"Dude let me cut your hair."

"Dude, no." Blake tells, smacking Phil's hand away from his head. They were backstage signing individual stacks of their 5 x 5's. And so far they have been here for an hour and Phil has insisted on cutting Blake's hair.

"Come on, man. It'll feel good. Remember when I cut mine? I thought I was going to fucking hate it, but instead I loved it." Blake laughs seeing The Straight Edge Superstar rub his hair messily. Tonight Monday Night Raw was in Cleveland, Ohio. His vacation was over and it was great. Coming back to work was a good thing but once again everything was back to being hectic. He was suppose to come back and bring himself into the Jericho/Punk feud and later lead to them doing a triple threat match at Wrestlemania. And he was supposed have a meeting with Shane about post-Wrestlemania plans cause his contract is over two weeks after, and the company wouldn't want anyone working so close to the end of their contract in fear of that person leaving the control and leaving a storyline in the air.

"If I do cut it, it won't be you cutting it. I'll get one of the girls to cut it. They spend all day doing each other's hair." He chuckles, finishing the last couple of pictures. "How were things when I was gone?"

"Eh." He shrugs. "The usual. Actually, I was booked into doing a shitload of press. It went from radio interviews to tv interviews to phone interviews. I think I slept a total of ten hours that week. How was your trip with Candice?"

"But you never sleep anyways. And it was good, great actually. For that week, we didn't touch our phones or check e-mails. It was peaceful and we went to the beach and she showed me around the entire town. She's like the biggest celebrity there so everyone knew her. And I got to learn how to milk a cow, but I don't think I'll be attempting that ever again."

"Did she shave your shitty beard while you guys were vacationing? I swear, you look more like an underwear model every time I see you." Phil teased throwing his sharpie at Blake.

"Yeah, she said the scruff was getting out of control."

"You're so whipped. And guess who's in the building tonight?" Phil asks, as the two get up from the table. Blake thinks in silence walking along his friend making their way towards catering. Blake shrugs not having a clue. "You want me to tell you?"

"Am I gonna care? I need to find Chris later to run over our promo though."

"Oh, I think you'll care." The Chicago native sort of snorts and Blake couldn't figure out what's so funny. "Do you want me to just tell you?" Blake shrugs again, not really in the mood for Phil to be talking in circles. "A certain blonde that is fluent in French."

"Cool." He simply says, looking down at the craft service tables pretending to be completely interested by all the sandwiches, salads, and other various snacks laid out. If anything 'cool' was the opposite of how he was feeling. He honestly wished that she would tell him. The former diva was obviously here for Mike. Shit, sometimes she played mind games with him without even knowing.

"Frenchie!" Phil yelled across the filled room, attracting almost everyone's attention. Blake cringed a little inside not sure if he should turn around or not. At least everyone knew everyone here so Phil being loud like he normally is didn't embarrass anyone. The California boy turns around to see Phil had walked over to the other side of the room where all the divas were and had Maryse in an embrace, all he does is smile at her. But the truth is that he's smiling like an idiot and he can't help it. His gaze finally catches her. His blue eyes lock onto her brown ones for a moment and all he gives her is the same smile that's been on his face. He's somehow nervous and offers her a wave. She laughs at him, probably for being an idiot and waving like a five year old, but she waves back. Their interaction is subtle, no one notices except another blonde, Barbie. Blake turns back around and grabs a water bottle before taking off to find Chris.


"How was vacation?" Shane asks as he unbuttons on his suit to sit down across from Blake.

"I feel like a new man." He smirks, sipping on his bottle of water. Shane laughs.

"Alright. What did this 'new man' think about expanding his contract with this company?"

"Being on vacation and seeing my parents for more than twenty four hours was great, it was so great I want to do it much more often. But I can't see myself really doing anything else." He stops and stares at nothing particular. "If I resign, I need to be 'injured' at the end of my match. And keep me on contract, I don't know when I'll be back Shane, honest to god, I need to recharge. I'm so fucking drained. But I don't want to walk away, I want to give a hell of a show at 'Mania. Is there anyway we can extend the contract for a year more? I know guys like me take five or six year contracts, but I can't guarantee you anything right now."

"I can extend your contract by six months. But since you'll be not as active and probably won't be around, you can't get your raise or all those other benefits I promised till you sign a new contract. You understand that, right?"

"Of course." Blake nodded, actually happy with the progress they were making. "I wouldn't expect a raise for not really working."

"Alright, I'll get some paperwork drawn up. I'll make copies and send them to your lawyers. Have you spoken to Chris about your match and your promos?" Shane asks, typing something into his Macbook. "Management is very excited to have you back in the ring tonight and we have a lot riding on this storyline. We are heavily promoting your triple threat match for the title and so is the media, because your personal life along with Phil's outspoken attitude make for one hell of an interest. Also Dwayne's presence is attracting a lot of attention as well."

"What do you mean my personal life?"

"Blake, anyone with a computer would know that you're dating a supermodel. She's a big name, and her name attracts more views for us. Management and I were discussing how we would love her on screen sometimes."

"No."

"Hear me out."

"No fucking way. Look back at all the story lines that were based off of someone's personal life. Look at how great all those worked out." He told. Blake never wanted to get his personal life involved, he didn't mind people using it during promos or whatever, but having Candice on-camera or in the ring was out of the question. When he was dating Barbie, he was glad that they never had to enter a storyline.

"Alright. I understand. I mean look at Adam and Amy." Shane attempted a joke, as he got up and shook Blake's hand. As Blake left the office, he couldn't help but think of all the unsuccessful relationships that everyone in this company has had. A lot of the older guys were divorced or having rocky marriages, some even cheating on their wives like it's not a big deal. He walks over to the gorilla position getting ready for the start of his match. He does a few stretches, push ups, and jumping jacks to loosen his limbs.

"I'm gonna mess you up, Cross." A familiar voice spoke, walking by with his sparkling leather jacket. All Blake could do was laugh. "I see you're not in character just yet." Chris laughed as well, patting him on the back.

"Nope, not yet. Just trying to make sure everything is in order." Blake tells, adjusting a knee pad and re-lacing his boots. "WHy can't we be best friends, Chris?" He teases the veteran, they're good friends. They always talk about hockey when they see each other. Chris is sorta like a big brother he never had, since he's an only child.

"See ya out there, Blake." The blonde man says, giving him a firm shoulder squeeze. Blake nods at him, watching him grab a mic from a producer who's standing near by. Moments later his theme song blares through the arena and the man with the leather jacket disappears through the curtain.


"Hey you." Maryse greets, walking into the divas' locker room and taking a seat next to the blonde diva. "I feel like we haven't talk that much tonight."

"Yeah, I know. I've been all over the place and why aren't you hanging with Mike?" Barbie isn't looking at her, she's occupied with the pillow in front of her. She's picking at a loose string on the pillow. The TV in front is kinda loud in front of them, Chris is giving a great promo and talking trash on CM Punk's childhood and Blake's personal life as well.

"He's showering and I've always enjoyed the diva's locker room." She smiles at her friend, but she sorta sense tension in the atmosphere.

"Ryse, why did Blake wave at you today at catering?" She asks, finally looking up at the French-Canadian. Maryse doesn't answer for a while, what makes this situation much more awkward is that Blake's voice was blaring through the television.

"What do you mean? He just was saying hi."

"He wasn't just saying hi!" Maryse was actually a little bit taken back cause Barbie rarely got angry or raised her voice. "He had that stupid smile on his face. The one that he used to give me!" Her angry tone immediately attracted the attention of the rest of the divas in the room that were fixing their hair and make up by the mirror.

"I don't know what to tell you Barb." She mutters, running a perfectly manicured hand through her platinum blonde hair. Why did Barbie look so broken? She had a boyfriend and if Maryse remembered correctly she began dating him maybe a month after Blake and her broke up.

"Are you cheating on Mike?" Barbie asks, staring blankly at the television in front of them. Blake was lying on the mat and Chris was on top of the turnbuckle ready to land on him. Maryse was taken back and kinda offended by her question. They were friends and certain times they were even the best of friends. The former diva scoffs, not believing she would ask such a thing. If only Barbie knew all the times she could've. Sure she probably has cheated on Mike emotionally, but so has Barbie with Sheldon. It was obvious she wasn't over the California boy, but hell she obviously wasn't either. Fuck. They were both in deep and the sad part was that they actually knew it.

"No. I'm not that kind of girl." She hisses, her tone is low and almost dangerous. Barbie is kind of hurt by it, because Maryse knew how Barbie felt when she cheated on Paul with Blake. This conversation has obviously taken a turn for the worst. Truth is that the two blondes were obviously bitter.

"I just don't get it." Barbie sighs, watching Blake get put into the Walls of Jericho. "We both dated him, but you and him can still be casual with each other and friendly. He waves at you, smiles, hugs you, talks to you. But it's always awkward between us. I feel so dumb."

"It takes time." Maryse sighs, honestly she didn't know why Blake didn't treat her and Barbie the same. The former diva looks at the screen and it's Blake with his stupid smirk as his hand gets raised by the ref. In that moment, her mind was racing with all the times Blake and her would hang out but obviously neither has ever mentioned it. Maryse looks at her, finally tearing herself away from Blake's presence on the television.

"I miss him so much, Ryse." Barbie mutters, tossing up her hands in defeat. "Sheldon's a great guy, but he's not Blake." Maryse sighs quietly to herself, she knows exactly what she meant and she wish she didn't.

"Were you guys talking about Blake?" Eve asks, unknowingly interrupting their conversation and taking a seat on a nearby chair. Maryse locked eyes with Barbie for a quick moment trying to think about what to say.

"Um, no. We were talking about Barbie's trip to the.. the lake." Maryse smiles.

"Oh, my bad. But have you guys heard about how he's planning to leave the company after 'Mania?" she asks. "Zack told me today while we were filming, he said Blake feels worn out." Maryse tries her best to act shocked, she knows. But she also knows that Blake was trying to keep it on the low. She fakes a gasp, but Barbie was obviously shocked. This wasn't going to end well.

"Who told Zack? Blake can't leave. I-I just...He can't, he's a huge part of this show." Barbie asks, throwing up her words. The diva sounded like she was choking.

"He said he overheard Blake talking about it with Phil when he was walking by." Eve responds. Maryse wanted to deny it, just so Eve thought it was false and hopefully wouldn't bring it up with everyone else.

"He would tell me. It's probably just a rumor." Barbie stammers, standing up for her seat. "I mean, I saw him at headquarters and he said he had contract negotiations."

"Maybe his negotiations went bad." Eve suggests, not noticing the tension in the room. Maryse kept quiet, hoping Barbie wouldn't ask her. She didn't want to lie to one of her closest friends. A knock at the door distracts all of them for a second.

"I'll get it." Eve offers being closest to the door. "Oh, it's Mike. He says he wants to beat traffic so you two can make it in time to his parents' for dinner." Eve tells after sticking her head back in the door.

"Okay." The French-Canadian grabs her bag next to her. She sends Barbie a look, "You okay?" The Florida native gives her nod, Maryse knows that's a lie, but she can't stay. What is she suppose to tell her boyfriend? "Alright, I'll see you soon. If not, I see you at 'Mania." She leans down and gives her a quick hug.


Barbie tries her best to show she's not affected by this so called, 'rumor'. She gives Maryse a light wave as she walks out the door. The former Divas' champion bites down on her bottom lip. "I'm gonna go grab a snack." She excuses herself and heads straight to the door. Her feet right now have a mind of their own and they are leading her somewhere she knows she shouldn't even consider going. Roars are heard from a good amount of the superstars, some even covering themselves up when she bursts into the men's locker room. Blake had to be in here, she overheard from a production assistant that a pipe burst in his locker room so he had to be in here showering after his match.

"What the hell?" Cody asks. A large portion of the rosters just stares at her blankly. She forgets that the men's locker room was sorta like their sanctuary. She ignores his question seeing Blake stare at her with a confused look on his face, as he runs a towel through his hair standing in nothing but jeans.

"Shut up, Cody." Blake says, whipping the second generation superstar with his towel. His blue eyes look at her questioningly. He points at himself, she nods. And he nods back. She watches him throw a hoodie on and places a hand on her back as he leads her out the door. She laughs quietly hearing all the hollering coming from the guys. "Is everything alright?" He asks after finding a empty hallway nearby.

"I need you to clear something up for me." She tells him, watching him lean against the wall. He nods at her once again. "I heard you were leaving." His eyebrows furrows immediately, wondering what she was talking about. "The company." He sighs, a weak half-smile appears on his face.

"It was on my mind." He shifts himself off the wall, now he was standing tall but his arms were crossed in front of him. "Where did you hear this from anyway?"

"Does it matter?" She scoffs at him. Her eyes scan him for a moment, she hates herself for not being able to hate him.

"I guess not. I knew that you would react this way." He sighs, running a hand over his hair.

"React in what way?"

"This way! You seem mad and sad at the same time and I don't know what to do with you."

"I'm acting this way cause I care, Blake! And you of all people should know that!" She hisses at him and immediately feels guilty afterwards. His face was like a sad puppy at the moment and she was the reason. "I'm sorry."

"No. It's fine. If anything I should be apologizing to you. Why would I get frustrated at you for giving a damn about me?" His voice is unrecognizable. She looks up into his eyes, knowing she loves him, hoping he still loves her but she knows he can't, and she feels her heart soar, then break, into a thousand tiny, invisible pieces. She kind of hates talking to him now, every time they pass the point of having small talk everything gets emotional and she feels weak. "Listen. I know near the end of our relationship, I fucked up. It's only natural to tell the people you're dating that you love them." He hesitates. "I think the reason why was that we started off with you cheating on your then boyfriend and I told you it didn't matter but it fucked with my head a little."

"I'm so sorry." She whispers, trying to hold back the tears.

"I really do love you, Barb." His smile is weak and very small, but it's there. It hurts him to know she thinks he never loved her. She doesn't miss the way he doesn't say it in the past tense.

"I know." It takes her a while to process it, but she finally accepts it. She's tired of always doubting that he did or did not, she feels incredibly silly now. A crew member walks by the empty hallway but neither cares about the stare they just got. The diva can't help but notice that they are pretty close up against each other, there's still a gap but it's a huge difference when they were both up against opposite sides of the hallway. Suddenly the awkward tension that's been surrounding them for months seem to have vanished and she's glad.

"For what it's worth, I'm not leaving. It was a thought, but Shane gave me six more months. Your family coming to 'Mania?" He's done talking about himself and is genuinely curious since it's happening in Florida this year.

"Yes. Mom, Dad, and hopefully my sister. Sheldon has a game unfortunately."

"I'm sure he wouldn't miss it. And Candice isn't coming. She's super busy with the tour, I don't get why she has to go promote bras but whatever." He shrugs with a laugh. "Are you pissed that you're in a tag match instead of a title match?"

"I'm just happy to be on the card." She smiles, she knows that divas weren't exactly known for their wrestling ability so she was just thankful that they let her in on the line up, even though it was going to be more about the publicity of her partner than skills.

"That's the spirit!" He holds her hand up for a high five. She smiles seeing his inner dork showing once again as she returns the high five.

This is the chapter before Wrestlemania 28 and let's just say I have a surprise in the waiting!