Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for my OC's.
Hey everyone! Here's the next chapter, I hope you like it! :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks as always! :)
Pinayprincesa: Hahaha! Yeah, they are cute. Another kid would just add on to the cuteness :)
Calwitch: Ooh, deep breath means serious business. Yeah, Angie is being kept out of the equation for now. Maybe he doesn't realise how he's treating her. That is something, your imagination running wild again. But since they've both been together for a long time, it wouldn't make sense for her to up and leave, would it? Ha ha, keep breathing love! :)
CHAPTER 10:
Once we got home later on I realized that it was inching closer to when Ariana said she'd call me. I decide that I have to make sure I'm somewhere private, there's no way I can have anyone hearing our conversation. I decide to sneak into mine and Seth's room and pace the room, waiting for her call. Once she calls I quickly answer my phone.
"Ok, let's get down to business," I say, sitting down on my bed.
"Whoa, someone's eager," comments Ariana but it doesn't bother me. I just need to get things off my chest and I know for sure that Ariana will never tell another soul unless it's life or death which this has nothing to do with. "Do you want to go first?" she asks me.
"No, you go," I say with a sigh. "I have a few things lined up and I just know it's going to take five billions years to talk about," I tell her and then hear her sigh.
"I think Dean's cheating on me," says Ariana which shocks me to my very core. Did she just say what I think she just said? Dean Ambrose cheating on her?
"What?" I ask, not being able to say anything else, that's how much her conclusion has shocked me.
"Everything was fine but for the last few days he's been distant," starts Ariana and I cross my legs on the bed as I listen. There's no way Dean would cheat on Ariana, he loves her too much. Heck, he asked her to marry him. If that doesn't scream commitment I don't know what will! "He's been distant, ignores my calls and just the other night I could smell some very girly perfume," she explains. "You know, that Chanel crap you wear," she adds on with disdain.
"Thanks (!)" I say, taking that one on the chest. "To be honest, he could have gotten that on him by bumping into someone. And you guys are on the road, maybe the whole wedding and everything is taking its effect?" I suggest to her. I've never known Dean to not take Ariana's calls but that doesn't mean he's cheating.
"That can't be it," says Ariana. "I'd be more than happy to elope but Dean wants to give me a nice big wedding. And I haven't been one of those brides that goes bat shit crazy," she defends herself. "Heck, I haven't even looked at any bridal magazines," she adds on as I roll my eyes. I've looked at bridal magazines over the year and I've not even come close to getting married. Well, there was the one-time Rick proposed but I couldn't say yes for a lot of reasons.
"You need to set a date first," I point out to her. They set a date before but I scuppered their plans, now they need to set another one.
"No, I need to find out what the deal is with Dean first," Ariana corrects me which I guess is true. She can't go into full wedding mode if something fishy is going on. "What do I do? I know if I ask him he'll deny it and say nothing is up," she then tells me.
"Since when would any guy confess to cheating, whether it be Dean Ambrose or not," I comment. Seth never did till I caught him. "But, if I had to put my money on it I would go with he's hiding something but not cheating". I've known Dean for a long time now and there isn't anything in this world that could make me think that he's cheating on my best friend. For a long time, he couldn't get past what Seth did to me so he would never do that to someone else.
"And how can you be so sure?" she questions me in a curious manner.
"Because from previous conversations that I've had with Seth, Dean has spent countless of hours talking about you," I explain to her. "Apparently he can name more than fifty great things about your hair, compare any girl to you and point out another thing that's apparently perfect about you and describe the exact colour of your eyes in the sun, rain, snow and night," I finish. I wish I wasn't serious but I am. Dean Ambrose is a big softy when it comes to Ariana.
"You're fucking kidding me right?" asks Ariana which makes me chuckle.
"Believe me, I thought Seth was lying at the start but even I could tell no one could come up with so much on the spot," I say. Ariana's so lucky Dean's so in love when it comes to her.
"Great, I'm marrying a sap (!)" she comments, letting out a chuckle afterwards.
"Ari!" I reprimand her. "Don't be so mean. Besides, I've been subjected to numerous hours of you talking about Dean's blue eyes, his abs and his crazy styled wrestling ability. You're both as bad as each other," I point out to her. But when you're in love you can't help but just talk about the person you love. Everything about them is just so endearing.
"Still doesn't solve my problem," she mutters which makes me sigh. "If he's not cheating then what is he hiding? And why does he need to make me feel like he's going to break up with me any minute?" she questions for which I have no answer to. It must be really horrible for her to feel like that. Even if Dean doesn't intend on making her feel this way, he has.
"You've forgotten one very important thing in this whole ordeal," I state, something else coming to mind about how I can encourage Ariana from where I am right now.
"What exactly can that be?" asks Ariana, sounding disinterested.
"You're Ariana," I point out to her. "You're acting like a little lost girl unsure of what to do when there's only one thing you do in these kind of situations," I explain to her. "I don't know about you but if there's something I know it's that you would never take any of this crap lying down!"
"You're right," Ariana agrees with me after a few seconds.
"If there's one thing I know it's that in a situation like this you'd march right up to Dean," I start. "You'd question him and if he doesn't give you the answer you want then you'd tell him to-" I get cut off because Ariana decides to finish the sentence for me. I think I might have encouraged her to much there.
"I'd tell him to fuck off and find me when his head's out of his ass," Ariana finishes and I smile when I hear the determination in her voice. "Oh, let me see him next and I'll show him that he can't go around doing shit like this and expect me to put up with it," she continues and I feel as if a rant is about to go on. But she needs to let it out. "And if he expects me to put up with shit like this then I'll gladly tell him where he and his engagement ring can fucking go!" she exclaims as my smile falls. Did she just say engagement ring? I wanted to pump her up not cause a bloody war.
"Whoa there, I'm all for charging with a sword but don't take it too far," I tell her. The last thing I need is for Dean to yell at me for putting ideas into his girlfriend's head.
"Oh, sorry. I, uh, kind of got carried away," she mutters. "But thanks for that Iris, I always feel a million times better after I talk to you," she says as I laugh at her rant.
"Me too," I say, already having forgotten about all the problems here for a second.
"Right, so your turn," says Ariana and I let out a loud sigh. "You guys just got back together, what could have already gone wrong?" she asks me and I know this isn't going to be pretty.
"It's not all bad, some of it's just things I'm nervous about," I tell her, purposely keeping my voice low. The last thing I need is someone listening to what I say and feeding all of it back to Seth. I mean, it's embarrassing. "Ok, well you know I'm having to deal with everything to do with Angie right?" I ask her.
"Yeah and you decided to take it on the chin and win her over with your niceness, right?" she says. That having been the advice I got given by Ariana not too long ago.
"Exactly," I say and then think back to all my encounters with Angie. Each one just seems to be getting worse. "The update is; she doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon. So on that front we're looking kinda screwed," I tell her. I don't understand why she hates me so much. I haven't given her a reason to hate me.
"Just give it time Iris, don't try and push her," advises Ariana. The last thing I want to do is push Angie but at the same time, I can't be expected to continue on like this. Pretty soon, Seth will erupt like a volcano. I wouldn't blame him either. I had to support him through getting in the good books of Ariana and Dean again. The difference between the situations is Seth had done something wrong, I however have not.
"Believe me when I say the comments are getting worse," I tell her. "I just hope Seth can keep his cool because he was this close to saying something to her. I had to stop him from actually going through with it," I explain and then lie back on my bed. "As if that wasn't bad enough, Anne threw Evan a party and Rose since she's pregnant," I say, thinking about Isabel now.
"Rose is pregnant? Why the fuck didn't she tell me?" questions Ariana, sounding horrified. "Oh, that cow is going to get a very nasty text message," she comments which then makes me laugh.
"Can we please get back to the topic at hand?" I ask her and she agrees so I thank her. "Anyway, at that party I met Isabel. Do you know her?" I then ask her. If Ariana knows her then maybe I can see things from a different perspective? Or at least stop worrying as much as I am.
"Oh yeah, that blonde chick that grew up next door right?" asks Ariana and I nod my head as if she's actually here with me right now, something I would prefer at the moment. Things always seem better when I face them with her. But, I don't think she could measure up to having Seth by my side right now.
"Yes," I say with a big sigh.
"Ok, how could she be a problem?" questions Ariana. she asks me. "She's married and taken so why is that a problem?" So Ariana doesn't know about what's been happening.
"Because she's divorced," I answer her. "All I know about her is that she grew up with Seth and apparently he liked her for a really long time. And also, they're perfect for each other," I say the last part with disdain in my voice. Well I'm not going to be happy about it now am I?
"Stop being so melodramatic Iris," Ariana tells me off this time. "I was just told she was a next door neighbour, grew up with Seth and then moved away once she got married. The last time I saw her, she was celebrating her anniversary," she lets me know.
"Some women were talking and going on about how Seth is all she talks about, I don't like that," I let it be known. "Why can't she think about a guy who's not someone's boyfriend?" After such a long time me and Seth are finally in a place where we're content with our lives and each other. I don't want anything messing that up and something tells me Isabel will be doing exactly that.
"Aw, jealousy sounds so cute on your right now," comments Ariana.
"I am not-" before I can finish my sentence though I am cut off.
"Oh please, don't even bother denying it," says Ariana. "We're miles apart and I can hear it in your damn voice. And Iris, spying on people? Really? What happened to the lecture you used to give us on privacy?" she questions and now I feel annoyed. She's using my own lines against me!
"Privacy is thrown out the window when it comes to the love of my life!" I say and then shut up as I realize just how possessive I've gotten. Not sure if that's a bad thing. I think it's part of the reason that drove Seth away in the first place. But I can't not be protective of the things I hold dear.
"Ooh, someone's got the love bug," comments Ariana but I just ignore it. "Listen, I know things didn't go to plan the first time round with Seth but you're the one that always bangs on about how much he's changed. If he's changed then he won't even be looking at another girl," she explains, having a good point there. I have to have faith in him. Which I do. I just don't have that same faith in other people.
"The problem isn't that she wants him or anything," I say, knowing Seth's with me and loves me. He wouldn't lie to me. "The problem is that he hasn't told me. They were talking and laughing and she was holding Evan for God's sake but he hasn't even told me that he used to have a great big crush on her! That's what bothers me," I explain to her. "This time round its meant to be no secrets but does he really think that this isn't something important he should consider telling me?" It also makes me think if I should be worried about him not telling me.
"Technically he didn't date her so he doesn't need to tell you," says Ariana very slowly. Wow, Ariana's bringing in technicalities.
"You're taking his side?" I ask her.
"Again, stop being melodramatic. The poor dude doesn't even know that you know anything, I hardly thing he expects someone to spill the beans to you," she says. That part's true I guess. They weren't technically an item so why would someone mention it to me?
"And what if you were in my place and Dean in Seth's?" I question, knowing this is where she'll crash and burn in her defence of Seth.
"Ok, fair point," says Ariana and I didn't expect her to say that so quickly. "But like you told me, maybe you should ask him. Or maybe he hasn't told you because he loves you and that doesn't seem like an issue anymore," she then says.
"It obviously is an issue if those ladies think Isabel wants Seth," I say. I don't want or need anyone trying to mess up my relationship with Seth.
"Only if you let it, you need to have a bit more faith in your relationship with Seth," she says. "He may not have told you because there's nothing to tell but if it is bothering you then just talk to him about it. I know he'd only blame himself if you're worrying within yourself and he doesn't find out till later," she explains which actually does make a lot of sense. "Ok, so plans for tonight. Confront our partners and get them to spill the beans," she states and I nod my head despite her not being there. I really don't want to do it but I'm going to have to.
"There's actually…one more thing," I then say, remembering that's not the only thing I wanted to discuss with her.
"What now? Does he have an ex that's showed up as well?" Ariana asks with a laugh.
"Nope, it's something more personal," I reveal to her. I hate having these conversations. I mean I'm all for girl talk but not when it means said girl is having problems.
"Ok," says Ariana, sounding a bit confused. "Is everything alright?" she asks me.
"Kind of," I answer her. "You see, now that me and Seth are together again, well he's going to be expecting things. And he's made it very clear that he wants those things," I say, realizing I'm talking cryptically.
"You mean sex?" asks Ariana, being blunt as usual.
"Yes," I say through gritted teeth, only because she sounds amused. It wouldn't be a problem talking to her but I know how she gets. She always finds it funny.
"You know you can just use the word, sex," Ariana points out but I just roll my eyes. "Ok, so he's told you he wants sex and you have a problem with that?" she asks me for clarification. I know that sounds crazy. I mean, Seth is physically very…very hot. And the fact that we're in a relationship, adds to that.
"He didn't say that directly," I say, thinking back to our conversation and wondering how I can word it so I don't get more red despite the fact that Ariana's on the phone with me. "The thing is, he surprised me in the shower today and we got really close…" I trail off.
"But…" Ariana says, sensing it was coming and right about it as well.
"But I'm really nervous," I admit to her. "Evan interrupted us and then Seth said we'd finish what we'd started but the thing is I haven't had sex since Rick," I then admit to her as well. Even then it wasn't that great. The first time we slept together, I was drunk beyond anything. So much in fact that I don't even remember it.
"What the fuck? I thought you did it with Dolph?" Ariana asks me, bringing up one of the most shameful experiences of my life. Seth got really mad that day. I didn't even know why then but now I do, because he loves me.
"Sex with Dolph was just oral, nothing connected from one person to another," I make that point clear. "I've not done it properly with anyone since Rick and…" I trail off again, biting down on my lip.
"You're afraid you won't measure up," comments Ariana, understanding me exactly.
"Yes," I say.
"Iris, I love you but you can be so silly sometimes," Ariana then says as my ears perk up. "You've been in more relationships than me so if I can keep a man with an insatiable appetite for sex satisfied then so can you," she says. "It's nothing new with Seth, you've done it all before. It might be a while but once you get into the groove of things I'm sure it'll just…flow".
"But what if I disappoint him? What if he leaves me?" I question frantically. There I go jumping to stupid conclusions again which I know Ariana will tell me off for.
"Like hell he will, the guy fell in love with you without you giving him sex," Ariana points out. "I doubt you can make him leave you by giving him sex," she then says. Now that makes sense too.
"I just don't think I can do it Ariana," I tell her in a worried tone.
"Hey, sure you can," says Ariana in a softer tone. "Just trust Seth and everything will be fine," she says.
"What if it's not?" I ask her. "I know I've done it loads of times before with Seth. It should be the same thing but when…when he got close to me, it felt different. Every touch felt different. Every look felt different. Something's changed," I try and explain but fail at doing it properly.
"Oh, that's easy," says Ariana and I wait for her to explain. "Before, it was something casual for him. Now, it's just love and that's what's making you nervous," she explains. "Iris, you always dish out advice but you need to follow the ones you gave out to me. Talk to him or better yet, just do it," she says. I can't just do it. Even though it probably is the best decision to make.
"Thanks for being my best friend Ariana," I tell her.
"I love you too," says Ariana. "And besides, I don't think anyone else could handle your craziness," she then comments, making me laugh.
"Or your attitude," I retort which makes her laugh. "Ok, I have to go before they realize I'm missing," I say to her and after our goodbyes we both hand up. I have to say, I feel ten times better after talking to Ariana. I leave the room and go downstairs, seeing everyone chatting just like before. I notice Seth talking intently to Lily and Lacey as they both watch over Evan who's sleeping which makes me smile. He's so great with kids.
"Aunt Iris, is it true that you were sleeping for a whole month?" ask Lacey and Lily together.
"Yes," I answer them, sitting down next to Seth on the couch. Both girls run off, going over to Rose to tell them who knows what. "Seth, I need to talk to you," I tell him straightforwardly. There was no point holding it off for whatever reason.
"Sure, what is it babe?" asks Seth but before I can express my concerns to him, something else happens.
"Hey everyone, look who I ran into at the store!" announces Angie, walking into the living room. I see Isabel isn't too far behind her. I put on a smile as always as we all greet her. Technically, Isabel hasn't said anything about taking Seth and I've always given people the benefit of the doubt. I shouldn't go on hearsay till I actually see proof of it myself.
"Hey everyone," says Isabel in response to everyone's greetings. She looks over at us, more like Seth and sends a small wave. And the buffoon does the same thing with a smile on his face. Fuck, she was right. I am jealous. Even if I try and believe nothing will happen I can't because I am a girl and this is getting to me.
"Excuse me," I say and get up, deciding I need to go into the garden for some fresh air. I walk around the flowers, bending down and touching or sniffing certain ones. I love the way they feel so soft against my skin. I keep my shoes to one side and continues walking, loving the feel of the grass in between my toes. It's quite relaxing. "What the…" I say as I feel myself lifted up from the ground.
"Hey gorgeous," says Seth, surprising me as always. You'd think he couldn't live two seconds without me with the way he acts. But that only makes me love him more.
"What are you doing?" I ask him with a smile on my face.
"Holding my girlfriend as I please," answers Seth simply. He then allows me to find my footing on the ground once more before saying, "We need to talk". Crap, what the hell is it now?
ARIANA POV
I hang up after talking to Iris and stare at my phone for a few minutes. She's right, I have to talk to him. Just because I think I know how he'll react doesn't mean I should not even try talking to him. Maybe there is a reason he's acting funny. I just need to find out why.
"Have you seen Roman?" asks Dean, poking his head into our locker room door. Silly things like that is why I like him so much. I just need the balls to talk to him.
"No, why, everything ok?" I ask Dean, standing up and looking concerned.
"It will be when I find the Samoan," says Dean and he's about to go when I stop him.
"Wait," I say and he pops his head back in. "Will you come inside instead of acting like a floating head?" I request of him which makes him laugh. He comes in and closes the door behind him.
"Everything ok babe? You've been acting weird," says Dean and that makes my mouth open in shock because I can't believe he just said that. He's the one that doesn't answer calls, reply to messages and disappears to go jogging every two seconds and I'm the one acting weird? The nerve!
"Seriously? You're going with that?" I question, shaking my head at him. I'm about to let loose on his ass when the door opens and Dolph barges his way in.
"Roman and Kane are fighting," says Dolph, out of breath. Without even thinking me and Dean run out of the locker and run to where we hear the noise from, seeing Roman and Kane run around on the floor. Dolph and Dean try to break them up and I go over to where Roman is to make sure he stays back. The last thing I expected was for Roman to fight with Kane, I thought for sure it was Dean.
"You say that again and you're a dead man!" says Roman, pointing his finger at Kane who doesn't look like he gives a rat's ass about that threat. Kane doesn't say anything but growls in response. I see Randy holding Kane back now too and I gesture for Dean to start to push Roman in the direction of our locker room. We pull him away from there and get him into the locker room. I can't solve one problem without another creeping up. Provoking Kane was Dean's job, not Roman's. So, what the heck happened?
Reviews would be great as always! :)