Come midweek, things had started to go fall back in line as some sort of normality returned to the students of SU... well, about as normal as things could be with them, anyway.

Zack and Bayley had sex, finally. It occurred at the most random point in their day when Zack's Econ professor called in sick and canceled class. Bayley hadn't heard Zack come home. The bubbly hugger was washing dishes when she was embraced from behind. She gasped, a mix of arousal and relief swimming through her body when Zack pulled her pajama bottoms down and swiftly made love to her from behind. Zack was happy, Bayley was thrilled (obviously), and the two celebrated their minor victory with lunch at Spicolli's.

Dean still hated going to therapy with Alexa. He'd been counting down the days until he had to visit Dr. Maddox, put on a fake smile, and talk about his feelings and other shit he didn't want to discuss. He woke up Wednesday morning for class, but he considered faking his death when he realized what day of the week it was. Ambrose still dragged himself out of bed though and proceeded to go about his day, his knee still giving him trouble like never before.


Charlotte wanted her day to be as problematic free as humanly possible following her run-in with Sonya the night before. Things had been about as normal as they could be when she woke up in her dorm, angry at the world, and hungover, wanting to just tell her ex-best friend that her girlfriend was a cheating, lying, piece of trash. Charlotte had half a mind to call Becky and tell her, but then she realized an important key fact: Was Becky any better than Sonya? Sure, it was Charlotte who initiated the affair at BPO, but Becky could've stopped her. Things could be more simple and less of a headache, but Charlotte just couldn't get the Irishwoman out of her head.

Charlotte was tired, thirsty, possibly dying from her intake of alcohol the night before, and still as attracted as ever to Becky goddamn Lynch. Something about the off-color carpeting underneath Charlotte's toes took her interest that morning... or maybe she was trying to think of something else that wasn't crushing Becky's lips with her own or crushing Sonya with a semi-tractor. The debate was still up in the air, but then Charlotte's phone buzzed with an alarm telling her she had a class in an hour.

Living alone meant Charlotte didn't have to pretend she wanted to be awake and throw on something halfway presentable to hide from her roommate. Then again, with the constant presence of asshole paparazzi lurking somewhere outside, it probably wasn't a good idea for Ric Flair's youngest daughter to walk around her apartment naked, but Charlotte also didn't like sleeping in pajamas if she could help it.

The first thing on Flair's agenda, that didn't involve a steamy shower and dragging herself to her morning Lit/Comp lecture, was breakfast. Charlotte thought about calling Dean and requesting a hangover cure that she heard so much about, but, even though they had long sing reconciled their problems, she knew Alexa was there and things just felt so awkward around the smaller woman. It was Charlotte's fault, to be fair, and she knew that, but it just wasn't going to feel normal for at least a long time. Instead of calling her ex's brother, Charlotte decided to shell a few dollars and go to Vega's for something greasy and oozing in carbohydrates.

Charlotte stared at herself in her bathroom mirror. A year ago, she was proud and full of so much zest she could very well conquer some small nations with a smile and some persuasion. Now, however, she seemed like a shell of her former self. Charlotte didn't recognize the blonde with tattered hair and bags under her eyes; She didn't know this woman who was distraught about her father's impending imprisonment or heartbroken over a girl. Her break-up with Roman had caused Charlotte to do some questionable things, but at least she had Becky to lean on. Now, with Sonya drawing the line in the sand very deep, she didn't really have a close friend she trusted enough to confide in.

"Get a fucking grip on yourself," Charlotte muttered, rolling her eyes at how pathetic she came off.

A girl, not even a guy. Charlotte Flair was hung up on the feelings of a girl. Sure, Becky was thinking about breaking things off with Sonya and choosing Charlotte, but what if that didn't happen? What if Sonya managed to change Becky's mind? What if Becky was in Race dormitories fucking that backstabbing bitch while Charlotte was feeling sorry for herself? The mere thought of Sonya fucking Becky was enough jet fuel to make Charlotte want to kill. Thinking about Becky's chest rising and sinking quickly as she gasped for breath and moaned in Gaelic and stared at Sonya with her big beautiful brown eyes... Charlotte sighed; Maybe today's shower was going to be ice-cold.

Charlotte parked her car outside Casa De Vega's. Following a swift middle finger directed at a car full of tabloid photographers that followed her through town, Flair stuffed her hands in her jacket and journeyed across the front lawn. Once inside, Charlotte felt a little bit of her dread lift off her shoulders. Something about the atmosphere and smell of grill grease mixed with salt and hot sauce made her a little less likely to lose her mind.

The house was packed; The restaurant was in the middle of a breakfast rush. Charlotte almost couldn't find an empty table or an open spot at the front counter, but then she spotted an open bench where a lone woman was sitting... a woman, much to Charlotte's vexation, who had blue hair and a Japenese comic book in her hand. Sighing heavily, since her only other option was standing around and waiting, Charlotte moved across the room towards her teammate.

Sasha Banks had been enjoying her breakfast alone. Spending most of her free time with Woods was fun, but the rowdiness of Sigma Nu was sometimes too much for Sasha to intake for more than a few hours at a time. During the Summer, she realized how much she missed having a moment to herself; And how much she missed reading manga comics, but that was just one of the perks of having a little alone time.

"Hey."

Sasha's eyes flickered behind her glasses from her book to probably one of the last people she wanted to see that wasn't Irish or screaming about kegstands.

Sasha sighed. "What?"

Charlotte gestured at the open spot across from Banks. "Mind if I join you?"

Sasha focused back on her book. "Free country, isn't it?"

Charlotte managed a light chuckle. "Yeah. I guess it is."

A waitress stopped at the table and took Charlotte's drink request; a simple cup of coffee with a glass of ice water. Sasha thanked the woman when she refilled her cup of orange juice.

If being around Alexa was awkward, then sitting across from Sasha should be grounds for some kind of global conflict. Just a minute ago, Sasha was noticeably enjoying herself. Now, it was apparent that she wanted to be anywhere but where she was right now.

Charlotte spoke up. "So, what do you think I should order?"

Sasha's eyes didn't leave her comic. "I don't care." She hissed, sounding very disinterested in keeping the conversation going.

Charlotte tapped the table with her fingertips; It wasn't meant to be annoying, but rather a nervous tick. Sasha beamed her glare directly at Flair.

"Do you mind?" Sasha snapped.

Charlotte pulled her hand back. "Sorry..." She glanced at the front cover of Sasha's book. "What are you reading?"

"Sailor Moon."

"What's that about?"

"Dunno."

Charlotte sat back in her seat. "Can you at least pretend to not be a jerk for five seconds?"

Sasha snapped her book shut. "Oh, honey, you have some nerve," she muttered, keeping her voice low to avoid drawing attention.

"I didn't sleep with Becky!" Charlotte exclaimed quietly. "Sasha, I didn't. We kissed after Formal. That was it."

"You really expect me to believe that?" Sasha asked. "I show up, you're running away like a chicken with its damn head cut off, and my ex is naked in my living room. Either you two did more than make out or you're a really shitty liar."

Charlotte sighed. "Fine. You wanna know what happened?"

"Not really." Sasha chuckled dryly.

Charlotte continued. "Too bad. I wanted to. I did, ok? I'm sorry that I did, but that's just what happened. But I stopped her before we did anything. It happened the night of Zack and Bayley's wedding too. I'm just-"

"When did they get married?" Sasha cut in.

"In July," Charlotte answered.

Sasha furrowed her brow, looking extremely hurt by the news. "I wasn't invited? What the fuck..."

"Bayley didn't want you and Becky fighting the whole time," Charlotte said.

"But Becky got to go?" Sasha asked.

"I guess she and Dean are best friends or something?" Charlotte shook her head. "It doesn't matter. I didn't sleep with Becky, ok? I couldn't..."

Sasha rolled her eyes. "I'm not stupid. You have or at least tried. Look, I don't care that you want to date women. But why did it have to be my ex? I thought we're supposed to have each other's back."

"We do," Charlotte insisted. "I consider you a sister, Sasha. I was super freaking proud of you when you made the starting line-up last year. I even tried hunting down that stupid bitch that had that shit written on your locker."

"It was Renee Young," Sasha revealed.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Becky says she found that out after she cheated on me with her..."

Charlotte shrugged. "You guys were on a br..." She suddenly stopped herself when Sasha's eyes widened. "Sorry. Whatever happened. It doesn't matter. I just broke up with Roman and I needed someone to help me out. I didn't want to fall in love with her. It just happened."

Sasha's brow slowly raised. "You're in love with her?"

Charlotte didn't even realize she had admitted that until Sasha said something. Charlotte tried to think of something to follow that up with, but stopped when the waitress returned for her food order.

Charlotte stuttered, completely unprepared. "Uh, I'll try the..."

Sasha sighed. "Try the Southwest skillet. It's really awesome. Can I have a few strips of bacon, please?"

Charlotte confirmed Sasha's request to the worker. Both girls waited for the woman to leave, before looking again at one another.

Sasha slowly shook her head. "I'm... Char, I'm not mad at you for liking girls. I couldn't care less about who you decide to love. But why did it have to be Becky?"

"Have you met her?" Charlotte chuckled.

Sasha tried to fight it, but she cracked a smile. "Yeah. A few times."

"Then you know how absolutely incredible she is," Charlotte said. "I know you two didn't end on the best terms, and I'm so fucking sorry things didn't work out. I was happy for you. I know you had your problems figuring out if you were gay or bi or whatever, but you guys were so happy together."

"We were," Sasha solemnly put, adding extra emphasis on 'were'. "Then Renee came around and... everything fell apart."

"Renee breaking you two up over a soccer position is complete bullshit," Charlotte said.

"You're telling me," Sasha mumbled.

Charlotte slid her hand over Sasha's. "I'm sorry. I really am. I don't want us to hate each other over this. I wouldn't hate you if you decided to go after Roman."

Sasha cocked an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Maybe a little."

Sasha tutted her tongue and shook her head. "Why is Becky turning every girl bi all of a sudden?"

"I'm not," Charlotte admitted. "I tried with one other girl, but..."

Sasha sighed. "Switched me over, unfortunately."

"Unfortunately?" Charlotte repeated.

"Almost got my dad in trouble with our church," Sasha talked, staring off into space as she told her story. "I, uh... had sex with a girl from my church group. I thought Woods would flip his shit, but he was pretty chill about it. My dad managed to convince our pastor that it was all a 'huge misunderstanding' and we were just really good friends."

"How'd the church find out?" Charlotte asked.

"One of the alter boys caught us kissing at the movies," Sasha revealed. "Fucking told his mom on us. Little asshole."

"Jeez," Charlotte muttered.

"Yep..." Sasha chuckled. "I'm kinda glad Woods still wants me around. I feel somewhat normal when I'm with him. Then I go to practice and you're standing there in your little black shorts..."

Charlotte laughed once. "Oh really?"

"Totally kidding," Sasha added with a snicker. "I just... I had such high hopes for me and Becky. I really thought I was going to marry her. I really did. I even told my parents I was gay. Then they met Woods and I'm pretty sure my dad's about to fall over from a heart attack if I do anything else insane."

"Being true to yourself isn't insane," Charlotte pointed out.

"To conservative Catholics, being bisexual might as well be being pregnant with Lucifer's baby," Sasha commented.

Charlotte's head dropped. "My dad's going to prison."

Sasha nodded. "I saw the news. I'm sorry, Charlotte. When's the trial?"

"Next week," Charlotte shook her head.

"Damn," Sasha sighed.

"Yeah," Charlotte returned. The constant struggle in her personal life, along with the fact that Ric may be on the way to jail, just felt like an elephant constantly stepping on Charlotte's brain.

Sasha nudged Charlotte's foot under the table. "You should be with Becky. You two would look great together."

"Really?" Charlotte questioned. "To me, it kinda sounds like you still have feelings for her."

"I do," Sasha admitted. "But there's no trust there. We could get back together in a month but I wouldn't be able to stay with her. She was the greatest thing to happen to me in a while, but it's over between us."

"You wouldn't mind sleeping with Sonya to break them up, would you?" Charlotte joked.

Sasha chuckled. "I don't think Sonya's the cheating type."

"You'd be surprised."

Sasha's jaw dropped. "Shut the fuck up. Are you serious?"

Charlotte nodded slowly. "I went back to Race to grab Becky's phone charger and... someone was getting very friendly with Sonya."

"Did you tell Becky?" Sasha asked.

Charlotte shook her head. "I can't. I told Becky I'd give her time to think about what she wants to do. If I tell her Sonya is a cheater, then she might think I'm trying to force her to decide already. I wanna rip Sonya's head off, but Becky would never speak to me again. Becky wants to be with me, but... Fuck. Why did I have to be in love with her?"

"She's a little goof," Sasha said, a gentle smile on her lips.

"The goofiest," Charlotte agreed. "The worst puns though."

"Oh, they're terrible," Sasha confirmed, baiting a chuckle from her teammate. "But everything else she does is perfect. Her cooking, her smile..."

"Her boobs..." Charlotte whispered. She cleared her throat. "Sorry. That was weird."

"You're not wrong though," Sasha said.

Charlotte rubbed her thumb over Sasha's knuckles. "Does this mean we're cool? It's going to be really weird when we win the national title this year and we're giving each other 'bitch face' in the team photo."

Sasha nodded with a smirk. "We're good, Flair. Just don't go trying to sleep with anyone else I've been with."

Charlotte snickered. "I'll try. Thanks, Sash."

Sasha bumped fists with Charlotte. Soon after, the waitress returned with Charlotte's hot plate of food and Sasha's order of bacon. The two teammates made small talk as they ate, but both inwardly appreciated that the hatchet had been buried between them.


Soon, it was time for football practice. Bayley and Tessa, like always, bundled together to battle the slight chill in the air while cheering on their boys. When Alexa wasn't focusing on leading her cheer team, she kept one eye on her fiancee. Like the last two days, Sandow again told Ambrose to sit out when he couldn't complete his warmups without straining himself. Dean was livid and ready to burn Stamford to the ground, but he kept it inside and took a seat; Alexa showed up a moment later to give Dean a fresh bag of ice and a quick peck on the cheek. Bliss knew Dean didn't like to be babied in front of the team, so she kept the interaction brief but made sure to whisper 'I love you' in Dean's ear the way he liked more than most things in life.

The last few days had been bugging Seth more than he let on. Schoolwork was fine, he was getting along with his friends, and Tay Conti had finally stopped her pursuit of him. The thing that was stuck in Seth's head was how distant Toni was now compared to a week ago. Back then, they'd joke with each other on the sideline and have friendly competitions about who was the better player; Toni would boldly claim she kicked Seth's ass and Seth would jokingly threaten to kick Toni's ass just for saying that. Now Storm wouldn't even give the time of day if Seth asked for it.

Storm's cold shoulder was enough to drive Rollins to do something stupid. And he did, unfortunately.

Rollins waited back longer than he normally would after practice to make sure he was one of the last few people heading for the locker room. When he descended the staircase to the basement hallway leading towards the team's locker room, instead of joining his brothers he turned left early and stepped into the handicapped bathroom.

Storm was in the middle of changing, preparing her things for a shower when Rollins unceremoniously barged in. For a moment, the look on Toni's face told Seth that he was mere moments from death. Then again, Rollins would probably want to kill him too if he was walked in on when he was standing there in spandex and a sports bra.

"The fuck are you doin'?!" Toni exclaimed, though it didn't sound as angry as Seth figured she'd be. To be honest, Seth expected to be shot the moment he walked in, but that hadn't happened... yet.

Seth set his shoulder pads and helmet on the floor. "I needed to talk to you. You don't wait around anymore, so this is the only way I can get two words in."

Storm shook her head but didn't say anything. She dropped her soap and towel back in her bag and sat on a bench; It was clear she wasn't getting in the shower anytime soon, thanks to Seth.

"What's going on?" Seth asked. He wished he thought of something better to say to address the situation, but his feelings had taken over before he could think logically.

Toni clenched her jaw, seemingly trying hard not to scream. Seth probably deserved that, but he wished he would know why before it happened.

"Did I..." Seth sighed. "Did I force you to kiss me after the party?"

Toni chuckled dryly. "Nah, Seth. I'da killed you if you did that."

Seth took that as a win, in a sort of backward way. Toni was a good friend and if he did cross a line, then he wouldn't be able to look at himself if she felt threatened by him.

"Did I make you feel uncomfortable at all?" Seth asked.

"Ya are now," Toni crossed her arms across her chest. "Ya walked in without knockin', Seth. That's a little fucked, yeah?"

Seth nodded. "Yeah, you're right. But I just had to talk to you. I want to know why you've been ignoring me. I thought we had fun the other day? I mean, the party was great and..."

Toni nodded slowly. "Yeah. Then I got home."

"Was it the kiss?" Seth questioned.

"Seth, I didn't come to SU to hook up with me teammates, alright?" Said Storm, who had lowered her arms but still kept her distance from Seth. "I like you. You're a great bloke. But I'm not gettin' involved with you."

This felt like AJ all over again, only this time Seth didn't fear being stabbed in the face at any given moment. But the pain in his chest currently was just as bad as a knife in the cornea could be.

Seth asked, "What did the coaches tell you?"

"That they were worried my focus wasn't on the team the way it should be," Storm explained, her voice still far from comfortable. "Apparently, my personal affairs shouldn't mix with professional, and I need to get my head on straight or there would be no place for me on the team."

"They told you that?" Seth sputtered in disbelief.

Toni nodded. "Because I let me guard down, the coaches think I'm trying to fuck my spot away. Literally."

"But..." Seth ran his fingers through his hair, trying to find the words to say. "We didn't. We wouldn't."

"You wanted to," Toni pointed out.

"So did you," Seth recalled.

Storm chuckled dryly, slowly shaking her head.

Seth raised his brow. "You still do."

"Maybe," Storm muttered. "Maybe I think it's shit that cheerleaders can be all over the team, but the second I like the shithead kick receiver..."

Seth couldn't help but smirk a little at that. "You like me? After, what, a week?"

"I should kill you," Toni murmured with a slight chortle.

Seth grinned. "I... don't know what to do about this."

"Nothin'," Toni stated bluntly.

Seth furrowed his brow. "Nothing?"

"We can't do nothin' about it," Toni went on like she had been practicing this in her head for quite some time. "I love playin' for this team. I can't throw it away because of stupid shit."

"I can keep a secret," Seth offered.

"No, Seth," Storm said, making sure to look Seth in the eye while she said this. "Go be with Tay. Christ, she's all about you. Just forget about me."

There it was. The few words Seth didn't want to hear today. Toni sat there, as still as a statue. Rollins knew she had to say this to keep herself from getting in more trouble with the coaches, but it still stung Seth that she said it.

Seth nodded stiffly. "Can we at least still, like, hang out? Get a beer and shoot the shit?"

"Of course," Toni assured. "You're still a brother, Seth."

"Tonight?" Seth offered. "Order in sushi and watch some wrestling? You like NXT?"

Storm shrugged. "I was never really a wrestling fan... but, yeah, that sounds great. Your place? Say, six?"

"Yeah, that's perfect," Seth paused, not really sure how to exit the room. The last time he said goodbye to Storm, he kissed her and she returned the gesture a moment later. And that got them to this awkward position they were in now. Furthermore, Seth hated feeling this way around his friend and teammate.

Without another word, Seth stepped out of the handicapped bathroom. He entered the locker room, expecting dirty looks or his coaches ready to pummel him, but no one had been the wiser when nothing was said to him or anyone had given him more than two seconds to say 'hey' or smack him on the back.

Rollins, thinking about beer, Toni, and cable TV, hurried to his locker to change and shower.


Having limited mobility in his knee wouldn't have been that much of a problem for Dean Ambrose, but he quickly realized a challenge awaited when he remembered Dr. Maddox's office was on the second floor. Gingerly taking each step with Alexa acting as a crutch, Ambrose managed to hobble to the landing just in time for their therapy appointment.

Aside from Dean's knee discomfort, today's session wasn't actually bad for once. Dean was still annoyed about a stranger learning about his personal life, but it was slightly more tolerable since all he really did the whole time was let Alexa talk about school and teaching; Dean loved watching Alexa talk about things she found interesting. The look of excitement on her face and the hint of joy in her voice made Dean smile.

Dr. Maddox scribbled a few notes down. "How are you two getting along? Sexually speaking."

Alexa scratched her fingernails over Dean's bum knee. "Maybe a few times a week," Alexa figured, trying not to blush when Dean snickered; They had a little 'fun' in Dean's highlander before heading to their appointment. "Depends on school or whatever we have going on," Alexa admitted.

"How about getting along personally?" Maddox asked. "Aside from sexual intercourse, what do you two do together that might aid in the strength of your partnership?"

Alexa looked to Dean as she answered. "We go to parties together all the time. Dean likes to walk in on ZBZ meetings just to see me. We make time for each other during the week. Not just sex, of course. If he has class, sometimes he'll bring me back some breakfast or we'll go out somewhere."

Dean sat forward, figuring he should give some effort in the session. "Our one-year anniversary is coming up this Friday. I'm taking her out for dinner and a movie."

Maddox nodded. "Wonderful. Congratulations. How would you describe the more difficult times? Let's say when you argue?"

Alexa said, "I don't think we really fought since May. We argue about some little things, but nothing huge."

"What do you argue about?" Maddox asked.

Alexa chuckled dryly. "Dirty dishes, using the laundry hamper, leaving his socks lay around. Typical couple stuff."

"How do those situations usually end?" Maddox questioned, while he jotted down his notes.

"Sex," Alexa and Dean answered at the same time. Alexa shared a brief laugh with her fiance, but they both quickly stopped when they realized Maddox hadn't stopped writing.

"Using sex as a problem solver can eventually cease to work," Maddox pointed out. "Couples who use sex as a compromise when arguing don't usually get to the bottom of why they argued in the first place. Alexa, when was the last time this week that Dean has upset you?"

"What the fuck?" Dean muttered. The sudden topic shift in Maddox's process was a little strange and caught Dean off-guard. Things were going alright, but now it felt like the doctor was just setting Dean and Alexa up to argue with each other.

Alexa found the sudden shift odd too. She cleared her throat, then began speaking. "He made a joke about me cheating on him again when AJ comes back."

"That was just a joke though," Dean stepped in. "Obviously I know she would never do that again. I'm just joking about it to make me feel better."

Maddox nodded. "You still feel upset about it?"

"Wait, n..." Dean switched his gaze from Maddox to his fiance. The look of hurt in Alexa's baby blues and her slight lip quiver sent a dagger of pain through his heart. Dean sighed. "I'm not angry about it like I used to be. Back when AJ was trying to steal you away, yeah, I was super pissed off. But like now, I have no doubt about us."

"You had doubts about us?" Alexa asked.

"Only when AJ was trying to take you away," Dean explained. "I swear, I don't think that way anymore. I just joke about it because I'm an asshole, Lex. You know I love you more than anything."

Maddox spoke up. "Would it be fair to say you use humor as a sort of way to cope with past trauma?"

"Yes!" Dean agreed. "I'm a real Chandler Bing! I just joke about it because it takes some of that stress off. It was stressful for both of us for different reasons; Alexa because she was trying to figure herself out, and me because I was worried AJ was taking her away. I'm not anymore. Not anymore. I swear."

"Alexa, how do you feel about that?" Maddox asked.

Alexa sighed. "I don't like the jokes about AJ. At all. I know that's your thing, but I don't like it, Dean."

"Ok, I can stop," Dean slid an arm around Alexa's shoulders. "I'm sorry. I had no idea that it bugged you that much. If you just tell me it's bothering you, I'll stop."

Alexa's eyes flickered up, locking with her fiance's. "It bothers me when you joke about me leaving you. I'm not going to do that. It also bothers me when I find your fucking socks in the bathtub."

Dean chuckled. "Ok. I'll stop with the AJ shit and double-check that my socks make it somewhere close to the laundry hamper."

Alexa leaned into her boyfriend for a hug, which Dean sealed by bringing his other arm around to gently squeeze Alexa. Dean kissed the tiny pixie on the crown of her head, then whispered sweet nothings in her ear that made Bliss giggle and lightly slap him on the shoulder.

"Before we end our session for this week, I want to try something that might help the two of you the next time you argue," Maddox said. "I want you two to name three things you love about each other. Whether it be Alexa's cooking or Dean's taste in music. It could be anything. Then the next time you two argue about socks or poor jokes, just remind yourself why you love the other person and things can heal much faster."

Alexa turned in her seat to face her beloved. Dean faced his girlfriend, chuckling a little when she took his hands in hers.

"What I love about you," Alexa spoke. "Your sense of humor, when it isn't about AJ; Your selflessness, and your chicken alfredo."

Dean grinned. "Does it have to be appropriate?" He asked the doctor.

"Preferably," Maddox answered.

"Ok," Dean chuckled. "I love your eyes. Blue's my second favorite color and I love how dark they get when we're together. Your hugs, as fucking gay as that makes me sound. And when we cuddle after you-know-what; I like how close you always want to be. Even though I'm a huge piece of shit."

Alexa, on the verge of tears, lifted herself for a hug. Dean placed a small kiss under Alexa's ear and held her close, inhaling her flowery perfume and just appreciating the fact that she still wanted to be around him as often as possible.

Maddox spoke up. "I'm glad we could end this session on a higher note than last time. Remember what we talked about. I really do recommend the exercise we practiced the next you feel upset with one another."

Dean and Alexa thanked their doctor for his time. Descending the staircase was a lot easier for Dean than trying to climb it; Alexa still stuck close to his side just in case his knee decided to give out. Dean opened the passenger's door for Alexa, earning a light kiss on the cheek for his efforts. But once Dean settled into his seat, Alexa climbed over the center console and smushed her lips against Dean's. Dean felt his heart skip a beat, because of how sudden and out of nowhere the kiss was and since they were still in the parking spot just outside Dr. Maddox's office, which meant almost anyone could spot them making out.

Dean grinned, his excitement on full display with his goofy smile. "What was that for?" He asked, giving his girl the least subtle once over he'd probably given anyone in his life.

Alexa lightly dragged her fingernails up and down Dean's forearm. "It really feels like we're getting better. Usually, I'm stressing about what I have to do when I get back to Poffo, but all I wanna do right now is get home and cuddle. It feels like that first couple of weeks we were together."

"Holy shit, we found that spark again?" Dean chuckled.

Alexa grinned, then nodded. "Yeah. I think so. I mean, it was never really gone..."

"Thank you, Disney," Dean commented, baiting a tiny giggle from his girlfriend.

"So," Alexa slid her fingers through Dean's. "What were the three things you love about me that weren't appropriate?"

Dean blinked. "Huh?"

"Before, when Dr. Maddox asked you to name three things you love about me, you asked if it had to be appropriate. So, what three things do you love about me that aren't appropriate for therapy?"

Dean chuckled. "Right. Uh, can it wait until we get back to Poffo?"

"Nope," Alexa insisted with a smile.

Dean shrugged. "It's kinda lame, actually."

"Tell me," Alexa pressed, pecking Dean on the corner of his mouth.

"Alright," Dean thought for a moment, then continued talking. "Uh, when you kiss me goodbye in the morning. You're like, half-asleep and miss a little but you're barely conscious and it's so adorable."

Alexa's cheeks tinted a light shade of pink. "What else?"

"That way you say 'I love you' when you're turned on," Dean chuckled under his breath. "It's hot and it makes me feel great. Not just in my pants either. I just like hearing you say you love me."

Alexa moved her lips next to Dean's ear. "I love you." She breathed, nibbling lightly on Dean's earlobe after she spoke.

"We are four seconds out of therapy," Dean said, causing Alexa to laugh and sit back in her seat. "How are you turned on when we were about to kill each other a minute ago?"

Alexa giggled. "I don't know. I've been thinking about going home and snuggling, but you never wanna just snuggle."

"Last time was your fault," Dean teased.

Alexa scoffed. "How was it my fault?"

"You kept rubbing your butt against my dick!" Dean accused.

"I was trying to get comfier," Alexa slowly shook her head. "Was that number three? My ass is your third favorite thing?"

Dean shook his head. "No. Your eyes."

"But you said that during the appointment," Alexa pointed out.

Dean shrugged. "Yeah, but not the same way. Like, when we're laying in bed and we just woke up. You look at me like I'm not a fucking bum and it makes me feel... wanted. Then they get this little sparkle when you laugh because I said some dumb shit. Then if I shoot my shot and kiss your neck or rub your legs, they get lighter cuz you're turned on. The way you look me in the eye while you're fooling around with me is fucking amazing. I don't know, it just is. Like, I've had a lot of girls touch my dick and call it a day. But when you do it, it's because you want me to know how much you love me. Even when we're drunk and just trying to get each other off. You give me a look like the only reason you're doing what you're doing is that you need me to know that you're not going anywhere and that you really love me."

Alexa fluttered her eyes, trying to blink away a few tears. "Holy shit, babe."

"Like I said: Lame," Dean muttered.

Alexa turned Dean's head back to face her, using her fingertips. Peering deep into his eyes, Alexa gently squeezed Dean's good knee. With a sharp exhale producing from Dean's lips, Alexa gradually slid her hand back and forth on the inside of Dean's leg.

"Yeah, like that," Dean whispered, looking his girl in the eye. "Your eyes are really fucking light right now."

"I know," Alexa cooed, keeping her voice light and breathy. "Maybe you should get us back home."

Dean gulped. "Y-yeah. Maybe I should."

Alexa reached over and turned the engine over. Dean blinked, unable to hide how much he wanted Alexa at that moment. He tried still, turning back in his seat to face the front windshield.

Alexa leaned into Dean again, bringing her lips against his ear. "Wanna know three things I love about you?"

Dean shuttered. "Are they appropriate?"

"No, daddy," Alexa hissed.

"Wow!" Dean exclaimed. "You are going to H-E-double-hockey-sticks, Alexa Bliss."

Alexa giggled lightly. "I know. You're coming with me, right?"

"Well, yeah," Dean chuckled. "I always cum, but I make sure you cum first."

Alexa rolled her eyes. "Very clever, babe."

"I'm a genius," Dean started to back out of his parking space. "So, what are your three favorite sinful things about me?"

Alexa slowly pecked Dean's cheek. "Your tongue."

"That's a given," Dean chuckled.

Alexa fluttered a hand over Dean's zipper, nearly causing him to swerve out of his lane.

"That's two," Dean groaned.

Alexa kissed Dean's neck, prompting Dean to moan under his breath.

"That," Alexa whispered.

"When I moan?" Dean questioned.

"The little noises you make when I do stuff," Alexa giggled.

"Wonderful," Dean tried to steer his car straight, but Alexa was making it difficult. "If you let me get us home alive, I promise we can do whatever you want. Just let me drive."

Alexa kissed Dean's cheek, then sat back in her seat. Dean moved his right hand from the steering wheel over to Alexa's left. Bliss, with a smile, wrapped her fingers around Dean's.

"Can we get supper first?" Alexa asked, dropping her sexy act.

"Oh thank God," Dean sighed, bringing out the smallest of giggles from his future bride. "I'm so fucking hungry, babe. Red Rooster's?"

Alexa nodded. "Yeah, actually. Chicken sounds great right now."

"Cool," Dean turned back into town. "Eat some chicken now and choke the chicken later."

Alexa cocked an eyebrow. "Bet that sounded better in your head."

"It did," Dean confirmed, smirking when Alexa laughed at his expense.


Anyone who has experienced guilt before knows the kind of weight it carries. Whether it be from a white lie or cheating on a significant other and keeping it from them, the ugly pain guilt brought did eventually break those who carried it.

Becky Lynch stirred what was her attempt at a homemade cheese sauce. She planned on making dinner for Sonya as a way to apologize for the previous night; She was nowhere near ready to reveal she'd cheated on her the night of Labor Day, but she would have to eventually.

Sonya had a late study group after soccer practice. Becky tried to say goodbye to her girlfriend before she took off, but Sonya hadn't returned Becky's declaration of love or stopped to kiss her like she normally would. Becky knew she fucked up, but at least Sonya didn't know about the bigger elephant in the room.

Becky poured her pan of cheese into a bigger pot with cooked macaroni noodles. Mac and cheese wasn't the most Italian thing in the world, but Becky figured sauce and noodles was as close as she could get with her limited talents in the kitchen. She washed her hands in the sink and was about to change out of her cheese-stained sweats but stopped when she heard the front door open.

"'Ello," Becky greeted the stern and confusion laced expression on Sonya's face. "I, erm... tried ta make dinner."

Sonya shrugged. "Cool. Not hungry."

Becky stepped in front of Sonya, blocking her from going into her bedroom. "Sonya, please. Can we jus' talk?"

Sonya frowned. "What's there to talk about, Bex? You don't want to consider my feelings and hang out with women who clearly want to fuck you. It's cool. I'm fine with it."

"Yer not," Becky pointed out.

"Nice of you to finally notice," Sonya sighed.

"I'll stop, ok?" Becky assured. "I wanted ta hang out with Dean an' those guys. I should've left when Charlotte showed up."

Sonya raised her brow. "You didn't go there with her? You went first and Charlotte showed up after?"

Becky nodded. "Yes. I should've left. I'm sorry, Sonya."

Sonya nodded slowly. "Ok. I'm sorry I caused a scene yesterday. They probably think I'm a psycho bitch, right?"

"A little," Becky admitted.

Sonya chuckled. "Awesome. Well, I guess I can taste test your food. What'd you make?"

"Cheese n' mac," Becky grinned sheepishly. "I tried makin' me own sauce."

"Oh boy," Sonya sighed, making Becky snicker. "Alright, I'm brave. I'll have some."

"Good. Maybe we can go out this Friday? Dinner can be on me?" Becky offered.

Sonya nodded. "Sure. That sounds awesome, babe."

Becky went in for a quick kiss. Sonya didn't flinch. Instead, she allowed Becky to kiss her and offered a smile after. Becky, only feeling the guilt push on her more, went about preparing portions for herself and Sonya. Lynch didn't even notice the bone-chilling glare Sonya was giving her behind her back, or the tight fists her hands were balled in at her sides.


Zack's day was mercifully coming to an end. School and football were wearing him out physically to the point that he didn't know how he was going to add "being a dad" to that list when the time came. He just hoped, when football wasn't a priority, he could rest a little bit before having to help with the twins or stay up all night writing a paper.

Zack parked his car in front of his house. Bayley waited for her husband to round the car and open the door for her. Zack had done it once when they first started dating as a kind gesture to get Bayley to like him, but now it was a daily thing he did just out of muscle memory. Still, Bayley smiled brightly and thanked her husband with a kiss for the small effort.

"Can we order pizza?" Bayley chirped, rubbing her belly. "I'm in the mood for stuffed crust and wings."

Zack smiled tiredly. "You are or the twins are?"

"Both," Bayley giggled. "Maybe I'm in the mood for 'other stuff' too. Maybe if it randomly happened again like this morning I would like it a lot."

Zack furrowed his brow, but his smile never wavered. "It's not random if you know I'm going to do it."

Bayley dropped her head. "Yeah, but maybe do it when I least expect it. Don't tell me, obviously. Just do it."

"Just do it?" Zack chuckled.

Bayley nodded once. "Yep. I'll go order dinner, m'kay? I think we have The Bachelor to catch up on, right?"

Zack sighed. "Unfortunately."

Bayley giggled and offered her husband a kiss. Zack patted Bayley's ass, which prompted the hugger to giggle and playfully push Zack away. Bayley led the way up the front walk to their half of the duplex. Zack followed close behind, his sleepy eyes locked on his wife's plump posterior.

"Hey, neighborino!" Just before Zack was safe inside his inner sanctum, Sammy, his neighbor, caught his attention with a slightly annoying greeting.

Zack nodded. "What's up, man? Keepin' it cool?"

Sammy snapped his fingers, pointing both indexes at Zack. "Oh for sure, bro. Just one quick thing: The boys and I are... kinda concerned about you and the Mrs."

Zack narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"Just that, uh, we can hear you two..." Sammy pushed his hands together. "...doin' it, ya know? It's throwin' off the flow a little."

"Yeah, I know the feeling," Zack replied, slightly annoyed. "Tryna to sleep with my wife when Young Thug starts serenading me is a little annoying too."

Sammy chuckled dryly. "I was tryna be cool, dude. No worries over here. Just, like, I dunno... Maybe do it when we're not home? If that's cool."

"Sure," Zack sighed. "Could you guys maybe not blast music at three AM when we're trying to sleep? I know you guys got this 'Inner Circle' thing or whatever, but Bay needs to sleep."

For maybe the first time in Zack's presence, Sammy frowned. "It's not a thing, man. We're trying to be a legit fraternity. That McMahon bitch won't help us out-"

"You don't go to her about it, man," Zack cut in. "It's a long process and you can't just declare yourselves as a thing. It takes a shitload of time and I'm pretty sure you need John Laurinaitis to pre-approve a lot of shit before you can."

Sammy expressed confusion. "John who?"

"Fuck me," Zack muttered. He spoke up. "Head of Student Affairs. He runs 'Greek Life' too, I think. Otherwise, just join one on campus, man. BPO is looking for recruits."

"Dude, fuck BPO," Sammy cursed. "They wouldn't let me rush because they said I didn't follow a certain 'etiquette', whatever the fuck that means. Fuck ZBZ too. I know that's a chick's sorority, but that Trish bitch last year wouldn't put out."

Zack chuckled to keep from possibly throwing the front door at Sammy. "My wife and I are part of BPO and ZBZ. I'll make sure to let the boys know about your bullshit fake fraternity over here."

Zack stepped into his house with a slam of the door. Bayley, who'd been oblivious to Zack's argument, jumped in her seat on the living room couch.

"Food's on the way," Bayley said. "Wh-why are you grumpy?"

"Our neighbors are assholes," Zack growled. "He just told me 'fuck BPO and ZBZ'."

"Why?" Bayley asked.

"Because he's an idiot," Zack plopped down next to his wife. "I don't know why, but that little jackass talking shit makes me so fucking pissed off."

"I love you," cooed Bayley as she scooted closer to her husband. "You're very handsome. You're the bestest husband in the whole wide world. You make the bestest bacon mac and cheese in the world."

"Thanks, babe," Zack sighed. "I think I'm just tired."

"You seem kinda grumpy still. Want a beer?" Bayley asked.

"Sure, but I can get it, babe," Zack said.

"I can get it, baby," Bayley insisted, pushing herself off the couch. "I'm pregnant, not physically handicapped."

Zack slumped further into the couch, covering his eyes with both hands. In hindsight, he probably overreacted a little with his neighbor. Sammy probably wasn't being a dick on purpose because of how he handled himself. Zack would know since he was literally a braggadocious dude-bro no less than a year prior. Maybe Zack could make amends with IC by purchasing a bottle of whiskey or some other kind of liquor since he could safely guess Sammy wasn't old enough to do it on his own just yet.

"Hey."

Zack uncovered his eyes. "Thanks, babe..." Zack's eyes widened, a smirk replacing his frown. Bayley, a sheepish smile stretched across her lips, held a cold bottle of beer in her right hand but her left arm covered her bare chest. Zack accepted the beer from his wife. "What's this?"

"Mrs. Ryder Booby Beer Delivery," Bayley chirped. "Helping hubbies who've had a long day since twenty-eighteen."

"I like this business," Zack scanned his eyes over his wife's body, smiling when his eyes saw the outstretched pouch in her belly.

Bayley checked her phone. "Our food will be here in thirty minutes. What should we do until then?"

Zack grinned as Bayley giggled. Bayley, her cheeks burning red, slowly pulled her right arm from her chest. Zack, quickly chugging down his beer, spread his arms to let his wife straddle his lap. With a quiet giggle from both halves, Zack and Bayley started aggressively attacking each other with kisses while Bayley wrestled Zack's shirt over his head.


Seth hadn't been paying that much attention to the time when a quick knock sounded at his door. He'd preoccupied himself with cleaning up the apartment a little and starting his homework. He'd been partway through an essay when Toni finally showed up. Seth admitted to himself she looked great. Storm dressed modestly, despite her exquisite figure and gorgeous looks, with a grey t-shirt, blue jeans, and a backward snapback that really only she could pull off.

"Sushi should be here soon," Seth mentioned, handing Toni her first beer. "I know I didn't ask which kind you like, but I got a little bit of everything."

Toni sipped at her bottle. "It's fine. I'm not picky in the least."

Seth nodded. "So, how's class going?"

"Shit," Storm volleyed, baiting a chuckle from Seth. "Is it possible to stay eligible without havin' to go to class?"

"I haven't figured it out yet, man," Seth said.

Toni took a look around the apartment. "Where's Adam?"

Seth shrugged. "Fuck if I know. He disappears a lot. No fucking idea where he runs off to."

"Dwelling in them sloppy seconds, I reckon," Toni guessed.

Seth cringed. "Yeah. When you said to go after Tay, I pictured Adam and her together. Thanks for that, by the way."

Toni grinned. "You're welcome, mate. Better than gettin' yer ass beat again though, eh?"

Seth shook his head, attempting to hide his smile. "You didn't kick my ass... again. You get so freaking lucky all the time."

"Oh do I?" Toni laughs. "Same with video games and everythin' else we do?"

"Name one other thing," Seth challenged.

Toni raised her beer. "Drinking. Yer a lightweight."

Seth was ready to launch into a rebuttal, but there came another knock at the door. Seth set his beer on the counter and pecked Toni on the cheek. It happens so quickly that Seth doesn't realize he's done it until he's facing the Kai En Tai delivery boy. Storm chews her bottom lip, seriously debating in her mind whether or not to leave before dinner is served. Seth is cautiously setting the food on the living room coffee table when Toni is ready to face him again.

Seth raises his hands at his sides. "Look, before you say anything, I didn't even think. I just did it. I'm sorry. I'll keep my distance, ok?"

Toni keeps her words silent as she stares back at her teammate. Seth peers back, wondering what's going through the kiwi's head; In all honesty, if roles were reversed, Seth would be thinking about punching him in the throat or possibly going for a knee in the groin.

Toni takes a step towards Rollins. Seth blinks, and the next thing he knows he's probing Toni's bottom lip with his tongue. Seth couldn't recall who made the first move, but he wasn't about to stop to ask either. Toni wasn't pulling back or standing away or trying to keep a space between herself and Seth. In fact, Toni was pushing herself into Seth so aggressively that Rollins almost fell over the back of the couch.

Maybe it was a spur of the moment thing; Suppressed feelings being brought out because Seth instinctively kissed Toni on the cheek without thinking. If that was the case, that moment was lasting a very long time. Toni stayed close, her emerald-green eyes squeezed shut as her tongue traced Seth's upper lip. Seth's hands were filled with Toni's plump ass; Rollins knew it was big, perfectly round, and the thing of fantasies, but actually feeling her body was a whole new level of amazing.

Had it stopped and started with some making out, Seth would've felt like the luckiest mother fucker on the planet; Storm was gorgeous and a fantastic kisser, so he had nothing to complain about if she shoved him back and decided to call it a day then and there. But it was clear something more was happening when, after Seth smacked Toni's ass and felt it ripple like the surface of a lake being hit with a pebble, she guided a hand to the front of his gym shorts. Seth moaned into Toni's kiss, which made the New Zealander break away from him for the first time to laugh at Seth's involuntary response.

"This ok?" Toni asked with a quiet giggle, rubbing the stiffening organ in Seth's shorts with the palm of her hand.

Seth nodded. "Are you ok? Like, you actually want this?"

Toni rolled her eyes. "No. I'm kissin' ya in your apartment because I want to be friends."

Seth started tugging on the hem of Toni's top. "Maybe we could..."

Just before Seth could get the words out, the lock on his door turned over. Toni shoved Seth back, making the young man tumble over the back of the couch and fall on the living room floor, just as Adam walked into the room with Roderick, Bobby, and Kyle following him.

Toni made an effort to look as casual as possible. She moved across the apartment like that was her intention before Adam and co. showed up.

"There you are," Toni said to Adam. "Seth and I were just wonderin' where you lot was."

Adam didn't seem any wiser to what may or may not have happened between his teammates a minute before he showed up. He seemed to be preoccupied with whatever was on his mind and most likely wasn't paying attention to Toni in the first place.

"We're about to head over to Roadie's," Adam revealed. "Stopped by to grab my charger."

"Cool," Toni looked over at Seth as he started to get back to his feet. "Erm, have fun. See you at practice tomorrow."

"Why are you acting weird?" Adam quizzed, his brow pressed together suspiciously.

Toni shrugged. "Just, uh... want you four to fuck off so I can enjoy my sushi."

Adam tutted his tongue with a grin. "Never mind. You're pretty normal. See you shit-heads later."

Toni and Seth waited for their four teammates to leave the room. When the front door shut, Seth realized he was holding his breath. He exhaled slowly, only looking at Toni when she glanced at him first.

"Uh..." Toni muttered, scratching her head.

"Sushi?" Seth suggested.

Toni looked to be unsure for a moment, but then she smirked. She nodded and joined Rollins in the living room. Seth noticed that Toni sat on the opposite couch as him, but he knew better than to bring it up. Seth quietly switched on the TV, then put all the sushi out on the table.

"Thanks," Toni said.

Seth nodded. "Yeah, no problem. That's what friends are for, right?"

"Right. Friends," Toni agreed.

Seth turned his focus on the TV and his food like he wasn't wondering what would've happened if Adam didn't walk in. Truth be told, because he felt he could guess that Toni was thinking the same thing, it was better off they were interrupted and things didn't get out of hand.