Part III: Foolish
As AJ paced lightly back and forth in the hotel room she was waiting in she glanced over to the bed and frowned when she the blue garter belt that Celeste had left with her before joining the rest of the guests downstairs. Though AJ didn't believe in any of the wedding traditions Celeste was horrified when AJ didn't have anything old, new, borrowed or blue. And thankfully she came prepared with just something blue but it fit the criteria of all those descriptions. She presented AJ with the blue garter belt she wore on her wedding day that was only two weeks earlier. It was giving to her as her 'something old and blue' but to AJ it as new (to AJ at least), blue, borrowed (because she promised to get it back to her) and old. She was happy Celeste made it to her wedding even though she had to cut her honeymoon short by a day in order to attend. She credited Celeste in helping her find her way to Punk and when AJ had giving up hope on ever being more than friends with him; Celeste found a way to push them together.
AJ was sitting in catering at one of the house shows and she lucked out that Celeste would be with her tonight. AJ didn't really fit in with many of the other girls and it was nice to have a traveling buddy.
"Hey" Celeste grinned taking a seat across from her "So Phil is here, he flew down and surprised me" she told AJ. Phil and Celeste had been together for a few months now and Celeste was crazy for him.
"Wow you two have special plans?" AJ asked
"Yea since they don't need me Monday or tomorrow they said I can take the next few days" Celeste told her with a frown "Phil got us tickets to fly back to his house but I know I'm traveling with you and I'm not going to ditch you and leave you stranded we can work something else out"
"Are you crazy?" AJ questioned "Go! Enjoy I can catch a ride with one of the guys"
"Yea I was thinking maybe Punk could give you a lift?" Celeste suggested
"He doesn't even have his bus it's in for repairs" AJ pointed out "I'm pretty sure him and Kofi are flying out to the next show"
"Can you get a ticket?" Celeste asked
"Don't worry about me" AJ insisted "Go and enjoy your time"
"Well maybe you could just ask Punk-" Celeste started but AJ stopped her
"What is your obsession with Punk?" AJ asked with a sigh "I told you we're just friends"
"Yes you were friends because he was with Amy and everyone back here knows they had a blowout fight over Summer Slam weekend and she hasn't been seen since" Celeste pointed out "And that was two weeks ago"
"So?" AJ shrugged taking a bite of her salad "He just got out of a relationship I'm not going to throw myself at him"
"Why? He threw himself at you when you and Trent and broke up" Celeste said seriously "He had you in bed less than ten minutes after actually-"
"Would you keep it down!" AJ hissed in a whisper. Celeste was the only person AJ trusted with that story
"You guys had that amazing hot and heavy kiss in the ocean just one day before he dumped his girlfriend doesn't that seem a little too convenient to you?" Celest asked back in a whisper
"No it doesn't they had been having issues for a while" AJ reminded her "And besides he made it clear he wants to be my friend not my boyfriend and I'm ok with that"
"You don't kiss your friends like that as a matter of fact you don't have sex with your friends either" Celeste said seriously
"It was one time" AJ said holding up one finger "And it was months ago"
"Just ask him for a ride or ask how he's getting to the next show" Celeste suggested "You two are still close friends right?"
"Of course" AJ said to her
"So it wouldn't seem weird for you to ask" Celeste pointed out. "Look here's your opportunity" Punk had just entered the catering area with Paul Heyman and both men took the free seats at the end of AJ's table
"Hey shorty" Punk said giving her a wink before taking a seat
"Hey" she smiled shyly, almost feeling like a lovesick teenager
"This is your opportunity" Celeste whispered so Punk or Paul couldn't hear it.
"Hello ladies" Wade Barrett smiled making his way over to the two that's when Celeste smiled wide.
"Hey Wade quick question how are you getting to the next show?" Celeste questioned loud enough so Punk would be able to hear
"I'm driving, not big on planes." Wade shrugged "Why you need a lift Celeste?" he always flirty man questioned wiggling his eyebrows
"Ugh ew no" Celeste said with almost disgust "But I'm actually leaving tonight to go home but AJ was riding with me-"
"Say no more" Wade said cutting her off as AJ shot Celeste a death glare "I'd be more than happy to escort you to the next show"
"Um I was-" AJ started looking around for an excuse and she only briefly caught Punk's eyes
"It'll be great" Wade said cutting her off with a smile "It is a long drive so we might have to stop at a hotel first before finishing the trip, is that ok with you?"
"Oh god" AJ muttered rubbing her temple as Celeste smiled towards her friend.
"That's ok" the unmistakable voice of Punk caught the trio's attention who was sitting at the end of the table "AJ's going to ride with me to the next show"
"If she was going to ride with you why did Celeste ask me to take her?" Wade questioned almost challenging Punk. Punk and the younger superstar had butted heads a lot backstage during their nexus story and it was no secret to anyone especially Celeste who seemingly knew what she was doing.
"Obviously AJ didn't tell Celeste of her plans but now everyone is aware so you can spend the night with yourself in the hotel room" Punk shot at him shooting him a glare that made Celeste see that Punk was as serious about AJ as she was about him. The hotel remark wasn't lost on either AJ or Celeste either.
"AJ" Wade said ignoring Punk's comments "Would you like to ride with me? I have the car to myself you don't want to cramp in with other people, do you?"
"What did I just say?" Punk asked shooting up out of his seat causing Paul to eye the former champion oddly
"Punk" Paul whispered not wanting to Punk to cause an unnecessary scene
"It's fine Wade thank you but I already promised Punk I'd ride with him" AJ said to Wade forcing a smile "Really I do appreciate the offer but no thank you"
"If you change your mind my offer always stands" Wade said giving her a smile "Celeste, Punk always a pleasure" he said before turning and heading over to the buffet that was out for the superstars
"Thanks for that" AJ said knowing Punk picked up on her not wanting to ride with Wade to the next City.
"Anytime" Punk said cooling down and looking down to her "If you needed a ride why didn't you just ask me?"
"It was my fault I thought you were flying out" Celeste said with a nervous smile
"Nope" Punk said to her simply "I hate flying. Kofi will be riding with us too so you two can bicker over whose better in 2k13"
"It's me so there's no point in discussing it anymore" AJ said seriously causing him to crack a smile
"I'll see you after the show" Punk smirked then headed back over to Paul
"I told you" Celeste mouthed to AJ and gave her a proud smile
That night Celeste steered Punk right into AJ's direction and forced them even closer together. Of course long after Punk and AJ were together Celeste bragged to both of them on how she was the reason they were together. His response was usually 'next time you want me to pay attention to AJ try not whore her out to the likes of Wade Barrett'. The car ride was seemingly innocent but that's when things truly kicked into high gear for the two.
"He's passed out" AJ smirked turning her head from the passenger to see Kofi layed out across the backseat snoring
"Yea he's a great riding partner" Punk scoffed "I'm glad you're here to keep me company"
"I'm glad I'm here in the car with you and not a seedy motel with Wade" AJ said with a laugh but Punk didn't seem the humor in the comment "Are you alright?"
"Yea I just don't like him" Punk said to her
"What happened with the two of you?" AJ questioned "I feel like you've always hated each other"
"It was bitter feelings over Nexus being handed over to me" Punk shrugged "Not much of a story"
"Oh" AJ said getting the feeling he didn't want to discuss it any further "I know we haven't been talking as much the last few weeks but I didn't want to smother you or force you to talk about Amy"
"I know" Punk said glancing over and giving her a quick grin "There's not much to say we just decided we couldn't make it work anymore and that was it"
"I'm sorry" AJ said to him looking at him closely as he kept his eyes ahead on the empty road
"Don't be I'm not" Punk told her honestly "We had some great times but we probably should have realized when it didn't work out the first time it wouldn't have worked out the second either"
"I suppose" AJ said looking towards the road herself
"I've missed you" Punk admitted casually "I've missed hanging out with you"
"You could have always called" AJ smirked
"I uh- I didn't really trust myself honestly" Punk said to her
"I get it" AJ said quickly "You don't have to explain"
"I want us to always be friends and pushing you away the last two weeks wasn't the way to do that" Punk said to her "I'm sorry shorty"
"It's fine" AJ promised
"I want to make it up to you" Punk said to her
"I think this free ride I'm getting is enough" AJ smirked "Or maybe you can let me beat you in Call of Duty?"
"I was thinking something a little grander" Punk smirked "On Wednesday I have two tickets to the Cubs game want to join me so I don't have sit by myself?"
"I wouldn't want you to sit by yourself" AJ said as if she would be doing him a favor "I'll go" she said happily "But just so you know I don't know anything about baseball"
"I'll teach you" Punk said to her "And depending on how fast of a learner you are maybe I'll take you a hockey game later in the season"
"You would take me to one of your Blackhawks games?" AJ asked in a mocking tone "That's pretty special to you"
"You're special to me" Punk replied smoothly
After the game AJ had a great time. Her and Punk laughed and joked around the entire game and he even caught a ball for her but she insisted he give it to a little kid who would appreciate it more. To top of the night he took her out to one of his favorite spots to eat. Over dinner Punk offered for AJ to stay in his guest room since she had booked hotel so she could catch a flight to Tampa the next morning. He thought it was ridiculous for her to waste the money and pushed her to stay with him which she was extremely nervous about but agreed because two people who were just friends wouldn't have had a problem staying under the same roof.
"Wow" AJ said looking around Punk's huge townhouse in awe "This place is huge!" she said removing her jacket
"It's alright" Punk smirked "It's actually smaller than most places"
"I could fit my apartment three times into your living room alone" AJ said seriously
"I'd hate to see your apartment" Punk teased
"It's small but it's home" AJ said with a smile "Thanks for letting me crash here you didn't have to"
"I'm not going to let you sleep in a hotel room by yourself in a strange city when I have a perfectly large home for you to stay in" Punk said removing his sweatshirt "So do you want the grand tour?"
"Sure" she smiled following Punk as he showed her around the townhouse.
A few hours later after watching all three Ghostbusters they both decided to go to bed.
"Remember I'm right across the hall if you need anything" Punk said pointing to his door
"I think I'll manage" AJ laughed "Thanks for today" she said reaching up and kissing his cheek "I had a great time"
"Yea me too" Punk said offering her faint smile as she turned and headed into the guest room. He lightly touched his cheek before heading into his bedroom across the hall.
AJ lied in bed and just stared at the ceiling. She looked over to the clock and saw it was already almost 3 and she had a flight 10 which meant she'd have to get up soon. She had only departed with Punk a half an hour ago but she wondered if he was still up. Even though they had this great day together they were still just friends who apparently just acted like a couple. She tossed and turned for a few more minutes before deciding to be bold for once in her life and headed out of the room and across the hall. She hesitated before opening the door slightly and knocking after.
"AJ?" he asked confused. He wasn't even trying to sleep he was sitting up in bed watching TV above the covers "What's wrong?"
"I just-" AJ started then bit on her lower lip "Never mind" she said smiling
"AJ wait" Punk said turning the TV off and waving her over to him "Come here"
"Hi" AJ said shyly taking a seat on the edge of the bed directly next to him
"AJ" he sighed, he knew what she was doing in here and truthfully he wanted to do the same. "I think we need to talk about everything"
"Yea" AJ nodded slightly "I like you"
"I know" Punk said causing AJ to glare at him causing him to smile "I like you too" he said which softened her features "I like you so much that I feel if this went any further I'd blow it. As much as I want to be with you, I don't want to ever be without you more"
"I get it" AJ agreed nodding slightly "But you don't think I'm worth the risk?"
"I want to do it believe me" Punk said in an almost pleading tone "I just can't risk losing you forever so I can sleep with you"
"There's more to relationships than that" AJ pointed out "It's not just physical I mean you and I click don't you think? If you want me to shut up I will-"
"We do click" Punk agreed seriously "But-"
"It's fine" AJ said standing up "I get it. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable I honestly don't even know what I was thinking coming at you like this you must think I'm crazy-"
"I don't think that" Punk said standing up immediately to follow her
"Please I think I made enough of a fool of myself for one night I don't think I could stand having to stand here while you pacify me" AJ said seriously but letting out a nervous laugh "Good night" she said quickly before turning and heading across the hall. Punk followed but she closed the door on his face and when he went to open the door she had already locked it
"AJ open the door" Punk said knocking lightly but he didn't hear her stir a movement "AJ please I want to talk to you about this" but she never opened the door and left Punk to sit outside before eventually caving and heading back into his own room.
Thinking back to that night caused AJ's stomach turn slightly. The feeling of rejection from Punk was worse than when Trent broke up with her and while she hid in her room that entire time she tried to figure out why and at around 7am that next morning she realized it was because she was in love with Punk. Though his reasons weren't wrong she took it as he just didn't want to be with her and that was that. She never really bought the reason it was that he cared her about her so much that he couldn't be with her.
AJ had never fallen asleep that night so at around 7:30 she called a cab and quietly grabbed her luggage and left Punk's house before he had the chance to wake up. She didn't leave before leaving him a note.
Punk,
I'm sorry about last night I don't know what came over me and please I'd appreciate it if we could pretend it never happened. Thanks for the game and the shelter I had fun. See you on Monday.
-Shorty
Punk had tried to call AJ once during that time but she had decided to ignore the call and would much rather have to just deal with him on Monday and was hoping that would be less awkward. She wasn't sure why she thought that because she spent the better part of Monday avoiding him at every cost. But she knew she wouldn't be able to avoid him for long of course today was the day they were filming the Breast Cancer Awareness commercial and every superstar was set to be on stage and Punk was going to be the superstar in the middle speaking. It didn't help that cameras caught Punk catching the ball with AJ sitting right next to him. So not only did she have to deal with avoiding Punk but she'd be dealing with all the whispers as well.
When she came out to film the commercial she took her spot in the front next to Celeste but made sure she was far enough from Punk where he wouldn't be able to talk to her directly. She was also avoiding even looking at him, even though she wanted to.
"You two must have made it official over the weekend huh?" Celeste whispered to AJ. She didn't get the chance to explain to Celeste how she embarrassed herself and not only ruined any chance of a relationship with him but also their friendship.
"What are you talking about?" AJ whispered back but Celeste just nodded towards Punk and AJ looked over she met his eyes briefly before noticing his choice of attire for the evening. It was her breast cancer shirt he was sporting and he was doing so proudly. He gave he a quick smirk before turning his attention back to the producer.
"I want details after the show" Celeste said to her seriously
After the commercial AJ was headed towards her locker room when she felt someone lightly grab her arm. She froze realizing it was probably Punk so she forced a smile and turned around but was disappointed upon seeing Wade Barrett.
"AJ" Wade said coolly
"Wade" AJ replied in the same tone
"Do me a favor next time you want you want to get a rise out of your boyfriend don't use me to do so" Wade said to her seriously
"Wade I-" AJ couldn't even finish her sentence
"I'm not finished talking yet" Wade said cutting her off abruptly "You asked me for a ride to make Punk jealous and I want you to know I don't appreciate those sort of games and I also want you to know that I wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pool" he was speaking loudly and for the second time in less than seven days AJ was humiliated "You want to hang around baseball games with Punk? Feel free but don't think that I'm ok with you-"
"That's enough" Punk said walking over to the two then saw the small crowd forming and watching "Show's over" he shouted towards the people then turned his attention back to Wade "Back off Wade" Punk warned
"Oh jeez" Wade laughed "As I was just explaining to AJ-"
"I heard what you were saying to her as a matter of fact everyone has and you've made your point so walk away" Punk said in a cold tone "You embarrassed her and now you've gotten it out of your system so leave"
"Relax Punk" Wade said simply "I have no interest in your little lady as I was just explaining to her. I wouldn't settle for a dirty ring rat even if she could give me one hell of a night" once he finished his sentence AJ was surprised by how affected she was by the comment and tried to hide her hurt face but when Punk looked over to see if she was going to respond he saw she was actually holding back tears.
Normally AJ wasn't the type to take being spoken to that way but she was truly exhausted from the week she had as it was. It nearly broke his heart to see her pained face as she immediately diverted her eyes to floor as she simply accepted the crude comment. When Punk turned his attention back to Wade he frowned seeing the man's back as he headed down the hall whistling.
"Don't" AJ said grabbing onto his arm knowing the thoughts running through his head but he jerked his arm away and didn't even glance back in her direction before he stormed off after Wade.
"Barrett!" Punk shouted causing Wade to turn around slowly and when he did. Punk shoved Wade against the nearest wall clutching onto the collar of his shirt.
"Don't you ever disrespect AJ like that again" Punk seethed. As AJ headed towards them to try to stop it she could see how enraged Punk actually was, his face was as red as tomato. "She's a Diva back here and one who brings a hell of a lot more money into this company than you do, she is above you" the last four words Punk made sure to say slowly so Wade would realize that AJ's stock was much higher than Wade's could ever dream to be "And most importantly she's with me and don't ever forget that" Punk said keeping his grip on Wade. His comments caused AJ's eye to widen "Don't talk to her, don't look at her and remember if you even consider spewing crap like that again it's going to be me you're going to have to answer to. I won't let anyone disrespect her back here and believe me I have not only the clout to ensure that but I also have the temper" threatening both his job and bodily harm at the same time actually shook Wade slightly
"Alright" Wade muttered out and that's when Punk let go but didn't move out of Wade's personal space
"Apologize to her" Punk said pointing to AJ. Wade eyed Punk and saw he wasn't going to take 'no' as answer.
"AJ I apologize I was out of line" Wade bit out looking at her then looked back towards Punk "Ok?"
"Get lost" Punk warned and that's when Wade rushed off not wanting to be in the middle of this anymore
"You shouldn't have done that" AJ said to him as she saw people still watching the scene unfold
"I meant what I said no one disrespects you while I'm here" Punk said firmly. Clearly he was still angry "Is that clear to all of you?!" Punk shouted eyeing the wandering eyes that turned away quickly
"Come on" AJ said grabbing him by the arm and leading him out the backdoor "People are going to be talking- they already are"
"So?" Punk asked
"We're not together Punk" AJ reminded him
"Why did you leave?" Punk asked ignoring her statement
"I was embarrassed" AJ admitted
"You have no reason to feel embarrassed I'm the one who's embarrassed" Punk said to her "You have been a constant in my life for a while now and I want you to stay as one. But I don't want you to be my friend I want you to be mine"
"Punk" AJ sighed
"You scare the crap out of me" Punk said with a laugh "You're so small but so deadly and you don't even see what you're doing to me"
"I'm sorry?" she questioned not sure how to answer
"No I'm sorry" Punk said seriously "I want you as a friend because I'm afraid I'll chase you off like I've done to all my other girlfriends and I have plenty of girls who are just friends and I thought it would be easy but you're not like any other girl. All I could think about is you. All I could think about was our night together before Wrestlemania and that kiss at the beach and the other night I wanted to run into your room and show you how much you mean to me"
"So why didn't you?" AJ asked in an almost innocent tone
"Because you locked your door" Punk smirked. AJ mentally kicked herself but before she could dwell on it he spoke again "You asked me if you were worth the risk and believe me you are and I want to take it"
"You don't have to-" AJ started afraid that maybe he was just giving into her out of sympathy
"I want to" he said cutting her off "God I want to so bad" he said cupping her face before slowly lowering his lips to hers.
She could have lived without Wade embarrassing her that night but he was just another unknowing person who only pushed her and Punk closer together. And man did he ever keep his word. He had always been protective of her but he wouldn't let anyone talk down to her and try to manipulate her. He had been around the company a lot longer than she had been and he had advised her on all offers and propositions when she was asked. The best part about it all? Punk never cared what people thought of it. He made her feel more important than not only everyone in the company but he made her feel more important than Wrestling itself. Her last two exes were wrestlers and they had never put her above a show or a match but Punk always did. But they wouldn't have an easy time backstage once they officially went public and it wasn't just the viewers who had their share of comments but even other people within the company had there share of opinions and boy did they go to battle more than once…