[ evening time comes on the day of their scheduled """"date"""", and marco is severely underdressed. at least in terms of regular date standards, but given the fact they're meant to spar, he's actually looking quite appropriate in a simple pair of sweat-wicking shirt and shorts, white and black respectively. it's one of the finer things he owns in this place, coming from the lowly 2 rank with very little to spare in terms of funds, but given how often he has been relegating a lot of his pent-up aggression in the gym, it seemed a worthy investment. around his neck is a small towel meant for cleaning up later, that he tugs off when he comes up to the large man standing off (preening?) by the ring. ]
Mr. Beowulf, yes? I'm sorry I didn't properly introduce myself over the network — I'm Marco.
[ They are practically matching; one of them is going to have to change. But yes, he is definitely preening up there on the brand new wrestling ring. With as much boisterousness as he put off on text, Beowulf beams down at the other man and offers him a hand up into the ring if he doesn’t mind hopping over the ropes. ]
What’s IS UP, bro! Come on up! No need to be formal, Beowulf is just fine!
[ and once they are up there under the little spotlight despite the fact they are the only ones in this room. ]
[ he takes the proffered hand with a murmur of thank you. discreetly, he takes it as an opportunity to gauge the other man's strength, toning his own down considerably so that he would need far more help getting up than he normally would.
once settled, he folds his hands behind his back, head canting just slightly to the side in thought. ]
Not much, I will admit. I had a colleague who enjoyed watching it on TV, but I was always too busy to catch a show myself. I know there's a lot of holds and grappling involved, items aren't entirely out of the question, and personas created for the overarching plot.
[ marco is mildly jostled as the strong arm comes around his shoulders, pulling him closer against the other man's side. he doesn't laugh, no, certainly not at beowulf, but he does huff a little chuckle in response, if only because the other man's jovial nature is so disarming. it's good to be passionate about things; never let anything snuff out that light in your eyes, beo. 🥺 ]
I'll learn whatever you're interested in teaching. Both sound useful, so we can certainly start from there.
[ "useful"... yes, he's going to be pragmatic about this. ]
ill let him grab once then we can fast forward to afterwards if you want ✨
I’ll be honest.. I have never taught anyone before! And people would be dying to be in your position right now!
[ He’s pretty content that this guy is easy going— he also seems like he’s a little smaller compared to Beowulf’s other opponents, so unfortunately he’s already sizing up his strength compared to his appearance. His arm slides off of Marco and he takes a step back, hands folding together and stretching his arms forward. ]
Grabbing people is a great way to show them you’re in control, and there’s so many ways you can grab them.
[ oh really ]
Like.. this!
[ He will dive forward and attempt to scoop him over his shoulders in a fireman hold. ]
[ as beowulf stretches, marco discreetly adjusts his stance. widening the distance between his feet a little, bending slightly at the knee to lower his center of gravity. he is an honest man by default; he's only ever mysterious because he prefers to be quiet, but the fact of the matter is he has never made a point of being deceitful in his life and he certainly works to avoid it if he can.
however.
marco knows that in order to fully gauge another's raw strength, sometimes it is best to let them operate under their own assumptions. in height and sheer muscle mass, beowulf towers well above marco. his superhuman genes are not so easily visible, and he would rather the man come at him with what he thinks is an appropriate level of strength to handle someone like marco.
so he says nothing, and does nothing as beowulf lunges at him — except in that last second, before shoulder connects to his gut, where he folds himself a little more neatly against the man's body, where he hoists himself up on his toes just in time that the full force of that attack doesn't leave him windless.
in the end, marco does very little grabbing of his own. he has beowulf walk him through four more different holds, taps out dutifully for each of them. he tries three of his own that he'd never seen in combat before, with the acceptable amount of strength a man who looks and acts like him would possess.
and though he might have been holding back, when at the end they're both sweaty and panting on the ring's floor, the strain on his body is genuine, as is the small smile that's curled his lips. adrenaline is still adrenaline, and anything that allows him to turn his brain off for even a few minutes is always going to be a welcome thing.
he reaches over, offering beowulf his hand. ]
Thank you, for that. I hope I wasn't too bad a student.
[ Likewise, Beowulf also sizes up his opponents; it's really just natural for him to do with his career. Although this is more of a teaching session, he can't help but do it. Just because of that, though, it doesn't mean he is made aware of anything supernatural or anything like that. There are people with superpowers back home, but there were always regulations in the wrestling ring. Even so, he was able to defeat a monster who was ginormous with his bare hands.. he's impressively strong for someone without super strength, but even then, he still lacks that.
Beowulf teaches Marco a few grabs, some offensive and some defensive, some involving chokes which he releases when tapped out. Some examples are a full nelson, anaconda vise, leg triangle (enjoy those thighs), scissor hold. He shows him a piledriver, because why not, and it's needless to say, but they've gotten close and physical throughout all of this whether Marco was expecting all of that or not. Either way, Marco has enlightened Beowulf with all of this, and it makes him look even more lively and happier.
He takes the hand but springs to his feet without much help, instantly going to his towel, a bit breathless when he speaks. ]
Are you KIDDING me!? That was so cool! You're okay, right? I hope I wasn't too bad of a teacher. You know, people will try to tell you all of this stuff is fake, but that isn't entirely true.
[ Just somewhat true. ]
Maybe with some more practice, you and I can wrestle for real.
I'll be sure to practice on my own so I don't risk boring you.
[ the moves themselves would be difficult to master without a partner to practice on, but he has already begun to formulate ways to alter his current regimen to incorporate at least the core tenants of most of the holds. if nothing else, he's positive he can find a willing participant or two, during the times the talon is its busiest.
but that's all for the future. in the present, he's picked up his own towel to pat his face and neck dry. he leans against the ropes, idly testing the strength of them against his weight as he watches the other man. ]
Did you have many other takers for your offer?
[ genuinely, he hopes so. the man speaks with such clear passion for the sport, that he can't help but hope beowulf can find what he needs to in order that passion alive here. too easily this hotel can snuff out the fire inside people. ]
[ Likewise, Beowulf is dabbing at his own sweat, and something about all of this has certainly got him feeling a little hotter than when he's practiced on his own or with anyone else. Maybe it's just because he's exerting more energy in the excitement of teaching someone something he's so passionate about. Either way, he's in a very elevated mood. He teases Marco by twisting his own towel and snapping it at the other man, hitting him on the flank playfully. ]
Hah! 'Course I did! People can't get enough of me I guess. I also got someone to be my manager!
[ bro.. your ego.... but the only problem with all of this is the people who challenge him want to just.. fight.. and not abide by the wrestling match rules to make everything fair. Beowulf didn't going to admit that maybe he's a little nervous. ]
I'm feeling pretty awesome.. and gross. Let's hit the showers and clean off.
[ the towel snap catches marco offguard — while boyish camaraderie isn't new to him, locker-room and gym culture specifically is, and so he has no actual frame of reference for the gesture. for a wild moment he wonders if beowulf had meant it as a genuine attack... but the snap itself was little more than a light slap against his rear, and a bewildered look the larger man's way is met only with that same bright, if slightly impish, smile, and so marco quickly realizes it had meant to be something... playful.
well then.
he considers his own towel for a moment, but the moment itself seems to have passed. so he tables the idea for now, ready to pull it out again when the situation presents itself. ]
Good idea, [ he agrees, slipping under the first rope. seems his manners don't get left behind in the ring, because he stays straddling the other two ropes so he can hold apart the top two in order to make beowulf's descent a little easier. he can only imagine how annoying it must be to have to keep ducking so often. ]
I'm not sure what you're used to, [ he says, once they're both on the floor and walking towards the back where the showers are. ] But the showers here are communal...
[ Wow, what a gentleman. Beowulf does appreciate the gesture, but he’s not a very mannerly person, so it doesn’t cross his mind to say thank you. Why should he? He’s the best wrestler in the world back home. He should be treated with respect.
But he follows right along Marco’s side. He had his own private shower back home, but he definitely had shared plenty of showers growing up in this career. He gives Marco a slap along the back and barks some laughter. ]
It's difficult to be shy, in a place like this, [ comes marco's response, in a tone too mild for all that it implies. no, marco doesn't have the kindest outlook regarding all they're made to do while stuck here — but for once he finds himself actively attempting not to be such a goddamn downer all the time. beowulf's enthusiasm — while perhaps not infectious, is a refreshing note in the dreariness of marco's day to day that he finds himself determined to keep it afloat.
so he offers the man a smile, almost playful in turn. ]
I only wanted to prepare you; you might walk out of there with even more fans, that's all.
[ That’s true. This is coming from a guy who frotted until they both came in the vehicle they both woke up in and a made a mess of their robes. Beowulf doesn’t really hesitate when placed in a situation to have some fun. He doesn’t know the rules of Game 52, but he’s already gloated about how he wants to “win” so of course he’s going to go into things without thinking it through.
Anyway, he laughs again in amusement, not a shy bone in his body. ]
That’s the idea! I want everyone to love me.
[ Because, well.. he’s sad and lonely when they don’t. ]
Love feels so much like a miracle... Finding just one person to love you feels like enough for me.
[ .... but enough about that depressing stuff. fortunately they enter the showers not long after. marco holds the door open for beowulf, and though the space is communal — similar to what they'd find in the basement levels, but of far, far better quality — it seems for the moment they're the only ones around.
he steps over to the locker area, finding one unoccupied so he can start shucking off his sweaty clothes. he hadn't the forethought to bring any extra clothes, so he will have to borrow one of the robes hanging off the wall once they're done. ]
Well, I mean, not literally love me.. like in a romantic sense. I think that might make things complicated?
[ Who is he to say, though? He's never been in an actual relationship, so he doesn't know. He meant more in an adoration kind of way! But the way that Marco says this catches his attention for a moment-- even as stupid as he is to read the atmosphere, something about all of this makes Marco seem pretty somber? What's with this guy? Did it witness a murder? (lol.) ]
Aaaanyway, it's probably not something to think about too much! Just.. y'anno.. be yourself and let the magic happen? I'm bad at advice.
[ Beowulf, he didn't ask for advice. The same goes for him, but he knew there would be robes and such for them to use! So, he also finds a locker nearby to start shedding off his clothes. ]
I will say, it's really strange being in a locker room so quiet! Have you been at this place for a long time or did you just get here recently like I did?
[ —ah, what is he even doing? this isn't the kind of thing to talk about right now. marco forces out a light laugh, lifting a hand in the air to wave the entire conversation away. ]
Don't worry — I lost my train of thought a little, that's all.
[ he draws out a fresh towel from the unused locker, wrapping it around his waist — not that it really matters at this point. ]
It's been a little under four months since I've arrived. It was... slightly more chaotic than I would have liked.
[ zombies and all... ]
You're adjusting really well though. Does very little bother you?
[ Beowulf examines him for a moment when he laughs. This guy was kind of cute in a way that he couldn’t quite articulate. He looks so strong and sturdy, but his personality is… sweet. Gentle. It doesn’t really match his appearance. (beowulf is like, whispers, i can fix him……………)
The question reels him back to reality. Yeah, actually, a lot of stuff bothers him! An easy example is when people say wrestling is fake; he’s very bothered by that. On a deeper level, he’s bothered by the state of his world; how it’s left in destruction after the war. He’s bothered by the mafia, and how one family has so much control in his city. He’s bothered by what they do to people, especially children. He doesn’t know much about the Skullgirl, but he’s worried about her hurting a bunch of people when she finally reveals herself in the city. As far as being here, no, he’s not really bothered by that.
It’s apparent he’s a little stuck in this thought, but then he waves a hand in dismissal. Beowulf is honest, but he’s also an actor. It’s easier to cover up the things that bother him. ]
You kiddin’? I ain’t bothered at all! Being here is exactly where I want to be.
[ He copies Marco and also drapes a towel around his waist, but then, one of his arms slides around the other man’s shoulders. Time for a subject change. ]
You seem bothered, though, and it ain’t my business, really, what it is or what’s on your mind, but I think you should lighten up.
[ He moves a curled finger under Marco’s chin, directing him to look up at him. His voice draws low and quiet, a contrast to how loud he typically is. ]
I could have a fun time with you and it would help with that, baby. ♡
[ ok but beowulf wanting to fix somebody is cute as heck—
now is not the time, though, because marco picks up some disturbance in the force and he realizes, with mild surprise, that he might have spoken too soon. beowulf had come across so carefree, the type that so wholly dedicates himself to the things that bring him joy that there simply wouldn't be any room for anything else, let alone the things that would normally bring someone down.
it's a humbling thing, as well as something that makes him admire the man even more. to still find the ability to smile that bright, despite harboring one's own worries, speaks to an immense strength indeed.
he lets his features ease into a smile. the showers are only a few steps away, so he keeps walking until they reach the edge. both towels he slips from their waists, reaching over to hang it on an adjacent wall, out of the spray of the showerheads. he only turns one on; from the sounds of things, they're likely to just share one. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
— action ;
Mr. Beowulf, yes? I'm sorry I didn't properly introduce myself over the network — I'm Marco.
no subject
What’s IS UP, bro! Come on up! No need to be formal, Beowulf is just fine!
[ and once they are up there under the little spotlight despite the fact they are the only ones in this room. ]
Tell me what you know about wrestling.
no subject
once settled, he folds his hands behind his back, head canting just slightly to the side in thought. ]
Not much, I will admit. I had a colleague who enjoyed watching it on TV, but I was always too busy to catch a show myself. I know there's a lot of holds and grappling involved, items aren't entirely out of the question, and personas created for the overarching plot.
Is that similar to what it is for you?
no subject
[ And then, as if further showing there shouldn't be any formality between them Beowulf wraps his arm around Marco's shoulders. ]
Not only is it that, but it's art!
[ try not to laugh about this.. he's very passionate.. ]
So, is there something specific you wanted to learn-- like grappling? Or throws?
no subject
I'll learn whatever you're interested in teaching. Both sound useful, so we can certainly start from there.
[ "useful"... yes, he's going to be pragmatic about this. ]
ill let him grab once then we can fast forward to afterwards if you want ✨
[ He’s pretty content that this guy is easy going— he also seems like he’s a little smaller compared to Beowulf’s other opponents, so unfortunately he’s already sizing up his strength compared to his appearance. His arm slides off of Marco and he takes a step back, hands folding together and stretching his arms forward. ]
Grabbing people is a great way to show them you’re in control, and there’s so many ways you can grab them.
[ oh really ]
Like.. this!
[ He will dive forward and attempt to scoop him over his shoulders in a fireman hold. ]
bless u ✨🙏✨
however.
marco knows that in order to fully gauge another's raw strength, sometimes it is best to let them operate under their own assumptions. in height and sheer muscle mass, beowulf towers well above marco. his superhuman genes are not so easily visible, and he would rather the man come at him with what he thinks is an appropriate level of strength to handle someone like marco.
so he says nothing, and does nothing as beowulf lunges at him — except in that last second, before shoulder connects to his gut, where he folds himself a little more neatly against the man's body, where he hoists himself up on his toes just in time that the full force of that attack doesn't leave him windless.
in the end, marco does very little grabbing of his own. he has beowulf walk him through four more different holds, taps out dutifully for each of them. he tries three of his own that he'd never seen in combat before, with the acceptable amount of strength a man who looks and acts like him would possess.
and though he might have been holding back, when at the end they're both sweaty and panting on the ring's floor, the strain on his body is genuine, as is the small smile that's curled his lips. adrenaline is still adrenaline, and anything that allows him to turn his brain off for even a few minutes is always going to be a welcome thing.
he reaches over, offering beowulf his hand. ]
Thank you, for that. I hope I wasn't too bad a student.
no subject
Beowulf teaches Marco a few grabs, some offensive and some defensive, some involving chokes which he releases when tapped out. Some examples are a full nelson, anaconda vise, leg triangle (enjoy those thighs), scissor hold. He shows him a piledriver, because why not, and it's needless to say, but they've gotten close and physical throughout all of this whether Marco was expecting all of that or not. Either way, Marco has enlightened Beowulf with all of this, and it makes him look even more lively and happier.
He takes the hand but springs to his feet without much help, instantly going to his towel, a bit breathless when he speaks. ]
Are you KIDDING me!? That was so cool! You're okay, right? I hope I wasn't too bad of a teacher. You know, people will try to tell you all of this stuff is fake, but that isn't entirely true.
[ Just somewhat true. ]
Maybe with some more practice, you and I can wrestle for real.
no subject
[ the moves themselves would be difficult to master without a partner to practice on, but he has already begun to formulate ways to alter his current regimen to incorporate at least the core tenants of most of the holds. if nothing else, he's positive he can find a willing participant or two, during the times the talon is its busiest.
but that's all for the future. in the present, he's picked up his own towel to pat his face and neck dry. he leans against the ropes, idly testing the strength of them against his weight as he watches the other man. ]
Did you have many other takers for your offer?
[ genuinely, he hopes so. the man speaks with such clear passion for the sport, that he can't help but hope beowulf can find what he needs to in order that passion alive here. too easily this hotel can snuff out the fire inside people. ]
no subject
[ Likewise, Beowulf is dabbing at his own sweat, and something about all of this has certainly got him feeling a little hotter than when he's practiced on his own or with anyone else. Maybe it's just because he's exerting more energy in the excitement of teaching someone something he's so passionate about. Either way, he's in a very elevated mood. He teases Marco by twisting his own towel and snapping it at the other man, hitting him on the flank playfully. ]
Hah! 'Course I did! People can't get enough of me I guess. I also got someone to be my manager!
[ bro.. your ego.... but the only problem with all of this is the people who challenge him want to just.. fight.. and not abide by the wrestling match rules to make everything fair. Beowulf didn't going to admit that maybe he's a little nervous. ]
I'm feeling pretty awesome.. and gross. Let's hit the showers and clean off.
no subject
well then.
he considers his own towel for a moment, but the moment itself seems to have passed. so he tables the idea for now, ready to pull it out again when the situation presents itself. ]
Good idea, [ he agrees, slipping under the first rope. seems his manners don't get left behind in the ring, because he stays straddling the other two ropes so he can hold apart the top two in order to make beowulf's descent a little easier. he can only imagine how annoying it must be to have to keep ducking so often. ]
I'm not sure what you're used to, [ he says, once they're both on the floor and walking towards the back where the showers are. ] But the showers here are communal...
no subject
But he follows right along Marco’s side. He had his own private shower back home, but he definitely had shared plenty of showers growing up in this career. He gives Marco a slap along the back and barks some laughter. ]
Hah! Even better.
[ what do you mean by that, sir.. ]
What, are you shy?
no subject
It's difficult to be shy, in a place like this, [ comes marco's response, in a tone too mild for all that it implies. no, marco doesn't have the kindest outlook regarding all they're made to do while stuck here — but for once he finds himself actively attempting not to be such a goddamn downer all the time. beowulf's enthusiasm — while perhaps not infectious, is a refreshing note in the dreariness of marco's day to day that he finds himself determined to keep it afloat.
so he offers the man a smile, almost playful in turn. ]
I only wanted to prepare you; you might walk out of there with even more fans, that's all.
[ marco, what do you mean by that??? 😳 ]
no subject
Anyway, he laughs again in amusement, not a shy bone in his body. ]
That’s the idea! I want everyone to love me.
[ Because, well.. he’s sad and lonely when they don’t. ]
Isn’t that what everybody wants?
no subject
[ marco's voice grows quiet, thoughtful. ]
Love feels so much like a miracle... Finding just one person to love you feels like enough for me.
[ .... but enough about that depressing stuff. fortunately they enter the showers not long after. marco holds the door open for beowulf, and though the space is communal — similar to what they'd find in the basement levels, but of far, far better quality — it seems for the moment they're the only ones around.
he steps over to the locker area, finding one unoccupied so he can start shucking off his sweaty clothes. he hadn't the forethought to bring any extra clothes, so he will have to borrow one of the robes hanging off the wall once they're done. ]
no subject
[ Who is he to say, though? He's never been in an actual relationship, so he doesn't know. He meant more in an adoration kind of way! But the way that Marco says this catches his attention for a moment-- even as stupid as he is to read the atmosphere, something about all of this makes Marco seem pretty somber? What's with this guy? Did it witness a murder? (lol.) ]
Aaaanyway, it's probably not something to think about too much! Just.. y'anno.. be yourself and let the magic happen? I'm bad at advice.
[ Beowulf, he didn't ask for advice. The same goes for him, but he knew there would be robes and such for them to use! So, he also finds a locker nearby to start shedding off his clothes. ]
I will say, it's really strange being in a locker room so quiet! Have you been at this place for a long time or did you just get here recently like I did?
no subject
Don't worry — I lost my train of thought a little, that's all.
[ he draws out a fresh towel from the unused locker, wrapping it around his waist — not that it really matters at this point. ]
It's been a little under four months since I've arrived. It was... slightly more chaotic than I would have liked.
[ zombies and all... ]
You're adjusting really well though. Does very little bother you?
no subject
The question reels him back to reality. Yeah, actually, a lot of stuff bothers him! An easy example is when people say wrestling is fake; he’s very bothered by that. On a deeper level, he’s bothered by the state of his world; how it’s left in destruction after the war. He’s bothered by the mafia, and how one family has so much control in his city. He’s bothered by what they do to people, especially children. He doesn’t know much about the Skullgirl, but he’s worried about her hurting a bunch of people when she finally reveals herself in the city. As far as being here, no, he’s not really bothered by that.
It’s apparent he’s a little stuck in this thought, but then he waves a hand in dismissal. Beowulf is honest, but he’s also an actor. It’s easier to cover up the things that bother him. ]
You kiddin’? I ain’t bothered at all! Being here is exactly where I want to be.
[ He copies Marco and also drapes a towel around his waist, but then, one of his arms slides around the other man’s shoulders. Time for a subject change. ]
You seem bothered, though, and it ain’t my business, really, what it is or what’s on your mind, but I think you should lighten up.
[ He moves a curled finger under Marco’s chin, directing him to look up at him. His voice draws low and quiet, a contrast to how loud he typically is. ]
I could have a fun time with you and it would help with that, baby. ♡
[ pls let him smash, thank ]
no subject
now is not the time, though, because marco picks up some disturbance in the force and he realizes, with mild surprise, that he might have spoken too soon. beowulf had come across so carefree, the type that so wholly dedicates himself to the things that bring him joy that there simply wouldn't be any room for anything else, let alone the things that would normally bring someone down.
it's a humbling thing, as well as something that makes him admire the man even more. to still find the ability to smile that bright, despite harboring one's own worries, speaks to an immense strength indeed.
he lets his features ease into a smile. the showers are only a few steps away, so he keeps walking until they reach the edge. both towels he slips from their waists, reaching over to hang it on an adjacent wall, out of the spray of the showerheads. he only turns one on; from the sounds of things, they're likely to just share one. ]
What kind of fun do you like to have?