Chapter 1 - The Fated Meeting

Eight months earlier…

Casey Cullen stood patiently outside the makeshift office of Michael Hayes, the SmackDown head writer. When Jared had called him two days ago, to inform him he had an appointment with the SmackDown authorities today, this wasn't exactly how he had imagined it. However, he wasn't complaining. Things were going well already for him. He had heard the words he had wished to hear, he had become something he had wanted to be -- a member of the SmackDown roster.

So far, tonight, he had had an unnerving meeting with the big boss himself, Vince McMahon; a much relaxed and less frightening encounter with the General Manager of the brand, Vickie Guerrero; and now, he was about to meet the head writer to discuss his role on the show. He figured with the way things were going, meeting some of his new workmates was next in this hectic day of his. He was looking forward to coming into contact with some of the people he admired and considered inspirations.

As he stood there, leaning against the wall, twiddling his thumbs, he wondered what his role would be. He wouldn't mind doing anything for the time being, anything but dark matches. He wanted an opportunity to shine, and if jobbing was the first step to stardom, jobbing it was.

Glancing at his watch, he realised he had been standing out here for more than twenty minutes. Michael was aware of his presence, Vickie had called him earlier to inform him of Casey's arrival, but he had yet to see the new signee, which only made Casey wonder what exactly was going on inside the room. Heaving a sigh, he leaned back against the wall and continued his long, patient wait.

Soon, the door opened and out stepped Michael. Casey stood up right as Michael turned to look at him.

"Casey Cullen?" he asked tersely, his tone hasty. Casey nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Michael. "Michael Hayes. It's nice meeting you. Walk with me."

Casey stared at Michael, who turned to walk down the corridor, with an odd expression on his face. Rude, the word he would use to describe this man. Shaking off the thought and feeling, he followed Michael, quickening his steps to catch up with him.

"The show is about to start and a problem has arisen," he started as they walked down the corridor with hurried steps. This explained his rude behaviour earlier, and being the understandable person that he was, Casey figured it wasn't exactly the man's nature to be rude. "I would have wanted to discuss with you under different conditions, but looking at my schedule, it's now or never -- never literally meaning for a while."

"I understand," Casey responded. "Do you mind if I ask what seems to be the problem?"

"I don't, but I'd rather we used this time to discuss a possible storyline for you than talk about other matters."

"I see!" expressed Casey with a nod. "That makes sense."

"I haven't exactly given much thought to it due to time constraints, but I was thinking the role of a face would be more appropriate for you," he continued as they rounded a corner. "What do you think?"

"It's fine by me." Casey was quick to answer. Playing the role of a face was what he wanted. While he was aware it was just a job, and for the sake of entertainment, he wondered how the heels could stand the hatred of many, how they lived with the knowledge of many hating them. He could not imagine himself hated by the people, he didn't think he'd have the metier to stand there, watching as they booed and hurled insults at him. He wanted to be loved, much like everyone else, and not hated.

"Just like I thought," Michael remarked, a small smile cornering his lips. "Well, here's the deal-"

"Mike!" a voice called out from behind, causing the two men to stop. They turned around, and there she was, in all her magnificent physique, walking up towards them. Formed on her face was a scowl as she approached them.

"Oh, hi there, Michelle!" greeted Michael, a warm smile now appearing on his face.

"What is this I'm hearing about an impromptu match against Beth Phoenix?" she queried.

"I'm sure you've heard of what's happened to Maryse," Michael began to explain. Michelle bobbed her head, admitting that she was aware of what was going on. "Therefore, the match against Bella cannot happen. We need someone to fill the gap left by this incident, and you and Beth were the only people available."

"I thought I was having the night off?"

"I know, and I'm sorry, but I had no other alternatives," he responded in an apologetic tone. "Just consider it as a favour for me, and I'll owe you one, okay?"

Michelle stared at him quietly as she thought about it. Dropping her shoulders, she exhaled. "You owe me a big one."

Michael smiled cheerfully and nodded in concurrence. "Yes, I do!"

For the first time since stopping the two, Casey noted that she was now staring at him. He felt he was being scrutinised under her gaze, and he was right. She was checking him out, which made him feel a little uneasy. She turned to look back at Michael and asked, "Who's the cutie?"

"Oh, where are my manners?" Michael started. "Michelle, this is Casey Cullen, our latest signee. Casey, meet Michelle," he introduced.

"Hi! Pleasure meeting you," Casey finally spoke as he reached out his hand towards her.

"Same," Michelle said as she took his hand in hers. Furthermore, as both shook hands, their eyes locked fixedly on each other. The sensation of their touch sent charges through them. Michael stared at the two, a vibe he was all too familiar with hitting him. He cleared his throat and spoke.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Michelle and Casey snapped out of their trance-like state and turned to look at Michael who smiled once again.

"Uhm, no, there is nothing else. That is all," she answered.

"Good. I have to get going now. I'll see you later."

With that, Michael turned around and continued down the hallway. Casey who had not once taken his eyes off Michelle shook his head before turning around to follow Michael. Michelle stood there, watching the two leave, an unexplainable feeling rising in the pits of her belly. It wasn't until after the two rounded a corner and out of sight, that she turned around to head back to her locker room to prepare for her impromptu match.

"An idea has just hit me," Michael said to Casey, who walked beside him, still unaware of where they were going.

"Is that so?" Casey asked.

"How do you feel about some action tonight?"

"Tonight?"

"Yeah, that's right. Tonight," reiterated Michael.

A pensive look dawned on the face of Casey as he continued his march alongside the head writer. Tonight was no good for him for several reasons. One of which was, he had dinner plans with his girlfriend. Another reason was, he hadn't come prepared. Starting work immediately was the last thing to cross his mind. All he thought about was the brand signing him. A small quandary seemed to have presented itself and he didn't know what to do.

"So, what do you say?" asked Michael, impatiently.

"Err… yeah! I'm good to start tonight," he replied.

He couldn't believe his words. He couldn't believe what he had just done. He had sworn to himself never to prioritise work over his girlfriend or family, and he had just done it. However, he figured it was for a good reason. The last thing he wanted was for the company to see him as an undedicated, work-shy person. He figured that if he wanted the push he wanted, he had to earn it by proving he was a hard-working and reliable person.

"Great!" exclaimed Michael, a vague excitement sensed in his tone.

"One little problem though," Casey announced.

"What is it?" Michael asked, excitement now replaced with light worry.

"I didn't come prepared. I haven't got my ring gear here with me."

Casey noted that the man seemed relieved at his statement, which made him wonder why.

"That's not a problem."

"It's not?" Casey was now staring at Michael questioningly.

"No, it's not. For the action you'd be involved in tonight, you don't need a ring gear. What you have on is fine. It's a small action."

"Oh!" exclaimed Casey. "What sort of action are we talking about here?"

A smile crossed Michael's face as they continued treading down the hall.