Disclaimer:

No, I don't own any of the WWE wrestlers, divas, associates, CEO's. I wish I did...but, yeah, I only own my OC's, and my ideas.

Timeline: Christmas, 2005


It was just past seven o'clock, on a Sunday morning, when Nicole began tiptoeing her way towards the guys' room. She was pretty pumped today, for reasons beyond her understanding, really. Christmas was never that big for her family; her mother was often either too high or too drunk to even remember what time of the year it was, her brother spent it with his friends, and more recently, with his own family. But her father sort of enjoyed it; unfortunately for both Nikki and her father, he was often either on parole, and too tense to enjoy it, or in jail. She didn't really understand the importance of it, when she was younger, but as she grew older, she became more excited to celebrate it after she moved out, she supposed. Pushing the thoughts aside, Nikki was pleased to see that Stephen's room's door was slightly ajar. She quietly pushed it, slipping into the room. She made her way towards Stephen's bed, poking him lightly several times, until he woke up. When his eyes groggily opened, she gestured for him to follow her outside, with her finger pressed on her lip, so that he didn't make too much noise. Lucky for the sandy-haired guy, he wasn't her target today; no, he would get to be her accomplice. She didn't really feel like dying alone...

Once they were far away from Steve's room and its single inhabitant now, Nikki grinned at Stephen, saying in a low voice, "Merry Christmas!" He looked rather disgruntled, no doubt because of the hour, but she continued anyways, "Don't look so gloomy. I've got an idea; how would you like to get your dear friend back for anything he's ever done to you?"

She was grinning mischievously, her eyes twinkling, and despite his better judgement –and his grogginess- Steve found himself becoming somewhat excited about whatever she had planned. Whatever it was, it was definitely going to annoy Punk, and really, who didn't want to see that? No one, that was who.

Five minutes later, the two of them were armed with party horns, confetti, and the sheer power of their lungs. Nikki was practically bouncing off the walls, and Stephen couldn't help but shake his head at her; some of the excitement was rubbing off on him, much to the disadvantage of his sleeping friend.

Quietly, they entered the room, approaching Punk. Steve raised three finger up, counting down to one. Almost as soon as the last finger went down, Nikki launched herself on Punk's bed, while she and Steve both blew on their party horns loudly, throwing confetti everywhere, and yelling, "MERRY CHRISTMAS, PUNKSTER!" Nikki began jumping on the bed, yelling some more, "Wake up, Brooks!"

Unfortunately, the dark-haired man's reaction was not to their favour (not that either of them seemed to really notice). Stephen received a push that had him staggering a few steps back, while Nikki narrowly missed a punch aimed at her head, slipping to fall on the floor in the process. Still, it did not seem to affect the hilarity of the situation; both Steve and Nicole were dying of laughter, as a series of profanity and cursing escaped Punk's mouth. Nikki was rolling around on the floor, tears streaming down her face, as Steve leaned against the closet behind him for suppurt.

Sitting up straight, Punk spit out some confetti, before looking at his two roommates like they were psychotic, "What the hell is wrong with you? Dammit, it's seven o'clock, on a fucking Sunday." When the laughter wouldn't subside, Phil shook his head, before falling back on his pillow and pulling his blanket to cover his face, "Two minutes. Get out or I swear I'll make you two wish you were never born." He really did not appreciate being woken up in this fashion. Idiots.

Nikki tried to pull herself together, as she leaned against the side of the bed. After a moment, she caught her breath, saying, "You're such a loser. It's Christmas morning, wake up already!" When Punk wouldn't move, she added in a sing-song voice, "I've got presents...and I'll even throw in a nice breakfast...I make some good waffles...I think...when they're not burnt."

"I'll waffle your face," was the muffled reply from under the covers. "Go away."

Stephen had finally stopped laughing, but Punk's reaction was still too funny. "Come on, man. Free breakfast. We don't get that often." He glanced at Nikki, who had proceeded to sit on the edge of the bed, bouncing up and down. Steve smirked, adding, "And I don't think she's going anywhere until you wake up."

After a moment of silence, came a roar that almost scared Nicole and Steve, if the situation wasn't so funny. However, Punk did sit up, although he was glaring daggers at the two of them, "Fine. I want extra waffles." He glowered at the other two, but all he got in return were wide, way too happy grins. Stupid Christmas. He never really did like it.

An hour later, Punk's mood had only gone from about extreme anger to extreme annoyance, but the waffles did ease the whole situation a bit. He looked up, only to see Nikki trying not to grin in amusement from the opposite side of the kitchen counter, as his frown was still firmly in place. Steve had just received a call from his parents; he was in the other room, and from the sound of it, the entire family was there to talk to him.

Finally, after nearly five minutes of silence, Nikki couldn't take it anymore. "Oh come on, it wasn't that bad," she said, smirking. "You want to laugh about it, I know you do."

Punk sent her a glare, swallowing, before taking a sip of his glass of milk, and replying, "Do I look like I'm about to laugh?" That wiped the smirk off of Nicole's face, and brought one on his instead. He took another forkful of his waffles, before asking, "Why do you like Christmas so much anyway? No wonder you and your brother don't get along; did you do that to him every year too?"

The expression that appeared on the blonde's face was unexpected; it was a wistful, almost sad one. She shrugged it off almost as soon as it appeared, but not before Punk noticed it. It was these little things that intrigued him about Nikki; the way she went about life with this wide smile, but if you look close enough, there's more behind that bright expression. The little things, they were so interesting.

Nikki pushed her empty plate away, before replying, "Actually, no." She laughed wryly, adding, "My family never really celebrated Christmas; they were all usually too busy with one thing or the other. But, I don't know, I guess I just always wanted to have a normal Christmas, you know, and decorate a tree, run around in the snow, and stuff like that." She was holding a glass of orange juice in her hands, and as she spoke, she moved it around, "My roommates in New York were alright, but we weren't really that close, there was like, seven of us. I mean, most of them went home for the holidays anyway."

The look on her face was really something. Her eyes were practically sparkling, as she spoke of the tree, and well, her dream Christmas. Phil almost felt like he understood her, and in a way, he sort of did. He sometimes used to wish his family was more orthodox, but then he would remember that if things were any different, he might not be the man he was today, and Phil sort of liked that guy.

The look, however, faded away from Nikki's face, as she said, "Just be glad it's a one day thing; hopefully by next Christmas I'll be gone to bigger and better things."

Punk chuckled along with her, as Stephen entered the kitchen again. He sat next to Punk, saying, "I hate phone calls. I think I talked to people I didn't even know I was related to!"

Nicole giggled, before finishing the glass of orange juice she was drinking. She placed it in the sink, and made her way over to her room, as she said, "Well, if you excuse me, I have to make a few phone calls of my own." She blew them both kisses, as she entered her room, adding, with a wink, "Enjoy your Nikki-free time wisely!"

Punk watched until he saw that her door was closed, before turning to look at his waffles thoughtfully. Steve must have noticed this, because a moment later he asked, "What's on your mind?"

Punk looked up to his friend, an idea already formulating in his mind, as he asked, "How would you like to go Christmas tree shopping with me? I don't really know where to go, or what's a good tree, or much."

Stephen frowned, quite confused. Christmas trees? Where did that come from? This was the man who, ten minutes ago, was grumbling, swearing, and making very painful threats and warnings. However, Steve shrugged, "Uhh, I guess I can help you out...but why again would we do that?"

"I heard it can be fun," Punk replied casually. He finished his milk, before standing up, and walking towards the door, grabbing his coat as he did so, "Do you know where we can buy decorations?"

Stephen was really confused, but he didn't argue. He had seen Phil focused like this before, and he knew there was no point in trying to figure out what brought this on or how they were going to do it, or anything of the sort. Whatever plan was on Punk's mind was already made, and ready to go.

As he exited the apartment, Punk yelled out to Nikki, "Hey Nik, we're just going to get some groceries." They waited until they heard her reply, before closing the door behind them.

Sometimes, Steve really didn't get his friend.

About two hours later, Stephen and Punk could be seen lifting a rather small Christmas tree out of Steve's car. It was the best they could find, considering how late they were. They did, however, manage to find a wide variety of Christmas decorations. Punk was a little concerned about how they were going to surprise Nikki with this, and he had almost accepted the fact that he wasn't going to get it decorated before she saw it. Fate was on his side, however, as they found a note on the kitchen counter from Nikki.

'Hey, went over to the Lennors. Joey's going to love his present! Be back soon, maybe. –xoxo, Nikki'

"Perfect," muttered Punk under his breath. Steve heard this, and, after putting the bag of decorations on the floor near the tree, he came to investigate. After his eyes swept over the note, and glancing at the tree, he sort of put two and two together. Phil and Nikki were talking while he was on the phone with his parents, then Phil suddenly decides that he wants to buy a Christmas tree. Steve was no idiot; his bestfriend was never a holidays' fan. This was Nikki's idea, but he wasn't exactly sure that she knew Phil was doing this. Steve wasn't sure he liked this situation.

"Unbelievable, Phillip! This was for Nikki?" he exclaimed, gesturing at the items of their recent shopping. "I hate to break it to you, but don't you already have a girl to impress? Red hair, tall, nice legs, I think her name is, oh, I don't know....Maria?"

Punk winced; Steve only referred to him with his full name when he was extremely agitated. He still didn't turn around to face his friend, as he began trying to find a good place to put the tree, but he did respond casually, "I'm just doing a friend a favour. I'm not trying to impress anyone." He hardly thought Steve was going to let it go, but for now, Punk was denying anything other than his being a good friend. It was the truth, anyway, wasn't it? Hopefully, if he kept on saying that, it will become true. Hopefully.

Stephen obviously didn't think so, as he approached Phil, taking out the decorations and helping his friend. He may not like the way Phil was fooling himself, and those two girls in turn, but they already bought the stuff; they might as well get something done. He rolled his eyes, saying sceptically, "Really? You wouldn't do this for me, would you? When you invited her to live with us, I sort of believed that you're just being kind, although I still think I only did because she's pretty," he added, as a side note. He tended to get distracted a lot, but this time, Stephen wasn't letting this go, "But now you're buying her a tree and decorating the house? You hate the holidays!"

Phil hated this; he hated how Steve knew him a little too well for his liking. However, the fact that his friend was very much right did not mean that Phil was about to admit that to him. Nope, he could easily fool him into thinking he had it all wrong, or at least, Phil could make him give up on arguing with him about the subject. He shrugged, saying, "I would too do it for you. You never asked, did you?" He gave his friend a pointed look, before going back to decorating the tree, "Besides, you're always saying I should be more considerate. Well, I'm being considerate and acknowledging the fact that Nik has always wanted this. And I don't hate the holidays; I just think they're pointless." He gestured at the tree and decorations, before glancing at the clock; he had a feeling Nikki would be here anytime now.

Stephen knew there was no point in arguing with Phil. He knew he could convince him to cut it out, but that would mean revealing Nikki's secret, and he had promised her he wouldn't. It put Steve in quite a predicament; he knew this would lead Nikki on, but telling Phil would ruin everything for all four of them. He figured that this was going to end with a mess either way; it's just that if he kept his mouth shut, they could postpone the mess. Maybe.

He shrugged, saying, "Whatever you say, Punkster. Just be careful, alright?" Phil nodded, but he said nothing; Steve highly doubted he really heard what he said, but there was only so much he could do.

Stephen shook his head, before he reached for the silver star, planning to place it on top of the tree. Punk was picking up the plastic bags and paper, but when he glanced up, he said, "No! Leave that. I was thinking Nikki would put it on, it's kind of a nice gesture...I think." He wasn't really sure what happened. He hadn't celebrated a Christmas with his family since he was fifteen, but he vaguely remembered some things. At the look that Steve gave him, he added defensively, "What? If we're doing this, we'll do it the proper way."

Stephen really didn't think Punk knew what he was doing; this was going to end disastrously, and he would have to pick up the pieces. Only, Steve didn't know if he could; too many people will be hurt.

He was distracted from his thoughts by the sound of Nikki's voice, heading up to their apartment no doubt, talking on her cell phone. Punk headed towards the other end of the living room, next to the light switch, turning it off. Steve sighed, but played along, keeping quiet, as they heard Nikki fiddling with her keys.

"Alright, Jake, I'll keep that in mind when, and if, I visit," she said, as the door knob turned. She sounded pretty annoyed, but by now, Steve and Punk were used to hearing that tone, whenever Nikki spoke to her family. As she opened the door, they saw her hesitate as she walked in to the darkness. She stuffed her keys in her pockets, speaking on her cell phone, "Uhm, Jake, I'mma have to call you later. Bye." Without waiting for an answer, she cut the call, and called out, "Steve? Punk? Are you guys here?"

Stephen tiptoed his way quietly towards her, as she started looking for the light switch nearest to the door. Once he was close enough behind her, he reached for her, grabbing her by the waist. Nikki shrieked, before pushing him away, and delivering a sharp kick to his abdomen. He yelped in pain, falling on the floor beside her, and covered his head, in anticipation of more violence. Fortunately for him, Phil realised what was happening, and called out, "Nik, don't hurt him, it's just Steve! Nik!" Her foot was inches from his head when she stopped.

The lights were suddenly on; Steve wasn't sure who turned them on, but he was glad someone did. Nikki's voice came from above his head as she exclaimed, "Oh my God, Stephen! Oh, God, I'm so sorry, I just...you scared me, you freak!" Placing a tentative hand on his shoulder, she asked, "Are you okay?"

Steve managed to sit up, and answered faintly, "I'm fine, just as long as I don't move for the next 24 hours. Thanks a lot!" He sent a sharp glare Phil's way when the other guy doubled up in laughter. "You...this is all your fault!"

Nikki looked confused, as she glanced from Steve to Phil. She seemed to be completely oblivious to the tree sitting next to the fireplace. "What the hell is going on? What were you guys doing?" she asked, sounding sort of annoyed.

Phil finally managed to catch his breath and stop laughing, with great difficulty, though. He smirked, casually making his way to the fireplace, as he answered, "We were just trying out the fireplace in the dark, to see if it looked good." He knew that he sounded lame, but really, he had no idea what to say.

Nikki frowned in confusion, her eyes following him as he walked. It wasn't until he was standing right in front of the fireplace that she noticed the small Christmas tree sitting next to it, with a few presents under it. The look of confusion was gradually replaced by one of surprise, pleasant surprise, but still, Nikki was shocked. It was wonderfully adorned with blue decorations, and it was sparkly and colourful and...Nikki was simply left speechless. It was perfect.

Finally, she managed to put two words together and said weakly, "I...I'm not sure what to say..." She stood up, approaching the tree, and she almost felt like crying. Except, Nikki didn't do crying...not too often, at least. The tree, the whole idea, it was just so nice!

Punk shrugged, saying, "Well, I think a thank you would be nice...maybe dinner on you...you know, something like that." He winked at her, indicating that he was just joking.

Nikki laughed, glancing from him to Steve, who was standing by Punk now. She approached the two of them, hugging them tightly, "You guys are the best. Thanks!" She pulled away slightly and took a couple of steps back, her smile turning into a bit of a smirk, as she addressed Punk, "But dinner's still on you, Pretty Boy."

Punk chuckled, "Ah well, it was worth a try."

He was about to say something else, when Kanye West's 'Gold Digger' ringtone filled the room. Stephen stuffed his hand in his pocket, taking out his cell phone. His face practically lit up when he glanced at the cell phone's screen, "Ahh, guys, I gotta take this. Carry on without me." He grinned, nodding at them, and answered the phone as he headed to his room, "Hey gorgeous, merry Christmas!"

Nikki laughed, watching Steve's back, and asked, "Do you have any idea who that was?"

Punk shook his head, replying, "I can't keep up with Steve. There's a new one every two weeks." He rolled his eyes, before bending to pick up something from a bag on the floor. He passed the star to Nikki, "I think the norm is for the little one to put this on, right?"

Nikki took the star from him, grinning at him widely, before heading over to the tree and placing the star on top. She adjusted it, until it looked right, before standing up straight, "Perfect!" She turned to face Punk, smiling at him sincerely, and hugged him again, saying, "Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Phil hugged her back, smiling in spite of himself. This felt so right, having Nicole in his arms, being around her. As the thought crossed his mind, he began realising that Stephen could be right. This might be a little more trouble than it was worth, than he could handle. Anyone could tell that he didn't know what the hell was going on, just by glancing at his face. When Nikki pulled back, Punk didn't let go right away. She glanced at him with a curious look, but at that moment, he was too busy trying to resist the temptation. She was so close; if he just leaned in, just tilted her head slightly, their lips would meet. His eyes locked in on hers, and he could see that she felt it too. The temptation, the possibilities. It was excruciating, just standing there. Just as his impulses were about to take over, Stephen's footsteps could be heard, making their way towards the living room. Phil let go of Nikki, taking a couple of steps back. For once, he was grateful for his goof of a friend's presence; Punk had no idea how he would have dealt with the consequences of what he had just been about to do.

Nikki wasn't so sure what had just happened. She knew that she sort of had feelings for Phil, but when she hugged him, she honestly did it just out of gratitude. She didn't think he was just being a nice friend when he wouldn't let go of her. It was so close, he was so close. If she hadn't been transfixed by the look in his eyes, she was sure that she would have made the first move. Then again, maybe it was for the best that Stephen showed up when he did. Maybe she was making it all up, maybe it was just in her head.

At that moment, Steve emerged from his room, frowning at his phone. When he reached Nikki and Punk, blissfully oblivious to the tension in the room, he glanced at the former, asking, "Hey, do you have any plans for tonight?"

Nikki frowned, shaking her head slowly, "Not that I know of. Why, what's up?"

Steve gestured at his phone, "That was my date for tonight's Charity Ball. She can't make it, so I need a spare date." He grinned at her, adding, "Nikki Valentine, would you like to be my spare date?"

Punk and Nikki laughed, both relieved to have a lighter conversation going on, but Nikki shrugged, rolling her eyes and saying, "I guess I can make your dreams come true for one night." She figured it could be fun, and she hadn't had a chance to dress up in a while. She gave Steve a look, however, adding, "By the way, don't ever ask a girl to be you 'spare date' again. You're lucky I'm feeling generous." She smirked, winking at him.

Steve snorted, replying, "You're supposed to be 'one of the guys', remember? I have the right to practice pick up lines and things like that on you." He grinned, to indicate that he was just joking, but that still didn't save him from a kick to the shin.

Meanwhile, Punk frowned, pulling out his cell phone and checking something. He looked pretty amused, once he put it away, "Looks like we'll all be going." At the other two's questioning looks, he explained, "Maria texted me last night about this dance thing that she wanted us to go to. Charity Ball, apparently."

Nicole smiled, and somehow managed to say convincingly, "That should be fun!"

She ran her fingers through her hair, thinking. She was going to have to go dig up her nice evening dresses, and figure out what to do with her hair. Although it might be fruitless, and kind of petty, she felt the need to try and look better than Maria, despite -or perhaps because of- the tense moment she and Punk just had. Yeah, it was silly, but Nikki was still a girl, and it had been a while since she got to dress up. Plus, wasn't it natural for girls to strive to out-do each other? She was just being a normal girl.

Clapping her hands together, she spoke to the two guys, "Alright, I'm going to go and try and put something together for tonight." She smirked at Stephen, adding, "Wouldn't want to embarrass Mr. Nichols here."


A/N:

So close! I almost went on with the kiss...but this is more fun, in my opinion anyway. I hope you guys liked it. Hopefully, we'll get into more about their respective families...I've got some surprises for y'all there ;)

As always, thanks to all the reviewers, and readers!

Please review; they make me smile and feel suuupeeeerr happy -lameiknowiknow-