[A/N]: Alas! The premiere of my brand new Miz and Paige fanfic Forget Me. I'm taking this one nice and slow as I will be updating weekly/bi-weekly (since I'm balancing work and free time). But I have more of a grasp to this story now that I've been inspired by so many things in the past few weeks. Anyways, enjoy Chapter 1!

Full Summary: The Moneymaker, Hollywood Miz, makes his presence known to the locker room again, returning from the month long movie shoot. But one of his friends, Paige, develops a bittersweet attitude towards him that raises questions within. These two share a past that has established their friendship up to this point but something is off. What could this something be? And how will it affect their lives in and outside the ring?

(The Miz's Point of View)

June 30, 2014; WWE RAW

Back in the game, back with a whole new persona—feels so good to be walking around backstage with everyone. It's a strange feeling not wearing my gear. Instead, I'm in an outfit made for Hollywood. Overdressed is an understatement. But I'm a star. I have to look good to match my moneymaker. Shooting Marine 4 gave me plenty of time to reinvent The Miz. My return was not going to go unnoticed; drastic change is always welcome.

Also returning for RAW, I pass AJ Lee on the way to the locker room. "Hey April!" I stop to give her a half-hug. We chat about what we've been doing back at home. A congratulations is due for her and Punk's wedding. Never thought I'd meet the day where Phil Brooks actually uses his fourth finger on his left hand, for more than another tattoo. Let's hope he can keep the the ring permanent too.

"Yeah, I'm taking the Divas Championship off of Paige tonight. What a warm welcome, right?"

"I'm taking a codebreaker from Chris Jericho. I think my night back beats yours by a narrow margin." We share a laugh in the middle of the concrete hallway. "Speaking of, have you seen Paige around yet?" I ask.

"We talked for a little bit in the locker room, why?"

"Nothing. Just wondering..."

AJ lets me go ahead, seeing that I still have bags to put away, and she's skipping off behind me. Truth be told, I just want to make sure Paige got to the arena safely. We share a history, that girl and I. Way before she ever became the Anti-Diva Paige and before I became the Most Must-See WWE Champion.

March 2011; Shimmer Women Athletes event

I came to Chicago because of a suggestion by one of my good friends, CM Punk. On the rise of my career, I rarely have any free time on my hectic, yet privileged, schedule. Joining my friend in a night of quality women wrestling was always something I wanted to do but never found the time, until tonight. On the flight, I had to break it to my longtime girlfriend, Maryse, that I'd be hanging out with CM Punk before the next WWE live event. It feels strange not toting around my Money in the Bank briefcase but I don't mind the lighter luggage.

"These ladies are incredible, man. You're gonna love it," an elated Punk leads the way into the backstage area of the small building, which is the Shimmer arena. I survey each detail, posters of past shows are plastered on the wall so proudly.

I've heard of Shimmer before. There's plenty of talk about it in the Indy scene, but personally, I've never seen a full taping—let alone attended an event. WWE has been scouting this territory with a few pulls here and there. I'm surprised this isn't the number one place on their list.

"Don't be afraid to talk to them, they don't bite." Punk says. We arrive in a room full of ladies, all dressed in their wrestling gear. Every wrestler in the city of Chicago knows him, but have only seen me on Raw or SmackDown.

A few lady wrestlers come up and shake my hand, introducing themselves. I can tell they recognize who I am when I make eye contact. Bell time is set in only an hour, so the small talk stays small.

Thirsty, I turn for refreshments near me. All of a sudden, a girl bumps straight into my chest. She looks to about 17 or 18, but she's wrapped in gear like everyone else. Damn, she's so young.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—" When she looks up, she stops. Her goth-type makeup with her scene-type hair definitely does not fit the attitude I just ran into, literally. "Woah hey, you're The Miz aren't you?" She has a thick English accent that wakes up my ears.

"Last time I checked. Hi, how are you?" Reaching out my hand, I wait for a name back.

The teenager leaves a firm grip, "Britani—Britani Knight. Again, I'm so sorry for bumping into you."

"No don't worry, you're fine. I've taken worse bumps."

She laughs. "So is this your first Shimmer taping?"

"Yeah, and—"

"Hey, help me get ready." A woman who resembles a much older version of her comes up from behind. Is that her mom?

"Oh, okay. I was just talking with The Miz, mum. No big deal." Britani starts moving away from me, being pulled by the arm, "Erm—enjoy the show, Miz!"

"Hi, Miz! I'm Saraya. It was nice talking to you!" The red-haired wrestler waves and they both leave into another hallway.

What just happened?

Later on that night...

I spot Paige just coming through the curtain after the championship match she just had with AJ. Still in character, she's "in tears", rushing away from the cameras on her face. Dolph and I are standing yards to the left, watching and waiting for her to come back as herself.

"Hey Paige," Ziggler says. She does a wave to him.

When I give a nod, I get nothing but a prolonged stare before she finally lifts a hand up. Then she's walking away to the Divas locker room. Those brown eyes used to be so glad to see me once.

"Dude, why is she always like that with you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Even when I come back, things still haven't changed...

After the show and after the fans have left, I make my way to the parking lot. Punk's still inside catching up with old friends and I didn't want to stand there to make things uncomfortable for him. I enjoyed the matches, Shimmer women athletes are the best female wrestlers I've ever seen. Some of can even out-shine the guys if they were to step into the ring with them. Some can definitely out-do me.

The wind picks up, and a chill gets sent down my spine. From a long distance, I see a girl walking to a white car. In the night, it's hard to make out who it is, but the scene-type hair is a dead giveaway. It's that girl Britani Knight I met earlier. I wonder where her tag team partner—also known as her mom—is. Their match I remembered the most, just because of the fact of how they're a mother-daughter tandem. Where else can you find that in wrestling? My eyes stay focused on the only movement this late out. She opens the trunk to put her bags in.

Suddenly, a large figure in black clothing comes up from behind and reaches for Britani's head and body. There's a pang of worry, a shot of adrenaline that hits every one of my veins. My heartbeat jumps at this scary sight and my legs automatically sprint to the save her. "HEY!"

When I get close, I can hear a muffled shriek behind a glove. The guy isn't letting her go. On instinct, I kick at the back of his knee which catches him off guard. I put him in the tightest rear-naked choke hold I can muscle. "Stand back and all the cops, Britani." Within a few minutes of his struggle, he's nearly unconscious. My heartbeat slows down when he's finally out on the ground.

A woman's voice echoes in the lot, "WHAT HAPPENED?" Which leads me to conclude that it's Britani's mother.

Still holding this guy in the choke, I see the young teen leaning against the open trunk in shock. She's on the phone with the police. Regardless of the darkness, it's clear to see her hands shaking.

When the police arrive, Punk helps me with holding the guy down before they put him in cuffs and throw him in the backseat. I dust off the dirt on my clothes and find Britani and her mom, Saraya, together near their white car.

"Hey sweetie, are you okay?" There's fear remaining in those eyes. A girl this young shouldn't have to go through something like this. The guy could've raped her, or worse—killed her tonight.

"Thank you so much for saving her Miz," Mom replies on her behalf. She's staring off into space, biting her bottom lip.

After a few quiet seconds, Britani finally gives me a thanks—her arms go around my neck, with a strong grasp, "Thank you..." she whispers.

I rub her back for comfort, "Of course. It's okay, you're safe now."

After RAW...

The arena parking lot is empty, of fans anyway. A crowd of them would usually wait for us to exit, in hopes for a picture or autograph. Personally, I stay inside longer so they clear out for an easier drive to the next show. Coincidentally, Paige is strolling her bags in front as I walk out to my car. I stop at mine to find out I parked right next to her. I stare, watching her open the trunk to throw the rolling luggage in. This scene brings up all types of deja vu, and not a very good one in particular. She makes no motion to acknowledge me, her "co-worker" here, doing the same thing. Why is this girl still ignoring me?

"Hey Paige," I break the air with my voice. She jumps in surprise and I immediately regret being that loud out here remembering that night three years ago. "Sorry..." Her head turns and I catch an eye. "So...I don't even get a welcome back hug?"

She slams the trunk closed and faces me. Her stare is intense and cold, and I don't understand why. "Welcome back, Miz." The way that sounded leaves a sour taste in my mouth. She moves the side of her car and leans against it with her arms crossed.

Closing my own trunk, I do the same to meet Paige standing only a few feet away. "You know, I thought you would be happier to see me tonight."

"I feel indifferent. Shouldn't you be driving off right now? You're always eager to leave nowadays."

Ouch. "Paige, I'd never leave you out here alone," her face softens, probably triggering that memory in her head. "And how about you? Why aren't you driving off?"

"I'm waiting for Emma."

"Well then, so am I... Paige, I'm back on the road, you can't ignore me forever."

"I'm not ignoring you. I'm talking to you right now, aren't I?" Her voice picks up an edge.

"I wanna know whatever I did to make you not like me. C'mon, spill it."

Paige rolls her eyes and lets out a scoff.

"Alright, I'm here! Sorry for making you wait, Paige. Oh hey, Miz! Welcome back, moneymaker!" Emma comes up to my side and reaches for a half hug. I give her one but my focus is still on the raven haired Diva in front of me.

"It was great talking to you again, Miz. I'll see you at SmackDown! Let's go, Emma." Paige's acting is despicable, and that fake smile paired with it makes me want to roll my own eyes.

Biting my tongue I say, "Bye, girls. Have a safe drive." I watch them enter the car. Paige starts backing up and they both wave goodbye before their vehicle shoots straight through the parking lot.

SmackDown, where I'll see her again. Where she can't avoid me again. You can't hide the truth, Paige...

[A/N]: Soooo, what did you think? Please, please leave something in the review section. I appreciate any and all comments. The more people reading, the better :) Thanks again!