Adrian's POV
Sami and I have been like brothers. Travelling around and wrestling in different federations, always waiting for our big break. Seven years ago, we were performing with the PWG federation. It wasn't anything like WWE, but it gave us a chance to perform and that's what we loved. Sami and I are very different characters. Sami is more of the ground and technical wrestler whereas I am known for my quick and high-flying moves. I guess I am also well known for my great looks and amazing accent. I'm not bragging, it's just what I have been told; especially by the few female wrestlers on the roster. Sami has always been jealous of me for this. He hates the way that I am get a girls' attention and how they are so into me so quickly. Sami doesn't have that kind of luck. Anytime he and I would go out for drinks, he instantly knew that I would be leaving the establishment with at least three new phone numbers. Sami, for all of his efforts, would not get a one.
Sami had a run of bad luck with women for a few years up until he met a young lady that came to one of the shows. Her name was Merissa. She was a cute little thing. Big blue eyes, chestnut brown hair, decent figure. Very nice girl. I was very happy that Sami had finally found someone that made him happy. They were very happy for a few years, until his words, I ruined his life. I don't consider that I ruined his life. I saved my friend from a big mistake. Merissa wasn't who she portrayed herself to be. She was a ring rat. She wanted to date wrestlers to see if she could get ahead or see what she could get from them. She flirted with practically everyone on the roster, all of which was behind Sami's back. And yes, she flirted with me. I flirted back. I couldn't help it. She was a very cute girl. I liked her and she liked me. I told her that we couldn't date or anything if she was still going to be with Sami. So, she broke it off with him. Just like that in order to be with me. I admit, I wasn't thinking about my friend initially, I was happy that I got the girl that liked me as well. But when I thought about Sami, I figured that I was doing him a favor. Why would he want to spend his life with a girl like that? A girl that flirted with everyone and was willing to cheat on him?
Sami, of course refused to see it that way. He saw it as his best friend stolen his girlfriend from him. Plain and simple. I tried to explain myself but he didn't want to hear it. SO yeah, our friendship suffered greatly because of this, but in a way, I didn't care. I had the girl that I wanted, and I knew in the back of my mind that eventually Sami would get over this and he and I would be friends again. And he did, took him a little while, but he did finally show signs that he was over it. Of course, the little fact that Merissa and I had broken up probably had something to do with it as well. So be it. In the end, Merissa and I weren't the right fit, we had a good run, don't get me wrong and I enjoyed my time with her…and I still saved my friend from a huge mistake, so in a way, it was a win-win.
Sami's POV
You know the saying: 'Nice guys finish last'? Yeah, I am pretty sure that it was written for me. I am the ultimate nice guy that always ends up getting screwed over…and the sad thing is that I got the ultimate screw over from my best friend.
Seven years ago, Adrian and I were wrestling together in PWG doing what we loved for not a lot of money, hoping that one day a huge name company would come and scoop us up. Seeing Adrian and I together, anyone would instantly label Ben as the good looking one. He was younger than me, 21, had long hair and of course, the accent. Everyone loved the accent. And then there is me. Two years older, with red hair and a red beard. Yup. I'm a ginger. A ginger from Montreal. Anytime Adrian and I would go out somewhere, he would always get the ladies. Every single time! I could say the nicest, sweet things and it wouldn't matter. All Adrian had to do was flash that smile and say something with that accent and that was it. He had another telephone number. But finally, one day my luck changed. Her name was Merissa. Merissa was beautiful and she was interested in me! Me, the red headed Canadian nice guy! I was head over heels in love with Merissa. She loved wrestling, she would watch my matches. Everything was perfect. I had even saved money for months to buy an engagement ring. I just knew that Merissa was the one that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And then something happened. Or should I say, someone happened. Adrian Neville happened. I still don't know how it happened and I really never wanted to ask how or why but somehow, my best friend basically stole my girlfriend from me. All of a sudden, Marissa didn't feel the same way about me like I felt with her. I was moving too fast. She wanted to date other people and lo and behold, that other person was my best friend. I was crushed. Devastated. Once again, the nice guy lost to the handsome, smooth talking pretty boy.
I was very upset with Ben for a long time. The worst part was that he swore that he was doing me a favor! 'If she is willing to cheat on you with your best friend, she would cheat on you with anybody.' Oh yeah, that made me feel a lot better. Our friendship suffered. It was pretty much at the point that we worked together and that was it. Nothing more. Ben and I eventually left PWG and went onto other organizations, eventually meeting back up in Japan for a few years. I was still bitter over what had happened with him and Marissa. We worked for a while trying to rebuild our friendship, eventually we did but it would really never be the same as it was all those years ago. He may have forgotten, but I hadn't. Although, I must say that when I found out that he and Marissa didn't work out, I was very happy. I wasn't sure of the details of the breakup but hey, maybe she cheated on him?
Advance to 2013 and Adrian and I were finally in the big leagues. We were both competing on NXT, WWE's developmental territory. The energy in Full Sail, where we performed, was off the charts. I am super popular with the fans, they are always cheering me on. Adrian is also pretty over with the fans, but of course he is. Everyone loves a jumpy high-flyer. I was having incredible matches on NXT but Adrian was always one step ahead of me. He was currently in the running for the NXT Championship, something that I longed to have but there was hope, I was informed that I was going to be in a Beat the Clock challenge for the number one contender spot for the title…along with Adrian. Of course. I was determined to finally have something over him. The nice guy had to finally win.
2013 Present Time
Chapter One
"Girl, how did you manage to get me backstage like this? I'm not even signed yet!"
"Well, I am signed and considering that one things are settled for you, you will be signed too. And besides, it's not that big of a deal."
I looked at my best friend and basically my sister, Liz Mahone. She knew that I couldn't wait to sign with WWE and start my wrestling career in NXT. It had been a dream of mine and I was determined to reach it. I could have signed the same day with Liz but I had gotten a call the day before saying that my grandpa was going into hospice and was on his last legs. I was very close to him so I put my dream on hold and rushed back home to take care of him the best that I could. I remember the last time that I talked to him. He looked me right into my eyes and made me promise him that I wouldn't let this deter me. That I would continue to fight for my dreams and make him proud. I gave him my word. 10 minutes later, he was gone.
"Well, either way, I am glad that you brought me here. This is insane! Being backstage at NXT."
"Just think: one day, we will both be here, kicking ass." Liz laughed.
"Well of course. What else is there?" Liz and I continued to walk backstage, introducing me to some of the talent. They were for the most part very nice to me and welcoming of me whenever I did sign. We continued to walk until we reached an area where a couple of guys were standing discussing something. One looked up and saw Liz and instantly stopped talking to the other.
"Liz!"
"Hey there Sami!" Liz said giving the guy that whose name I guessed was Sami a hug.
"You not wrestling tonight?"
"Nah, I asked for the evening off. I decided to show my sister the sights back here."
The guy looked at me and smiled. "I didn't know you had a sister."
"Well, not blood sisters but we might as well be. We have been though everything together."
"Care to introduce me?"
"Of course, Leyna, meet Sami Zayn, my best guy friend here. Sami, meet my sister and soon to be tag team partner, Leyna McDaniels."
I smiled warmly at Sami. "Nice to meet you."
"Very nice to meet you, Leyna." Sami smiled and his eyes twinkled a bit. I felt my cheeks grow a little warm. "So, soon to be tag team partner, huh? You going to be our newest NXT diva signing?"
"Very soon. I have a few more things to take care of at home and then I will be ready. The agents here have been very understanding."
"Yeah, we have a great group of people behind the scenes. So, what's your wrestling style?"
"Powerhouse. No question. I'm not into the frilly bubbles and happiness. I am here to kick some ass."
Sami laughed and nodded in approval. "I like to hear that. I think you will fit in nicely here. Can't wait to see you in action."
"Same here."
"Well, you are in luck," Liz interjected 'Sami's actually on the card tonight. So you will be able to see the crowd go insane for him…or should I say 'InZayn.'"
"You're funny, Liz."
"It's the truth. The Full Sail crowd absolutely loved this guy right here. They are always behind him."
"Well, I feel bad for whoever is going against you tonight," I said. "You've got the crowd behind you."
"Oh, I'm not too worried about that at all." I looked over Sami's shoulders and my eyes locked on who had just spoke. It was the guy that Sami was talking to earlier. "I think I have a very good chance out there."
"Of course you think that, Adrian." Liz said rolling her eyes and laughing with Sami.
"Instead of laughing, Liz, you could be introducing me to this ravishing young lady standing in front of me."
I instantly blushed. "I-I'm Leyna. Soon to be signed NXT Diva."
"And I am Adrian Neville. Soon to be NXT Champion." Adrian took my hand and kissed it gently. I felt my knees go slightly weak. Adrian was quite a looker. Long brown hair, shiny brown eyes, a killer smile and the accent! Oh god, the accent! "So, soon to be signed Diva?"
"Yes, that's right. I have a few things to take care of and then I will be here training fulltime."
"Well, that is great. You will be a breath of beautiful fresh air in the division."
"Oh, gee thanks, Adrian." Liz said shortly
"You know what I meant, Liz. You are awesome and Leyna here will be a great addition." Adrian smiled that gorgeous smile at me. I gave it to him right back. I glanced quickly at Sami, who had a slight scowl on his face. I glanced at Liz who looked at me and looked and Sami.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Liz said "well, we should let you guys get back to discussing your match. We will be out there watching you."
"It was nice to meet you, Sami." I smiled.
"Same here,"
"Leyna, before we go, are you doing anything after the show tonight?" Adrian asked
"Um, I don't think so," I looked over at Liz and watched her deeply sigh. "Probably just hang out somewhere with Liz. Why do you ask, Adrian?"
"Well, if you would like, I would love to have a drink or two with you later."
"Oh wow, really?"
"Of course. Meet me back here after the show and we will get it planned out."
"Okay, sounds great!"
"Excellent. I will talk to you later on," Adrian gave me a wink before walking about over to where he and Sami were talking.
"Liz, where's the restrooms, here?" I asked
"Down the hall, two doors on the left."
"Cool, thanks. Be right back." I walked down the hall to the bathroom, leaving Liz and Sami in the hall.
"I swear, there are times where I really hate Adrian…like right now."
"I love you both, you know that."
"I know but…why does he always have to stick his nose where it doesn't belong."
"He's Adrian Neville. That's kinda what he does."
"Damn it, I know she was into me…until he showed up and of course, pulled his Adrian Neville tricks."
"Sami, don't worry. I know Leyna. She is my sister. You are more her type."
"Yeah? Then why is she going to have drinks with Adrian after the show?"
"Honestly. I think she was just overwhelmed by everything and just accepted. I'm sure if you had asked her the same question, she would have accepted from you."
"Yeah but I am not that kind…I just met her, it's seems kind of rude to just ask her out like that."
"Sami, you are so damn sweet. But when it comes to something like this, you can't be sweet. You gotta fight for what you want. You think you would like Leyna?" Liz asked
"Yeah, she seems like a really great girl. Very beautiful."
"Well, I will give you this little bit of advice. If you want Leyna to notice you, you are gonna have to outshine Adrian. Get her to see you."
"Outshine, Neville? Easier said than done."
