Chapter 14 Amore Sweets
Quad City International Airport, Iowa (just outside Davenport)
"Daddy!"
Roman spun around, his grey eyes scanning the area, hardly daring to believe it.
Was he dreaming?
Dean and Seth smiled as a little girl of about five years bounced up to the Samoan.
"Raquel!" Roman caught his daughter and wrapped her in a huge hug.
"Hey there, 'Quelsy," Seth greeted as Dean affectionately pinched her cheek.
"Roman," Sierra said softly, as she walked up to her husband.
Dean and Seth hurriedly hugged their (Shield) sister-in-law, knowing Roman wouldn't let go of Sierra or Raquel for awhile.
Sierra chuckled. "Hello Dean, Seth," she greeted quickly before she was whisked away with a hug and kiss from her husband.
"Wow, nice of you to come and surprise me, Sierra." Seth said gratefully, as they started walking around to see the shops. Sure enough, Roman was still carrying Raquel with Sierra securely pinned by his side.
The Architect's birthday was the next day (Wednesday the 28th) and Seth was overjoyed that he could celebrate it with his family here in Iowa. The Rollins' were going out for dinner, and also invited the Reigns' and of course Dean. Seth was also planning to ask Kelista to come along as well.
Sierra looked around her husband to smile at the Architect. "Of course, Seth."
Dean laughed. "Yeah, of course she just came for you and not used your birthday as an excuse to see someone else!"
Sierra blushed as Roman pulled her into -another- kiss.
"And there's my other favourite sister-in-law," Dean said, indicating the GM by the terminal. "My younger- favourite one, no offense, Sierra."
At age twenty-eight, Sierra was older than Kelista, who was only twenty-two.
"Dean," Sierra chuckled. "That makes no sense."
Seth shot the Lunatic a look as Sierra turned to him.
"So, tell me about Kelista and also why I haven't been invited to the wedding?" Sierra asked, trying hard not to smile.
This time Seth shot Roman an incredulous look as the latter laughed.
"Seriously, Seth," Sierra continued. "I would like you to introduce me to her."
Dean grinned. "See Seth? You need help with your love life, Bro."
Seth ignored him. "Why can't Roman introduce you to her?" he asked Sierra. "She's his boss too."
"Just go talk to her!" Dean pushed the Aerialist towards Kelista. "Hey, KELS!" he hollered. "My favourite younger -sister-in-law!"
Alison and Kelista turned around in shock and saw the two Shield affiliates approaching.
"Just a little louder, Dean," Alison teased. "I don't think India heard you."
Roman looked after Dean and Seth, grateful that his Shield brothers gave him some time to spend with his family.
Kelista smiled at the Architect. "Hi, Seth. How are you?"
"Oh, only Seth's here, right?" Dean pouted.
"Well you're kind of embarrassing us," Alison giggled.
Dean stretched his muscles. "Yeah, that sounds just like me."
"Is that Roman's family?" Kelista asked, nodding towards the couple and the little girl heading into a shop.
Dean nodded. "Yup, but don't worry, you're still my younger- favourite sister-in-law," he said. "Or was it favourite younger-?"
"Dean," Seth warned.
"Anyway," Dean continued. "You're still the younger fav, even though Sierra look afters us like we're really Roman's brothers and-"
"Alright Dean; enough!" Seth growled as Kelista looked on bemused.
Dean ignored him and turned to Kelista. "So what did you get Seth for his birthday tomorrow?"
Kelista started laughing. "How about a counselling session?"
The Shield affiliates looked at her confused; Dean a little edgy.
"Marriage counselling, that is." Alison explained. "Dear Aunt Stephanie made all the arrangements. And counselling for you as well, Dean."
Dean leaned towards her. "Oh, do we have marriage counselling too, Alison?" he asked flirtatiously.
"You mean loony bin counselling? Yes you do," she replied chuckling. "I would join you, but I'm a bit too busy with Overworked-P.A.-Counselling and Best-Friend-Induced-Stress Counselling, on top of that." she playfully nudged Kelista.
"Ali!" The Helmsley Princess pouted, half amused.
"Wait. Marriage counselling?" Seth asked, chuckling. "Now look who's carrying on the rumors, Miss Helmsley-"
"Yes, yes, I know!" Kelista laughed. "Anyway, it's your birthday tomorrow. At least you'll enjoy it with your family." She said brightly.
"Yeah, it's great I get to spend time with them tomorrow," he replied cheerfully. "So thanks, Kelista," he said, referring to the WWE coming to Iowa instead of Georgia.
"I'm glad," she replied. "Though I didn't have anything to do with that." she admitted.
There was an awkward silence, as Dean nudged Seth and gestured towards Kelista with his head. Here's your chance, he seemed to say.
"Kelista," Seth began to look uncomfortable. "Would you-"
The GM's phone rang. Looking at the at the caller identity, Kelista politely excused herself.
Seth let out a breath. Damn.
For once, Dean showed his sympathy. "Sorry, dude. You can just ask her when she comes back." He said, patting Seth's shoulder.
"Ask Kels what?" Alison wanted to know.
"To join us tomorrow for Seth's birthday." Dean replied. "And you're invited too," he added earnestly.
Alison smiled at Dean's courtesy, but as Seth didn't say anything, she too remained silent.
Kelista hung up but didn't return immediately. Seth went to her when he noticed the look on her face.
"Hey, Kels," he said gently. "Something wrong?"
"Oh, Seth, I'm sorry," she took a deep breath. She'd have to tell him. "That's was Vince McMahon."
"You're not in trouble are you?" he asked, concern etched in his handsome features. "We could help, and of course your uncle-"
Kelista shook her head. "No, it's not that."
The Helmsley Princess was initially surprised that she had been called by the chairman himself, but then again she was the GM of Raw. Vince had praised her good work and admitted that he wasn't too happy about her bringing back the accommodation clause, but the employees had been content this past week and their performances were admirable. Sure she had taken good care of the employees, but she wouldn't have been able to set up matches amongst other things, without Alison's help, which she made sure to mention.
But Vince hadn't called just to commend her work, but mainly to inform her of the changes to Smackdown and the list of matches she presented.
Kelista sighed. "Seth, I realize how much it means to you...but as Davenport is your hometown, you'd have to compete on Smackdown."
Seth shrugged. "Sure."
Kelista pursed her lips, wishing she wasn't GM. She felt like apologising and telling him she'll try and change the chairman's mind. But the Helmsley Princess grew up in a business family. Her father once said that as a CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, he had to destroy a soul every day.
Kelista took a deep breath. "Vince McMahon also moved Smackdown's taping this week to Wednesday."
On Seth's birthday.
The Architect's face fell. "Oh, I see."
"But you're only requested to compete for that evening," Kelista smiled gently. "So you'll have the whole day off."
Seth shrugged. He knew that wasn't possible. He would have to be present the entire show, and maybe an hour or two before that to sign autographs and what not.
"What about Roman and Dean?" he asked. "Are they competing too?"
Kelista's smile faltered, thinking he wanted Dean and Roman to compete as well.
"Actually, I already planned the matches and submitted them to my unc- I mean, the Authority for evaluation," she said. "And all three of you were supposed to have Smackdown off, especially Roman, who's still recovering."
Seth nodded in agreement but Kelista could still see the disappointment in his eyes.
"I could still have Dean compete-" she began helpfully.
"No!" Seth said quickly. "I mean, sorry...its okay. Dean also needs to recover; I would appreciate it if you...kept to your original plan, please."
Kelista melted at his concern. "Aw, how sweet," she said affectionately.
"Er-what?" Seth blinked. "Me?"
Kelista nodded chuckling. "Yes, you."
Seth rubbed his eyebrow sheepishly. "Please don't say that in front of the guys." He pleaded.
"What, that you're now 'sweet?'" Dean laughed as he came up from behind his Shield brother.
Kelista smiled up at Seth shyly. "Well, you are," she admitted softly.
Seth closed his eyes, exasperated. He was pretty sure Dean would enlighten the Smackdown commentators on the Architect of the Shield's new nickname!
~oOo~
Soon afterwards, all employees were texted and emailed about the changes to the Smackdown taping. They were also informed on who would be competing, except Seth Rollins' opponent would be a surprise apparently. Later at lunch, there wasn't any complaint to the sudden changes as Kelista provided sweetmeats and savouries after lunch at catering (the accommodation clause did not cover room service, sadly).
Unfortunately, no one appreciated the treats as the GM's rewards for good work.
"Aw, this is super cute!" Nikki Bella gushed. "Sweetmeats for Seth's birthday!"
The GM arched an eyebrow. Seth's birthday wasn't even today, it's tomorrow!
"You know, Kelista," Brie began. "Nikki and I have been meaning to apologize and-"
"Oh no, it's okay," Kelista shook her head and smiled. "Water under the bridge." She was glad at least one person (or maybe two?) didn't believe the rumors anymore.
"We didn't know Indians were conservative and the bridal shower stuff would offend you," Nikki said.
"What?" Alison laughed. "Come on, its bridal shower stuff, for after the wedding, that's not offensive."
"Whoa wait," Kelista threw up her hands. "Ali's right, but I mean... I thought you're talking about the rumors and-"
"YOU'VE GOT TO TRY THIS!" AJ came bouncing up to the Bellas, Alison and GM with a tray of laddoos. "And by the way, Kelista, why aren't you wearing your amorous braids today? Seth didn't have time to plait?"
Kelista stared at her in shock. Amorous braids? Amorous, as in, loving, romance, ardent-
"Courtship braids," Alison said quickly.
Kelista sighed and looked at the divas. They were hopeless. Not that she could blame them; being a girl herself, romance stories was exciting.
She decided to ignore the 'courtship braids ritual' thing, as it was of dwarven tradition, which only existed in a mythical world (sure she loved that world, but still) and the stupid rumors – for now. Thankfully her phone rang and she politely excused herself.
Alison took the opportunity to properly explain matters to the wrestlers, so they would get their facts straight.
"Okay, first of all," Alison began. "It's called 'courtship' braids." The Hobbit fanatic explained. "And the main reason is because the braid is secured with a dwarven bead that the dwarf usually wears to secure his own braid."
"Oh, so it's like a gift to the dwarrowdam, his betrothed!" Bayley exclaimed referring to a female dwarf, as she jumped up and down excitedly. She stopped when everyone stared at her. "What? I'm a Hobbit fan; those guys in the movie are hot."
"So in this case," Brie Bella put in, "Seth secured Kelista's braid with his own hair band, which completes the courtship braids ritual."
"Aww, how adorable!" exclaimed one Diva.
"Too cute!" said another.
"I'm gonna barf!"
All the Divas turned around to shoot the Superstars a look.
Kelista returned, took one good look at the wrestlers and looked at Alison. "I leave them in your care for a few minutes, and already you have the battle of the sexes going." She chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm an awesome PA and all," she Alison teased. "But you seem very happy, Kels. Who phoned you?" she asked, smiling.
Kelista beamed. "Nani," she replied, referring to her maternal grandmother. "She said she has a surprise for me, when I see her later!"
Alison hugged her. "I think that's the best surprise of all!"
"Perhaps it's time to go," Kelista chuckled as the wrestlers continued to argue and gush about the courtship braids, weddings and all things adorable.
Alison shook her head as she left with her friend. "Too much sugar you gave them, Kels."
In the far corner, with a table to themselves, the Shield listened in on the conversation of the Divas and Superstars. Roman's wife, Sierra, had taken Raquel to the bathroom.
Usually Roman, Dean and Seth didn't care much, and preferred to eat when the place wasn't so crowded, but apparently Kelista was giving out free sweetmeats, what choice did they have?
"This is certainly entertaining," Dean laughed. "You and Kelista may not be married, but you made it clear to the superstars she's yours, Seth."
The Architect rolled his eyes and tossed his paper wrap into the bin. Kelista had his hair band washed and returned to him, with sincere apologies that she had it. He was annoyed she was still the same in some aspects: she felt dirty wearing or eating something from someone else. Not that she let anyone notice. No doubt she washed her hair that night, evening if she wasn't planning to.
The Architect sighed and sipped his water. But then again, he was a stranger to her now, and she didn't know if he kept good hygiene habits or not (which he did).
"Would you guys be here tomorrow?" He asked, still disappointed he had to compete.
Roman shrugged. "I guess so. I was thinking we shoot a promo, and ask Evolution," he pointed to his black eye that had stitches, "is this the best they can do?"
Dean grinned. "Yeah, you tell 'em, bro,"
Seth was very unhappy with Smackdown's shift, as he was planning to spend his birthday with his family and his Shield brothers (and hopefully Kelista).
The youngest Shield affiliate looked on as Dean and Roman discussed what they were going to say on camera. He thought his brothers would actually feel for him, but here they were more concerned about a stupid promo.
Seth got up. "See you guys later," he said, tossing his empty water bottle in the bin, before leaving.
Not that they noticed.
~oOo~
Seth caught Kelista and Alison in the lobby of the hotel.
"So, ready for the tour I promised you?" he asked the Helmsley Princess.
Alison arched an eyebrow, grinning. "What tour?" she asked, still looking at her friend, who suddenly took great interest in a bust of President Lincoln that was out on display.
"Since it's my hometown, I told Kelista I would give her a tour," Seth explained.
Alison smiled at the Helmsley Princess. A walk down memory lane, anyone?
"Alison, aren't you going with Dean to his counselling session?" Seth asked, winking at Kelista. "He wouldn't go on his own."
"Nice friend you are, Seth not accompanying him yourself," she replied, chuckling.
The Architect grinned, knowing Dean will owe him big time for this. "Well, I might be risking DirtyDeeds dragging him there," he explained. Well it was partially true.
Alison shrugged. "Being your PA, Kels, I suppose I could."
"He's still at catering," the Shield affiliate informed her, laughing. "He might have finished all the food." he added.
"See you later," Alison hugged her friend and left.
Seth turned back to Kelista. "So, how about that tour, Kels?"
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