The Veteran's Burden

[Weonna]

It was a rather peaceful afternoon in Japan, and Akemi Ishikawa had decided to treat herself to a little time away from the wrestling ring.

For once, the veteran wrestler wasn't dressed in her usual training attire. Instead, she wore a cute yet comfortable casual outfit consisting of a soft cream-colored sweater, snug black leggings, and a pair of white sneakers. Her hair was neatly styled, with a few loose strands framing her face. A small handbag hung from her shoulder, completing her simple but fashionable appearance.

"Fuuu... It's nice to have a little peace and quiet for a change~"

Akemi sighed contentedly as she stepped into a cozy café not too far from the LAW facilities.

Between her wrestling career, training sessions, and responsibilities as a mother, opportunities to simply relax were becoming increasingly rare. Fortunately, she had managed to find some free time today, and she intended to make the most of it!

After ordering herself a warm cup of tea, Akemi settled into a comfortable seat near the window. She placed her handbag beside her and crossed one leg over the other before taking a small sip.

"Mmm... Delicious."

A satisfied smile spread across her face as she watched the pedestrians passing outside.

For the moment, Akemi was perfectly content to enjoy her afternoon alone, completely unaware that she might soon have some rather interesting company.

[Dubski]

Dr. Lilly Becker, known better in the ring as Doctor Fabulous, had just gotten her coffee order. A little pumpkin spice for her very admittedly basic tastes in a cozy Fall day. She had her glasses on, hair tied back in a stylish yet simple updo, with strands of her light hair framing her face. It was a simple style she had mastered by now for days where she didn't need to look her most fabulous, but still pretty fabulous. She had considered doing some work--not wrestling. The training was penciled in later that day. She was working on some research and papers to make a little bit more cash on the side, but as she cradled her laptop bag next to her side, she was losing the motivation, especially with each new whiff of that pumpkin spice latte.

The rest of her outfit was a cream loose turtleneck sweater and a light black jacket and a pair of gray jeans with small cuts at the knees, and a pair of brown boots to finish off the outfit. She adjusted her glasses as she looked around for a place to sit, but it seemed to be rather packed. Not that it mattered much to Lilly. She was happy to make company. And that company came in the form of another girl who was very obviously a wrestler too.

Akemi didn't necessarily hide it much. Dr. Becker could at least pass as someone who wasn't a wrestler. She blamed the glasses, her bubbly demeanor, and her delicate features. Very few people actually believed her when she told them she was a professional wrestler until she showed them pictures or video. But Akemi? That girl couldn't hide it if she tried. So the Good Doctor planted a hand on the table softly, trying not to startle Akemi, and she asked in an amiable tone, "Hi, do you mind if I take this seat?' her hand then moved back to rest on the top of the chair across from the Japanese girl, a warm smile on her face.

[Weonna]

Akemi had been quietly enjoying her tea when a friendly voice caught her attention. Lowering her cup, the Japanese veteran glanced up at the blonde woman before offering her a gentle, welcoming smile.

"Ara ara~ Of course, dear. Please, make yourself comfortable,"

Akemi replied warmly, gesturing toward the empty chair.

"Hehe~ Such a busy afternoon, isn't it? You must have been looking for a seat for quite some time."

She carefully placed her teacup onto its saucer, giving the younger woman her full attention.

"My name is Akemi Ishikawa. It's a pleasure to meet you, dear."

She gave a small, polite nod.

"And what might your name be?"

[Dubski]

Lilly let out a soft sigh of relief as she hung her bag on the top of the chair and then sat down, setting down her drink as well. "Oh, thank you," said Dr. Becker warmly. She looked over Akemi again, her smile growing larger. "I wasn't looking for that long. Just long enough to find someone who would be equal parts friendly, cute, and intriguing."

She extended a hand after for a polite gesture to shake it, the Good Doctor showing a toothy smile as she said, "Lilly Becker. It's great to meet you too," answered Lilly. "LAW wrestler, right?" she then asked a moment later, deciding to see if she could confirm her suspicions.

[Weonna]

"Such a sweet talker you are, Lilly-san! Hehe~"

Akemi giggled softly at the blonde's compliment, bringing a hand to her cheek before politely accepting the offered handshake.

However, upon hearing Lilly's question, the Japanese veteran blinked in surprise, tilting her head slightly.

"Oh my! Why, yes, I am!"

Akemi confirmed with a cheerful smile, though her expression soon shifted into one of playful suspicion.

"Fufufu~ Now, how did you know that, hmm?"

She narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, leaning forward with an adorably curious look.

"Surely I don't look that much like a wrestler while enjoying my afternoon tea, do I, dear?"