She's So High
Another short Sharona/Sheamus story. I know that in 'Whatever Else Happens', I said that Shar and Shay had never previously spoken to each other, so I guess you could call this an AU. The timeline is not canon, by the way. Title and lyrics taken from 'She's So High' by Tal Bachman.
'She's blood, flesh and bone,
No tucks or silicone-
She's touch, smell, sight, taste and sound.
But somehow I can't believe that anything should happen.
I know where I belong, and nothing's gonna happen...'
SmackDown, 25 May, 2012
There was a time, not very long ago, when Sheamus had actively disliked John Cena. After all, he had won his very first WWE Championship, under admittedly murky circumstances, from the West Newbury, Massachusetts native. And those derogatory remarks Cena had made about Sheamus' complexion had only riled the Irishman further at the time.
'Human jar of mayonnaise', indeed.
Things had changed since then, though. Back then, Sheamus had been a rookie, determined to make a name for himself. Now, as a two-time WWE Champion and current reigning World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus found he could relax more-he had little else to prove.
And, if he was honest, he kind of liked Cena now. He certainly respected him.
So, when Cena was jumped by Tyler Reks, Curt Hawkins, Titus O' Neil and Darren Young during a match against David Otunga on this week's RAW, yes, he decided to go charging out there to help.
And if that eejit Executive Vice President of Arseholes, John Laurinaitis was standing on the ramp, in the way, well then, he deserved to be elbowed out of the way.
After all, this was the same man who had fined him half a million dollars for Brogue Kicking a referee.
Only now, four days later, Laurinaitis was demanding an apology.
Tempting as it was to tell Big Johnny to shove his demands up his arse, the man was in charge. He had the ability to fire Sheamus-and he had worked too hard to get here, to let that happen...
/
Sharona was furious. Truthfully, she'd always hated John Laurinaitis-just as she hated any douchebag in a suit who tried to tell her what to do-but his treatment of her friend John Cena was absolutely uncalled for.
John was, as Sharona liked to say, 'good people'; he was kind, humble and trustworthy, and worked extremely hard. But Laurinaitis seemed to have it in for him, putting him in ridiculous matches where the odds were hopelessly stacked against him, and generally tried to make his life miserable.
Of course, he treated her dearest friend, CM Punk, Phil Brooks, the same way, but Punk, the Master of the 'Pipebomb', was constantly riling the Executive VP of Talent Relations anyway. That was just how he was-like her, he had a real problem with being bossed around.
Especially by some ex-wrestler with an inferiority complex who had never been over as a performer.
Sharona guessed that Big Johnny had a chip on his shoulder the size of a mountain, because he had never known the success and popularity Phil and John had.
And now, he seemed to be picking on the World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus.
It was true that, not all that long ago, Sheamus wasn't the nicest of people, to say the least. When he had debuted, he'd been heartless, cruel and utterly without mercy, not caring who he trampled all over, on his way to the top.
But gradually, after holding the WWE Championship twice, and the US Championship, after attaining success a lot of wrestlers could only dream of, something seemed to change within the Irishman. As he earned respect, the fans began to cheer for him as well-and he embraced them.
Basically, the guy grew up.
Sharona didn't know much about Sheamus, but when she saw him now, he always had a friendly smile and a greeting for her-a far cry from the guy he used to be.
But she felt that Laurinaitis' treatment of him was totally unfair. Fining the guy an astronomical half a million dollars for kicking a ref was just ludicrous.
And now, this childish demand for an apology.
Johnny had serious issues...
/
'She's so high, high above me-
She's so lovely.
She's so high, Like Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or Aphrodite.
She's so high, high above me...'
'You're not really gonna apologize, are you?'
Sheamus had been sitting on a stack of crates in the corridor, his World Heavyweight Title on his lap, his mind on this so-called apology he was being ordered to offer Laurinaitis.
So, when the unexpected female voice burst through his thoughts, he started and looked up, to see Sharona staring down at him.
He knew who the lass was, of course-he'd watched her on TV before he ever got into wrestling, had always thought her incredibly beautiful, with her dark Latin looks, but also tough as nails.
He'd never exchanged more than a couple of words with her, maybe a 'Hello' or 'How's the goin'?', and she wasn't exactly the kind of girl who would typically give him so much as a second glance, so why was she here now?
After taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he threw Sharona a smile and said, 'Why, ya don't think I should, lass?'
Sharona scoffed, as the amiable Irishman smiled at her. She had to admit, he had a cute smile.
Oh, come on, girl, she thought. The guy's got a cute face. Period.
'You haven't done anything to warrant an apology.' She replied firmly. 'John Laryngitis just likes throwing his considerable weight around.'
Sheamus grinned. 'Well', he said. 'If I don't apologize to that gobshite, he could fire me.'
Sharona frowned. She had no earthly idea what 'gobshite' meant, but she had a feeling it wasn't complimentary.
'He won't fire you.' She retorted. 'He can't afford to fire you. You're over with the fans, and you're the World Heavyweight Champion. Which is kind of the problem.'
Off Sheamus' curious look, she elaborated, 'He's jealous, Sheamus. You achieved more in two years than he did in his entire career. You're successful. You're popular. So is John. So is Punk. It eats him up inside, and so he's trying to compensate for his failures by ordering people around. You did nothing wrong. And even if you did...I can't think of many people who would argue about it.'
Sheamus absorbed Sharona's words, nodding. The lass obviously knew what she was talking about-then again, she'd been here a lot longer than him.
With a smile, he asked, 'Does that mean he's jealous of you too, lass?'
Sharona didn't answer for a moment; staring into that open, kind face, she marveled again at the difference in him. He had definitely matured in two years.
Shrugging, she replied, 'He's jealous of anyone who's successful. Doesn't matter what gender they are. That's why he's demanding this stupid apology.'
'He was in the way.' Sheamus told her. 'I just wanted to help John, is all.'
'Sweetie,' Sharona said with a grin. 'Laurinaitis has been in the way ever since he got here.'
Sheamus threw his head back and bellowed with hearty laughter. 'That's very true, lass.' He agreed. 'But...I don't see how I have a choice.'
He had to suppress a shiver when Sharona laid a casual hand on his arm. It wasn't the first time a woman had touched him, but she was so beautiful-lasses who looked like her didn't normally give fellas like him the time of day. And he'd have to be blind not to be attracted to her.
Of course he was.
Jaysus, lad, calm down, he scolded himself. The girl's only being friendly. She touches your arm, and yer thinking she's coming on to ya, or something!
'You do what you think's right, man.' Sharona told him. 'Whatever you decide to do, you got my support.'
Sheamus thanked her sincerely and watched her leave, unable to tear his gaze from her retreating back. Finally, as she retreated down the corridor, he forced himself to look away, scolding himself again.
He had an apology to prepare.
Or did he?...
Coming up: Shay's 'apology'. And a growing closeness. This is going to be two or three chapters, max. Can be read as a prequel to WEH, or a standalone. Entirely up to you good folks. Please R&R. :) Ellen