Part X: Boiling Point
Dean Ambrose sat at the bar of the hotel sipping on a scotch. He wasn't a heavy drinker and usually would only sip on a beer but he had been having a rough couple of weeks. Actually life had been rough ever since he was forced to work with AJ. It was a constant push/pull with them and now with Punk constantly on his back he felt cornered. Obviously he knew better then to hit AJ tonight in the ring and it wasn't his intention at all and he wasn't quit sure what came over him and that's what scared him the most.
"Searching for pry?" a voice said from behind Dean. He didn't even have to turn around to know CM Punk was standing behind him
"Yup" Dean said coolly taking another sip of his drink as Punk took a seat next to him at the bar "What is a straight edge guy like you doing hanging around the bar? AJ drive you to drink?"
"Funny" Punk replied coldly "But no I was looking for you actually"
"Aren't you going to punch me in the face? Scream at me and defend your woman's honor?" Dean questioned glancing over to Punk casually
"I'm not going to punch you in the face here because I'm not really into bar room brawls" Punk noted
"Just parking lot brawls?" Dean shot back
"I'm also not going to yell at you and cause a scene because again I'm better than that" Punk told him choosing to ignore his previous comment
"So what the hell do you want then?" Dean asked annoyed "Shouldn't you be on your nice lavish bus by now half way to Chicago?"
"AJ and I decided we wanted to stay in a real place for the night, one that doesn't move because she has a headache you know from when you decked her earlier tonight" Punk told him casually
"It was an acc-" Dean couldn't even finish sentence
"Don't you dare say it was an accident again because if you do I'll break that glass right over your face" Punk threatened in a low voice "You know damn well what you were doing out there"
"What do you want from me Punk?" Dean asked annoyed "It's wrestling mistakes happen"
"That's true except tonight wasn't a mistake" Punk pointed out "You crossed a line one you can never come back from"
"You've been screwing her for what? Two weeks? And all of the sudden you're her personal savior?" Dean asked mockingly
"What AJ and I do in our personal time is our business but long before this I always had AJ's back" Punk reminded him "Dating her now doesn't change the fact that I look out for her"
"Why couldn't you have just stayed gone?" Dean asked him "You've ruined everything"
"Oh I'm sorry Dean did I ruin your fun of bullying AJ?" Punk mocked in almost a baby voice "Understand something Dean I do not like you at all"
"Noted" Dean smirked sipping his drink again
"And I don't know if you're some kind of a drunk or drug user-" Punk started
"Hey!" Dean shouted "Don't spew that crap! I've never taken anything!"
"Wow" Punk smirked "Defensive much?"
"You think you're just so high and mighty don't you?" Dean mocked "Mister 'I don't drink' 'I don't take pain pills' 'I'm everyone's hero'- I'm so sick of it!"
"I'm not everyone's hero" Punk told him "And to be honest I don't really care about most the people I work with except a select few"
"And let me guess AJ's on top of that list?" Dean smirked
"She always has been" Punk confirmed "I'm trying really hard to fight my urge and not slam your face against the bar repeatedly but you are making this very difficult"
"Oh just go ahead" Dean encouraged "You'd get away with it, you're CM Punk!"
"You want people to think you're bad, think you're dangerous but I think you're one of those sad people who start become the character you portray on TV every Monday night and that is scary" Punk told him "You're blurring the lines between Dean Ambrose and Jon Moxley and that is not good"
"You're here to save me now?" Dean smirked
"God no" Punk said quickly "I personally hope you self destruct like I know you will and I hope it happens sooner rather than later but I just want you to know that I'm going to be watching you" he warned "And next time you put your hands on AJ like that again you won't be able to run and hide behind Vince McMahon because I won't care how many suspensions or fines I get I will personally end you"
"Is that why I got a pass tonight?" Dean asked "Did Vinny Mac warn you I was untouchable?"
"No one is untouchable Jon" Punk informed the younger star "But actually it was AJ who gave you the pass so I'd tell you to thank her but that would involve you having to speak to her and that's not going to happen"
"I really feel bad" Dean told him seriously "I didn't want her hurt"
"You see that's another thing about you" Punk smirked "I can never tell when you're bullshiting me or being serious"
"I don't care what you think of me" Dean informed him
"I think you do" Punk argued back lightly "I think you care a lot actually"
"Maybe you don't know me as well as you think you do Philip" Dean replied
"I hate to break it to you man but I've known guys like you my entire career" Punk informed him "Guys who let the bit of success they get go straight to their heads and soon when they realize they're not as great as everyone thinks they start to self destruct"
"You just know everything" Dean laughed "No wonder AJ chose you"
"Chose me?" Punk asked curiously "Was it ever a competition?" he asked then shrugged not caring for his response and stood up "Don't worry though Dean the guys that I've seen like you always end up back on their feet….or in TNA" he smirked at his own joke "Have a good night and try not to take any drunk women up to your room" with that said Punk walked out of the bar leaving Dean to stew. He stood up and picked up his glass and threw against the wall.
The next morning when AJ woke up and went to rub her eyes and instantly yelled out.
"What are you doing?" Punk asked walking out of the bathroom
"I rubbed my eye" she sighed annoyed lightly touching it "I forgot"
"Yea it looks bad" Punk said walking over to her and taking a seat on the bed next to her. He gently placed his thumb under her chin to examine the eye "Swelling has gone down though"
"That's good" she said to him opening her eye "I can actually open it today which is positive"
"Yea" he said annoyed still looking at it. "I should have given Dean a matching black eye last night"
"I'm very proud you didn't stoop to his level" AJ assured him giving him a kiss on the cheek
"You want to come back to Chicago with me?" Punk asked her standing back up and putting on his shirt
"You think you can really put up with me for another week straight?" AJ asked him seriously
"Yea I think I can suffer through it" he smirked "Or do you need to back in Tampa?"
"Let's see do I want to be in Tampa all by myself or with my extremely attractive boyfriend?" she mocked tapping her chin "Decisions, decisions" she said to herself
"Alright wiseass" Punk laughed "What about Nacho?"
"He's with my sister" AJ told him getting out of the bed herself "But I do need clothes"
"We'll go shopping" Punk told her casually
"You want to go shopping?" AJ asked seriously
"If it means I get you to myself for the week then yea" Punk said to her
"Or I can just wear your clothes" AJ smirked walking up behind him wrapping her arms around his waist and nuzzling her face between his shoulder blades
"Or you can not wear clothes at all" Punk offered that's when he felt a pinch to his side "Oww" he laughed out "I was kidding"
"No you weren't" she smiled pulling away
"You're right I wasn't but seriously what do you say?" Punk asked
"I say let's go to Chicago" AJ smirked
Punk and AJ spent their first two days in Chicago shopping and sight seeing. Punk loved that he could show AJ around his City a bit. They were going to be catching a flight out for a house show in a few hours and knew they were going to need a coffee fix.
"Think you've seen it all now?" Punk asked his girlfriend while they waited on a line to place their coffee orders
"I don't know Mr. Chicago you tell me" AJ teased "Even though the view from your bedroom is all I needed"
"That's what all the women say" Punk replied casually causing AJ to pinch his side
"I meant the actual view" she reaffirmed
"Right" he smirked looking down at her "Seriously though did you have a good time?"
"It was the best" AJ smiled "I have to admit I'm getting a little spoiled having you around so much"
"That such a bad thing?" he asked seriously
"No but at some point I am going to have to go back home" AJ told him "Maybe you could stay with me next week?" she offered
"We'll work it out" he assured her then looked forward and immediately his eyes widened "You know what? I don't wait online anymore" he told AJ lightly tugging her off the line "Let's go somewhere else"
"Somewhere else? We've been online for ten minutes we were almost up" she pointed out
"Yea I know but I forgot I got a bad coffee from here not to long ago" Punk told her quickly walking her to the door and opening it for "There's a much better spot down the street"
"Ok" she said stepping outside with him following "Are you ok?"
"Yea I just-" Punk didn't finish his thought as a loud voice caught both of their attentions
"Phil!" the bubbly red head waved walking out of the coffee shop
"Crap" he muttered under his breath as AJ gave him a death glare in return
"Phil! I thought that was you" Maria smiled throwing her arms around him and giving him a hug
"Hey Maria" he replied pulling away
"Did you get my messages?" Maria asked
"I-" Punk started but AJ interrupted this time
"Hi" AJ smiled extending her hand to the former Diva "I'm AJ"
"Of course you are" Maria smiled back accepting her hand shake "I love what you've been doing on TV"
"Thanks" she replied as Punk wrapped his arm around AJ's shoulders and pulled her close. Maria suddenly felt very uncomfortable but didn't let it show much.
"So what are you doing in Chicago AJ?" Maria asked. Punk gave her an 'are you kidding me?' look while AJ kept her smile plastered on her face
"I'm just spending some time with Phil. We were sight seeing" AJ offered politely and Maria just nodded
"Isn't Chicago great?" she gushed
"Really is" AJ agreed starting to get uncomfortable herself
"We've got to get going" Punk told Maria quickly
"But Phil didn't you get my messages?" Maria asked with a frown
"A few" Punk admitted "But I've been real busy so…"
"You know I have meeting with WWE coming up" Maria told him causing both AJ and Punk to stare at her oddly "I think it may finally work out this time"
"What about Ring of Honor?" Punk asked hopefully
"I love it there but you can't compare it to WWE" Maria said with a laugh "Maybe they want AJ to have some real competition for a change. The diva's division is just bland now"
"I wouldn't say that" AJ argued back lightly "They're all pretty talented women but space and time is always a factor"
"Oh please they get plenty of space and time on there new reality show" Maria mocked "I don't know how you can stand to work with any of them"
"You know I always figured if you were still with the company you would have done the show yourself" Punk added to try to ease the tension between the two women
"Probably. The Bella's wouldn't even have been on the show if I was still around" Maria told him confidently
"I don't know about that Maria I mean I think they're on the show for who they're dating as well" Punk offered. Maria wasn't going to walk back in the company and take the spot of John Cena & Daniel Bryan's girlfriends that was for sure.
"Exactly and I know you and I would have put all those other couples to shame" Maria smiled as AJ just smiled to herself
"Phil's not really into reality TV" AJ added before Punk could respond
"He would have done it for me" Maria said in the same happy bubbly voice "There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for me"
"Not that" Punk added quickly wanting out of the situation quickly "Like I said we've got a flight so good luck"
"Oh right sorry go ahead" Maria smiled "Nice meeting you AJ"
"Same" AJ replied rather coldly
"Hopefully I'll be seeing you both real soon" Maria told them before turning around and heading towards her car parked on the street.
On the flight to the show AJ was unusually quiet the entire way there and Punk knew their run-in with Maria rubbed her the wrong way.
"What's got you so quiet?" Punk asked her as she flipped through a comic back but she just shrugged "I'm sorry about Maria I didn't know she'd be there"
"I know" AJ told him "I'm not mad at you"
"So why are you so quiet?" Punk asked as closed the comic and looked at him
"How can I compete with that?" AJ asked him seriously
"Excuse me?" he asked seriously
"Maria is gorgeous, bubbly, friendly and loves Chicago just as much as you do" AJ pointed out "She's also older, sophisticated and mature"
"Maria?" Punk asked her seriously "Where we not both just speaking to the same woman?"
"I'm not like the women you've been with Punk" AJ told him "I'm not perfect, I don't have a model body or tons of tattoo's and I'm a lot younger"
"First of all you're making me sound like a pervert you are not that much younger" Punk told her firstly "And second of all you are perfect" he said
completely seriously "It's not about how you look on the outside it's about who you are on the inside. Maria is pretty on the surface but the inside is hideous. And by the way I happen to think you are as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside. You have nothing to be insecure about there is no competition"
"You mean that?" AJ asked trying to hold back a smile
"Absolutely" he assured her picking up her hand and kissing it lightly
"What happened with you two anyway? If you don't mind me asking…." Punk's girlfriend asked
"I don't mind" Punk shrugged "It was a lot of different things we were both traveling separately and she was still young and liked to go out and party and I on the other hand liked to keep to myself so there wasn't a lot in common there"
"You were with her a long time" AJ pointed out
"Yea we were but the longer we were together the more different we realized we were" Punk told her "there was no dramatic break up or anything even though I know she likes to spin it that way"
"What happens if they separate our tours? You end up doing different shows than me?" she asked
"Nothing changes" Punk told her coolly "You are different and you always have been"
"You don't have to say that" AJ told him but he just shook his head
"I mean it" He said seriously "There was always something about you that drew me to you. There were times before we dated that we were on separate shows and UK tours but it never effected our relationship then"
"I know it's just, I've never been with someone like you" AJ began to explain "You are this super famous badass wrestling star that everyone wants and women throw themselves at you constantly I can't help but feel small in comparison"
"You are small" Punk agreed then smiled "And slightly off your rocker if you think after wanting you for three years and finally getting you that I'm going to blow it"
"Three years?" AJ asked skeptically
"You are natural dynamite baby" Punk said smiling to her referring to her speech on NXT while he was a guest commentator
"That is true" AJ agreed seriously causing him to let out a laugh "I can't believe you remember that"
"I'd never forget it" Punk told her "Besides do you even realize how hot you are?"
"I am not hot" she laughed "I'm geeky"
"Yes you are" Punk agreed "And you are hot and you have this large male fan base that quit frankly I think would kill me if they knew we were dating. Do you know how often you got bought up at my signings or comic cons? People are crazy about you"
"All the weirdos like me" AJ told him
"Obviously" Punk said placing his hand to his chest "We'll be fine kiddo don't worry about it"
"If you say so" AJ said to him. "How does my eye look by the way?" she asked as he tilted his head to examine the bruise
"Still bruised but it's getting lighter" Punk told her "I don't think makeup is going to cover it though"
"Perfect" AJ mumbled "I hope it's gone by Monday"
"It will be coverable by then" Punk assured her
"So what did you and Dean talk about the other night?" AJ asked catching Punk off guard "I know you went to look for him at the hotel after I fell asleep"
"Weren't sleeping huh?" Punk asked and she nodded "Sneaky little thing aren't ya?"
"So how did it go?" AJ asked
"He was drunk at the bar" Punk told her leaning back in his chair "I couldn't have much of a conversation with him but while we're on the topic I need you to promise me something"
"Sure" she replied
"I need you to bit your tongue with him a bit" Punk said causing her to raise a brow. AJ was not known for letting people walk all over her "I know it isn't right but I really don't trust him and he obviously has some anger issues and I don't want the wrong thing to be said and him to fly off the handle around you"
"That's going to be difficult" AJ told him
"I mean it AJ" Punk said seriously "Something isn't right with him and him punching you in the face during a match just proves he doesn't give a damn"
"I really think it was an accident" AJ told Punk but she knew it wasn't she just didn't want Punk to have more reason to hate Dean then he already did. She could see the two of them coming to blows and though she didn't care about Dean, she didn't want Punk to get in trouble
"Really AJ?" Punk asked disbelievingly "Regardless to the match what I saw and heard when I spoke to him Tuesday night I didn't like. One minute he goes on and on about how he hates you but then says you chose me over him. It's weird. And the fact that he spends his down time hanging around the bar alone also makes me uneasy. Just try to ignore him and if he gives you any trouble I'll take care of it"
"Nothing like running behind your boyfriend and asking him to fight your battles, that'll get me far" AJ mocked
"I'm serious AJ" Punk said in a low voice, all humor lost from his voice "He's not right in the head"
"Okay, okay" she surrendered "I promise"
"Thank you" he said simply
Arriving at the show a lot of people were again surprised to see Punk around since he again wasn't working the show. But Hunter smiled to himself when he saw him arrive with AJ. Stephanie had filled him in on Tuesday night so he was sure he'd see Punk around again.
"AJ" Hunter said walking over to the duo "I want to have that eye checked out again before you work tonight"
"It's fine" she told him
"Yea but for my peace of mind" Hunter said eyeing her as if it to say 'I said do it, so don't argue'
"You're the boss" she smiled
"Punk wasn't expecting you tonight" Hunter said to him
"I love this place so much" Punk replied sarcastically
"Right" even Hunter laughed "Can I have a word with you in private?"
"Go ahead I'll get my eye checked in the mean time" she told him
"Alright" Punk said following Hunter into his office "What did I do now?"
"Nothing" Hunter laughed "Yet" he added "I don't want any fights breaking out Punk"
"I'm the perfect example of a model employee" Punk said in a mocking tone
"I'm talking about Ambrose" Hunter said to him as Punk just groaned "No payback for the accident on Tuesday"
"Accident?" Punk asked with a laugh "If you saw it you wouldn't be calling it an accident"
"Is there something I should know?" Hunter asked bluntly
"I'm sure there's a lot you should know especially if you plan on running this place one day" Punk bit back but Hunter didn't see the humor
"I mean with AJ and Ambrose" Hunter clarified "What is the deal with them?"
"You'd have to speak to them" Punk told him folding his arms
"I know you care about AJ and I know you showing up at these house shows and Smackdowns isn't all about spending a few extra hours with her" Hunter told him "I know Vince and Stephanie thinks it's absolutely adorable but I know better"
"Of course you do" he mocked right back
"You're watching her back" Hunter told him ignoring his last comment "I want to know why you feel you have to"
"You said it before I care about AJ" Punk simply shrugged with his arms still folded "And I do want to spend the extra time with her as well we've missed a lot of time"
"I listen to the gossip Punk" Hunter told him "I know AJ and Dean have had some issues I just can't pinpoint what it is exactly"
"Like I said you'd have to speak to one of them" Punk told him not budging. He gave his word to AJ and he was going to keep it no matter what even if it meant getting her pulled away from Dean sooner rather than later.
"Maybe I will" he said. Punk wasn't sure if Hunter meant that as some kind of threat but he didn't let it bother him in the slightest
"That all?" Punk asked
"Yea" Hunter nodded "But I'm serious stay away from Ambrose while you're here."
"Let me ask you a question" Punk started "When you started to date Stephanie would you let someone like Dean Ambrose talk down to her the way he does to AJ?"
"I don't know how he speaks to AJ" Hunter told him as Punk rolled his eyes at the response "But if the things I've heard is true than no I wouldn't let anyone talk down to her"
"That's what I thought" Punk said to him walking towards the door
"I can't help if no one clues me" Hunter said before Punk can leave "I know a lot of officials turn a blind eye to internal conflict but I don't. I would love to help AJ out and when she came to me a few weeks begging to be pulled away from Dean I asked her to give me a reason and she couldn't"
"You remember what it's like to be a talent here don't you Mr. COO?" Punk mocked "What do you think the problem is?"
"I wish I knew" Hunter told him honestly "Like I said if AJ changes her mind and wants to speak to me she's more than welcome to or if she's not comfortable speaking to me I know Stephanie would be more than willing to talk to her about whatever issue is going on backstage and I'm sure we'd be able to help her"
"I'll let her know but until then don't expect me to stand aside and watch that monster you all have created step all over her" Punk said to him "You're not stupid I know you know what's been going on back here and it makes me sick to think that not one person did one thing to help her while I was gone. I'm not sure if it's because she's a woman whose not dating John Cena or Daniel Bryan or if it's the fact that her and Dean were bringing up your ratings and making you money."
"That's not fair" Hunter argued back lightly
"It's not fair you're right but it's the truth" Punk spat feeling his anger rise more and more "Why didn't you reach out to her when she came to you? Were you too busy? Did you seem uninterested? Because I know AJ well enough to know that if you acted like you truly cared she would have confided in you. You only care now because I do and the reason you care that I care is because I make you millions and that is what I hate about this place. It's all about the dollar amount to all of you people and that really makes me want to turn around and walk out those doors and never look back"
"I'm sorry you feel that way" Hunter told him simply
"I'm sure you are" Punk mocked
"It's simply not the case though" Hunter said to him "There's a lot going on here and a lot of people don't get along so unless I'm told I can't stop my day job to inquire as to why two of my employees bicker constantly"
"What a corporate response" Punk laughed "You're a tool. But don't worry you don't have to inquire about anything because I'm back now and I'll look after AJ since all of you couldn't be bothered. And you want to know something? You should kiss the ground she walks on for not coming to you with her issue because believe me it would be a PR nightmare" he threatened then walked out the door slamming it for good measure
Later that night AJ was looking for the script leaning against a crate waiting to meet up with The Shield.
"Hey AJ" Seth said walking towards her with Roman and Dean trailing behind "How's the eye?"
"It's fine. No serious damage" she assured him
"Good" Roman smiled
"You couldn't put a little more makeup on to cover it?" Dean asked annoyed "You have to run out there with a black eye so everyone can take pictures?"
"I did the best I could" AJ replied coolly. Her original response would have been different but she made a promise to Punk and she was going to try to keep it.
"Try harder next time" Dean said annoyed
"It doesn't look bad" Seth said offering a faint smile
"Careful Seth she has a boyfriend who will beat you up if you're too nice or not nice enough" Dean mocked with a laugh "Is there a happy medium for him?" AJ chose not to respond but just glared at her onscreen partner
"Relax" Roman said to Dean who just scoffed
"I'll meet up with you guys later" Dean muttered passing by them
"Don't take it personally AJ he's been crabby all day" Roman told her
"It doesn't bother me" AJ told him
"Look we don't know what's going on between the two of you" Seth started
"Not now man" Roman whispered
"No something has to be said" Seth argued back "But whatever happened between the two of you it has to end now. Working with him has been a nightmare and its not just his career on the line we're a unit. We're not established like you are"
"I don't know what to tell you" AJ told him "I'm trying"
"Well maybe you can talk to Punk into being a little nicer to the guy" Seth suggested "Dean isn't a bad guy and I don't know what you've been telling him-"
"-wait you think this is on me?" AJ asked
"Dean told us AJ" Seth finally told her "We know he rejected you and that is embarrassing but don't take it personally just move on I'm sure Punk doesn't like the idea of you being so malicious towards another man because he wouldn't sleep with you"
"What!?" AJ asked shocked with wide eyes "Is that what he told you?"
"It's not our business" Roman said glaring towards Seth
"Your damn right it isn't your business and it's not true" AJ shot back "You think I would send my current boyfriend after a guy who wouldn't sleep with me? Hello! I wouldn't have a boyfriend if that was the case!"
"You lied to him AJ" Seth said softly "You told him Dean came on to you"
"He did!" AJ yelled "Well it was both of us but-"
"-look AJ we're not judging here" Seth said cutting her off before she could finish "But please try to fix it because like I said it's not just affecting the both of you, Roman and I are being hurt as well"
"Well I'm sorry if that's the case" AJ said fighting back tears "But whatever Dean told you isn't true" she turned on her heel and went in search of Dean.
It didn't take long to find him lounging around by the props department
"How dare you!" AJ shouted. She was visibly upset and Dean just sighed in annoyance at the sight of her
"What did I do now AJ?" Dean asked not bothering to look up instead playing with a marker in his hand
"You know damn well what you did" she said slapping the marker out of his hand forcing him to look up at her "You told Seth and Roman I sent Punk after you? That I was embarrassed that you rejected me?"
"It's the truth isn't it?" Dean asked seriously
"You're a piece of garbage" AJ said with such venom "This is my reputation you're messing with!"
"You messed with mine first!" Dean shouted which caused a few heads to turn but AJ wasn't bothered by the outburst she expected it
"My story was the truth and you know it!" AJ yelled back "Do you know how long it took me to get where I am today? How dare you drag my name through the mood to make yourself look better!"
"What about me! You're not the only one that struggled AJ!" Dean yelled back "Difference between us is that I'm not banging the face of the company to stay where I am!" with that comment AJ slapped Dean across the face
"Walk away" Dean warned her in a low voice the quit frankly sent chills up her spines "Get out of here now AJ"
"You don't scare me" AJ said not backing down to the man but Dean inched closer invading her personal space causing the few people to stand around to watch closely
"Back it up" the voice of Hunter warned walking towards them but Dean didn't even acknowledge Hunter was there "Are you deaf Ambrose?" he asked again and with that Dean stepped away slightly "What the hell is going on and I want to know now"
"AJ slapped the taste out of my mouth" Dean told him
"AJ?" Hunter asked
"I did" she said firmly
"Want to tell me why?" Hunter asked
"What does it matter why she did it!?" Dean shouted
"Shut up" Hunter warned then looked back to AJ "AJ?"
"No I don't" AJ said to the COO coldly trying in vain to hold back her tears. She didn't want her boss to see her cry but more importantly she didn't want Dean to see her break down either
"Are you going to do something about this?" Dean asked the COO
"AJ I can't help you out here if you aren't honest" Hunter pushed hoping the Diva would take this opportunity
"There's nothing to say" AJ said in a softer tone
"Go home" Hunter told her "You can't work the show tonight"
"Finally" Dean said with a laugh. Hunter looked at the man who was filled with rage less than a minute ago laugh to himself and that alarmed him as well
"You're off the card too" Hunter told him quickly
"What!" Dean shouted "She hit me!"
"Are you in first grade Dean?" Hunter asked "You really want me to explain to Vince McMahon who you felt bullied by a 100lb diva?"
"This is bull!" Dean yelled
"No it's reality" Hunter shot back "If you two won't talk about whatever the hell is going on you leave me no choice"
"Do I have to remind you that hit me?" Dean asked slowly
"Guilty by association" Hunter shrugged slightly "Looks like you can use the night off anyway"
"I flew down here" Dean told him as AJ stood there uncomfortably
"Now you can fly back home" Hunter said to him "Have a safe trip"
"I'm getting sick of this" Dean warned walking away. Once he was gone Hunter turned back to AJ
"He's gone now if you want to talk to me" Hunter told her but she just shook her head no "AJ I want to help you I really do but you've got throw me a bone here" he said with a exhausted laugh
"It's private" she whispered
"Ok" Hunter told her simply "If you change your mind you know how to reach me until then go home I'll see you Monday" as soon as she turned her back to the COO the tears fell from her eyes and she rushed to find Punk so they could get out of here.
Punk was hanging out in the men's locker room chatting it up with Daniel and John. Whatever altercation he had with Hunter wasn't affecting his mood backstage.
"So seriously do they hand you on script on this reality show?" Punk asked both men while laughing
"It's fun to do" John defended with a grin
"You're a liar" Punk shot back still laughing
"Have you watched the show?" John asked back
"Nope can't say I caught it yet" Punk mocked
"I'm doing it for Brie" Daniel told the two of them "That's it the extra money isn't worth it"
"Is that why you do it John boy?" Punk asked John
"Nikki is very thankful I do the show for her and she shows me how thankful she is every night" John informed him
"If AJ did the show you wouldn't?" Daniel asked him
"I would support AJ if she choose to do it but I would not partake in it no" Punk smirked "But I don't have to worry about that AJ chooses to watch reality television not be part of it"
"I think you were made for reality TV" John smirked towards Punk "If you gave it-" but didn't finish his thought because there was loud banging at the locker room door. John was nearest to the door so opened it slightly and frowned upon seeing a visibly upset AJ on the other side holding her bag.
"You ok kid?" John asked concerned
"Is Phil in there?" she asked quickly
"Yea come on in" he encouraged
"No can you just tell me-" AJ started to cry before she could finish her thought
"AJ? What happened?" John asked her placing a hand on her shoulder. At the sound of her name Punk stood up from his seat and headed to the door
"AJ?" Punk asked
"We need to go" She told him furiously wiping her eyes
"Go? You didn't work yet" Punk pointed out
"I've been sent home and I don't want to be here anyway" she told him. John looked as confused as Punk did. AJ wasn't the type to be 'sent home' you were only sent home for acting up and that was not something AJ ever did.
"Let's go" Punk said simply "I'll see you Monday" he said to John
"Yea" John said still sporting a concerned face as Punk led her away from the locker room.
"What happened?" Punk asked taking her bag from her hands and slinging it over his shoulder
"It was Dean" She admitted which caused Punk to stop in his tracks already feeling his blood start to boil "He's already gone so don't bother trying to look for him" she informed him
"What happened?" Punk demanded
"We got into an argument" she told him "And I slapped him and then Hunter walked in-"
"Hunter sent you home?" Punk asked
"He didn't have a choice I didn't have much of a choice because I didn't offer him an explanation" AJ told him sadly "You were right I should have just bit my tongue and walked away but I was so mad"
"What did he do?" Punk asked
"He told Seth and Roman that I sent you after Dean because he rejected me" AJ told him hysterically "And when I asked him about it he actually believed that was the truth. He doesn't care what he's doing to my reputation at all"
"He only cares about himself AJ" Punk reminded her "I'll go talk to Hunter and fix this"
"No" She said grabbing onto his arm before he could walk away "It's bad enough people think I'm with you because I'm jealous of Dean but if you go in there and get me out of trouble they're going to think that's another reason I'm with you"
"I don't care what anyone thinks" Punk informed her forcefully "You're with me and we don't owe anybody back here an explanation for it"
"I know that I just don't want to deal with drama tonight" AJ pleaded "Please, please can we just go?" but Punk just stood there looking at his completely broken down girlfriend. He wasn't sure he could turn a blind eye to this. "Do me this one thing? I love that you want to stick up to me but I'd feel much better if we just left and dealt with it on Monday"
"Monday" Punk repeated "We're fixing this on Monday"
"Ok" she agreed. Punk noticed the few people walking by openly eyeing the couple trying to get whatever information they could
"You have a problem?" he asked a few people waking by who just said 'no' and hurried along "Let's go" he said grabbing her hand and leading her out of the arena
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews! Hope you enjoyed the new chapter. Can any of you get a read on Dean? Am I keeping you guessing?