Perseverance

by Bob the Taco Thief

The 4 Horsewomen in the world of MMA: The story nobody asked for.

4. Chapter 7

Bayley

Bayley was once again staring at a camera, though this time she was talking with someone she couldn't see. This wasn't a sign of encroaching madness. She was just on ESPN.

"There's everyone's favorite girl with a side ponytail, Bayley Martinez of , Bayley how are you today?" the voice of Montel Porter asked in her ear.

"I'm great Montel! And let's be honest man, no matter what they say, everyone loves a girl with a side pony right?" she answered as she flashed her most winning smile at the camera.

"I've got a studio full of folks here and it seems like half the ladies are nodding and the other half are shaking their heads!"

"They'll come around," Bayley said with a wink.

"So the big story in the world of MMA, really the ONLY story since the Banks-Paige fight, was your recent interview with Becky Lynch. I want to get to that in a second but I think you know what we have to touch on first,"

Bayley felt her stomach churn but she kept her smile in place as she said: "Gee, I wonder"

"Well, you gotta admit there is CURRENTLY only one topic in the MMA world and maybe sports in general. For those who haven't see the incredible video yet why don't we show it here…"

There was a pause where the video was shown for the viewers. Bayley's stomach churned as she thought about it. She knew what Porter had been referring to. It would be one of the dozens of cellphone videos of a large black SUV coming to a tire-screeching halt in the parking lot of the Flair Gym. A moment later it would show Sasha Banks, dressed in full 'boss' rig dropping to the ground and marching up the back of the crowd of assembled reporters.

Bayley had been there that day, standing quietly off to one side with a few reporters she knew. Despite the Flair Gym's humble circumstances the news that there would be a big announcement involving Becky Lynch had been enough to draw media from across the country. Though Bayley had been grateful that Mandy Rose herself hadn't chosen to show.

From this privileged view, Bayley had been able to watch the whole slow trainwreck.

After almost a minute of silence, Porter's voice came back in Bayley's ear: "Some real soap opera stuff right there. Now you were present at the time Bayley, what was your reaction when you saw this happening."

Bayley had to think for a while before she answered this. Her true reaction wasn't one she cared to share with anyone, much less a national TV audience. "Well we all saw Banks' fight with Paige and I guess my gut was saying 'oh god what now?'" she finally said.

"You did a well-known interview piece with Banks early in your career. I know you've been asked this before but did you see any signs of the Sasha Banks we have now all the way back then?"

"No, I can honestly say I didn't…" Bayley said. She knew this wasn't a good TV answer so she added: "...But I suppose we as a culture are a bit to blame here aren't we? The audience eats these kinds of stunts up and until that isn't true I guess we'll see more and more of them."

"Speaking of reactions, we all saw Charlotte Flair's reaction during the video and then we saw her manage to pull Banks to one side later on, can you give us any insight into what was said there?"

"Man, I wish I could. Charlotte didn't tell me what they talked about but, as I'm sure you could guess, she was not pleased by the whole situation," Bayley said.

"One major reaction that we haven't heard yet is that of Becky Lynch herself. We didn't actually see her at the press conference that was about her. You have, so far, had almost exclusive access to her from the media. Do you know why that decision was made and did Flair's move to send someone to lock the doors to the gym when Sasha arrived have anything to do with her?"

"I can't say definitively of course but if I had to guess I'd say it was an effort to shield her new fighter from the kind of media circus that could create negative pressure on her. I think they both want Becky to just stay focused on her training and rehab,"

"Come on Martinez, there's gotta be more there," Porter teased.

Bayley deflected the prompt with a smile saying: "Well, if there is, you know I'll be happy to bring it to you."

"GREAT answer, very Popovich. Now, let's talk about Becky Lynch herself…"

Charlotte

Charlotte found herself glued to the television as she watched someone she had grown to think of as a close friend talk about the situation that had developed around what was supposed to be a moment of good press that could help Lynch gain back some of the public goodwill she lost.

She had been worried about how it would go but Bayley was doing a great job of answering.

Even though she didn't want to admit that it mattered to her personally how she came across, Bayley's answer made her happy on a personal and professional level.

She had started to relax when the woman who was now officially a fighter under her management was mentioned. Any calm she had, gone in an instant.

"As someone who, I assume, has seen Lynch back in the ring can you give us your honest assessment of just where she is at from a strictly fighting perspective? Taking out any of the other concerns. Is Becky Lynch actually back OR is this a Ronda situation?" Porter asked.

"You know I'm glad you framed the question that way Montel. I've had more people than I can remember ask me in person or via social media if Becky Lynch is 'back'. The point I want to emphasize is that at her peak, when she was champion, Becky Lynch was transcendentally talented. She was easily one of the best in the world at quickly approaching 'all-time' status. Now she's been working very hard on her return but I don't think it's quite fair to expect her to be 'back'. She may never reach that same level again and yet still come back as a damned good fighter."

Charlotte had been wondering how Bayley would navigate the question. Knowing the other woman well enough to know that she wouldn't give anything less than an honest, if not slightly optimistic answer and was proven correct.

"Going off your last point there; Her horrifying knee injury is obviously a massive part of her story. We've seen countless stories of athletes in all different sports who suffer a devastating injury and come back a shell of their former selves. How do you see Becky Lynch dealing with it?"

"I think the best way to look at Becky's current situation would be like an explosive running back who's had an ACL tear. That player might come back and be productive but they'll have to do it in a different way. The same way that running back won't have all their former explosiveness, Becky won't have all her former mobility. She doesn't have the ability to get herself out of jams with athleticism anymore so she needs to be smarter and more efficient about how she moves around the ring. As in all sports, we know that one of the toughest things after an injury is learning to trust that limb or that joint again and I will say that I think she's made great progress there."

"Eloquent and knowledgeable as always. Now I have to ask you one more question before we lose you. Just fifteen minutes ago TMZ was able to get a statement from Becky Lynch's former friend and current champion Finn Balor. When he was asked about Lynch's fight announcement he said, and I quote, "I want to wish her the best. Hopefully, she can get out of her own way. Maybe... I don't know if I'd believe it till I see it." End quote. Any comments on his words?"

Bayley knew she had only seconds to think about her answer here. She hadn't actually heard this and she had a lot of factors to consider. Clearing her throat she said: "Becky Lynch, and she'll tell you this herself, was and is an addict. She's been very candid about that with me. As such, and as someone who has gone through the program, she knows that some bridges stay burned. I believe that she would sincerely like to make amends but I also believe that she has accepted that, when it comes to the CCS team, she might not be able to. As for 'getting out of her own way' I'd say that since she's here she's been doing OK at that so far.

Charlotte's hadn't hear Finn's response either but she was impressed by Bayley's ability to spin a potential flare up and obvious attempt to drag up some drama.

As Porter concluded the interview and gave a brief goodbye to Bayley he began to move on to the next topic and she could finally breathe a bit easier.

This whole situation with Lynch had ended up putting far more on her plate than she initially thought. Stress piling up as she tried to juggle multiple roles at once.

Lynch herself was enough of a problem to deal with. Add on keeping up with the gym's financials and her efforts to renovate the gym so that it ready for the increased attentions and Charlotte couldn't help feeling stretched too far.

She looked down at the files on her desk and considered her options.

Her brain seemed to fizzle and start to wander back to the interview. Inevitably bringing her thoughts back to Lynch and the way she had reacted to Sasha's little stunt after finding out and realizing that Charlotte had locked down the gym to keep her away from the champ.

Charlotte

Everyone had been awkwardly trying to avoid looking like they were watching the stairs up to Becky's room and Charlotte had enough.

Needless to say the press conference hadn't gone exactly to plan and Charlotte was left to deal with the aftermath of Sasha's actions. The letter in her pocket weighing as much as her worry for how the Irish woman was dealing with the events.

Becky had ranted and raved as soon as she realized what Charlotte had Ruby done.

Charlotte had tried to calmly explain why keeping Becky and Sasha away from each other was the smart thing to do and didn't apologize for locking the gym doors from the outside.

Becky hadn't agreed.

She had stormed upstairs after pushing over a rack of dumbells in a fit of anger. Slamming her door shut so harshly that some of the pictures hung on the wall shifted off center.

That had been almost six hours ago and Lynch still hadn't exited her self imposed exile.

Charlotte was at the end of her rope and didn't want to go up herself. That would be admitting that she was worried and would only end in a fight.

The problem was that Charlotte WAS worried about Becky personally after seeing how she had taken the news.

Betrayal may as well been painted on the Irish woman's face in big bold red letters.

The face had stuck with her all day and try as she might to not, Charlotte felt a pang in her chest that was unavoidable. Although she did manage to avoid thinking about why the frozen image in her mind made her almost physically sick.

She looked across the gym and had an idea of who could maybe get Becky out of her room. Unfortunately it was likely also the other person most affected by Sasha's actions today.

Even though a part of her wanted to go up those stairs herself, the other side won out and here she was waiting for someone else to deal with Becky.

A tiny voice in the back of her head saying only one word about her choice. 'Coward.'

Bayley

It had been a very VERY stressful day.

Bayley had done her best to try and focus after the incident at the press conference but it had been no good. She'd always know that Sasha was impulsive, recklessly so. But she'd never thought of her as being cruel. Yet, shoved in her bag, was evidence that she might have been wrong.

Bayley obviously hadn't been present for the conversation between Charlotte and Sasha but she'd seen it from a distance. She'd been as interested as anyone when she'd seen Sasha shove an envelope into the taller woman's chest. She'd thought Charlotte might tell her about it later, she hadn't been expecting for the envelope to be FOR her.

"She said to give this to you," Charlotte had told Bayley in an annoyed tone of voice after the press conference. Before Bayley could respond the blonde had vanished into the gym. Bayley had looked around to make sure none of the other media were paying attention before she too had ducked inside. Making a beeline toward the men's locker room she'd sat down on a bench and torn open the envelope.

She'd had no real idea what she might find. Some small part of her held out the absurd hope that it might be an apology letter. But that hope had been obliterated the second she'd withdrawn the envelope's contents.

It was a wedding invitation.

Had Bayley been slapped she would have felt less stunned. Sasha had to know that, despite their recent fights, Bayley would have always cared for her. But she would also know how devastating her proposal to Zelina would have been. To do this was...cruel. There was no other word for it.

And she knew she couldn't take the easy way out here. She couldn't just tell herself that Zelina had done this. She might have contributed but it wasn't her. Sasha Banks did NOTHING that she didn't want to, no one drove her to do anything. If she'd done this, it had been because SHE had wanted to.

Bayley was not the type who cried often, almost never in fact. But she did then. For a long time she let silent tears fall onto the bench. She was crying not so much about the invitation itself, but over what had been...and what might have been. When she emerged from the locker room however, after thoroughly checking herself in the mirror, she was totally under control.

Despite her composure, that was it for her work day. She tried to focus on her surroundings, on writing a story, even on idle chat with Morgan and Riott. Nothing really helped. Eventually, around eight, she decided that enough was enough. She was just heading toward the door when someone called her name.

Charlotte/Bayley

"Bayley wait up!" Charlotte called out when she spotted the reporter heading out for the night. A part of her knew it wasn't fair to ask Bayley this after Sasha's gift earlier, but Charlotte needed to know what Becky was up to. "You holding up?" She asked.

"Hijo de puta!" Bayley muttered as she let her shoulders sagged. Taking a deep breath she turned around, forcing a smile onto her face as she did (though she was unsure why). "I'm...OK…" she said, that was all she could muster at the moment.

Charlotte took one look at Bayley and could tell that she was anything other than ok right now. As much as she wanted to offer some comfort she didn't feel like she would be that effective with her mind preoccupied. "Say that with some real enthusiasm and I may almost believe it." She lightly teased. Trying to put herself and the other woman at ease before she asked what she really wanted.

Bayley tried, she really did, but all she could muster was a weak sort of quiver of the corner of her mouth by way of a smile. Sighing she admitted defeat and let her shoulders slump as she said: "We'll have to do another table read later."

Seeing Bayley so beaten down almost made Charlotte reconsider what she was about to ask… Almost.

She tried to give an encouraging smile and laid a hand gently on the reporter's shoulder. "Looking forward to it." Pausing before she took a deep breath and started in, "But, in the meantime could you maybe do me a favor and run upstairs." Trying to act as casual as she could despite the fear burning in her gut. "Maybe check on Becky while you're up there."

Bayley narrowed her eyes suspiciously, not buying Flair's casual demeanor for a moment. "Why? What's wrong?" she asked.

Charlotte had the decency to look a little guilty before she tried to downplay it. "Nothing. Or it might be nothing. Honestly, I could be worrying over nothing." Falling over her words with uncharacteristic clumsiness. "She's just been in her room since… Since earlier, and I'm pretty sure you are the least likely person she would want to kill right now."

It was instantly apparent to Bayley what Charlotte was actually asking. A moment later, when she'd digested the implications of it, she felt immeasurably tired. Flair was asking her to go do HER dirty work, or at least unpleasant and potentially awkward work. Why did she allow herself to be put into these situations? SHE needed someone to talk to right now. But the worst part was, she knew she was going to say yes.

"Estupidas gringas!" she grumbled before she shrugged off her bag and tossed into onto a nearby bench with more the usual force. Closing her eyes and taking a few cleansing breaths she said, with a heavy sigh: "Alright, I'll go."

"Great!" Charlotte said. A little too quickly and maybe a little too loudly. Liv and Ruby turning their heads to look over at the pair. "I know this wasn't exactly in the job description."

Bayley waved the words away as she shrugged off her coat as well and set off back toward the stairs. She was annoyed at the world in general and Charlotte as well, but mostly at herself. She had to learn how to say no to these things. Trudging upward she reached the door to Becky's apartment, took a deep breath, and knocked.

Becky/Bayley

The knock was enough to make the door slowly creak open. The strike plate for the doorknob destroyed from when it had been slammed shut earlier and leaving it perpetually unable to latch close.

The interior was dark and Bayley had a hard time seeing inside without any moonlight peeking through the drawn curtains. Only able to make out shadows along the wall and relying on what she already knew of the room to make out what they were.

She crept inside and finally noticed the tiny monitor that was haphazardly placed on top of a cardboard box that was being used as a makeshift table.

In the light flickering from the screen Bayley saw that Becky was sitting down on the floor with her back to the door.

Bayley had to take several steps further into the room before she could tell what was playing on the screen.

Footage of Sasha and Becky's last fight filled the monitor. The sound muted as the first round came to a close and the fighters returned to their corners for a break.

Becky obviously had some sort of remote control as the image stuttered and began to fast forward till the beginning of the second round.

"Hey, Becky...umm...are you alright?" Bayley asked, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. She felt as though she'd just intruded on something very private, even intimate.

"I had her." Becky said. Blatantly ignoring the question. "I fucking HAD her!" Her voice getting louder while her body stayed quiet and still. Not taking her eyes off the screen as the round began.

Taking another moment to assess the situation Bayley took a few steps forward and sat cautiously next to Becky. She'd half expected the Irishwoman to recoil or even leave at this, but Becky never looked away from the screen. Waiting a few moments she cleared her throat: "A lot of the other media there that day thought so as well."

Becky heard the words but didn't respond. Fixed on the action on screen. Watching the scene she knew by heart unfold from the first solid shot Sasha had landed to the inevitable moment when her knee would pop and the referee intervened. The Becky on screens mouth open in a silent scream.

Before it went any further she hit the rewind and skipped back to the bell ring at the start of the first round. Almost forgetting that Bayley sat next to her. "I can take her." She whispered to herself. Not knowing if she believed her own words even as the fight began anew on the screen.

"Most educated opinion at the time thought you SHOULD have taken her...easily, so what happened?" Bayley asked. She made sure that her voice was completely free of accusation, as though she were merely asking about the weather.

"I lost." Becky plainly said. Watching herself on screen and frowning even though she was basically dominating Sasha at this point in the fight.

"True…" Bayley said a sigh as she folded her legs in front of her self. She waited to see if Becky would respond but when she didn't Bayley promoted her further: "But you've known that for a long time now, I'm guessing this isn't something you do every night either. Want to talk about what's actually bothering you?"

"Don't want to talk about her." Becky said without thinking. Once again skipping through the lull in between rounds and starting off the second round.

This statement confused Bayley for a moment. Was Becky talking about Sasha? But if that was the case, why would she not want to talk about her? She was watching a fight involving Sasha. A moment later her brain supplied her with the answer. It wasn't Sasha, it was Charlotte.

But what to do with the lightbulb was more a problem. She knew, or at least sensed, that if she just came out with this Becky would deny it and that would be that. But she also knew that Becky would continue in her miniature exile until she discussed this. Taking a moment to silently damn Charlotte for putting her in this position, Bayley took a breath.

"I'm sure that SASHA had good reasons to do what she did...in that fight," she offered hesitantly.

"She won, didn't she? I know she had good reasons. But look right there!" Becky spoke up. Moving for the first time since Bayley had gotten there and pointing at the screen as her knee visibly popped. "I should have been able to get out of that! I've been in that position thousands of times and not once did I ever get caught. I KNOW HOW TO GET OUT OF IT!" Turning her head towards Bayley for just a moment. Eyes bloodshot from forgetting to blink. "I know I can." Her voice losing steam and settling back to a more normal volume.

Her gaze returned back to the monitor. Once again restarting the fight and analyzing the movements she knew like the back of her hand by now. 'Jab, step in, duck, circle, jab, jab, left straight, circle.' Thinking about the moves a second before they happened.

"You COULD have beat her then...and maybe today?" Bayley asked quietly.

"Of course." Becky replied. Though, her eyes never strayed from the fight on screen. "I'd never watched this… After..." She said quietly into the dark room.

"I know you don't want to hear it but...it was quite the show," Bayley said, still speaking quietly.

Becky remained quiet. Silently watching the rest of the fight play out while she sat. Not wanting to admit how bad her neck and back hurt from sitting cross legged on the floor for so long. It didn't stop her from hitting the rewind button. The image on screen now becoming familiar to Bayley as well.

Despite thinking that she already knew the answer, Bayley asked: "What's really bothering your Becky?"

"...Did you ever have a pet when you were younger?"

"Yes, a dog," Bayley said with a nod.

"I'm sure you kept it safe right? Kept in inside when there was a storm. Put a leash on when you let it out." Becky said without taking her eyes off the screen. "I'm not a dog Bayley… I don't like being treated like one."

It was on the tip of Bayley's tongue to point out that, if your dog was snarling and showed every sign of making a run at another dog, you locked it up. But she didn't. Instead she scooted so she was facing Becky and said: "You think Charlotte doesn't believe in you."

Becky's hand wavered in the air as she rewound the fight once again. "I never said that." Not even believing herself at the moment.

Bayley gave her a pitying look as she jerked a thumb at her own chest: "Lynch...REPORTER."

The reminder wasn't needed, but it did make Becky sit up a little straighter. "Good for you. Unless you have anything HELPFUL to say I'd love for you to get out of my room and leave me in peace." As soon as the words left her lips Becky felt guilty for taking her anger out where it didn't belong. She wasn't willing to apologize right now, but she did try and soften the blow. "You look dead tired anyway. Don't let me keep you from your bed." Keeping her eyes diligently fixed on the screen so that she didn't have to see Bayley.

Bayley thought about her reaction carefully here. Snapping back would be the worst possible thing, so she wouldn't. But what did that leave her? Taking a breath she said: "Have you considered the possibility that the reason why you've been up here all day hiding and brooding is that, on some level, you aren't sure Charlotte was wrong?" She didn't wait for an answer she just leaned over, gave Becky a quick hug and stood. "Good night Becky," she said softly before walking back through the door.

Becky had stiffened at the hug, but couldn't deny that on some level the simple gesture of affection was something she seemed starved for. She waited till the door closed before whispering to herself, "Night Bayley. Feel Better." Shaking away the thoughts in her head that Bayley had put there and pressing the rewind button yet again.

Charlotte/Bayley

As soon as Charlotte had spotted Bayley at the base of the stairs she had tried to rush over as quickly as she could without appearing over eager. "So? How did it go?" She asked while nervously wringing her hands and peering over Bayley's shoulder towards the stairs as if she had expected Becky to be right behind her.

Suddenly exhausted, Bayley rolled her head from side to side with her eyes closed before saying: "deberías ir allí y preguntarle a ti mismo."

"Come on Bayley. English." The longer it took for the brunette to give her an answer made Charlotte's anxiety spike. Already picturing the worst.

"Sé que por eso lo dije…" Bayley said as she rubbed at her neck before switching languages and saying: "She is...not happy."

"That's true most of the time." Charlotte flippantly responded. Taking note of how stressed and tired Bayley looked and worrying that maybe sending her up to Becky after dealing with Sasha earlier might have been asking too much.

"Look, Charlotte…" Bayley said wearily "...I get why you sent me up there, and I appreciate the trust. But, if you and Becky have something to work out...you two need to do it. I can't be the girl running notes back and forth between you during class."

Charlotte rushed to dismiss the words. "That's not… I don't even…" Unable to find a good response she just sighed and resigned herself to it. "Go home Bayley. Try to get a good sleep. If I don't see you tomorrow I understand." Stopping and trying to think of how best to bring up how truly despicable a certain action of Sasha's was. "I honestly thought about lying and not giving you the letter. Sorry for everything today. I've been unfair to you in particular."

Bayley felt her mouth go ashen at this even as she kept her increasingly false feeling smile on her face. She awkwardly patted Charlotte on the arm before taking a few steps past the blonde woman, making sure her back was to Charlotte before speaking again. "Thanks...Charlotte...I...I appreciate it. But, I'd be OK if we just don't talk about this right now." As she did she had to fully constrict her throat to keep a sniffle from escaping.

"I figured. Take care of yourself tonight Bayls." Charlotte called out with sympathy. Already dreading the confrontation that was up next.

She watched the woman walk away. Her stride uncomfortably stiff and abnormal. Moving quickly despite, and snatching her things up from where they lay.

As Charlotte continued to follow her till she walked out the door she felt guilty for not being in a better mind to actually offer something helpful to Bayley. She let Bayley leave without another word. Knowing that she would have a chance to make it up to her sometime soon.

For now though, she had a certain Irish woman that she should probably see too.

Charlotte

Charlotte would make all sorts of excuses for why it had taken her nearly two hours to gather the courage to go upstairs and check on Becky, but she was all out of reasons around the gym to delay.

She had shifted weights around to the proper place. Wiped down some of the equipment. Thrown away some odd bits of trash that had been lying about. Anything was easier than dealing with the temperamental Irish woman above.

She slowly made her way up the stairs. Still not looking forward to this after Bayley's own trip had ended with nothing.

The door was already cracked open and Charlotte didn't bother to knock. Pushing her way inside as if she owned the place, which technically she kind of did.

She opened her mouth, but closed it just as quickly.

The soft light from the monitor illuminated a curled up lump on the ground only identifiable because of the orange hair that cascaded down to the wood floor.

Charlotte's brain was screaming at her to just leave. Take the blessing in disguise and go home.

She bit back a groan when her stupid conscience mentioned that the floor wasn't a great place for someone to sleep. The cold wood surely not making the comfiest of beds.

Her long stride took her quickly over the floor and she stopped just inches from the lump that was Becky. Poking her in the ribs with the toe of her short heels and getting nothing in response.

That would certainly make this easier.

Her eyes moved to the monitor. It had long since fallen into rest mode and the picture had dimmed, but not enough for Charlotte to not see Sasha in the ring holding the belt high. Just barely able to see a body in the background surrounded by medical personnel.

She sighed heavily and turned off the screen. Plunging the room into near complete darkness. The single light bulb in the hallway letting in just enough light for Charlotte to kind of see.

Charlotte bent down on her knee and took the time to actually study the other woman. Knowing that she would never get the chance when Becky was actually awake.

The hard edges and years of abuse receded and Charlotte could swear that she was getting a glimpse into a parallel universe where Lynch hadn't lived such a hard life.

Before Charlotte could stop herself, her hand reached out and gently shifted a bit of hair out of Becky's face where it had been dangling in front of her nose. Softly blowing from the gentle puffs of air as Lynch slept on. Curling in on herself a little more before settling back down.

At the moment Charlotte couldn't see a sign of the old Irish Lass Kicker. Just a eerily tiny woman caught in a web of her own making.

At least in her dreams in seemed like the redhead was able to escape her own demons.

Charlotte swallowed and pulled back. Not liking the path her thoughts were taking her down.

It was far easier to just be annoyed at the caricature she had painted in her own head, than examine the real woman underneath it. Even if in every waking moment Becky seemed preoccupied with trying to prove Charlotte's assumptions true at every turn.

With steady hands she reached down and scooped the bundle of muscle up into her arms.

Surprised when in her exhausted sleep Becky's head fell against her chest. Her ear directly over Charlotte's heart, who was convinced the suddenly heavy beats would wake the woman and make this whole situation incredibly awkward.

Luckily for her Becky seemed to just be automatically adjusting herself, but not actually awakening.

Quickly, Charlotte walked a few steps till she was next to the bed. Setting the woman down onto the mattress and taking a single step away before she was tempted to do something stupid.

She was about to leave when Charlotte hesitated and reached down to pull a pillow down and slide it as carefully as she could under Becky's head. Using her other hand to support the Irish woman's head and lift it up just enough.

When she was done Charlotte turned away and walked towards the doorway.

"'M sorry Charlie."

The whisper was so quiet that Charlotte was sorely tempted to just pretend she hadn't heard. Her hand hovering on the doorknob.

"Sorry I'm not what you wish I was."

Charlotte felt her heart break a little at the vulnerable words that seemed much louder in the silent room than in actuality. She didn't turn around though. "Someone will be here in the morning to fix the door." Caught between her need to keep herself focused on what was best for the business and the undeniably frustrating draw towards the fighter that just wouldn't go away.

Becky didn't make anymore noise, so Charlotte wasn't sure if she had fallen back asleep or didn't want to say anything else.

"Tomorrow will be a busy day. I'll see you in the morning." Walking out the door and down the stairs. The promise of her own bed driving her onwards. It had nothing to do with needing to physically put some distance between her and a certain woman living in her gym.

Becky

The shrill, piercing noise of her alarm going off was not the easiest way to start the day, but Becky had learned early on that anything less would result in her staying in bed and procrastinating.

She blindly swiped at the button to stop the noise several times in the dark before she managed to return the room to relative silence. The only noise being the constant hum of Boston. A steady background music that had settled into her bones in a relatively short time there.

Becky wouldn't call it home, but there was something about this place that she couldn't define yet felt ever present. Like trying to catch smoke in your hand and coming so close but never managing to corral and examine it.

Large red numbers pronounced the time, 5:15am.

With a determined but heavy tired sigh, she rolled over and flopped her legs over the side of the bed. Yawning loudly as she stretched. Her back sore from yesterday. And the day before that. And the day before that. The entirety of the last three weeks and change or so in actuality

The palm of her hands rubbed the sleep from her eyes and she sat in silence for a minute. Counting out the seconds in line with her breathing and letting herself just be. Focusing on her toes, then her feet and moving her focus slowly up her body. Just feeling every aching and tired muscle that she would be push to their limit once again.

Her eyes unconsciously were drawn to the dirty old mirror she procured from the gym during Charlotte's renovations leaning against the wall. A piece of paper hanging down from the glass by a piece of ripped duct tape.

She didn't even need to read what was on it to recite the words in her head.

Shortly after her sit-down interview had aired, Becky's name was on many of the women's bantamweight division lips. Most just looking to make a payday from the Becky fight and maybe make their name off the former champion returning from injury. Some looking to also avenge past losses.

But only one's words had managed to make Becky's temper burn strong enough that the only way to safely release her fury had been to go down to the gym at one in the morning and start punching a bag. Not bothering to tape up her fists or throw on a pair of gloves in her dark mood.

Punching away until the moonlight reflected off the blood that smeared the side she had been working on.

Only then did she stop. Dutifully going to the locker room and running water over her wounds. Dressing them herself before moving back to the gym and vigorously cleaning any remnants of her episode so that no one would be any wiser come morning.

She had walked right into Charlotte's office the second she knew the woman was in. Barging right up to her and demanding a fight with Eve Torres.

Needless to say, Becky got her way and the fight was on.

Even so, it didn't erase the deeply personal attacks Torres directed her way during an interview with Mandy Rose.

Becky threw on her running clothes; a tattered sweatshirt that was too old and faded for anyone but her to know that it originally proudly declared 'Property of Celtic Combat Sports' on the front and some simple black leggings.

As her feet slapped against the cold pavement Becky couldn't run away from the comments. Driving her to try harder even though she had never managed to outrun her own thoughts before.

"Lynch deserved what she got. She was a piece of shit from the start and if she wants to come back to fighting I'd love to greet her. That way I can finish what Banks started and rid MMA of a cancer. The way I see, it I would be doing a good for our business. I don't want a lying, alcoholic, pill popping, addict like that representing my sport."

That alone had been enough to irritate her, but Becky tried to see it from the other woman's point of view and she did have a point on one account. Maybe Becky wasn't the best representative for the sport but she was trying. Seemed like most of the world didn't care if you were trying and would rather focus on the stupid shit she had done.

"Becky Lynch is a coward who would have done the whole world a favor by finding a tiny corner and curling up to die. Honestly, the woman wants to claim she is 'trying to be better and do the right thing' but we all know how this story ends. More people hurt by Lynch's selfishness once she gets bored of trying to act like she cares and falls off the wagon. She would solve more problems and do more good if she had the balls to do the REAL right thing and pull the trigger."

Those words followed Becky in every practice. Everytime she ran in the morning and a stitch in her side made her slow down, the words came back and she pushed through.

All those long days when she thought that all she could do was flop down to the ground like a ragdoll the words came back and Becky found it in her to put one foot in front of the next and stay upright. Keep moving her own internal mantra.

She was haunted by them. Not just because of how hurtful and mean spirited they were but because she knew that at some points in her life she would have probably agreed with her.

Even now one of her greatest fears was that she would slip and fall back into her old ways. Everyday a struggle to make the right choices.

Picking up the speed she moved into an all out sprint. Hoping to outrun her self doubt and the paralyzing fear that all it takes is one bad day to destroy months of hard work and sobriety in an instant.

It ended in a tie.

Sasha

Sasha was in her happy place. The place that involved her hitting things.

She was only hitting a heavy bag but she was punishing it. Her fists were moving so fast that they would be hard for a casual observer to follow. She landed another series of crunching punches before switching to a series of quick kicks. Starting low and working upward she hammered the hapless bag with her shins and feet before moving back into punching.

"Nice work! Two more minutes!" Simon Dean, her new trainer, told her from where he was holding the bag.

Sasha just grunted in response. She and Teddy had hired Dean to replace Bobby Lashley. He had a solid resume and had been doing good work with Iconic Combat Sports but so far Sasha hadn't been overly impressed. A good trainer was supposed to do more than just offer the occasional helpful tip while acting as a virtual rubber stamp for the fighters desires. But that was what Dean had been doing for her. And, if Sasha was honest, that was why she'd hired him.

She was aware of paradox here. She'd hired someone because she thought he'd do what she told him. But now that she had that, she found she had no respect for a yes man. Grimacing as she worked she put a bit extra into her next few punches, working out some of her frustration at a situation she'd created on the heavy bag.

Her frustrations with Dean aside, Sasha was in a pretty good mood. Or as good as she ever was these days. Her invasion of Charlotte Flair's press conference had been every bit as satisfying as she hoped. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Lynch herself had shown up. But knowing that the Irish woman was hiding from her was one hell of a consolation prize.

Of course, her final act of petulance at the gym was one that no one but herself, Charlotte Flair, and (presumably) Bayley would know about. After her sharp conversation with the blonde woman, she'd taken a white envelope out of her jacket and tossed it contemptuously at Flair. "What the hell is this?" Charlotte had asked heatedly.

"Give it to your pet reporter, I think she'll like it," Sasha had told her as she stood and, with deliberate slowness, donned her 'boss' sunglasses.

"What the hell is it?!" Charlotte repeated in a dangerous tone. Sasha, who was at the door at this point looked back over her shoulder and said airily: "A wedding invitation, maybe you can be her plus one."

It had occurred to Sasha in the days since her invasion that she might have gone easy on Flair and her cronies. She'd known Flair many years ago, before she herself had moved to the west coast. That had been when they were both still struggling to become fighters. Sasha didn't recall much about that time but she thought remembered that she and Flair had gotten along well enough.

Maybe it was some of this old sentiment that had led her to allow herself to be pulled aside by Flair. If she'd wanted maximum impact she really should have stayed in front of the reporters. Oh well, she thought, she knew that Teddy's phone hadn't stopped ringing with interview requests since that day. She'd get her to share her side of the story, when she was ready.

Frankly, she could use the distraction at this point. Her personal life had begun to feel more and more like a fishbowl since she and Zelina had been spending more time in Boston. The producers of 'Boss-Z', the reality show that was being shot around her wedding, had ensured that she almost never had a private moment. Zelina seemed to relish the constant presence of cameras, Sasha hated it. BUT she hated dealing with Zelina's tantrums more so she'd just banished them from her training sessions. Which was why Sasha was spending more time training these days, even if she was doing it essentially sans a trainer.

"What would you like to do next?" Dean asked as Sasha stepped away from the bag. Even this question made Sasha despise the man a bit more.

"Just go get me water," Sasha snapped as she moved off toward the door to where the hydro treadmills were located. She had dinner with Zelina later that she wasn't looking forward to, she wanted to get every second in training she could. As she went she was intercepted by Teddy.

"Hey playa, got some things to run past you," her manager said by way of greeting. Sasha just grunted. But Teddy knew her moods by now so he just plowed onward: "I got a few appearances and endorsements I want you to think about."

Another grunt.

"First, Clex's wants you to do a commercial for them. They want to make a 'Boss BBQ Bowl'," Teddy explained.

"Hmm, maybe...what are they offering?" Sasha asked, finally interested. Teddy told her. "Tell them to put a one and a zero in front of that and we'll talk," Sasha told him instantly. Clex's was a worldwide brand, they could do better.

"The producers on 'Drop the Mic' want you to come on the show," Teddy said, reading through a list on this phone.

"That's the battle rap show right?"

"Yep,"

"Are you serious?" Sasha demanded indignantly. She was about to go into a rant when Teddy cut in smoothly.

"Listen playa, your little stunt at the presser? It got you lots of play but it's not all good pub. Going on a show like this? It's the right move for your brand. Show the public that you're fun," he told her sagely.

Sasha's instant reaction was to push back, as she always did when she felt she was being pushed in a certain direction. But the hours she'd spent listening to Zelina talk about how important 'imaging' was hadn't been entirely wasted. Sasha knew that she couldn't fight forever and that she would still want her share of the spotlight when she was done. She needed to think long term, or at least that's what she'd been told.

"When?" she asked in a resigned voice.

"You don't have another fight scheduled yet so what about next week? You'll fly back out to LA, shoot the episode, and then come back a few days later. Zelina would love a trip back west," Teddy pointed out. He'd meant this to encourage Sasha but it just soured her mood again. Her girlfriend had been in an almost perpetual sulk since they'd arrived in Boston.

"Yeah... I bet," Sasha said darkly. She brooded for a few moments before she asked: "Anything else?"

"You want to be in the next Sharknado movie?"

"Fuck out of here," Sasha told him as she disappeared into the changing room.

Bayley/Charlotte

In contrast to most of the other adults around her on the plane, Bayley wasn't reading, sitting quietly, or sleeping. She was on her switch.

Mario Kart kept her occupied well past the Mississippi but at a certain point she just needed to do something else. Putting her switch back in her carry on she looked around the cabin. Charlotte had paid to fly herself, Bayley, Liv, Ruby, and Becky out to Las Vegas. When she'd been informed of this she'd fully expected to end up sitting in steerage, which had happened to Liv and Ruby. To her surprise, she'd gotten a first class seat just like Charlotte and Becky.

Standing and making her way carefully into the aisle Bayley saw that Becky, sitting a few seats behind her, had headphones and sleep mask on. Bayley guessed that the fighter wasn't actually sleeping, her chest wasn't rising and falling the way a sleeping person's the non-verbal cue was stark so Bayley didn't bother her. Well, she did a little. Taking a small salt packet that had come with her lunch Bayley opened it and dumped into Becky's water. She then met the eyes of the girl sitting next to Becky and gave her a wink as she held a finger to her lips.

It was a sign of how much Bayley's mood had improved over the past few days that she felt up to pranks. She'd certainly done more crying recently than normal but she'd reached a moment of clarity as well. As much as it hurt, she had to acknowledge that whatever had been between her and Sasha was now totally dead. It was time for her her to move on, or at least think about it. This hadn't made her feel 'better' per say, but it had provided that desperately needed focus and clarity.

Shaking this from her head Bayley made her way to the front of the cabin to where she saw the back of Charlotte's head. When she got closer she saw that Charlotte was just finishing a glass of wine.

Charlotte never usually drank on flights, but felt like she deserved to make an exception give the situation she was in.

It seemed as if the floodgates had opened and all the shit in her life that could bring stress decided that this week was the perfect time to pop up.

The week would have been immeasurably stressful with just Becky Lynch and her fight. The media that would accompany it and the entire unknown element that was how Becky herself would handle it all with no one to hold her hand.

Then her father has to go and tell her that he won't even be coming to the fight. She had pressed him of course, and finally got him to cave and explain that he had a doctor's appointment that couldn't be postponed.

He said it wasn't anything to worry about, and even gave her a classic Ric line about what happens in Vegas. She hadn't been amused.

She knew that he had always downplayed the emotional in his life. His DUI's after Reid's death a testament to his need to distract and push away real pain.

So naturally Charlotte assumed it was something serious for him to not follow through and watch his pet project run wild for the first time.

Which led her back to why she was even drinking on this flight in the first place.

Sitting all alone next to a chair that was supposed to be carrying her father.

"So...only you in the this row huh? Lucky break right?" Bayley said weakly. She'd instantly sensed that Charlotte was feeling down and wanted to try and cheer the other woman up. Just as quickly she realized that she'd miscalculated.

Charlotte huffed and took a sip of her wine. "Lucky... Sure." Placing the now empty glassware down a little harder than necessary. "That's what I am."

"I…" it was on the tip of Bayley's tongue to apologize but she decided against it "...I wondered if you had any other things you wanted to tell me before I posted my next update?" The finish was lame and she knew Charlotte would know this, but she hoped the other woman would pick up on the sub text.

Sighing, Charlotte grabbed her laptop bag off the open seat and slid it smoothly beneath her seat. "Might as well take a seat then."

Feeling no less awkward Bayley slid past Charlotte and sat down beside her. It was only then that she realized she'd walked over here with no clear idea what she wanted to say to Charlotte. She'd honestly just been hoping to chat with someone to pass the time. But now that it was clear something was on Charlotte's mind she felt as though she were intruding.

"Good wine?" she finally asked, and instantly wanted to kick herself for asking it.

Charlotte chuckled at the lame question. "It's alright. Has alcohol in it." She turned her head towards Bayley and gave her as much of a smile as she could muster right now. "Thinking of a glass yourself? It's a great way to make all this craziness a little easier. Although I just realized I probably shouldn't be saying that to a reporter considering who I represent now."

Bayley smiled, grateful for the lifeline. "If I were a PR expert and NOT a reporter I'd probably be scolding you right now." She'd said jokingly.

Charlotte continued to smile even as Bayley inadvertently reminded her of another problem on her plate. Luckily though she thought she may have that particular problem almost dealt with. "Good to know I avoided a Bayley scolding. I'm sure that must be terrifying."

"Remember what I told you about muppets earlier?" Bayley asked, trying to raise the other woman's spirits. Truthfully she felt like she should be pouncing on this opportunity, at least as a professional. But, again, her own sense of right and wrong wouldn't allow her to. Instead, she asked: "Is something wrong Charlotte?"

The blonde debated internally on what to say. She still didn't know exactly what was wrong with her father and was sure if he didn't want her knowing he wouldn't want the media to get wind. But another larger part of her just wanted to at least tell someone and Bayley was the only one around. Maybe the wine was fueling her a little more than she thought, "Off the record. My dad didn't come because he's sick. Not because of him wanting to keep an eye on the gym while I'm gone."

Bayley nodded somberly. Truthfully she hadn't walked over here as 'reporter' Bayley but this reminder was helpful. Other people were, naturally, wary around her at times because they didn't know what was going to make it to print. This was sometimes a good thing but more often isolating. She pushed this aside however, now wasn't the time to focus on her own issues.

"Do you know what's wrong?...entirely and forever off the record of course," she added.

"No offense, but if you've known my dad as long as I have you'd know he never reveals when something is bothering him unless someone forces him to." Charlotte spoke calmly. Finding her nerves already slipping away from just being able to talk about this with another person. "I had to twist his arm just to tell me he was going to the doctor. Might of had to get Becky to torture him like she does me, to get him to tell me what was actually wrong."

"Somehow I can see Mr. Flair liking that..." Bayley joked "...I got the sense he likes younger women who don't take his crap."

Charlotte closed her eyes and dropped her chin to her chest. Her entire body shaking slightly as she laughed to not cry. "Sad thing is, you are probably right about that. Did you know one of the first thing he did when Becky came into the gym looking like a stray dog was hit on her? Said she reminded him of his future wife." Scoffing as she felt an extremely uncomfortable burst of jealousy towards her father. Not something she ever wanted to feel. Quickly shaking the thought away and burying it far, far away.

"Awkward much?" Bayley joked. After a moment's thought she added: "But...well...nevermind."

"Yeah." Charlotte trailed off. Not really wanting to speak about her father anymore, but also finding that she was enjoying the other woman's company. Finding her energy calming amidst the constant firing in brain. "He can be a handful."

"Well, I bet he's proud of you at least," Bayley offered, sensing that Charlotte was uncomfortable.

"He has his moments." A tiny smile cracking her face. "Has he hit on you yet? I will apologize on his behalf if I need to." Keeping her tone light.

Bayley laughed: "Actually he's one of those rare men who can do it so well that you don't realize it was happening until afterward."

"It's what makes him so damn annoying to have as a father. Can't take him anywhere."

Bayley knew it wouldn't be helpful but she had to add: "I mean...Ruby is gay and even she told me that she found him charming."

"Maybe I should just look on the bright side that I won't have to watch my father flirt with nineteen year old cocktail waitresses." Shuddering at the all too real scenario she had seen play out before despite her being right there.

"I'm assuming that's because you no longer take him places where there ARE nineteen year old cocktail waitresses? Bayley asked wryly.

Charlotte grinned. "I may have a banned list somewhere." Shaking her head. "I'd feel horrible if I didn't ask how your time at the gym has been overall? Crazy how fast time flies."

Bayley thought about her answer for awhile. Recently she'd been having a very hard time at the gym, though she freely admitted this had nothing to do with Charlotte. But as she reflected back she had to admit that she was very grateful for her time there so far. It had become her new normal, and she realized that someday she'd have to leave, which was a disturbing thought.

"Hectic, sometimes very stressful, but overall...you're doing a damned good job Charlotte," Bayley offered.

"Doesn't always feel like it, but I appreciate it. I'd like to think we made a pretty good team. The fact that Becky is actually on this flight amazes me. When she came in I didn't even know if she would be ready to fight in a year." Charlotte stared down at her lap. "You were a big part in that. Thanks… For all the… Everything." She finished. Quickly looking over her shoulder to ensure Becky was still wearing her eye pillow before leaning across the armrest and giving Bayley a strong but quick hug.

Had Charlotte punched her...or even flashed her Bayley couldn't have been more surprised. So much so that it took her a moment to fully grasp what was happening. But when she caught up she smiled and returned the hug for the brief time it lasted. Smiling she said: "I don't know if you've realized by now but...I'm a hugger."

"I suppose there are worse things." Charlotte teased. Letting herself steal whatever comfort Bayley would let her, before she carefully and abruptly pulled herself back into her seat.

Charlotte realized that they were nearing the end of the conversation and took a chance. Not wanting to spend the rest of the flight sipping idly at another wine.

"You could always bring your stuff up here. I have two tickets and only one body. Come on, its getting lonely working by myself. I could use another person with an actual brain." Pouring on the Flair charm and unknowingly showing shades of her own father. Wiggling her eyebrows and pouting ever so slightly.

Bayley wasn't unaware of the irony on display here, which wasn't to say she was immune to it either. Smiling she said: "That sounds nice, besides...at some point Becky will have to stop pretending to sleep and when she does she'll probably drink her water. I don't want to be back there when she does."

"Do I want to know?"

"Whether you want to or not you'll probably find out," Bayley said with a grin as she stood and headed back to her seat.

Charlotte leaned back into her chair. Her face much calmer than it had been before. She pulled her laptop back out onto her lap and pulled up the file on Alexa Bliss.

Bayley had resettled into her new seat and was hard at work going over her notes and putting some finishing touches on her latest article. Nearly fifteen minutes had passed when both woman and the entirety of the cabin jumped.

"WHO DA FOOK!" The Irish accent unmistakable as it followed sound of liquid being spit out violently. Charlotte looked quickly over at Bayley with eyes narrowed by suspicion as the reporter, refusing to look up from her screen, simply turned up the volume on whatever she was listening to.

Becky

It was an odd feeling for Becky to be back in a locker room and able to hear the ebb and flow of the crowds energy throughout the night. Stuck in the locker room just waiting for her turn to go out there and be in front of the raucous Vegas crowd.

Odder still was the feeling of not being in the main event.

It's not as if she had fallen to the prelims, only to the co-main but who exactly was in the main event was the problem.

Of course she would be put on a card with Finn Balor defending his belt against Adrian Neville in the fight right after hers.

Someone at the BFA must have gotten a kick at the thought. Maybe even believed that having the ex-teammates on the same card would someone drum up more interest.

Whether or not it brought any more eyes on the fight was to be determined but Becky damn sure had been asked about it more than enough since getting here.

At least today was the end of it. Win, lose or draw it would all be over… Until the next fight.

A knock on her door pulled her attention and one of the stagehands gave her the five minute warning for when she would be walking to the cage.

The entire fight week was meant to help prepare fighters for the moment when they would step in and fight but it never stopped Becky from feeling sick every time she would get the heads up. She never actually got sick but the feeling was there from her first fight and like clockwork her stomach started to turn. Uncomfortable to the point of being painful.

She forced herself to get up and warm up a little more. Testing her right knee with her weight for what must have been the twentieth time that night.

Luckily Liv and Ruby had stayed quiet during most of the night and hadn't bothered her too much.

Charlotte had stopped by earlier but had only stayed for a few minutes. Busily rushing out of the room with her phone buzzing away incessantly.

It was hard for Becky to admit but she could have actually used the blonde's straightforward approach and biting honesty right now.

Putting it all to the side Becky took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Walking down to the tunnel where she would enter and waiting for yet more time.

The slow build up shredding her nerves more than they ever had been for her past fights.

Ruby broke her silence. "You got this Becky." Not offering anymore than that. Knowing anything more would be rejected.

Becky gave a terse nod. Bouncing on the balls of her feet as the sound of the video package before the fight echoed in the cavernous arena tunnel.

Just a few seconds in and the words that had haunted Becky through eight long, gruelling and arduous weeks of training replayed throughout the arena for all to hear.

The cameraman that would follow her walk to the ring gave her a thirty second warning, but Becky didn't bother to acknowledge him right now. Not out of any animosity but rather a laser focus on what was at hand..

All the anguish she put her body through to get here came down to this.

Becky nodded to herself with five seconds left and closed her eyes as her music started to play.

Ready or not, now was the time to prove to herself that her life wasn't over. That one setback; one injury, won't be the end of her legacy.

Bayley

Bayley looked down at her seat dubiously. That was a good way to describe everything about The Goldust...dubious.

As much as BFA liked to pretend that there 'were no small cards', there were. Or at least there were smaller, or in this case 'dubious',venues. The Goldust fit that category to perfection. One of Vegas' less salubrious off strip casinos the Goldust nonetheless had a large enough auditorium to host a fight night. The earlier contests had all been entertaining enough but had featured no truly prominent names.

The big stories of the night were all about the Irish. Initially the entire card had been defined by the Balor-Neville title contest. But the surprising late addition to the card of Becky Lynch's comeback fight had changed that calculation. Now it was the odd case where an undercard fight seemed to be drawing significantly more attention that the main event.

Bayley had reached out to Shane McMahon's office for comment on the decision to schedule Becky's fight on the same night as Finn's. But it seemed the commissioner had nothing to say on the matter. Never one to just take no, Bayley had begun to work some back channels. She'd eventually managed to pull off the classic scenario that so many reporters had relied on before her to get quotes from less than willing sources.

You simply pestered them until they gave you one out of annoyance.

"What the hell kind of a question is that? Of course we wanted them both on the same card, the angle is a huge draw!" had been the annoyed response that McMahon had snapped into her recorder. More than enough for Bayley to be happy with. Dave Finlay, head trainer of Celtic Combat Sports, hadn't been quite as overtly rude but he'd been just as short.

"No, comment," he'd growled before walking away when Bayley had sought him out at his hotel. Unlike with McMahon Bayley knew that this really was all she'd get from the famously brusque trainer. Despite this she'd stayed plenty busy in the two days before the fight chasing down other angles for her eventual story and recap. Almost until the fights began in fact.

But now here she was, once again finding her seat in media row. Her DUBIOUS seat. It just seemed like every surface in the Goldust could benefit by being sanded down by two or three centimeters. Still, she was here on a press pass and Flair had payed for the flight so she supposed she should be grateful. Taking her seat, Bayley shot a look over to where Charlotte was sitting with other VIP's. The blonde was engrossed in conversation with someone Bayley didn't know but seemed to be enjoying herself.

She was quite the actress. Bayley had gotten close enough with her over the last few weeks that she knew, given how much Charlotte had riding on this fight, the other woman would be a tangled ball of nearly frayed nerves. Bayley actually knew more about how much more Charlotte had riding on this fight than the other woman realized.

Bayley had let it go in one of their earlier interviews but she'd been slowly checking out Charlotte's relationship with Bob Orton for awhile now. She knew that shortly before Becky had arrived in Boston Charlotte had allowed the former boxer to buy a nearly controlling stake in the Flair gym. She also had guessed that Charlotte was borrowing heavily to finance Becky's comeback, She'd been around the gym long enough to know that it just didn't make enough money from it's small client base to be financing all of this.

Bayley knew she she should be objective about this. But she'd spent so much time with both Becky and Charlotte that she just couldn't be, at least not in her own head. She really wanted things to work out for both women. For that to happen, Becky just had to win her fight tonight.

"Hey! Martinez!" a familiar voice broken in on her thoughts. Looking up she saw Zach Ryder edging down the row of media toward her.

"Hey Zach!" Bayley said brightly. She liked Zach Ryder, he was a good reporter though chronically underused by his network. She then looked down to see the pair of hot dogs in his hand. She gave him a skeptical look and asked: "Really? You're going to trust the food here?"

"Meh, I've eaten worse," Ryder said as she sat down next to her.

"You understand that just because you've eaten worse doesn't make this a good idea right?"

"Thanks, MOM," he told her with a laugh.

"I pity your mother," Bayley said mock sternly as she opened a new document on her laptop. She tried to take general notes throughout a fight though she never actually started any serious writing.

Ignoring her remark Ryder changed the subject asking: "What are we gonna see from your girl tonight?"

Assuming he meant Becky, Bayley took some time to consider her answer. She honestly wasn't sure. Had this match been played on a video game she'd have said that Becky should win easily. Torres was pretty good but even an 80% Becky Lynch ought to bury her. But coming back off a major injury? Under the pressure of a big fight for the first time in over a year? It was hard to say.

Cracking a half smile she said: "I think she's coloring her hair a slightly different shade these days?"

Ryder laughed and said: "Fine, keep your secrets."

"I always do. Besides, you network boys can't be seen depending on a lowly blog for help can you?" she teased him.

Before he could answer the light dimmed and all eyes turned toward the tunnel. Bayley really didn't know what she should expect from this fight. All she knew was that, in spite of every journalistic standard, she wanted Becky to win. Waiting until music began to play, and speaking quietly enough that Ryder wouldn't hear her, she whispered to herself.

"C'mon Lynch…"

Becky

Stepping out of a tunnel in front of thousands was not a feeling that could be replicated. Someone could only acclimate themselves after experiencing it first.

Becky remembered the first time she had ever came out in an arena like this, and though the crowd had been pitifully small, she had still forgotten everything her coaches had told her when the lights turned onto her.

This wasn't the same feeling but she did feel similarly overwhelmed as the crowd noise began to grow with every step.

When she heard a loud portion of the crowd cheering for her rather than booing Becky was more than a little stunned. Stopping in her tracks so abruptly that Liv nearly walked into her.

Becky ignored Liv and Ruby as they stood silent and understanding on her flanks. Dropping down to one knee as the noise and lights made the cavernous arena feel like a tiny closet filled to the brim with her own baggage.

The cameraman that had been walking backwards to film Becky's walkout got an order from Kevin in the back and stepped closer. Lowering the camera in an attempt to get an angle where Becky's face would be on camera.

Seeing the motion Becky shut her eyes tightly and reminded herself to just breathe. Take it slow.

Without warning the Irish woman shot up to her feet and sprinted past the cameraman and down to the cage, as the familiar chords of Pearl Jam's 'Even Flow' blared over the speakers. Liv and Ruby following closely behind. Nervous in their own right. Never having been at an event with this much buzz and media attention before.

Becky made it to the cage and gave Ron Simmons, one of BFA's most senior referees, a tiny grin. Letting him quickly check her gear and pat her down before he returned with one of his own and shook his head. Poking his thumb towards the cage and muttering, "Damn. Shit's bought to get interesting."

Her first footsteps onto the canvas came with too many emotions for Becky to identify.

She started to jog around the cage. Filled with a bundle of energy that felt fit to burst if not let out.

Becky shook her head and kept her eyes forward. Looking out into the crowd but not really seeing anything.

Every athlete handled fight day differently, but almost everyone concurred that there was a moment when you switched. Became a different person almost. But it was necessary to go out there and do what they did. Putting their lives on the line with only themselves to blame if things go wrong. Fighting was different than other sports in that way. Even though you had a coach, inside the cage it's only you and your opponent. No one else to pick up your slack if you want a second off. No one else to blame for why you failed.

Becky had been worried when she had been less than an hour from the fight and hadn't felt the switch, but now in front of everyone she could feel it stirring.

Honing in on the task that was in front of her as Eve made her entrance second, having made a big deal of it in the fight contract even though Becky readily signed regardless of when she entered. The entire matter trivial to her.

Like a shark she hadn't taken her eyes off of the other woman while she pranced down to the ring as if she thought she was something special.

Everything outside the cage didn't matter anymore.

The ref called them towards the middle of the cage and Becky didn't bother to blink. Smoothly walking forward with an odd sense of calm settling in.

Rage, disgust, self loathing and fear that sometimes seemed to be her constant companion gave way to a nothingness that Becky welcomed.

She didn't bother listening to the ref's word. Having heard them all before.

When he finished and asked for the fighters to customarily touch gloves, if they wanted too, Becky head stood still as her eyes followed Eve's movement. The other woman bouncing on her toes left to right and shaking her arms. Not having made one attempt to return Becky's stare after all she had said.

Becky didn't bother raising her gloves but stood her ground even as the referee put an arm between them just in case. Becky's reputation and Eve's comments being well known, making the organization a little worried that something unbecoming for the sport could take place.

When Torres turned and walked back to her corner Becky slyly grinned. She had been a victim of her own doing for too long, and she wanted nothing more than to make someone else feel just a fraction of the pain she had felt, but she was still calm.

It was all coming back to her now. The feeling of walking into a ring and having someone beat before they even entered the ring. Torres was good, probably better than she gave herself credit for. But Becky always had a keen eye for weakness before she let everything get to her head.

Blood was in the water before the bell rang and Becky buzzed with anticipation. Slowly walking backwards till the cage stopped her progress.

On a whim she slowly slid down the cage till she sat motionless. Waiting on the ref for his call and giving him a small nod to show she was ready. Still having not taken her eyes off of her opponent. Casually standing on the other side of the octagon like she had a chance to win this fight.

There wasn't a whole lot Becky felt certain of anymore but she knew that Eve was going to tap out tonight.

The bell rang and signified the start of the round.

Eve cautiously moved out towards the center. Peering curiously to where Becky remained sitting.

With a sigh Becky got up to her feet with the aura of someone who was maybe just getting up from a quick break at the jobsite, rather than someone in the middle a cage.

She didn't even bother to drop into an athletic stance. Feet shoulder width apart but arms still hanging near her hips.

Becky didn't have to listen to know that Ruby was yelling at her already to get her hands up and take this fight seriously, but this was about more than just a simple fight for her. This was everything.

The crowd was starting to get a little restless with almost no action in the first minute. Eve was hesitant to engage on the feet and was more than a little thrown by Becky's loose and calm approach. She threw several jabs that weren't even close. Throwing them more to gauge the distance and try and see what Becky's reaction was than to do any damage.

Becky hadn't even graced the jab feints with a hint of head movement. Reading the tense way Eve was throwing the punch and knowing it was just a smokescreen for what she was actually trying to do.

She saw her moment when Eve loaded up on a right straight after another feint. Obviously hoping Becky would continue to not respect the feint and leave herself open for the follow up.

Becky quickly dipped her head to the left and moved just out of the way of the right straight. So close that she felt the edge of Eve's glove scrape the side of her face. The stitching on the edge making a tiny cut at the corner of Becky's right eye that almost immediately began to steadily leak blood.

It was unfortunate luck but it didn't bother her at all. Countering and making her way inside to grab a hold of the other woman and continue driving forward planting her right leg without a care and using her left to snake around the back of Torres' knee. Making her crash to her back with Becky on top, immediately falling into half guard. Right leg in between Eve's while her left was free.

Even though Eve's strength was undoubtedly as a grappler Becky didn't feel an ounce of worry as she began to work. Slowly pressing down on Eve's face with her forearm and pushing into her face. Trying to just make her uncomfortable so that she would make a mistake that Becky could capitalize on. Patience being key when dealing with an opponent who could submit you from their back.

After about ten seconds of grinding her elbow Becky got her moment.

Eve quickly tried to regain full guard, but Becky had anticipated the movement and sliced her right knee quickly up and through. In one perfectly timed movement she found herself in a quick mount. Sliding her knees up into Torres' armpits to make it harder for her to defend and limit her shoulders mobility.

The blood from her own cut began to drip down as she began to rain down elbows on Torres' face. The other woman trying her hardest to bring her arms up and guard against the blows. Twisting her lower body in a show of desperation. Giving up her own back to avoid the hard strikes.

For Becky she wished she could have landed more big elbows and punches from the mount, but her killer instinct kicked in at the flailing beneath. Excitement and adrenaline rushing through her.

The feel of her prey panicking when they were in a bad position was in some ways better than sex. If Becky had the choice between either she would be hard pressed to pick one.

She let herself flow along with Eve's movement and sunk her legs in to hook around Eve's midsection. Locking her right foot behind her left knee and squeezing. Tightening her hold a little more with every exhale Eve made.

Eve was caught and she knew it. With more than a minute left in the round and a submission specialist on her back there was a small chance she would be able to make it out, but she tried anyway.

She tucked her chin as Becky's right arm tried to sneak under.

Becky didn't bother trying to get her arm under. Changing from a rear-naked choke into a simple neck crank and placing Eve's chin in the crook of her elbow. Giving every ounce of her energy into just simply squeezing as hard as she could. Feeling her opponents jawbone beginning to creak as she just increased the pressure.

Before she knew it she felt a small pop as Eve's jawbone had enough and gave. The tap coming so quick that Becky didn't have a moment to think before she was being pulled off. Not even realizing that she had been still holding on.

She stood up and looked down at Eve without an ounce of remorse, the last of her anger finally leaving now that it was all over.

As she stood there everything hit her at once. The crowd noise filtered back in and she felt the rush of undeniable joy and relief that came when it was over.

It was always so much better when you were on the winning end of things but it had never felt like this before. This wasn't just another victory for her and the rush of emotions both negative and positive made her pause for a moment.

Her eyes scanned the crowd and took in the fact that an entire arena was standing up and cheering for her. A moment that just months ago she didn't know if she would ever feel again.

A doctor came over to her and asked her a few questions that Becky didn't even hear, before poking at the cut on the side of her eye.

Becky knew it wasn't anything significant, but even tiny head wounds bled a lot.

She scanned the crowd close to the cage and spotted a familiar face amongst the mass. A game of 'Where's Waldo' made all the easier when her target had such a defining feature.

Becky couldn't help herself and ran towards the cage. Hopping over in a second while the crowd continued to roar. With a wide smile on her face she made a beeline out into the front row. Tucking away the image of shock on Bayley's face when she realized what was happening.

Bayley saw Becky hurrying toward her and for a moment she was confused, unsure what was on the other woman's mind.

"What the-" Ryder asked from beside her but before he could finishing Becky had collided with her.

Becky wrapped the surprised reporter in a quick hug. Not caring that she was dripping blood, covered in sweat, and wearing barely anything. Honestly finding the brunette's awkwardness endearing. Laughing with joy as she fought back tears that she didn't want to show. The weight that had dropped off her back making her feel lighter and happier than she had since her early years in the sport.

Bayley was so stunned at first that she just stood there in Becky's embrace awkwardly. But, a moment later, her own natural good humor reasserted itself. She had, after all, been secretly rooting for Becky the entire fight. Wrapping her friend up in her arms she turned her head to one side and spoke directly into Becky's ear: "Welcome back Becky Balboa."

Becky momentarily dropped her head. "Looking forward to the next article." Quickly extracting herself from the hug when she remembered that she needed to get back into the ring. Liv frantically motioning for her to come back with an amused yet irritated look on her face. "That's my cue." Skirting away and back towards the ring. Taking a moment on the edge to just soak in the adulation of the crowd before stepping back inside the open cage door and being rushed by Ruby and Liv inside.

Bayley was staring after Becky, still feeling a bit flustered when a motion in the corner of her vision caught her attention. Turning she saw Zach, phone still extended, looking at something on the screen and smiling. "That was pretty cool but...I think you're gonna be in for it tomorrow," he said apologetically. It took Bayley a moment to realize what he was hinting at but when she caught on she felt her stomach sink a few inches.

"Yeah…" she said, probably too quietly for him to hear over the crowd, as she sat back down and buried her face in her laptop and pretended to work. She did this mostly to avoid the dozens of of other phones and cameras that had been turned in her direction.

When the ref raised Becky's hand she couldn't stop grinning. Holding back the rest of her emotion for when she was alone as best she could. Although that didn't stop small cracks from appearing in her armor the longer she remained out here.

Goose came up with mic in hand with a smile on his face. "What a tremendous performance under the circumstances. I have to ask, how does it feel to be out here again?"

Becky tried to keep a wrap on herself. "Pretty goddamn good. Things got crazy for a while, but the experience of stepping inside this cage is like coming home again." Stopping for a moment to pull herself back together. "I missed it so fucking much you have no idea."

Becky barely managed to keep it together. Her hands shaking at her sides like they never had during an interview.

Charlotte had just been allowed to enter the cage after showing her pass to the security and being let through. Her mood extremely happy after experiencing her gigantic gamble actually pay off.

This one win alone would be enough to put the gym back on the map and add to the momentum Bayley had helped start.

She kept a close eye on Becky. Not even trying to deny how simultaneously overjoyed and worried she was about the other woman.

"Could you try to sum up what this means to you? You've haven't fought in over a year and a half. A very public battle with some demons. How is it to not just be back, but get a victory over a solid opponent?"

Charlotte began to worry even more when she saw Becky try several times to answer the question and stopping. Each time her mask of indifference fell a little more.

"If you don't want to answer that's perfectly fine. This has to be an emotional moment for you." The interviewer said. Clearly trying to give Becky a moment to get herself back together or decide to cut the interview a little short.

Becky tried valiantly to answer but her emotions finally caught up to her now that the adrenaline from the fight wore away and she finally let some of the tears out that had threatening. "Just a little." She still tried to joke. Pulling one of her gloved hands up to cover her face and try to wipe away the tears as the crowd gave a sympathetic cheer to show her support that Becky still didn't know she deserved.

Charlotte decided to intervene even though she wasn't sure that Becky wouldn't simply push her away.

Goose seemed to realize that continuing to interview a sobbing woman might not be the best look. Backing away quickly. "Your winner everyone. Becky Lynch!"

Charlotte was surprised when Becky took the offered support and allowed the blonde to loop an arm around her torso. Guiding her towards the exit and out of the ring.

They made their way to the back slowly. Becky being emotionally and physically exhausted after the charged fight.

Becky couldn't offer any words to show how much she appreciated Charlotte's silent support. Just leaning her head lightly into the taller woman's upper shoulder and letting her eyes drift half shut.

If it was any other time Becky wouldn't have allowed herself to relax so quickly after a fight, but she found herself immediately feeling better.

She felt like she had found something with Charlotte, Bayley and the other's that had been missing.

Becky couldn't help but luxuriate in the perfectly soft yet somehow perfectly firm body pressing into her side and helping her towards the locker room. Charlotte was starting to remind her of home and she was too exhausted to get upset by that.

Sasha

As Sasha and Zelina returned to their condo in Boston neither was in the best mood.

Sasha had just endured an excruciating dinner with Zelina and the 'Boss-Z' producers. She'd been content to zone out during the discussions of the arrangements for following Zelina through he dress fitting and other stops in the lead up the wedding. She'd been MUCH less pleased when Zelina had suggested that Sasha be a more active part of these things.

"Can't, I'm training," Sasha had said dismissively into her third glass of wine.

"Still?!" Zelina had wined. Even Sasha, who was FAR from a low maintenance person, was annoyed by this.

"I'm ALWAYS training, there is ALWAYS another fight coming. You remember those right? The things that pay for your shit?" Sasha had snapped. Causing the other people at the table to look uncomfortable.

Zelina looked offended, her mouth open before she narrowed her eyes and said: "I can't believe you said that to me, I'm your fiance!"

"What do you do again?" Sasha shot back.

The dinner didn't get much easier from there. Sasha refused to allow more show access to her training or to curtail it. Zelina fumed and the producers argued but Sasha held firm. The irony of the whole situation was that Sasha, at one time, had seriously considered trying to launch her own reality show. One that would follow her as she trained. But, as always, her automatic reaction to being pushed was to push back.

In the end, Zelina had been forced admit her defeat. Sasha knew she should probably have tried to make some sort of gesture to her girlfriend, they did live together after all. But she was simply in no mood. And the source of her dark temper wasn't entirely, or even mostly centered on the drama surrounding the show.

No, it was something much more profound. Sasha was realizing that, despite living with a beautiful woman, she was alone. She couldn't talk to Zelina about what they'd just been through. They never did that sort of thing. Their relationship was almost transactional, Sasha got what she wanted and Zelina got what she wanted, but there wasn't much actual connection. None, really.

Sasha had only ever felt that for one other woman.

Not for the first time she thought about just breaking it off with Zelina. But this was enough to scare even her. Their lives had become so interconnected and there was so much invested in them by others that the idea of ending it was daunting. But there was something else to it as well. Sasha had, she admitted, proposed to Zelina mostly out of pique, a stubborn desire to strike back at the world. Ending things, admitting she'd made a mistake, would also mean admitting she was wrong. Sasha Banks had never been good at that.

The Boss didn't do it at all.

Sasha was trapped, well and truly. No matter how much her spirit raged against this, she knew it was true. She would end up married to a woman she didn't really even like but just enjoyed having sex with and even that was fading. And this would happen simply because she was too stubborn to say no. It was like laying on a conveyor belt heading toward a smelter. But, Sasha COULD get off this conveyer belt, though her stubborn nature wouldn't allow it.

Sighing, Sasha tossed the dress she'd been wearing aside and poured herself another glass of wine, which she knocked back quickly. Pouring herself another glass she grabbed her headphones from the dresser, synched them to her phone, and slid them over her ears. She selected a song by her favorite artist, Iiconic Fangirl, and flopped back onto the bed clad only in her underwear with her legs hanging to the floor.

Sasha lay there with her eyes closed for she didn't know how long. All she knew was that her eyes only opened when she felt someone else get onto the bed next to her. Looking up she suddenly found herself staring into the eyes of Zelina Vega. The shorter woman had clambered onto their bed and was now straddling Sasha.

Sasha reached slowly up and removed her headphones in time to hear Zelina say: "I'm so sorry baby."

"No, you're not," a voice carrying absolute conviction suddenly spoke up inside Sasha's head. Even as Sasha's hands automatically found Zelina's hips. "Oh yeah?" she asked the beautiful woman straddling her.

"I am, I mean it," Zelina said with a sweet smile.

"No, you don't," the same voice whispered to Sasha. Looking up Sasha noted that Zelina wasn't wearing the same bra and panties she'd had on when they left, she'd changed into an outfit that she knew Sasha loved.

"I just...I'm just so excited to be married to you, I want it all to be perfect, baby," Zelina cooed as she traced fingertips over Sasha's abdomen.

"No! You just want to use me to get famous!" the voice shouted to Sasha who, for her part just stared up at Zelina. She stared for a very long time until something broke inside her. It broke at the same moment she realized that the voice in her head had been speaking in Bayley's voice.

"Kneel...bitch," Sasha told Zelina quietly. The other woman's smile turned wicked as she slowly slid down Sasha's body and off the bed. Sasha could feel Zelina kneeling between her legs but didn't bother to look up. Instead, she just put her headphones back on and turned the volume up.

She knew that she'd probably end up giving Zelina whatever she wanted by the end of the night. She also knew that she didn't care right now. She was lonely, but she'd have to take what she could get.

Hours later, well after she'd exhausted Zelina into a deep sleep, Sasha was still awake.

She'd locked herself in the master bathroom of the condo and, despite being eleven stories up and it being nighttime, she made sure to use the remote to turn the windows opaque. She sat on the edge of the black marble bath with her phone out. As a final precaution she opened both taps of the sink before she thumbed through the menus to find her phone's voicemails.

Finding the one she was seeking she pressed play:

"Hey Sash, it's Bay. Sorry I couldn't make it today, I was really looking forward to seeing you but...work, you know how it is. Anyway, I'll text you later OK?...You make me so happy Sasha, I want you to know that. OK, catch ya later."

As Bayley's tiny mechanical voice cut off, Sasha just stared down at her phone, at the transcription of the same message she'd just listened to. A moment later, she hit play again.

"Hey Sash, it's Bay…"

As Sasha listened she pressed her free hand firmly over her mouth as the tears began to flow.