Akane’s stance on Takara and the “wedding”

Granada – Sophie Schumann and Akane Watanabe are on vacation in a part of Spain that fewer international tourists think of visiting. The sun is starting to set.

The two fighters are having a great time seeing exquisite sites, sampling Spanish food and drinks and admiring colourful architecture with the odd empty scenery such as this superb courtyard.

The pair attract more than their fair share of attention in Spain. A blonde German woman stands out in a country of brunettes. So does her travel mate, who speaks German, has red hair and an unmistakably Japanese appearance.

Akane: “It really is fucking cool over here. I love North Germany and Eastern Europe, but this a nice variation.”

Sophie: “Totally. I’m amused by the fact that I can be loud without attracting much attention here.”

The redhead laughs.

Akane: “I have to thank you for the support in recent weeks, and even before that. It’s been so important to me. You may have no idea how important your friendship has become.”

enlarge

The blonde looks at her friend with a friendly but piercing look.

Sophie: “Don’t be silly. I’ll never let you down. I’m also glad that you’re recovered well from that fucking nightmare in Osaka. I was so afraid you’d be broken inside.”

Akane: “I think it will go well at least until I get a serious sparring test. It’s easy to be scared of taking a punch after this, and I have to face it.”

Sophie: “I think you’ve got it in you. Regina will prepare you well and Heidi will book the right opponent to come back. A year from now, this Osaka thing will be the past.”

Akane: “I hope so.”

More than PR

Sophie: “Hey, you’ve seen that Takara has signed for Final Bell Boxing and apologised to you, right?”

Akane: “Yeah.”

Sophie: “What do you make of it?”

Akane: “Press releases don’t impress me. They’re written by communicators. Takara will have to talk to me in person if she means it. Face to face, eye to eye. She’ll have to explain why the hell she kept working with Naomi although she knew about the conflict and about my sister’s motives.”

Sophie: “Are you open for discussion?”

Akane: “Yes, but I want to scrutinise her every move. Every eye movement and micro expression to see what she’s really thinking, beyond the words. Body language doesn’t lie, no matter how hard people try.”

Sophie: “Fair enough. She strikes me as someone nice, but as you said, she kept working with your sister. She’ll have to make up for it.”

They keep visiting the empty site. Akane takes a seat on the throne, as the mood gets relaxed at full sunset.

The “wedding”

Sophie: “Alright girl. Our friends are all gossiping. They say we’ll fall in love because we spend a lot of time together and really get along. It’s time to address the rumours.”

The redhead senses that this will turn into a comedy sketch very quickly. She struggles to repress a laugh but wants to play the game.

Sophie: “It’s sunset. It’s a romantic time and site. I’m giving you the opportunity to propose.”

Akane takes Sophie’s arm as she extends it. A moment later, the blonde sticks the middle finger out.

Sophie: “Come on. Put a ring on my finger.”

Akane guffaws while Sophie keeps a straight face.

enlarge

Sophie: “I’m giving you the chance of a lifetime and you’re snickering? Also, stop looking at my tits! This is a serious moment!”

Akane: “Can’t help it, babe. They’re too juicy.”

The Japanese-born puts an imaginary ring on the finger.

Akane: “I declare us husband and wife.”

Sophie: “Now is time for consummation.”

Akane wraps her hand around the finger and makes a perfectly inappropriate up-and-down gesture.

Sophie finally explodes for a high-pitched, ear-piercing laugh.

It’s not the most refined humour, but they don’t care because they’re having fun. They get up and slowly make their way out of the site.

Akane: “Never change, Sophie Schumann. You’re clinically insane and I like you that way.”

Sophie: “Your own diagnostic is coming soon. You’re catching up fast.”

enlarge