A/N: So, the reason I took so long to update is because I'm an idiot and accidentally deleted a lot of my work. Sigh. Anyway, please enjoy, and don't forget to press next after you check out this chapter because I'm posting 2 updates today!
SUMMER
Despite the confident attitude Summer portrays in the ring, she has her insecure days.
When one of the Divas in the back gives her an unpleasant look. If a superstar laughs at her attempts to get better in the ring, claiming she'll never be able to do it. Especially, the time Stephanie McMahon laughed in her face and called her pathetic.
It took a lot to open up and admit the "bitch" thousands of people saw on their television screen had been manifested from a lifetime of insecurities, and a need to protect herself in the only way she knew how: by faking it and not giving others a chance to belittle her. She just hadn't expected the person on the other end of that revealing conversation to be Paige.
In their NXT days, they couldn't stand each other; the First Lady of NXT and the Diva of Tomorrow were not meant to be friends. They even proved it in a bitter feud which saw Paige defeat her in a title match for the NXT Women's Championship. Even so, something in her just broke one day: a weariness like no other that tore down her defences until she didn't even care who she was talking to, she was just relieved that her inner most thoughts were being revealed.
"So you're upset, blondie," Paige had said to her after her little rant, shuffling her title onto another shoulder. "Big deal. You think I fit in here either? No. You just stand up a little taller and show the world what you're made of, even if they hate you for it."
When Paige left the room shaking her head, Summer had thought that was the end of it, just a little blip that would soon be forgotten and do nothing to ease the tension between them. The assumption was just that. The little remarks Paige muttered to herself about the other, bitchier Divas started to extend to Summer in the locker room, and in turn the blonde Diva would find herself laughing, and maybe buying two coffees instead of one to save the champion the effort.
Sometimes, Summer thinks that's how you know a relationship — platonic or romantic — is real. Maybe you have to go through some hard times before you get to the good times, or the other person has to bring something out in you for it to be appreciated that people of different backgrounds can get along and not to be so closed off. Their friendship grew, as did Summer's confidence, and Paige's empathy. They brought out the good in one another.
To be fighting alongside one of her closest friends… alongside Natalya (another Diva she struggled to get along with initially), Roman, and Dean… it means the world to her. Those insecurities that told her she wasn't good enough for the WWE or just another blonde bimbo who wanted some attention, as spouted constantly by the enemies around her, are all but a moot point now.
Summer lets herself into the hotel room she's sharing with Dean, a smile gracing her pretty features. She can't help it. Her job is on the line tomorrow but all she can think about is how much self-worth she has now and the actual confidence that has replaced the fake arrogance she used to showcase. To think that once upon a time Brie and Nikki Bella frightened her… tomorrow, she'll gladly take either one of them on and not give up until they're down and out.
Dean looks exhausted as he lays in their messy bed — probably catching up on some sleep before a hard day tomorrow. He always seems tired. It must be from the frantic energy he puts out into the universe every day that steals it away from him come nightfall.
She slips out of her gym shoes and into bed to snuggle into the crook of his muscular arm. In his hazy state he pulls her in closer and leaves a sloppy kiss on her temple.
"Hey," Summer whispers, tugging at the shirt she once said made him look homeless. "Do you ever wonder what would have happened if we hadn't been in on this plan together?"
"Hmm," Dean grumbles, waking up a little bit. "I'd still be clawing my way to the top and going after Rollins. You'd have less time in the ring. Probably be managing some dope. Tyler Breeze or someone."
She scoffs, fighting the urge to laugh. Yeah. Like that would have ever happened.
Summer doesn't care that he falls back asleep a moment later. She isn't bothered that showering is probably a better option than napping following her intense session at the gym just now. Nestling into this messy-haired man's embrace seems like the perfect escape before a stressful Sunday to come.
For the first time in years, Summer Rae is happy. Tomorrow night at Extreme Rules, she'll defend that happiness with everything she's got, and she'll do it standing alongside the people who've helped her become the person she is today.
ROMAN
The one thing everyone knows about Roman is that first and foremost he is a family man. He fights for his daughter, his wife, and the people who've surrounded him since his younger years. There's pride in each of his superman punches and dignity in his spears because the reason for being inside that four-sided ring comes from needing to provide for them.
That's why he finds himself sitting in the airport now and waiting for a flight to fly him out to Illinois where the other WWE talent are preparing for the big day tomorrow. Roman's injury has meant that he's had more time to spend at home with his family, which of course has been a nice way to spend his downtime.
He hates to admit that it's also been a frustrating time. As much as he loves being at home more and taking time out of his busy schedule, it hasn't been by choice. The actions of those from Team Authority have forced him into this, and it's something he can't forgive. Family comes first but wrestling is a close second. It's in his blood.
Even now, as he sits cornered off from everybody else in his gate, Roman can feel the tug of the competition pulling at him. He flexes his fingers against his thighs, his gaze travelling to the bag at his feet where the WWE World Heavyweight Championship lays inside. He feels a fierce protectiveness wash over him, and he knows he'll fight like hell to keep it out of Seth Rollin's hands at Extreme Rules.
When someone nervously approaches him to ask for his autograph, Roman obliges, keeping his "fan-friendly" smile up until the flustered man walks away. Then he's delving back into his thoughts, this time driven towards the audience he'll be faced with as he fights one-armed to keep his title and his job.
Roman's knows he has his haters. That became evident enough when he secured his title shot at the Royal Rumble and the Daniel Bryan lovers came out in full effect to boo him out of the place. More than likely, he'll have some discouraging reactions no matter whom he finds himself standing opposite in the ring tomorrow.
All he can really do in this instance is know what he stands for. Sometimes he wonders if that's why a lot of people hate him — because he has self-confidence that others can only dream of, that have helped him win some of his biggest matches. The lone wolf who doesn't back down can sometimes cause a stir. Roman also knows he can only set his mind to think about who he's fighting for: his family.
That family has included Dean Ambrose ever since The Shield's formation, but now it's been expanded to fit Paige, Natalya, and Summer in there too. At first he'd reluctantly — very reluctantly — agreed to Paige's plan to deal with Seth Rollins and The Authority. Now, he can't imagine what life would be like without them around. So yeah, he has his haters, but he has his fans and his family too.
Roman smiles. Maybe in a twisted way, he should thank Seth for putting a chair to his back last year. It's taught him what meaningful relationships really are and who to share them with. Better yet, he can trust again.
It's trust in his teammates that'll carry him through tomorrow. Trust that they'll have his back when his injured arm is inevitably targeted. Trust on his end that he'll fulfil his duties and have their back too.
A woman's voice spills through the overhead speakers to tell passengers that the flight is now ready to board. Roman stands up when his row is called, gripping tightly to the bag carrying his championship.
He feels like he's walking towards something - to a future that will see the likes of The Authority gone.
NATALYA
Natalya is busy scrolling through her Instagram feed and liking pictures of cute cats when a familiar pair of expensive shoes stop in front of her. If it isn't the fashion taste that gives her visitor away, it's definitely the fancy cologne that swims around her. A soft smile is on her face even before she sets down her phone and looks up into the eyes of Antonio Cesaro.
That smile doesn't last long when she notices the overflowing box in his hands. She recognises a few of her things: a book she has yet to finish, a couple of sparkly nail polishes, her jewellery box. All of these things are what Tyson has left of her. Had left of her. It seems strange to see parts of her life placed in a little box, as if it were nothing more than temporary.
"I guess this is him trying to get in my head," Natalya sighs. She pats the empty seat next to her. "You can put it down here."
To her surprise, Antonio takes the seat for himself, laying the box down by his feet instead. He settles in, then says, "If it helps he's been moodier than ever. Listens to his terrible music at a louder setting while he sulks."
It doesn't help, but Natalya appreciates the effort. They sit in silence for a few moments. Finally, she asks, "Are you ready to defend the championship against The New Day?"
He laughs.
"What?" She can't help but join in, patting his arm softly. "Cesaro, what?"
"I just find it funny that you're possibly about to lose your job and a career you've been passionate about your whole life, and you're asking me how I'm feeling."
The Diva looks down at her fingernails and smiles. Truth be told, if she thinks about it any longer she might very well explode. Her brain has been racked for days on how much she's sacrificed just to end up in this precarious situation. Only one thing has ever bounced back at her. Losing her marriage has been a necessary evil. Divorce may be imminent, but so is freedom. Passion. Ambition.
"I better go," Antonio says, getting to his feet again.
"Okay."
He turns to leave, but Natalya notices the way he hesitates, before finally facing her again. "Nattie?"
"Yeah?"
"Good luck for tonight. You're gonna kill it."
"Thanks..." She smiles up at him warmly, then looks down at her hand. At one finger in-particular. After fiddling for awhile, she reaches out to place something in his outstretched palm. "You can give it back to Tyson... or toss it if he doesn't want it. I won't be needing my wedding ring anymore."
"You got it."
When she's left alone in peace again, Natalya prods at the place where her silver band used to be. It feels strange not to have something there, but in other ways it feels fantastic, like there's no longer an anchor weighing her down. She doesn't bother to pick up her phone again and resume silly social media activities. Instead, she gazes out at the empty spot where the ring is yet to be set up and imagines herself out there tomorrow night.
Natalya knows what she's capable of, and no longer does she have an overbearing husband to hold her back. This could be the start of something good or the end of it all. There's only one thing left to do.
Try.
NIKKI
Piece by piece.
That's how Nikki is going to end Paige's life. First she'll destroy her at Extreme Rules. Then she'll demand for the Diva's title to be taken away from her, maybe even when the British woman is just coming to terms with losing her precious career. The real kicker will come the next night at Monday Night Raw when Paige gets to watch as an ex-WWE employee while Nikki saunters down to the ring to reclaim what's hers.
It's a thought to relish as Nikki ties her long hair back, zips up her bag, and heads out of the local gym.
"A new personal best," She tells Brie over the phone. "I can't wait to get my hands on that vampire bitch tomorrow."
"Me too."
"Hey, she's mine. You can have Summer or Natalya." Her tone is teasing, but there's a bite underneath it. Nikki stuffs her things into the back seat of her vehicle, slams the door, and checks the time. "I'm headed across town to meet up with Stephanie. See you there?"
"Yeah."
Hanging up, she slides into the front seat. All she does for a moment is stare ahead. There are too many memories racing around in her mind to concentrate fully on driving the twenty minutes it'll take to meet with her boss to go over Team Authority's strategy. She'd rather just lean back and settle for a moment.
Nikki remembers ruling the division. Holding her title up high. Adding an extra little something to her confident walk down to the ring. The wrestling world had all eyes on her and watched as she tore through the Divas while holding the title of champion... until, of course, Paige had to ruin it all by thinking she was more important.
How many times had she fought her off? How many times had they done battle?
Granted, Nikki didn't think Paige would have another ulterior motive regarding her weird, little relationship with Seth, but she's glad it's brought them to the here and now. The title isn't hers anymore but another chance has presented itself. A final showdown will happen at Extreme Rules that'll show not only that it doesn't matter who the champion is when it comes to who's better, but prove that Nikki Bella should be at the forefront of things all the time.
She sits up again and revs the engine. Suddenly, she's more than ready for this strategy talk.
Yes, Nikki is ready for tomorrow. Nikki Bella is ready to dominate.
To win.