Backstage, After Raw

Don was waiting for the Riotts as he was able to clean up and change into more comfortable clothing. Don was always known to pride in dressing properly but given that he was headed to a steakhouse, he opted to go for a casual shirt and pants combination. 

Once he was done packing his things, he proceeded to head out to his rental car until he saw Ruby ready to leave. All she was waiting for is for Liv to leave their locker room.

Ruby: - from outside the room -I thought you were hungry, G. What's taking so long?

Liv: I know, Rue Rue! But I need to see what clothes match with my Jordans! - screams - 

Ruby: You brought Jordans to the arena? No wonder your luggage is heavy! 

Liv: But they're essential Rue Rue, Jordans is life! 

Ruby: - sighs - whatever you say G.... - sees Don and smirks - hey you!

Don: Hey Ruby! So, she taking long?

Ruby: So long that - makes her voice loud so Liv hears it - I just wanna ditch Gionna here and have you to myself

Liv: - from inside the locker room - Nooooo!

As Liv said this, she stormed out of the locker room but already decked out like this...

Ruby saw Liv and had the look on her face that said, "Finally!" Don however saw different. Maybe it was in seeing her in her gear or that faint time from that club night. He never saw her wearing casual clothes, and to him, she is just slaying to the point he was staring at her.

Liv: - sees Ruby - There, I'm done! - then sees Don glancing - Donny! Donny? - waves her hand at Don's face -

Don: - snaps out - oh shoot! Sorry Liv. You just look... 

Liv: - acts adorable - look what Donny? - gives Don the puppy eye look -

Don: - embarrassed -  ohh.... Alright, you're beautiful! - covers - oh geez this is awkward.

Ruby was giggling and smirking as Liv was giggling as well and a blushing mess. Ruby then saw her friend and their new acquaintance turn into a pair of blushing fools. She then asked Liv.

Ruby: G, aren't you hungry? The food won't arrive unless we get there. Unless you're staring and blushing at your dinner? - giggles -

Liv: - snaps out of the trance and blushing more - Rue Rue! Come on! You're making it more awkward with Donny....- sees Don still blushing - Donny?

Don: - snaps out of his trance but able to regain composure - oh. Hey we both need to go. The reservation might expire and you both have your stuff right?

Ruby: - carrying her stroller bag and sports bag on top - oh yeah I'm good. Not sure about Princess Gionna here. 

Liv: Come on! Stop piling on me!! - pouts then responds to Don - got my stuff here Donny! - giggles and pulling her stroller bag and purse.

Don: Excellent. Let's get going to the car.

Don and the Riott Squad headed to the car, and after loading their bags, they headed to the steakhouse. Don had to drive a bit quick to make sure the reservation did not run out.

Timeskip to Steakhouse

Steakhouse

Don Patricio and the Riott Squad arrived in the nick of time and Don immediately got to the waiter while still catching his breath.

Waiter: Sir, please catch your breath! Do you happen to have a reservation?

Don: Patricio Capistrano.

Waiter: - starstruck and shocked - Oh, Mr. Capistrano! Good that you arrived. And I believe these are your women for tonight.

Ruby: - giggles - Oh I'm just a chaperone. 

Liv: - playfully slaps Ruby's arm - Ruby! - pouts -

Don: Now now, and yes, and I am guessing table for 3?

Waiter: Oh yes, right this way - leads the 3 to the table -

As they arrived, Don first pulled the chairs for Liv and Ruby.

Liv: - takes a seat - such a gentleman, Don...ny - giggles -

Ruby: - takes a seat - Thanks Don 

Don: - joins them - Now now, I did say I wanted to get to know you two as my stint in NXT came way after both of yours. So how did you get your starts here?

Ruby: Well I got my start in the independent wrestling scene here and there and... - phone rings - Oh I need to take this call outside. You both can order ahead. I will join you shortly - steps away -

Liv: Don't take long Rue Rue! - waves at Ruby - Oh.. so now I'm left to answer your question. - giggles - You're not gonna believe how I got my start. So I actually worked at a Hooters but it's not what you think! - raises her hands up in defense - 

Don isn't shocked ....well a bit but he let her go on and was listening intently to Liv's origin story in getting into the WWE.

Liv: But really, I was discovered at a gym back home in New Jersey. Hope you don't find Jersey Girls too much for you Don. - giggles -

Don: Now hey, no judgment. Actually, I was a wrestler back home in the Philippines but my parents found out about it and demanded I pull out in order to focus on the family business. it's because I'm the only child in the family and they are grooming me to be the heir of their company. I was lucky that my cousins are in Vancouver and they sheltered me as I hid to my parents that I am wrestling. But yes, MVP got me here after I met him in Japan and taking me under his wing.

Liv: Oh so that is why your character is almost the same as his. But I didn't know you're hiding from your parents this new life of yours.

Don: Not exactly big fans of my life choice now. They only know that I'm back in Vancouver assisting my cousins with the business, which I am still an owner in name but in reality, I sold my share to my cousins before reuniting with MVP and ending up here.

Liv: Oh... but Donny, you have to tell your parents. It's good at least that - sad voice - both are still alive. I only have my mom left. My dad was gone early on in my life...

Don notices that Liv's cheerful demeanor took a swing towards the sad side and placed his hand reassuringly above hers.

Don: I had to hide my life now because I want to be given a degree of freedom. I've had enough of being told what I can and can't do. But in time, when it comes, I tell them. I just hope they will understand.

Liv: - giggles - hey, don't worry. That time will come, and when it comes, they will still see you as their son. But you need to find that time, Don.

As Don and Liv have their heart to heart, the waiter approached them with the menu. Both of them placed their hands back to their side of the table as they received the menus to check what they will be ordering.

Somewhere in the steakhouse

Ruby was headed somewhere still in the same restaurant but still on the phone with whoever called her.

???: You're getting close Ruby.

Ruby puts down the phone when she saw the Hurt Business, with MVP and Lashley seated in one table, next to them were Cedric and Shelton at another table close to them.

Ruby: So you guys are here too?

MVP: Well yes we're here but Don doesn't know.

Lashley: Supposedly Liv too.

Cedric: This is why we're here to keep watch and scope the scene so Diamond Donny here can pull off Operation Donny-N-Daddy.

Shelton: Where you come in, is you join us here and we will be your ride on the way back to the hotel. I know your stuff is at Don's car but we will ensure this all goes smoothly.

MVP: According to plan gentleman, but of course, Diamond Donny will be leading the deal - chuckles - Now Dori, join us and send that text message to Gionna so as for her not to worry about you.

Ruby: I'm in - giggles and sends Liv a text...-

with Don and Liv

Liv's phone began vibrating and saw that she received a text from Ruby. She hid her phone behind the menu as Don was still choosing his order. She read the message.

Text from Ruby: Hey G, something came up. Had to head somewhere to run a last minute errand. Not to worry, we will meet up at the hotel lobby after your dinner with Don. Guard your heart always and DON't LIV him out of your life now - winking face emoji -

Liv's mind: Rue Rue!

Don noticed Liv's silence as she replied to her friend's text message and broke the silence himself.

Don: Hey Liv, chose your order already? Pardon if I am taking a long time to ....

Liv: - notices Don and finishes replying to Ruby - Oh no Don. You're good. Even I don't know what to order - giggles - 

Don: I think I have my order down. - calls for the waiter - Waiter!

The waiter arrives and has their notepad ready to write down what Don and Liv will have for the evening.

Liv: Oh, I will be having the Porterhouse with buttered vegetables and mashed potatoes on the side.

Waiter: Excellent choice, and what will the gentleman be having.

Don: I will have the T-Bone steak with the same sides.

Waiter: Alright, have that one down. And what will your drinks be?

Don: You okay with service water, Liv?

Liv: Yeah sure - smiles -

Don: Service water for the both of us.

Waiter: Alright, orders will arrive in the next 25 minutes, and I will be back with the food. - walks away -

Don: That's a big cut of meat you ordered Liv.

Liv: Yeah but I'm HUUUNGRY!!!! - pouts -

Don: I just want to see if you can finish it - chuckles -

Liv: Is that a challenge, Donny?

Don: If you want it to be - smiles - 

With Ruby and the Hurt Business

The company of 5 observed and already began eating when MVP began to ask Ruby.

MVP: You seeing the both of them together?

Ruby: Well, Gionna seems to have this spark and bounciness when she sees or hear about Don. Why ask Hassan?

MVP: Well, the boys and I here are in agreement and why we're here actually is to make sure Liv ends up with Don. Sure we don't force it but from how our Diamond Donny is dealing on his own here, we may be supporting from the sidelines. So are you in?

Ruby: You bet! About time Gionna here shares her happiness with another after...well...

Lashley: Yeah, Eric. 

Cedric: Good thing he's gone!

Shelton: At least Liv is finding her way to happiness.

Ruby: And I wish to ensure G stays down that path.

With Liv and Don

Their orders arrive after both talked of their families and life in the WWE. Both then began to cut into their steaks and ate to their hearts content. As they ate, Don couldn't help stealing glances from Liv then retreating back to his food. Liv on the other hand did not let Don's sneaky eyes go unnoticed as she was stealing glances too then back to her food.

Both then finished their food without much words but stares and glances. Don then gestures for the waiter to get their bill. Liv rubs her stomach and lets out a burp then adorably covers her mouth.

Liv: - blushes a bit - oopsie - giggles - 

Don: Has anyone told you you're like a kid in a twenty something year old's body? - chuckles -

Liv: Hey! Are you calling me a kid? - pouts -

Don: No, but I mean to say that you're adorable and a joy to be with. - smiles -

Liv: Ohh!!! - giggles - Don't be too fresh with me, Mister!

Don: I'm not! But I am glad we had this proper time together.

Liv: Oh yeah - smiles - Anyway, we splitting the bill?

Don: Oh no. I am paying for the both of us....

Liv: No! I can pay too you know.

Don: No, I insist....

Liv: But... you got hurt...this is my means of making things right... - pouts with sad puppy eyes and whimpering -

Don: Ohhhh!!! I can't say no to that face now. I will let you pay for the meal tonight. But the next one is on me, is that a deal?

Liv: - thinks for a minute - okay! - smiles - 

Liv paid for the meal that night and both of them left the steakhouse.

On the way to the hotel

Don and Liv were already in the car when Liv heard Don's playlist in the car.

Liv: I never took you for a rap guy or one who likes beats that drop bars.

Don: A lot you don't know about me and the same  goes for me to you.

Liv: oh wow... Look you don't have to be nice to me just because you know what happened between me and...

Don knew he struck a chord and just had to push the brakes and had to let something off his chest.

Don: Liv, I can assure you, I won't treat you like he did to you those years. 

Don saw Liv look at him with some sparkle in her eyes. A mix of shock and concern, with a bit of warmth at her new friend. Don seeing this look knew he had to readjust the sails.

Don: Uhm, look. I just want you to be happy. It's all you need after Eric, after the lack of creative direction you two are being given. Just know that from someone who's been through some trouble, you got an open ear and mind beside you who will be more than willing to listen. Is that good with you, Liv?

Liv: - warming up - Yes Don. I'm happy we met. Something in you makes me comfortable. Like you being around makes me all warm inside....But I want us to be friends first. I'm still not ready due to... - pouts -

Don knew of the tension and did what he knew best to lessen it, he placed his hand above hers, but not holding her hand. 

Don: Hey, I'm good with that. A good friendship is a great start. It will be up to us to go from here. - smiles at Liv -

Liv was all happy and wanted to give him a roadside or car ride Huggies but knew the seatbelt on her will not allow it. So she flashed Don with the brightest smile she can ever give. 

Hotel Lobby

The two were able to arrive to the hotel as Don was bringing in both his things and Ruby's while Liv had her things with her. Both then saw Ruby, who was waiting by the lobby.

Ruby: Oh! Sorry to have flaked out on you two. But - turns to Don - I bet you two enjoyed the steak dinner together  - smiles -

Liv: Ruby! - giggles and hugs her - Donny and I enjoyed - smiles -

Ruby: That's nice. But we have to check in, G. Say good night to your prince.

Liv: Rue Rue!! - pouts, then turns to Don - Thanks for eating with me.

Don: Hey, don't mention it. Until next time then - smiles -

Liv can no longer resist the urge and as Don gave Ruby her things, Liv wrapped Don in a friendly hug. Don this time let her hug him as he hugs her back. The scene was as if both wanted that contact so their beating hearts matched one another's but Liv knew she had to break away as they knew where they stand for things in the present. 

Liv: Good night Donny! - smiles -

Don: Good night, Liv!

As the Riott Squad duo already checked in and went to the elevator, Don felt a hand pat his shoulder. It was Cedric, followed by the rest of the Hurt Business.

Cedric: That's our Diamond Donny P!

Don: You all saw that, I'm guessing?

MVP: Well, yes. And I am proud of you, protege!

Shelton: Hey man, that was a level up. So...when's the next one, Donny?

Don: Well I don't know.

Lashley: Hey man, just holler at us if you want us to reserve you a table again at somewhere. We got your back!

MVP: That's right Roberto! Don, treat her right. I know you can.

Cedric: Yeah man, Liv's a cool chick, but I think you know that by now.

Don: Yes yes and you will all harp on that she's the one.

Shelton: Man, you got us already.

Don: Anyway, we all have places to be. 

MVP: Alright boys, until Raw then. 

The Hurt Business went their separate ways into their own respective hotel rooms and turned in for the night. 

Don on the other hand was staring into the ceiling, recalling the moments when he had his dinner with Liv. 

Don's mind: We're almost cut from the same cloth. Difficult pasts, odd choices. Loving parents almost. She is the first to know about my family situation apart from mentor. What if....?

As Don's mind nearly drifts to other thoughts, his eyes grew heavy and closed as he fell asleep.

That was Chapter 6. Not much really can be said here.

Keep safe and stay awesome!