"Searchin' for a hero"
A John/Ashley fanfic
I'm sorry if last chapter was confusing, i took the game from an episode of One Tree Hill )
Chapter 10 "Vengeance"
xxx Charlotte, N.C. / at a local gym the night before Vengeance / 9:30 pm xxx
-Ash c'mon you can't stay here all the night! –John said concerned. He was ready to leave the gym but was waiting for Ashley.
-Nope, –she said trying to catch her breathe- just another half hour, please! –She was in the middle of the ring where John had left her 20 minutes ago to take his shower after their practice. She was wearing a pair of black shorts closed with white strings and a white tank top.
-You don't need it, we've trained for like two hours! And you came here also this morning with Trish.
-I want to be sure that everything is okay, that the leg is fine.
-Of course it is, we've worked on it for what? About a month? And you know it's alright.
-Please John…
He reached the ring and held the ropes open, holding out his hand to her. –C'mon let's go. –He said softly.
-Fine.- She said taking his hand and getting out of the ring.
-Why don't you take your shower now? Then we can go out to eat something.
-I don't know if I'm in the mood.
-For what? –He said joking. –For the shower?
-Going out. –She said with a little smile- I'm sorry I'm so stressed tonight!
-Never mind, -he said caressing her cheek- I'll take you to the hotel 'kay?
-Thanks John.
-You're welcome. Oh and there's another thing.
-Yeah? What's up?
-Let's skip the 'going out' for tonight okay, but tomorrow we're going to celebrate! No excuses! You can't treat your trainer like that.
She laughed a bit. –Sure, I'd love to. Promise.
-Perfect, let's go punkie.
xxx At the hotel, outside Ashley's room xxx
-Thanks for the ride. –She said smiling.
-Anytime. Are you okay?
-Yeah, I only need to take some rest.
-Exactly. Just relax Ash, don't think of anything.
-I'll do it.
-And if you need anything you know where you can find me. –He added.
-Thanks trainer, -she said smiling- you're the best. Good night.
-Back at ya.
xxx Vengeance's arena / 6.00 pm xxx
Ashley was hanging out with Maria in the backstage, she was nervous about her match.
-Ashley where have you been? –John yelled joining the two girls.
-Here with Maria… -She said surprised. –Why?
-I've searched for you everywhere all the day, we were worried!
-We?
-Trish and I. I called her cause I didn't find you at the hotel, at the gym… and she told me you weren't in the room when she woke up.
-And you guys were worried?
-Yeah, I mean it's an important day and I wanted to be sure that you were okay… are you?
She smiled at the thought of John worried for her. –Yes, I am. I'm so nervous but it's okay. I've been with Maria all the day, -she explained- I was trying to relax like my trainer said. Shopping, girls' talk, only a half hour at the gym, turning off the cell… and then just relax.
-Okay, now I feel stupid. –He said half laughing.
-No it's okay, -she smiled- it's sweet that you were worried for me.
-Here you are! –Trish yelled joining the trio.
-Never mind. –John told the Canadian.
-What were you thinking? That I was in trouble? –Ashley asked to her best friend.
-Nope… -Trish said guilty- I thought that you were afraid of the match and that so you gave up.
-What?
-I'm sorry, you know when I'm stressed I don't think like I should!
-I could never give up this match and this opportunity. I'm nervous, worried for the consequences and also anxious cause it's my first official match after months… but here I am. I'm ready to kick Candice's ass and to take my place back. I only have to focus on that. This soldier would never give up!
-That's my trainee. –John said proudly.
Trish hugged her. –I know, you'll do great on that ring hun!
xxx Later that night xxx
Ashley knocked on John's locker room.
-Come in.
-Hey trainer! I'm sorry, is it a bad moment?
John was sitting on the couch playing at his portable PSP. –Not at all! What's up?
-Do you mind if I stay here? Candice, Victoria and Mickie are in a super-bitchy mood tonight and I need to focus before the match.
-Of course you can stay here. –He said standing up and taking her bag from her hands.
She smiled. –Thanks, you're always the best.
-I don't do it for nothing, remember that yesterday you promised me to celebrate later! –He smirked.
-Oh shut up! –She laughed and sat down on the couch.
He joined her. –Here we go. –He said while they watched the ppv began on the monitor. The first match was Randy vs Angle.
-YAY, go RKO! –She said as he laughed.
-When's your match?
-After Flair vs Foley. It's the 4th.
-So before mines.
-I'm worried…
-You're going to kick her ass.
-Yeah I know, I hope so. But I mean I'm worried for you.
-For me?
-That Sabu, that ECW thing! Look at your eye! –She yelled.
He gently caressed her hair. –I'll be fine Ash, don't worry.
-I hope so. –She whispered.
Meanwhile the ppv was going on. Nitro had just won the intercontinental title.
-Carlito deserved it, come on! –John yelled.
Ash laughed. –Do you want to know something?
-Yeah tell me.
-But it's a secret!
-I don't say it to anyone. I swear. –He said amused.
-Maria has a crush on Carlito!
-Oh boy, -John laughed- that's going to be cool!
Then the next match began. It was Flair vs Foley.
-I'd better get ready. –Ashley said.
-Yeah, take all the time you need, don't worry. –He said pointing to the bathroom.
She took her bag and disappeared behind the door. She appeared few minutes later with her match outfit. She was wearing a pinstriped mini skirt with silver charms on a tiny chain belt; a white tank top with a silver/glitter star on it; wrestling boots and her usual black gloves. Since it was a bra and panties match, as underwear she was wearing a military bra with pink shoulder straps and buttoned by pink stripes, the panties were of the same style. Her hair were straight under John's military hat.
-Here I am! –She said turning on herself to show John her outfit.
-Hot! –He yelled.
-Thanks sir! –She said mocking a bow. Then she sat down next to him and put her knees' and elbows' protections on. An assistant knocked on the door to let them know that Ashley was up next on the card.
-Shall we? –John asked gesturing to the door.
-Yeah, but 'we'?
-I'm not going to leave my trainee alone. –He explained smiling. She just smiled back as he took her hand in his and they reached the curtain.
-Here we go. –She whispered stretching.
-Are you ready? –He asked softly.
She took a deep breath. –Yes, I am.
Then Candice joined them but she had no time to say anything cause her name was announced first by Lillian Garcia and so she disappeared behind the curtain. John took again Ashley's hand to reassure her.
-Wait! –She yelled.
-What? –He asked surprised.
-The hat! –She took off 'her' military Chain Gang hat and the black one that John was wearing that night. It had the Chain Gang logo in white. She took on the black one handing the other to John. –It's in tune with the skirt. –She smirked.
-You're impossible. –He shook his head half laughing.
Then they heard Lillian said "And from New York, New York; she's the 2005 Raw Diva Search winner: Ashley!"
-Good luck. –John said looking in her eyes.
-Thanks. –She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and ran out. She waved to the fans and in the ring raised her hands while the crowd cheered for her.
Then Lillian explained that it was a Bra and Panties match to be the next cover girl of the WWE summer magazine. She left the ring and the match began.
First clinch. After few seconds Ashley went down on her knees, she made a roll up but Candice broke it immediately. Another clinch. Ash took Candice's arm as she screamed for the pain. Candice tried to kick Ash while she was holding the arm on her back but she avoided the stroke and made an irish whip. The brown hair diva was now with her back on the turnbuckles. Ash hit her with 3 chops. Then she went on the ropes and started to punch her. As the crowd called forthe 4th blow, Candice reversed their position with a roll up and took off Ashley's skirt. She made her 'Go daddy' thing with the skirt in her hand. Ashley was laying down on the ring and took Candice's leg while she was turning around and let her fall; then she locked her leg in a STFU as John taught her. The playmate gave up but there was no submission in the match! So Ash unbuttoned and took off her top still holding her leg, then letit go. She stood up mocking the Go Daddy dance and then ran to the ropes making a clothes line on her way back to Candice who was just standing up. After few seconds the brown hair diva stood up again and slapped Ashley, then pulled her hair and with an irish whip sent the diva search winner against the turnbuckles running after her. But Ash placed her hands on the top rope and jumped back avoiding her opponent who went straight in the corner. She made a roll up and took off Candice's shorts.
The bell rang. "Here's your winner and next cover girl: Ashley!"
She jumped on the third turnbuckle and raised her hands making her 'rock on' thing. She waved to the fans and ran behind the curtain.
-I knew it! –She was greeted by her trainer. –And that STFU! –He yelled.
She literally jumped on him. –OMG John! I've won!- She yelled with her legs around his waist and her hands on his neck. –I'm back! Officially back!
-I knew you could do it! And you deserve it!
And then she kissed him, totally out of blue. He kissed her back. A sweet/passionate kiss which both of them have waited for for so long.
-Oh my gosh you two take a room! –Trish yelled laughing.
They broke the kiss. –Sorry to interrupt guys, but you're up next John. –She said pointing at the curtain.
-Right! –Ashley jumped off. Trish hugged her. –You were great hun. And you're the next cover girl!
Lillian announced Sabu. John took off Ashley's hat and gave her back his military one. –It's in tune with your panties punkie.- He winked. She laughed cause she had completely forgotten that Candice took off her skirt.
Then Lillian announced John.
-Wait! –Ashley yelled grabbing his hand. –Be careful…- She whispered. –I don't want you in pieces.
-I'll come back just fine. –He said softly and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
xxx 20 minutes later xxx
John came back after defeating Sabu. He was greeted by Ash who immediately hugged the winner letting him sway.
-You're the best! –She yelled.
-Finally! –Trish said. –She was so nervous during the entire match that I can show you the sign of her nails on my arm.
He laughed. –So, -Trish continued- are we going out to celebrate?
-Oh sorry hun… -Ashley said smiling- but I have to keep my promise!
-Yep, -John added- private celebration!
Trish rolled her eyes and smiled.