Continuation from the last chapter

Don then finally follows back Liv and sends her a DM

DonnyPC93: Hey, congratulations on finally getting yourself a PPV match in the main card. Look, I'm sorry for what I did earlier. Do you wanna meet up at the park tomorrow night before we head out? I owe you an explanation.

May 11, 2020
Hotel, Liv's Room
Late evening after Monday Night Raw

Liv was browsing through her socials as some fans tagged her in their stories, which she shares on her own instagram account. 

Liv: I don't see how creative doesn't see they want ME to bring a new edge. More than what they suggested....

She then saw her phone notification to see Don's message. She read through it and was apprehensive upon seeing it. She wanted to see Don but after what he did and how he took her kind gesture, she was more than careful with this. 

yaonlylivvonce: hey, glad you followed back. Thanks for that. Sure, I want to be there and hear your story and explanation.

Liv sent that reply and was waiting for Don's response. Ruby saw the worry on her tag partner and friend's face. Ruby sat beside Liv and comforted her by giving her a hug.

Ruby: - while hugging Liv - Hey, things will be better. Knowing how MVP is and some of that personality rubs off on Don. 

Liv: I hope so Dori. 

Ruby: You love him, right?

Liv: Dori! - shocked - We're just friends you know.

Ruby: Yeah right, - smirks - if he is just a friend, you won't be this sad about stuff like this. He means a lot to you. But I won't force it.

Liv: Please, let me figure this out on my own. 

Liv then sits up on the bed, staring into the night sky through the window.

Liv: Donny, please, hear me out. I wanna hear you out too. 

May 12, 2020
Hotel
Don's Room
Late Afternoon
Don was lucky enough to be given his own room as the Hurt Business adjusted to let him have his own suite, as opposed to sharing with any other members at this time. He was able to read through Liv's DM to him and left his hotel room.

Liv's Room
Liv was getting ready with her shirt and some jogging pants on. Ruby then saw Liv looking at the mirror then went beside her friend.

Ruby: G, you don't need to be all dolled up for him. He will listen to you, no matter what or how you present yourself. All that matters is in your heart. - smiles - 

Liv: Awww thanks Dori. - smiles weakly -

Ruby: Hey G, smile genuinely okay? 

Liv: I am...

Ruby: Well, just make him feel like no matter what, you're there. Good luck out there!

Liv then gives Dori a quick hug

Liv: Thanks Dori! - walks out -

timeskip to the Park
Park
Early Evening
With Don
Don arrived first to the park and he found a semi-secluded spot with less foot traffic but still visible to possible passers-by. He sat on the bench and browsed his phone. He saw his cousins, who were his business partners in Vancouver, comment on Liv's phone and leave comments like.....

BretCap88: bruh you finally conquered your fear of dogs! And befriended a sweetheart in @yaonlylivvonce. 🤞

Dalecap: Wooop wooo! Daddy found Donny! Proud of you cous!

Don then DMs his cousin Bret, worrying if his parents have contacted them about his whereabouts.

Voice Call
Don: Hey man, how are things?

Bret: Kuya [older cousin]! Long time no hear from you. Seems you finally got into WWE 

Don: Yeah cous. I got in. But have my parents been harrassing you guys about where I am?

Bret: Oh don't worry. Tito and Tita  [ Uncle and Aunt ] may have been calling us but we just say you're going around modeling our sports wear on tour. They were just ecstatic knowing you're helping us in the business.

Don: That's good. 

Bret: But you have to think of another alibi, they're coming over here for Christmas and want YOU here too.

Don: Putangina! [ son of a bitch or whoreson]. Alright, I will think of something. I hope Raw will be taped for Christmas.

Bret: So I tell them you'll be here?

Don: Well, yes! 

Bret: You can't lie forever and hide. They will find out about this.

Don: Ugh I know! But .... on my own terms I will tell my story.

Bret: Alright kuya [older cousin]. Take care over there.

Don: Thanks.
Phone call ends

Don ends the phone call and sighs out of a mix of relief and worry. Relieved that his cousin was able to cover for him but at the same time, worried about having to face the music by Christmas. 

with Liv
Liv walked into the park and was cautious seeing all these couple go about, holding hands, say sweet nothings, go sweet. She was then trying to find Don and DM-ed him to see where he is. 

As she was going around, she heard Don's voice while talking to someone over the phone. She overheard Don's worrying about Christmas that year and sighed of relief due to something to do with hiding.

Liv distanced away first while she saw Don put his hand on his forehead, worrying about what the coming days will bring. She walked close but with some apprehension after what happened the day before.

Don was trying to calm himself down as he waited for Liv. But the waiting had ended as lo and behold, in front of him, he saw none other than the Problem Child of WWE, with a face filled with concern. Don tried to compose himself to not look like he was shaken after that phone conversation. Liv however after seeing her friend can tell that he is unable to hide any longer.

Don: - calms down, sort of - Hey...

Liv: Hey... - sad voice - 

Don set a space for her on the park bench for Liv as she sat down and looked at Don.

Liv: Don, you called for me to go here. What is it?

Don was composing himself but he knew holding it in and hiding can no longer suffice.

Don: Gionna, I'm ....

Don was trying to find the words that his heart wish to tell Liv. An internal conflict is right now bubbling inside. He wanted to seek her forgiveness but at the same time, he wanted to still feel mad about her not respecting his boundaries.

At this point, Liv is already staring into Don but not out of impatience, but out of concern for what her friend wishes to tell her face-to-face.

Don: - breathes - Gionna, I'm sorry for walking out on you yesterday. I know you mean well with that post but I have to explain why I am hesitant with going active in my socials.

Liv: Donny ....

As she said this, she gently places her hand but reconsiders to hovering her hand on his as he bares his soul out to her.

Don: So, I've told how I didn't have an easy or caring relationships with my parents right?

Liv: Yes, you've told me how they don't know you're in WWE. But I feel there is more to this than you're letting out. maybe more than what M knows of.

Don breathes as he knew he put himself on the spot as he begins to let out.

Don: You already know of my being an heir of a real estate business.

Liv: Yes, when we were at Wonderland Ranch.

Don: Actually....

Flashback
It wasn't all easy just because we had money. Being the only son while my 2 older sisters were all married off to wealthy business families. They saw to it that I be geared into acquiring a taste into running the business. Even on the table, they try to sell it to me.

Joe (Father): You know we're not getting any younger and your sisters are doing well off to extend our business partners to extend influence for our real estate business.

Don: I was still focusing on trying to make things work, being young and in school while my sisters were already married off since they were of age at the time...

Christine: Son, listen to your father. Our business must still go on. You can't live off us forever so you must continue the business.

Don:  Am I really the heir you need? I mean I'm not that interested in business.

Joe: Don't kid with us, anak [child]. That is why we enrolled you in those exclusive schools. To befriend other upper crust kids from upper crust families to ensure we got links to other businesses and expand our empire.

Christine: But I see you be all uninterested. Don't you have any respect at all for us? For what allows you to fill your car with gasoline? For the clothes you wear?

Don: - angered - Ma, please. I get it. I respect both you and Pa. But please, don't you understand how it feels that I be tied down to a routine?

Joe: That's what set me off to inherit this business from my father and it turned out well.

Christine: If not for that, I wouldn't be here and have met your father - smirks at Joe -

Joe: The point is, can't you just respect us by obeying our wishes?

Don: I'm sorry but I don't want to be a part of this. It isn't me. 

Joe: - annoyed - alright then. What are you then? What do you want to do?

Don: I want ....to see the world. On my own. Not tied down to a routine or schedule.

Christine: Those routines are for habit forming! To ensure you see to it that you follow your father into the business so you're all set.

Don: But that isn't really me. Ma, para akong preso [ I am like a prisoner] !

Joe: - stands up, outraged - Walang hiya ka! [Have you no shame!]  Respect your mother and apologize for that disrespectful remark.

Don: Hindi ninyo ako maintindihan! [ you both don't understand me!] 

Joe: You're only saying that because you haven't been or seen the business. 

Don: Then why not my sisters? Why aren't they given this burden?

Joe: Because we saw that they will be useful connections to their husbands. We got links to some key government offices and law offices too. We got backing. All we need is continuity, where you come in.

Don: Are you hearing yourselves? You make hell sound like heaven. This monotony is not me!

Christine: You know what, - calms down - he's right. We've been too harsh on him. We keep him cooped up in the house. This is the only life he knows.

Don: Add to that, the business lunches you FORCE me to attend and try to socialize with the other kids just make me feel worse.

Joe: You don't assert yourself is the reason. You bring us to shame to the other industry families.

Christine: Joe!

Joe: It's true!

Don: Because this isn't really me if I inherit this. 

Joe: It will. But fine, you made a good point. I will give you money. Where do you want to go?

Don: Japan.

Joe: Settled. After graduation from College, go to Japan on vacation but come back here after seeing the world  and let's see if you still will refuse our offer to be set in life.

So I did go to Japan to see the sights and feel the freedom that I never got in my life. I felt no security. The rush of not being told what to do and be my own man was what I enjoyed. That was where I watched my first wrestling show at the Tokyo Dome. Where I also met MVP. We met up, talked up when free and professional wrestling gave me that inspiration, that direction and choice to set the world on fire on my own terms. I chose then to be a professional wrestler. 

Present day
Liv was nodding as Don retold his tale with attention.

Liv: Then what happened Donny?

Don sighed as he must continue on.

Flashback
So after some time, I returned home and let's say what I said upon returning in our dinner was not taken well by my parents.

dinner
Don: Ma, Pa, gusto ko po maging pro wrestler. [Mom, Dad, I want to be a professional wrestler]

Both my parents did not take me seriously. They looked at me as if I was on drugs.

Joe: Nababaliw ka na ba? [Are you going crazy?] We did not send you to schooling to go live the life of a beggar!

Christine: Puro drugs lang iyan [It's all just drugs]. Plus your father and I did not send you to school to end up at a low, blue-collar job to be paid to get hurt or do harm on your body! 

Joe: You will ruin us with that!

Don: Oh hell no! See? You don't see why I don't agree with how you think?

Joe: Wala kang alam! [ You know nothing!]

Don: Oh really? Let me tell you that me on my own felt liberating. Not being tied to a schedule was exhilarating. Me watching my first professional wrestling show in the Tokyo Dome was the best I've ever felt.

Joe: You're an idiot! Japan should have influenced you the meaning of filial piety. Respect. Ano natutunan mo, bastusin mo kami? [What did you learn, disrespect our wishes?]

Don: Yet what are you doing to me? You're not respecting my wishes.

Joe: Because you don't know what you're saying. Just obey us, we know what's best for you....

I ended up just walking out on them. I wanted to fulfill my newfound dream so I bought some workout gear and used the garage as a makeshift gym. My parents were convinced that it was for me to be physically fit. In fact, it was for me to train to try in my local wrestling circuit.

Sadly, when they found out I was moonlighting , it was an ugly sight when they dragged my ass off Philippine Wrestling Revolution. Much as to have my employers find out I had to pull out due to family concerns, in reality, my parents pulled the disgrace to our family name card to convince me and the manager to request my immediate release.

Joe: Iyang ginawa mo, kahihiyan iyan sa pangalan natin! [What you did brings shame to our name!] What do you think our business partners will think? That we did not guide you well? That we became poor?

Don: No, I'm living out my new dream. My new life. I thought you'd support me in....

Christine: No good parent will support their children's dream to remain in pain or live like those poor wrestlers with the tattoos and...look dirty like a hampaslupa! [peon!]

Don: No, wrestlers are hard workers too! 

Christine: Your father's right. You have been granted too much freedom and that this business, which you will inherit by hook or by crook, better than you end up an invalid early in life. 

Joe: We can't stand you hurt alright?

Don: But you can stand hurting me by not letting me live my own life?

Joe: Live YOUR life? We made you. If anything we're helping you live your life. What is it that is not clear here?

Don: The fact you shut down everything that doesn't align with your SELFISH view of how I live my life.

Present Day
Don: As I said this and before my parents try to butt heads with me going, oh it's for your own good. We've been there and done that and know the same will be for you so don't ever return to that garbage wrestling nonsense, I locked myself in my room. 

Liv: Donny.... oh my... it was that bad. But how did you end up here again?

Don: That one, came in easy. I had cousins in Vancouver who were wanting to start up a business. I hatched a plan and told my parents that I volunteer to help them and under the guise of gaining business operations knowledge so I will be able to integrate that for my future. My parents took the bait and said upon their business venture succeeding, I return to finally take over.

Liv: So, that explains how you're here.

Don: Partly, as I left the Philippines for possibly the last time and they see me turn around to be obedient, I was in fact excited to be in the great unknown. Without a security or financial leashing from my parents. 

Liv: Ohhh..... - nods -

Don: Which is why they cannot know I signed with WWE. My cousins were able to ward them off by saying I'm modeling our sports wear apparel around Canada which explains my absence. But sadly....

Liv: They want to see you for christmas?

Don: How did you know that? - shocked - 

Liv: I heard you worry about it before I got here. Donny, sorry, Patricio, please. Be honest with them. They're worried sick over you for sure.

Don: Worried how? That I'm disobeying their orders? That I am being an idiot in their eyes when in fact I'm finally living my life?

Liv: I let you talk, now you listen to me Patricio Capistrano. 

Liv said this with assertion as Don stood down and let Liv talk.

Liv: I'm sorry but I get now where you're coming from. I really do. You want to live your own life. What was being presented to you is not what you really want and decided to go on your own. But please, be honest with them. Now that you got proof that you made the right choice, or I hope you do. Just talk it out with them. Let cooler heads prevail Patricio.

Don: But Gionna...

Liv: Patricio, - says with sad pouting puppy eyes - at least both your parents are alive and well. Mine aren't. Point is this, without them, you wouldn't be here. But I'm not condoning how they are forcing you into the family business or siding with them. I just want the two of you to talk things out. To clear the air. If not for them, please do it for your new friends, your mentor...and... me...

Liv said this with the expression of utmost concern and genuine emotions. Don knew there is no use in resisting but to finally talk things out.

Don: I will do it on my own terms. But they will find out soon enough. At least here, no connections to get me out of the WWE. 

Liv: Talk to them! Please Patricio, they're your parents. No more lies. But I won't tell you when or make you do it now. I leave that to you but don't delay it any longer.

Don nods and says

Don: Understood Gionna. 

Liv: Wow, I felt that was a lot to unpack. Seeing as it's only just us here ....

Liv was then opening her arms wide. Don knew what to do as both hugged as friends but it was a tight hug. All that was to be said had been said, but at this point, this comfort, warmth and contact is all that was needed to set things in the right path and reassure that things will be alright.

The two stayed in the park to have some small talk then head back to the hotel

Hotel
Hours after
Don dropped Liv off to her room but not after a Huggies in the hallway. It didn't matter if anyone saw it or not, for these two, a connection and understanding had been made, if not reestablished.

Liv: Good night Donny Patricio. 

Don: Good night Princess Gionna.

Liv: Choice is yours on talking to your parents, and I forgive you. Good luck next week on Raw.

Don: Hey, thanks. Again, good luck in Extreme Rules. At least now, it's on the main card.

Liv giggled and pressed the keycard on the reader to enter her room. Don walked to his room feeling better and lighter as he started to turn in for the night.