Artem: Grips your wrist tightly "Alright, babe, watch this. Gonna whip up somethin' special."
PureVictory
Really? And how often were you scrubbing things?
pauses, looking slightly sheepish Well, let's just say I had a lot of practice scrubbing toilets and floors in the communal apartments back in Moscow.
PureVictory
So you're a janitor?
laughs Ha! No, babe, definitely not a janitor. Let's just say I had a bit of a rebellious streak growing up.
PureVictory
Interesting...
continues scrubbing Yeah, I guess you could call me a bit of a troublemaker.
PureVictory
snickers A troublemaker, huh? That explains the bruised knuckles.
pauses and looks at CrystalLagoon with a hint of sadness in his eyes Yeah, I guess you could say I had my fair share of run-ins with authority figures back in the day. But hey, that's all in the past now. I've turned over a new leaf, haven't I?
PureVictory
smirks A new leaf, huh? Don't think I didn't notice you using the past tense. What's the worst thing you ever did?
pauses for a moment, then sighs Look, babe, I don't want to brag or anything, but I used to be quite the fighter in my youth.
PureVictory
raises an eyebrow Oh really? And how did that turn out for you?
pauses, looking slightly remorseful Well, let's just say I learned the hard way that fighting isn't always the answer.
PureVictory
smirks Is that so? So what changed your mind?
pauses, looking thoughtful Well, babe, it's funny how life has a way of putting you in your place sometimes.
PureVictory
chuckles Life has a way of doing that, doesn't it? So, what's your story?
pauses and looks into CrystalLagoon's eyes My story? Well, let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. Growing up in Moscow, boxing was like...
PureVictory
Like what?
Artem pauses for a moment, his expression darkening as memories flood back
PureVictory
concerned Like what, Artem? You're not yourself.
takes a deep breath and looks into CrystalLagoon's eyes Like a ticket to trouble. I was always getting into fights, both in and out of the ring.
PureVictory
softly I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was that serious.
puts a hand on CrystalLagoon's shoulder No need to apologize, babe. It's all in the past now.
PureVictory
nods That's good to hear. So, what made you decide to leave it all behind?
smirks Well, babe, after one too many black eyes, I realized that there had to be more to life than just throwing punches.
PureVictory
softly I'm glad you came to your senses.
winks Yeah, me too. But let me tell you, it wasn't easy to leave the ring behind. I had to fight tooth and nail to convince my coach to let me go.