhat to the new face in the room. Hm. Lilith pays little attention in all honesty as she begins opening her handbag in order to grab makeup and the like.

[Justice Asuka]

Justice smiled at Jamies suggestion and gingerly set her bag down beside her feet. She was happy for the arrival of Manami and Alicein. The chatter helped her take her mind of her own small problems. When your mother walks out on you, and your father is a Japanese man. You are pretty much left to fend for yourself on all things womanly. She had picked up the little she knew about make-up from friends during high school. Fashion? Television and magazines. But unfortunately, up until her arrival in America, her fashion world had been limited to a school uniform, 2 weekend outfits and sweats. She wasn't alone of course. Japanese Puroresu had very little use for glamor or fashion. They wanted blood, sweat and exhaustion for their photos.

Justice carefully watched what the others were doing, taking her lead from them. A little more comfortable at the fact that no bikinis would be involved, at least with her.

[Manami Kuroguchi]

-Rolling her eyes at Lilith, Manami replies to her in a tone that was heavily dripping with sarcasm of her own.- " Glad I could please you... " -Shaking her head, Manami starts to take her shirt off. As she peels her shirt off revealing a small two letter tattoo on her upper breast. She normally tried to hide it because it was a remnant of her past that she was more ashamed of then being a porn star. Peeling her socks off, she quickly strips herself of her pants. Pulling a small sky blue bikini out of her bag, she strips herself down to the buff and quickly puts the small bikini on. Being naked in front of other women like this was something you had to get used to both being a pro wrestler and well being a porn star.-

[Jamie Fury]

Feb 22, 2011 19:59:56 GMT -5 Justice Asuka said:

Justice smiled at Jamies suggestion and gingerly set her bag down beside her feet. She was happy for the arrival of Manami and Alicein. The chatter helped her take her mind of her own small problems. When your mother walks out on you, and your father is a Japanese man. You are pretty much left to fend for yourself on all things womanly. She had picked up the little she knew about make-up from friends during high school. Fashion? Television and magazines. But unfortunately, up until her arrival in America, her fashion world had been limited to a school uniform, 2 weekend outfits and sweats. She wasn't alone of course. Japanese Puroresu had very little use for glamor or fashion. They wanted blood, sweat and exhaustion for their photos.

Justice carefully watched what the others were doing, taking her lead from them. A little more comfortable at the fact that no bikinis would be involved, at least with her.

Meanwhile, Jamie whispers to Justice...

Justice, there's is actually a private dressing area over there. You can change there if you want. Just take a few shots in that dress and you'll be okay.

She was now well aware of Lilith's presence in the room, hoping this didn't become a hostile situation so close to the start of the season. Jamie sets her bag down and leans against the table, deciding to wait a little while and see what the other girls do, just to get an idea of what she herself would. She responds in kind to Alicein's notion of

Feb 22, 2011 19:27:45 GMT -5 Alicein Wunderland said:

This is the first time I've ever done a photo shoot like this before, I'm a total newb to all this. This looks like it's gunna be fun as hell."

Yeah...it always is. A little work, but a lot of fun. I've done some shoots for fitness magazines and my friend's website. It's always been a blast. They told me...just act natural. That seems to work.

She laughs, in the back of her mind thinking about her other friends, and whether they would make it to this. Baby was on the other side of the country, Mari on the other side of the planet...so perhaps Amber would make her way north from DC. Especially on the account of there being lots of cameras and bright lights. She loves that sort of thing.

[Jaleira Taylor]

It looked as if there was one last order of business before the scene shifted to Michigan. Jaleira received word of this shoot via a phonecall from the front office and decided to check it out. Any exposure before the season was good exposure.

After arriving she's directed towards the dressing area, and was bit surprised by how it almost reminded her of her old job. In fact, thinking on it a few moments, it was a lot like her old job. These other women, some would become friends, others competition. Not for money, but for victories, title opportunities, the always sought after "spotlight". And all for the entertainment of a majority male audience.

Yeah...I think I'm gonna do just fine here.

She finds herself an open table and greets everyone as she walks by.

Hello everyone, I'm Jaleira...go easy on me, I'm new.

So new, she didn't entirely know that a majority of the women in the room were "new" to XWA themselves.

[Jamie Fury]

Jamie caught eyes of Jaleira before anyone else, and what struck her was the familiar air of "exoticness" that she had to her, much similar to Jamie herself. She imagined by her complexion and thick black hair and the tone of her voice that she must be bi-racial, just as Jamie was.

Don't worry, you're not the only one. But welcome anyway.

There were a lot of new faces coming into the XWA. It brought Jamie back to when she was in the hospital following the attack by Titanisha, when she said she felt like the XWA was becoming a different place. With each new personality that came in, the company truly was redefining itself. At first it made her nervous, but now as she saw some of these faces, she was more excited...and proud to still be the one who was in fact the foundation of the women's division.

Where'd you get the Louis bag from by the way? I've been looking for one that...big. *hahah*