Dear readers, the themes in this story are strong. It deals with abuse in many different forms. Readers discretion is advised. Abuse is never okay in any sense of the word. If you find yourself or anyone in an abusive situation, reach out to someone that can help you or that person. There is always someone who is there for you. In addition, Sasha's Banks' husbands, Sarath Ton, name is used for added realism, however this story is obviously completely FICTIONAL, and the abusive situation created is for the sake of the story. There is no doubt in my mind Sarath Ton is a wonderful human being and a great husband, just for the sake of this story, however, he isn't portrayed that way. Enough of this, though, please enjoy the first chapter of 'Mind Over Matter.'
Seth shook his head. "Probably just from a match," he whispered under his breath as he peered across the hallway.
"Huh?" Dean asked him as he turned his attention from the RAW promo he was looking over to his friend and Shield brother, Seth Rollins, staring off down the hallway. "What the hell you looking..." Dean's eyesight followed Seth's. Followed it right to Sasha Banks. "At."
"You see that bruise, Ambrose?" Dean looked confused at Seth, exchanging glances between the Boss and the Architect.
"And they call me crazy?" Dean said to himself before responding to his friends question. "What bruise?"
Seth pointed as discrete as he could at Sasha. Dean again followed Seth's lead. Right at the point where Sasha's T-shirt sleeve ended, the edge of what would have to be a large black and blue mark was visible.
"You think that came in-ring?" Seth asked, still keeping his eyes glued to Sasha.
"You know, I don't think this is exactly healthy." Seth glared at Dean for a second, only to return his line of vision to the Legit One herself. "I'm sure it did, Seth, no need to step in, you can relax."
Seth shook his head, standing up straight and leaning against the wall. Dean picked his script up from off the storage box they were standing at and patted Seth on the shoulder. "See ya," Dean spoke before walking off. Seth didn't move.
"Yeah, sure," was all he could muster out as his eyes locked on Sasha. What kind of bump could leave that mark? Sasha didn't recently wrestle any Extreme Rules matches. Didn't take any hard falls lately. What was up?
Seth was deep in thought when he noticed Sasha had stopped talking to R-Truth and was coming towards him, an annoyed look plastered on her face. "Oh fuck," Seth muttered to himself.
Sasha sarcastically grinned widely, leaning next to Seth against the wall. Seth turned so he and Sasha both faced off toward the center of the hallway, backs up against the wall that Seth currently wished was an exit he could escape through. "You okay there, Seth? Or do you just naturally stare off at people across the hall?"
Seth forced a chuckle. It was awkward enough. "Oh, you know. Just staring into space."
Sasha leaned towards him, trying hard to read his reaction. "Really? Looked like you were staring pretty hard if you ask me. You trying out a new Private Eye gimmick?"
Seth again forced a laugh, trying not to make eye contact. Sasha already knew he was up to something, and if he looked at her, it wouldn't help his case in anyway. Sasha could read him, but it wasn't like it didn't go both ways. "I don't think it really bothered you."
"Excuse me?"
"I said," Seth turned leaning in to Sasha, their foreheads nearly touching, "I don't think it really bothered you."
"Please, Rollins, don't flatter yourself so much." Sasha backed away from him, slowly beginning to vanish down the hall. "In case you forgot I'm happily married." With that Sasha turned and walked off, right out of Seth's sight. He watched her up to the moment she left his eye sight. Something was off. He knew her too well for that.
Seth figured he'd spent enough time gracing the halls with his presence, he'd go get taped up for the show. He still couldn't shake the feeling something was not right with Sasha. He couldn't put his finger on it, but it was there.
He began his way to the locker room, making it more than halfway when he felt a tap on his shoulder. "Geez, brother, I've been chasing you down nearly the whole way here," Roman spoke as he faked a desperate gasp for air.
"Oh, Samoan Jokester now, is that it?"
"Says the guy peering over the hallway like he's Batman looking over Gotham or some shit."
Seth chuckled. "It this coming from Aquaman himself?" Seth burst into laughter.
Roman, fighting back laughter of his own responded. "I ought to beat your ass for that one."
Roman wrapped his arm around Seth's shoulder and they shared a heartfelt laugh. Seth had missed sharing moments like these. They were few and far between since the Shield split. They had made they transformation to a main roster guy so much easier, he could use them more in his current state.
"But for real, tell me what's happening. You're peering off into the hallway for a reason, and it ain't for fun."
Seth looked around his surroundings. He didn't like blasting his personal affairs around, especially since this included more than just himself at work. He motioned for Roman to follow him, which he did. They eventually reached his locker room, entering it before they each took a seat.
"Spill it," Roman spoke deeply.
"I think something is going on with Sasha."
"Really? And what might that be?"
"I think it's something in her personal life."
Roman looked puzzled. Seth usually didn't avoid pushing the issue and not giving a straight answer. "Come on, Seth, just tell me already."
Seth leaned forward, taking his hand and rubbing the back of his neck, bringing his hand then to his beard, pulling at it trying to figure out a way to get the words that needed to be said out. "I think Sasha's husband is abusing her."
"What?! How the hell did you come up with that?" Roman said, shock spilling out of his voice.
"She's just been acting weird lately. Whenever the show gets closer to ending, she becomes different. Distant."
"Maybe she just doesn't want the show to end."
"No, I've noticed marks. Bruises."
"She's a wrestler. You've got bruises too, man."
Seth stood up quickly from his seat, like a blast from a canon, running his hand through his hair. "These are different, Roman, I'm telling you."
"How can you tell?"
"I just can," Seth loudly blurted.
Roman stood, walking over to Seth and resting his hand on his shoulder. "Look, I don't doubt you, never for a second, but you have to be sure before anything can be done. Not to mention, you can only help someone who wants help."
Seth swallowed hard and nodded as Roman left him alone with his thoughts. He had known Sasha for so long now. He had gotten used to her personality, and of late, it had changed. Ever since her husband joined her on the road, stopping at the hotels with her. Seth wanted to bust his ass. He seemed like a nice guy so long ago. A lucky guy at that. People often wondered why Seth and Sasha never tried dating. Their styles fit perfect. They were the others half. Seth boiled it down to the timelines never matched up. By the time it was close, it was too late. Seth missed his chance, not like he knew if Sasha would be interested.
Playing along with the ship is one thing, actually getting on it is a completely different thing. Maybe it wouldn't have worked out. Maybe it wouldn't have been great. Maybe all this in Seth's head is his own guilt for missing the chance to be with the Legit Boss. Although, could it all be true? Sasha was a strong woman, not taking shit from anyone. Would she really let this prick push her around?
Seth wasn't sure. Love is a dangerous drug. Or at least the thought of love is the dangerous drug. Once your hooked, your hooked, and it's a damn bitch.
...
Sasha got in her car, driving away from RAW. Her home away from home. Another great show, another great opportunity to do what she loves to do. But reality hits in, and it swings for the fences looking to knock you out. Sarath was a sweetheart. Her one and only, or so she thought. Something felt off between them. She was as loyal as they come, but for whatever reason, Sarath bought into all the ships and rumors between not only Sasha and Seth, but the ones with Roman and Finn among others.
He no longer trusted her, demanding he come along. Demanding she not be ever late to their hotel room. Demanding other things Sasha would rather not think of on what she just wanted to be a peaceful drive.
How could a man so full of love turn on a dime. He was still in there. She knew it. She would never want to leave him as he currently was, because she knew she could get the old version out.
The dark night sky was gorgeous to look at. She tried to take as much calmness in as she could, because she figured no doubt chaos would start as soon as she opened that door.
She thought of Seth. He always had the ability to get under her skin, to make her laugh, to just get all the worries off her mind. Not even Sarath could do that, even when things were good. It's not like she never thought of getting with Seth, but things never lined up. That's just the way the cards are dealt, but things would get better, hopefully.
The drive was far too quick. Her strides to her hotel room weren't small enough. The elevator was far too quick. What Sarath would she open the door to find?
She swiped her key, cracking the door. The smell of beer hit her like a train. It answered her question. "Sasha? Is that you?" Sarath yelled from inside the room as Sasha pushed the door all the way open.
"Yeah, it's me. The show was good."
"Who fucking cares?" Sasha fought back the emotion as he continued. "What took you so long?"
"Traffic was just..."
"Was it Seth?"
"What!? No!" Sasha closed the door behind her, dropping his bags off against the wall.
"Then R-Roman or Finn?" He slurred his words, Sasha barely understanding him.
"No! I would never!" Sasha walked closer to him, Sarath sprawled across the bed. As she neared however, he sprung up like a cat with all nine lives.
"Oh, I know," he started, "it was all fucking three of them you whore!" He reaches out, grabbing Sasha's arm and pulling her close, cocking his hand back.
...
Seth couldn't help but walk around the outside of the hotel. Something kept him from going in, like there was a curse around the building. He just hoped everything he thought about Sasha was wrong. She didn't deserve that. No one does.
He walked up a small hill on the side of the building where a tree line blossomed. He sat down under the tree, blocking out the moonlight. Was he crazy to even think about being out here? Yes. But it called to him.
He thought what it would be like if Sasha was waiting back in his room. No chance he'd be under this fucking tree, that's for sure. He smiled to himself. Only if their paths had lined up, he'd be holding her close.
His eyes started to drift. No matter, he'd be keeping a close eye on Sasha. He hoped everything was not as it seemed, but if it were, boy, he was prepared to kick some ass.