AN: I didn't think I'd be back writing WWE fanfiction, but here I am. I haven't watched a lot recently—keeping up mostly through Twitter. So there's not really a specific timeline here, and I'll mention a few events in passing. In my fictional world, the characters are who they portray on camera but work with creative, management, all that is expected in that aspect. Everything you don't recognize, I'm making up for the purpose of this story.
Characters/Pairings: Sasha Banks, Seth Rollins, Alexa Bliss, Finn Balor. Nikki Bella/Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns/JoJo Offerman, and others.
Disclaimer: No one belongs to me, thank God.
"So the gang's back together again, huh?" Sasha chuckles lightly, watching the monitor—Roman being saved by both Dean and Seth after a grueling match with Finn Bálor. It left the Champion spent and Strowman intended to cash in. The moment has everyone smiling ear to ear. It's good to see them on the same side. "Never thought I'd see the day."
"It's good," Nikki remarks, sitting beside her. She knows how lonely her fiancé has been, there's nothing like working with your best friends. Dean never says it, but she knows just how much it had been tearing him up to just go through the motions. He missed the camaraderie that comes with being the Shield. "Vince gave it the green light and here we are."
Alexa tries to stifle a reaction while she watches the match, "And there goes Strowman," she says, chin inclined towards the screen as he's put through a table. They've been tag team partners so maybe she shouldn't quite rejoice in his demise but serves him right.
"I'm ready for all the chaos," Sasha says, turning back around in her chair. She's only been back on the road a few weeks, having needed some time to get her head right. And already, she's beaten Alexa in her surprise return the night before at Summerslam.
Nikki has just recently returned as well, taking time off to support Dean as he healed up, on top of getting engaged. Her life feels perfectly on track now, and she couldn't possibly be happier.
The three make unlikely friends—according to the responses they get whenever they remind people that yes, they're friends. Like many other nights, they sit off by themselves. Nikki is braving RAW alone now that Brie is happily being a housewife, raising her new baby at home.
Nikki knows this is her last run, and she hopes it's at least fun and the fans appreciate it. She's been feeling off kilter with Brie being gone, it's weird not seeing her as often. Nikki's recently—and naively—learning that not every woman to pass through the door is a friend and keeps many at arms length. The Revolution in the company has left a few veterans on the outs with the newer talent.
Alexa has been holding it down—since the day she came over from Smackdown. But Sasha is the one management is giving their all right now. Fans have been calling for something involving her that has nothing to do with Charlotte. There was talks of maybe a feud with Bayley—who she hasn't spoken to in a few weeks, which is weirder in itself.
Work jealousy is a bitch that way.
Yesterday, she beat Alexa for the Women's Championship. And...They're fine, really.
"How's Pete?" Nikki asks Sasha, referring to the last man she knew the Boss to be at least interested in.
"He's good," Sasha chuckles softly, awkward, fixing her beanie. "We're not really talking right now…you know…"
"Noooo," Nikki drones looking to Alexa to see if the blonde knows what's going on. Alexa shakes her head. "What happened?" She asks, looking between them.
"Why you lookin' at me?!" Little Miss Bliss laughs, almost too loudly and Nikki gives her a look—lips pursed—as if to tell her to cut her crap.
Sasha shrugs through the tension, "He's there in NXT, and we like each other but long distance isn't–we're both so busy. We're better as friends."
"But you like him though," Nikki pushes, the hopeless romantic that she is always wants to see the fairytale come to fruition for her friends. She remembers the Magenta-haired woman gushing about the British Bruiser when he burst into the WWE world over a year ago. As fate would have it, Sasha and Pete ran into one another and for a few months it had been a whirlwind love affair.
"Yeah, but it's okay," Sasha says confidently, "We're good as friends. I wasn't really looking for a relationship either if I'm being real."
"That's what everyone says and then next thing you know you're engaged." Alexa laughs, teasing Nicole where she sits across the table. Sasha nearly chokes. She vividly remembers hearing about all the times Nikki denied even considering Dean anything but relentlessly annoying. After she and John Cena had called it quits, she'd sworn off dating altogether—Dean was not one to be denied and won her over with his endearing antics and dimpled smile.
"I'm sure Finn would be happy to keep you company," Nikki muses lightly. Sasha glares at her, and she laughs. "Sorry, sorry."
"I regret telling you both how much of a crush I had on him back in NXT." Sasha grumbles. It was more than a crush back then, but she'd rather not explain those embarrassing moments with them. He'd made her feel like such a fool.
Alexa chortles, "I didn't say anything!"
"I don't know what you expected," Nikki sighs playfully, dodging the lights smack Sasha aims for her arm. The trio dissolves into a fit of giggles. "I actually know someone who's interested...and around more." The former, longest reigning, Divas Champion smirks as she takes a long sip of water.
Alexa's eyes widen, her heart pounding in her chest. She fights the urge to kick Nikki under the table. It takes an embarrassing amount of effort not to. But she supposes, it's not much of a secret who Nikki is referring to.
"You're not gonna ask who?" Nikki asks teasingly—a pout forms on her face as Sasha just shrugs. "Boo, no fun."
Relieved, Alexa groans over-dramatically a moment later, "We're not actually going to that party Titus is throwing tonight right? I'm so tired."
"Girls night!" Nikki bellows, "Movies, wine, and cuddles!"
"I totally forgot we planned that," Sasha admits, "But I'm down for getting the hell out of here."
"Shit, me too," Alexa mutters, though after a glass she knows she'll be out like a light.
"Well, it's my turn to host anyway and Dean will be out late, end up crashing with one of the boys."
"I can't believe you knew they were gonna reunite tonight and didn't tell anyone!" Alexa finally realizes, her voice raised squeakily. Sasha and Nikki both snort, the older woman's brow raise.
"Well duh," she laughs, "Dean can't keep a secret for the life of him sooo..."
"Noted," Sasha adds, finger pointing at nothing.
Alexa looks at both of them, brows furrowed in annoyance. "No one ever tells me anything."
"Cause you also can't keep a secret to save your life." Nikki snickers momentarily, eyes slightly narrowed as she pretends to ponder on the topic. Alexa sticks her tongue out at the older woman.
.
.
.
The three women talk amongst themselves as the room begins to clear, the night coming to an end. They should collect their things, but they're not unpacked, save for a few stray things, to begin with. Alexa is a little peeved her segment with Sasha was cut for the sake of time. The revolution has given them such a platform, and yet, they can be scrapped in a moment. It's annoying, but part of her accepts that will always be the case—fighting for the little things is exhausting.
"How's the wedding planning?" Sasha asks Nikki, smiling softly as her friends face lights up. They begin to clear their snacks from the table, taking handfuls of bags and wrappers, and bottles of water. The trio heads for the locker room.
"It's overwhelming, but I'm happy."
They link arms, walking down the hallway towards the quiet room.
Everyone is packing up, Bayley is zipping her bag closed. She smiles at Sasha. "Hey Bayles," Alexa says in passing, sitting in one of the cubicles as she waits for Sasha and Nikki.
"Hey," Bayley replies, just as quietly as Alexa.
She and Sasha smile at each other, but don't say anything. It's weird and tense, but it's their new normal. Bayley shoulders her bag and quietly exits. Sasha looks back at her as she leaves, a frown on her face. She doesn't know how to get them out of the funk they've found themselves in.
"Do we need to stop for snacks?" Alexa asks Nikki suddenly.
"More? No. I have it all already in my room... and we can order room service." Nikki replies, finger combing her hair up into a bun.
Sasha groans, "I need a shower. I call dibs."
"Fine," Alexa pouts, "Let's get out of here before I just pass out in this cubicle." She whines as she feels a tap against her foot, eyes closed as she cuddles her sweater.
Nia had come in and made a beeline for her. Since their back and forth through Twitter and Total Divas, they've been weird—getting better but still not traveling together again. "Hey girlies," she says, greeting the locker room and not expecting anyone to really be paying attention. A handful of girls are just readying themselves for the party Titus is throwing and going straight there. They'll all be hungover and regret it when they have to report to their scheduled appearances and then the house show. "What trouble are you all getting into tonight?"
"None," Sasha shrugs, "nothing that can end up on the internet," she laughs and Nia snickers.
"That's no fun." She replies, throwing on a jacket. "Titus invited me directly so I have to show."
"Have fun," Nikki giggles. "We'll be getting drunk off a red and watching mindless tv."
"I'm picking the movie," Sasha cuts in, watching her phone screen. "I can't watch another episode of the Bachelor or I'll claw my eyes out."
"It's not that bad," Alexa croons whilst hiding her smile. "You like watching them cry dramatically as they get eliminated."
Sasha shrugs, "True."
"You're horrible," Nia comments amusedly as the whole room seems to laugh. "Single life has made you mean."
"She just needs to get laid," Nikki retorts and Sasha guffaws.
"Still here guys!"
"We know," Nia grins, sticking her tongue out. "Love ya."
"I'm trying to set her up with Rollins," Nikki continues, ignoring her friend as she packs up her suitcase.
"Ooo," Nia drones, looking at Sasha with a raised brow. She then remembers her friend Alexa, internally frowning as she realizes the Blonde has gone quiet, pretending to be asleep. But at the same time, Seth hasn't really made it a secret that he likes Sasha. Everyone knows, actively or otherwise.
"Interesting choice," Alicia Fox says as she sits on the couch, waiting for Mickie to finish getting ready so they can head out. "I didn't know you liked him, girl." She elbows the Boss.
"I don't," Sasha retorts. And it's a lie, she totally likes him. and there's a handful of women out there—and their coworkers—who would kill to get his attention, "And he definitely doesn't like me." Another lie.
"Nuh-uh, I definitely would not say that," Nikki laughs, wagging her manicured finger at her younger friend. "He's got it bad. Too much of a puss to tell you—Dean's words."
"I don't believe you, first of all." Sasha sighs, tucking her phone between her thighs casually. "And I don't have ti-"
"Time," Nikki rolls her eyes, "Yeah yeah."
Nia and Alicia look at each other and laugh.
"Well she didn't say he's not hot as hell," Alicia muses, smirking. Mickie appears then, looking ready to go. She sighs and smiles at the room. Alicia nods, "I vote yes, do it," she says, looking down at Sasha just before she exits with her road-wife.
Sasha snorts, but says nothing, "I'm gonna sleep here, like Lex is over there if you don't hurry up Nikki!"
"I'm not asleep," Alexa cuts in flatly, eyes still closed. Nia reaches over to pat her knee. She opens her eyes and tries to smile in appreciation of the silent solidarity. Nia's pretty much the only person who knows about her crush on the Architect. She really wishes she could get over it. Looking at Nikki, she makes a playfully exasperated face, "Hurry up woman!" She's always been very good at faking a good mood.
"Okay, okay," Nikki throws up her hands, "let me just grab my purse, wherever the hell I put it."
"You're the only person I know who just leaves their 100 dollar purses just lying around," Sasha snorts, tucking her cold hands between her thighs—phone between her hands.
"Guys," JoJo appears in the doorway, "Dean is looking for you, Nicole."
"Of course he is," Nikki grins, "I'm coming out."
"There's our cue," Sasha mutters amusedly. She walks over to Alexa and kicks at her foot, "c'mon, brat." They're a lot more comfortable now that they're working closely too. They see a lot of the other person.
Alexa flips her the bird, fighting her smile as Nia laughs. The blonde sighs and grabs the handle of her bag, dragging it along. "I'll see ya, Nia."
She and Sasha link arms and drag their bags out behind them as Nikki rushes about to gather herself and head out to see her fiancé.
Of course, Seth and Roman are out in the hallway, chatting it up with Dean as they wait.
"Finally," Dean throws his arms out. He's dressed in sweats, and he's undoubtedly going to go hold up the bar in that outfit.
"She's just grabbing her purse," Alexa chuckles just before she yawns. "Hey boys." She greets Seth and Roman.
Seth looks over at them, arms open for Alexa's small frame. She hugs him while Sasha tries not to look like she's purposely avoiding him. He has no way of knowing he was the topic of conversation or Nikki's intention to see them together. But she's still embarrassed.
"What's up?" Seth asks casually, looking at both women.
"Nothin'," Alexa replies. They're pretty close friends the two of them. Sometimes even the best of friends. But recently, there's a bit of strain neither wants to address.
"So, what are we doing?" Dean asks over them, and Roman shakes his head. The oldest of the group, he always just shakes his head at Dean's impatience—used to it.
Nikki pushes out of the locker room then, huffing but beaming at him. "Hi babe," she smiles. He wordlessly takes the handle of her bag and drops a soft kiss to her lips. He crowds her, much taller than she is. She rubs his chest lovingly.
Seth looks over at Alexa and she snorts as he rolls his eyes, mouthing stop. She chuckles and Roman swats his forearm. Nikki and Dean are stupidly in love and Seth wouldn't be Seth if he didn't give his best friend such a hard time about it. He's got lots of time and opportunity now that the Shield is all but reformed.
"You two look ready for bed," Roman comments, smirking knowingly at Alexa and Sasha.
"I wasn't that tired until like two minutes ago," Sasha replies.
"We are not canceling movie night!" Nikki says behind them, the group beginning to head for the exit. Sasha rolls her eyes.
"Movie night!?" Joseann cuts in, rushing up to Roman, where he's hung back to wait for her. He let's her drag him along to catch up with their friends. "And I wasn't invited?"
Nikki winces, "I'm sorry. We can never pry you away from Roman long enough."
"That's fair," she laughs.
"But you can totally come over!" Nikki quickly amends, feeling stupid for not thinking of her to begin with. They weren't very close in age, at all, but she finds Joseann is fun to have around, and very sweet. She's good for Roman. And Nikki is happy he finally got over caring too much about what people say and asked her out.
"Nah," Joseann giggles. Roman can't help his laugh, tossing his arm around her shoulder. She's comically shorter than him, but it's also really cute.
The group makes it to the parking lot and it's quickly decided who's going with who, and where. Alexa, Sasha, and Nikki are getting a ride to the hotel with Roman and Joseann—piling into the backseat. And Dean and Seth will be heading off to wherever the party is being held. They still don't know what's being celebrated but they're going because of the promised free booze.
"Dude, stop staring and get in the car," Dean jokingly teases Seth as he catches him staring at Sasha from across the parking lot. He doesn't usually get caught looking at her, but he just happens to be unlucky tonight. He can't even form a sentence to start conversation with just her. He'd chatted with Alexa whilst Sasha kept her eyes on her phone.
Seth shoves Dean's shoulder, rolling his eyes. "Go kiss your girl so we can go, will ya."
"I thought you were gonna get a bus?" Alexa asks him as Dean meanders away, still hanging back. She remembers the conversation.
"You remember that?" He asks, slightly surprised.
"Yeah," she wants to tell him she remembers lots of things, but refrains to stave off the public shame.
"Thought about it," Seth nods, clearing his throat. Across the lot, Nikki and Sasha are leaning out the opened SUV doors, Roman still throwing their bags into the trunk. "Haven't decided." He chuckles as he watches the two friends playfully teasing Roman about something.
"Aleeeeexaaaa!" Nikki calls, "c'mon! The wine I have in my room won't drink itself!"
"Coming!" Alexa rolls her eyes, turning around. She looks at Seth again, "I'm being summoned," She says pointing her thumb over her shoulder.
He chuckles, making her giggle in return. "See ya." He ruffles her hair, and she feels effectively spurned, but ignores it. He waves at both Nikki and Sasha, "goodnight girls."
"Goodnight!" Sasha replies while Nikki just wags her fingers.
Alexa climbs into the backseat, and Roman laughs as he waits to get by. "All y'all so small."
"We can't all be 6'5, Roman!" Alexa retorts, cocking her head to the side with attitude.
"Sucks to suck...but I'm only 6'3, Lex." He quips, shutting the door. As he gets in and starts the engines, he looks into the backseat, "Seatbelts!"