Chapter 52 The Soldiers of HelmsleyCorp


Seth came home to Kelista; she was wearing a beautiful red sari, a mungala sultra (different from her mother's) with sindoor colouring the top of her forehead and hair. She greeted him softly before hugging him, telling him how much she missed him. His wife then leaned back and looked up at him expectantly. Without a moment's hesitation, Seth bent his neck and captured her lips in a sweet, longing kiss.

Kelista led him to the table where all the delicacies were laid out, all of Seth's favourites. He remembered this is how Priya used to greet Michael every evening, or even at lunch time, when he came home from work. Though he didn't have a nine-to-five kind of job…

Kelista dished out his food as Seth sat down. He didn't care how unlikely this was ...he just loved the moment. As she stood next to him, he admired the luscious curves of her body modestly covered by her sari.

"So how was work, love?" Kelista asked as she sat down.

"Dean's still giving me hell." Seth grimaced. "Other than that, great."

Kelista laughed. "And Roman. Oh wait – one word: Long-suffering."

"Well, he could help out!" Seth pouted. "Aren't you eating, love?"

"Not hungry," she shrugged, smiling affectionately at him. "I'm glad you're home."

Seth grinned at her seductively. "Maybe we could skip to dessert?"

Kelista leaned forward. "Mmmm…you know what?" she replied alluringly.

"What, babe?" Seth replied huskily.

Kelista grinned teasingly and turned towards the food. "I actually am hungry-"

But the Architect had had enough. He stood up and swiftly but gently caught her up in his arms.

"Seth!" Kelista laughed.

~oOo~

"Seth! Wake up!"

Michael pounded on the door before eventually going in. The Architect had fallen asleep in his New York hotel room, quite tired from travelling and working (and making frequent trips to Iowa to see his fiancée).

Seth fell off his bed and Michael started laughing. If it wasn't for the guilt he was feeling because of his dream, the Architect would've thrown a pillow at the HelmsleyCorp CEO / President.

"Yeah, we all know you were dreaming of Kels," Rizer sighed. "Now get ready; you're already late to meet her,"

Seth's face turned red and Michael exhaled heavily. Without another word, his future father-in-law turned and walked out of the room.

"It's not like that!" Seth ran after him. "I mean, it was getting to that - but-"

Michael stopped walking and looked at him.

"Yeah, I'm going to stop talking now."

"Good idea," Michael replied before grinning. "Now go shower. You stink, man,"

Seth pulled a face but Rizer could hardly bring himself to laugh. He was hoping to talk to Seth; since he couldn't bring himself to break Priya's tender heart with the news that her husband is a cold-blooded woman and child murderer; in the village massacre. Rizer wasn't sure he could believe it himself.

~oOo~

With his hair still wet from the shower, Seth raced down the steps to the lobby. He spotted Kelista just outside, hugging Aryan before Pariwar hopped onto his helicopter. A monster started growling in the Architect's chest. But Seth forced himself to calm down.

Then he heard laughter behind him.

"Pariwar's getting really close to your beautiful fiancée." Chris Jericho smirked as he walked past the Architect.

Seth rolled his eyes approaching his fiancée. She was admiring a gold brooch with several green gem stones.

"That's pretty," he commented as he kissed her cheek in greeting.

"Oh, hi, Seth." She greeted her fiancé sweetly. "It was a gift,"

"Your father has good taste," he replied before chuckling. "Or maybe your mum helped him choose it for you."

"Actually, Aryan bought them for me," Kelista said, "When he went to Rome a few months ago."

Seth's temper flared. "Why are you still keeping his gifts?" And she had the nerve to show him, her fiancé!

"Seth, what's wrong? Why can't I keep Aryan's gifts?"

Seth tried to still his temper. "Look, I know he's not really your ex, but you were going to marry him, and also looking forward to it,"

Kelista quietly put the gift back in her bag, instead of wearing it like she intended to (she knew it wouldn't be wise considering Seth's feelings at the moment.

"Aryan's my friend, so I keep his gifts," she explained gently. "And he's also your friend; he'll do anything for you, Seth. So I will always respect him."

Seth stared at her in surprise.

"And he is one of the very few guy friends that are respectful, but he isn't my best, closest guy friend. Only you are, Seth, my future husband." Kelista stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "Besides, Aryan's the best person to complain to about you, because my parents always take your side!"

Seth's temper evaporated and he started laughing.

Kelista reached out and held his hand. "So I have a surprise for you,"

In-between trying to play matchmaker for Alison and Dean; the Helmsley Princess was also trying to reconcile the Shield brothers. Neither was easy. Austin always showed up, and Dean would be more apathetic with Seth.

Seth drew Kelista closer to him. "Mmmm…you want to get married today?"

Kelista laughed. "No, I'm coming with you to Ohio,"

"Really?" Seth's smiled widened as picked her up and twirled her around in excitement. "That's awesome, angel!"

~oOo~

Cincinnati, Ohio

Kelista and Alison were relaxing in the courtyard, catching up. The WWE was in Ohio this week, and the Helmsley Princess was staying with Alison at her grandparents'. ThoughKelista was glad for her best friend's company, she missed Seth a lot, and was counting the hours until he finished work obligations that morning. Thinking of her fiancé, she was reminded of a duty of her own, more like something she really wanted to do, but afraid of messing it up.

"Why are you so nervous?" Alison chuckled, as she handed Kelista a glass of red grape juice before sitting down herself. "It's not like they hardly know you. Seth's parents really like you; no, sorry - they love you. You're like the daughter they never had."

Kelista's eyes shined for a moment as she thought of Jake and Nina Rollins, her future in-laws. They have already treated her like one of the family, and spoiled her a lot. Next week in Iowa Kelista is going to prepare dinner for them in the Rollins' own home.

"I hope so," Kelista replied.

Alison smiled at her friend as the Palmers' housekeeper entered the courtyard. "Miss Alison, you have a visitor,"

Before she left, the housekeeper gestured at a familiar wrestler, a former Shield affiliate and friend.

"Dean!" Alison exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

Kelista smiled at her friend's very much obvious delighted tone.

"Can I not visit my friends?" The Lunatic replied. "Hey, Kelista,"

Kelista smiled warmly at him. "Hi, Dean,"

Dean turned back to Ali. "You promised you were going to visit my grandfather with me."

Alison stood up. "I remember. Are you coming with us, Kels?"

The Helmsley Princess looked from Alison to Dean and back again, wondering if she should go. If she did go, Dean wouldn't get a chance to convince Alison of his feelings for her.

But before Kelista could say or do anything, Alison's grandmother appeared.

"Oh, looks like I have a full house," she chuckled, before exchanging greetings with Dean. "So Ali and Dean's going to be peacemaker for our families today,"

Dean looked at Alison's grandmother in surprise. "Peacemaker?"

"I believe people can change, Dean," Rebecca said to quietly, so that only he could hear. "Kelista's grandparents, Edward and Clarisse said that Charlie is a good man now, and Alison's grandfather and I have forgiven him. Sending Alison there now – it was a tough decision – but I'm tired of being bitter about the past."

"You don't have to-" Dean swallowed. "You don't have to do anything for him."

"It's not just for him," Rebecca smiled at Dean fondly as she smoothed a lock of his hair that partially covered his eyes.

The Lunatic Fringe blinked in surprise. The only time he experienced such love and care was with Sierra and his own grandmother. His mother, Rivonia Ambrose, neglected him, drank like a fish and blamed him for all the problems in her life.

After Dean had a snack, Rebecca and Kelista were saying goodbye to him and Alison. The latter was in conflict with herself; she wished Kelista was coming with them. But Grams wanted Kelista to stay with her (and the Helmsley Princess eagerly agreed too!). Once I do this for Grams, I won't have to see Dean again. Alison mused sadly. It would be easier that way.

The car ride was a quiet one and soon Dean and Alison found themselves standing before the iron gates of his grandfather's estate. Beyond them lay the fields of a plantation, screaming neglect.

"So...let's go," Dean declared, throwing off the latch.

"What?"

Dean looked back at her. Alison hadn't moved.

"What what?" The Lunatic asked.

Alison sighed. "No offence, but last I heard your grandpa isn't nice to people… that look like me. Right or wrong he may be, but I'm not just going to walk all over his private property. I do make good use the brain God gave me, you know,"

Dean didn't have the patience for her niceties right now. "Oh, how considerate of you, sweetheart. Just come with me!" he said, pushing the gate open.

"Aww, poor baby." Alison teased. "You need me to hold your hand?"

Dean growled and was about to retort but thought of a better idea. He took hold of her hand and half-pulled her through the gates. Alison opened her mouth to protest, but decided against it. It would be boring to wait outside here anyway. Dean lead her up the front porch and to Alison's dismay, shoved the door opened.

"Honey, I'm home," he said dryly.

"Dean!" Alison chided him on his lack of manners.

He turned to her with a grin. "Oh, there you are!"

"Dean?" called a voice from the inside. "Is that you?"

Dean chivalrously gestured for Alison to go in first, but she couldn't bring herself to go on. An unwelcomed emotion rose up within her; boiling hot. The last time my grandparents were here...

She didn't want to step foot in this foul place!

"...Alison?" Dean asked gently.

She blinked in surprised and turned to look at him, who was staring at her with the most unrecognizable look in his eyes. Concern. Care. Kindness. Alison's anger evaporated and she smiled at Dean, remembering she was here for his sake and stepped inside his grandfather's house. Dean then led her from the entrance hall to the room on the left, where a Caucasian woman was sitting.

"Dean!" she exclaimed in greeting. "Got a cigarette for me, son?" she looked derisively at a small round table beside her chair. On it was assortment of fruit.

"Hello, mother." The Lunatic sighed. "No, you know I don't smoke anymore. This is Alison Palmer; Alison, this is my mother, Rivonia,"

Rivonia barely nodded in greeting, but Alison smiled politely anyway. "Hello, Mrs. Ambrose."

"Is grandpa home?" Dean asked.

"In the kitchen," Rivonia replied.

Alison shifted her feet, uncomfortable. "I'll wait here." She said as Dean disappeared through a door on the right. Since Rivonia didn't offer, Alison remained standing. She was about to politely pay a compliment about the house, when a picture on the mantelpiece caught her eye.

It was photograph of Dean as a child…and in the background was herself, Kelista and (what Alison didn't know) Seth.

"Mrs. Ambrose...where was this photo taken?"

"Some kids' thing in Iowa," Rivonia shrugged apathetically. "Got rid of Dean for a few days at least. Come sit. I don't want my father complaining about my lack of hospitality."

Alison forced a polite smile as she did so.

"My parents…Charlie and Isabella," said Rivonia, referring to the black and white pictures of a flourishing plantation with a young, very much happy Caucasian couple.

"Of course, my mother doesn't live here." Rivonia continued. "Dean knows where she is, you can ask him."

Alison stared at the older woman in shock. She doesn't even know where her own mother lives?

Rivonia picked a grape off the bowl on the table muttered about her father only allowing fruit and other 'junk' in the house. "Could use a smoke right now...do you have a cigarette?"

Alison shook her head. "No, sorry."

Rivonia looked at Alison for the first time. "What did you say your name was?"

"Alison," she replied politely. "Alison Palmer,"

"Well, Alison," Rivonia selected another grape. "Of all the woman my son has slept with, you're the first to be sitting in this house,"

Alison arched an eyebrow. What?

"It's not like that. I was the P.A. of the previous GM of Raw." She replied. "And I'm also Dean's friend,"

Rivonia chortled. "Nice to know Dean's doing well for himself, unlike all those whores he's been with,"

Alison almost snapped at Rivonia for her blatant sexism; the man wasn't any better than the women he's been involved with. But she held her tongue.

Rivonia misread the angered look on Alison's face, mistaking it for jealousy. "Sorry, I won't mention those other girls," she said with a sardonic smile.

Alison sat up straight. "I'm Dean's friend. I'm here on his request while he sees his grandfather, in hopes that he might restore their fragile relationship." She said with forced sweetness; Rivonia was, after all, Dean's mother.

"Dean only has one use for a woman, and it's not power or the money you or your friend has,"

"Like his father," Alison surmised quietly.

"Excuse me?" Rivonia's eyes went dark. "That good for nothing idiot didn't know a good thing when he got it! And now he's rotting in jail, the blooming cheater!"

Alison looked away, but Rivonia did not miss that look of sadness and pity…Pity!

"Don't you look at me like that!" Rivonia thundered. "You don't even belong here…this isn't a neighbourhood for your kind of people."

Alison could just hear the underlying insults but chose not to react. This only infuriated Rivonia more. The younger woman just regarded her with pity and sorrow. When Dean entered the room, Rivonia shot out of her chair.

"Get that-"

Dean's face went red with humiliation and anger as his mother called Alison foul names, most of them racial slurs.

"-out of my house!"

"RIVONIA!"

Dean's grandfather, Charlie, appeared; his voice was calm but very much authoritative. "That's enough. Now, make yourself useful and help Anne with the housekeeping. Since you like foul words, go clean the toilets."

Given that she had no job or assets, and her father (and son) clearing up her huge debts, Rivonia had no choice and reluctantly left and Charlie turned to Alison.

"My apologies." He said kindly. "Dean has told me so much about you. It's lovely to meet you, Alison."

"Um, hello. Nice to meet you too." Alison replied, hardly believing that this was the same cruel master that her grandparents once worked for.

After having a sumptuous lunch meal, Alison and Dean took their leave, the latter arranging to meet with his grandfather again soon.

Charlie was very happy with his grandson's visit. He was also glad the Palmers were well, and by the looks of it, have forgiven him (and on the plus side, Thomas and Rebecca had a lovely granddaughter for his grandson). Now Charlie could just pray and hope with all his heart, that Dean would bring his beloved Isabella back to him).

~oOo~

As he opened the car door for Alison, Dean forced himself to look at her, ready to apologise.

"I'm sorry about my mother." He said.

But Alison smiled at him. No complaints. No anger. Not even hurt. He saw nothing but compassion and sadness in her eyes, and perhaps some relief.

"I'm grateful you aren't like that," she replied.

"I never should have brought you here,"

Alison chuckled. "When I came here, I spoke to your mother to avoid your grandfather." She spread out her hands as if to emphasize the irony. "And now I don't even know how I'm going to look my own grandfather in the face because I really like yours,"

Dean's heart skipped a beat. Looking down into her small, sweet radiant face, he almost cupped her face and kissed her. He was filled with warmth. It wasn't lust; he was all too familiar with that emotion. This was something different. It was something deeper, more mysterious, something that had less to do with his senses and more of his spirit-or his soul as she would call it. She had strung his heartstrings.

He wanted to kiss her, but knew she wouldn't appreciate that. So he thought of the next best thing.

Alison was stunned as Dean put his arms around her, drawing her close to him. "Er...Dea-"

"Thanks for coming with me," he whispered against her hair.

Alison was quiet for a moment, before affectionately returning his hug. "You're welcome," she replied softly.

Dean ran his fingers through her soft hair as he leaned back slightly to look at her face. "I love you, Alison,"

Her eyes widened in shock. She would've stepped back from him if it wasn't for his other arm that was still around her, pinning her to him.

"You mean so much to me," Dean continued softly. He looked at her, waiting for her response, hoping that she would finally admit her feelings for him.

But like the Lunatic Fringe, it wasn't very often that Alison was at a loss for words.

"Dean, I-I…"

"Yes, Alison?" He prompted softly.

Alison pursed her lips; she knew she could never tell him the truth about her feelings; it wouldn't be good for either of them. It would just make things harder.

"Dean, you don't actually care about me so much, which is not at all a bad thing," she added quickly. "You're just feeling guilty because of the way our families know one another, in a conflict that once affected the entire country."

Dean reached out and put a lock of wayward hair behind her ear. "Maybe that was true once, but it's not just that anymore, Alison." He replied softly.

She took a step back from him, feeling guilty that she missed his touch already. "Dean, please…I can't." she whispered brokenly.

"Why are you with Mansell, when you know how I feel about you?" Dean asked trying not to raise his voice, "How I felt from the first day we met?"

Alison turned away from him as she blinked back her tears. "Dean, please, you and I won't work out. I'm... happy with Austin."

It's not a lie, she tried to convince herself.

"So, how is your grandmother," she asked, as she got into his car, "Are you going to tell her what your grandfather said?"

The Lunatic Fringe clenched his jaw and refrained from slamming his car door as he closed it. She was changing the subject.

"I don't know." he almost snapped at her, also getting in. He took a deep breath to calm down. "My grandfather wasn't faithful, and he wasn't secretive about it either. Plus the emotional abuse. So my grandmother moved out a long time ago. She's a soft-hearted woman; my grandfather ignored her and all she did for him. Only now does he realize his mistake...but she's scared of him."

"Oh..." Alison sighed sadly.

"But now he wants me to speak to her and be there when he apologizes to her," Dean finished.

Alison let out an affectionate laugh. "Seems like our dear grandparents want us to solve their problems!"

"So...will you help me?" Dean asked quietly.

Alison smiled at him. "Of course,"

When they arrived back at Alison's house, Kelista had already gone out with Seth, and wouldn't be back until later that evening. Dean spent the rest of the day with Alison and her grandparents. He remembered to call Kelista and thank her (she made sure that Austin had other plans today).

"Would you do something for me, Dean?" The Helmsley Princess asked.

"Anything for my baby sister-in-l," Dean caught himself. "Sister,"

Kelista smiled. "Will you talk to Seth?"

The Lunatic Fringe froze.

Unfortunately, Kelista had become of those very few people that Dean would actually do anything for. Because no matter how much Dean tried, he couldn't just see her as a friend. She was family. His younger brother's fiancée.

~oOo~

Undisclosed location

With stealth that ninjas would envy, one by one they exited he secret tunnel and entered the village. Fully armed, they ready to search, rescue, and, if needed, kill to protect. A unit of HelmsleyCorp best soldiers.

"Beta, we're in position. Evacuating the village," the commando reported on his radio.

Not too far away, in a hidden location, their captain, Levi, smiled. "Rodger."

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Rumor Has It OC Character List

Helmsleys

Kelista (Triple H's niece; Seth's childhood friend and fiancée)

Michael & Priya (Kelista's parents; Triple H's brother)

Rivana (8), Emma (5), & Kayla (3) - (Triple H's daughters)

Edward & Clarisse (Kelista's paternal grandparents)


Rollins

Jake & Nina (Seth's parents)

Anita (Seth's paternal grandmother)


Palmers

Alison (Dean's friend and later love interest)

Levi (Alison's father)

Thomas & Rebecca (Alison's grandparents)


Reigns

Sierra (Roman's wife)

Sarah Hannah (9), Raquel Sarisha (6), Koda Pahana (3) - (Roman's children)


Raichands

Raj & Nirvana (Kelista's maternal grandparents – Nana & Nani)


Aryan Pariwar and Esha (Good friends with Seth and Kels)


Charlie & Isabella (Dean's maternal grandparents)


Hanovi (primary -conspicuous- antagonist)


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