2019-10-26 - Fight Club Chapter 1

Lex is staying near the doors. However the set-up may be arranged, the blue-haired woman has managed to establish herself a spot that would make for... well, easy-exit. Easy-access? Who knows. She leans forward a bit on the seat, elbows on her knees and one hand pretending to toy with the nails of the other. Casual. As. Can. Be.

How could Jaime not show up to support his twin on this inaugural fight club night? He has found himself a seat up against the wall at the very top of one of the sets of bleachers where he can have a good view of people coming, going, and the matches themselves. He is not nearly so formally dressed as Joey, which makes them easy to tell apart tonight. He's got on his usual workboots, jeans, and a plain grey t-shirt.

Poe would have been here early. Maybe he'd been here all day? Since he'd been back in the city he's spent a hell of a lot of time at this upscale establishment. Whatever the case, now he's just waiting for the minutes to pass so they can get into the action. Waiting bad. Action good. He catches sight of Lex coming into the gym and wanders that way until he's called away to do something else. Like punching.

Nicole stands beside Joey, also looking rather finely cut in a little black dress with a bling collar and asymmetrical neckline, her hair swept smoothly back in an elegant bun. She's been there awhile, helping with last minute set up if it was needed (straightening Joey's tie if needed). For now, she simply watches those arriving while looking rather stunning. She isn't here to fight, obviously.

He's not here to fight. Nooo. Easton has no intention of fighting in an underground illegal fight club. He just brought his gear and dressed for a workout because that's what he does when going to the gym. It's to blend in and look casual and ... it would feel really great to punch someone. Maybe he could take a peak at the signup sheet. When stopped by the bouncers he sheepishly apologizes and pulls his KABAR off his fake leg, "Sorry, forgot about that." and hands it to Cristobal, handle first.

Kass arrives with little fanfare, arguing briefly with one of the doormen over her messenger bag before frowning as she snatches her phone and wallet from within them and leaving the bag at the door. It was probably the cans of spraypaint that caused it. Her bright head of hair is pretty easy to spot as she slouches throught he room, avoiding the ring itself while edging around it. A dark gray tanktop and darkwash jeans with a pair of pristine white Chuck Taylors emblazoned with bright red 'plus' signs denote her as here to help patch up anyone that is worse for wear at the end of a match. She lifts a hand towards Jaime, grins at seeing Joey in a suit of all things, then quickly stifles the grin because, well.. its Joey.

Heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend who heard it from another.. 'cept Shauna doesn't really know anyone so no friends. People talk though and when you're cooling time behind bars you get all the good information. Fight night. She's here for it because it's something she can do other than mechanicing. And since no mechanics are hiring here she is! She had come early but now she's just cooling her jets, watching others arrive. Not a whole helluva lot of familiar faces.

Lex lifts her head as she senses someone drawing closer, and upon recognizing Poe's frame, is actually sitting back. Her black trench is hugged around herself, regardless of the gym's temperature, and blue hair straightened. "'Ey..." murmured as she watches Poe, seeming torn between standing beside him or insisting he sit beside her. "Ready to play?"

Is Itzhak fighting? Of course he is. He's wearing a very tight compression tank top and jeans so old and well-worn they've taken on the texture of suede. The jeans are tight, too. Itzhak is a tall, lanky dude and all of the above is on display. He's also taped his hands, only around the palm and wrists, leaving his knuckles uncovered. That prison ink of his has a boast that may or may not hold out tonight. It'd been a long time since he was behind bars. He watches people coming in, arms folded, swaying gently in place.

Cris is dressed much the same as he would at the strip club when doing security, a black t-shirt a touch tight through the shoulders and dark pants. Instead of jeans, however, these look like they have a little give to them, the subtly of the difference in material to allow for ease of movement. "N-yeah huh." Cristobal says, taking the sizable knife from Easton and issuing him a ticket for the weapon before he stows it.

At Corner By The Left Bleachers:
Minerva is here this evening. The one eyed woman standing back in the corner by the bleachers dressed in her usual simple black dress. The black dress is covered by a sweater coat that hugs her frame and has little occult symbols knitted into it. Her hat is firmly on top of her head. The only thing that's changed is her arms are still stitched up in a lot of places from her mirror incident, but they should be out in a few days. She doesn't look like she's going to be fighting in any case.

Somewhere among all the people is Grace. Here to blow off some steam perhaps. And wanting to see what the town has to offer. While she isn't usually exclusively a boxer, she will give it a try. Warming up some. Watching those around. Not really having had a time to get to know people. Bouncing some on her feet and focusing on herself and getting ready.

She's really not supposed to be here, but somehow Julia's gotten wind of the fighting, and shes too curious not to check it out. She definitely doesn't sign up, and she doesn't seem inclined to bet, and she probably gives off a newb vibe. She heads up to the bleachers, taking up a vantage point. Familiar faces catch her eye, and people are offered nods, but she's hesitant to approach anyone.

Sutton makes her way in with what could be termed an indecently large red duffle, which is really the best first aid kit around, unless you're actually in the hospital. She's not dressed for EMS duty, though, instead wearing a pair of black yoga pants and a fuzzy sweater. Put a latte in her hand and it'd look like she got lost trying to find the yoga studio... after mugging the EMS for their shit.

Rhys strolls in, giving the bouncers grins (and in Andre's case, possibly a light fistbump, never know). He's probably not there to fight, tonight; he doesn't go sign up, certainly. Betting? Maybe. He's comfortably attired in a shirt under a sweater under a light, suit-cut suede jacket, and jeans. Nothing exciting enough to compete with the evening. A few people he passes get individual grins and greetings on his way up into the bleachers to find a spot with a good view but probably a decently low chance of getting hit with bodily fluids. Or bodies, for that matter! "Hey," he greets Julia brightly as he ends up near her chosen spot. "I think the traditional line's, what's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this, isn't it?"

Poe helps make the decision for Lex by settling into the seat next to her and giving a quick nod of his head. "Too ready. Never been very good with the waiting. Soon though - then maybe stop for a waffle before home?" Assuming he has all his teeth to chew it with. He's sure he will. They haven't been knocked out yet.

"Yeah. Uh. 'cause I'm totally in the mood for waffles right now." Lex is muttering back to Poe, tipping the man a dry look as he settles beside her. Straying from that devil-may-care nail examination, a tattooed hand is extended to curl around one of his own. Or his wrist. Depends on him, really. "If you die, I will find a way to kill you again."

Julia grins at Rhys, confiding, "Sometimes good girls enjoy being a bit bad." Looking out over the crowd, she confides, "A friend of mine is going to fight. Actually, a few friends of mine, I think. Are you planning on betting tonight?"

Dropping his bag, and cracking his neck Easton looks around waiting for whoever the heck Shauna is to step forward. He takes a few steps forward and starts to warm up, trying to bounce as naturally on his feet as he can. He glances at Sutton and makes a small 'shh' gesture.

It's always a good idea to have your ear to the ground for rumors, especially when they involve illicit activities. Mercedes steps up the doors like she's a regular, only to find her way barred by the muscle checking people for weapons. She makes a little show of looking surprised when they stop her as well. "Oh, right." Not that she doesn't have one, of course. She flashes Cris an easy smile and hands over her knife without further incident. "Can't blame a girl for trying to protect herself, right?" She shrugs her shoulders and heads inside to find a spot among the bleachers as the announcements are made.

Ruiz wanders on in once things are in full swing, just another ne'er do well with full sleeve tattoos snaking up both arms, a grungy tee shirt and dark jeans shoved into combat boots. He's sporting a ball cap pulled low over his eyes, and his hands pushed into his pockets; they're tugged back out as he's approached by what passes for security here. Which is really just Cristobal. Which makes him smile wolfishly. Of course he's got a gun. And it ain't going nowhere.

Grace does listen as the announcements are made. Nodding some as she moves around to be able to watch. Glancing to the others watching as well. Curious but not approaching anyone right now. But anyone looking her way will get a bright smile. Then trying to see who Shauna and Easton are, as they hopefully make their way forward.

"I'm not going to die." Poe replies to Lex, taking the hand that found his and setting his other over top of it while he watches Joey stand up to make the announcements. He nods after the words are finished and looks back to Lex. "You're really not hungry right now? Even for waffles." He shakes his head as though that's an unbelievable idea and scans around the room to try to find his opponent. "Guess I'm up second. Don't know that name? I'm going to get sprinkles."

Hearing her name, Shauna, who was already warmed up and ready, gets to the ring and stretches the center rope to climb in. Rolling her shoulders a few times she tries to size up her competitor. She was here to win, but it sure wasn't a guarantee! She was the unknown here and she realized it. Getting to center ring she cheeses a smile and offers a fist bump to her competition.

"You know, I've heard that once or twice," Rhys replies solemnly to Julia before the grin gets free again, and he gets comfortable in his freshly-chosen seat. "Which friend? Well, friends. And yeah, thought I might have a flutter." The announcement o the first bouts planned has him eyeing up the people pointed to appraisingly before he looks back to Julia. "You? Or just immoral support?"

"Never." Cris gives Mercedes a little upnod as he takes her knife, and likewise she gets a ticket before getting a little wave inside. Cruz steps in front of Ruiz, cracking a little smirk as he starts running the back of his hands down Ruiz' chest, then nudges up his arms to slide palms down his sides as he does a check. The gun is found, noted only by a slight uptick of his eyebrow and then the incognito Captain seems to get a clean pass as Cris sweeps a hand for Ruiz to enter.

After Joey murmurs to her, kissing her jaw, and heads to the ring to make his announcements, Nicole goes to her seat, a folded chair in the front row. Leaning back, she carefully crosses her legs in a slanted, 'proper' manner. This dress sort of calls for it. Hands folded in her lap at present, she awaits the first fight.

At Corner By The Left Bleachers:
Minerva gives a nod to those that she knows, but for now the woman doesn't seem to be looking to go sign up to join. When she hears Easton's name she looks a bit curious and then moves to peer over the seat that was obstructing her view. One pale eye locks onto the center.

"I... know that name," Lex is outright sighing at the matches are announced, and while one of her hands remains hidden within Poe's, the other is raised to rub at her eyes. Hard. Good thing that make-up's tattooed on, eh? "So... no dying, or killing. Guy's not half bad." It's as she lets her hand fall that she glances sidelong, green eyes catching the unlikely sight of... police. Well, Ruiz. Does he count out of uniform?

Itzhak glances at Julia, and Easton, and Lex, and Ruiz, and others he knows, but there's nothing personable in his look. He's just clocking who showed up. ...He kind of does a double take at Julia, though, and flips one hand out at her in a silent Yiddish 'nu??'. The announcement that Easton is fighting a girl makes him scowl and look at Easton like this is somehow his fault.

At Ring:
Easton says, "Well this is bout the only way I'm getting a height advantage." Easton can't help but crack when he see's his opponent enter. He offers a hand for her to shake before the fight begins. "

Sutton passes the ring. Security can come find her if they want to try to touch anything in her giant bag of med supplies, with gloves on. She hands over two folded wagers, one stack of cash significantly larger than the other, to one of the bet-takers. "What? I cashed out a stripper earlier." Don't ask. Sutton catches Easton's look and shrugs, gestures to the ring, shakes her head in the negative, then mimes choking. She's a fucking supportive friend, ok. "Luck," is what she says to Shauna, whom she hasn't seen since the holding cells. The blonde drops into a seat, shooting a finger-wave to Itz when she spots him, a wave to Joey, and she doesn't have a clue Ruiz is coming in right now. Sutton drops into a seat in view of the ring and pulls on a pair of nitrile gloves.

At Ring:
Shauna fistbumps instead. She's got no clue who this guy is and right about now that doesn't matter so much. Catching sight of Sutton, one of the familiar faces, she tilts her head curious, since this was more an illegal kind of event. Her attention goes back to her opponent and she squares up. Ready or not...

Julia makes a face, like what? right back at Itzak. Casually she taps her temple, brow liftng inquiringly as she remarks to Rhys, "See the guy with the nose and the tats? That's Itzhak. The guy running things? He's a neighbor, and you know the dude running security." Meaning Cristobal. "There's Sutton...I bet she's hear to make the booboos better. Good thing."

At Left Bleachers:
Jaime gives an upnod to Kass as she comes up into the bleachers, seemingly settled in comfortably to watch the fight. He studies Easton and Shauna as they square off in the ring. He raises a brow when Roxy comes out and says, "Fancy. I remember her from amateur night."

Joey finishes taking the bets. He does his walk around and behind him is thankfully not Duarte but the same little old guy that's been handling the requests to get back to the previous organizer now helping catch names and bids now. Joey's jotting them down with a nubbins of a golf pencil. before going over to the bell pausing only to give Ruiz a slow nod to convey I see you seeing me see you...Where my churros at?

At Left Bleachers:
Nodding back to Jaime, she settles in maybe a foot away from him. Propping her feet up on the bleacher beneath her and resting her forearms on her knees. Dark eyes dart from one fighter to the next, watching Shauna and Easton enter the ring. Kass dips a glance back towards Jaime and gives a nod, "She's helping us at Cabaret with costumes for the Goblin Danse, dances there too. Got a real fancy accent, its nice to listen to." Dropping her gaze, she mutters, "They wouldn't let me bring in my bag. I don't like not having it."

Mercedes ends up squeezing by a few people with a murmured 'Sorry' as she moves past to take a seat near Julia. She sighs softly, silently lamenting that she doesn't have any betting money. She's dressed rather plainly, the opposite of eye-catching that makes her look drab and forgettable. Maybe that's the point when you're at an event like this though. She keeps quiet for now as she leans forward to get a better look of the competitors in the ring.

At Corner By The Left Bleachers:
Minerva's pocket buzzes and she pulls out her phone. There's a look to the number and a sigh as she straightens herself and heads for the exit. She'd have to catch the next round of fights.

At Ring:
Easton takes a few steps around before swinging but she's quick and his punches grab nothing but air. His footwork is obviously slow and still clumsy. He can't change his wieght half as fast as he would like and doesn't dodge her return blows just absorbs the shots to the stomach and backs off for a moment.

At Ring:
While Shauna does get a hit in, it barely grazes him though she ducks in time to avoid getting hit by him. She keeps her feet moving and keeps herself squared to her target, eyes narrowed and ever watchful.

Rhys considers Itzhak when Julia points him out, and nods, noting that expression on the way. "That's the dude that hit Cristobal at karaoke," he observes, sounding fairly amused about it, and the smile widens a bit at the mention of the guy running things. "Joey I know," he says, and follows the indicators on toward Sutton. "...and that's the woman who looked like she might dive in with the other two at karaoke when they got her drink on her," he adds, laughing. He glances at Mercedes in passing as she settles nearby, then takes a quick, subtle second glance, brow furrowing slightly. Vaguely familiar, maybe. But... there's fightin' to see right now!

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Rising up from her seat, Nicole steps towards the bleachers, taking a seat on the other side of Jaime not occupied by Kass. She greets the redhead with a smile and nod of her head then elbows Jaime's arm lightly in a hello before her eyes go back to the ring. "That chick is tough man..."

At Ring:
Shauna is pretty fast on her feet for her size and while she does get hit in the abdomen, she manages to give a little better than she gets. Several punches, one after the other, at a tender spot she creates, she keeps swinging her fists, not letting up.

The patdown is suffered with slightly narrowed eyes from the police captain, crinkled a little at the corners in muted amusement. When the gun is left unmolested, he winks at the bouncer without smiling, and ambles off, hands shoved into his pockets as he takes the scenic route toward the rearmost bleachers. A particular blonde seated near the ring catches his eye, along with a handful of other patrons. He doesn't, however, seem to be here for social hour; there's nothing about the man tonight that doesn't scream alert.

At Left Bleachers:
Kass leans forward a touch and offers a smile back to Nicole, "Hi. I'm Kass. I, uh.. fix things. And paint. Mostly paint." She glances back towards the ring and watches Shauna and Easton duking it out with the occasional wince from the bench-bound redhead.

Joey folds his tiny book into his jacket pocket running the math in his head. Arms fold across his chest with those bottle green eyes watching his ring like a hawk while the lion battles the tiny hyena. He stands next to the fantastically well dressed woman sitting in the chair on the end and not far Roxy. He's giving minimal comments, but likewise has Andre at the ready to scoop up anyone that is going to need it. Before the night is over the odds of someone going into a bucket are damn high.

At Ring:
Easton knows he's not where he wants to be for the fight. He can feel his movements are sluggish and inelegant, but a little late for that. He manages to get only in a few clean blows before she knocks him back, sending him reeling and off his feet. He feels it when he goes down that it's not a good night for him to get back up. The bell dings and he makes his way over to Shauna to again offer a hand and a "Good fight."

At Left Bleachers:
Jaime grins over at Nicole when she elbows him and says, "Hey, you. How's it going? Kass, this is Nicole." And Kass has already introduced herself, so he doesn't have to do that part. He then nods to Nicole in agreement, "Yep." Then he watches Easton go down and he says, "Damn. She got him."

Grace studies the fighting. Nodding a bit as she sees how it is going. Applauding a bit as she waits to see who wins. A glance around. Only recognizing the ones working here though, so not wanting to bother them. Humming some to herself. A grin as Shauna seems to be the winner.

At Ring:
Shauna waits for him to get up, fully expecting him to be back in the fight. When he cedes, she gives a wary look before tentatively giving her hand over. "To you as well." Her voice holds a very minimum of an Irish accent, like she's trying to hide it. Once she's shaken hands., she steps out of the ring, checking out her knuckles.

Joey addresses Sutton and Andre, "Let's make sure he's back on his feet." Because after these things finding the ring can be tricky from the middle. It's got one surrounded. Oh noes! he calls out, "Poe, Itz. Step up!." He does watch though to make sure Easton's moving alright. Cutthroat? Sure. He really does like to see people make it home on their own when he can.

At Left Bleachers:
Smiling at Kass, Nicole nods. "We met, at the Platinum just last night? I am helping with the hair for the big Masquerade ball... Nicole.. Nicole Stein. You were pretty busy talking costumes I guess." Smiling at Jaime she says, "pretty amazing. Yourself?" Looking back to the ring she lets out a slow whistle. "Shit, she sure did."

At Ring:
"Hey, it's time." Poe says, squeezing Lex's hand and leaning in for brief kiss before he slips down from the bleachers and makes his way over to the ring, climbing into it after the previous two fighters make their way out.

Lex's only reaction to Poe's announcement is in the way he has to somewhat pry his hand free. Otherwise? Expressionless. If one must assign an emotion, it'd be closer to annoyance than worry.

At Ring:
Itzhak winces as Easton gets knocked down. Well there went a sawbuck. Now he's up, and he climbs into the ring over the ropes, eyeing Poe. He offers him the ritual pre-combat dap, bouncing in place, hyped the hell up.

A smirk is given to Ruiz' moving towards the bleachers away from Cristobal, a little swivel of his head to watch the man go before his eyes return to the job. Once the influx of people has died from just a trickle to the rare occasion, the bouncer heads into the crowd to get a general read of the temperature there and do a slow, ambling sweep of the room. However, when Itzhak takes the ring, Cris seems find a spot and stick to it, leaning against the support for one of the sets of bleachers.

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Once out of the ring, Shauna takes a seat somewhere in the vicinity of Sutton, she opens and clenches her fists, but she doesn't ask for care. Seeing the look from Grace, she gives a nod, but right now she focuses on the moves of those called next into the ring, checking out who she may be up against later.

"Why did he hit Cristobal? Cris is a tank." Julia looks baffled , and then claps as the new fight is prepared. "C'mon Itzhak! Patear sus nalgas!" She throws a grin Rhys' way. "Were you there the night my cousin got into a fight with some guy who talked shit about her family? Andre had to haul her out like a wet cat. He was so apologetic about it. It was sweet."

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Sutton is on her feet, wandering up to the ring to say to Easton, "I got some candy in my bag if you like Red Vines." She grins, leaned against the corner of the ring. She sees he's fine, of course, but she does have the candy. Offer made! Sutton pushes back when the next pair moves to get into the ring. She happens to glance over her shoulder and spot a certain incognito cop in the bleachers. She tips back to pass Shauna. "Nice swinging, bruiser."

Mercedes misses that quick once-over from Rhys, so focused on watching the exchange of fists in the ring. It's quite the spectacle! She does cast a glance in his direction after he's already looked away, however. There's a hint of recognition to her eyes but she looks uncertain. The finishing blow draws her attention back again and just like that the fight is over. She adds to the general wave of activity in the stands with her own toned down applause before leaning back to wait for the next match. She seems content with observing quietly and not joining in on any chatting among the crowd.

Grace does nod in return to Shauna. Though will let her wind down after her fight. Turning to focus on the new pairing. Trying to see how they do. Offering applauds for the noew ones. Studying them some and a smile still showing.

At Left Bleachers:
Kass blinks. Then blinks again. "Hair Fairy! I'm sorry, I'm not always as, um... perceptive? As I should be. Its.. I'm still sorta.. in recovery? Its a process. But I remember you!" Her face lights up when she recognizes Nicole, looking at her once more. "Wow. That is.. that is a dress. Like.. a for-real dress." Kass-speak for 'you look very nice'. She tries! Glancign towards the ring, she murmurs, "I think the rangy one will win this one. He looks pretty hyped."

"I will take the red vines. And maybe some percocet if you're offering?" She wasn't, but Easton asks anyway. This is going to hurt in the morning, going by the fact that it's not all that pleasant right now. But still, felt good to actually punch someone even if he got knocked down by a very tiny cute girl. At least she hit hard enough to be respectable. He plops down in a seat by his bag and pulls out a flask. "Go Itzie!" He calls out in a voice loud enough to be heard in all corners. He's loud enough when not trying, his 'cheering' voice nearly shakes the bleachers.

Rhys watches the fight as it goes, brows going up slightly at some of the small woman's moves. Impressive! The knockdown gets a low hiss through his teeth that would probably sound sympathetic if he weren't also smiling at the time. "Not bad," he murmurs, though from the hint of ruefulness, he might've bet the other way. Julia's question gets laugh, and a shake of the head. "Which cousin, Erin?" It's probably the family mention that gets that guess, right? "Think I missed that one. Maybe there's tapes. Sounds like Andre, though," he says, glancing briefly toward the guy in question. "And I dunno why he hit him, I was too far away to catch the details." The grin flickers back. "Maybe you oughta ask, later. Let me know." And his eyes are on the ring again, for bout two."

Ruiz settles in at the rearmost bleacher, elbows resting on his splayed apart knees, cell phone coming out so he can check a few missed messages. His eyes flick between the screen and the fight about to start, with half an eye for Easton being helped out of the ring. Nooooope, not gonna approach him. He's incognito!

At Left Bleachers:
Nicole looks down at her dress with a smile before meeting Kass's gaze again. "Thank you. I had to look good beside Joey in a suit. My role tonight as arm candy after all." She laughs then looks to the ring. "Shit... I just met Z... man, I gotta root for Poe on this one. THS 2009! GO POE!" She cheers.

Lex remains tense near the doorway, having abandoned her seat to simply lean against the wall nearest the gym doors. The woman's arms are crossed, too-green eyes locked on the dance in the ring. Not a word. That would be encouragement.

Julia cups her hands around her mouth. "Levantante!!" she hollers, asiding to Rhys, "This would be so much better if they were wearing masks. Just saying." The eyes between him and Mercedes are noticed, and she too studies Mercedes, brow furrowed with a sense of familiarity she can't quite place.

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Sutton drops into her chair and digs a couple pieces of bright red licorice from her bag, handing them over to Easton. "No percs, but I got some big ass OTCs if you're into that totally legal option." She perches on the edge of her chair, a Red Vine dangling from her mouth. "I got a couple juice boxes." Ooh, man. Juice boxes. "Apple." Bag of wonders at her feet right here. Her gaze goes to the ring.

At Ring:
Poe pulls himself up into the ring and it feels good. It had been too long since he'd been up in front of a crowd and ready to fight. It has been a long day waiting for it - but now he was here and ready to go. He flashes an easy grin across the ring toward his opponent and gives a quick roll of his shoulders. The fight is soon underway.

He keeps himself leaned back and hot on his feet as things get underway, dodging blows and testing with a few quick punches of his own, looking for that weakness in his opponent. The man is quick - but Poe is quick too.

At Ring:
Itzhak is fast and a lot more agile than it might seem at first blush; he dances Poe around, dodging and ducking his blows. For a hot minute neither of them seem willing to close, sizing each other up like the pair of veterans they are. Then Itz goes in and closes with him and fists get exchanged furiously, each of them popping the other hard, until Poe finds an opening and knocks Itzhak back on his narrow ass. Bleeding, he gets back up, swaying a little, glaring and grinning at Poe like a crazy person.

Roxy sits ringside, watching the fights and cheering the combatants on as she waits for the rounds to end so she can prance about the ring with the cards overhead.

Rhys gives a sharp, approving whistle when Itzhak gets back to his feet. "Maybe we can do something about that next time. Pick up a few masks and ask real nice. Cherry on top and everything," he replies to Julia, eyes still mostly on the fight. "...though, we would miss that expression," he adds, glancing her way and indicating Itzhak's crazy-grin with a tilt of the head. "And that'd be a shame."

At Ring:
Poe's body releases some tension when he gets inside Itzhak's guard and strikes the man hard, sending him sprawling. It was a solid punch and he was pretty damn sure the man wouldn't get back up.

But, he did. He watches the look in the man's eyes and shakes his head, slipping back into his stance and getting his guard back up. He takes another swing and a miss - but lands another solid blow before the bell rings to end the entire event. Likely for the best for Itzhak - because Poe was getting ready to make sure he stayed down for good the second time.

He's breathing hard as he steps back, ducking his head toward the man. "Good fight."

At Ring:
Itzhak stays on his feet at least, but he doesn't manage to land anything solid on Poe. He straightens up and goes at him and HUGS him, getting blood and sweat all over both of them. "You. I like you." Then he ducks out of the ring, panting hard.

Cristobal makes a sucking noise against his teeth when Itzhak takes one hard. With a little shake of his head, he pushes off his lean and starts making a his meandering rounds again, looking for the first sign of trouble in the crowd.

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Shauna remains in her seat watching the two. Bloodied and really into it, it seems. A quirk of her lips is offered to Sutton but she remains with a mostly serious demeanor and a look of concentration. After several moments, she gets a cloth and wets it and wraps her hands with ice for a few, but only a moment, not wanting to relax too much. She wants to be prepared for her next go.

Julia winces. "Well, that's a hundred bucks down the drain. Ah well. What do the French say? C'est la vie." Then it's over, and she tilts her chin in Mercedes' direction. "Does she look familiar to you?"

At Ring:
Well, he's certainly surprised - but in the way that has him laughing when the other man wraps his sweaty body around Poe. "Damn, man. You're a mess." He slaps him on the back when Itzhak releases him and follows him out of the ring. "Beer sometime. My treat." He has the winnings. With his fight done, Poe navigates back to the stands with a grin on his face to find Lex. "Still alive."

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Sutton hands Shauna a packet containing an antiseptic wipe. "For your knuckles, love." She grins a bit, then her attention is back on the ring. She winces a little, and doesn't get up to place any more bets.

Lex is only bothering to glance toward the rest of the gym after Itzhak and Poe have their little Dance to the Dizzy. A hissed breath is released, and there's a slight shake of her head. When Poe himself finds his way toward her, covered in a gross gym-esque intermingling of sweat, her eyes narrow in earnest on the 'winner'. There's a moment spent like that, letting his announcement set in, before she's using one hand to punch him -- not softly -- in the shoulder, while the other grabs his hair to pull him into a rough, if brief, kiss. And then she's turning, looking fully ready to stalk out of the gym entirely.

At Left Bleachers:
Nicole cheers for Poe at the end of their fight. She may look like a lady tonight, but her loud yelling is not tame. "Yeah! Great fight Poe! You did great too, Z!" Sitting back down she says aside to Jaime and Kass, "almost makes me want to fight... almost. Who's next?"

Mercedes lets out a surprised 'Whoo' as Itzhak and Poe move past the testing shots and trade furious blows in earnest. She catches sight of Julia as she's leaning back but quickly looks away as a strong sense of deja vu washes over her. That"No, couldn't be...," She murmurs to herself mostly. The feeling lingers still, however. She doesn't have much time to dwell on it as the last punch lands and the crowd gets rowdy again.

Grace smiles as she bonuces some before heading over and jumping over the top rope and getting ready, light on her feet. Grinning some at Joey's words. She will greet Everett properly when he get in. "Good luck." Offered as she smiles over, then back and ready to fight.

Coming in exactly after the fights have already started, and well into the matches, Everett ducks inside. There's a glance around, looking for familiar faces. Just in time. He peels off his jacket, and hands it over to the person to his right, "Hold this for me," before he hulking figure climbs into the ring. His fists come up like a pugilist while looking down Grace. She doesn't look so bad, he looks a little bad for having to fight a woman, and then a little like it'll be more therapeutic. "You too."

At Left Bleachers:
Jaime chuckles at Joey when he says it reminds him of their back yard. "Cleaner than our back yard, though." He seems content to watch the bouts, letting Nicole and Kass chat about costumes and hair and things while he leans back against the wall and cheers on the fighters occasionally. He doesn't seem to have a horse in any of these races, so he just cheers both fighters on about equally for each bout.

At Left Bleachers:
Nicole smiles up at Joey as he squeezes her shoulder. He announces the last fight and her eyebrows go up a little, looking towards the ring to see Everett and Grace square off. She seems a bit surprised by the match-up, watching in interest. "That seems... lopsided... Yet, i am afraid to put money on it." She chuckles a bit.

Poe lifts a hand and beams a smile toward Nicole - "Thanks." Then he's being kiss-punched by a less than impressed Lex, though it seems even her disapproval isn't enough to wipe the smile from his lips or take the post-fight adrenaline out of his veins. He lets out a grunt at the force behind Lex's punch to his shoulder. "Right." He doesn't look entirely sure what to make of that reaction and just sits. "I have to stay a bit. Winnings and all that." He informs Lex.

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Sutton kicks back gnawing on her candy, watching the two in the ring, a little distracted. She glances over at Poe, watching him for a couple of beats before her gaze goes back to the ring.

"Stop squirmin', pipsqueak!" shouts the giant man, whooshing a fist over Grace's head. [Everett]

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Easton stands a bit stiffly and nods to both Sutton and Shauna with a "Ladies." before shuffling his way towards the door to retrieve his knife. He's walking stiffly and obviously going to be feeling this tomorrow.

Rhys winces at the last of those hits, the 'oof' oddly gleeful, and turning into a full laugh when Itzhak hugs Poe. "I like him," he remarks cheerfully to Julia. After a moment, he adds, "They also eat snails, though. I'm breaking even, so far." He glances sidelong toward Mercedes again, seeming to consider the question, and his tone's thoughtful when he quietly answers, "Yeah, she does look pretty familiar." But there's not a lot of time to ponder on why with bout 3 starting up.

Itzhak is a mess, but it doesn't stop him from sauntering over to Sutton and dropping to his knees in front of her, presenting his face for treatment. "Am I gonna live, doc?" he says, grinning like an idiot at her. His eyes are blackening up like whoa. Oh he's gonna hurt tomorrow.

Lex may be hitting Poe as hard as anyone managed in the ring, but the kiss that came with it probably took some of the sting out of it. Maybe. When the man sits rather than follow her out, Lex's shoulders tense, and she's turning back to scowl at Poe. "You motherfucker," she informs him, even as she shrugs out of her trench coat and drops to the bleacher beside him. She straddles the 'seat', and whether Poe's prepared for it or not, seems to be intent on using him as a backrest.

Roxy watches from ringside, her eyes going wide at the size disparity between Everett and Grace. She seems utterly amazed someone so tiny would get into the ring with someone so gigantic.

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Shauna allows her gaze to skim over Itzhak but it's brief as she accepts the thing from Sutton for her knuckles. "Thanks, greatly appreciated." She wipes her hands with it then nods to Easton and even gives a half smile. She watches the ring now, waiting to see who was going to win out.

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Sutton nods to Easton. "Be safe out there, Easy." The blonde tips forward in her chair when the lankiest of New Yorkers in the room drops to his knees to come down to her seated-heigt. She Itzhak's face between her gloved hands, turning it a little to get a good look at the damage done. She prods a little bit with her thumbs, just checking the structures in his face under all the swelling that's starting to pop. "You, my friend, will live. I prescribe you a juice box and what I think are cherry licorice." She rips open a packet and wipes some of the blood off of Itzhak's skin. "Look at you, properly bloody. You got frozen peas at home? You better ice this face." The whole time she's speaking, a licorice bobs in the corner of her mouth. She's profesh. "I got some bad news, love. I'm gonna need you to take a deep breath, hold it, and... don't move, ok?"

Grace does start off keeping defensive. Using what she knows and easily just dodging over and over. Moving and smiling still as they fight. Boxing not her forte but dodging and moving is. Probably getting to restless and not so experienced in fights will have her rush in a bit recklessly at a bad point.

Everett, too, started defensive. Either an unwillingness about hitting a woman, or eyeing up his opponent. And but for a moment there, after he told the little woman to stop squirming around, he thought he had her. But she recovered quickly, and Everett only got more pissed off, possibly expecting to punch her once and send her sleeping. The longer it continued, the more aggressive he got about trying to send her down.

Mercedes seems surprised by the announcement of a third fight but looks on with interest as the two fighters step into the ring. "Huh, not sure who to bet on here after those other fights." Despite the size difference, it's hard to call a sure bet in these underground fights. They have a way of surprising people. She doesn't seem to be aware of Rhys and Julia's conversation at all, or more likely that she's good at pretending not to pay attention. Still, she remains casual enough in posture and doesn't make any overt movements to leave or anything.

At Left Bleachers:
Ruiz absently watches Itzhak approach the blonde medic for a look at his face, eyes flicking between the pair of them for a moment, then roving away. Back to the fight in progress, he notes the time on his watch and hunkers down to see how this ends. Ain't over till it's over.

Itzhak licks his bloody teeth, allowing Sutton to investigate. It's far from the first time that magnificent schnozz has been broken. "Thought so. Got it." He grabs the bleacher to brace himself, sucks in a breath, and holds very, very still. Oh man this is gonna hurt.

Everyone knows what happens when a medic tells you to take a deep breath and hold it, especially if Sutton's gloved thumbs are going up to either side of that magnificent schnoz. Damn, that's going to hurt. And yet, Cristobal is smirking - perhaps in divine justice for his split lip - and looks back to the fight.

Grace did take a heavy punch. Which made it go more in Everett's favor, being a bit slower. Once it end she does have to admit defeat htough. Sighing and shaking her head. "Good fight." Squinting her eyes at him. Bumping fists though before sliding out of the ring. Then. A smile as she wanders along. A bit bruised, but happy enough it seems. She did get a few hits in so she is happy enough. Heading to let Sutton check on her. There was a big hit during the fight after all.

Roxy winces as Everett connects and the smaller woman admits defeat.

At Left Bleachers:
For some reason, this fight seems a hard one for Nicole to watch. She looks away, and in doing so, sees Ruiz sitting nearby. She gives him a nod and a smile before leaning forward a bit to make conversation with Kass and Jaime before looking up towards Joey then. She risks a glance back towards the ring and winces as she sees Everett's big fist connect with Grace's body. She quickly looks away again, her own fingers curling into fists.

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Sutton tucks a pen light down the neck of her sweater after surveying the damage, reaches up, thumbs to either side of the nicest, prominent nose in the room. It's not likely a lot of people will hear the adjustment with the sounds in here, the cheers, the jeers, the fighting. There's one word from Sutton, "Ok," then she gives it a little English. Crunch, POP, some light grinding from his internals, and something in Rosencrantz's sniffer shifts back into place. Her hands stay there, along either side of the bridge of his nose. "Nope. One more." No breather. And again,torque with upward pressure at the end, which has to be fire for Itzy. She stops, palpating lightly, and her hands come off. "Okay. Good job, pet." Her hands drop to his shoulders. "Puke if you need to." Her feet slide wide in case he's gonna boot, not that it'll save her from splash damage.

He's fortunate that the blow to his leg came near the end of the fight, or it might have slowed Everett down. With a scowl, Everett gives a guttural grunt to acknowledge Grace's good sportsmanship. He eyes the offered fists, and then rolls his eyes and looks away while returning the gesture, leaving the ring by another direction, trying not to put weight on his wounded paw. I mean leg.

Poe doesn't object to being used as a back rest, just settling in and watching the next fight with some degree of interest - he'd spent a lot of years fighting in LA and had never seen quite a match up like the one that was in the Gray Harbor ring this evening. He turns to say something quietly to Lex before getting up to see Joey about cash.

At Left Bleachers:
Ruiz meets Nicole's gaze for a beat when the blonde looks over. He's wearing that annoying ball cap, which throws odd shadows over his face. After a brief assessment, he looks back to the ring - just in time for the match to be done, and Everett declared the victor. He applauds along with the others, and pushes to his feet after Joey passes by, ambling off after the man.

Roxy hands out a few Platinum Cabaret tees to audience members. The advertising is part of why she's here.

Grace does look a bit deflated from the loss. "Dammit, I had him." She says shaking her head. Prepared for next time perhaps. Shallow breaths for a moment. A small smile offered to Joey as well as she hear him before looking to Nicole with a tiny smile. Though then back to see if Sutton want to check on her, after Itzhak. Glancing around for Everett as well though. Perhaps having some words for him later. A glance towards Shauna as well, if she is still around.

Itzhak makes the worst fucking sound when Sutton's fingers cause something to go crunch in his face. He turns pale green, clenching his teeth, and when she finally has mercy on him, doubles over with a wheeze. The floor is where he lives now.

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Sutton slides to the floor beside the New Yorker, hand on his shoulder. She gives him a minute to breathe, maybe a minute and a half. That's a pain that's like a mule kicking you in the face four times in a row and refusing to get the hell off of it. She digs into her back with the other hand.

"If this bleeds and doesn't stop bleeding in fifteen minutes, your vision blurs out, your headache gets worse, or you find yourself hurling when nobody's adjusting you, hospital. Ok?" Turns out the blonde did put somebody on the floor tonight without ever swinging. And she lost $250 but who's counting. "Breathe through it, love." She rubs his back, poor guy. "I'm sorry, love."

At Chairs Behind Ring:
Shauna gets up and moseys over to where Joey is for her share of the payout. She stands there, hip leaning against the door frame of one of the doors and watches the others. There's a sympathetic look to Grace when she glances over. "You alright?" She's still close to Sutton.

Julia is less interested in the third fight. "I'll be right back, okay?" she says to Rhys, and rising from her seat, she looks over at the first aid area, and then seems to reroute, heading instead in Mercedes' direction.

Returning to the door, Everett collects his jacket, and maybe he's lucky enough for everything to still be in it. The rando person that held it is given an up nod as a show of thanks, before Everett casts a glance over his shoulder at the mention of his common nickname, while straightening his collar. A glance is given to the way out and then he smirks and finds a place to lean, his left leg against the wall. See, doesn't bother him at all.

Sutton looks up at Grace from her spot hanging out with Itzhak, like a dude curled up in pain is just another day. "Where'd he get you, love? Anything hurt above the rest?" Multi-tasking.

Roxy moves over to Sutton and hands her a free tee shirt, giving her a knowing look. And then she gives one to Ruiz as well, two people who helped her through the worst of the Veil flu, and it's aftermath.

Grace smiling to Shauna and nods, "Yup. I got too restless and reckless. He got lucky." She says with a shrug. Rubbing her chest some. "Thanks. And nice fight out there." Added, Shifting gaze from Shauna to include Itzhak as well. Hearing Sutton makes her look over. "A hard hit over the chest, but I don't think anything is broken." Showing off the bruise though. "Ice perhaps?"

Itzhak can't make words right now, sorry. He shakes his head, though, trying to control his breathing, and signs 'OK' where she can see it. After a minute...after a couple of minutes...he sags sideways against the bleachers. "Did ya say something about a juice box?" Juice boxes help everything!

At Left Bleachers:
Ruiz has a tee shirt shoved at him enroute to Joey's office, presumably to have a word with the guy. He murmurs his thanks, and looks up in time to see Roxy threading off through the crowd. He frowns slightly after her in thought, then continues on back.

At Left Bleachers:
With the bouts over, Jaime says to Nicole and Kass, "Man, that was something. Gotta go help out with the cleanup and wrap up, but was good to see you both." He then heads back down the bleachers to go assist with the settling up of stuff and things, and to help Joey clean up after everyone's gone home for the evening.

Cris has disappeared a moment, returning with a leather jacket over his shoulders and he's stuffing an envelope into the inner chest pocket. His boot tips stop just shy of nudging right into Itzhak's back as he looks down to Sutton and rumbles, "Gonna need a ride?"

At Left Bleachers:
Nicole gives a wave over towards where Everett leans against the wall, though she looks a bit uneasy. She's not going to ignore the man after the fight she couldn't watch. She nods to Jaime then and says, "oh, yeah. I'll be sitting here for a bit." her eyes look towards Joey, who has some things to take care of, of course.

Sutton reaches up to take the shirt, smiling her thanks to Roxy. "Oh, right on. I'll come out and see your show. Thanks, pet. I'm glad to see you up and around." No mention of the weird shit they went through together last time they saw each other. "You're looking well." Her brows go up a bit. The hot is implied.

To Grace, she says, "Looks like a bruise, should be fine on its own, but cold will do you some good. Frozen peas work best." Earning the big bucks here, yo. She digs around her bag when Itz starts coming around from his valiant struggle against the vomit fairy. "Apple." She pulls a juice box, 100% juice, and organic! No sugar added. It has a stabby little straw attached too. She tosses the tee across her shoulder and jabs the juice box for Itz. "Slowly, love. You turned fun colors." The blonde helps the taller man sit up if he needs it.

When Cristobal personal-space-checks Itzhak, she looks up. "I have a ride, sugartits. Thanks for the offer, though."

Roxy smiles warmly at Sutton. "I feel much better, thank you. We are doing a very special performance for the Masquerade. You should not miss that one!" She crouches to hand Itzhak a tee shirt. "You helped with my very first routine!" she exclaims. "Does that hurt very much?"

Rhys gives Julia a light mock-salute in reply, and briefly glances after her, possibly curious which destination she's chosen, before looking back to the display of occasionally-full-contact dancing in the ring, clapping his hands together once enthusiastically when it settles. He gets to his feet then, stretching, and glances around to take in the current configuration of people. Probably got bets to deal with one way or another, but that's not going anywhere just yet.

Grace smiles and nods. "Thanks." She offers. Not wanting to bother Sutton too much. She does check on Shauna though. "Gonig somewhere? Else I could use something to eat, if you want to join." Looking around some. "But first, give me a moment." Moving away to try and find Everett, which shouldn't be hard. Stopping next to him.

Mercedes moves to get up once the last fight concludes, looking over toward the doors as a number of unlucky spectators in the crowd trail out. She hesitates slightly as she catches sight of Julia moving toward her, however. She shifts slightly as if she might meet her halfway but seems to think better of it. She turns away with a pensive frown and quickly moves off to blend in with a departing group and disappear into the crowd. And just like that she's out of sight.

Itzhak turns over like a turtle righting itself, gratefully accepts the juice box and sips carefully. Roxy graces him with a t-shirt and he looks up at her, eyebrows tipping up. "Oh. I'm dead. I'm dead and in heaven." He realizes Cristobal is way, way too close to him, and says philosophically, "Maybe not," and clambers to his feet. "Yeah it hurts. Remind me to take my own advice next time." Then he's dragging his sorry behind on out the door.

Roxy smiles in amusement at the heaven comment, then she rises and looks to Cristobal. "I am going to get changed and head home. I will be in to work tomorrow night." Then the ring card girl makes her way to a bathroom to change.

Shauna gives a nod to Grace. "Sounds good. Keeps me from going back to the hotel and facing my brother's wrath." She tries for a smirk, but it's all too real. She gets her money and motions towards the door. "Lead on." All said to Grace.

"I haven't been in a while," Sutton says of the Platinum. Since opening night, really. "I've been meaning to stop by again." She pauses to strip off her gloves as the dark-haired injured moves to get up. "Bleeding, blurred vision, worsening headache: hospital!" She calls after Itzhak's back. "Frozen peas on your face." He's gonna look like hell tomorrow. "No alcohol!" Which she yells after him belatedly. Not that the last person whose nose she set listened to that part either.

Cristobal reaches down instinctually with a hand going to Itzhak's elbow as a shadow in case the other man falters. "Any time, Butterbuns." He responds to Sutton as he turns slightly to let Itzhak pass without obstruction. "See you then." He replies to Roxy, offering her a hint of a smile that rarely gets displayed when he's on duty at the Platinum. After a moment's delay, he heads out to the parking lot, just to make sure no last minute brawls take place over sour grapes.

Collecting his long hair behind him, Everett pushes off the wall for a moment, and then lets the black ocean spill out over his back and over his shoulders again. Spying Nicole's wave, he gives her a soft up nod and then raises his hand to crook a finger at her before the big guy leans back against the wall. Someone has to support the building. Finding Grace coming towards him, Everett does what ever man would do. Look over his shoulder to make sure she's not looking for the wall behind him.

Sutton straightens up and cleans up the mess. Little blood here, little blood there, tosses it all in a trashcan and goes looking for the cop who was pretending not to be a cop here tonight. "Has anybody seen a Mexican dude who looks like he's gonna drag your ass down an alley and take all your cash?" She should be more specific. "40s? Nice ..." Uh... "Smile." Like he was smiling. She glances around, through the crowd. Doot doot. "Juice box." She still has one left. Score. Ruiz will find her when he's good and ready. Or she'll text him till he gets mad and reveals his location with displeased grousing.

Joey Offers a handshake to Cristobal and one to Andre that no doubt is padded with cash on the DL. "Good work tonight guys, and I really appreciate you givin me a hand here. Andre, you know it's always a pleasure. Get yourself another new fancy hat, man." Turning to his brother, Kass, Nicole and Roxy he says, "Gimme a minute." And with that steps into his office and two fingers make a flicking gesture and the door swings shut. Someone closed it with a foot, surely.