Not Staying In
"Nikki? Are you ready yet?." Stephanie asked as she walked into the bedroom she shared with her girlfriend. She had hoped to find her dressed, make up done and ready to leave, but her hopes were dashed. Nikki was sitting on the bed, dressed only in her bra and panties, although her hair and make up were finished, and as far as Stephanie was concerned, she looked beautiful.
Nikki was staring across the room, not at anything in particular, which she continued to do for several moments until she realised she wasn't alone in the room any more.
Stephanie got on the bed and, coming up behind Nikki, wrapped her arms around her neck, gently resting her cheek on the top of Nikki's head.
"You know how sexy you are to me, especially half dressed, but the Uber is going to be here soon, and you kinda need to be fully dressed if we are going to go out."
Nikki reached up and held Stephanie's hand in hers. "I'm sorry. I'm just really nervous about this."
"About going to dinner? Honey, I take you out all the time don't I? I treat you like the queen you are and you always have a good time right?"
"Of course, but this is different, tonight's a big deal, it's not just us, the guys are coming, and bringing their partners. They have no idea that we invited them all out so we can tell them, you know, about us." Nikki's breathing got heavier as she finished the sentence, and Stephanie realised straight away.
Nikki found herself get turned around so the two of them were facing each other. Stephanie took both of her hands in her own and held them tight as she talked.
"No, they don't. So if you are having second thoughts about everything, and really don't want to give me what I asked for, then you need to say so." Stephanie's tone got more serious as she spoke.
Nikki found herself scared by that tone. "No, my love, no. I want everything you've offered me, and everything you've given me, and I promise I always will. I never thought you'd ask me to move in with you so soon, but it's all I wanted since we got together. I truly love you Steph, I want to be yours for the rest of my life." Nikki moved in for a kiss, and Stephanie was happy to oblige as they kissed in a manner that made them both feel excited and relaxed, all at the same time, as nearly all their kisses made them feel.
"So you see, we have to do this. When people see that we have the same mailing address, questions are going to get asked, and people are going to figure out that we are together and that we are in love. I don't want to get randomly accused of something, like I've committed a crime. And I don't care what most people say, but AJ and Seth are people we are with all these hours every week. They deserve to know first."
Nikki nodded, you're right, but I'm really nervous. Not all that long ago, I was only into guys. If someone told me that within a matter of months, I'd be going to dinner for the purpose of, well..." Nikki trailed off as she searched for words.
"Coming out?" Steph suggested, getting a nod as Nikki looked down at the bed.
"Well yeah, I guess that's exactly what I'm doing. After tonight, as far as anyone's concerned, I'm a lesbian, and I'd never have believed it. I haven't told anyone, not even my family. Really, the only one who knows how I feel about you Steph, is you."
"And I can say the same to you. I've never gone public with my sexuality, but I've never looked to move in officially with someone before either. So we need to take this next step, it's just part of our relationship growing. Think of the good side of it. Don't you want to be able to hold my hand in public, kiss me when you think nobody's looking, and call me your girlfriend? After this we can do that properly. I want to show you off to the world. You have given me the confidence to scream 'This is Nikki Bella, she is my girlfriend, and I love her!' So you see, I'm in the same boat as you tonight, and there is nobody else I would want to be there with me."
"I wouldn't want to be with anyone else either." Nikki could feel herself turning red so she looked away, hoping she wouldn't be spotted.
"Aww, you're blushing. Come here." Stephanie brushed Nikki's hair behind her ear and kissed her delicately on the cheek, then on her neck. "Now you only have one thing left to do before we go."
"Yeah, what's that?" Nikki asked with a smirk, tingling from the kisses.
"You need to get dressed!" Stephanie laughed as Nikki realised she was still half naked. "I'm the only one that gets to see you in your underwear, that's not changing, not tonight, not ever." Nikki quickly slid into her dress and shoes and they were soon on their way.
Nikki and Steph were the last ones to arrive at the restaurant. Their team from work had chosen not to wait and already had drinks.
"Thanks for waiting Seth, you were that desperate for a drink?" Stephanie asked in joking manner.
"Hey, you were the ones who took forever to get here. What takes women so long to get ready?"
"Hey! I don't take that long." Paige, Seth's girlfriend said, as she took his arm and held onto it tight.
"True, I lucked out there." Seth shrugged.
"Hi Paige, how are you?" Stephanie asked.
"Yeah, ok thanks." Paige said, trying to hide the fact she was more than a little wary of Stephanie thanks to an encounter they had before. Even though she worked in the same company as her boyfriend and Stephanie, she chose to keep her distance. Stephanie knew secrets about her that could wreck her career and her life, and her behaviour had frightened her to all known levels, but she had been invited to the dinner, and not attending could have had worse results for her. Even then she squirmed from the conversation.
"Hi, you finally made it." AJ said as he joined the group. "Took you long enough, why does it take women so..."
"Already made that joke bro, don't get yourself in trouble too." Seth laughed, as they all did.
"Yeah, and you know it's worth it when I take my time." A tall blonde put her arm around AJ, kissing him on the cheek.
"Wow, AJ, is this...?" Nikki started.
"Oh I forgot, you haven't met my wife, Nikki, this is Charlotte. Char, this is Nikki." AJ made the introductions. "And before you say it, I've heard them all. I'm batting above my average, punching above my weight, all of them. I know I'm a lucky guy. We've been married nearly three years now. One day I'm worried she'll realise it too and then I'll be in trouble."
They all laughed as Charlotte kissed her husband once again. "Never, my love."
Before anyone could say anything else they head someone call out. "Bella-McMahon, party of six?"
"Here!" Stephanie called back. Everyone knew what it meant and made their way towards the host who called them. Nikki whispered into Stephanie's ear.
"Bella-McMahon?"
"Yeah, your name does come first alphabetically. Didn't you like it?"
"No, I loved it. Its what my name could change to if you married me. I want to kiss you so bad right now."
"Me too babe, soon ok?" Stephanie smiled to herself, partly because she had the same thought about the Bella-McMahon name, partly from Nikki talking about them being married.
They were seated by the host and drink orders were taken quickly and efficiently. The circular table quickly proved to be a negative aspect for Paige and Charlotte as the conversation quickly turned to talking shop. Paige did work for the same company, but being from the Human Resources department, had no idea about the creative processes the other four were into. Charlotte was even less with it, she managed a large gym and taught a lot of classes. It kept her in shape, but as she tried to listen, she kept sharing a look of confusion with Paige, the two laughing quietly every time they did, until the blonde had reached her limit.
"AJ, honey. No more work talk, all right?" By taking her hand and putting it on his, she gained his attention. Paige did the same, but got Seth's attention by putting her hand on his upper leg. The entire table heard the crash of his knee jumping up in shock and hitting the table from below. It was a miracle none of the drinks spilled.
"You ok there Seth? You've gone red all of a sudden. AJ couldn't help but laugh at his colleagues embarrassment. The entire table joined in with the laughter, but the arrival of their food turned laughing to chewing. The restaurant wasn't cheap, but the food was excellent and became the subject of many quieter conversations. Eventually plates were cleaned and pushed away to the sound of satisfied groans and grunts.
"Hi, are we all done?" The waiter asked and then began clearing. When he was done he quickly returned to them. "Would you like to see a dessert menu?"
"This place does the most amazing New York Cheesecake." Charlotte was quick to point out. "I shouldn't, but one dessert won't ruin me, I'll just run an extra mile on the treadmill tomorrow."
"That does sound good, but sir, before we order, could we have a bottle of the..." Stephanie pointed to the item on the list, not wanting to say it, but the waiter had other ideas.
"The Dom Perignon? Absolutely ma'am, right away." and he hurried off.
"Dom? That's really expensive Steph, what are you doing?" AJ asked.
"Don't worry everyone, it's on me, the whole dinner is on me." Steph replied confidently.
"That's good of you, but why? You never did say why you wanted us all to go out to dinner tonight. You insisted on it being tonight, and now champagne? I'm with AJ on this, what's going on?" Seth asked as the champagne arrived. Once it was opened, and the glasses were handed out, Stephanie took a look at Nikki. She got an instant reminder of why she was doing what she was about to do. Nikki looked so pretty, all made up and playing with her champagne glass. She was her angel, and she'd be going home with her every day and night from now on. She could tell the world now, and only because of her love.
"Well, actually there is a reason. There's something that I want to say, and I wanted you guys to be the first to here it." Steph saw Nikki looking down, nervous and going red. Nikki then looked up when Stephanie paused and gave her a smile as a sign that she can continue.
"So, yeah, um, what it is, is that as of about 2-3 o' clock today. Nikki and I, have officially moved in together." Stephanie braved herself for a reaction, but didn't expect what she actually got.
Silence.
She looked at the faces starring back at her. AJ and Charlotte hadn't changed their expression at all. In fact, they were waiting for her to say something else, like what she said was nothing, and certainly not the announcement the champagne was for. Seth just looked confused at the information. Paige however, seemed to be, and was, the only one who realised exactly what she was saying. For her, it all made sense. It brought together so many things about Stephanie's odd behaviour, and why she didn't want any of it to become public knowledge. Paige sat there wide eyed with a huge, but warm, smile on her face.
"Nobody has anything to say?" Stephanie said, a little disheartened. She was about to sit down when Seth spoke up.
"I don't know what you want us to say. I mean, if you guys want to be roommates then go for it, but I'd have thought you see enough of each other at work, and don't get why you have one it. I mean, I know how much money you make, because you each make what I make, even bonuses are split evenly. Any of us make more than enough to be able to pay rent, or a mortgage on a good size house. Are either of you having money trouble? If so, tell us, if I can help I will."
Seth was going to continue, but Paige tugged on his shirt. "Seth, stop. They aren't living together because of money trouble. They want to do this." Seth still didn't understand, looking between his girlfriend, then Nikki, then Stephanie.
"She's right. Nikki and I, we aren't just living together. We are, well, just together." Stephanie felt strange, spelling it out the way she was, but now she was making progress. Slowly, and almost in unison, AJ and Charlotte figured it out. They looked at each other first, then at Stephanie and Nikki.
"Well I'm happy for you both." Charlotte raised her glass and took a drink.
AJ was slower to respond. "Wow, I mean, that's not what I was expecting. I mean, Steph, we've known you for ages. You never said anything, never gave me any idea."
"I know, I wasn't ready to admit it to you till now. I'm sorry if you feel misled or deceived, but this is who I am."
"Who we are." Nikki added. Stephanie let her heart skip a beat at that moment. Nikki had a look of love as she took Stephanie's face in her hands and kissed her deeply. Any confusion that may have existed disappeared immediately as all of the others at their table, and quite a few from other tables, stared at them.
"You're...you're lesbians?" Seth asked, with as much tact as a sledgehammer to the face. His tone wasn't one of approval.
"If you want to label us, then I guess we are." Steph said with a smile as she looked into Nikki's eyes."
"As long as you're both happy, then good for you. I found the one for me, I hope it works out for you." AJ said, getting a kiss on the cheek from Charlotte for it.
"Me too, you two just seem right together." Paige said as Nikki held Stephanie tight, feeling really comfortable with her and relieved that it was going so well.
"Right? You're joking aren't you babe?" Seth said with an uncomfortable level of bite in his voice now. "There's nothing right here. These are people who I work with and care about, and they are deluding themselves with some delusion that they are in love? I mean, how can they be? This isn't love. What AJ and Charlotte have is love. I honestly think I'm falling in love with you, and if you feel the same, then that's what we have too. But them? It's not love. It's not real."
"Real? What are you talking about?" AJ said, unable to believe what he had heard.
"This, I mean, look at them, they aren't in love, no matter what they want to believe or what they tell us. I don't know how couples like this come about, but they simply don't last. Never have and never will. It might last a few more months, or even a year or two, but it will end. One of them, probably Nikki, as she's the one who's having to make changes in her life by being the one moving, will realise that this isn't who they are, and this isn't what they want, that they are living a lie and just as quickly, it will all be over. If they are going to choose to be gay, and to be together, they are setting themselves up for a fall, and that's the sort of fall that is going to wreck our team, and that messes with my money and my life, so I can't sit here and pretend that this is all ok.
Nikki stood up from her chair, trying to find the words, but instead all she could do was walk up to the man who had just insulted her and when she got to him she felt her anger take over and without thinking, she threw the nearest glass of water in Seth's face.
"How dare you! Do you know how hard it was for us to face you all tonight? We wanted to tell you first because of how close we are to the two of you, because you matter to us. And you say that how we feel about each other is fake? You don't know a damn thing about us! Stephanie is the best thing ever to happen to me, I love her more than I've ever loved anything. I'm moving in with her to spend the rest of my life with her. You've known about us for five minutes, so don't pretend you have the first clue about us or our future!" Paige gently pulled Nikki back before she could get more angry, but that gave Seth the chance to retaliate.
"You don't know as much as you think you do about your so called 'relationship' Nikki. How many old lesbian couples do you know? They all end, sooner rather than later I'm sure. If you think about it hard enough, you'll realise I'm right and that I'm doing you a favour by helping you realise it. I know it's true, you know it's true soon, and from the look of it, Stephanie already knows it or she'd be here arguing alongside you."
Nikki turned around and saw that Stephanie's chair was empty. "Where did she go?" She asked the group, but got nothing but blank responses. Nikki felt like someone tightened a vice around her stomach and although she had a desire to slap Seth's face off his body, she focused on the more important issue and hurried out of the room. Paige had no such decision to make and struck her boyfriend, with the slap making a noise so loud people outside would have heard it. "You think about what your outlook on life. Now I have to look back at the first time you said you loved me being tarnished with your homophobic bullshit. You know what Seth, I love you too, but if you don't get your head out of your ass about this, we are done. So think about it."
Paige then got up and left, AJ and Charlotte following on, leaving Seth at the table alone for a minute, until the manager came over to give him the bill. "But..." was all Seth could say before he realised why he was alone at the table, and got out his credit card.
Nikki found Steph at the entrance area of the restaraunt, now empty as nobody was waiting for a table anymore. "Stephanie!" Nikki cried out, getting her love to turn and see her before continuing to the door. Nikki had to take her shoes off to cover the distance in time as Stephanie was trying to hail a taxi. "Steph, what are you doing? Where are you going?"
Stephanie tried to speak without emotion, but Nikki could hear it in every word. "I'm going home, alone, apparently,I have to get used to it."Nikki tried to respond, but Stephanie didn't give her a chance. "I never asked for anything from you Nikki, nothing. Nothing but your love, and I thought you,really meant it when you gave yourself to me, but I guess you were just saying it. If you were just going to change your mind and walk out on me one day, why did you ever come back after doing it the first time. You know how much pain I suffered when you did, and you promised me you would never make me feel like that again."
"Steph, stop, please. I meant every word I've said to you, I love you."
"Then why do I feel it now!?" Stephanie screamed. Nikki heard the pain in her voice as every word cracked. "I can't let you do this to me a second time. If you are going to decide I'm not what you want one day, that they way I feel about you is some lie, despite everything I do to show you it isn't, then you might as well just start now."
"W-what? Steph you aren't thinking clearly, take a breath and calm down, let's just go home." Nikki started breathing heavily, beginning to panic.
"No, it's not your home. Why you even moved your stuff in I don't know, but you better not come pick it up yourself. You need to stay away from me. I don't even know how I'm going to deal with you being at the same desk, when I love you,as much as I have always done. Now I can't look at you anymore."
Stephanie, tears flowing, walked away from Nikki, spotting a taxi across the road. She jogged across, that being the fastest speed she could manage in her dress and heels. Nikki went after her, grabbing her arm as she opened the taxi door, blocking her from getting in.
"Stephanie, we have to talk about this. Please don't go, I don't want you to go."
Stephanie kept crying as she tried to get Nikki's arm off her, succeeding and forcefully shoving Nikki down. "You don't want what I want, so I don't care anymore, just get away from me!" Nikki fell into the road as the taxi disappeared with Stephanie crying into the seat.
Nikki ignored the car horns as the cars drove around her, not moving until Paige came out behind her. "Nikki, what are you doing in the middle of the road? You're going to get hurt."
Nikki allowed Paige to pick her up from the road but then she threw her arms around her and began loudly sobbing. "You should let me get hurt, I've got nothing now. I've lost everything."
"What are you talking about, you haven't lost everything."
"I have, she told me to stay away. She broke up with me. I don't know what I'm going to do. I've got nothing left." Paige hugged Nikki as she bawled. AJ and Charlotte joined them as this happened.
"It's going to be ok. She loves you too much, I've seen it. You have to go to her. You got a car?" She asked to nods.
"I drove, never drank the champagne." Charlotte said.
"Great, Nikki, we are taking you home. Prepare yourself to fight for your life."
Nikki sniffed and nodded. "I have to get her back, I love her."
A/N: Thanks for reading, and if you've read the previous stories from this, welcome back. If not it's all under my profile.
This was meant to be a one shot, but there's a lot left so it seemed best to split it in half. I hope you've enjoyed it so far and come back for the finale. See you then.