After Night of Champions Sheamus and Ali had hopped a red eye to New York City where Raw was set to have it's next show.
It had been a quiet, tension filled night. Sheamus spent the time brooding, struggling to come to terms with the loss of his title. Ali didn't speak to him but tried to stay close, her way of silently telling him that she was there for him.
They got to the hotel later that night, or early that next morning, depending on how you looked at it. They didn't speak as they checked in and went to their respective rooms.
Morning at last came and the Irishman wandered out to the front room. The truth was, he hadn't slept much the night before as he went over last night's events in his mind.
He was still angry over the loss of his title. He was pissed at Orton for stealing it, but he was even more angry at hisself for losing it as easily as he had. How could he be so stupid, walking right into that bleedin' RKO?!
He scrubbed a hand over his face and closed his eyes, trying to will his temper into submission. Now wasn't the time to think about that. He had a rematch clause, his time would come soon enough.
His blue eyes slowly traveled to the closed door of Ali's bedroom. No, he had other, more important things to deal with first.
He grabbed his wallet and cardkey and took off, making his way down the hall of the luxury hotel. He had thought he heard the Divas talking about which rooms they were staying in, he only hoped he found the right one.
Sheamus reached the end of the hall and approached the closed door with uneasiness. He wasn't sure how well he would be received. There was a chance he'd get laughed at or the door slammed in his face.
Mustering up his courage, and reminding himself not to lose his temper because this was for Alina, after all, he at last knocked.
He could hear movements inside and he waited, hands nervously clenching and unclenching.
At last the door opened, Eve peeking her head out with a bright smile. Upon seeing who was there, though, the smile promptly faded and a look of confusion came over her.
"Ali's not here." she stated, opening the door fully and stepping into the entranceway.
"Ah know. She's back in our room." Sheamus nodded to her, "Actually Ah, uh, came to see you."
"Who is it?" Gail questioned as she joined her fellow Diva. Her eyes instantly narrowed as she crossed her arms over her chest, "What do you want?"
Sheamus glowered at her and had to mentally count to ten.
Jaysus, give me strength, he thought before turning his attention back to Eve.
"Ah was wonderin' if you could help me out, lass." he stated, getting right to the business at hand.
"And why should she help you?" Gail butt in.
Sheamus felt his temper beginning to slip and he had to fight doubly hard to hang onto it.
Yer doin' this for Ahlina, he reminded himself.
He again gave Eve all of his attention, "You see, Ah want to do somethin' nice for Ahlina. Not just nice, though. Somethin' grand. Somethin'. . ."
He ducked his head, rubbing the back of his neck. This was hard for him. Not only going to someone for help on anything but because it meant he had to let down his guard, if only a little, and reveal some of his feelings. To him, doing that meant being vulnerable and he didn't do that. Not with anyone. To him vulnerability made you weak in the eyes of the other person.
His eyes met Eve's as he added quietly, "She's worth somethin' special."
Eve blinked, surprised by his comments. She looked over at Gail in silent question. The other Diva shrugged, wordlessly telling her it was her call.
Eve turned back to Sheamus, studying him. He appeared very uncomfortable, but also very sincere.
"Come on in." the Diva replied as she backed into the room.
Sheamus was surprised by that but followed after. He took a seat in a chair while the ladies took up residence on Eve's bed.
"So what did you have in mind?" Eve questioned him.
Sheamus leaned forward, eyes going back and forth between the pair, "Well Ah have a few ideas but Ah just need to know if Ah'm on the right track."
Something poignant came over him as he added, "Ah want to make this a night Ahlina will never forget. . ."
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Ali paced back and forth across the hotel room. With each step she took her nerves frayed just a little bit more.
She hadn't seen hide nor red hair of Sheamus all day and they were getting closer and closer to the start of Raw.
When she had first woken up and found the hotel suite empty she hadn't thought much of it. She assumed he was getting in a work out.
But then mid-morning came and there was still no sign of him. Then the afternoon and still no Sheamus.
Now here it was, about thirty minutes to show time, and the Irishman was nowhere to be found.
She had tried calling him multiple times throughout the day but each time it had gone to voice mail. She had left countless messages and she knew that by the twentieth one she was beginning to sound panicked, but she couldn't help herself. She was getting worried.
The assistant sank onto the couch, looking around the room with lost eyes. His things were still there so she knew he hadn't left. So where was he? What if he were hurt? Why would he leave for the day and not tell her where he was going?
At that moment a knock came at the door and Ali instantly went to her feet, hurrying over to it.
"Sheamus?" she asked as she opened the door.
But it wasn't the Celtic Warrior standing on the other side. Instead it was one of the hotel bellmen, holding a large package in his hands.
"Oh." Ali blinked, "Um, hello. Sorry, I thought you were someone else. Can I help you?"
"Ms. Broderick?" the bellman asked and she nodded.
He grinned and handed the package over, "For you. Have a good night."
"You, too." Ali looked down at the package in confusion, "And thank you."
She closed the door and walked back into the sitting room, eyes still locked on the parcel. What in the world. . .?
She took a seat on the couch, placing the package on the coffee table in front of her. She noticed a note was taped to it so she took it first, reading it:
Alina,
Please put on the dress and get into the car waiting downstairs.
- Sheamus
Ali's eyes narrowed in confusion as she sat the note down and grabbed the box. She opened it and the assistant gasped, hand going to her heart.
"Oh, Sheamus. . ." she breathed in disbelief.
She stared down at what was probably the most beautiful gown she had ever seen and a slow smile came to her lips. Oh, that man! That wonderful, surprisingly romantic man!
She quickly seized the gown and, squealing, hurried to her room to get ready. She didn't know how much time she had but she wanted to be ready as quickly as possible.
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Sheamus paced in front of the theater that night. He adjusted his black flat cap for the twentieth time as he anxiously watched the street.
Nerves ran rampant within the Irishman as he eagerly awaited the assistant's arrival.
What if she doesn' come? he asked himself as he drew to a stop, his eyes widening slightly.
He hanged his head, rubbing the back of his neck. Not that he would blame her if she didn't. After everything that had happened between them, after all the things he had said and done to her, he wouldn't blame her a wit if she didn't come tonight.
Behind him a limo pulled up to the curb, drawing to a stop. The drive cut the engine and promptly got out, running around to the back and opening the door. He reached inside and took a hand, helping Ali out.
The assistant offered him a warm smile before turning, her eyes landing on Sheamus' back. At the sight of him she felt a shy smile grace her lips and her stomach began to flutter.
She began to make her way towards him, holding her long black coat tighter around herself.
"Sheamus?" she called out gentle as she approached.
Sheamus instantly spun around and her smile grew. He looks so surprised to see her there, like he thought she wouldn't come. If only he knew that wild horses couldn't have kept her away.
Unconsciously he made his way towards her, reaching out his hand to take hers.
"Ahlina." he breathed, his eyes searching hers in wonder, "Ah. . .Ah wasn't sure if you'd show up, lass."
"I wouldn't miss this for the world." she told him with a grin, "Not when your note got me so curious. What do you have up that sleeve of yours?"
Sheamus began to smile easily, his nerves diminishing slightly as he turned her towards the theater, "Ah know this isn't Phantom of the Opera. Ah'm sorry about that, lass, but they were sold out. Ah was told you wanted to see this play, though."
Ali looked up at the marquee and began to beam as she read the title: The Man Who Came to Dinner.
She turned to him and nodded earnestly, "Oh yes! I heard Nathan Lane is hilarious in it!"
She began to frown though, confused, "But, Sheamus, what about Raw tonight?"
His expressions turned tender, "We're takin' the night off. Ah think you deserve it. Ah know you've more than earned it."
He offered his arm and the assistant took it, her blush deepening as she ducked her head. They made their way inside, Ali looking around the theater in awe.
Below her feet was a lush red carpet. Red walls and gold leaf crown molding surrounded her. And the most beautiful, extravagant crystal chandeliers she had ever seen hung over her head.
The pair walked over to the coat check, Sheamus reaching out to help her out of her coat. He handed it to the man before turning around and stopped short, the air leaving his lungs and his chest tightening at the sight of her.
Now that her coat was off he had finally gotten a good look at her. And the vision that greeted him made his gut clench.
Her long, chestnut brown curls were smooth and straightened. The top and sides of her hair were in a sweet bun on top of her head while the rest fell down her back and on one shoulder.
And her gown. . .
Though he had picked it out, it were as though he were seeing it for the first time.
Prominently lavender in color and with a heart shaped bodice, it clung to her torso in all the right places. It was sheer over white lace, falling mid-thigh in the front before trailing to the floor behind her.
Silver and diamond earrings dangled from her ears and her silver charm bracelet-something he was very glad to see her wearing tonight-adorned her wrist. Silver, high-heeled sandals on her feet completed the look.
She was beauty personified and he still couldn't believe she was there with him. He had never felt more proud in his life. Even more so than when he won the WWE title.
"Sir?" the coat check man called to him and Sheamus blinked, coming out of his thoughts.
He shrugged out of his coat and handed it over and now it was Ali's turn to be caught.
She felt her cheeks warm as her eyes trailed up and down his body. Though she saw him on a daily basis in tights-and that was enough to stop her heart-seeing him fully clothed. . .
Well, he had never looked sexier.
He was wearing a black tuxedo, complete with black tie and vest. His black flat cap, which would have looked out of place on anyone else, capped off the look perfectly.
He caught her gaze, noting how she stared up at him in appreciation, and he felt his chest puff out with something akin to pride.
He offered her his arm once more and murmured, "Shall we?"
"We shall." Ali breathed, slipping her hand around his strong arm.
He turned her and together they made their way into the theater.
To Ali's great surprised, he had gotten them seats in one of the balconies. She couldn't keep the goofy smile off of her face as they took their seats and she looked around the stage in wonder.
Sheamus settled back in his chair, his eyes instantly going to the young woman at his side. Seeing her so excited caused his own grin to come to light. It was all worth it, if only to see her that happy. He wanted her to always be like that.
Soon the houselights went down and the play began. He wasn't sure if it was going to be his thing, but he found himself laughing a lot during it. Especially over the sarcastic comments Nathan Lane had for his long suffering nurse.
Occasionally Ali would lean against him or touch his arm and give him a warm smile and it was all he could do to keep his attention on the play.
It ended two and a half hours later and the pair found themselves in the limo, heading off down the street.
She turned to him, the smile still not having left her face, "So where to next?"
"Ah was thinkin' we could have a late dinner." Sheamus explained, "That all right wit' you, lass?"
"Sure." Ali's smile faltered somewhat and he could see something unknown welling up in her eyes.
He instantly began to frown. He thought they were having a good time. Why did she suddenly look so down.
"Is everythin' all right, Ahlina?" he questioned, hand reaching out to clasp her shoulder.
Her blue-green eyes landed on his face and she nodded, "Sure. Sure, I'm fine. I'm having a lovely time."
"So then why do you suddenly look so down?" he challenged, tone gentle.
Ali glanced out the window and shrugged, bottom lip between her teeth.
"Ahlina." he pressed, reaching out to clasp her chin and turn her around to face him.
"I'm fine." she tried to assure him, her eyes falling to her lap, "It's just that. . ."
"That?" he prompted.
"You. . ." she took a breath and jumped right in, "Well, you haven't called me 'sweetness' in weeks. I. . .I just really miss it, is all."
Sheamus blinked, surprised by her admission. The truth was, after what had happened in his locker room during the house show he didn't think he should call her that. It just didn't seem right to him that he use a nickname that meant so much to her; he no longer believed hisself worthy.
He almost wanted to smile. Here he was thinking he shouldn't use it and all this time she was missing it.
"Ah didn' think Ah should." he confided in her, "Ah didn' think that you'd want me to, considerin' everythin' that's happened between us."
"Well you're wrong." Ali told him with a gentle smile.
"Then Ah promise, sweetness, that Ah won' stop usin' it." he told her with a grin, earning a giggle from her.
They reached the restaurant a short time later. Sheamus climbed out first, not waiting for the driver. He held out his hand for Ali, which she took immediately.
He slipped it into the crook of his arm and led the way inside. The moment they entered they were greeted by a distinguished man in a very nice suit. His brown eyes shown brightly, a wide smile adorning his face.
"Mr. O'Shaunessy." he beamed as he approached the pair, a French accent tinting his voice, and extending his hand.
"Michael." the Irishman shook his hand, "Is everythin' ready to go, fella?"
"Oui, sir." Michael assured him, "Exactly as you specified."
"Grand." Sheamus grinned.
Ali looked back and forth between them, a confused smile on her lips, "Sheamus?"
"And this must be la jeune femme." Michael turned to her, taking her hand to give it a kiss, "Mr. O'Shaunessy was quite right. You are magnifique."
Sheamus felt his cheeks begin to warm and he chuckled lightly, ducking his head. Ali glanced up at him, a shy smile forming on her lips.
"Well, uh. . ." the Irishman cleared his throat, "Ah'm guessin' yer hungry so why don' we go on in."
They stepped into the main dinning room and at that moment two things hit Ali at once: One, the placed was completely deserted. There wasn't a soul to be seen in the massive, impressive looking dinning room.
The second was that the entire room had been decorated in a multitude of white and sterling silver roses. Two of her favorite flowers.
The assistant let out a gasp as her hand slipped from his arm and she walked deeper into the room. Sheamus hung back and watched with a gentle smile, taking in the way she slowly turned around the room and took everything in with amazement.
Aside from the roses, the restaurant itself was incredible. It was a massive circular room with floor-to-ceiling arched windows that lead out to a balcony. The ceiling was adorned with a beautiful oil painting of the heavens above. Extravagant, massive crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Dozens of candle wall sconces adorned the walls. The floor was a dark hardwood mixed with navy decorative and so shiny that Ali could see her reflection clearly in it. The walls were a dark cream and heavy, navy curtains added to the almost mythical appeal.
"Oh, Sheamus. . ." she turned back to him and grinned.
"Ah take it you like it." he stated as he approached, coming around behind her to help her out of her coat.
"It's exquisite." Ali smiled up at him.
He grinned and took the coat before shrugging out of his own. At that moment one of the wait staff emerged from a side door and took the garments.
"Why don' we sit down." the Irishman offered as he took her hand and led her over to a lone table sitting in the middle of the dance floor.
It was decked out in lace table clothes and fine crystal and china. A lovely centerpiece of white and sterling silver roses sat in the center.
He reached for her chair, drawing it out and waiting for her to take a seat. As she did he scooted it in before falling into his seat across from her.
The moment he sat down she reached out her hand. He studied it for a moment before taking it, giving hers a squeeze.
"This is amazing." she told him with a dreamy sigh, "You really didn't have to go to all of this trouble."
"No trouble." he stated, "Ah'm just glad you like it."
"I love it." she corrected, "But how did you know about the play and the flowers-"
She was cut off as another waiter appeared, placing a covered dish before each of them. He removed the covers with great flourish and Ali was met with the sight of a steaming plate of broccoli and chicken fettuccine alfredo.
"And my favorite food." she turned to him and grinned, leaning in closer, "I swear, if we end up having mint chocolate chip ice cream or apple pie for desert then I'm going to start thinking that you're a mind reader."
"No tricks, Ah promise." he held up his hands in mock surrender, laughing, "Just a little help from a couple of friends."
He said no more, reaching for his knife and fork to dig into his steak. Ali eyed him with feint suspicion before the call of her dinner became too much and she joined him in eating.
They ate in comfortable silence for several minutes, the assistant still reeling over the entire night. She couldn't believe he had done all of this for her. And in such a short amount of time. It was no wonder she hadn't seen him all day.
The depths of his kindness once again left her deeply affected in it's wake. He had such a good heart. She didn't know why he insisted that he didn't. Or why he tried to hide it.
She looked down at the plate, thoughtful. She assumed it had a lot to do with his past. That terrible and sad past that she had only gotten a small idea of. She could only hope that one day he would trust her enough to tell her the rest.
Sheamus noticed she was frowning and he stopped, slowly lowering his fork as his brows began to knit. Why did she suddenly look so sad? What could she possibly be thinking about.
"Ahlina?" he called her to gentle, "Sweetness, are you all right?"
"Hmm?" Ali blinked, coming out of her thoughts. She gave him a small smile and shook her head, "No, no I'm fine. I'm just thinking, is all."
"About?" he pressed.
Ali sat down her fork and stared deeply into his eyes as she announced, heartfelt, "I owe you an apology."
Sheamus' eyes narrowed in confusion. What could she possibly have to apologize for?
"For what, lass?" he questioned.
"I. . ." the assistant ducked her head, fidgeting with her napkin, "When I called you a beast all those months ago. I-I shouldn't have."
She looked up, meeting his gaze full on, "And I'm sorry for that. You're not a beast. Far from it, in fact. You're a good man, Sheamus."
He felt his heart clench at her words. Jaysus how she could kill him or make him live with just a few words. She had a talent for it. A power.
"You have nothin' to apologize for." he stated with a shake of his head, "Ah don' deserve it. Ah'm not a good man."
"Yes you are." Ali objected, "You are a good man with a wonderful heart. I just wish you could see that."
He felt his face begin to flush and he looked away, clearing his throat as emotion came over him.
He should have felt pleased by her words but instead they only brought pain. He wasn't a good man. He knew that without a doubt. But the fact that she seemed to believe so, even after everything he had said and done to her. . .
He didn't deserve her praise. None of it.
"Yeah, Ah'm such a good man." he said bitterly, offering her a sarcastic smile, "Is that why you never looked me in the eye when we passed each other in the halls? You always pretended like Ah wasn' there."
"Oh come on, Sheamus." Ali gave him a teasing smile, "You didn't exactly scream, 'Hi, come talk to me' what with the snarling and stalking about. Not to mention the constant attacks on my best friend."
Her smile faded and she averted her eyes as she added seriously, "The truth is. . .you frightened me. I just wanted to stay out of your way."
He knew as much but it did little to ease the dull ache in his chest. Oh he didn't blame her. He had been a savage then. What person, especially one as good as her, would want to have anything to do with him. He would have thought there was something wrong with her if she hadn't been afraid.
There was one thing he needed to know, though.
"Do Ah still?" he asked her quietly, "Do Ah still frighten you, Ahlina?"
Ali's head popped up and she locked gazes with him. Oh, that was a loaded question. How could she tell him the truth without hurting him? How could she even begin to explain it when she, herself, was still so confused over the answer?
"You know. . ." she took another bite of her pasta, "This is really very good. I still can't believe you found out my favorite foods."
He inhaled, realizing that she wasn't going to answer him. It was probably for the best; he wasn't sure he wanted to hear her answer anyway.
Ali looked around, her smile slowly returning, "This is all so magical. Like something out of a book."
"One of yours?" he asked her with a wink.
"I don't know about that." the assistant ducked her head and laughed gently, "Although my mind is racing, trying to find the words to describe all of this."
Sheamus began to grin, "So how would you describe me?"
"What?" again, Ali's head popped up.
The wrestler leaned in closer, a challenge in his blue eyes, "Yer the writer. Describe me."
"You're serious?" the assistant blinked.
The Irishman sat back in his chair and shrugged, "Come on, sweetness. Give it yer best shot."
"I. . ." Ali bit her lip, "I. . ."
"Don' tell me yer gettin' writer's block now." he smirked at her, "If you can' do it, lass, that's all right."
"Oh!" the assistant huffed, earning a laugh from the redheaded man, "Okay. Fine. Challenge accepted."
"So describe me." he waved a hand at her.
"Give me a minute." Ali sat her fork down and leaned back, studying him for a few moments.
He wanted a description, did he? Well he was going to get one with both barrels.
Sheamus watched her and began to feel something churn in his gut. He wasn't exactly sure why he was pressing her to do this. Maybe it was because that somewhere, deep down inside, he needed to know what she thought of him; how she saw him. He couldn't explain it, but it was important to him.
Ali eventually took a deep breath, mentally building up her courage, and began, "His body was the color of marble-"
The Irishman's eyes began to narrow, "Watch it."
"And just as unrelenting." the assistant went on, "Chiseled and carved and the very essence of strength and force.
"And his blue eyes, the shade of blue ashes, were filled with a fire that matched the red of his hair."
Sheamus slowly leaned back in his seat, taking in her words with a sort of wonder.
"His hands, so big, so strong, were used to inflict pain." the assistant replied pensively, "But those same hands could possess such incredible gentleness when least expected. His was the sort of touch one could never ignore, whether it was to hurt or sooth.
"His face was so expressive. It could be so incredibly fearsome and angry one moment and then so friendly the next." she cast her eyes to the table as she went on, "Unfortunately he didn't allow himself to smile often. Which was a shame because his smile, when turned on full force, is one of the most beautiful sights to behold."
She stared deeply into his eyes as she finished, her voice almost a whisper, "He doesn't realize just how handsome, how beautiful, he truly is. And his heart. . ."
She had to take a breath as emotion began to well up deep inside of her, "And his heart is probably the most beautiful thing about him. Because when he lets his guard down and lets it come out, it shines brighter than the sun."
Her eyes returned to her plate and she once again picked up her fork to poke at her food, "So that's what I would write about you."
She was surprised when she felt his hand close over her own. She looked up at him in surprise, noting as his eyes, narrowed with some unknown something, seemed to burn on her face.
"It's my turn." he said in a low voice.
"She was innocent wrapped in a body made for sin. She was the type of woman a man wanted by his side when he was injured." his eyes, as well as the tone of his voice, began to darken as he felt his body starting to stir, "And in his bed when he wasn'."
Ali gaped at him, her breathing growing shallower. She felt herself beginning to tremble and she had to force herself to stay seated. Equal parts of needing to flee and wanting to go to him warred within her, leaving her confused and frightened.
He felt her hand tremble beneath his own and that was the only reason why he released her. He couldn't bear the thought of frightening her. He sighed and looked way, reaching for his own fork.
"Sheamus?"
He wheeled back around to look at her and time seemed to freeze in that moment.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"You asked if I'm still afraid of you. . ." Ali's voice trailed off and she swallowed.
"Yeah?" he awaited her answer with baited breath.
"Sometimes I am." the assistant admitted, never breaking eye contact with him.
"That's all right, sweetness." he told her with an brief, uncharacteristic show of vulnerability, "Sometimes you scare the hell out of me, too."
To say Ali was surprised by his words was an understatement. To think that this big, strong warrior could be afraid of her. . .well, she didn't know exactly what to make of it.
Another silence rose up between them, though this one was filled with tension mixed with the growing sparks of desire.
Before it could become a blaze, though, Sheamus blinked and remembered the item in his pocket.
"Ah almost forgot." he said as he reached inside his jacket and produced a small, black velvet box.
He stared at her knowingly, "Ah found out that last week was yer birthday. Ah wish you would have told me, sweetness."
Ali averted her gaze. The truth was, what with the tension between them she didn't feel like it was the right time or place.
"Happy Birthday." he told her as he placed the box before her.
She looked first at it and then at him, "Sheamus, you didn't have to-"
"Happy Birthday." he repeated pointedly, grinning.
She began to smile as she picked up the box. He followed her actions and he swallowed nervously. He just hoped he hadn't overstepped his bounds.
Ali opened the box and gasped, her eyes widening with delight. Sheamus breathed a silent sigh of relief, happy with her reaction.
There, nestled in a bed of black velvet, was a charm for her bracelet. Silver and fashioned into the shape of a rose, diamonds making up the petals. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
"Ah figured this was one flower that wouldn' wilt on ya." the Irishman joked.
"It's beautiful." she told him sincerely, "The best birthday present I've ever received. Thank you."
Michael, who had been lurking nearby, watched the couple with a grin before reaching into his jacket and pulling out a remote. He hit a button and suddenly the sounds of a piano chord filled the restaurant.
Ali's eyes widened as she looked into the Irishman's eyes. A smile curved her lips as she immediately recognized the song playing. It was one of her most favorite songs.
She instantly stood up and rounded the table to his side, grabbing his hands and pulling him up. Laughing, the Irishman rose and allowed her to pull him out onto the dance floor.
Beaming up at him, she took hold of one of his large hands, placing it on her hip, while she grasped the other. He pulled her closer, their joined hands resting on his chest, and the pair stared into each other's eyes.
"How can I convince you what you see is real?" the singer's rich voice filled the otherwise silent room, "Who am I to blame you for doubting what you feel. I was always reachin', you were just a girl I knew. I took for granted the friend I have in you."
Sheamus pulled Ali closer, until her body was flush with his and they continued to sway to the music. Their smiles slowly faded, something deep and intense rising up between them as they continued to gaze at one another.
"I was living for a dream, loving for a moment. Taking on the world, that was just my style. Now I look into your eyes. I can see forever. The search is over, you were with me all the while."
The Celtic Warrior listened to the words, struck by how much they resonated with him. How much they seemed to speak of his story with this beautiful woman before him. Just hearing them caused his hands to tighten on her, not wanting to let her go.
"Can we last forever? Will we fall apart? At times it's so confusing, the questions of the heart." the lyrics played out, "You followed me through changes and patiently you'd wait. Till I came to my senses through some miracle of fate."
"I was living for a dream, loving for a moment. Taking on the world, that was just my style. Now I look into your eyes. I can see forever. The search is over, you were with me all the while."
He released the hand he held over his heart to wrap both arms around her waist and raise her high against his chest. His arms tightened deliciously tight around her as she laid her head against his shoulder, her own arms wrapping around his neck.
"Now the miles stretch out behind me loves that I have lost. Broken hearts lie victims of the game. Then good luck it finally stuck like lightning from the blue. Every highway's leading me back to you."
Sheamus felt his chest clench as Ali's nose and lips nuzzled against the warm flesh of his neck.
"Now at last I hold you, now all is said and done. The search has come full circle, our destinies are one." the singer's voice gained in both volume and emotion, "So if you ever loved me show me that you give a damn! You'll know for certain the man I really am!"
He turned his head slightly, his own nose brushing against hers. Their faces caressed and everything else seemed to melt away. It was only the two of them on the edge of the world.
"I was living for a dream, loving for a moment. Taking on the world, that was just my style. Then I touched your heart. I can hear you whisper. The search is over. Love was right before my eyes."
As the final piano chords began to fade out one of the Irishman's hands reached up to grip the back of her neck. His other arm tightened around her waist as his lips brushed against hers once, twice before settling in a long, passionate kiss.
Slow and gentle, his tongue came out to taste her. He heard her whimper and he found himself groaning in response. Ali met him breath-for-breath, stroke-for-stroke. She put everything she had, heart and soul, into that embrace.
When at last they parted they did so with a sigh, their eyes gradually opening. He gazed at her, taking in the way she was looking at him with such desire, and it made his swallow thickly.
He wanted her. Wanted her so much that he wanted to take her right there out on the dance floor, damn the consequences.
Because he knew it was best to resist temptation he lowered her to the ground. Once her feet were on the floor he reluctantly pulled away from her, turning and clearing his throat. He honestly didn't know how much longer he could last like this. If he didn't have her soon he knew he'd lose what was left of his sanity.
"Um," he avoided her gaze as he motioned towards the doors, "Why don' we go get some fresh air."
"All right." Ali murmured, breathless.
They made their way out onto the balcony and Sheamus instantly removed his jacket, slipping it onto her shoulders. Ali looked over at him, her cheeks beginning to warm as she gave him a shy smile. He gazed tenderly down at her, hands resting on her shoulders for several moments. He gave them a squeeze before gently trailing up and down her arms in a bid to keep her warm as well as to feed his need to touch her.
Ali felt a shiver run down her spine at his touch and she leaned back against him momentarily, enjoying the feeling of his strong body and warmth.
All too soon he pulled away, wandering over to the railing and looking out over the city. She stared up at him for a few moments, studying him, before at last joining him.
She gazed out over the multiple lights thoughtfully, a soft smile on her face.
Sheamus turned and noticed and he asked her softly, "Are you happy, Ahlina?"
She turned to him, her smile instantly turning into a beam and she whispered, "This is the most wonderful night of my life."
He grinned, silently breathing a sigh of relief, "Ah'm glad."
They continued to stare at one another, a comfortable silence between them.
It was at that moment that she knew. With a deep certainty she knew that if he asked her to sleep with him tonight she would say yes.
Though there was still a part of her that was afraid she knew that she was safe with him. Any man who would go out of his way to create such an amazing night for her obviously cared. She knew she could trust him with her heart as well as her body.
He suddenly reached out and brushed his fingertips against her cheek. Ali tilted up towards him and closed her eyes, leaning into his touch.
"Sheamus." she whispered.
The sound of his name on her lips, spoken with so much tenderness, practically undid him. His hand moved from her cheek to her chin, the grip growing firm, as he leaned down towards her.
His lips were a mere inch from hers when the sound of Eve's theme song filled the room inside. At the sound the pair broke apart, both pair's eyes looking towards the restaurant.
"I'm sorry." Ali instantly apologized with a small laugh, "I thought I had turned my phone off."
"It's all right." Sheamus assured her, though inside he was feeling annoyed.
What the bleedin' hell could she possibly want? He swore, if she was calling just to gossip about how the night was going he'd. . .
"I'll just go turn it off." Ali gave him an apologetic smile and made her way back into the room.
She hurried to the table, pausing for a moment to smile gently at the rose charm, before grabbing her clutch and pulling out her phone.
"Might as well answer it." Sheamus sighed as he wandered back into the room, hands in his pockets, "But no longer than a minute, sweetness."
He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a sexy growl, "Ah want you all to meself."
Ali blushed and turned slightly as she answered the phone, "Eve, hey. Sorry but I can't talk long-"
Whatever else she was going to say died on her lips as she stopped and listened. Almost instantly she let out a gasp, her eyes widening.
"No." she breathed, sadness and anger coming over her, "How is he? Where is he?"
Sheamus immediately came forward, "What is it? What's goin' on?"
Ali held up a hand to silence him as she listened for a few more moments. The Irishman watched on in concern and it was all he could do not to take the phone from her and demand to know what was going on.
At last she answered, "All right. . .Yes. . .Thank you for telling me. Please give him my love. I. . .Please tell him I hope he feels better soon. Clichéd, I know. It's a terrible time for writer's block to hit. . .Yeah. You, too. Bye."
She hung up the phone, her hand holding it so tightly that her knuckles were white. Her features were tight with pain and anger.
Sheamus reached out and gently took the phone from her, taking her hand in his own, "What is it, sweetness? What did Eve want?"
She blinked, coming out of her thoughts as she turned to him, "John. . .Those bastards-the Nexus-they attacked him tonight. He's in the hospital."
She pulled away from him, pacing the floor as she ran her hands through her hair, "I can't believe those animals!"
Tears began to collect in her eyes as she murmured practically to herself, "He's hurt. He has a concussion and three broken ribs. He'd be all alone right now if Eve weren't with him. . ."
Sheamus' eyes traveled to the rose charm sitting on the table and his face grew thoughtful. His large hand reached out and picked it up, his thumb lightly brushing over it.
His eyes went to Ali, taking in sadness, the helplessness, and he felt something go through his heart. He once again looked down at the charm before sitting it on the table, his mind made up.
"You should go to him." he said at last, quietly.
"What?" Ali came out of her thoughts and turned to him, confused, "What did you say?"
The Irishman cleared his throat, "Ah said you should go to him. You. . .Yer no longer my prisoner."
Ali looked up at him in disbelief, "You mean. . .You mean I'm free?"
"Yes." Sheamus nodded, his mind made up though it was nearly killing him to let her go, "Ah'm no longer champion. There's no longer a need for me to have an assistant. You should go to John and see that he's all right."
The assistant's hand went to her heart, the young woman touched beyond belief.
"Thank you." she whispered, a single tear trailing down her cheek, "Thank you so much, Sheamus!"
She slipped out of his jacket and handed it back to him before turning to collect her phone and clutch. He watched after her with sad eyes. Even though she hadn't even left yet he was already finding himself missing her terribly.
She started to turn back to him when her eyes went to the charm. It was then that everything came back to her. That night. What it meant to her. That fact that she was finally ready to take that next step with him.
Suddenly his hand closed over the charm and she turned to look up at him in question. Before she could speak he reached out with his other hand, taking hers and opening it. He placed the charm in her palm, closing her fingers over it.
"Take this." he stated as he stared deeply into her eyes, "So you have something to remember me by."
Unable to stop himself, he reached out and gentle trailed his hand through the hair laying on her shoulder, the silky strands moving effortlessly between his fingers.
Ali frowned at his words. He sounded so final. Just hearing it caused a pain to go through her heart.
This wasn't goodbye. Not by a long shot. She couldn't let him go now, her heart wouldn't let her.
"I'll be back as soon as John's back on his feet." she assured him, giving him a small smile.
"Yeah." Sheamus cast his eyes to the ground and bobbed his head, though it was clear he didn't believe her.
Ali sighed softly before reaching up and pressing her hand to his cheek. At her touch his eyes instantly went to hers, the blue depths filled with despair.
"Thank you for understand how much he means to me." she replied, heartfelt.
It pained her to do so, but she at last released him and collected her things. He stood by and watched on, feeling helpless and angry, as she was soon making her way out of the restaurant and his life.
Acid churned in his gut as he turned and stormed back out onto the balcony, all but slamming the door behind him. He began to pace the length of the space, raking his hand through his hair or scrubbing them over his face.
He eventually came to a stop, his hands falling limply to his sides. He began to smile coldly, a humorless laugh bubbling up from his throat.
Fate sure was a funny thing. Stubborn, too, to those who refused to listen. But he was listening now. It was clear that this thing, whatever it was between them, wasn't meant to be.
It was a mixed blessing in way. This was his chance to do the right thing and make a clean break.
His eyes narrowed as they searched out the cityscape, She's better off wit'out you, fella. You've always known it to be true. Now there's nothin' to keep her tied to you. She can be free to get back to her own life, her friends.
But oh how it hurt. The pain in his chest seemed to get bigger and bigger until it began to rage through his entire body.
"Ah can' do this!" he cried out and turned, starting to go for the door. If he hurried he might be able to catch her.
But as soon as his hand gripped the door handle he forced himself to stop.
No! he roared to himself, Quit bein' a selfish bastard and think about somebody else for a change. You have to let her go. No matter how much you want her, you have to let her go. Yer not the right man for her. Feck, what could you possibly have to offer her?
He snorted in disgust. Certainly not love. He didn't have any to give. And she deserved that. There wasn't a woman who deserved to be loved more than that one.
You did the right thing, he told himself as he wandered over to the railing, In time you'll see that and she. . .she'll forget about you in no time. Wit' guys like Cena and Morrison around she'll. . .
He couldn't finish the thought. It made him too wounded, too enraged, to consider it.
His hands tightened on the railing. So tight that his knuckles turned white and began to crack at the force.
He saw the limo speed off down the street, the last traces of her getting farther and farther away.
The pain, the rage, was all too much for him. Suddenly Sheamus threw back his head and roared, releasing all of the emotions that could no longer be contained.
.
.
.
.
.
Ali raced into the hospital a short time later. Her heels clicked against the linoleum floor as she searched the doors until she found the right room.
At last she came to John's room and her heart seemed to speed up the closer she got to it. As her hand gripped the doorknob she forced herself to stop and collect herself. It wouldn't do John any good to see her upset. That was the last thing he needed.
She took a few deep breaths before easing the door open and poking her head inside. Her eyes instantly landed on the man in the bed. His eyes were closed, his chest was bare. She could see that his rips were wrapped. He was sporting a nasty bruise on his temple and he had a black eye. Eve was sitting at his bedside, looking at him with the eyes of a woman deeply in love.
"Hey.' Ali murmured as she stepped inside.
Eve started, surprised by her entrance. She turned and rose from the chair, hurrying over to her. Ali gave her a sad smile and hugged her.
"I'm so glad you're here." the Diva told her as she pulled back. Her eyes were red and it was evident that she had been crying.
"Me, too." Ali rubbed her arm reassuringly, "How is he doing?"
"Am I in Heaven." a hoarse voice called out, "Cause I see two angels standing in front of me."
The two women turned to discover that the former WWE champion was awake and looking at them tenderly.
"You didn't have to get all dressed up for me, Shorty." John offered his best friend a hint of a smile.
"Who said it was for you, Buzz?" Ali told him with affection as she crossed to his bedside and took his hand.
She brought it to her cheek and nuzzled it before giving him a gentle smile. Eve returned to her chair, leaning in closer to the wrestler.
"How are you feeling?" Ali questioned him as she reached out and stroked a hand through his short hair.
"Like I got my ass kicked." John snorted before grunting in pain.
"Easy now." the assistant murmured, "No laughing right now, okay?"
"Don't much feel like laughing, anyway." Cena looked up at the ceiling and sighed. She could see how frustrated he was and her heart ached for him.
"So what happened?" she looked from him to Eve and back again.
"I was on my way to the ring," John explained, eyes clouding over in thought, "Going through the backstage area. The next thing I knew about five or six pairs of hands and feet were on me. And I could hear that tool, Barrett's, voice yelling out orders. I tried to fight 'em off but there was just too many of them."
"By the time the other Superstars got to him John was already unconscious." Eve finished, eyes and voice growing cold, "And those cowards were nowhere to be found."
"Figures." Ali sighed, shaking her head sadly, "I'm just sorry you didn't get to take a couple of them with you."
"Next time." John promised, the man deadly serious, "This isn't over."
The assistant looked down at him in worry. She knew there was no way she could talk him out of his plans for revenge. She only hoped things went his way next time.
"So why are you so dressed up?" John inquired as he studied her, "And where the hell were you tonight?"
"I. . ." Ali glanced over at Eve and bit her lip.
The Diva nodded, silently encouraging her to go on.
The assistant took a deep breath and announced, "Sheamus wanted to take the night off. He, um, he took me out to a play and then dinner."
She offered him a good-natured smile, "A belated birthday gift, I guess."
"So what are you doing here?" John cocked an eyebrow at her, "Don't tell me the guy let you out of his sight."
"Um, even more than that." Ali began to play with his fingers as she confessed, "He. . .he let me go."
"What?" John and Eve asked simultaneously, both in disbelief.
Ali grinned at them and clarified, "Eve called to tell me about what had happened to you tonight. I told Sheamus and he. . .he let me go. He said I should see to you. He told me. . ."
She looked down at their joined hand and went on quietly, "He told me that since he was no longer champion he no longer had a need for an assistant. So he let me go."
John blinked, whistling before again grunting, "I'm surprised he let you go."
"Me, too." Eve murmured, her eyes narrowed in thought.
"Me, too." Ali admitted with a small frown.
She couldn't help the disappointment that welled up inside her chest, nor the empty feeling in her heart.
.
.
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Links to the play, The Man Who Came to Dinner,Ali's GORGEOUS gown and Survivor's The Search is Over can all be found on my profile. :)