Playtime is over

(Devon got out of the car and slowly walked over to the passenger's side door and opened it, a big smile on his face as he did so as he offered his hand to the other person to help them out)

Devon:
“It's not often that I get to feel kind of giddy again, my dear. So you'll forgive me.”

(Devon then looked across the street from where they were parked and looked at the multi-story building that was slightly covered with vines and greenery which made him smile even bigger than he was previously as he waited to see what his better half's reaction would be)

(Lexi stepped out from the vehicle and looks towards the building, then back at him, unable to figure out what was going on)

Lexi:
“Baby, is these one of those crazy surprises that I don't know about? I mean it's not necessary. You already gifted me by proposing to me.. that is a big moment.”

Devon:
“Well remember when you said that you wanted to get to know me, the actual person behind Devon?”

(He motioned at the building in front of them)

Devon:
“This is part of who I am. This is the Taimei elementary school where I went for the first couple of years of my education before my mom divorced my dad. Some of my earliest memories, my happiest ones, started here. I mean it wasn’t easy at first, being the only non Japanese kid in this school and back then things were a bit more difficult… but then things got easier for me.”

Lexi: 
“Oh wow, Devon. This is nice of you to bring me here. Is this currently being occupied? I wish there was a way we could go inside and you could give me the tour.”

(She laughs and walks closer to the building, looking around for the entranceway, but had a difficult time locating it)

Devon:
“I already tried to get us the okay, but with everything going on they are keeping access limited to people that actually are connected to the current student body...besides, the last thing I need to try to do is see the old playground equipment and try to go down the slide.”

(Devon actually lets out a long, hard laugh for a moment before he remembers what country that he’s in as several of the passer-bys give him an odd look before he starts to chuckle softly while shaking his head before he motions for her to follow him)

Devon:
“Come on, I want to show you something neat.”

(All of a sudden her frown turns into a smile as she quickly grabs his hand and follows him, giving him a peck on the cheek and clinging to his arm) 

Devon: 
“My dad would spend hours training to become a wrestler here while he also worked in the front office of the promotion. He helped set up the ring, he did a lot of their international press work..he earned every single yen while we were here and yet, each and every day that he was at home, Lexi, he would walk me to school and then walk me home from school...and we’d always pass this.”

(Devon led the two of them to a corner that was filled with vending machines and several people enjoying themselves from the contents of said machines. Some of them even noticing and bowing respectfully towards Devon who smiles and bows back to them)

Devon:
“You know, I bad mouthed my dad so much when I was first starting out as a wrestler. I yelled into his face that he was a horrible man because he was never there when the truth of the matter was before my mom pulled her stunt, he was there and he’d do stuff like take me to and from school each day because if you look at that building…”

(Devon moved behind Lexi, settling his hands onto her shoulders and moving his face against hers until he could line up her vision with his before he pointed out a slightly tall building within sight of his elementary school)

Devon:
“..right there, that’s the old Super Japan Pro Wrestling headquarters. They gave him an office to work in when he was not on the road.”

(She looked on quietly, taking in all the stuff he had just shown her, she sniffled and turned around to face him while still clutching his hand)

Lexi:
“I am happy you brought me here. I love learning about your past even if you went through some difficult times with it my dear. Do you know if your father has been back here since?”

Devon:
“Yeah, he’s probably over at his office in Roppongi though at this time. Since he pretty much retired from professional wrestling to focus more on family and such, he’s been pretty active. Why do you ask?”

Lexi:
“Just wondering. It is nice to reflect back on time such as right now. Maybe one day we will get access inside and you can show me your classroom and such. That would be really great.”

(She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest, hearing the beautiful rhythm of his heartbeat)

Lexi:
“I don't know if you know this, but our anniversary is coming up next month..”

Devon:
“Yep, I’m still working on something for that as well. Besides the only thing that I could’ve asked for.”

(Devon reached down and ran his fingers over his beloved’s arm until he reached her hand and gently caressed the finger that bore the engagement ring before kissing the top of her head lovingly)

Devon:
“...you’ve already gotten me, so you’ll forgive me if I just stand here and bask in your glory, my lovely wife.”

(She turned bright red in the cheeks over his words and gazed into his eyes. Till this day they were a sight to see)

Lexi:
“Aww, babe.. I am so happy I said yes to you. It was the most happiest moment I could ever want and I cannot wait to walk down the aisle and make it official, my king and my everything.”

Devon:
“I couldn’t agree more, only problem is that I’ve gotten several death threats from quite a few people if I even try to elope with you, so walking down the aisle is the only option.”

(He gave her one of his best smiles before bending his head down and quickly kissing her on the lips) 

Devon:
“So, what else would my golden queen like to see in her king’s other other hometown?”

(She kisses him in return, getting a worried look on her face as she pulls away)

Lexi:
“Hold on. Who has been sending you death threats?”

Devon:
“My mom, my dad, my stepdad, my sisters, my brothers, Zell...pretty much everyone that I know that wants to throw us a big wedding and my birth parents really want to see one of their firstborns get married properly.“

Lexi:
“Okay...how is this a threat towards us though?“

(She raises an eyebrow and was merely confused by it) 

Devon:
“Nope, just to me. I’m my father’s son...and considering that my parents eloped….“

(Devon jokingly rolled his eyes at that comment)

Lexi:
“Not sure I still understand, but it doesn't matter.. let's continue with the rest of the tour. What else is there to see?“

Devon:
“What about the house that I lived in here in Tokyo for one?“

Lexi:
“I like that idea babe. Is it far from here?“

Devon:
“A bit, but I could use the walk and plus it is a nice day for it.“

Lexi:
“Then let's not waste anymore time. Lead the way babe!“

(Devon gave his future wife one more quick kiss on the lips before taking her hand and leading her around the vending machines to walk down a slightly busy street as various vendors were selling their wares and people were making polite conversations as they went to and fro)

Devon: 
“Kind of funny that I feel more comfortable here than in the US, huh? These are the smells and sights that I remember from my childhood.“

(Devon stopped walking for a moment and he closed his eyes before sniffing the air)

Devon:
“Oh...now there's a smell that I've missed.“

(Devon then lead the two of them around a corner to where an older man was selling some kind of oddly sweet smelling rolls from an wooden cart)

Devon:
“This is one of the few things that I can't ever get anywhere but here in Japan, Anpan!“

(She notices the kind man selling some type of food, she looked it over before turning her attention back to him, nudging his arm so he noticed her)

Lexi:
“Those look really good. We should try it. I am not sure how to tell him in japanese though.“

(Devon looked at Lexi for a moment and let go of her hand as he approached the older man to which Devon offered a polite bow to)

Devon: 
“Kon'nichiwa. Azuki an pan ni-mai, dōzo.“

Anpan Seller:
“Hai“

(The man gathered up the two sweet rolls and handed one to Devon who in turn handed it off to Lexi before accepting the other one and Devon in turn handed him a small coin roll before respectfully bowing his head again to the man)

Devon:
“Arigatōgozaimasu. Yoiichinichiwo sugoshite kudasai.“

(Devon then turned back to Lexi and motioned for her to take a bite of the Anpan which he did, a rather happy looking smile crossing his face as he did so)

(She breaks off a piece of her roll and gently places it near his mouth as she indicates she wants to feed him, giggling at the attempt)

Lexi:
“Open up dear.“

(Devon rolled his eyes jokingly and allowed her to feed him)

Devon:
“These are always better good and fresh, try it.“

(She tries it herself and chews it, then swallows it and licks her lips, taking several bites more)

Lexi:
“This is absolutely delicious. I can't believe I never tried it before. Maybe I will find out the recipe and make some for us when we return back home to Miami. You know how much I adore cooking for you sweetie.“

Devon:
“Hard to believe that what you’re eating is a red bean paste sweet roll huh? I didn’t know what was in these when I was a kid but when my mom moved Amy and me to Hawaii...talk about going into withdrawal.“

(Devon took another bite of his anpan while chuckling)

Devon:
“Also, I’ve told my brothers about your cooking...I fully expect our house to get raided a few times when their shows hit Miami, Lexi.“

Lexi: 
“I don't mind that. Good company is always a plus. You know how much your family means to me, Devon.“

Devon:
“True, I just wish things could be easier though. I’m starting to think that this injury was a hint of some kind, don’t you think?“

(They find a bench and sit down on it while she finishes up her roll, she places a hand on his knee and rubs it)

Lexi:
“A hint of what exactly? I mean have the doctors set a date on when you could possibly return?“

Devon:
“Not really, they think that it was all of the matches that I did in such a short amount of time all coming down at me at once that made the leg unravel as it were.Originally they were saying six weeks to five months, now that I’ve seen a specialist..he actually asked me what my previous doctors was smoking to give out that kind of return date.“

(She sighs and laughs at the joke and rests her head on his shoulder while looking at the people passing by)

Lexi:
“I am not going to lie there are times when I do miss seeing you in the ring. You were always good at perfecting your craft my dear.“

Devon:
“Don’t worry, I’m still staying in shape and everything and besides, I’ve got my own students true?“

(Devon then leaned over and kissed Lexi on top of her head)

Devon:
“Besides, don’t you have your own matches to worry about as well? I mean you’ve got a match for Nova coming up right?“

Lexi:
“Yeah I do. I have been spending a lot of time at the gym preparing my ass off against Roxy, but could use more training in the ring. Would you care to help me?“

Devon:
“Oh god, I hated fighting Roxy in the ring over in the Omega Wrestling Alliance during my time there. I’m not saying she’s a bad wrestler or anything but she does have a tendency to over use several moves like this super kick that she does called and I wish I was joking when I say Bitch Lasagna.“

(She bursts out in laughter over the name, then stops to think about the match itself)

Lexi:
“So you know her more than I do. I need all the help I could get if I plan on beating her. I really want this win, Devon. You know that right?“

(Devon nodded)

Devon:
“Despite the fact that Ethan and I were never able to take the tag titles off of her team, I do have singles victories on her so helping you train in that way won’t be a problem, you’re biggest problem is how she loves to psyche people out by making everyone think that she’s some kind of air head which is how she draws you in.“

Lexi:
“Hmm interesting. Sounds like she is into mind games. Two can play that game. The only difference is I can play it better.“

Devon:
“Possibly. But it’s not just the mind games, she’s quick in the ring and not just physically which is why you don’t fall for the mind games at all, Lexi. She can hit a rebound off of the ropes and when you think that she’s going to go for a high move, she turns it around into a submission instead. Lexi, it’s not like Bloody Fairytale, they just try to hit fast paced power moves on you for the hardest hit, Roxy is more experienced and therefore dangerous.“

(She smirks and twirls a strand of her blonde hair) 

Lexi:
“I fear no danger and I also don't fear Roxi. She could do anything to get the advantage on me, but it simply won't be enough to defeat the Golden Goddess. I also got you on the side so that will help motivate me.“

Devon: 
“True, but I just don’t want you taking her lightly. She’s almost like I was back when I was her age, angry, full of potential, and trying to make a name for myself greater than my famous parent.“

Lexi:
“I understand, but don't worry I plan to bring all the tools needed to get the job done, but in the meantime I want to enjoy my time here in Japan with you.“

(The two of them continued to talk more about their careers, personal life etc; as the scene faded)



“Last time I was in a PWN ring Devon asked for my hand in marriage and of course I had to say yes. He is my love, my rock and support system. We still haven't set any wedding plans aside yet, but it will happen in due time, but don't think I have lost focus on the matter at hand and that is my match against Sweet Roxy”

She nods her head and visualizes Roxy in her head and remembers the stuff Devon said about her.

“She is unpredictable, and wild as they come. Not to mention she has much more ring experience than I am. While I appreciate her dedication to this sport, I don't take too kindly to her attitude. She is the type of woman that would attack anyone with no remorse. That is where her and I differ. However, I hope she doesn't take my kindness for weakness, because I plan to beat some respect out of her one way or another.”


She nods her head at her words and has a confident look on her face.

“I know people say I lost my edge when my partner left me, but that is certainly not true. My focus and drive still remains as well and will be showcased when I emerge victorious and show my dominance once again.”

“Now I know things haven't exactly gone my way. I lost some important title matches and even some non ones as well, so I hope by winning this match it'll put me in line for another future title spot, or at least be taken seriously as a competitor. Lexi Gold may be a known name, but after Chapter 9 I want to be forever known as the woman that never lost her spark. In fact it'll burn much brighter for you, Roxy when I hoover you in victory. Playtime is over sweet princess.”