Here I am, back with the second chapter.

I want to remind everyone this is just a fiction. Some events in the story actually happened, like the Royal Rumble which I'll be mentioning in there.

But some others never did, and will remain fictional.

With that being said,

I wish you a nice reading time, and I hope you'll enjoy this new chapter.

P.


Chapter 2 : Talk to me. [Dean's POV]

Royal Rumble just ended.

It was a hell of a night. I didn't win the rumble. But I got to prove what I had to offer all these people, and I got to do what I love to do.

And just thinking about it makes me both proud and happy.

I know there will be other opportunities. Right now, I'm confident. And I head back to the locker with my head high, cause I've got nothing to be ashamed of.

But eventually, my mood doesn't stay good for a long time. As soon as my eyes manage to catch a glimpse of Renee in the hall, tons of thoughts come to my mind.

I'm assaulted by anxiety, anger, sadness, pain, hope. It takes me time to get used to it.

I know she noticed me, but she doesn't even stare in my direction. She keeps ignoring my presence and that hurts.

But I don't want to cause any trouble, so I take a deep breath and just keep walking.

I don't pay attention to the guys looking at me with curiosity. I don't pay attention to the ones trying to greet and congratulate me.

I just answer to the boss and then get to the locker room as fast as possible, praying for nobody to be there.

Of course, it wasn't empty.

Zayn, Styles, Cena and a bunch of other guys are in a serious conversation on one side of the room, talking in low voices, not even paying attention to me. On the other side of the room, there's Roman, all alone, lost in his thoughts.

As soon as our eyes meet, I calm down. He looks tired, confused, frustrated. He just smiles weakly and I know something's wrong.

_ Hey. You alright ?

_ Yeah.

_ Come on. I know that look.

_ It's just… I'm tired of being booed like that. Sometimes, I feel like no matter what I do, it's never enough. I know my limits, and I know what I'm capable of. I know where I stand and where I want to go. But… It just gets all confused in my head sometimes and I don't know how to deal with it.

_ Listen brother. As far as I'm concerned, you're on the right way. You're talented. And I'd be damned if I didn't mean it. You've got nothing to be afraid of. Keep doing what you do. It'll pay off. Trust me.

His face lightens up.

I feel relieved I was able to cheer him up.

_ There's something I forgot to give you, by the way, he tells me with a smirk on his face.

I'm intrigued.

_ What is it ?

_ Jojo made this for you.

He gives me a piece of paper. It's a drawing of me, surrounded by tons of hearts and cute words, like " Don't be sad ", " You will be fine ", " You are the best ".

I can't help but laugh in disbelief.

_ That's really for me ?

_ Yeah. Cute huh ?

_ It is. Thank her for me.

_ I will.

I'm feeling blessed having such a good friend by my side, and honored his daughter cares about me. I put the drawing in a safe place inside my bag, and change clothes before going back to the hotel to get my stuff.

As I do, I stare at the other guys, wondering what they're whispering about.

_ Know what's going on here, I ask Reigns, a little nervous.

_ I guess they're just wondering if the Undertaker's gonna kick my ass for what I did to him.

_ Right. That wasn't smart, man.

_ I did what I needed to do. I'm not gonna let anyone get an opportunity to main event Wrestlemania. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for me tonight.

_ You think he's gonna come for you, I whisper.

_ I'm counting on it, he replies quite arrogantly, which makes me laugh.

_ You're crazy, bro'.

_ You're the one telling me that ?! I'm dreaming !

_ Come on ! I'm not that insane. No ?

_ You have no idea.

Now, I'm feeling better. Renee and our couple issues are out of my head for a time.

x

Tonight RAW takes place in Laredo, Texas. Since I had nothing planned and wasn't in the mood to train hard, I decided to stay and watch the show backstage. I wanted to see what would happen after Royal Rumble, especially for my former SHIELD partner, Roman Reigns.

We weren't able to see each other before the show so I'll have to wait for quite a time.

But that's fine.

I don't know what's planned for him and I'm feeling pretty excited. Is he gonna get his revenge on Strowman or is he gonna face the Undertaker when he'll less expect it ? Is he gonna get another championship opportunity ?

Not knowing what's about to come is frustrating.

But when I see him getting to the ring and beating the hell out of Braun freakin' Strowman, I'm getting hyped. I feel amazed and envious at the same time. I know I'm not a bad wrestler, but I sometimes wish I had his abilities.

I can't deny how strong he is.

There isn't a lot in this world that he fears. Which makes him a serious threat if you ever have to fight against him, and an incredible teammate if you have to fight by his side.

I fully realize there is no man I trust more than him. I know deep inside of me he'll have my back no matter what happens. If somebody brings me down, he's gonna get me back to my feet. If I feel tired, he's gonna support me. If I'm happy, he's gonna be happy for me.

You don't find a lot of people like him. Always ready to help, to hear you out, to give advice and keep an eye on you, even if he's having troubles too. Always making sure everybody's fine and making them his priority, to the point where he may end up being hurt and betrayed.

I wanna do the same for him. Though I'm not the best at talking and guiding people, I know I can be helpful. I'm willing to be. And that already means a lot.

I just don't really know how to proceed when the time comes for me to act. I can't find the right words and most of the time, I mess up.

He comes backstage and I greet him with applause.

_ You did great man. Look at yourself ! Ready to knock anybody's teeth down their throats.

_ Thanks. I think I need a shower now.

_ Yeah me too, I tease him, waving my hand in front of my nose as if he smelled bad.

It wasn't really the case, but since he was covered in sweat, I guess this was a good idea.

We walk to the locker and I wait for him outside. Seems like he's lucky : he's the only one in the room, judging from the few I've seen when he opened the door.

When he's done showering and getting dressed up, we start to leave the arena.

Rollins catches us.

_ Hey guys, he greets us with his hoarse voice. What's up ? Hey, why don't the three of us have a beer. What do you think ?

_ Sorry but not for me, Reigns answers. I need to drive back to the hotel, got a lot of stuff to pack before leaving.

_ What about you Ambrose ?

_ I think I'm gonna do the same. I'll see you another time, brother.

_ Ah come on ! You're not serious right ? You two look like an old couple, he answers back.

_ Listen Seth, personally, I'm not in the mood right now alright ? When I wanna have a beer, I'll let you know, don't worry.

_ And by the way, we're not an old couple, Roman says in a low, warning tone. Hope you got that right pal.

Both of us leave without any more word, letting Seth mumbling, standing in the hall not sure how to react.

_ At least, stay safe on the road, he tells us after a moment of hesitation.

_ You too, bro'. See you next time.

x

I'm leaving my hotel room early in the morning to get to Corpus Christi, in Texas, where Smack Down will be aired.

Yesterday, I asked Roman to come with me there, so we could train together before the show. I didn't talk to Renee for quite a little time now. And I'm not sure if I'm ready to do so.

I feel like I'm still angry about what happened, even if I'm the one who messed up. And I now for sure, that being angry won't help me.

Roman's driving us to the arena where the show will take place.

From what I've heard, I might be facing Styles tonight. I hope I will. He's a great athlete, and I love challenges. This will be an occasion for me to get to fight on another level, and see how the crowd reacts to this.

When we arrive there, a little tired but thankfully safe, we walk around the arena to get a little warm up and also to check it out. The place looks big.

I can't wait to see the crowd when the show will start.

Moreover, I'm the intercontinental champion. And they seem to like it.

_ Feels great huh ?

_ What ?

_ Having that title on your shoulder, Roman says, pointing out the belt.

_ You have no idea !

_ I do, pal. I was a champ' too, remember ?

_ But now you're not, I tease him.

I giggle but as I see the sadness in his eyes I stop. That wasn't smart from me. I want to appologize but I can't get myself to say it out loud.

_ Let's get to the gym, he then tells me, ignoring what just happened.

We drive there and part ways in the training room. He starts doing his bench press thing but I choose to start with some cardio work.

We stay focused on our little routine, not willing to talk at all.

Suddenly it's like a wall stands between us.

No glancing, no smiling, no teasing. No interaction at all.

But eventually, that starts to get on my nerves, and the only thing I find appropriate is to talk.

_ Come on Ro'. Talk to me !

_ I'm trying to focus Dean.

The hell is wrong with him ?

I didn't expect so much indifference. He's like freakin' cold and aggressive. Usually, he doesn't ignore me like that.

For a few minutes, I'm torn between discovering what his freakin' problem is and just letting it go, keep doing my stuff like nothing happened.

At some point, I just choose the second option, because I don't feel in the mood to have my best friend betting mad at me more than he already seems to be.

x

_ And the winner is Dean Ambrose !

The crowd is going nuts.

I had a hell of a match against AJ Styles and it felt damn good. Hearing people screaming my name and jumping when they hear my music play is just the best thing in the world. It's all music to my ears.

I get out of the ring, walk backstage and greet everybody with a smile. I'm satisfied and I feel like nothing could change that for now.

Reigns is sitting in a corner, waiting for everybody to leave to come. He first looks at me without saying any word but then his face lightens up and he gives me a big smile.

_ That's my boy.

_ See what I did out there ? I'm feeling great man ! I'd wrestle all night.

_ I believe you, bro'. You're too excited. Calm down a bit.

_ Nah. I need to move. I'm feeling restless.

_ Well, that's not my case so please just calm down, he asks in a soft voice.

_ What's wrong ?

I start to worry.

_ Nothing, really. I just need people to stay calm around me. I'm feeling quite nervous.

_ Oh. Sorry.

_ That's fine. I'll be alright. Dean, I'm sorry for what happened at the gym. I didn't intend to be that cold. I hope you can forgive me.

_ I guess I'm over it now. Don't worry. But, you know, if you're mad at me, at least say it to my face.

I look angry and I truly am, because I still don't understand why he reacted like that.

_ I was just kinda mad at myself, actually. I'm feeling bad because I didn't win the title last time. I wanted it so bad, but couldn't get it. It's so frustrating.

He's really confused and hurt. Now I know everything, I'm feeling guilty. I didn't imagine he'd be so moved by his loss. I thought he'd be fine. But I guess I was wrong, once again.

_ Man, I'm sorry. I didn't know. Lately I'm just messing everything up. I-

_ No you're not, Dean, he replies. Don't blame yourself. I'm the one who messed up and I'm the one to blame for what happened.

_ But the whole thing with Renee…

_ Hm. Yeah, that was all your fault but.. she'll understand. Just stay strong. Alright ?

_ I'll try.


Here comes the end of the second chapter.

I hope you enjoyed it !

See you next time ~

Take care of yourselves !