A/N: So I took a break from writing to focus on other things in my life, however no matter how hard I tried to ignore this fic idea, it wouldn't leave me alone, so here we go!

Second Chance

Chapter One: History

Quinn Gallagher walked into the WWE Performance Centre a bundle of nerves. It wasn't the first time she had been in this building – she remembered the last time she left here and it was those memories that played on her nerves.

"Quinn," came a familiar voice.

The twenty-six-year-old woman turned and smiled at the person, although her smile was hesitant. She really had no idea how the days meeting would go. It was a risk she was taking, a big one, to once again uproot herself from her home town and return to Orlando, Florida for what may end up becoming a dead end of ruined dreams.

"Let's go talk," spoke the person once again.

Quinn nodded and tucked a lock of her curly, brown hair behind her ear. She followed the person along the hall and into a small meeting room – not at all surprised to see her former trainers Sara and Matthew, along with Brian the head of medical. Paul Lévesque gestured for Quinn to take a seat opposite the panel of people, while he went to sit alongside Sara.

"Good to see you again, Quinn," said Matthew.

"Thank you. It's great to see you all again as well," nodded Quinn as she placed a file on the table in front of her, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I understand you are all extremely busy people."

"It's not us who you should be thanking," said Paul before flipping open a file in front of him, "So, obviously you were with us at Florida Championship Wrestling. Unfortunately, you sustained a serious injury that impacted your career and you left… now you are back and wanting a second chance."

"Yes… and when you put it like that, it makes me sound selfish and stupid," said Quinn, drawing on her inner courage and four sets of accusing eyes looked at her, "What happened was huge for me. I didn't deal with it well in a mental sense and at the time I saw my only option was to leave. I needed time to heal mentally, emotionally and physically. I needed to rebuild myself to become a better and stronger person. Now I feel ready to tackle anything. My body is in peak physical condition. Mentally, I am healed and I have had behaviour cognitive therapy to teach myself coping skills when situations may become stressful or seemingly full on. I have all the medical records with letters from my doctors and trainers," Quinn paused in speaking and licked her lips as she sucked in a deep breath, "I know I let down a lot of people. I can apologise until I am blue in the face but that would be fruitless because I know, in myself, that I made the right choice at that point in time. I just want to prove I can be who you all said I could be in this company – a superstar. I want to surpass those expectations and break down barriers in women's wrestling, alongside Mercedes, Saraya, Ashley and Rebecca. I swear to you all, I will train hard and work hard."

Paul nodded and took the folder from Quinn, passing along the documents for everyone to read over. Quinn sat silently and remained in the room as they stood and entered another room to the side. She let out a nervous breath of air and rubbed her thumb over a tattoo on her right wrist. She didn't know how she would react if they returned and told her no. This had been her goal for the past year, to save the money, move back and get her wrestling career back on track. She knew her abrupt departure had pissed off many people, her only hope was that people understood her reasoning's behind it, even if they didn't agree with it.

After what felt like hours, the side room door opened and Paul walked out, followed by the two trainers and doctor. Quinn sat up straighter and placed her hands on her lap, gripping the hem of her skirt tightly.

"You have provided us with everything needed to show that your injuries have healed perfectly and have no effect on your in ring performance," stated Paul, "The letter from your psychologist states what your mental state was at and how far you have come. Despite the way you went about leaving originally, I agree that you made the right choice in that time."

Quinn nodded, biting the inside of her mouth as she felt her heart beating against her chest a mile a minute.

"So, where does that leave us now?" Paul paused, "I say we get you back to training here and see exactly where you are at. What do you say Matthew and Sara?"

"I agree," nodded Matthew, "You had so much potential. I'm most sure William will be ecstatic to have you back. He has always felt regret at letting you leave so easy."

Quinn smiled and let out a deep breath, "Thank you so much."

"It isn't a complete done deal yet," pointed out Paul, "All final decisions are run by Vince. I will be back to speak to you in three days. But, I expect to hear you were here at eight in the morning sharp tomorrow to begin your assessment and training. Understood?"

Quinn nodded, "I won't let you down again, Paul. I swear it."

October 2011 – Florida Championship Wrestling Centre

Quinn walked into the building a bundle of excited nerves. A month ago she had been scouted at an indie show by William Regal himself. She had signed her contract without any hesitation and left her life behind in Dayton, much to the chagrin of her parents. Only her older sister, Hanna, understood how much wrestling meant to her and supported her wholeheartedly.

"Ah, Quinn, glad you found us okay," greeted William, spotting her from where he stood next to a practice ring, "The change rooms are across the room. Get in your training gear and warm up."

Quinn nodded and thanked William before heading across the training room. There were three rings and all were in use. Those not training in the ring were working out with the equipment or gathered in a group talking with Dusty Rhodes.

"Whoa," murmured Quinn, looking at the legend in awe.

"Pretty amazing, isn't it?"

Quinn jumped with a start at a pale skinned, dark haired young woman, "Yeah… I never imagined I would ever stand in the same building as Dusty Rhodes – let alone be scouted by William Regal."

The woman grinned, "I'm Saraya Bevis. Started here a month ago."

"Quinn Gallagher."

Saraya walked with Quinn to the change rooms and once Quinn was in her training gear, led her to the warm up area.

"So who's the top talent here?" asked Quinn curiously, as she stretched out her muscles.

"Let's see… male wise, I'd say Colby Lopez and Jon Good are your top dogs. Female… it's all pretty close."

Quinn nodded and stood up as she finished her final stretch. The two walked over to William, with him grinning at the pair.

"Quinn, I see you have met Saraya. Good. You two can get in the ring. Quinn, I want you to show everyone what you've got," stated William.

Quinn nodded and climbed into the ring with Saraya.

Quinn and Saraya circled around each other before locking up. Quinn managed to pull Saraya close and knee her in the gut, forcing Saraya to break her hold and back up. Quinn ran back to the ropes and bounced off them to hit Saraya with a clothesline. Quinn rolled from the move to her feet and circled around Saraya before pulling her up and whipping her into the far corner. Quinn ran at Saraya and hit both boots to the mid-section. Quinn stood and backed up as Saraya pulled herself up. The two ran at each other and hit a clothesline at the same time.

The back and forth continued, with a crowd gathering around the ring as the two women worked and show the skills they each both possessed.

Quinn suddenly hit a top rope hurricerana, turning it into a roll up pin. William smacked the side of the ring for the one, two and three.

"Brilliant," said William, clapping, "The standard you two just displayed is what Dusty and I want the entire women's division at. You both should be proud."

Quinn leaned on the rope's breathing heavily, sharing a grin with Saraya, "I dare say you owe me a drink."

Saraya laughed, "Unfortunately I'm only nineteen. You're going to have to wait a couple of years."

"I'll hold you to it."

Quinn rolled out of the ring, nearly colliding with another person, "Sorry!"

"My fault," came a rough voice.

Quinn looked up to meet blue eyes and curly light brown hair.

"Jon," he said holding his hand out.

"Quinn," she replied shaking it.

Present - Tampa, Florida

Quinn walked into her small flat and dropped her keys and bag on the small table. She walked over to the two seater lounge and flopped down as relief flooded her body. A small giggle erupted from her as she took in the fact she was getting another shot at being part of the WWE.

As this sunk in, her phone began to ring. Quinn sat up and leaned across to the small table and fished her phone from her bag. The name 'Hanna' flashed on the screen and she answered.

"Hey Han."

"Don't just hey Han me. How did it go?"

"I go back to training and in three days find out what Vince says."

"That's great! It's a foot in the right direction."

Quinn sighed, "It is. I just hope I can live up to their expectations."

"Pish posh, Quinn. You know you can."

Quinn chuckled, "Pish posh? Is Freddie rubbing off on you some more, Han?"

Hanna snorted and Quinn burst out laughing. After another twenty minutes, Quinn ended the call and let out a sigh. Everything was going the way she wished for it to go – the real challenge would be to keep it headed in that direction.

Quinn arrived back at the NXT training centre ten minutes before she was due. She headed into the change rooms and dressed into her training gear. She tied her hair back in a tight ponytail and stood up, letting out a deep breath slowly.

As she exited the women's change room, she spotted a black haired figure walking across the training room. Quinn hastily moved over to the water station and kept her back facing the person.

"Ah, you're here."

Quinn looked up to see Sara standing beside her, "Yeah… yeah, I'm ready to go."

"Good. Warm up and meet me in ring two."

Quinn gave a nod and headed to the warm up section and got herself into the motion of getting her muscles stretched and ready to go. Once done, she walked over to the ring Sara had indicated and climbed in when given the gesture.

"Right, let's go through the basics and work our way up," instructed Sara.

Quinn gave a nod and followed each instruction Sara gave her, moving through each basic movement and increasing to the more complex ones as they went.

Two hours later Sara called for a break.

"I'm impressed," said Sara, "You're fit and I see no ring rust. Take a break and let's get you into a mock match up and see how you go. I'll get Matthew and William to watch so we can see where you are at in terms of development."

Quinn gave a nod and rolled out of the ring to come face to face with Saraya.

"Well… long time no see," said Saraya coolly.

24th November 2011 - Tampa, Florida

"This is a first for me," said Saraya as she walked up the footpath to the three-bedroom house co-wrestlers shared.

"Thanksgiving?" asked Quinn as she shifted the pie she held to ring the doorbell.

"Yep."

Quinn chuckled, "I'm sure you've heard all about the history about it. I rather like to think of it as a chance to bring people together from all walks of life and indulge in delicious food."

Before Saraya could respond the door opened with Colby Lopez greeted both women with a grin.

"Come on in. Foods nearly ready and the games on," said Colby brightly, "Ooh, what did you bake, Quinn?"

"Ah, it's Caramel Cranberry Apple Pie. A recipe from my Nanna."

Colby let out a longing groan and took the pie from Quinn and walked down the short hall and into the open plan living, dining room and kitchen, "The Gods have gifted us with dessert! Quinn brought a sweet ass pie!"

"Smell's divine!" came the feminine voice of Leighla, Colby's girlfriend, "Hi Quinn. Nice to finally meet you."

Quinn shook hands with Leighla, as did Saraya. The L-shaped room was scattered with various people from FCW, along with partners. Quinn spotted Danielle Moinet chatting with Ivelisse Velez. Quinn had spent time with both women but found she gelled better with Saraya and other male wrestlers.

"Hey."

Quinn broke from her thoughts and smiled in reply to Jon holding a beer out, "Thanks. Been here long?"

"Nah. Got here a couple of minutes before you. Long enough to know Leighla was nervous to meet you."

Quinn frowned and peered over at the beautiful, dark haired woman attached to Colby's side, "Why?"

"I think she thinks Colby has a bit of a thing for you."

Quinn had made the mistake of taking a swig of her beer as Jon spoke and coughed in shock as she nearly choked on the mouthful, "What?"

Jon chuckled, patting Quinn on the back as she wiped the beer from her face with the back of her hand.

"Just no!" said Quinn, looking at Jon in a mixture of disbelief and disgust, "Colby is like a really annoying brother to me. The guy gives me noogie's on a daily basis. I'm expecting one before the nights over."

"Oi, Quinn," said Saraya walking over with a beer of her own, "Danielle just told me Leighla thinks Colby is into you. Dani said she told Leighla you would never think of Colby that way."

"Jon just told me about Leighla. It's too gross to comprehend."

"Do you both discuss all men like this?" asked Jon in amusement.

Quinn stood on tiptoe and just managed to put her arm around Jon's shoulder's, "Aww, Jonny. We only talk like this about the special men in our life."

Both Quinn and Saraya laughed as Jon didn't know how to react and simply went with joining Joe in watching the game.

Present - Tampa, Florida

"So you just leave without a goodbye to any of us. You ignore our calls, messages, emails – everything. Do you have any idea what that was like? You were my best friend, Quinn, and I had no idea if you were okay," said Saraya, glaring at Quinn with cold brown eyes.

Quinn sucked in a deep breath, looking down at the ground before slowly looking up at Saraya, "I get it. I fucked up. I admit I fucked up. I was a terrible friend and person and I'm not going to beg for forgiveness because I don't deserve it. All I can say to you is I'm sorry."

"That's all you can say?" Saraya let out a harsh breath and ran her hand through her hair, "You could explain what the fuck happened!"

Quinn turned away and grabbed her water bottle and took a swig from it.

"Really? You're going to ignore me?"

Quinn looked at Saraya, "I don't particularly want my personal life gossip for the performance centre."

Saraya pressed her lips together in a thin line but gave a slow nod of understanding. Quinn turned away in time to see not just Sara, Matthew and William approaching the ring, but also Paul and a man with a camera.

"We're going to have you go against Kanako. Vince will be watching a live stream to assess where he feels you are at and whether you can permanently return to the WWE," explained Paul, "From what I have heard and seen I think you are better than ever, Quinn."

Quinn smiled and thanked Paul before sliding back into the ring opposite Kanako. The two women smiled at each other and quickly locked up, each pushing the other back and forth. Sara was in the ring to take on the role of the referee and the ring was surrounded by spectators, some even standing in the nearby rings to be able to see clearly.

Already rumours had circulated the performance centre as to who Quinn was, with many speculating about the well-known departure and what had caused her to randomly return.

Quinn hit Kanako with a sit out power bomb and forward rolled to her feet. She ran to the nearby turnbuckle and stepped off the bottom rope, using the force to allow her to hit Kanako with a baseball slide boot hit.

The match continued on and Quinn took a few hard hits from Kanako but continued to fight back, ducking a spinning kick from Kanako and instead hitting the woman with a fierce spear. Quinn stood and let out an animalistic yell and backed up to the turnbuckle. She climbed to the top and yelled for Kanako to get up. Kanako staggered to her feet and turned as Quinn jumped and whipped her through the hurricerana and into a roll up pin.

Sara smacked the mat with a one, two, three and Quinn stood up when it was clear she won. She helped Kanako to her feet and shook her hand.

"You're good," said Kanako.

"So are you," smiled Quinn.

Philadelphia, PA

Vince McMahon leaned back in his seat as he watched the woman smile and accept her water bottle. He turned and looked at the man beside him, who was also watching the woman intently.

"Well, she certainly is talented. That match was pay-per-view worthy," commented Vince, "You put a lot on the line to request we give her another chance, Jon."

Jonathon Good finally looked away from the screen and over at his boss, "Everyone deserves a second chance. Heck, I know I've had my fair share of them."

"I don't do second chances. I will admit, in the past I used to but I have been burnt one too many times to give anymore," replied Vince before pausing and letting out a sigh,

"Quinn was special to you, wasn't she?"

Jon opened his mouth silently before closing it and giving a short, curt nod.

December 17th 2011 - Tampa, Florida

Jon jogged over to the lonely figure sitting on the beach, staring out at the crashing waves. He sat down beside them silently and bumped his shoulder to theirs.

"Hi."

Jon frowned, hearing the lack of usual cheeriness in the voice. This was not the Quinn Gallagher he had grown close to over the last couple of months, "You okay?"

Quinn lifted her head off of her arms, which had been resting on her knees, "Just feeling homesick. It's Christmas next week and it will be my first Christmas away from my family and without snow. This weather… it isn't Christmas."

Jon peered out at the ocean and gave a slow nod, "You can't fly home?"

Quinn snorted and moved her legs to sit indian style, "Ha. My parents are pissed at me for leaving University for wrestling. I'm not welcome home."

Jon gave a slow nod, "That sucks."

"Hanna, my sister, she wants to visit me but can't afford it. Saraya is flying home… so is everyone else. It'll be just my lonesome self this year."

"Nope."

Quinn looked at Jon in confusion.

"You're coming home with me, Sunshine."

"Jon, I can't impose on your Christmas. It would be rude!"

"If my mother found out I left a friend alone for Christmas I will be made to eat on the balcony and Cincinnati is too fucking cold for that."

"Cincinnati?"

Jon nodded.

"This is too insane… I'm from Dayton," said Quinn, "How did we not know this about each other?"

"I guess we never really cared to ask."

"Jon, I couldn't impose on your Christmas. Honestly, I will be fine here. I was just having a moment of feeling sorry for myself."

"If you won't come with me, then I will be forced to stay with you."

Quinn sighed and looked at Jon in irritation, "You aren't being fair."

"I don't play fair, darlin'. I play to win."

Quinn sighed in defeat, "Fine. I'll come with you… maybe I can organise to meet up with Hanna."

Jon grinned and slung and arm around her shoulders, "Trust me. You'll enjoy yourself."

Present – Tampa, Florida

Quinn walked into the Performance Centre two days after her match. She had come in the two other days to train, always arriving early and leaving late. Both days she avoided Saraya, not wanting to cause any drama. Her focus was on getting what she wanted and only then would be face the consequences of her actions.

"Quinn," called Paul from the stairs to the side of the training floor, "Let's go talk."

Quinn adjusted the strap of her bag and followed Paul up the stairs and into the same meeting room as when she originally returned.

"Take a seat, Quinn," said Paul.

Quinn sat down and let out a deep breath.

"Let me first say you have impressed me these past few days. I know coming back here hasn't been easy for you but you have shown true determination to get what you want and your skills have improved since I last saw you."

"Thank you," said Quinn.

"Vince was also impressed with what he saw and what he has heard. However, Vince isn't one to give second chances. He used to, but he says he got burnt too many times."

"Oh… I-I see."

"Vince doesn't want you to be on NXT."

"O-okay. Thank you," said Quinn, barely managing to hold herself together.

"Vince says if you are wanting to prove you deserve another shot, you are going to earn the respect and the fans by going directly to the main roster of Smackdown."

Quinn looked at Paul blankly, "What?"

"You're going to Smackdown. For the next two weeks you will work with William and Sara on your character, moves, outfit, music. After which you will meet with Mark Carrano and discuss your story line. You will be on a six-month contract. After six month Vince, Shane, Mark and I will meet and discuss your progress and whether you have truly earned your second chance."

"Wow… umm… I-I don't know what to think or feel… I mean, thank you. Thank you so much," stammered Quinn as Paul slid the six-month contract over to her.

"Read this over and sign it if you agree with it. I'll be in my office. Just bring it to me when you're ready. Congratulations Quinn. You sure do have someone keeping an eye out on you."

A/N: So… there's the first chapter… Review?