Chapter 12: A Night to Remember

Hall of Fame Ceremony

Wrestlemania 29

MadisonSquareGarden

New York, NY

AN: Re-write so please re-read.

It had been a week of non-stop running for the WWE superstars and divas. Wrestlemania week was a run of red carpet events, Axxess, media appearances and so on which had the superstars running ragged with little time for rest. Luckily for the Shield members, upper management preferred them to keep that 'out of reach' persona and only required them to do signings at Axxess. Mikaela was requested to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony with the McMahons and didn't let Vince down. Phil wouldn't stand for her sitting with the bosses and insisted that he be her escort…after asking for Jon's permission, of course.

When she emerged from their bedroom into the den of their joint suite, the reaction she received made her blush. She had just the perfect amount of make-up on for her tanned skin tone. Her long black tresses were in soft waves hanging down her back with a few wisps to frame her face. Her dress had the boys' mouths hanging open. It was a white one-shoulder sweetheart side-beaded cut-out neckline floor length gown that exposed all of her upper back tapering down to her left side.

"I don't know if I want you on Phil's arm looking like that," Jon said in a low tone, walking a circle around his lady. "You look good enough to eat," he whispered in her ear, taking in the visible shudder that coursed through her body. His voice and presence still had an effect on her that he loved to play with.

"Damn, Mick, you look hot," Colby smiled, running his eyes down her dress.

"You look beautiful, Mikaela. I'm regretting the company insisting we remain out of the public eye already," Joe said with a soft smile. "It would've been nice if all three of us could go with our ladies on our arms," he sighed. "Galina didn't see the point in coming if we can't leave the hotel except for Axxess and Mania."

"Same with Leigh; she stayed home," Colby frowned, looking disappointed even on the cusp of their Mania debut.

"I guess you're lucky that I'm a meddlesome bitch and rage against the machine," she grinned at him, walking into her bedroom only to return with three garment bags. "One for each of you," she handed them out. "I know you aren't allowed to attend the ceremony itself but I insisted that my boys attend the after party. There is no way I'm not getting a dance with each of you if I'm forced to wear this thing and mingle with the masses," she said with a twinkle in her obsidian eyes.

"Really?" Colby asked with excitement etched across his face.

"Go get dressed and meet me in the reception hall," she jerked her head, smiling when Colby kissed her cheek and Joe kissed the top of her head before running off to their rooms. "What's wrong, baby?" she asked Jon, noticing him studying the garment bag in his hands with a furrowed brow.

"The fanciest thing I've ever been to was the dinner at the retreat. This is something else entirely," he shook his head, keeping his eyes on his suit. "I was out of my element at the dinner but had a role to play so it made it easier. I'd be out of my element as myself at the after party, Mick," he bit his bottom lip, trying not to show his unease.

"I'm your element, Jon," she moved into his chest, running her hands up to his shoulders. "You'd be with me and I wouldn't have you any other way than as yourself," she cupped his chin, lifting his eyes to meet hers and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "Don't tell anyone but I'm kind of fond of Jon Good," she whispered into his mouth, darting her eyes up to his before letting him take over their kiss. "I'm not forcing you but I would love to spend the evening in your arms among our peers before we retire to our room," she purred into his ear, trailing kisses down his strong neck.

"Damn it," he grumbled when there was a knock on the door. "That is bound to be your escort for the evening," he arched a brow at her over his shoulder while he moved to open the door. "Close your mouth, Phil, you're drawing flies," Jon chuckled when his friend stood in the doorway with a look of awe on his face.

"You look amazing, sweetheart," Phil said with a smile, holding out his arm for her to take. "Don't wait up, Dad," he elbowed Jon, laughing when his friend pushed him back before Mikaela took his arm.

"I'll see you in a little while?" she asked Jon, taking in his nod before gripping his hair and kissing him breathless.

"Hey, Mick?" Jon called out when they stepped out into the hall. "You really look absolutely beautiful," he said with a smile. He would never forget the way she lit up with a bright smile and shining eyes as long as he lived.

Mikaela had a wonderful time with Phil, watching the legends getting inducted, laughing when he and Chris (Irvine) Jericho got on-stage with Mick Foley. Mick pinned Chris for the first time in his career and Phil acted as the referee before returning to her side.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked with a wide smile on his face.

"I am," she nodded her head. "I'm on the arm of a very dashing man with William behind me and Vince down the aisle. The only thing I'm missing is Jon, Colby and Joe to make this a perfect night," she darted her eyes to his, seeing him blush.

"Dashing huh?"

"Very dashing," she assured him, turning slightly to straighten his tie. "You look very handsome in a suit," her eyes slid to his green gaze; his entire face lighting up with renewed life.

"And you are beautiful beyond comparison, milady," he said softly, placing his hand over hers. "Are you ready to head to the party?" he asked, seeing instant apprehension enter her eyes. "I'll be right beside you until Jon shows up and takes you away from me," he rolled his eyes, laughing when she swatted his arm.

"After you, dear sir," she accepted a hand up, slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and let him lead her out.

"Jon, are you coming?" Joe asked from the doorway. "I don't think I can hold Colby back much longer," he chuckled, glancing over at his hyper friend that waited impatiently by the front door.

"Go ahead and I'll catch up, bro. This tie and I are having a major confrontation that I intend to win," he grumbled, standing in front of the mirror with both ends clenched in his hands.

"Remember, bro, it's 'once around the tree, the fox chased the rabbit'…" Joe drifted off when Jon's reflection glanced up at him with an arched brow.

"You totally have to turn in your man-card for using the Rabbit and the Fox story," Jon shook his head, laughing at the big man who flipped him off in return.

"Whatever, man, I was just trying to get you to your woman faster before Colby and I keep her on the dance floor all night. See you there," Joe lightly punched his shoulder before joining Colby and leaving their suite.

"I knew you had moves in the ring but I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised to find you can cut a rug, Mr. Brooks," Mikaela grinned at Phil while they breezed across the dance floor.

"I have many skills," he mock frowned. "I'm surprised you're finally letting me lead," he laughed, bracing himself for the swat she aimed at his bicep.

"How are you two kids enjoying the evening?" Vince asked when he and Linda drifted up through the crowd of couples.

"I'm having a lovely time, Vince. Thank you for inviting me. The ceremony was something I'll remember for the rest of my life and I'm looking forward to the show tomorrow," she said with kind eyes, feeling truly grateful to the man for making her so welcome in his company and all its activities.

"The two of you make an adorable tattooed couple," Vince chuckled, making Phil blush and pull at his collar.

"Should I have worn something different? I was concerned about showing my ink when I bought the dress," Mikaela furrowed her brow, reaching a hand behind her back.

"No, my dear, you look radiant," Linda told her, giving her arm a reassuring pat. "Where is that fiancé of yours this evening?" she gave Phil a sly smile while Mikaela glanced around the room.

"He's supposed to be meeting me here. I thought he'd be here already," she sighed, looking upset for a moment before Phil took her hand and spun her in a circle into his side.

"Well until he shows up, I guess you're still mine. Excuse us, Mr. and Mrs. Boss," he grinned, taking her away from their meddlesome bosses.

"Shame on you, Vince, I know you're trying to set up Mikaela with Phil. That young woman is engaged but that doesn't matter to you as long as one of our top sellers is content with something within the company. You're trying to control him and keep him pacified with her so he'll stop being a thorn in your side," she scowled at her husband, a look of disappointment in her eyes.

"Phil isn't that different from Jon and I think those two make a better couple," he pointed at them, laughing and having a good time. "I've never seen Phil so content before or smile that much. She has a positive influence over him and you'd have to be blind not to notice how taken he is with her. You can't hold it against me if his good fortune benefits the company too," he shrugged.

"She loves her young man, Vince, so leave them be," she poked her husband in the chest with a hard glare in her eyes.

"Yes, dear," he placated his wife while he continued to scheme within his head.

"Mind if I join you?" Colby asked, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "I do believe she can dance with both of us to this beat," he laughed, stepping behind Mikaela, keeping her between him and Phil to the upbeat song.

"Where is Jon?" she asked with a raised voice so that Colby could hear her over the loud music.

"Running a little late," he shouted back. "Last I saw him, he was fighting with his tie!" he chuckled.

The two of them kept Mikaela on the dance floor for three fast rock songs before a slow dance number came on. "Excuse me," his deep voice drifted softly into her ear and she turned to find Joe standing beside Colby. "This is a little more my speed and I was wondering if I could have this dance?" he asked with a soft smile.

"It would be my honor, Joseph," Mikaela bowed her head, taking his hand and allowed him to pull her in close.

Between Joe, Colby, and Phil with a random dance from William and Vince, Mikaela was on the dance floor for well over an hour, her mood souring with each minute that passed. Her eyes constantly scanned the room, searching for him and left feeling bereft by his absence. Her companions noticed the change in her demeanor and bombarded his cell with calls and texts, all of them going unanswered.

Jon stood in the entrance to the ballroom, shifting awkwardly in his suit while his eyes took in the room and its occupants. He didn't belong here but his reason for being was somewhere in this crowd and he sought her out with his eyes. Finally spotting her among the sea of his co-workers, he felt his breath catch in his throat and that warmth in his chest, followed by pain.

'This is her world,' he thought while he watched Joe slow dance with her. Even the big man fit in here more than he did. Phil; who was more like him than anyone on the planet, looked more at ease than Jon ever possibly could. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he lowered his head and turned, walking out the way he came in, alone and uncomfortable.

Mikaela's head snapped up off of Joe's chest, her eyes turning to the door. She felt him; she knows she did but where was he? She could always feel Jon's eyes on her.

"What's wrong, beautiful?" Joe asked in concern, seeing how emotional she was getting.

"Jon," she answered simply, hanging her head. "I'm sorry for abandoning you here like this but I'm not decent company anymore, big guy. I'm going back to our suite," she glanced up at him, her obsidian depths shining.

"Would you like me to go with you?"

"Much like Jon, my wonderful escort for the evening abandoned me," she sighed, glancing at Phil dancing with Amy before returning her gaze to the large man. "I don't want to ruin your night, Joe. Stay and dance," she smiled softly, moving to grab her clutch off of their claimed table.

"I only came to dance with you so if you're leaving so am I," he offered his arm which she took with a grateful smile.

"Me too!" Colby exclaimed, rushing up on her other side and looped his arm with hers.

Vince could feel his back teeth clenching when he saw two of the Shield boys escort a distraught Mikaela through the crowd. He stormed his way across the dance floor and tapped on a shoulder. "Pardon the interruption, Amy," he forced a smile before he narrowed his eyes, "but Phil, your date is leaving. Don't you think you should escort her back to her room since you did bring her here?" he huffed out in irritation. He was surprised to see his Straight Edge Superstar's eyes widen before he ran to the exit without an explanation to his companion.

"Mick!" Phil called out in a rush, grabbing her bicep from behind and inwardly flinched when she turned her desolate eyes towards him. "Shit, sweetheart, are you okay? I'm sorry I left you…"

"Don't be silly, Phil; you were just doing me a courtesy keeping me company so that I didn't Hulk out on anyone here. I don't blame you for having fun when these two let you off the hook," she waved him off, her eyes still scanning the room.

"It wasn't a courtesy, Mick. I had a great time with you," he told her with sincerity in his tone and eyes.

"I did too. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Phil," she whispered; her two escorts taking the hint to get her out of there.

Phil watched from the hallway as the three of them made their way across the lobby of the hotel, passing the hotel bar when all of a sudden Mikaela stopped in her tracks and turned her head to look inside. He could see her shoulders rise and fall sharply with the deep breaths she was taking before she seemed to shrink into Joe's side. The Samoan wrapped an arm across her shoulders and led her towards the elevators while Colby lingered for a second; glaring daggers at someone inside before he ran off to follow the other two.

Jon sat at the bar, nursing his bourbon while trying to tune out the woman beside him that kept chattering about everything under the sun. He originally ducked into the bar because it felt like his element; where he belonged and he spent the entirety of his time in there picturing the beauty of his girl in that dress. 'My girl,' he thought when he felt her presence and turned to glance over his shoulder. He didn't see her but an instant later Phil appeared in the entrance, locking eyes with him before he shook his head and took off towards the elevator.

'Fuck!' he screamed in his head, fishing some cash out of his wallet before he left the bewildered woman behind and ran to the elevators. "Tell me she wasn't just standing there," he said breathlessly to Phil who was repeatedly punching the button to call the elevator.

"Yeah, I can't do that," Phil shook his head angrily, unable to look Jon in the eyes. "Come on, you piece of shit," he grumbled, kicking the elevator door. "She looked for you all night, getting more and more upset when you didn't show," he said in a subdued tone, resting a hand on the wall. "And when she finally couldn't take it anymore and decides to give up and go to you, she finds you there in the suit she got you, drinking with another woman," Phil shook his head, clenching his jaw. "Vince had a real hard-on to keep you guys segregated from the roster for a while. You have no idea how much she had to bitch to get him to allow you at the after-party. You're a fucking idiot and fuck this elevator," he stormed off, pushing open the stairwell door and ran up the stairs to her floor, almost plowing into a man descending the stairs in his haste.

Colby yanked open the door to let him in, turning to drag a few suitcases across the den, leaving a few by the suite door, and knocked on a bedroom door. "I suppose we have a few seconds before Jon gets here huh?" he asked Phil, passing the luggage to Joe through the open door.

"He should be right behind me unless he wussed out and decided hiding in the bar was the better option," Phil shrugged, plopping down on the couch.

"No, man, he thinks she belongs to him and nothing can keep him from something that's his," Colby moved back to the bedroom door and knocked. "He'll be here any second so keep the door locked," he told the furious Samoan who nodded his head and slammed the door, flipping the lock. "Told you," Colby cocked his head at Phil when Jon burst through the door a few seconds later.

"Mick!" he yelled after seeing her bags by the door and stormed into his bedroom, looking around before checking the bathroom. "Where is she, Colby?" he growled at his friend, throwing open the door to his bedroom to look for her before he re-emerged and stalked over to Joe's door, finding it locked. "Joe, open the fucking door! Mick, baby!" he shouted, pounding on it.

"Jon, she's too upset to share a room with you right now," Colby crossed his arms over his chest, scowling at his temperamental friend.

"I don't give a fuck! She is not sharing a room with Joe!" he growled, kicking at the door.

"Hey, dumbass, if you get passed that door, you'll be face-to-face with a seriously pissed off Samoan and an unstable Italian! I personally wouldn't want to face the odds of coming away from that confrontation with my balls intact," Colby grabbed Jon's arm and spun him around, pushing him away from the door. "Maybe if you gave a fuck, she wouldn't have had her heart stomped to shit tonight! She waited for you, Jon! She kept telling everyone that we wouldn't have to put up with her for long because you were coming for her! Instead she finds you boozing it up with some skank barfly and you wonder why she is upset and doesn't want to see you! You're a fucking idiot!" Colby shouted in his face, forcing Phil to get between them when Jon lunged at him.

Mikaela dried her face after removing her make-up, snatched up her cell and sank to the floor of Joe's bathroom. She had changed immediately when Colby gave Joe her bags that held her nightwear, opting for a tank and shorts since Joe was in his bedroom. She tried to block out the argument in the den of their suite but Jon and Colby were two of the loudest people she knew when they were angry and it was impossible.

"I fucked up, I admit it but my fiancée is not sleeping with Joe!" Jon shouted again and this time, the man in question opened his bedroom door.

"It's a good thing she isn't your fucking fiancée isn't it, asshole?" Joe growled loudly. "And maybe if you weren't such a fucking pussy you wouldn't be in this predicament!" he yelled, slamming and locking his door once again.

"Whoa! She isn't your fiancée?"

"Shut up, Brooks!" Jon and Colby shouted in sync.

Mikaela sighed, letting her tears fall again and dialed a number on her cell, waiting to see if he'd answer.

"Hello?"

"It's me," she tried to hold in her sob but failed miserably.

"I know, I recognized the number," he replied. "Are you okay?"

"Not really," she sniffled. "I know it's completely fucking out of left field for me to call but I was wondering if you could do me a favor. I'll understand if you say no," she said miserably.

"What is it?" he asked hesitantly.

"Are you bunking alone?"

"Yeah, I am," he said leadingly, wondering where this was going.

"Mick, open the fucking door! Baby, I need to see you!" Jon pounded on the door, yelling at the top of his lungs.

"Fuck you, Jon! If you don't stop that shit, I will tear off your fucking arm and beat you with it!" Joe shouted back.

"Would you mind if I crashed on your couch tonight?" she broke down over the phone.

"What the fuck is that all about, Mikaela?" he asked her, worry in his voice. "Are you okay? Are you in danger?"

"Just a little misunderstanding but I can't stay here. Tomorrow is their first time on the big stage; they need what rest they can get without me here to be a bigger disturbance than I already am. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," she pleaded and he was stunned by the fact of it.

"I know how much work you put into those guys. I know how much they mean to you. I'm in room 314," he said softly. "I can't believe you called me," he said lightly.

"Shows how desperate I am," she said with a broken laugh.

"Shut up or I'll change my mind," he laughed.

"I'll make my getaway when they fall asleep. I'm not up for a confrontation right now. Will you be up?" she asked hesitantly.

"I'll be waiting, bitch," he chuckled.

"See you soon, asshole," she smiled, ending the call right when Joe knocked. "Come in," she called out, wiping her tears from her face when he lowered his big body to the floor beside her.

"How are you doing, beautiful?" he asked, wrapping his big arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side.

"I'm tired, sick of crying, probably overreacting and feeling alone right now," she sighed, leaning her head on his chest.

"Well let me see if I can touch on any of that for you. You might be overreacting but it's only because you felt betrayed when you saw where he was instead of with you, especially after waiting all night for him. You feel alone because he is all you know and he let you down tonight. And you're crying because you love him and haven't told him yet," he lifted her chin with his index finger, staring down into her wet eyes. "You're afraid to tell him because you don't know if he loves you too. I know you don't like to leave yourself vulnerable, beautiful, but sometimes you just have to take a risk on the chance that you'll end up with everything you want," he kissed the top of her head when she cried into his chest. "I can help you with the tired part of your problems. Get your gorgeous ass up and lock the door behind me. I'm taking the couch and you can crawl into bed," he patted her knee, standing up and pulled her to her feet.

"No," she stopped him with a hand on his arm. "You sleep in your bed. You have a big day tomorrow and need all the rest you can get," she forced a soft smile.

"Jon is sleeping on the floor right outside my door, Mikaela. He'll be all over you the instant he wakes up," he sighed, pulling her down beside him on the edge of his bed.

"I'm not staying here tonight, Joe. As soon as I know he's out, I'm moving to another room," she whispered, pulling the blankets over him when he straightened out in bed.

"The hotel is booked. Where are you staying?" he yawned.

"With a friend," she leaned forward, placing a kiss on his forehead when his eyes fluttered closed.

"But we're your only friends…" he drifted off with his hand on her knee.

"Yeah, you are," she smiled sadly, easing his hand on to the bed before she moved her bags to the door. She listened to the sounds of Jon's disturbed sleep before easing the door open, stepping over him with her luggage in hand and moved to place it beside the rest of her things before she returned to his side. Kneeling down next to him, she let her eyes trail over his form while he jerked in his sleep; his inner demons plaguing his dreams. "I love you, Jon," she whispered softly, kissing his forehead before heading to the door, easing it open and placed her bags in the hall, pulling the door shut behind her.

"Going somewhere?" Phil whispered in her ear, grinning when she jumped.

"You scared the fuck out of me," she gasped, clutching a hand to her chest. "Why aren't you sleeping? You have a huge match with Taker tomorrow and need your rest," she mumbled, snatching up a few of her bags.

"I hardly ever sleep," he shrugged.

"Great then carry these," she pushed a few bags into his hands, picked up the rest and started towards the elevator.

"Where are you going to stay?" he asked, stepping on with her and watched her hit the button for the 3rd floor.

"I made other arrangements. The three of them were fighting too much with me there and I'm not ready to deal with Jon yet," she shrugged.

"Why don't you stay with me?" he asked when the doors opened, following her out.

"Because you're right next door to them and I don't need the drama overflowing into your suite too. No, I'm better off here and Jon not knowing until after the show. He needs to focus on his match," she dropped a bag and knocked on the door.

"He won't be able to focus on shit if you're not there," Phil gave her a steady look, feeling his heart break when she teared up.

"I'll be there for his match and yours; I wouldn't miss them for the world," she smiled, kissing his cheek before turning to the open door.

"You're staying here?" Phil asked with wide eyes.

"Fucking shocker isn't it?" he picked up her bags, smirking at Phil's expression before carrying them into his suite.

"Get some sleep, Phil, and don't tell anyone where I am," she palmed his cheek, walking into the door and closing it softly behind her.