Author's Note: Punk wouldn't shut up so here I am! He's already harping on chapter two... :-) I'm still working on my Punk character. I hope I captured him as much as I possibly could. Reviews are always welcome, but please be kind. If you have advice or helpful words please PM me. This story will not be as long as my three previous stories, but it will be a romance and a little bit of mystery! Enjoy please!

Chapter One
Moving Changes Everything

Sunday April 21, 2013

Moving to a new place should have been easy. After all it signifies a new beginning for all involved. A new beginning where a person can change their life; change their ways of living and their perspective. Well not all their ways, but a few. Not everything can be changed. However, moving was anything but easy.

First, there was the searching. Sure, if one wasn't picky or peculiar about things then finding a new apartment, condo, or house was an easy task, but I was picky and very particular about where I lived. Things had to be a certain way and I didn't want to be over ran by zealous fans. For me, location and comfort were the two main keys. And after months of searching I found the perfect place for me.

A high rise building on East Delaware Street gave me the privacy I needed and the views that I loved. Each floor had two condos and there were fifty two floors. I was on floor forty-nine and I had thirty-five hundred square feet of pure luxury. I probably could have spent more, but I wasn't that into material things. This condo was extremely quiet as I took a tour of the Olympia size swimming pool, the state of the art gym and the grocery store that were inside the building. I enjoyed the quiet. My neighbor, the realtor had told me, was a workaholic and rarely home.

The three bedroom, two and a half bathroom condo was already furnished and the views of the sweeping lake and city skyline were breathtaking. The place had been completely renovated with top-quality finishes that included designer bathrooms, a new kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counter tops, and plenty of light colored wood cabinets. There were also light colored hardwood floors throughout the condo, a custom wedge wood built-ins and wet bar, a redwood wine closet (which I wouldn't use), UV-protected windows, and media wiring. My favorite part was the master suite with sitting room, dual walk-in closets, and a master bathroom to die for; a spa bath with towel warmers and a steam shower.

So now that I found my new place, went through the details and the contracts, signed the contract, and paid the bill, I was ready to move in. Easier said than done. The worst part of moving is the packing and moving of belongings. Or junk as some people call it. I called it junk because that was what it was, but it was my junk so when I started packing I knew I could have hired movers and probably should have, but I didn't trust easy. Packing everything myself took some time that I really didn't have, but I made time. I bought this place almost year ago and I'm just now moving in. That's how much time I had, but I finally managed it. Most of my furniture went into storage as this place was fully furnished. I did bring my white leather sofa and matching recliner with its plump extra-large pillows and giant plasma 3-D television. Everything else except my clothes and a few personal items went off to storage.

After packing everything and moving it to the new place, it was time to unpack. I did that today. It didn't take long, but since I moved everything by myself including the big pieces of furniture (it was doable but it took me awhile) I was exhausted. Everything was now unpacked and cleaned but I was tired, it was late, my short hair was thoroughly mussed as my fingers have found their way through it on more than one occasion, and I was hungry. But instead of being able to eat, take a shower, and go to bed, I had to answer the door.

The only people who knew I had moved and that I was moving today was Paul Heyman and my best friends Chez, Chaleen, and Colt Cabana. Vince McMahon knew I was moving but unlike the others he didn't know the exact address as of yet. My friends were known to drop by when I was in town, but considering I hadn't given my list of 'approved' visitors to the doorman yet, I knew it wasn't anyone I knew. That could only mean one thing; it was a nosy neighbor or someone who knew who I was and they wanted an autograph. Well tonight they would be lucky if they didn't get a smartass because I wasn't in the best of moods. Not to mention, I was hoping for a little privacy and quiet before people figured out who I was.

I opened the door and had to look down. I was tall; standing about six foot in height while a lot of my co-workers and friends were well over six foot. The woman in front of me was no taller than five foot and that was pushing it. She was short, tanned, petite, and cute in the girl next door kind of way. She had caramel colored hair that looked to be baby fine as it curled softly at her shoulders. She had huge expressive chocolate brown eyes, a small button nose which was sprinkled with light colored freckles and a pink cupid's bow mouth that was curved in a pretty smile. Her face was devoid of any make up. That little tidbit surprised me; not only because she didn't use make up but because I even noticed that small detail.

She was wearing a white cotton camisole top with a colorful butterfly in the center and the word beautiful written in purple underneath it, a pair of purple cotton pajama pants to match and although her feet her bare, her toenails were painted a deep purple to match her clothes. The white camisole top held a pair of small firm breasts and outlined a flat tummy. Her pants did nothing for her legs, but it emphasized her small waist and hips. She had a nice body and pretty face but she was a neighbor and that made her off limits. Not that I was interested anyway.

"Hi! I'm Ashley Flowers and I live across the hall with my roommate and friend, Terry. I just wanted to come over and introduce myself and bring you this meal as a welcome to the building gift." She smiled brightly. She had a soft sweet voice that would make most men think of her naked and in between a set of silk sheets while she whispered sexy and dirty things in their ears. All I could think of was how cheerful, perky, and happy she was. And it was then I noticed the green grocery bag she was holding. I took a whiff and my mouth watered. I wasn't sure what it was but it smelled delicious. I hoped it was something I could eat. I wanted the bag but I didn't want to make nice with my little cheery new neighbor.

But alas… "Name's Phil." I replied, not smiling and my voice gruff. I gave her my real name because if there was any chance of her not knowing who I was, I wasn't going to tell her. I didn't want to make new friends. Especially one that was a nosy little neighbor.

I had to give her credit, her bright smile never faltered. "Nice to meet you, Phil. Welcome to our little neighborhood." She handed me the bag which I took without protest, she then waved and turned away. She had just reached her door when I couldn't help but speak.

"It's nice to meet you, Ashley, and thanks." I called out before she was able to enter her own place. I ignored how much I liked her name on my tongue.

She flashed a brilliant smile over her shoulder. "You're welcome." She then disappeared in her own condo.

It was then I realized that she didn't comment on who I was or even showed some sign of recognition. Was she a wrestling fan who understood that we had personal lives outside of wrestling and we didn't want to be hounded daily? Was she maybe a ring rat that would slowly worm her way into my bed coyly and seductively? Or maybe she truly didn't know who I was? It probably wouldn't be long before I discovered which one, I thought as I made my way into the kitchen to eat my free dinner. I would at least eat what I could.

I pulled out the throw away containers and the smell intensified tenfold. There was a small pink note taped to the largest bowl and I pulled it off and opened it.

Welcome to Delaware Street! Enjoy your meal! I found out that you didn't eat meat so I made you vegetable lasagna and a loaf of homemade bread. I know it's a lot of food, but it's all yours. Please enjoy!

It was signed by Ashley Flowers. Well duh. She had dainty hand writing. Kind of like her. And that definitely answered my question. She knew who I was, but the question now was; was she a fan?

Tuesday May 7, 2013

Although I had taken a leave of absence that was still indefinitely, I still had obligations and contracts to fill. I had autograph signings, radio interviewers, and talk show appearances that I had to attend. Today, I had a radio interview that lasted for a little over an hour. I was allowed to discuss Wrestlemania, but not what happened at Raw eight days after I lost to Undertaker. The radio DJ knew this however he tried to get the real reason why I was taking a leave of absence, but I managed to thwart his questions every time he tried.

And he pulled every reason he could think of including an injury, rehab, a death in the family, leaving the WWE for good, marriage or a new baby. Yeah right, like I was getting married or having a baby. CM Punk didn't do marriage and or babies. The idea of me in rehab was absolutely absurd and leaving the WWE was not an option for me. Wrestling was my life. The radio DJ would have to wait another day for his answer like everyone else. Not that I cared that he had to wait and besides I still wasn't quite sure myself on the reason why I needed a break.

My match with Undertaker was definitely one of my favorite of matches so far in the WWE. I was put to the test with him as my opponent. Afterwards when he had gotten his pin, I had gotten belittled and humiliated by my longtime friend, Paul Heyman. I told him to shut the hell up. I gave that match my all and so did Undertaker. I lost fair and square and I respect Taker immensely. Heyman was the sore loser that night. Things have been a little tense between the two of us since then, but we'll eventually cross that bridge and all will fall back into place. It always did.

I was about to open the door to my new condo when Miss Bubbly popped up in the hallway. I hadn't heard her door open so I was assuming she had just gotten home like me. I didn't know what she did to make a living but it couldn't be much. She was always home, moving around, and making a lot of noise. I gave her marks though because she was always quiet when I wanted to sleep. Her roommate must be footing all the bills because she was never home. And I do mean never. I have yet to see or hear from the my other neighbor. I felt bad for the roommate and friend, but then she brought it on herself. She could easily kick out her lazy ass friend.

It had been two weeks since I had met Miss Perky and I had only 'seen' her leaving her apartment and coming home. And when she did leave she almost always wore the same thing; t-shirts and jeans so her job wasn't a corporate one. Not that I was watching her or anything.

"Hi Phil! Beautiful day, isn't it?" She asked all upbeat and happy. Even without looking at her, I knew she was smiling. She was always smiling. Not that I was watching or anything.

I opened my door and half turned to look at her. Yep, she was smiling. Christ, she was too perky. And wearing another pair of jeans; these black and a snug fit that rode low on her small waist. And get this, her t-shirt was yellow with a smiley face on it. Go figure. She was way too happy.

I simply nodded. "Yep." I didn't smile because I didn't want to be friends.

Ashley opened her own door and mimicked my movements. A frown –which was odd indeed– marred her features and I could see the question haunting her chocolate colored eyes. She really did have beautiful eyes. I cocked an eyebrow and stayed silent. For about ten seconds. I didn't like the look she was giving me.

"What?" I snapped.

She flinched then quickly recovered putting a perky smile on her pretty face. She shook her head. "The match between you and Taker was just epic. One of my favorites."

I was surprised to say the least, but before I could reply she was already in her apartment and the door was shut. So Miss Bubbly Personality was a fan. But was she a fan of Taker's or a fan of mine?

Thursday May 16, 2013

It was almost ten in the morning and I had only been awake since about six. I did my work out; I ran a few miles, lifted a few weights before spending time with a punching bag. I then took a shower and fixed a healthy breakfast for myself; an egg white omelet with vegetables and a bowl of fresh fruit. I had just sat down when someone knocked on my door. I wasn't expecting anyone so it was probably my nosy, too upbeat neighbor even though I hadn't seen her in over a week. Not that I cared. The less I saw of her the better.

I got up to answer the door and to my surprise and dismay it was Paul Heyman. I stepped back to let him in. He made his way into my new condo and looked around.

"It's nice," he commented in a voice that made me not believe him. I chose to ignore the tone.

"I think so." I replied smartly.

He chose to ignore me as he studied the redwood wine closet. He clicked his tongue. "Too bad that will go to waste." He remarked snidely.

I shrugged. "I'll use it for something."

Paul turned to look at me; a frown on his face. "Have you been following Raw?"

I nodded.

Paul sighed. "What do you think about Brock and Triple H?" He asked like he wanted my opinion and maybe he did.

I shrugged again, turned my back on Paul and went back into the kitchen. I sat down and started to eat my breakfast. Paul followed me and sat down across from me, waiting for an answer to his very important question. When I didn't answer right away, he asked again.

I swallowed the last bit of my omelet. "I think H beat Brock fair and square and Brock should let it go. He's being the bitch just as H called him Monday."

Paul's face tightened in anger and then gave a wave of his hand. "That's over and done with now. This upcoming Monday I'm introducing a new guy."

I cocked an eyebrow and waited.

Paul nodded in confidence. "Michael McGillicutty also known as –"

"Curtis Axel also known as Mr. Perfect's son." I interrupted.

He gave me one of his signature grins. "That's right. He's going to be the next new thing."

I raised my fork in silent salute. "Good for him." I replied sarcastically. I never really liked Axel. He was too arrogant. I chuckled softly. Look who's calling the kettle black.

His face twisted once again in anger and he stood up. "I just wanted to come by and let you know so you wouldn't be surprised Monday night." He stated.

I nodded. "Well you've told me." I replied, finishing my breakfast and standing as well. "Let me see you out."

I was sure this meant our friendship was still on the rocks, but right now I just didn't care. Things were changing and I wasn't quite sure if I liked that change or not. My new place, my nosy neighbor, and my career were all changing my life and I didn't care for it. I opened the door to show Paul out and came face to face with Miss Perky. She gave me a smile and then turned those pearly whites on Paul.

"Hi! I'm Ashley!" She introduced herself before I could.

Paul gave her a quick once over and I did the same. She was wearing her baby fine hair in a high pony tail, the ends curling against the nape of her neck, a sky blue tank top with a scoop neck hugged her small form but it wasn't tight fitting. She was wearing a pair of short blue jean shorts. The material rode low on her hips and her tank top didn't quite meet the top of jeans and that flat stomach was confirmed. Her legs were shapely but short, toned and tanned. She was once again barefoot and her nails were painted a sky blue. She was the pertinent girl next door. And way too damn happy.

Paul introduced himself. "Do you live in this building?" He asked skeptically.

Ashley kept on grinning. "I do live in this building. I live in forty-nine A."

Paul eyed her closely. "Are you fan of wrestling?" He questioned and I had to admit I was interested in knowing the answer.

Ashley slowly nodding, her smile never faltering. "I am a huge fan of WWE. I just started watching it a few years ago."

"Are you a Paul Heyman guy?"

I groaned at that question. I didn't want to hear her sucking up to either one of us. I had better things to do.

She shook her head. "I'm sorry but I'm not."

Paul's face turned disapproving and he dismissed her at once. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. Was she telling the truth? She had to be. Why lie about not being a Heyman guy if she was one? That didn't make sense. So she wasn't a Heyman guy. Did that mean she wasn't a fan of CM Punk? Suddenly I wanted to know and that pissed me off. I didn't want to get to know my perky too up beat neighbor.

"I'll see you later, Punk." Paul said good bye and I did the same. Ashley had already disappeared inside her own place and I was struck with wanting to know why she was outside her door when Paul was leaving. Was it just a coincidence or did she do it on purpose because she was just that damn nosy?

When I realized I was standing outside my front door, looking at Ashley's front door, looking like a complete idiot, I wanted to smack myself upside the head. I went back inside and slammed my door shut. I didn't care for my new neighbor or the fact that I was now obsessing over her. Maybe I was obsessing over the cute 'girl next door' because I was horny. Maybe if I got laid I wouldn't be obsessing over her anymore. Sounded like a plan to me.

Saturday May 18, 2013

I entered my condo with pep in my step, smacking on my gum and a smile on my face. I hated going to bars and nightclubs because I didn't drink or smoke and I didn't dance. But when a man needed to get laid, he went to bars and nightclubs. Lucky for me it didn't take but an hour of searching when I found a tall blond ready to party in my hotel room for the night. She smelled like stale cigarettes and tasted like cheap vodka, but she looked good and she just wanted to fuck. Which was what I was looking for. So I rented a hotel room for the evening because I didn't want anyone knowing where I lived and I fucked her into oblivion for over eight hours, sleeping for two of those hours.

I was now ready to start my day. I took a quick shower to wash away the night of cheap sex before I went on a quick run. Listening to my music and chewing my gum, I ran several miles before entering my place once more. The streets were busy with more activity than normal so it took longer than I would have originally liked, but I managed to get it done. I took another quick shower this time to get rid of the sweat from my run. I had just stepped out of the shower when the power went out. Luckily it was day time so I dressed by sunlight in a pair of loose fitting blue jeans and one of my Punk t-shirts.

Thirty minutes later, after making a few calls, the power was still out. I made a call to the power company and received a recorded message. Yes they know of the power outage and unfortunately it wouldn't be fixed for several hours. They were 'shooting' for the power to be fixed by five o'clock. Unfortunately for me it was only ten in the morning and I was hungry. I hadn't eaten since the night before and only then did I eat a veggie burger. After an all-night workout with Heather, I was starving. I didn't have any quick fixes like power bars or cereal. So sue me, I was a man and I hated grocery shopping. I called down to the grocery store that was conveniently located in my building and it was closed on the weekends. Shit! Now I was screwed.

Then someone knocked on my door.