Sorry for the lack of updates this week! I got a second job helping out at my old art school, and I was dealing with a special needs child all day...it was very challenging and left me dead tired at the end of the day, but it was such a rewarding experience. Anyway, that job is done now so it should get back to regular updating! To make up for the lack of updates, here is an extra long chapter. I want to thank you all SO MUCH again for your reviews and positive feedback for this story. Keep them coming!
Xxxxx
The next morning Katie woke up still wrapped in Punk's arms. She raised her head and looked at him, still sleeping silently. She thought about everything she had told him last night, things she told almost no-one else, and how he had handled it all so well. He didn't say much but she didn't mind – the fact that he was listening was good enough for her. Not a lot of people could handle being told something like that – most would think it was 'too much baggage' and run away – but it comforted her that Punk listened, stayed, and understood her situation. It meant more than anything to her that he was still here with her and not somewhere else.
Punk shifted slightly beneath her before opening his eyes slowly and surveying the room around him. He looked down to see Katie smiling slightly at him, and he smiled back. "Good morning," he mumbled in his tired voice, resting his head back down on the pillow.
"Good morning," she whispered. She moved above him and propped her head up against her arm. Punk turned towards her and looked at her. "I'm sorry for last night," she apologized.
"There's no need to apolog-"
"But I also want to say thank you," she interrupted him by putting her finger on his lips. "Most people would have been freaked out by that revelation. You handled it like a champ."
Punk shrugged his shoulders as if everything that she said last night wasn't a big deal. "Everybody has a history, and everybody has a side to them that they don't know," he said. "I've got issues with my parents too. We all do; some just run deeper than others," he continued, pulling Katie on top of him. "I just don't want you ever thinking that you're not good enough, because you are. I don't want what your mom said fifteen years ago to affect you now."
Katie couldn't believe she had gotten so lucky with him. Of course he was never known to be a romantic, especially to the fans of the WWE, but she enjoyed this side of him. He was still a sarcastic ass and a loveable jerk, but one that could ultimately make you feel like the most important person in the world.
She kissed him passionately, wanting to show that she appreciated his sentiment, and he reciprocated full speed ahead. Soon they couldn't stop, kissing each other anywhere they saw fit. Punk had switched positions so he was above her and began kissing down her neck and onto her collarbone. Katie sighed heavily as he did so, running her fingertips down his back and playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. Soon, both their shirts were off.
A loud knock suddenly interrupted them and Punk groaned loudly, temporarily stopping him from kissing Katie. "If we ignore whoever it is they'll go away," Punk reasoned quickly before beginning to kiss Katie again. She laughed as he worked on her neck and collarbone again before going lower.
The loud knock persisted but soon they heard a voice scream from the other side. "I know you two are in there!" Katie recognized AJ's voice. "I need my shit!"
Katie laughed and put her hand on her forehead, shaking her head in amusement. "Come back in half an hour!" Punk yelled back.
"We leave in an hour dipshit! And why would I come back in half an hour...oh God...oh Go—PHIL! GET OFF OF HER RIGHT NOW!" AJ screamed so loud it was as if she was standing at the foot of the bed. Katie broke out into hysterical laughter as Punk collapsed at her side, groaning loudly. Katie took this opportunity to roll off the bed, put on her top, and open the door for AJ.
"Are you okay?!" AJ asked as she walked into the room.
Before Katie could answer, Punk called out. "Of course she's okay! She's with her boyfriend, why wouldn't she be okay?!"
AJ smiled devilishly before looking at Punk on the floor. "I just cockblocked you, didn't I?"
"You did," Punk said, finally standing. "Are you proud of yourself?" he asked.
"Very," AJ answered. "Now get out. You need to shower and change before you leave and I need to talk to Katie," AJ said.
"Are you kicking me out?" Punk asked as he pulled his own shirt back on.
"Hey Katie, do you have tampons? I've been having cramps all morning," AJ said loudly, causing Punk to cringe.
"I'm out! I'm out!" he yelled as he ran towards the door. "Don't think this is over!" he said as he opened the door.
"Seriously, Katie, where are the tampons?" AJ yelled again, forcing Punk to scream a little and slam the door shut.
Katie kept laughing as she moved around the room. "You're too good, AJ," she commented, still laughing. "Maybe I should use that too if I ever want him gone."
"It works every time, I swear. On every guy too, not just him," she said, smiling. "But...Katie, we need to talk. John told me what happened last night. What's going on?"
Katie knew that sooner or later the word would have gotten around. John didn't want to know for gossip reasons – he wanted to know because he had a huge heart. Katie sighed heavily before she sat on the bed and divulged into everything she had told Punk last night. AJ was shocked to say the least, but she was just as supportive as Punk was. Despite the shitty situation, Katie felt good knowing that this many people cared about her. She was so lucky.
Xxxxx
While waiting in the airport gate for their flight to start boarding, AJ and Katie read gossip magazines, while Punk read his comic book, John did some phone interviews, and Kofi talked on the phone with his family. Katie had already taken a lot of photos of the Superstars in the bus and in the airport and felt she should retire the camera until they got on the flight. As AJ and Katie debated which actors were better looking, Katie's phone buzzed from her pocket. She retrieved it and saw a text message from her oldest brother, Daniel.
Mark called and told me about what happened. Don't take it personally. You know how Stephen can be, kiddo. Keep your chin up. If you need anything, call me.
Katie smiled at the phone screen and replied back.
Thanks Danny. You always know the right things to say. Say hi to Emma and Ollie for me. Tell them I miss them like crazy.
Soon another text message came from her brother. Have you talked to him yet?
I don't feel like doing that right now. Plus I was told he took a flight out last night instead of waiting till this morning.
You two must talk, and soon. He may be related to Judy but that doesn't mean he doesn't love you any less. You are family. Never forget that.
Katie sighed, knowing her brother was right but not wanting to accept the fact. Before she could send him another text back, she received one from Matt.
Mark called. I'd punch Stephen but he can kick my ass to Pluto so I shall refrain from doing so. I value my good health.
Katie snorted at her brother's attempt to be funny and make her feel better. She hated to say it, but it helped. I knew you were good for nothing. Arianna can probably throw a better punch than you anyway.
She could visualize Matt being offended by the text and Arianna laughing her head off at it. HEY! I throw a pretty decent right hand! Arianna just knows how to throw a better one...In all seriousness kiddo, call me if you need anything, okay? Talk to Stephen and get everything settled, because you two can't stop speaking to each other. I mean, how awkward would family functions be?
Katie laughed again and dismissed her brother as everyone heard the woman on the speakers announce their flight being boarded. Katie gathered her things and stood in line with Punk and AJ before her phone buzzed yet again in her pocket. Instinctively she knew it was Josh texting her.
Chin up, kiddo. Stephen may be an ass at times, but he's an ass that loves you like we do. Talk to him ASAP or else things will just get more awkward from here.
It's like you guys are on a synchronized clock. But thanks for the text. I need to cool off before I talk to him so I don't say anything I regret.
"Who do you keep texting?" Punk asked as he playfully looked at her phone.
"It's my brothers," she said, turning off her phone and shoving it in her pocket. She looked at him as if to say 'They're worried about me because of what happened last night'.
"Oh," Punk said, understanding completely. "Tell them not to worry. I'll take care of you."
Katie smiled as Punk turned around to hand his passport to the lady in front of him. I would, Katie thought, If they knew I was dating you.
Xxxxx
Backstage at the next Raw Katie snapped away photo after photo of everyone she saw. It had been a week since the incident and there still had not been any contact with Sheamus. Katie had to admit she was still a bit riled up about the situation and what was said, but she knew she had to talk to him soon. She wondered, however, if he wanted to talk to her. Part of her thought he would have texted or called her by now, so she was angry he wasn't making an effort. However, the other part of her knew it was up to her to initiate the conversation because she was hurt the most. The slaps and punches didn't mean a thing when something that serious was brought up so out of the blue.
As she took pictures of John Cena warming up in his locker room she was called out by Kofi who told her Stephanie McMahon wanted to see her. She immediately ran out of the room and through the hallways to Stephanie's office and found her sitting in a chair going through the night's final script.
"Katie! Sit, please," she motioned to a chair. Katie sat down immediately and clutched her camera in her hands. Stephanie was a sweetheart but Katie was always nervous whenever she had to face her. "I want to commend you again for the absolutely excellent work you are doing," she began, smiling at Katie. "The photos are fabulous. The fans love them. I can't applaud you enough for taking the initiative on this idea, running with it, and being so good with it."
Katie blushed before smiling largely. "Well, thank you for accepting the idea. It would be nowhere without yours and Paul's approval."
Stephanie shook her head in a joking manner. "It was all me, Paul had nothing to do with this," she said, waving off her comment, making Katie laugh. "Anyways, first order of business. You've been doing so well that I really want to reward you for all the effort you've been putting in. Around September, there will be a house show in Ottawa, then a Raw show in Toronto. When we're there you can feel absolutely free to bring your family in for the show. We'll provide the seats and entertainment for all of them. I understand you have older brothers?"
"I have four older brothers...and their spouses...and two nieces and nephews...plus my dad. Will there be enough?" Katie asked.
"We will make sure there will be enough," Stephanie smiled. "After that there are some more house shows in Hamilton and London but you won't be going to those. I'm giving you time off until the next Monday night, which will be in Philadelphia. I know you haven't seen your family in ages so I really wanted to give this opportunity to catch up with them."
Katie wanted to cry for how happy she was. "Oh Stephanie, thank you. Thank you so much," she said, trying her hardest not to let tears fall. "That means so much to me."
"You've been working very hard Katie, you deserve to be rewarded," Stephanie said, smiling at her. "Second order of business. You know Donald, one of the men who takes photographs ring side," she began.
"Of course," Katie said. "He's a great guy. Very funny."
"I know, he's amazing. He's been with us for about seven years. Anyways, he had to take an emergency flight out. His wife went into labour earlier today and of course he needed to be there," Stephanie informed her. "We need somebody to take his place tonight so we have ample photos from ringside and I want you to do it."
Katie's eyes lit up immediately. "Stephanie, I'd love to."
"The backstage photography can be put on hold but just for this week. I'm sure you have ample photographs from other nights that you can possibly use, if need be."
"I do, they're all on my laptop," Katie nodded her head.
"Well then it's settled," Stephanie said, standing up. Katie stood up as well. "Go find either Richard, Eddie, or Will, and they will give you the camera you'll be using for tonight and the ground rules for taking ringside photos. Have fun!" she said, opening the door.
"Thank you so much Stephanie. For everything," Katie said as she walked towards the door.
"You've proven yourself Katie. There's no need to thank me when you're getting the recognition you deserve."
Xxxxx
Punk had been warming up when Stephanie McMahon had randomly called him on his cell phone to go over some of the spots for his match tonight. She was in the same building as he was – probably only a few yards away – so why she was even calling was beyond him. Why couldn't she just get a runner to call him into her office? Whatever.
"So you and Katie, huh?" Stephanie teased after they finished their business.
Punk groaned. He knew him and Katie weren't exactly keeping their relationship a secret anymore, but Stephanie knowing put things on a whole other level.
"I'm going to kill John," Punk said as he shook his head.
"It wasn't Cena that told me," Stephanie said. "Anyways, that's not important. What's important is that I'm giving you some time off."
Punk was speechless. "Time...time...time off? What? What is...what? What is this foreign concept you speak of?" he asked her.
"In September we're having Raw in Toronto. You're not being booked for the Smackdown or any other house shows until the following Raw," Stephanie informed him. "All you have to do is an autograph signing on the Thursday, but in between that time, you're free."
"On the Thursday Stephanie? Really? Right in the middle of the week?" he complained. "There's no point in me going back to Chicago then!"
"You're forgetting something," Stephanie laughed on the other end.
"What is that?"
"Hmmm, I don't know...maybe that your girlfriend is from Toronto," Stephanie teased.
"Yeah I know but...oh...OH," Punk finally realized Stephanie's plan. "You little devil. I thought when you found out about this you'd give me this whole lecture on staying away from her," Punk said.
"What can I say?" Stephanie said. "She's been doing such hard work, I decided to give her some time off. Sheamus called me and told me how you deserve some time off and I guess I bought into it, so I thought, why not give you two some time off at the same time?"
Punk was thankful for this short break he was getting. It was longer than most of his breaks, which were usually just a day or two. But something Stephanie said immediately caught his attention. "Wait, Sheamus called you?"
"Yes, why?" she asked. "Oh, got to go Phil. Paul's in. We have to review the script for tonight. Have a good match," she said quickly before hanging up.
"Wait Stephanie, no!" he tried to stop her, but to no avail. Sheamus had called? What did he say? To his knowledge, Sheamus still hadn't called or made any contact with Katie...why would he call Stephanie?
Xxxxx
Katie was on a high while at ringside. The audience was amazing and the energy was undeniable. She could understand now why wrestlers kept coming back to the business – hearing 20,000 people chant your name constantly gave you goosebumps, no matter how many times you heard it. She had been having so much fun taking photographs, working with Richard, Eddie and Will, and communicating with Stephanie and Paul through the ear device she had to wear.
During a specific commercial break, Paul's voice was heard in every photographer's ear piece. "The brawl between myself and Brock is next, folks. Please be advised I will be jumping over the top rope at one point. Use your judgement and please be aware of everything. We want to be on the safe side." The photographers took their positions as Raw came back on air and Paul, who now transformed into Triple H, made his way to the ring. Through his promo Katie snapped photos like crazy. Then Brock's music hit and she took even more, especially of the crowd who was torn on whether or not to cheer for him.
Some words were exchanged but Katie couldn't remember what was said. Being this close to larger-than-life figures and hearing the crowd cheer so loudly was a surreal moment. She felt as if she finally made it. As the brawl went underway Brock and Paul exchanged some punches and kicks before Brock, in his heelish, cowardly fashion, slid out of the ring. Katie found herself right next to him, taking photos of him looking at Paul and taunting him. Paul was absolutely livid in the ring, and catapulted himself off the rope and ran towards Brock. Paul jumped and gained considerable height, despite his size. The last thing Katie remembered was taking a photo of Paul mid-air.
Xxxxx
So many things going on in this one! Sorry for another cliff hanger, but I hoped you enjoyed it! Also, as a side note: I am a very visual person, so when I am reading something, I like to know what everybody looks like. You all obviously know what Punk looks like (I hope :P), so I scoured the internet to try and find the perfect representation of how I picture Katie in my head, and I found it. If anybody can tell me how I can put a link to a photo here, I will be very grateful!. Ignore the fact that it's a photo for a wedding dress :P I am writing the next chapter tonight but it won't be up until tomorrow or Tuesday, so be on the lookout for it!