Hi, I apologize for the hiatus. I have been extremely busy with outside responsibilities. Given the time of season I decided to make this a Christmas chapter.
Own no intellectual properties. I have had some characters designed for a pro wrestling story for a while now and just wanted to find an outlet on here to put them. After a friend referred me to "Wanna Be the World's Strongest." I felt this was a good storyline and good characters to work with. This story is going to be focusing on plot, characters, drama and action.
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Takeo sat with Sakura as their flight ascended into the air. They both sported face masks and caps to better conceal themselves so as not to be mobbed by fans. She looked over to see a somewhat nervous look on Takeo's face. She then reached over and placed her hand atop of his.
" Are you ok?" Sakura asked.
Takeo looked over to her and smiled reassuringly. He however could not hide his nervousness quite well enough.
" Hey…" she said. " ..my parents are going to love you."
" Yea sure…." Takeo said.
" You don't think they will?" Sakura asked.
" I mean, all they know of me is what they see Wild Child doing on T.V. Not sure how they feel about their daughter with someone sticking their tongue and wearing a leopard skin thong." Takeo joked.
" You better stop giving me dirty thoughts Mister." Sakura smiled" anyway I told them that is a persona and that the real you is the opposite of that."
" I mean after all. I chose you didn't I?" She chuckled.
" And you're displaying your incredible modesty." Takeo said as he nuzzled her ear chuckling.
" Just wait, my parents always go all out for Christmas. My Mom and I always bake a million cookies on Christmas Eve. Just imagine for a whole 10 days we don't have anything to worry about. No matches, no press. We might actually get to sleep in."
" Sleep in?" Takeo said, the very idea washing over him with a sense of joy. " We haven't slept in in like…I don't know how long."
" It was so hard not spending Christmas with you last year, Sweet Diva's tour and my match was just completely killed any chance of spending time with anyone."
" Yea and let's not forget that little wardrobe snafu." Takeo teased.
" Oh my god, don't bring that up!" Sakura pleaded.
(((((Flashback)))))
Sakura is seen running into the stadium in a frantic hurry, she had just finished winning a match and was rushing to another stadium as her flight was delayed.
" You're late!" Makoto said. " The girls just opened."
" I'm so sorry!" Sakura said rushing to the dressing room and opening her bag.
Moments later…
Sweet Diva was finishing their opening song for the crowd when Sakura came out from behind and danced in sync with them. Sakura noticed that the crowd for some reason was going nuts for her, more so than usual.
Elena looked over at Sakura and her eyes wide but still maintaining her composure for the dance number. Sakura assumed it was because she was late. Makoto looked on her eyes wide in disbelief before smacking her forehead.
Later That Night …..
"Thank you so much for coming out everyone!" Sakura said as she and Sweet Diva bif the crowd farewell.
"Oh wow! I can't believe it! You guys thank you so much for holding down the crowd."
Sweet Diva looked at Sakura not knowing what to say.
" I'm so sorry I was late I…."
" Sakura….." Elena began.
Sakura looked at her inquisitively.
" Look down…"
Confused Sakura looked down to see that she was not in wardrobe but was in fact in her wrestling attire. Sakura's eyes widened as a deep blush consumed her face.
" No Wayyyy!" She yelled covering herself.
((((End Flashback))))
" I…was mortified." Sakura said.
" Hey, the crowd loved it."
" I can't believe they didn't drop me from the label right then and there."
" Nah, you were their star. They're gonna want you back at some point. You'll see."
" Maybe, but I've kind of been liking having only one schedule to work with and you've noticed I've been winning a lot right? Just trying to manage both….it was exhausting. I so can't wait for this vacation.
Takeo smiled as he squeezed her hand.
" Plus all the places around my hometown are really great for the holidays when it comes to food."
Hearing all this gave Takeo a sense of calm and happiness. " Mmmm, we're gonna get sooo fat…."
Sakura chuckling leaned her head in and against Takeo's. " I can't wait to spend Christmas with you. Everything is going to be wonderful." She said.
Later that night…..
Takeo and Sakura approached a house as Sakura knocked on the door. Takeo braced himself for what was to come.
As the door opened a couple looking to be in their late 40's appeared at the door. The first was a woman with dark brown hair and a blue sweater vest. The next was a gentlemen with jet black haor combed to one side and sported glasses and a light green sweater.
" Mom! Daddy!" Sakura said as she immediately came in to hug them.
" Welcome home Sweetheart! Merry Christmas!" Sakura's father said.
" Mom, Daddy, I want you to meet Takeo."
" Thank You for having me, I am Takeo Sonata." Takeo said as he bowed to them.
" Otherwise known as Wild Child am I right?" Sakura's father said.
Takeo rubbed the back of his head sheepishly smiling. " Hai, it's just a wrestling name."
Later…
Sakura and Takeo were sitting with her parents at their table.
" So how has Bunkyo City been treating you?" Sakura's mother asked.
" It's been wonderful Mom. But I'm glad to be back home for now. Did you see my last match by the way?"
Sakura's mother's eyes slightly drifted to the side. " Yes….I saw. Congratulations. You did well."
" Hai, Sakura's a natural pro wrestler." Takeo said.
" Well, I definitely couldn't have done it without Takeo's help." Sakura exclaimed.
" Aw come on, I just lent some assistance. It was mostly you. She's been doing great ever since her win against Rio."
Sakura clasped Takeo's hand as they spent a brief moment staring at each other smiling. A motion not unnoticed by her father.
" Anyway…." Sakura's mother interjected. " Tell me how things are going with Sweet Diva."
" Oh…ummmm…" Sakura said in a panic.
" Uhhh sheee…." Takeo said.
" It's fine, Speaking of wrestling Takeo's got some big matches lined up for after the New Year."
" I see. You know I've been to a number of your father's matches. He was pretty great." Sakura's father said.
" Yea, he was."
" Do you still train with him?"
" Well I uh…"
" Daddy…" Sakura said. " He doesn't stay in contact with his father. I told you this."
" Well why is that I'm curious."
" It's kind of a long story." Takeo said.
" Daddy, stop grilling him."
" I'm not grilling him I'm just trying to learn more about him."
" What about your mother?" Sakura's mother asked.
" Well…"
" Guys seriously…" Sakura interjected.
" It's fine. I don't mind." Takeo said. " actually to tell the truth I'm sure she's fine, but I also haven't talked her in a while."
" So you don't bother to keep in touch with your parents…." Sakura's father asked accusingly.
" Daddy…"
" Um well….to be honest…..my mother left a long time ago. I really have no idea where she is."
Sakura looked to Takeo.
" I'm sorry." Sakura's mother said surprised.
" Oh it's fine, it was a real long time ago."
Removing his glasses, Sakura's father stood up. " Well, to release this tension, why don't we grab our jackets and head to the festival."
Relieved, Sakura nodded yes.
Later…..
The secret couple of pro wrestling and he idol's parents walked through Christmas festival which was adorned by lights, games, food tents and a large Ferris wheel. The 2 couples enjoyed their time playing games and enjoying food.
As the evening progressed Takeo was now feeling more confident being around Sakura's parents. That was until a surprise was sprung on him.
" Hey! It's Wild Child and Sakura!" A boy called his friends over as they ran towards the couple. " Can we have your autograph!?"
" Of course." Sakura said smiling.
" Oh crap…" Takeo thought. " These kids are expecting Wild Child…" He then angled his eyes back at Sakura's parents. "But if I give them that, Sakura's parents will think I'm a lunatic!"
Looking down at the children Takeo sighed. If there was one thing he couldn't bare to do it was let down his fans, in particular his young fans. All he could do was hope that Sakura's parents would understand later.
" Heh! An autograph eh!?" Takeo said taking on his persona.
Sakura was already looking to him smirking.
" So are you guys definitely dating?" One of the fans asked.
" Hah! Wouldn't you like to know?" Takeo laughed somewhat obnoxiously. His fans seemed to enjoy his responses.
Moments later after signing autographs and taking selfies with the fans, Sakura and Takeo continued the evening with her parents. Takeo felt somewhat awkward around them after that run in with fans. That was until they came across the Ferris Wheel.
" Oh let's do this!" Sakura pleaded with her parents.
" Sounds good to me." Her father said. " Sakura why don't you ride with your mother? I'd like some one on one time with Takeo."
A sweat came down Takeo's brow.
" Why?" Sakura asked.
" Actually dear, there a few things I'd like to speak with you about as well." Her mother interjected.
" Umm, ok?" Sakura said.
" That sounds good. Let's do it." Takeo said.
Sakura looked to Takeo confused as he nodded to her.
Moments later….
Takeo was sitting across from Sakura's father as their carriage rotated.
" So if it's about the fans earlier…." Takeo began.
" No, I understand that's part of being a pro wrestler."
" Oh..really?" Takeo asked relieved.
" I just wanted to talk about Sakura."
" Ok, sure what do you want to talk about?" Takeo asked.
" Listen, her mother and I did not raise her like a typical Japanese girl. While we did encourage her to move forward in fields like music and dance due to her mother's experience in that, we ultimately encouraged her to make her own decisions and to follow through with them. " He said.
" I understand. " Takeo said.
" That being said, when she decided to continue wrestling after winning her first match, I was skeptical. Please understand, it was very hard being her father and watching her lose match after match and seeing the effect it took on her each time. As a father you hate to see your children being demoralized."
Takeo took a moment to let what he said sink in. " I understand where you're coming from. I watched a lot of her matches too. I could also see the toll it was taking in the beginning of her career. I knew from the moment I met her that there was something special about her, so watching her being to lose faith in herself was hard to watch. So when she offered me the chance to help her train, I jumped at it."
" Oh yes, I understand you got suspended due to standing up for her."
" Hai."
" So it seems you care for her."
" I do, a lot."
" Really?" Sakura's father asked. " So I assume you've told Sakura about your time in Juvie."
Takeo's eyes widened. " I…how did.."
" I may be retired but I still have a lot of friends on the force who know how to find that information."
Takeo sat there and was somewhat deflated. " It's true, I spent 6 months in Juvie."
" Does Sakura know?"
" No." Takeo admitted.
" Takeo, I don't mind that you spent time in Juvie, believe it or not I did a lot of dumb things in my youth also. What I am concerned about is that you and Sakura have been together nearly 2 years and she doesn't know much about your past."
Takeo didn't respond.
Sakura's father sighed. " Takeo, that being said, my years on the force have taught me to read people very well. I've been reading you since the moment you got here. I think whatever your past, you're a fine young man now and that's what matters. So I have no objection your relationship."
Takeo was surprised by the comment.
" However, I do hope in the future you'll be able to tell Sakura more about your history. In addition in regards to her wrestling career. While I don't understand it myself, I'm going to trust her in her decision to continue wrestling. But you being the expert, all I ask is that you look out for her well being."
" That I can promise." Takeo said.
Meanwhile…..
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.
" I mean how long are you going to keep doing this?" Her mother asked. " You beat that Rio girl a long time ago, I thought that was going to be the end of it. But I stood by your side when you decided to keep wrestling."
" Mom, I'm doing something I love." Sakura said.
" Is it wrestling you love? Or is it someone in wrestling you love?"
" Mom, Takeo had nothing to do with my decision to keep wrestling."
" It's a little hard for me to believe that considering you 2 seemed to be an item while you were on your losing streak."
Sakura sighed.
" Don't get me wrong, Takeo seems to be a fine young man. Your father and I noticed that you 2 truly care for each other. But I can't help but wonder if you would still be in the ring if you had never met him."
" Mom, I know it's hard to understand but…..wrestling…even though starting out I was losing all the time I came to love it. I can't really explain it, but…."
" You know I support you, but I think you need to focus more on Sweet Diva."
"….I can't…" Sakura said reluctantly.
" What do you mean?"
Sakura took a deep breath. " I got dropped from the label Mom."
Sakura's mother sat there surprised. " Dropped?"
" Hai"
" When did this happen?"
" A few months ago."
"…why didn't you tell me?"
" I just wanted to wait for the right time."
" When was that going to be? When everyone else found out?"
" Mom, we knew this was going to happen. I just aged out. We knew that Sweet Diva was going to be a stepping stone to another career."
" Yes, a music career. Not this."
" I still have plenty of time to work on a music career if I want."
" If you want?"
" Yes, I have something really great going with pro wrestling."
" So what, are you just going to run around wearing spandex for the next 10 years?"
Later…..
" Hey." Takeo said seeing both Sakura and her mother coming off the Ferris Wheel. Both of them seeming upset.
" You ok?" Takeo asked.
" I'm fine. " Sakura said.
During their walk home Sakura and her mother did not say one word to each other.
Later….
" So your Dad and I had a good conversation." Takeo said watching Sakura unpack her bag in their room.
" That's great." Sakura said.
" I think he likes me."
" I knew he would." Sakura said.
" Ok…what's up? You've been quiet since we left the festival."
Sakura sighed " I'm just not talking to my mother right now."
" What happened?"
" Oh she doesn't agree with me being a pro wrestler." Sakura said.
" Oh….."
" And I told her I got dropped from Sweet Diva."
Takeo was surprised. " I thought you were gonna wait for the right time."
" Well she just kept pushing me and it just came out."
Takeo came up putting his hands on Sakura's shoulders. " I'm sorry hon."
" I had to confess sooner or later." Sakura said slamming the bag closed.
" She just doesn't want to hear that I love wrestling."
" You know, your Dad and I talked. He said watching the beginning of your career was really tough on him and your mother."
Sakura looked at him.
" Maybe she didn't say it outright but maybe she just associates your career now with the beginning. I think she's just worried. I mean she's your mother."
" You don't have to tell me how hard the beginning of my career was." Sakura said.
" Yeah it was rough on you , but it was kind of rough on them too I bet. I kind of relate."
" Oh? And how's that?"
" I mean, I didn't like seeing you struggle either." Takeo said.
" Yeah? And why is that?" Sakura smirked.
" I don't know. Maybe I liked you."
" Oh really?" Sakura asked.
" Yea…maybe I really liked you."
Sakura reached her arms around Takeo and laid her head against his chest.
" So you think you'll talk to her? I mean it is Christmas." Takeo asked.
Sakura took a deep breath. " Stop being so cute."
" Make me." Takeo smiled
Later…..
Sakura's mother was busy in the kitchen getting materials together for baking. Perhaps as a means of distraction from the argument she just had with her daughter.
" Hi." Sakura said appearing in the kitchen.
" ….Hi"
" Can I help?" Sakura asked.
Her mother nodded.
As Sakura began helping her mother she decided to break the silence. " I still love music Mom…..but I just happen to love wrestling too now."
" I've stood by you thus far. I just want the best for you. And I'm sorry if I made it seem like I was blaming Takeo. I wasn't. I think he's great."
" Thanks Mom…"
As the days passed the couple spent more time with Sakura's parents allowing them to get to know Takeo more. Upon their final day Takeo and Sakura bid her parents farewell and went back to continue their pro wrestling careers.
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More to come.
