Perseverance

by Bob the Taco Thief

The 4 Horsewomen in the world of MMA: The story nobody asked for.

3. Chapter 5 & 6

Bayley/Becky

Becky's hand paused just inches from the solid brass handle that separated her from the promise of warmth and alcohol. The weight of the chip in her pocket and Bayley's words making her pause, "You're right. You probably shouldn't be saying that to me."

Bayley contemplated the disgraced former champion with a tiny frown on her face, "I guess we are both doing something we shouldn't."

"Shouldn't you be happy to get the exclusive? 'Lynch falls off the wagon' would probably get you more hits than whatever fluff piece Charlotte paid you for."

"Probably, and if I were a bit more mercenary I'd just step back and watch you go in there. But I'm not and I'm asking you to think about it," Bayley said earnestly. She'd known addiction from the outside, been close to addicts in the past, and she knew that if she let Becky Lynch do this without speaking up that no story would ever assuage her conscience.

The extra time to think made Becky drop her hand and sigh. Her knee flaring with pain and reminding her of how stupid she was being for allowing Charlotte's little lesson drive her to this point, "Fine. I'm thinking about it. Happy?"

Bayley pulled her coat more tightly around herself as she nodded and suggested: "It's a start, I know a good coffee place near here. I'll buy you a cup if you like?". In truth she only knew that there WAS a coffee place nearby, not if it was any good.

Becky slowly turned around, careful not to agitate her knee anymore than she already had. Giving the journalist a quick once over and noting that there seemed to be no deception within her. "Aren't you already energetic enough without the coffee? I might take you up on the offer just to see that." Deciding that if she was going to start somewhere, maybe a new friend wouldn't be the worst place. Finn's absence looming ever since their phone call.

Bayley snorted softly at this as she turned and beckoned for the Irish woman to follow her. As she did she tossed back over her shoulder: "How do you think I STAY this energetic?".

As they walked Bayley did her best not to study Lynch. She knew from first hand experience how raw the other woman's nerves would be right now. So instead, partly because she was still slightly buzzed and partly because it amused her, she tilted her head back as they walked and blew long streams of vapor into the night air. As she did, she made herself smile.

Each step towards the coffee shop sent fresh buzzes of pain through Becky's knee, but she stubbornly wouldn't allow it to show on her face. Shoving her hands deep into the warm pockets of her coat and tucking her chin in to conserve heat the best she could. Watching the brunette amuse herself out of the corner of her eye and shaking her head at the woman's enjoyment at something so mundane.

When they finally sat down in the tiny little coffee shop - walls lined with old magazine and newspaper articles on Charles Darwin and other famous figures from history- Becky couldn't help a groan of pleasure from escaping as the pressure on her knee disappeared and the pain filtered slowly away.

A hulking mass of a man strolled over to their table. His massive arms covered in tattoos. He quickly introduced himself as 'Dave' and took their order. Smiling politely and returning behind the counter to make their drinks.

Becky picked up a packet of artificial sweetener and picked at it with her nails. Not really sure how to start a conversation with the woman sitting across from her. Digging deep she tried to focus on what she had learned in rehab and the mandatory interpersonal interactions lessons, "Well you must have questions right? I mean you are doing a story on me. What better place to get info than the source?" Not the best, but at least she said something.

Bayley wasn't fully paying attention. She couldn't take eyes off the hulking man behind the counter. Turning back to Becky she said: "Maybe Charlotte should sign him?"

Becky was momentarily affronted. Turning her head to glance at the giant before returning to stare at the distracted woman, "So that's what Charlotte feels like when I ignore her." Shaking her head at the slightly odd way Bayley had been acting tonight, "Sure. I don't really give a shit who she signs."

Bayley had to bite down on a giggle before it escaped her mouth. Maybe she was more tipsy than she remembered. She quickly looked around hoping her coffee would be here soon. Noticing another wince from the other woman, Bayley lasered in on it asking: "How's the old hinge?"

Normally Becky would be upset that someone had called her out on the pain in her knee, but she was too tired to care and wasn't looking forward to another night of sleeping awkwardly after pushing herself too hard. "Feels a bit rusty. Just need to knock it off and it will be right as rain." Wanting so badly to believe in her words with as much confidence as she projected.

"Well it seems like it could have been a lot worse, I've seen you in ring again and you're moving almost as well as you were before the injury," Bayley offered, trying to be encouraging.

The words had the opposite effect as Becky was reminded of an old grudge she had never gotten over despite her best efforts to let go of unnecessary baggage. "You seemed to know a lot about me before my injury. Going to give me the same bullshit line or will give me the courtesy of telling me who stabbed me in the back?" The pack of sweetener crumbling in her fist as tiny grains escaped and fell through her fingers to the table below. Slowly accumulating on the table as she waited for Bayley's response.

This WAS enough to bring Bayley's mind further back into focus. It struck her just how similar dealing with Becky was to dealing with Sasha. Though she was far from stupid enough to bring this up. Sighing inwardly at the answer she had to give Bayley mentally prepared herself.

"If by 'bullshit line' you mean my refusal to give up confidential sources then, yes, I have to stand by that. There are certain things you just don't do in journalism and that is one of them. But I can say that I was just doing my job, just reporting, it was never personal," she said quietly.

Rationally, Becky knew that the vast majority of the world would side with Bayley but she couldn't shake the ugly reality that someone she had trusted had betrayed her to this woman. She saw Dave finally returning and welcomed the distraction. Using it to sneak in a last word, petty as it may be. "That's the thing you journalist types don't understand. For a fighter, it's all personal."

Bayley relaxed at this. She'd been expecting more of a tantrum and she felt as though she'd just skirted disaster. Knowing it was her turn to be gracious she said: "It has been a real privilege to watch you train Becky."

As Dave set their orders down in front of them and went off, Becky looked out the window and took a deep breath. Trying to fight the mistrust she had towards Bayley and accept the offered olive branch. "Some of your work is alright... I guess." Taking a quick sip of her coffee and recoiling at the taste, "Bleh. Didn't you say the coffee was good?" Already pouring in sugar to attempt and salvage the brown liquid.

Bayley sniffed tentatively at her own cup before taking a cautious sip and nearly spitting it out. Shuddering she admitted that: "I MAY have never been here before". Casting one look over at the giant behind the counter she added quietly: "But I'm not going to complain...I'll just write something on yelp later."

Becky chuckled. Unable to stop at how animated the brunette was and finding herself wondering what state of mind she was in. "I'm sure you will. Putting those journalist skills to good use I see." Taking a sip of her own drink that was now probably fifty percent sugar and deeming it a failure. Pushing it towards the middle of the table and abandoning the liquid. "So tell me; are your drunk right now, or are you always this much of a space cadet?"

Bayley was inwardly startled but did her best to hide it as she sat up a bit straighter and asked: "What...what...makes you ask that?"

Becky had originally been just joking and pulling the other woman's leg but her eyebrow raised at the response Bayley gave. "You are talking to an alcoholic. I think I might know a few things. Also your poker face could not be any worse."

Bayley opened her mouth to protest but then decided against it. Still, she felt she had to save face so she adopted a prim expression that was as good as a blinking sign reading 'I'm drunk'. Realizing this she too began trying to turn her cup of terrible coffee into a cup of terrible but sugary coffee. All while keeping her eyes resolutely on the table.

"I...only a little," she muttered.

For the first time in a while Becky actually experienced an emotion that wasn't on the more depressing spectrum. She snickered and felt some of the weight that normally pulled her down lighten just a tad. Her eyes took in the rosy cheeks and pursed lips across from her that in another life she might have found herself pursuing. Shaking the thought as soon as it entered. "Is it weird you admitting that makes me almost like you?"

"How so?" Bayley asked with a frown.

"I don't know. Guess it's just a little different seeing you as a real person." Shrugging as her way of saying she didn't want to go any deeper in her analysis.

"Ah…" Bayley said a knowing nod "...I was the 'enemy' before now?"

Becky shrugged again. Leaning back in her rickety wooden chair, "Something like that."

Bayley smiled at Becky and then, after shifting in her chair, said: "I do have a lot of things I want to ask you Becky. But, first I need to know if you're in any mood to answer questions tonight. If not, then no big deal, we're here as friends."

Becky's nonchalant uncaring act was certainly hard to keep up with someone like Bayley. Every negative assumption she had about the journalist slowly being proved false the longer she stayed around her. The chair creaked beneath her as she leaned back onto the back two legs. "I'm concerned over your choice in friends."

Bayley didn't answer beyond a raised eyebrow. She was finding that being back in 'professional mode' was cutting through her buzz. Or it was motor oil coffee.

Suddenly nervous and a bit jittery, Becky tapped her fingers on the table. Leaning in a little closer and rubbing the back of her neck. "So. Uhh… I've been out the game for a while. What do you talk about with your friends?"

Comprehension dawned in Bayley's mind and relaxed with a laugh. She thought for a moment and asked: "I mean...you must still have friends from before you were a fighter right? What do you talk about with them?"

"Not many people willing to talk to you after you've burned all the bridges I have. Used to talk about Pearl Jam with one of my pals back in Ireland. I don't suppose you are into Pearl Jam, are you?" Becky was reaching and she knew it, but truth be told fighting had taken over her life and hadn't left much room for anything outside -except the female conquests she used to relax. Everyone she considered a close friend had been somehow involved in her career and were currently back at CCS.

In response Bayley lifted both hands above the table in metal horns and declared: "Grunge will never die!"

The conversation flowed much better after they finally found an unexpected mutual point of interest.

The Irish woman finding herself enjoying the other woman's company far more than she was willing to let on. She peered down at her phone and saw that it had been almost an hour and a half since she had stormed out of the gym. A deep sigh left her as she was reminded of Charlotte and how close she had been to letting herself down and throwing away all the hard work it had taken to get another lease on life. "I should probably get going now. Don't want Charlotte to worry her little experiment went running off."

"Or her skinning me alive for being the one to kidnap her experiment," Bayley agreed with a grin as she stood. Both cups of coffee being left mostly untouched.

As Dave walked by to pick up their cups he dropped off the bill and left without another word. Becky saw Bayley move to pick it up and used her years of training to shoot her hand out and snatch the bit of paper before she could. "I got it." Figuring it was the least she could do to thank the other woman without actually revealing how much she appreciated being interrupted from entering the bar in hindsight.

Bayley studied the other woman for a moment before nodding silently, standing, and then asking: "You OK to make it back on your own?"

Becky had to admit that someone showing genuine concern for her felt good. Another feeling that hadn't happened to her too often lately. She looked down at the check and almost smiled - maybe sixty percent- "I think I can manage… Thanks." Letting the one word hang between them.

Bayley smiled again as she turned to leave adding: "Don't mention it...either thing." She then tried to make as elegant an exit as possible unfortunately she nearly tripped over a chair as she left, somewhat spoiling the effect.

"Don't go falling for me after one measly coffee date." Her smile cracking through a little bit more. Holding in laughter at the near stumble.

Becky

Becky cupped her hands beneath the cold water and threw it into her face. The intense icy cold helping make her mind stop spinning for just a moment.

Her hands reached down and gripped the side of the sink basin tightly.

She stared up into the mirror and saw, not the Irish Lass Kicker, but a still broken woman that had no idea what she was doing.

Becky had agreed to Ric's conditions at the time but now that some of those provisions were about to take place, she retroactively wanted to change the deal.

Her anxiety was spiking at the thought of having to go out there and actually teach a class.

Never in all her time at CCS had she taught. The world had revolved around her, and all of her team was focused on getting her ready for the next fight.

She hadn't wanted to teach, and no one had ever pushed her to.

Becky exited the tiny bathroom and made her way downstairs while quickly pulling her long hair into a loose ponytail.

When she opened the door, she froze and contemplated walking right back upstairs and claiming that she felt sick.

Word must have gotten out locally that she was teaching a class and the gym was full of more people than Becky had seen in her time there. Almost twenty individuals between of various ages and athletic states scattered around the room and waiting for her.

Unbidden, her immediate reaction was to go find a drink to calm her nerves.

Her eyes swept over the room and stayed on Bayley and Charlotte, who were engaged in a conversation on the other side of the gym.

Bayley noticed her first and smiled softly. Sending Becky, a small wave that the Irish woman reluctantly and unenthusiastically returned.

Becky noticed that Charlotte didn't waste any effort on any pleasantries. Just nodding at her and raising an eyebrow as if she had expected Becky to back out.

Becky wouldn't give her the satisfaction and smirked before ignoring the blonde and walking farther into the gym. Willing to try this whole teaching thing even if just to spite Charlotte and prove that she wasn't mud on the bottom of her always fashionable boots.

Becky

Becky had to admit that teaching a class wasn't the worst experience in her life.

She had no plan going in. Falling back onto all the old drills Finlay used to run her through and doing her best to imitate how he had explained things to her.

Ruby had been nice enough to offer her assistance until Becky got her feet underneath her.

Becky's pride had initially told her to deny the help, but she sucked it up and accepted the offer. Trying her best to put in a little effort to make things less uncomfortable between them.

The students seemed eager to learn from her and listened with rapt attention to her words.

Luckily this was just a more beginner level class so everyone there followed her instructions and Ruby barely had to do anything. Her presence used more for Becky to have another body to explain things with. Occasionally using Ruby as a partner to show off the next drill she was having the class go through.

The lesson was nearly over, and Becky noticed a young girl near the back that couldn't have been older than ten. Her brown hair pulled into a ponytail while her eyes shined with an intensity that she couldn't match physically. Wearing nn old and faded 'Irish Lass Kicker' shirt that Finn had insisted they make available for fans years ago.

She looked over to Ruby and asked, "Can you run everyone through a quick cooldown before we're done?" Walking over towards the young girl after Ruby gave her a quick nod in the affirmative.

The little girl seemed surprised as Becky walked towards her. Becky bent down on her good knee so that she didn't tower over the tiny girl who already appeared a little nervous. "Hey there. What's your name small fry?" Flashing what she hoped would be a calming smile towards the young girl.

Her bright hazel eyes looked up at Becky before staring a hole into the ground as she spoke. "Elizabeth. But my mom calls me Lizzie."

"I like it. Would you want to show me what you learned tonight Lizzie?" Trying her best to be encouraging and dull her sharp edges for this girl. Automatically wanting to shield the girl away from the harsh reality of who she really was.

It was an unsettling thing for Becky to see someone like Lizzie look up to her. On no level did she believe that she should be a role model for anyone. Let alone someone as young and innocent as her. Honestly, she was a little amazed that anyone could still think so highly of her and selfishly she kind of wanted to keep it that way. On some level it was easier to be despised since no one expected anything of you.

Now that Becky had a job here there were expectations of her once again and that terrified her.

She watched as Lizzie went through some of the drills and combos that they had worked on during class, and Becky felt an emotion that had been foreign to her for some time. Real pride at something she had done.

"That was really good. Let me show you one thing though."

Becky spent the next few minutes helping Lizzie smooth out a few kinks in her technique. Giving her advice that Finlay had instilled in her years ago.

"Perfect. That's exactly how you do it. I got to go end class now. Keep practicing and you can show me how much you've improved next class."

Lizzie's young face brightened at the words. "I will! You'll see. Thanks a lot Ms. Lynch. I won't let you down."

Becky's smile faltered just a tad. Trying not to let how much the girl's words affected her show. "I'm sure you won't." Offering her fist out for the girl to bump. "And you can call me Becky."

She got up and started to walk away from the girl so that she could officially end the class.

Her eyes felt drawn by some force towards the window to the office above. There standing in the window with her arms crossed staring down at Becky was Charlotte. It was hard to tell but for just a second Becky could swear that Charlotte had been looking at her with something close to respect. But it was gone so quickly she could have imagined it.

They locked eyes for a few seconds before Charlotte tilted her head ever so slightly before turning on her heel and lowering the blinds.

Becky smirked and tried her best to put the blonde to the back of her mind. Which was easier said than done.

Shaking her head Becky stepped to the front and ignored the way Ruby was looking at her. "It's funny. I think that was the first nice thing I've seen you do since you've been here."

Becky sneered at Ruby, but it lacked the normal rancor she had. "Don't mention it. Seriously don't mention it ever again."

Ruby just stopped herself from laughing at the Irish woman's tough act. "Whatever you say Irish."

Charlotte

"Again." Ruby directed.

Charlotte looked on the proceedings with a dispassionate stare from her spot in her office.

Taking a tiny break to relax from the endless list of tasks that only seemed to get longer as she checked more off.

Keen eyes analyzing the way Becky moved in the light drills she and Ruby were engaged in down in the gym.

In particular watching Becky maintain an orthodox stance, left leg out in front throughout entire time she observed.

It made sense that she would want to keep her right leg farther away from the opponent after the injury. Obvious to anyone who watched her move in the ring for more than a few minutes that the former champion didn't trust her knee anymore and that it still gave her problems.

She did a good job of hiding it, but an experienced eye could see the hesitation and unnatural flow to her lateral movement.

Charlotte had been around plenty of athletes and had seen the devastating mental aftermath of an injury. In particular with injuries to the knee.

Even once it healed the memories could create bad habits and Charlotte saw that happening in front of her eyes.

Her cool eyes watched for another minute as the same story played out. Becky maintaining an orthodox stance and getting out worked by Ruby's footwork. Her hesitation to switch stances hurting her ability to react to the opponent's angles and allowing herself to be tagged with shots that she could have avoided.

Unable to watch anymore of this without chiming in Charlotte crossed her arms over her freshly pressed white button up and strutted farther into the gym, "You do know that such a thing as Southpaw exists. Right?"

Becky took her eyes off Ruby for a second to glare at the blonde. Her ego still smarting from how the woman showed her up in the ring.

Said ego taking another shot when a speedy jab from Ruby landed on Becky's cheek and caused her to stumble back into the ropes, "Never take your eyes off your opponent while you're in the ring."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow when Becky remained silent. She could tell that internally she was fuming by the sort of basic novice advice you would tell someone in their first boxing practice ever but was impressed that she held the normal spew of vitriol back.

"Take a minute Becky. I have to talk to Ruby real quick."

"It's your gym. Do what you want." The redhead turning towards the corner and pulling up a bottle of water.

Charlotte sighed but had to admit that was about as civil as she could have expected Becky to act after their last interaction.

"What you need?" Ruby asked as she bent beneath the ring ropes and hopped down to the floor.

"Spar with her for a few minutes. Make her circle to her left and lead her into leg kicks. Keep hitting it until she switches stances."

Ruby looked at Charlotte in confusion "If you insist." Turning around and getting back into the ring.

"Ruby," Charlotte calmly recaptured her attention, "Don't go easy on her."

A nod in confirmation proceeded Ruby calling out to Becky, "Enough drilling for now, you up for a little sparring session Irish?"

Becky had been glancing sideways at Charlotte since she entered the room. Bristling with competitive fire at the unspoken challenge in Ruby's invitation. Puffing her chest out and putting on her best act with the new audience. "Always up for a good spar. Who are you bringing in?"

Charlotte was worried that her eyes would get stuck in the top of her head from how often she found herself rolling them at Becky's constant state of perpetual agitation personified.

Ruby didn't look amused at the verbal jab. Tapping her gloves together, "Cute. Get your guard up Irish." Her temper had been seriously tested by the woman throughout their sessions together and she looked forward to being able to touch her up a bit.

The heavily tattooed woman flicked out a jab before Becky could open her mouth again. Getting her attention and setting the pace and intensity of the sparring off the bat.

Becky wasn't one to back off when someone came at her a little harder during training. Biting down on her mouthpiece and meeting Ruby head on.

Charlotte crossed her arms and watched the two clash. Just as expected Becky dropped right back into her orthodox stance and Ruby followed her advice to a tee. Cutting off the ring and forcing the Irish woman to circle to her left.

She winced at the loud thump that filled the room when Ruby landed a heavy kick on Becky's left lead leg. The force from the kick amplified from Becky's own momentum, effectively running herself into Ruby's leg.

The same story played itself out for the next few minutes. Becky's frustration growing with every kick Ruby landed. Large welts already developing up and down the outside of her left leg.

Charlotte could see that she was already stepping a little gingerly. Her movement becoming more and more sloppy as she refused to switch stances.

A tiny but unignorable measure of disappointment filling her chest at every kick Ruby landed.

Becky was unable to hide a grimace after the latest kick. Growling under her breath as her left leg began to drag like a dead weight.

"ENOUGH!" Charlotte yelled. Four minutes of watching Becky make the same mistake over and over was more than enough. "Ruby take five."

Ruby nodded at the implied command and made her way over towards where Liv was hanging out on the other side of the gym. Not wanting to be near the weird energy that existed whenever Charlotte and Becky interacted.

Charlotte uncrossed her arms and sighed. Gracefully entering the ring and staring at the other occupant. "There a reason why you let Ruby chew up your leg like that?"

Becky avoided looking at Charlotte. Her lips wrapped around a water bottle as she retreated to the corner farthest from the other woman. Blatantly ignoring her question and remaining silent.

The only thing stopping Charlotte from giving in to her frustration was knowing that Becky was acting this way on purpose. Probably still upset after their last real interaction.

Truth be told she was too. She still wondered what had happened after the woman had left the gym that day. Remembering seeing her sneak back into the gym after disappearing for a few hours. She hadn't pressed since it didn't seem like the woman had fallen off the wagon. Her knee clearly bothering her but otherwise not displaying any overt signs of drunkenness.

Even though her father brought her in, Charlotte felt responsible for making sure his charity wasn't thrown away by this woman's recklessness. "I've watched your old fights." Continuing when she saw Becky tilt her head and briefly look in her direction before taking another long sip from her water, "If I'd known how much you regressed, I would have made my father throw you out of here the second you came in through those doors."

Charlotte could tell that got through. "Excuse me." Becky's voice low and dangerous as she dropped the water bottle over the ropes to the floor.

Standing her ground Charlotte doubled down. "You've regressed. You never were the best on your feet, but you knew enough to switch your stance and keep your opponent off balance."

Becky scoffed and looked away. Her irritation at the blonde visibly growing. "Do you ever get off your high horse? You land one lucky punch and now you think you know more that me. I've had gold around my waist sweetie, so you can just fuck right off."

Charlotte eye twitched at the flippant and demeaning way Becky addressed her. Forcing herself to stay calm since Becky clearly wouldn't hold herself in check. "Even someone who knew nothing about fighting could see that you don't trust your knee."

Becky glared at her. The comment hitting the nerve underneath it all.

"You won't last a minute against a decent opponent. They will see that weakness and exploit it worse than Ruby did just now."

Becky was fuming at how accurate Charlotte's words were but kept her mouth shut. Her confidence around the other woman failing her since getting embarrassingly dropped by the blonde while she wore a business outfit.

Charlotte tried a different tactic; seeing that she clearly wasn't getting through this way. "Maybe you should give up now. Save yourself the pain of failing in front of millions again, just because you can't get out of your own way."

Charlotte could see Becky muttering something under her breath but couldn't make out the words.

Becky was upset and wanted nothing more than to get another shot at wiping the holier than thou mask off her all too symmetrical and perfect looking face.

Her pride wouldn't allow her to let Charlotte drive her to the point where she nearly threw every step of progress away. She couldn't allow the blonde to have that power over her head.

Any further interaction was cut off when front door opened, and her father Ric walked in. Back from his business trip.

Charlotte glanced his way and caught his eyes. Nodding towards the man as she moved to get out of the ring. "Ruby will be back soon." Taking several steps away from the silently brooding woman before calling over her shoulder, "Figure your shit out."

Charlotte/Bayley

Charlotte eyes felt the strain of hours of work without any real break but she found it hard to stop. Rubbing circles into her temple as she tried to deal with everything the business threw her way the best she could. Not wanting her father to be burdened by a financially failing gym and see how bad things were.

She was startled from her thoughts when a soft but insistent knock sounded from her door. "Come in." Charlotte called out. Wondering who would possibly still be at the gym at this late of an hour. The clock on her desk showing that it was well past eight on a Friday night.

Pushing the door open Bayley stuck her head around the corner with an apologetic smile. "I got writing in the men's locker room and lost track of time, is everyone gone?" she asked,

"I would assume Ms. Lynch is probably brooding in her room, but beyond that; everyone left over an hour ago." Charlotte looked back down at the work in front of her and shook her head. "Wait… Did you say men's locker room? Why on earth were you writing in there?"

Bayley shrugged "I have yet to see a male fighter here."

Charlotte couldn't really say anything to that. "Touche. What can I do for you Bayley? I'm assuming you didn't come in here just to say hey."

Stepping into the room Bayley nodded at the chair in front of Charlotte's desk, receiving an answering nod she sat. It was her habit to slouch in chairs but seeing the rigidly upright way Flair held herself Bayley felt she had to sit a bit straighter. Coughing once to cover this Bayley got out her recorder and set it on the desk in between them.

Immediately Charlotte understood the implication and motioned for Bayley to continue. "Ask away." Knowing that she had to do her best to put on a good front for the business.

Bayley put on her professional mask of a friendly but unreadable smile and asked: "So you've had Becky Lynch in house for a few weeks now. How has the experience been? And have you two discussed a formal contract yet?"

Charlotte made sure to gather her thoughts before she replied. Well aware that anything said could come back to bite her and the gym in the ass. "It's been an interesting few weeks but I'm confident Ms. Lynch has been keeping herself on the right path. As for your second question; No. At least not in terms of her becoming an active fighter again. Though that is obviously on the table in the future."

Bayley kept it from her face but the answer surprised her. Not so much it's content, it was standard athlete/coach speak. But HOW it was being said, it was as though Charlotte had been working these answers for days and was now delivering them as lines. Still, she'd gotten an answer.

"Next question, how is Becky coming along back in the ring? I know what I've seen, but I'd like your perspective not only as the gym owner but a former fighter yourself?"

Charlotte had to bite her tongue as the first thoughts that came to her would likely come across poorly for Becky to the audience who read it. "She's progressing as you would expect. The knee injury was a massive blow and she hadn't been taking the best care of herself as is well documented. I still expect her to eventually make a full recovery physically. Mentally is where she will struggle. It's not easy coming back from an injury like that."

It was harder to keep the frown from her face this time as she heard Charlotte's mechanical delivery, but Bayley managed. Adjusting her position in the chair she asked: "Hypothetically, if Becky were to get back into fighting shape and IF you were to sign her would you have any future opponents in mind?"

"I'm not looking that far ahead right now. I'm going to take Lynch along one step at a time and we will make that decision when the time comes." Charlotte set her hands on the table in front of her and leaned back into her chair. Tired, but determined to not say anything that could put a target on her back or Lynch's for that matter, before she was ready.

Sighing, Bayley reached forward and turned off the recorder. She'd been interviewing people long enough to know the difference between coach speak and stonewalling. She didn't sense that Charlotte was being deliberately opaque, it was more likely she was just walking through a minefield of her own making.

Charlotte let out a deep sigh that she had made it through without any missteps. Looking over at Bayley and giving her a small relieved smile. "Got what you needed already?"

Bayley debated internally for a moment before deciding to be honest...ish. "Is something bothering you Charlotte?" she asked.

Charlotte narrowed her eyes and immediately went on the defensive. "Nothing's bothering me." Her foot tapping against the floor as she rocked back in the chair.

"I see…" Bayley said in a 'I don't believe but am not going to call you a liar to your face because I like you' tone. It was a lot to ask of two syllables, but she'd spent enough time around Sasha Banks to learn to make it work.

Charlotte sighed at Bayley's tone. Understanding that she wasn't getting away with her act right now. "If we are going to actually talk I'm going to need a beer. You want one? Ruby has some hidden around so that Becky can't find it." Offering the beer as an apology for her obviously unsatisfactory answers.

Bayley gave a fleeting thought to the question of if this actually fit under 'journalistic ethics' but decided it wasn't a big deal if she wasn't working. Putting a smile on her face she nodded and said "una cerveza por favor!"

Charlotte came back into her office with a six pack of Sam Adams Boston Lager. Appropriate given the scenario. She popped the top off of one and placed it carefully down onto a makeshift coaster. Pulling over a magazine to avoid any stains on her desk before opening one up for herself and taking a long swig from the neck. "You ever found yourself trapped with someone that constantly annoys you and makes you want to strangle them?"

Bayley didn't answer right away as she was still drinking from her went on for a few more seconds before she finally lowered the bottle with a gasp for air. Shaking her head quickly she looked over at Charlotte and said: "Yeah, I know the feeling."

Charlotte took another gulp from her beer and set it down before she drank the whole thing before they even started. Internally debating exactly how honest she should be. "Becky fucking Lynch is one of the most childish and frustrating people I have ever had to be around and I didn't even get a say in it. I love my dad but he basically has laid this wreck at my feet and said figure it out. Add on top of that the fact that he essentially bet the future of this gym on a loose cannon and you can see why I am in a constant state of bother." Finishing her rant by taking another sip of the hoppy beer and staring out the window.

Bayley couldn't help but she let out a sardonic bark of laughter at this that quickly devolved into a fit of the giggles.

Charlotte looked at Bayley with an exaggeratedly annoyed look. Trying her best to show that she was being serious but quickly failing and grimly smiling as the brunette continued to laugh. "I'm glad my suffering gives you some joy."

Holding up a hand as she regained some measure of composure Bayley managed to say: "I'm sorry...I'm sorry it's just…" here she has to stop to wipe a tear from her eye "...It's just, remember what I told you about Sasha and I?"

Charlotte finished her beer and opened the next. Raising a perfectly maintained eyebrow at the other woman. "Nothing is going on between us though. I fail to see the comparison." Stubbornly refusing to personally acknowledge what Bayley was hinting at.

Bayley raised her eyebrows until they were in danger of meeting her hairline but just said: "Well, in any case you could be describing Sasha with words like childish and frustrating."

Charlotte felt herself relax at Bayley's words but not really knowing why. The weight in her chest lightening as she responded easily, "I suppose fighting does attract a certain type of personality."

"Yes, I believe the technical term is 'pain in the ass'. Though what makes it worse is they never see themselves that way do they?" Bayley laughed.

"Of course not. They think it's endearing." Snorting as she shook her head. Her fingers idly drawing tiny patterns into the condensation on the side of her beer.

"So I have to ask: were Ruby and Liv as high maintenance in their job interviews as they are to interview for a story because...ugh," Bayley said before killing the remainder of her beer.

Charlotte chuckled at the description of her employees. "Probably more so. They've actually chilled out quite a bit since coming on if you'd believe it."

"Yeah…" Bayley muttered as she reached for another beer and opened it on the edge of Charlotte's desk with a slap of her palm "...they're a real riot."

"That's certainly one way to describe them. How has your story been going by the way? I'm sure Lynch has been her normal charming self for you as well." Charlotte said. Honestly interested in how the piece was coming since it could have such an effect on the gym.

"I feel like I didn't quite know what I was getting into when I came here to do it. I thought it might be a quick blog post or maybe a few and an interview. Now? I feel like I'm filing a major feature story. But it's been a lot of fun and a new challenge, I think with a bit of polish I could get the first part out real soon. And to answer your question she's been a delightful headache," Bayley finished with a grin. She took another long pull off her beer before adding: "And so have you!"

Charlotte was smiling along with Bayley until the last part. "Please. Don't compare me and her. I have an excuse for being difficult, she just is naturally."

"In a way that makes it more impressive, you're doing through hard work and effort what she just does on talent," Bayley teased as she finished her second beer. Second, in 'not enough' minutes she'd realize later.

The beer in her hand was a useful tool to buy Charlotte time. Taking a long drink before setting it down and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Point taken. I know I'm being difficult, but I'm in a horrible position. Right now this gym is mostly reliant on the charity of its legacy, and I can't afford to make any mistakes right now. Calling you here was a massive gamble for me."

Bayley frowned at this. She thought for a moment before asking: "How so? I'm nobody."

Charlotte looked at her incredulously, "Do you really not know?" Staring at Bayley in disbelief and chuckling while she finished her beer. "A story on Becky Lynch returning from disgrace will gain traction quickly. People love watching a trainwreck just as much as they love a good comeback and Lynch checks both boxes. For better or worse I've tied this gym's reputation to hers." Opening up another beer and setting it down in front of herself. "Your article will bring more eyes on her and the gym. I don't have any guarantees she won't fold under the pressure and leave me and my father in the shit."

"I'm still curious though, and I've been meaning to ask for awhile...why me? I was just coming off getting embarrassed in front of the whole MMA community. There would definitely have been other journalists who would have jumped at this," Bayley pressed.

Charlotte picked at the label of the beer. Scraping away tiny bits of the paper that had been peeling away. "Maybe my father isn't the only one who likes giving out second chances." Taking a long sip from her beer before continuing. "I also thought you might be a little desperate and willing to keep this secret for a while. Speaking of, when are you releasing something?"

Bayley thought about resenting the 'desperate' comment but decided that the truth was the truth. Taking a moment to think she said: "Well I need some more quotes, REAL, quotes from you but then I feel like I could have it done tonight. Might even be able to post later."

It may be just the beer, but Charlotte sighed and relented. "Fine. I'll play ball. What do you need from me. No more Belichick-isms, I promise."

"You would look fab in the hoody…" Bayley teased before turning her recorder back on "...you've had Becky Lynch around for a few weeks. Has that experience been challenging? Rewarding? Stressful? Some combination of them? And how advanced are you internal discussions about bringing her on as a fighter?"

Charlotte chucked under her breath but regained her composure and answered. "Would you hate me if I said all of the above? Lynch is having to work her way back up from the bottom. That's not easy and she can be more of a handful that I like." Taking a quick sip from her beer as she closed her eyes and was reminded of all the ways Becky Lynch had tested her patience so far. She quickly changed the subject. "As for your other question; I haven't yet broached the subject with her and I won't until I see her physically show some more positive signs that her knee is able to handle a full training camp."

Bayley pounced on this and asked: "So her knee is still not 100%?"

"Not as of yet. Our head trainer Liv was finally able to get her on a more regimented rehab schedule and has assured me that Lynch had been progressing better than she anticipated." Taking another sip from her beer before adding, "Maybe if she hadn't fought me so hard on the rehab she would be a little closer to normal by now." Letting a little of her bitterness at Becky's hardhead come out. Uncaring if the Irish woman would read it at present moment.

Bayley reached for another beer, looked up at Charlotte, and on receiving a nod opened it on the edge of the other woman's desk. Settling back in she thought for a moment and asked: "Is the injury itself healed? Is this issue mostly mental or is there still structural damage?"

"Liv assures me that the injury is healed, but the muscles around it atrophied from her not using them and not following through on her rehab after the surgery originally. Even though she will probably tell you no, I'm sure that she isn't mentally ready right now for anything close to a real fight."

"You were a fighter, give me your honest assessment, how far is she from being the same woman who once dominated the bantamweight division?"

Charlotte took a moment to think about her answer. Turning the bottle around as a way to kill time. "If you asked me today I would have to say I don't know if she will ever get back there. Banks is on another level right now and from what I've seen of Lynch here she would have a long road to get competitive and last a round."

Bayley grinned as she said: "I didn't bring up Sasha."

Charlotte shrugged. "The only way to get to the top right now is through Sasha. Right now, I don't want to see that fight. I don't want to see Becky go in there and get slaughtered before she's ready. If she comes back it will be slowly against an opponent that isn't on Banks' level."

Sitting a bit straighter Bayley asked the next, and hardest, question: "Any comment on the rumors that your father's gym is currently in the process of selling a near controlling stake to Bob Orton and his chain?"

The question burned through any buzz she had. "The only comment I will give is that my father started this gym and as long as I am here this gym will continue to run and operate under my control." Making it clear that she wouldn't give anything more. Her own mind running at high speed, wondering how the information had gotten out.

She knew it wasn't her so that left only one other source. Charlotte made a quick mental note to give Orton a call sometime in the very early morning.

Seeing some internal debate raging in the other woman Bayley said: "I'm a VERY good reporter Charlotte." But, not wanting to leave things on that note she added: "Don't worry, you didn't give me enough to make it worth including at this point."

Charlotte felt relieved, but still couldn't help wondering how Bayley had gotten the information. "Small graces I suppose. Maybe I should stop underestimating you." Trying to joke with the reporter to hide how shook she was.

Taking pity on the woman whom Bayley was beginning to see as a friend, despite the need for professional detachment, she reached out and turned off her recorder. Putting it back in her bag she said: "You can unclench now and, for what it's worth, I hope you keep the gym."

As soon as the recorder turned off Charlotte felt herself relax and lean back into her seat. She looked up at the ceiling and then looked around the walls. Lined with old fight posters and displaying the history of this gym with just a brief look. Her gaze settling on an old picture of Reid and Ric ringside after a fight. "Thanks… It means a lot."

Grabbing her bag and slinging it around her shoulders as she stood Bayley was pleased by how steady on her feet she was. Turning to look back at Charlotte she said: "I owe you for the beers, and I think I'll head back to my hotel and finish this up. I'll text you when I post it." with that she left.

Charlotte continued to sit in her office for another few minutes. The room illuminated by just a single lamp.

Finally she got back to her feet and swiftly chucked the finished beers into the recycling bin next to her desk. Not wanting to leave them lying around for herself to clean come morning.
She packed up the rest of her things and flicked the light off. Ready to go home and try to get some sleep before having to come back and deal with whatever comes tomorrow.

Bayley

Bayley was still riding the rush she always got when she posted a new story. It didn't matter how big or small the pieces was, she still got a thrill from sending it out into the world. It was even more special today because MMAyley had been doing nothing but reposting other site's reporting recently. She'd simply been too busy in Boston to do much writing.

Checking her phone she decided that she'd earned a little treat that evening. Grabbing her jacket she decided she'd indulge herself in a little tourist time. It was funny, she's been in Boston this whole time but she hadn't actually seen any of the sights. Hell, maybe she'd go to Cheers.

In the event, she took one look at the line to get into the famous bar and decided it wasn't worth it. She ended up having a plate of oysters in a small pub just off Boston Common. Oysters, and a few beers. Because of these, her head was pleasantly buzzing as she waited on the sidewalk for her rideshare. She was humming happily and bouncing her on her toes when she felt her phone buzz.

She debated for a second about looking at the message, she was having a good evening and she didn't really feel like talking with anyone. But, she reasoned, it might be work related and she couldn't really afford to turn anything down at the moment.

It took her longer than it usually would to dig her phone out of her pocket, the beers again. To her surprise, she saw that the message was from Sasha. Unlocking the screen she squinted down at the phone.

"Hey," was all the message said.

"Hey!" Bayley sent back, smiling to herself. She watched as her phone informed her that Sasha was writing her response.

"So how's Boston?" Sasha asked.

"It's a lot of fun, I almost went to Cheers tonight but it was crazy busy," Bayley responded enthusiastically, momentarily forgetting that she and Sasha had been arguing. She was reminded of the fact a moment later.

"Yeah, when did you find time from hanging out with your new best friend Becky FUCKING Lynch!"

Bayley physically recoiled as she read this message. But long practice had prepared her for Sasha's moods. Her friend's first reaction to anything was almost invariably her worst one, given time Sasha almost always calmed down and would feel bad about how she'd first acted. Almost always.

"I guess you read the story I posted?" Bayley sent back as she took a deep breath to calm her own anger. It never worked for her to try and meet Sasha head on if she did the fight would turn volcanic and linger for days.

"Fuck you,"

Having to close her eyes and take a few more cleansing breaths Bayley took a moment before sending: "Is there something wrong with me doing my job?"

"Screw you Bayley, you know what you did!"

"In a few hours when you've calmed down you'll realize how childish you're acting, when that happens you can text me and apologize and I might talk with you. Until then, good night," Bayley sent back angrily. Her good mood was entirely gone now.

"Fighters!" she grumbled to herself in exasperation.

Sasha

Sasha threw her phone at the wall hard enough that heard a cracking sound as it hit. Of course this, and subsequent crunching as it hit the floor just fed into her frustration. Clenching her fist she glared around her cavernous living room. She wanted to break something so badly at the moment that she seized one of her old fight posters off the wall and flung it with all her might.

The frame landed with a satisfying sound of breaking glass.

How DARE Bayley do this to her? If it wasn't for Sasha, Bayley would be a nobody typing away on some pissant little blog. Shit, she was still a nobody. She owed everything to Sasha and now she fucking runs off to suck up to Becky Lynch?

On a deeper level, Sasha was aware that she was being beyond childish. She knew she'd done more than enough to push Bayley away over their relationship and yet her friend had never given up on her. But knowing how petty and jealous she was being just made Sasha even angrier.

She was the fucking boss, she didn't get jealous. People were jealous of her!

Finding her anger had flared up again Sasha seized a vase of flowers off her counter and flung it at the place where the poster had landed. Then she kicked a stool so hard that it knocked over the entire row. Still fuming, she looked around for something else to break but then her eyes fell on her liquor cabinet.

Stomping over to it she flung the door open with enough force that it broke from one of its hinges. She didn't care. Yanking a bottle of Courvoisier out of the rack she opened it and drank directly from the bottle. One second passed and then another, and then another. When she finally had to come up for air she slammed the bottle down on the counter.

Her anger not diminished in the slightest, Sasha squeezed her eyes shut. Now she was angry at herself for the tears she felt forming there. This hadn't been how things were supposed to work out!

"Baby?" a voice suddenly asked from behind Sasha.

Spinning with a ferocious glare on her face, the bottle once again in her hand, Sasha found herself looking at Zelina. The woman who was, officially at least, her girlfriend. The woman who walked down red carpets with her, who she had her arm around in front of cameras, and who she let pleasure her.

And a woman with whom, Sasha suddenly knew to a certainty, she could never discuss what she was feeling.

Feeling tears again Sasha gave an inarticulate snarl and took another long drink from her bottle. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand she threw bottle aside as she continued to look at Zelina.

Sasha still felt like hitting something but she wouldn't. There was something else she could do to distract herself.

A week later Sasha was standing in the tunnel that would lead out to the octagon in Metro Radio Arena. She'd landed in London four days before and had spent the ensuing time chafing at the draconian restrictions Bobby had placed her under. She'd been confined to her hotel room when she wasn't training and been under a strict 9 pm curfew.

Sasha thought that, now that they were so close to the fight, she should have been allowed to rest and relax. Bobby hadn't, and he was a very hard man to argue with. Deep down, Sasha had to admit that he was probably right. Her version of 'relaxing' wasn't often that relaxing. But she would never admit this aloud.

"What's her combo?" Lashley asked her, for the hundredth time that day.

Sasha rolled her eyes and responded mechanically: "Jab, jab, hook, and knee."

"And what direction is she going to try to work you?"

"To my left," Sasha said, again sounding bored.

This was part of their pre-fight ritual and it had stood her in good stead in the past. But the truth was, it just wasn't necessary here. Sasha knew that she could beat Paige at 25%. She knew that Paige knew this as well. In fact, Sasha was pretty sure Bobby was the only person who didn't know this.

"Relax big man, I got this," Sasha said breezily. A moment later her eyes widened as Lashley took her by the shoulders.

"You DON'T got this? Do you understand? You don't got SHIT until your opponent is down and stays down!" her trainer insisted with narrowed eyes. For one instant, Sasha was her old self. She was the wide-eyed nervous girl who'd peppered him with hundreds of questions before each fight. Not because she didn't know the answers, but because she wanted his reassurance. But almost as soon as this moment started, it ended. She was the boss once again.

Shrugging angrily out of his grip she snapped at Lashley: "I said fucking relax, BOBBY". She turned to step through the curtain, where she could hear the crowd roaring before she stopped. It was on the tip of her tongue to turn and apologize. It was what Bayley would have told her to do. But this thought of Bayley simply made her angrier. Narrowing her eyes she looked back over her shoulder and said coldly: "Don't forget you work for ME."

Without waiting for his response she stepped through the curtain.

Her music was blaring as she held her arms out, embracing the whole arena. The crowd was almost universally hostile, this was Paige's home turf, but she didn't care. In fact, she liked things this way. Once she'd made it about halfway to the octagon she stopped and hit her 'boss pose' to a thunderous chorus of boos.

When she finally reached the ring she ascended two of the steps that led up to it before turning around. Holding her hands up to display her 'legit boss' rings she danced there for a moment before removing them and her 'boss' sunglasses and flinging them carelessly into the crowd. The crowd continued its hatred throughout.

When she finally did turn to face the cage she found Paige glaring at her. The British woman looked indignant and eager at the same time. Well, that wouldn't do at all, Sasha thought. Rather than step into the cage Sasha hopped down off the steps and began to prance around the perimeter of the octagon. As she went she continued to wave away the haters with occasional stops to pose and flip her hair.

"Oi! Get your fucking ass in here?" Paige shouted down at her from inside the cage when Sasha reached the far side of the octagon. She could barely make herself heard over the sound of the booing. Knowing that Paige wouldn't hear her response Sasha just waved her fingers dismissively at Paige and struck a few more poses.

Bayley

Sitting cross-legged on her hotel bed in Boston Bayley couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"What the hell are you doing Sasha?" she breathed as she watched her friend, if Sasha still was her friend, making an ass of herself in front of an international audience.

She continued to watch as though she were seeing a slow motion car wreck. Sasha was sashaying around the octagon now, wiggling her fingers at the furious crowd. When she reached the tables where the media were watching she sat casually on one and gave the man sitting there a wink and an air kiss.

At this point, the crowd was getting so nasty that Bayley was beginning to wonder if Sasha was safe. Fortunately, her trainer, Bobby Lashley, hurried over and pointed an insistent finger at the ring steps. To Bayley's surprise, she could see Sasha having a heated but short argument with the man before she finally made her way into the cage. As she did she flicked away the haters once more before finally turning her attention onto her opponent.

Letting out an anxious sigh Bayley settled back in for the fight.

Sasha

Sasha had visibly let her attention wander while the official had briefed Paige and herself. She knew the rules, and it didn't matter much anyway.

"Touch gloves ladies," the official said. Paige, glowering, nevertheless extended her fist. Sasha, looking down at it bemusedly before turning very slowly and strutting toward her corner. She answered the loud booing that greeted this with a casual wave. When she reached her corner she looked expectantly down at Lashley. To her annoyance, he just stared at her.

"What are you doing Sasha?" he asked. His tone wasn't angry or frustrated, but sad. Sasha glared at him.

"Give me my fucking mouth guard," she snapped at him. He continued to look at her gravely before he complied. Turning back around Sasha pounded her fists together and waited for the bell.

It rang.

Ordinarily, it was Sasha's practice to circle an opponent at the beginning of a fight. Paige would know this too, so Sasha didn't. She advanced brazenly toward Paige showing no fear. Paige's eyes widened briefly at this but she recovered quickly and marched forward to meet Sasha.

Paige's first punch came from far to Sasha's left and was easily avoided. Sasha dodged the second just as easily. After ducking under the third Sasha came up fast and delivered a stinging open slap across Paige's face that sent the British woman staggering.

Sasha knew that she wouldn't be able to make herself understood around her mouthguard so she didn't speak as Paige straightened. Instead, she gave the woman a leer before she raised a middle finger to her opponent. Paige's eyes flashed and she attacked.

Sasha grinned.

Bayley

Bayley couldn't believe what she was watching.

She'd intended to have her computer open and to be making a start on her story about the fight as it proceeded. She found she couldn't tear her eyes from the screen. Not because of the quality of the fight, which was abysmal. But because she was seeing something she'd never seen before in a professional fight.

Sasha wasn't fighting, she was playing.

Bayley could see it. Everyone watching could see it. She had to believe that it was readily apparent to the crowd at the event. And given all these things, she couldn't imagine how Paige was feeling.

The fighter from Britain was talented, Bayley had no doubt of this, but she was well out of her depth here. Sasha was the bantamweight champion of the world, Paige was an up and comer. In a few years, this might have been a legitimate fight. As it was, it was an execution.

But an execution that Sasha seemed to have no intention of hurrying.

Bayley watched as Sasha easily avoided several strikes from Paige and then folded the other woman over with a vicious kick to the midsection. Paige did her best to retreat but Sasha shot her leg out from under her and drove her down to the mat. But rather than attempt to mount Paige, submit her, or even control her Sasha simply put a palm on the other woman's face and used it as leverage to post herself up off the mat.

Bayley was looking in horrified fascination when she was started by her phone buzzing beside her. Automatically she reached for it and saw that it was a text message from Mojo.

"What the hell are we watching?" it read. Bayley had to re-read this several times to make the words register. She was that stunned.

"I have no idea," she sent back.

"What is Banks thinking? Have you spoken to her?"

"No, not recently," Bayley sent back. This was literally true, Sasha hadn't even texted again after their exchange about Bayley's Becky story. This didn't mean Sasha hadn't been on Bayley's mind but Mo didn't need to know that.

"You want to come on to talk about this tomorrow?"

Bayley bit her lip. It wasn't as though she didn't have thoughts about what was happening on her screen. She had many of them. But none of them were complimentary to Sasha and, unreasonably, Bayley still shrunk from the idea of hurting her friend's feelings. This thought annoyed her though, why was she working so hard to placate Sasha?

"I'll get back to you," was all she sent back as Sasha revealed her latest stunt.

Sasha

Sasha was grinning as she had Paige in position for a textbook rear naked choke. But she didn't apply it. Instead, she used one hand to muss the other woman's hair before shoving her away.

By this point in the fight, the crowd was so angry that it was beyond shouting. Sasha had come in here and wasn't even taking their hometown girl seriously She was just toying with Paige and she was enjoying herself.

For the fourth or fifth time in the fight, Sasha let Paige out of a situation in which she could easily have won the fight. Taking a few steps back she made sure that Paige was looking at her before she once again hit her boss pose.

Paige was almost weeping in frustration at this point. She was a proud woman who was not only being beaten but being beaten without any apparent effort. No matter what she did she couldn't seem to get at Sasha. And when she tried to go on the defensive Sasha tore through her guard contemptuously. Only the ringing of the bell saved her from more humiliation in the third round.

Making her way back to her corner with a grin on her face Sasha took her seat and waited. There wasn't really any need to tend to her, she hadn't taken any real damage. She didn't receive any kind of advice either. Quite apart from not needing it, Lashley seemed to have washed his hands of the proceedings.

This darkened Sasha's mood as she watched her trainer stand off to one side, with a disappointed look on his face. Lashley had been her trainer and, if she was honest, her mentor for a long time. His lack of support was hurting her more than she would ever admit, especially because she thought she'd earned it. This, on top of her recent fall out with Bayley, suddenly tuned Sasha's playfulness into a rage.

When the referee called them out of their corners Sasha didn't waste any time. Paige opened the round with an attempt to shoot Sasha's legs. But the British woman seemed to be moving oh so slowly. Sasha easily avoided the attack and when Paige regained her feet Sasha uncorked her offense.

What followed was not a competitive event, it was a beating. Sasha was widely considered one of the best pure strikers in the MMA world. She rained punches, kicks, elbows, forearms, and knees down on Paige in a withering barrage of pain. By the time she'd finished the British woman was only barely cognizant of where she was. A moment later Sasha's lightning fast left roundhouse kick flashed up and collided with meteoric force against the side of Paige's face.

Unconsciousness was instant. Concussion? Inevitable.

When the referee finally called for the bell Sasha waited, stewing angrily but doing her best to appear bored. It was only when Brawl For All's in-ring interviewer, Goose Cook, approached her that she snapped from her reverie.

"Sasha, congrats on a truly dominant win tonight. I have to ask the question that will be on everyone's minds, what do you think of the reaction you're getting from this sold-out crowd and could you comment on some of your tactics tonight?"

Sasha schooled her features into a sweet smile as she answered: "Yeah, it was nice to make a trip to London. It's too bad I had to waste my time here tonight but oh well, the clubs are still open. As for my 'tactics' I don't know what you're talking about?"

Goose's professional mask never shifted but some of his consternation came through in his voice as he said: "Well, for example, your decision to let Paige out of several situations where it seemed like you had the fight won. There were also your decisions to taunt your opponent during the fight-"

Sasha cut Goose off here as she said: "You keep saying 'fight', what the hell are you talking about?"

"The fight you were just in,"

"I didn't see a fight. I saw a little girl out here playing make believe that she was a fighter. So as long as she was doing that I figured I might as well have some fun too," Sasha snapped.

"So, not a lot of respect for your opponent then?" Goose prompted her.

Bayley

"Oh god…" Bayley said to herself as she watched Goose ask the question.

Goose was undoubtedly very good at his job. He was expert at remaining professional but still making sure to ask the questions that needed to be asked in the limited time he had. It was a real skill and Bayley admired him greatly. But tonight, she found herself wishing he was a little less good at his job.

"I'll give respect my 'opponent' when I have one, Goose! Tonight I had a little girl wasting my *bleep* time. That's all I've had for a long time! When this division finally gives me someone who can fight the Boss then I'll show them respect," Sasha responded hotly before spinning on her heel and exiting the cage.

Bayley didn't want to watch anymore. It was hard to watch someone who, at times, Bayley was convinced that she loved, doing these things. But, she was a journalist. There wouldn't be another topic in the world of MMA tomorrow or in the coming days and weeks besides Sasha Banks. She needed to be up on it.

"And there goes my story," she muttered to herself as she pulled her laptop to herself.

Sasha

A few minutes later, as Sasha was having her hands unwrapped, she was glowering as Lashley glared angrily at her.

"Well, that was a great use of our time," he said tersely. Sasha didn't answer but just looked down at the floor of the locker room. Lashley waited for a response but when he didn't get one he asked: "Well? You got anything to say Sasha?"

Sasha was silent for a few moments longer before, without looking up, she said: "I don't HAVE to say anything to you."

"No, after the shit you pulled out there I think you really do HAVE to tell us what the hell you were thinking?" Lashley answered hotly.

Sitting back in her chair with her hands now free, Sasha smirked and said: "Well you thought wrong didn't you."

"Seriously? After everything we've been through you're gonna do me like that?"

"Look, BOBBY, in case you forgot or something you work for ME. I don't OWE you shit once I've paid you! You're LUCKY to be able to say you train me! You'd be a fucking nobody with me!" Sasha shouted.

"Oh, you think what you just did out there was a favor to me? To Teddy? You think that it's going to be good for ANY of our reputations?" Lashley asked dryly.

"You think I give a fuck?" Sasha demanded.

"No, I don't. And I think THAT is a problem. Because the Sasha I first met DID give a fuck. She wasn't a walking publicity stunt. She cared about being the best and STAYING the best," Lashley answered.

"I AM the god damn best. And don't act like YOU did that! MY TALENT did this! So why don't you just shut the fuck up and get out of here before you piss me off any more than you already have!" Sasha shouted.

Bobby, to her frustration, didn't shout back. He just looked very sad as he asked quietly: "What are you doing Sasha?"

This response, so wounding to Sasha herself, just fed her temper. First Bayley and now Bobby, no one even tried to understand her anymore. Everyone just wanted things from her. Well, she wasn't going to take that any longer. Not from anyone.

Standing, Sasha shoved her trainer in the chest. In a man the size of Lashley, this didn't have any appreciable effect but Sasha followed it up by saying: "You know, fuck you, you're fired! Get the hell out of here!"

Lashley didn't even blink at this. He folded his arms and turned to look at Teddy, who was, in fact, his employer. But before her manager could speak Sasha shouted again.

"Don't look at him! I said GET THE FUCK OUT!"

Lashley continued to stare at Teddy who sighed, hesitated, look at Sasha and then said: "You heard the lady playa."

"OK," was all Lashley said. He didn't sound angry or even disappointed. He just retrieved his bag and turned to walk slowly out of the room. Sasha was already regretting her rash decision but her temper was preventing her from doing what she should have. Snatching a roll of tape from her bag she flung at him, striking the wall to his right.

"Enjoy being a nobody again!" she snapped.

Without turning around Bobby said: "Best of luck Sasha, I hope you find yourself again". Then he was gone. Fuming, mostly at herself, Sasha stood and paced angrily around the locker room. Teddy didn't speak as she did this, which was probably wise. After a few minutes, she turned and glared at her manager.

"Did you get that thing for me?" she demanded.

"Yeah playa, it's right here," Teddy said as he pointed to a bag.

Becky

She didn't know what had possessed her to watch the highlights of Sasha's fight.

She didn't want to be reminded of the woman who stole her belt and her career but couldn't stop herself. Always a glutton for punishment it seems.

The highlight video was about four minutes long, but after just over a minute Becky slammed the laptop lid closed.

An odd assortment of emotions swirling inside of her as she watched Sasha dismantle and humiliate the younger and clearly out of her depth Paige.

As she watched Sasha move so smoothly and easily around the other woman Becky couldn't help but be reminded of Charlotte's words. Her point frustratingly clear when faced with watching an athlete in their prime dominate her opponent.

A new fire lit beneath her Becky looked at the clock and saw that it was nearly midnight.

Which meant that the gym should be completely empty and free for her to use.

She grabbed the bag of gym clothes she had ready by the door and sped out. Making a beeline for the stairway that led downstairs.

Just a few minutes later and Becky was already making her way inside the ring.

With just her taped fists and the silence of the gym she let herself simply stand in the ring.

The echoes of the crowd in her memories filling the space as she tried to remember what it felt like to feel on top of the world.

It felt like a lifetime ago when she had been in the same position as Sasha was right now. That sort of invincible aura that wraps you up and keeps you warm at night after proving that you are undoubtedly the best.

The rush that came from a victory always came with its downside.

It was sort of an unspoken truth amongst fighters. The reality that comes crashing back down after a fight.

Usually the glow from a victory lasts about a week. The calls slow down and the world moves on. Onto the next fight and your victory becomes a distant memory.

It's an easy time to become depressed and a lot of fighters have a hard time handling the time away from the spotlight.

For however long you are in the cage it feels like the entire world is focused on you.

When you win the feeling of elation is indescribable to any who haven't experienced it.

Becky remembers the feeling well. People would come up to her after her successful fights and congratulate her. Often times asking her how happy she was about the result and she was always too tired and proud to tell them the truth.

Hiding behind her schtick and projecting a sort of unbreakable confidence was easier than being honest.

Honesty would require her explaining how there was never any happiness for her after victory. Only relief that it was all over.

How that relief was short lived. And that when all the lights went away and Becky sat alone in her locker room with only her closest and most trusted allies that she wept.

Months of hard work; early mornings and late nights, all the bland food and permanent state of soreness in her body all culminated in minutes. Minutes that would define you until the next time you stepped in the cage.

The suffering that was training for a championship level MMA fight was undeniable and unavoidable if you wanted to be the best in the world.

Finn and Dave knew better than to bother her in those quiet moments when she allowed herself to just feel overwhelmed by everything. At most laying a knowing hand on her shoulder for a moment before going out into the hall and sitting outside the door to stop others from entering until she was finished and pulled together enough to be back in public.

Walking out of the room without a hint of the woman who had been sobbing just minutes ago. Her mask back in place as she prepared to go out to drink and or fuck till she couldn't think.

In some ways looking at Sasha right now was like looking in a mirror to her own past, and she didn't like what she saw.

Taking one last deep breath Becky rolled her neck and settled into a southpaw stance. Slowly and carefully starting to move to her right.

Her pulse was beating fast as she planted on her right leg. Each time she placed her foot down half expecting some sort of immediate explosion of pain from the surgically repaired ligaments.

Becky saw images of Sasha moving effortlessly around Paige and gritted her teeth against stiffness in her knee that came from lack of use. Not having been keeping up with her rehab as well as she should; much to Liv's annoyance.

The tiny woman had given her an ultimatum. Either do the rehab right in front of Liv from here on out, or she would tell Charlotte and let the blonde oversee her rehab.

Needless to say Becky choose the former and had kept to her word. Finding Liv after lunch everyday and going through all the exercises with her seemed to be an infinitely better option that whatever Charlotte would have in store for her.

In her mind's eye she saw the images of Sasha taunting Paige. Only now all of the taunts and humiliation was directed at Becky.

Unconsciously speeding up her movement despite the warning signs that she was pushing herself a little too hard.

She began to incorporate some shadow boxing into her movement. Imagining that Sasha was across from her and easily dodging all her attacks.

"Is that all you got?" Sasha would say.

Becky was breathing heavily as she fought against a ghost from her past. Caught up in the emotion and not thinking about her leg. For a while she was moving like she used to. Ducking and dodging imaginary counter attacks.

She tried to push off her right leg to cut a quick angle but a lightning bolt of pain shot through her knee and she crashed to the ground. Crying out and grabbing at her right knee with both of her shaking hands.

The phantom memory of pain from over a year ago making her pulse skyrocket. Sweat on her brow dripping down to the mat below and staining the canvas momentarily before it dried away with barely a trace.

For a few seconds her head had immediately went back to that night and she felt as if it was happening all over again.

Becky took several deep breaths and regained some control. The pain in her knee fading away to a level she could deal with.

She grabbed the ropes and pulled herself back to her feet. Testing out her knee and while it was sore and overworked, she luckily hadn't re-injured it.

With a deep sigh of resignation and defeat Becky rolled out of the ring and hobbled back to the locker room for a long cold shower.

Walking away from the ghosts she left in the ring.

They would be there waiting for her tomorrow.

Bayley

Bayley would have sworn that Sasha couldn't do any more damage to her reputation than she already had in the fight. She would have been wrong.

Sasha's post-fight presser had been more of the same but at an even higher pitch. If Sasha had been insufferable and obnoxious before and during the fight, then she was positively loathsome afterward. Bayley almost wished she could believe her friend was drunk, that might offer her a feeble excuse for Sasha's behavior. But she knew Sasha and knew what she was like when drunk, this wasn't that. This was angry and self-destructive Sasha.

No, that wasn't right, Bayley thought. This wasn't Sasha at all, this was 'The Boss'. Maybe Sasha, the woman Bayley had known, wasn't even around anymore.

Bayley forced herself to watch every second of it. By now it had nothing to do with work, she had more than enough to go on. No, now it was just she felt she somehow deserved this. This was how Bayley worked, she never blamed others if she could blame herself.

She kept wondering if she could have done something different. Maybe if she'd agreed to become Sasha's 'fighter girlfriend' she could have done something to keep Sasha more stable. Maybe she could have been a positive influence in her life. She would never know now, all she did know was that it seemed 'the Boss' had won.

Bayley was making a hesitant start on her story when something on the TV caught her attention. It looked as though the presser was wrapping up but Sasha seemed to have one more stunt in mind. She was standing up behind the table, flashing her rings as usual, but then she looked off camera and beckoned to someone. A moment later Zelina Vega, Sasha's girlfriend, appeared.

Bayley pressed her lips together as she watched. She knew that she should probably hate the other woman, for a long time she had been sleeping with Bayley's de facto girlfriend. But, as she's reflected before, Bayley had been the one that wouldn't allow her and Sasha's relationship to be official. So she felt like she didn't have much room for jealousy.

She didn't 'like' Zelina however and she was fairly certain she had good and honest reasons to do so. From what she'd seen and heard of the other woman Zelina seemed shallow and demanding. And it took someone who was transcendentally gifted in both to seem that way next to Sasha Banks. It also didn't help that Zelina was a stunning woman who made Bayley feel self-conscious about her side pony and jeans based style.

She was so lost in these reflections that she almost missed what happened next. It was the motion on the TV that caught her eye. Sasha had turned to face Zelina and taking her hand before, suddenly, dropping to one knee.

"What the shit?" Bayley breathed as she watched.

"Zelina Vega, will you marry me?" the Sasha on the TV asked with a smug smile on her face.

---

Bayley

"You alright?" Mojo Rawley asked over the phone. Bayley took a moment to answer, making sure her voice would be steady before she did so.

"Yeah, I'm fine Mo, I just can't make it on today. I'm really sorry," she answered.

She really meant this last part, she knew what kind of a bind this would put her friend in. Mo would have been promoting her appearing on the show for a few days now and Bayley was canceling last minute.

"Alright, just take care of yourself," Mojo said finally. Bayley pressed her lips together and closed her eyes at this. Was it that obvious that something was bothering her? She'd been trying so hard to speak normally, and she'd thought she'd been succeeding.

"I will, I'll make it up to you Mo. I promise," she said before hanging up.

Almost as though she just used her last drop of energy in doing so she collapsed backward onto her hotel bed and stared blankly at the ceiling. She'd been doing a lot of this lately. Ever since Sasha's big 'announcement' at her post-fight press conference as a matter of fact. Ever since...ever since Bayley's life had been turned upside down.

The fact that this had happened at all was a source of extreme annoyance to her. Yet another negative emotion for her to parse through. She was annoyed because she knew that she was being unfair, to herself and to Sasha in a way. Bayley had been the one who had kept them officially separate, had insisted on it in fact. This being the case there was always the possibility that Sasha might move on but somehow this knowledge didn't help.

Bayley and Sasha had been some kind of thing for so long that she'd guessed she'd just unconsciously assumed they always would be. If she analyzed this further she had to concede that what this really meant was that, on some level, she'd always assumed they'd end up together. That Sasha would, someday, mellow and that she and Bayley would be able to take a crack at something like a normal relationship.

Bayley had never checked with Sasha on this, never bothered to ask her erstwhile friend if she felt the same way. She told herself now that this would have been pointless. Quite apart from the fact that Sasha was now engaged, she also could guess what sort of reaction she would have gotten to it. She told herself these things, and they didn't help.

For almost the first time in her life, Bayley was heartbroken.

It wasn't that she'd never gone through a breakup before. She'd had her share, some more acrimonious than others. But she'd never felt this before. All her relationships that hadn't involved Sasha had never really been serious. When they'd ended she'd been sad for a few days but her naturally cheerful nature had quickly reasserted itself.

Somehow she sensed this wouldn't be the case here.

The night of Sasha's last fight Bayley had watched, stunned, as Sasha had dropped to one knee in front of Zelina Vega at her post-fight press conference. She'd continued to look on in horrified silence as Zelina had, in a scene almost directly out of any bad RomCom, covered her mouth with both hands with eyes as wide as dinner plates. Eventually, she'd squealed 'yes' before leaping into Sasha's arms.

Bayley had almost thrown the remote through the TV.

Unbidden she'd dealt with a surge ugly jealousy as this had happened. With shaking hand she'd carefully set her laptop aside, returned to her bed, withdrawn a pillow, and proceeded to silently punch it until her arms were burning. SIlently because she knew if she so much as opened her mouth she'd start screaming. Not something she could do as someone who lived in a hotel at the moment.

When she'd finally dropped back onto the bed she'd buried her face in it. She wouldn't cry, she refused to that night. She'd forced herself to simply...feel. She'd wanted to rage at Sasha, Zelina Vega, and the universe in general. But she wouldn't. She wouldn't think of Zelina as a whore, she wouldn't blame Sasha for being difficult, she wouldn't do any of it.

Why?

Because she'd done this to herself.

Not intentionally, but she'd done it. How she had to live with it.

She'd reached that realization a few days ago and since then she'd been drifting around in a funk. Or rather, she'd moped around her hotel room in a funk. She'd simply not shown up at Flair's gym the day after. When Charlotte's called she'd plead illness and, sensing that the other woman didn't fully believe this, had quickly hung up.

One of the many downsides to this situation was that she'd been left with nothing to do but brood and eat her feelings. Looking around at the empty food boxes in her room provided ample evidence that she'd been doing this at least. Unfortunately salt and sugar hadn't been able to blot out her problems. Neither had visits to the hotel bar.

It was more than her tangle of feelings over Sasha and her engagement. Bayley had a practical problem. Money.

Bayley had done moderately well out the success from . At least she no longer had to wait tables and deliver food on the side to support herself. She still did occasionally anyway because...money, but now it was just a bonus. But it might soon become an absolute necessity again.

Bayley had been living completely on her savings since she'd arrived here in Boston. She wasn't staying in a 5-star hotel but her room still wasn't cheap, and that wasn't including the other basics of life. The nature of her job meant that even if her most recent story took off in a major way, she wouldn't immediately realize any kind of financial reward.

Her situation was now a question of if her savings would last long enough for her to finish this story. But when would it be finished? That was harder to define.

Charlotte hadn't ever specifically defined what she saw as the 'end game' for her relationship with Bayley. Beyond a vague sense that she'd have to clear out if/when Lynch got back to the pros, Bayley didn't know either. This issue was complicated by the fact that she had a real liking for both women, despite some of their rougher edges. That, and not wanting to go back home yet regardless of money. California would mean memories, and she wasn't ready to deal with them yet.

Deciding on the tried and true strategy of ignoring one's problems, Bayley rolled off her bed and checked her phone. She hadn't been back to the Gym in two days. If she wasn't going to hemorrhage money here she might as well be working. She was given a moment's pause by the thought of the looks and questions she might have to deal with when she arrived but she pushed these aside. She'd sulked enough, time to be a big girl.

Tugging on her coat and grabbing her bag, Bayley strode out of her hotel room.

Charlotte/Bayley

Charlotte prided herself on being acutely aware of everything around her. She liked to think of herself as the Queen of the castle that was this gym.

As soon as Bayley had skulked in a little after one in the afternoon - far later than normal for her - Charlotte knew her assumptions about why the brunette had called in sick this week were probably correct.

From the moment she saw the montage of Sasha's 'best moments of the weekend' Charlotte had an inkling that Bayley wouldn't take so kindly to her antics. Regardless of their current relationship status.

She had tried several times throughout the afternoon to catch the reporter's eye and spark a conversation, but the brunette had always seemed to be deep in some sort of work.

As it neared the end of the day Charlotte decided that she wasn't going to allow the woman to ignore her - purposefully or not - any longer.

Bayley had done her best to be her usual self today. She really had. But that mask had felt unusually heavy. She'd been at the gym for several hours finding some small refuge in her professional study of Lynch in the ring. Now that the Irish woman was clearing out for the gyms night classes all Bayley wanted to do was go back to her hotel room.

A few hours of staring at the ceiling sounded just fine.

Slinging her bag over her shoulder she walked past her usual 'office' (what she'd taken to calling the chronically vacant men's locker room) and had beelined for the door. Only to be intercepted.

Charlotte barely caught sight of the bouncing ponytail as it whisked past her towards the front door. She was determined not to allow Bayley to get away without at least a quick talk and used her significantly longer stride to make up the distance and reach her before she was able to reach the doors. "Hey, Bayley. Feeling better today?"

Hearing the familiar voice behind her Bayley froze, standing more rigidly than she usually did. Closing her eyes and feeling like an employee who had tried to leave at 4:15 on a Friday she took a moment to school her features into something like her usual cheerful expression before turning.

"Hi, Charlotte! Yeah, I'm feeling much better thanks! Just trying to get a jump on the next article," she said. Even as she did she knew she'd WAY overdone the performance. Inwardly kicking herself it took all her strength of will to keep her smile plastered on her face.

Charlotte crossed her arms across her chest and gave Bayley a perplexed look. Taking a deep breath and quickly looking around the rapidly emptying gym. Noting how Becky had been looking in their direction only to quickly avert her eyes and return to her task of stacking mats against the wall when as soon as she was caught.

"That's good. Well if you want to get a jump on your next article I have a few things I'd love to discuss with you. In private." Charlotte made sure to emphasize the last words so that Bayley would know that she didn't intend to only talk about business matters.

The last words sounded in Bayley's ears like the tolling of a bell. She'd know that there was a possibility this could come up ever since she'd told Charlotte about her relationship with Sasha. But given what had happened in London she'd felt it had become nearly inevitable. She held a furious and rapid internal debate with herself for a few moments. Did she even want to have this conversation?

Realizing she'd been quiet for too long her smile became much weaker but more authentic as she asked: "I suppose it's too late for me to cough now and pretend like I'm still feeling sick?"

"You'd be correct." Charlotte gave Bayley no quarter. Fixing her with a stern no-nonsense glare.

Still wearing her weak smile Bayley's shoulder slumped and she waved a hand toward the stairs at the back of the gym saying: "Lead the way."

In a rare display for Charlotte, she opened the door to her office and let Bayley enter first. Closing the door behind them and flipping the deadbolt locked.

She walked past her desk and took a key out of her pocket. Pushing it inside the keyhole for the bottom drawer of her filing cabinet and opening it to pull out a case of still chilly beer.

Charlotte saw the look the brunette gave her as she brought the case over and shrugged. "Got 'em from Ruby again. We owe her by the way. Figured you might need one after last weekend."

Bayley didn't speak for a time, trying her best to keep up her facade. She picked at the hem of her coat for a while before she muttered: "Thanks, Charlotte."

It was easy to see how out of it Bayley was. Her normal energetic self was miles from the tired zombie-like woman that sat in front of Charlotte currently.

Having thought ahead this time Charlotte had been smart enough to bring a bottle opener and quickly popped the tops off two beers and slid one across the desk towards the other woman. "Do you want to talk about it or just sit here in silence and continue being miserable?"

The corner of Bayley's lip twitched, though she wasn't sure that 'quivered' wasn't the right term, as she answered: "Well, you locked the door and you're bigger than me so can I actually pick the silent misery?"

"No. You've left me to deal with Lynch for two days by myself. I have no patience left to give. So just make this easier on both of us and start talking, Ace." Charlotte took a long sip from her beer to give Bayley plenty of time to start talking.

Bayley stalled for time by reaching for her own beer and, ostentatiously ignoring the bottle opener, once again used the edge of Charlotte's desk. She could see the small nicks accumulating where she'd been doing this and this tiny act of petulant rebellion did make her feel better for...a millisecond. Sighing she asked: "Tell me honestly, in my position would YOU want to be talking about this?"

Charlotte mulled it over. "Probably not. But I'd want a friend there who was willing to try and help." Trying to get Bayley to feel a little more comfortable. Keenly aware of how tense she was behind the slowly decaying facade she still put on. "Even if it hurts to talk."

"Loca gringa…" Bayley muttered into her beer before taking an unusually long pull from her beer. When she came up for air she shook her head and something inside her gave way then. "What is there to say? The woman who I think I might have loved but kept at arm's length of my own free will is now engaged to a preening little twit. And quite possibly engaged only out of a fit of petulance caused by my being here. You think that sums it up well?" she burst out bitterly before taking refuge in her beer once more.

Charlotte pulled the beer up in front of her mouth not to drink from but to hide the smile curling on her lips. Unfortunately, it did nothing to stop the sound of her laughter from bubbling up. She could see Bayley beginning to give her a look but waved her off and set the beer back down. "I'm not laughing at your situation. It's just, I've never really heard you speak with so much anger in your voice." Another tiny bubble of unwanted laughter came up and Charlotte quickly drained her beer to stifle any further noise. "It comes across more cute than intimidating."

"Caramba gracias," Bayley muttered as she opened a second beer. She stared into it for before gave a bitter chuckle and asked: "Would you believe you're not the first, second, tenth, or twentieth person to tell me that?"

The next bottle of beer was open in a flash and Charlotte held onto it while she answered: "Well maybe we all have a point." Quickly draining half the bottle as she reflected on the stressful last two days of dealing with Lynch and not having Bayley to bitch to at least once or twice through the day. "You might not have been the only one who needed this by the way."

"Sasha was of the opinion that me being angry is like watching 'a muppet have a tantrum'," Bayley said bitterly as she killed her second beer. "Puta…" she muttered before the second half of what Charlotte had said finally registered with her. Some of her natural kindness and concern reasserted itself as she asked: "What's been going on?"

Charlotte had been chuckling at the muppet line but was unprepared to talk about herself despite bringing it up. She quickly drained the rest of her beer after she saw Bayley do the same. "Lynch. Do I need to say more? The woman continues to not listen to anything I say and I have to fight every urge in me to not just slap some sense into her." The blonde opened another beer and nearly finished it in one. "Stubborn idiot just tries to do everything on her own even though I'm the one putting my reputation on the line here."

Grateful for any excuse to NOT be talking about Sasha, Bayley seized on this saying: "You know I probably shouldn't be admitting this, as a journalist, but I like Becky and I like you. So I feel like what I SHOULD be saying is how you're both delightful and that you'll get along fine. But...in all honesty what you're telling me is not at all surprising."

The faint noise of people filtering into the gym below made it into the office and Charlotte peered over towards the window for a quick moment. "Enlighten me."

"Dios mio you're both strong women who like to be in charge of your worlds. Becky is inherently under some degree of your control due to your situation and YOU don't like that Becky is a rogue element. It's not surprising that there is some...friction," Bayley finished lamely, finding it harder to open her latest beer as she was starting to make a more noticeable mess of the edge of Charlotte's desk.

Charlotte sipped at the end of her third beer and took in Bayley's words. The inherent truth to them making the blonde do what she did best with personal matters and deflect. "A reporter and a psychologist. Sasha really did miss out."

"Oh I'm sure her puta will make her very happy when they're both old and grey- oops I meant her fiance," Bayley said with more bitterness than she usually expressed over the course of a year.

The empty beer bottles were starting to crowd Charlotte's already cluttered desk as she opened another and set it down directly on the wood. "I give them six months tops. One month before Sasha is calling you for a booty call at 2 a.m."

Bayley almost choked into her beer before saying: "You know as an effort to cheer me up that was muy mal."

Charlotte grinned over the top of her bottle. "I never said I was any Bueno at this stuff." She took a quick drink and winked at the reporter. "I'd bet a lot of money on the under for the second one."

Bayley took another pull from her beer and said, in more a Spanglish accent than was usual for her: "Your Espanol is not 'Bueno' at all". She punctuated this by giggling.

"My experience with Spanish is a bunch of sweaty men punching each other and swearing." Taking another long drink before wiping the back of her hand over her mouth. "Not the best environment for really learning the language."

Giggling again, Bayley quipped: "Well, now we know what Charlotte did to get through college."

Charlotte smiled and shook her head. Running a hand through her long blonde hair and leaning back further into her chair. "Sometimes you just gotta do, what you gotta do."

With a flick of the finger, Charlotte sent one of the bottle caps off the side of the table where it landed in the trash.

"I like to see that you are actually smiling for once," Charlotte spoke gently. Trying not to spook the other woman into retreating. "It's really easy to tell when you are faking it." Adding on as an afterthought, "At least, for me it is."

This momentarily dampened Bayley's mood as she said: "It's the downside of usually being happy, you're not good at the other stuff."

"That's not such a bad thing." Charlotte offered up. "Lynch and Sasha are living proof that the opposite can be true. I think of the two options you got the better end of it."

"un montón de bien gordo que me hizo…" Bayley muttered and then realized who she was talking to and offered the translation: "A fat lot of good that it's done me in the end."

Charlotte chuckled and took a sip from her beer. Maybe it was the beer, but Charlotte decided to place her feet up on the table and lean back even further into her leather chair. "I know you probably don't want to talk about this anymore, but I will just say that if you ever do want to talk…" Trailing off and letting Bayley fill in the blanks.

Bayley picked at the label on her beer for a while before she answered. The truth was she hadn't been lying earlier, she wasn't sure what there was to talk about. She had been part of causing this situation for herself and now here she was. Still, she recognized the olive branch being extended from the other woman and she did appreciate it.

"Thanks...I guess...I don't know. On some level I always hoped that Sasha would mellow out and...and…" she trailed off, unable to finish the statement.

Unbidden a flash of orange hair made its way across her mind before she blinked it away. Frowning at the implication Bayley made. Genuine sympathy showing on her face. "I get it."

Bayley was quiet again. When she did speak it was very softly as she said: "You really do, don't you?"

Charlotte offered a sad smile in response and sipped idly from her beer. "Wish I didn't sometimes." A somewhat forced laugh making its way from her mouth as she stared across the table.

"Well I'm sure SASHA will come around...eventually," Bayley offered, trying to smile.

Charlotte got what Bayley was hinting at and tried her best to ignore how the words of encouragement made her heart beat a little faster. "Yeah… Maybe. Is it fair to wait for someone who might never grow up though?"

Bayley gave a bitter bark of laughter at this. "Well, I might not be the one to ask right?" she said in a voice that mixed cynicism and sadness.

With a shake of her head, Charlotte admitted: "Maybe. Or maybe you are the perfect person to ask and get the cold hard truth from." Taking another drink from her beer and setting the now empty bottle back down on the desk. "Seems like that's one of those things a good reporter does."

It was on Bayley's mind to be annoyed by this comment but she decided against it. Charlotte obviously didn't mean anything by it and they were probably both drunk.

"I'll tell you what I told myself...if you think that SASHA is the one...then you wait, plain and simple," she said.

Charlotte stared down at the desk. With a heavy sigh, she looked across at the other woman and saw the truth in her eyes. "I think we've spent enough time focusing on women who only make our lives more frustrating." Pulling out another beer and popping the top off before holding it halfway across the table. "How about a toast. To less complications."

Retrieving another beer and then taking a moment to find a clear spot for her empty Bayley clinked hers against Charlotte's. Her attempts to open hers on the desk were less successful, apparently, it was much more difficult to do that particular trick when drunk.

Charlotte started to laugh when she saw Bayley's attempts fail. That may not have been the smartest thing though as she leaned a little further back in the chair and nearly fell backward. Just managing to catch herself and return her feet solidly to the ground.

A red blush that Charlotte would blame on the alcohol crossed her cheeks from embarrassment at her clumsiness. The irony not being lost on her that she had been laughing at Bayley's drunken antics right before her own.

Bayley couldn't help it. The laughter burst out of her at this. A moment later she was almost rolling in her chair. She knew that she was only laughing like this because she was drunk but that didn't make Charlotte's near fall any less amusing to her.

"We...we are probably too drunk to be doing anything right now…" she gasped through her mirth.

Charlotte felt herself relax and agreed with the sentiment. "Probably. What are we going to do then?" Answering with some laughter of her own at how drunk they both were right now.

"I don't know about you chica but I am going to go back to my hotel and-" Bayley had been making her somewhat lofty pronouncement as she lurched out of her chair and toward the door. She made it about halfway before she caught her foot on something and went down like a bag of rocks.

Charlotte shot out of her chair and with a surprising steadiness quickly made her way across the room and knelt down next to the fallen brunette. Quickly looking over her for any injuries more significant than the one undoubtedly done to her pride, but finding herself a little surprised that Bayley continued laughing through it all. "You alright down there Bay?"

"Of course…" Bayley began but realizing how much she was slurring she tried again "...of course I'm not alright. BUT...I am hilarious she said as she put her hands on Charlotte's shoulders to pull herself upward. A moment later she felt strong hands on her back and, suddenly, she was IN Charlotte's arms.

Bayley, when sober, sometimes liked to think she had a small command center in her head. It was fully staffed and oversaw everything she did and thought. She was aware of how insane this might sound so she kept it to herself, mostly. She was still smarting a bit at how Sasha had laughed when she'd told the other woman.

BUT, if she was right, then she imagined at this moment that the command staff was sprinting around frantically as red lights flashed and sirens blared. She knew she was in a compromising situation, she knew what had just flashed through her mind, and she also knew that, if Charlotte didn't do anything to stop her, she'd do it anyway.

No such stopping action came and a moment later Bayley leaned up and kissed Charlotte.

From the moment Charlotte had pulled Bayley up she knew that in her state she had miscalculated her strength and from that moment onwards Charlotte's entire brain seemed to turn off as all of her senses burned from having another person so close.

She made the mistake of looking down and saw some of her own sadness reflected from deep within Bayley's eyes and felt a kindred spirit with the woman.

Charlotte had been well aware of Bayley leaning in closer and had stood there frozen till the soft lips pressed against hers.

The warmth and companionship felt more intoxicating that the beer they had been consuming and Charlotte's hands squeezed Bayley a little tighter to her. Losing herself in the primal feeling and answering by opening her own lips and sliding her tongue gently across Bayley's bottom lip.

A furious battle was raging within Bayley as she felt the warmth and silky softness of Charlotte's lips on hers. One part of her, the louder part, wanted to snake her arms around Charlotte's neck and pull the taller woman down on top of her. What happened after that would be out of her hands. But another, less vocal but ultimately more rational, part of Bayley had clearly decided that enough was enough. She had to stop this. And she would, though she did luxuriate in the feeling of Charlotte's tongue on her lip for a second or two more.

Pulling gently back, not wanting to startle or offend Charlotte Bayley smiled ruefully up at her friend. "This is probably a bad idea..." she whispered, not letting go of Charlotte. This was partly because she didn't want to fall to the floor, but mostly because she wanted Charlotte to know she wasn't angry.

Just for a second Charlotte wanted to feel affronted and annoyed but found herself resigned to agree. As all the reasons why this was a horrible decision came crashing in and pulling her back down to earth.

She took a deep breath and let herself just hold onto the woman she had come to appreciate as a friend for a few seconds longer. "You're probably right. I feel like we both would just be using each other." Looking down at the floor before letting herself look back up and meet Bayley's eyes.

Bayley nodded silently. Her mind was still racing but she knew she had to speak. She settled on: "I agree...still friends?"

Charlotte nodded right back. "Of course." She pulled her hands off the warm body partially beneath her and leaned further back. "I need to finish up some work stuff tonight. So I should probably get on that..."

Sensing the rising panic in her friend over what had nearly happened Bayley took Charlotte's face in her hands and spoke as firmly as she could through her buzz. "Charlotte, I'm not mad and you don't have to be upset," she assured the other woman as she finally managed to stand up and dust herself off.

Charlotte realized that her panic must have been showing and was actually happy it had. Bayley's reassurance meant a lot and went a long way towards helping bring her beating heart down to a more normal level. "Thanks… I really do need to try and finish some work though. But honestly, I don't think I'm sober enough right now." Chuckling at her own joke.

"That is probably a good idea for both of us…" Bayley said as she grasped her bag more tightly before exiting Charlotte's office. The stairs took longer than usual as she was taking more care but when she reached the bottom Bayley realized she didn't want to go back to her hotel now. The only thing waiting for her there was regret...with a dash of worry.

Looking around her eyes fell on the doors to the perpetually empty men's locker room. She was really in no fit state to write but what the hell. As she made her way toward the doors something clanked in her bag and she frowned. Digging inside she found the small bottle of tequila she'd bought immediately after the fight, intending to be self-destructive.

"Thank god I forgot about you just now," she muttered to the bottle before pushing into the locker room.

Becky/Bayley

It was a little after ten at night and Becky was making one last sweep through the gym. Checking for anything she may have missed in her clean up.

She walked past the men's locker room without sparing a glance. Usually only bothering to clean the virtual ghost town once a week at most. Although she did occasionally use it herself when the female locker room was full and she didn't feel like going upstairs to her room.

The faint sounds of what seemed to be singing came from beneath the door and caused her to pause in mid-step. Tilting her head and listening closely. Now sure that a feminine voice was coming from inside the men's locker room.

Becky walked inside and looked around the room curiously. Her eyes stopping on the source of the noise and shaking her head.

Bayley was lying down on one of the benches with an empty bottle of what appeared to be tequila from a hotel minibar. Her bag lying down on the ground next to her as she slurred her way alongside the song playing through her phone. "Quiero respirar tu cuello despacito!"

Becky watched on in amusement for a moment as she walked a little closer and recoiled from the loud and offkey singing that pierced her eardrums. "Hey there Bayley. I've got literally no idea what the hell you are saying but I'm going to need you to just stop. For the sake of my sanity. Please, no more singing."

"PUTA! Mi canto es increíble…" Bayley slurred as she wiggled awkwardly along to the song coming from her phone.

Becky sighed and muttered under her breath. Moving closer and gently grabbing hold of Bayley by the elbow and pulling her up into a sitting position. "One more time. I've got no idea what the fuck you are saying. So, why don't you help me out just a little bit here." Reaching down with her other hand and silencing the phone and returning the locker room to relative silence.

"Aye! I was...I was…*hiccup* I was listening to that...BECKY!" Bayley slurred before giggling drunkenly.

Becky chuckled at the whining. Pulling the woman's arm over her shoulder and lifting her up to her feet.

The reporter seemed to have a hard time keeping her legs underneath her. Reminding Becky of a fighter who just got rocked and is only holding themselves up by instinct alone.

Rather than trying to deal with dragging along the sure to be unhelpful brunette Becky simply scooped her up into a bridal style carry and started to walk towards the exit. Looking at this as an opportunity to do something nice for another person and to repay some of the debt she felt was owed. "You can listen to it tomorrow morning. Right now you need to sleep this off."

Bayley, who was finding the whole world much more amusing than usual, giggled again and asked: "What? Do you want me to speak in GAELIC or something? Who speaks Gaelic? You'd need like...like a binder or something to learn it!"

Becky cracked a tiny smile but couldn't help wondering what had driven Bayley to drink so much while still at work. She really didn't want to have to discuss it though so instead she just deflected and pushed aside her worry as much she could. "You really are pissed aren't you?" Making her way up the stairs to her room slowly. Careful to not hit her precious cargo's head on the wall.

Bayley linked her arms around Becky's neck and giggled again saying: "Uww...this is sooooo romantic..Oops!" She broke down in a fit of giggles again before adding: "I won't tell her if you don't...but...wait...Oh, dios mio! I could totally go for some...some..*hiccup* food from a Clex's! Do they have those here?"

Becky was barely listening to Bayley's drunken ramblings. Preoccupied with making her way up the stairs and figuring out how to open her door without dropping Bayley to the floor. "I'm not getting you any food tonight. Just be happy I'm letting you sleep it off here."

"Bueno, no es que no lo hayas hecho antes..." Bayley said before her face fell with almost comic rapidity "...oh my god Becky I am SO SORRY! That was soooooo mean I'm...I'm." The weeping began.

In the best of circumstances, Becky wasn't good at offering comfort to other people and this wasn't even close to the best.

She made her way inside her room and walked over to her messy and unkempt bed. Setting the weepy woman gently down and uncomfortably leaving her hand just resting on the reporter's shoulder. "There's nothing to be sorry for. Just… Just get some sleep." raising her hand and awkwardly patting the other woman. Her discomfort rising at the tears that shined on Bayley's cheeks.

"Thanks..*hiccup*...Beck. You're really...really sweet she's lucky to...what?" Bayley murmured as she felt the weight of her eyelids suddenly increase dramatically.

Becky was glad the room was dark and Bayley was drunk enough to not remember how she had blushed when Bayley called her 'sweet'. That particular word not having been used to describe Becky in a long time.

She could see the other woman's eyelids drooping low and gave her what she hoped was a comforting and friendly smile. "We can talk about it in the morning." Becky promised. Knowing that there would be no way that Bayley would remember it come morning, and having no intention of getting into it then. She reached down and grabbed one of her sheets. Pulling it up and over the tired lump that was lying on her bed. "Get some sleep already."

Becky indulged herself in a quick squeeze of the other woman's hand. All the vulnerability she felt like displaying right now.

She turned on her heel as Bayley's eyes shifted closed and went to gather a few things Bayley would surely want come morning time. Unaware that she wasn't fully asleep yet.

"Buenas noches mi amiga," Bayly murmured before, less than five seconds later, the snoring began.

Becky came back to the room and placed a garbage can next to the bed just in case. As well as placing an unopened bottle of water and two aspirins on the small rickety bedside table her alarm clock sat on.

With a heavy sigh, Becky looked towards her couch and resigned herself to a night of uncomfortable sleep.

She took one last look at the sleeping woman in her bed and quietly laughed. There was a time when a woman sleeping in her bed meant that a host of other adult type activities had taken place prior, but those days seemed far away right now.

Lying down on the couch Becky pulled a blanket over herself and didn't even bother changing. Letting her own exhaustion overtake her and lull her to her normal fitful sleep.

When Bayley cracked her eyes the next morning she instantly regretted it. She felt like someone had detonated a claymore mine in her skull and now the ball bearings were ricocheting around. Her stomach was braiding itself in her gut and her mouth felt like a blast furnace. All in all...she'd been much better.

Groaning loudly she rolled over in bed. Even through her pain, a thought occurred to her then. Where was she? She didn't remember having gone home and her brief look had told her that this wasn't her hotel anyway.

"Oh shit," she said, she thought to herself, had she…

She had had a vague recollection of kissing Charlotte Flair the night before. Grimacing against more than the pain now she forced her to roll over to find...surprisingly little bed to her other side. She also found the light coming in through a window which instantly made her hiss in pain.

"Probably should have closed them blinds. My bad." Becky spoke from her spot leaning against the door frame. Already dressed in her gym clothes. "Some pills and water on the table for you." She pointed out.

"Shhhh!" Bayley moaned as she covered her head with her pillow. A few moments later her voice drifted out from under it saying: "I kind of expected a more comprehensive hangover cure from you."

Becky darkly chuckled and raised her protein shake up to her mouth. Taking a big swig of the thick liquid before responding. "My only cure was to not let myself sober up. Probably not the best cure in hindsight, but it did work… Technically."

Bayley knew this was her time to say something reassuring but that was for times when she didn't feel like vomiting. Still hiding under her pillow she asked: "What time is it?"

"Just after ten in the morning. You didn't even wake up when I was getting changed to go for my morning run. I was actually a little disappointed. Must be losing my touch." Jokingly flirting with the other woman to try and make her feel more at ease in Becky's own way.

"Blahhhhhhh," was all Bayley managed to moan at first. There was another pause and then she muttered: "I have to go back to my hotel to shower and change."

Becky took another drink. "You really should. Wouldn't want the girls to think we did the ol' nasty." Smirking as she continued to tease the hungover woman.

"You're a sadist Becky Lynch," Bayley muttered as she stood from the bed and took the aspirin.

"Helps in my line of work."

Bayley made a face as she limped toward the door. As she passed Becky though she stopped and asked: "About last night...I didn't say anything...too…" she trailed off.

"Lass, you made less sense than a talking dog that does karate. Kept muttering on and on some nonsense about 'she' being lucky and some other shite." Waving her hand dismissively and hoping that Bayley would leave it at that.

Bayley gave a rueful smile and started to leave again before stopping. "I seem to remember saying something about Gaelic? It wasn't too offensive was it?"

Becky shook her head at the woman's typical response. Even after only being around her for a relatively short amount of time Becky had realized that Bayley always was courteous. Even to a fault at times. "It would take a lot more than anything you said to offend me. Been called a lot worse things over the last year."

"I suppose you probably have...how many of them by Charlotte?" Bayley teased, she felt like crap but she found that this actually raised her mood.

Blindsided was probably the appropriate word to describe how Becky felt at Bayley bringing up Charlotte. The blonde had been on her mind more than she would like to admit. Her not so subtle method of motivating a source of constant annoyance.

In an uncommon display, Becky shifted her weight back and forth as she realized that she had been quiet for longer than normal and Bayley was giving her an odd look.

"I guess I try to just ignore her as much as possible. Wouldn't really know." Wanting nothing more than for the reporter to do the opposite of her job and not press for a better answer.

Even still slightly drunk and feeling like death Bayley was a reporter at heart. She knew a 'no comment' when she heard one. Smiling she thanks Becky one last time and made her way down to the gym. As she did she reflected this was as close to a 'walk of shame' as she'd ever had.

Charlotte had been in the middle of discussing some business with Ruby when she spotted Bayley across the gym.

The blonde had to do a double take as her eyes narrowed and lost track of where she was in the conversation. Taking note of the haphazard style of Bayley's hair and the wrinkled state of clothes that Charlotte could have sworn she was wearing yesterday.

When she noticed where Bayley had descended from she felt an odd assortment of emotions that she couldn't decipher. Peering across the gym with a curious and confused look on her face as the reporter moved towards the exit.

Bayley had pulled her coat tightly around herself and was all but holding a hand to one side of her eye in an effort to avoid meeting anyone's gaze as she left the gym. She was very much regretting her lack of sunglasses at the moment. Her tentative plan was to simply bolt, get to her room, shower, pass out, and then try to be back later in the afternoon.

Charlotte took one more look at the brunette and started walking towards the stairs to Reid's old room and the place Becky occupied. Assuming the worst but not really knowing what that was.

"Charlotte! Charlotte! Where are you going?" Ruby called out as she left mid-conversation.

Paying her no heed Charlotte raised a finger to signal to Ruby she needed a minute and took off. Ruby turning and walking away as soon as she saw where the other woman was going.

Charlotte

Charlotte took the stairs two at a time. Her long legs making it easy to climb quickly.

Her knuckles bashed against the wooden door that led to Reid's old room and she tapped her foot impatiently. "HOLD YER HORSES FER FUCKS SAKE!"

Charlotte could hear Becky muttering yet more curse words that she didn't try to hide. Staring at the door and waiting as she heard the women draw closer. Her eyes staring a hole through the wood.

She knocked again after a few seconds. Partially out of some desire to annoy the other woman and give her a taste of her own medicine, and partially because she couldn't sit still. Her skin crawling with unease as she waited on the landing.

After far longer than Charlotte felt was necessary the door finally swung open. "Oh… It's you. What the hell are you bothering me for? I've been following all your rules Sheriff Flair."

As it always was with Becky, Charlotte found herself holding back her vitriol. Taking a moment to filter some of the worse options out before she responded, getting straight to the reason for her coming up here. "What happened last night?"

Charlotte watched as Becky swiftly hid the shock from her face and fixed her with a fake, but relatively convincing, look of disinterest. Leaning casually against the doorjamb with her arms crossed in what Charlotte had come to see was a pavlovian response to her getting uncomfortable.

"The sun went down and then the world spun till it came back up this morning."

Charlotte's lips formed a thin line as she stared down at the other woman. "Why did Bayley come down from your room just now?"

"What's it to ya? Free country and all."

With just a tiny turn of her neck, Charlotte felt it pop and release some of the tension she always felt when dealing with Lynch. "I can't have you fucking my employees. I don't need anyone getting all screwed up because you can't keep it in your pants." Anger fueled by frustrating jealousy rising within her.

Becky was affronted on Bayleys behalf. Pushing herself off the door jamb and stepping closer to the blonde. Annoyed that she had to look up to meet her eyes but unwilling to back down after the insinuation. "Fuck you Flair. Nothing even happened last night."

"Why do I find that hard to believe?"

"Well, you are blonde. Maybe it's just taking a while to sink in."

Charlotte poked a finger into Becky's sternum warningly. "You really need to treat me with some respect. I'm trying to help your dumbass not fall face first."

"Great. Congratulations. I'm sure it feels great to be the perfect one who gets to take credit for fixing the wreck." Becky scoffed. Her breath now rapid as she realized how close she and Charlotte were. Barely an inch separating them from being pressed against each other. Unbidden the desire to press herself closer hit Becky and she had to shake it off.

Sure the blonde was ridiculously attractive and maybe the holier than thou attitude did something to get her engine roaring but Becky wouldn't let herself consider Charlotte as more than a potential mistake.

"For what it's worth I swear on my life that I didn't sleep with her. She fell asleep doing some work late last night in the gym and I offered her a spot to sleep. End of story."

Charlotte looked at her closely. Eventually coming to the conclusion that maybe she had overreacted. "Alright... I believe you."

"Oh, thank you so much, your majesty."

Her eyes rolled of their own accord and she had to fight off a tiny ghost of a smile. She looked down and accidentally found herself following several tendrils of orange hair down the side of Becky's face where they had fallen out of her loose ponytail. Continuing to follow them down and averting her eyes before she was caught staring at the sight of Becky barely contained in a blue and black sports bra. "Just keep it that way. We don't let you stay here just out of my father's kindness." Doing her best to save face and act like she was in charge.

Becky had caught the blonde's eye wandering southward and grinned. Maybe the other girl wasn't the emotionless, untouchable robot she tried to be. "My eyes are up here by the way." She teased. Delighted when the blonde snapped her gaze to Becky and gave her the evil eye.

Charlotte didn't want to dignify her with a response but decided to be brutally honest. "You're attractive. I will give you that. But I would rather fall off a cliff than willingly get personally involved with a ticking time bomb like you." Turning away and making her way back down the stairs. Heart beating uncontrollably in her chest as she fought to not turn around and see how Becky had taken her comment.

It was probably a good thing too. If she had seen the unguarded self-loathing on the woman's face she might not have been able to walk away.

Becky/Bayley

It was only her fifth lesson but Becky had started to look forward to these sessions. Though she wouldn't readily admit that if someone directly asked her. More than likely downplaying it by saying something along the lines of, "It passes the time." or something similar.

She taught another more advanced MMA Jiu-Jitsu course that was great for her in terms of getting some practical experience she could bring to her fights even while teaching, but she truly enjoyed working with the beginners and seeing them develop. Those hour increments being some of the only time when Becky felt all the baggage she carried fall to the wayside.

It inevitably found its way back like a stray cat that returned to the same place every night but Becky relished the pureness in that time. All of those old martial arts saying that she had scoffed at in the past about 'being like water' suddenly had a feeling she could associate with what they were speaking of. The words finally having a meaning to her that she could grasp.

The latest lesson had wrapped up about ten minutes ago and almost every one of her students had filtered back out into the cold Boston night. All of them except for one.

Becky noticed the little girl she had taken a shine to sitting by herself. Back pressed against the wall near the door as she played around on her phone.

The fighter continued to clean up the area they had been using. Preferring to do the tedious task herself rather than getting her students to do it prior to leaving. An odd sense that she was paying penance by doing it drove her to deny anytime help was offered.

After another five or so minutes had passed and Lizzie still sat there with a frown on her face as she played some colorful game on her phone.

Becky walked over in the girl's direction and kneeled down. Trying not to startle her and grab her attention away from the phone distraction. "Hey, Lizzie. Where's your mum?"

The girl looked up from her phone and answered. "She said she's running late but not to worry."

"Did she say how late she would be?" Becky asked back. Quickly looking around the gym and seeing that Ruby had already left and Bayley happened to be the only other adult in the immediate area. Typing away on her laptop where she had it plugged into the wall.

"She didn't know for sure." Her attention going right back down to her phone.

Becky wished she had some more information but sensed that something weird may be going on with the girl's mother tonight. Who knows exactly how long it would be until she arrived. The clock already showing that it was 8:52 at night. Well past the time class ended.

With a sigh, she sat down next to the girl and settled in. "You mind if I sit here with you till your mom gets here?" Becky asked to which Lizzie gave a tiny nod and remained glued to her game.

She sat awkwardly next to the girl and scratched the back of her head.

When it was in a class setting she seemed to be able to easily interact with the young lady next to her but outside of that, she felt odd. Like a puzzle piece trying to fit into the wrong puzzle.

"What you playing there?" Her question lame but at least something.

"PUBG."

"What now?"

"Pub-G." Lizzie slowly pronounced. "Could you be quiet, please. I'm in top five."

"What's does that mean?"

"It means - DAMNIT! What a bitch. What piece of shit hides in a bush for twenty minutes? That's not even fun!"

"Hey! Watch the language! While you are in my gym you will follow the same rules I have during my class. Do I make myself clear?" The moment feeling surreal to Becky. Far too used to being on the opposite side of this dynamic.

"Yes, Ms. Lynch." She grumbled. Putting her phone down on the ground and pouting.

Becky still didn't know how best to deal with this situation. Luckily she saw Bayley walking across the gym and whistled loudly to catch her attention. Waving her over so that she would have an ally in dealing with the young one.

Bayley rolled her eyes as she saw who had whistled at her. As she made her way over to Becky she called: "Hey, Bayley, could you come over here, please? Why sure Becky I'd be happy to! Especially after you asked in such a respectful manner."

Becky prepped a profanity-laden retort but caught herself. Remembering what she had just said to the young girl and biting her tongue. Forcing herself to do something she wasn't very good at. "I'm sorry Bayley. That was rude of me. Would you please come over here?" An extremely forced smile barely making its way onto her face.

Bayley pretended to be shocked as she turned to look at the young girl sitting next to Becky with a wink and said: "Did Becky Lynch just ask for something politely? That must have hurt, are you OK Becky?"

She heard the tiny snort come from the girl next to her and Becky tried to glare at Bayley. Knowing that the intimidation factor was hindered by her own need to try and act somewhat respectful. Part of her hoping that maybe someday she could speak to Dave again and ask him how the hell he had ever dealt with her shit day in and day out. "Ha ha. Very funny Bayley. You may have missed your calling as a comedian."

"Maybe I did. So what's your name?" Bayley asked the girl sitting next to Becky, beaming at her.

The little girl looked up at Bayley and smiled back at her. Instantly comfortable around the woman like she was magic. "Elizabeth. But my mom and all my friends call me Lizzie."

Becky watched the interaction with a raised eyebrow. Amazed at how easily Bayley had gotten the girl to open up and look away from her phone for more than a second.

"Hi Lizzie, I'm Bayley. My friends call me...ah...well, Bayley. And in her head right now, Becky is calling me things that you aren't allowed to say in her class," she told the girl a with a confiding the grin, eliciting a giggle.

Becky rushed to defend herself but stumbled out of the blocks. "Am not!" Immediately realizing how petulant and childish she sounded and trying to save face. "In fact, I'm perfectly calm right now. I just wanted to know if you would want to hang out with us while we wait for Lizzie's mom tonight." Silently pleading the other woman not to leave her alone.

"See? She said that SO calmly!" Bayley said with a grin as sat on Lizzie's other side and nudged the girl with her elbow. She'd half noticed Becky interacting with the girl while she'd been writing and had seen how dramatically different interacting with the child had been out of the ring for Becky. The remark made Lizzie giggle again as she shot a quick glance over at Becky.

Several deep breaths later and Becky felt like she could speak without raising her voice above normal. Meeting Lizzie gaze and addressing her rather than Bayley. "She is starting to damage my calm."

"If she starts turning green you'll protect me right?" Bayley asked Lizzie, sounding completely earnest. When she got a solemn nod Bayley laughed and then pointed at Lizzie's phone and asked: "What were you playing?"

Becky was beginning to feel like a third wheel already and jumped in to answer. "She said it was pubge or something like that." Knowing that she was mispronouncing the name by the look both of them shot her.

Bayley gave Becky a pitying look before looking down at Lizzie and saying, in a despairing tone: "Casuals…what can you do?" She then thought for a moment and said: "I'm not much for PUBG myself, I dipped into Fortnite but I prefer solo gaming."

The two's discussion devolved into something about some type of old western thing - Becky had never been a big fan of those old movies so she tuned them out.

As the minutes crept by Becky looked down at her phone and saw that it was getting worryingly late with no sign of the girl's mom. She checked back in and interrupted their discussion on what she could surmise was about hunting or some similar sort of activity. "Hey, Lizzie could I use your phone and give your mum a call quick? Just want to ask her when she might be here."

The young girl agreed and threw her phone at Becky. Informing her that all she had to do was press the big green button. Speaking to her the way one would their grandparent who had never used a smartphone before.

Becky sucked it up and ignored the words. Quickly calling the mother only to get no answer and being sent straight to voicemail. A frown deepened across her lips as she handed the phone back to the girl and looked at the other adult in the room. "No answer. I think her mom's phone might have died on her since it went straight to voicemail."

Bayley had to work hard to keep from rolling her eyes. What kind of adult announced that sort of thing? Sighing inwardly she kept her smile on and said: "Her loss, my best friend Lizzie is going to take me into the ring and show me a thing or two right?" She finished by raising her eyebrows at the little girl.

Lizzie readily agreed and went off with Bayley. Leaving Becky behind to skulk after them.

She leaned against the ring apron on the floor as she watched the two interact inside. An unbidden smile making its way onto her lips from seeing how easily Bayley got along with the young girl.

After a few minutes with Becky occasionally shouting out words of encouragement to Lizzie as she and Bayley mock fought within the ring the door burst open.

Becky turned towards the noise and was a bit stunned by the sight of Lizzie's mother. Never having seen the woman before since she would always be waiting in the parking lot right after the other practices.

She was tall with long blonde hair and a face that seemed ageless. If Becky was forced to bet on how old she actually was she would have to say maybe 35 or so.

The woman wore skin tight athletic gear that showed off how ridiculously in shape she was and Becky had to fight not to lose herself in the woman's cleavage. Her old habit of flirting with anything that had a pulse coming back up out of reflex. "Who might you be? I know you can't be Lizzie's mom though. I didn't know she had an older sister."

The blonde giggled at Becky's horrible pickup line. "Well, I actually am her mother believe it or not. I got caught up at my work and then my phone just went from thirty percent to empty in a second."

Becky continued to smile at the woman. "Could I have a name to put to the face? I'd hate to keep calling you 'Lizzie's mom'." Leaning against the wall with her arms crossed as she tossed her hair over her shoulder. Flashing her brightest fake smile and falling back into her old persona for a bit.

Bayley had heard the doors fly open with the force of a breaching SWAT team and assumed the blonde woman who had hurried through was Lizzie's mother. She'd then watched with bemused interest as Becky had made a beeline for the blonde and now seemed to be chatting her up. Seemingly forgetting the reason why she'd come in the first place.

Unfortunately, this lapse of concentration earned her a solid punch in the stomach that nearly folded her over.

Charlotte yawned as she slowly walked down the stairs. Pulling on a pair of reading glasses for her tired eyes as she peered down at the file in her hands. Circling the name Bliss, Alexa and highlighting her amongst several other names.

She reached the bottom of the stairwell just in time to see Bayley take a shot to the stomach that clearly stunned her, though she did her best to not show it.

With a small smile on her face, she walked a little further into the room. The smile quickly dipping off her face and being replaced with a scowl as she spotted Becky across the room talking up some tall blonde. Watching on as Becky raised a hand and wrapped it around the blonde's bicep as she flexed. Rolling her eyes at Becky confirming yet again exactly why she shouldn't even consider the woman as an actual romantic option.

"Well done there Captain Falcon," Bayley grunted as she rubbed at her stomach.

"Oh my god! You smash too?!" Lizzie exclaimed.

"You're coming up on the age when you're going to want to be careful about how and when you use the phraseology," Bayley said in a still strained voice. When the girl looked confused she just waved her away and then beckoned for her to follow. They made their way out of the ring and over to where Becky was talking animatedly with Lizzie's mom. Bayley noticed the Irish woman's voice lifted an octave suddenly. When they were a few feet away, still ignored, she cleared her throat loudly.

Becky froze and turned around at the intrusion. Her eyes momentarily widening when she looked down and saw the reason for why this woman was here. Bashfully rubbing the back of her head and avoiding the look she knew Bayley would be giving her. "Hey girls. Umm Bayley this is Lizzie's mother, Torrie Wilson. Torrie this is Bayley. My very own resident Clark Kent."

"Bayley Martinez, I'm a reporter," Bayley introduced herself as she shook Torrie's hand.

"Mom you should have seen it. I punched Bayley so hard." Lizzie spoke up with excitement and glee. "She even made a noise like-" Doing her best to mimic the air being forced out of her.

Becky laughed for a second before Bayley visually scolded her. Closing her mouth quickly and looking away.

"Well, one punch woman, you just see if I ever actually help you with that English homework you mentioned," Bayley said even as she gave the girl an affectionate side hug.

Torrie smiled at the pair, "Thanks for keeping my daughter company but we really should be going. It's a school night and Lizzie needs to get to bed soon."

"I can walk you out to your car if you'd like." Becky offered. "You never know what creeps could be out there waiting for you and Lizzie."

Bayley made a strangled sort of choking noise that might have been a laugh at this remark. When they turned to look at her she waved it away by adding a few more, much less authentic sounding, cough.

Torrie looked at Bayley with a grin for a moment before she turned her attention back to Becky. "Thanks for the offer but I think I can handle myself." Opening her purse and showing off a shiny six-shooter inside.

Becky held her hand up in joking surrender. "I think I get the point. Have a nice night Ms. Wilson. You have an amazing daughter."

Torrie thanked her and went back out the front door with Lizzie at her side. Leaving the gym behind.

"Sooooooo….she seemed nice," Bayley said in a sing-song kind of way.

Becky groaned. "Don't say anything." Turning around and walking towards the stairs. Trying her best to avoid any sort of real conversation right now.

"Can I sing it? Becky and Torre sitting in a tree...K-I-S-S-I-"

Becky raised the middle finger on both hands high in the sky and yelled out. "Fuck off Bayley! I'm not listening anymore." Speeding up her stride and shooting up the stairs in record time.

Bayley was making loud kissing noises after her when she noticed Charlotte standing off to one side. Waving she made her way over to the other woman and said: "Oh Becky just being Becky huh?"

For just a second Charlotte thought about pretending that she hadn't been keenly watching Lynch interact with that woman but decided against it. "Yep." The single word almost sticking in her throat as she tried to act as unaffected by the sight as possible. Shuffling the folder around in her hands just to give them something to do.

Bayley was taken aback by this unexpectedly cold reaction. Trying not to let it show too much she asked: "Are you alright?"

Charlotte quickly nodded and looked back down at the folder in her hands. Thinking back on an idea she had been kicking around in her head and welcoming the distraction that would come with shop talk. "I've actually been thinking that if we could get Lynch to do an interview on camera that we could use that in promoting her and drumming up some more interest in her return fight. It might not be the easiest thing getting her to agree to, but if she knew it was you conducting the interview she might be more accommodating."

Bayley had to quickly adjust to several things in this comment. First, she noted that Charlotte was saying 'Lynch' and not 'Becky'. Second, Charlotte had all but confirmed that there was a planned return fight. Third, this presumably meant that she'd be representing Lynch. Added to these facts was the other woman's sudden coldness.

"Umm, sure? Did you know when and where you wanted to do it?" she asked, more to break the silence than anything.

"I'd say the sooner the better. The whole MMA world is still talking about what Banks just did and we could steal some of that attention when the media starts looking for the next story." Charlotte surmised.

"OK…" despite still being put off, some of Bayley's professionalism was asserting itself "...do you have a camera for me to use or any other equipment?"

Charlotte grinned at Bayley seeming to bite on her plan. "My dad knows a guy with more equipment than he knows what to do with. Just get her to agree to a time and date and I will make sure you have a space set up somewhere in the gym."

A problem had occurred to Bayley, though she wasn't going to bring it up. This sort of thing would require her to have some air-level journalist clothes. All of hers were back in California. Still, the opportunity was too good to pass up. She'd make it work.

"Well, how does the day after tomorrow sound? So I can do some preliminary work?" she suggested.

"Done. Just make sure Lynch shows up and I will take care of the rest." Knowing that even though she may technically have more to organize and get ready that Bayley may have the harder task.

"We'll be there."

Sasha

Sasha narrowed her eyes as she used her thumb to scroll the article on her phone. The more she read the less of her eyes that remained visible. She was reading the first installment of Bayley's announced series of articles on Becky Lynch and she was not well pleased.

"Baby? Are you listening to me?" a voice broke over her thoughts.

"What?" she asked, looking up at the other two people at the table.

"Aren't you paying attention?" Zelina Vega whined petulantly. Sasha noticed that since she'd got a ring on her finger she'd been doing more and more of that.

"Obviously not," Sasha growled as she looked back down at her phone.

Zelina made a frustrated sound before turning back to her conversation. She and Sasha were meeting with a producer at a swanky restaurant in LA. The meeting was to work out the details of the reality series that would be produced about Sasha and Zelina's engagement and wedding.

Sasha hadn't ever actually agreed to do the show, merely saying that she'd think about it. But from what little she'd been overhearing of Zelina's conversation it seemed her fiance had more or less taken her agreement for granted. She thought about protesting but then decided against it. It would lead to one of Zelina's tantrums and, frankly, Sasha didn't care much either way.

No, her attention was fully engrossed by the article on her phone.

Of course, reading anything by Bayley was enough to annoy her these days. Even thinking about her former best friend and...whatever else Bayley had been, was enough to cause storm clouds to gather in Sasha's heart. Not only had her fake friend had the nerve to go running off to Boston for Becky Lynch but now she was writing shit like this?

Sasha Banks was the BOSS. The idea that a woman she'd once loved, and Sasha had always known this privately, was now whoring after some has been was infuriating. And when Sasha Banks was infuriated she rarely stewed, she acted. But she was trying to figure out WHAT she would do.

To occupy herself, and to add more fuel to the fire, she continued to read.

"Becky Lynch, the former Bantamweight Champion of the world, has been humbled as few of us ever are in our lives. But if we can judge the greatness of an achievement by the length of the fall then it would be fair to ask if Lynch might one day have been one of the all-time greats," she continued to read this line over and over. Her lip curling slightly.

Becky Lynch an all-time great? Only a stupid fucking moron would think that. She'd been a fake champion when she'd had the belt, and now she was right where she belonged. There were many things Sasha regretted in her life but the fact that Lynch had ever come out of the gutter was among the greatest.

"Lynch has sought the help of renowned former boxer, Ric Flair. His small combat sports gym tucked away in a quiet corner of South Boston, has been the sight of this most unlikely of career resurrections," She read with mounting irritation.

"Oh my god," Sasha muttered in disgust as she reached for her drink. Finding the beer was empty she looked around the restaurant patio and shouted: "Hey! What the fuck? The amount I pay this damned place I shouldn't ever have an empty glass!"

"What the hell are you doing?!" Zelina hissed at her. Sasha waved her away and held her glass up impatiently until a waiter scurried over and filled it.

"Oh, um I can come back…" the producer Zelina was talking with said uncertainly. Sasha now remembered his name was Tyler Breeze.

"No! No...she's...my fiance is just tired but we're all good now...right?" Zelina hurried to assure him before giving Sasha a harsh look.

"Whatever," Sasha murmured into her drink.

While Zelina continued her conversation Sasha brooded and continued to look through her phone. She and Teddy had to interview some people later that day, they were still looking to find her a new trainer. This reflection was enough to rekindle some of her dissipated anger over Bayley.

Most of her anger at Bobby stemmed from the fact that she knew she'd fucked things up badly. She'd overreacted and made a rash decision. She'd been on the point of trying to call the man dozens of times but each time her anger would rise up and get in the way. Instead of calling to apologize she would tell herself that he needed to be apologizing to her. And that he needed to remember who had made him.

She was so lost in these bitter reflections that she almost missed her chance for some payback on the people who had wronged her.

"...About locations, we were thinking that we could shoot in Miami, Honolulu, or maybe even here in LA if-" Breeze was saying but Sasha cut him off.

"Boston," she said flatly.

"Excuse me?" Breeze asked, startled.

"We're getting married in Boston," Sasha said slowly and in a dangerous tone of voice.

"I...umm...we hadn't really considered-" Breeze began but Zelina jumped in.

"We can't get married in Boston!-" she started to whine but Sasha glared at her.

"I'm FROM Boston, I'm getting married there. That's that or I'm not paying for it," Sasha said sharply. She then stood and walked out of the restaurant.

Becky Lynch wanted a redemption story? She'd see about that.

Bayley/Becky

The bright lights beat down on Becky's face with a warmth that could be uncomfortable after long periods of time underneath them. For Becky, it was a strange feeling of deja vu. Having been in front of cameras for interviews countless times in her past the feel of the room brought her back in time to when some days she did hours of these interviews in a row without a break.

At least this time she had been allowed to do her own makeup and only applied a minimal amount. Not really caring for it much herself but knowing that Charlotte would likely have a fit and get Liv to do her makeup instead.

She didn't hate Liv, in fact, sometimes she almost felt something close to light irritation, which was a miracle in Becky's mind. But if she had been allowed the free range to make her 'camera ready' Becky had no doubt that she would be caked in layers of the stuff. Which had been one of greatest pet peeves during the longer days when she would be baking beneath those lights for hours. Being forced to answer the same questions on a loop to some other journalist who might not even give a shit about MMA or herself.

Becky had to admit that Charlotte had spared no expense here. All of the equipment top of the line and very professional.

They had been set up in Charlotte's office. The man who brought them the equipment, a Mr. David Sahadi coming through the building and mentioning that it had a great look for an interview. The window in the background looking down on the gym floor below and the countless pictures, championship belts, and other trinkets that lined the walls in the background.

Charlotte had instantly agreed, trusting the man's opinion, and they were off. Having everything set and ready within an hour.

Sahadi would run the camera for Bayley and everything else seemed to be under Charlotte's control.

Becky picked at a tiny rip in her jeans. Nervously picking at the broken strands as she waited in her seat while David and his assistant finished their last checks. Steadying the boom mic overhead and making any last minute adjustments.

"Those huli-huli things better be great tonight. You've mentioned this 'Clex' place multiple times and I swear I am going to be furious with you if I agreed to this interview for shitty food I could find at a Pizza Hut." Becky spoke up to the woman sitting across from her who had been studiously scanning the sheets she had in hand before the interview started. Unable to stay quiet any longer as her stomach began to turn from nerves in a way it never had before.

Bayley didn't look up from her prep sheets as she said: "First, Clex's is amazing. I think they expanded internationally to Ireland actually. Two, you're nervous, that's fine but try not to be. We're just talking."

Becky pouted but turned it into a biteless sneer. "I'm not nervous. Done these hundreds of times." Leaning back into her chair and crossing her legs. "You are the one who should be nervous. This has to be a pretty big get. Eh?"

"Oh yes, a disgraced former fighter who is now a part-time janitor," Bayley said teasingly as she read through her final sheet.

"Should I mention the whole Enzo debacle? I'm not the only in the running for the 'disgraced' title." Her words probably a little more biting than she meant, but she felt off. All the lights and attention making her feel uncomfortable rather than how easy it had always been for her before.

Bayley looked up with a raised eyebrow and held Becky's eyes for a moment before saying: "Touche...I'm kind of surprised you heard about that."

Becky returned her attention back to the hole in her jeans. "I may have done some research when Charlotte so politely informed me that you would be coming in." Picking a loose strand off and letting it fall to the ground. "Would have been nice if she asked before giving you the all clear. But I'm totally not bitter at all about it."

Bayley reached over and gently moved Becky's hand away from her jeans. She knew she was speaking more to Becky's nerves than Becky herself so she decided to try and lighten the mood a bit. "Well, look at it this way. If you screw this up badly and ruin your career in MMA forever you always have a fallback option."

There was a very small list of people who could get away with touching Becky and she just managed to stop herself from snatching her hand back right away. She let out a laugh at her fri- aquantaince's joke and felt some of her nerves lift away.

She had almost never really known the faces that interviewed her in the past so having Bayley around might make this first step back a little easier.

"Always looking on the bright side."

Before Bayley responded David quickly informed them that they were ready whenever the two were.

"How do I look?" Bayley asked Becky quickly as she settled into her chair. She'd mostly internalized the informal rules that governed how female journalists ought to dress on camera. But she'd decided that in this case, she'd violate one of the big ones. Instead of the usual 'safe' colors, she'd opted for a yellow long sleeve dress. Yellow being her favorite colors.

Becky gave her an exaggerated once over and flashed an 'a-ok' gesture. "Like one of Ireland's most expensive women of the night." Smiling brightly as she cheekily winked at the reporter.

"Well I suppose I'll have to defer to your expertise there," Bayley said wryly as she put the finishing touches on her look. Namely, pulling her hair up into its trademark side pony. Turning to David she asked: "Count me down?"

The man gave her a quick nod, before checking everything one more time and starting to countdown. "5-4-3…" Going silent and counting down the rest of the way silently. Ticking each second off on his finger before pointing at Bayley and giving her the all clear to start.

Smiling into the camera Bayley began to speak: "Hello friends, this is Bayley Martinez with an exclusive interview. Joining me today is former Brawl for All World Bantamweight Champion Rebecca Quinn aka Becky Lynch. Becky, how are you today?"

Becky shifted slightly in her seat. "Doin' alright. Another day. Ya know?"

"C'mon Becky give me something," Bayley thought to herself, though her expression never changed. Moving to her first question, the one designed to set a tone early in the interview, she asked: "So, Becky, after your now famous loss to Sasha Banks you went through a very public rough patch that culminated in you disappearing from the public eye for many months. Could you tell the viewers what that time was like and where you went?"

She had known that this question was coming but she still felt ill-prepared to answer it. A fleeting moment where her eyes darted towards the door brought her gaze to settle for just a second on Charlotte who was looming, and ever-present, in the background. Watching Becky's every move with barely concealed worry.

Becky gulped around the lump in her throat and looked back towards the woman sitting across from her. "It sucked… A lot. Sorry. I'm putting it lightly, but I'd rather not swear right now. Wouldn't want anyone getting all offended." Sending a small smirk at Charlotte and gaining a little of her confidence back when she saw the blonde roll her eyes at the obvious dig. "My life fell apart because I was being an idiot. I lost the trust of all my friends and teammates. Got addicted to pills for a bit. Had a horrible sham of a relationship with a woman who'd rather jump on the next girl then deal with me anymore by the end. Went to rehab and here I am." Holding her arms up with a forced half smile on her face. "Living the dream."

Bayley knew these next few questions wouldn't be pleasant on her friend, but she knew she had to ask them for both of their sakes. For herself because if she didn't this interview would be dismissed as a puff piece. And Becky, because she needed to face down these demons.

"You touched briefly on your relationship with Carmella Dale, as I'm sure you know she recently released a book detailing your time together. Did you ever have any inkling this kind of thing could happen and if you could, what would you say to her now?" Bayley asked as she stared directly into Becky's eyes.

Becky didn't really want to talk about it but she figured that would be the case for most of these questions and she tried not to hold it against the other woman for doing her job. "I never really planned on anything back then. The only thing that really mattered was fighting and once that was taken from me I didn't really care what would happen tomorrow." Pausing and picking at her jeans for a second before she caught herself and wrapped her hand tightly around the armrest. "I'd rather not talk to her for the rest of my life if I could avoid it. But if I was forced to, the only thing I would say would be, 'Fuck off and choke on a dick'."

Bayley had to work very hard to keep from smiling at this answer. Deciding it was time to move on she pivoted: "Let's talk about the other aspect of your life before the injury, your in-cage life. You've hinted at how important that was to your sense of identity. It must have been very jarring to hear how severe the injury was. At the time many outlets, including this site, were reporting that it might be career ending. Could you take us through what you were thinking and feeling at that time?"

The somewhat hazy memories came flooding back in. Those first months after the injury being mostly a blur as every day seemed to run into the next. Pain, drugs, and Carmella being her holy trinity at the time and what her life had revolved around. "I can't tell you what I was thinking because I don't think I had a sane thought for months afterward. As for what I was feeling…" Becky trailed off and her eyes glassed over for a second. The old pathways she had worked so hard to repave etched too deeply to ever fully be gone. She shook her head and blinked several times before any tears could make their traitorous way out. "Every day felt like my own personal hell. Trapped in a body that wouldn't listen to me anymore. It was easier to just distract myself than spend a minute alone."

Bayley wanted to reach out and squeeze the other woman's arm but she knew she couldn't. Instead, she recrossed her legs and asked her next question: "Your rehab, how did it go early on? What made you walk away from it? And how is it going now?"

Becky welcomed the change in topic. "A few people may have told me I'm stubborn." Stopping for a second when she heard Charlotte snort off-screen. Shooting her a mean look before remembering she was on camera. "I missed most of my sessions because I was hungover or too busy fucking Carmella to care. As soon as I could walk with crutches I was pushing myself too hard. Re-injured the damn thing twice and set myself back months. At a certain point, I just gave up on ever getting back to where I was before and was content just being able to walk normally. I've actually had some good progress in the last week or so and am feeling like I'm at about 80% what I used to be. I should probably give Liv a shoutout otherwise she will kill me in the next session, but she does actually know her stuff. Every day I'm getting a little bit better. Just a few weeks ago I would have probably said 65%."

"You're referring to Liv Morgan, a trainer here at the Flair gym?" Bayley prompted.

"Yea. The tiny little pipsqueak otherwise known as Livvie. She might not look like much but she kicks my ass every day." Becky supplied.

"Who else have you been working with since you came to Boston?"

"Liv's girlfriend Ruby would be the main one. Although she's brought in a few local fighters in to do some work on occasion. Even lil ol' Charlie Brown has stepped in a few times with advice I didn't ask for."

"And Charlie Brown is…?"

Becky gave Bayley a tiny smile. "Only the pain in my ass that makes every day so much more enjoyable. Better known as Charlotte Flair."

"Now we've heard about who you've been working with here in Boston but we haven't yet addressed the larger issue. What brought you out here to Boston?" Bayley asked. She didn't know the full story on this herself so she was as eager as her viewers would be to hear the answer.

"Someone gave me this address and said I should go there and check it out. I'd been sober for a while but didn't have any real prospects or plans at the time so I thought, 'what the hell' and made my way out here. I guess Ric has a soft spot for lost causes and pitied me enough to give me a chance." Becky absentmindedly began to pick at the hole in her jeans once again.

"Someone?" Bayley asked the question that everyone would want to be answered.

"Never figured out who sent it. Didn't much care to find out. I was desperate and just looking for something that would give me a place to live and maybe get a few bucks." Purposefully not mentioning the initials that had been on the bottom of the note.

Bayley sensed there was more here but she also knew a stonewall when she found one. Pressing wouldn't accomplish anything, yet. So she pivoted once more to a different tack. "Since I've been out here I've seen you training very hard. The assumption seems to have been that you are working toward a return to the pro scene. Is that true and if so, how close do you think you are?"

"It's my goal as of now. I don't have any fight lined up and I haven't gotten in touch with any of the higher ups yet, but I think the world needs to be reminded of who ruled that division before Banks." Becky's confidence and old persona started to come back as she gained steam. "I admit that she got the better of me that night, but for years I strapped that division to my back and carried it. Beating everyone that came my way. Even on my worst day I still went out there and fought to keep what is rightfully MY belt." Leaning forward with a manic energy dancing behind her eyes. "So now I want to go out there and earn my way back to the title. Whoever feels like they deserve a shot before me should step up. I don't care who. I don't care if my knee is perfect anymore. I just want to get back out there and show the world that I am Becky FUCKING Lynch and I'm done hiding."

Bayley had to allow herself a small smile at this lest she start laughing. After a moment she composed herself and said: "That's a very strong statement, but it dovetails nicely into my next question. Celtic Combat Sports continues to be one of the gold standards of the sport. Finn Balor has held his title for over a year now and Nikki Cross, viewed by many as YOUR replacement, has been making a name for herself in the division. Would you like the chance to face Nikki Cross at some point?"

Becky froze for a moment. Caught between her old loyalty and the hope that one day she could possibly reconcile with her old family, and the reality that they had moved on and so should she. She was glad that her voice didn't waver as she discussed the still open wound. "If she thinks that she is better than me I'd love a chance to show her otherwise."

"Very strong words. Now, two final questions for you Becky. First, as you mentioned the current Champion is Sasha Banks and she has been dominant since talking that title. How do you see yourself matching up with her now?" Bayley asked.

Becky thought back on Sasha's last fight and fought to hold back a grimace. Not wanting to show outwardly that she was in any way intimidated by the other woman. "I knew Paige a little bit back in the day and while she is a good fighter she wasn't ready for Banks. Last fight I made a mistake and I will admit that I underestimated her. I won't make the same mistake again. As for how we match up all I can tell you is that I will tear my own knee apart all over again to beat the insufferable piece of shit."

Bayley never let her mask shift in the slightest during her question or Becky's subsequent answer. But on the inside, she was in turmoil. Even talking about Sasha was enough to cause this, yet why should it? Sasha had made her wishes clear so why was Bayley so caught up in the past? She pushed this down angrily in time to ask her final question.

"I'd like to close on a different note, Becky. You've given the viewers and I some strong statements, the statements of a fighter. But I know you were in the program and I know part of that is making amends. So I'd like to ask you. Are there are any people out there who might see this who you'd like to apologize to?" Bayley asked gently.

Becky felt like she had made it through the interview relatively smoothly up till this point. She stared off into nothing right behind Bayley's head as she answered. Her voice noticeably more robotic and measured than her previous comments. "That is probably a longer list than we have time for today." Taking a deep breath and forcing out, "But I will say that I'm sorry for a lot of what I did back then and even more recently." Her eyes momentarily seeking out Charlotte and finding her nowhere to be found. "You know who you are…"

Bayley thought for a moment about pushing a bit on this but decided against it. The answer was better as is.

"Becky Lynch, thank you so much for your time. If you liked this interview I'd be so thrilled if you'd take the time to like and follow on all your favorite social media platforms. A special thanks to Ric Flair's Combat Sport's Gym and our hostess Charlotte Flair in particular. This is Bayley Martinez of signing off."

She nodded once at David and when he gave her a thumbs up she slumped back in her chair.

"Aye Dios mio," she muttered as she closed her eyes for a few seconds, an enormous amount of tensions she hadn't realized she'd been carrying releasing inside her chest. When she opened her eyes she turned to Becky and asked: "Not bad for a first time right?"

Becky had been holding her breath but it released in a rush. "First time?" Holding back a more sexually explicit comment that she was sure would just make Bayley give her another look.

Bayley gave her friend a quizzical look as she answered: "I'm a PRINT journalist Becky, why would I have done an on-screen interview?"

Charlotte had been slowly making her way back inside the office after leaving to answer a call. She was about the congratulate Bayley on the interview going smoothly as could be expected with Lynch in the mix and overheard the last comment. Her eyes comically bugging out. "What!? You'd never done an on-camera interview?" The realization that she had just gambled on Bayley without knowing it hitting her.

Bayley looked bemused at this question. "Like I told Becky, I'm a writer…" she said slowly. She saw that this did nothing to mollify Charlotte so she added: "I've been the interviewee a few times but...I thought you knew?"

Becky grinned in amusement as she witnessed Charlotte being caught off guard for the first time. A chink in normally stalwart armor showing. "Did Charlie actually not know something for once? I'm shocked! The press should be made aware of this breaking news."

Her response from the blonde was a stern and unamused glare. "Well, I'd say it turned out great. Maybe you should inform them that I have great instincts."

"That's a nice way to say you had no idea and lucked out."

"Well, you didn't exactly show yourself that well. We are going to have to get some editor to take out all the swearing."

"Boo-hoo Charlie. Cry me a river."

Charlotte started to actually get irritated. "Stop calling me Charlie! It is Charlotte or Ms. Flair if you insist on being such a pain in my side."

Becky sensed that she was getting to the blonde and was about to really start in before she was reminded that they weren't the only people in the room.

"Uh, ladies. Maybe you two can kill each other later. We need to get working on this interview and I'd appreciate it if someone could take me to the store I got this dress from in...well...like right now before they close," Bayley said, standing up between the two women.

"I can take ya." Becky offered. Taking one last swipe at the blonde. "Charlie will let me borrow her car so that she can stay here and work all night since she has no life. That right Charlie?"

"GIRLS!..." Bayley stepped in, more loudly this time "...I need to return this dress! It's stupidly expensive and I can't really afford it!" As she walked off she muttered something like 'estupidas gringas' to herself.

Both women looked noticeably admonished and avoided looking at each other. "Take care of it ok," Charlotte said. Holding her keys out with apprehension but wanting this whole scenario to be over and dealt with.

Becky nodded and snatched the keys away. Flinching slightly as her fingers brushed against Charlotte's long and slender digits.

She nearly ran out of the room and tripped over the various wires crossing the floor but managed to avoid disaster. Holding up the keys in triumph as she walked towards the brunette. "Let's get going. Wouldn't want that dress to go to waste. Although I can think of a better place I would rather see it." Wiggling her eyebrows suggestively at the reporter.

"You are just a walking potential sexual harassment suit aren't you?" Bayley laughed.

"I didn't get the reputation for nothing." Becky cockily mentioned. "Although I do remember something about food tonight?"

Rolling her eyes Bayley nodded: "Yes it's on me. But ONLY if you get me to the store to return this damn thing before it closes. I don't think they'll take it back tomorrow."

Becky wasted no time in grabbing a hold of the woman by the elbow and pushing her towards the exit. "No time to waste then. Get your ass moving. Things just got serious."

Managing to snag her bag containing her spare outfit as she was hustled past Bayley found herself in the passenger seat of Charlotte's car a few moments later. As Becky began to drive Bayley felt her own stomach grumble. She realized then that she hadn't eaten yet that day.

"This should be fun, I love Clex's. But…" she looked down at her phone "...someone called 'VegasNurse18' left a really bad review on their SPAM musubi so...maybe give that a pass."